Lately, I’ve been on the prowl for new talent coming from Toronto so it was a no brainer for me to attend UPN6XT’s Set It Off all-female showcase.
After a few sips of my first drink, the show was ready to start. I was shocked at how many female artists they were able to get on the same bill and knew I was in for some special performances.
The show – headlined by Nanna Goodie with supporting acts C Blanca, Jazzy Monika, TMoulla and Wandaa Dinero, to name a few – took place at the Smiling Buddha on College St. in Toronto.
Each of the performers was given a chance to showcase their music and connect with people in attendance. I was especially intrigued by a young Toronto artist by the name of Joéllen, who’s voice left me with goosebumps. I also go to turn up to the sounds of Stouteesha tearing down the stage performing her single, “Bod Gyal.”
Both artists took the time to chop it up with me about their come up, and being involved with the Set It Off showcase.
Q&A: Stouteesha
I got to chop it up with Jungle’s own Stouteesha AKA err-goddess who was also on the female packed roster at Set It Off. Stouteesha’s stage presence drew you right into her performance with hard bars and heavy Jamaican patois, making it easy to believe she’s a real “Bod Gyal.”
HipHopCanada: How did we get from 6ixBuzz to you doing shows?
Stouteesha: Well, my viral video of the Nikki 9 Ting… that was getting reposted everywhere. Then 6ixBuzz decided to post it too and when that happen… then this guy made a track about the situation and I decided to answer back.
When I did that, IG started going crazy and 6ixBuzz had to post that again too. That’s when the fans were like, “Yeo she can actually spit!” Then this guy did a next track and everyone’s like “Answer back again,” so I went to the studio and did the “Bod Gyal” track.
When I dropped that, I changed the whole game Cutty… Everyone started hopping on and doing any and everything to get on 6ixBuzz. All types of people started hitting me up. UK… States… JA… then 6ixList wanted an interview. When I did that, 6ixBuzz posted it again.
So my story and song was getting ongoing reposts on so many big accounts. Then 6ixBuzz just started hating, (Laughs) he didn’t wanna post my music but any funny meme to do with me he was posting… but the fans are still locked and rooting for me.
Follow @Stouteesha on Instagram.
Q&A: Joéllen
HipHopCanada: How did you get involved with the Set It Off showcase?
Joéllen: I actually met Crook, the organizer, at a listening party for Blacka Da Don’s album. We were both alone just chilling, then struck up a conversation. We grabbed each others socials and once the event came around he thought I would be a good fit.
HipHopCanada: You performed a song called “Should Be.” The lyrics are deep and personal. What’s the story behind that record?
Joéllen: “Should Be” was about several different experiences rolled into one song. When it comes to dating, I’ve always felt a pressure to rush into things or to get serious when talking to someone, but really I just want to go with the flow.
I think some of that pressure comes from being a woman; I feel like men are able to get away with more, and when a woman wants to play the field it’s frowned upon but it really shouldn’t be that way. When writing this song, I really channeled this and didn’t sensor much because it’s honestly how I felt.
HipHopCanada: How long have you been doing music? And was this your first time performing?
Joéllen: I have been doing music for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had it as an extra curricular growing up such as vocal lessons, piano lessons, guitar etc. I performed a lot in my early teens, mostly doing covers at small local events/venues, or even busking on the street. I’ve been writing since I was about ten.
HipHopCanada: How do you feel about the music scene in Toronto for young artists?
Joéllen: I think the Toronto music scene is really poppin right now. I think there’s a lot of opportunity here and a lot more people are paying attention to us now. The best part is that I dont think it’s over saturated here, at least not yet. Also, there hasn’t been as many females who have made it big in Toronto so its a perfect time to make a name for myself.
Follow @JoellenOfficial on Instagram.
—
Written by King Cut for HipHopCanada