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See Our Video Clips of Shabba Ranks live at Sound Academy 11.13.15

A good Shabba concert…what can I say.  This Friday November 13/2015 Timeless Classics Dancehall Edition inside Sound Academy featured for the first time in Toronto in almost a Decade, 2X Grammy Award Winner Shabba Ranks, Jamaica’s Ruff Kut Band, Metro Media (with Big Belly Sky Juice), plus Firekid Steenie, Soul Vibes, Spex Da Boss, Scabba G, Natty B., and Jabba.  The place was rammed to capacity and by 1:30 am Shabba, dressed explicitly,  took the stage to the delight of the 2400+ people in the place.
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In about a 2 hour span, Shabba did a complete show that covered the majority of his hits.  Shabba, looking like he hasn’t aged a bit, showed off his excellent physical condition when he continually danced, hopped and wined on stage, before eventually removing his shirt to displayed his six pack. He also brought on two guest vocalists (one male, and one female (performing Champion Love/Telephone Love/Twice My Age) during his performance with his Ruff Kut Band.  IMG_0334b
When it was all said and done, Shabba had returned for about three encores.  People left satisfied that they had gotten their money’s worth, and after the show, it was time for myself and Lisa West to go backstage and take pictures with the big man.

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Shabba was in a good mood back stage, and gave us and his fans who had managed to make their way into the dressing room, about 25 minutes (or so) of his time (posing for pics and greeting personal friends and business aquaintances) before he was whisked out by security.  Can’t complain – an overall good night all around for Shabba and crew.  Big up Lisa West, who partnered with the picture taking while I switched back and forth from video to photography.  Big up Shabba Ranks, the legend, for bringing a nice musical vibe to the city – big people ting!

Pics by Ron Nelson + Lisa West
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