Sizzla listed to perform at St. Kitts Music Festival

Sizzla Kalonji

St.Kitts (May 20, 2010) – Sizzla Kalonji, one of the most prolific leaders of the conscious reggae dancehall movement, will be performing at this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival, which starts on Thursday 24th June to Saturday 26th June.

Born Miguel Collins, Sizzla has released more than 45 solo albums and more than 15 combination albums, crossing different genres of reggae music.

Sizzla is among the reggae artists credited with leading a movement toward a re-embracement of Rastafarian values in contemporary reggae music. He has recorded material that is concerned primarily with spirituality and social consciousness, through the exploration of common Rastafarian themes, such as “Babylon’s corrupting influence,” the disenfranchisement of the youth, oppression of the “black nation” and Sizzla’s abiding faith in Jah and resistance against perceived agents of oppression.

He owns the record company, Kalonji Records; which in a joint venture with Damon Dash Music Group and Koch Records, released the critically-acclaimed album, “The Overstanding,” in November 2006.

“There is very little doubt that Sizzla Kalonji is one of the most revered conscious reggae artists,” said Faron Lawrence, chairman of the Executive Committee of the St. Kitts Music Festival. “That is why his inclusion in the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival certainly was an easy decision to make, for we expect Sizzla to reinforce the fact that the St Kitts Music Festival is a spectacular musical show, which blends rich exciting music with exhilarating performances.”

The reggae legend has cemented his greatness for this generation and many generations to come with breakthrough albums like “Black Woman & Child” in 1997, the classic “Da Real Thing” in 2002, and the “Rise To The Occasion” in 2003 by dancehall producer Don Corleon.

He now resides in Harare, Zimbabwe after this year in May he was given a farm there, for his performance at Zimbabwe’s president Robert Mugabe’s birthday bash.

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features an eclectic mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music.

Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.

Performers previously announced in this year’s line-up include Infamous, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Capleton and Ky-mani Marley. Tickets to the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival are US $40 per person, per night.