Jah Kettle encourages J’can artistes to try Canada

Canada-based singjay Jah Kettle is encouraging reggae and dancehall artistes in Jamaica to tap into the Canadian music market.

"Most Jamaican artistes focus their attention on touring the United States and Europe, because they are two of the most lucrative markets for reggae and dancehall acts. However, there is also a great demand for Jamaican artistes in Canada. Every year, several reggae festivals are held in various parts of the country, but most of the acts that perform at these events are local-based artistes," he said. "There's nothing wrong with local acts performing at the festivals, but the patrons would also like to see more of the big reggae and dancehall acts from Jamaica performing on these events."

Through his Embrace Life With Love production company, which is based in Mississauga, Jah Kettle has been booking artistes for two Toronto-based reggae festivals, Cari Vaughan Reggae Splash and All Borders Link Up Festival.

"I've been working with these two festivals over the past seven years as a booking agent. Some of the artistes I have booked for them are Luciano, Louie Culture, Chuck Fenda, Biggaton, and Alozade. I've also performed on these festivals and other festivals, including Rasta Fest in Toronto, African Decent Festival in Vancouver, and the Montreal Reggae Festival," said Jah Kettle.

He is currently working on his debut album, titled Life is Precious, which is slated to be released in June. He's also promoting a single titled Pon The Girl Dem Base.

Jah Kettle was born Peter Braimbridge and spent his early years in Trench Town, Kingston. His father, Oscar Braimbridge, was the drummer for calypso singer Lor Jellico's band in the 1960s.

The singjay relocated to Mandeville, Manchester, when he was a child and is a past student of Bellefield High School. He made his recording debut in 1994 with a single titled Bigger Problem.