OUR MISSION

DREAM IT

At AfroWaveTO, we encourage artists to dream without limits. Every creative journey begins with a vision, and we strive to foster an environment where these dreams can be nurtured. Our platform serves as a space for African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx artists to imagine new possibilities, break boundaries, and pursue their artistic aspirations with boldness and confidence. Dreaming is the first step toward creating a better future, and we are here to inspire and support that journey.

BUILD IT

Dreams need a foundation, and at AfroWaveTO, we provide artists with the tools and resources they need to build a sustainable path to success. From workshops on industry insights to performance showcases, we help creatives turn their visions into reality. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every artist, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop their craft, grow their audience, and thrive in the competitive world of music and arts. Building strong connections and skills is at the heart of what we do.

GROW IT

Growth is the culmination of dreams and hard work, and AfroWaveTO is dedicated to helping artists realize their full potential. Through mentorship, performance opportunities, and community support, we create spaces where creativity can flourish. We believe in fostering long-term artistic development, helping individuals and communities grow both culturally and professionally. Together, we are creating a future where diverse voices lead the global cultural landscape.

MEET THE TEAM

PASSION FOR MUSIC IS OUR MOTIVATION GROWING IS OUR GOAL

Executive director.

LEXXICON

Lexxicon is a Jamaican-Canadian Dancehall and Hip-Hop artist pioneering a bold, inclusive sound in the Caribbean music scene. Known for blending Dancehall, Moombahton, Reggaeton, and Dembow, his music challenges traditional norms, particularly by embracing queer culture through "Queer Dancehall." As one of the first openly gay artists in the genre, Lexxicon's tracks, like "Battyman Party," celebrate LGBTQ+ identity while staying rooted in Caribbean rhythms.

Inspired by artists such as Sean Paul and Bad Bunny, Lexxicon's albums, including *Bashment Trap House* and *Bashment Reggaeton*, showcase his genre-defying artistry. His upcoming album, *Pink Fraternity*, further pushes the boundaries of Dancehall with its unapologetic celebration of queer culture.

Raised across Birmingham, New York, and Toronto, Lexxicon’s multicultural background enriches his music. His high-energy performances have captivated audiences at Afro Fest, Canadian Music Week, and more. Media outlets like Billboard, Complex, and CBC have highlighted his groundbreaking role in transforming Dancehall into a more inclusive genre.

With his vibrant, genre-blending sound and a commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility, Lexxicon is not just redefining Dancehall; he’s reshaping the future of Caribbean music.

Director of operations.

KAHRIS

Kahris is a multifaceted Jamaican artist celebrated for her talents as a songwriter, singer, dancer, and music producer. Raised in a rich musical environment, she seamlessly blends R&B, Soul, and Reggae into her work, delivering songs that embody vulnerability, soulfulness, and truth. Her artistry has taken her to prominent stages, including Parliament Hill and Yonge-Dundas Square, showcasing her wide-reaching appeal.

Kahris’ track Small Talk earned her a spot in the Top 100 CBC Searchlight 2018, while Unspoken Words was shortlisted for the 2019 SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriters Award, solidifying her reputation as a powerful emerging voice. As a producer and performer, Kahris continues to push creative boundaries, infusing her music with both emotional depth and technical mastery. Her ability to dance and bring vibrant stage performances adds yet another layer to her dynamic presence, making her an artist whose impact extends across multiple forms of expression.

With her authentic storytelling and ability to connect deeply with her audience, Kahris is poised to make an even bigger mark on the global music scene. Each new project reflects her evolving artistry, grounded in her Jamaican roots yet expanding into new sonic landscapes.

Event manager

ALLISTON DAVIS

Hailing from Ajax, ON, Alliston Davis is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, event manager, and creator whose artistry and passion have cemented his place in Canada’s music and cultural scenes. Embodying perseverance and creativity, Alliston embarked on his professional music career in 2017 and has since become a compelling force, blending his diverse talents to inspire audiences and elevate community spaces.

Alliston’s musical journey includes a string of successful singles, such as “The Truth,” “Own Me (10.15),” and “Low Down Low.” He showcased his depth as an artist with three acclaimed EPs: “Night Pack,” “Problematic,” and his most vulnerable release, “4U.” These projects solidified his reputation as a rising talent, further heightened by his ongoing work that reflects his artistic growth and evolution.

