Femi Lawson, Event host

Friday, August 26th, Main Stage

Femi Lawson is a rising international phenomenon and talent. With his roots lying in the luscious lands of Nigeria, and a partial home base in the diverse metropolitan city of Toronto, Femi is a mosaic blend of cultures, and as such his work around the globe as a cultural curator is defined by his unrelenting goal to unite people.

Through his humble beginnings as a community grassroots organizer, he drew from his skills as a facilitator, mentor and public speaker to build consensus, form partnerships and create and impact change in marginalized communities. Having built a reputable and solid foundation as a community builder, Femi cascaded onto the social media scene where he forged a digital imprint of 160 million+ views after being featured in a number of VICE series and documentaries, most notably “Underground Street Racers”. This was the launching pad to his now growing career in entertainment as an Actor and Personality. Femi’s latest project is the film “Rich Africans” where he co-stars alongside international actor and comedian Michael Blackson.

Rayzalution Band

Friday, August 26th, 7pm. Main Stage

Rayzalution Band is the an all-female reggae band out of Canada. Hailing from Toronto/GTA, Ontario. The bass player and founder Chantel “CeeCee” McKnight started the band in 2017 in honour and memory of her father Ray McKnight who was a prominent musician in Toronto. The band’s repertoire consists of originals, and cover arrangements of classic and present-day reggae hits, that are designed to entertain, educate and enlighten everyone.

DJ Power

Friday, August 26th
Main Stage
Time: 8:45pm

DJ Power is an award winning DJ/Producer who has released music and performed with international artists such as Sean Paul, 50 Cent, Chainsmokers, Vybz Kartel, Walshy Fire (Major Lazer), Afro B, Far East Movement, Wyclef Jean, Machel Montano, Busy Signal and more. DJ Power’s productions have been featured in the New York Times, Complex, Fader among countless others. He’s made appearances on acclaimed networks such as MTV, BBC UK, VH1, SBS AUSTRALIA and More.

His name precedes him at world class venues and festivals including Marquee (New York and Sydney), Fresh Island Festival (Croatia), Midem (France), Aloha Stadium (Hawaii), his Las Vegas residency at Sapphire Pool and Day Club and more. He’s toured North America, the Caribbean, Asia and Australia several times and current release “Special Delivery” with Vybz Kartel, SL, Junior Reid & Nojokejigsaw is playing on Hot 97 Ny, Capital Xtra Uk, Linkup Tv and more.

Michie Mee

Friday, August 26th, 9pm. Main Stage

“Michie Mee is committed to the craft and honed her skills as a stage MC, in front of a crowd. It’s that trial by fire that ultimately makes the best, the best” – Public Enemy’s Chuck D.

More than three decades following the release of the groundbreaking album Jamaican Funk – Canadian Style, Canada’s Queen of Hip-Hop, Michie Mee, returns with a full-length release that reinforces her immeasurable impact on music. As the first Canadian MC signed to a U.S. major label during the ’80s, breaking down musical barriers is nothing new for this veteran.

Not only does the Canadian rap icon’s new album Bahdgyal’s Revenge herald her long-overdue return to music, but the album also casts what is arguably the widest musical net of her career, incorporating Michie’s Jamaican roots, dancehall reggae, rock, and hip hop, ultimately creating a sound that is at once timeless and timely. There is an overarching feeling of gratitude running throughout the course Bahdgyal’s Revenge. Sounding as vital and hungry as she did when she first burst on the scene more than 30 years ago, it’s clear from the opening notes of the record that Michie is taking nothing for granted.

Kairo McLean

Saturday, August 27th, 7:30pm. Main Stage

Kairo McLean created history after winning the JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category. He became the youngest ever to win the award at just 13-years old. The ceremony was held in May 2022.

