Reggae music Vancouver is an engaging form of entertainment, which blends innovative and upbeat sounds with live performances to set an energetic atmosphere at any party or special event. Reggae music vancouver provides the perfect way to bring people together for celebration and create an enjoyable atmosphere at your next celebration!
Jamaican reggae music first gained recognition during the 1960s. Today, its existence has been recognized by the UN as an intangible cultural heritage list item and is being recognized on an intangible cultural heritage list as well. Reggae is described by one Jamaican official as having penetrated all corners of the world through globalization.
1. George Barrett
George Barrett has been one of Vancouver’s longest-standing radio DJs. Beginning his reggae show on Vancouver Co-op radio in 1976, he has since remained actively involved in his community – winning multiple Canadian Reggae Music Awards and West Coast Reggae-Caribbean Music Awards for his efforts.
Barrett found great inspiration in the music of Jamaica; his grandfather Aston “Family Man” Barrett was an esteemed bass player while his father, Carlton Barrett was an accomplished drummer who frequently collaborated with Bob Marley.
Reggae music first made its debut in Jamaica during the ’60s, drawing on elements of ska and dancehall to form an international genre known as reggae. Many Jamaican musicians including singer-songwriters Bob Marley and Peter Tosh embraced this form of music as it emerged.
Santa Davis and Carlton Barrett were also instrumental in shaping reggae drumming. Santa Davis is widely credited with pioneering the disco-esque “flyers beat”, while Carlton Barrett employed similar hypnotic approaches but added fills that often developed organically through his playing.
Winston Grennan was another significant influencer on reggae drumming, helping to shape its distinctive one-drop rhythms that became part of its signature sound. Although heavily influenced by jazz music, his drumming developed its own distinct improvisational approach rather than following what was common at that time among other reggae drummers.
Grennan’s drumming career influenced many other reggae drummers, such as Sly Dunbar. He pioneered echo effects – an integral feature of reggae drumming that gives its music its signature Caribbean sound and depth.
He excelled at off-beat drumming, an unusual but frequently employed style in rock and roll music. He would keep to the same beat throughout each track but add fills or switch his speed for each to give each song its own distinct sound.
He was also an incredible advocate for Vancouver’s reggae community, serving on numerous committees and as a volunteer DJ at local clubs. For over four decades he was proud member of Vancouver Jamaican community who loved reggae music with great passion.
3. Yalo
Yalo is one of Vancouver’s beloved reggae musicians and is widely respected for fusing an array of genres into an innovative fusion sound that keeps audiences guessing. His style ranges from Ethiopian pentatonic music, soul, funk jazz psychedelic Afrobeats as well as traditional and contemporary African Caribbean sounds, to name just a few.
He’s also been heavily influenced by rock and hip-hop music, describing his sound as the heartbeat of the people; when you hear it, your feet move. A singer-songwriter himself, his goal is to release feelings while celebrating freedom and joy with each song he writes.
His influences are many and they all stem from his passion for music and how it reflects his life experiences. Music allows him to express himself freely while helping him cope with life’s trials.
His music reveals these influences clearly and has made him an engaging performer. Touring throughout Europe and the U.S., and winning numerous accolades for his efforts; often being compared to Bob Marley; however, his voice stands out as being truly distinct and original.
As a solo artist, he’s been nominated for two Juno awards and featured on several TV programs. An international performer who thrives on engaging his audiences with energetic shows that keep them coming back, he loves performing to packed venues around the globe.
He has performed in Vancouver before and considers it one of his favourite places in the world due to its people. Although reticent to reveal any specifics of his performance, he says he likes surprising his audiences with unexpected twists and surprises.
Apart from his musical career, he’s an active community organizer and activist, having worked with refugee families, victims of terrorism and youth. He has spoken at universities like British Columbia’s, as well as Vancouver Public Library.
Even though he has only recently arrived in Canada, his influence can already be felt within its vibrant reggae scene. A pioneer who brings top global sounds to Toronto – this artist has already left a mark.
4. Ziggy Marley
Ziggy Marley, one of the leading Reggae artists worldwide, will perform at Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre on Sunday, October 16. Tickets remain available and can be purchased through Vivid Seats.
Ziggy Marley is the son of late reggae icon Bob Marley (deceased). Growing up among some of reggae music’s finest musicians, he now plays music from around the globe as a singer-DJ-drummer-producer from Southern Oregon he has traveled widely for gigs around the globe for decades now.
Since 2014, he and his band have toured across both the West Coast and Europe before settling down and playing regularly in Hawaii for three years. At present he’s busy recording a new album and dabbling in mixtape production!
Ziggy, an accomplished self-taught musician, possesses an in-depth knowledge of his musical roots. Furthermore, his vocal delivery carries an impactful message and has inspired and educated many throughout his career.
Stephen was also part of a duo known as the Melody Makers with his older brother, Barry. They released several albums during the late 80s and early 90s without much success.
As a solo artist, he’s produced many timeless hits that have become classics, while becoming increasingly political with songs that address current events and global concerns.
His upcoming album, Ziggy Marley, has garnered mostly positive reviews. To promote it further, he plans on touring this summer.
As a musician for most of his life, but only becoming an active singer-producer since 2015, David has made music both his life’s work and purpose. As bassist and lead vocalist in Stay Positive Productions band he strives to motivate listeners through its unique sound.
This band has been touring globally and boasts an enthusiastic fanbase all around the globe. Their tours have taken them to some of the premier festivals and concerts worldwide.
They offer an exciting stage show and energetic performances to a huge fanbase across Japan, South Korea, Guam and Singapore.