3 days ago
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Reggae veteran Maxi Priest was filled with gratitude following his admittance into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame at the 2025 Reggae Gold Awards.
Reflecting on his profound connection to Jamaica and the significance of this moment in his remarkable career, the British-born reggae artiste was moved as he accepted the honour.
“To receive anything from Jamaica, any award at all, my parent ground, my home ground, it’s spiritual. It’s beyond words for me,” he told The Sunday Gleaner.
“I grew up in England, one of nine siblings, but our home was always Jamaica. So, to get that connection and recognition from the Jamaican people means everything,” he said.
Priest’s contributions to reggae music, especially his innovative role in fusing the genre with R&B influences to produce the widely accepted reggae fusion sound, were recognised by the Reggae Gold Award. Throughout his decades-long career, Priest has continuously produced timeless music that transcends cultural boundaries and introduces reggae to a global audience.
He told The Sunday Gleaner that he dedicates the honour to his late parents, his siblings, and his entire family, underscoring the personal significance of this achievement.
“I wish my parents were alive. I really wish they were,” he said. “This award is for my brothers, my sisters, my kids and my family. It’s beyond words. Respect and blessings to all the pioneers who paved the way and to the new artistes who will continue to fly the flag high,” he said.
The newly inducted artiste has a long history of success and does not appear to be slowing down. The voyage is far from done, with a full touring schedule and new music in the works.
“There’s a lot more music coming out this year. Good music. Whole heap a tour. Always touring. And yeah, just look out for it,” he said.
According to his bio, Priest is the first British-born singer to graduate from the London reggae sound system Saxon Studio International, introducing the sound of lovers’ rock to a global audience. Before joining Saxon, he embraced Rastafari and served an apprenticeship with the South London sound system Negus Negast and the legendary Jah Shaka. Throughout his entire career, Maxi has adhered to the principles of his faith by making conscious music of all kinds.
His first major album, Maxi, was released in 1988, along with his cover of Cat Stevens’ Wild World, which established him as one of the top British reggae singers.
He is one of only two British reggae acts (along with UB40) to have an American Billboard number one: Close to You in 1990. A duet with Roberta Flack, Set the Night to Music, reached the American Top Ten in 1991. His duet with Shaggy in 1996, That Girl, was also a hit in the United States, peaking at number 20.
He has been nominated for three GRAMMY Awards in the Best Reggae Album category for Fe Real, Man With The Fun and It All Comes Back To Love.
English (US) ·