Reggae Interviews: Maxi Priest 'My Story'

Reggae Interviews had the honour of sitting down with British reggae vocalist Maxi Priest to hear his story- from humble beginnings in Lewisham, South London his musical career began with him singing on the South London reggae soundsystem Saxon Studio International, after which some independent single releases followed. His first major album, Maxi (titled Maxi Priest in the US and Canada), was released in 1988, and, along with his cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World”, established him as one of the top British reggae singers.
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[@atouchofclass07]

I just had my brain jolted with his "Close To You" from 1993. It came up in a mix of music on KZbin music. 😅❤ I was 6, but remember listening to it when I was 11/12. But now, I'm 37 and I have it on rotation all the time recently!

[@ReggaeInterviews]

great memories!

[@jayfab4689]

His singing voice is so clear and beautiful

[@saattag5609]

...started at the bottom now we here..RESPECT🎉

[@ReggaeInterviews]

nuff respect 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@rebeccaswell1827]

Maxi I always loved all yr music. Todate. Been dancing to grooving in the midnight lately. Yr a Legend. Much love from Uganda. I came to yr stage and danced with you when you came to Uganda in 1994. I was craaaazy. Still Am. God bless you with long life.

[@barbaraglover4451]

Greeting Maxi Priest nice seeing man I love your music

[@cjo1832]

I am from Hawai'i ('Oahu) and I had the pleasure of being entertained by this fine soul! He included serenading me on a personal level and I could feel his spirit shine! I lost my mother and she is the one who introduced me to him and I just want to thank him for bringing peace upon me! He is the truth Thank you Heavenly Father for your children!

[@punanny123]

He is a reggae superstar but I love the way he seems so chilled and down to earth. I first heard Maxi Priest way back in the day when he was on Saxon sound with Phillip Levi as he was then ( showing my age I know) when I was living in South London in the early 80s. So many great DJs and singers basically did their musical apprenticeship on sound systems for the pure love of the music back then and not for money. Maxi is not lying about paraffin heaters as I remember being sent to buy some as a kid. I personally do not believe that there will be a black British prime minister within the next 100 years but I have to admit that I didn't think that I would see Lewis Hamilton or Tiger Woods in my lifetime.

[@ReggaeInterviews]

Bless up, I totally hear what you say about him being so chilled and humble. We were really touched by the stories Maxi shared of growing up and staeting out in his formative years! Look out for a part 2!

[@punanny123]

@@ReggaeInterviews Thanks man. If you can I and others would love to hear you interview other British reggae veterans like Aswad, General Levy, Janet Kay , etc. So far as I can see most JA artists will self promote shamelessly anytime anyplace but in the UK the attitude is a little more reserved.

[@ReggaeInterviews]

@@punanny123 all names on my radar along with a few others 👊🏽

[@abangedwinkgosikoma-ls5uz]

He profiles himself lower.. Humble but powerful with positive vibes.. One of all time great..

[@butterflydiva1]

He's gorgeous. What a voice!!

[@errolljones5334]

Respect Maxi original South London legend 🙌 👏

[@shelovestheson]

Big up maxi priest, I remember you from back in the day on Saxon studio when you used to come to Leeds....and you're coming back for carnival Sunday Aug 2023 brap brap. Maxi you're underrated but we love your humility and what you've done for the UK reggae scene. You're large

[@zurimoore1915]

Stay strong maxi priest enjoy life and stay safe ❤💚💛🇯🇲🇬🇧🦜

[@PowerVibes123]

Maxi Priest Vocal Style Was & Is Inspired By Roger Robin.... Factsss Respect To Maxi Still... He's Delivered An Excellent Catalogue Of Music

[@richmondtrew669]

I think you have it the wrong way round my friend....I would know

[@jocem2195]

Max priest my favourite song love the song awesome voice beautiful voice❤️👍

[@ජයනියතයි]

Dude "maxi priest" is not a song!

[@cherylwilliams9745]

He is good.i use to listen to him in the 80's when I am a young teenager.every loves him.very good singer.who doesn't love music?especially great ones.

[@Skungakong]

Another child of the soil from st bess Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@fenixfp40]

I went to school with Max (Elliott). It’s good to know that someone was successful coming out of the crap school (Roger Manwood) it was.

[@reo-julie8865]

Still looking good mr priest ❤ ❤ ❤ love your songs 🎵 xxxx

[@rebeccaswell1827]

So much wisdom, sitting here listening to you. Wooww. Bless you more. And the humility wowww

[@dorothyfullerton3411]

I definitely will be going to his concert in August hopefully

[@tttl101]

Great Respect maxi priest blessings 🙌 🙏 👏

[@iyareimade400]

This interviewer really knows his stuff .

[@ReggaeInterviews]

Give thanks for the feedback and do remember to SUBSCRIBE for more great reasonings 👊🏽🙏🏽

[@Heavenshamba]

I wish this was longer, man has years of wisdom

[@ReggaeInterviews]

Nuff Respect! Watch out for a part 2!

[@rasmarcusdubwise1242]

🎶🎼🎼🔥🔥🎤🎤🎤Maxi..have some good hits

[@stephanbygrave1095]

Great Great Great artist upliftment everytime 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 👏 loving it 👍 💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡 💘

[@omenaliberty5359]

Beautiful soul 😍

[@blahblah1438]

Hi Maxie Priest, I’ve always loved your music from USA

[@tarirobetera3248]

Great singer beautiful voice.

[@stephaniegrace8993]

Glorious vocals 🙌

[@raspberryraspberry]

If you need to think think positive we love you your music is great

[@2sassy324you]

Beautiful person

[@f32440i]

A very gentle, deep and thoughtful person really enjoyed this

[@ReggaeInterviews]

nuff respect for watching 🙏🏽

[@shellydludla6153]

My crush 😊... great voice.

[@vetablake1198]

Bless you 🙏

[@TheAnnaFisher]

Blessings always Brother King Maxi Priest! Fulljoy your special day today in every way! Happy Solar Return! 🙏🏼👑🎶🎤❤️💛🖤💚🎂🍨🧉🌎

[@ReggaeInterviews]

Thank you kindly

[@raspberryraspberry]

I pray for you maxie

[@moniquespicer5422]

Love ❤

[@user-kp2yw5xw4e]

beauiful

[@raspberryraspberry]

Stay safe to the max

[@reddubby]

Blessings 🙏🏾

[@neyhakotecha5918]

Great interview! 🔥🔥🔥

[@ReggaeInterviews]

be sure to subscribe to our channel for more legendary interviews! 🙏🏽

[@williamwekesa6109]

2023

[@StopSelfDoubting]

Had no clue he was from the UK

[@jackbuddoo5016]

Elliott from the valley.....Elliott from Smithville Clarendon.

[@kaylag721]

😍

[@kontomylitis]

Has he cut his hair? This is the first time I'm hearing him speak

[@ReggaeInterviews]

No, he hasn't cut his hair-its under the hat

[@outtayardstudio]

Barry boom buss maxi priest fact

[@ivonnegomezmonge6206]

He is married????

[@kyrokyro2343]

Never talks about " SAXON", ..sound.

[@ReggaeInterviews]

spoke quite abit about Saxon check the full reasoning!

[@kyrokyro2343]

@@ReggaeInterviews , when now that he is nearly 60 years old...? And his 'career is over,...bit late now , ( mate )... LOOKING for that chat in the early 90s.... BOGUS.

[@John-gw7dh]

transparent beard

[@randycooper5272]

Close to you is one of my all time favorite songs

[@ජයනියතයි]

You know what i'm talking about right ?..... NO