There is something captivating about Sadboi, a striking difference between her name and the energy she emits. Recently awarded the JUNO for Dance Recording of the Year, Sadboi is fully immersed in her artistic journey. “Honestly, it felt unreal,” she laughs, still processing the whirlwind of it all. “The fact that it actually happened still feels surreal.”
Previously known as Ebhoni, this Toronto-born artist began her career on YouTube, sharing covers and original songs before transforming into a complete creative presence. Sadboi's artistry exists at the crossroads of heartbreak and vivid energy, merging heartfelt, vulnerable lyrics with irresistible dance beats. Her latest track, ‘Therapist,’ perfectly embodies this duality, presenting a darkly humorous and emotionally charged anthem that prompts you to dance through the pain.
This vibe extends from her breakout project ‘BareChat,’ a collection steeped in Toronto slang, Caribbean rhythms, and post-heartbreak empowerment. The project received recognition from Canadian icon Drake, a long-time supporter who encouraged her to select a name that truly represented her work. Unstoppable, Sadboi recently collaborated with Jorja Smith and Shygirl, showcasing her capacity to navigate various musical styles while remaining authentic.
With two sold-out shows at The Drake Underground Hotel and a tour promising high-energy summer hits and sweat-filled sing-alongs, she is undeniably a movement. Clash sat down with Sadboi for a brief discussion on her journey, her newest singles, and what fans can anticipate from her tour.
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Congratulations on winning the JUNO Award for Dance Recording of the Year with ‘No Time’! How did it feel to receive such recognition?
Honestly, it felt unreal. When I mapped out my year last year, one of my biggest goals was to garner more support from my city. Winning a JUNO as a Canadian was a significant achievement. It’s something I never truly considered, yet I had envisioned it. The fact that it actually happened still feels so surreal.
Let’s go back to the beginning—growing up in Toronto, what sounds and environments influenced you the most?
Growing up in Toronto, I was surrounded by incredible diversity. It’s a melting pot of cultures, and I feel fortunate to have experienced that. Even at the parties I attended, you would hear a mixture of EDM and dancehall. The fusion of genres was ever-present. When I think of our slang and lingo, it all derives from that, which is fantastic. It greatly influences our music. It’s deeply embedded in my identity.
Additionally, experiencing reggae and dancehall in a Caribbean household was always prevalent. With Antiguan grandparents, my musical identity was largely shaped by those influences. I’ve drawn inspiration from everything I encountered growing up.
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You began your journey as Ebhoni, a name that resonated with fans early on. What inspired your transformation into Sadboi? What significance did this change hold for you personally and artistically?
I started on YouTube using my real name, Ebhoni, which felt natural. As I developed my artistry, I continued using it. But after my first heartbreak, I found myself writing about him frequently and referred to him as “Sadboi” instead of his real name, wanting to keep his identity private. Around the same time, someone who loved my music pointed out that my name didn’t stand out.
I returned home and discussed it with my family, realizing I had evolved significantly. I wanted to reclaim my power and was inspired by Lady Gaga. I even Googled unique names that conveyed a similar vibe as hers. Initially, I considered ‘Sad Girl,’ but that didn’t resonate. Then ‘Sadboi’ struck me as powerful. It emerged from a tough time yet turned into strength. It's amusing how it all came together.
‘THERAPIST’ presents a raw and darkly comedic perspective on love. You’ve mentioned it was influenced by a past relationship. Can you elaborate on how that experience shaped the song?
When I wrote ‘Therapist’, I was in a Toronto studio session. I have a somewhat dark sense of humor. I received a text from my ex and thought if he had continued with therapy, we might still be together. The message annoyed me because I could see how much he had changed after he stopped going to therapy.
That irritation transformed into a song. It was about three years ago, right after that experience. I penned several songs about it but hesitated to release them. I’m glad I finally did.
The song’s lively tempo contrasts with its heavy themes. Was that contrast a deliberate decision?
In a sense, yes. I love music that compels you to move. Tempo holds great importance for me. When I create, I consistently think about tempo and how to inject energy into it.
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Reflecting on your debut album, ‘BARE CHAT’. It possesses such an authentic, unfiltered essence, especially with its title. Can
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Sadboi has an intriguing allure, presenting a striking contrast between her name and the vibrant energy she exudes. Having recently won a JUNO for Dance Recording of the...