Six-Time Grammy Winners Black Eyed Peas to Headline Wake the Giant Festival in Thunder Bay, Featuring Taboo’s Indigenous Advocacy

Thunder Bay, Ontario – The Wake the Giant Music Festival, a signature event rooted in a powerful community initiative, has announced that the globally acclaimed group Black Eyed Peas will headline its 2025 iteration. The six-time Grammy-winning collective, known for chart-topping hits and comprising members will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, is set to perform on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at the city’s picturesque Marina Park.

This upcoming event marks the sixth year for the festival, which has rapidly grown in prominence since its inception. The announcement of the Black Eyed Peas as the headliner represents a significant milestone, fulfilling a long-held ambition for the organizers.

Securing a Global Headliner

Festival co-founder and organizer Sean Spenrath expressed the significance of securing the Black Eyed Peas for the 2025 lineup. “Getting the Black Eyed Peas has been a long-time goal for us,” Spenrath stated. The group’s international renown and widespread appeal are expected to draw a large crowd to Marina Park, further elevating the festival’s profile.

A Historic First with Taboo’s Heritage

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the Black Eyed Peas’ headlining performance is the presence of member Taboo. With his Shoshone heritage, Taboo becomes the first Indigenous artist to headline the Wake the Giant Music Festival. This aligns powerfully with the festival’s foundational mission.

Taboo is not only a celebrated musician but also a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights. His work extends beyond the stage; he has authored a children’s book inspired by his heritage, titled A Kids Book About Identity, and is dedicated to bringing Indigenous artists into the mainstream music industry. His participation as a headliner underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture and providing a platform for Indigenous voices.

Diverse Lineup for 2025

While the Black Eyed Peas top the bill, the 2025 festival promises a diverse array of musical talent across various genres. The announced lineup also includes performances from Canadian pop mainstays Prozzäk, synth-pop duo Neon Dreams, blues and roots artist Crystal Shawanda, and The Poets, a popular tribute act celebrating the music of The Tragically Hip.

Rounding out the current artist roster are emerging talents such as folk singer-songwriter Wyatt C. Louis, local Thunder Bay hip-hop artist G Dubz, and singer-songwriter Walking Bear. Organizer Greg Chomut acknowledged the challenge of assembling a lineup that follows previous successful years, noting the pressure to exceed expectations.

Roots in Community and Culture

The Wake the Giant Music Festival originated from the Wake the Giant campaign, an initiative pioneered by Dennis Franklin Cromarty (DFC) High School in Thunder Bay. The campaign was established with the primary aim of creating a welcoming environment for Indigenous students travelling from remote northern communities to attend high school in the city. The festival serves as a large-scale extension of this effort, actively working to celebrate Indigenous culture and build bridges between communities.

Beyond the main stage performances, the event at Marina Park is designed as a comprehensive cultural experience. Attendees can explore a dedicated Kids Zone, participate in community art activities, browse and support artists at an Indigenous Craft Market, and enjoy offerings from various food vendors.

Tickets and Attendance Information

Tickets for the 2025 Wake the Giant Music Festival are currently on sale. The organizers maintain their commitment to accessibility, offering free entry for children aged 12 and under. However, a ticket is still required for entry even for young attendees to ensure accurate capacity management.

The festival’s blend of internationally recognized headliners, a diverse supporting lineup, and its deep-rooted commitment to reconciliation and cultural celebration positions the 2025 Wake the Giant event as a must-attend fixture on the Canadian music calendar, set against the scenic backdrop of Thunder Bay’s waterfront.