The Ottawa Grassroots Festival is excited to announce that three-time JUNO-nominated songwriter, composer and music producer Alysha Brilla will headline the 2026 festival on Friday, April 24 at 9PM. As the 2024 Canadian Screen Award-nominated composer for the feature film The Queen of My Dreams, Brilla’s music has earned international acclaim for its emotional depth and cultural resonance.
As a songwriter, musician and producer, Brilla has worked with an incredible lineup of artists including The Black Eyed Peas, Bedouin Soundclash, Digging Roots, No Doubt, Paula Sofia and three-time Grammy-winning mastering engineer Emily Lazar. Brilla made history in 2013 as one of the first self-produced female artists to receive a JUNO Award nomination. She later won Producer of the Year at the 2018 Independent Music Awards for her album Rooted.
Brilla, also a 2025 Women in Music International Leadership Honouree, is guided by her Indo-Tanzanian roots and Great Lakes spirit, creating “music that bridges cultures through rhythm, storytelling and joy. Her artistry thrives on stage; an electrifying space where voice, guitar and heartbeat percussion come together to invite audiences into a collective experience of movement and healing.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alysha Brilla as our 2026 headliner,” said Ali Bowie, Ottawa Grassroots Festival Producer. “I was completely taken in the first time I saw Alysha Brilla perform live. We’re very fortunate to welcome her to the festival this year.”
Opening for Alysha is special guest OK Naledi, a high-energy Afro Fusion duo led by Naledi Sunstrum.
Tickets for the Ottawa Grassroots Festival go on sale on January 20, at 11am. There will be a limited amount of festival passes that will include all three evening concerts for one special price.
In addition to Alysha Brilla, the Ottawa Grassroots Festival will feature a variety of performances, hands-on workshops, and other surprises. Stay tuned for more details on the full 2026 lineup. All Saturday and Sunday daytime events are free to attend, donations are accepted and go towards paying the artist fees.
For more information about the Ottawa Grassroots Festival, ticket sales, and festival updates, please visit www.ottawagrassrootsfestival.com