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FYI

Malachi: Right Now

The young Toronto hip-hop artist is quickly turning ears with this debut single. It features skittery beats, a catchy refrain, and a cool sports reference.

Malachi: Right Now

By Kerry Doole

Malachi - "Right Now" (21 Entertainment/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada): This debut single marks the 21-year-old Toronto artist as one to watch. Released last month, it has already attracted impressive streaming numbers and YouTube views. 


It mixes hip-hop and R&B strains fluidly, with Malachi narrating over skittery beats, and it sports a catchy refrain. Bonus points for the Scotty Pippen namecheck.

Growing up on the outskirts of Toronto, Malachi spent his childhood surrounded by music of all kinds. From his Trinidadian-born father’s reggae career to his mother’s favourite R&B singers like Mary J. Blige, and Destiny’s Child, music was always part of his environment (he joined his grandmother's church’s gospel choir at the age of 4). Over the last three years, he has concentrated on sharpening his songwriting skills.

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His talent caught the attention of noted Canadian music manager, Chris Smith, who signed Malachi to his 21 Entertainment imprint via Universal Music Canada and Republic Records.

In a label press release, Malachi explains that "I have things I want to express through music because I understand how music is such a great way to cope with any feelings – good or bad. I want to make music that connects with people, and when people hear me sing about happiness or sadness or heartache, they can identify because they know it’s real and it’s authentic."

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From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026
Gabriel Di Sante

From left to right: Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and Daniel Caesar at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Management

Daniel Caesar's Surprise Tribute to His Managers & More of the Best Moments From Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026

Caesar presented the Managers of the Year Award to his longtime managers Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans as industry luminaries gathered to celebrate at Billboard Canada Managers to Watch x MMF Canada Honour Roll at SOUNDSTAGE at NXNE on June 11. Angine de Poitrine manager Sébastien Collin and Yungblud manager Tommas Arnby also received special awards.

The most influential managers from across the globe gathered at SOUNDSTAGE in Toronto on June 11 at NXNE to celebrate Billboard Canada Managers to Watch. The celebration spotlighted the people who put in the behind-the-scenes work to elevate artists across the country following the release of this year's coveted Managers to Watch list.

“If you want to get something done, call the manager,” said Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski in his opening remarks. "You are the ones who are closest to the artists, the unsung heroes of the music industry. You have the vision and the tools to open doors and build careers, yet you are rarely in the spotlight yourselves."

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