Lulaworld 2023 Concert Schedule
A 6-night mashup of Latin, Afrobeat, Indigenous and experimental Bengali hip hop, RnB, Arabic, timba, & Slavic brass from around the globe around the corner.
Since the inaugural edition in 2006, the annual Lulaworld festival has built a reputation for its distinctive eclectic programming, gathering both local and international, emerging and established artists to celebrate Toronto musical communities and audiences, with a focus on home grown projects and creative collaborations across borders.
For this year’s edition, the not-for-profit Lula Music and Arts at Lula Lounge teams up with an array of Toronto organizations for a series of co-presentations that include out-of-town musical guests such as Afrobeat/Afrosoul vocalist and composer KAR33M (Ottawa), singer-songwriter Noel Kharman (Palestine), cuatro maestro Jorge Glem of C4Trio and New York City’s Fiery Balkan brass ensemble Slavic Soul Party.
May 16 Opening Night
Genre-defying artists fusing Indigenous, hip hop, RnB and soul come together to launch the 2023 edition of Lula's annual music festival.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre & Pineapple Express Media
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets: $12 plus HST in advance / $20 at the door
7 pm doors 8 pm show
TheRa11n
TheRa11n is an award Plains Cree, Two-Spirit Femcee who resides in Toronto, ON, Canada,grew up in Winnipeg, MB and represents Moosomin First Nation, Saskatchewan.Their sound is described as unique, energetic, nostalgic and smooth over new-aged hip/house and pow-wow step beats. She blends her culture into her music in a way that is captivating to any audience.ThRa11n also has a unique sense of style filled with vibrant colours and edgy looks that would undoubtedly categorize her a trendsetter.
In 2019 The Raine received her first number 1 on the IMC for “Whine Fi Mi Baby” feat Sikka Rhymes.This international track garnered radio play and attention worldwide as the Ra11n solidified herself as a force in the Indigenous hip hop scene.
dichotomi
Toronto-based artist dichotomi is a creator, archivist, and witness of all things musical. They embody several dualities - most prominently “analytic vs. creative”. They honour their inner geek by leaning-into nerdy lyricism and methodical rhythms. Expect the embodiment of dynamic calmness with wholesome themes intended to be as grounding and inspirational as a good, good hug. The self-proclaimed deviant wants you to know: you don’t have to succumb to pressures of society to be successful or happy; being kind is cool; you are the best you.
dj5rivers
Also known as Nivie Singh, is a non-binary, settler displaced from the land of five rivers (5aab). Previously the Label Manager for Ishkōdé Records, dj5rivers has over (6) years of experience with music distribution, radio & artist management. With their work spanning from commercial industry to community underground art spaces. dj5rivers has been involved in resistance and arts spaces for over (10) years. Their work directly challenges organizational oppression by reimagining governance models and budgeting priorities.
May 17 Noel Kharman with Malayka
Bridging the worlds of Western and Middle Eastern pop. Egyptian Canadian vocalist and composer opens for this internationally-acclaimed Amman-based, Palestinian singer-songwriter.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre & MARSM Canada
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets: $45 plus HST in advance / more at the door
7 pm doors 8 pm show
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
Noel Kharman
Noel Kharman is an Amman-based passionate Palestinian singer-songwriter from a small village near Haifa city. She is best known for doing mashup covers where she mixes Middle Eastern and Western music, creating a unique bridge between these two worlds through her powerful and angelic voice.
Her love for music is indescribable since childhood, however the big breakthrough in her career happened in 2015 when she published her first mash-up cover which was a mix of ‘Hello’ by Adele with Fairuz. The cover went viral overnight and since then, she became an instant internet sensation. The cover has gained over 30 million views on YouTube.
Since then, she has signed with GXR RECORDS and is working on her original EP; discovering her sound and style on this journey, whilst working with talented artists and producers in the industry. Her first three singles have reached more than 18 Million views on YouTube.
Her vision to bring the Middle Eastern sound and culture to international and influential platforms is coming to life. You can catch Noel performing live around the region, as well as continuing to release new original music.
Opening Act: Malayka
Malayka (known formerly as Malak Sound), is a Canadian-based singer-songwriter, whose music is inspired and driven by her experiences as a Canadian-Egyptian, and bridges the gap between Western and Middle Eastern pop culture. Coupling electronic and organic elements, she melds her memorable songwriting and charismatic persona into an impactful and engaging live show.
Having won multiple vocal competitions throughout Egypt and Europe, including Greece, Germany and Italy, Malayka has turned her youthful passion for music into a flourishing music career. Now a graduate of music performance and songwriting at Carleton University, she has garnered many accolades for her songwriting and musicianship.
