Yaz Alexander: Web Site | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace

Yaz Alexander is one of the UK's finest contemporary female vocalists who specializes in - but is not limited to performing Reggae, Jazz, Soul and R'n'B. Inspired by flamboyant female superstars past and present, Yaz particularly draws influence from Billie Holiday, Shirley Bassey and the first lady of diva, Diana Ross.

A former backing vocalist for UK Reggae giant, Pato Banton, Yaz has also worked with the likes of Steel Pulse, Eddie Grant, Dean Fraser and many other luminaries in the Reggae field.

 

 

Ammoye: Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter

Ammoye’s name is inspired by the Italian word for love. That’s what goes into her music, and it’s how audiences respond to her wherever she perfoms. Rooted in the Reggae music of her native Jamaica, Canada’s 2011 Reggae Music Award winner for Best Female Artist effortlessly glides from Reggae to dancehall and dub, to gospel and soul, to hip-hop and R&B, with breathtaking ease and presence. Her phenomenal new single and video, “Radio”, are currently taking over the airwaves and social media, having already charted in the U.K. on Galaxy Gold Radio.

 

 

House of David Gang: Facebook | Twitter | Web Site

Throughout their career House of David Gang has been known for their uplifting roots rock Reggae sound reminiscent of Kingston, Jamaica's music scene in the late 70's mixed with a modern roots Canadian feel. The band takes its name from The House of David, an after-hours spot on Queen Street West that was a hot spot for artists from the city's burgeoning Rastafarian and Reggae community from the late 80s until the mid 90s. Now with the release of their album "Reggae Warrior" on NuFunk Records, the band continues to pave their own road as Canada's hardest touring Reggae band.

Currently #6 on the Canadian Reggae Music Charts!

Jason Wilson Band: Facebook | Web Site

Jason Wilson is a two-time Juno-Awards nominee and Canadian Reggae Music Award winner from Downsview, Ontario. Wilson was the protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and is the cousin of UB40’s Michael Virtue. Known for incorporating jazz and Scottish and English folk influences atop a Reggae foundation, Wilson is a multi-instrumentalist though is perhaps best known for his piano skills.

The singer-songwriter has performed and recorded with UB40, Alanis Morissette, Sly & Robbie, Ernest Ranglin, Pee Wee Ellis, Dave Swarbrick, Ron Sexsmith, The Mighty Sparrow, Percy Sledge, Brinsley Forde (Aswad), David Francey and many more. No other Canadian Reggae artiste has toured as much as Wilson in the past ten years. With intriguing lyrical imagery – mostly culled from moments in history – Wilson presents a uniquely irresistible take on the Jamaican art form.

J.k & the Relays: Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Web Site

Created by former members of Montreal's Planet Smashers and Calgary's Mocking Shadows, J.k & the Relays brand of soul-drenched ska is killing packed dance floors night after night and turning heads at every show.

The band released their debut EP, TimebomB! In 2011 and have been touring AB with NYC legends The Slackers!

 

 

 

 

Lukie D: Facebook | MySpace

Dancehall singer Lukie D has been serenading crowds around the world with his unique brand of soulful vibes for two decades. He has collaborated with some of Reggae’s top artistes such as Beenie Man, Lieutenant Stitchie and Gentleman. Lukie D’s latest release, Love Again demonstrates the artiste’s progression and maturity with conscious tracks such as Crying Out and Your Kingdom is Falling.

The album features pop-infused, love ballads such as Wanting You, Young Love and a cover of R&B power ballad No Air with Reggae songstress Me’Lonie.

 

 

Ky-Mani Marley: Web Site | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace

Bob Marley’s conviction and passion for music unintentionally was passed to the lives of his offspring and has allowed the Marley name to remain relevant amongst the hierarchy of the reggae sound. The Marley surname is synonymous with Jamaican royalty, resonates world-wide recognition and represents the pioneer of a cultural, political and social revolution. Ky-mani Marley is the second youngest of Bob Marley’s eleven children but even though he bore the surname of the legendary reggae icon, his childhood told a different story.

Growing up in inner-city Miami and being exposed to an urban lifestyle, Ky-Mani had no interest in following in the footsteps of his world-famous father, however the seed planted by Bob sprouted in 1997 when he teamed up with hip-hop artiste Pras of the Fugees and collaborated with Eddy Grant on “Electric Avenue.” This would be the defining moment that would see the young Marley picking up the torch lit by his legendary father so many years before. 

Ky-Mani’s 20+ year career has been defined by his ability to experiment and combine a diverse range of musical genres and influences making him an international Reggae superstar. His style is underpinned by his classical Reggae pedigree but he is also known for weaving the sounds of hip-hop, soul and jazz throughout his music.

This multi-talented artiste has found success not only in music but on the silver screen as well. He starred in the wildly popular cult classic film “Shottas” alongside fellow artiste Spragga Benz and in 2002, starred in the critically acclaimed film “One Love” alongside Cherine Anderson. 2004 saw Ky-Mani acting alongside Bill Paxton and Orlando Bloom in the Frank Flowers directed film, “Haven.”

This year the internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated Ky-Mani is on a worldwide tour in support of his sixth full-length studio album “The Evolution of a Revolution” and will celebrate ReggaeFest’s 10th anniversary in Calgary on August 17.

Leroy Sibbles: Facebook | YouTube | MySpace | Web Site

Leroy Sibbles is one of the founders of Reggae music. He is considered a ‘living legend’ by fans and students of Reggae.   Born in Kingston, Jamaica Leroy began his career as the lead singer of the rock steady group, The Heptones.  While playing with The Heptones, he recorded many classic Reggae tunes including Party Time, Fatty Fatty, Book Of Rules, Baby Be True and Heptones Gonna Fight.  Leroy also played an integral role in the creation of many of the famous ‘Studio One’ rhythm tracks frequently sampled and re-recorded today.  He wrote and arranged many of the Studio One ‘classics’ as well as played bass and provided harmony.

