British reggae star Maxi Priest is coming to the Ipswich Regent next year.

The Grammy nominated singer will be joined by his band with support by Gappy Ranks at the gig on Saturday, March 23.

Known for his RnB influenced reggae, Priest’s musical career began when he joined Bad Breed, with whom he recorded debut single Hey Little Girl.

He was also a founder member of Saxon International, playing a key role in it becoming London’s number one sound-system. It was with Saxon that Priest, born Max Elliot, began performing at neighbourhood youth clubs and house parties.

His first major album was the self-titled Maxi Priest which, as well as his cover of Cat Stevens’ Wild World, established him as one of the top British reggae singers.

Songs like That Girl, Some Guys Have All The Luck, Housecall and Strollin’ On have earned him a place alongside Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and The Maytals and Dennis Brown as one of the reggae greats.

He has worked with Sly and Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack, Shurwayne Winchester, Shabba Ranks, Lee Ritenour and many more.

Priest’s long-awaited retrospective, Maximum Collection, is out now.

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