Omarion Joins the LineUp
for the 16th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival
Grammy-Nominated Artist to Perform at the Festival’s ‘Sweet 16’ Anniversary
BASSETERRE (April 5, 2012) – St. Kitts has added popular R&B artist Omarion to the roster of musical acts who will grace the stage at this year’s 16th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place June 28-30, 2012. He joins Roberta Flack, Damian Marley, Courtney Pine and Morgan Heritage, who have already been announced as performers for the event.
“Omarion is an exciting artist who is known for his vocal, dancing and acting abilities,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “He is a renowned entertainer with worldwide appeal, so having him perform at the St. Kitts Music Festival will certainly reinforce the event’s reputation as the most dynamic musical show in the Caribbean with rich variety, world-class standards, and exhilarating performances.”
Omarion, who’s legal name is Omari Ishmael Grandberry, is an exceptional American R&B singer, actor, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and former lead singer of the popular R&B group, B2K. Omarion was the last member to join B2K and became the lead singer of the group. Following their debut album, “B2K,” the band’s second album, “Pandemonium,” reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 and gave them their first #1 single with “Bump, Bump, Bump.” The group’s third album was the soundtrack to the movie, “You Got Served.”
After the breakup of B2K, Omarion started his solo career. His debut album, “O,” earned him two BET Awards in 2005, the Viewer’s Choice Award and the award for Best New Artist, as well as a 2006 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album. His hit singles include “O,” “I’m Tryna,” “Entourage,” “Ice Box,” “I Get It In” (with Lil Wayne) and “Speedin.” He was also featured on Bow Wow’s hit song, “Let Me Hold You.” In addition to playing the lead role of David in “You Got Served,” Omarion’s acting credits include the movie “Fat Albert” as well as several TV shows such as “America’s Best Dance Crew,” on which he served as a judge for the fifth season.
Now in its 16th consecutive year, the Festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Chris Brown, Biggie Irie, Bunny Wailer and Lord Nelson.
On February 9, 2012, St. Kitts was named one of “5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now” by MSNBC. It was also named one of the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of “10 Great Places To Explore The World’s Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. As of summer 2011, the destination also ranks #1 on a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations by US News & World Report. Last year, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.