Experience the rejuvenation of the Caribbean with the return of Island Soul

The waterfront is heating up with the return of Island Soul, July 29 –
August 1. Back by popular demand, this year’s festival explores the theme of revivalism in the Caribbean.

On July 30, quadruple Juno award-winner, Exco Levi performs on the Concert Stage. Giving a voice to a nation, the reggae artist has helped forge an entirely new style of music and rhythm that is revolutionary, fiery, scathing, loving and stinging. Following Levi’s performance, Jamaican artist Jah9 takes the stage, integrating her profound spirituality into her jazz on dub style. Going beyond merely giving a performance, Jah9 creates an experience for the mind, body and soul while celebrating feminine power through her music. On July 31, Haitian legends, Robert Martino and Toto Laraque will electrify the stage with their guitars, and the Miami-based Haitian band, T-Vice will switch things up with a kompa performance, delivering the sounds of the French Creole islands.

“Artists across the Caribbean mix their own unique style with inspiration taken from their predecessors, creating something spectacular as a result, and we’re lucky enough to showcase some of these revolutionary artists here in Toronto,” says Nadine McNulty, Artistic Associate at Harbourfront Centre. “With revivalism as the theme for this year’s Island Soul, it’s only fitting to feature an artist like Yaadcore, a central figure in Jamaica’s reggae-revival movement. Through Island Soul, Harbourfront Centre brings the taste, sounds and feel of the islands to Toronto. We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the people and culture of the Caribbean through a multiday, inter-generational weekend of programming with dance, music, visual arts, film, cuisine and family activities.”

Festival Kompa Zouk Ontario (FKZO) returns for its 7th year on Sunday, July 31. FKZO is the largest gathering of local, national and international Creole artists in Ontario. This day focuses on French Creole culture and celebrates the music, dance, art, cuisine and crafts of the French Caribbean.

For additional information, please visit harbourfrontcentre.com/festivals/islandsoul or call 416-973-4000. For information about getting here, visit harbourfrontcentre.com/gettinghere/.

ABOUT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Harbourfront Centre is a Canadian charity operating the 10 prime acres of Toronto’s central waterfront as a free and open public site. We celebrate the multiplicities of cultures that comprise Canada and enliven the city through the creative imaginations of artists from across the country and around the globe.