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Reggae Lane Moving Forward

9/27/2015

Reggae Lane 2015 Moving Forward

Now that all of the hoopla has worn off Reggae Lane, it interests me to see how the process going forward is used to elevate or even showcase reggae talent currently residing in Toronto and even those outside of Ontario? That for me is imperative! Is this another lip service, pat on the back as it usually is and has always been or is it a movement towards a reggae growth for the participants? I am forever grateful for the Reggae Lane concept, preserving what was yet it should be noted that none of those honored have been properly paid by this genre here in Canada. Ever!

What some of the veterans speak of is that reggae as a business, is carried on daily in France, Belgium, Germany, Japan and places like that, but not so much here in Canada. Folks wake up daily , go to work on the business of reggae and it is how their living is made, 365 days of the year in many spots around the globe...but not so much in Canada.

Reggae Lane should exemplify and encourage that going forward!

Local, national and international bands / acts should be part of a 'happening' off Reggae Lane. We should be having the types of historic events that other countries brag about "that happened down Reggae Lane".

There are a fragmented group of us working for, with, about and around Reggae Lane so it will be interesting to see if there is any synergy amongst us to make this a significant reggae source to planet earth. In my mind, this is how I view the opportunities that Reggae Lane can present to Little Jamaica, Tourism Canada, Reggae Canada and the positive impact that it can have on the economy. I see great fiscal possibilities for Reggae Lane's contributions from the powerful reggae performers here in Canada as well as worldwide.

What do we do to bring a Canadian vibe and style to the world wide contributions for reggae music?

"Self praise is no recommendation" is the term that is used to instill humility in all individuals yet as a genre that concept needs to be blown out of the water! WE NEED TO SCREAM from the top of Scarborough Bluffs, to Malton, to Woodbridge, to Jane and Finch, to Regent Park, to Eglinton west, Brampton. Sauga, the Junction, Bayview, Liberty Village to Calgary, BC, Manitoba, Halifax, Vancouver Island, Montreal that reggae in Canada is prime time ready. It has been so since the 1960s to the 1970s to the present day yet many honored on Reggae Lane, internationally known artists, getting paid in other countries get the significant pat on the back with Reggae Lane yet still not paid for their contributions to the planet earth. Sad state of affairs in colonial Canada that many pretend does not exist. The plantation mentality is alive and well in this country and has always been thus.

There are many successful events, radio stations, festivals, and parties occurring all across Canada that generate reggae / Canadian dollars to the province and to these successful promoters' coffers yet none put back into a developmental fund for homegrown artists' performances or careers. Here since the 1960s, it would be prudent for the reggae genre to bond together to produce 'something' but as usual we have more 'chiefs than we have indians'. Everyone is an 'expert', smarter and better than the next yet many stuck in the same barrel. All wish to lead more so than work as a unit to develop a music that we love and an industry that is a necessity, developing jobs and generating capital to the provincial and federal economy.

I as usual have many observations yet no solutions! But as I write I formulate thoughts and plans of how to change the present circumstances, so that this vibrant, uplifting musical genre may hold its own and break through the colonial block that is placed on the genre and its participants.

Support Reggae Canada, buy Reggae Lane

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JuLion's Reggae Lane Celebration Review on 19th September 2015

9/20/2015

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Grateful

That is what I feel about how the Reggae Lane celebration on Saturday 19th September, 2015 went. The greetings of long time brethrens and sistrens who travelled a long road together, some not seeing each other for over two decades hugged and greeted each other with such love! Those moments trumped any thoughts that I might have had in regards to whether the RL initiative was a good idea or not as it pertained to the supposedly controversial location.

Reggae

Reggae won on this day! I got to witness the pure LOVE these veterans felt and the fact that many were able to speak on the microphone and share their day in the sun.

Overcast skies, heavy downpour that threatened to hang around all day yet I knew that all was well. Turned the corner in the parking lot and saw folks milling around under tents seemingly thinking that the day was lost. The clouds relaxed and we had our reggae day.

