Rhea the Second, Manasseh, MVTE, Marcus Darling, KOVU (DJ Set)

Born on the east side of Detroit and now thriving in the city of Chicago, Rhea the Second is an Alternative Pop and R&B artist who has quickly cemented her place as one of the most exciting talents in the city’s vibrant music scene. Her star-studded resume includes working with artists like Noname, Leon Bridges, Eryn Allen Kane, Akenya, Durand Jones & The Indications, Neal Francis, and Tony Moran, to name just a few. Her latest projects, ALT POP RNB and Mama’s House (a dynamic collaboration with rapper MVTE), are bold declarations of her artistic vision and have already earned praise as two of the year’s most distinctive and thrilling releases.

The Duchess of Dance, Rhea channels the spirits of icons like Donna Summer, Janet Jackson, Brandy, and Aaliyah, blending pop, R&B, house, hip hop, disco, and dance into a sound that’s entirely her own. As she continues to evolve, her fearless creativity and genre-defying approach are poised to captivate fans worldwide. With a growing presence in Chicago’s music scene and a rapidly expanding fanbase, Rhea is on the verge of something legendary. Whether she’s commanding the stage or experimenting in the studio, she’s primed to become one of the most compelling voices in pop and R&B—and a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

MVTE (pronounced mute) is an up-and-coming artist from Chicago, with a style as distinct as her voice. Following the city’s rich lineage of important and unique voices, her music is refreshing yet familiar. From jazz influenced slow burners to hard hitting gritty boom bap to Chicago flavored anthems, her sound is a rich, diverse mosaic allowing her space to explore. Her music is unique, fun and filled with feeling, transporting the listener into her world. And in her world, contrary to her stage name, MVTE has a lot to say.

Manasseh, a South Side Chicago native, has honed his musical gift since childhood, nurtured by his vocalist mother and shaped by years in the church choir. Today, he thrives as a Music Supervisor, curator, vocal coach, background vocalist, and songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists.

Manasseh has graced prestigious stages like the Museum of Science and Industry and the MCA, with his work earning recognition from Chicago Tribune, Earmilk, Ambient Vibez, and WTTW. His track “Inches” was featured on Tyler Perry’s Sistas (Season 2, Episode 4). Vocalo also spotlighted his artistry, solidifying his reputation as a go-to expert in vocal coaching, songwriting, and arranging.

His discography includes the acclaimed album Monochromatic Dream (March 29, 2022) and the EP Variations V1- I’ll Be (February 2023), featuring his signature a cappella collection, Fav. Wav. Acapella.

Known for performances that are mystical, healing, and uplifting, Manasseh says, “My goal is for all of us to leave lighter than we came in.”

Marcus Darling is a genre-defying, soulfully rebellious artist who fuses revolutionary rock with a DIY lofi aesthetic. Their sound—a self-described “black-folk music”—blends electronic soul, R&B, psychedelic rock, jazz, and folk into something both intimate and expansive. Each song feels like a dreamy journey, exploring moods more than messages, with polished melodies woven through reflective silences.

Known for their gender-fluid, urban edge and politically charged style, Marcus captivates audiences with a mystical and empathetic presence. Their music balances nostalgic grooves with modern experimentation, creating a quirky, cerebral sound that resonates deeply.

Kovu is an Artist, Curator, Designer + anything he sets his mind to. From Detroit to living in Chicago for 14 years, KOVU focuses on a blend of Afro House, Deep House, and Yoruba Soul.