Stages makes Jamaica roots
WHAT started as platform to showcase up-and-coming reggae artistes in Canada has made roots in Jamaica.
Carrie Mullings, organiser of Stages Jamaica, explained how the idea came about.
“Well, we started Stages Canada in December 2015 and every month we highlighted 10 artistes with a live band. We had an industry networking urban artiste showcase, and after two years and 190 acts, we decided to tour Canada,” Mullings told the Jamaica Observer.
“We toured Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal in 2018 and we were blessed to have an artiste from Jamaica on each tour. Those artistes were Symatic, the Magnum King of the Dancehall winner for 2017; and Torch,” Mullings continued.
The conceptualiser is also the host of the Rebel Vibez show, which airs on Canada’s number one urban alternative station VIBE 105. Mullings, who has been involved in the Canadian reggae scene for several years, is the chairperson for the reggae committee of the Juno Awards.
“We decided to come to Jamaica because the support is needed here and the artistes are in abundance. It’s a good more because it also connects Canada and Jamaica,” she said.
Last Saturday a number of entertainers came out to perform for a chance to be selected for the Stages Canada tour. The event took place at Kingston 10 Sports Bar and Grill on Hillview Avenue in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew.
“We had a lot of artistes and the feedback has been overwhelming. We will be returning in April going into May and do an additional six parishes. Overall, we are searching for five artistes who really could use the exposure, curate content that’s needed for them to move forward their careers and to go to Canada,” said Mullings.
The line-up included Ibo Fyah, Canada-based reggae fusion singer Chux Starr; Bennie Max; Xpress; I-Larche; Emmanuel Chin; Initial T, Jah Certain and Chely Kan.
“We will be touring Jamaica first with the five artistes along with five others from Stages Canada and all 10 will then go to Canada for the major tour. It is a win-win situation for all. Artistes from Canada get to tour Jamaica, and artistes from Jamaica get to tour Canada,” Mullings added.
