1. First of all, Jamaicans are all over the city.
2. Literally, though. Almost 75% of Jamaican-born Canadian immigrants live in Toronto and surrounding areas.
While 71% of of all people in Canada who reported they had Jamaican ethnic origins live in Toronto, according to a 2001 Stats Canada study.
3. And they're doing some pretty amazing things, might we add.
The best part of my day!!!!
4. Toronto even has its own "Little Jamaica."
5. So, it's a no-brainer that Jamaicans have had a huge influence not only on Toronto's culture, but on pop culture in general.
Mix up and blem blem
Even though Drake doesn't actually have any Jamaican roots.
6. And especially on the city's restaurant and food scene.
7. Patties can be purchased for a quick snack almost anywhere.
8. A lot of traditional Jamaican flavours have also founds their way into the aisles of major grocery stores across town.
9. But going to Nicey's Food Mart in Scarborough is just like being transported to Jamaica.
10. A lot of Toronto slang is partially derived from Jamaican Patois.
View this video on YouTube
Words and phrases like "man dem," "wa gwan," "my youte," "tings," for example.
Even former mayor Rob Ford was quite familiar with it.
View this video on YouTube
Which garnered some mixed reviews and an expert panel discussion.
11. Anyone who grew up on the east end of Toronto — or any other predominately Jamaican neighbourhood — was pretty much raised as a Jamaican by force.
12. And this line was all too familiar when they left their friends' houses...
13. There are countless Jamaican food and cultural festivals that take place during the summer.
Here we are setting up for last years #JerkFest #TBT
From Jerk Fest to Ackee Fest, Jambana and more.
14. And of course, there is CARIBANA!
View this video on YouTube
Toronto's largest street festival where all Caribbean cultures are celebrated.
15. Major dancehall artists love when they visit, and will even give the city a shout out in their music.
16. Sean Paul even filmed "Get Busy" in Toronto back in 2003.
View this video on YouTube
Well, Woodbridge. But it still counts, right?
17. Some of Toronto's most recognized talent are Jamaican or of Jamaican decent.
18. And Toronto has radio shows dedicated to bringing the city the latest in reggae and dancehall music.
Lock it into Canada's #1 reggae show! #RIDDIMTRACK with @SPEXDABOSS 8-11pm. Tweet your request and use the hashtag #RIDDIMTRACK
Because everyone in the city loves those genres.