Thirteen-year-old Kairo McLean is a scholar of Reggae music. His father Garvin is Jamaican and his mother Kim is Canadian of Jamaican descent. When Kairo was 2 years old he began to show an interest in music and by the time he was 3 he was already playing drums. At 5 he picked up the acoustic guitar and by 6 he was already singing and performing at festivals. To call this child a natural would be an understatement.

Kairo is deeply familiar with all the artists in the genre, past records, musicians, producers and sound systems, details that only the most studied connoisseur of reggae would know. When it comes to his own compositions, Kairo is as “old school” as it gets, drawing influence from Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs. This 13 year old artist knows the tradition, studied the history and has developed his own sound and style.

Da’Ville

Saturday, August 27th, 8:30pm. Main Stage

Known professionally as Da’Ville and more recently, Turii Maysun, the entertainer is a consummate singer-songwriter record producer, who aims to lift his fans higher forever.

He started his professional music career in the early 1990s as the lead vocalist of the now defunct reggae group, ARP (A Raw Perspective)

During his time with the group, he recorded and performed a series of noteworthy hits including, “Missing You”, ”Storm”, ”Heaven On Earth”, all with the king of dancehall Beenie Man “Song For Mama”, “Tinted Car” and “Selena” among others. In 2001, Da’Ville left ARP and signed with Penthouse Records as a solo artist under the management tutelage of Donovan Germain. For the new label he recorded the hit singles “Dem Would a Love It”, “Cruzin”, “Resistance”, “Mr. Sea”, “I’ll Be Your Best friend” and “All My Life”, the latter of which was recorded with then label mate, Marcia Griffiths.

As 2005 stepped in, Da’Ville took to the studio and began to write and produce his own music. His first self-produced album titled “In Heaven” was released in that year. The album charted within the top ten best-selling reggae albums for Japan Tower Records for that same year.

As a result of his first album success, the Japanese music company, Avex Group released his second album “Can’t Get Over You” in 2006. The albums included three successful singles – “In Heaven”, produced by Orville “Da’Ville” Thomas and N. Palmer for Nap Musiq, “Can’t Get Over You” and “On My Mind”, produced by Orville “Da’Ville” Thomas and J. Brown, was released on his own indie label Fashozy Records at that time. Da’Ville had a very good year in 2006, as the singles “Can’t Get Over You”, “On My Mind”, and “This Time I Promise” all became chart toppers. The single “Can’t Get Over You”, which was a top ten hit in Jamaica, was number one on the reggae chart in Aruba and number two in New York. It was eventually included on the VP album, 2006 Reggae Gold. “On My Mind” held the top position on several charts including in Jamaica (5 weeks), New York (3 weeks) and Florida, Europe and Africa.

In December of 2006 Da’Ville was honored with the Stone Love Singer of the Year Award. “Always on My Mind”, was then remixed with Dancehall artist, Sean Paul.

Da’Ville aka Turii Maysun is now busy in the studio putting the finishing touches to his next album, his first single “Happy” was released on February 14th, 2022, just in time for Valentine’s Day with an accompanying video.

Arsenals Band backing the Jamaica 60 Dance Tribute

Saturday, August 27th, 10:00pm. Main Stage

The Arsenals play the history of Jamaican Music, from authentic Studio One Ska and Rocksteady to classic Reggae. You will be treated to forgotten gems and modern songs played to the ska beat, a term the band calls “Ska-ter-izing” a tune. If you like Skatelites, Prince Buster, Alton Ellis, Jimmy Cliff and Desmond Dekker to name a few, you will be in for a skanking good time.

Jamaica 60 Dance Tribute

Jay Douglas

Sunday, August 28th, 3:30pm. Main stage.

With over 45 years of showmanship, Jay Douglas has developed a wide-ranging repertoire of American blues, West Indian rhythms, Jazz standards, fancy footwork, and stage charisma second to none. Back in the early ‘60s, Jay fronted tough R&B band “The Cougars,” who, with their skill and verve, lit up Toronto’s Young street bars in the 70’s with Soul, Funk & Reggae. Jay has since shared his gift while performing at various venues, all the way from Hong Kong to the Mediterranean.

