T.E.Dennis Photography

By Patrick Dennis Jr.

In a day and age when it seems every young black person claims to be a rapper, few stand out from the crowd. Toronto’s own Reema Major is one of those few aspiring artists whose style, delivery and persona appear to be genuine and long lasting.

The self-proclaimed “Mother of the new school era, and young buck that the old G’s co-sign” showcased her skills this past Tuesday at Canada’s Wonderland. The event entitled “Summer Bling” featured some of the city’s best young talents and also one of Canada’s top artists, Karl Wolf. Reema headlined the event and did not disappoint.

At the tender age of 16, Reema has mastered the art of performing. On stage she has the confidence and swagger of artists at least twice her age, but as the cliché goes- age is nothing but a number. Performing her current song on the radio, “I’m The One” Reema showed why so many have called her the queen of Canadian hip-hop. Her lyrics and punch lines are hard hitting; she flows like an artist who has been doing this for years.

Many are quick to compare her style to that of Nicki Minaj. “I think that when you are a female coming into a male-dominated industry, people are quick to compare.” explained Reema.  “I think it’s reassurance you are doing something right–if you’re whack you won’t be compared at all.”  Considering the fact that Reema has really only been putting out music since she was 15, it’s tough compare her body of work to Minaj. From a lyrical stand point however, hands down Reema takes the win. The honesty and conviction in her music speaks for itself.

Reema insists that there is no animosity towards Nicki or any other female artists; she gladly welcomes the comparisons as she knows that when people hear her music and get to know her better as an artist the comparisons will stop. She is a firm believer that female artists need to stick together. “I think power is important, and I think unity is power. Where there is a strong team together, there will be power and by women fighting it just makes us weak,” she proclaimed.

Having gone through a lot in her young life, Reema uses her music as her expression and voice. With all the success she has gained so far she remains humble and grateful for it all. “I’m just grateful. As a ghetto kid, this time last year I was sitting on a stoop. No deal, no money- just a ghetto kid. You have to stay humble because as quick as he [GOD] gave it to you; he can take it away,” Reema explained. It is that understanding and attitude that draws people to her.

Speaking to her you feel like you’re talking to someone wise beyond her years. The delivery of her rhymes mixed with the complexity of her lyrics the perfect blend of what hip-hop and rap truly are. A student of the old school era of flow, Reema uses clever word play not heard in many artists today. She is certainly above the crowd.

This fast-talking, intelligent and passionate artist is certainly on her way to becoming a superstar. She is currently promoting her mixtape, I AM LEGEND (which is available for download on her website), Reema is also busy working on her debut album (due out sometime in 2012). Reema Major will be performing alongside another Toronto artist, KOS at the CNE on September 2^nd.

Henok Abebe

By Samuel Getachew

Margaret Mead may have reflected on commitment and social change generations ago, by writing words that still resonates today –  ”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The reality is that there are millions of Canadians who are contributing to our planet in every possible way.

Looking around the world, it is not hard to find Canadians contributing to the betterment of our world. In the continent of Africa alone, in a random visit to villages and towns, one can witness young children named after Former United Nations HIV / AIDS Envoy Stephen Lewis, for his passionate voice in turning the tide against the deadly disease in Africa. In the proud history books of South Africa, there are literally pages of tributes to the leadership of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for his stubborn attempt to help end minority rule in that country in the late 1980′s.

Looking around the thousands of young peacekeepers all across the continent, one can be reminded of the contributions of our former noted United Nations Canadian ambassador, Nobel Peace Prize winning Lester B Pearson. Furthermore, the reality of Canada and Canadians is the fact that many governments may have come and gone over the years, but the contributions of Canadians has never left Africa nor to the cause of International Development.

This cultural commitment to the world has always been Canada’s signature to the world. Local musician, Ethiopian born and Canadian resident, Henok Abebe is one of many who is living our collective greatest ideal. He may not be a household name in Canada, but he has had a long and prosperous musical career in his young adult life in his native Ethiopia. He has played with leading international Ethiopian artists such as Alemayehu Eshete and many others.

Later on today, he will perform his many smooth ballads at Lula Lounge in the hope of raising much needed resources for the East African famine victims for Medecins Sans Frontieres – a Nobel Peace Prize winning charity organization. According to the organizers, “the fact that the victims of famine in East Africa have not been getting the same vast support as survivors of other recent world disasters speaks to our priorities and values”. It is the hope that this particular event and many others in the near future will help turn the tide.

