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Program Profile: Rebel Vibez

By Magnus Thyvold

While its origins lie firmly and unmistakably in Jamaica, reggae has put down strong roots in musical communities across the world. Rebel Vibes celebrates reggae’s strong roots in here in Canada with “the only all-Canadian Reggae show on radio” on Toronto’s CHRY 105.5FM.

For hosts Carrie Mullings, Brotha Jason and Traffic Man Tony, supporting the Canadian and local scene is a top priority. One of the most popular parts of the show is the “Singer in the Neighbourhood” segment. It generates “huge support from the community” says Mullings. “This part of the show features a chosen Riddim and the studio mics are opened up and so are the telephone lines to known and unknown talent wanting to showcase their lyrics or their vocal abilities.” I found out very quickly that I had a passion for promoting Canadian talent and there was a big need for the support The rest of the world gets its due in the weekly feature “OutaNational” profiling a non-Canadian artist currently making waves in the reggae world.

Carrie Mullings comes from a family with a long history in the Toronto reggae and R&B scenes. Her father, Karl Mullings, came to Canada from Jamaica with his band the Sheiks in the 60’s. He quickly established himself as a force on the scene and was one of the founders of Toronto’s popular Caribana festival. Her sister, Tanya Mullings, is an established Canadian reggae artist. Carrie Mullings continues that commitment to the reggae scene. “I found out very quickly that I had a passion for promoting Canadian talent and there was a big need for the support.”

You can tune in to Rebel Vibez on Monday from 10 A.M. to 12 noon on CHRY 105.5FM and online at www.chry.fm. You can find many more reggae programs on stations across Canada and online. Here are just a few:

Alive & Dread on CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, BC
Saturday from 7P.M. to 9P.M. PT
Online at http://cfuv.uvic.ca

Pirates of the Caribbean on CJSF 90.1FM in Vancouver, BC
Saturday from 4P.M. to 6P.M. PT
Online at www.cjsf.ca

West Indian Rhythms on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, QC
Saturday from 4P.M. to 7P.M.
Online at www.ckut.ca

Rhythm and Roots on CFMU 93.3FM in Hamilton, ON
Saturdays from 3:30P.M. to 5:30PM ET
Online at http://cfmu.mcmaster.ca

Version Xcursion on CKLN 88.1FM in Toronto, ON
Saturday from 8P.M. to 10P.M. ET
Online at www.ckln.fm