Month: May 2016
ReggaeFest 2016: Uniting Cultures Through Reggae Music
Calgary, Alberta – May 14, 2016
Today the Calgary International Reggae Festival (ReggaeFest) announced the line up for the 2016 festival taking place August 18 – 20. Leading this amazing collection of Reggae stalwarts is the legendary Glen Washington and the newest dancehall craze in Jamaica Razor B.
“Glen has been one of those artistes we’ve been courting for several years but has always eluded us with his busy schedule,” says ReggaeFest producer Leo Cripps. “We were quite excited when his management decided he could make it this year.” Cripps continued, “But imagine my excitement when I realized the current hottest dancehall track in Jamaica is by a Canadian; we had to bring Razor B back home.”
Of course ReggaeFest is not just about one or two performers so organizers have selected an amazing array of other stars for the event. From out of Jamaica come the ever-conscious Rootz Warrior, Warrior King and Anthony Cruz. Both artistes are incredibly talented and will mesmerize Calgarians with their performances.
Appearing for the first time ever in Canada will be the Medallin dons, Colombian Reggae sensation, De Bruces a Mi. Together with Calgary’s own Uno Band, whose members hail from Venezuela, Latin Reggae will definitely be represented.
Representing the motherland is the Dancehall Rambo from Ghana, Mr. Fantastik who now makes Vancouver his home and to complete the line up and promote great Canadian talent, ReggaeFest will showcase the sultry voice of Nana McLean, the Dennis Brown revue by Chester Miller, ‘Festival King’ and 2016 Juno award winner Kafinal, Tasman Jude, The Human Rights, Melloman, Aktivate, the Lost Lemons, Dubwise, Roca Roots Family and Hardcore.
ReggaeFest runs from August 18- 20 with performances in various downtown locations and at Shaw Millennium Park.
Dubwise (Calgary, AB)
Dubwise is a Calgary-based Reggae, Ska, funk and soul-fusion band. Dubwise will keep you dancing by playing a wide range of everyone’s favorite Reggae classics as well as original music written by Supa Cee.
The Lost Lemons (Calgary, AB)
The Lost Lemons from Calgary AB are a bombardment of catchy and high-energy ska-reggae-rock. Paying homage to the glory days of Long Beach Punk, the band lays down a healthy set list of peppy originals and classic covers, keeping dance floors moshin’ and jammin’.
The Lost Lemons have that friendly, do-no-harm kind of sound – the sound that once upon a time we listened to on our Discmans – embodying the youthful and vigorous spirit that good times are made of.
Glen Washington (Florida, USA)
Glen Washington is a true veteran of Canadian Reggae Music, a multi-talented performer whose raspy voice and smooth delivery has been compared to the likes of Beres Hammond.
With the release of over forty singles and eleven albums in four years, Washington has established himself as not only a talented singer, but also as a gifted songwriter who pens his own songs.
Washington’s career, which spans over 25 years, has seen him play in the bands that have backed artists such as Leroy Sibbles, Shinehead, Junior Reid, Gregory Isaacs, Sister Carol and the Meditations.
The Human Rights (Toronto, ON)
Since they came together in 2008, The Human Rights have built a reputation as one of Canada’s top reggae bands — specializing in original, high-energy, modern roots reggae with a mix of jazz, funk and R&B influences. “The Rights” are fronted by Friendlyness (Culture Shock, Big Sugar) and Juno nominee Tréson on lead vocals; and feature a blazing 3-piece horn section, two stellar guitar players, and a rock steady riddim section, topped off by legendary reggae keyboardist Bernie Pitters (Toots and the Maytals, Hit Squad, Leroy Brown, Sly & Robbie) on the one drop. They have toured western Canada and have been featured in numerous major festivals including the Calgary Reggae Festival, Toronto’s Irie Fest, Jambana, Nathan Phillips Square, International Festival of Beer and the Winnipeg Ska/Reggae Festival.
Kafinal (Toronto, ON)
Kafinal, Canada’s Festival King, is returning with his crown to the Calgary International ReggaeFest stage. A rising star on the Canadian Reggae scene and fresh off his 2016 Reggae Recording of the Year Juno win, Kafinal is thrilled to be returning to ReggaeFest to put on a show for Rastagarians. Kafinal is an exciting and engaging performer with a great sense of humor.
Nana McLean (Toronto, ON)
Nana McLean is a Reggae Music veteran, legend and ambassador. On par with reggae’s leading women like Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, and Diana King, Nana’s career is highlighted with numerous awards, nominations, presentations and recognition from such organizations as the Canadian Black Music Association and the Canadian JUNO Awards. Her 1997 album, NANA McLean – COLLECTOR’S SERIES, won JUNO for Best Reggae Recording.
Aktivate (Calgary, AB)
Aktivate is a Calgary-based Reggae band led by a Jamaican-Canadian who has been creating and performing songs for many years. They have shared the stage with some of Jamaica’s greatest performers such as Culture, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Shaggy, and the Wailers.
Aktivate has been absent from the stage for some years but is looking forward to performances and releasing songs for the world to enjoy and be introduced to its style of rhythm and lyrics. The Music reflects the band’s outlook on life and concern for all People. With a wish for peace, unity, and justice.
Anthony Cruz (Jamaica)
Anthony Cruz is a singer, songwriter and producer. Cruz’s versatility is demonstrated as his music explores themes of love, culture and real-life experience. His soulful voice and classy attire have many people referring to him as a truly charismatic entertainer.
Anthony Cruz is bringing his soulful voice to the ReggaeFest stage promoting his 5th studio album “INNA DI DANCE.” The 12 Track Album is a nice mix of lover’s rock, spiritual and dancehall styles.
Razor B (Jamaica)
Razor B is an emerging Reggae and dancehall artiste who launched his career independently. A truly new age artiste, Razor B has earned his spot on the reggae dancehall charts. His growing success is a grassroots effort and the quality of Razor B’s music speaks for itself; Razor’s latest single “We Party!” cracked the Caribbean Top 10 and his single “Hot Up” is trending in both Canada and the Caribbean.