News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Souljah Fyah PICKS UP TOP HONOURS AT THE WESTERN CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS
A new landmark for reggae in western Canada has been set, as Souljah Fyah picked up the Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Urban Recording this past weekend in Edmonton, Alberta. Truth Will Reveal, the band's sophomore album, has been perking ears far beyond the traditional domain of the irie genre for some time now—something that has surprised the band's lead singer, Janaya Ellis. "I had no expectation of this at all," said Ellis, "it's an 'urban' category and that's very broad. This was a surprise for me." Indeed, the category was stacked with incredibly diverse and talented artists such as Moka Only, Green Tara, Def 3, and Touch and Nato. "It goes to show how deep the field is" said Janaya, "it might be time that the awards look to expand to have separate hip-hop, R&B, and reggae categories." For now, however, the band will focus on their upcoming events, which include a regular house gig at the Haven Social Club in Edmonton, and a trip to Montreal to bring some red, gold and green to the Grey Cup celebrations this November.
Surely some of the votes that put Souljah Fyah over the top this past weekend came from the interior of BC, where they recently joined international acts like Lead Pipe Cinch from New York and Hollywood's Bardo and many other bands in a descent on five downtown Kelowna venues to vie for top honours at Canadian Rocks' annual Rockanagan festival. At the end of the five-day, thirty-band battle, however, Souljah Fyah received the top marks from the Sony A&R reps and other industry brass that judged the event. They caused a buzz from the get go, launching the festival with an exclusive lake tour performance aboard The Fintry Queen, and they filled dance floors in all manner of venues over four nights, from your traditional Irish pub, to more classy dining rooms. "We've never had to move furniture in our venue to accommodate dancing before" said Theresa, a server at Christopher's Ultra Lounge, one of Kelowna's finest restaurants. Top prize for the festival was a showcase slot at Vancouver's New Music West—something the band looks forward to with great expectations. "We've never played Vancouver before," Ellis says, "and we're looking forward making our mark on such a thriving scene."
Radio also seems to be warming up to the group, with their single Sweet Love currently sitting at #1 on CBC's Galaxie Reggae chart, and with Abundance of Good having spent 12 weeks in the same position earlier this year. But this isn't simply an album with a few standout tracks. Truth Will Reveal stands up unmistakably as a character of its own, and there is evidence of a painstaking attention to craft and continuity throughout. Exclaim! magazine described the album as bringing an "interactive dub appeal" that is brimming with "original ideas and chemistry" (August, 2008). In a four-star review by The Edmonton Journal, Sandra Sperounes praised as the band's lead singer, Janaya Ellis for "her soft tender vocals" which elevate the reggae "from an 'I-shot-the-sheriff/No-woman-no-cry' cliché to an intensely personal and touching genre." Indeed, if there is a torch that needs passing for reggae music, Souljah Fyah may prove to be one of its most able bearers. It seems that the longer the Fyah burns, the more the future looks bright for this Edmonton reggae band.
And the 2008 WCMA for Outstanding Urban Recording goes to…
Souljah Fyah!!!
Check out the article in the Edmonton Journal!
Last night was an experience of talent and tears.... Western Canada has such rich diversity in music. So… Thank you to all of our fans for the amazing support.
IBO - thank you for your most incredible friendship and amazing production on the album
Arlo Maverick from Politic Live - thank you for your wealth of knowledge and guidance
To all of our families and friends… we love you.
Souljah Fyah
PS. Be at the premier of the new Souljah Fyah Sundays at the Haven Social Club… starts this Sunday, October 26
Haven Social Club
15120 A Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, AB
PRAISE IS RUSHING IN FOR PRAIRIE REGGAE
Reggae’s Newest Ambassadors Take Unprecedented Strides in Western Canada
In Edmonton, the ganja flourishes--not under the natural rays of a hot sun--but in the incandescent glare of hot-house hydroponics. It was the climate that necessitated the invention, and many a bleary-eyed blunt-smoker has given praises to the dark Canadian winter for bearing this unlikely fruit. Similarly, there are reasons to think that a northern climate would be nothing but prohibitionary with regard to reggae music--especially in Alberta, where country and hard rock enjoy a long-standing hegemony. But just as ‘Canadian bud’ has been making waves around the world, a new strain of Canadian Reggae is catching fire, creating habitual tendencies in all those exposed.
Edmonton’s Souljah Fyah, which released its sophomore album Truth Will Reveal in February, has taken unprecedented strides in several Canadian forums this year. They just won Kelowna’s Rockanagan festival, a 30-band battle judged by Sony reps and other industry brass. They received a nod from the Western Canadian Music Awards in the Outstanding Urban Recording category—the first-ever nomination for an indigenous reggae band.
