Aqyila at Osheaga

Aqyila delivered a soulful and refreshing performance at Osheaga 2025, capturing the hearts of early festivalgoers during her Friday afternoon set at the Scotia Forest stage. Stepping on just after Begonia and before The Struts, Aqyila brought a wave of warmth and elegance to the festival grounds. Her 15-minute set featured a thoughtful selection of songs from her debut album Falling Into Place, including standout tracks like “Bloom,” “Hello,” “Focus,” and “Vibe for Me (Bob for Me).” Backed by soft instrumentals and polished vocals, Aqyila’s presence on stage was calm yet commanding, offering a perfect contrast to the high-energy acts that followed later in the day.

The highlight of her set came with her Juno-winning single “Hello,” which resonated deeply with the crowd and showcased her knack for writing introspective, feel-good R&B. With only a short time on stage, she still managed to create an intimate connection with the audience, drawing them into her smooth, melodic sound. Though her slot was earlier in the day and the crowd smaller compared to headliners like Glass Animals or Tyler, The Creator, her performance stood out as one of the most quietly powerful moments of the festival.

Aqyila’s appearance at Osheaga was more than just a performance—it was a declaration of her growing influence in Canada’s music scene. As one of the 21 Canadian artists spotlighted this year, she shared the lineup with names like bbno$, EKKSTACY, and Ruby Waters, further proving that she belongs in the conversation around Canada’s next wave of breakout talent. Her Osheaga debut may have been subtle, but it left a lasting impression—and felt like just the beginning of an even bigger chapter ahead for this rising R&B star.