Conscious Rastafarian singer, Chardavid, aka Iley Dread, is eagerly anticipating his upcoming tour of Canada which will see him breaking new and exciting ground as the baptized singer teams up with internationally-acclaimed gospel favourites, Lt. Stitchie and Judy Mowatt.

The tour, which kicks off on New Year’s Eve in Toronto, Canada, is entitled ‘Songs of Praise’ and takes its name from the singer’s soon-to-be-released, full length album, a project which has been in the works since 2014. Among the offerings on the album, entitled ‘Chardavid Songs of Praise’ are ‘Closer To You’ and ‘Mama Prayer’, two songs which have been generating great response from critics and fans alike.

Chardavid, while refusing to label this new album as “gospel”, admits that it is in fact chockfull of praises to the Most High and is a reaffirmation of his own personal conviction which led him to be baptized over two years ago and took a pledge to faithfully attend church every Sunday, “as long as it is humanly possible”.

According to Chardavid, “This tour with Lt. Stitchie, Sister Judy and others who will be added to the lineup is really a fulfillment of a desire that has been part of me for a very long time. We have a synergy that is unmatched and a common goal of ministering through music. This is another defining moment in my career and I am embracing it.”

With regards to his Christian baptism, he stated, “As a true Rastafarian, I accept the teachings of His Imperial Majesty, who also owns the title ‘Defender of the Christian Faith’, so this clearly shows the eternal harmony and compatibility between Christianity and Rastafari.”

Chardavid, whose real name is Colin Levy, is known for his quiet humility and burning passion for the true core values embraced by Rastafarianism, and he emphasized that nothing has changed. “As Rastafarians, it is important that we make that connection with God. It was Emperor Haile Selassie who said in a speech, ‘There are many instances in my life where the belief in The Almighty and the Christian Faith have sustained me, times of troubles and difficulties. No matter what may befall a human being he can always succeed in overcoming it in time if he has the strength of faith and praise to God, for inevitably He comes to the assistance of those that believe in him and those that through their work live an exemplary life’,” Chardavid quoted.

The tour will wend its way throughout the major cities of Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Ontario and some coastal cities.