Quique Escamilla, solo

Escamilla began his musical journey as one of six born to a Mayan-mestizo family, singing Mexican folk songs by the age of four.

Now based in Toronto, he has absorbed the energy of the city’s rock scene and combined it with the traditional influences from his upbringing, bound by lyrics carrying powerful messages expressing his passion for human rights, immigration reform, global conservation, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, anti-oppression and indigenous rights.

Escamilla’s JUNO-winning 2014 debut, 500 Years of Night, also netted him World Best Solo Artist honors at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, leading to performances at festivals and clubs, sharing the stage with artists including Los Lobos, Alabama Shakes, Michael Franti, Cyril Neville, Jesse Cook, and Ron Sexsmith.

His newest album, Encomienda, represents what Escamilla calls his “mestizaje of the Music of the Americas,” intended to to tell stories from around the world and amplify the voices of the oppressed, the forgotten and the marginalized.