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February 2006 Canadian Reggae Summit 2006 Notes by JuLion
From my, some may consider, biased viewpoint, the Canadian Reggae Summit 2006 at the Harbourfront Centre was a success on many levels. When an industry has drawn on its participants on its various levels and they come out and contribute, this is a positive.
Before we go any further, I must say a HUGE thank you to the Harfourfront Centre (and the support staff) for providing an international stage to showcase Canadian Reggae and very special thanks to Dalton Higgins, Artistic Associate, Music for having the foresight and the vision to reach out and aiding the growth of Canadian Reggae into another level.
Big thank you goes out to the Jamaica Gleaner, The Star and the EXTRA (Stephanie Williams and Neil Armstrong) whose consistent support for Canadian Reggae is undeniable based on their support of other functions as well as their coverage of the event given in the weeks leading up to the Summit.
Much has to be said for the community radio personnel who unselfishly gave of their time to support growth initiatives. Thank you Patrick Roots, Jahmin, Natty B, Carrie Mullings, DJ Chocolate and Tony Barnes. Giving thanks to Friendlyness of superheavyREGGAE who also gave up a day to support the event and lend knowledge.
Much love and respect to Alain P.
Arthur, Denise Jones and Frank Willison whose vast experience had many
flocking to them after the
Thank you Michael St. George for your mediator / moderator role which by no stretch was an easy task but you stood by your post admirably.
And a BIG THANK YOU, to Peter ‘Burna’ Holung and the IBADAN crew of Chris Shim, Edwin Harrigan and Donovan ‘Pops’ Stines and John Barkie filling in, for making the Showcase section a very memorable event.
Massive props to the artists that gave their talents to elevate the industry that night. Plasma Records recording artist Belinda Brady, Treson, (gospel star) Kay Morris, King Ujah and two-time Juno and multiple Canadian reggae Music Award winner Sonia Collymore and Juno award winner Blessed. Some of the crème de la crème of Canadian reggae made it a very strong ending.
We walked a stretch of road together on Saturday February 4th, 2006 and had many questions raised and unanswered to date, and I am very pleased at that, as I hope some will continue to seek answers that will encourage real growth in this genre.
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Carrie Mullings, DJ Chocolate, Jahmin and Michael St. George |
Frinedlyness and Natty B |
Natty B, Tony Barnes and Carrie Mullings |
The ladies holding it down |
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The “Demo Derby” as it was called featured, Carrie Mullings and Natty B (CHRY), Tony Barnes and DJ Chocolate of (CKLN), Jahmin and Patrick Roots of (CIUT) and Friendlyness (member of Truths and Rights and a selector superheavyREGGAE). The objective was to showcase these folks to the artists within the genre and to educate them as to expectations of the quality of submitted music for airplay. There were many submissions in various states from demo quality mixes to completed, mastered albums by performing artists like Jah Beng and Kidd Rasta.
All went well, even when some of the audience did not seem to agree with the panels decisions. For instance there was a dancehall track that garnered much attention when many of the panelists said it would not be played on their shows based on its lyrical content and message. Some in the audience were irate at what seemed to be ‘censorship’ on the panel’s part and for them to, “play the music and let the fans decide”. Some in the panel stood firm and pointed out that they were seeking music with more spiritual and positive vibes in the face of the youth violence and gun violence today.
What was important to be noted is
that the Demo Derby has a bigger future in the life of Canadian reggae
music. Good idea
Other Moments included… |
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Patrick Roots and a fan |
Neil Armstrong of the Gleaner, Star, Extra |
Frank Willison brought forth thoughtful, calculated responses |
The very articulate Alain P. Arthur |
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And… |
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Talented and beautiful artists |
Jeffery Judah and Kidd Rasta |
Poet, designer Peculiar I |
Author Klive Walker |
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And |
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Sonia Collymore coming out to support Blessed |
St. George holing up “Dubwise” |
Denise Jones |
Ever fashionable Kay Morris |
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Frank Willison (Nuff Entertainment), Denise Jones of Jones and Jones Production Limited and Alain P. Arthur of Omni TV were also a huge hit. All three were seasoned, experienced, long time contributors to this genre and brought much information forward. Frank’s message focused on all of us coming together and supporting ourselves. He encouraged all in the room to go out and purchases the albums of our contemporaries and having our friends and family members doing the same. We are all completely responsible for the state of our industry as well as aiding in its upliftment and growth.
Alain Arthur encouraged the artists to make videos! He pointed that the video was a calling card to be sent out around the world, pointing out that there weren’t enough reggae videos on the market and that the artists needed to find the necessary dollars it took to make strong videos, implying that the amounts given by Videofact may not be enough to produce a quality product to test against videos on MuchMusic or BET. Another conversation that needs a bit of attention and further exploration!
Denise Jones’s biggest message was pushing many within the reggae fraternity to get involved! Juno Award Committees, CARAS, Socan, Factor, Grant and loan agencies and any other part of the industry that affects or makes decisions about our musical fates. Get involved! The more we do so the more we will be able to make proper changes that will encourage our further growth.
We are progressing as a genre… Step by step we are reaching some milestones which we were once achieving and seeking to surpass this time around. We have more pushing in a positive direction… the future is looking brighter from where I am sitting.
Bless,
JuLion |
This article will appear in the March issue of ReggaeXclusive
