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Melody is going to make sweet music

Dancehall delight: Courtney Melody is performing at the Bermuda Best Fest (Photograph supplied)

If you are a fan of reggae dancehall music than chances are you are quite familiar with the name Courtney Melody.

Over a career spanning decades, the Jamaican singer has wowed fans around the world with an impressive hit list.

His 1989 album Modern Girl has been hailed as the one of the best dancehall albums recorded in Jamaica.

Melody has earned the reputation as an influential figure on the dancehall scene, with his style and sound helping to mould the next generation of dancehall artists.

The singer, whose career started in high school, will showcase his musical talents on the island for the second time in four years when he performs at the Bermuda Best Fest on July 22 at the Bermuda Athletic Association car park.

“I’m really looking forward to the show,” said Melody, whose real name is Courtney Monroe. “I feel good and everything will be good. Everything is going to be good and nice.”

Melody’s other hit songs include the immensely popular Key to Your Heart, Screechy Across the Border and Ninja Mi Ninja; he has recorded for virtually every producer and recording company in Jamaica.

The talented artist last performed in Bermuda in 2013 with fellow dancehall singers Admiral Tibet and Half Pint at the Annual Veterans in Action Show at CedarBridge Academy.

Meanwhile, also performing at the upcoming Bermuda Best Fest is Screechie Joe, who last appeared here more than two decades ago.

He is excited to perform again for the island’s reggae-loving fans. “The Bermuda people turn up every time me come a Bermuda,” he said. “Every time me come up in a Bermuda me know reggae me sing for a live dancehall so July 22 will be nice.

“You can expect nuff things from Screechie Joe in an original dancehall style.”

Screechie Joe is one of two DJs with links to legendary Jamaican sound system Killamanjaro performing on the same ticket, the other being Junior Cat, the brother of reggae dancehall star Super Cat.

“This is my first time in Bermuda,” Junior Cat said. “This is my first trip there, never been there before, and I’m looking forward to the experience.”

Bermuda Best Fest, organised by Outta Road Family in association with Redstripe, will also showcase local artists such as Junior C, Corvon Melody and Shorta Ranks.

The show will be hosted by Ninja Cutty with music provided by Magnum Force, King Jyrus and Onelife Sound and mixing by Mr Magic and Breeda T.

Tickets — $25 until July 10, $30 after and $40 at the gate — include one free beverage.

Tickets can be purchased at Fish N Tings, Next Level Barbershop, Kaso Nails or on 535-4854 or 599-5446.

Doors open at 10pm sharp.