Begonia
Begonia, the stage name of Alexa Dirks, is one of the most powerful and original voices in Canadian music today. Hailing from Winnipeg, she crafts bold, genre-defying alt-pop that blends soulful vocals, synth-pop swagger, and gut-punch vulnerability. Whether she’s belting out heartbreak or baring her soul with self-deprecating humour, Begonia commands attention — and then invites you to feel something deeper.
After winning a Juno Award with her former band Chic Gamine, Dirks struck out on her own as Begonia, bringing with her an explosive voice and a fiercely authentic perspective. Her 2017 debut EP, Lady in Mind, turned heads nationwide, with the breakout single “Juniper” reaching #1 on the CBC Music charts and earning praise from NPR as one of “10 Artists You Need to Know.”
Her full-length debut, Fear (2020), was a critical triumph — longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and nominated for a Juno Award. Unapologetically honest and sonically rich, Fear tackled anxiety, identity, and resilience with emotional clarity and a kaleidoscopic soundscape. With every release, Begonia has continued to redefine pop music on her own terms — fiercely emotional, always unexpected.
Her 2023 album Powder Blue further cemented her as a leading voice in Canadian music — a lush, expansive collection that pushed her artistry even further, balancing theatrical flair with lyrical introspection.
Begonia’s live shows are the stuff of legend. Equal parts powerhouse concert and emotional rollercoaster, her performances are known for their vocal fireworks, candid banter, and charismatic vulnerability. Whether she’s performing in a small theatre or lighting up festival stages, she makes every venue feel personal — and every lyric feel lived-in.
Audiences in Kitchener-Waterloo have embraced Begonia as a rising icon, particularly through appearances at regional festivals and collaborative tours like The Longest Road Show (2019), where she performed alongside Terra Lightfoot and Lindi Ortega — including a standout stop at Centre In The Square.
In a city that values artistic honesty and strong storytelling, Begonia’s fearless voice and heartfelt performances resonate deeply. She doesn’t just sing to you — she lets you in.
With a voice that ranges from vulnerable whisper to thunderous belt, and a presence that’s both dazzling and disarming, Begonia is rewriting the rulebook for what pop music can be in Canada. She’s a beacon for anyone who's ever felt too much or not enough — and she turns that emotion into anthems.
For fans in Kitchener-Waterloo and beyond, Begonia isn’t just an artist to watch — she’s one to feel, to celebrate, and to sing along with at full volume.
