<![CDATA[CANADIAN REGGAE WORLD

<![CDATA[CANADIAN REGGAE WORLD - Blog]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:19:27 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Creating Great Reggae Music]]>Sat, 20 Apr 2024 18:50:47 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/creating-great-reggae-music

Old school

Ol skool

A suh dem call wi

Reggae music, Jamaica music, Mento, Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae through the late 60s to the 70s, 80s & 90s produced masterpieces to the world

Many of the artists today recycle those riddims, bass lines, lyrics and even covering those historic tunes

The 50s into the 60s, many Jamaican artists had the ability to play musical instruments, rehearsed together for hours and invented so much within the music, entertaining audiences with a feel good factor, driving the dances that developed from the music of the day

Everyone was seeking the next hit

From listening to some of the foundation artists, they recorded just so that they could be heard on the radio. That was the driving force more so than haggling for money

Sadly, pretty much all of the musicians, singers and performers made very little money from their music getting ripped off by the producers of the time, yet some of the greatest music was produced under these horrid circumstances

Some, like myself am fully aware that reggae today does not carry the same impact as the artists and the songs from bygone times

There is so much great reggae music that it is highly possible that we don't need any new music nor any new reggae stars to shine more light on this corrupt world where we all reside as it has all already been said and done by the veterans. There is no more great reggae music to be had. The time of leadership from the music has passed as we no longer hero worship performers as we did with Marley, Spear, Tosh and the like

The corruption seems to have penetrated to the core of the music where there is no reward for rehearsal with instruments and most importantly, eaten away at consciousness within the lyrical content of today's offerings

First, rehearsal:

Not as many people play instruments anymore it seems, and if the number is the same, there are no bands

No live reggae bands to speak of

One of the reasons I believe, is the time we currently live in. Narcissism is encouraged enough where everyone is the star. Many who play instruments well wish the spotlight for themselves so there seems to be no path to playing with a team / band

Everyone is a star today if one has tik tok or Instagram to entertain between 2 to 100 people daily with their posts. For many, this is enough. The instant gratification of 10 likes is more enticing and rewarding than 3 hours per day, 6 - 7 days per week, for 6 months to a year of grinding just to get small gigs

One cannot blame the players of instruments in this time who do not wish to practice

Consciousness:

Today, everyone is wise

Everyone knows everything

Save the world, save the whale, stop the war, save the children, peace & love etc is completely played out

Folks don't wish to be preached to in these times

Human rights have become a truly complicated message in this day and age

Yet

Consciousness is key

The right message/s will find the right person / people so I'm always optimistic

Live bands

Studio musicians

Conscious artists

These I feel are the root to creating great reggae music within any era

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]]><![CDATA[CRW - Reggae Report - Sangie Davis - Bob Marley Commentary]]>Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:56:46 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/crw-reggae-report-sangie-davis-bob-marley-commentary

Greetings in the name of the Most High Emperor Haile Selassie l and Empress Menen, masculine and feminine in full balance

Canadian Reggae World is a space I created many moons ago, late 80s early 90s because I was aware that there was no space to market the IBADAN album, "Do It" released early 90s to a Canadian audience, locally nor nationally. Also there was nowhere to find reggae events in the city or the country for that matter. I was hoping to bond the country through reggae music

The site was supposed to be a conduit from Toronto to the entire country of Canada and to the world audience alike

I dubbed myself, "The Canadian Reggae Defender"

Once I knighted myself, I set off to just bring "reggae"

Within reggae, there are caverns deep; Marianna's Trench deep of history, knowledge, feel, truth and rights and love

I know a few things reggae

I have lived a few things reggae

And I still only know a thimble full of things of Jamaica music

While visiting with jazz master, in Jamaica, brother Benjy Myaz, I learnt that in his extended family, a part of the root of reggae, a brother named Sangie Davis

Sangie passed through the Rebel Salute rehearsal to link up with Benjy. As I observed him, it is clear that he was known by many and that he was revered, in the way some greeted him