May 18 KAR33M - SuKha Never Dies - Sikh Knowledge
An eclectic night fusing Afrobeat, neo-soul, experimental RnB, trap, underground hip hop and Punjabi beats.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre CIUT.89.5 FM and Uma Nota Culture.
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets: $12 plus HST in advance / $20 at the door
8 pm doors 9 pm show
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
KAR33M
KAR33M is an Afro-Soul artist that creates narrative style music using 3 different voices, providing a unique perspective with each voice. He recalls his first contact with music in his younger days growing up in Nigeria with his family. His introduction to artists like Usher, Fela and Sade was the catalyst for KAR33M’s love for music. He would practice the songs that he heard in front of a fan, loudly belting out the off-key notes until they sounded perfect. Developing his skills and talent in the arts and honing in on the lyricism he admired from genres of music like Afrobeat, Rap, Pop, R&B and Soul, KAR33M would go on to write his debut Neo-soul EP titled WHO AM I? An EP about Black Identity, love, and existentialism. Today, he creates Afro-Soul music that reflects the current state of his world and the perspectives of members of the Black diaspora.
SuKha Never Dies
SuKha Never Dies is a new-age, diasporic artist, who expresses herself in multiple musical genres. SuKha Never Dies combines her sound, distinct style, and her philosophy as she embraces the power that her art carries. SuKha Never Dies’s roots are Bangladeshi; she was born in Saudi Arabia and immigrated to Toronto at the age of 9. Her sound comes from her unique upbringing; her childhood engulfed with the glamor of Bollywood and her later years submersed in heavy metal and hip hop. She carries a complex layer of identities, which she claims proudly and expresses throughout her music.
Sikh Knowledge
Sikh Knowledge is a beat maker and DJ with a heavy focus on rare dancehall gems and underground hip-hop fused with strictly Punjabi vibes ranging from Folk, Giddah, Bhangra, Qawwali, Boliyan, and some new school. Sounds are rich in melodies, with heavy heavy drums. Latino and African influences lace the set.
May 19 Yanni borrell and Rojitas
Two leading vocalists known respectively as ‘El Elegante’ and ‘The Golden Voice’ join forces for an evening of high-energy salsa. With DJ Suave & dance lesson by Sarita Leyva.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets: $25 plus HST in advance Dinner & show prix fixe available.
8 pm doors 9 pm show
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
Yani Borrell
With his unique style, powerful voice and distinguished look, Yani Borrell "El Elegante" is considered one of the foremost exponents of modern day salsa and has shared the stage Andy Montañez, Cándido Fabré, Pupy y los que Son Son, and Los Van Van. Yani will be joined by the one of a kind Rojitas, known as the "the Golden voice."
Rojitas
Dubbed "the golden voice,” Cuban singer-songwriter Jorge Luis Rojas, AKA “Rojitas” served as vocalist for Adalberto Alvarez y Su Son before founding his own Rojitas Y Su Orquesta for which he composed more than 300 songs and recorded 20 albums.
May 20 Adis Rodriguez & Havana 1950s & Hilario duran
Powerhouse vocalist leads an all-star Cuban salsa ensemble, conducted by Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Hilario Duran, performing repertoire inspired by Havana’s golden era large format salsa orchestras.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre & Okokan Productions
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets: $30 plus HST in advance Dinner & show prix fixe available.
8 pm doors 9 pm show
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
May 21 Eliana Cuevas, Victoria Mata, Jorge Glem
Grammy-nominated cuatro virtuoso, celebrated as one of Venezuela's greatest musical treasures, teams up with Venezuelan-born, Toronto-based Latin jazz vocalist and composer.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre, Toronto Hispano & Sentir Venezuela
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets:$22 plus HST in advance / $30 at the door
7 pm doors 7:45 pm dance performance by Victoria Mata, 8 pm show, 10 pm presentation by Slavic Soul Party
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
Jorge Glem
Latin Grammy Award-winning and Grammy nominated cuatro player, mandolinist and musical producer, Jorge Glem is without a doubt one of Venezuela’s musical treasures.
Raised in Cumaná, Venezuela, Glem, who currently resides in the U.S., has set out with the clear and driven purpose of presenting the Venezuelan cuatro as a universal instrument.
