King of lovers rock to give sensational concert in Cayo…

He was born Max Alfred Elliott in 1961, but most people know the Jamaican singer and songwriter as Maxi Priest. Maxi, the King of Lover’s Rock, arrived in Belize this afternoon for a concert over the weekend. His first major album was the self-titled “Maxi Priest” from which he received an American Billboard number one hit with “Close to You”, he has worked with artists such as Shaggy, Sly and Robbie, Roberta Flack, Shabba Ranks and UB40. Priest stopped by Channel Five this evening to tell us about his concert in Cayo and his first impression of Belizeans.

Maxi Priest, Jamaican Singer/Songwriter
“Well, we’re going to have a great time. As far as I’m concerned, we come here to have a good time. It’s my first time in Belize; I’m looking forward to it. It’s all about coming to a Maxi Priest concert and letting your hair down and enjoying yourself… be a part of it, not just come in stand up and watching me.”

Jose Sanchez
“I know you’ve been here only a very short time. What’s your impression so far of the Belizeans you’ve met?”

Maxi Priest
“Very interesting, very interesting mixture of people. You know, it’s really difficult to say, the reception so far has been great. Everybody’s been wonderful. I’m surprised the English is so clear. I was expecting everyone to speak Spanish or something like that.”

Jose Sanchez
“Same Caribbean History.”

Maxi Priest
“Yes.”

Jose Sanchez
“Are we going to get some of those oldies that we know from you?”

Maxi Priest
“Yes, it’s going to be right across the board; from way back when to then till now. We’re gonna have a great time.”

Jose Sanchez
“Can you just give us a tiny bit of “Close to You?” that’s one of my personal favorites of all time.”

[Maxi Priest singing “Close To You”…]

Little QT
“My name Little QT.”

Jose Sanchez
“What you gonna do for us QT?”

Little QT
“I’m rapping.”

[Little QT rapping…]

Maxi Priest
“I just want to say thank you very much for your support for reggae music—not only for my music—for reggae music on a whole. If it wasn’t for you guys, there wouldn’t be no me. It’s my first time here, I’m looking forward to having a great show and enjoying myself with the Belizean people. God bless you. Peace.”

The concert takes place on Saturday night at Cahal Pech. There is another concert taking place this extended weekend, in Belize City where Beenie Man will perform.