Busta Rhymes Joins the Marley Family at Kaya Fest Toronto

Busta Rhymes is joining one of the summer’s biggest multigenerational celebrations of reggae, dancehall and hip-hop.

The veteran New York rapper has been added to Kaya Fest Toronto, scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at Markham Fairgrounds. He joins Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Shabba Ranks, Lila Iké, Jesse Royal and YG Marley.

The festival’s expanded programming also includes a Canadian All-Star Showcase featuring Jully Black, TOBi, Exco Levi and Kirk Diamond. A separate legacy performance will bring together Smoke DZA, Statik Selektah, Papoose, King Los and members of Flatbush Zombies, among others.

Produced by Stephen Marley’s Fruit of Life Productions with several music and cultural partners, the event marks Kaya Fest’s first Canadian edition and its first festival since before the pandemic.

Busta Rhymes is a natural addition to a lineup built around the connection between hip-hop and Caribbean music. His Jamaican heritage, rapid-fire delivery and highly theatrical performances have placed Caribbean influence near the center of his music throughout his career.

Kaya Fest was established around the principle “Education Before Recreation,” using live music to promote cultural awareness, unity and conscious living. Tickets and VIP passes are currently available through the festival’s official website.