Montreal Jazz Festival: Naïka, Jessie Reyez, Zach Zoya & High Klassified

Written by Alicia Chanice Moore / @AGorgeousLife

Naïka, Jessie Reyez, High Klassified, Zach Zoya & More… all in one night!

photo by alicia chanice moore / @agorgeouslife

Montreal's urban music scene is having a MAJOR moment at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Over the weekend, we were blessed by the sounds of Kokoroko, came alive with the VIBEBENDERS, got to experience MonoNeon's insane energy, and never missed a beat with the local street performers taking over downtown. If you've been sleeping on the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal this year, now is the time to wake up.

photos by alicia chanice moore / @agorgeouslife

Montrealers' jaws dropped last night when Jessie Reyez surprised the crowd by joining Naïka on stage toward the end of an absolutely mind-blowing performance.

What a night. What a moment. Let's talk about it.

Montreal is home to more than 120 ethnocultural communities. So many people here come from mixed backgrounds, and in many ways, Naïka feels like the perfect reflection of who we are.

In a city layered with cultures, she speaks directly to the people. Here, speaking two—or even three—languages is completely normal. So hearing Naïka effortlessly move between English, French and Creole feels natural. It's an everyday reality for so many Montrealers. We understand her on a soul level, and we sing along without hesitation.

Backed by a full jazz band, Naïka made sure every musician had their moment, introducing each member by getting the audience to sing their names one by one. A true gem.

photos by alicia chanice moore / @agorgeouslife

And then...

She brought out Jessie Reyez.

Nobody saw that coming.

photo by alicia chanice moore / @agorgeouslife

The Canadian-Colombian artist, who was last in Montreal in December during one of the final stops of her Paid in Memories Tour, walked on stage to a crowd that completely lost it.

Watching the two perform together was something special. It was impossible not to notice the similarities between them—their presence, their hair, their fearless fashion, and the raw emotion they bring to every performance. Honestly, what Naïka wore last night looked like something Jessie Reyez herself would absolutely rock.

Could this be the beginning of the ultimate duo?

Both artists continue to push boundaries, embrace their individuality, and redefine what global music sounds like.

But that wasn't the only win for Montreal's urban music fans.

Zach Zoya also brought his signature blend of smooth, sexy, effortlessly cool energy to the stage. Hearing him on the radio is one thing. Watching him perform live is another. The crowd—especially the ladies—was loving every second.

photos by alicia chanice moore / @agorgeouslife

Some fans have been following Zach for nearly a decade, which is wild considering how young he still is. It really feels like we're only watching the beginning of what could become an incredible career.

And if that wasn't enough, High Klassified hit the stage not once, but twice, using his platform to introduce audiences to some exciting new artists.

Have a look.