At 36, Samantha O’Connor is one of the most prominent independent voices in live hip-hop and R&B in Canada. As the sole talent buyer for RAPSEASON, O’Connor has spent the last four years booking more than 100 shows annually and generating a reported $2 million+ in revenue across touring markets. This year, she moved from INK Entertainment to MRG Live, bringing the entire RAPSEASON brand and show roster with her. With the resources of one of Canada’s biggest independent promoters, she plans to grow RAPSEASON — a platform that has already been responsible for shows by Future, Central Cee, Cardi B, Post Malone, Summer Walker, Daniel Caesar and many more.

“I’m endlessly inspired by Canada’s artists, collectives and cultural builders and have been lucky enough to watch community-driven creatives grow into industry powerhouses,” she says. “Recognizing and platforming talent, sounds and perspectives early on drives what I do. Spotlighting greatness has always been the goal, and Canada has no shortage of it.”