Abebe will join other local artists such as Kooshin and Faduma Nakruma at Lula Lounge starting at 8 PM. Lula is located on 1585 Dundus West and entrance is only $15 or (Pay what you can).

By Patrick Dennis Jr.

At the tender age of 16, Reema Major has already made a name for herself in the hip-hop scene. Her fierce and heavy-hitting punch lines have left listeners and fans astonished.

On August 23^rd Reema and some special guests will take to Canada’s Wonderland for a day of exciting entertainment.  Fresh off of the release of her latest mixtape, “I Am Legend”, Reema will be taking to the stage to perform for her fans.

Tickets for the event can be purchased for $31.86 online and include admission, plus all day access to the parks’ rides and attractions. For more details visit, www.reemamajorsummerbling.com

“I Am Legend” showcases the young star at her finest, her mix of raw emotion and energy create the perfect blend. Having received great reviews from industry leaders the time is set for this young queen of Canadian hip-hop to take the throne.

I Am Legend is now available online: www.reemamajor.com |  www.itunes.com/reemamajor

Sonia Aimy

By Anya Wassenberg

Sonia ‘Aimy’ Aimiuwu may be new to Toronto but she’s hardly new to the stage. Her long resumé spans three continents along with several languages and artistic disciplines.

Born in Nigeria, Sonia began singing as a child in a gospel group in Benin City, fueling an early interest in traditional music and song that was also linked to storytelling, dance and theatre. She began her training in Nigeria and continued after immigrating to Italy. “I moved there when I was 19,” she recalls, “and trained in acting, jazz and choreography. I played in jazz bands for four or five years while I was going to school.”

Once out of school, she began a varied professional career that encompassed the cultures of both her native and adopted homelands. She’s worked as an actress, choreographer, dancer and singer with the Teatro di Roma and Teatro Stabile of Turin among others, was the Artistic Director of the African Theatre of Turin, and has helped train others in collaboration with the National Theatre of Nigeria. While she played the club scene in Italy as a student, as a professional she focused on broader projects. “When I started performing professionally, it was in festivals, theatres and events.”

Some of those events were ones she helped organize, including those that promoted African culture in Italy. She’s done multicultural radio programming and worked on youth projects with the Council of Europe and other European agencies, and she’s even starred in Italian films. Music, though, always seems to be at the core of her work, and her background has led to a fusion of styles. “How I would describe it? It’s a mixture. I’d define it as Afrojazz.”

She points out that she’s worked with many different artists of many different stripes, and adds the varied political climates of Africa and the West as part of her artistic baggage. She lists a number of musical influences, including King Sunny Adé, Miriam Makeba, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, among others.  Her voice is strong and expressive, and the music – which she writes – defies easy categorization. Afrojazz will do.

Though she’s only been in Toronto since April of this year, she hit the ground running, and has played at the Gladstone Hotel as part of their World Music series along with taking the stage at Afrofest. She’s concentrating her energies on music at the moment. “I’m still exploring Toronto,” she says. “My focus is really to work with the new band. “ Sonia speaks warmly of the wonderful musicians she’s found in the city.

As a lyricist, she’s often inspired simply by what surrounds her – a storyteller at heart. “It depends,” she says of her inspiration. “Sometimes it’s based on what’s around me, what is happening to people I know. There is one song in particular – I was inspired by a Ghanaian homeless guy. He lived in the train station. I used to give him money. One day, I started talking to him, and he told me his story.” His tale of coming to Italy in hopes of making his fortune and ending up on the street became a song. “It depends on what is happening around me,” she notes. For a memorial event dedicated to the late Miriam Makeba, she was moved to write about racism. “When we get to heaven, nobody is going to judge your skin colour, or whether you’re rich or poor. You’re going to be judged by your soul.” The result was her song “No Colour”.

While she’s still settling in, Sonia seems determined to leave her mark on the city’s stages starting right now. You can catch her smooth vocals and compelling presence performing as part of the Toronto African Dance Festival on August 13 and 14.

