AFROFEST 2026 SCHEDULE
WOODBINE PARK, TORONTO, CA
TD-BANK 2026 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Kirk Diamond is a three-time Juno Award–winning singer, songwriter, producer, and social activist whose music champions unity, inclusion, and love. He is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in reggae. A seven-time Juno nominee and recipient of the 2020 International Vigor Award, Kirk has received numerous honors, including a park named in his honor in Brampton in 2022 in recognition of his impact on reggae music in Canada and his
contributions to culture—making him the only living reggae artist to receive such recognition. He has also been named a distinguished alumnus by the Dufferin-Peel School Board and received The Impact Award for his contributions to entertainment and community.
His 2023 album DREAD earned him his third Juno Award in 2024, while the lead single “Reggae Party” also won a Juno and was named one of CBC Music’s “10 Best Canadian Reggae Songs of All Time.” The second single, “Bring It Good,” was featured in the film When Morning Comes. Beyond his own releases, Diamond co-wrote “Mudda Dey” for soca star Patrice Roberts.
Notably, Kirk has performed at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, bringing reggae to the institution for the first time with a tribute to Andy Kim, and in 2025, he honored the legacy of Quincy Jones with a special tribute performance at Luminato. Fresh off his DREAD Tour, Kirk is currently working on his second full length album.
Born on December 3, 1945, in Barbados, to Gordon T. Williams and Adessa L. Healis (both predeceased), Velda’s journey was one of courage, compassion, and an extraordinary capacity to love.
At the age of 16, Velda immigrated to Canada, where she built a life rooted in faith, service and family. After completing high school and college, she followed her natural calling to nurture others by becoming an Early Childhood Educator. Her career was a true reflection of her soul; she possessed a deep, innate love for children and dedicated her professional life to shaping the youngest minds with patience and grace.
Velda was the quintessential mother—loving, compassionate, and deeply caring. She didn’t just raise a family; she built a sanctuary of warmth where her children and loved ones were always met with open arms. She loved "fiercely and openly," a trait that became her signature and her greatest gift to those who knew her. Her devotion was unwavering, and she remained a constant source of strength and guidance throughout her life.
Her impact extended far beyond her home. Velda was a cornerstone of the African community in Toronto, known specifically for her instrumental and "tireless yearly work" for Afrofest. Her dedication helped ensure the festival remained a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage, and her efforts touched countless lives, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the community she so dearly loved.
Her family was her world, and she was the heart of every gathering. She found great joy in the simple and beautiful things in life: tending to her garden, capturing memories through photography, and hosting legendary family dinners. A vibrant soul, Velda loved to dance and was never shy about her playful affection for her "ultimate boyfriend," Smokey Robinson, whose music was a constant soundtrack to her life.
She is survived by her three children, Chantelle, Kerwin, and Rehema; her cherished grandchildren, Keyon, Maya, Mikayla, Kaylyn, Kacie, and Kaleb; and her "bonus children," Ted, Michael, and Jalieth. She also leaves behind her siblings, Marcia, Joan, Cerleen, Stanton, Maureen and Rosalind, her Aunt Joyce Williams and Uncle Ken Williams, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors in Barbados, Texas, New York and Tanzania whose lives she touched with her generous spirit.
MC Bonde ‘the voice of AFRICA’ is an actor and award-winning MC/Emcee/Host who has been in the entertainment business since 1995, DJ’ing/MC’ing events, parties, concerts, and weddings all over the world.
MC Bonde has hosted more than 2500 events, including over 1200 weddings, as a wedding MC.
He is the go-to-guy when it comes to livening-up an event, such as a party / concert / wedding, with his smooth and clear voice, jokes, costumes/outfits and his entertaining dance moves on the dance floor.
MC Bonde has been MC/Host of some of the biggest festivals in Canada – Afrofest presented by Music Africa, the Scarborough Afro-Caribbean Festival presented by Heritage Skills Development Centre (HSDC), Afrobeats Music Festival, Welland Afro-Caribbean Festival presented by DreamMakers Ent. just to mention a few.
MC Bonde made his acting debut in a feature film: Clash that was released by Diamond Pictures Inc. Canada, in May 2020 on Netflix. His next movie is currently in West African theaters and slated to hit North America in Fall 2025, a movie titled Imported Wives.
