Kingston, Jamaica – Legendary artist manager Copeland Forbes, Managing Director at Comar Productions LTD recently announced that he has signed talented Canadian female reggae singer Bonnie Casey to a five year management contract.
Forbes, one of the most experienced and knowledgeable artist managers in the industry has worked with reggae icon Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Luciano, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Marcia Griffiths, Garnett Silk and the late Gregory Isaacs.
“I see Bonnie as the female version of Bob Marley” Forbes said. “Not only does she have an incredibly vocal range but she has passion, charisma, beauty and a stage presence that is magical.”
Casey garnered major attention last year with a stellar performance at the annual Jamaica Day Celebration in Toronto, Canada where she entertained thousands of screaming fans who cheered as she belted out a heartfelt rendition of the Jimmy Cliff classic ‘Many Rivers to Cross.’ She again turned heads with a smashing performance of “Willow Tree” and “Tune In” at the November 20th 2010 tribute concert for the late Gregory Isaacs at The Ronnie Williams Centre in Jamaica. Now that she is signed to Comar Productions, Forbes is predicting an extremely busy 2011 for Bonnie as he coordinates tours and performances for her in Europe, Asia and North America.
“In my almost fifty years in the reggae business, and for the hundreds of talented individuals I have discovered, managed or worked with, I must say I have an eye for spotting talent. Bonnie is an extremely talented artiste. We have a lot of touring and recording to do this year and I see an extremely bright future for her” he said.
Bonnie Casey
Bonnie who was born to an Irish father and a Jamaican mother is described by those around her as vibrant, outspoken, unique, and as having a caring personality. She began singing at the age of 5 years old and benefited from voice and drama lessons at the Beckett School for the Arts in Toronto.
The former Miss World Canada Beauty pageant finalist and fashion model draws her influences from Etta James, Bob Marley, Alton Ellis and Gregory Isaacs. She sings jazz, blues and contemporary songs but is focused on lover’s rock and rock steady rhythms as she seeks to build a long term career in the reggae industry. Her fresh approach to music, her unique song writing ability, along with her versatile vocal range will no doubt give listeners that ‘wow factor’ that has been missing with many young acts currently in the industry.
Using music as a communication tool, she intents to write and perform songs that music lovers can relate to. Her debut album is set to drop in late 2011 and will feature Sly & Robbie and Dean Frazier, who are short listed as producers for the project.
“I feel excited and very optimistic to be working with Copeland and his team” Bonnie said. “He is one of the best in the business. God has blessed me with a great voice and with Copeland’s guidance, the sky is really the limit.”
(l-r) Talented singer Bonnie Casey, artiste manager Copeland Forbes and Bonnie’s mom Paulet Casey at the funeral of the late Gregory Isaacs in Jamaica recently.
