Today, Canada’s finest purveyors of roots reggae, The Human Rights, officially release their fourth album One People, and kick off an extensive tour of Ontario and Quebec with a hometown show in Toronto at The Rivoli (see dates below). One People is available at Bandcamp and on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.
On One People, The Human Rights continue their mission to spread good vibes through good grooves, but like their reggae forebears, songs on One People also contain strong political messages, such as the current single "Roxham Road," which addresses immigration issues.
One People is dedicated to Bernie Pitters, acknowledged as one of the godfathers of Canadian reggae, who played keyboards in The Human Rights from their formation in 2007 to his death in 2023. The band has channeled Pitters' indomitable spirit into One People, making it one of the finest reggae albums to be produced in Canada in recent memory.
The Human Rights certainly entered 2025 with a lot of positive energy. The end of 2024 marked over 250 festival and club shows the band has played across Canada and the U.S., with a recent highlight being a Canadian opening slot for The Black Crowes. Along with their current tour schedule, more summer dates are expected to be announced soon.
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The Human Rights first came together around the talents and vision of Friendlyness, a Toronto Reggae lion who had previously worked with Big Sugar, Culture Shock and Truth And Rights. He was joined by drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, The Hooded Fang), versatile bassman Tyler Wagler and keyboardist Bernie Pitters (Toots & The Maytals, Hit Squad).
The Human Rights quickly established a reputation while showcasing their original material while opening for the likes of The Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, Sanchez, and other top international Reggae artists.
In 2014, much-loved Toronto vocalist Tréson (who has recorded with the likes of Black Uhuru, Spearhead, and Mykal Rose) joined the band, giving The Human Rights a distinctively powerful two-man front line that seamlessly moves between modern roots Reggae, lovers rock, soul, R&B and dancehall vibes. With Bernie Pitters' health preventing him from touring, Canadian keyboard legend Dave Jackson stepped in. The Declaration of Human Rights horn section is the musical icing on the cake featuring members of The Heavyweights Brass Band, Kune, and Shout! The Band.
After making their debut album One Thing in 2010, The Human Rights worked with Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson on their 2016 self-titled collection that solidified their sound both in the studio and on stage. That energy was carried forward on 2021’s Reggae Strong (2021) which Amplify Music Magazine described as, “their finest album to date, while once again proving Reggae’s ability to unite and inspire everyone struggling to get through tough times.”
The Human Rights deliver more of the same on One People, an album that arrives just when it’s needed most.
