NO stranger to the Jamaican music scene, ANOKHI award-winning artiste Farahri finished off 2009 with a vibrant performance at Reggae Fever. This year, Farahri is back once again to perform alongside reggae pop star Fire Lion at this year’s annual Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica. They will make their debut on International Night 2, July 24, performing alongside international superstars, Usher, Shaggy and Beenie Man.

With the feel good vibes fusing Indian, African, Latin and Caribbean flavours with mainstream pop, rock, hip hop and R&B, the Ottawa native brings a mix of fresh sounds and a multicultural embrace to the Canadian and international music scene.

Raised as an Indian-Canadian in an English and French-speaking home by African-born parents, Farahri wants her music to promote diversity and encourage people to truly embrace other cultures — not just tolerate them. Fluent in French, English and Kutchi, Farahri also sings in Swahili, Spanish, Hindi, Arabic and Jamaican Patois.

“I want to create a platform where it’s okay to mix cultural influences with accessible music genres, like pop,” says Farahri. “I think the world is ready for this now.”

Her diversity did not go unnoticed as she won the 2010 Most Promising Artiste award at the ANOKHI 4th Annual Awards Gala in February.

In addition to her music, Farahri is also heavily involved within her community. She is a donor and volunteer for the Aga Khan Development Centre, an international NGO that conducts relief programmes in historic cities regardless of citizens’ faith, origin or gender.

Recently, Farahri renewed her 2010 watch endorsement campaign with AMA Swiss Watch Company.