International recording star and Grammy Award nominee Maxi Priest has officially signed a global management agreement with Birmingham-based EVO Music Management, the company behind the management of legendary reggae band UB40.
Two of the genre’s most influential names come together under the major new partnership, with support from live specialists CAA and Big Wave.
The agreement marks a promising new chapter for the recording artist, whose unmistakable voice and groundbreaking fusion of reggae, lovers rock, R&B, and pop has seen him become one of the most successful British-Jamaican recording artists of all time.
Under the deal, UK-based EVO will work alongside Maxi Priest to develop and oversee his international career portfolio, including recorded music, live touring, brand partnerships, commercial opportunities, and long-term artistic development.
Maxi Priest said: “I’ve been working hard on lots of new music, with some exciting surprises that I can’t wait for my fans around the world to hear.
“This is a very special time for me, and I’m delighted to be starting this next chapter with my new management team at EVO Management, alongside my booking agents CAA and Big Wave.
“As an artist, I believe in the freedom to create, evolve and continue pushing musical boundaries. It’s important to have a team around me that understands my vision, shares my ambitions and supports my creative aspirations.
The energy is high, the music is flowing, and I’m ready for the next chapter. This is just the beginning!”
The partnership unites two influential forces in reggae music, whose combined careers have helped take the sound and spirit of Jamaica to audiences around the world.
James Abdou, co-founder-director of EVO Management, said: “Maxi’s desire to write, record and perform is infectious.
“Reggae music is massively underrepresented in the mainstream and in modern British music culture.
“Maxi is one of the very few British artists who breaks the mould and transcends generations, borders, and genres.”
Best known for international hits including ‘Close to You’, ‘Wild World’, ‘That Girl’ (featuring Shaggy) and ‘Housecall’ (with Shabba Ranks), Maxi Priest has enjoyed more than four decades at the forefront of popular music, building an enduring following across the United Kingdom, United States, Jamaica, the Caribbean, and beyond.
His signature hit ‘Close to You’ reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1990, establishing him among the few reggae artists to achieve that milestone.
The singer has received three Grammy Award nominations for Best Reggae Album, most recently for 2019’s It All Comes Back to Love, produced in collaboration with fellow Jamaican music superstar Shaggy.
The new agreement with EVO is the latest development in a longstanding musical affiliation between Maxi Priest and UB40, whose own remarkable career has seen the global reggae stars sell more than 100 million records worldwide.
Maxi Priest joined UB40 and Aswad on the band’s 2026 Unstoppable UK arena tour, bringing together three celebrated names in British reggae for audiences across the country.
Matt Campbell, co-founder-director of EVO Management, said “We are delighted to officially welcome legendary international recording artist Maxi Priest to the EVO family.
“With an extensive international career, spanning decades, Maxi Priest is an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations.
“With new material in development and a shared vision for the future, we look forward to working together to build on Maxi’s success and take his career to new heights.”
The signing represents a significant development for EVO Music Management as it continues to expand its international artist roster and strengthen its presence within the global music business.
Operating from Birmingham, UK, a city with deep roots in reggae and Caribbean music culture, EVO provides full-service artist management and strategic career development, combining creative direction with international commercial expertise.
Further announcements regarding Maxi Priest’s forthcoming projects and activities will be made in due course.