At the height of reggae’s golden age, some of Jamaica’s brightest stars made their way to Toronto, leaving behind a legacy that is now celebrated in the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) new anthology series, Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land. Premiering August 23 on nfb.ca and the NFB’s streaming platform, this captivating five-part series explores the musical journey and cultural impact of reggae legends who found a new home in Canada.

Through rare archives, electrifying needle drops, and engaging interviews, Sounds & Pressure captures the journey of reggae from Kingston to Kensington Market. The series highlights the challenges faced by these artists, from racism and scarce resources to an industry that initially stigmatized reggae. Despite these obstacles, their revolutionary spirit helped transform Toronto into a reggae haven, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape.

To kick off the series, Toronto’s Paradise Theatre will host a special screening and launch event on August 22. The event will feature all five episodes, followed by a live Q&A with directors Graeme Mathieson and Chris Flanagan, as well as featured artists Nana McLean, Johnny Osbourne, Leroy Sibbles, Jerry Brown, and the duo Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison. The discussion will be moderated by journalist and radio host Danae Peart.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rhythm and resilience of reggae’s pioneers in Toronto.

Tickets for the screening are available now on Eventbrite for $15.00 + HST/fees.