Maxi Priest
Maxi Priest, born Max Alfred Elliott on June 10, 1961, in Lewisham, London, is a British reggae singer of Jamaican descent known for pioneering reggae fusion by blending reggae with R&B and pop influences. As the second youngest of nine children in a musical family—his father a steelworker and mother a Pentecostal missionary who led the church choir—he grew up immersed in gospel, soul, reggae, and pop, starting his singing in church.
He worked as a carpenter building speaker boxes while performing with South London's Saxon Studio International sound system in the late 1970s and early 1980s, later founding ties with Jah Shaka and Negus Negast systems. In 1984, he co-produced Philip Levi's "Mi God Mi King," the first UK reggae song to top Jamaica's charts, and released early singles like "Sensi" with Papa Levi. Tragedy struck in 1980 when his cousin, reggae icon Jacob Miller of Inner Circle, died in a car crash.
His 1988 debut album Maxi (retitled Maxi Priest in the US), recorded in Jamaica with Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, and others on Virgin Records, featured the global hit cover "Wild World" (originally by Cat Stevens) and a duet with Beres Hammond, "How Can We Ease the Pain?" The 1990 single "Close to You" topped the US Billboard Hot 100, making him the only reggae artist to achieve that feat, with over 15 million albums sold worldwide. He's earned three Grammy nominations (1994, 1997, 2021) and is reggae's most successful British solo artist after Bob Marley.
Maxi converted to Rastafarianism, adopting his stage name, and has seven children; he appeared in films like Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997) and Sleeping with the Enemy (1991). Now 64, he continues touring and recording, inducted into halls of fame and collaborating across genres.
Bonafide
Written-By – Handel Tucker 4:27
A2 Close To You Written-By – Gary Benson, G. Benson, Max Elliott, M. Elliott, Winston Sela, W. Sela 5:24
A3 Never Did Say Goodbye
Written-By – I. Green, J. P. Maunick, M. Elliott 4:04
A4 Best Of Me
Written-By – M. Elliott, P. Hunningale 3:36
A5 Space In My Heart
Written-By – D. Austin, M. Elliott 3:40
A6 Human Work Of Art
Written-By – M. Leeson, P. Vale 4:09
B1 Temptress
Written-By – H. Lindo, M. Bennett 4:33
B2 Peace Through The World
Written-By – J. P. Maunick, M. Elliott 4:00
B3 You
Written-By – G. Benson, M. Elliott, W. Sela 4:06
B4 Sure Fire Love
Written-By – M. Elliott, P. Yellowstone, P. Radford 3:53
B5 Life
Written-By – M. Elliott, P. Robinson 3:53
B6 Prayer For The World
Written-By – F. Musker, J. Scott 5:12
Label: 10 Records – DIX 92
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1990
Genre: Reggae, Hip Hop
Style: Reggae-Pop, Synth-pop
Maxi Priest's Bonafide (1990) is widely acclaimed as a landmark album, praised for its seamless blend of smooth reggae, R&B, and pop, capturing the cool vibes of the era, especially with its global smash hit "Close to You" and classics like "Best of Me" and "Peace Throughout the World" featuring Jazzie B, showcasing Priest's vocal talent and creating a timeless, feel-good soundtrack for summer listening.
It's considered a pivotal album for reggae-pop, moving beyond traditional reggae with modern production, influencing the emerging UK music scene.
Features the massive #1 pop single "Close to You," alongside popular tracks like "Best of Me" and "Sure Fire Love," solidifying Priest's crossover appeal.
The album is noted for its smooth, mellow, and addictive sound, benefiting from collaborations with top producers and artists like Sly & Robbie, creating a fresh yet rooted sound.
Reviewers consistently call it a classic, perfect for long drives and repeated listens, standing the test of time as a brilliant showcase of Maxi Priest's artistry and diversity.
Bonafide is often cited as Maxi Priest's definitive work and a must-have for reggae and R&B fans, praised for its emotional depth, infectious rhythms, and capturing a significant moment in music history.