Romain Virgo stands tall as a mainstay in Reggae music, and for good reason

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Canada has always been an important market for me. The fans here are very supportive; they stream, they comment on my music, and they share the music. I am thankful for the role they play in my career.” Romain Virgo

I have always been a fan of this young man: talented, suave, focused, driven, a leader in his craft, yes Romain Virgo has risen to the heights of stardom, not just because of his remarkable voice, it is also about his remarkable character.

I received a call from Natasha VonCastle, one of my favourite people in the music industry. As Director of Communications at VP Records, she has always played a crucial role in shaping and protecting VP Records artists reputation and ensuring that key messages are communicated effectively. The position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and in the case of the Romain Virgo Meet and Greet, great party planning savvy.

Romain Virgo was in Toronto for a live performance at Redemption, which was being held on Friday, November 10^th, 2023, at the Rebel Nightclub. This special event, titled “The 90’s Reggae Story,” was as awe inspiring as promised, or at least so I heard.

Fans have shared with me their immersive experience, with Romain as his full band took the audience on a musical journey through the iconic era of reggae. Romain bared his soul across his tracks, he expanded his vocal range, packing romance and seduction into methodical vibrations. Bringing Redemption to the city that night was the one and only Dbandit, a name synonymous with curating unforgettable musical experiences, and they did not let Toronto down. Romain performed “Good Woman,” “Soul Provider” and “LoveSick,” songs that kept the vibrations high, the libations flowing, and the crowd literally crying for more.

Luckily, that call that I received from Natasha was an invite to the Jamaican Consulate on Thursday, November 9^th, 2023, to share space and time with Romain. The visit, organized by VP Records, alongside the Consul General, Kurt Davis as well as Jamaica Tourist Boards Angella Bennett (Regional Director – Canada), allowed media to engage with the Reggae star, talk about his new single “Switch You On,” while hearing plans for the artists musical future.

He has only released two songs this year, “Driver” and “Switch You On,” both that appear on his latest album. The tracks were produced by music powerhouse Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett and written by Mathew ‘Keely Key’ Keaveny. There definitely was a different feel with these two songs; intriguing new sounds with a pop element, everything we expect from this talented artist.

While addressing the enthusiastic room filled with Toronto’s premiere media outlets, Romain shared that he is excited about what is to come by way of new projects. I love the way that he takes the time to interact with the media and his fans. When you are in his presence you feel a personal connection to him. By staying connected with fans, Romain has stayed attuned to changing trends and preferences within his fan base. This awareness has allowed Romain to evolve his style, experiment with new sounds, and stay relevant in a dynamic music landscape.

Consul General Kurt Davis addressed the media, thanking them for their support of Romain Virgo and fellow music stars. “Their success is our success so we must promote Romain and fellow music stars.”

In a musical age that issues a hot name every two to three years before skipping next, Romain Virgo stands tall as a mainstay in reggae music, and we want him to know that he will always have love here in Toronto. Come back anytime!