Radio also seems to be warming up to the group, with their single Sweet Love currently sitting at #1 on CBC's Galaxie Reggae chart, and with Abundance of Good having spent 12 weeks in the same position earlier this year. But this isn’t simply an album with a few standout tracks. Truth Will Reveal stands up unmistakably as a character of its own, and there is evidence of a painstaking attention to craft and continuity throughout. Exclaim! magazine described the album as bringing an “interactive dub appeal” that is brimming with “original ideas and chemistry” (August, 2008). In a four-star review by The Edmonton Journal, Sandra Sperounes praised as the band’s lead singer, Janaya Ellis for “her soft tender vocals” which elevate the reggae “from an ‘I-shot-the-sheriff/No-woman-no-cry’ cliché to an intensely personal and touching genre." Indeed, if there is a torch that needs passing for reggae music, Souljah Fyah may prove to be one of its most able bearers. It seems that the longer the Fyah burns, the more the future looks bright for the Edmonton reggae band.
SONY A&R REPS GIVE TOP MARKS TO CANADIAN REGGAE BAND
Souljah Fyah Takes Unprecedented Strides in Western Canada
Renowned international acts like Lead Pipe Cinch from New York and Hollywood’s Bardo joined local favorites Liquor Store Warm and twenty-seven other bands in a descent on five downtown Kelowna venues this past week--all vying for top honours at Canadian Rocks’ annual Rockanagan festival. At the end of the five-day, thirty-band battle, however, it was Edmonton’s Souljah Fyah that received top marks from the Sony A&R reps and other industry brass that judged the event. “It was an unbelievable experience” said the band’s lead-singer Janaya Ellis, “the event was very well run, and gave us great opportunities to make new fans.” Indeed, they caused a buzz from the get go, launching the festival with an exclusive lake tour performance aboard The Fintry Queen, and they filled dance floors in all manner of venues over four nights, from your traditional Irish pub, to more classy dining rooms. “We’ve never had to move furniture in our venue to accommodate dancing before” said Theresa, a server at Christopher’s Ultra Lounge, one of Kelowna’s finest restaurants. Top prize for the festival was a showcase slot at Vancouver’s New Music West—something the band looks forward to with great expectations. “We’ve never played Vancouver before,” Ellis says, “and we’re looking forward making a mark on such a thriving scene.”
The change of game-plan seems to be coming at the right time for the band. They recently received a nod from the Western Canadian Music Awards in the Outstanding Urban Recording category—the first-ever nomination for an indigenous reggae band. The awards night and festival will be on Souljah Fyah’s home turf in Edmonton in October, and the band is relishing the opportunity. “We can’t wait to show off our hometown music scene,” muses Ellis.
Radio also seems to be warming up to the group, with their single Sweet Love currently sitting at #1 on CBC's Galaxie Reggae chart, and with Abundance of Good having spent 12 weeks in the same position earlier this year. But this isn’t simply an album with a few standout tracks. Truth Will Reveal stands up unmistakably as a character of its own, and there is evidence of a painstaking attention to craft and continuity throughout. Exclaim! magazine described the album as bringing an “interactive dub appeal” that is brimming with “original ideas and chemistry” (August, 2008). In a four-star review by The Edmonton Journal, Sandra Sperounes praised as the band’s lead singer, Janaya Ellis for “her soft tender vocals” which elevate the reggae “from an ‘I-shot-the-sheriff/No-woman-no-cry’ cliché to an intensely personal and touching genre." Indeed, if there is a torch that needs passing for reggae music, Souljah Fyah may prove to be one of its most able bearers. It seems that the longer the Fyah burns, the more the future looks bright for the Edmonton reggae band.
September 21, 2008
It's an exciting time! Voting has begun for the 2008 Western Canadian Music Awards.... and they're in your town!
With the single "Sweet Love" at #1 nationwide, and the WCMA's being held on home turf....and the 2009 Juno Nominations right around the corner... it has never been a more exciting time for Souljah Fyah. Now is the time... we need your votes!!!
1. WHO can vote?
Members of Alberta Music Industry Association, Music BC, Music Yukon, and Manitoba Music are eligible.
2. HOW do I Join?
Alberta Music is having a 1/2 price membership blitz..... so for a limited time you can become an associate member for only $15.75! So many of you qualify to join.... check out the extensive list at www.amia.ca . If you would like to be eligible to vote for the Western Canadian Music Awards (and have countless other benefits of membership) please contact:
Phone: 780-428-3372
Toll-free: 1-800-465-3117
www.amia.ca
3. So what next? The Voting Process
Go to www.westerncanadianmusicawards.ca/voting. Enter your last name and postal code....select Outstanding Urban Recording, and then select Souljah Fyah and Cast Vote! We thank you so very much for your ongoing love and support.
One Love,
The Original Tribesman, Lady Blaze, Stormin' Norm, Sista J, Saint, and TOOTALL Paul
xxoo
June 20, 2008
"Sweet Love is currently at #9 on the CBC Galaxie Radio Reggae charts
Greetings on this beautiful spring day!
Three Pieces of News for May 22, 2008:
- Souljah Fyah's "Truth Will Reveal" has just reached #1 across our big and beautiful nation on the International Charts. We thank all of the community and campus radio DJ's from Kelowna to Kingston to Antigonish for the amazing support, and all of the requests that continue to raise the momentum. BLess uP!
