The third annual Excessive Priest Reggae Competition made a powerful and assured debut at Brampton’s Rose Theatre on Saturday, December 20, reaffirming its place as a rising staple on Canada’s reggae and dancehall calendar. Regardless of the chilly winter evening, the viewers arrived energized and prepared for a night of top-tier performances, guided seamlessly by hosts Danae Peart and Linky Hyperlinks, whose mix of humor and professionalism stored the evening flowing effortlessly.
The competition formally received underway at 8:45 p.m., setting the tone for what can be a tightly programmed and extremely partaking present. Canada’s premier all-female reggae band, Rayzalution, opened the evening with a spirited set that instantly charged the environment. Their assured musicianship and commanding stage presence warmed up the gang and signaled that this might be an evening of substance in addition to celebration.
The award-winning band offered a sophisticated efficiency filled with fan favorites alongside originals akin to ‘Maintain a Vibez’ and ‘Rayze Up’ from their debut album ‘Rayze Up.’ Their set maintained robust momentum, mixing familiarity with recent materials that resonated properly with the viewers.
Rayzalution returned for an encore that proved to be one of many early highlights of the night. With the gang dancing and singing alongside to staples like ‘World a Reggae Music’ and ‘Welcome to Jamrock,’ the band strengthened their status as a powerhouse stay act and an important pressure inside Canada’s reggae scene.
One of many evening’s standout moments got here with the doorway of two-time JUNO Award winner Kairo McLean. Wearing a cowboy outfit and opening along with his authentic ‘Knight Rider,’ McLean captivated the viewers from the primary be aware. Backed by the Excessive Priest Band and two feminine backup singers, his efficiency was interactive, vibrant, and remarkably assured. For an artist simply 16 years previous, McLean demonstrated maturity, charisma, and star potential properly past his years, drawing unified requires an encore and confirming that he’s prepared for a lot bigger levels.
Dancehall veteran Eyesus delivered a high-impact efficiency that reminded audiences why he has lengthy been thought to be one in all Canada’s prime dancehall DJs. Whereas his set was sadly transient, it was greater than sufficient to intensify anticipation and underscore the depth of expertise on show all through the evening.
Brampton native and Stroll of Fame inductee Tanya Mullings introduced a way of reverence and nostalgia to the stage, paying tribute to reggae icons Garnett Silk and the just lately departed Jimmy Cliff. After a protracted absence from the highlight, Mullings’ return was warmly obtained and marked by a powerful, heartfelt efficiency.
The competition reached a strong crescendo with six-time JUNO Award winner and Brampton Stroll of Fame inductee Exco Levi. Backed by his Excessive Priest Band—his longtime collaborators—Exco delivered a high-energy, tightly executed set that showcased simple chemistry and precision. Opening with ‘Jah Nah Sleep,’ he moved effortlessly by way of crowd favorites akin to ‘Take It Straightforward,’ ‘Born to Be Free,’ and ‘Wah Gwaan,’ earlier than diving into dancehall classics together with ‘Bam Bam’ and ‘Homicide She Wrote.’ His tribute to Bob Marley, that includes stirring renditions of ‘Concrete Jungle,’ ‘Curfew,’ ‘Zimbabwe,’ ‘Trench City Rock,’ ‘Natty Dread,’ and ‘I Shot the Sheriff,’ was each respectful and electrifying, bringing the competition to a becoming shut.
By way of efficiency high quality, manufacturing, and viewers engagement, the Excessive Priest Reggae Competition was an simple success. The occasion not solely highlighted the immense expertise inside Canada’s reggae and dancehall group but in addition strengthened the necessity for larger collective assist to propel these artists to the following degree nationally and internationally.
With Episode 4 already slated for subsequent yr, the Excessive Priest Reggae Competition continues to construct momentum. For many who attended, it was an evening to recollect; for individuals who missed it, the message is obvious—it is a competition rapidly changing into a must-attend celebration of Canadian reggae excellence.
