Born in the Accompong (Maroon) Hills of Jamaica, Errol “Skippah” Blackwood would find a second home in Canada. Growing up, he was exposed to music through church as his father was a pastor. Blackwood moved to Toronto, Ontario, at a young age, where he would buy and learn to play his first bass guitar.

Inspired by all walks of music including rock, funk, soul, and the Nyahbinghi drumming style, he began writing and playing his own songs. He went on to play with several bands and began performing with Kitchener, Ontario, band People’s Choice at jam nights, eventually moving out there so they could play more often. It was once he moved out to Kitchener that he would help form the legendary group Messenjah in 1981. Blackwood sang lead vocals and played bass for the band; other founding members of the group include Rupert “Ojiji” Harvey (lead singer, and lead guitar), Eric “Baby Face” Walsh (rhythm guitar and vocals), and Ray “General” Ruddock (drums). The group would gain international notoriety, touring across Canada, the US and even performing at Jamaica’s Sunsplash festival.

Blackwood would begin his solo career in 1987 with the release of EP “Chant, Chant” and video “Special Effect”. The following year he released cover single and video “Give Peace a Chance” and came out with his first full length album titled Warrior, in 1990. Later albums include Waking up the Dream (1994), Roots and Lovers Collection (2000), Rastaman Say (2002), FamilyTree (2007), Love is How (2012), and Cooling Down the Rage (2012). The masterful bass player and video creator has been nominated for multiple music awards including The Canadian Reggae Music Awards (CRMA) for Best Album and Video, and a Juno Award for Best Reggae Artist/Performer in 1988.

The Canadian reggae legend believes in positivity and redemption as a mainstay to the genre, noting that reggae is now too shrouded in negativity. As a supporter of Black history and education, he hopes to uplift and encourage listeners. Blackwood continues to play and write music that stays authentic to the roots of the genre.

Awards

• Canadian Reggae Music Awards- Best CD of the Year- Rastaman Say (2003)
• Canadian Music Video Awards: Best Video (1992)
• Toronto Music Awards : Best Reggae Artist/Performer (1988)
• Juno Nomintion 1987 and 1996