Blue tarps covering all of the musical equipment and stage donated by Sunshine Sound, Mr. Warren Webley protecting his generous gift of equipment for the event as well as the labour to set up and pull down after the days’ festivities was over. Lots of detractors flapping their gums yet efforts like Sunshine’s must be mentioned as he selflessly aided the event’s success. Forever grateful Papa Shine! Even though all of the politicking and stress you put the community and the music first. Bless Jay Douglas for taking the time and asking Sunshine for his support.

What must it feel like to be honored among your peers, Toronto reggae fans and even the world? Couldn’t tell you what it feels like but I can show you what it looked like. Look at the faces of the veterans!

My best moment of many bests was Jojo Bennett and Joe Isaacs meeting up for the first time in twenty plus years. “Aaatcha” and the other says, “I Caught cha” were the first things out of their mouths. A long time greeting!

The story of Reggae Lane got covered by The Metro News, The Jamaica Star, Tuff Gong Worldwide as well as The Toronto Star yet NO ONE from the Canadian music scene was there. NONE! They never are and never will be!

Who wasn’t there? There were no music people! Sony, Emi, Warner, Attic (don’t think that they still exist), Universal Music, Much Music, Juno committee, CRTC, or any other relevant sources that lets one know that they are a part of the music industry. None were present! Their ability to discard reggae’s involvement, input, showcasing is normal Canadian music industry behavior. On top of fighting the crabs within our own industry, we face disregard from the so called Canadian music industry.

Yet as I have always mentioned, we DO NOT NEED VALIDATION FROM ANYONE! I already know my worth and that of reggae music worldwide so I respect and thank Councillor Josh Colle greatly for recognizing the importance of reggae’s contribution to Canada, preserving it through the naming of Reggae Lane and what we as the fans and participants do with it going forward is totally on us.

Another moment of glee was when Fergus Hambleton held the microphone and free-styled on a riddim. The place went crazy! Lots of folks went up to him afterward and asked him who he was....lmaooooooo!!!! This humble lead singer of The Sattalites answered graciously and moved on to the next. For those who don't know, The Sattalites have been performing at The Orbit Room, 580a College Street west weekly, for over a decade now. EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT!

What do we do with Reggae Lane going forward? How do we get an opportunity to use this leverage that has been bestowed upon us and promote the music properly from within colonial Canada? How do we use the Lane and that parking lot effectively in the years to come? Tourists from around the world are already headed to Reggae Lane to snap photos with the mural. I challenge us the fans and the reggae participants to step up our game even in the face of blatant disregard from the powers that be, Reggae music is needed more in this country and in this time on the planet as is evidenced by reggae's popularity worldwide.

Anyone who doesn't ovastand reggae's popularity and impact need to check out this little piece that I will leave with you. This choir singing in their cathedral is covering three very popular Ras Tafari standards layered with the drums of the Nyabinghi. The average age of this choir seems to be between 70 to 80 years old, white men who felt compelled to sing Ras Tafari standards in their Holy place of worship.

Reggae music does not care where the good hearts are...it just goes there.

Support Toronto / Canadian Reggae... Buy Reggae Lane

Much of the history of that era can be found on the website Reggae Toronto. This little video tells you how much has already happened. Why no Canadian label has found nothing to promote from this era is beyond me...

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Reggae Lane ~ MuraL Unveiling Saturday 19th September 2015 ~ Canadian Reggae Hall Of Fame Presentations ~ The Sattalites

9/11/2015

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Reggae Lane song co-written by Jay Douglas and Bernie Pitters, both Canadian Reggae Hall of Fame 2015 inductees.

