The MEMBERZ
The Memberz are a collection of Toronto's finest musicians who have chosen Reggae as
the genre in which they prefer to express themselves musically, lyrically, socially and
politically. They draw upon the energy of the Jamaican-Canadian cross-cultural experience, supported by a throbbing bass, polished rhythms and powerful vocal harmony, to break the boundaries of traditional genre-fication.
MEET THE MEMBERZ
ROSCOE
MAVRIQ
CORBY
CHARMAZEL
CARLTON
BROPHY
R O S C O E
Born into a musical family, bandleader and keyboard player, Garfield “Roscoe” Christie is a Toronto reggae scene veteran with decades of experience. His talent was nurtured in the musical crucible of Malton, Ontario where he and Devon "Mr. Metro" Martin along with several other high school friends, formed the multi-award winning reggae band 20th Century Rebels. His career continued to climb in Toronto where he played with The Sattalites, Livestock, Hit Squad and Culture Shock. Over the years he has also performed with Canadian dub poet pioneers Lillian Allen and Clifton Joseph, Jamaican legends like Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles, Alton Ellis, Sugar Minott, Marcia Griffiths, Lady Saw and realized a highlight dream to play trombone with the legendary Skatalites. His dedication has given him the vision and experience needed to lead this talented group of musicians.
M A V R I Q
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Song writer, vocalist and percussionist, Mavriq has been composing since his early teens. As the son of a musician who played with Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Leroy Sibbles, he carries the banner of a long musical legacy. By mixing upliftment and social consciousness with a 21st century P.O.V. , and flavoured by his experiences in both Canada and Jamaica, Mavriq’s personal vision carries the focus of The Memberz identification with the struggles of today’s youth. Philosophical and gregarious, Mavriq has an electric stage presence that connects immediately with an audience.He has opened for Elephant Man, Tanto Metro, Devonte, Leroy Gibbons and Spice.
C H A R M A Z E L
Coming in from Brampton, keyboard player, songwriter and vocalist Charmazel Jorman, has been performing on stage since the age of 3. As a dancer, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist (tuba, steelpan, keyboards) she has performed with the Mighty Lions and New Dimension, and worked in shows with Whoopie Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell, and Michelle Trachtenberg , under the direction of the award-winning Jennifer Knelman and Duvon. Classically trained at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music, Charmazel has also taught music for over 15 years, with tenure at the Umoja Learning Circle, Treble Clef Music School and with Baby Harps.
C O R B Y
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Guitarist Paul Corby is also a 416 reggae veteran out of West Hill, performing over many decades as one of the core reggae pioneers with Ernie Smith and the Roots Revival, Bloodfire, Toronto Reggae All-Stars, and as the leader of African music and dancehall musical mutation, Boncongonistas. As a sideman, he has backed Errol Dunkley, Leroy Sibbles, David Wilcox, Don Carlos, Eek-A-Mouse and Derrick Morgan. His dedication has taken him throughout Canada and the U.S. and to Reggae Sunsplash in 1982, where Bloodfire received a standing ovation. You may also know Paul as a DJ, blogger, music educator and host of Corby’s Orbit on Radio Regent.
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B R O P H Y
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A veteran of the Montreal jazz scene, Christopher Brophy took up the alto sax at the age of 7. He soon picked up the flute, clarinet and other saxes to become a skilled multi-instrumentalist. Although classically trained, he
is always looking to broaden his horizons, and his musical journey has
taken him from symphonic orchestras to EDM production. He has performed coast to coast and has had the distinction of sharing the stage with such renowned acts as The Funk Brothers of Motown fame and British electronic musician Matthew Herbert.
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C A R L T O N
Born in South London, England to Jamaican parents, singer, songwriter, bass player Carlton Dinnall’s musical journey began in Malton at age 14. After absorbing records by Steel Pulse and Aswad, Carlton started playing regularly with the militant Jane & Finch crew Freedom Fighters. Since then Carlton has played with spiritual ensemble Awanjah, party band Rockstone and a rock group known as EARRL. Following a long hiatus dedicated to raising his family, he is back on the scene contributing his songs and talents to The Memberz.