1995 IBADAN'S early years (VERY early years)

Canada’s contribution to the reggae industry is the mighty IBADAN. A band noted for their powerfully conscious original music laced with smooth rhythms and piercing lyrics.

This versatile group is also well noted for thrilling audiences with homage paid to the pioneers of reggae with strong Studio One sets, Bob Marley tributes and Dennis Brown standards. Called ‘the tightest band in reggae today’, by promoter Allan Jones. IBADAN takes their audiences on a thirty-year reggae journey at any given performance and leaves them wanting more and more.

Placing these musical images in their audiences minds are silky smooth singer, Mark Swaby (K-nyne, which he insists is pronounced NINE) soon to be a dominant ‘voice’ in reggae today. Peter ‘Burna’ Holung the leader of this ship steadies the flow with tight, fat bass lines. On drums dropping the steady reggae beat is Brownee. On rhythm and lead keys, is Edwin Harrigan. Chris ‘Buddy Miles’ Shim contributes to fills and lead on guitar.

IBADAN’s humble beginnings hearken back to a first place win in a battle of the bands contest, beating out seventeen rock bands giving them the belief in themselves and the confidence to take on any challenge. From then, the resume includes festival appearances, opening the first ever Megacity party in Toronto, in front of over 300,000 native souls, opening for Gregory Isaacs, Freddy MacGregor, Luciano Tony Rebel, Joseph Hill and Culture, to headling and closing many major reggae shows.

Culminating all of their experiences, IBADAN has released their debut album/CD ‘Do It’, now playing in Malta, Australia, New Mexico, Brazil, Holland and on their native soil, Canada. Walboomers Music in Holland is the place to purchase the album in Europe. Canada has a bonafide star in the musical talents of IBADAN.