OUR MISSION
DREAM IT
At AfroWaveTO, we encourage artists to dream without limits. Every creative journey begins with a vision, and we strive to foster an environment where these dreams can be nurtured. Our platform serves as a space for African, Caribbean, and Afro-Latinx artists to imagine new possibilities, break boundaries, and pursue their artistic aspirations with boldness and confidence. Dreaming is the first step toward creating a better future, and we are here to inspire and support that journey.
BUILD IT
Dreams need a foundation, and at AfroWaveTO, we provide artists with the tools and resources they need to build a sustainable path to success. From workshops on industry insights to performance showcases, we help creatives turn their visions into reality. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every artist, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop their craft, grow their audience, and thrive in the competitive world of music and arts. Building strong connections and skills is at the heart of what we do.
GROW IT
Growth is the culmination of dreams and hard work, and AfroWaveTO is dedicated to helping artists realize their full potential. Through mentorship, performance opportunities, and community support, we create spaces where creativity can flourish. We believe in fostering long-term artistic development, helping individuals and communities grow both culturally and professionally. Together, we are creating a future where diverse voices lead the global cultural landscape.
MEET THE TEAM
PASSION FOR MUSIC IS OUR MOTIVATION GROWING IS OUR GOAL
Executive director.
Angelo R.
Angelo is an arts administrator, and strategic operations professional with over eight years of experience supporting complex organizations across the cultural, public, and technology sectors. As Executive Director of AFROWAVETO, Angelo is dedicated to advancing African, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, and Black artists through culturally rooted programming, capacity-building, and community-driven platforms.
Alongside his nonprofit leadership, Angelo brings deep expertise in organizational strategy, governance, budgeting, and large-scale event production, having partnered closely with senior executives and boards in high-growth and public institutions. His work bridges creative vision with operational rigor, ensuring sustainable impact, accountability, and meaningful access to the arts. Addtionally as a creative has been featured in media outlets like Billboard, Complex, and CBC.
Event manager
ALLISTON D.
Hailing from Ajax, ON, Alliston Davis is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, event manager, and creator whose artistry and passion have cemented his place in Canada’s music and cultural scenes. Embodying perseverance and creativity, Alliston embarked on his professional music career in 2017 and has since become a compelling force, blending his diverse talents to inspire audiences and elevate community spaces.
Beyond music, Alliston is a driving force in event production and cultural advocacy. With years of experience as an Event Manager and Producer, Alliston has successfully delivered a wide array of impactful events, managing budgets ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 and coordinating attendance from intimate gatherings of 150 to large-scale events hosting over 2,500 people. He has spearheaded programming for AFROWAVETO and R.I.S.E Edutainment, producing meaningful initiatives and multi-month workshops that amplify marginalized voices. His expertise extends to full-cycle event management, including venue procurement, contract negotiation, logistics, resource allocation, and audience engagement strategies. Alliston’s events prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, incorporating ASL interpretation, accessible seating, and wheelchair-friendly venues, ensuring that all participants feel valued and represented.
