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Kairo McLean, the youngest Reggae winner in JUNOS history, wins second award

14-year-old, Kairo McLean, the youngest JUNO-Winning Reggae Artist. (Courtesy: CARAS/iPhoto)

Kairo McLean is not a regular 14-year-old boy. He studies, plays sports, spends time with friends, but above all, he is a multi-talented musician. In fact, he is known as the youngest winning reggae artist in JUNO history, following his win in 2022 for his debut EP Easy Now

Now, McLean is celebrating a second win. This time for his single, “In The Streets” and for his collaboration with fellow JUNO-winning artist Kirk Diamond on their track “Reggae Party.”

“It feels great, as a second generation Canadian. It feels good to note that reggae is accepted in a place like Canada, especially as Juno’s as the highest platform and it just feels good. It’s a good feeling to know I won,” the artist said in an interview with The Brandon Gonez Show on Monday.

So how did he get there? Growing up, McLean was surrounded by reggae music. His parents shared a deep love of the genre and in turn, strengthened McLean’s own connection with it as well. It wasn’t long before he was studying all aspects of the genre, such as its artists, records, musicians and producers. 

At three years old, McLean was learning about drums, and at six years old, his dad taught him to play acoustic guitar. With this, he was able to apply the skill and knowledge towards different instruments. His ultimate goal was to master the art of reggae and become an artist himself.

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At his present age of 14,, he is recognized for his own unique sound and style. During the process of finding his sound, he turned to inspirations like reggae legends Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs. 

“I also like some soul. I like Ray Charles and James Brown. And obviously my dad, like I said, he plays music and his work ethic inspires me and, you know, he helps me write songs too,” McLean said. 

The young artist was also asked why reggae, specifically, is an important genre for him to preserve and share. 

“I just know that the message of reggae music, the message of peace and the message of truth and rights and justice, it’s a message that can’t die. You find that when you play old school, reggae, a lot of the messages are still relevant today,” he said. 

“And especially now, with all the fighting that’s going on in the world, especially with Ukraine and all of that, you know, we need it now. You know, the Earth is hurting and we need the message of love,” McLean added. 

McLean is only at the beginning of his career. There’s no doubt he will continue to thrive and grow as an artist given his dedication, hard work and compelling sound. 

McLean will be receiving his award at the JUNOS tonight at 8pm in Edmonton, Alberta. 

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