On Thursday, August 22nd, Paradise, in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada, hosted the world premiere of ‘Sounds & Pressure’ to a sold-out audience. This highly anticipated five-part series pays tribute to the Jamaican legends who brought reggae music to Toronto, exploring their profound influence on the city’s cultural landscape.
Following the screening, a live Q&A session was held with the series’ directors, Graeme Mathieson and Chris Flanagan, alongside several of the featured artists, moderated by journalist and radio host Danae Peart.
‘Sounds & Pressure’: Reggae in a Foreign Land delves into the golden era of reggae, when some of Jamaica’s most prominent musicians relocated to Toronto, transforming the city into an unexpected hub of Caribbean creativity. The anthology series highlights the musical and personal journeys of icons like Nana McLean, Johnny Osbourne, Leroy Sibbles, Jerry Brown, and the duo Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison.
Through rare archival footage, powerful musical excerpts, and vibrant interviews, Mathieson and Flanagan transport viewers from the streets of Kingston to Toronto’s Kensington Market, revealing how reggae took root in Canada despite formidable challenges.
The series, directed by Graeme Mathieson and Chris Flanagan, features performances and stories from Jerry Brown, Nana McLean, Johnny Osbourne, Leroy Sibbles, Roy Panton, and Yvonne Harrison. With a runtime of 81 minutes, ‘Sounds & Pressure’ is available for free streaming on the National Film Board of Canada’s website, nfb.ca, and its apps, starting August 23rd.