I asked Jay Douglas for a piece of history as well as his motivation behind the Reggae Lane tune. This is what he said:

As an artist coming from yard through the guiding light of Jah,who gave me the gift of music
to deliver his message,and the message is love.So i big up Vere Johns opportunity hour,
Tony Cobb pick a star. Let's not forget the foundation Artists such as Blues Busters,Alton & Eddie,Higgs and Wilson, Bob Marley& the Wailers,Del Roy Wilson,Derrick Harriot,Denis Brown,Mighty Diamonds,Freddie Mc Greggor & Jackie Mittoo and many more.

I brought my Reggae foundation to Toronto Canada,just keep on growing till me reach Christie st. Oakwood,Glenholme ave, Vaughan rd.,Lauder ave,St Claire Ave,Ashbury ave, and Eglington ave. Those of us who came here many years a go,can apreaciate the distant memories of the roots and culture every where in Eglinton & Oakwood,Marlee ave to the east of oakwood.Dufferin to the west of oakwood.Reggae lane south of Eglington off oakwood,gave us so much legacy to share with our grand children.I wrote a song called Reggae Lane,in collaboration with Bernie Pitters and Everton Pablo Paul of Side door studio.We would like to share this song with all Brothers and Sisters through out the universe,It's about our history, and when we speak about the past,we must speak in truth.

"It's a soul trek in a Reggae Lane,no fight naa bruk in a Reggae Lane."

Please enjoy Reggae Lane.Big shout out to Bro Julion,Josh and and the rest of the Crew.

Much Blessings.

Stage and sound donated by Sunshine Sound

Warren Webley the Great Sunshine, and icon to the dance party scene (first jam I went to in 1976 was an event at L'amareaux with Papa Sunshine doing his thing), has graciously donated the equipment for this week's coming celebration. Sunshine has been and continues to be a leader within the reggae and Eglinton community. Shy from the limelight, Shine is one of the true heroes of reggae music in this country.

Reggae Lane product for sale on the the day. End of summer stock still available on the day of the event ~ Buy Reggae Lane, support Reggae Canada.

Canadian Reggae World Sponsors

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Newsletter September 2015

9/7/2015

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Reggae in Toronto had many spots in the early days where many are unaware. Bathurst Street, St. Clair Avenue and really flourished on Eglinton Avenue. On Saturday 19th September 2015, Reggae Lane on Egllinton Avenue will be honored. For me, it is also a call to bring some needed energy back to Little Jamaica... For more insight to the growth and regrowth of Little Jamaica, click on the plaque below hit Revitalization of Little Jamaica.

From the Canadian Reggae Directory, our artist feature is a talented Grenadian artist called
Kenny C

King Shadrock @ Sankofa Restaurant & Bar, 1653 Eglinton Avenue west

Business that support CRW and we support them

Contact canadianreggaeworld@gmail.com

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Revitalization of Little Jamaica

9/2/2015

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2nd September 2015

Revitalization of Little Jamaica

Jah bless Josh Colle for honoring reggae contributions in Little Jamaica by naming Reggae Lane. Without a shadow of a doubt, it has brought excitement to many of us reggae heads in Toronto and around Canada. Many like me had the honor and the privilege of being a part of that glorious history as I used to rehearse on the lane years ago with my band IBADAN when Ruffins had a little spot on the lane.

For me and others, it is always an uplifting thing to have one's contributions honored, especially when it is totally unexpected. Why so surprised you ask? Well, none to my knowledge have ever broken through the domestic market in Toronto or Canada. Reggae as a genre in Canada has never been a mainstream entity where folks in Winnipeg or Saskatoon or Halifax know of any artists or songs from a Canuck.

This honor comes as 'progress' ie; the subway moves into the area, making the neighborhood more valuable. In time Little Jamaica will / could be a memory and the landmark left behind to remember this area as well as the era will be Reggae Lane.

The sad part for me is that most of the businesses in the area are renters. Unlike Greek Town on the Danforth or Chinatown on Spadina whose businesses have been flourishing for years, most of Little Jamaica is not owned by Jamaicans, so as progress happens the future is uncertain for fiscal success of said businesses.

Who is to blame?

