Shaggy, Beenie Man, Queen Ifrica and Chris Brown for Reggae Sumfest

Reggae heavy weights Shaggy, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica and International R&B star Chris Brown will bring the Reggae Sumfest stage to life this summer. The greatest Reggae show on earth kicks off with a beach party on July 18 and continues at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay on July 22-24 despite challenges as a result of the country's economic condition.

Organizers, Summerfest Productions welcome Red Stripe who returns as main sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins a growing list of sponsors which includes Digicel, Iberostar, JTB, and Wysinco, for the 18th staging of the country's premier Reggae Festival.

Traditionally Reggae Sumfest has hosted a mixture of local and international acts that has distinguished the event as an eclectic mix of good music and performances. In light of the fiscal challenges, organizers gave great consideration to omitting international acts for this year's Festival. Stakeholders agreed that international acts should be included on this year's lineup as the mix of genre and cultures is the essence of the event and as such a cut back would adversely affect the marketability of the show.

As a result International R&B and Pop Star Chris Brown who emerged on the scene in 2005 and quickly rose to stardom with his self-titled debut album has been confirmed for the Festival . With the release of Graffiti his third album, the 20 year old singer-songwriter enters his prime as a widely accomplished multi-platinum artiste. Chris is set to thrill the audiences and make history with his first Reggae Sumfest performance.

Patrons are certainly in for a treat as some of Jamaica's top artistes have been confirmed for the event. The lineup include Shaggy, Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure, Elephant Man, Queen Ifrica, I-Octane, Konshens, Stacious, Chino, Tessanne Chin, Gramps Morgan and Tifa, with promises of many more to come.

Reggae Sumfest is an annual event that provides an avenue for new and established local talent to demonstrate their prowess to an international audience as well as a wide cross section of the Jamaican society. The brainchild of several Montego Bay businessmen, Reggae Sumfest was first held in 1993. The show has traditionally featured top Reggae and Dancehall performers, Hip-Hop and Rhythm and Blues acts such as Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Boyz II Men and Lionel Richie.

The 18th Reggae Sumfest takes place on July 22-24 in Montego Bay and is sponsored by Red Stripe, Digicel, Iberostar, JTB, and Wysinco. Tickets are now available for sale online and will soon be available at Outlets Island wide. For more information on Reggae Sumfest visit the website at www.reggaesumfest.com Follow at twitter.com/reggaesumfest and join the Reggae Sumfest facebook group.

Romain Virgo Self Titled Debut Album IN STORES

Romain Virgo's debut album, an embodiment of his skillful vocals, social awareness and boyish is available today (June 08) in stores and online. The 15 track project has been hailed by industry insiders as the most anticipated Reggae album for 2010.

The album is aptly named Romain Virgo, as it uncovers and demonstrates the depth of Romain's talent. The project was released by VP Records in both digital download and cd copy format. Digital download fans may order their copies through itunes.com, planetreggae.com, or amazon.com, which also facilitates ordering of the physical copies of the album. The CD will immediately be available at the JNR and FYE stores in New York, and at Newberry Comics in Boston, before they become distributed through more outlets later.

"I am really excited about it," notes Romain about the album's release. He declares that there is a unique blend of messages to which his fans can all relate. "I hope it's an album that will live long, because of the type of music and the messages that are in most of the songs. I write things that people experience every day, so even those after me will relate to it."

Romain Virgo boasts 15 tracks, with collaborations from Etana and Cameal Davis. The album features productions from known and experienced hit-makers in the business such as Donovan Germain of Penthouse, Shane Brown of Juke Boxx Productions, and Dawin Brown of Vikings Sounds. Romain Virgo is laden with solid hits some of these singles already released and have ridden the local and overseas charts, blended with some less familiar but equally well arranged tracks. Among those in the line-up are, Mi Caa Sleep, Wanna Go Home (Rain is Falling), Murderer, Love Doctor, Who Feels It Knows It (featuring Etana), and Live Mi Life.

Romain has always been known for maintaining above average standards since his official entry into the music business in 2007. Throughout the Rising Stars talent competition which brought him to national attention, he was a cut above everyone, and at 17, managed to charm the ears and hearts of the nation for the victory. Since then, he has been working with a few of Jamaica's best producers who have molded him into the star he is today.

Romain Virgo is a talented and vibrant artiste who is steadily gaining widespread recognition for his quality music. He is currently pursuing a Diploma in Music Performance at the Edna Manley School for the Visual and Performing Arts, after which he plans to complete a Bachelor's degree.

His formal training and immense natural talent have allowed him to become attuned to making hits and delivering star performances. He has made several television appearances where he debuted as lead singer of his high school choir on All Together Sing. Based on his success there he entered the Digicel Rising Star Competition and emerged the winner.

Romain was also featured in a high profile Pepsi advertising campaign. He has also performed on some of Jamaica's major concerts including Rebel Salute, Reggae Sumfest, and the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. The artiste has done several tracks, some with accompanying music videos, that are extremely successful not only in Jamaica, but across the Caribbean and sections of North America. Cyaan Sleep, I Wanna Go Home, and Love Doctor for example were heavy hitters on music charts in the US Virgin Island, St Croix and in the UK.

Junior X set to make debut in Canada

Fast rising reggae artist Junior X who is known for hits such as Plead My Cause, Seek Your Goals, The Pill and Gangster Life is currently preparing for his Canadian debut. Junior X says that he is planning to deliver a very special performance for his fans in Canada. He will be performing on an event dubbed ‘Junior X Live’ on Thursday the 24th of June at the Lula Lounge in Toronto. “Since I got my break in the music biz I have done shows in the US, Japan and in the Caribbean, but I have never been to Canada. I am looking forward to this show in Toronto and I am going to give the people a very fiery performance”, said Junior X.

A spokes person from Junior X’ management company Revolutionary Entertainment which is based in the United States, says that company is very pleased with the progress of his career. He also stated that they have accomplished a lot in a very short time, as it has been less than year since they have signed him and he has already produced two number one songs in the form of The Pill and his latest chart topper Gangster Life.

Junior X’ debut album which is tentatively titled Tha Soundtrack Of Life is slated to be released before the end of the summer.