Maine isn’t the first place that springs to mind when thinking of reggae, but Nyah begs to differ.

“I grew up in the Caribbean and wanted a change,” the singer and guitarist for the Portland-based band Stream said. “I didn’t want to be in a big city, and Maine was recommended to me by a good friend so I gave it a chance. And it’s a beautiful place. I love it here. ”

Judging by the reactions of fans at their shows, Mainers love him right back. Stream’s brand of deep roots reggae combined with elements of dancehall, soca and zouk styles has made them a favorite at nightspots throughout Maine. They hold down a weekly gig every Thursday at Brian Boru’s, a pub in Portland, and have played everywhere from weddings to an opening gig for reggae legend Burning Spear.

Nyah, a native of the West Indies isle of Dominica, grew up playing music with his family.

“I was always playing music in the Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe, all throughout the Caribbean,” he said. “When I came to Maine, I knew I was going to form this band.”

Stream formed in 1997 and has been playing steadily ever since. Though the lineup has changed several times, the band now features Jamal Pena on drums, Rickie Richards, also from Dominica, on keyboards, and Rick Porensky on bass, as well as Nyah holding down vocals, guitar and songwriting.

Stream’s first album, “Give Me the Music,” is available at gigs and through the band’s Web site, www.streamreggae.com. They have finished recording their new album, “Rastaman,” and the band is looking forward to a release date sometime this spring.

Nyah hopes to draw a larger audience for his music, as Stream continues performing and recording.

“I’d like to play everywhere,” he said. “I’d like to tour all over the country. I am trying to bring a message of oneness and love and unity through our music. Once the vibes come up for that, we are ready to play for everyone.”

Stream will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Soma 36, the club within the Bear Brew Pub in Orono. Cover is $2. For information, call 866-2739. Emily Burnham can be reached at emily.burnham@umit.maine.edu.