AFROWAVETO Toronto’s newest Black music festival announces its virtual winter concert series lineup
January 7, 2022 | Dalton Higgins |
All-star cast of talents includes TRP.P, Chelsea Stewart, Omega Mighty, EverythingOshauN
Today, AFROWAVETO, Toronto’s newest Black music festival announces its much anticipated virtual winter concert series lineup. To kick off 2022, this year’s three-part concert series, which carries three distinct sub themes (Celestial, Supernatural, Invincible) features a total of 24 buzzworthy Toronto acts who will be participating in the concert series leading up to this year’s festival. The first showcase concert takes place on January 27th (streaming on AFROWAVETO’s YouTube page) and boasts a stellar lineup of Toronto’s rising rap, dancehall, R&B, afrobeat, reggaeton stars of today and tomorrow. AFROWAVETO is here to intentionally champion a more diverse and inclusive urban music scene in Toronto, while bridging the gap between more obvious Black music forms (rap, R&B) and less recognized genres (Afrobeats, dancehall). The kick-off concert features performance sets by:
TRP.P (pronounced “trippy”) – A R&B and hip-hop duo from Toronto, consisting of producer Truss and singer-songwriter pHoenix Pagliacci who’s critically acclaimed debut album 2TRP.P was named the 10th best Toronto album of 2019 (Now Magazine) and who have opened up for Kehlani, Mumu Fresh and Charlotte Cardin.
Tafari Anthony (pronounced “Ta-far-eye”) – Tafari’s pop, R&B and soul music blend has garnered acclaim from PAPER Magazine and MTV, and he’s been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, with one of his past singles being named one of CBC’s Most Influential Songs of 2016.
IAMREBELWILL– This pop/R&B musician has opened for Azealia Banks, Tinashe, and on past singles has worked with critically acclaimed producers including Jack Knight (Diddy, Keyshia Cole, Mario Winans) on “Better”, and with Mantra (Rihanna, Future) on his “Til the Sun Comes Down” song.
Markus Aurelyus – A singer/songwriter from Scarborough, Ontario with a unique R&B vocal style that’s influenced by gospel, soul, pop and hip-hop, Markus has performed on stage with Jully Black, DVSN and has recorded with Serena Ryder, and DVSN.
Cerena – The Latinx dance-pop artist’s 2021 debut album Resurrection launched on the digital community platform she co-founded, Club Quarantine – a digital dance party that began in response to Covid-19 – which has been featured in Paper Magazine, TIME, The New York Times, Vice, and has been hosted by the likes of Lady Gaga, and Tinashe.
Charmie – A passionate R&B and pop-soul singer/songwriter of Haitian descent, who plays guitar, piano, bass, drums and even beatboxes.
Renee – A singer-songwriter who’s early career highlights include performing at Massey Hall, and opening for R&B superstar group Dru Hill and R&B/pop icon Billy Ocean.
Unlisted Negros – A duo comprised of two beautiful emerging singers and storytellers who seamlessly blend music, fashion, visual, and creative expression into their musical and artistic output.
Founded in 2019 and spearheaded by Jamaican-Canadian artist Lexxicon , AFROWAVETO’s mission is to provide growth opportunities for Black multi-genre musicians working within the Toronto music industry through intentional music programming, the creation of safe spaces, and through community and cultural connections. While Toronto has a large population of emerging and successful African, Caribbean, Indigenous Black Canadian and Afro Latinx musicians, this is not reflected in the local music festivals, showcases, panels, or song writing sessions held within the city. And while there has been unprecedented growth globally in these culturally-driven sounds, that momentum hasn’t been reflected in the local Canadian market. Successive concert series dates in February and March of 2022 will continue to feature curated artist lineups that cut across diasporic and gender lines – see rest of series lineup BELOW.
Supernatural showcase #2 (February 24th)
Artists: Chelsea Stewart, Omega Mighty, Benita, Dynesti, Alicia Cinnamon, Imah, Fridaee, Chizzy Bashment
Invincible showcase #3 (March 24th)
Artists: Lexxicon, Temi, EverythingOShauN, Nathan Baya, Don Richie, Gabyboy, Jbwai, Bugatti Bonsu
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