ROYALE: the "Ragga Romantic"

Canadian-born Jamaican Royden "Royale" Lewis long wanted a career in music and even with the pressures of a "day job" has remained steadily in pursuit of that dream.

It took a another great step forward recently with his return engagement at Christopher's Jazz Cafe, where, in tandem with fellow crooner Stephen McHugh, he laid a welcome diversity of classic R& B, contemporary hits and his now trademark deejay repartee.

Royale is now poised to make the big step onto the International Scene. At first glance, one might not assign him the ability to spit roughneck rhymes in the tradition of a Shaggy or Sean Paul, but once he opens up, and that gravelly baritone kicks in, all doubt is removed, and the ladies in particular, begin to perk up. it doesn't hurt that he is a master of extempo rhymes, often laced with sexual innuendo. All of which serves to counter his more romantic side, with selections from Major Harris and the Manhattans in his repertoire

“This brother is so ersatile. He can deejay (MC), ne can sing, je can singjay ... he just entertains,” says Devonte, a fellow Jamaican Artiste of Tanto Metro and Devonte fame. Currently finishing up his debut album tentatively called No Intro, Royale is hard at work in the studio, as well as juggling the increasing demand for live appearances. Production on the album is done by Andrew “Preggs” Thompson, known drummer for Sean Paul, as well as other Jamaican producers. In addiiton to Tanto & Devonte, Royale has collaborated with the likes of Ward 21, Alozade and Danny English. He also previously recorded singles with the now defunct alternative reggae group Mile High - from which sprang Tessanne - and with jazz musician Harold Davis. Aside form Christopher's live music lovers have caught Royale at Weekends Bistro. Overseas, he has performed at the Wild Hare nightclub in Chicago as well as closing a segment of the morning news hour on WGN TV Superstation in Chicago. Performances in Toronto and Ft. Lauderdale were also well received. All of this seems to be just the tip of the proverbial iceberg for Royale as his debut album should be released later this year. Changing the face and the game of mainstream dancehall is what he plans to do and will have a blast doing so. “People want to hear change and a new sound without losing the authenticity of the music. I know my music does that and that is what will be keeping the masses moving for years to come"

0012RYL