REFLECTION & REASON

As much as I would have preferred to be live in the building at Amazura in Queens, NY on Black Friday night (November 29) to watch the World Bash New York Edition event, I instead was settled in to observe the Pay Per View stream from my home in Toronto. Presented by Irish and Chin's Sound Chat Radio, the Sound System Concert featured the Dons of NYC: Massive B's Bobby Konders and Jabba, Nexxt Level, Steelie Bashment, and Noah Powa and Polish. Also highlighted was a special crowning of the 4 Kings: Rory (Stone Love Sound), Sky Juice (Metro Media Sound), Jagga B (Affrique Sound), and Glamour Wayne (Gemini Sound). The World Bash Canadian Edition back in August was a vibe; the energy in Toronto's Rebel Night Club was impeccable. High vibrations. I was happy to be there to witness the historic night of culture, tribute, and music in our city, and so I definitely wasn't going to miss the New York one. Like countless others, I rate Garfield Chin Bourne and the significance of...

The beautiful thing about information is that it's readily available and exists in abundance. Whether through formal education, the historical transfer of cultures, or through curated events like this week's Island Music Conference  (IMC) that are specifically catered towards a particular demographic. Founded by  co-CEO's Sharon Burke and Judith Ann Bodley, and event Chairman Dr. Orville Burrell (Shaggy), the Conference is, "an Island meeting place where music professionals share experiences, forge alliances, expand knowledge base, expose new music and talent, and connect with the heartbeat of the global industry," as stated on the event website, with the intention of helping participants navigate challenges, network, and gain education on the business of the island music industry. The event takes place from February 8 through 12, 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica. Keynote speakers over the next few days will include Shaggy (reggae musician, singer, DJ, and actor), Kyle B...

I truly believe that Jamaica is the most powerful, deliberate, and infectious national 'brand' on the planet. Yes, I am 100% biased. For the thousands gathered at Rebel Salute this past weekend (many of whom were visitors) at the Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, they would probably agree: Jamaica is in fact a "real place," and a wonderful one at that. Artist Jahsii during his Friday night performance said that no matter how much he travels the world and experiences other locales, that nowhere else is sweet like Jamaica. Incomparable vibes, one might say. Cultural impressions and perceptions of Jamaica tend to be associated with the impeccable cuisine, infectious rhythms, hypnotic lyrics both in music (and in conversation), confident style, and an overall unforgettable presence. Bob Marley and the kaya, too, of course. For those who don't live on the island, word of mouth, traditional media, and social media are go-to tools for experiencing the da...

The reggae music industry in Canada has existed almost as long as reggae music itself has, with its impact establishing itself in Canada with the emergence of Jamaican artists touring the country in the mid-1960s, and naturally with the increase of Jamaicans relocating north with the implementation of the Canadian Immigration Act of 1967.  This unofficial overview and archive of the reggae music industry in Canada was constructed with the intention of providing a resource for reggae creators, consumers, and supporters in Canada and around the world. This cultural sector is broad, as is any genre. From the musical aspect to the industry and business side, the media, and the consumers, there are many factors that are at work to construct and maintain reggae music in Canada. The following directory lists some of the many important elements of the reggae music industry: Broadcast Radio, Online Media, Recording Artists, Events & Festivals, and DJs & Sounds, collated as a...