Performers

Miss Pooja, the Queen of Bhangra music, is a dynamic and iconic Punjabi singer who has captured hearts worldwide with her soulful voice and energetic performances. Renowned for her powerful vocal range and unique style, she seamlessly blends traditional Punjabi music with contemporary beats, creating an infectious sound that's loved by fans across generations. With numerous hit songs, collaborations with top artists, and a trailblazing career, Miss Pooja continues to redefine the global music scene, offering an unforgettable musical experience that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.

Blending musical versatility, instrumental prowess, beautiful vocal harmonies, and a premier rhythm section, Easy Star All-Stars have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts on the scene for over two decades. During this time, they’ve toured in over 30 countries on 6 continents bringing together fans of reggae, classic rock, dub, and indie rock into one big family.

Geeta Zaildar is a powerhouse of Punjabi entertainment — a celebrated singer, dynamic performer, and versatile actor with nearly two decades of hits that have defined the Punjabi music scene. With a unique voice that blends raw folk energy with modern flair, he first rose to fame with the iconic duet "SEETI" alongside Miss Pooja and has since captivated audiences with chart-toppers like "CHITTE SUIT TE" "HEARTBEAT" and "SAIR". Known not just for his vocal prowess but also his magnetic stage presence and screen charisma, Geeta seamlessly bridges traditional Punjabi culture with contemporary appeal.

Josh Bogert crafts brutally honest, emotionally charged pop/rock anthems that feel like the soundtrack to your favorite coming-of-age movie. With soaring hooks, distorted guitars, and confessional lyrics, his music walks the line between heartbreak and adrenaline—made for those moments when you’re overthinking at midnight or screaming lyrics in a crowded room.

A self-produced artist and multi-instrumentalist, Josh has already carved out an impressive path. He’s performed across Canada and the U.S., gracing major stages like Toronto’s Budweiser Stage, Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre, and Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

With an unmistakable voice like “gravel on silk”, and a colourful landscape of tightly crafted lyrics, driving rhythms and uplifting melodies, Canadian singer-songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”) is creating folk music the whole world can sing to.
From charting on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, to delivering captivating performances on CBS & NPR Tiny Desk and touring internationally with Mandy Moore, Lauren Daigle and Milow, AHI has earned over 100 Million streams worldwide, propelling him to the forefront of today’s Folk/Roots music scene.

Saskatchewan-based Métis singer-songwriter Berk Jodoin’s recent album Fly Away gives us a glimpse into the challenges he has overcome throughout his life, along with unflinching observations of others in similar circumstances. Berk released his self-titled debut album in 2020 and followed it up in 2022 with Half-Breed, which earned him a Saskatchewan Music Award for Indigenous Artist of the Year, along with a 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year.

Caitlin creates music that fosters self-acceptance, personal growth, and liberation. Through soulful storytelling and a deep connection with her audience, she brings a welcoming energy to her performances. Acclaimed by media outlets such as Exclaim! Magazine, her fresh yet timeless essence engages listeners of all ages.

Eagle Ex Machina is an alternative rock band founded by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Matt Cook-Contois to combine his love of rock music with his traditional fiddle upbringing. Based in Vancouver, Eagle Ex Machina’s sonic signature features a heavy approach, instrumental proficiency, and songwriting variety.

Created in 2020, Eagle Ex Machina was formed to capture the musical identity Matt developed throughout his career. The band’s soundscape pays homage to and draws on influences such as Foo Fighters and City and Colour, while incorporating a modern approach to Canadian fiddling.

One of the most exciting young musicians to emerge from Western Canada, Emmett Jerome has established himself as a captivating performer with a world-weary voice that feels wise beyond his years. Rooted in the old-school troubadour tradition, he has traveled coast to coast, chasing songs and soaking up stories along the way. With a bluesman’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Emmett invites listeners into a world where tradition and youth collide. He made his solo debut in 2024 with Rocky Mountain Son (Light Organ Records).

Folk Star Arts Academy are a nonprofit organization that has been promoting, preserving, presenting, and protecting Punjabi culture through the arts since 2019.

Ontario-born, Saskatchewan-raised, and BC-grown, Jessaii is a singer, songwriter, lyricist, recording artist, music educator, workshop facilitator, vocal coach, and music producer. She is also a mother and a lover of all things creative.

As an artist living with multiple disabilities, Jessaii uses her lived experience to be a voice and advocate for others navigating similar journeys.

She is the founder of Queen Level Productions, a company dedicated to supporting and presenting female-identified music artists—especially in genres such as Reggae, Dancehall, Afrobeat, Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, and Indigenous music—across BC and beyond. She has a special interest in working with artists living with both visible and invisible disabilities. Big tings!

Kocassale Dioubate, from the Mandingo (or Malinke) tribe of Guinea, West Africa, is a descendant of his tribe’s djeliba (also known as griots)—traditional storytellers, entertainers, musicians, praise singers, counselors, and mediators. Griots are the keepers of oral history and tradition, known for their deep connections to spiritual, social, and political life.

Koca was born into this rich lineage of artistry and cultural knowledge, and has been playing music, creating songs, and dancing since early childhood—ever since he was old enough to walk.

Merlin is a 502-year-old wizard who loves performing magic—but sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Accompanied by “Smog,” a wise-cracking baby dragon who can do a little magic too, Merlin and his sidekick never fail to amaze and amuse kids of all ages (yes, adults love it too!). Merlin is actually Bruce Hunt, a comedy magician born and raised in East Vancouver, who has called Surrey home for many years. 

morning glories is a Surrey-based modern folk trio known for dreamy harmonies and heartfelt storytelling. Comprised of three women, they create, perform, and record original, harmony-led music rooted in themes of intergenerational connectedness, womanhood, and the wonder of nature. Their songwriting leans into challenging concepts. Like the resilient morning glory flower—capable of blooming even in unforgiving corners—morning glories’ music draws beauty from life’s toughest places.

Watch as cultural pavilion organizers march from the ML Emporio Celebration Stage to the Concord Pacific World Music Stage together.

Quilombera Afro-Colombian Ensemble (formerly Suma Qamaña) is an Afro-Colombian music group created and directed by Bruno Bosio in 2014 in Santa Fe, Argentina. The project is now based in Nelson, BC, Canada.

The ensemble recorded an original album in 2016 featuring both Bruno’s own compositions and classics of Colombian folk music by artists such as Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Totó la Momposina, Etelvina Maldonado, Petrona Martínez, and Sixto Silgado, among others. Suma Qamaña has performed extensively across Argentina and Uruguay.