DJ Hotcue is a DJ / Producer from Weymouth, Nova Scotia who, in a few short years, has grown his career from humble beginnings in a small rural Nova Scotian town to DJing at major events and opening for renowned hip-hop artists.

DJ Hotcue developed a love for DJing in high school when he was a part of an eight-week DJ course called Rhythm that was taught by Gerald Wheatley and Craig Muise. From there, he gained some of his first performance opportunities at high school dances.

He made his official debut at a wedding & later a Family Reunion. In recent years, DJ Hotcue performed at events such as NBA Canada Tours: Campus Pass, All-Star Skills Challenge,  NBA Nation Tour  NSMW 2022 & 2023 and has opened for acts like Ice Cube, DJ Yella of NWA, Fetty Wap, Sean Kingston, Ace Hood, Joyner Lucas & many more.

He’s also started producing and releasing music since the pandemic.

Check him out @djhotcue

For over a dozen years, Caitlyn Hamblin turned a passion for supporting others into a dynamic career.

This journey led to the launch of Cait Collabs, a project dedicated to fostering collaboration.

Evolving further, she founded Cait Creative, where she now thrives as a Creative Consultant, supporting clients with their online presence and marketing goals.

Find out more @cait_collabs

Anna is a 25-year-old adventurer who found herself in Halifax back in 2018 to explore something new, something different, and unknown.

These last 6 years have been a rollercoaster of challenges and self-discovery.

In January 2024 after years of wandering and trying to find her place, she travelled back home to Moscow, feeling drained and exhausted from life in Halifax. Being away from home for over 3 years took its toll, and she was desperate for peace and healing. That’s when her Mom stepped in; first by sending her to a retreat and secondly by believing in her to lead/guide AUM practice in Halifax.

Now, about AUM practice itself.

It’s an incredible release. It’s like a washing machine for your soul, a beautiful spring cleansing. It’s about releasing all the baggage you’ve been carrying inside, the stuff that’s been weighing you down for months, weeks, years. The screaming part? Well, you can be angry, mad, scream, shout, cry, laugh, love, hug, dance like crazy – it’s all about being your true self.

AUM practice, while recognized in Europe, remains relatively unknown in Halifax and across Canada. Recognizing its transformative power and the importance of emotional release, Anna felt compelled to introduce the practice in Halifax. She truly believes that if this practice has helped her, it can undoubtedly benefit others as well.

It’s time for Halifax to experience the deep serenity and empowerment that AUM practice offers firsthand.

Learn more @aumhalifax

Kayo describes his sound as ‘Future meets Fugees’ – A lush blend of hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats mixed with a raspy delivery, unique cadence, catchy melodies and a certain vibration that could only stem from his island upbringing.

He is the 2023 ANSMA Artist of the Year, 2023 Music Nova Scotia Music Awards, DJ of the Year, and was also recently awarded the 2023 R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for his album, TRIP.

He has toured with the likes of Classified, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 Kes the Band, Teddyson John & Jimmy October and has worked with heavyweights like Kardinal Offishall, JRDN & Quake Matthews.

Check him out @kayomusic_

As a producer, composer, and mentor, Stak wears different hats in the music Industry.

He co-founded Million Vibes with aRENYe to unite diverse communities through music. He guides three artists in music composition and activities, fostering talent and artistic growth.

Through Million Vibes and its SNAXX platform, Stak is creating a comprehensive hub for underground artists to thrive, positively impacting the growing music scene in Canada, especially on the East Coast, and expanding into a broader platform for artistic expression and community building.

Stak’s mission is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where creativity, collaboration, and community come together to shape the future of music and entertainment

Check him out @stak_01

Coming up in the Open Mic & Karaoke Community, Deves Matwawana has a strong love for pop music which shines through with his catchy hooks and his deceptively heartfelt lyrics. A Dartmouth Native and self-professed comic book geek, he’s the lead singer of the ANSMA Award Nominated, Halifax pop-rock band, CASUAL CRIES FOR HELP.

Deves wants to use his platform to show a different side of black masculinity and black mental health through his art and the way he carries himself.

Described as a mix between Michael Jackson and BareNaked Ladies, Casual Cries For HELP is a fun and vibrant pop-rock band with songs about anxiety, toxic relationships, intruding thoughts and nostalgia.

Check him out @devesinprogress

Dwayne Marcial, a dynamic serial entrepreneur, thrives at the intersection of business and the arts.

As an accomplished artist manager in the Canadian music industry, he navigates the complexities of the entertainment world with finesse. Dwayne’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to be a founder of a groundbreaking music streaming app, revolutionizing the way audiences engage with indie music artists. Beyond his commercial ventures, Dwayne is dedicated to fostering a global appreciation for Canadian music.

As the owner of a nonprofit organization, he champions initiatives that export the rich diversity of Canadian musical talent on the world stage. He is a respected client of the Trade Commission of Canada. Dwayne’s influence reaches international heights, having actively participated in numerous export missions with Heritage Canada and working with music festivals in Singapore, Australia, and France, a testament to his invaluable contributions to both the artistic and economic landscapes.

Find out more @realdjslim