A new film sheds light on the significant role Jamaican music played in shaping Canadian culture in an unexpected way. “Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul” delves into how Jamaican immigrants influenced the Canadian music scene during the 1960s and 1970s, facing various challenges along the way.
The documentary focuses on the journey of Jay Douglas, a Jamaican Canadian singer with a six-decade-long career. Despite starting off relatively unnoticed in Toronto, Douglas has now gained global recognition. He is enthusiastic about sharing the historical narrative, especially with younger audiences.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to document this legacy, Douglas emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of Jamaican artists who infused Toronto with soul. Everton “Pablo” Paul, who collaborated with Douglas as a drummer and founded The Cougars, highlighted how the artists from Jamaica laid the foundation for today’s Black Canadian music icons.
Reflecting on the struggles they faced, Paul acknowledged the lack of appreciation for Jamaican artists in Toronto during that era. Despite challenges in securing recording deals, they persisted in pursuing their musical aspirations.
“Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul” is currently available for streaming on TVO and will also be shown at Hot Docs Cinema on March 1. The documentary captures the resilience and creativity of Jamaican musicians who left an indelible mark on the Canadian music landscape.
