Sean Paul At Lehman Center

Sean Paul is a definite money maker since his breakthrough CD “Dutty Rock” won the 2002 Grammy for Best Reggae Album, grossing six-million dollars.

[Entertainment: Music]

Reggae fans are expected to storm the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West in the Bronx, in a bid to get tickets for Lehman’s engagement of Jamaican superstar, Grammy Award-winning SEAN PAUL, who is expected to appear complete with band and dancers to blow the venue off the map when the superstar delivers what is anticipated to be an explosive show on Saturday, November 8th at 8:00 p.m.

People who have wondered why they haven’t heard anything from Sean Paul for awhile will be glad to know that he has been touring in support of his “Trinity” album.  “I always tour and travel a lot when my albums come out.  Usually all over the USA first, and then I tour Europe.  I try to hit all the major markets and radio stations to show my fans love,” remarked Sean Paul who was born in Kingston, Jamaica.

Born into the world, Sean Paul Henriques, Sean Paul came by his athletic dexterity naturally since both his parents were athletes, although his mother Frances is a well known painter.  Of mixed heritage, Paul’s father is a Sephardic Jew of Portuguese descent and his mother is Chinese and Afro-Caribbean.  Swimming is a special talent in Sean’s family with Sean himself excelling in water polo.  “I used to swim and play the sport of water polo representing Jamaica and I actually still play water polo sometimes,” stated the Paul who played for the national water polo team until he was 21. 

Sean Paul is a definite money maker since his breakthrough CD “Dutty Rock” won the 2002 Grammy for Best Reggae Album, grossing six-million dollars.  This hit brought global popularity to Jamaican dancehall music with Sean following up with such smash hits as “Gimme the Light,” “Get Busy” and “Like Glue.” Not to be outdone he followed his success with duets, such as “Baby Boy” (with Beyoncé), “I’m Still in Love with You” (with Sasha) and “Break It Off” (with Rihanna) making Sean Paul the most successful Jamaican artist of all time on the U.S. charts, which includes three #1 singles, five Top Ten hits, and eight chart entries over two worldwide, multi-platinum albums. 

He was even the first reggae artist to be on the cover of Vibe Magazine.  “Yeah, getting the Vibe cover was amazing.  I am really proud of that because it meant a lot for Reggae music as a whole,” commented the talented performer who is truly carrying on the work of dancehall superstars like Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, and Beenie Man via bringing the infectious sound of the Kingston streets to a wider audience.

Sean Paul appeals to a diverse audience pulling in large numbers of Latins as well as Caribbean and American fans.  To prove he loves the diversity, Sean released a Spanish version of “Punkie.”  Since then, the Spanish-language dancehall hybrid known as reggaetón has become muy caliente on urban radio.  Sean admits that he views reggaeton as the cousin of reggae music.  In proof of that he teamed up with well known Latin artist Daddy Yankee for a track on “Trinity.” “I have been on tour all over the world to support the “Trinity” album.  I have gone to Tunisia, Malta, Sweden, Poland and Russia.

Right now, however, I’m finishing up work on my next CD.  It will be out soon,” said the talented musician. 

“But for now, I encourage all my fans to check out “Come on Over,” which features me and my label mate Estelle.  Plus, there is “Hit Em,” which I worked on with my brother Jigzagula and my hype man Farenheit.  You might be able to catch it on YouTube and maybe even on Itunes,” commented the reggae prince who claims his music is often influenced by the great Bob Marley and Supercat.  “I will even admit that I like a lot of stuff my Mom used to play in the house like Cat Stevens and the Beatles.”

Sometimes the experiences and lessons of life make Sean want to just sit down a put pen to paper, writing lyrics that reflect his emotions and views.  “A lot of different things inspire me.  Sure, I like to party and I really enjoy having a good time.  But I also contemplate the serious issues that affect my country and the world.  I think about the youth of today and the choices facing them and the tremendous potential they have,” said Sean who admits he is still working on the title for the CD he is presently developing.  “I guess I do have a title for the album, but right now it’s in my head and for now that’s exactly where it’s going to stay,” claims Sean.

An award winner, Sean has racked up numerous prestigious awards among them nominations in the Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best New Artist categories.  He won MTV Europe’s Best New Artist Award.  He also garnered nominations for the MTV Video Music Award and American Music Award.  He received acclaim via ASCAP/PRS in the categories of pop, R&B, hip-hop, rap, and reggae, and well as earned Source, MOBO, Juno, Much Music, and International Reggae and World Music awards.

When asked had he every performed in the Bronx before, Sean Paul did state he had played a few clubs in the Bronx back in the day but had never done a full show like the spectacular he is planning for Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. 

“My last engagement in the Bronx was a short show with a DJ.  It will be much different at Lehman Center.  In fact, I’m looking forward to playing a full 90 minute show complete with band and dancers at Lehman.  I’m excited to show my Bronx fans all my love.”

Tickets for SEAN PAUL cost $90, $85, $75 and $55.  Call the Box office at 718.960.8833 (Mon. through Fri., 10AM–5PM, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert).

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