Douglas has earned prime-time support slots for a veritable “Who’s Who” of musical legends including Fats Domino, Joe Tex, Percy Sledge, Melba Moore, bluesman Roscoe Gordon, soul stylists The Manhattans, The Drifters, Reggae icons Ziggy Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Sly & Robbie. Two years ago, Toronto’s only jazz radio station, Jazz.FM.91.1 sponsored a show entitled “Jazz Lives” at Koerner Hall. Jay was featured alongside well known American vocalists/songwriters Gregory Porter, Lisa Fischer, and the great acoustic guitar player, Earl Klugh.

In 2015, he wrote and sang the song “Reggae Lane,” the name granted for a Toronto laneway by Toronto City Council, a landmark commemorating the birthplace of Reggae music in Toronto.

Jay’s noted awards are:

• 2006 – awarded NOW Magazine’s “Best R&B Act” in Toronto.
• 2007 – The Annual Canadian Reggae Awards also knighted Jay, “Best Male Reggae Vocalist”
• 2012 – Received the prestigious Harry Jerome Arts Award.
• 2015 – one of the first entrants in the “Toronto Reggae Hall of Fame”.
• 2016 – received the “Bob Marley Day Award”, for best artist.

Please visit his website at www.jaydouglasmusic.com

Papa Levy

Date: August 28th
Performing with Jay Douglas
Main Stage

Phillip Levy, AKA Papa Levy, started singing in church at a very young age; he continued to perform in school concerts and talent shows. As the years went by, opportunity struck in the 1990s with his very first performance at Epiphany nightclub in Kingston, Jamaica where Junior Reid was headlining.

Phillip has also performed on some of the yearly festivals taking place throughout Toronto including, Jambana, Irie Fest, Afro Fest, just to name a few. Phillip then started to perform every weekend with these bands as guest artist at venues such as Joe Mamas located on King Street in Toronto. Over the years, he has been inspired by many artists such as the great Dennis Brown, his cousin Barrington Levy, Prince Everald and Al Campbell. With his smoky, honey-tinged voice and irresistible stage presence, Papa Levy has become a fan favorite.

North English

Friday August 26th, 7pm-7:45
Saturday, August 27th, 5pm-7pm
Sunday, August 28th, 10-2pm and 4-5pm
Dufferin Stage

North English is a multi-disciplinary creative from Toronto’s East End. Growing up his passion for music was evident, most of his energy is expended by DJing, engineering, or creating his own projects and experiences. North graduated from The Remix Project in 2017 and earned his first gold certification in 2020.

Lee-Anne Lyons

OPENING CEREMONY
Friday, August 26th,
Main stage.
Opening ceremony 7:30pm

Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley has been surrounded by music since she was a toddler when her mother, Grace Lyons, founded the Heritage Singers (Canada) and has performed with them throughout the years. She was also blessed to have been a member of Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale for several years. In her professional life she is currently Executive Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality at Dexterra Group Inc.

Miss Letna

OPENING CEREMONY
Drumming with Quammie Williams
Friday, August 26th,
Main stage.
Opening ceremony 7:30pm

Letna Allen-Rowe was born in Clarendon, Jamaica W.I. She migrated to Canada in 1993 and has lived in Canada for 26 years, being an active community mobilizer, advocate and Jamaican Cultural Ambassador.

She is a thespian and a connoisseur of the arts in all forms, whether it’s dancing, singing, miming, poetry, acting, or Master of Ceremonies.

Elaine Robinson

Event host

“My mission is to redefine how we, as a people, as a community, as a world, see and understand that world, and also how we see and treat the people that come from those places.”

