{"id":32520,"date":"2026-05-05T10:11:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T10:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/32520\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T10:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T10:11:16","slug":"a-taste-of-barbados-barbadian-artists-to-open-departure-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/32520\/","title":{"rendered":"A taste of Barbados: Barbadian artists to open Departure Festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u200bDeparture Festival opens with a celebration of Barbadian talent, launching four days of music and culture in Toronto.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Dr. Jay<\/a> will host Departure Festival<\/a>\u2019s opening showcase at Lula Lounge<\/a>, featuring free performances by 13 Barbadian artists.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re booked and busy and can\u2019t make it opening night, the same artists will be performing the next day at El Mocambo<\/a> \u2014 also for free.<\/p>\n

Now Toronto compiled an artist lineup; here\u2019s who\u2019s performing.<\/p>\n

Read More<\/p>\n

\u200bCasheda Dottin<\/p>\n

The 2020 Baje to the World winner, Casheda Dottin<\/a>\u2019s 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\u2019s previously worked with 2 Mile Hill, Edwin Yearwood, Phillip 7, Arturo Tappin and the Nicholas Brancker Band.<\/p>\n

\"Barbadian(Courtesy: Casheda Dottin)<\/p>\n

Check out Casheda Dottin\u2019s music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kris Irie<\/p>\n

Kirisie Bajan, under the stage name Kris Irie<\/a>, blends R&B, reggae, jazz, Afrobeat and hip-hop inspired by her Caribbean and Middle Eastern heritage. She recently released her single, Cover Me<\/a>, 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 \u201cplant good seeds in the hearts of many and grow into beautiful trees of life.\u201d The Barbadian artist has previously performed alongside reggae legend Willie Stewart from Third World and opened for Tessanne Chin.<\/p>\n

\"A(Courtesy: Kris Irie)<\/p>\n

Check out Kris Irie\u2019s music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shadia Marshall<\/p>\n

Barbadian singer, entertainer and makeup artist Shadia Marshall<\/a> is on the lineup for Departure Festival\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Check out Shadia Marshall\u2019s music on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kojo<\/p>\n

Contemporary recording artist Kojo<\/a> is bringing reggae\/dancehall and urban music to the stage. The artist often collaborates with Barbadian producer Nick Jr.<\/a> and is known for popular tracks such as \u201cMilitancy\u201d and \u201cLosing It.\u201d He\u2019s published seven songs on Spotify.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

Check out Kojo\u2019s music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Larix<\/p>\n

Barbadian Singer\/Songwriter Larix<\/a> is bringing Neo Soul, R&B, Gospel and Island Pop to the scene. She\u2019s released two impactful albums, Exposure and Glitch and six singles. Larix has performed in Barbados, Trinidad and even Germany.<\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

Check out Larix\u2019 music on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Marley Kirton<\/p>\n

Marley Kirton<\/a> 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 \u201cskip Marley-type vibe\u201d in his original songs and tributes. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"A(Courtesy: Marley Kirton)<\/p>\n

Check out Marley Kirton\u2019s music on Soundcloud<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tionne Hernandez<\/p>\n

Barbadian vocalist and songwriter Tionne Hernandez, previously performing as Typhoon, is coming to Lula Lounge\u2019s stage on Tuesday. She\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"A(Courtesy: Tionne Hernandez)<\/p>\n

Check out Tionne Hernandez\u2019 music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nikita<\/p>\n

Barbadian Singer and Broadcaster, Nikita<\/a>, often referred to as the \u201cOrange Haired Songbird,\u201d is on the lineup for Departure Festival\u2019s opening night on Tuesday. She\u2019s known for soca and powerful vocals, with popular tracks such as \u201cEverything Bless,\u201d \u201cKeep Up,\u201d or \u201cCarry Festival.\u201d She\u2019s performed at the \u201cCaribbean to the World\u201d Super Concert and hosts \u201cLa Femme by Nikita,\u201d a woman-only showcase.<\/p>\n

\"A(Courtesy: Nikita)<\/p>\n

Check out Nikita\u2019s music on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ch\u2019an<\/p>\n

Born and raised in Barbados, Vocalist Ch\u2019an<\/a> meshes old-school jazz vocals with modern pop. She\u2019s performed at major events such as the Caribbean Jazz and World Beat Super Concert in 2022, with a tribute performance to Rihanna. Ch\u2019an\u2019s also released original music, including her debut single \u201cBody,\u201d \u201cRunway\u201d and more.<\/p>\n

\"Close-up(Courtesy: Ch\u2019an)<\/p>\n

Check Ch\u2019an out on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Alix Cage<\/p>\n

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alix Cage<\/a> will bring reggae, calypso and soca-influenced music to the stage. He\u2019s released singles such as \u201cDon\u2019t Believe Me\u201d and \u201cSlow Wine\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Courtesy: Alix Cage)<\/p>\n

Check out Alix Cage\u2019s music on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sprinklezz<\/p>\n

19-year-old Tikara Browne, known as Sprinklezz<\/a>, will take the stage on Tuesday. She launched her career in March 2024 with her debut Crop Over and her single, \u201cGet Busy.\u201d The basement soca and dancehall artist roots her music in the Barbadian Crop Over festival culture, focusing on high-energy danceable rhythms.<\/p>\n

\"Portrait<\/p>\n

Check out Sprinklezz\u2019 music on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sivers<\/p>\n

Darian Kevin Sivers, known by the stage name Sivers Tha Third<\/a>, 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 \u201cBridgetown\u201d and has recently released his EP Songs For Her, $$$ For Me.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Check out Sivers Tha Third\u2019s music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Azizi Clarke<\/p>\n

Barbadian singer-songwriter Azizi Clarke<\/a> 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, \u201cIn We Veins.\u201d She sometimes incorporates R&B and soulful elements, like in her 2025 collab with Hypasounds, \u201cNo Hard Feelings.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"A(Courtesy: Azizi Clarke)<\/p>\n

Check out Azizi Clarke\u2019s music on Spotify<\/a>.<\/p>\n