TD JazzFest 2026, Funk n Soul in the Township, Bullen Park, (Saturday)

JUNO Award-winning singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer WESLI has become one of Haiti’s most inspiring musical ambassadors. Now based in Montreal, he blends traditional Haitian rhythms with world music, afrobeat, hip-hop, soul, rara, and roots music. Recognized with both a JUNO Award for Rapadou Kreyol (2019) and a Félix Award for world music recording, WESLI returns after last appearing in Victoria in 2025 on tour for his JUNO-nominated album Tradisyon, this time bringing his brand new album Makaya to Bullen Park. He is joined by Cindy Belotte on vocals, David Mobio on keyboards, Watson Joseph on bass, Michel Medrano Brindis on drums, and André Désilets and Kokou Damawou on saxophone, trumpet, and percussion.

From Agadez, Niger, Etran de L’Aïr, meaning “stars of the Aïr,” the mountainous region of Northern Niger, welcomes listeners into the world of Saharan rock and desert blues. Known for hypnotic guitar solos, radiant melodies, and deeply danceable rhythms, the group represents the distinct sound of Agadez guitar music. Rather than leaning on Western rock influences, Etran de L’Aïr draws from a broad pan-African musical tradition, shaped by Northern Malian blues, Hausa bar bands, and Congolese soukous. Their music carries both celebration and message, capturing the vibrant spirit of their hometown through a sound made for dancing. The band features Moussa “Abindi” Ibra on guitar and vocals, Abdourahamane “Allamine” Ibrahim on guitar and vocals, Abdoulaye “Illa” Ibrahim on bass, and Alghabid Ghabdouan on drums.

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