Check out Sonia Aimy’s YouTube channel to see her in action.

www.soniaaimy.com

www.africandancefestival.com

By Erica Phillips

For those who missed Sade’s live shows this year, pick up The Ultimate Collection. The two-disc set is a real treat for fans and features 29 tracks— 25 classics and four new songs.

That moody, seductive sound Sade has been known for since 1984 permeates the digitally remastered collection. Remember “Smooth Operator”, “Your Love is King”, “The Sweetest Taboo”, “No Ordinary Love”, songs that brought her to worldwide acclaim: They still sound smooth.

The first disc features songs from Sade’s debut album Diamond Life, released in 1984; Promise, released in 1985; Stronger Than Pride from 1988 and Love Deluxe from 1992. Disc two also features songs from Lovers Rock, 2000 and Soldier of Love 2010, plus the new songs: “Still in Love With You”, “The Moon and the Sky” remix featuring Jay-Z, “Love is Found”, “By Your Side” (Neptunes remix), and “I Would Never Have Guessed”.

“Soldier of Love”, from the 2010 album of the same name, ventures into different territory with its military feel. While the Neptunes remix of “By Your Side”, has a slightly heavier bass line and “Babyfather” is touching with light beat infused with a hint of reggae and poignant lyrics. Children doing back up on the chorus is particularly sweet.

For you child/ For you he’s the best he can be/ Oh child don’t you know …Your daddy love come with a life time guarantee.

Love and longing feature prominently on this album as in: You’ll always know the reason why/ We could have had the moon and the sky, from the “The Moon and The Sky”.

“Immigrant” describes an all too familiar and uncomfortable story. He didn’t know what it was to be black/ ‘Till they gave him his change/ But didn’t want to touch his hand/ To even the toughest among us/ That would be too much.

Sade is actually a band consisting of Sade Adu on vocals, Andrew Hale, keyboards and programming, Stuart Matthewman, guitars, saxophone and programming, and Paul S Denman on bass. Adu wrote all of the lyrics except for “Still in Love With You” (words and music by Phil Lynott). Matthewman and Hale also contribute to the music and lyrics.

The Ultimate Collection is smooth, moody and sexy from start to finish with a few pleasant surprises.

Track Listing

CD1
Your Love is King
Smooth Operator
Hang On To Your Love
The Sweetest Taboo
Is It A Crime
Never As Good As The First Time
Jezebel
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Paradise
Nothing Can Come Between Us
No Ordinary Love
Kiss of Life
Feel No Pain
Bullet Proof Soul

CD2
Cherish The Day
Pearls
By Your Side
Immigrant
Flow
King of Sorrow
The Sweetest Gift
Soldier of Love
The Moon and the Sky
Baby Father
Still in Love With You
Love is Found
I Would Never Have Guessed
The Moon and the Sky (Remix, featuring Jay-Z)
By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)

Edgy and dripping with sensuality, Saidah produced it independently with a group of her friends. With an intricately painted Saidah singing against an otherworldly backdrop and co-starring with a fierce-looking snake, this video – like her music – is nothing ordinary.

Check out the stunning video below

By Erica Phillips

Hundreds turned out to hear an eclectic mix of bands at Hamilton Mardi Gras on the weekend; Omarion headlined the Friday night part of the program. Bayfront Park, with the beautiful bay and the setting sun provided the perfect backdrop for the many singers, dancers, rappers and musicians who entertained crowds. Fans enjoyed curry and jerk dishes, Jamaican patties and other island favourites, plus carnival foods such as ice cream, popcorn and candy apples.

Bernadette J-Ling is the festival’s founder, president and executive director. “The goal of the festival is to achieve togetherness with all multicultural groups within Hamilton to showcase their cultures.” The two-day festival started on Friday evening with a host of performers and featured a parade of ‘mas’ costumes on Saturday, which in total drew thousands of people.

Ling says the Omarion concert helped to “lift the level of the event”.

KHANDI

Singer and keyboardist Khandi started the evening with a few R&B covers; she was a finalist in Hamilton’s Got Talent contest held earlier this year.

EJ Grant and APE G.A.N.G. also performed. Grant, 19, said Mardi Gras was his first performance with a live band and is thankful he got to perform in front of the crowd.

Grant was one of the top four in Hamilton’s Got Talent contest and says music is what he really wants to do with his life. However, the self-taught rapper is studying television broadcasting at Mohawk College so he can apply elements of video production to his music.

