2019

Media release

Rastafest Reggae Festival – Saturday, August 17^th, 2019
2019 marks the 26^th anniversary of Rastafest Reggae Festival in Toronto, an annual music festival celebrating the national and international initiatives of the Rastafari movement in Canada and Jamaica!
This year’s festival takes place at the north property of Black Creek Pioneer Village, 7060 Jane Street, (North West corner of Jane Street & Steeles Avenue west) on Saturday, August 17^th, 2019 in recognition of Marcus Garvey’s birthday. Rastafest is a family fun, reggae event showcasing different aspects of the Rastafari history, culture and lifestyle.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, August 15^th, with a launch party at Black Creek Health Centre at Yorkgate Mall from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, August 17^th, 2019 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm there will be Empress Walk leaving from Driftwood community centre, stopping at Black Creek Farm and ending up at the festival grounds. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm there will be a Ital Village consisting of ital food demonstration, Organja Market place, health and wellness workshops, reggae music discussions, arts and craft market place followed by an international reggae concert from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm featuring the legendary Mighty Diamonds, Johnny Clarke, Horace Martin, Nana McLean, Carol Brown, Sampalue, Michie Mee, the Mighty Mystics, Jade Faith and Amazing Papa G. Music by: Jah Alone – Celebrity Sound with Scion Success from New York and DJ Boxer Joe. MC. Queen Mother Moses from Atlanta.
Donation: Children 12 and under are free; online – $20:00 and $30:00 at the door.
Rastafest is sponsored by Masani Productions, Snapd, First Friday, Upfront Theatre Foundation, and Eglinton TV.
For more details please log onto – www.rastafest.com or email info@rastafest.com
Media Contact: 416-638-4235 or email info@rastafest.com.

July 11th, 2019 – PRESS STATEMENT

It is with great sadness and disbelief that we are today announcing the passing of one of our own. Charles Augustus Bryan aka Delroy Ogilvie, one of the foundation members of Black Roots, has died suddenly, at the age of 70. He had been suffering from ill health, but his passing was unexpected.

As one of the front men for the band he was well known for his strident no nonsense and unique vocal style, and his charismatic presence on stage.

He sang on some of the most memorable songs written by the band. Check him out on the original cuts of ‘Juvenile Delinquent’, ‘Tribal War’, ‘Opportunity’ ‘Chanting for Freedom’ and ‘Move On’ that feature on the debut album ‘Black Roots’ (1983) and ‘The Front Line’. These are anthems. Big songs that helped to crown Black Roots as Reggae Kings in Bristol, the west country and further afield. More recently he featured on ‘On the Ground’ (2012, Ghetto Feel (2014) and ‘Son of Man’ (2014).

Although, due to illness he had been unable to tour regularly for the last couple of years, he did tour France in November 2018 with the band. It was to be his personal farewell to all those of you that came to see him.

Rest In Peace, Charlie you are at rest now.

BLACK ROOTS

Here is a glimpse of Groovin in the Park 2019
compliments Reggae Vibes Media