Singer-songwriter superstar Alicia Keys has been named as the key headline performer at this year's Soul Beach Music Festival, hosted by the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba.

The 15-time Grammy award-winning singer and actress leads the top-billing line-up for this year's event, hitting the stage on Saturday, May 26.

Now in its 18th year, the Soul Beach Festival is a jewel in Aruba's packed calendar of musical and cultural events and runs from May 23 to 28.

Keys, also a best-selling author, entrepreneur and activist, will dazzle the Soul Beach Festival international audience with her grace and musical virtuosity as part of the key weekend performances.

Other headline acts already announced include Maxwell, the three-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and actor, who performs the following day, Sunday, May 28.

Marlon Wayans – renowned actor, producer, comedian and star of NBC's hot sitcom Marlon, is the comedy night headliner on Friday, May 25.

'The Soul Beach Music Festival has become one of Aruba's most sought-after events, bringing together world-renowned musical artists and comedians over five days,' said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA).

Soul Beach Music Festival has previously been named by USA Today readers as No.4 in their 10 Best Caribbean Celebrations and No. 1 Caribbean Summer Festival by Jetsetter Magazine. It boasts a unique three-in-one experience, featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties.

The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival, #SBMF18, will roll out more keenly-anticipated announcements of main stage performing artists in coming weeks. For information about ticket sales, accommodation and the latest updates sign up for CLUB SOUL BEACH, by visiting www.soulbeach.com.

Join the Soul Beach Music Festival community: follow us on Twitter and Instagram @SoulBeachMusic and become a fan of the 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival on www.Facebook.com/soulbeach.

The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival is sponsored by Aruba Tourism Authority; additional sponsors include Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Divi Resorts, Tamrijn Aruba All Inclusive, Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino and The Mill Resort & Suites Aruba. 

Note to editors: The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba lies 15 miles north of the South American coastline, benefitting from year-round sunshine, an average temperature of 32 degrees and a cooling breeze. Located on the edge of the hurricane belt, with a nine mile stretch of award-winning pristine beach, turquoise seas, colonial Dutch architecture and a Latin vibe, Aruba is a delightful alternative Caribbean experience. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates daily to Aruba, with departures from 17 UK airports via its international hub at Amsterdam Schiphol. TUI will operate a weekly charter departure from London Gatwick between May and October for 2018. Leading tour operators offering packages to Aruba include TUI, First Choice, Virgin Holidays, Kuoni, Hayes & Jarvis and Black Tomato.