One of the world’s best reggae festivals is coming to Canada for the first time

One of the world’s best-known reggae festivals is heading to Canada for the first time ever, bringing together members of the Marley family and a stacked lineup of reggae, dancehall and Caribbean artists for a massive one-day event this summer.

Kaya Fest will make its Canadian debut in Markham next month, marking the festival’s first return since before the pandemic.

Created by nine-time Grammy Award winner Stephen Marley, the son of legendary singer Bob Marley, the festival takes its name from Bob Marley’s 1978 album Kaya. But the event extends beyond music.

The Marley family also presents the festival as an awareness initiative that explores wellness and education through “meaningful dialogue.”

Previous editions of the event have drawn large crowds in the United States, and so organizers are calling this northern debut “a historic moment in Canadian music culture.”

The original announcement surrounding the festival’s highly anticipated return included a stellar lineup of performers. Alongside members of the Marley family, iconic Jamaican dancehall artist Shabba Ranks is also set to perform at this year’s event.

But if that wasn’t enough, the festival announced on Friday the addition of rap icon Busta Rhymes to an already impressive bill.

The announcement also shines a spotlight on homegrown talent including Jully Black, Exco Levi, Kirk Diamond and TOBi. Festivalgoers can also expect appearances from Rory of Stonelove, KC Clarke, Jazzy T of Renaissance Sound, plus performances on DJ Shacia Päyne’s Constance Bubble stage featuring Nina Sky and DJ Mad Out.

The complete list of artists performing can be found on the event’s official website.

Kaya Fest is a day-long music festival taking place on Aug. 22 from 2 to 11 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $99.99 plus applicable taxes to $329.99, depending on the experience. General admission and VIP packages are now available for purchase online.

Kaya Fest will take over Markham Fairgrounds located at 10801 McCowan Rd. in Markham, Ont.

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Sandeep Panesar, blogTO

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