- Souljah Fyah Sundays will be ending soon.... only four left! The last one will be on Sunday, June 15th, so bring your DAD! Last Sunday was lined up till 2am.... so be sure to get there early. Doors at 8, Show 10. Location: On The Rocks, 11740 Jasper Ave, and print the attached ticket as many times as you like so you and your friends (And your dad) can get in for FREE~~
- Souljah Fyah continues to perform at community/fundraiser activities with the loving help from the Realtors Association of Edmonton. If you have an event coming up that could use a cool reggae vibe, please e mail back. The next Realtor sponsored Event will take place on Saturday, June 7 at the Granite Curling Club (Presented by S.I.R.E.N.S.). We have tickets for sale... this event will feature live music by SJF, Gaye Delorme, Mocking Shadows, and Hot Cottage. See you there!!
Blessings All,
Just a couple of things that make this week nice.
Bless up Souljah Fyah Massive and Crew
INI would love to say thank you for all of the amazing support we have received from our friends during the 07. Things feel hopeful, nice, positive and energized as we enter the New Year. Some great news from our camp:
- Souljah Fyah Sundays will continue into the Spring. The turnout is steady and growing, the vibe is incredible, and the crowd is a wonderful growing body of beautiful, nice people. To bypass cover charge, please e mail back accordingly, and we will send you a ticket via e mail. We get paid according to how many tickets are turned in every Sunday, so ....... we want you to get in for free!!!! If you know you are coming and you don't have a printer, reply to this e mail with your name, specify the Sunday you want to come down, and you will be on the VIP guest list... and again.... no cover for you!!! Location: On The Rocks 11740 Jasper Ave EVERY SUNDAY. Doors 9pm
- REALTORS®
Association of Edmonton has renewed the Community
Sponsorship partnership with
Souljah FyaH. In the past two years, SJF has played over 45 shows in the community, including fundraisers, charity events, and public service galas. The renewal means that there is an opportunity for your community group to have SJF play at your event. REALTORS® will pay a portion of the performance fee, and everyone at your event will have an Easy Skankin good time. Please e-mail back for further details.
- The master for the new album is FINISHED!!!! The album will now be manufactured, and delivered to SJF masses hot off the presses. TRUTH WILL REVEAL is produced by IBO (www.myspace.com/ibokindread). CD Release date will be announced shortly. We are thankful for all of those who supported us through this adventure.
- Souljah Fyah's "Abundance of Good" was still at the number 1 spot across Canada (CBC Galaxie Canadian Reggae Spins) at the end of November, totaling 8 weeks at the top spot, and 24 weeks in the top 10. The compilation CD and the charts are available at www.canadianreggaeworld.com
- A
special thank you to the letters of love and support we received yesterday
regarding the colourful comments on the
SJF You Tube videos. Admittedly, personal attacks do sting, but the salve was in watching people step up the love for that individual. If that individual is on this mailing list, I sincerely thank you, because in one day, our You Tube plays have almost tripled. Bless you and Jah Guide. To view the videos, click on the links below.
As for me.... I'm going to go practice my vocal exercises : ) See You Sunday!!!!! Laaa LAAAAAAAAAAAAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CScalzL9tbM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzsCJF_9ed8&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQZLGgIq7eo&feature=related
- "Abundance of Good" has spent 20 weeks on CBC's Galaxie Radio top 10 nation wide, with the last eight weeks at number 1 for Canadian Reggae Spins!
- We are getting ready to release Truth Will Reveal
- Rwanda was entered into rotation on Ziggy Marley's radio playlist in September.
Everyting cook and curry. The completion of this album is the destination, but the journey toward it has been and continues to be the main event.
Soon Souljah Fyah's sophomore album TRUTH WILL REVEAL (Love Empire Entertainment) will drop… and we now know a few things we didn't know in October 2006.
- We know the Calgary-Edmonton highway almost as well as the back of the headrests of each other's vehicles. If you multiply 23 trips by 6 hours (both ways) (or if either 2 Tall or Saint are driving... 4 hours, or if you are stuck just past Red Deer for 7 hours in a deadly ice/snow storm, MORE THAN ONCE, or if you forget your purse in Red Deer and have to travel another 3 hours to pick it up the next morning, add appropriately).... well you get the picture.
- We know the best (and not so best) vegetarian restaurants in Calgary.
- We know that Baby Souljah travels well, but doesn't do so well when her mama is gone.
- We know that Mama Souljah doesn't do so well with separation either.
- We know that nothing worth savoring should be rushed.
- We have remembered that life is eternal, as we celebrated the birth of a child, and experienced the death of a parent.
- We have been reminded that we are blessed with beautiful fans who have kept in touch, both in body and in spirit.
- We have a new appreciation for just being home to do the laundry.
So… we can see this blessed finish line... and although we salivate as we get closer, we are BETTER for having run this mile.
Next time though, we will ask Doctor IBO if he makes house calls.
Rastafari,
SjF
Check out more about IBO and Smokey Room Productions.
High quality t-shirts now available for sale for $30 CDN with Souljah Fyah logo seen below.
Contact Souljah Fyah at 780-479-5265 or via e-mail.