Horace Martin

Friday, August 26th, 8:30pm
Dufferin Stage

Martin is a longtime resident of Toronto, Canada but typical of reggae artistes who live overseas, keeps regular tabs with ‘yaad’. One of his latest songs is “Awake Jah Jah Children”, done on the “Outta Jamaica Riddim” compilation album which is driven by Dennis Brown’s 1981 hit song, “Have you Ever Been in Love.”

For Martin, who grew up listening to Brown and Horace Andy, music has never been just about cashing in.

“Mi love it, a nuh ’bout money. Mi jus’ love mek music ’cause a it carry mi ’round di world,” he said.

The songs Martin has recorded for producers like Negus Roots from Waterhouse and Hugh “Redman” James has earned him a strong base throughout Europe where he has performed for years on the biggest festivals.

But in the last 10 years, he has found a new audience in Mexico, an emerging reggae market.

Since 2010, Martin has done shows in major centres such as Mexico City, San Luis, Vera Cruz and Puebla. In October, once Covid restrictions are lifted, he will perform in Tehuacan alongside Capleton, Michael Rose, Tristan Palmer and Pablo Moses.

Born in Kingston, Horace Martin was raised in Fletcher’s Land, a working-class community that produced artistes like Prince Buster and General Echo.

He cut his first song, “Beautiful Dream”, in 1974 for Denclock Records. His albums include “Positive Vibes” for Negus Roots, a label known for ‘voicing’ Waterhouse acts like Lacksley Castell and Don Carlos.

When the dancehall sound changed from live instruments to digital in the 1980s, Martin collaborated with James on the album, “Mix Up.”
His previous album, “Arise”, was produced by Tasjay Productions, producer of “Awake Jah Jah Children.”

Wire

Friday, August 26th, 9:00pm
Dufferin Stage

Wire (Wyah) grew up in Rockfort Gardens, Warieka. He began junior school at 4 years young, before moving onto Windward Primary at the age of 7 where he sang in the school choir. His Primary School teacher, Mrs. Fawker soon began to call him her Little Nightingale. Right then and there he knew he wanted to be a singer.

Fast -forward to 1971, Wire migrated to Canada as a teen/young adult and two years later, Wire decided to take a different route. He opened his own business, Wires Variety and West Indian Foods and became the Singing Grocer. He began to receive calls to open for a few artists including John Holt, Marcia Griffiths, Luciano, Sizzla and lots more. His passion was revitalized. He then began to headline a few shows of his own and appeared on festivals such as Jamaica Day, The Montreal Reggae Festival and Jambana.

A few years later he went on to do a compilation CD, which included his contribution, Jamaica Irie. Today, Wire is ready to share what he calls his Last Chapter.

Polly Pompie

Friday, August 26th, 9:30pm
Dufferin Stage

Donald McDonald aka Polly Pompie has been playing music from the age of 12, working with among others the Wright’s Brothers Band, Michigan and Smiley and the Congos. His latest album is Lovers Rock.

Carol Brown

Friday, August 26th, 10pm
Dufferin Stage

Carol Brown, Jamaican Canadian Reggae singer musical journey began as the other half of The Loving Sisters ’duo in the late sixties captivating audiences in local shows and events and winning talent shows since the age of 14 in her hometown of Port Antonio, Jamaica.

In the mid 1970s to the early 1980s Carol Brown performed on Canadian shows opening and singing with several popular artists’ including Yellow Man, Leroy Sibbles, Sugar Minott, Johnny Osborn, Leroy Gibbon to Half Pint. Throughout Montreal and Toronto to New York and England Carol accompanied artists such as Alton Ellis, John Holt, Tinga Stewart, Hortense Ellis, Nana McLean, Lord Tanamo, Ken Boothe and Beres Hammond. She recorded and worked with producers such as Pete Weston from Micron Records, Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo, Joe Gibbs, Rhythm Gits among other labels.

Carol’s singles like “Touch me baby, I Won’t Hurt Your Feeling” and” Feel So Good ”reached the British Reggae charts. Her accolades include awards as Top Female Performer and Top Female Reggae Singer at Canada Reggae Awards in nineteen eighties and nineties.

