"Founded in 2007, the award-winning Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture is one of Canada’s biggest celebrations of hip-hop culture and beyond – a multi-disciplinary, world-class festival with a positive social and economic impact. But we’re more than just a festival. Manifesto is a non-profit, youth-powered platform designed to put local artists on the map and unite, inspire and empower diverse communities of young people through arts and culture, year-round. Our programs aim to cultivate multi-disciplinary artistic and professional development for young people and artists across mediums. Building careers, fostering community connections and fuelling civic pride – all while contributing to the vitality of the city we love." - Manifesto

Last weekend, I packed my bags and headed to Toronto for the first time for a music festival that I was really excited for. I landed Thursday evening and went straight to the Big Lean show. The place was already starting to fill up when I got there and the DJ had the place grooving. I didn't bring my camera in so I don't have any pictures from that night but I really did enjoy the show. It was a great start to a long, fun weekend. After the show, my friend and I went down the street for a few drinks at his friend's restaurant to end the night. Saturday, I spent most of the day walking around Toronto sight-seeing. I stopped by a few local clothing stores and walked down an alleyway with a ton of graffiti. That afternoon, I went over to a discussion with BJ The Chicago Kid and Andrew Barber (creator/owner of Fake Shore Drive). This was one of the highlights of the festival for me. It was a very honest conversation about being an artist, entrepreneur, and finding your lane. Both BJ and Andrew dropped countless gems. I left inspired, with a new sense of motivation. Later that night, Red Bull Sound Select put on a show with Manifesto which featured BJ The Chicago Kid, Adria Kain, and Allie Moves. All three acts brought something special to the stage but Adria Kain stole the show. She hit the stage shortly after I got there and was blown away after the first song. Her vibe was contagious. By the third song, the entire venue was engaged in her performance. She had plenty of backup on stage too. Adria had a handful of backup singers, violin players, and other instrumentalists. Allie Moves was up next and her production was top notch. Her performance had more of a chill vibe which I enjoyed. She set the perfect tone for BJ The Chicago Kid who came out and put on a phenomenal performance. I didn't know that he played the drums and other instruments live during his performance so that was dope to see. You could see the passion pouring out of his face from the second he stepped on stage until his very last note. He deserves all the success he has achieved so far plus more.

Video by Manifesto www.mnfsto.com

Saturday brought more inspiration in the same format. I went to SoHo House for a panel hosted by Erika Elliott who has done so many great things in the music industry from helping Kayne get his first show in New York City to helping launch Jon Legend's career. She now works at Summer Stage helping book bands and artists from all over the world. She proved that positivity and hard work does, in fact, pay off. Later that night I went to the biggest night of the festival. Manifesto booked Anderson Paak, Kaytranada, and so many other great acts to perform at Echo Beach in front of 6,000+ fans. This was another highlight for me. I didn't get to bring my camera because it was raining earlier in the day so I didn't want to chance it. Both Anderson Paak and Kaytranada put on incredible performances. They had the entire crowd jumping up and down while screaming the lyrics. Good vibes were everywhere. After the show, I stopped by the afterparty hosted by High Power. This was one of the craziest parties I have been to in a while. There were multiple DJs playing everything from NY Hip-Hop to Soca to Dancehall. Everyone was dancing and having a good time until the venue hit closing time. I woke up on Sunday a bit sore and tired but it was well worth it. The last day of the festival, Manifesto hosted a free block party in Toronto's "Time Square". The day started off with a bunch of DJs playing all genres of music including Afrobeat, Soca, Hip-Hop, Pop, and more. At one point, a circle formed in the crowd and strangers starting dancing. That was super cool to see. Later on, a few dance crews were featured on the main stage with impressive performances. The headlining DJ group, A Tribe Called Red closed the festival properly with a high energy, passionate performance.

It's been a week since Manifesto happened and I am still inspired. Expect to see me there next year.

All photos by Matt O Instagram.com/BoardinOgilvie