The grey skies and light rain didn’t stop music fans from coming out for the opening night of the 46th edition of the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the atmosphere remained lively as festival goers gathered to enjoy a diverse lineup of artists.

The evening’s biggest draw was Wyclef Jean, who delivered an energetic and crowd-pleasing set.
Drawing from both his solo catalogue and the beloved repertoire of Fugees, he kept the audience engaged throughout the night.
I stuck around waiting for “Hips Don’t Lie,” and it was well worth it—singing along and dancing with the crowd was one of the highlights of the evening.
Thankfully, the rain held off during his performance, making the experience even more enjoyable.

The festival’s first night also showcased a strong mix of R&B, soul, and hip-hop talent.
Ottawa’s own Blakdenim and 646yf4t delivered memorable sets, while TOBi brought his signature blend of hip-hop, R&B, and soul to the late night stage, rounding out an excellent opening night of music.

Check out the gallery from night one of the Ottawa Jazz Festival.