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Billboard Canada and NXNE Music Zones Debuted at TIFF’s 50th Edition

From September 4 to 7, the music zones featured performances, DJ sets and immersive art installations that brought a fresh soundtrack to the downtown core.

Billboard Canada and NXNE Music Zones Debuted at TIFF’s 50th Edition

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The Toronto International Film Festival marked its 50th edition with a new cultural highlight — the launch of the Billboard Canada and NXNE Music Zones, created in partnership with ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG).


From September 4 to 7, the music zones featured performances and DJ sets from Circa, LYZS, Phenomenal, PENNY, Gabes Global, Cees, STRØM, Devo and Om.El Beat, alongside immersive art installations that brought a fresh soundtrack to TIFF’s beloved Festival Street.

In the heart of the festival at John and Wellington, the Billboard Canada Music Zone provided nonstop music and art for the festival's star-studded first weekend, showcasing the creativity and energy that define Toronto.

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“These music zones celebrate the energy and creativity that define Toronto,” said Andrew Valle, VP of Programming for Billboard and NXNE. “We’re proud to partner with TIFF to create a space where film, music and culture come together.”

A couple of blocks over, the NXNE Stage lit up King and Simcoe, boasting a four-day lineup of performances and installations. With Billboard Canada, NXNE helped transform the downtown core into a multi-sensory celebration that connected film and music for global audiences.

“TIFF and NXNE have both served as cultural launch pads in Toronto for a combined total of 80 years — we are delighted to join TIFF in their 50th year to add music to their fun on King Street,” said Michael Hollett, President & Founder of NXNE.

But the celebrations didn't stop there.

Last Thursday (September 4), Billboard Canada was an official event partner at TIFF's glamorous kick-off party at Liberty Grand. It was an evening filled with glitz, glam and an outdoor light show. Toronto electronic musician Sickkick was behind the decks, setting the scene for the prestigious film festival.

⁠With the addition of the music zones, TIFF’s 50th anniversary becomes not only a landmark moment for film but a multi-sensory experience at the centre of Toronto’s cultural calendar.

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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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