Founded by Botswana-born, Vancouver-based artist Teon Gibbs, Do It For The Culture (DIT4TC) is a music and industry platform created to addressed longstanding barriers facing Black artists within Canada’s music scene. What began as a showcase series in Kelowna, BC has evolved into one of Western Canada’s most important platform for indie and emerging Black artists, providing meaningful performance opportunities while connecting musicians with audiences, music industry professionals and career-building resources, The event also creates pathways for historically underrepresented voices to thrive within Canada’s busy and competitive music ecosystem.
Over the past four years, DI4TC has hosted a growing list of acclaimed Canadian artists including TOBi, Nonso Amadi, DijahSB, Shad, Jon Vinyl. and KALLITECHNIS while also simultaneously helping launch the careers of emerging artists through exposure, networking opportunities and direct connections with industry leaders from SirusXM, CBC and record labels, management companies, festivals and agencies across the country.
Beyond the live performances, Do It For The Culture has become a proven launchpad for artists pursuing sustainable careers in the music industry. Festival alone have gone on to secure festival bookings national media coverage, sync placements and long-term professional partnerships as a result of their participation in the event.
Late last week, DI4TC organizers announced that the fifth edition of the conference and festival will mark the event’s highly-anticipated move to Vancouver after four successful editions in Kelowna, BC. 2026’s event will take place at Fortune Sound Club from August 27, 2026 – August 29, 2026. The festival’s fifth edition will continue to cement its hard-won reputation for being Western Canada’s leading platform celebrating Black music, culture and community — with this year’s edition showcasing three nights of hip-hop, R&B, Afobeats and genre-defying acts.
DI4TC’s fifth edition will headlined by SadBoi, whose fusion of dancehall, R&B and hip-hop has helped to establish her as one of Canada’s most exciting breakout artists; Toronto-based R&B artist RAAHiiM, who pairs smooth vocals with emotionally resonate songwriting; and boundary-pushing artist ARDN, who has been continuing to gain national acclaim.
The festival’s lineup is rounded by an an exciting and eclectic mix of emerging and established artists including Drezus, Divine Lightbody, Sekawanee, Adewolf, Terrance Richmond, Simora, Mikey Jose, Ashia, Dacey, 40k & Cameron Jones, Tommyphyll and HUSH Music Party.
“We’re excited to see our community grow, we’re excited to see more opportunities, and we can’t wait to host our event in Vancouver this year,” DI4TC founder Teon Gibbs says. “”The response has already been overwhelmingly positive—we’ve seen artist applications increase by more than 400%. This is our fifth year, but it feels like a brand new chapter. Moving to Vancouver feels like the natural next step,” he adds. “Do It For The Culture continues to be an event the Canadian music industry needs. Every year the calibre of artists and music professionals continues to grow, and we’re proud to create a space where artists can build meaningful connections, develop their careers, and celebrate Black music and culture together.”
Doors for each night of the festival will open at 6:30pm with sets starting at 7:00pm. The full festival lineup is below.
Thursday, August 27
- ARDN
- Sekawnee
- Adewolf
- Terrance Richmond
- Simora
Friday, August 28
- RAAHiiM
- Divine Lightbody
- Mikey Jose
- Ahsia
- Drezus
Saturday, August 29
- SadBoi
- HUSH Music Party
- Dacey
- 40K & Cameron James
- Tommyphyll
Single-day tickets are available now for $25 plus fees, with three-day festival passes also on sale.
Click HERE for more information and ticket purchases.
Confidence programming and industry delegates will be announced shortly, adding another level of professional development and networking opportunities to this year’s event.
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