The rhythmic beat of reggae music pumps through the blood of Roy Battiese and that rhythm is coming to Squamish.
Battiese, who performs under the name Daddy Roy - The Messenger, will be accompanied by the Natural Flavas as they take the stage at the Howe Sound Inn Brew Pub on Saturday (June 13) at 9 p.m.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Battiese is the real thing. He grew up in St. Ann, the heart of the reggae movement where he said music flowed through the streets. Battiese said he knew from a very young age that he was to follow the beats of reggae.
"I used to sneak out and go to parties and end up hanging out with people like Bob Marley, and music was a very large part of our lives," Battiese said.
More than 30 years later on Canadian soil, Battiese is still pursuing music. He said his inspiration comes from a number of famous reggae artists such as Peter Tosh, Marley and Sanchez.
"My music is reggae and it is original. I did my travelling around the world, but now I am living in Vancouver and bringing music to the streets," Battiese said. "I am very excited to perform in Squamish."
Throughout his career, Battiese has performed at venues throughout Jamaica, Canada and the United States. His music has also been played on radio stations around the world and Battiese said it has been noted on various music charts.
With new albums on the way, he said the reggae movement is taking Canada by storm. That's because reggae can take listeners to a higher level, he said.
"It's all about the heart and soul and what you feel is right. It's allowing the spirit of the almighty to move you through music. I can do a lot more stuff in Canada too."
Battiese regularly works with the Natural Flavas, a Vancouver-based reggae band. He said the band is professional and easy to work with because they are simply very good musicians.
"They learn the music I like them to play very quickly."
Battiese's newest album, Mama Work Hard, was released in Nov. 2008 to follow his first album titled Joy, which was released under his own label, Stronger than Before Productions.
"Everyone wants to perform with reggae artists because it sounds good with every kind of music. I would say it is growing," Battiese said. "I hope all the people in Squamish are getting ready to have a good time."
Tickets for Saturday's show are $10 at the door. The Howe Sound Brew Pub will also be offering Jamaican cuisine and the show will air live on Caribbean Beats, Shaw's Multicultural Channel.
For more information on Battiese, check out www.daddyroythemessenger.com.
