Little Jamaica isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a soundtrack. Come walk it.
Toronto’s Little Jamaica is turning up the volume this summer with the 2025 return of the Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour, an immersive journey through one of Canada’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Spearheaded by the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA), this year’s tour isn’t just a stroll—it’s a celebration, a performance, and an education all wrapped in one rhythmic experience.
Thanks to support from the City of Toronto’s Main Street Innovation Fund and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, the tour has expanded to include new stops, live performances from iconic musicians, and a brand-new curated exhibition at Monica’s Gallery (formerly Monica’s Beauty Salon and Cosmetic Supply).
The tour kicks off in front of the Fairbank LRT Station at 2353 Dufferin Street, winding its way along Eglinton West toward Marlee Avenue. Along the way, participants are introduced to historic landmarks that defined the neighborhood’s sonic identity, including the legendary Jimmy Wisdom’s Barbershop, the iconic Sunshine Sound, Rap’s Restaurant, and the vibrant Reggae Lane—a mural-covered alley that celebrates the Caribbean diaspora’s contribution to Canadian music.
Local tour guides share first-hand stories of the artists, producers, and entrepreneurs who built Little Jamaica into what many call the “reggae capital of Canada.” But this year’s tour goes beyond storytelling. In a bold and celebratory twist, the CBMA has brought in some of Canada’s most cherished Caribbean musicians to perform live at the tour’s final stop. Monica’s Gallery at 1553 Eglinton Ave. West will not only host these performances but also feature a special exhibition showcasing decades of musical history—vintage vinyl records, concert flyers, rare magazines, and local ephemera that together chronicle the soul of the community.
Confirmed performers include:
- Papa Levy (July 13) – a globally renowned reggae artist known for his electrifying stage presence and deep roots in the Jamaican music scene.
- Dahlia Anderson (July 27) – blending English and French with Afro-Caribbean fusion, Dahlia brings a contemporary twist to classic rhythms.
- Panman Pat (August 1) – celebrated steelpan performer and educator, infusing the tour with the joyful resonance of Trinidadian heritage.
- Com4th (Dave Vassell) (August 3) – the former lead singer of The Arsenals returns to the community that shaped his sound, delivering smooth vocals and nostalgic tunes.
Once a hub for Black-owned businesses and reggae music in the 1970s through 1990s, Little Jamaica has faced gentrification, LRT construction disruptions, and economic decline in recent years. The walking tour is part of a broader movement to revitalize the neighborhood and honor its irreplaceable cultural contributions.
“We want people to see Little Jamaica not as a place of the past, but as a living, breathing, evolving musical legacy,” says Phil Vassell, founder of the CBMA. “This tour is about celebration and reclamation.”
The Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour is free, fully guided, and open to all ages. Remaining tour dates for 2025 include:
July 13, July 27, August 1, August 3, August 17, September 7, and September 21.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of reggae or just discovering the magic of Caribbean-Canadian music, this is your chance to walk the rhythm, hear the stories, and experience Little Jamaica like never before.
For more details, visit [CBMA’s official site or social media pages].