The musical career of Carol Brown has flourished over the years as she continuously performs at yearly reggae festivals and events. Carol Brown most recently was dubbed as one of 2019 Titans of Toronto Reggae –A night to remember, serenading her reggae originals to a sold-out Opera House.

D’Andra Montaque

Date: Saturday, August 27th, 12pm
Main Stage

Join D’Andra Montaque, long time resident of Lil Jamaica and founder of Empress Mane, an online beauty retailer and e-commerce supply, showcasing the hair story of Lil Jamaica -never told before. The showcase will feature creative hair pieces made by Q of Moralis Barbershop, Jackie of Moralis Barbershop and Simone of Glamour Cuts Design.

Voices of the Avenue

Date: Saturday, August 27th, 2pm
Main Stage

Maralis Wilkins

Maralis Wilkins, Moralis Barber Shop (formerly U2 Fly Cut)

Maralis Wilkins started his musical journey at the age of 14 in St. Vincent, WI. His father’s side of the family are musicians, singers and play an array of instruments including steel pan. Maralis started singing with their bands and developed his talent performing at the Soca Monarch and Jazz festivals.

His singing career gained momentum in 2001, as he produced a solo song called City Lockdown. This led him to join the group Signal and travelled with the band across Canada on tour.

He has collaborated with many Soca artists and has performed with Cutty’s on the island and is a familiar face singing on trucks in Toronto Carnival.

Today, Maralis owns Moralis Barber Shop, located at Eglinton Ave W and is a father of two boys and a baby girl. “I love to sing, I love music,” he says. “ I enjoy entertaining people and making people happy”.

Moralis Barber Shop presents four talented artists from Little Jamaica. Join us for the show!

Featuring Lasonta

Kristin Lasonta Ward, a.k.a LASONTA, is a long-standing singer/songwriter, dynamic performer, and studio artist in the Toronto music scene. Coming from the island of Barbados to Canada, her love for soca music, and musical diversity has enriched her journey.

She has headlined at various music venues across the city, and in the Caribbean. She enjoys opportunities to collaborate with other artists, lending her songwriting abilities and versatile powerhouse vocals to various musical projects in a variety of genres.

D’Landlord

Featuring DJ greenzconnection

Greenzconnection most versatile sound crew established 2001 by shaggy greenz we play different genre like soca , dancehall, Afro beats and hiphop,

Mally Bless and Tonya P

Tonya P

Saturday, August 27th, 3:30pm
Main Stage

Tonya Lovemore (Pringle) known by her stage name Tonya P is a Canadian Reggae singer & songwriter.Tonya P is a Juno nominee and the recipient of several other awards including a Canadian Reggae Music Award. Music runs in her blood being the daughter of internationally known Jamaican promoter and business man Clive “kubba” Pringle.

Tonya P is a unique artist that knows how to capture the attention of her listening audience with not only her phenomenal vocals but lyrics that can be felt on an emotional level.Tonya has the ability to relay some of her real life experiences and convert them into beautiful, touching lyrics that pierce through the soul. Tonya P has performed on some of the most highly profiled music events in Canada such as Calgary Reggae Fest, Montreal Reggae Fest, Beer Fest, Jamaica Day, Rasta fest and has also had the pleasure of performing for several years on the Bob Marley Birthday Bash in Negril Jamaica.

Tonya has shared the stage with the likes of Beenie Man, Freddie McGregor, Marcia Griffiths, Bunny Wailer, Etana, Toots Hibbert, Public Enemy, Dj Jazzy Jeff and so many others.Tonya P has released several singles throughout her career including 2 collaborations with Canada’s Queen of Hip Hop Michie Mee on her most recent album “Bahd Gyals Revenge”. On January 21, 2021 Tonya P Released her highly anticipated debut album “Concrete Rose” which is a 14 track album that comprises all original lyrics written by herself. The album has been well received so far and continues to open doors for new opportunities for this talented artist to be heard as she continues to soar to higher heights.

