TORONTO — Kaya Fest, the global music and cultural festival founded by nine-time Grammy Award winner Stephen Marley, is set to make a major Canadian appearance this summer, bringing together generations of reggae artists, musicians and cultural voices for an all-ages celebration of music, unity and community.
The highly anticipated Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 will take place Saturday, August 22, at Markham Fairgrounds, marking a significant moment for the festival as it expands its message of music, culture and conscious living to Canadian audiences.
Founded by Stephen Marley, singer, songwriter, producer and son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Kaya Fest is guided by the principle “Education Before Recreation.” The festival combines live music with cultural awareness and community engagement, emphasizing themes of peace, unity, family and conscious living.
At the heart of this year’s Toronto edition is the Marley family. The lineup features Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley and Julian Marley, alongside reggae and dancehall icon Shabba Ranks and a broad roster of established and emerging performers.
The Toronto lineup further includes internationally renown rapper Busta Rhymes, acclaimed Jamaican artists Lila Iké and Jesse Royal, as well as King Cruff, CuhDeeJah, KC Clarke and other performers and DJs.
Additional artists scheduled to appear include Nina Sky, Jully Black, Kirk Diamond, Exco Levi and Tobi, with Rory of Stone Love, Jazzy T of Renaissance Sound and DJ Mad Out also joining the festival lineup. Spexdaboss will serve as co-host.
Kaya Fest has previously featured major international acts including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, Pitbull, Sean Paul, Chronixx and Wyclef Jean, establishing the festival as a platform that brings together internationally recognized artists with emerging voices.
Beyond its musical programming, Kaya Fest has positioned itself as a multigenerational cultural gathering rooted in the Marley family’s enduring message of “One Love.” The festival aims to create an environment where audiences can connect through music while engaging with broader themes of community, culture and social awareness.
The event is produced by Stephen Marley’s Fruit of Life Productions and presented by Wynn Records and Scorpion Music Group, in collaboration with Summer of Sound Festivals Inc., JoeBoy Entertainment, Silverback Music and Ghetto Youths Foundation.
With a lineup spanning reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, R&B and contemporary Jamaican music, Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 is poised to bring the Marley family’s musical legacy together with a new generation of artists and audiences for a full day centered on music, culture and unity.