Vancouver Folk Music Festival

July 15 to 17, 2022

Witch Prophet is an evolution of Toronto based, Ethiopian/Eritrean singer-songwriter Ayo Leilani. She provides her fans with a soundscape of vocal layers, loops, raps, and harmonies on a bed of hip-hop, jazz, and soul-inspired beats. Think Erykah Badu meets Lauryn Hill meets Portishead. She finds depth and connection in creating music as a portal for self-growth and discovery, as she navigates and better understands her cultural and queer identity. 

Her sophomore LP, DNA Activation, is an ode to her Ethiopian and Eritrean ancestral roots, fusing jazz, hip-hop, soul and R&B with songs sung in English, Amharic, and Tigrinya. Co-produced by herself and her partner SUN SUN, praised by press and music lovers alike, DNA Activation was shortlisted for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize.

“GET TO HER BEFORE DRAKE DOES” – PITCHFORK

“BOW DOWN TO THE QUEEN INDEED.” – EXCLAIM!

“RISING BLACK CANADIAN ARTIST YOU SHOULD KNOW” – COMPLEX

Saturday The Power of Three with SINNOI, VILDÁ 2:55pm West Stage

Concert: Sunday 2:55pm West Stage