Reggae historian Roger Steffens said “The beat of reggae is the beat of the healthy human heart at rest.” It's the reason that so many of turn to reggae music in times of need and struggle, as well as times of joy and celebration. This year we celebrate the endearing power and legacy of reggae music as welcome some truly incredible representatives from the world of reggae to our stage for the first time.
We are proud to host and welcome international reggae superstar, and one of the most recognizable voices in the genre, MAXI PRIEST for his Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival debut. Since the release of his debut album in 1985, Maxi Priest has been in demand with reggae lovers around the world. Perhaps no one has done more to spread the sultry, breezy vibes of lovers' rock than Maxi Priest. His otherworldly voice has made him a consistently in-demand collaborator, working with musical luminaries like Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Roberta Flack and Bounty Killer. Earlier this year Priest popped up with Easy Star All-Stars to bring his untouchable style to a fantastic cover of the David Bowie classic “Starman.” Don't miss the Victoria debut, and the only western Canadian play this summer, of a true giant of reggae music.
Also on the bill for our Saturday reggae celebration is the powerful, incomparable SISTER CAROL. Undoubtedly one of the most successful female deejays of the dancehall era, Sister Carol has bee described by some as reggae's answer to Queen Latifah – a strong, positive feminist, inspired by her faith and never resorting to sexual posturing to win her audiences. Her songs are streetwise, conscious and encompass all of the best parts of reggae and dancehall culture. Equally adept at singing and toasting, Sister Carol's immense talent has kept her as an acclaimed member of the scene for nearly four decades. Joining these reggae titans is JUNIOR TOOTS, the scion of reggae royalty, who will be taking Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest stage to pay tribute to the music and legacy of his father's band, Toots & The Maytals. With a gruff but sweet voice reminiscent of his later father, Junior Toots has been doing the big work, keeping the music and spirit of Toots & The Maytals bright and strong. When you hear Junior Toots sing it's immediately clear that more than a thing or two has been passed down through the generations. Kicking things off will be PAN WIZARDS STEEL ORCHESTRA, who we guarantee is unlike anything our audiences have ever seen. With more than 30 people, their sound is big and bright, highlighting that most-beloved island instrument, the steel drum. Experience familiar songs in a completely new way. If you ever needed a reason to get to the Inner Harbour early during festival, this is the one.
Sat Jun 24 2023
2:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Doors 2:00 PM)
$42.50 - $59.50 advance
All Ages
Share With Friends
VICTORIA BC SKA & REGGAE SOCIETY
Victoria's 24th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival - Maxi Priest, Sister Carol, Junior Toots, Pan Wizards Steel Orchestra, DJ Arems & DJ Abel
-
-
Sister Carol has been working hard as a female artist on the frontline internationally for over thirty years. Her music is rich with cultural values, social consciousness, and happy feelings. Over the years she has been a top featured artist on many festivals. Sister Carol is exceptionally talented on the mic and she is also mindful of the importance of her influence as an example to the people. She stands as a singer upholding love, truth, and dignity.
Many people were introduced to Sister Carol through her acting in the Jonathan Demme movies Something Wild and Married to the Mob. Her music career has included twelve albums, several world tours, and numerous network television appearances. Her music carries a social message for the people of the world. Sister Carol is a modern reviver of the faith.
Following in the footsteps of her mentor and friend DJ Brigadier Jerry, her musical career began after winning talent contests in both Kingston and New York. SisterCarol was offered an opening slot for one of Jamaica’s finest vocal trios, The Mediations who had been the harmony backup vocals for Bob Marley.
This opportunity opened the door for her to record her first two records “Liberation for Africa” on the Serious Gold Label 1983 and “Black Cinderella” on Jah Life Label 1984, bringing her greatest talents, personality, and vibe to a wider audience establishing herself firmly in the dancehall/DJ movement. During this time she dominated the music scene winning the coveted “Best Female DJ” for 5 consecutive years from 1983 – 1987. With these accolades behind her, in 1989 she established her own “Black Cinderella Record Label”.
In the midst of her success as an artist, she continued to pursue an education attending City College of New York where she obtained a B.Sc. degree in education in 1984.
A true testament of her resilient spirit and energy spans nearly three decades in a male-dominated industry, Sister Carol is a trailblazer for women in reggae. Her music carries a social message for people all over the world. Her message is rich with cultural heritage and infused with a vital social consciousness that permeates every aspect of life in the new millennium. (Hence her title as “Mother Culture”) She has maintained a loyal fan base across the globe from Kingston – to Queens, Ethiopia to England, Detroit, Denver, East coast to West coast – Sister Carol reigns as the Queen of Reggae. Her prolific music career includes over 12 albums, a Grammy nomination for “Best Reggae Album” in 1997, “Most Outstanding Reggae Artist” two consecutive years 199 7 and 1998, and “Queen of Reggae” in 2000 in Detroit Michigan, New York City Council Proclamation celebrating Jamaica’s 39th year of independence and honoring Jamaicans in New York for outstanding cultural contribution to life in the city of New York in 2001, Institute of Caribbean Studies Wash. DC – “Cultural Heritage Award for Excellence in Music” in 2004, “Lifetime Achievement” in 2008 in Columbus Ohio, “Roots Women in Reggae” 2009 and others.
