Performers/ Legend Awardee
Nana McLean
2025 LIVING LEGEND HONOUREE
Claudette ‘Nana’ McLean is a celebrated vocalist whose career in reggae music spans more than four decades. Known as the Queen of Reggae in Canada, Nana’s enduring impact on the genre is built on a foundation of
vocal excellence, lyrical sincerity, and an unwavering commitment to her craft.
Born in Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Nana began singing at a young
age, quickly gaining local recognition through talent contests and
performances, including a pivotal appearance at the Donkey Carnival in
Linstead Market. That performance led to her singing with the Soul
Defenders band and soon caught the attention of legendary producer
Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. In 1977, she recorded her debut single, a soulful
rendition of ‘Til I Kissed You’, at the iconic Studio One, marking the
beginning of a storied musical journey.
Throughout her career, Nana McLean has recorded with some of reggae’s
most influential producers, including King Jammy, Donovan Germain, and
Dave “Rude Boy” Kelly. Her 1979 single ‘Dream of Life’, released through
A&M Records, gave her international exposure, but she returned to her
independent roots soon after. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, she scored a string of hits like ‘Single Girl’, ‘Take Me Higher’, ‘Take Me I’m Yours’,
and ‘Let Me Cover You’. Her medley ‘Nana’s Medley’, blending 1950s
doo-wop classics over the rhythm of ‘A Love I Can Feel’, remains a
standout example of her creative range.
Relocating to Canada, Nana maintained strong ties with Germain’s
Penthouse Records and solidified her status as a staple of the Canadian
reggae scene. In 1997, her contributions were formally recognized with a
JUNO Award for Best Reggae Recording for the ‘Nana McLean Collector
Series album’. Over the years, she has shared stages with both reggae
and international artists, headlined sold-out shows across Toronto, and
appeared on major Canadian television networks including CityTV, CBC,
and CTV.
Nana’s longevity in music is fueled by her deep love for her community and
an unwavering belief that music is a lifelong journey. “I work hard over the
musical journey to stay relevant,” she says. “I fuse my music with love for
my brothers and sisters… I just stay humble and positive.” Her voice
continues to be sought after by notable producers, and her catalog of
dubplates remains in high demand by selectors across the globe.
A proud mentor and supporter of emerging artists, Nana believes in unity
across genres—whether Dancehall, Lovers Rock, or Roots Reggae—and
advocates for collaboration and shared purpose in today’s music
landscape. With over 15 albums and countless singles to her name, she
shows no signs of slowing down.
With a legacy that bridges generations and continents, Nana McLean’s
name remains synonymous with excellence in reggae music—and her
crown as the Queen of Canadian Reggae is as secure as ever.
Rose ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green
2025 LIVING LEGEND HONOUREE
No conversation about the history of Canadian sound system culture is
complete without recognizing the monumental impact of Rose
“Grandmaster Rosa” Green and his legendary sound, ‘Soul to Soul’. A
pioneer, visionary, and cultural ambassador, Rosa’s journey spans over six
decades and two countries, starting from his teenage years in Montego
Bay, Jamaica, to becoming a cornerstone of the sound system scene in
Canada.
Rosa’s sound system legacy began in 1963 as a student at Cornwall
College in Jamaica. Sacrificing his lunch money to purchase records, he
founded ‘Supertone’, a mix-music sound that played Calypso, Reggae,
Ska, and Soul—capturing the spirit of the time and quickly dominating
Montego Bay’s party scene. Known then as “Emperor Rosa,” his influence
grew as ‘Supertone’ became a fixture at school dances and community
events.
In 1972, Rosa and a group of friends rebranded ‘Supertone’ as ‘Soul to
Soul’, upgrading equipment and continuing the genre-blending formula that had won them acclaim. The sound became a powerhouse in Jamaica,
known for its diverse musical selection and electrifying presence. Breaking
barriers, ‘Soul to Soul’ played across all 14 Jamaican parishes and held
its own alongside iconic sounds like ‘Jack Ruby’, ‘Virgo’, and ‘Gemini’.
