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Planet GizaTony Stone, Rami B and DoomX make up the powerhouse hip-hop trio Planet Giza. The collective has been rapping, sampling and blazing its way through Quebec for years. Their latest album, a dreamy sequence of R&B storytelling called Ready When You Are, was longlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize.
Boy Wonder
Influenced by the soulful style of icons like J. Cole and Jay-Z, Calgary rapper Boy Wonder has released two EPs and numerous singles in just the first two years of his career. His work has been selected for Spotify editorial playlists and was nominated for a YYC Music Award. Start with “N64” from 2023 EP Ascension or recent single “Pen Practice” to get familiar.
Maky Lavender
Acclaimed bilingual rapper Maky Lavender returns to Sled Island in a way you’ve not seen him before — acoustic. This follows the release of ACOUSTIC in February, a collection of new versions of tracks from the rapper’s last three albums. With just Lavender’s voice, percussion and acoustic guitar by Ryan Nadin, Lavender recontextualizes his work in a way that will make you see a new side of him.
Tanajah
North Carolina rapper Tanajah began freestyling in middle school and even studied drums during university. These experiences helped inspire her to chase a rap career full time. Things are paying off — a chance connection with a Danish producer led to signing with record label Blikflak and appearances at festivals abroad. Her latest EP What If Dreams Came True? features positivity anthems (“V.I.B.E.”) alongside horned-up bangers (“Give It To Me”).
Banggz
Nigerian rapper Banggz channels life experiences into deeply relatable hip-hop infused with influences from his homeland. From exploring themes of seasonal depression to asserting self-preservation, his latest project ttyl showcases his willingness to tackle important issues with upbeat, danceable grooves and a lyrically purposeful approach.
DJ Gremlyn
Calgary's genre-bending Gremlyn defies expectations. A DJ/Producer/Songwriter, he pushes boundaries, blending sounds into a unique sonic identity. This "Genre-Chameleon" transcends electronic music, captivating audiences.
Tea Fannie & The Collective
Chameleonic rapper Tea Fannie returns to Sled Island after a stand-out performance opening for Princess Nokia at The Palace Theatre in 2022 and making an appearance with K-Riz at the festival last year. Her style — that runs from trap to soul to ‘00s styles to Caribbean vibes — has made her a star on the rise. Start with the track “Okay,” which was featured in a documentary from Telus OPTIK.
About Sled Island:
Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy, film and art with over 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information, visit SledIsland.com.
Upon entering a festival venue, the passholder agrees to being photographed, filmed or recorded in that venue, and agrees to the publication, reproduction, distribution and broadcast of all photographs, video or other recordings of the passholder's voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity, advertisement or other publication carried-out by, or on behalf of, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever, including print, broadcast or internet.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island's safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.
Sled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Commonwealth Bar & Stage, 731 10 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Tickets