Departure Festival opens with a celebration of Barbadian talent, launching four days of music and culture in Toronto.
On Tuesday, Dr. Jay will host Departure Festival’s opening showcase at Lula Lounge, featuring free performances by 13 Barbadian artists.
If you’re booked and busy and can’t make it opening night, the same artists will be performing the next day at El Mocambo — also for free.
Now Toronto compiled an artist lineup; here’s who’s performing.
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Casheda Dottin
The 2020 Baje to the World winner, Casheda Dottin’s music focuses on ballads. Her most recent work is the album I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, supported and collaborated with the Barbados National Cultural Foundation. The album delves into the experience of wanting more, yearning for acceptance, love, trust, to be understood and to be free. She’s previously worked with 2 Mile Hill, Edwin Yearwood, Phillip 7, Arturo Tappin and the Nicholas Brancker Band.
Check out Casheda Dottin’s music on Spotify.
Kris Irie
Kirisie Bajan, under the stage name Kris Irie, blends R&B, reggae, jazz, Afrobeat and hip-hop inspired by her Caribbean and Middle Eastern heritage. She recently released her single, Cover Me, and is expecting to come out with her new album, We Met At The Ocean on May 22. Through her upcoming EP, she wishes to “plant good seeds in the hearts of many and grow into beautiful trees of life.” The Barbadian artist has previously performed alongside reggae legend Willie Stewart from Third World and opened for Tessanne Chin.
Check out Kris Irie’s music on Spotify.
Shadia Marshall
Barbadian singer, entertainer and makeup artist Shadia Marshall is on the lineup for Departure Festival’s opening night performance. The Silver Award winner in the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts is known for performing covers and original music within the soca and ballad genres. She has five published songs with visuals on YouTube and is a rising star in the Barbados music scene.
Check out Shadia Marshall’s music on YouTube.
Kojo
Contemporary recording artist Kojo is bringing reggae/dancehall and urban music to the stage. The artist often collaborates with Barbadian producer Nick Jr. and is known for popular tracks such as “Militancy” and “Losing It.” He’s published seven songs on Spotify.
Check out Kojo’s music on Spotify.
Larix
Barbadian Singer/Songwriter Larix is bringing Neo Soul, R&B, Gospel and Island Pop to the scene. She’s released two impactful albums, Exposure and Glitch and six singles. Larix has performed in Barbados, Trinidad and even Germany.
Check out Larix’ music on YouTube.
Marley Kirton
Marley Kirton is a multi-disciplinary artist as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, percussionist, bamboo flute player, music educator and general sound-maker. He focuses on Afro-Caribbean, reggae, folk, and island pop, but is recognized for a “skip Marley-type vibe” in his original songs and tributes. He’s studied internationally in traditional rhythms from West Africa, Cuba, Brazil and Japan. His music focuses on positive expression, cultural memory and the power of sound.
Check out Marley Kirton’s music on Soundcloud.
Tionne Hernandez
Barbadian vocalist and songwriter Tionne Hernandez, previously performing as Typhoon, is coming to Lula Lounge’s stage on Tuesday. She’s known for her breakout Crop Over hits such as Starta Pack and Shake It Alot (Vanman Riddim). Hernandez celebrates Caribbean culture and pushes boundaries, bringing unmatched energy to every stage.
Check out Tionne Hernandez’ music on Spotify.
Nikita
Barbadian Singer and Broadcaster, Nikita, often referred to as the “Orange Haired Songbird,” is on the lineup for Departure Festival’s opening night on Tuesday. She’s known for soca and powerful vocals, with popular tracks such as “Everything Bless,” “Keep Up,” or “Carry Festival.” She’s performed at the “Caribbean to the World” Super Concert and hosts “La Femme by Nikita,” a woman-only showcase.
Check out Nikita’s music on YouTube.
Ch’an
Born and raised in Barbados, Vocalist Ch’an meshes old-school jazz vocals with modern pop. She’s performed at major events such as the Caribbean Jazz and World Beat Super Concert in 2022, with a tribute performance to Rihanna. Ch’an’s also released original music, including her debut single “Body,” “Runway” and more.
Check Ch’an out on Spotify.
Alix Cage
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alix Cage will bring reggae, calypso and soca-influenced music to the stage. He’s released singles such as “Don’t Believe Me” and “Slow Wine” and has won several regional awards and played at Music Festivals across the Caribbean and North America. Alix Cage has also toured with Nicholas Brancker, Arturo Tappin and John Roett.
Check out Alix Cage’s music on YouTube.
Sprinklezz
19-year-old Tikara Browne, known as Sprinklezz, will take the stage on Tuesday. She launched her career in March 2024 with her debut Crop Over and her single, “Get Busy.” The basement soca and dancehall artist roots her music in the Barbadian Crop Over festival culture, focusing on high-energy danceable rhythms.
Check out Sprinklezz’ music on YouTube.
Sivers
Darian Kevin Sivers, known by the stage name Sivers Tha Third, is a singer, songwriter and recording artist. He incorporates elements of jazz, soul, and pop in his music, including heartfelt confessional lyrics. Sivers is known for his song “Bridgetown” and has recently released his EP Songs For Her, $$$ For Me.
Check out Sivers Tha Third’s music on Spotify.
Azizi Clarke
Barbadian singer-songwriter Azizi Clarke is a rising star in the Bajan Soca scene, often performing during the Barbados Crop Over season. Her music often features upbeat, festive rhythms typical of Carnival, as seen in her song, “In We Veins.” She sometimes incorporates R&B and soulful elements, like in her 2025 collab with Hypasounds, “No Hard Feelings.”
Check out Azizi Clarke’s music on Spotify.
