Colin Levy to Celebrate Kings of Kinds Productions Anniversary in December

When Colin “Iley Dread” Levy decided to start a record label in 1995, he did not want to focus solely on music. He wanted the company to reflect the benevolence of his Rastafarian faith.

Kings Of Kings Productions, that Toronto, Canada--based label, turns 31 this year. On December 16, he will celebrate the milestone with a show at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica. It will also mark the launch of Upliftment, his sixth album.

According to Iley Dread, Kings Of Kings Productions has “surpassed all expectations.” Not only has it released albums and songs by elite acts like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Sizzla and Norris Man, it has assisted the needy.

“It has helped save lives, fed people, built schools and furnished hospitals,” he said.

Marcia Griffiths, Jah Mason, Little John, Etana and Turbulence are some of the artists scheduled to perform at the Kings Of Kings Productions show in December.

 Upliftment is the singer/producer’s first album since Joyful Noise in 2024. Its compact disc edition will have 19 songs, while the vinyl format has 12 songs.

“This album has been in the making for nine years, and I think it’s my strongest album. For the first time, I’m not distracted by anything or anyone,” said Iley Dread.

Several songs from Upliftment have been released, including Love Me Forever, a collaboration with Marcia Griffiths; Many Rivers (with Jah Mason) and Nah Cheat.

Contributing to the album’s production are Dean Fraser, Osborne “Ifield” Joseph, Eddie Bullen and Stephen Marley. Iley Dread said the Grammy-winning Marley, who he has known for many years, acted in a technical capacity for Upliftment. 

Iley Dread and the Grenada-born Bullen have been friends for years. Bullen has worked with top acts including The Manhattans, Deborah Cox, Melba Moore, David Rudder and Byron Lee and The Dragonaires.

Born in St. James, a rural parish in western Jamaica, Iley Dread migrated to Montreal, Canada in 1990.