Artist Roster

Michael Baiye who is better known by his stage name “Jbwai” is a Cameroonian musician, singer, performer songwriter, record producer, born on September 28th, 1993 in Kumba (K-Town), Southwest Cameroon. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he made his first venture into music at 24. He has released singles such as Come Close (feat Tropicoboy and Tyke), ONA (feat Tropicoboy), Holiday, Imani, and has been part of mega-concerts for top Afrobeats artists from Africa. His music is influenced by classic Afrobeat vibes with a unique feel, embracing modern influences for a mercurial twist.

J. NICHOLE NOËL the Entertainer is a multi-talented recorded artist and writer. She has released three audio CDs, eight books of poetry for youths and adults, and several stories for children. In May 2015, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women to Watch For. She has received awards including a Canadian Caribbean Award for Best Spoken Word, Community Awards for Dub Poetry, and multiple nominations. Her performances span spoken word, reggae, classic rock, ska, soca, jazz, gospel, country and pop. She has toured Spain, England and Jamaica, and shared stages with iconic artists. She owns Noel’s Nest Country Bed and Breakfast/Special Events Space, hosting entertainment and special events.

Master drummer Amadou Kienou hails from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, once part of the vast ancient Mandingo Empire. A descendant of the Dafin people, Amadou was initiated as a djeli or griot—an oral historian preserving and transmitting history, culture and values. Bringing the traditional to the contemporary, he delights international audiences with unique polyrhythmic expression. The djembe is his principal instrument: “the djembe is more than a musical instrument; it is an extension of the musician through which he expresses his life, his emotions.” He also plays dunduns, n’goni, tama, guitar and drum set.

One of the most arresting voices on the Canadian music scene, often compared to Celia Cruz, Lady Son (aka Yeti Ajasin) brings a powerful yet gentle contemporary voice to Afro-Cuban vocal and percussion traditions. Her 2009 debut album “Semillas” received the New Music Award for Best World Album. Her work layers broader musical and cultural styles over commanding vocals and potent percussion—shaped by her multicultural Nigerian, Italian and Jewish background. Lady Son is a core artist in Toronto’s “La Habana del Norte” community centered at Lula Lounge and has shared stages with Afro-Cuban giants.