ST JAMES, Jamaica — Reggae crooner, Romain Virgo promises to bring the heat at this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest as this will be the first time he performs with his own band.

This is not the only proof that Virgo has been growing and evolving throughout his career as he recently released his third project, an EP called ‘Lifted’.

The ‘Lifted’ EP is a precursor to Virgo’s album ‘Love Sick’, which is expected be released in August.

He explained that this EP is to show that he is versatile.

“I’m just stepping out of the box a little bit and showing the world what we have to offer,” Virgo said.

Even with all the developments in his career, he likes to reminisce on the years building up to his current progress. According to Virgo, one of his most memorable moments on the Reggae Sumfest stage was at the 19th staging of the event in 2012, when he performed for the first time on Dancehall Night.

It was a night that people would not expect him to perform on but he said it was memorable because of the difference in the energy, vibe and the size of the crowd.

He went on to say that he also enjoyed the acts featured on that night.

As someone with a deep interest in music and all its facets, Virgo believes in separating himself from the rest by learning all he can, theory wise, about music.

“I always wanted to do music but I also wanted to be different or else I would sound like some of the artistes nowadays who just go on stage and sing or perform, but don’t understand music, theoretically speaking,” he said.

He said he also wants to gain this knowledge so as to teach others.

Virgo has been busy lately, as he expects to do a few shows in Africa in the coming months, he just dropped the music video for the title track ‘Love Sick’ from his upcoming album, and he will be gracing the Reggae Sumfest stage on Dancehall Night, July 22, for the fifth time.

When asked if there is anything else up his sleeve besides the debut of his band to the Sumfest stage, he said that there might be a surprise guest in his set but mums the word for now.

Reggae Sumfest kicks off in Montego Bay, St James with a beach party on Sunday, July 17. Reggae Night will bring the curtains down on Reggae Sumfest on Saturday, July 23.