Imagine a show that consisted of live reggae, hip-hop, R&B, rock and soul. Having artists from all of these genres would definitely make for a very eclectic listening experience. Now imagine if all of these were performed by one artist. And not only performed by one artist but mixed into one song and done in such a manner that it actually sounds good. Kae Sun managed to accomplish this feat during his album release party for Lion On A Leash.

Hopping on stage with a smile and a guitar, Kae Sun was greeted to a loud round of applause. Accompanied by his four-piece band, he returned the greeting with a smile. Then Kae went on to perform the title track, "Lion On A Leash". This medley of Caribbean, rock and hip-hop music set the tone for the rest of the night. With that song he also managed to immediately grab the attention of the entire audience at the Lula Lounge.

Kae Sun has come to Toronto via Ghana and then Hamilton. Growing up in a household that was immersed in storytelling and music, he was given a foundation of how to get his story across in his music.



"I want to come at people not from a podium or a [preacher's] stance, but from an angle where I'm like everyone else," Kae Sun says.

Kae went on to perform five more songs including: "Jungle Law", "Too Young, Too Soon" and "How Long". The entire crowd listened, danced and enjoyed his music. Afterwards many of the people were left wanting more.

"It was like a cross between Bob Marley and Mos Def," one fan said. Another said, "I thought it was awesome. I was disappointed because some of the people were sitting down and enjoying the music. I thought that they should have been dancing."


Words By: Shaun Bolden + Photos courtesy of David Waldman