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Ottawa Bluesfest Day 6 Sean Paul brings the dance hall to the dance floor.
Day 6 at the RBC Ottawa’s Bluesfest drew yet another outstanding crowd as international sensation Sean Paul, known for his infectious dancehall rhythms, and the multi-talented Kardinal Offishall, who blends hip-hop with Caribbean influences. Joining them is the indie-pop band Peach Pit alongside rising star Alicia Moffet and more.
Day 6 was packed full of amazing artists that delivered an unforgettable music experience, showcases talent from a wide range genres. Bluesfest 2025 Day 6 brought serious heat to the capital as fans packed the festival grounds for an eclectic night of unforgettable performances. The energy was undeniable from the moment Sean Paul stepped on stage, delivering hit after hit with the kind of charisma that only a true global superstar can command. His signature dancehall rhythms had the entire crowd moving, creating one of the most electric moments of the festival so far.
Kardinal Offishall followed with a powerful performance that celebrated his deep roots in Canadian hip hop. Mixing sharp lyricism with Caribbean flair, he connected with the audience in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Joining them on the bill were indie pop favorites Peach Pit, whose laid-back vibe offered a nice contrast, and rising Quebec star Alicia Moffet, whose soulful vocals captivated new and longtime fans alike.
Blues and Stories: Durham County Poets Bring Heart to the Fest
Opening the night on the Lebreton Stage was Durham County Poets. This guys are a lot of fun, their warmth of their stage was delightful full of smiles and enthusiasm to be on stage. They have a unique mix of blues, folk and rock.
These guys absolutely rocked the stage, heartfelt blues and very soulful. They have a great ability to let their music do all the talking and the cro do all the feet tapping.
Dystoh Drops the Hammer: A Sound You Won’t Forget
Opening the night on the RBC stage is Afro- Latin inspired duo Dystoh. The duo group of Ray Tabana and Phil Motion rocked the main stage with their blend of latin and reggae tunes.
The guys have an excitement around them with great charisma and infectious energy. Dystoh have a great rhythm that gets you up and makes you move. This was a cultural experience that shows cases the love of Latin culture that leaves you with a respect and love for new kinds of music.
Pop Chaos and Confidence: Lilyisthatyou Owns the Stage
On the River stage is Toronto’s is Lilyisthatyou. She is an emerging artist on the indie pop scene with her catchy lyrics, she captures the complexities of life and relationships in her music while sharing words of positivity.
Lilyisthatyou is extremely fun to watch live, she loves to move and dance around, smile and wave and interact with her audience. She puts on a dynamic performance and gives her all because she is all about her fans, she is truly someone special and definitely an artist that should be on your radar.
Rising Light: Sofia Duhaime Shines in the Midday Heat
Inside on the Barney Danson Theatre is Sofia Duhaime. She is very talented artist in showcasing her blend of pop, folk and acoustic music. Sofia has an unbelievable voice ranging from powerful vocals to soothing melodies quickly gains you attention thats gets you hooked from the start.
Sofia’s performance is both heartfelt and engaging, that leaves you with a lasting impression. She shows a lot of her passion and amazing storytelling through her music
East Meets West: Harry Manx Hypnotizes Bluesfest
Next up back on the Lebreton Stage is renowned Canadian musician and song writer Harry Manx. Harry is known for his style of blues and folk music which heavily influences his electric sound. Manx is particularly known for his use of the slide guitar, that his his soulful voice makes for an amazing show.
Seeing Harry live is quite the experience, he is an amazing musician which he showcases in his performance. The passion you see in his face and the emotion that comes from his instruments draws that personal connection with his audiences.
Kardi Energy: Ottawa's Stage Was Never Ready
Up next on the RBC stage is Canadian Royalty as well as Canada’s Got Talent Judge Kardinal Offishall. Kardinal was added to the Bluesfest Lineup late as previous artist G-Eazy was unable to make it. Kardinal is incredible live, his massive energy he brings to the stage is huge. Known for his fusion if hip-hop, reggae and dancehall influences he brings all that and more.
His high energentic show gets the crowd moving from the start, gets you jumping up and going side to side a Kardinal is almost a full blown workout. You never know what you are going to get from his shows, he even brought out fellow Canadian artist Karl Wolfe. Kardianl Offishall shows are not something to be skipped out on, they are so much fun from the very second he hits the stage, it’s not surprise to see him still on top as a top artist after so many years. Overall it was a thrilling experience that left me as well others wanting more and definitely can’t wait to see him again.