Beyond music, Alliston is a driving force in event production and cultural advocacy. With years of experience as an Event Manager and Producer, Alliston has successfully delivered a wide array of impactful events, managing budgets ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 and coordinating attendance from intimate gatherings of 150 to large-scale events hosting over 2,500 people. He has spearheaded programming for AFROWAVETO and R.I.S.E Edutainment, producing meaningful initiatives and multi-month workshops that amplify marginalized voices. His expertise extends to full-cycle event management, including venue procurement, contract negotiation, logistics, resource allocation, and audience engagement strategies. Alliston’s events prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, incorporating ASL interpretation, accessible seating, and wheelchair-friendly venues, ensuring that all participants feel valued and represented.

PRESS

“Take a look at the lineup for Toronto’s new Black music festival. Toronto R&B artist Omega Mighty talks about the AfroWaveTO festival and performs one of her hit songs.”	“Now, that showcase has become AFROWAVETO – a movement that will be displayed on a festival stage this summer in the 6ix. On August 3rd, 2022, artists like Stalk Ashley, Projexx, Zenesoul, DOLOTHEGIFTED, Dynesti will join headliner Sean Paul in shutting down the stage.”	“AfroWaveTO will host an inaugural festival with performances from 20 local rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall and reggaeton artists.”
“This year’s three-part concert series, which carries three distinct sub themes (Celestial, Supernatural, Invisible) features a total of 24 buzzworthy Toronto acts who will be participating in this year’s festival. The first showcase concert takes place on January 27th”	“Canada's newest Black music festival, Afrowaveto launches this weekend, promising an inclusive music experience. We sat down with Lexxicon, a Jamaican-Canadian artist and the founder and executive director of the Afrowaveto music organization.”	“Alive with afrowave vibe in Toronto, where it may be snowy and wet out, but the temperature was on the rise inside The Baby G. With MC introductions from Lexxicon, Afrowave showcased support for upcoming Dancehall, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, Soca, and Reggae artists in Toronto.”
“Dream It. Build It. Grow It.” This is the slogan for Toronto’s newest music organization and FREE festival, founded in 2019 and spearheaded by Jamaican-Canadian artist, Lexxicon.”	“Afrowave Toronto , an organization that wants to give visibility to musicians from the Queen City who cannot afford to be heard, particularly Afro-Caribbean and Latino musicians, is organizing its first online festival.”	“Streaming on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., The Supernatural Showcase has a stacked all-women lineup, featuring the talents of Omega Mighty, Chelsea Stewart, Dynesti, Chizzy Bashment, Alicia Cinnamon, Benita, Imah, and Fridaee. The show boasts up-and-coming stars with diverse musical backgrounds.”
“Between AFROWAVETO’s buzzworthy music festival productions, year-round concert series presentations, and virtual music business workshop series, the fast-rising music organization and collective is here to intentionally champion a more diverse and inclusive Black/urban music scene in Toronto, while bridging the gap between more obvious Black music forms (rap, R&B) and less recognized genres (Afrobeats, dancehall).”	AFROWAVE TORONTO TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND APRIL 24th 2021	“KiSS 92.5 is excited to announce AFROWAVETO Presents: Sean Paul at HISTORY on August 3rd, 2022.”
“Toronto’s newest Black music festival returns for a second year with a series of virtual showcases boasting some of the city’s best up-and-coming artists. Streaming live on YouTube, AFROWAVETO gives a much-needed platform to the city’s African, Caribbean, Indigenous Black Canadian and Afro-Latinx musicians and features rap, R&B, Afrobeats and dancehall genres”	“AFROWAVETO is a new black music festival that features some of Toronto's finest rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggaeton artists. It debuts online April 24.”	“Pre-recorded on March 24 (before Ontario cancelled virtual livestreams), the show will be headlined by reggae artist Exco Levi and dancehall singer/songwriter/Kirk Diamond. The lineup also includes Toronto singer Desiire, R&B/soul singer/songwriter LeiLa Dey and Afro-fusion artist Shopé, who won CBC’s new talent competition Searchlight in 2019.”
“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 songwriting sessions held within the city.”	“It’ time to get busy. When it comes to creating opportunities for Toronto’s most diverse talents, AFROWAVETO is building infrastructure in the music scene like no other entity. After producing a series of online showcases, launching a music blog, and releasing a collective album –– AFROWAVETO is now gearing up to host is first ever in-person Black music festival on Wednesday, August 3rd.”	“He recently performed on the first ever AFROWAVETO Festival in Toronto, with the likes of Sean Paul, Dynesti, Zenesoul and Stalk Ashley, and now has many ideas whirling around his mind that he wants to turn into action to spread his roots globally.”
“The AFROWAVETO Black Music Festival launches its inaugural April 24 online event lineup and there are a handful of great LGBTQ+ players involved this year.”	“The first virtual concert “the Celestial showcase” will be held on January 27th via stream on AFROWAVETO’s official YouTube page. Headliners for the first showcase will include: TRP.P, Tafari Anthony, IAMREBELWILL, Markus Aurelyus, Cerena, Charmie, Renee, Unlisted Negros.”	“AFROWAVETO, Toronto's celebrated presenter and incubator of multi-genre Black musicians, has announced the lineup for its 2023 Winterwave concert showcase.”

