Maxi Priest, born Max Alfred Elliott on June 10, 1961, in Lewisham, London, is a celebrated British reggae vocalist of Jamaican descent. He is best known for his fusion of reggae and R&B, a blend that catapulted him to international fame in the 1980s and 1990s. Maxi Priest grew up with a deep-rooted love for reggae, gospel, and R&B, influenced by his Jamaican heritage and the vibrant multicultural London environment. He began his music career singing on sound systems in West London, gradually stepping into the spotlight with his unique voice and fusion of musical styles.

Maxi Priest's breakthrough came with his 1988 album "Maxi," which included the hit single "Wild World," a reggae-infused cover of Cat Stevens' classic that reached audiences far beyond the reggae community. His success continued to soar with the 1990 hit single "Close to You," which became a number one hit in the United States. Over the years, Maxi Priest has collaborated with a variety of artists across genres, further solidifying his versatility and appeal as an artist. His body of work, highlighted by recent releases such as "Super Wonder Woman" and "If You Dey by My Side," showcases his ongoing passion for music and his ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music scene. Maxi Priest's contribution to merging reggae with mainstream music has made him one of the most successful reggae fusion artists of all time.

Genres

Lovers Rock

Reggae

Reggae Fusion

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UB40

Beres Hammond

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Jimmy Cliff

Steel Pulse

Sean Paul

Sean Kingston

Vybz Kartel

Latest Release

Love Again

Bugle•

Maxi Priest

Single - Released August 22, 2024