Originally from Castro, Isla de Chiloé, Chile, classical guitarist Karla García is a Toronto-based musician and teacher.   
 
After years of playing classical music, García discovered her passion for music composition, production, and Latin American music. In her compositions, García blends modern and traditional rhythms such as Waltz and Cueca from Chile.  
 
As a performer, she has played a wide variety of musical genres, including contemporary, folk, fado, rock, classical, Celtic, Latin American, and more. She has also participated in many guitar festivals and concerts around South and North America. 

Aki Takahashi is a shamisen player, folk singer, taiko drummer, and prolific composer. In addition to founding the ten ten music ensemble, which strives to create a unique voice for Japanese folk music, Aki has been a member of the professional Toronto-based taiko group Nagata Shachu since 2003, and is currently its Associate Artistic Director.

Heidi Chan is a musician who plays bamboo flutes, percussion, and works often with electronics and synthesizers. She is a member of the ten ten Japanese folk ensemble, collaborates frequently with other artists and collectives, and works as a sound designer and composer for theatre and dance. 

Maryam Shakaa is a Palestinian oud player, singer and composer, whose music bridges heritage and innovation. A winner of the International Oud Competition in Lebanon and first-place recipient of the Palestine’s Voice Competition, Shakaa has established herself as one of the most promising young voices in contemporary Arabic music. Beginning her journey with the Edward Said National Arabic Orchestra in Palestine, after relocating to Toronto, Shakaa collaborated with the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, making her debut in a full Umm Kulthum tribute concert, and recently joined the Firdaus Orchestra, an all-women ensemble under Expo City Dubai, performing in four concerts during the Promise of Music Festival in Toronto.

Saumya Sharma is a singer-songwriter, producer, recording engineer, and mixing engineer. She is a recent graduate from the Music Mixing and Mastering Program at Metalworks Institute in Mississauga. For the past 8 years, Saumya has gained extensive practice in vocals, guitar, piano, and harmonium with a solid foundation in Indian Classical music. 
 
In November 2023, Saumya was a finalist in the Mississauga National 50th Anthem Contest. She recently released her first single titled “Remember Me” and will be debuting her second on March 8th, 2024, titled “Blue”. She released her third single titled “Unbelievable” in May 2024. She was also a nominee for the Mississauga Arts Awards as an emerging music solo vocalist (2024). She has released two of her latest singles in the past two months, which are self-produced and mixed. 

With over 30 years of experience under his fingers, Nicolas Hernandez’s style has evolved into a distinctive, modern “voice” in the flamenco genre. His debut CD “Buscando mi voz” won a Just Plain Folks Award for Best Flamenco Album in 2009 and his second CD “Rupakerias” was released in 2018. Nicolas was the musical director for the Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company for over 20 years and toured the world with the Jesse Cook band for 16 years. Nicolas is presently involved in various projects throughout the flamenco community in Toronto. 

Born in 1971, Kourosh Babaei began violin at 12 before dedicating himself to the Persian kamancheh. As a teenager, he performed with leading traditional ensembles, later appearing in major concerts and international festivals worldwide. A 1994 graduate of Tehran’s Art and Architectural University in Graphic Design and Advertising. He was nominated as Best Persian Instrumentalist at the Musicema Festival and served as a juror for Iran’s top music albums in 2015. Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, he continues to teach, perform, and compose. 

Kiyaan Lavji and Ali Rajan are a Toronto-based duo blending South Asian and Central Asian traditions through tabla and rubab.

Kiyaan, founder of Kiyaan’s School of Tabla, has performed for dignitaries including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince Amyn, and will represent Canada in Dubai 2025. His artistry draws from classical compositions and cross-cultural collaborations, inspiring others to pursue their passion.

Ali, a rubab instrumentalist, discovered his calling in Pakistan’s Northern Areas and now composes and performs across Canada. He was nominated to represent Canada at the Global Encounters Festival 2025 and continues to showcase his craft in major cultural events, including The Living Sea — Fragile Beauty exhibition.

Together, Kiyaan and Ali unite tradition and innovation, creating performances that celebrate heritage while resonating with contemporary audiences.

