Brampton, Ontario’s Rose Theatre buzzed with excitement on Sunday, September 29, as the inaugural Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) took center stage. The event brought together Canada’s finest reggae and dancehall artists for a night dedicated to celebrating the best in the genre. From stirring performances to well-deserved accolades, the night was a testament to the growth and vibrancy of reggae and dancehall in Canada.
Among the night’s big winners were two powerhouses of the Canadian reggae and dancehall scene, Tonya P and Phenique, as well as the globally recognized Exco Levi. Phenique not only showcased her musical prowess but she and Tonya P also brought the house down with their impressive attire and undeniable presence. Exco Levi who was away on a European tour was unable to attend the event.
Canada’s hottest dancehall artist, Phenique, made a powerful statement at the RNMA, taking home two coveted awards: Female DJ of the Year and Traditional Dancehall Song of the Year. Born and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Phenique relocated to Toronto (the “6ix”) at 14, a year after discovering her passion for music. What started as a love for soccer and riding bikes blossomed into a fiery music career, with Phenique embracing her femininity and quickly rising through the ranks of the dancehall scene.
Her performance at the RNMA was nothing short of electric. Phenique and her dancers lit up the stage, bringing the high-energy, infectious rhythms of traditional dancehall to life. With her stunning presence and undeniable talent, Phenique proved that she is not just Canada’s queen of dancehall but a force to be reckoned with internationally.
Long recognized as the “First Lady of Canadian Reggae,” Tonya P also had an unforgettable night, taking home the awards for Top Reggae Single of the Year (Female) and Songwriter of the Year. Tonya’s roots in the industry run deep—introduced to music at just 14, she was guided by her father, legendary Jamaican promoter Clive “Kubba” Pringle, a connection that helped her make an early mark on the scene.
Her journey from a teenage hopeful to one of the most respected names in Canadian reggae is a story of passion, hard work, and immense talent. Her win for Top Reggae Single of the Year is a testament to her musical prowess, while the Songwriter of the Year award highlights her ability to craft lyrics that resonate deeply with audiences.
No reggae event in Canada would be complete without mentioning Exco Levi, one of the most recognizable voices in the genre. Despite being on tour in Europe, Exco Levi continued his award-winning streak by taking home two RNMA trophies: Trap/Fusion Dancehall Single of the Year (Male) and Entertainer of the Year.
Born in Manchester, Jamaica, and now a staple of the Canadian reggae scene, Exco Levi has earned a reputation for delivering uplifting messages through his powerful lyrics and melodic compositions. With five JUNO Awards under his belt, his latest accolades at the RNMA add to his already impressive career, reaffirming his status as a reggae icon both in Canada and abroad.
From the energetic performances to the heartfelt acceptance speeches, the night was a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. Phenique, Tonya P, and Exco Levi were among the most celebrated of the night, but the true winner was the Canadian reggae community as a whole, which continues to grow and inspire.
With plans already in the works for the 2025 edition, the Reggae North Music Awards are poised to become a permanent fixture in the Canadian music calendar, shining a spotlight on the incredible talent that calls this country home. The reggae world is watching, and Canada’s reggae and dancehall stars are ready to rise even higher.
