Acclaimed Jamaican reggae singer Duane Stephenson will make historical past because the particular visitor performer on the third annual Reggae North Music Awards, set for Sunday, September 27, at The Rose Brampton.
Stephenson turns into the primary Jamaica-based reggae famous person to carry out on the awards ceremony since its launch in 2023, including one other milestone to an occasion that celebrates excellence and achievement in Canadian reggae music.
Along with his featured efficiency, the Reggae North Cultural Affiliation will current Stephenson with a particular award recognizing his excellent contribution to the expansion and international growth of reggae music over the previous 20 years.
Duane Stephenson
Born on April 22, 1976, in August City, St. Andrew, Jamaica, Stephenson has constructed a world popularity as certainly one of reggae’s most revered up to date voices. His musical journey started with the band To-Isis, the place he served as lead vocalist for practically a decade earlier than launching his solo profession underneath the mentorship of famend saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser.
Stephenson’s songwriting abilities have additionally left a big mark on reggae, with compositions recorded by celebrated artists together with Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Jah Remedy, Luciano, Beres Hammond and Alborosie.
His breakthrough solo album, “From August City,” launched by VP Data in 2007, earned widespread vital acclaim and featured memorable tracks reminiscent of “August City,” “Cottage in Negril,” “Idiot for You” and “Ghetto Ache.” The album was acknowledged by Billboard as one of many important recordings that helped usher in reggae’s roots revival, whereas critics praised Stephenson’s soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
He adopted with “Black Gold” in 2010, an album that continued his custom of socially acutely aware music and featured collaborations with Mutabaruka, Queen Ifrica, Gramps Morgan and Ras Shiloh. That very same yr, Stephenson joined The Wailers Band on a tour throughout america and South America after collaborating on “A Step for Mankind,” a tune supporting the United Nations World Meals Programme and World Starvation Eradication Day.
His third studio album, “Dangerously Roots: Journey from August City,” debuted on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and showcased his versatility by songs exploring love, spirituality and on a regular basis life. All through his profession, Stephenson has carried out on a number of the world’s premier reggae phases, together with Reggae Sumfest, Insurgent Salute, Rototom Sunsplash, Uppsala Reggae Competition, Reggae on the River and Rockers Competition in France, whereas touring extensively all through the Caribbean, North America and Europe.
Organizers say Stephenson’s look and recognition at this yr’s Reggae North Music Awards mirror the group’s ongoing dedication to celebrating reggae’s pioneers and up to date trailblazers whereas strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Jamaica.
The Reggae North Music Awards will open with a Purple-Carpet Reception at 4:00 p.m., adopted by the awards present at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets can be found by Bramptononstage.com or at The Rose Field Workplace, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, or by calling 905-874-2800.
