Music Artists You Should Know: SadBoi

Toronto singer-songwriter Sadboi is one of a select few artists who are on the edge of blowing up, especially with her latest song, “THERAPIST.” Hot off the heels of two back-to-back projects from last year, Sadboi is also on her headlining US tour, with an LA stop at The Echo on April 30.

Long before the combo of BARE CHAT and DRY CRY, Ebhoni Cato-O’Garro, like several other up-and-coming artists, turned to YouTube as an outlet. With a background in singing, she first became known for covers, gradually recording and releasing original material that gained traction. At first, she started her career as simply Ebhoni, picking up steam off the back of singles such as “X-Ting” before relaunching as Sadboi.

The relaunch, a risky move considering she already built up a following as Ebhoni, did not stop her ascension one bit, with her subsequent output increasing and singles dropping left and right. At the same time, Sadboi moved away from the R&B/trap fusion she started off playing with and into a genre-bending sound that has largely defined the Toronto music scene, albeit with an emphasis on dancehall and reggae.

“THERAPIST” steps slightly away from the R&B and reggae Sadboi has become known for, another step in experimentation that serves as a testament to her longevity.

The song, which Sadboi said was “about a time when I was dating someone, and our relationship was beautiful—but only when he actually showed up for therapy,” takes after rock and pop music more than her usual forte. However, it’s a welcomed switch up that should come as no surprise given the many changes and artistic dares she’s taken over the years. “THERAPIST,” in particular, speaks to her ear for melodies bound to get stuck in your head while describing a tale of obsession gone wrong in the right way.

Unlike her work released thus far in 2025, 2024 proved to be a monumental year for Sadboi. BARE CHAT, which happened to be her debut EP on top of being one of two to drop, set the scene for what to expect––or not to expect––from Sadboi. Singles like “Potential” unsurprisingly blew up, in large part due to the combination of dancehall rhythms and hip-hop sensibilities in a bite-sized runtime that still packed a punch.

But what comes as even less of a surprise is her natural progression. One that coincides with her rising profile as she works with people like Shygirl and Jorja Smith (“Wifey Riddim”)––all while zeroing in on a pocket within music uniquely her own.

Words: David Sosa

“THERAPIST” by Sadboi is out on streaming services. For more on new music and tickets to her shows, including an LA show at The Echo on April 30, follow her on Instagram.