International Dancehall artist Popcaan is preparing to take on another global staging of his Unruly Fest, this time heading to Canada for what’s expected to be a historic staging of the event.
The St. Thomas-born entertainer made the big announcement via social media, sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) that read: “Unruly Fest Canada, stay tuned!” While an official date and venue are still under wraps, excitement has already been brewing among fans and dancehall lovers across the Canadian diaspora, with many pouring their approval with comments and shares.
This marks yet another milestone for Unruly Fest, which began in 2018 in Popcaan’s home parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. The festival quickly cemented itself as a never-to-miss staple on the local events calendar, bringing together fans from all corners of the island and featuring an electric mix of veteran hitmakers and rising stars. After a three-year pause, the festival made its much-anticipated return in December 2023. That staging, though abruptly ended by police due to time restrictions, reaffirmed the festival’s significance.
Earlier this year, Popcaan successfully exported Unruly Fest to London, making the event an international fixture and extending his influence as a global ambassador of Dancehall music.
Popcaan, born Andrae Hugh Sutherland, has long been considered one of the genre’s most versatile and forward-thinking artists. From early collaborations with Vybz Kartel as part of the Portmore Empire to his current solo success, Popcaan has evolved into a bona fide global act.
Signed to Drake’s OVO Sound, Popcaan has scored international hits like “Party Shot,” “Only Man She Want,” “Silence,” “My Type,” and “Family.” He has collaborated with a diverse slate of international artists, including Drake, Davido, Gorillaz, Jamie xx, and Burna Boy, helping to elevate dancehall into new sonic territories.
His 2023 album Great Is He debuted to critical acclaim, adding to a string of successful releases that include Where We Come From (2014), Forever (2018), and Fixtape (2020). The deejay also recently received the Impact Award at the Caribbean Music Awards for his contributions to the genre and culture.
Unruly Fest has featured the who’s who of reggae and dancehall in previous years. Past performers include Bounty Killer, Beanie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Tarrus Riley, Jada Kingdom, Quada, and even surprise appearances from international acts like Drake, who famously shared the stage with Popcaan in 2019, solidifying the event’s global pull.
While details are still forthcoming, one thing is certain—Unruly Fest Canada will be a highly anticipated affair, expected to blend explosive performances, authentic Caribbean vibes, and Popcaan’s signature flair. As fans eagerly await further announcements, this move signals yet another chapter in Popcaan’s musical journey.
