🎤 Emcees at Next Fest
At 13, Daniel Faraldo, professionally known as Dan-e-o, won a rap-off on Toronto’s “Electric Circus” show. His first single, Dear Hip Hop, launched his career as a Canadian hip-hop legend. His fifth solo album, The Day It All Changed, explores his journey into fatherhood.

Patrick de Belen is a Filipino-Canadian storyteller, arts educator, spoken word poet, writer, and filmmaker. He has collaborated with the Toronto Raptors, the NFL, and CBC, won national poetry slam titles, and mentors youth across schools, libraries, and community spaces.

Together, Dan-e-o and Patrick bring decades of experience, storytelling, and stage energy as emcees, guiding Next Fest with charisma and passion.

Catch @daneo1010 & @patrick_debelen live at Next Fest

Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

• 🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

• ⏰ 1–4 PM

• 📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

Welcome to Next Fest 2026! We’re proud to celebrate the creativity, talent, and voices of youth from across Scarborough and beyond. This is your stage to shine.

1:15-1:30PM

🎹 Performing at Next Fest
Blending pop, disco, and soul, J3M is a singer-songwriter, producer, and JUNO/Polaris-nominated pianist known for electrifying live performances and bold queer artistry.

Catch @j3msings live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1:15-1:30PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

1:30-1:40PM

🎶 Performing at Next Fest
Saraphina Knights is an emerging vocalist and bandleader blending neo-soul with jazz improvisation. Her intimate performances focus on storytelling, groove, and expressive arrangements where voice and instruments move together.

Catch @SaraphinaKnights live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1:30-1:40PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

1:40-1:55PM

🩰 Performers & Workshop Facilitators
UNITY Charity harnesses the transformative power of hip-hop and community. Through performance and education, Niyi, Honey, and Ceci empower youth to build confidence, connection, and creative expression. Their Next Fest set includes both live performance and an interactive on-stage dance workshop.

Catch UNITY live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1:40-1:55PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1–4 PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

2:05-2:15PM

🎸 Performing at Next Fest
The Sedges are a Scarborough-based indie-rock group formed in 2023 by longtime friends driven by a shared love of live music. Their sound blends indie foundations with pop and hard rock, topped with soulful vocals. From high school gigs to respected Toronto venues, including a recent appearance at TIFF’s School of Rock showcase, The Sedges continue to build momentum through live performance and promising releases.

Catch @thesedges live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 2:05-2:15PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

2:15-2:20PM

🎤 Performing at Next Fest

Jaisy is a Tamil-Canadian artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer from Scarborough creating dreamy alt-pop and R&B. In just five years, she has completed 15+ live shows, some drawing crowds of over 100 fans. Her sound pairs angelic high notes with a deep, soulful chest voice layered over spacey synths, electric guitars, and heavy-hitting bass and drums — music made for deep feelers and daydreamers.

Catch @Jaisydaisyy live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 2:15-2:20PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

2:20-2:30PM

🎤 Performing at Next Fest
PressureMadeManu is a rising Toronto-based hip-hop artist blending melodic rap with sharp lyricism and emotional depth. Known for raw storytelling and dynamic flows, his work includes the Poetry In Motion EP and singles like Mordecai and Brother’s Keeper. His music bridges traditional rap grit with melodic hooks, carving out a unique voice in the underground scene and connecting deeply with listeners.

Catch @PressureMadeManu live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 2:20-2:30PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1–4 PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

2:40-2:55PM

✨ Performing at Next Fest
Genre-fluid and unapologetic, Wild Black blends pop, rock, and dance into a dreamy alternative sound. Their performances are immersive, bold, and built to move the room.

Catch @wildblackmusic live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 2:40-2:55PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

2:55-3:00PM

💃 Performing at Next Fest

Victorian Hart (@viictoriaan) is an award-winning dancer, choreographer, director, and educator based in Scarborough. With a background in theatre and a BA in Theatre, she brings powerful storytelling, technical excellence, and emotional depth to every project. Through movement and mentorship, Victorian is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of creatives and strengthening Toronto’s artistic community.

Ace (@acexadrianna) is a Toronto-based dancer, choreographer, and creative with over 20 years of training. She is the director of the award-winning I.E. Crew and has performed on major stages including World of Dance New York. Passionate about joy, empowerment, and representation, Ace uses dance as a platform to inspire young Black creatives. Her credits include Drake, Yung Brudda, Guinness, and more.

✨ Catch them live at Next Fest

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 2:55-3:00PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextFest #NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

3:00-3:10PM

🎤 Performing at Next Fest
Mobi is a boundary-pushing hip-hop artist known for sharp lyricism and raw energy. Drawing from his experience as a Bangladeshi immigrant raised in Toronto, his music delivers powerful, perspective-driven storytelling.

Catch @MobiMawla live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 3:00-3:10PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

3:10-3:20PM

🎤 Performing at Next Fest
JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter and dancer Carina brings powerhouse vocals, bold visuals, and high-energy performances to the stage. Known for her iconic pink looks and genre-blending sound, she creates spaces where confidence, self-expression, and joy take centre stage.

Catch @CarinaMusic live at Next Fest! Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 3:10-3:20PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

3:20-3:30PM

✨ Performing at Next Fest ✨

Next Fest is proud to spotlight powerful youth performers using poetry, music, and storytelling to share their voices and lived experiences with the community.

✍️ J4yc33 (@Jaydc00) — a queer artist whose romantic poetry explores love, vulnerability, and growth. Through NGA poetry workshops, they’ve developed a confident voice rooted in honesty and care.
📝 Ilana McCullough (@ilanamcculloughpoetry) — a Scarborough-born poet whose work reflects self-discovery, nature, and personal growth, shaped through community programs and open mics across the city.
🎤 Tamoya (@flavagyal) — a multidisciplinary artist blending music, visual art, and storytelling, with multiple singles out and an EP on the way.

Catch them live and experience an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 3:20-3:30PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

🎧 In-House DJ | Performing at Next Fest
Toronto-based DJ and producer INTROSPKT blends R&B, electronic, dancehall, edits, and nostalgic throwbacks, keeping the energy high and the crowd connected.

Catch @introspkt live at Next Fest
Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 1–4 PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

3:40-3:55PM

🎶 Performing at Next Fest
Dynesti brings raw honesty through neo-soul, conscious hip-hop, and fearless storytelling. DJ CHANL MARSHL delivers genre-spanning sets rooted in afro, dancehall, house, and hip-hop. Together they create powerful, inclusive energy.

Catch @dynesti & @CHANLMARSHL live at Next Fest. Join us for an afternoon of art, performances, and connection led by youth and made for the community.

🗓 Monday, February 16, 2026

⏰ 3:40-3:55PM

📍 L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.
#NextGenerationArts @NextFest2026

Thank you for joining us at Next Fest 2026. Today we’ve celebrated community, creativity, and the next generation of artists.