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magic impact in Canada

3/23/2015

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21st March, 2015

The Magic Impact in Canada

Canada has a group that topped musical charts with a reggae tune.  That band is Magic and the song is called “Rude”.  First and foremost I’d like to personally congratulate the members of the band for all of their success and hope that their music and efforts may open up even more doors for reggae music Canada.

What’s really interesting though, is that this obviously reggae rendition isn’t treated as such in Canada and nominated as a pop tune.  One wonders why that is?  Another issue for reggae participants is that the song “Rude” wasn’t nominated within the reggae category of the Junos yet the band just made a big splash performing their music on stages in Jamaica and claiming their offering as “reggae”.  Why all of this confusion?  What is the necessity for this illusion?

“They” truly believe that we do not see “them”.  Yes we get the wonderfully styled, overt (they believe to be subliminal) slap in the face of all of the reggae music that happens in this country, ongoing now for over five decades.

Sounds like sour grapes and that we are always crying about some other levels of injustice against the black race or their music and to at least be grateful that a reggae track has done so well.  My issue is that there are comparable bands and musicians playing reggae music in Canada, doing it for those five or so decades which actually paved the way for a Canadian band to put a reggae tune at the top of the worldwide charts yet continue to go underappreciated, deliberately ignored by an overtly racist Canadian music establishment.  All will deny it or even get offended yet based on the relatively obvious, recent history, it is next to impossible to deny.

Laying guilt?  Not interested in that anymore.  That is just a distraction.  I’m here to bring the quality of reggae music that inspired Magic, that inspires us all and we have really talented people right here in Canada, that are the root of that inspiration and it is time that we recognize what we have and capitalize on it.  Players of instruments for roots reggae music!  The authentic kind!  Hope that I have the wisdom to impart that to those who try to ignore our existence.  A part of that growth has led me to the City Office for music, speaking with Mike Tanner who is well aware of my take on the showcasing of talented Canadian reggae artists.  For that we start a gig at Tranzac on Tuesday, 7th April @ Tranzac, 292 Brunswick which Mike was instrumental in making the introduction between the venue and CRW.

Magic is basking in the glory of “reggae fame” yet not really saying it but saying it.  That is a cool marketing ploy.

Meet me at Tranzac on a Tuesday night, 7th April, between 7:30pm – 9:30pm if you wish to see Toronto & Canada’s finest reggae performers.


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reggae connections ~ Reggaexclusive march 2015

3/19/2015

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Friday, March-06-15

Reggae Connections

2015 and the train keeps rolling along...

Magic topped the Billboard charts with their tune “Rude” so even with limited support from our music governorship in this country, reggae music finds its own path, because truth be told, “they” are not on our path.  They are here to monitor the easy stuff on behalf of major labels and have no interest or intent to promote or to develop a viable reggae ‘industry’ so the onus as always lies with us.  The participants!  The fans!

No it does not let “them” look internally for the next reggae act to promote, or to invest in the reggae genre in Canada, yet what it has done, is encouraged some of us to recognize that there is opportunity, even if it isn’t supported by the people who run this game.  The fact is, we will and we must find our way and many are already on that tip.  There are many projects being done by many folks currently and this is uplifting to see.  Great raspect to those submitted for the Junos which include three time winner Exco Levi, Mikey Dangerous, Tasha T, Kirk Diamond and Steele.  All are accomplished artists, producers, musicians and veteran performers who have never given up on their work with reggae music.

Whether the powers that be recognize reggae participants or not, we recognize ourselves and we as a genre seem to be elevating in many aspects of this game that was set up to block our path.  The music cannot be stopped.  Reggae proves that over and over as it infiltrates all cultures, countries, races and creeds.  Raspect to so many performers, producers, DJs, selectas, writers, dub poets,  sound engineers, musicians and promoters of reggae music Canada.  Thank you all for never stopping the flow of this wonderful music of the people.

Reggae Lane

Back in November 2014, I learned about the naming of the laneway behind the barber shops, Raps & Mainsha, just east of Oakwood and Eglinton.  “Reggae Lane”!  When I asked about the reasoning behind the name from Michael Tutton, then eventually Councillor Josh Colle who spearheaded this venture, they explained that as the Eglinton area grows economically, the TTC coming through, condos to follow, Little Jamaica may become a forgotten place, so Reggae Lane will serve as point of reference in the years to come.

Speaking to folks in the area, there are mixed feelings about the choice of that lane, especially because of some of the history and even the present goings-ons, some feel that it is inappropriate as a symbol of the people and rich history and culture of the Jamaican and reggae history.  Like many others, I have been down the Lane on numerous occasions.  The band I managed, IBADAN used to rehearse in Ruffin’s spot down the lane.  I look back at those as glorious times for all as do many of the band members.  I remember the lane in a positive light.  Respectfully, others don’t!

I’m more excited for the influx of positive things happening for reggae music in Canada and currently I see more and more opportunities opening up for many who practice and promote the genre.  Having City Hall (Councillor Josh Colle) getting involved, gives me the indication that reggae vibes are moving more towards a true integration in Canadian lifestyles, further enhancing a Canadian reggae audience.  What is also interesting and exciting, is whenever I Google Reggae Lane, only one can be found.  Right here in the Tdot!  That is history making and we all get to be a part of said history.

The “Reggae Connections” continue to blossom as we move forward...

 

JuLion

www.canadianreggaeworld.com

 

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