Glem recently performed with acclaimed conductor, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic, as well as with celebrated multiple Grammy-winning, composer and pianist, Jon Batiste at Carnegie Hall in New York City. He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Jordan Rudess, Rubén Blades, Carlos Vives, Calle 13, Natalia Lafoucarde, Gaby Moreno, Guaco, Desorden Público, Ensamble Gurrufío, Gualberto Ibarreto, Sofia Rei and Etienne Charles, fusing his beloved traditional instrument with genres such as jazz, salsa, bluegrass, rock, and pop.
A founding member of the acclaimed ensemble C4 Trio, which won a Latin Grammy for their album Tiempo al Tiempo, with renowned salsa artist Luis Enrique, Glem is also a winner of the prestigious El Silbón de Oro and Siembra Del Cuatro awards and three Pepsi Music awards for his album En El Cerrito.
Eliana Cuevas
Through years of touring around the world, across Canada, and collaborating with Juno and Grammy Award-winning performers, Eliana Cuevas has grown into an accomplished singer-songwriter and bandleader with unlimited colours in her compositional and lyrical palette. Among her honours are the Canadian National Jazz Award for Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, two Toronto Independent Music Awards for Best World Music Artist, an Independent Music Award for Best Latin Album and a World Solo Artist of the Year Award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Eliana has released 6 albums of original music to this date: Cohesión (2001), Ventura (2004) Vidas (2007), Espejo (2013), Golpes y Flores (2017) and most recently El Curruchá (2021).
Victoria Mata
Venezuelan-Canadian Dancer, Choreographer and Director with a background in expressive arts therapy. Mata’s career was first sculpted by pedagogic, self-directed training, which proceeded with training under internationally renowned choreographers. As a settler in T’Koronto, Mata’s sensibility to inclusion and border stories are due to her eclectic upbringing across three continents before the age of fifteen. Mata’s contemporary genre/style is rooted in Afro-Indigenous Venezuelan genres, harness/aerial dance and installation dance. She received an MFA in Contemporary Choreography from York University and has been a beneficiary of the Metcalf Foundation as well as a finalist of the Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award.
May 21 Slavic Soul Party, Nizo Alimov
Fiery Balkan brass, throbbing funk grooves, Roma (Gypsy) accordion wizardry, and virtuoso jazz chops make Slavic Soul Party! NYC’s official #1 brass band for BalkanSoul GypsyFunk. With Macedonian Canadian trumpeter Nizo Alimov.
Presented by Lula Music & Arts Centre & BLOK
General Admission/ Standing Room Tickets:$22 plus HST in advance / $30 at the door
Join us before the show to enjoy Lula's tropical insprired menu. Tickets to this concert include attendance at our 8pm presentation of Jorge Glem with Eliana Cuavas.
7 pm doors 7:45 pm dance performance by Victoria Mata, 8 pm Jorge Glem with Eliana Cuavas, 10 pm Slavic Soul Party
Reserve your table and enjoy dinner & drinks from best seats in the house. Check out Lula'a Mexican-inspired menu then call 416 588 0307 or email reservations@lula.ca to reserve a table.
Slavic Soul Party
Fiery Balkan brass, irresistible beats, Roma (Gypsy) accordion wizardry, and virtuoso jazz chops make Slavic Soul Party! NYC’s official #1 brass band for BalkanSoul GypsyFunk. These nine musicians pump the sounds of New York life through a Balkan brass filter, making new music out of immigration, integration, and ingenuity. The band's Tuesday night residency in Brooklyn has become a destination for music fans from around the world, and is famous for "delivering a great time." (New York Times) In over a decade of touring North America, Europe, and beyond, SSP! has performed everywhere from Serbian schoolyards to prison courtyards, Turkish palaces to Russian baths, dive bars to Carnegie Hall, from Amsterdam to Zacatecas and Austria to Zimbabwe. For the band's Toronto debut they are joined by trumpeter Nizo Alimov, a Macedonian Roma brass master and pioneer: don't miss this hot new collaboration!
"One of our alltime favorite NYC bands" (National Geographic Music)
“Of all the NYC dance bands that draw on Eastern European music, Slavic Soul Party! is the coolest. Its members seem acutely aware of the common principle that unites the traditions they borrow from: Music ought to move you.” (TimeOut NY)
"Anytime musicians study traditions deeply, and then free themselves to follow their own whims, it's a beautiful thing. But when it comes to the brass band fusion of Slavic Soul Party! that's just the beginning. With razor-sharp precision, juggernaut force, and a healthy dose of playfulness, these guys start out in overdrive and never let up... Slavic Soul Party! offers a gutpunch to preconceptions about traditional music, world music, pop music, dance music, but I'll tell you, this is one gutpunch you'll enjoy." (Banning Eyre, NPR's All Things Considered)