Ziongate Soundcrew is a local roots reggae sound in downtown Toronto that includes three members: Jahbu, Jaywise, and Tyson and an inspirational member Aubrey. The group has been gracing the city with there spiritual after hour vibes for over 10 years and they are still going on strong. I talked to the guys at one of the member’s joint community venture called “Uprising Books in Kensington Market”.

Tanya: How did you all meet?

Ziongate (Jahbu): Myself and Jaywise grew up in the same neighbourhood.

(Tyson): I used to go to there parties and I liked there vibes and there choice in music.

Tanya: What kind of reggae do you focus on?

Ziongate: 70's steppers rockers roots reggae that includes artists like Don Carlos, Ijahman Levi, and the Twinkle Brothers to name a few.

Tanya: Do you mix other reggae varieties into your sets?

Ziongate: Sometimes we add 10% modern reggae into the mix before midnight.

Tanya: What is the appeal to your sound crew compared to others?

Ziongate: We play 90% of the songs, and we try not to dj as much.

Tanya: At your parties, I personally feel that the music is not only emotional and spiritual, but it’s physically moving and graceful.

Ziongate: Thanks. We feel that reggae music is the cure for many of life’s misfortunes.

Tanya: Lets talk a bit about your choice of keeping your parties very Rastafarian based?

Ziongate: To us its all about truth and foundation and Rasta is the path to enlightenment and peace and love of self.

Tanya: What do you all think is the main unique catch to roots reggae?

Ziongate: It’s universal; it brings people together in a positive way.

Tanya: Do you have any other musical influences?

Ziongate: Funk, jazz, blues, soul, ol' country....as long as the music is revolutionary, we love it.

Tanya: Do you see any flaws with the reggae scene?

Ziongate: With a lot of music that becomes "pop", it became non- informative and very superficial. There are some forms of reggae that is becoming like that; I call it "Hip Hall" (Jahbu).

Tanya: Why do you think this kind of reggae is being pushed?

Ziongate: It keeps the truth hidden from the people. It encourages chaos and disorder in the people and that makes money.

Tanya: What should people expect when they enter your parties?

Ziongate:"The admission of five dollars and love in there heart."

* To check out more Ziongate events and/or other reggae events go to http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com
* The next shows are...
June 16th at “Concord Café” on Bloor street, 1 block west of Ossington. The first Saturday of the month in August at “Thymeless Rest” on college and at “Concord Café”.