Majd Sukar is a Syrian Canadian clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and educator whose artistry has left an indelible mark on Toronto’s vibrant music scene. Renowned for his groundbreaking fusion of Middle Eastern folk and classical traditions with jazz, Sukar’s distinctive sound continues to redefine cross-cultural music in transformative and innovative ways.

As a soloist and improviser, Sukar has brought his unique voice to Canada’s diverse music landscape, collaborating with acclaimed Canadian musicians such as Robi Botos, Drew Jurecka, and Rich Brown. His dedication and talent have made him a sought-after performer, leading to prominent collaborations with celebrated Toronto-based bands including Sultans of String, Romani Jazz, Moskitto Bar, and Moneka Arabic Jazz.

Burcin Yilmaz is a versatile violinist with over 20 years of experience in performance, spanning a range of orchestras and ensembles. Her artistry blends a deep foundation in Western classical music with a strong passion for Traditional Turkish music and the rich modal system of Turkish Makams, bringing a unique and expressive voice to her performances. Yilmaz holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Violin Teaching. Her work reflects a commitment to musical excellence, cultural dialogue, and fostering meaningful connections with her audience.

Illarra Riyad is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who is deeply invested in folklore, traditional Arabian rhythms, and the soulfulness of Sufi music. He has been working on rearranging and reimagining those cultural songs to introduce these pieces to the local scene. Along with Peter Henry Holbrook, he founded the Hikaya project, a music project dedicated to that vision. Recently, he has explored a fusion of Arabic jazz and flamenco, blending these styles in harmony within Toronto’s diverse musical landscape. As a vocalist, he has performed on stages across the world, from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver.

Andrea and Jaash’s signature style is to tickle the listeners’ senses into an irresistible, groove-driven experience. Mixing her 30 years of expertise in Georgian and Ukrainian vocal polyphony with her background in jazz and contemporary improvisation, Andrea (voice, guitar) teams up with the raw driving percussive skills of Jaash Singh (darbuka, cajon) to unleash an elemental folk energy in their performances. But don’t expect to just sit back and take it in. In true folk form, they’ll find a way to invite you in on the celebratory musical affair.

Gouri Kundu is a Kathak dancer based in Kitchener, Ontario. Born and raised in India, she began her training in Kathak at the age of five under the guidance of Guru Smt. Srilekha Mukherjee. She later pursued advanced training under the direct supervision of Guru Dr. Malabika Mitra. Now an immigrant artist in Canada, Kundu is committed to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Kathak. She has received awards from Indian institutions, including the West Bengal State Music Academy and has performed extensively across India and Canada.

Berkay Atalay began his musical journey in 2012, exploring the rich textures of Turkish music through the cümbüş and oud. Since moving to Canada in 2020, he has performed with Opa Yallah and other ensembles at festivals and cultural events. A. Samet Gubari discovered the ney in 2013 and later graduated from the Turkish Music State Conservatory in Ankara. Now based in Toronto, he continues to share the soulful sounds of traditional wind instruments.

Together, they bring the deep spirit of Turkish music to Canadian audiences through dynamic, heartfelt performances.

Camila Lozada is a vocalist and musician, blending Latin Jazz, Latin American Folk, and original music. Based in Toronto, she draws inspiration from her Peruvian roots and the city’s diverse cultural scene. Leading a dynamic project, she collaborates with various musicians to create performances rich in rhythm, harmony, and storytelling. 
 
A graduate of Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, Camila has a strong foundation in vocal performance and interpretation. She was named Artist of the Year at the T.U. Jazz Festival’s 10th-anniversary edition in 2024, and has performed at NXNE Festival, Mississauga Latin Festival, WinterTide Concert, and more. 
 

Fusing Spanish, Celtic, and Slavic music on classical guitar, Kyler Mackenzie’s musical journey began in Toronto and has since taken him worldwide. He has performed his take on the Modern Folk Fusion in Eastern Europe, France, and Portugal.

Dina Rama and Ando Soa are originally from the Island of Madagascar, a country embracing the diversity of cultures with more than 18 ethnic groups. The duo will transport us from the coastal to the central highlands rhythms.

