Reggae Sundays: Lazo & Exodus

Lazarus J. Finn (Lazo) began his music career at 15 years of age with a band called Black Blood, whose very first album charted #2 and received extensive airplay in the Caribbean. Soon after immigrating to Canada, Lazo formed his own band, Unity, to showcase his original compositions. Upon relocating to Toronto, ON, he created Lazo Reggae in Toronto, and released the well-received recording, “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” Lazo subsequently produced two solo CDs, Something Real and Impetus, for RAS records in Washington, DC. He was the first Canadian artist signed to the label.

Impetus was such a strong effort that it was the first independent album to chart on Vancouver’s Z95.3 (Top 30). Lazo’s music video, “Crucial,” produced by Video Fact and RAS Records reached #3 on the charts in Guyana, South America. It also received extensive play on the Caribbean Satellite Network (CSN) and rotated heavily on Black Entertainment Television (BET) in America. Lazo’s 2010 release, Passin Thru (Y.T. Records) brings out the best in him. It is a true testament to his songwriting abilities, a must for industry and fans alike.

Affectionately embraced year after year as the SunFest crowd’s favorite, Lazo has been nicknamed “Mr. SunFest.” Well-deserved Artistic Director “Alfredo Caxaj” recently touted, “Is it any wonder we’ve invited him back for the 20th year in a row?”

Lazo tours tirelessly throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. His list of international venues and festivals is ever growing, such as Brazil’s Carnaval de Salvador, El Salvador, Argentina, and more. In 2010, he toured the United States and South America as a member of the world-renowned Wailers. The group was Bob Marley’s original backup band, featuring Aston “Family-Man” Barrett on bass, and the legendary Keith Sterling on keys. The South American leg of the tour included African Reggae Star, Alpha Blondie.