Music: Reggae
Aspects of African Canadian Music
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Reggae/DanceHall
Keith Buddle - "J.A. Connection" (vocalist, musician)
Keith has been performing since the age of fourteen when he started singing in the nightclub circuit of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Moving to Canada to attend university, Keith became involved in the Canadian music scene playing with various rock 'n roll acts as well as performing as a solo act. Keith has performed with groups such as "Jerry Jerome and the Cardells" (calypso) and the funk band, "The Cougars". He formed J.A. Connection to perform and record his original material which is mostly reggae, R & B and calypso and has played at various clubs in Toronto such as PWDS's and the Bamboo Club. He has also played at events such as the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Jay Douglas - Jamaican Canadian Music Ambassador
Jay Douglas' musical career began as a member of his church choir during his youth in Jamaica. His future as a singer was sealed when he captured first prize in an amateur talent contest when he was fifteen years old. Since coming to Canada, Jay as opened for many major American R&B acts including Fats Domino, Cissy Houston and Sweet Inspiration. He has performed on every continent expect Australia. His talents extend beyond music into theatre and he was an original cast member of Black Theatre Canada's production "One More Stop on the Freedom Train".
Discography includes: "Wish Someone Would Care"
Congo Katt
Toronto artist reggae artist Congo Katt has been described as having a dancehall sound that sounds at times like "Burning Spear". Lead singer, Katt (Egerton James) and his crew are popular among fans of the small but thriving Canadian reggae scene with a number of new and established artists releasing material every year.
Discography includes:"Zion Move"
Inspector Lenny (reggae performer, rapper, songwriter and entertainer)
Inspector Lenny was born Devon Anthony Stewart in Prospect St. Thomas, Jamaica, and migrated to Canada in 1978. He soon got involved as a selector on different sound systems in the Toronto area. In 1988 Lenny moved from a successful stint as an award-winning Toronto DJ to a recording career, and has released six duets and ten singles. In 1990 he won Best Male Performer of the Year at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards and in 1994 he won a Juno nomination in the Reggae category. Lenny has performed in Canada, Jamaica and New York with top reggae entertainers such as Third World, Freddie McGreggor, Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton.
Discography includes: "Mr. Walker", "Rapping For My Life".
Donna Makeda (singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer)
Touted as "Canada's new reggae music queen", Donna Makeda has lit the local cultural entertainment scene on fire with her positive lyrics and infectious dancehall/hip hop beats. Her electrifying stage show also features Trinidad and Tobago soca group "Burning Flame" as backup singers and dancers. Makeda was voted "Best Female Reggae Newcomer" at the 1996 Canadian Reggae Music Awards and has opened for many international recording artists such as Culture, Cutty Ranks and Judy Mowatt.
Donna Makeda's Discography includes: "Jah Is Real", "South Africa" (Uprising International Music)
Carla Marshall (dancehall artist)
Carla Marshall has been dubbed Canada's "Dancehall Goddess". Dancehall, Jamaica's raunchy cousin to reggae is known as much for its "slackness" (read: an unabashed explicitness, usually with a hunorous twist) as for its flamboyant performers, outrageous fashions and hypnotic beats. Whether its musical roots or world politics, Marshall is quick-witted and sassy. She'll show up on stage in a merry-widow corset and gartered fishnet hose, looking like (The Artist Formerly Known As) Prince's ultimate wet-dream incarnate, although she would probably leave His Royal Badness's Little Red corvette bone dry in the dust. Marshall won a 1995 Juno Award for the Canadian Top Reggae Recording for the Buju Banton written "Class and Credential", and a Grammy nomination in the Reggae Category. In addition to her solo performances, Carla has opened for the likes of Canada's Dream Warriors.
Discography includes: "Jealously", "Champion", "Proud" "Class and Credential"
Kali and Dub (reggae group)
Kali and Dub were formed in 1986 by Hayes "Kali" Thurton. Three years later the group was named Best Live Reggae Band at the Canadian Music Reggae Awards. In 1995, Kali and Dub was voted Best Worldbeat/Reggae Band at the first ever Montreal Independent Music Industry Awards. With a conscious message and potent reggae, rock, rap and dancehall beats, Kali and Dub make serious sounds. They have opened for such international acts as UB40, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Maker, Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse.
Discography includes: "Uncensored Reggae", "Mucambo" "Rise Up!"
Nana McLean (songwriter, reggae performer)
Nana McLean has been described by critics as a sweet, soulful lady with a wonderfully rousing voice as well. She's also been described as a prolific writer and a captivating musical artist. In addition to being a reggae artist, she is a first-class soul, R & B, and country performer. In 1979, McLean burst into national prominence with her debut album, "Dream of Life". In 1980 her country and blues hit, "Georgia Eyes" received much airplay in Canada. She has been granted numerous awards, nominations and presentations from such organizations as the Canadian Black Music Association and the Canadian Juno Awards.
Discography includes: "Till I kiss You", "Take Me Higher", "Single Girl", "Everlasting Love".
Stanley Mann (dancehall)
Stanley Mann is a local talent that is new on the dancehall scene. His music is a fusion of Trinidadian and Guyanese rhythms heavily influenced by bhangra and East Indian film music. His debut album is entitled "Gimi De Bougie
Discography includes: "Murdera", "Want An Indian", "Free De Gun"
Chester Miller (reggae/dancehall performer, songwriter)
Chester Miller is in the vanguard of emerging Reggae singers poised to unleash their positive vibes on the world, as singers catch up to the Dancehall DJs and regain ground they've lost since the death of Bob Marley. Miller's musical skills were honed under such masters as Dennis Brown and Leroy Sibbles and he has won a Juno nomination and reggae awards for Top Performer and Male Vocalist
Discography includes: "Saturday Evening", "True Love", "Fight Against Evil".
Tatix (roots-reggae, dancehall group)
Tatix consists of Mark Bennett, Benero Dyer, Orlando Brady, Junior McPherson, and Steve Sterling, five Jamaicans who came to Canada with a vast knowledge and experience of reggae music. Added to the mix is Rosemarie Stewart, an English diva whose R & B/jazz/gospel roots contribute to the unique sound of Tatix. They have toured Japan, Europe and North America with such reggae greats as Shabba Ranks, Sanchez, Tiger and Cocoa Tea. They have recorded with such artists as Junior Reid, Frankie Paul and Crucial Vibes.
Discography includes: "The Best Thing", "Freedom Street"
Sattalites (reggae group)
The Sattalites are Jo Jo Bennett/ Fergus Hambleton/ Neville Francis/Bruce Mack/Bruce Fowler/David Fowler. After fourteen years and five albums, the Sattalites are still making music. The philosophy of this Juno-award-winning band is peace, hopefulness and love. The Sattalites encompass a respect and tolerance for each other and an open minded acceptance of all musical ideas and influences. Although reggae is their driving force, bits of jazz, gospel and pop float through their music as well.
Discography: "Too Late to Turn Back Now" , "Now and Forever"
