Tonya Lovemore, popularly known as Tony P, and Marlon Lovemore, known in reggae circles as Mally Bless, are more than just partners in music. The married couple, proud parents, reggae artists, producers and founders of Starliners Entertainment, have steadily carved out a space for themselves in Canada’s reggae landscape. Many fans and industry insiders now refer to them as Canada’s foremost reggae couple—a title they wear with humility and pride.
Their latest musical offerings continue to strengthen that reputation. Tony P’s new single “Just Try” and Mally Bless’s “My Almighty”—both featured on the “I Forward Riddim” produced by Dan Fiyah Beats/FyahYard out of Montreal—are now available on all major digital platforms. The releases highlight their signature approach to reggae: heartfelt, uplifting and deeply rooted in lived experience.
When Reggae North recently caught up with the duo, the conversation naturally turned to their journey together—one that blends music, love and family.
Although they had seen each other at several events before, Tony P and Mally Bless officially met in 2013 in an unexpected place—Treasure Isle record store.
“I had a studio session that day,” Tony P recalls. “Mally had just finished his session, but somehow he found his way back downstairs during my session.”
That moment sparked a conversation that led to an exchange of contacts and eventually the beginning of a friendship. Over time, that friendship blossomed into something deeper.
“We quickly became each other’s biggest fans when it came to the music,” they explain. “We were able to work together to build each other up.”
For the Lovemores, balancing music careers with family life has not always been easy.
“Music is our passion, but family always comes first,” they say. That sometimes means turning down performances or carefully planning travel around family responsibilities. However, as their children have grown older and more independent, the couple now finds themselves with more time to dedicate to their craft.
“We’re at a place now where we’re excited about music and ready to take things to another level.”
Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to launch Starliners Entertainment, a production company and label inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the principle of self-reliance.
Before Tony P joined the picture, Mally Bless had been part of the group Sonz Of Da Most High. The label became a way to bring everyone together under one umbrella while creating opportunities for others.
“The goal has always been to provide an avenue where Canadian artists can create and release quality music and bring our musical community together,” they explain.
Though based in Canada, their sound remains deeply tied to their Jamaican roots.
“We are Jamaican born and Jamaican rooted, inspired by the greats from Jamaica—the mecca of reggae music. It’s our duty to continue the works of our teachers, the legends who paved the way.”
Interestingly, their creative process is often separate before it becomes collaborative.
“There are times when Mally might be writing every day while I’m not feeling creative,” Tony P says. “But seeing him so focused can get me back in music mode.”
Eventually they sit down and share what they’ve been working on. Their music often reflects similar life experiences but expressed in different ways.
“Two artists going through the same situations but finding completely different ways of expressing those emotions through music.”
Like many creative ventures during the pandemic, their Starliners Live online radio show was born out of necessity.
“We were home all day during COVID like everyone else,” they explain. “We decided to entertain ourselves and our community with Canadian reggae music.”
What started as a simple idea quickly evolved into a platform highlighting the depth of talent across Canada.
“We learned so much about our fellow artists and about Canadian reggae history. There’s way more talent here than we realized.”
Among their proudest achievements are the releases of Mally Bless’s album “In Love with Livin” and Tony P’s album “Concrete Rose”.
Both projects took years to complete—from songwriting and production to mixing, mastering and even producing thousands of physical copies for distribution.
“We’re extremely proud of those accomplishments,” they say.
Yet beyond music, their most meaningful milestone remains personal.
“Choosing each other, getting married and raising our family together—that’s definitely our most rewarding moment.”
Having watched the scene evolve over the years, the couple is optimistic about the future of reggae in Canada.
“The quality of music has improved a lot,” they say. “There are so many talented artists emerging from all over Canada.”
Platforms like Reggae North have helped shine a spotlight on that talent, but they believe more unity within the community is still needed.
“We have to support each other. If artists don’t respect and uplift one another, how can we expect others to?”
As parents, Tony P and Mally Bless are mindful of the influence music can have on young listeners.
“There’s a lot of music out there that can influence young minds negatively,” they say. “We try to counteract that by putting positive, uplifting messages in our music.” For them, reggae has always carried a responsibility—to educate, uplift and reflect reality.
Sharing the same passion has only deepened their relationship.
“There’s nothing like being in a relationship where you share the same passion,” they say. “We move as a unit. No competition, no ego.”
They support each other not only as artists but also as managers, advisors and honest critics when needed.
“Sometimes you hear things you might not want to hear,” they laugh. “But it always comes from a place of love.”
The future looks busy for the Starliners duo. More music is on the way, along with collaborations with other artists and producers. They also plan to produce live events, and artist showcases to further highlight Canadian reggae talent.
With their shared vision, deep roots and unwavering support for one another, Tony P and Mally Bless continue to prove that love, family and music can thrive together.
And if their journey so far is any indication, Canada’s reggae power couple is only getting started.
