Rayzalution is Toronto’s all-female kick ass band

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

What is Rayzalution? Where are they from? What do they do? Rayzalution is an all-female reggae band from Toronto. This band promises not only harmonic music but an influential experience you’ll never forget.

The band started in 2016 and has just completed the first leg of a US tour with reggae legend Marcia Griffiths and there are plans to do more work with her.

The band is comprised of a group of brilliant women:

• Vocals: Monique
• Drums: Leah “Likkle Bit”
• Bass: Cee Cee Knight
• Guitar: Indiyah
• Keys: Gemini Royze
• Keys: Lisa Lyrix

It is said that this powerhouse of versatile female musicians has the ability to mesmerize their audiences with the very first note. Their repertoire consists of original tunes, cover songs of classics as well as present-day reggae hits to keep a wide variety of music lovers on the dance floor nonstop.

Positivity and conscious lyrics are their trademark while still showing their audience that it’s good to have fun. Rayzalution has a unique sound blending reggae with other Caribbean and Western flavors of music, generating something diverse for the Canadian Reggae Music Industry every time.

Their purpose is to represent and showcase female musicians and bring the love and togetherness that is needed so badly in these times. That is exactly what happened on Saturday, February 29^th, at the Local44 Kitchen and Bar located at 41 Milner Avenue. Scarborough. The doors opened at 9:00 pm and the show started at 10:00 pm.

Toronto Caribbean Newspaper had a chance to speak with Andre Blenman before the event. Andre is the promoter behind the Uptown Soul Unplugged Reggae Series that featured Rayzalution. Besides being a promoter for over a decade, Blenman is also a program coordinator for a non-profit youth program called Youth Assisting Youth, which helps at-risk youth.

Blenman was asked what’s in store for the public on February 29^th, to which he answered, “We are looking to give an experience of reggae music. You know, just island vibes. Considering its wintertime, patrons will have an opportunity to dine as well as enjoy the show, there is seating available, or if you just want to come and dance you can do so as well.”

This promoter told Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, “I would like to do imported acts in the future, but for now my focus is on homegrown talent. I have worked with Michie Mee, Choclair, Natasha Waterman and other Canadian artists. I am a person that is connected to different talents and I just want to put them on stage.”

When asked why is it so hard for homegrown artists to get noticed here, Blenman answered, “There are a lot of  contributing factors to this plight: first there is a lack of venues, then there is the investment that you have to literally put into the artist in order for people to start recognizing them, there are not many places where the music can get heard, and just to get your music played there is competition and politics too.”

This is the reason why we must continue to support our local artists, especially this group of dynamic women. For more information on this all-female, one of a kind Canadian reggae band you can find them on Facebook and Instagram @Razalution. Canada representing!