Chris Martin looking forward to Sumfest

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

Following his successful performance at Reggae Sumfest last year, reggae crooner Chris Martin is eager to get back on stage for this year's renewal beginning that runs from July 17-23 in Montego Bay. Reviews of last year's performance said Martin's melodious voice had the women in awe and was among the outstanding performers on the night he performed.

"Sumfest is a wonderful show and one of the high points in Jamaica's entertainment calendar. When you're on that show people come from all over the world to witness your talent and witness the setting, so I feel happy to be a part of it this year," he said. "As it relates to last year, the reviews were wonderful. I just need to make sure that this year will be a notch above."

He assured that the vibe this year would be even higher plus he has even more material to work with since the last time. "We have songs that are in solid rotation that people are looking forward to hear me sing, so I am looking forward to it."

Martin performs on International Night, July 22, and it is only fitting as in the past year he has spent much time travelling all over the world performing before massive audiences, none bigger than those he performed before in Kenya where he was voted Best Reggae Artiste 2010. Many of the songs he performed there will be among those he intends to unleash on his fans. "You can't leave out songs like Take My Wings, Driver, new songs such as Paper Loving, Be With You, and Cheater's Prayer; yeah Cheater's Prayer. They need to look out for that song," he said. "I feel very good about it (his performance) and I am really looking forward to it."

He feels that his familiarity with the backing band will also help enhance his performance as well as the outpouring of love he expects from his growing army of female fans. "With all the love you get all over the world, when you reach home and are on a stage like this you're just imaging all the places you've been and now you're doing before your home fans, you know you have to be 10 times better," he said.

Rehearsals have been going well, he said.

He recently returned from his latest trip, a jaunt down to Guyana where he performed at Miss Guyana/Universe Pageant. He described the experience as lovely. He also recently performed in New York and said he is really relishing performing before diverse audiences. "It's such a joy to get these opportunities to put forward my music. You realize that all these different people are enjoying your work and in turn they show you their appreciation, they show you their love."