Badda Season Is Upon Us

Winta Mahdere, better known as Badda, was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 7th 1997. She is a rapper, singer, songwriter, director, and producer of Eritrean descent who proudly and unapologetically represents her heritage everywhere she goes.

Badda first discovered her gift for rhyming in junior high, when poetry opened the door to Hip Hop. Growing up in a household that revered 2Pac and Biggie, she sharpened her raw, fearless delivery while balancing Lil’ Kim’s unapologetic femininity with Alicia Keys’ soulful vulnerability. This unique blend allows her to navigate seamlessly between rapping and singing, carving out her distinctive sound.

She began turning heads in 2017 with her breakout track “Check After Check”, followed by a series of drops that amplified her buzz across Ottawa and Toronto. Her feature with Toronto’s Pressa on “We Ridin” became one of the city’s hottest anthems of 2019, climbing to the number one spot on VIBE105 (105.5FM) and establishing Badda as a rising force in Canadian Hip Hop.

Badda’s momentum didn’t stop there. Her viral single “Baddest In The Game” lit up clubs, restaurants, and airwaves across the city and beyond. The record got love from heavy-hitting DJs like DJ Wikked, DJ Blaxzdundaplace, and DJ BabyYu, who even premiered the track on VIBE105 Atlanta. To this day, the record remains in rotation,  proving its staying power and undeniable impact.

Industry recognition followed: Jadakiss himself co-signed Badda, publicly claiming her as one of the hottest artists. She also made an appearance in one of Sean Paul's music videos, “Up Ina Di Air \ Circuit”, another huge milestone that expanded her visibility on an international level. On top of that, she’s been in the mix with some of the culture’s biggest stages, including Caribana events alongside names like Lebron James, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and DaBaby.

Her influence extends beyond music. She’s been involved with the now-booming Siempre Tequila brand, modeled as the lead in PYRX’s hit “Hillside” (200k+ views), and continues to shape the scene with her “Boss Baddie” brand designed to empower women in the industry.

Badda’s presence on stage matches her reputation outside of it: fearless, respected, and impossible to ignore. From TIFF performances at Acqua Supper Club to constant bookings across the country, Badda has solidified herself as an artist who works and wins.

Through it all, she remains deeply rooted in her Eritrean heritage and dedicated to her community. She makes her people feel seen while carrying their pride on her shoulders. Badda says, “I will put my city on the map.”

One thing’s for certain: Badda season is here, and it’s only getting bigger.