Bio

For more than four decades, Messenjah has stood as one of Canada’s most groundbreaking and influential reggae bands. Formed in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1981 by Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey, Errol “Skippah” Blackwood, Eric “Baby Face” Walsh, and Ray “General” Ruddock, and later joined by keyboardist Hal “Saint” Duggan, Messenjah helped define the sound of Canadian roots reggae while breaking barriers for the genre nationwide.

After building a devoted following on the Canadian university circuit, the band independently recorded their debut album, Rock You High, in California. Its success caught the attention of Warner Music Canada, making Messenjah the first Canadian reggae band signed to a major record label. Warner re-released Rock You High in 1983, introducing reggae to mainstream Canadian radio audiences and establishing the band as pioneers in the country’s music landscape. They followed with Session (1984), featuring the nationally recognized anthem “Jam Session,” which received extensive television and radio exposure.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Messenjah toured extensively across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, earning acclaim for their electrifying live performances. They appeared at prestigious festivals, including Jamaica’s legendary Reggae Sunsplash, shared stages with some of reggae’s biggest names, and reached new audiences with songs such as “Cool Operator” and “Crazy.” Their music also found its way to the big screen with an appearance in the Tom Cruise film Cocktail. In 1998, Messenjah performed before Nelson Mandela at Toronto’s Skydome and received the JUNO Award for Catch De Vibe, further cementing their place in Canadian music history.

Over the years, the band’s lineup has evolved, but Messenjah’s commitment to authentic roots reggae, conscious lyrics, and musical excellence has remained unwavering. In 2013 and 2014, Warner Music Canada digitally re-released Rock You High and Session, introducing the band’s classic recordings to a new generation while supporting a successful reunion tour.

Today, Messenjah enters an exciting new era with a powerhouse lineup featuring founding member Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey, alongside Carl “Carlos Bandana” Harvey (Toots and the Maytals), Charles “Tower” Sinclair, Orville “Wiz” Malcolm on keyboards, and the band’s newest member, Sammo “The Genius.” Together, they continue to carry forward Messenjah’s rich musical legacy while bringing fresh energy and creativity to the band’s unmistakable sound.

In August 2026, Messenjah returns with “No More,” a powerful new single that speaks to the challenges of today’s world while reaffirming their enduring commitment to unity, justice, hope, and positive change. Blending the timeless spirit of roots reggae with a fresh, contemporary sound, “No More” marks an exciting new chapter for one of Canada’s most iconic reggae bands. More than 40 years after their debut, Messenjah continues to prove that great reggae has no expiration date. It only grows stronger with time.