Dancehall heavyweight Mavado headlined Mavado & Friends Live at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2026, with support from Masicka and Armanii. Promoted by Skip2Fame, the concert marked a landmark night for Caribbean music in Canada. Behind the scenes, Showtime Services founder Cara Burke was the woman who helped to make it happen.

In an industry where the spotlight usually falls on the artistes, some of the most powerful work happens away from the cameras. At the centre of that work stands Burke, whose expertise, relationships and quiet command of the business have made her a pillar of the live music industry and a driving force in presenting dancehall on the world stage.

From booking talent to overseeing production, set design, logistics, hospitality and promotion, Burke works across every aspect of the live event business. Over the past few years, she has made some of the biggest shows happen, earning the trust and respect of artistes, promoters and venues across the United Kingdom, Jamaica and the United States, and now Toronto.

Under Burke’s leadership, Showtime Services operates across Jamaica, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, specialising in artiste management, bookings, tour management, event production and artiste development.

For Burke, success is also about opening doors for other women.

“It is important for women to learn other skills in this industry,” she said. “When you understand the full business, from the contract to the stage, no one can limit where you stand in it.”

True to that belief, Burke is launching a new arm of Showtime Services alongside Tenesha Vernon, Shayna Vernon and her full team. The division will cover production, touring support, technical support and logistics.

— Kediesha Perry