Skystar
Skystar has emerged as the most awarded solo reggae and dancehall artist in Western Canada, placing Edmonton on the global music map. More than just an artist, he has become a cultural ambassador for the Afro-Caribbean community across Western Canada, sharing the sound, spirit, and stories of his homeland with a growing diaspora far from the islands — proof that reggae's next chapter has no fixed borders and can be written wherever there's a bold voice ready to carry it.
Born Ainsworth Rose in Patrick City, Kingston, Jamaica, Skystar is an Edmonton-based reggae and dancehall artist whose journey has been shaped by determination and purpose from the very beginning. Music became his refuge early in life, and by the age of 15, his debut single "Si Mi Yah" was already receiving significant airplay on Jamaican radio.
The year 2024 marked a breakthrough for Skystar, as he became the first Canadian artist in his genre to record at the iconic Coke Studio at L.A. Live, an achievement that highlighted his growing profile. That same year, he made his international festival debut at the New Skool Rules Music Festival in Rotterdam, expanding his reach abroad. His momentum continued during awards season with nominations at the Reggae North Music Awards, Kilimandjaro Music Awards, and Reggae Xclusive Awards. He won Best Reggae Song of the Year at the Kilimandjaro Music Awards and received the Award of Excellence at the 12th Annual Abedorc Awards.
Around this time, his EP Sky's The Limit gained significant airplay, with tracks like "Karma" and "Learnt" appearing on DJ Wiz's Reggae Ology Vol. 1, RebelVibez's Top 10 Canadian Reggae Chart, CBC Radio's Key of A, and CBC On The Block. The project also earned a place in the Edmonton Public Library's Capital City Records collection, demonstrating Skystar's impact on the Canadian music scene.
In 2025, he received substantial industry recognition with a JUNO Award nomination for Best Reggae Recording at the 2025 JUNO Awards. He was nominated in four categories at the 2025 Reggae North Music Awards, winning Best Trap Fusion Song.
By 2026, Skystar was honoured with the National Black Coalition of Canada's prestigious Clarence "Big" Miller Award and garnered three nominations at the Reggae North Music Awards. The lead single from his sophomore EP Mud Town, "Wheel & Come Again," reached #1 on RebelVibez's Top 10 Canadian Reggae Chart and made it onto the Reggae North Top 20 Canadian Reggae Chart. Its music video also hit the Top 5 on Ghana's 3rd TV Music Video Chart. Additionally, Skystar made a return appearance at the New Skool Rules Music Festival in Rotterdam, further solidifying his international presence. He also showcased his music at major local events, including Reggae On The Mountain at Blue Mountain Village, the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, Taste of Edmonton, and Edmonton Heritage Festival, becoming the first Edmonton-based reggae/dancehall artist to perform at NXNE Music Festival. He was featured in "Get To Know Us," a City of Edmonton initiative addressing anti-Black racism.With national recognition and a chart-topping single propelling him forward, Skystar's unique sound and unwavering drive continue to bring him closer to global stardom.
