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This special Visual Arts exhibition showcases the Philippines’ rich historical and cultural tapestry, offering insight into a nation of 7641 islands. Each work is a window into the past, accompanied by relevant historical facts, making this collection an invaluable educational resource. It not only enlightens the public about the Philippines’ past, but also fosters a […]

With their fusion of Filipino heritage and alternative music influences, Amplifye is ready to rock on the Concert Stage.  Amplifye, an all-Filipino rock band from Toronto, delivers captivating performances with their fusion of Filipino heritage and rock influences. Promising a dynamic experience with Ron on drums, Vivenci on bass, Rhodel on keys, Peteron first guitar, […]

Culture Philippines will showcase a vibrant array of dances representing the Philippines’ cultural diversity and richness. From the northern to the southern part of the country, the performances will highlight the unique Cordillera dances from the North, the lively rural dances from the South, and the exotic dances from Mindanao Island. These performances will be […]

Experience the electrifying energy of the Vocal Groove Collective! This dynamic ensemble delivers a diverse mix of singing, drama and upbeat dance hits, with the sensational A+ Dance Team ensuring audiences will get up on their feet and move. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music and movement! 

Mzee Watmon Amone has mastered various traditional instruments: the nanga, adungu, flute, lukeme, larakaraka and bwola drums, performing globally. Joined by his son, MC Ojegele, they bring their rich heritage from northern Uganda to Toronto. Presented by Batuki Music Society, co-produced by Harbourfront Centre. 

With messages of resilience, Empress Nyiringango’s blends Afro-blues, jazz and Rwandan folk music.

Born into the life of a child soldier in the war-torn region of Southern Sudan on an unknown date, Emmanuel Jal managed to survive and emerge as a recording artist, achieving worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip-hop and Afro-pop with its message of peace and reconciliation. That message has carried through all of […]

Sia Tolno is an award-winning touring and recording artist, vocalist and songwriter from Guinea/Sierra Leone, steeped in Afrobeat, Afro-blues, Manding and Soukous styles of African popular music. With lyrics infused with her stories of triumphing over war, exile and migration, Tolno weaves a powerful performance on stage. Presented by Batuki Music Society, co-produced by Harbourfront […]

To the music of Marta Elena’s band, join us for an unforgettable evening of dance that spans the vibrant beats of Latin America. The show begins with the fiery passion of salsa, where every step tells a story of love and longing. Next, be swept away by the exhilarating adaptation of a cha cha cha […]

OCPA’s Calypso Stars Showcase is the organization’s annual contribution to Harbourfront Centre’s Island Soul Festival. The showcase features veteran and upcoming Canadian calypsonians who perform their original material or cover versions of calypso standards by international artists. The cast for the showcase includes the current Canadian calypso monarch and finalists from OCPA’s annual competition. This […]

Presented by Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) and Harbourfront Centre, Calypso Workshop is a two-hour workshop on the rudiments of calypso composition. Participants will work individually and in groups in the workshop. At the end, they will have the opportunity to perform their compositions with percussive instruments.

Celebrate the music of Harry Belafonte with the seven-piece band, Pimento Soul, featuring the most famous music recorded by Belafonte while giving thanks for the life of the late great humanitarian and civil rights activist. The evening will take you on a journey through the Jamaican folk and Calypso music he recorded. The audience can […]

JUNO Award nominee, music producer and band leader of The Jay Douglas All-Star band, Jay Douglas performs at Island Soul, bringing his reggae rhythms to the stage. From his roots in Montego Bay, Jamaica, to his dynamic performances across the globe, his soulful voice and energetic stage presence make him a standout in the reggae […]

Jamaican singer and songwriter Etana returns for a live outdoor performance on the Concert Stage. Bringing her trademark soul-soaked sounds and honey-laced vocals, she will play a setlist of her reggae fan favourites infused with R&B.

A performance by EverythingOShauN accompanied by his three-piece band and cultural dancers. Blending influences from his Jamaican and Nigerian heritage with the Toronto sound, EverythingOShauN creates bold, melodic music that has captivated a global audience. Don’t miss this dynamic artist known for hits like “Come and See” and “Load MGMT” in an unforgettable evening of […]

Nicknamed the “Dancehall Godfather,” Johnny Osbourne is a living legend known for his classic hits “Buddy Bye,” “Ice Cream Love” and “Water Pumping.” This summer, he’s bringing his best Jamaican reggae and dancehall to Island Soul for a night of rhythm and soul.

Children and parents are invited to a literary Caribbean party with author Yolanda T. Marshall and musician Suzette Vidale. This interactive storytelling told through picture books and music, includes a C is for Carnival that celebrates Canada’s Caribbean carnival while you jump and wave to Soca and calypso music. Come prepared to dance, sing, and […]

Join VIBE Artist Jade Kent Brewster and celebrate Caribbean culture. This fun and exciting workshop is perfect for everyone, no matter your age or ability. Together, you will create stunning Carnival headpieces to kick-off Carnival in the most colourful and vibrant way. Don’t miss out on this chance to get creative and enjoy the lively […]

DJ Starting from Scratch is a Toronto icon known for rocking venues internationally and the touring DJ for Toronto’s mogul Russell Peters. The Recipee Band (Jason Larmond, Juwayon Clarke, Jonathan Kerr and Omar ‘Oh!’ Lunan) have been a crowd favourite for decades across the city and have toured with artists such as Deborah Cox, Daniel […]

Di empress dem ah mash up di place! Empress Mash Up is an all-female reggae jam session featuring two dynamic artists with distinct but complementary styles and variations of reggae, dancehall and R&B backed by an exciting, growing seven-piece reggae band. Highlighting the frequently neglected presence, participation and contribution of women to reggae music at […]

Experience power-packed live performances from Unity Fest’s spoken word artists and rappers.

Take in street art and DJing, then come watch excellent beatbox and street dance artists perform before you learn some moves of your own and find your style in their interactive workshops. 

Toronto’s top Street Dancers compete one-on-one for the open-styles breaking battle to win prizes and the top spot on the podium.

 Join us on the floor as Toronto’s best b-boys and b-girls go head-to-head in an epic three vs. three showdown to compete for a place in the final battle to win cash prizes (and mad respect!)