Here’s the Official Lineup of Brampton Talent Taking Over a Toronto Venue Soon

Published May 29, 2018 at 3:22 am

As Toronto’s arts and culture scene grows in popularity across the globe, largely due to Drake’s ascendancy in rap, many Bramptonians have opted to claim Toronto as their home. But Brampton’s

As Toronto’s arts and culture scene grows in popularity across the globe, largely due to Drake’s ascendancy in rap, many Bramptonians have opted to claim Toronto as their home. But Brampton’s full of talent that needs to be recognized, and now, some of Brampton’s best musical talent is set to take over Toronto as part of North by Northeast’s (NXNE) Brampton showcase.

Yes, Brampton’s getting its very own show at the renowned NXNE music festival on Friday June 15, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the Rivoli, a hotspot for musical talent.

The major music festival is happening from June 15-17 and will feature some big name artists like Chrvches, Lights, Jazz Cartier, and Azealia Banks. On June 15th, Brampton will be recognized by Toronto at one the biggest cultural festivals of the year.

Take note – Brampton is the first and only city in the GTA to be featured at NXNE.

So, who’s on the docket?

The bill for the show includes Brampton heavyweights Phab, EverythingOShaun, Selena Dhillon, and Vaz. It was curated by Brampton emcee Noyz, Exco Levi’s manager Denise Jones, and hip hop editor for NOW Magazine Erin Ashely.


The show will be hosted by Brampton producer Eestbound, who has produced for Travis Scott, Young Thug, and other prominent hip hop artists.


Phab became a local sensation when his song “You Know It” made it to Tory Lanez’s Instagram story. The love he received from the fellow Bramptonian was a big moment for the city. He mentions that he always knew of Tory Lanez growing up.

It’s surreal to think a local artist would go on to become a mainstream hitmaker.

bumbaclaauuttt @torylanez you duno

A post shared by #fabwithaPH (@1phab) on Jan 7, 2018 at 8:11am PST


EverythingOShaun made waves last year, amassing thousands of Spotify streams and releasing his sophomore EP “Almost Everything”. His perennial show “Bass N Tings” is progressively getting more popular, often featuring other local Brampton talent in the 6ix. His EP received critical acclaim, garnering an 8/10 from Exclaim!, a nationwide music magazine.


Selena Dhillon recently dropped an EP with her fellow Brampton collaborator Noyz called “So Below”. The project was recorded in Brampton’s Gem Sound, located in LAB B. This songstress has become known for lo-fi, atmospheric hip hop/R&B fusion, singing about self-love and empowerment.

when the vibe is right everything aligns. the creation of this e.p. is a testament to that. @noyzhiphop shared this beat with me five years ago and it’s been a favourite. after writing countless verses on it, ‘true colours’ was an epiphany the way the twinkles on the beat sound like epiphanies of light. using the metaphor of seeing true colours in darkness, this jam describes how we seem to realize people’s true nature in our darkest hours when we need them. and by staying aware we can navigate better to make peace when it’s revealed ~ excited to drop ’So Below’ this friday 04/13 . Beat: @noyzhiphop Visuals: @nuv.i Studio: @gem_sound . #hiphop #brampton #rnb #soul #toronto #gemsound #noyz #selenadhillon #truecolours #sobelow

A post shared by Selena Dhillon (@selenadhillon) on Apr 9, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT


Vaz is a UK-born Brampton R&B artist who collaborated with UK rapper K Koke. He received some love from Drake affiliated Boi 1da for his track “Matter to Me”. His last two singles, “Faded” and “T Shirt” marks a decisive shift in his sound, signaling that a new album is on the way. His unique voice and accent make him an instant hit with the ladies.  

Saturday #vaz #vazmusic #toronto #uk #goodtimes

A post shared by vaz. (@vazmusic) on Apr 8, 2017 at 8:43pm PDT


This showcase will also celebrate the world premiere of “Superfly”, a film by the renowned Director X, a Brampton Arts Walk of Fame inductee.

The official trailer for @superflymovie enjoy! June 15th in theaters!

A post shared by Director X (@idirectorx) on May 3, 2018 at 10:15pm PDT


The Brampton showcase is an initiative from Culture Brampton to promote the city’s arts and culture scene. Their choice for the lineup seems to represent a new, younger Brampton. 

In my opinion, this showcase is a far cry from the Brampton that was once too ashamed to represent itself with pride. 

Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $29. You can get your tickets here.

Cover photo courtesy of @1phab on Instagram

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