Up close and ONtour with JoSH the BaND

Ontario is celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary in style.  All year long, the province is marking 150 years with events across the province.  ONtour is a free and all ages concert series that is stopping at more than 20 communities across Ontario featuring some pretty amazing Ontario musicians.  We have the pleasure of introducing you to some of this homegrown talent with interviews leading up to their performances.  Today we feature an interview we had with Rup Magon from JoSH the BaND.

This Toronto-based band will be performing twice on the tour.  On Saturday, July 29 they will bring fusion/world music to Ajax performing alongside The Jim Cuddy Band, Karl Wolf and Ralph.  Then on September 1st, they will join Amanda Marshall, Kardinal Offishall and Anjulie in Brampton.  For more details on each of these concerts, check out the official Facebook event pages:

Introduce yourself to the Canadian Beats readers.

JoSH (pronouced Joe-sh) is comprised of two Canadians, Rup Magon and Q Hussain.  We have been recording albums and performing live for over 15 years now with 4 studio albums and over 4 million sold worldwide.   We have had major collaborations with artists such as Nelly Furtado, Apache Indian, Jesse Cook and many others.  JoSH has produced tracks for films and tv series such as David Rocco’s Dolce India.   The band is based in Toronto.

What part of Ontario are you from and/or currently reside in?

Rup lives in Toronto and Q lives in Mississauga.

You have been selected to be a performer in the ONTour Concert Series, an event to help celebrate Ontario’s 150th Anniversary.  How does it feel to be part of this event?

It’s always an honour to perform in your own Province.  The real measurement of success is when your home fans accept you and for that we are very grateful.

Ontario’s motto for many years has been, “Yours to discover”.  What is your favourite place to explore?

I’ve been living in Toronto for 9 years yet and still have lots to cover.   I’m also eager to discover every vineyard in the Niagara Region.

Touring as a musician has likely brought you to many unique locations to dine in.  In your opinion, what is Ontario’s best kept secret to eat at?

Oooh! Being a foodie, I think Ontario has some amazing places.. but the food at Niagara on the Lake has never done me wrong.  Q is a big fan of the West Indian food that you can get in some pockets of Scarborough, his old stomping ground.What is your favourite Ontario music festival or venue?We love to perform at Harbourfront in Toronto.  The venue, the crowds, the food variety and the view – just amazing!

There are so many talented artists who are taking part in this special tour.  Who are you excited to check out?

Jim Cuddy, Amanda Marshall, Kardinal!

Are you performing at any other music festivals this summer that you would like to tell us about?

We are performing at the Canada 150 South Asian event in Ottawa on Aug 13th.

What does the rest of 2017 look like for you?

Pakistan, India, Dubai, Canada, Europe, repeat.

Why are you proud to be an Ontarian?

The diversity in Ontario is a true example that different communities can live in peace with one another.  Pluralism at its best.  We are proud to make Ontario our home!

Want to find out if ONtour will be making it to your town this summer?  Be sure to check out their socials for the most up-to-date information.  New artists are continually being added to shows, so check often!

Connect with ONtour:
Connect with JoSH the BaND:
Twitter: Q     |    Rup
Instagram: Q     |    Rup