As usual I internalize the issue. I look directly at me. Again, I am to blame! As a vibrant people with powerful reggae roots, I have not found an opportunity to sustain or to maintain a business or industry making Little Jamaica more of an asset to Canadian culture. My plan is to change my way of thinking in this process. To bring the "realness" of this reggae culture as it is what is being honored on the strip. To invite all Canadians back to the root! Back to where the energy was built and blossomed.

Some have pointed to the choice of the current lane way, viewing it as an insult. As usual, we debate and fight amongst ourselves when positive decisions are made, while others capitalize on the next phase ie; the future of Reggae Lane as well as Little Jamaica. I am putting these words out to the world, challenging myself to find a path in capitalizing on this reggae success and turn it to a growth opportunity for Jamaican / Canadians and for a greater contribution in Toronto and Canada.

When I first arrived in Canada I used to walk the Eglinton strip and hang out with my idrens, listen to music and kick ball with West Indies United Football Club. It was a blessing to me which aided with acclamation to my new home Canada after leaving Jamaica. It was a blessing to share that reggae vibe with friends from Jamaica and those in my new home. Though we seemed to celebrate things differently the common bond is / was the music so I digress. I go to the simplest path...follow the music.

Reggae Lane

The only one in the world!

Yet in this colonial hierarchy that is Canada it is really another case of 'tokenism' it seems. After living here for 39 years and now a 2nd class citizen by law created by the racist leader of the nation Stephen Harper, I am well aware of the 'place' that I am expected to accept.

No attention has ever been paid the reggae artists performing in Canada nor to the music. What is apparent is the use of the genre to create “Canadian successes” like the band Magic yet none of it filters down to the artists or to many participants of the industry as it pertains to Canadian content or upliftment. For instance, Leroy Sibbles, as a stalwart of the Studio One era, has contributed to reggae music more than a band like Magic yet does not receive mainstream airplay in Canada. I’m not upset for Magic’s success; I’m more miffed that all of these music heads and executives in Canada see no path in elevating the reggae music created in this country even when they create the ‘look’ they want from that band and the sound of the music, yet no link to this vibrant industry that has been established for years along Eglinton Avenue and now all over Canada.

Festivals like Jambana, Irie Festival, Redemption and others go with the tried and true formula of bringing big name artists from Jamaica and filter in the odd homegrown reggae artist yet does nothing to elevate their notoriety or careers. Don't get me wrong, I am not vilifying these amazing and necessary festivals. I have been to them and have been fully entertained and am VERY grateful for them and wish the organizers the greatest successes that they deserve based on the hard work put into them year after year and know that not everything was smooth sailing along the way. It took YEARS to attain their place in Canadian business success.

My issue is Little Jamaica and Reggae Lane.

This is where reggae first flourished in Canada whose contributions were so significant that many years later, it is being honored. Even now as a so called 2nd class citizen, I allow no man or manmade laws to determine my worth. I am surer of that worth now as the culture is being honored as such. I intend to take this opportunity to bring Canadians back to Eglinton west aka Little Jamaica, not only for entertainment but seeking business opportunities in the revitalization of a significant culture. One of said ventures is selling the Reggae Lane name in the form of tee shirts and ball caps. Any and all proceeds go back into the promotion of reggae vibes along Eglinton as well as reggae ventures in Toronto and Canada.

"Buy Reggae Lane, support reggae Canada"

I am also working out of Sankofa Restaurant & Bar on Eglinton west, 1653 Eglinton Avenue, west of Oakwood... Friday nights are my night to bring old and new. The venue belongs to African Star, Stuart Brown, a reggae legend to those who know his history.

There will be artists brought up from Jamaica to perform like Kabaka Pyramid and Tinga Stewart that have already graced the stage yet also wish to include live performances by veteran and upcoming bands and artists in Toronto and hopefully other provinces.

It is I goal to bring that energy back to Eglinton west. To elevate the genre as well as Eglinton Avenue!