
ARTIST BIOS
TIMAYA
Inetimi Odon popularly known as Timaya is the acclaimed king of Afro-Soca music. Born in Bayelsa, Nigeria, Timaya’s music has transcended beyond his early beginnings in the south of Nigeria to all parts of the world. The certified hit maker has numerous multiplatinum hit singles, collaborations (including the remix of his hit single “Bum Bum” with Sean Paul) and 7 studio albums to his credit.
Timaya has successfully completed tours in Africa, North America, the Caribbeans, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. With over 190 million views on YouTube and 3 million followers on social media, the style icon certainly has a strong fan base worldwide.

ROMAIN VIRGO
Romain Virgo is a young Jamaican singer-songwriter equal parts lover and freedom-fighter with themes of love and social-commentary being prominent subjects of his songs such as "Caan Sleep" and "Who Feels It Knows It". Virgo is also well-known for reggae-got-soul-remakes of popular songs such Michael Bolton's "Soul Provider".
Virgo ascent to prominence began with the television choir contest All Together Sing in 2006. The following year he became the youngest contestant at the age of 17 to win the Digicel Rising Stars competition, Jamaica's most popular talent search competition.
Romain Virgo has since evolved into one of reggae music's most promising stars with his uplifting and entertaining music and performances. His positive contribution to the musical landscape has been widely recognized; UK crooner Sam Smith approved Virgo's cover of Smith's "Stay With Me" via twitter while Jamaica's Prime Minister presented Virgo with The Youth Award for his outstanding contribution to the field of Arts and Culture. He also earned a standing ovation from country music's elite in 2011 as the first Jamaican artist to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.
The charismatic yet humble entertainer is in constant demand, performing annually on festivals Worldwide including Germany's Summerjam and Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest.

CHARLY BLACK
Charly Black is a Jamaican dancehall recording and performing artist known internationally for his hit songs and engaging performances. Charly started out in the music business as a DJ/MC on the famed Bass Odyssey Sound System. Charly made the transition from spinning the records to recording them as early as 2004.
In 2009 Charly recorded "Rich This Year", his first international hit. Many other hits would follow including "Wine and Kotch" and "Party Animal".
A unique combination of engaging, heartfelt lyrics and command of the stage makes Charly Black one of the most charismatic entertainers in dancehall music today.

KENYATTA HILL WITH CULTURE
Kenyatta Hill’s career began the day his father’s ended. Joseph Hill, singer and songwriter for the legendary Jamaican vocal trio Culture, collapsed and died while on a 2006 tour of Europe. To the amazement of promoters, fans and critics alike, Kenyatta stepped onstage and delivered electrifying performances time and again - nineteen shows in all - until the tour was complete. This was unheard of in any genre of music at any time. Kenyatta gave of himself so totally – as his father had for so many years – that the two seemed to become one, the eerily similar voices and the vibes igniting the critics and yielding a new reggae mantra “magic, not tragic!”
At the Ranny Williams Center in Kingston Jamaica at the memorial concert for his father, Kenyatta’s performance with Culture was the highlight in a star studded night and garnered him the rousing support of the hard-to-please Kingston reggae audience. Kenyatta went on to front Culture in a series of performances in the US, Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina and Peru, again leaving audiences amazed and delighted.
Influenced by elements of dancehall, grounded in the roots tradition and motivated to carry on his father’s work, Kenyatta set to writing – to finish songs that Joseph had started and create new music of his own. On his poignant debut single, “Daddy,” (Tafari Records), backed by a masterful roster of musicians including Sly Dunbar and Dean Fraser, and produced by Lynford “Fatta” Marshall, he confronted the emotional pain and uncertainty he felt after the loss of his father. He cried while he wrote, just as audiences in Europe had cried while he sang.

WOODBLIND MEETS TEAGUE ALEXY
Duluth's favorite ska band, Woodblind, has been performing in the region for years bringing a blend of original music and a mix of collaborations with area musicians. Jason Wussow, owner of Wussow's Concert Cafe, formed the group with prominent area musicians. Teague Alexy joins the crew this year to open the festival with their high energy ska vibe which will get the crowd dancing early! Don't miss their dynamic performance!

SOUND OF FUJUN
Sound of Fujun has been bringing the hottest music to the Twin Cities since 2003. The first Caribbean DJ from Minnesota to go global, he broadcasts to avid fans via soundoffujun.podomatic.com. "Fujun" comes from his Trinidadian roots, spelled as it is pronounced back home. His ability to fuse music- dancehall, hip hop, reggae, soca, afrobeats - keeps the vibe fresh and fans wanting more. He performs regularly at Jamaica Pimento Kitchen Rum Bar and will be performing at the official Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival after party held at Spurs on First and Aces. Check out this year's Bayfront Reggae & World Music podcast.