advertisement
Partner

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

PARTNER CONTENT

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.

advertisement

“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.

advertisement

advertisement
Clockwise from top left: Naomi Sharon, Loud Luxury, Gigi Perez, bbno$

Clockwise from top left: Naomi Sharon, Loud Luxury, Gigi Perez, bbno$

Media

Billboard Canada Backstage 2025: Interviews With Simple Plan, Gigi Perez, Loud Luxury, bbno$ & More

From breakthrough performers to established names, Billboard Canada's Billboard Backstage series got up close and personal with artists as they passed through Canadian stages, festivals and tour stops. Watch video interviews with Naomi Sharon, Quadeca, James Hype, Durand Bernarr and many more.

Not every interesting moment happens on stage. Some of the most revealing conversations take place just before or after the set — when artists are fresh off a performance, thinking ahead to what’s next, or reflecting on how they arrived there. Those moments unfolded across festivals and tour stops in Canada, offering snapshots of artists at different points in their journey, and Billboard Canada was there to capture it in Billboard Backstage.

Collected here, these interviews bring together a broad range of Canadian and international artists, spanning genres and stages of career. From Osheaga mainstage performers to rising artists and global touring acts, the series captures how artists engaged with Canadian audiences throughout 2025.

keep readingShow less
advertisement