MC Bonde currently hosts his radio show, The MC Bonderai Show on AfroLive FM, every Saturday: 8pm-10 Eastern-time. Playing the best in African Music and African Entertainment
News. The show can be heard online via www.AfroLiveFM.com
Amanie Illfated (pronounced: ah-MAH-nee eel-fay-ted) is an award-winning South Sudanese-born recording artist whose genre-bending sound fuses Afropop, R&B, and Amapiano. With powerful yet sweet vocals and infectious stage energy, Amanie has captivated audiences worldwide and is often described as the “African M.I.A.” Her live performances are dynamic and memorable, having graced major stages including Afrofest South Africa, Afrofest Omaha, Afrofest Dallas, the Festival of Hope by War Child Canada in Toronto, and Tanzania’s Bagamoyo International Arts Festival, where she performed before Vice President Philip Mpango. She has also been featured at Afrofest Toronto, TDotFest at YongeDundas Square, the African Descent Festival in Vancouver, and RUKAFest in Juba, South Sudan. With a growing international fanbase, Amanie continues to build momentum. Her recent singles “Dugu Ena” (2024), “Wellet De” (2025), and the Amapiano-inspired “Sip Sip” have expanded her presence in the South Sudanese and global markets. Her upcoming short album, Farasha Junubia (Southern Butterfly), set for release in late 2025, will further showcase her versatility and global appeal. Amanie has been recognized with multiple awards, including Best Diaspora Artist at the 2024 South Sudan Theatre Awards and Best R&B Artist of the Year at the 2021 South Sudan Music Awards. She has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists and producers, including Juno Award winners and South Sudanese talent Single Dee. With her growing catalog, electrifying performances, and cross-cultural sound, Amanie Illfated is an artist who consistently delivers unforgettable live experiences and draws diverse, engaged audiences across the globe.
Born on December 3, 1945, in Barbados, to Gordon T. Williams and Adessa L. Healis (both predeceased),Velda’s journey was one of courage, compassion, and an extraordinary capacity to love.
At the age of 16, Velda immigrated to Canada, where she built a life rooted in faith, service and family. After completing high school and college, she followed her natural calling to nurture others by becoming an Early Childhood Educator. Her career was a true reflection of her soul; she possessed a deep, innate love for children and dedicated her professional life to shaping the youngest minds with patience and grace.
Velda was the quintessential mother—loving, compassionate, and deeply caring. She didn’t just raise a family; she built a sanctuary of warmth where her children and loved ones were always met with open arms. She loved "fiercely and openly," a trait that became her signature and her greatest gift to those who knew her. Her devotion was unwavering, and she remained a constant source of strength and guidance throughout her life.
Her impact extended far beyond her home. Velda was a cornerstone of the African community in Toronto, known specifically for her instrumental and "tireless yearly work" for Afrofest. Her dedication helped ensure the festival remained a vibrant celebration of culture and heritage, and her efforts touched countless lives, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the community she so dearly loved.
Her family was her world, and she was the heart of every gathering. She found great joy in the simple and beautiful things in life: tending to her garden, capturing memories through photography, and hosting legendary family dinners. A vibrant soul, Velda loved to dance and was never shy about her playful affection for her "ultimate boyfriend," Smokey Robinson, whose music was a constant soundtrack to her life.
She is survived by her three children, Chantelle, Kerwin, and Rehema; her cherished grandchildren, Keyon, Maya, Mikayla, Kaylyn, Kacie, and Kaleb; and her "bonus children," Ted, Michael, and Jalieth. She also leaves behind her siblings, Marcia, Joan, Cerleen, Stanton, Maureen and Rosalind, her Aunt Joyce Williams and Uncle Ken Williams, along with countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors in Barbados, Texas, New York and Tanzania whose lives she touched with her generous spirit.
Rachelle Show is a Congolese-Filipina Afro-pop singer from Toronto whose music blends Afro-dance, R&B, and Congolese rhythms. Influenced by her father Show-do-man, she’s a CBC Searchlight finalistand has performed at TIFF and international festivals.
Arnaldo "DOLOTHEGIFTED" Lavres, born and raised in Angola, migrated to Canada as a refugee. After finishing university, he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being an entertainer. This journey has led him to Toronto, where he can fully showcase his Gift of Languages and culture. Portuguese, Spanish, English and French are the four languages he writes and performs in. Mostly in hip hop drilland Afrobeats; DOLO also does various genres and styles. Release his debut project early 2021, Slowly but Surely L.P., where he showcases lyrical prowess and understanding of music.
Influenced by Cesaria Evora, Michael Jackson, DMX, Bob Marley, Kanye west, Burna Boy, and Davido, African roots are always represented, not just in the music but in the fashion as well.
Music Africa
Music Africa is a not-for-profit community-based organization that promotes African music in Toronto through its annual flagship music festival AFROFEST. Established in 1990, Music Africa is among the oldest and most respected organizations promoting African music in Canada. Through its activities and events, such as the annual Black History Month Concert Series, Music Africa is committed to enhancing appreciation and awareness of African music among Canadians and continues to strive to establish Toronto as a thriving global center for African music. In 2008, Music Africa received the Heritage Award from Planet Africa (an internationally-broadcast television show and print magazine)
AFROFEST
AFROFEST ignites the spirit of African culture in the heart of Toronto, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. AFROFEST seeks to share the rich and diverse expressions of African music and culture in an inclusive, vibrant and positive community festival setting. Through AFROFEST, a diverse audience celebrates the abundant energy of African music in an effort to cultivate community spirit and enhance the understanding and appreciation of the diverse people of Africa.
