Daniel Caesar w/Charlotte Day Wilson Sunday, July 15, 8:30pm Waterfront Stage $32-$38
Love, loss, faith, desire and determination—hear it all when Daniel Caesar takes to the Halifax Jazz Festival stage on July 15. Closing out a year which saw the release of his successful debut album Freudian, the singer will serenade audiences with the soulful stylings that have earned him international acclaim.
If you're not familiar with Caesar, first of all—wow. Second of all, the 23-year-old Ontarian R&B sensation is a two-time Grammy nominee and has received co-signs from everyone from Chance the Rapper to Kendall Jenner. Thirdly, his debut album, featuring the number-one-hit "Get You" with Colombian-American star Kali Uchis, peaked at number six on the US R&B charts—no small feat for someone who was homeless in Toronto not too long ago.
However, hosting a new artist with such a meteoric rise to fame isn't typical for the festival. As HJF programming manager Andrew Jackson explains, it's a musical miracle to be blessed with such burgeoning talent.
"There's always been a long history of supporting emerging artists—but not someone as big as Daniel Caesar," says Jackson. "It's incredible what he's done with his career in the past year—he's just blown up."
Caesar is part of a new wave of Canadian artists (including Jazz Fest co-headliner Charlotte Day Wilson) creating fresh R&B sounds which will no doubt resonate with audiences as it did with Jackson—who became a Caesar convert after one listen. "I don't know how that couldn't speak to anyone," he says. "I think that's why it's gaining so much popularity all around the world."
Ultimately, Jackson and his team have planned an exciting week of shows and hope the final performance has a lasting impact and displays the best of Canada's musical talent. "It's a great way to wrap up it up," says Jackson. "I want people to leave with memories of fantastic performances and positive vibes."
