
VICTORIA BC SKA & REGGAE SOCIETY
GARDEN CITY GROOVES FESTIVAL FREE KEYNOTE ADDRESS "Transformative Rebuilding and Bonding Understanding: Love will Conquer All - But that’s not the Whole Story"
Thu, 19 Mar, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
White Eagle Polish Hall
90 Dock Street , Victoria, BC V8V 2A1
Description
Lead by Indigenous artists who explore how rebuilding and reconnection happen after generations of disruption, displacement, and silence. This keynote invites audiences into a powerful and honest conversation. Through story, music, and lived experience, they unpack the popular idea that “love will conquer all,” revealing both its truth and its limitations; and what it truly takes to transform, together.
Event Information
Age Limit
All Ages

Rap Rock
The Melawmen Collective
The Melawmen Collective
Rap Rock
The Melawmen Collective is an Indigenous alternative fusion ensemble rooted in Secwepemculucw (Shuswap territory), in British Columbia. The group blends hip-hop, rock, folk, and rich harmonies to share intergenerational stories of resilience, culture, and connection. Members include Meeka Morgan, Rob Hall, Geo “Geo The Voice” Ignace, and Kiva Morgan-Hall, supported by Cass Gregg (bass) and Victor Laso (drums). They’ve released studio work such as Fire In The Lake and earlier recordings like All Those Things, gaining attention for their compelling live shows and deep cultural roots. Their name means “medicine” in the Secwepemc language, reflecting their mission to use music as healing and community building.

Hip-Hop/Rap
Kiva MH
Kiva MH
Hip-Hop/Rap
Kiva MH (Kiva Morgan-Hall) is a Secwepemc/Nuu-Chah-Nulth hip-hop artist and producer from British Columbia. He began engaging with music and performance through The Melawmen Collective’s workshops at a young age and grew into a gifted lyricist and vocalist, blending traditional cultural expression with contemporary rhythms and conscious storytelling. Ignite the Arts Festival Kiva’s work often explores identity, resilience, and intergenerational experience, grounding his art in community and ceremony. He’s released singles such as “Sleep On Me” and collaborated closely with Melawmen — connecting traditional Indigenous perspectives with modern soundscapes.

Hip-Hop/Rap
Kapok
Kapok
Hip-Hop/Rap
Kapok is a Vancouver BC-based Indigenous Mayan emcee and songwriter, originally from Toronto, recognized for his deep roots in hip-hop and collaborations with respected artists such as Moka Only, illa J, T3 of Slum Village, and Posdnuos of De La Soul. Stereofox Music Blog+1 His music blends introspective lyricism with rhythmic innovation, spanning releases from EPs to singles with notable features. Kapok has carved out a respected presence in the Canadian hip-hop community and beyond, drawing from both Indigenous and urban influences.

Roots Reggae
Spiritual Warriors
Spiritual Warriors
Roots Reggae
The Spiritual Warriors are an Indigenous roots, rock, and reggae-infused group from the Lil’wat Nation in British Columbia. Led by father-daughter duo Leroy Joe and Daisy Joe, the band incorporates bilingual vocals (in English and U’cwalmicwts) with uplifting reggae rhythms and harmonies grounded in Indigenous culture and storytelling. Their debut album Ancestors won Best World Recording at the Native American Music Awards and earned multiple nominations, highlighting their international appeal. With members joining from various instrumental roles, the Warriors have built a reputation for powerful live performances that celebrate language, land, and community. Spiritual Warriors played at Victoria’s 26th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival in June 2025 opening for Jamaica’s Turbulence - a legendary dancehall conscious artist. For Garden City Grooves Festival Spiritual Warriors will be performing a special blues, hip hop and soul set.