REGGAE singer Richie Stephens and his Ska Nation Band will embark on a three-week gig in Japan with American R&B singer Chaka Khan.
The jaunt, which begins on May 18, will see Stephens and Chaka Khan performing at the One Love Jamaica Festival and The Green Room Festival in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking with the Jamaica Observer yesterday, the singer said this is the first time he will be sharing stage with the Through the Fire singer.
“I have also loved Chaka Khan’s music from I was a youngster, so getting the chance to tour with her is definitely an honor,” he said.
Slated to be a headliner at the One Love Jamaica Music Festival, Stephens said he was contacted by a member of the Green Room Festival team about touring with Chaka Khan.“We managed to settle on a deal so my band and I will be touring. The festivals will feature other acts from Japan, so I will not be her opening act,” he said.
Chaka Khan has won over 10 Grammy awards and sold over 70 million records worldwide. Last year she was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time. Among her many hits are I’m Every Woman, Summertime, and Aint Nobody.
Richie Stephens is one of the few Jamaican artists who continues to keep the ska genre alive ,and this is evident with the release of his latest album, Richie Stephens and the Ska Nation.
“I have always loved ska music and it is one of the first international genre from Jamaica. It has an energy like no other. Currently, it is a well-celebrated music all over the world,” he said.
He stated that since the album release on April 18, the single Fire Fire has be receiving great reviews.
“The album is well received and Fire Fire’s reception is blowing up. Ska music is very well approved and can come right back up as one of the top musical genres in the world,” he said.
Following his tour with Chaka Khan, Stephens will prepare for a two-month tour of Europe with his band.
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