Stages has been one of Canada's premiere artist development platforms since 2015; along with sponsors VIBE 105.5fm and Fresh Start 4 Youth Services, the team has been gearing up for this moment for years.
"We were always getting requests from emerging artists in Jamaica to expand our platform here, and as a team we knew that there would be more than reggae in store," said Stages CEO Carrie Mullings, host of the weekly all-Canadian reggae music program "Rebel Vibez" on VIBE 105.5fm.The media launch will feature Jamaican comedian Owen "Blakka" Ellis, will be co-hosted by Queen Jo Jo of Jamaica's Roots 96.1fm, and will present guest speaker Rodcliff Chung of Fresh Start 4 Youth Services Inc., along with a range of reggae artists who will be performing live in Ocho Rios.
"Rebel Vibez was one of the first organizations in Toronto to embrace Kya Publishing and our books, and as a community leader, Carrie has always been supportive of our initiatives and cultural programs," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We are happy to support Stages Canada as the team expands their programming in Jamaica and continues to build and strengthen the international reggae music infrastructure."Details about the Stages Canada launch, and the upcoming summer tour are available at StagesCanada.ca, as well as via their social media accounts on Instagram (@StagesCanada) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/stagescanada).
Photos by Kya Publishing: (L-R) Canadian Reggae Artists Chizzy Bashment, Ammoye, and Nfyah.