Information/Write-up
This summer, 2024 Sounds & Pressure will be releasing 5 x 15 minute documentary shorts through The National Film Board of Canada. The series of short films will uncover Toronto’s buried Reggae history and some of the pivotal artists who called Toronto home during the 1970's and 80's. At its heart, this series will explore the connections of race, place and space in an evolving society.
An entertaining, uplifting and enriching celebration of five seminal Jamaican artists who brought reggae to Toronto, the challenges they faced and the resilience they demonstrated in spreading the power of reggae music. Highlighting the little-known connection between Jamaica and Toronto, the series also explores why these artists did not receive the notoriety they deserved in Canada while they were lauded all of the world.
Among those artists is Nana McLean. Deeply rooted in Toronto's Eglington West Community - also known as Little Jamaica - Nana McLean ran the iconic Top Ranking and Treajah Isle record stores. Her passion for both music and community established her matriarchal role as Toronto's Queen of Reggae.
Nana McLean: vocals
Winston Wright: bass, drums, TR077 drum programming, keyboards
Dwight (Sagittarius Band): guitar
Wallace Wilson: guitar
Neville Hinds: keyboards
Ruddy Thomas: percussion
Arranged by Winston Wright and Neville Hinds
Produced by Winston Wright
Engineered by Ruddy Thomas
Mixed by Ruddy Thomas and Winston Wright
Recorded and mixed at Dynamic Sounds, Kingston, Jamaica
Executive producers: J. Elliott and H. Elliott
Paradise Records, Toronto, Ontario
Graphics and typesetting by Ethnic Focus, Toronto, Ontario
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