Regina Belle ‘can’t wait’ to see Jamaica again - Singer shares her best memory of the island

Specially prepared fish on the beach, along with her first taste of cocoa bread would rank high on Grammy award-winning singer Regina Belle's list of most memorable experiences in Jamaica.

The R&B and jazz singer/songwriter/producer returns to the island as the headline act for Perry's Pre-Mother's Day Event at Hope Gardens on May 6, and she is totally excited.

"I am looking most forward to reconnecting with Jamaica because it has been so long. Mother's Day is also my anniversary and this year in 2023, I will be celebrating 36 years in the industry. Jamaica, I can't wait!" the A Whole New World singer told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Belle's most recent visit to Jamaica to perform was four years ago at the Valentine's concert Red Rose for Gregory, which was held at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston. In 2011, she lit up the stage at the now defunct Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. Jamaicans know her catalogue well and she has always been a favourite among concertgoers. The feelings seem to be mutual.

"The Jamaican crowd majoritively are reflections of myself, yet there are some differences in our culture. The surprises from the Jamaican crowd for me are always centred around them singing and knowing my songs, singing along with me while I am singing them," Belle shared.

Quizzed about her favourite Jamaican memory, she stated, "I was staying at the Wyndham (I think), in 1987. There was this woman that introduced herself to me on the beach and had two bags with her. She dug a hole in the sand and pulled a grill and some charcoal out of one of her bags. She began to cook up some of the local fish and made me my first taste of cocoa bread. That was some of the best tasting fish and bread that I have ever experienced to this day."

Belle began singing in church at eight years old. After high school, she attended the Manhattan School of Music and Rutger's University, where she became the first female vocalist with the school's jazz ensemble.

She began her professional musical career as the opening act for The Manhattans and later recorded Where Did We Go Wrong with the group. The song caught the attention of Columbia Records, with which Belle signed her first record deal. In 1987, she released her debut album All By Myself, which included her first hits Please Believe Me and Show Me The Way.

In 1993, she recorded A Whole New World with Peabo Bryson for the Disney movie Aladdin, the track hitting number one on the Billboard charts and also winning Belle two Grammy awards.

Featured performers on Perry's Pre-Mother's Day Event are the Queen of Reggae Marcia Griffiths, Glen Washington and George Nooks.