Leroy moved to Toronto in the mid-70's where he lived for 20 years.  During his residence, Leroy helped establish Reggae music in Canada and was often described as ‘the Godfather of Reggae in Canada’ and the ‘sweetest singer in the business’.  He also released 6 solo albums while residing in Toronto. They are: Now, Strictly Roots, On Top, The Best (Micron Music), Meanwhile (Attic) and Evidence (A&M).

Mello Man: MySpace

Born Cornelius Hibbert from St. Thomas, Jamaica, Mello Man (aka Mr. Sweet Voice) is one of the most authentic Reggae singers in western Canada. Now based in Winnipeg, Mello Man started his singing career in 1989 with the Jah Vibes band at the Black-o-Rama festival’s tribute to Bob Marley. He has toured with many major Reggae artists, such as Third World, Frankie Paul, and Chevelle Franklin. Mello Man is known as one of Canada's best new artists in terms of Lovers' Rock and Roots.

Mello has recently released his debut album entitled Child of the Universe. 

 

 

 

 

Power House: Web Site | YouTube

Power House Band is a dynamic and diverse multicultural band located in Calgary that plays genres such as R&B, Funk, Ska, Soca, Reggae, and Rock & Roll. Variety is the spice of life with Power House as they perform at weddings, anniversaries, festivals, clubs, stadiums, and private parties, etc. Power House is comprised of world-class musicians that have played with distinguished artistes such as Ras Michael, Sean Paul, Pink, Janet Jackson and many more.

Tony Rebel: Web Site | Facebook | MySpace

Tony Rebel is a Jamaican Reggae deejay and entrepreneur. His career took off when he worked with Donovan Germain's Penthouse setup in the early 1990s. He had a big hit in 1990 with "Fresh Vegetable", and established a singjay style of delivery and is recognized as one of the few dreadlocked 'cultural' deejays of the ragga era.

In addition to writing and producing 11 full-length albums, Tony Rebel has also put on one of Jamaica’s most notable music festivals. Rebel Salute is a world-class roots Reggae festival that preserves the healthier aspects of Reggae music. Combined with the warm hospitality and abundant culture of the Jamaican people.

Sadiki: Facebook | Music | MySpace

Today's ideal artiste is somewhat of a Renaissance person - one who can sing, write, produce and engineer and everything in between. Sadiki fits the bill. Sadiki masterfully combines a wide range of influences from Nat King Cole to Beenie Man and was twice nominated as the “Most Promising Entertainer” in 2007 and 2011 by the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

As part of Chicago's sizeable Jamaican community Sadiki was exposed to the newest Reggae sounds coming out of Jamaica as well as the cutting edge of Hip-Hop and R&B. Through these influences Sadiki has developed a vocal range and lyrical skills that brings together the best of both worlds. In November 2012, Sadiki released his third solo album “Jah Is The Only King”. The title track from that album is Sadiki’s 3rd #1 on the BBC World Reggae Beat Top 10 Chart.

Elaine Shepherd: Facebook | MySpace | Twitter

Elaine Shepherd born in Bahrain, began performing at a young age. Blessed with a confident voice and creative ability, Shepherd is recognized as "the little girl with the big voice," as her iconic tone draws a listener into her world of dramatic presence and passion.

In 2011, Shepherd received a Juno for Reggae Recording of the Year, two awards at the 2011 WCRMA's for Best Female Vocalist, and Single of The Year, and was nominated for Best Female Vocalist, Best Reggae Single, and Artiste of the Year at the 2011 RMAA's.

 

The Steadies: Web Site | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

The Steadies take the explosively popular Top 40 sound and mix it with rock steady and Reggae influences, creating what they’ve dubbed, “island rock.” No matter your mood, The Steadies pick you up and carry you to the beach in your mind, the club in your dreams, the place you go to clear your head and dance.

The Steadies have played over 500 shows including performances with Grammy award-winners The Roots, The Wailers, Collective Soul, Arrested Development, K-OS, Bedouin Soundclash and more. The band has headlined countless festivals across Canada and have showcased at the Winter Olympics, the Grey Cup, and at numerous industry conferences.

Steele: MySpace

Described as dynamic and sensational, with the versatility and range that defies restriction to any one genre. Steele is as captivating in his handling of R&B material as he is with soul, Reggae, gospel, classical, and jazz. Steele is regarded as one of the most consistent Reggae artistes to call Canada home. In 2007 Steele took home two Reggae Music Achievement Awards including “Best Male Vocalist” and “Best Songwriter of the Year.” Most recently he was awarded with the first Irie Music Award for “Male Artiste of the Year 2011.”

 

 

 

 

Dave Swarbick: Web Site

Dave Swarbrick is a legendary folk artiste from Yorkshire, UK. Swarbrick’s career spans an incredible six decades and is one of the folk genres most decorated musicians. Swarbrick received the highest award from the English Folk Dance and Song Society, the Gold Badge, in 2002 and the Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, their highest accolade.

In 2004 Swarbrick received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the annual BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and in 2006 Fairport Convention received an award for "Liege And Lief", the most influential album of all time, as voted for by the listeners.

In 2010 Swarbrick released  ‘raison d’être’, his first solo album for nearly 20 years. Backed by a startling array of guest musicians, including Beryl Marriott, Martin Carthy, John Kirkpatrick, Kev Dempsey and a Canadian Reggae outfit (The Jason Wilson Band), Swarbrick produced one of the greatest and most innovative albums of his long career. Reviewed in over 20 publications, it received a four star award in Mojo and was described as "truly stunning" by Living Tradition.

Ultimate Crew:

Content to come.