New walking tour highlights Little Jamaica's musical history

A new walking tour in the city is aiming to preserve Black history and showcase local musical talents.

The Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour allows participants to explore shops, restaurants and art.

It also highlightsthe rich musical heritage of Little Jamaica, which, during its prime, was one of the largest producers of reggae music outside of Jamaica.

Phil Vassell, executive director of the Canada Black Music Archives says the musical history of Yonge Street and Yorkvilleare well documented, but the stories out of Little Jamaica are not nearly as well known.

He's hoping these tours change that.

"For example, a lot of people are familiar with the Toronto reggae group The Sattalites, but not a lot of people know there used to be The SattalitesMusic School," he said, adding the band was formed after the school.

The two hour immersive tour has about 15 stops. Participants will also listen to some of the influential music and see some archival photos to help tell the stories of the area.

"Asan organization concerned with archiving Black history we thought it was important not just to focus on the entire country but the hub in Little Jamaica which gave us a lot of good music," Vassell said, adding there are many stops on the tour, including a barber shop,that people wouldn't expect to have so many ties to music.

Vassellsays the goal is to make sure the musicians that made their mark get the attention they deserve.

"I think that'simportantnot just for the Black community, but I want to be able to say my history includes all of Toronto," he said.

"We need to learn more about each other and here's an opportunity to get into thisculture and community by exploring the music."

The tour runs until September, but Vassell says the hope is to extend the walks beyond the summer months.