About this Event
The BEAT Network and Nufunk.ca Present
META AND THE CORNERSTONES Live in Toronto
with THE HUMAN RIGHTS, REGGADDICTION & DJ Chocolate
SATURDAY AUGUST 27
LEE'S PALACE (529 Bloor St. W.)
With varying ethnicity, religion, and musical influences, Meta & The Cornerstones’ sound is a melting pot rooted in diversity, strength, and unity. The band combines their creative influences from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Caribbean bringing togetherness, peace and understanding.Meta and The Cornerstones channels Roots Reggae while simultaneously breathing new life into the genre, thus creating what critics have called a “soul-pounding spiritual experience” during their live performances. Inspired by Alpha Blondy and Lucky Dube, they have shared the stage with Reggae stars Luciano, Steel Pulse, Clinton Fearon, Israel Vibration, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Gentleman and Tanya Stephens amongst others.In the years leading up to Meta and The Cornerstones’ fourth album "DIA" Meta Dia proclaimed himself as a solo artist, whilst always inviting musicians from across the globe to be his Cornerstones. "DIA" (pronounced "Jah") was released on VP Records on September 17th 2021 in the midst of a Pandamic. Many of the tracks take you to the dark side of this time and planet – racism, poverty, war,destruction of the environment. But it does not leave its listener in the valley of rage and revenge. Meta leads them to the final destination, the valley of decision, where good wins over evil. "DIA" comes at a crucial time: wars and violence in the false name of religions or cultures, separating the one human race into ever-more fierce adversaries and foes, and selfish nations anything but united. Meta Dia hammers the walls of division to create space for his doctrine of “Peace, Love and Harmony” – against all odds. For him, this is not a safe space of fake consolation or unconditional reconciliation. Quite to the contrary: this Reggae album is a yet another wake-up call to come together on a basis of equal rights and justice; for there is no other way of togetherness.
::::
When it comes to Reggae in Canada, few bands do it better—while remaining true to its founding principles—than Toronto’s The Human Rights. Since forming in 2007 around one of the scene’s true lions, Friendlyness (previously of Culture Shock, Truth And Rights and Big Sugar), The Human Rights have developed a modern, high energy sound that blends Roots Reggae with jazz, funk and R&B influences, courtesy of a blazing three-piece horn section and the soulful lead vocals of JUNO nominee Tréson.
::
Reggaddiction is an 11-piece reggae band from Toronto, Ontario. The band includes sensation vocals led by the 2020 Soul Slam Winner D.M., songstress Trish Campbell providing a unique vibe and falsettos, and Sunray Grennan the son of the famous Jamaican drummer WinstonGrennan, known for his studio one performances with Bob Marley and the Wailers as well as the creator of the One Drop reggae rhythm in the late ’60s. Backing the band includes a multi horn, multi-percussion, multi drum, and a powerful guitar, bass, and keys instrumentalsection.
On their new album Reggae Strong, The Human Rights more than live up to its title following an extended break since releasing their 2016 self-titled album and the 2018 single “I Need You.” Recorded with producer and former band member Patric McGroarty, and mixed and mastered by renowned Canadian reggae artist Dubmatix, Reggae Strong finds The Human Rights coming as close as they have yet to achieving a truly Canadian Reggae sound, with a little assistance from Toronto’s Ras Yunchie, Caddy Cad, Isax, and Carol Brown.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lee's Palace, 529 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Canada
CAD 24.50