Andru Branch

Andru Branch, born on June 27, 1968, in Sackville, New Brunswick, is a Canadian reggae musician best known as the lead singer and songwriter of Andru Branch & Halfway Tree. Raised partly in multicultural Toronto, he developed a deep love for reggae and was mentored by key figures in the Canadian reggae scene before later moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia. His musical foundation was strengthened through formal training, earning a Sound & Music Recording Diploma from Recording Arts Canada. Branch’s career gained momentum after signing with the Jamaican label Kingston Muzik in 1996. His debut album, What If I Told You (1998), was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, and featured legendary musicians from Bob Marley’s Wailers, including Aston “Family Man” Barrett and Tyrone Downie. The album earned him a Juno Award nomination for Best Reggae Recording in 2000, marking a major milestone and establishing him as a respected figure in roots reggae beyond Jamaica. In 2008, Branch released his second album, The Only Constant, a roots-reggae project praised for its spiritual themes, rich instrumentation, and authentic sound. His music blends traditional roots reggae with influences ranging from African highlife to subtle country elements. Branch has performed internationally, including at Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash Festival, and has backed major reggae and dancehall artists. With veteran bassist Brian “Bassie” Atkinson joining his band in 2002, Andru Branch continues to create and perform reggae music grounded in tradition and global cultural exchange.