From the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica to the rugged beauty of Canada’s West Coast, Lynden Vassell, better known as Lynden V, has journeyed through music, geography, and community to bring reggae vibrations to Vancouver and beyond. As the host of the long-running Roots Reggae Show on CFRO 100.5 FM, Lynden has been a tireless advocate for the genre, sharing its rhythms, messages, and soul with listeners worldwide.
“Reggae music satisfies my soul, and I want to share it with the world,” Lynden explains. His passion for reggae began in Toronto, where he sought out the sounds of his Jamaican heritage on the airwaves. For him, reggae embodies the teachings of elders, the spirit of national heroes, and an unwavering belief that “Better Must Come.”
Lynden’s mission solidified during a late-night trip to Britain. Listening to BBC Radio 1 play reggae, he was struck by the potential for similar representation on Canadian airwaves. “From that moment on, my thinking was geared to how I may play a part in this,” he recalls.
The Roots Reggae Show, a Vancouver institution since 1985, has been a platform for reggae music and culture for nearly four decades. When Lynden joined as a guest to review Ky-Mani Marley’s The Journey, he couldn’t have foreseen the pivotal role the show would play in his life. Under his stewardship, and alongside longtime co-host Rocky “The Original” Montaque, the program has evolved into a vital connection for listeners, both locally and globally.
Broadcasting every other Friday from midnight to 7 a.m., Lynden’s dedication is palpable. While others might question such a grueling schedule, Lynden sees it as a calling. “Music is a mission,” he asserts, describing his role in uplifting listeners and sharing reggae’s profound messages of unity and resilience.
Lynden’s philosophy is encapsulated in his mantra: “There is a message in the music, and the music is the message.” This ethos has guided his efforts to share foundational reggae with newcomers while building bridges across cultures and communities.
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed. From listeners finding solace during difficult times to reggae artists gaining exposure through the show, Lynden’s impact is far-reaching. “When someone confesses, they were near suicide until they started listening to the Roots Reggae Show, it’s true validation that music and the right attitude can make a difference,” he reflects.
Lynden V remains committed to amplifying reggae’s voice. He encourages artists to persist in their craft, reminding them that radio DJs are powerful advocates for their music. “There are more people falling in love with reggae music all around the world. Let’s work together on amplifying that love,” he urges.
For Lynden V, the journey continues, fueled by the rhythms of reggae and the connections it fosters. As he says, “Lift as you climb, do not leave anyone behind.”
