Xolisa

Re-introducing the conventions of Hip Hop, as if her drive is to explain that we have to remember them - Toronto based emcee and producer, Xolisa, pronounced “Koh-Lee-Sah”, has been creating music for the last 4 years- sharing with the rest of the world her approach to the fundamentals of Hip Hop. With an essence reminiscent of nostalgic Hip Hop icons: A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and Nas, Xolisa executes a sound that is technical, yet fluid; Boom Bap, yet futuristic; Abstract, yet all the while familiar. Kicking off summer 2016 with the release of her debut, full-length, self-produced album, “And Gaps Do Lead To Bridges” (June 1, 2016), The Trinidadian-Canadian is currently embarking on her first international tour, hitting stages within Canada, Australia and the U.S.A as she delivers a jolting message on civil rights and her faith in humanity- moving the masses one city at a time! Though on her first tour, Xolisa is no stranger to the stage or to recognition for her music over the past 4 years. Her accolades include: Two self-produced EP's under her belt: "A Beautiful Mind" (December 2013) and her latest release, "Rhyme Until My Spirit Needs No Words To Fly" (November 2014); recognition and music rotation from some of the most notable and influential campus, online and commercial radio DJ’s of Canada, Europe and America - including Toronto's very own, DJ Mel Boogie who has titled Xolisa as, "One to Watch in the City"; A win in the last G98.7FM “Great Canadian Sound Clash” radio segment of 2015 on the, “100%CDN” show; A 2015 Black Canadian Awards nomination; A “Rising Artist” profile recognition and feature from Canada’s leading urban culture publication – Urbanology Magazine; A performance slot in Toronto’s 9th annual leading Hip Hop and community festival – MANIFESTO; A growing list of international acts which Xolisa has opened up for including, Young Paris (Congo/New York), Denitia and Scene (Brooklyn) and Nitty Scott MC (New York), Melanie Durrant and Frankie Payne (Toronto); A proud alumni recognition from Canada's Music Incubator Artist Entrepreneur Program - not to mention a growing list of venues the emcee has dominated across the city including The Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Yonge- Dundas Square, Lee's Palace, Revival and The Harbourfront Centre – West Jet Stage. Xolisa is steadily building a distinct foundation through her sound and lyrical ability, one that is becoming all the more recognized and celebrated by her following as she continues to unapologetically spread her messages of self love & evolution, political awareness and spirituality. XOLISA [Pronounced "Koh-Lee-Sah"] Emcee | Producer | Songwriter