Date of publication: Friday 1 August 2025
Hezron Live in Ottawa: Soul, Storytelling & Sweet Reggae Vibes
by Suzette Small-Weekes
Monday 30 June 2025 | Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa
Soulful. Charismatic. Unforgettable.
On June 30, Hezron Clarke, Jamaica’s soulful reggae powerhouse, brought his signature sound and vibrant energy to Ottawa as part of his 2025 Canada Tour. Performing for the first time in the nation’s capital, Hezron lit up the stage at the legendary Rainbow Bistro, leaving a lasting impression on a captivated audience.
From the very first note, Hezron commanded the room with his magnetic stage presence and rich, melodic voice. The intimate setting at the Rainbow Bistro created a powerful connection between artist and audience, allowing fans to sway, sing along, and fully immerse themselves in the music.
He delivered crowd favourites like Forever and Always, Man on a Mission, and the sultry, fan-favorite Tik Tok (I’m Coming), filling the space with soulful energy. One unforgettable moment came when a lucky giveaway winner was serenaded live by Hezron with his latest hit, Blame It on the Wine—a heartfelt, one-of-a-kind performance in celebration of his limited-edition wine and tour T-shirt giveaway. It was personal, unforgettable, and uniquely Hezron.
A Weekend of Connection and Culture
Before taking the stage, Hezron immersed himself in the heart of Ottawa’s vibrant community. His weekend was a whirlwind of cultural connection, music sharing, and genuine moments.
Saturday kicked off with appearances on two of the city’s key community radio stations: CHUO 89.1 FM and CKCU 93.1 FM. At CHUO, Hezron joined cultural champions Sarah Onyango and Adrienne Coddett on Black on Black, performing live acoustic versions of his songs and reflecting on his journey through music and life. The vibe was electric, raw, and deeply personal.
From there, he landed in the studio with Papa Richie on Rockers, where stories flowed, laughter erupted, and the live-in-studio session felt like a reggae jam in the heart of Kingston. Later, he joined Junior Smith on CKCU, stepping into the role of guest DJ—choosing meaningful tracks and sharing the stories behind them.
Both Papa Richie and Junior Smith had known Hezron for years through interviews, jingles, and phone calls, but this weekend marked the first time they met in person—a long-overdue and heartfelt full-circle moment.
He capped off Saturday with a delicious stop at Island Flava, enjoying an authentic Caribbean meal that he said “tasted like home, away from home.” Sunday was a mellow day spent rehearsing with Ottawa’s own Roots Movement Band in preparation for the big show.
Earlier in his visit, on the day he arrived, Hezron was welcomed with a true island-style BBQ—freshly grilled fish and vegetables over charcoal—a warm and flavourful introduction to Ottawa that brought a taste of Jamaica to the capital.
The Show That Sealed the Deal
The Rainbow Bistro came alive on Monday night with an eclectic lineup of performers. Opening acts included Toronto’s Pencil and Sillasky Music, as well as Roots Movement Band, keeping the energy high and the rhythms deep. DJ Hypnotxsound kept the crowd grooving between sets with classic reggae and other genre beats.
Adding to the excitement were special giveaways of Jamaican Appleton Estate Rum, Captain Bligh Rum from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and limited-edition bottles of Hezron’s wine, released in celebration of the tour and his latest single, Blame It on the Wine. T-shirts and other exclusive merch created moments of interaction that made the event even more memorable.
Hezron Live in Ottawa was proudly presented by BrandingByWeekes (Suzette Weekes) and DreamMakers Entertainment (Chikala Kambo Stewart)—two dynamic forces dedicated to producing impactful, high-quality experiences across music, media, business, and community engagement. Their mission goes beyond entertainment, aiming to elevate voices, foster meaningful connections, and create platforms where diverse stories and talents can thrive.
This performance proved one thing loud and clear: Ottawa is ready for more Hezron. A future show at the NAC Fourth Stage would be a natural next step for an artist whose music resonates with such depth, heart, and soul.
Looking Ahead: Hezron Live 2026
The excitement continues! Plans are already in motion for Hezron Live in 2026, promising an even bigger experience in a fresh, dynamic format. Want to be the first to know?
Follow @BrandingByWeekes on Instagram for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and the official scoop on Hezron’s next performance in Ottawa.
Catch Hezron on Tour Across Canada!
Follow him at @IamHezron on Instagram and Hezron Clarke on Facebook for tour updates, music, and more.
Article by Suzette Weekes
BrandingByWeekes
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