Pride Toronto 2016 is honoured to present a landmark celebration of Middle Eastern culture, where traditional meets modern at Yalla Barra (Arabic for come out/get out.)

This showcase is headlined by one of the most compelling and provocative bands making music today. Hailing from Beirut, Mashrou’ Leila is an outfit of impeccable artistry, earning international praise for their unparalleled sound, unflinching sociopolitical convictions, and searing live performances.



Filling out the bill is recent import DJ Louay, who arrived in Canada under the current refugee resettlement program, but only after making a name for himself with LGBT events in Syria and Lebanon. DJ Sylosurf, having mesmerized Pride crowds in years past with her beat-driven reworking of traditional sounds, is back at it again.

Also gracing the stage is The Narcicyst (Narcy), a hip hop, Iraqi-Canadian emcee, journalist, educator and activist from Montreal.
Arabesque Dance Company, Troupe Joy and the Earthshakers will present several dances in Egyptian, Lebanese, Moroccan, Iraqi and Whirling Dervish styles, directed by Yasmina Ramzy, along with performances by the Arabesque Drummers led by Suleiman Warwar.
Pride welcomes all newly arrived queer refugees with a special VIP section to enjoy the showcase. Yalla!