Lazo

Lazo (full name Lazarus John Finn) was born on the beautiful island of Dominica in the Caribbean. ‘Mr. Sunfest’, as he is affectionately known, is a crowd favorite who continues to exude a ‘feel good’ vibe through his unique combination of roots reggae ‘riddims’, conscious lyrics, and an uncanny ability to connect with audiences. He has performed at every in-person edition of Sunfest except the first one in 1995.

Lazo’s numerous honors from industry peers include being chosen Top Reggae Performer of the Year at the internationally recognized Canadian Reggae Music Awards and garnering a series of JUNO nominations. In 2002, he won a JUNO (Best Reggae recording) for his CD Heart and Soul. In 2010, Lazo toured the Americas as a member of the world-renowned Wailers (Bob Marley’s original backup band). However, driven by the need to concentrate on his own material, he left the Wailers to record a seventh CD, Passin Thru (Y.T. Records, 2011), which was updated and re-released in 2014 as Passin Thru (The Remix). Fittingly, the CD contains a special song, Sunfest, dedicated to the vision of this festival’s organizers.