GET IN TOUCH

401 Richmond St W #230, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8

info@afrowaveto.com

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OUR MISSION

OUR MISSION

MEET THE TEAM

PRESS

“Take a look at the lineup for Toronto’s new Black music festival. Toronto R&B artist Omega Mighty talks about the AfroWaveTO festival and performs one of her hit songs.”

“Now, that showcase has become AFROWAVETO – a movement that will be displayed on a festival stage this summer in the 6ix. On August 3rd, 2022, artists like Stalk Ashley, Projexx, Zenesoul, DOLOTHEGIFTED, Dynesti will join headliner Sean Paul in shutting down the stage.”

“AfroWaveTO will host an inaugural festival with performances from 20 local rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall and reggaeton artists.”

“This year’s three-part concert series, which carries three distinct sub themes (Celestial, Supernatural, Invisible) features a total of 24 buzzworthy Toronto acts who will be participating in this year’s festival. The first showcase concert takes place on January 27th”

“Canada's newest Black music festival, Afrowaveto launches this weekend, promising an inclusive music experience. We sat down with Lexxicon, a Jamaican-Canadian artist and the founder and executive director of the Afrowaveto music organization.”

“Alive with afrowave vibe in Toronto, where it may be snowy and wet out, but the temperature was on the rise inside The Baby G. With MC introductions from Lexxicon, Afrowave showcased support for upcoming Dancehall, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, Soca, and Reggae artists in Toronto.”

“Dream It. Build It. Grow It.” This is the slogan for Toronto’s newest music organization and FREE festival, founded in 2019 and spearheaded by Jamaican-Canadian artist, Lexxicon.”

“Afrowave Toronto , an organization that wants to give visibility to musicians from the Queen City who cannot afford to be heard, particularly Afro-Caribbean and Latino musicians, is organizing its first online festival.”

“Streaming on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., The Supernatural Showcase has a stacked all-women lineup, featuring the talents of Omega Mighty, Chelsea Stewart, Dynesti, Chizzy Bashment, Alicia Cinnamon, Benita, Imah, and Fridaee. The show boasts up-and-coming stars with diverse musical backgrounds.”

AFROWAVE TORONTO TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND APRIL 24th 2021

“KiSS 92.5 is excited to announce AFROWAVETO Presents: Sean Paul at HISTORY on August 3rd, 2022.”

“AFROWAVETO is a new black music festival that features some of Toronto's finest rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggaeton artists. It debuts online April 24.”

“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 songwriting sessions held within the city.”

“He recently performed on the first ever AFROWAVETO Festival in Toronto, with the likes of Sean Paul, Dynesti, Zenesoul and Stalk Ashley, and now has many ideas whirling around his mind that he wants to turn into action to spread his roots globally.”

“The AFROWAVETO Black Music Festival launches its inaugural April 24 online event lineup and there are a handful of great LGBTQ+ players involved this year.”

“The first virtual concert “the Celestial showcase” will be held on January 27th via stream on AFROWAVETO’s official YouTube page. Headliners for the first showcase will include: TRP.P, Tafari Anthony, IAMREBELWILL, Markus Aurelyus, Cerena, Charmie, Renee, Unlisted Negros.”

“AFROWAVETO, Toronto's celebrated presenter and incubator of multi-genre Black musicians, has announced the lineup for its 2023 Winterwave concert showcase.”

GET IN TOUCH