Luciano returns to New York on September 2 for the Westchester Reggae Festival. The roots singer will share top billing with Third World and Derrick Barnett’s Statement Band.

He is looking forward to his Big Apple comeback.

“It’s a great feeling to be back, especially in New York where I have such a big fan base. It’s a great feeling, and I’m so excited and definitely anticipating performing for my people,” Luciano told the OBSERVER ONLINE.

Luciano recently began performing in the United States after experiencing visa woes in August 2016 when he was leaving Canada for the US. During a search of his luggage by Canadian immigration officials, a “mixture” the singer claimed was “herb medicine for my throat” was discovered.

Tests showed the substance had cannabis extracts which the Canadian agents said is illegal. That incident resulted in the loss of his US work permit, but Luciano continued to perform in other countries.

Born Jepther McClymont, Luciano emerged during the roots-revival of the 1990s which included acts like Tony Rebel, Garnet Silk and Everton Blender. He came into his own in the middle of that decade with songs like Lord Give me Strength, The Messenger and Sweep Over my Soul.

First held in 2019, the Westchester Reggae Festival has featured a number of top Jamaican acts including jazz pianist Monty Alexander, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Leroy Sibbles, Ken Boothe and Johnny Osbourne.

Howard Campbell