In a progressive move for the Canadian reggae scene, Reggae North Inc has launched its online radio station, reggaenorthradio.com. For the next few weeks, the station will be streaming 24/7 playlists of reggae, dancehall, and soca music, paving the way for an exciting lineup of shows and presenters scheduled to debut in January 2024.
The motivation behind Reggae North Radio is clear – to provide a dedicated platform for reggae and dancehall artists, producers, and record labels based in Canada. While the focus is on Canadian talent, the station aims to create a global soundscape by featuring music not only from Jamaica but from around the world.
Canada has long faced a challenge in providing ample radio access for reggae enthusiasts. With only a handful of college and online stations championing the genre, commercial radio playlists have remained largely inaccessible. The introduction of G987 a few years ago marked a positive shift, but unfortunately, the landscape changed with a change in ownership and format.
Mark ‘Tony Anthony’ Bennett, the President of Reggae North, views the online radio venture as a significant step in the right direction. He acknowledges the struggles of Canadian reggae artists/musicians/producers and labels to secure airplay and sees internet radio as the future of music dissemination. By taking matters into their own hands, Reggae North aims to publicize and support reggae music in Canada.
Bennett emphasizes the community’s role in making the venture a success. “Things get popular when they are talked about and supported, so together we can make this a success for our music,” he states, highlighting the power of collective action in promoting reggae in Canada.
To contribute to the station’s diverse playlist, Canada-based reggae, dancehall, and soca artists are invited to submit their music to reggaenorth1@gmail.com. Clean lyrical content fitting the station’s format ensures airplay, providing emerging and established artists alike with a valuable opportunity to showcase their work.
As we approach the end of 2023, reggae enthusiasts and music lovers everywhere are encouraged to tune in to www.reggaenorthradio.com, where the airwaves resonate with the rich and vibrant sounds of reggae, dancehall, and soca music. Reggae North Radio is not just a station; it’s a movement, a catalyst for change in the Canadian reggae landscape.