Beyond her music career she burst on the silver screen in 1986 in her first feature film “Something Wild” with Melaine Griffths and Jeff Daniels followed by “Married to the Mob” with Michelle Pfeiffer, Dean Sockwell and Matthew Modine in 1988 and most recently Oscar nominated “Rachel Getting Married” with Anne Hathaway. All three movies directed by the awarding Director Jonathan Demme.
As well as an amazing professional career her personal life stands firm. She has been married for over two decades and is a dedicated mother of four and a dotting grandmother of six, her true pride and joy. -
Acclaimed international roots-reggae crooner, Junior Toots has been a mainstay in the recorded and live music scene for decades and with an ever-growing fanbase. He’s managed to captivate audiences worldwide with his electrifying high-energy stage performance, soul-filled vocals and socially charged lyricism, along with catchy, singalong Jamaican-rooted original tracks.
In the midst of social turmoil, Junior Toots stays positive and focused on being the change he wishes to see. He’s produced four albums, CROWN OF FIRE, REGGAE GOT SOUL, GUIDANCE STAR and A LITTLE BIT OF LOVE, which recently hit Top #10 on the NACC World Charts.Junior Toots was born in Jamaica and alternated living between the states and Kingston staying close to his legendary father, Toots Hibbert, of Toots & The Maytals. With inspiration and encouragement from his father, Toots began singing on stage at a young age and traveling to his father’s shows. Having the essence of Jamaica, astrong love for Jah and the Rastafarian culture, Toots embodies his life-learnings in both his recorded music and live shows.
-
Pan Steel Wizards Orchestra is comprised of over 30+ players at any given time, highlighting that most recognizable and beloved instrument - the steel drum. The group is made of players from fifth grade to adults, and comes from Steel Magic Northwest in Washington state. The school and group are as much about making good people as the are about making good music! Participants learn much more than just music in the steel band. They develop teamwork skills, leadership through mentoring, an increased sense of responsibility to the group, social skills, and they see on a regular basis the fruits of their dedication. The steel band is different than school band or orchestra in that the director doesn't stand in front with a baton; the students themselves are in front, and therefore have a heightened sense of ownership of the performance.
Victoria's 24th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival - Maxi Priest, Sister Carol, Junior Toots, Pan Wizards Steel Orchestra, DJ Arems & DJ Abel
$42.50 - $59.50 advance All Ages
Reggae historian Roger Steffens said “The beat of reggae is the beat of the healthy human heart at rest.” It's the reason that so many of turn to reggae music in times of need and struggle, as well as times of joy and celebration. This year we celebrate the endearing power and legacy of reggae music as welcome some truly incredible representatives from the world of reggae to our stage for the first time.
We are proud to host and welcome international reggae superstar, and one of the most recognizable voices in the genre, MAXI PRIEST for his Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival debut. Since the release of his debut album in 1985, Maxi Priest has been in demand with reggae lovers around the world. Perhaps no one has done more to spread the sultry, breezy vibes of lovers' rock than Maxi Priest. His otherworldly voice has made him a consistently in-demand collaborator, working with musical luminaries like Beres Hammond, Shaggy, Roberta Flack and Bounty Killer. Earlier this year Priest popped up with Easy Star All-Stars to bring his untouchable style to a fantastic cover of the David Bowie classic “Starman.” Don't miss the Victoria debut, and the only western Canadian play this summer, of a true giant of reggae music.
Also on the bill for our Saturday reggae celebration is the powerful, incomparable SISTER CAROL. Undoubtedly one of the most successful female deejays of the dancehall era, Sister Carol has bee described by some as reggae's answer to Queen Latifah – a strong, positive feminist, inspired by her faith and never resorting to sexual posturing to win her audiences. Her songs are streetwise, conscious and encompass all of the best parts of reggae and dancehall culture. Equally adept at singing and toasting, Sister Carol's immense talent has kept her as an acclaimed member of the scene for nearly four decades. Joining these reggae titans is JUNIOR TOOTS, the scion of reggae royalty, who will be taking Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest stage to pay tribute to the music and legacy of his father's band, Toots & The Maytals. With a gruff but sweet voice reminiscent of his later father, Junior Toots has been doing the big work, keeping the music and spirit of Toots & The Maytals bright and strong. When you hear Junior Toots sing it's immediately clear that more than a thing or two has been passed down through the generations. Kicking things off will be PAN WIZARDS STEEL ORCHESTRA, who we guarantee is unlike anything our audiences have ever seen. With more than 30 people, their sound is big and bright, highlighting that most-beloved island instrument, the steel drum. Experience familiar songs in a completely new way. If you ever needed a reason to get to the Inner Harbour early during festival, this is the one.
Share With Friends