Performers

Sudan Archives combines left-field strains of R&B, hip-hop, and experimental electronic with hypnotic string loops and the fiddling style of West Africa. This is shown on her critically acclaimed album of 2022 Natural Brown Prom Queen. When Sudan burst onto the scene in 2017 with "Come Meh Way," she was a violinist and loop maker producing beats in her bedroom. 

Natural Brown Prom Queen is Sudan’s most ambitious work to date and a critic's favorite (Pitchfork #2 Album of the Year). “Sudan Archives is making R&B deeper and stranger.” - New York Times

Malkit Singh MBE is a Punjabi Bhangra singer, and is most famous for the songs "Gur Nalo Ishq Mita," "Tootak Tootak Tootiyan," "Kurri Garam Jayee," as well as recently, "Chal Hun." Whilst "Jind Mahi" featured in the blockbuster "Bend It Like Beckham" soundtrack.

Singh (originally born Boparai) was born and raised in the Hussainpur Village, near Nakodar, district Jalandhar, Punjab, India.

He has recently released "21st chapter" featuring the hugely popular and classic "Jago Aaya". Singh and his backup band Golden Star have toured in twenty-seven countries.

Born in Ghana, and raised between the UK and Canada, artist and songwriter, MAUVEY, defies categorization with his unique blend of influences spanning Afro, pop, hip-hop, cinematic, rock, punk, alternative, and electronic genres.

Born out of an obsession with storytelling, songwriting, cinema, and fashion, MAUVEY's music reflects a spectrum of emotions — anger, frustration, happiness, gratitude, and love— all intertwined with a fervent desire for the world to change.

At only 20 years old, the Vancouver-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist uses her creativity to unite the world of storytelling and music in a unique and captivating way, far beyond her years. She takes pride in her half-Asian heritage and connection to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, both of which have profoundly shaped her capacity to transcend the boundaries between genres. 

Throughout 2020, Jade harnessed the power of TikTok, amassing 1.2 million followers and 51M+ likes. During 2021, she unveiled her debut single "Constellations," an unorthodox love song, likening "The freckles on a body to constellations." The independent release shined with nearly 30M million cumulative streams and counting. GLAAD championed her among "10 LGBTQ Women in Music to Listen to this Pride Month," featured in Teen Vogue, and she's received praise from Ones To Watch, Diva Magazine, Pride, Popdust and more. 

DJ Goddess is a world class EDM/Bollywood DJ and Music Producer and has achieved so much internationally. She has been listed number one DJ in Canada since 2013 and number three new DJ in the world. Since then she's garnered millions of views. Her total views are over 250 Million (Quarter billion views) on Youtube alone including original track appearances.

Founder of the African Friendship Society, Jacky Essombe –aka Jacky Yenga– is a performer, TEDx speaker and best-selling author, and a messenger for the healing wisdom of African villages. She teaches how to use the power of community to heal and access joy through rhythm, movement and connection. Kocassalé Dioubaté (Guinea/Senegal), Aly Traoré (Guinea) and N’nato Camara (Guinea) are joining Jaky in this hear-pounding performance that showcases traditional rhythms, songs and dances from West and Central Africa. 

Semiah is a next generation Kanien’kehà:ka rising star with a singular heart-channeled singing style. She is a multidisciplinary artist-producer-songwriter weaving a sonic tapestry of Electro Pop, Alt RnB, Dreampop, and Indigenous Vocal Techniques. Debut single 'Nothing Can Kill My Love for You' garnered 100,000 streams; tracks from debut EP 'After The Night Ends' continue to be featured on CBC radio. Recent stage highlights include International Indigenous Music Summit in Toronto and Sākihiwē Festival in Winnipeg.

Semiah celebrates the release of new single 'Withdrawals' by dropping it July 20 during her Fusion Festival set with special surprises for attending fans. The track, co-produced with Montreal's Teleh0rn, features innovative metallic elements that align with Katana sword fight in the official video that Semiah directed, choreographed and created wardrobe for. From the moment she steps on stage, audiences fall in love with this generous and effervescent performer.

Born and raised in Guantanamo, Cuba, in a family of established musicians, Julio Avila's musical journey dates back to when he was 7 years old. Listening to his parents and older siblings perform, Julio first developed a strong bond with the traditional tune, changüí, which has roots in his native Guantanamo.

