Grammy award-winning Jamaican deejay, Shabba Ranks, has been confirmed for the 20th staging of Reggae Sumfest. His only other Sumfest appearance was back in 1994 at the Festival's second staging.

Now, Shabba is set to make a return to the Sumfest stage after an 18-year break.

The 'lover man' revolutionized the Jamaican music industry, having massaged the rhythms of his songs into the ears of the listeners. Some of his hits include Ting a Ling, Wicked Inna Bed, Mr. Loverman, Peeny Peeny and Live Blanket. He led the craze of dancehall and reggae-styled rap in the 1980s and 1990s throughout Jamaica and the United States, and became the first reggae artiste to win a Grammy Award.

Known for his explicit lyrics and groove, Shabba became a pioneer of Reggaeton, having done the single Dem-Bow and also acted as a flagship for American rap. He has collaborated with rappers, R&B musicians, and other reggae artistes, among them KRS-1, Queen Latifah, Eddie Murphy, Cocoa Tea and Maxi Priest.

Now the owner of Emperor Ranks Entertainment, the artiste had his early beginnings by age 12 in the music business, having been inspired by deejays he was close to like General Echo, Brigadier Jerry, Yellowman and Josey Wales. He then linked with the Roots Melody Sound System with Admiral Bailey. He recorded his first single Heat Under Sufferers Feet under the alias of 'Co-Pilot' in 1985.

The Sumfest massive is ready to re-embrace this dynamic dancehall trendsetter as he paved the way for popular cross-over artistes like Sean Paul and Shaggy. Adding to the list of the pioneers that have graced the Reggae Sumfest stage, Shabba Ranks' warm dancehall flavour is expected to turn on the flame of the Sumfest stage.

Reggae Sumfest, in its 20th year, will celebrate Jamaica's 50th year of independence with a musical journey through the decades. This will prove to be extremely symbolic -a great time for individuals to experience the show's unique effervescence. In addition to a vibrant musical experience, fans can expect to indulge in various products of Jamaican cuisine and art pieces.

Reggae Sumfest is sponsored by Digicel, Red Stripe, Iberostar, Jamaica Tourist Board and Pepsi, and will take place in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 15 to 21, 2012.