The first time Original Thriller went to Canada, it was 1984 and he was one of dancehall music’s fledgling stars. Forty-one years later, he is a citizen of that country and still carries the genre’s flag high as an artiste and show promoter.

This weekend (November 7, 8 and 9), his Thriller Music in collaboration with Kings of Kings Productions stages three shows in Toronto and Montreal. They feature several of Original Thriller’s contemporaries including Icho Candy, Errol Dunkley, Professor Nuts, Shalom, Iley Dread and Thriller U.

Original Thriller (previously known as Thriller) spoke to Observer Online about showcasing early dancehall acts like Icho Candy, best known for the 1982 anthem, Captain Selassie-I.

“People love dem artiste deh and dem song same way! Shows like these bring out di big people dem, is like yuh do dem a favour,” said the veteran singer.

The Trench Town-raised artiste first tried his hand at show promotion in 2005 with a dance in Toronto featuring General Trees and Peter Metro at the Upsetter Lounge. Since then, he has brought acts like Josey Wales, Phillip Fraser and Pinchers to Toronto, home to Canada’s largest Jamaican community.

Sunday’s show marks his debut production in Montreal.

Born Devon Chambers, Original Thriller’s early musical influences were roots singers like Dennis Brown and Horace Andy. His first song, Mountain Top, was recorded for producer Joe Gibbs during the late 1970s.

In the early 1980s, he recorded well-received songs like Over Me and Love Line for George Phang, Can’t Cross The Border for Joseph Hoo Kim at Channel One and Tickle Me, produced by Sly and Robbie.

— Howard Campbell