He and his wife sat in on Benjy's rehearsal this day. My interest was obviously peaked so I listened to stories about him

I was pretty blown away by his resume, and as blown away that I knew nothing of this highly talented songwriter who wrote for Bob Marley (Wake up and Live) and Dennis Brown and so many others in Jamaica musical history

I spent a few moments with him at Rebel Salute 2024 and felt compelled to educate myself as well as the reggae world to Sangie Davis from this meeting

The information is overwhelming of projects and artists he has written with, while strumming on his guitar

Ask some fans, friends, artists and musicians about Sangie and it is enough to know that I should say something about this gifted soul

At Rebel Salute, me in the back seat and him in the passenger seat and we shared some moments of his exploits

I was aware that I was with a humble man and a great man. He contributed greatly to this culture of reggae, in the most positive ways and is still contributing to this very day

Spotlight: Anthony Sangie Davis giving flowers and iziz to de Lion while him still deh yah

The Canadian Reggae Defender signing off

~ ~ ~

First photo, back in the day with Spear, Jacob & Bob. Photos two and three at Rebel Salute rehearsal with Benjy Myaz. Fourth photo taken at Rebel Salute 19th January, 2024

Natural Mystic

We must become bigger than we have been: more courageous, greater in spirit, larger in outlook. We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudice, owing our ultimate allegiance not to nations but to our fellow men within the human community." Haile Selassie l

Like I n I, Bob Marley was no saint

No need to defend his actions as he is no more or less human than myself

My overriding message that is undeniable to any honorable soul, love or hate Bob, is Bob’s service to the human community globally

His loving message of connectivity for humanity to counteract the corruption of babylon

That is an undeniable truth

I feel grateful more now as the haters, hate, the light of Marley’s love shines brighter

The prophecy of “members of a new race” by His Majesty manifests in this time

]]><![CDATA[ReggaeXclusive - Rebel Salute - 19th January, 2024 - Benjy Myaz]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 22:14:38 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/reggaexclusive-rebel-salute-19th-january-2024-benjy-myaz

The greatest showcase concert for talented, veteran, up and coming and established Jamaican reggae artists is Rebel Salute, celebrating their 30th year

30 for 30

Thirty years of performance and an artist line up of thirty individuals over two days

This year I forward to the event as CRW, as a guest of jazz master and reggae star Benjy Myaz, an honor to be sure and a chance to celebrate reggae music with artists and fans alike

We were there for Friday 19th of January only and witnessed great performances

The acts that I witnessed on the big stage were pretty awesome. Young Samory I, a conscious artist, put down some great works, behind some deep bass grooves

I fulljoyed Richie Stephes set greatly and my brother Leroy Gibbons is as good as he ever was

Tony Rebel, the man that the event is named for, went through his catalog of hits and had the joint bouncing from beginning to end

Performance of the night for me was my host Benjy Myaz. The versatility and change of tempo of his set mesmerized the Rebel Salute audience and the accolades since the show night are still coming in. Benjy took us on a ride with love tunes, roots and culture and message tunes. The horn section "Top Brass" added a bit of fire to not only Benjy but to all other performers

Rebel Salute is a massive production!

A Rastafari production of music and herb celebration

As the largest showcase event for reggae artists, it is a concert event to be protected for the upful future of reggae music... for Jamaica music and encouragement for the youth of the day

I am grateful to have witnessed a small part of this powerful event and look forward to the 2025 Salute

As a result of time spent together and mutual respect over the years, I am now the International Liason / Coordinator for Benjy Myaz, one Jamaica's top level Jazz Masters as we eye Europe, Canada and Africa for upcoming dates. A role I relish and look forward to in future times

canadianreggaeworld@gmail.com is the place to contact for team Benjy Myaz and for his current EPK

Reggae and RasTafari are positive conduits to this global audience and Salute can be a great ambassador to the world

RasTafari love to all

]]><![CDATA[Kabaka Pyramid wins 2023 Reggae Grammy]]>Tue, 07 Feb 2023 22:00:35 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/kabaka-pyramid-wins-2023-reggae-grammy

