An emotional visit to the Reactivation – Care Centre reminds us of the enduring power of friendship, the importance of community support and the legacy of one of Canadian reggae and dancehall’s early pioneers.
Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer a friend is simply our time. A three-hour visit with veteran Jamaican Canadian dancehall DJ Devon Irie at the Reactivation – Care Centre on Finch Avenue on Wednesday, October 14, was a poignant reminder of the power of friendship, shared memories and the comfort of familiar faces.
Although Devon’s current health challenges have affected his mobility, it was encouraging to see him feeding himself and engaging in conversation. During our visit, he even expressed a craving for some good old Jamaican oxtail with rice and peas — a simple wish that brought a touch of home into an afternoon filled with laughter, nostalgia and heartfelt conversations.
The moment he saw me, he called out my nickname, “STTTA,” just as he has done countless times over the years. The name is familiar to those who knew me during my formative years in music, and hearing it again immediately transported me to our younger days in St. Catherine, Jamaica.
Before long, we were reminiscing about our childhood experiences in Grove Farm and the mischief that once kept us talking.
One particularly amusing memory involved Devon and his friends from Spring Village stoning a tree laden with green mangoes that my mother was exporting at the time. Their mission was to get that one ripe mango hidden among the green ones. What might have been a source of frustration back then has since become a humorous reminder of our shared past.
Devon also recalled the night I discovered that he was a DJ. It happened at a stage show in his home district Spring Village where my band at the time, Crucial Vibes, was performing. We revisited those early musical days, discussed his years as a taxi driver operating between Spanish Town and Old Harbour, and caught up on family matters as he asked about my children, whom he knows well.
These were more than recollections of days gone by. They were reminders of the friendships and shared experiences that endure long after the performances, the applause and the bright lights of the stage.
Our visit was made even more enjoyable by the arrival of fellow DJ Japanese, promoter Uprising and another friend, a former soldier whose name unfortunately escapes me. As the conversation continued, I noticed a remarkable change in Devon’s mood. He laughed, engaged enthusiastically with the stories and even slipped a few DJ lyrics into the conversation.
It was heartening to witness the familiar entertainer emerge through the memories and camaraderie.
Devon spoke appreciatively about the visits he has received since his hospitalization and expressed gratitude for the people who have taken the time to check on him. His response reinforced my belief that the presence of friends and colleagues can bring comfort and encouragement during difficult periods of recovery.
I left with a firm intention to return soon. If our visit brought even a little happiness into his day, those three hours were time well spent.
But Devon Irie is not simply a friend and colleague going through a difficult period. He is one of the pioneers whose contribution helped shape the Canadian reggae and dancehall movement. His journey from Jamaica to Toronto, his early recordings, his award-winning performances and his decades of commitment to the music form part of a cultural legacy worthy of recognition.
As members of the music fraternity, we often celebrate artists for their hit songs, awards, stage performances and ability to entertain audiences. Yet we must also remember them when illness or other circumstances prevent them from performing as they once did.
Recognition should not be reserved for memorial tributes or retrospective celebrations. It should be offered while the people we admire are still here to receive it, appreciate it and feel the love behind it.
For fellow musicians, DJs, promoters, sound-system operators and longtime supporters, a visit, a phone call or a simple message of encouragement can make a meaningful difference.
Devon Irie is currently recuperating at the Reactivation – Care Centre, 2111 Finch Avenue West, Room 310B, Toronto.
Those who are able to visit are encouraged to stop by, share a story, recall a memorable performance or simply spend a few moments in conversation. Sometimes, the smallest gestures offer the greatest comfort.
I intend to visit Devon again soon. Having witnessed the difference that familiar faces, laughter and shared memories made during our time together, I am reminded that supporting one another is just as important as celebrating one another’s achievements.
Devon Irie helped build an important chapter in the history of Canadian reggae and dancehall. His contribution deserves to be acknowledged, and his community has an opportunity to show its appreciation now.
Let us give Devon Irie his flowers while he can still feel the love.