Mally Bless

Saturday, August 27th, 3:30pm
Main Stage

Mally Bless was born Marlon Lovemore and was raised in an area known as Kingston 8 in Jamaica. At a very early age, many around him, including school mates, realized that Mally Bless was musically inclined and encouraged him to keep progressing in his art.

The message Mally Bless has always aspired to deliver in his music is that of unity, awareness, love and the teaching of the Most High, the divine source of all mankind. Some of the songs created by the group consisted of “Bob Marley”, “Dance with me”, and “I like”. Creatively speaking, in 2008, Mally Bless came into his own and released his first single as a solo artist entitled “What’s Going On” which speaks to different significant social issues. This was followed by “Refill”, “Why Is It” and “Stand Firm”, illustrating the versatility that Bless possessed.

Over the years, Mally Bless has performed with various local recording artists. These artists have developed a strong rapport in the community, such as The Jempress, Bobby Boyd Dreadful, Cyborg, Sonz of the Most High, Progress, Sample King and many more. Most recently Mally had a single/video release for his Brand New single “Reparation”.

Feel free to check out his music please visit https://m.soundcloud.com/mally-bless/tracks

mallyblessmusic@gmail.com

Pan Fantasy Steelband

Saturday, August 27th, 5pm

PAN FANTASY STEELBAND was formed in 1986 by a group of collective young people from the Jane and fFinch community, who needed to provide community based programs.

The group is now celebrating 35 years strong of excellence in music, under the leadership of Toronto’s number one female steelband leader, Wendy Jones and top musical arranger, Mr. Al “Allos” Foster. They along with a group of collective members foster positive change in the lives of young people in Toronto.

They are Canada’s first band to travel and participate in New York Panorama, placing 2nd twice and earning spots in the top 5 many times..

They are the present Pan Alive eight time champions from 201 to 2019 and winners of the Caribbean music awards from 2012 to 2016.
WWW.PANFANTASYSTEELBAND.COM

Empara

Friday, August 26th, 6:15pm
Dufferin Stage

Siya Afimi Gwaan—known artistically as Empara—is an Afro-Caribbean artist, entrepreneur and youth worker. Born and raised in Toronto, her Afro-centric/Afro-futuristic parents and her biological roots inspired her to develop and nurture her creativity. She threads her lessons, experiences ancestral power into all her creations and is driven by an overall draw to unity, which she strives for with her Youth organization, Yantics, curated to connect inspiring & driven people together.

Fire 10 Entertainment

Date: Saturday, August 27th, 10pm
Dufferin Stage

Chris Precius – Fire Eater/Breather, Limbo Dancer, Caribbean Drumming Specialist, and Reggae and Soca artist

DJ North English

Sunday, August 28th, 10-2pm
Dufferin Stage

North English is a multi-disciplinary creative from Toronto’s East End. Growing up his passion for music was evident, most of his energy is expended by DJing, engineering, or creating his own projects and experiences. North graduated from The Remix Project in 2017 and earned his first gold certification in 2020.

Open Mic

Sunday, August 28th, 4-5pm
Community Open Mic
Dufferin Stage

This is your opportunity to perform on stage!

Workshop with Grace Lyons, Heritage Singers

Saturday, August 27th, 1:00pm
Dufferin Stage

Join Grace Lyons and other members of the Heritage Singers as they discuss folk and spirituals (the meaning behind some of the songs). Join in as audience participation is desired!

Dominos!

Saturday, August 27th, 3-7 pm

Green P Reggae Lane Parking lot
Bring your dominos and enjoy a friendly game.

Movie Night! – Akwantu by Film producer Roy Anderson

Friday, August 27th, 8:45pm
Green P Reggae Lane Parking lot

A documentary on the legendary Maroons of Jamaica and their gallant fight for freedom.