For the man, the artist and the person that I met, this is a most deserving award, because we still put so much credence in winning one of the music industry's most coveted awards

Last year, when a white reggae band, Soja, won the award, there was a massive upheaval for some, watching as white culture infiltrated once again, not only performing, but winning the award

Some tell me that Soja deserved the award based on their contributions that are over a decade of music, touring and performing yet it still does not / did not sit well with many

Non-Jamaicans winning global / American reggae awards seem ludicrous with the NUMBERS of artists, songs and decades of performers doing it on the island. But once the genre leaves Jamaican shores, anything can gwaan

We have no power inside or outside of Jamaica for the protection of reggae nor reggae artists as far as I'm concerned. The numbers of veteran artists suffering financially at this time is one clear indicator of the lack of focus Jamaica's governing bodies have in protecting solid contributors over the years. The numbers of artist's works in the genre on the rock leaves little room for foreign reggae artists and bands, yet they can end up winning because it is actually "their" award show

We are always at the mercy of the machine that runs the game

Well deserved win for Kabaka Pyramid, who is a young artist with a fairly deep catalogue and is a highly conscious RasTaman. For him to reap any rewards based on talent and hard work, creating more sales for this souljah is a blessing for I man to witness

Consciousness spotlighted is a plus for the planet

I met Kabaka Pyramid through Canadian / Jamaican reggae legend African Star, Stuart Brown, at his spot on Eglinton at the time, called Sankofa, when he and his band were in Toronto for a performance {2015 maybe}

I went to the presser to interview him but when I arrived, I saw the signs of an artist that had done one too many interviews in a short space of time, so I took a step back and allowed him to just chill. Yet as the evening rolled on we came together, one on one, and shared a few moments just reasoning. I will obviously remember it far more than he will. I was struck then at his humility and a mannerly, gracious spirit and felt like I got much more than an interview

We had a moment

It is blessing to me that this artist reaps rewards in this biased and skewed game of international awards, giving ises to a conscious Rastaman with positive messages for the planet

Congratulations Kabaka Pyramid on your Grammy 2023 award win and continued success

JuLion

]]><![CDATA[Ras Spanky ~ Sovereign Smoke]]>Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:07:37 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/ras-spanky-sovereign-smoke

A man in Jamaica sent a letter to all his relatives, through a 3rd party, that he had died and needed some aid with the funeral. The families abroad sent thousands so that dude could have a proper burial

Our bredrin, collected all of the money, bought a house, a van and started a successful delivery business which his family soon heard about and started to cuss my dude on how deceitful he is

Our bredrin wrote back to the family saying, “If I asked you all to invest in a home, van or business with me, none of you would yet you will pay for my death”

Moral of the story, give love, praise, money, honor to those who you live with today

Spanky gave me this story which I wrote in my own interpretation, but yu ketch the drift

Spanky persevered through the abusive fire of babylon and 2023 him still deh yah

He lives a life guided by Garvey, Malcolm, Nanny molded by Haile Selassie l. The world loves to honor man and man after dem nuh deh bout so I honor him today because I man rate how he stood up to over three hundred raids {I guestimate} and standing firm as Sovereign Smoke today

Simeon Johnson, Ras Spanky is a general in my community who has paid dearly for his efforts to service his community as herb man, a business owner, owner and selecta of Stur Gav

A reggae souljah, a RasTafari elder who has persevered close to three decades to move DJ Records, his business name for 25 years, to Sovereign Smoke today

I asked him how many times he has been raided by de guy dem. I asked, "100 times?" and he says, "more dan dat man", I asked, "200 times?" he says, "more Dan dat man", I ask, "300 times?" to which he said, "de numba cyaa count"

Whatever the number busts, de numba nuh matta, Ras Spanky still deh pon de block, serving his community

I pride myself as a reggae man and others know me as such and a part of my reggae job is to spotlight the souljahs in the game that have elevated our culture and in his case, continues to do so

