Xav
Curated By
Xavier Edwardz, known artistically as XAV, is a dynamic force in modern music, blending Neo-Soul, Kaiso, and Reggae to create a sound that awakens consciousness. Emerging from a legendary Tobago music dynasty, XAV channels his rich heritage into music that resonates deeply with global audiences. Often likened to Bob Marley, J. Cole, and Chronixx, he fuses thought-provoking lyricism with infectious rhythms, setting himself apart as a visionary artist.
XAV’s early acclaim includes prestigious awards such as the 2019 Tobago Youth Award, the National Youth Award for Music, and the 2020 Boom Award for Best Hip Hop Song. Tracing his lineage to Benin, West Africa, he weaves African consciousness, love, and sounds into his evolving artistry, crafting music that speaks to identity, heritage, and unity.
His powerful stage presence has led him to perform at major festivals, includingSXSW 2024 Island Wave Stage, Tobago Jazz Festival, Decibel Festival, Fro Fest, Discover Series, and TOMAC Festival, as well as opening for global icons Burna Boy and Morgan Heritage.
With growing recognition, XAV has received press features in Wordplay Magazine, Fame Magazine, and The Pit London, where his artistry has been praised for its authenticity, depth, and ability to bridge genres. His music has also earned notable playlist support from Colors Studios, Amplify, and Noctis, further cementing his place among today’s most promising and forward-thinking artists.
Following the success of his Red Pills Only EP campaign, XAV is carving his lane in the global music industry, continuing to push the boundaries of sound and storytelling.
2025 marked a pivotal year for XAV as he released his highly anticipated debut album, Black Fragments, a deeply personal and culturally rich project set to leave a lasting impact on the international music scene, which gained major industry support.
XAV continues to build powerful momentum with the release of Kaiso Jumbie, a record that further cements his signature fusion of neo soul, kaiso, and reggae influences while pushing a distinctly global sound. The track has received strong support from Ras Kwame on Capital XTRA and Don Letts on BBC Radio 1, signaling growing recognition across key tastemaker platforms. Expanding his cultural impact beyond music, XAV was also invited to Creative Connect Afrika in Ghana, where he performed and contributed to discussions on strengthening African-Caribbean connections through arts and culture.
Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the next phase of his artistic evolution with the release of music from his forthcoming album Black Fragments, alongside key international performances including SXSW London on 3rd June, where he will take the stage at the Island Wave official showcase hosted by Ras Kwame.
XAV is not just an artist, he is a movement, a storyteller, and a bridge between cultures. His journey is only just beginning, and the world is listening.