Their first Kingston event, a milestone in Jamaican sound culture,
catapulted them into even greater prominence.
By 1975, Rosa integrated live artists into ‘Soul to Soul’ sessions, featuring
notable deejays such as Ringo, Lone Ranger, and Welton Irie. Many artists,
including Brigadier Jerry and U-Roy, graced the turntables as guest
performers. Rosa’s keen ear also introduced exclusive dubplates to the
public—most memorably previewing rough mixes of Bob Marley’s Exodus
before its official release.
In 1982, Rosa relocated to Canada, where he revived ‘Soul to Soul’,
introducing his signature sound to a new audience. His first Canadian
performance at Toronto’s Crown and Cushion was so well-received that the venue became the sound’s new home, hosting all-night sessions that would help define Toronto’s dance scene. Rosa’s ability to fuse genres and create a positive atmosphere set ‘Soul to Soul’ apart, leading to widespread bookings and acclaim throughout the country.
An iconic moment came in the early 1990s at “The Clash of the Titans”
event, where ‘Soul to Soul’ emerged as Canada’s premier party sound.
Rosa also founded the Canadian Sound Systems Association, advocating
for unity and fair pay among sound operators. Though the organization
eventually dissolved, its impact was felt across the industry.
Over the years, Rosa worked with numerous selectors, including DJ Funky,
Ian the Mixmaster, and Captain Richie, and maintained close relationships
with top Jamaican sound legends like Weepow of Stonelove and Jimmy
Metro of Metro Media. Today, he continues to promote cultural exchange
between Jamaica and Canada.
Despite his decades of success, Rosa remains critical of the modern
dancehall scene, lamenting the rise in violent and explicit content. His
advice to the next generation is rooted in love, unity, and respect for the
craft: “Unite, and work together to create an atmosphere where the patrons and promoters can enjoy themselves without fear.”
As of 2025, Rosa celebrates his 78th birthday. When asked if he would
change anything about his journey, he replies with a smile, “Not a thing.
The journey has been great, and I did what I loved.”
About Jimmy Reid
2024 LIVING LEGEND HONOUREE
Born in 1944 in Jackson, Sligoville, St Catherine, Jamaica, Jimmy Reid’s early passion for music was evident through his vocal performances at school and church. These initial onset into singing laid the foundation for a remarkable career that has endured for over six decades.
In the late 1960s, Reid moved from rural Jamaica to the vibrant musical hub of west Kingston, where he lived with his grandmother. This relocation was pivotal, as it brought him closer to Duke Reid’s Studio, one of Jamaica’s premier recording establishments. Here, Jimmy immersed himself in the dynamic world of Jamaican music, mingling with future legends such as Eric Donaldson, Jimmy London, Max Romeo, Gregory Isaacs, and The Cables.
Reid’s early career saw him experiment with group performances, eventually joining The Beltones and later The Cables. With The Cables, he released three songs around 1972. In 1974, Reid launched his solo career with the single “Time Will Tell,” released on the Dawn label. The following year, seeking broader opportunities, he migrated to Canada, where he became a fixture in Toronto’s club circuit.
In Toronto, Reid formed the group Jimmy Reid & The Rocking Moments, producing the single “I’m So Fed Up.” Eventually, he embarked on a solo path again, achieving significant success with hits like “Rest Your Love on Me,” which topped the Toronto reggae charts, followed by other chart-toppers “Open the Door” and “My Tears Are Falling.”
Reid’s debut album, “Are You Ready,” was released in 1984, followed by a second album in 1986, produced by Winston Richards and featuring keyboard contributions from the legendary Jackie Mittoo. His work earned him accolades, including his first Reggae Award for Best Single in 1984. Over the years, Reid garnered a total of ten Canadian Reggae Music Awards in various categories and was a nominee for the Juno Awards’ Best Reggae Recording in 2001.
Celebrating his 80th birthday recently, Jimmy Reid shows no signs of slowing down. With a career spanning over 60 years, he continues to make music and inspire fans worldwide. His eighth album, set for release in December, marks another milestone in his enduring legacy.
2024 Performers
Steele
Kirk Diamond
Ammoye
