Thursday, June 18 | 5:30 - 9:30PM
Enjoy free live concerts featuring a curated mix of emerging artists and beloved homegrown icons. At Sankofa Square, this weekly celebration brings the vibrant energy of Toronto’s music scene right to the heart of downtown for an unforgettable #HotSquareSummer evening.
This week’s Music in the Square is presented by AfroWaveTO
Turn up the heat with an AfroWaveTO showcase that celebrates Toronto's Afro-diasporic music scene. From the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats and Dancehall to soulful R&B and Reggae, this incredible lineup will keep the Square moving all evening long.
FEATURED ARTISTS
CHIO
Chio, also known as chiomami. This 20-year-old artist hails from Venezuela and is making waves with his unique blend of reggaeton, dancehall, R&B, and Afrobeat; he not only produces but also writes and sings his own music. His distinctive sound reflects his diverse influences and experiences, resulting in a fresh and authentic sound. Growing up in Maracaibo, Chio was heavily influenced by local sounds, blending them with his own personal touch to create a sound that is uniquely his own; crafting introspective and meaningful lyrics, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. @chiomamiii
CLEANOPATRA
Brampton-raised Cleanopatra is a multi-faceted singer-songwriter of a range of genres. Cleanopatra was captivated from an early age with R&B, Reggae/Dancehall and Hip-Hop, motivating her to never waver in taking on her passion and developing her talent. Her music grew as she did and brought her to this point in time. Beginning to take more chances and dabble in arenas outside of her R&B roots, she was able to expand her skillset and make music her younger self could have never dreamed of. @cleanopatra
ALLISTON DAVIS
Hailing from Ajax, ON, Alliston Davis is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, event manager, and creator whose artistry and passion have cemented his place in Canada’s music and cultural scenes. Embodying perseverance and creativity, Alliston embarked on his professional music career in 2017 and has since become a compelling force, blending his diverse talents to inspire audiences and elevate community spaces. @allistondavis
DJ LX
DJ LX is a Toronto-based open-format DJ whose sound is deeply influenced by his Caribbean and Latin background, blending culture, rhythm, and energy into every performance. Inspired by the music he grew up around, his sets create an atmosphere that feels both globally influenced and deeply rooted in culture. @DJLXOFFICIAL
LEXXICON
Lexxicon isn’t asking dancehall to evolve, he’s dragging it into the future. Pastor’s kid turned Queer Dancehall Disruptor, he overloads the genre’s bounce with Brazilian Funk, Dembow and Reggaeton, building sleek volatile tracks that explode with confidence. @officialexxicon
ANDREA MIAW
Andrea Garcia, better known as andreamiaw is a genre-blending latin Dj who brings a high-energy stage presence by connecting with the public, meticulously mixing salsa, bachata and reggaeton smoothly, as well as latin bounce and hard bounce. Born in Bogota, Colombia, her connection to music began at an early age, exploring instruments such as the violin, piano, and guitar, a journey that awakened her curiosity for sound, harmony, and the emotional power that music can evoke. @andrea.miawww
PAPI AQ
Confronted by challenges that would seem impossible to overcome, Papi AQ has used his music as a way to unite his family and fans. Drawing inspiration from the hardships he and his family faced in Mexico, he has worked tirelessly to build a catalog that highlights the power of perseverance and ambition, all while forging a deep connection with the Latin-Canadian community. Focused not just on his own success, Papi AQ is also paving the way for the Latino community through his music and initiatives in Toronto. @papi.aq
NICK SOUZA
Nick Souza embodies the fusion of North and South American culture. Born and raised in Toronto, the world’s most diverse city, with roots in Brazil, one of the world’s most culturally rich countries, he bridges Latin rhythms with North American R&B,Dance, and Pop. As a songwriter, producer, saxophone player and DJ, Nick crafts music that blurs borders and redefines genres — a celebration of heritage, innovation, and true artistic expression. @nicksouzaofficial
STEFFAANI
Steffaani is a Toronto-based dancehall fusion artist and songwriter bringing a bold, global sound to the forefront of the city’s vibrant music scene. Blending the rhythmic pulse of dancehall with elements of Afrobeats, pop, and contemporary R&B, she delivers music that is both infectious and emotionally resonant. @iamsteffaani
YCV
Italian-born artist based in Toronto blending English and Italian music. YCV creates energetic performances and viral content, bringing a European edge to modern rap and melodic sounds. @official_ycv
About Our Partner: AfroWaveTO
AFROWAVETO is a Toronto-based music and arts organization dedicated to amplifying African, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and Black artists across genres including Afrobeats, Dancehall, Reggaeton, Soca, and R&B. Through festivals, live showcases, artist development programs, workshops, and cultural initiatives, AFROWAVETO creates platforms that support emerging and established creatives while fostering community, representation, and cross-cultural collaboration within Canada’s music and arts landscape.
Upcoming Music in the Square series dates: June 18 & 25; July 9, 16, 23 & 30; August 6, 13, 20 & 27
Go to sankofasquare.ca/hotsquaresummer to see the full season of free weekly events.