In the 1970s and ‘80s, music from competing sound system operators used to play on the street in Toronto’s Little Jamaica. And almost every business in the area served the neighbourhood’s music ecosystem in some way.
It’s quieter today, but the influence of Jamaican sound system culture — the playing of reggae music on the street through large custom speakers — remains. There’s Jamal’s Custom Tailor, a 50-year-old business still running today, responsible for fitting artists before shows. Murals painted by artist Adrian Hayes honouring reggae legends like Bob Marley and Johnny Osbourne who passed through and recorded music in the area. Wisdom’s Barber Shop, previously owned by Jimmy Wisdom of the reggae duo Bob and Wisdom. And Rap’s, the legendary Jamaican restaurant that opened late out of necessity to serve the growing number of performers and DJs looking for a place to eat after their shows.