In cities and suburbs around the world, another generation of young musicians is emerging. Inspired by the underground music of the last 30 years, they are unencumbered by the restrictions on style and attitude that traditionally divided genres. Cities that once tried to emulate New York or London are coming to the forefront, newly confident in their unique local blends. The youth are coming into their own, cheering the home team, celebrating wherever they can stay out late and telling their stories with cracked software and cheap guitars. To praise the metropolises of the world for their diversity seems quaint – it doesn’t seem worthy of self-congratulation if it’s all you’ve ever known.
It’s into this environment that Bonjay arrive, drawing their name from spice island slang for "Good God!". Born in the basement of a pub at Ottawa’s legendary Disorganised parties, what began as a crowd-pleasing party lark has developed into a serious commitment to songwriting and production, including remixes for labels like Mad Decent, Ninjatune and Ghetto Arc (XL Recordings).
With Alanna on the mic and Pho behind the turntables, their live performance is a high-energy sound system of bass, beats and soul. Dancehall innovation, indie sentiments, and R&B hooks – these are the sounds booming out from the jeeps, towers, and headphones of young Toronto, and Bonjay makes them their own.
Bonjay's debut ep, Gimmee Gimmee, will be available worldwide via iTunes, Amazon and in select stores across Canada on November 20, 2009.
“Bonjay [...] have been rocking our minds with their dancehall version of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Maps over South Rakkas Crew’s Bionic Ras riddim" — The Fader
“Styrofoam Ones and Kid Cudi both turned in great sets, but it was Bonjay’s dancehall-house-electro-hip-hop that we were still thinking about the next day. They’re getting better with each show, and they were already awesome to begin with.” — NOW Magazine
“The Toronto duo of producer Pho and feisty singer-rapper Alanna drop a wicked mix of booty-moving material.” — Montreal Gazette
“[…] soulful Bonjay vocalist Alanna Stuart proved she’s hands-down one of the city’s most enrapturing performers.” — NOW Magazine
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