Founded in Toronto, Ontario, the Sattalites are one of the most successful reggae ensembles in Canadian history. It’s founding members include Jo Jo Bennett, Fergus Hambleton, and Joe Isaacs. Bennett and Hambleton met during a tour and began performing together. The band originally started as the Sattalites Music School on a “pay-what-you-can” basis in 1981.

They operated in Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighborhood and taught students ranging from 13-30. They worked to help their students perform as quickly as possible, whether at restaurants or small clubs. This would eventually lead to the forming of the band, and they began to perform live, becoming known for their enthusiastic performances, including Hambleton’s pop harmonies and Bennett’s deep reggae roots.

The group’s self-titled 1985 album included their hit single “Wild”. Considerable airplay led to the group touring in Canada, the United States, and later even Jamaica. The band includes members Fergus Hambleton, Jo Jo Bennett, Joe Isaacs, David Fowler, Bruce McGillivray, Neville Francis, Junior McPherson, Rick Morrison and Bruce ‘Preacher’ Robinson. Felix Taylor also joined the group on trombone and background vocals in the 80s and 90s, and Neil Chapman was a member for the first three albums. The band would go on to win two JUNO awards in 1990 and 1993.

The Sattalites are now known as one of the longest running and most successful reggae groups in Canada.