JØY Brandt featuring Suraras Do Tapajós: Axé Summer WorldFest

Axé Worldfest and the National Arts Centre join forces to present the second edition of Axé Summer WorldFest 2026 to celebrate global music, diversity, and culture through three unforgettable days of rhythm, connection, and world-class performances in the heart of Ottawa.

JØY Brandt is a Brazilian-Canadian singer and songwriter, based in Toronto, who divides her time between Brazil and Canada. In 2025, she won the Pernambuco Music Award (Best MPB Single for “A Calma Acalma”) and the Brazilian Music Professionals Award for MPB Artist.

Recognized for blending elements of Brazilian popular music with a contemporary and universal approach, JØY brings the colours and influences of Northeastern Brazil’s rich cultural heritage into her songs. Her sound moves between Afro-pop, folk music, and Latin rhythms, creating a unique and vibrant musical identity.

After releasing five original singles, JØY is currently working on her debut album, scheduled for release in 2026, recorded in Recife, Rio de Janeiro, and Toronto, in collaboration with renowned artists from the Brazilian music scene.

Suraras do Tapajós is Brazil's first carimbó group, composed solely of indigenous women. They perform original songs and major hits from Amazônia, with lyrics that exalt nature, female strength, and the ancestry of their people.

In 2018, the Suraras do Tapajós carimbó group was born, echoing the indigenous female voice beyond their territories by playing and singing about women's rights, territory defense, environmental care, and the preservation of indigenous peoples. The stage becomes a showcase of indigenous women's experiences and the forest's musicality.

Through traditional culture, in a beautiful and playful way, the Suraras bring female protagonism in defense of indigenous causes by playing and singing carimbó (a cultural expression from Pará), with themes focused on women's rights, territory defense, environmental care, and the preservation of indigenous peoples. The stage becomes a showcase of indigenous women's experiences and the forest's musicality. The performances take the audience on a journey through the richness of Pará's music.

Axé Summer WorldFest July 16, 17 & 18, 2026

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:30 pm Yeison Landero, the heir of cumbia direct from Colombia and special guest Lady La Profeta at the Wooden Terrace NAC FREE. Co-presented by the Embassy of Colombia in Ottawa

Friday, July 17, 2026 7:30 pm Dystoh (Ottawa) featuring Guiss Guiss Bou Bess from Senegal/France - Fourth Stage

Saturday, July 18, 2026 7:30 pm JØY Brandt (Toronto) featuring Suraras do Tapajós from Brazil - Fourth Stage. Co-presented by Saravah

Each musical act promises a one-of-a-kind experience, uniting diverse musical traditions to create a truly unforgettable experience.