[ad_1]
Like lots of truly famous people you can call this man by his first name and the fan base knows exactly who we are talking about
The Canadian reggae lion
One of the most loving, giving and influential humans contributing to reggae music in Canada
The Sattalites are legendary
When I received the news yesterday, the first words to my mind was, “the end of an era”
What an amazing ambassador Daddy Jo is!
He is the Canadian reggae flag bearer
Jamaica sent a good one to these shores back in the 60s
It is clear my love for my reggae daddy but what was also clear, was his love for me
He love many around him
You could feel it in his look and his words
One of my many happy stories that came to mind, was he and I going to watch a tribute of some sort at the Danforth Music Hall. Jason Wilson asked Jo and I to reach as he was part of an ensemble of about 10 – 15 musicians on stage. Jo and I arrived late as per usual but just in time to see our bwoy Jason walk to the front of the stage, playing a guitar in a kilt, singing a Bob Marley tune. A kilt I said
Back then, there were still seats in the Hall. Lights low with a large number of folks in attendance. Jo and I walked right down to the stage, banged our hands on the floor of the stage and wheeled up the entire band / ensemble
Jason, before restarting, said, “Ladies and gentlemen, Jojo Bennett of the Sattalites” and the place erupted with a long, loud applause. My chest still swells with pride for that moment shared with him
The end of an era
When the Bamboo closed, I felt like the Sattalites closed too…lol. Those many nights of rocking to the band on that dance floor, is a memory shared by thousands. They were rock stars! There was a time that if you got to the Boo after 11:30pm on a Friday or Saturday when the Sattalites were playing, you would have to be in a line up going along Queen Street, looping around to the parking lot, east of the club and many actually waited to get into the club
He was my friend
Mentor
Reggae guide
I was once asked, “when are you going to give up on this reggae thing that you do?” And my honest answer was, “When Jojo does”
He still hasn’t given up
He never will
Ever
He is still trying to book his next gig… trust me on that
I ovastand those who mourn because we truly loved him yet a big part of me feels joy that we were able to share reggae music with him for a pretty long stretch of time
I am truly blessed that his image is on Reggae Lane where I can still hang out with my big brother
Jojo’s pride in his work is his legacy to all reggae performers and players of instruments in Canada
The standard bearer of reggae music
My idrin
Joseph Bennett
[ad_2]
Source link
