“This past weekend brought two contrasting yet powerful events to the reggae and dancehall community. On November 24, Everton Blender celebrated his birthday in South Florida with a show that epitomized the spirit of camaraderie and unity among artists. Meanwhile, a day earlier on November 23, Kirk Diamond and Ammoye delivered a stunning performance at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, showcasing their talent and dedication to reggae music.
The scene at Everton Blender’s birthday bash in South Florida was electric, not just for the stellar entertainment but also for the heartwarming display of support. Attendees described the event as vibrant and well-attended, with a standout feature being the presence of several high-profile reggae and dancehall artists who came out in solidarity. These stars weren’t on the bill but chose to show their respect and admiration for Blender, a beloved figure in reggae. This kind of unity and mutual support is what reggae culture thrives on—a spirit of lifting each other up, celebrating milestones together, and preserving the essence of the genre.
In Canada, on the other hand, Kirk Diamond and Ammoye headlined the Rose Theatre in Brampton, delivering a performance that left their audience wanting more. The two artists, known for their years of perseverance and passion for reggae, showcased the maturity of their craft. Witnessing their rise from grassroots struggles to headlining a prestigious venue was a moment of pride for fans and supporters.
Their performance was spectacular, a testament to the enduring appeal of reggae music. However, the night also revealed a glaring gap in the Canadian reggae and dancehall community—support from fellow artists. Only a small number of their peers attended, a stark contrast to the overwhelming turnout of stars for Everton Blender in Florida. This disparity highlights an ongoing challenge: the lack of unity within the Canadian reggae scene.
Ask anyone in the Canadian reggae and dancehall community what’s holding the scene back, and the answer is almost always the same: a lack of unity. Despite widespread acknowledgment of this issue, collective action remains elusive. For reggae to thrive in Canada, artists and stakeholders need to move beyond individual ambitions and embrace a collaborative mindset.
The saying “crab inna barrel” aptly describes the problem—too often, individuals focus on their own success at the expense of others. While it’s impossible to attend every event, the community must prioritize showing up for each other whenever possible. Numbers matter, and consistent support can help elevate the entire genre.
The success of Kirk Diamond and Ammoye at the Rose Theatre is a reminder of reggae’s universal appeal and potential. Their accomplishment isn’t just personal; it’s a victory for the entire Canadian reggae community. But to build on this momentum, the community needs to rally together.
For decades, reggae in Canada has been fighting to carve out its place in the mainstream. Progress has been made, but only in small increments. To make a significant impact, artists must collaborate, promote one another, and foster a culture of support. There’s a new generation of talented artists emerging, and they need to see a united front to navigate the challenges ahead.
Everton Blender’s birthday celebration demonstrated the power of unity in action. If the Canadian reggae scene can adopt a similar ethos, there’s no limit to what it can achieve. Let Kirk Diamond and Ammoye’s milestone inspire a collective shift. Together, the reggae community can rewrite its narrative and secure its rightful place in the cultural landscape.
The question remains: Are we ready to embrace change, or will history repeat itself?
