Canada’s first R&B festival continued its inaugural celebrations on August 31st, delivering another day of great performances and surpassing the previous day’s turnout. Students from the Niagara Falls area showed up in full support, enjoying one last summer event before school started and brought fresh energy to Montebello Park.
The day got off to a delayed start, and mic issues persisted more than on Day 1. Despite these challenges, the audience remained engaged, cheering and dancing along with each act, even as performances were slightly rushed due to tighter time constraints.
Opening the day were Binta, eb3n, and FRVR Friday—all Canadian R&B artists showcasing different facets of the genre. Binta delivered soulful, early-2000s-inspired R&B music, reminiscent of female artists who used music as an outlet for love-life reflections. Her smooth vocals and warm engagement with the audience created an immediate connection.
eb3n’s set leaned toward alternative R&B, similar to Avenoir’s style from Day 1, with live band support that added depth to the performance. This isn’t surprising, considering both artists are part of the self-founded Canadian creative collective, TRNSPRNT, which is cultivating a roster of homegrown R&B talent. Out of all the acts from the weekend, I found FRVR Friday’s to be the most influenced by the rap genre, with his set having strong hip-hop influences. Even with repeated technical difficulties, he recovered each time and delivered an energetic performance.
Between the opening and headliner acts, DJ Baby Vaye kept the crowd dancing while Kiana Ledé prepared to take the stage. Kiana Ledé put a lot of thought into her performance; I even saw a video she posted on Instagram demonstrating the work she’s putting in, and it paid off. Her set was visually creative and dynamic, with such an effortless stage presence that made it feel like the stage was her home and she belonged there. She knew how to alter through the different personas of her performance, transitioning smoothly from rockstar poses to intimate moments, while connecting authentically with her fans and showcasing her impressive vocal range.
Closing out the night was Mariah the Scientist, arguably the most anticipated performer of the weekend. Montebello park was now seeing its largest population of the weekend turnout, the excited crowd chanting her name until she came on. From the way she humbly came onto the stage with no introduction, I knew we were about to get a special performance from a kind artist.
It’s rare to see an artist interact with the audience as much as Mariah the Scientist did. Her humility and audience engagement set her apart; she often paused her performance to interact directly with fans; responding to gestures, gifts, and photo requests. Her simple yet powerful set was elevated by her warmth, personality, and strong catalogue of music, creating a uniquely personal experience for everyone in attendance.
Overall, the SomeKinda R&B festival felt like a backyard-style festival: intimate, inclusive, and the kind of festival you can bring kids or grandparents to, and everyone will have a great time. Despite the technical issues and delays, the festival successfully highlighted both local talent and heavy-hitting headliners, proving that R&B has a strong and growing home in Canada. Here’s to hoping this festival becomes a Canadian staple we’ll continue to see more of in the future.
Kiana Ledé
Mariah the Scientist