EJ Grant

Shaun Boothe of Toronto, another performer, has been writing rap since he was 10. “Back then I used to write little rhymes making fun of the girls in my class and tease them with it during recess and stuff like that. All through high school I’d enter talent shows, freestyle competitions, whatever I could do to get out there. The big turning point for me was when I won this competition called the Much Temp competition,” Boothe said.

He garnered many industry contacts because of that competition, which came with $25,000 towards the car of his choice and a downtown condo for the summer. Boothe sold the car back to the lot and reinvested the money in himself as an artist. His first video, One By One, was directed by RT. Boothe tries to keep is music fresh and timeless, instead of just timely.

“It’s soulful, it’s deep, it’s raw, it’s fun, it’s fresh. Most importantly it’s me. Nobody else,” he says. He just released his new body of work called Waiting Room, which has 15 songs and features: “People like Kardinal, Talib Kweli, Kim Davis, CyHi Da Prynce from Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label, and a few other people as well.”

For more information about Booth visit shaunboothe.com.

Other performers included Crown A Thornz, with Harbour Sharks, Ms Paige, Entourage and R&B singer Kim Davis. Omarion was engaging with crowd, bringing fans on the stage, much to the delight of the audience. It was night of fun, showcasing of spectrum of music, to a variety of fans.

Check out more pics from Hamilton Mardi Gras

Ms Paige

Kim Davis

Entourage

Donne Roberts

By Anya Wassenberg

“I was born in Madagascar, I grew up in Russia, and now I’m in Canada,” begins singer/songwriter and guitarist Donné Roberts. In a nutshell, it describes a journey that’s been both physical and musical. “I was lucky enough to meet people from all over the world. For me, music is like love, there [are] no boundaries. If the love is there, things will work out perfectly.”

Having picked up the guitar at an early age, a wide-ranging lifestyle and an open mind sparked a lifetime love of musical experimentation. “Starting from when I was in Russia,” he explains. “I started mixing Russian music with Madgascar.” He began his musical career in Russia and Western Europe in the 1980s.

After making Toronto his home, Donné quickly developed a reputation for his often lightning fast technique, along with introducing audiences to the beautiful harmonies that exemplify Madagasy music. In 2004, he was part of the CBC recording project African Guitar Summit that brought together some of the top African guitar players in the country. It united musicians from Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Burundi and Madagascar, and Donné describes a working process that was cooperative.  “With African Guitar Summit, I had them do things on my song – but I didn’t direct them,” he says. Similarly, his additions became part of each of the others’ compositions. The result was a 2005 Juno win for the group, and another nomination in 2007 for the follow up CD African Guitar Summit 2.

In between, Donné released his own CD Rhythm Was Born in 2006, resulting in another series of unique recordings and cross cultural mash ups. “I invited Marc and Dave to play on my first album,” he remembers. On the song “Hira’N'Taolo” , he’s accompanied by well known Aboriginal artists Marc Nadjiwan and David DeLeary. “I started to do things with Aboriginal people,” he says, in his typically low key expression. It’s a collaboration that has fueled a series of live performances in the style he calls “African Pow-Wow” that meld his shimmering guitar work with the insistent rhythm and distinctive harmonics of Marc’s First Nations culture.

Now that it’s come time to hit the studio again, he’s taken the experiment another step. “Now I’m recording a new album, and I’m using female Aboriginal vocalists.” He lists recording artists Jani Lauzon and Cheri Maracle, among others. “It sounds really good.” The upcoming release will also include work with Toronto-based Egyptian singer Maryem Tollar. “She does some of her Arabic stuff, which sounds great too,” he reports.

Even though it’s become something of his stock in trade, blending divergent musical styles and cultures isn’t the easiest way to make music. “It’s still a lot of work,” he says. “You have to know the person. You have to know how they sing. It’s not like, you put an African and an Aboriginal together on stage and you work a miracle.”

The second of his current projects is a case in point. Okavangu, the African Orchestra is a project that began performing earlier this year. Similar to African Guitar Summit, the band unites musicians from all over the African continent, from Madagascar to Senegal, people whose styles wouldn’t meet under typical circumstances. “With African Orchestra, we share the rhythm, but we each do it differently,” he explains, describing a gradual process of working together, each musician adding their own unique element to the mix. “We can actually work it out together,” he laughs.

