BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE original ‘Killing Me Softly’ artiste, Roberta Flack, is the second act announced for the 16th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival.
Known for songs including ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, ‘Feel Like Makin' Love’, ‘The Closer I Get to You’ and ‘Killing Me Softly with his Song’, the latter which was later on remixed by Lauryn Hill and The Fugees, Flack will bring touches of Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Folk music to this year’s festival.
According to a release from the Ministry of Tourism, the “Sweet Sixteen” edition of the Music Festival takes place on Thursday, June 28 to Saturday, June 30, at the historic Warner Park Stadium.
Flack is the second act to be named following the announcement two weeks ago of Damian Jr. Gong Marley.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Ricky Skerritt stated in the release that he was extremely pleased to learn that these two stellar musicians would perform in St. Kitts.
“Hosting such an internationally acclaimed reggae superstar and a legendary soul songstress at the same festival embodies what this event is all about - the mix of musical genres, age ranges, and the unifying power of music that our Festival has grown to represent,” Minister Skerritt said.
The Grammy Award-winning artiste, along with The Fugees, has had her hits covered by Alicia Keys, the Jackson Five and the late Luther Vandross.
Flack recently made headlines when in February this year she released a new album ‘Let It Be Roberta: Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles’, in which she has taken 12 Beatles songs and infused them with gospel, neo-soul, hip-hop, or smooth jazz rhythm and beats to go along with her distinct alto voice.
Music Festival executive member Saju N’galla has been tight-lipped on the other artistes for the festival and, in a previous interview, said that he could not speak of the other artistes until the acts were confirmed and the contracts have been signed and monies paid out.
“I cannot speak on who’s coming until contracts have been finalised, but we always look for artistes that have the worldwide appeal and can bring people in while appealing to the young and the old.
“This is our Sweet 16 Edition, so we’re going to go all out in bringing the current and best to ensure we have the best Festival,” said N’galla.
The St. Kitts Music 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 artistes 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.
