30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert

The 30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert

August 12th, 2025

Written by Imani Dominique (@imani.dominique)

Photography by Media Pass Emerging Artist Participants

The 30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert was a beautiful celebration of women in music and the positive impact Honey Jam has had on the Canadian music industry.

Honey Jam 30 was held at Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario on July 30th, 2025. The show brought together 18 artists: Haliey Smith, Rebecca Sichon, Leah Holtom, Fridaee, Cinzia, Villah, Annabel Oreste, Christina Smith, Rachelle Show, Chatta, Blue Will, JellyTooFly, Jaclyn Kenyon, Feura, Charmie, Lola Bunz, and DJ MelBoogie.

The show opened with an exciting splash as we were welcomed with vibrant visuals and music. Founder Ebonnie Rowe delivered a humorous and heartfelt speech, sharing insight into the organization’s history and the labour of love that has continuously poured into it in order to reach three decades of supporting young women in music.

Photography by Kubra Bozdag (@kkubrab & @flaneursperspective)

Ebonnie Rowe founded Honey Jam in 1994 after recognizing a systemic, industry-wide gap in the support available for women in music. She created a space where young women could come together, gain mentorship, develop as industry professionals, nurture their artistry, and find their community.

Joy Lapps opened the performances with an upbeat steelpan set. Next, Hailey Smith delivered a captivating rendition of His Eye Is on the Sparrow, met with a standing ovation.

Blue Will and Chatta brought us back to the Caribbean with energetic dancehall and reggae performances.

Charmie gave a beautiful acoustic rendition of Fast Car. Her light yet powerful vocals were accompanied by cello and violin as she played acoustic guitar.

Feura electrified the stage with a rock-and-roll set complete with mic tricks and stage dives.

Through a mix of dance and powerful vocals, Rachelle Show performed a moving tribute to Aaliyah.

Fridaee closed the night with You’ve Got to Show Me Love, getting the crowd singing along to her fun, bubbly set.

The evening ended with all the artists adding their own spin to Show Me Love. Some sang, others rapped, and Charmie brought back the reggae vibes. Regardless of style or medium, this spontaneous freestyle embodied the spirit of community and support that Honey Jam has been built upon.

The 30th Anniversary Honey Jam Concert was truly a joyful and memorable celebration of the legacy — and the future — of Canadian women in music.