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The story of Romain Virgo, the youngster from Stepney in rural St Ann, is a fascinating one. While a student at Aabuthnott Gallimore High School in the parish, he sang on the school choir, which entered the television choir contest All Together Sing in 2006. From there he took a leap into the hearts of Jamaicans of all ages and from all walks of life.
In 2007, Virgo won the Digicel Rising Stars competition shortly before his graduation from high school. At 17, he was the youngest contestant to ever win top prize at the competition, which included a $1,000,000 prize and a recording contract with Greensleeves Records. The enthusiastic youngster subsequently met Penthouse Records producer, the legendary Donovan Germain, who produced his first hit record, Mi Caan Sleep. Among the hit singles that followed were Wanna Go Home, Live Mi Life, and Alton’s Medley.
In June 2010, VP Records released his début self-titled album that officially announced that Virgo was ready and was here to stay. In addition to his music career, he made the time to pursue his bachelor’s degree at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in St Andrew.
In 2014, his cover version of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me topped the charts in several Caribbean countries. His 2018 album, Lovesick, gave him his first number-one album on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. His 2024 album, The Gentle Man, a 12-track offering, is said to be a “defining point” in his role as reggae’s standard bearer.
Always in demand, Virgo, who won the Male Reggae Artiste of The Year Award at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, recently completed a tour of Europe. He has chosen to spend Mother’s Day in Jamaica celebrating in a major way. This Sunday, some of his special friends, among them Sevana, Mortimer, Tori Latore and Janeel Mills, to name a few, will join him for a concert on the lawns of Hope Gardens. Tickets for Romain Virgo and Friends are now on sale. Showtime is 8 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m.
This week, 5 Questions With... chatted with Romain about a few things, including what Mother’s Day means to him.
1. Who are some of the women in your life who have inspired you?
My mother and my wife are definitely my biggest inspirations. Just seeing the strength and resilience they show during some of the toughest times help with how I approach the obstacles that come my way each time.
2. In a recent interview, you spoke about your wife always wanting a son, and how blessed you are to witness the joy of that mother/son dynamic. And, we all know that your twin girls are the absolute joy for both of you. Has being a parent made you appreciate Mother’s Day more?
I strongly believe that being a father and co-parenting alongside my wife has definitely raised my appreciation for all mothers to a different level. Watching her go through all the stages of pregnancy, after giving birth and just the reality that a mother’s job is 24/7. The mental strength that takes is remarkable.
3. Why is it important for you to do a Mother’s Day concert?
Mothers need consistent reminders that they’re doing a great job and that we appreciate them. I believe they play such an important role in helping to shape the future. This is why I’ve linked up with more than 10 of Jamaica’s finest singers to help me celebrate and lift up our mothers on Sunday.
4. Your fans range from toddlers to grandmothers. Why do you think that is?
I was almost like a toddler in the eyes of Jamaica when I came on the scene in the 2006 All Together Sing Competition, and so, I was either a great grandson, a grandson, a son, a brother, or a cousin to everyone who supported me back then. Over the years, we continue to have a great relationship and an even stronger bond with every thing I do whether musically or personally.
5. How was your recent tour and what projects do you have in the pipeline?
We had an amazing time in Europe over the past month. Myself alongside Mortimer, Tori Lattore and Janeel Mills did 16 cities [and] we know we left some special memories in the hearts of everyone who came out to see us. We have new music coming soon and I just want everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for when that time comes.
BRAWTA:
Share with us the top five songs on your Mother’s Day playlist.
The top five songs on my Mother’s Day playlist are:
Thank You Mamma - Sizzla
Mama - Chris Martin
Mama - Garnett Silk
A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men
I Believe - Romain Virgo Feat. Patoranking
English (US) ·