Cole Soul For Reggae Sumfest

Following a riveting performance earlier this year at the Miss Jamaica Universe pageant 2008, R&B songstress Keyshia Cole returns to Jamaica on July 18th for the “World’s Greatest Reggae Show on Earth” Reggae Sumfest 2008. Although to some, she may seem like an overnight sensation, in actuality the powerful soul singer from Oakland California has been working her way up the music industry ladder since she was as young as twelve years old. Now at the age of only twenty four, she’s a multi-platinum, Grammy nominated artiste; with a passion for motivating and inspiring young girls from less fortunate backgrounds, to focus on the more positive aspects of life.  Keyshia Cole’s first album “The Way it is” was an unexpected hit, which made R&B music appealing once more to a younger generation. The album produced the smash hit singles, “I changed my mind”, “Love”, “I should have cheated” and “(I just want it) to be over”.

Following the success of her debut album in 2005, Keyshia wasted no time getting back into the studio to record her sophomore LP. In between sessions Cole worked with entertainment guru P.Diddy, to produce the soon- to –be top ten hit “Last night”. In addition to this, Dancehall’s very own Sean Paul requested Cole’s voice for the remix of his single “Give it up to me”. Keyshia’s voice brought a different flavour to the track and helped boost airplay for the single.  In 2007 Keyshia Cole teamed up with two- time Sumfest performer Missy Elliot and the queen of Rap Lil Kim to deliver the ladies anthem “Let it go”; the track would be Cole’s first single off her much anticipated album “Just like you”. As expected, the album did significantly well selling over 200,000 copies in its first week, a career mark for Cole as “The Way it is” only sold 89,000 copies in its week of release.  “Just like you” represents a more mature side of Cole both vocally and lyrically, making it clear why she’s dubbed the Princess of Hip Hop Soul. Since its release, singles such as “Shoulda let You Go”, “I Remember” and her latest hit “Heaven Sent” are direct proof of Cole’s capability to maintain a successful career in the entertainment industry.

With her spectacular voice and powerful soulful lyrics, it’s easy to understand why she was an obvious choice for this year’s festival. Known to give it her all during performances, there is already buzz surrounding what to expect from the R&B superstar. With a talent that surpasses so many others in the music industry, Sumfest patrons can mark the date with anticipation for when Keyshia Cole hits the Catherine Hall stage at Reggae Sumfest’s 1st International Night 2008.