EXCLUSIVE: Find out everything from Max Romeo's highly anticipated South America visit!

Max Romeo, one of the creators of Reggae in Jamaica and one of the most respected figures in the rhythm worldwide, finally showed up in Brazilian lands after 11 years of public anticipation. Brought to Brazil by the alliance between Intershows, Surforeggae and DJ Rubinho Star, Max Romeo literally crushed it wherever he went, undoubtedly delivering one of the best international reggae shows of 2010.

MARANHÃO, THE BEGINNING

Max Romeo's first show in Brazil in 2010 took place in the so-called "Brazilian Jamaica," or rather, in São Luís do Maranhão. There, a true crowd of more than 15 thousand people anxiously awaited Max Romeo, who with all his charisma and peculiar calmness sang and enchanted everyone present. Max, owner of a long list of classics, proved to be adored in São Luís, where singers from the 70s like him are the audience's preference. Max Romeo is very charismatic, calm and extremely easy to work with. Always cheerful and satisfied with everything, the 66-year-old gentleman gave a true lesson in humility during the tour, something many national artists lack. Laughing, Max jokes that he is one of the few artists who does not use a "Rider," a document specifying dressing room, sound, etc. requirements, and that he has always trusted the people who work with him, unless proven otherwise.

FORTALEZA, SURPRISING!

Everyone knew Max Romeo was popular, but not as much as what was seen in Fortaleza. There, at the show held at Barraca Biruta, on the beachfront of the capital of Ceará, Max shared the stage with Alpha Blondy and The Gladiators. But the most impressive part of the event was not that he performed alongside those two bands. What was impressive was noticing that at least 80% of the audience was really waiting for Max Romeo, who would be there for the first time. During The Gladiators and Alpha Blondy performances, the audience did not show as much excitement, which was unusual for those working at the event, since the Fortaleza crowd is one of the warmest in Brazil. Even Alpha Blondy, one of the biggest names in reggae worldwide, did an encore without the audience asking. When Max Romeo took the stage with the classic "One Step Forward," it was impossible to count how many water bottles and cans of beer and soda flew into the air. With a repertoire packed with classics like "Tacko," "Chase The Devil," "War Ina Babylon" and "Martin Luther King," Max Romeo undoubtedly delivered the best and most anticipated show of the night. Hundreds of people saluted the veteran after the show, asking him to come back soon. Max promised he would, and even talks about bringing two of his children, who are already in artistic careers, for a special appearance.

BELÉM IS ALSO THE CAPITAL OF REGGAE!

Belém do Pará in recent years has been one of the cities that breathes reggae the most in the country. Having recently welcomed names such as Groundation, Israel Vibration, The Congos, SOJA, Gregory Isaacs, Don Carlos and Bambu Station, the audience always turns out in force at shows that feature a series of local DJs who fire up the breaks with lots of quality music. There, the reception was no different - what a noise! Max Romeo surprised everyone once again and delivered another flawless show. The repertoire, basically similar to Fortaleza's, started with a breathtaking medley and the smash "One Step Forward," from the album "War In a Babylon," considered one of the most classic and important records in world reggae, a fundamental work in the collection of any self-respecting reggae fan. In the encore, Max sang a beautiful acapella version of "Redemption Song" by master Marley, and said goodbye with the audience wanting much more. Smiling, in the dressing room he said "they always want more, that's why I won't retire this year as I announced, I don't want to disappoint my fans and I'll keep singing for some more time."

THE FIRST TIME IN ARGENTINA!

Visibly emotional and happy to be performing in Buenos Aires for the first time, Max looked like a kid, always smiling, showing he knows a little Spanish or singing the classic "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" all the time. The Niceto Club audience returned the favor, and Leões de Israel (who backed Max) majestically opened the show by showing a bit of several phases of Jamaican music. Starting with three instrumental songs, Leões played a ska, a rocksteady and a reggae, drawing applause and cheers from the hermanos. Max Romeo's trip to Argentina made headlines in all major newspapers such as "O Clarín" and "La Nación," as well as on major radio stations such as "Rock & Pop" and "La De Dios." Speaking little and delivering a lot of music, Max always said "I don't speak your language, so let the music speak for me" (I do not speak your language, so let the music speak for me). In the setlist, this time some new tracks like "My Jamaican Herb," "Jamaican Ska" and "Selassie I Forever," all very well received and sung by the Argentine audience. Max said goodbye with "Jamaican Ska," in the rhythm that literally captivates Argentinians, who are also crazy about legendary groups like The Skatalites.

SÃO PAULO: WHAT A TEST OF PATIENCE!

Max Romeo's show in São Paulo happened alongside other great names from national and international reggae such as Mad Professor (England), Natiruts and Planta e Raiz. Unfortunately, the event had long intervals, which even exceeded the show time of most attractions, and it was only less painful for the audience thanks to Sistema de Som Dubversão, which played several classics for those present in the meantime. Max Romeo's show, scheduled for 2 a.m., only started after 4 a.m. due to delays. Max, who had been present at Estância Alto da Serra since 00:45, had to wait approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes before performing, but thanks to Mad Professor, an old friend he met again in the dressing room, this wait was softened. At the age of 66, Max Romeo showed great stamina, and literally made people cry with emotion at Estância Alto da Serra. In the setlist, even more new tracks like "Back To The Bible" and "Fari Captain of My Ship" from the self-titled album produced by Jah Shaka. Although part of the audience had left due to the extremely late hour, Max proved he is also very loved in São Paulo, which sang in chorus "War Ina Babylon," "Chase The Devil" and other classics like "Melt Away," "Milk and Honey," "Three Blind Mice" and "Stealing in The Name of The Lord." Much applauded, Leões de Israel proved they are fully capable of backing any Jamaican artist. After the show, Max Romeo congratulated the musicians shouting "Excellent! Excellent!" Satisfied, after the show he received affection from everyone who wanted to take pictures or simply hug him in the dressing room, in what was his last show of this short tour. We take this opportunity to appeal here on the site for more respect toward veterans and also toward the audience that goes to see international artists. It is truly a lack of common sense to put a world reggae legend to close a show that everyone knows is subject to setbacks and delays. The good news is that Max will return to Brazil soon and we hope that next time it will be without these "buts." Respect!

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