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Reggae Diva’s Hit the Stage!

• By Sara Miller - June 1, 2016
• More on The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper
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BY SARA MILLER

In a male dominated genre where woman make up a small community, limited attention is given to the female voice in reggae music, especially on Canadian soil. However, a bright spotlight is about to shine on a group of women who are fighting to change that statistic with the 2016 Reggae Diva’s Showcase presented by Renascence Entertainment.

In its second year, Reggae Diva’s showcased the talents of Canadian female reggae artists Ammoye, Ms. Paige, Chatta, Tasha T, Nadera, Empress Minott, Alicia Anderson and Chelsea Stewart. President and CEO of Renascence Entertainment, Aretha Cooper also performed under her stage name Avetha. Hosted by Toronto based comedian Maliaka Bryce, the night was spectacular from beginning to end. While DJ Selectres provided attendees with a great selection of reggae beats and tunes, the talented five-piece Caribbean ensemble, The Revolutionaries brought dynamic rhythm and sound to the show that made you feel like you were back on the islands.

The highlight performance of the night belonged to dancehall artist Chatta, who came full force with her booming voice and lyrics. Born and raised in Toronto by Jamaican parents, Chatta has been preforming for audiences since she was fourteen. In 2004, she released her first EP album “Speed of Consciousness” which skyrocketed to number one on Roots Radio in Kingston, Jamaica. Since then, she has been the recipient of several awards including the Top Dancehall Female Artist award at the Canadian Reggae Achievement Awards in 2008. Donning a Michael Jackson-esque military jacket and black shades, Chatta and her crew of male dancers drew a roaring round of applause from the audience. For the rest of the night, the atmosphere inside the Jamaican Canadian Association Centre was upbeat as Tasha T, Empress Minott, Nadera, Alicia Anderson, Avetha and Chelsea Stewart also took to the stage.

 

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