Family band is a legacy of love for music

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/02/2025 (297 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Music runs deep in the Yaadies Family Band, a group whose passion for melody and rhythm spans generations.

For bandleader and father Nevile Hamilton, music has been a lifelong journey, beginning in his early teenage years in Jamaica.

“I was involved in music from the age of 13, playing in various bands back home,” he recalled. His love for music also led him to meet his wife, Carol, a singer, during a performance. Their shared passion for music became the foundation of their marriage and family life.

Their journey as a family band began after they moved to Canada in 2009. While Nevile continued his work as an electrician and Carol balanced a career in banking, music remained a central force in their household.

“When Carol was pregnant with our children, I would play the guitar, and I noticed the babies would respond to the sound,” he said, hinting at an early musical connection within the family.

Their six children were raised in an environment filled with melodies, harmonies and rhythm.

Joanne, the couple’s daughter and the band’s keyboardist, recalled how music was ever-present in their home.

“Our grandpa played drums, dad played the guitar, and we were always singing and dancing. I was eight when I first performed,” she said. Although she enjoys being part of the family band, Joanne has her sights set on a career in real estate while continuing to play music with the group.

Each of the children plays a crucial role in the band. Joanne handles the keyboard and vocals, while her younger brother Justin plays the bass guitar. Jonathan, another sibling, is the drummer. Their youngest sibling is still learning but has shown great promise in music.

Their two eldest sisters, one of whom is married and resides in the United States, were also actively involved in the band before pursuing their own paths. The eldest daughter, a songwriter and performer, continues to engage in music despite not being part of the band full time.

The formation of the Yaadies Family Band was an organic process, Nevile said.

“We never imposed music on our kids. They naturally gravitated towards it,” he said. What began as playing in church soon evolved into invitations to perform at cultural events across Manitoba.

“We played at Steinbach, Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre, Clear Lake and Winnipeg’s Jazz Festival,” he added. The band has also performed in other parts of Western Canada, showcasing their blend of reggae, jazz, and Caribbean rhythms to diverse audiences.

Carol, the band’s lead singer, emphasized the deeper message behind their music. “Reggae is a voice for the oppressed. It speaks about struggles, resilience, and healing. We want to use our music to spread positivity and unity,” she said.

However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges.

“One of the biggest struggles is gaining support in this region. There aren’t enough events that promote cultural diversity, and funding remains a challenge,” Nevile noted.

Despite these hurdles, the band continues to grow, gaining more recognition and invitations to perform.

Looking ahead, Nevile envisions expanding their reach and bringing reggae music to a broader audience.

“We want to continue inspiring people with our music and keep reggae alive in places where it’s not fully embraced yet. Music is powerful — it connects, it heals, and it speaks for those who cannot,” he said.

With their passion, talent, and deep-rooted connection to music, the Yaadies Family Band is more than just a group of musicians — “We are a testament to the power of family, culture, and artistry. Our journey is one of love, unity, and a shared rhythm that binds us together, proving that music is truly the heartbeat of our home.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola