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Check out who's coming to Sunfest this summer

Check out who's coming to Sunfest this summer

Victoria Park will be vibing with dozens of musical artists from coast to coast and around the world as Sunfest returns this summer.

Organizers unveiled the 46 acts who will be performing across five stages from July 3 to 6, including bands from South Korea, Brazil and Sweden.

"We're always looking for something that is new, fresh and innovative," said Alfredo Caxaj, the founder and co-artistic director of Sunfest.

"Of course, the essential element is artistic quality. There's no question about that. And because that's basically how we have built the reputation of Sunfest. It's not based on names, it's based on artistic quality."

band
Toronto-based Kazdoura performs their Arabic-fusion music on Sunfest's main stage on July 4, 2024. (Michelle Both/CBC)

There are five themes to this year's lineup. Indigenous voices will highlight healing, truth and empowerment as the audience hears stories from Les Mamans du Congo & Rrobin, Isleña Antumalen from Chile, and Canada's Digging Roots and Amanda Rheaume.

Soundtracks of resistance will feature activist and revolutionary artists with a call to action. Featured artists include Canadian-Filipino rapper, singer and artist Kimmortal. The Lemon Bucket Orchestra from Toronto will bring their messages of liberation, resistance and solidarity.

Future-forward and earth-conscious acts like Fulu Miziki Kolektiv from the Democratic Republic of Congo will perform with instruments and costumes created out of discarded materials.

Theatrical acts that are bordering on avant-garde include South Korean bands Gonia and 64ksana, who blend new sounds with traditional instruments. New Brunswick's Les Moontunes will bring their celestial blend of jazz and heavy metal.

Organizers are also highlighting places in the world that are new to the festival with a discovery of sounds, including Farah Siraj from Jordan, SARĀB from Syria, ViiK from Denmark, Fattú Djakité from Guinea-Bissau/Cabo Verde and De Mar y Río from Colombia.

sunfest crowds in london
Crowds dance to the music of Senegalese musician Cheikh Ibra Fam at Sunfest on July 4, 2024. (Michelle Both/CBC)

"It really is about celebrating being alive through music and coming together through music, and you will hear a diversity of sounds like you've never heard before," said Mercedes Caxaj, co-artistic director of the festival.

"I think even the most seasoned industry professional in the global music scene will always discover something new at Sunfest, and that's something that we love to hear."

In addition to the 23 national and 23 international acts coming to London, there will be more than 225 food and craft exhibitors in the park.

For an early taste of the Sunfest spirit, Londoners can join the Block Party at London Brewing Co-op which is happening on Friday, May 16 from 4 to 10:30 p.m., featuring Curly Strings from Estonia, Less Toches from Montreal, and London's Mark Swan's Good Hand. The party continues on Saturday, May 17 from 2 to 10:30 p.m., featuring a lineup of artists from Toronto.

For the full list of artists and more information, visit the Sunfest website.

cbc.ca

cbc.ca

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