Soul Meets Electro: Alicia Moffet Charms Bluesfest
Up next on the River stage is French Canadian artist from Quebec Alicia Moffet. Alicia is a joy to watch live, she can move very slow and delicate swaying along to the music like a trance that you gaze at for a long time. She has a very unique sound that draws you in to her every word along with her movements.
In addition to her music talent, she shows the playful side of her personality by asking the crowd who speaks french and then gets very excited when the crowd cheers which leads her to speaking french to everyone. Alicia was unbelievable, she is very talented and amazing to watch, if you missed out do not worry she will be back in Ottawa on November 29th at the Bronson Centre.
Indie Grit and Edge: Jolie Laide Gets Loud
Up next in the Barney Danson Theatre is Canadian Indie Rock band Jolie Laide. Known for their distinctive sound blending elements of rock, folk and pop this group really rocks the stage. Jolie Laide really crafts their art with their dynamic range of instruments,, melodies and chemistry.
Fans can expect to be left in amazement and awe, this group puts on an amazing show with energy and emotion they put into their show. From soaring guitar riffs to delicate piano melodies Jolie Laide gives you an amazing listening experience.
Backwoods Beats: Moontricks Turns the River Stage Into a Rave
Closing out the Lebreton stage was indie rock band Moontricks. Moontricks was very mesmerizing that they take you on a journey transporting you through a kaleidoscope of sound and emotion. Their sound is a delightful mix of folk roots and modern rock creating a warm ambiance that carries you away.
Overall Moontricks was a masterful blend of artistry, emotion and connection. They are a standout act that is not to be missed it is an expierience that meant to be witness in person.
Peach Pit Vibes Only: Sad Bops and Smiles All Around
Next to hit the stage was none other than Peach Pit, the beloved indie pop-rock band hailing from Vancouver, B.C. They launched into their set with infectious energy—leaping across the stage, shredding on their guitars, and headbanging with full force, much to the crowd’s delight. From the very first note, it was clear the audience was made up of dedicated fans; every lyric was sung back to the band in unison, creating a powerful, collective energy that only grew stronger as the set went on.
The vibe was electric, positive, joyful, and unfiltered. With deep bass grooves pulsing through the grounds, dreamy blue-washed lighting casting a cinematic glow, and a clear sense of warmth and camaraderie between the bandmates, Peach Pit had the crowd completely locked in. Their signature blend of charm, cheekiness, and emotional depth made for a performance that was both fun and heartfelt. It was a standout moment of the evening—and the perfect lead-in to Bluesfest’s final act, the legendary Sean Paul.
Bluesfest Goes Boom: Sean Paul Sets the Night on Fire
Now for the moment everyone has been waiting for! As the rain started to fall that didn’t and would not stop the concert goers from ruining their time. Despite the drizzle the energy in the crowd was electric, fueled by anticipation for the reggae and dancehall legend to hit the stage. The moment Sean Paul hits the stage the crowd erupts to probably one of the loudest pops i have heard all festival. Sean Paul had the crowd bouncing and moving all night while singing hit song after hit song and the way he seamlessly transitioned into each song just kept flow and vibe going.
Overall Sean Paul brings back a flood of nostalgia to his older fans and providing an unbelievable experience for the new ones. The visual performance was equally amazing as the dancers were electric and the smoke visuals were outstanding.
In conclusion Sean Paul’s performance was nothing but electrifying, even through a little bit bad weather that doesn’t stop Sean Paul for making the most of it and making it an unforgettable memory that will be saved for a lifetime.
Bluesfest 2025 Day 6 Ends on a High Note as Green Day Gears Up to Launch the Day 7
As the sun dipped behind the Ottawa skyline, Day 6 wrapped up with a fiery finale from Sean Paul that kept the crowd moving to every beat. With dancehall energy and undeniable star power, it was a perfect way to cap off a genre-spanning day.
But the excitement is far from over. Day 7 is ready to ignite as punk rock legends Green Day storm the stage and bring a whole new wave of energy to Bluesfest 2025. This second half is just getting started — and it’s coming in loud.
For full festival details, artist schedules, and updates, visit https://ottawabluesfest.ca.
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