Twenty-five plus years at 2508 Eglinton Avenue West, there are volumes of vinyl for sale, RasTafari products, djembes, roots drinks and tonics, which are always available to the public

On a Friday evening, we are running a series with DJs within the city, who contribute to Toronto / Canadian reggae culture. Last Friday, 13 January, David Kingston was behind the decks playing so fire tracks. As some may be aware, David had a truly popular show while CKLN 88.1FM was still functional

David Kingston a true godfather of the Canadian reggae scene and highly respected for his contribution. Truth is, he fulljoyed de ting so much that he will be coming back again and again

Friday 20th features Patrick Roots of CIUT 89.5FM, with his show Reggae Riddims. Patrick will be on air, volunteering his time to play reggae music, for over 30 years to date

Each week, each Friday, we will bring legends, up and coming, veteran, rookie DJs at Sovereign Smoke

This is that opportunity for our community to thank this relentless businessman with our collective support. Come over to Eglinton and Keele and purchase reggae vinyl and bring positive vibez and profitability to de culcha

]]><![CDATA[Marley Lights at Toronto City Hall 2023]]>Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:33:24 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/marley-lights-at-toronto-city-hall-2023

Toronto City Hall is set to honor the reggae King, Bob Marley, this year once again, by turning the LED lights to red, gold and green (it is always a challenge to get the right sequencing of the colors, but in the end, I'm still very proud)

Why?

The colors of RasTafari have penetrated to the core of the colonial culture that has abused its people since the inception of the doctrine by Leonard Percival Howell and others, pointing to that black King from the east, Haile Selassie l, as a black God

No, I'm not arguing theology or religion, I'm framing a life lived by many, who needed a path away from the abusive religions used to dominate African minds

A black God

His Majesty showed an honorable truth to the world

Bob believed that the powers of RasTafari could bring the love of humanity to politicians Manley and Seaga, to stop the alleged CIA infiltration to the JA governments, both PNP as well as JLP and stop the blood shed, that is still ongoing today

What many are unaware of, is that at street level, all a de bad man dem were willing to accept peace, and nuff waring factions actually met up to stop the violence to Jamaican people

The peace worked

And then it didn't

And the blood letting continues today mostly to one "class" of Jamaicans

The Peace Concert

RasTafari

Bob's actions were clearly about peace and true love of humanity

It is an honor to witness the colors by City Hall as they honor one of RasTafari greatest souljahs

Walk with your drum (if it nuh too cold. It's always freezing cold on that day). If not, we will chant a few tunes together

]]><![CDATA[Sovereign Smoke]]>Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:56:31 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/sovereign-smoke

Sovereign Smoke, formerly DJ Records, is doing a soft launch for the “day ones” who frequented DJ Records back in the day

For many moons, Ras Spanky has been on Eglinton West, providing a herb service to the community, rain or shine. De babylouse raided the establishment probably over 300 times within that stretch and Ras Simeon has stood firm to this day

He is now able to do so without harassment from de bwoy dem

We are inviting you to come see the newly renovated store

Between 7:00pm to 10:00pm, Monday, 5th December, 2022

Co-host for the event is five time Juno Award winner, Exco Levi

Performances by Exco Levi, Dub Trinity, Johnson Code and Howie Smart

Spinning tunes for the legendary Stur Gav Sound will be selectas Mally Bless, Shawn & I-Wayne

A small peek of the transition

Click on photos to expand

]]><![CDATA[I Identify As Maroon]]>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:36:19 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/i-identify-as-maroon

Maroons," a word derived from "Cimarron," which means "fierce" or "unruly."

The term signifies, " being left behind"

Marooned

Yet in our indomitable way, we make this term into one of sheer pride

A name by choice not identifying with the abusive colonizer and their centuries long brutality against Africans

Who are the Maroons?