Rising singer-songwriter Shanaya Patel, from Mississauga, Ontario is on a passionate path of bringing her music to a worldwide audience. With lush, deep vocals filled with grit and nuance, Patel’s vocals and writing style draw inspiration from artists like Ariana Grande, H.E.R., and Julia Michaels.

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Just Prince is known for seamlessly blending Western and Eastern sounds into a harmonious tapestry. With a captivating style that defies genre constraints, his music weaves elements of folk, rock, blues, and Hindustani classical music into a mesmerizing experience. Just Prince’s evocative compositions take listeners on a sonic journey, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with the soul. Through his innovative approach, he crafts a musical landscape that bridges worlds with the intention of genuine songwriting and experimental expression. 

Amirali Sadegh Bonab is a Toronto-based music student originally from Tehran, Iran. With a strong foundation in music theory and performance, he is currently exploring a wide range of musical styles—from Persian traditional modes to jazz and contemporary pop. 

Indigenous singer-songwriter FAYTH was awarded the Grand Prize by the Neebins Music Fund in 2023. Supported by the First Nation and Child Caring Society, she plans to collaborate on her album in 2025 to provide fresh, creative music through her unique style, reaching people who’ve shared similar life experiences.

Graeme Jonez is singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Ontario. A storyteller at heart, Jonez’s lyrics are the foundation of his music, heavily influenced by old American folk and blues. His sound straddles outlaw country, alt-folk, blues, and indie rock. 
 
Jonez’s debut album, “Creatures & Criminals,” was released in 2023. In March of 2024, his single “The Flood!” reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and earned him a 2024 Merilainen Music Award for Single of the Year. He is an alumnus of Manitoba Music’s Indigenous Music Residency and a member of the Sheguiandah Ojibwe First Nation (Manitoulin Island, ON).

Following his graduation from the Berklee College of Music, George Crotty immersed himself in New York’s jazz and world music scenes, joining several ensembles such as the Brooklyn Raga Massive and the Detroit-based National Arab Orchestra, in addition to collaborating with Paquito D’Rivera, Anat Cohen, Simon Shaheen, and Darol Anger. Crotty leads The George Crotty Trio, whose latest album, Chronotope, showcases the Canadian cellist’s expressive fluidity and modal orientation. Crotty also served as cello chair on the North American tour of the Broadway musical, The Band’s Visit.

The Toronto Klezmer Society was founded in November 2018 with the intention to grow the Klezmer and Jewish music scene in Toronto and beyond, push the boundaries of the genre while upholding its history and origins, introduce the music to a new audience, and share knowledge. This website is intended to be an archive and resource for anyone who wants to join in the music, or is curious/enthusiastic about Eastern European Jewish folk music, known as Klezmer.

Achanté’s music either moves you or makes you move. 
 
With two decades of experience in the performing and recording industry across two continents, Achanté is a Mumbai-bred, Toronto-based powerhouse musician. She’s known for blending analog, digital, and global sounds, with her voice as her lead instrument, in a decolonizing effort to connect people to each other and themselves. 
 
Live audiences love Achanté’s electrifying performances and memorable sound steeped in old-school jazz and soul, interwoven with alt-pop, electronica and Carnatic noodling, evidenced by a whopping 100+ live shows in the past two years.

Luis Anselmi, a scholar and mentor of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, skillfully merges his Venezuelan roots with diverse world music influences. Proficient in playing the Venezuelan Cuatro, piano, and lending his voice to both singing and songwriting, he creates a vibrant Latin-World sound. With intricate rhythms and uplifting lyrics, his music is a captivating celebration that will inspire you to dance.

Luis Anselmi, a scholar and mentor of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, skillfully merges his Venezuelan roots with diverse world music influences. Proficient in playing the Venezuelan Cuatro, piano, and lending his voice to both singing and songwriting, he creates a vibrant Latin-World sound. With intricate rhythms and uplifting lyrics, his music is a captivating celebration that will inspire you to dance.

Siddharth Khanna is a versatile artist, skilled in both vocal and guitar performance, with roots in the rich musical tradition of Punjab, India. Siddharth Khanna’s repertoire spans Hindustani classical, pop, R&B, and metal, with each day of practice serving as a new step in the ongoing journey of discovering their sound.

