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Bridging Islands and Canada: Wi Deh'ya's Cultural Movement
28 Jul
Summary
- Wi Deh'ya founders bridge Caribbean roots with diaspora in Canada.
- Events blend music, food, fashion to foster cultural connection.
- Festivals grew from 200 attendees to 3,000 in a few years.
Lorenzo Evans and Tyrell MacLennan, now based in Toronto, founded Wi Deh'ya to connect second and third-generation Caribbean Canadians with their heritage. Growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, they often felt a disconnect from their cultural roots. Moving to Toronto exposed them to multiculturalism, fostering a deeper appreciation for their Jamaican and Trinidadian backgrounds.
Wi Deh'ya, named from Jamaican patois meaning 'we're here,' serves as a Caribbean event platform. It offers experiences centered on music, food, fashion, and culture, aiming to bridge the gap between the Caribbean islands and their diaspora. Their events, launched during Toronto Carnival weekend in 2023, have seen significant growth, attracting approximately 3,000 attendees to their recent festival.
The founders aim to help a generation embrace a Caribbean identity that differs from their parents', blending diverse island music to reflect the Canadian diaspora. While Toronto is their current base, they aspire to bring Wi Deh'ya events back to Niagara and expand globally, with future events planned for London UK, New York City, and Montreal. Their next flagship event, Deh'Ya Fest 2026, is scheduled for August 2 at Lamport Stadium parking lot during Toronto Carnival weekend.
