Kimmortal is renowned for their highly conceptual genre-bending musical explorations and lyrical intricacies. The queer non-binary filipinx artist flows between singing and rapping; their signature subversive gusto only complemented with a down-to-earth, human vulnerability. Their 3rd album “Shoebox” (2023) expresses the journey of healing intergenerational trauma and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Their notable sync highlights include their single "This Dyke” appearing on popular TV series “The L Word: Generation Q” and “On My Way” appearing in Apex Legends Season 19. This past year Kim’s original music production was featured in the tv series “Sort Of” (out now on HBO, CBC). Their music video “Blue and Orange” directed by Aya garcia and co-written by Kimmortal and Tin lorica received Best music video at Disorient Asian American film festival this past year.

Mônica Freire, a Brazilian-born singer-songwriter, presents Ilhada, an album where Brazilian sounds merge with Middle Eastern influences. A pioneer of Brazilian music with electronic accents, she offers rhythmic and striking songs that flow between Portuguese and French. Her songs deal with identity, uprooting, exile and painful relationships, but also with surpassing oneself, inner strength, and the joy of the present moment and the possibilities of tomorrow.

Tenacious, and achingly pure, singer-songwriter NAMBI (formerly known as Rita Carter) is a powerhouse of acoustic soul. Whether performing solo or with her undeniably talented band, The Rhythm (formed in 2018), NAMBI’ s reputation as a sincere performer has led her to notable stages and festivals, such as The National Arts Centre (2018, 2020, 2023, 2024),

Ottawa Bluesfest (2018, 2020, 2022), House of Paint (2014, 2017), MEGAPHONO (2018, 2019), Westfest (2018), and CRANIUM Festival (2023). Influenced by legendary singer/songwriters like Tracy Chapman, Lauryn Hill, and India Arie, at the heart of Nambi’s music lies an inextinguishable belief in using art as an expressive tool for love, compassion, and peace.

Flávia Nascimento joins Tio Chorinho, Canada’s first ensemble dedicated to performing Brazilian choro music. Flávia is a favourite at street parties, famous events, major festivals, and concert halls. Whenever a show needs to burst with excitement, it is time to call Flávia. Best known for her expertise in Northeastern Brazilian styles such as forró and maracatù, this collaboration with Canada’s leading choro ensemble allows listeners to discover Flávia in a completely different repertoire.

The group features Carlinhos Cardozo (cavaquinho), Maninho Costa (percussion), Milos Popovic (accordion), Eric Stein (mandolin), and Andre Valerio (7-string guitar). They perform frequently with the amazing Brazilian-born, Quebec-based vocalist Flavia Nascimento, with whom they will soon make a full-length collaborative recording.

Kelly Bado, a talented singer-songwriter born in the Ivory Coast, blends her African heritage, La chanson française, and American gospel to create music that transcends cultural boundaries. Fluent in French, her uplifting melodies and powerful vocals have earned her notable recognition, including Francophone Artist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year at the 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards. Her songwriting captures the beauty of the languages and rhythms she encountered on her journey from Abidjan to Winnipeg. Collaborating with Grammy and Juno-winning producers, Kelly’s music mixes traditional sounds with modern influences. She’s performed alongside artists like Alessia Cara and Angelique Kidjo, and her upcoming French-language album is set for release in Spring 2025, with an English album to follow in late 2025. Kelly’s work continues to honor and celebrate her vibrant heritage.