Toronto’s reggae community is mourning the loss of beloved drummer Collin Edwards, affectionately known as “JahLin,” whose passing has left fellow musicians, friends, and fans reflecting on a life devoted to music, community, and reggae culture.
A cornerstone of the Toronto reggae scene, JahLin was celebrated not only for his unmistakable musicianship but also for his generosity, humility, and unwavering passion for the genre he loved.
Around 2006, JahLin joined forces with King Selah and fellow musicians in Kensington Market to launch a new chapter of the House of David Gang. Over the following years, the band built a strong repertoire and toured extensively across Canada, performing hundreds of shows and forging lasting friendships both on and off the stage.
Bandmates remember JahLin as the heartbeat of the group, whose powerful kick drum provided the driving force behind every performance.
“JahLin was the heartbeat of the band,” one longtime bandmate recalled. “His unmistakable kick drum drove each show. But it was his deep love of reggae, his warm spirit, and the genuine care he had for everyone in our musical community that made him one of a kind,” said Jay Cleary.
Throughout its history, the House of David Gang featured an impressive roster of musicians, including Snappy Homefry, Terell Jervis, Sam Weller, the late James Gray, Sunray Grennan, Tai Kim, the late Desmond Wilson, the late Raffa Dean, brothers Chris and Michael Davy, Todd On Keys, Isax InJah, Michael Garrick, and many others who contributed to the band’s enduring legacy.
Their collective efforts culminated in the release of Reggae Warrior in 2011, an album that captured a distinctive Canadian-Jamaican reggae sound and reflected the group’s close musical bond and family spirit. The project remains a source of pride for those who helped create it.
The album’s title has taken on even greater significance following JahLin’s passing.
“The title of that album couldn’t have suited JahLin better,” Jay Cleary said. “He truly was our reggae warrior—playing not for fame or fortune, but for the love of the music, the band, and the fans who supported us wherever we went.”
Beyond his talent as a drummer, JahLin leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and friendship. Those who knew him say he inspired everyone around him through his quiet strength, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to building a supportive reggae community.
As tributes continue to pour in, JahLin is being remembered as a musician whose rhythm helped define an era of Toronto reggae and whose spirit touched countless lives.
He is survived by the memories of the many artists, friends, and fans who shared stages, roads, and songs with him.
“Thank you, my brother, for every song, every laugh, every late-night drive, and every unforgettable moment,” his bandmate said in tribute. “Rest in power, JahLin,” – Jay Cleary.