Released in 1979, “Hop, Skip And Jump” is a definitive piece of the Canadian reggae landscape. This LP captures a unique intersection of Toronto’s burgeoning immigrant music scene and classic Jamaican roots. Produced by Alex King and John Forbes, the album features a heavy-hitting lineup including Leroy Sibbles (The Heptones) on bass and Anthony “Benbow” Creary on drums. The record leans into a crisp, technical style of reggae that balances standard roots rhythms with early digital experimentation and dub-inflected textures.
Formed in Toronto in 1975, Chalawa was a cornerstone of the “Toronto Sound”—a movement of Jamaican expats who reshaped the city’s musical identity. Led by multi-instrumentalists John Forbes and Alex King, the band acted as both a standalone powerhouse and a premier backing group for legends like Stranger Cole and Johnny Osbourne. Known for their versatility, Chalawa’s output ranged from deep spiritual roots to chart-crossing singles, making them one of the most successful reggae exports from Canada during the genre’s golden era.
