Michael St. George is a writer, recording artist, educator, and world-renowned dub artist. Combining elements of dub, reggae, rock, R&B, jazz, blues, and the oral traditions of his Maroon heritage, St. George’s music is dedicated to justice and social equity, inspired by his working-class roots, and filled with thought provoking, positive, spiritual messages. He is a second-generation dub-poet committed to the true ideals of the genre and seeks to incite conscious change with his performances.

Known internationally as a Rasta prophet, Michael St. George was born in Portland, Jamaica, and was raised in Kingston. He began performing live in 1985 and recording in 1987. He now lives in Hamilton, Ontario, where he records in his studio, Black Maple Records. His first record, Dubbin’ De Vibes, was released in 2003 under the independent world music label, Zojak, which was nominated in the world music category of the Toronto Independent Music Awards, and the Urban Music Awards. He released two other records under Zojak, including Root 2 Fruit (2009), considered a groundbreaking production in his field. St. George has since put out two full length albums independently, Fight Your Fears or Die (2014) and Song Poet 1 (2020). His most recent release, a 5-song EP entitled I Do Not Submit, was his first project under Black Maple Records in 2022.

In addition to his recording and performing career, St. George is also a passionate educator and playwright. In 2006, his theatre course, Drama Education in Society Dub Style opened at Brock University – a combination of non-Western approaches and traditional academic theatre practice with socio-political and cultural aesthetics of dubs dramatization emphasizing language, research, performance, and discussions. He also helped establish the Turn Around Project (TAP) – a non-profit organization that creates and maintains integrated arts projects. St. George regularly conducts workshops, teaches, and performs for students of all ages. He has created two plays, Domestic Science Dub, and In Absence of the Father, addressing family, community, and intergenerational relationships.

In 2005, he received the Ontario Federation of Labour Art and Culture Award for outstanding contributions to his field. In 2007 he completed the Simon Wiesenthal Tools for Tolerance Educational Leadership for Inclusive Schools program in Los Angeles, and an Arts Certification program at York University. The same year, his work was selected for the documentary Speaking Tongues: The History of Language with the renowned Noam Chomksy and others.

St. George is continuing to mature as a significant recording artist and educator in contemporary global culture. Himself, and a fine lineup of artists continue to record new work in his Black Maple Records studio.

Awards

• Ontario Federation of Labour Art and Culture Award