We were indoctrinated by the colonizer horseshit literature who told us that the Maroons were captured Africans who escaped plantations into Cockpit country where they were left alone because of the fierce nature of the people

Tactically, from a military standpoint, it was also quite difficult for the colonizer to mount any effective attacks up the side of a mountain which the Maroons and people like Three Finger Jack effectively defended themselves

The Maroons fought so well that the British finally gave up and signed a treaty saying that they would leave these people alone

What other, more recent histories, conversely far more ancient, have taught is that Africans sailed to the Caribbean, South and North America, CENTURIES before the european ever built a single boat hence the features on the sculptures as well as pyramids, similar in their spectacular constructions in Africa initially (there is no fucking "middle east", it is ALL Africa)

It is strongly believed that these Africans are the ancestors of the so called Maroons and many so called Jamaicans to this very day

I for one, learning of the teachings and exploits of Queen Nanny, Garvey, Howell and many others, this "mandigo pride" is deep within many of us born on the rock

The lawlessness, murder rate, corruption and crime in Jamaica is orchestrated by the colonizer and their mascots like governor generals and prime ministers who invest in the murder of Jamaican people carrying out their master's wishes

Organized poverty is deliberately programmed into certain communities and the violence is now sixty (60) years running, including the deaths of thousands

These mascot blame the people and the music, distracting those who don't ovastand the abuses of "the corporation" and its organized corruption

Colonial abuses are well documented from Hong Kong, Bombay to Kenya to Ghana to Kingston, Jamaica. This again isn't news

If we seek any change, it must be away from the colonizer abuser

I am a Maroon

I identify as such

I do not condone abuse or violence to other humans as honorable behavior

There is no honor in abuse

Many Jamaicans today, not in Cockpit Country are also Maroons. There are many Africans in Halifax, brought there by the colonizer, facing further abuse who are direct descendants of Maroons, who got sent there by order of the aforementioned treaty signed, when England could not bend the knee of the Maroon

"They" have the seat of power saying that they "conquered" humans and "discovered" land ie; Columbus, Knights Templar and many other dishonorable europeans, which is maintained through continued corruption

We ovastand their importance paid to belittling Africans

I do not ascribe to being belittled

I see today the abuse continues with the current prime minstrel picking a fight with the Maroons in Cockpit Country, mining bauxite and poisoning the clean drinking water systems, rivers and lungs of the children and vegetation of Cockpit Country with toxic fumes and chemicals used in bauxite mining

The fresh drinking water is far more valuable than bauxite but colinizer abuses cannot be stopped... it seems

Chief Richard Currie of Accompong, is standing his ground with his people and fellow Maroon leadership, who defend themselves against the abuse of the Jamaican police ordered by the prime minstrel

No Jamaican government, since the hypocrisy of "independence" with the exception of prime minster Michael Manley, has protected the Jamaican people from colonizer abuse. They have all been highly corruptible humans, doing nothing to develop the talent rich Jamaican population

I identify as Maroon

Even though I am not on the front lines, I will do my best to elevate the Maroon community because they love themselves and stand with pride and honor throughout history

~

Below, is a novelette I wrote a few years ago about Three Finger Jack. A fiction based in much of the folklore I grew up with. Jack refused to be enslaved. He was a hero of mine when I heard about in in prep school when I was only nine years old

I wrote it in mind as a movie some day

Three Finger Jack ~ The Spirit of Jamaica on Amazon (yes, it a sell inna babylon)

The statue of an Olmec head, found in Mexico, does not have caucasian features. Like, none!

What it does look like is GREATLY African and supposedly dates back to 900 BC. When folks create the features of a deity, it usually looks like not only the sculptors but also the entire civilization at the time. Anything the european cannot explain, that is clearly African, they tell our children that aliens did it

Reasoning and deduction. I am no historian, anthropologist nor a scientist... I do not really know the science (an important necessity in this time... bullshit). I have my eyesight and that sculpture is clearly African which can be honestly explained as intercontinental travel... by boat / ship. This information is in no schooling system for 2,000 years now

The BS is centuries deep

I want better for Jamaica

I have a need, a will, a calling to do better for the next likkle me that is alive and well today somewhere on the island

