Busta Rhymes Joins Star-Studded Inaugural Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 Lineup

The hip-hop legend joins Stephen Marley's curated lineup alongside Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Shabba Ranks, Lila Iké, Jesse Royal, YG Marley, and more for Kaya Fest's inaugural Canadian edition on August 22

Hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes joins reggae and dancehall royalty (Photo: Alicia Reid)

Kaya Fest, one of the world's premier reggae festivals, is set to make its Canadian debut on Saturday, August 22, bringing its internationally acclaimed celebration of music and culture to the Markham Fairgrounds for the first time.

Following the announcement of its powerhouse inaugural Toronto lineup, Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 has unveiled another wave of major additions. Multi-platinum hip-hop icon Busta Rhymes joins an already star-studded bill featuring Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Shabba Ranks, Lila Iké, Jesse Royal, YG Marley, and many more, making the festival one of Canada's biggest celebrations of reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, and Caribbean culture.

Curated by Stephen Marley's Fruit of Life Productions in collaboration with Wynn Records, Scorpion Media Group, Summer of Sound Festivals Inc., Silverback Music, and the Ghetto Youths Foundation, Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 marks both the festival's long-awaited return following the pandemic and its first-ever staging in Canada. The one-day event promises a vibrant celebration of music, culture, unity, conscious living, and cannabis lifestyle.

The festival has also announced a Canadian All-Star Showcase, featuring Canada's Queen of R&B Jully Black, JUNO Award-winning reggae stars Exco Levi and Kirk Diamond, alongside internationally acclaimed Toronto artist TOBi. The lineup is further strengthened by Rory of Stonelove, KC Clarke, Jazzy T of Renaissance Sound, and DJ Shacia Päyne's Constance Bubble Stage, which will feature performances from Nina Sky and DJ Mad Out.

Founded by nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Stephen Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Kaya Fest takes its name from Bob Marley's iconic 1978 album Kaya. The festival is built around the guiding principle of "Education Before Recreation," using music as a platform to promote unity, awareness, and positive social impact.

After successful editions in Florida, including sold-out festivals in 2017, an expanded two-day event in 2018, and another star-studded staging in 2019, Kaya Fest Toronto 2026 marks a landmark moment, bringing the globally recognized festival to Canadian soil for the very first time.