REGGAE FRATERNITYS ELITE JUDY MOWATT TO APPEAR IN CHICAGO AT AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, MONDAY SEPTEMBER 1st 2003

Gospel/Reggae singer, songwriter and producer Judy Mowatt is set to grace the African Festival of the Arts on Monday, September 1, 2003. The four day event presented by American Family Insurance, and sponsored in part by NBCs Channel 5 News and the Illinois Lottery, amongst others, will commence over the Labor Day weekend.

CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) August 17, 2003 --- Gospel/Reggae singer, songwriter and producer Judy Mowatt is set to grace the African Festival of the Arts on Monday, September 1, 2003. The four day event presented by American Family Insurance, and sponsored in part by NBCs Channel 5 News and the Illinois Lottery, amongst others, will commence over the Labor Day weekend starting August 29 thru September the 1st. Washington Park at 51st & Cottage Grove. Among the array of headliners that Judy Mowatt will join includes Chaka Khan, the Gap Band and Brazilian sensation Daniela Mercury.

Judy Mowatt, a former Bob Marley backing vocalist, with the incomparable I-THREES, which also comprised Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths, is currently on tour promoting her second Gospel album: Something Old; Something New" on the self titled Judy M Music label.

Best known for her Grammy Nominated Working Wonders" album in 1985 and her highly regarded Black Woman," which she also produced with Freddie McGregor, together with Love is Overdue," Ms. Mowatts popularity took on unprecedented heights, illustrated with her appearance on the David Letterman Show and with being the first female reggae vocalist to be nominated for the coveted Grammy. Her third reggae album, Only A Woman," was also significant, not only in its quality, but in the message that it purveyed, which women the world over recognized and understood.

Influenced by musical icons such as Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Marcia Griffiths and legends such as Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley and Otis Redding, to name a few, the young Judy Mowatt became part of a group called the Gaylettes. However, even though the group garnered some success, it was not until the early seventies when she launched her solo career that the music industry took note.

This was evident when one of her songs, I Shall Sing," was covered by Art Garfunkle, it was shortly after this time that she teamed up with Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths to form the I-THREES, who subsequently became Bob Marleys backing vocalists.

In 1995, with music on her mind, and God in her heart, Ms. Mowatt became a born again child of God, and a member of The Bible Teachers International Ministries. Now using her God-given talents to spread the Holy Word through Gospel music, Ms. Mowatt is again touching the world with her gift.

Among Ms. Mowatts many, accolades and awards is: The Order of Distinction (OD), bestowed upon her by the Governor General of Jamaica, Honorary Citizen" of Kansas City, MO, Jammy Awards for Best Live Gospel Performer," International Womens Week Award (London), together with her recent Award of Excellence from Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson at the Independence Gala. Ms. Mowatt is also active in the field of community service, spearheading the Concerned Women To Action organization, as well as managing charitable projects for various institutions.

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