An upcoming show at Lula Lounge puts the spotlight on yet another ongoing musical concern, the roots music of Madagascar, although the players are different again. “I have totally different people in my band. There’s nobody from Madagascar. I would call it very Canadian,” he jokes.

He’ll be playing an acoustic set with a trio consisting of him on guitar with percussion and vocals. “Traditional Madagasy music is not that well known,” he says. “They’re just beautiful melodies, some sad songs. Not dancey.” The material will include both traditional songs and original compositions in the same vein.

He reports that the new CD will be coming out this fall, and you can also hear him playing his composition “Feo Menga” as the theme song for the show Fresh Air weekends on CBC Radio One.

To learn more about Donné, visit donneroberts.com

See Donné live at the Lula Lounge August 5 www.lula.ca/Events/2011/august/Donne-Roberts

NICKI MINAJ

By True Daley & Geena Lee

On the final night of the week-long 19^th annual Reggae Sumfest, audiences were treated to a diverse lineup which included  long-standing artists such as Jah Cure, Wayne Wonder, Mya and Gyptian.  Also on the bill were Proteje, Chalice, Cherine Henderson, Hezron, Laza Morgan,  Ashley Martin and Trudy.

However, the main event for International Night 2 was none other than mega-star Nicki Minaj (mypinkfriday.com), whose performance marked her first visit to Jamaica. Audience members waited in anticipation throughout the night, with some of her biggest fans paying homage to the Black Barbie by donning pink wigs, corsets and tutus.

One would assume Minaj would close the show as the international headliner, however according to Sumfest protocol,  international acts never do.  In the wee hours of the morning, following a half-hour lull of silence, Minaj burst onto the stage to the thunderous cheers of exuberant fans. Her usual outlandish attire of brightly-coloured wig, multi-patterned tights, and neon bodysuit, was replaced by a more understated costume.  The rapper wore a black wig, with a leopard-printed corset and harem pants, much to the disappointment of fans hoping to get a closer look at her curvaceous figure.

Minaj’s high-powered performance was peppered with patois between songs and her dancers maintained the energy and sex appeal with dancehall choreography. The first lady of Young Money performed a mix of her biggest hits including “Monster”, “Your Love” and “Moment 4 Life”.  True to form, the rapper flirted with her fans, giving them a taste of her Trini roots with a slow sexy wine from time to time.

WAYNE WONDER

She got the audience hot, then left them cold, as she vanished into the darkness after delivering a tight 35-minute set without encore.  She also gave international media the cold shoulder, refusing any interviews despite being the only foreign headlining act.

Dancehall crooner Wayne Wonder (www.waynewonder.com) rounded out the night by delivering favourites like “Saddest Day”, “No Letting Go”, and “Bounce Along”.  Mya once again graced the stage as she joined Wonder in performing their new single “If I Ever”.  Fans were also brought back in time as Mya treated them to a performance of her 1998 hit “Ghetto Superstar”.

(photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

SINCE SUMFEST: Peformers make the headlines

While Reggae Sumfest went off without a hitch from July 17-23, some of the celebrities made headlines immediately following their performance.  Nicky Minaj, Mavado, and Clifton Brown have been getting a lot of buzz…

MINAJ’S POTTY MOUTH

Scandalous outfits, explicit lyrics, and gyrating hips are the norm for many artists gracing the Sumfest stage. Swearing, however, is strictly prohibited.  Although Minaj forewarned audiences she would do her best to keep her set clean, Black Barbie dropped a few ‘F-bombs’ during her concert.  According to Jamaica’s Daily Observer newspaper,  Jamaican police reportedly handed her the summons to appear in court, as she exited the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex .  Although she did not make a court appearance, attorney Hugh Thompson, entered an ex parte guilty plea and paid the J$1000 ($11CDN) fine on Minaj’s behalf. Some suspect Minaj planned the scenario in an attempt to gain more media attention.

MAVADO

MAVADO ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

Soon after his Sumfest performance, Jamaican police named Mavado as a person of interest after receiving a report of a violent incident involving a 51-year old man and his 17-year old son. The father and son are charging Mavado and a member of his entourage with assault, after an altercation occurred while they were travelling along Belmont Road in Anchovy, St. James.