PRESS
 “Take a look at the lineup for Toronto’s new Black music festival. Toronto R&B artist Omega Mighty talks about the AfroWaveTO festival and performs one of her hit songs.” |  “Now, that showcase has become AFROWAVETO – a movement that will be displayed on a festival stage this summer in the 6ix. On August 3rd, 2022, artists like Stalk Ashley, Projexx, Zenesoul, DOLOTHEGIFTED, Dynesti will join headliner Sean Paul in shutting down the stage.” |  “AfroWaveTO will host an inaugural festival with performances from 20 local rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall and reggaeton artists.” |
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 “This year’s three-part concert series, which carries three distinct sub themes (Celestial, Supernatural, Invisible) features a total of 24 buzzworthy Toronto acts who will be participating in this year’s festival. The first showcase concert takes place on January 27th” |  “Canada's newest Black music festival, Afrowaveto launches this weekend, promising an inclusive music experience. We sat down with Lexxicon, a Jamaican-Canadian artist and the founder and executive director of the Afrowaveto music organization.” |  “Alive with afrowave vibe in Toronto, where it may be snowy and wet out, but the temperature was on the rise inside The Baby G. With MC introductions from Lexxicon, Afrowave showcased support for upcoming Dancehall, Afrobeat, Reggaeton, Soca, and Reggae artists in Toronto.” |
 “Dream It. Build It. Grow It.” This is the slogan for Toronto’s newest music organization and FREE festival, founded in 2019 and spearheaded by Jamaican-Canadian artist, Lexxicon.” |  “Afrowave Toronto , an organization that wants to give visibility to musicians from the Queen City who cannot afford to be heard, particularly Afro-Caribbean and Latino musicians, is organizing its first online festival.” |  “Streaming on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., The Supernatural Showcase has a stacked all-women lineup, featuring the talents of Omega Mighty, Chelsea Stewart, Dynesti, Chizzy Bashment, Alicia Cinnamon, Benita, Imah, and Fridaee. The show boasts up-and-coming stars with diverse musical backgrounds.” |
 “Between AFROWAVETO’s buzzworthy music festival productions, year-round concert series presentations, and virtual music business workshop series, the fast-rising music organization and collective is here to intentionally champion a more diverse and inclusive Black/urban music scene in Toronto, while bridging the gap between more obvious Black music forms (rap, R&B) and less recognized genres (Afrobeats, dancehall).” |  AFROWAVE TORONTO TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND APRIL 24th 2021 |  “KiSS 92.5 is excited to announce AFROWAVETO Presents: Sean Paul at HISTORY on August 3rd, 2022.” |
 “Toronto’s newest Black music festival returns for a second year with a series of virtual showcases boasting some of the city’s best up-and-coming artists. Streaming live on YouTube, AFROWAVETO gives a much-needed platform to the city’s African, Caribbean, Indigenous Black Canadian and Afro-Latinx musicians and features rap, R&B, Afrobeats and dancehall genres” |  “AFROWAVETO is a new black music festival that features some of Toronto's finest rap, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggaeton artists. It debuts online April 24.” |  “Pre-recorded on March 24 (before Ontario cancelled virtual livestreams), the show will be headlined by reggae artist Exco Levi and dancehall singer/songwriter/Kirk Diamond. The lineup also includes Toronto singer Desiire, R&B/soul singer/songwriter LeiLa Dey and Afro-fusion artist Shopé, who won CBC’s new talent competition Searchlight in 2019.” |
 “While Toronto has a large population of emerging and successful African, Caribbean, Indigenous Black Canadian and Afro Latinx musicians, this is not reflected in the local music festivals, showcases, panels, or songwriting sessions held within the city.” |  “It’ time to get busy. When it comes to creating opportunities for Toronto’s most diverse talents, AFROWAVETO is building infrastructure in the music scene like no other entity. After producing a series of online showcases, launching a music blog, and releasing a collective album –– AFROWAVETO is now gearing up to host is first ever in-person Black music festival on Wednesday, August 3rd.” |  “He recently performed on the first ever AFROWAVETO Festival in Toronto, with the likes of Sean Paul, Dynesti, Zenesoul and Stalk Ashley, and now has many ideas whirling around his mind that he wants to turn into action to spread his roots globally.” |
 “The AFROWAVETO Black Music Festival launches its inaugural April 24 online event lineup and there are a handful of great LGBTQ+ players involved this year.” |  “The first virtual concert “the Celestial showcase” will be held on January 27th via stream on AFROWAVETO’s official YouTube page. Headliners for the first showcase will include: TRP.P, Tafari Anthony, IAMREBELWILL, Markus Aurelyus, Cerena, Charmie, Renee, Unlisted Negros.” |  “AFROWAVETO, Toronto's celebrated presenter and incubator of multi-genre Black musicians, has announced the lineup for its 2023 Winterwave concert showcase.” |
