Toronto artist Kalisway blends funk, R&B, and soulful nostalgia into a colourful soundscape. Her recent Black Canadian Music Award win marks a rising star’s moment.
Kalisway, a Toronto-based artist known for her distinct fusion of funk, alternative R&B, and soul-soaked nostalgia, is experiencing a well-earned spotlight moment. As one of the five recipients of the 2025 SOCAN Foundation’s SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards, she’s not only celebrating artistic recognition but also deepening her commitment to independent artistry, community empowerment, and cultural authenticity.
For Kalisway, whose music has been described as “feeling like palm trees on the beach at sunset,” this honour is a meaningful milestone on a journey marked by creative hustle, personal evolution, and a mission to uplift through sonic joy. When she received the news of her $10,000 award—via a surprise email while casually walking through the mall—she was stunned and overjoyed. “I just stopped everything and listened,” she said, reflecting on her reaction to the congratulatory call from SOCAN. “It was such a great feeling. I was very immersed in the moment.”
A sound you can see and feel
To understand Kalisway’s artistry is to understand her sensory approach to music. She experiences sound in colour, describing a process where each beat or melody she creates carries a corresponding hue. “If I’m working on a song and it gives me red, I want the whole studio lit up red,” she explains. This synesthetic approach—where she visualizes music through colours—adds a textured, emotional layer to her production, allowing her to craft tracks that aren’t just heard but deeply felt.
Her latest EP, Take Me Back (World of Eras), released in March 2025, is a testament to that immersive process. Infused with ‘90s R&B influences and funk grooves reminiscent of Jack Swing and early Snoop Dogg-era beats, the EP was designed to make listeners both dance and reflect. “I just wanted people to feel good again,” she says. “Whether they’re in the car driving, chilling at home, or out dancing—I want the music to meet them wherever they are.”
One of her standout tracks, Dangerous, is already a fan favourite and a performance staple. “It’s the one that just gets the crowd up,” she beams, noting that the track’s energy mirrors her dynamic, freestyle-based creative process. Many of her songs begin as spontaneous voice memos—melodies hummed during walks, midnight ideas recorded on her phone—that evolve into full productions.
Representing culture with sound
A proud Black Canadian artist, Kalisway draws heavily on her cultural identity as both a creative compass and a source of pride. “Everything I do, everything I’m inspired by, comes from Black art,” she says. “I want people to understand that we’re behind so many of the greatest sounds, producers, and writers in music.” Her work pays homage to legends like Bootsy Collins, Erykah Badu, and Pharrell, while asserting a sound all her own—future-forward yet grounded in heritage.
More than just genre, it’s about representation and reclaiming space. “When I create music, it’s about art,” she says. “For a long time, Black creatives were shamed for thinking differently. Now we celebrate that, and I’m proud to be a part of this wave.”
She acknowledges that this award not only affirms her own path but also highlights the vast diversity of Black talent across Canada. “There’s so much out there beyond just dark R&B. SOCAN’s recognition reminds people of that.”
Building community, one beat at a time
While the $10,000 prize is significant, Kalisway’s plans for the funds are rooted in sustainability and service. “If you had asked me five years ago, I’d have said I’m buying gear,” she laughs. “But now, I know it’s about investing in content, growing my community, and staying consistent.” That means more local shows, deeper audience engagement, and staying present both online and in real life.
Her grassroots approach is already paying off. In-person shows spark joy and connection, with fans often telling her how uplifted they feel. “Some say they don’t even dance, but then they hear my music and their feet start moving,” she says. “That’s all I’m trying to do—make people feel good and safe enough to be themselves.”
Kalisway also has her sights set on international expansion—especially in Asia, where she has developed a surprising and growing fan base. “We’ve seen the numbers,” she shares. “So many dancers from Japan and Korea are creating content with my music. The goal is to go there and connect in person soon.”
More than a moment, it’s a movement
Her upcoming performance at the Vaughan International Music Festival on July 5 is a full-circle moment, returning to the community and bringing family-friendly energy to a crowd that spans generations. “Expect to feel smiles,” she says. “It’s going to be high-energy, fun, and unforgettable.”
As she looks toward 2026 and beyond, Kalisway is committed to lifelong growth and boundless creativity. Whether it’s future collaborations, global tours, or fresh new recordings, she remains focused on building an enduring legacy. “Music needs passion again,” she says. “That soul you felt back when you heard Whitney or New Edition? I want to bring that back.”
When asked which track new listeners should start with, she doesn’t hesitate: Superstar. “It has my sound, my tone, my spirit. It was made on the fly and became a defining song. People are finding me because of it.”
With her mix of heartfelt spontaneity, cultural pride, and future vision, Kalisway is a name to watch—and feel. Her journey is proof that authenticity, grit, and a splash of funk can go a very long way.
Highlights from Kalisway’s journey:
Passion, cultural roots, and a dynamic sound power Kalisway’s rise as an independent Black Canadian artist. Key highlights include:
- Award-winning artist: 2025 recipient of the SOCAN Foundation’s SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award, with a $10,000 grant to invest in her artistic journey.
- EP release: Take Me Back (World of Eras), a genre-blending tribute to 90s R&B, funk, and healing sonic textures.
- Standout tracks: Dangerous (for live shows) and Superstar (the fan-favourite intro track for new listeners).
- Creative process: Driven by spontaneous voice memos, colour-feeling synesthesia, and a commitment to feel-good grooves.
- Community focus: Plans to reinvest funds into content creation, local engagement, and audience building.
- International appeal: Rising following in Japan and Korea, with plans to expand globally in the near future.
As part of the 2025 cohort that includes Bukola, Haleluya Hailu, Nia Nadurata, and Obediya Jones-Darrell, Kalisway is more than a recipient—she’s a representative of a broader Black creative renaissance happening across Canada. With the SOCAN Foundation and SiriusXM Canada spotlighting artists like her, a richer, more diverse future of Canadian music is undeniably on the rise.
