By Prabhjot Bains
Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga sing and dance in a film that inherently struggles to justify its existence.
Zach Zoya Puts His Charisma On Full Display, Supporting Charlotte Cardin
The 24-year-old rapper/singer whets the appetites of a sold-out audience.
by David MacIntyre
Photos by Brooke Rutner
- Published on
April 29, 2022
Montreal, QC
MTELUS
I almost didn’t get to see Zach Zoya’s set in Montreal for the first of four consecutive shows at MTELUS. This was due to a combo of bad luck—my Uber driver got rear-ended, causing me to arrive at the venue a few minutes late—and navigating an ocean of music fans who were there to catch both Zoya and headliner Charlotte Cardin.
Turns out my moment of panic was worth it, as Zoya spent 40 minutes showcasing his charisma, talent, and versatility to the sold-out crowd. Performing with a four-piece band while rocking sunglasses and a dapper blue blazer, the Montreal-via-Rouyn-Noranda singer/rapper did well to satisfy the Cardin fans who he was quickly winning over as his own. With the crowd waving their arms in unison as though he was the headliner, Zoya showed he can sing reggae-tinged R&B tunes (e.g. “Start Over”, “Strangers in the House”) and spit triplet-flow rhymes over contemporary beats (e.g. “Slurpee”, “Who Dat”) with equal amounts of confidence.
Zoya would also frequently code-switch between English and French during his stage banter. If that isn’t peak Montreal, I don’t know what is. The rising star proved he’s a more than capable frontman with the stage presence to match his band’s energy, and left the crowd transfixed and energized by the time he was done.
Charlotte Cardin performs at MTELUS in Montreal on April 29, 2022.
By Ben Boddez
The Grammy-winning producer on crafting cinematic soundscapes, learning from his sister Billie Eilish, and staying true to himself on new LP, For Cryin' Out Loud!
By Sebastian Buzzalino
From rain-soaked sets to rooftop jams, we chased the magic of Montreal’s beloved indie festival.
