Messenjah facts for kids

Messenjah is a famous reggae band from Canada. They became one of the most successful and popular reggae groups in Canadian music history.

The Story of Messenjah

Messenjah started in 1980 in Kitchener, Ontario. They released their first album, Rock You High, in 1982. They were the first Canadian reggae band to sign with a big record company, Warner Music Canada. After 1985, the band began working from Toronto.

In 1988, the band's music was featured in the U.S. movie Cocktail. Their songs were also on the film's soundtrack. They were also part of the soundtrack for the Canadian movie Milk and Honey (1989). Messenjah toured all over North America and even in Jamaica for over sixteen years. In 1989, they won the Juno Award for Best Reggae Recording.

In 1990, Messenjah worked with a group of Toronto musicians called Dance Appeal. They made a song called "Can't Repress the Cause." This song asked for more hip hop music to be included in the Canadian music scene.

Messenjah has not released a new album since the late 1990s. It is thought the group stopped playing together around that time.

Original Band Members

The band was first started by Errol Blackwood and Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey. Errol Blackwood sang and played bass guitar. He left the band after 1986 to start his own music career. Rupert "Ojiji" Harvey sang, played guitar, and saxophone. After Errol Blackwood left, Rupert Harvey became the leader of the group.

Other original band members included:

• Eric Walsh (guitar)
• Raymond Ruddock (drums)
• Hal Duggan (keyboard)
• Tony King (percussion)

In 1987, four new members joined Messenjah:

• Roy Garrick (drums)
• Crash Morgan (drums)
• Charles Sinclair (bass guitar)
• Haile Yeates (percussion)

Later, in 1990, Donovan Black (drums) took the place of drummer Crash Morgan.

Messenjah Reunites

In February 2014, the band got back together for a special concert. This concert in Toronto was a tribute to the famous reggae artist Bob Marley.

The band members now include:

• Rupert Harvey (lead vocals, guitar, and founding member)
• Haile Yates (percussion)
• Robert Stephenson (drums)
• Carl Harvey (lead guitar)
• Charles Sinclair (bass)
• Orville Malcomb (keyboards)

Amazing Performances

Messenjah has played at many important events and places. Some of their notable appearances include:

• Reggae Sun Splash (Montego Bay, Jamaica)
• World Youth Festival (Kingston, Jamaica)
• The Bob Marley Memorial (Long Beach, California)
• Vermont Reggae Music Festival
• The Canadian National Exhibition
• Ontario Place Forum
• Maple Leaf Gardens
• The Omni Theatre (Oakland, California)
• Havana, Cuba
• The Starlight Bowl Amphitheatre

Messenjah also shared the stage with Nelson Mandela at the Toronto SkyDome in 1998.

Radio Play

Messenjah's song "Jam Session" was used for many years. It was the intro music for a reggae radio show called "Positive Vibrations." This show was on KCMU radio, which is now known as KEXP-FM.

Music Albums and Songs

Albums

• 1982: Rock You High
• 1984: Jam Session
• 1987: Cool Operator
• 1990: Rock & Sway
• 1990: Cool But Deadly
• 1997: Catch De Vibe
• 1998: Catch De Vibe DJ BOOM PAC

Popular Songs

• "Arrested"
• "Rock You High"
• "Jam Session"
• "Cool Operator"
• "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love?"

Songs in Movies

• 1988: Cocktail
• 1989: Milk and Honey
• 1990: What's the Matter with Us? - Starring Raffi
• 2017: /hai taim/ by Urban Robot