It's OK* World Festival 2025

August 16th and 17th, 2025

Photography by Media Pass Emerging Artist Program Participants

Written by Imani Busby

It’s OK* World was an exciting two-day festival held in the heart of downtown Toronto. With a breathtaking view of the Toronto cityscape, It’s OK* World transformed Trillium Park into a vibrant space filled with music, art, dance, and community.

August 16th was a wonderful day for a festival in the park. With clear skies and warm weather, attendees sprawled across the field, sitting on blankets and enjoying the smooth R&B, jazz, and neo-soul performances. Day One of It’s OK* World presented Char Viorea, Sewà, Kalisway, Kadhja Bonet, and Cruza.

Guests also had a plethora of options of things to do in between acts. Near the shore and to the side of the stage, attendees could experience an interactive photography exhibit curated by Roya Del Sol. “a common feeling” presented four Toronto-based artists: Ahmad Taib, Alicia Reid, Antony Creary, and Nautica Simone. This interactive exhibition centered on themes of movement, transience, and community.

Curator Roya shared how she intentionally chose images that omitted faces, as she wanted the feeling of community to resonate with everyone who engaged with the work, regardless of the photo’s subjects.

In addition to stunning photography, the wall flats of this open-air gallery contained bold red letters stating “TAKE A CARD.” Roya shared how she wanted to disrupt the commonly felt timidness that gallery visitors may feel when entering a fine art space. She wanted folks to be able to touch and take home work that reflected their community. Community is at the heart of It’s OK* World and, as this exhibition reminds us, is the thread that connects us all, regardless of artistic medium, identity, time, or place.

As Day One progressed, audience members were thoroughly engaged with the performers. Whether swaying blissfully to Kadhja Bonet’s ethereal set or dancing with Kalisway, folks were locked in to these artists.

The festival also introduced us to exciting emerging Toronto talent like Char Viorea. We had the opportunity to speak with her and learn more about her music. Char shared that this was her first time playing a festival and that it was an incredible experience.

Kadhja Bonet’s serene and dreamy vocals mesmerized the audience. She performed a mixture of her original songs and covers of fan favourites like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. The audience cheered and swayed their hands, thoroughly enjoying her set. We had the opportunity to speak with Kadhja and learn more about her music and artful past. Read the full interview here.

Last but most certainly not least for Day One was Cruza. Eagerly anticipated by the audience, the band brought a jazzy, cool, and vibey set to the It’s OK* World stage.

The night ended with an afterparty at It’s OK*, the festival’s iconic Queen Street venue.

Day Two was another excellent day of music, presenting some of the city’s best DJs. It’s OK* World brought together Sudeneeyaa, Dre Ngozi, Jadalaeign, and Black Rave Culture.

All in all, It’s OK* World was a beautiful weekend of art and music that reminded us all of the power in community.

Find some of our favourite moments from the festival below.

Kadhja Bonet

Photography by Sofia Snook (@sofiasnook) & Nautica Simone (@nauticasimone)

Kalisway and Char Viorea

Photography by Jaymie Harris (@creativeheartmedia)-Kalisway & Nautica Simone (@nauticasimone)- Char Viorea

Cruza

Photography by Sofia Snook (@sofiasnook)

Living Room and Ṣẹwà

Photography by Jaymie Harris (@creativeheartmedia

Black Rave Culture & Sudaneeyaa

Photography by Barrett Potts aka Fifty (@fifty.jpg)- Black Rave Culture and Jojo Ojofeitimi (@jojoojofeitimi (Instagram, Tik Tok,) @JojoOjofeitimi (X [Twitter]) - Sudaneeyaa