I believe the world benefits even greater from elevated Jamaican spirit

I identify with the Maroon spirit

]]><![CDATA[Reggae in the Ring - Feel Reggae - Sound System Edition ~ JuLion Boxing Exhibition]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:11:21 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/reggae-in-the-ring-feel-reggae-sound-system-edition-julion-boxing-exhibition

Reggae in The Ring, Feel Reggae ~Sound System Edition

Feel Reggae will host a Sound System edition featuring, King Stereograph, Stur Gav Sound, Ras Spanky with guest David Kingston & Tippa Irie

For those of you who have never experienced this bass sound, the clarity and the sweetness, RasSpanky a go string up the sound fey u. I have watched him do it and photographed the process. See evidence in photos to come

Four {4} exhibition bouts

JuLion vs Opponent to be named

One ladies bout and a couple more to be named

More details to come

]]><![CDATA[Corporate Vampirism Infiltrates Marley Brand]]>Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:47:23 GMThttp://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/blog/corporate-vampirism-infiltrates-marley-brand

The over-commerciality of Bob Marley, a humble RasTafari, is being further tainted by a horrendous babylonian machine, intent on turning the Marley name from an uplifting energy to a point where many in the global fanbase hate the Marley brand and what it stands for

It is like there is a corrupt, demonic energy intent on changing the Marley love to corporate hate

The latest issue is Tuff Gong crushing veteran, Jamaican, reggae artists by reportedly taking over a Sirius radio channel, removing their music (royalty payments) and injecting all Marley tunes and keeping all profits for themselves. A vampire ting dat if it is true

We know if Bob were alive today, this would never happen

The merchandising of the Marley brand gets a pass because of who Bob was but it has been very clear for a time now that a bunch of corporate lizards are running his brand and deliberately ruining the true love legacy of dat Marley yout

It seems like a deliberate program to have the world eventually hate the Marley brand and their agenda is working. Many now do not want to hear about Bob Marley anymore

The corporate lizards are winning

"Babylon system is a vampire, sucking the blood of the sufferer" and we, his adoring fans, wear his countenance on various clothing items with great pride because of the love that he signifies

He is a symbol of love, through the guidance of RasTafari

RasTafari is not sainthood

Yet

The virtues of honor, respect, integrity and nobility guide the teachings of His Majesty to believer and non-believer alike

Bob was an honorable yout

This Tuff Gong taking over on Sirius radio show, The Joint, is dishonorable

It is a vampire move

Those who guide the Marley brand and the Tuff Gong brand seem to be the vampires that have invaded the camp. Their focus is the "bottom line" which are responsible business practices for their share holders yet as a fan of Bob's essence, his impact on me as a man, I find their practices deeply toxic to the global community

Maybe this is the intent of the corporation

"Dem a go tired fe si wi face" another prophetic line of The Gong bares witness in this time

Someone mentioned boycotting the brand since all that they care about is the bottom line. Might be effective to significantly affect that prescious bottom line to punish them but that's not my path as Bob's essence as a proud ambassador of RasTafari is still a positive energy that they are trying to pimp

Do some righteous things going forward an yu can stave off de bonfire

Modify the Sirius reggae show and include ALL the veterans who are as responsible for where the reggae culture is today. Gi dem some food to

Anything with the Bob Marley name on it is for the people, which includes the beach that carries his name, which means Jamaican people can go a dem own beach

Set up a football academy and give Jamaican youths a better chance as we have already proven is worth investment based on the numbers of internationals around the world. Appoint Alan Skill Cole as director. Bob would love dat

Create a fund to teach Jamaican children the use of all instruments, all in the Marley energy

Do some righteous things and maintain the honor in his name

The hatred for one of our most glorious souljahs is growing and it isn't about bad mind or jealousy. It isnt about Bob Marley. It is about those who now run and guide these entities. Make your profits all you like yet treat the public more respectfully. Treat other reggae artists respectfully. Do it now before more folks start to hate on the Marley name

Ovastand, I will forever be a Bob Marley fan... been one since I was 13 years old

I feel like those running his businesses are plotting against that upful RasTafari energy which is the true essence of Robert Nesta Marley

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