06/13/2026
ZHE the Free is an explosive performer with immaculate flow. Growing up on Treaty 7 Land, she extends her fire from mountains to prairies. ZHE ignites the crowd from the moment she touches the microphone and brings the strength of the feminine alive. As a hip hop artist, and National Music Centre 1st place winner in the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop track competition, she loves inspiring others about the power of their voice. From freestyle, to brilliant storytelling, ZHE the Free pulls you in with her strong command of words and captivating stage presence. She is an experienced Artist Mentor and was nominated for Music Professional of the Year at the 2025 Saskatchewan Music Awards. She has presented at conferences and summits in addition to completing multiple Artist Tours. In her work with youth, ZHE brings incredible enthusiasm. Hip hop saved her life, and she aims to inspire others to use creativity as a positive outlet. She also proudly serves on the JUNOS Rap Music Advisory Committee and is a Science Genius hip hop Ambassador. ZHE has performed on various stages and at many festivals. She he has opened for k-os, DJ Shub, Cartel Madras, Odario, Cadence Weapon, The Sorority, Eekwol and more. ZHE connects with audiences on a deep level through the realness she brings to her music, exploring emotions and addressing social issues. Experience her bars and incredible energy live!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn4xUCCS7Gw
Anthony Pasqua aka Big Tones is an Indigenous Recording Artist born in Surrey, BC. He grew up in Regina, SK and has heavy ancestral ties to Treaty 4 Territory coming from Pasqua First Nation #79 & George Gordon First Nation #84. Breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, Big Tones uses music as an outlet, finding therapeutic release in storytelling through songwriting. Big Tones is a versatile artist, captivating performer and artist mentor. With a focus on old school hip hop sound, his powerful and soothing voice with intricate flows keeps listeners intrigued lyric after lyric. Big Tones shares his personal experience and offers perspectives on life through the eyes of Indigenous peoples. He moves audiences with his strong stage presence and masterful command of the mic. Big Tones uses hip hop as a vessel to communicate aspects of pain and trauma, moving through to healing, celebration and taking back pride through culture.
Big Tones has gotten airtime with multiple tracks on CBC Radio as well as having his track Don’t Cry from his album Existence reaching number 1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown Top 40. He has been nominated for Hip Hop Artist of The Year and Single of the Year at the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards and was nominated for Hip Hop Artist of the Year with his album also being nominated for Album of the Year at Saskatchewan Music Awards. Big Tones has worked as an artist mentor for several years and appreciates the opportunity to encourage youth voices.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X69h6YmhMfI
Funded in part by Canadian Heritage, SK Arts, and Saskatoon Community Foundation - Cherry Tree Foundation
