Canadian Reggae 2005 to now….
As per usual, CRW has ‘some’ input with the fans of reggaeXclusive with each issue and over the past year, many things have occurred in the Canadian Reggae scene that gives us much encouragement for a stronger and more prosperous future.
The year started for us with the Canadian Reggae Summit where many within the industry came, met, rubbed shoulders shared information and created another step in the re-growth of the Canadian Reggae scene. Not only did it create thought provoking commentary, but it seems to have encouraged a greater determination to bringing the world to Canadian reggae.
Many of our radio personalities are responsible for the resurgence of the Canadian reggae scene and this must be stated. We are not at the point where I am as pleased with the work that should be done, like EVERY Canadian Reggae radio personality playing five (5) of the same Canadian Reggae artists on their shows EVERY week for months. Building our culture is far more important and worthwhile based on the talent that performs and resides in this country. CRW sends out a HUGE big up to Lauren Speers aka DJ Chocolate of CKLN 88.1FM proudly playing Canadian Reggae artists on her weekly show and spinning at many local and international venues waving the Canadian Reggae flag.
Large respect to Leo Cripps in Calgary for a successful radio show at times playing 100% Canadian reggae and one of the head organizers for the Calgary Reggae Festival http://www.calgaryreggaefestival.com/.
Large. large respect to American radio personality, Mary Grace Siracuse of Dunkirk NY, who is known to play 50% to 60% to 70% of her radio show focused on Canadian Reggae. In Canada the quota is supposed to be 30% and some radio personalities struggle to fill that quota. Mary finds artists.. calls them at home, emails them calls a friend and finds tracks to play. She is a proud friend of Canada and we a blessed to have her.
Carrie Mullings, Miss Pluggy Pluggy… A member of Canada’s First Family of Reggae! Her famous performing sister Tanya and the rest of the Mullings clan lost the ‘godfather’ of Canadian Reggae, their father, Karl Mullings last year. Karl’s contributions are too numerous to fit in this very small article, but for those who know and understand, includes ALL talent within this genre, will attest to the continuing and daily works of Carrie carrying on his legacy. From sitting on the panel of the CRW Summit http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/ReggaeSummit2006Review.htm to organizer / judge for “Canadian Reggae Star” on RASE TV www.rasetv.ca, to Toronto liaison for the Montreal Reggae Festival www.montrealreggaefestival.com, and host of Rebel Vibes on CHRY 105.5FM, Miss Carrie proudly waves the Canadian Reggae flag.
No list is complete without Patrick Roots of CIUT 89.5FM, “Reggae Riddims” every Wednesday night from 8:00pm – 10:00pm. My personal appreciation to the Roots Man is extensive to say the least. From the first time we met up to do reporting on the Canadian reggae scene, Patrick has opened up his show to promoting Canadian reggae on a weekly basis and many venues have benefited from his generosity. Many of these venues have seen an increase in bar sales with Roots promoting events on his show. No Reggae Riddims show is complete without a HEAVY lacing of Canadian reggae sounds as well as interviews from those performing in the genre. For my money, he is most responsible the biggest upward growth of this section of the Canadian Reggae journey.
If we could entice all radio personalities to correspond amongst themselves and inject Canadian reggae pride to all shows we may be able to sell Canadian reggae product right here at home, and include more growth internationally.
As I have alluded to in the past, the Canadian reggae scene took an unfortunate nose dive over the past few years. The closing of the Bamboo was a HUGE part of that change. Many live performers went underground as others found the studio. That awesome ‘rootical’ vibe that was synonymous with Bamboo reggae nights and the rooftop were now gone. Folks found no reggae haven to anchor themselves. This lull was partially responsible for the growth of CRW finding bits of reggae news and bringing the information to those starving for it. So I went on my mission looking for that spiritual vibe where Idrens and Sistrens or all ages, race, creeds and colors could come together and vibe on a level of ‘Oneness’. I found superheavyREGGAE! Friendlyness, Jeremy and I-Sax took on the challenge and single handedly kept the reggae fires burning within that lull in the city of Toronto. Artists, musicians, radio personalities, selectors, managers, promoters and fans all converged at 56 Kensington. Selectors Friendly and Jeremy blazed to culture tunes, chanting Rastafari with I-Sax bringing the live element with the sax or the flute and Friendly toasting, and at time playing the melodica. superheavyREGGAE sessions are now legendary http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/superheavyREGGAE.htm see a tiny snippet of a vibe. Thank you my brethrens!
Now moving to Thymeless, 355 College Street, the vibe has spread to Zion Gate Sound each first Saturday, superheavyREGGAE every second Saturday and Patrick Roots and DJ Chocolate every third. Each now also include performers on the microphone like Toronto legend Chester Miller as well as established rising stars like Rah Lion, Chatta, Treson, the great Anthony Malvo and many other established and talented artists.
As we progressed CRW was able to find a home for live music for a time. Indian Motorcycle aka The Original Motorcycle Café and Lounge which hosted our last performance on Thursday May 25th, 2006 http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/OMphotogallery.htm. This was a great aid in bringing back live reggae music to old and new fans alike. Michael Garrick and the Hardcore Band, Mountain Edge Kaya, IBADAN, Jason Wilson and Tabarruk, Chosen Fiyuh, The Arsenals, The Dream Band, Treson, Sonia Collymore, King Selah, Errol Organs, Junior Miller, Majestic Warrior all worked in rotation to aid in reminding the audience of the great reggae talent here in Canada. Patrick Roots, DJ Chocolate, Kulcha Ites, Empress Divine, superheavyREGGAE, Zion Gate, Tony Barnes and Sweet Tee, ‘The Juiceman’ Jonathan Shaw all hit the turntables to keep the vibe alive in-between sets. As we transition, the website www.canadianreggaeworld.com is there to keep all posted and as we find our new home, it will be duly posted.
Our journey continues and we are blessed to consistently bring a vibe that is necessary as well as of an extremely high caliber. We thank so many for the support and the kind words and constant support. Our growths in the various communities attest to the support that we receive from many true reggae fans.
Bless,
JuLion