DJ Kemo, Tugstar and FARA, three of Vancouver’s finest in Urban music has collaborated and the result, a hot fusion reggae tracks that might just be the next hottest song outa Canada in 2026.
DJ Kemo’s journey runs parallel to the rise of hip-hop in Canada. Drawn into the culture in the early ’80s through breakdancing, graffiti, and vinyl, he developed his craft from the ground up—starting with a single turntable and a 4-track recorder before going on to co-found the pioneering group Rascalz.
With multiple JUNO Awards, international touring experience, and production credits spanning artists like Kardinal Offishall, Pitbull, and k-os, Kemo has solidified his place as one of the country’s most influential DJs and producers. His sound—rooted in hip-hop but shaped by reggae, soul, funk, and global rhythms—continues to evolve with intention.
Tugstar, born Howard Johnson in May Pen, Jamaica, carries a deep connection to music shaped by both church and dancehall culture. Beginning as a young performer and songwriter, he built his name in Kingston’s vibrant scene before winning the Guinness Ultimate DJ Battle in 2005.
With over two decades in the industry, he has written and performed across reggae and dancehall, collaborating with icons like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, and Elephant Man. Now based in Vancouver, Tugstar continues to expand his reach, blending traditional Jamaican influences with a global perspective.
FARA is a Vancouver-based R&B artist whose sound reflects her Singaporean roots and Malay heritage. Emerging from the city’s hip-hop scene, she developed her voice through early collaborations and live performances before stepping into her own as a solo artist. Her music blends contemporary R&B with cultural storytelling, earning her opportunities to share stages with acts like 112 and Ginuwine, while also gaining international traction through releases like “BEACHSIDE” and “SOUL.”
Beyond music, FARA is a multidisciplinary creative, known for her work in visual direction and artist development. Bringing their distinct backgrounds together, the trio recently connected in studio under Kemo’s direction with the intention of creating a reggae record.
What unfolded organically was something more fluid—a reggae-pop fusion shaped by instinct, melody, and shared creative energy. The collaboration highlights each artist’s strength while reflecting a collective sound that feels both rooted and forward moving.
