UB40’s Ali Campbell Joins the Line-Up for the 15th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival

Ali Campbell

Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 05, 2011) – Chart-topping Reggae artist and founding member of the world renowned Reggae group UB40, Ali Campbell has joined the line-up for this year’s St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 23-25, 2011.

As UB40’s lead singer, Ali Campbell has sold over 60 million records worldwide, toured across the globe, cinched four number one singles, released 24 studio albums and received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.

A whole generation has grown up listening to his infectious voice on classic tracks such as “Red, Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Kingston Town,” and “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” In October 2007, Ali released a solo album, “Running Free,” which featured many renowned guest artists including Smokey Robinson, Mick Hucknall and Sly and Robbie.

The album made it into the Top Ten on the UK charts and also achieved gold status. In January 2008, after 28 years with the band, he announced his departure from UB40 due to management and business disputes and was followed a few months later by the band’s keyboard player Mickey Virtue, who joined Ali in his new band. His subsequent three solo albums, including his most recent release, “Great British Songs,” in 2010, have all been in the Top 15 on the UK charts. Ali is currently touring to promote his latest album, performing classic hits as well as some new songs from his solo works.

“We’re very pleased to have UB40’s Ali Campbell participate in the Crystal Anniversary of our St. Kitts Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “Hosting a Reggae artist who has helped bring the genre into the mainstream and made it accessible to a wider audience perfectly embodies what this event is all about – the mix of musical styles, age ranges, and the unifying power of music that our event has come to represent.”

Now in its 15th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various 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, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson.

In recent months, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways.