Acclaimed Jamaican reggae singer Duane Stephenson will make history as the special guest performer at the third annual Reggae North Music Awards, set for Sunday, September 27, at The Rose Brampton.
Stephenson becomes the first Jamaica-based reggae superstar to perform at the awards ceremony since its launch in 2023, adding another milestone to an event that celebrates excellence and achievement in Canadian reggae music.
In addition to his featured performance, the Reggae North Cultural Association will present Stephenson with a special award recognizing his outstanding contribution to the growth and global development of reggae music over the past two decades.
Duane Stephenson
Born on April 22, 1976, in August Town, St. Andrew, Jamaica, Stephenson has built an international reputation as one of reggae’s most respected contemporary voices. His musical journey began with the band To-Isis, where he served as lead vocalist for nearly a decade before launching his solo career under the mentorship of renowned saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser.
Stephenson’s songwriting talents have also left a significant mark on reggae, with compositions recorded by celebrated artists including Morgan Heritage, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Jah Cure, Luciano, Beres Hammond and Alborosie.
His breakthrough solo album, “From August Town,” released by VP Records in 2007, earned widespread critical acclaim and featured memorable tracks such as “August Town,” “Cottage in Negril,” “Fool for You” and “Ghetto Pain.” The album was recognized by Billboard as one of the essential recordings that helped usher in reggae’s roots revival, while critics praised Stephenson’s soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
He followed with “Black Gold” in 2010, an album that continued his tradition of socially conscious music and featured collaborations with Mutabaruka, Queen Ifrica, Gramps Morgan and Ras Shiloh. That same year, Stephenson joined The Wailers Band on a tour across the United States and South America after collaborating on “A Step for Mankind,” a song supporting the United Nations World Food Programme and World Hunger Eradication Day.
His third studio album, “Dangerously Roots: Journey from August Town,” debuted on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and showcased his versatility through songs exploring love, spirituality and everyday life. Throughout his career, Stephenson has performed on some of the world’s premier reggae stages, including Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, Rototom Sunsplash, Uppsala Reggae Festival, Reggae on the River and Rockers Festival in France, while touring extensively throughout the Caribbean, North America and Europe.
Organizers say Stephenson’s appearance and recognition at this year’s Reggae North Music Awards reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to celebrating reggae’s pioneers and contemporary trailblazers while strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Jamaica.
The Reggae North Music Awards will open with a Red-Carpet Reception at 4:00 p.m., followed by the awards show at 6:00 p.m.
Tickets are available through Bramptononstage.com or at The Rose Box Office, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, or by calling 905-874-2800.