Canadian docufilm celebrates the life, career of J’can singer, musician

TORONTO:

A pivotal moment in Canadian music history unfolded recently when director Graeme Mathieson and producer Andrew Munger teamed up on the compelling docufilm, Play It Loud: How Toronto Got Soul, which celebrates the life and career of Jamaican Canadian Jay Douglas, a key figure in the evolution of soul, funk, and reggae music in Canada.

The world première of the film was sold out at the newly renovated Hot Docs cinema on December 4, followed by another on December 7, for the popular Doc Soup screening series. With an over-600-seating capacity, and boasting an expansive screen and an immersive sound system, Hot Docs owns and programmes the Ted Rogers Cinema, a 100-year-old landmark located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood and the world’s first and largest documentary cinema.

“This project means a lot to me because it will create an impact on the young people, as they are the gem of the future. This project was given in truth, and I’m so elated about it,” Douglas told The Gleaner. “I’m so happy that TVO (formerly TVOntario) and others are on a mission to share this with the world.

After over six decades in the industry, Douglas stands as one of Canada’s most cherished performers, with multiple Juno Award nominations and an active role with his band, The Jay Douglas All-Stars.

The Jay Douglas All -Stars Band was the opening performance for legendary pianist and composer Monty Alexander for his 80th birthday celebration at Koerner Hall recently.Douglas moved from rural Jamaica to Toronto in the early 1960s with aspirations of a musical career. Play It Loud chronicles his journey — from his humble beginnings singing at talent shows in the island to becoming a cornerstone of Toronto’s vibrant music scene.

The film not only highlights Douglas’s enduring legacy, but also explores the profound impact of Jamaican music on Toronto’s cultural fabric.

At its core, Play It Loud offers an in-depth look at how marginalised musical movements often carve their place in the mainstream, despite being overlooked by history. It delves into the rich tapestry of Jamaican music — ska, reggae, rock steady, soul, and rhythm and blues — and its vital role in shaping Canada’s black music culture. Toronto, a global hub for the Caribbean diaspora, provided fertile ground for this dynamic fusion.

The documentary takes viewers back to Montego Bay, where a 12-year-old Douglas first showcased his singing prowess in a local talent show. It reveals early encounters with reggae icons, including a young Bob Marley, which hinted at his destined career in music. As a teenager in Jamaica, he witnessed the birth of reggae and ska before relocating to Toronto, where he became instrumental in the city’s black music scene. After moving to Toronto at 17 years old, Douglas joined The Cougars, the first Jamaican band to headline the renowned Le Coq D’Or nightclub, breaking significant barriers for Caribbean musicians in a challenging Canadian music landscape.

Despite his undeniable talent, Douglas faced an uphill battle as the Canadian music industry largely overlooked Jamaican music. Nevertheless, his determination led him to reinvent himself as a solo artiste following The Cougars’ disbandment. Whether performing at weddings or on cruise ships, his passion for music never waned.

Alongside Douglas, a wave of Jamaican musicians — including Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, and Wayne McGhie — contributed to Toronto’s music landscape, often thriving in underground scenes despite facing barriers to mainstream acceptance. From basement studios to house parties and clubs like Club Jamaica, these artistes persevered, keeping the spirit of their music alive.

Play It Loud features a rich array of musical legends, including Sly Dunbar of Sly & Robbie fame, singer Jackie Richardson, rapper Cadence Weapon, and record shop owner Henry Marks. Through these voices, the documentary not only honours Douglas, but also acknowledges the unsung heroes of Jamaican Canadian music who helped to shape Toronto’s diverse soundscape.