According to various Jamaican media reports, Mavado demanded that the man move his parked vehicle so that he and his procession of cars could pass. Some reports conflict saying the man complied with Mavado’s request, while other reports state the man refused to move his vehicle.  What is consistent, and the main reason for the charges, is that members of Mavado’s entourage allegedly left their vehicles and began viciously attacking the man, with one member slapping his son across the face with a machete. Mavado himself reportedly backed his vehicle into the man’s car, causing injury to the man and damaging his automobile.

As of press time, Mavado has been arrested and charged by police for assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious destruction of property; he is due to appear in court August 8^th.  Also charged is his promoter Gregory Lindo, who was caught trying to pay off the complainant in return for dropping the charges.  Lindo is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice, and conspiracy.

This is not Mr. ‘Gangsta For Life’s first run-in with the law, as he’s also recently been charged with property damage and assault.

CLIFTON BROWN with Beenie Man

INTERNET SENSATION CLIFTON BROWN CROSSES OVER

The seriousness of heavy rains which swept away a bridge in rural St. Andrew, Jamaica, has been overshadowed by a viral video featuring local resident Clifton Brown.  His interview with TVJ  about his flooded community, has been remixed by DJ Powa, making Brown a Youtube sensation, with over a million hits to date. Brown has become an overnight star, due to his peculiar accent and the ‘Nobody Canna Cross It’ song which has been at the top of Caribbean music charts for weeks. Brown recently shared the Sumfest stage alongside the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man and has been making appearances all over the island.

According to the Jamaica Star, “Some persons do not find the remix video by DJ Powa  as hilarious as others. In fact, some individuals are strongly against the issue being transformed into a national, and international joke. However, there are those who argue that it is just one of many videos on YouTube that serves as a medium for social commentary or satire.

Furthermore, it is nothing new for Jamaicans to ‘tek bad tings mek laugh’. Several of our musicians, comedians and creative geniuses, like DJ Powa, have been doing so for decades .The popularity of the song  “Nobody Canna Cross” It is so huge that it has been made into a ringtone.

A Facebook page has been created to pledge support for Clifton’s bridge. In barely 24 hours, the page (www.facebook.com/wecancrossit) has garnered more than 1,500 supporters. They have dubbed themselves ‘The Bridge Builders’. The Canadian R.A. Murray programme has also pledged their support.

Video: Clifton ‘Cliff-Twang’ Brown – Nobody Canna Cross It

By Geena Lee

Always a crowd favourite, the Teddy Pendergrass of Jamaica was the star of the night, returning to the Sumfest stage after a three-year hiatus.  Hammond had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he treated fans to a full concert featuring a multitude of classic hits such as “Tempted To Touch”, “She Loves Me Now” and “Can’t Stop A Man From Trying”.

In honour of Hammond’s major influence on the Jamaican music industry and culture, Summerfest Productions bestowed him with a special Reggae Icon Award mid-concert.  Johnny Gourzone, Executive Direcor of Summerfest Productions, expressed his pleasure at presenting the award, “… he deserves to be recognized for his enormous contribution to the growth and development of our music.  A Reggae Sumfest without Beres never truly feels complete.”

Sway spoke with Hammond backstage to get his reaction on receiving the Reggae Icon award.

Q: Congratulations on your award, how do you mentally process the fact that you are considered such an icon?

A:  I think normal because it would be foolish for one to get out of their natural self.  When somebody gives something out of the ordinary to you, you shouldn’t behave differently.  So I think that I’m alright.  I do appreciate all of the efforts that they’ve put into this and I appreciate them for even thinking about me, but it doesn’t change Beres.  When I came into the business I wanted to sing, and I wanted to sing with passion, and so far whatever shows I’ve done, I think of it as my first and my last effort, so I give it all the love I have.

Q:  We’re based in Toronto, Canada, and we know you’re familiar with the city because you’ve been there quite a few times, what’s been your most memorable experience there?

A:  There are so many beautiful moments that I’ve shared with lots of folks in Canada, and it’s really hard for me to say…to point out which is a better experience than the other, because no two experiences are the same and they’re all beautiful.  When people talk to you and give you love, it’s good.

Q:  You and Buju Banton have done quite a few collaborations, often sharing the stage together.  What are your thoughts regarding the news of his imprisonment in Florida?

A:  I’m missing you son.

(www.myspace.com/bereshammond)

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)