Surrounded by this vibrant and rich musical heritage, Julio perfected playing his principal instrument, the bass, while taking on the lead singer, arranger and composer roles as well. As a member of the internationally renowned group La Sonora Universal, Julio performed throughout Europe and with El Grupo Cubano Brisas Del Palmar he has toured Western Canada since 2005.  

From Whistler, BC emerges a voice that rivals the uniqueness of the wondrous scenery in which it was nurtured. Singer-songwriter ZADA’s buoyant and ethereal alternative R&B sound is both refreshing as it is comforting, and all this amalgamates on her debut album, Water in the Desert.

ZADA’s music is laced with synths, inundated with guitars and is inspired by the scenic imagery of her hometown.
 

Nicky Beatz, a DJ hailing from the South Surrey/White Rock area, was driven to embark on his DJing journey by his lifelong love for music and forming interpersonal connections.

Influenced by the diverse environment he grew up in, his dynamic and eclectic style has led him to explore a multitude of genres, ranging from hip hop and R&B to house, afrobeats, international dance music, desi fusion, and beyond.

Known for being able to rock every party he walks into, Nicky Beatz takes pride in his passion for bridging the gap between the audience and the music. His passion for fostering communities extends through his collaborative efforts with multiple artist collectives such as Play By Play, The Kuyas, and Aux Cord Kids.

Timba Cartel’s captivating high-energy music, transports audiences to tropical lands with the distinct sound of modern Salsa called Timba This dynamic evolution of Cuban popular dance music is a fusion of mambo, son and Afro-Cuban folklore with an added dash of Funk and R&B, the end result is a fiesta of rhythm and melody that gets the audience dancing, singing and above all having fun. It's party time when this 9 piece ensemble that features rich, resonant vocals, punchy brass and turbo loaded percussion section hits the stage. 

The members of Timba Cartel are an all star cast of multicultural musicians that collectively have been involved in Grammy and Juno award winning recordings and have played festivals at home and around the world. Timba Cartel is ready to take their music to the world and bring the party wherever they go. The future looks bright for this Vancouver based Latin music force.

Formed in East Van, the vibrant musical hub of Vancouver, the Big Easy Funk Ensemble is a band the pays homage to the rich musical traditions of New Orleans while infusing their own distinct West Coast flavor. Founded on a shared passion for the diverse sounds that have emerged from the heart of Louisiana, the ensemble brings to life the infectious rhythms and soulful melodies that define the New Orleans sound. With repertoire that spans across genres such as funk, jazz, soul, and blues.

Drawing inspiration from their surroundings on the West Coast, the ensemble adds a fresh perspective to the music, creating a fusion that is both dynamic and eclectic. With their energetic live shows and infectious enthusiasm, the Big Easy Funk ensemble invites audiences to join them on a musical journey that celebrates the timeless appeal of New Orleans music while embracing the spirit of innovation and creativity.

Phonosonics (U-NXT/Universal) is one of Canada’s hottest and fastest-emerging Roots Reggae acts. Since 2015, this group has been dazzling audiences on the west coast with their reverent, yet modern take on 1960’s Rocksteady, Ska and Early Reggae. 

Their latest single End of the World has been a radio and critical smash. Phonosonics shines live as a 7-piece powerhouse of horns, harmonies and hooks.

Wayne Lavallee is a Métis singer-songwriter, actor from Vancouver, raised in Surrey BC. Releasing the album Green Dress in 2004, the album won the Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for album of the year in 2004, he was a Juno Award nominee for Aboriginal Recording of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2005, and won the Canadian Folk Music Award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year at the 2nd Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2006.

In recent years he has composed music for theatre, film and television, including the films The Road Forward, Red Snow and Bones of Crows. He received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023 for "You Are My Bones", a song cowritten with Marie Clements and Jesse Zubot for Bones of Crows. New album set to be released fall fo 2024.

Darren is a lead guitar/vocalist from Ts’kway’laxw (Pavilion) First Nation, on the northern tip of the St’at’imc territory. He has been playing professionally since the early 90’s, which took him all over B.C., the Yukon, Alberta, and as far as Dubai UAE , and Warsaw, Poland. Darren met his musical brothers Ricky and Carl early on and recently agreed to form an rockabilly alliance based on mutual musical interests and a strong love of the genre. 

Formed in 2018, Vagabond is an Indigenous and Métis trio, combining classic rock with a native point of view and taking inspiration from indigenous legends and lore.