EXCO LEVI

Exco Levi, was born Wayne Ford Levy on June 7, 1981 in Manchester and grew up in Clarendon, Jamaica. Singing is in Wayne’s blood as his father was also an artist and sound system DJ.

Exco’s musical tastes include listening to and appreciating the lyricism and talent of the late Garnet Silk, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh as well as contemporaries like Sizzla Kolonji. Through the work of these artists he has been able to develop his own unique sound which emanates deep respect for the musical icons who paved the way. Wayne’s talents also extend to recording and performing audio engineering tasks in studio. He credits this to his time spent at the Stineam and Triple Platinum Recoding Studios while living in Jamaica.

Exco Levi quickly took hold of the Canadian reggae music scene after emigrating in 2005. His strong writing skills complement his lyrical prowess and delivery. He continues to show his range and musical intellect through songs like the Canadian Anthem, “Oh Canada”, the nostalgic “Sweet Jamaica” and the love ballad “Same ole Words”. His songs have given voice to a nation and helped forge an entirely new style of music and rhythm that is revolutionary, fiery, scathing, loving and stinging.

His songs are just as potent on his lips as they are on his Cds. Exco’s ability to quickly engage and convince his audience makes him very appealing. This has led to him being in high demand for colourful collaborations. He has worked with top Djs and promoters worldwide. This musical “Midas” turns any song he touches to pure gold.

Exco’s management team has been NCF Productions since December 2010. He currently works with Penthouse Records and Jukeboxx Music. He has recently released two blazing hot singles ‘Mr. Hammer” on NCF and the self love anthem “Bleaching shop” on the Penthouse label, which has been topping charts globally. Both songs have been receiving major airplay by local and overseas DJs. He is currently in production for his debut album project with Penthouse Records.

Exco is a determined artist with the technical skills and performance style that is bound to give him more and more recognition. He is on his way to becoming a household name, one synonymous with quality and musical excellence. He is definitely the artist to watch!

Accolades in Canada
Recipient of the Most Promising New Artist Award, at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards (2007).
Award for Best Reggae Single –“Oh Canada” (2007)
Canadian Music Awards (2008)
Best Male DJ by the RMAA (2009)
Artist of the Year by the RMAA (2011)
Song of the Year and Best Recording for “Bleaching Shop”, at the Inaugural Irie Music Awards (2011)
Performed at Jamaica Day
Performed at Jambana (2009, 2011)
Performed Irie Music Fest 2011

Performances in Jamaica
Curefest
Part of the RJR Communications all island cross country tour
Lime Road Show
Richie Stephen’s Album launch, 2010
Sting, 2010
“St. Mary Mi Come from”
Hype 2K

Collaborations
Terry Linen
Jah Mason
Busy Signal
Romaine Virgo
Marcia Griffiths
Brown Shuga
Silver Cat
Richie Stephens
Copper Cat
Seanizzle (Producer Seanizzle Records)
Donovan Germaine (Producer Penthouse Record)
DJ Robrack (Japanese Reggae DJ)
Featured in Tribute song for Japan alongside artists like Tarrus Riley, Third World, Busy Signal, Toots Hibbert, Dean Fraser and more. Song “15 Seconds” produced by legendary producer Clive Hunt.
Featured on VP Greensleeves Records—“The biggest One Drop Anthems 2011” with a song he wrote for the late Copper Cat (his last recording before he died) “Since you came in”. This compilation also features his big hit “Bleaching Shop”.

Shows

Ship Point (Inner Harbour)
Thu. June 22nd 16:00 - 22:00
Free
Few members of the Canadian reggae scene are as beloved as EXCO LEVI. For over 15 years the Brampton-based, Jamaican-born singer has been one of the shining stars of Canadian reggae, earning no less than five Juno Awards throughout his already storied career. Levi's musical catalogue contains songs like “Bleaching Shop,” “Strive,” “Welcome the King” and “By Any Means” - some of the most endearing reggae tracks to ever come out of Canada. His deep lyrical prowess, commanding delivery and his ability to connect with his audience has made him a favourite of festivals around Jamaica, North America and Europe. It's been nearly a decade since Exco Levi last graced out stage and we are so excited to welcome him back to headline our second night on the main stage, under the stars.

Charging out of Mexico to bring their super high-energy show back to Canada for the first time since they appeared at the festival in 2017, OUT OF CONTROL ARMY is coming back to get our feet moving with their lovers ska. Their sound has evolved since the last time they were here, incorporating a new layer of classic ska sweetness throughout their already lovely sound. Joining the party and making their long overdue main stage debut is Victoria's psychedelic jungle-funk monster APEX BREAKS. One of the most excited bands in the scene, Apex Breaks shows are unrelenting assaults of fun and colour, hitting the audience hard with deep grooves, spiralling guitars and a more than palpable sense of joy. Things will be kicking off in high gear as Vancouver's RAINCITY makes their return to Victoria, taking our stage for the very first time. Described as “the rebellious daughter of goth and ska,” Raincity plays hard-hitting funk with an ultra-engaging stage show. Fronted by women on vocals and saxophone, there is nothing on the coast right now quite like Raincity and we're stoked to welcome them to the Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest fam.