The CanJam Festival is a celebration of the fusion between the Jamaican and Canadian culture. With almost three hundred thousand Jamaicans living in Canada, there is a strong Jamaican presence in the country and an even stronger bond between Canada and the Caribbean Island. In recognition of Jamaica’s 50th independence and the anniversary of a 50 year diplomatic relationship between the two countries, CanJam Festival will highlight the best parts of these cultures existing side by side.
The CanJam Festival is more than a musical show. The main stage event is the reggae concert featuring heavyweight artists such as Freddie McGregor, Anthony B, Khago, and Etana; but the event will also incorporate film, art, fashion and theatre. “We want to promote and highlight the best of the arts in Jamaican culture, both here in Canada and back in Jamaica,” says Nardia McKenzie, a member of the planning committee. “You’ll have to come to the launch party where all the details will be revealed.”
One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is the Fusion Fashion Show, presented by the Jamaican Fashion Collective. “The fashion show will be inspirational, comfortable, exciting, representing 'Out of many one people'. It will feature several designers that will be putting together a cohesive collection that shows the strength and the tenacity of our people,” says Carone Fisher-Messado, the fashion show’s organizer. “As a nation we may be very small one might even say a dot on the map, but we have been very influential over the last 50 years, we now need to use that influence to make a positive impact on lives of Jamaicans and those around us.”
The festival will be hosted at The Sound Academy and features The Appleton VIP Lounge; including preferred lounge seating, complimentary food and drinks all night. “We’re very excited to have Appleton as a sponsor,” says McKenzie. “They are an iconic Jamaican brand and Canada is their largest international market, so they really embody the Jamaican Canadian fusion.” The Appleton VIP Lounge is also where the after party happens; an exclusive gathering where ticket holders can meet and mingle with the artistes and local celebrities.
The artistes selected for the show cater to a wide variety of music lovers. “Most events in Toronto are either strictly dance hall or reggae, but the CanJam Festival really allows people to enjoy all the genres of Jamaican music as well as experience all the other arts forms we have become famous for around the world.”
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Admission: Free
Artists performing at the launch party:
Iley Dread | Juno Nominated Reggae Artist, Winner of Canadian Reggae Music Awards
Belinda Brady | Contemporary Reggae Singer, Juno Nominated, Canadian Urban Music Award Winner
Location: Harlem Restaurant, 67 Richmond St East, Toronto, ON
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