Denise Jones receives Honour Posthumously as a Brampton Arts Walk of Fame inductee at the JAMBANA: One World Festival

BY PAUL JUNOR

It is fitting that Denise Jones who was known throughout the Caribbean community, Canada, and the world be inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. Denise, who died in 2020 was posthumously inducted on Sunday, July 31^st, 2022, in Garden Square at the JAMBANA: One Word Festival in Brampton.

The headline artist for the festival was Lt. Stitchie of dancehall fame. In addition, there were performances by Nana McLean, Steele, Blessed, Ammoye, Kirk Diamond and Soul Sessions. Master T and Tanya Mullings of FLOW 98.7 hosted the event. Grand Master Rosa and Joshua Lucas presented the music. Dance Caribe performed Soca and Reggae dances and Ms. Letna showcased her acting skills.

A press release from the City of Brampton on July 4^th, 2022, states, “Denise Jones spent her life championing Afro-Caribbean culture in Canada and around the world through her company, Jones & Jones Production, Canada’s first black-led talent and management agency. Jones was a champion for Black creators, entertainers and artists, particularly Reggae music, in all forms and was the founding Chair of the Reggae category for the JUNO Awards.”

Along with her husband, Allan Jones, she was the founder of the JAMBANA: One Word Festival, which is recognized as the second largest cultural event in Canada. The website: jambana.com states, “In May, Denise was posthumously awarded with the Walt Grealis Special Award by the Juno Award. This award recognizes individuals whose work has significantly impacted the growth and development of the Canadian music industry.”

There has been recognition of the great work that Denise did during the time she was involved in management, organization, and planning events to promote African-Canadian artists. Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton states, “Denise Jones was a long-time Brampton resident, and one of the most influential change-makers in the world of Canadian music, dedicating her life and career to championing reggae, Black entertainment, Jamaican Canadian culture, and being a fierce advocate for Black and Caribbean arts.”

In addition, Rowena Santos, Chair, Community Services for the City of Brampton notes, “We honour Denise Jones for breaking down barriers in the music industry, and thank her family for accepting the Brampton Art Walk of Fame award on her behalf. Her legacy will live on.”

In a press release from Jones & Jones Productions, Jerimi Jones, son and event producer for JAMBANA: One World Festival states, “We never really got a chance to do a public celebration of my mom in 2020 due to the pandemic. This is the first time we’ve gotten the chance to do so, and there’s no better place than at the festival she poured so much into. On behalf of the Jones family, I just want to say a big thank you to the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame for this recognition. It really means a lot to us, and we are proud to accept this award on behalf of my Mom. We hope everyone can join us at JAMBANA as we celebrate her life and our nation’s diversity.”