MerveMelodia is a Montreal-based singer, percussionist, and event organizer who is passionate about Turkish and Balkan music. With a background in Turkish classical music, she blends traditional and contemporary influences, creating immersive musical experiences.  

MerveMelodia plays bendir, tef, and erbane and leads projects like Bosphorus Blend and TurkoBalkan Ensemble. As the founder of MerveMelodia, she organizes cultural events, transforming local venues into vibrant spaces for music and art. Through her performances, she brings people together, celebrating heritage and diversity. 

Seu is a Mexican singer-songwriter based in Toronto, Canada. Over the past four years, he has performed extensively across Canada and internationally, gracing festivals, private events, and concerts in countries such as Germany, Spain, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada. His music reinvents the traditional bolero genre by fusing it with contemporary influences like reggae, funk, dancehall, soul, dub, jazz, and R&B. 
 
In recent years, Seu has showcased his talent at prestigious festivals in Mexico and Canada, including the Festival Alternativo (MX), the National Cheese and Wine Fair (MX), Winter Song Music Fest (CA), Markham Village Music Festival (CA), and Bloom Fest (CA), among others. 
 
His latest project, the single “La luna y yo,” is a tribute to Brazil’s iconic bossa nova. For this project, he teamed up with a talented quintet of musicians from Canada, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico, delivering a unique and rich musical experience to the stage. Seu is versatile in his performances, offering shows as a solo artist, duo, trio or full band.

Seu will be accompanied by:

Clayton Harder | Bass

Fernando Jara | Keys and Chorus

Jorge Moran | Voice, Guitar, and Melodica. 

Ṣẹwà is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and budding producer with a sound deeply rooted in Afrobeat, Fuji, Jazz, R&B, Soul/Blues, and Pop. A fan once described her voice as “the after-smell of rain.”

After selling out her first concert in Nigeria in 2021, she moved to Toronto, where she completed the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College. Since then, she has headlined two sold-out shows, performed at major festivals, and opened for global superstars, including Johnny Drille, Kiss Daniel, and Asa — sharing the stage with Asa in Toronto.

Her two released EPs are available on all streaming platforms, and she is currently working on an album, with a Canadian tour on the horizon. With her soulful sound and compelling storytelling, Ṣẹwà continues to make waves in the industry, bridging cultures through music.

Nii Osabu is a Ghanaian highlife and African traditional musician, songwriter, and music producer, currently based in Toronto. With a start in music at 10 years old, following in the footsteps of his musical father, he now has over 30 singles to his credit and a debut album coming soon.

Notable singles include “Marhaba” (Year of Return song), “Beshwe Womma,” & “Arise Africa” (popular on Ghana’s Rainbow Radio). Three of his songs are in the docuseries, Beads Build Bridges, featured in Los Angeles’ Pan African Film Fest.

In Canada, Osabu has performed at festivals like the Ottawa Italian Festival 2024, Taste of Ghana in Toronto, Homowo Festival in the Park 2024, Homowo Dinner Dance 2024, Miss Tourism CommonWealth 2024, Acoustic Africa 2024 and many others. Some live music venues in Toronto such as Drom Taberna, Dakota Tavern, the Function Bar, Emmet Ray and many others have also hosted the electrifying performances of Nii Osabu and his band.

Dina Rama and Ando Soa are originally from the Island of Madagascar, a country embracing the diversity of cultures with more than 18 ethnic groups. The duo will transport us from the coastal to the central highlands rhythms.

David J David (David Kabbashi), is a South-Sudanese Canadian singer and musician. Coming from a family of talented musicians, David was inspired to begin composing songs and learning diverse instruments. In 2000, he moved to Cairo, Egypt where he co-founded the band Tandy Musica and performed as the lead singer and guitarist.

In 2004 David immigrated to Canada, and in 2012 he formed the David J David Band, a multicultural group which plays Afro-Fusion styles. Coming from a country that emerged from decades of civil war, he is committed to using his music as a tool to empower, educate, and send messages of peace, hope, and love.