It’s time to come out of the cold and spring into a new level of awareness surrounding the sensitive issue of prostate cancer and the Black community. Canadian Black men are 65% more likely to get prostate cancer than white men and almost three times more likely to die from the disease.

Sway Magazine will raise awareness April 13 with Santé Soirée, a blowout benefit that brings together some of Canada’s hottest performers in conjunction with Prostate Cancer Canada.  The star studded line-up will be co-hosted by the Juno Award-winning darling Divine Brown, and star comedian Trixx, known for his sell-out performances at Yuk Yuks and appearances on Much Music’s Video On Trial.

Santé coincides with the launch of Sway Magazine’s Health Issue and Publisher and Editorial Director Alan A. Vernon believes the time is now to raise awareness. “It is crucial that Sway be influential in raising a loud voice about this disease in Canada’s Black communities.”

Taking place at the Embassy Night Club in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment district, the evening’s performers include rapper Silver (aka Solitair) responsible for the chart-topping Kardinal Offishal’s anthemic “BaKardi Slang,” powerhouse R&B songstress, Liberty Silver, who has had the honour of performing for Barack Obama and numerous other heads of state.  Also on the bill is Mac Graham, who’s current single, “Midnight,” has been receiving enthusiastic playback from radio stations across Canada.

“I am honoured to grace the cover of the spring issue of Sway magazine,” says Divine Brown.  ”Sway is a world-class publication representing our community.  I am proud to be associated with them in their effort to bring awareness about prostate cancer in our community.”

Rebecca Von Goetz, Vice President of Prostate Cancer Canada, is also proud to be in partnership with Sway. “Together we are making great progress in educating the Black community on the issue of prostate cancer–the most common cancer to afflict Canadian men. Black men are at a much greater risk of getting the disease and we encourage them to speak to their doctors about early detection.”

Doors open at 6:30pm for this mélange of intimate performances, with complimentary cocktails from Bacardi Rum, Lifford Wines and Molson Canadian, with Caribbean-fusion delicacies like ackee and callaloo spring rolls, being served by Chef Washington of Room Service Restaurant and Catering.

Tickets are $20, which also includes a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada and a one-year subscription to Sway. TO RSVP go to [email protected]

“Right from the outset, it has been a Sway tradition to stand behind the community on important issues both in editorial content and fundraising. We hope to bring together the community in this cause and break down the stigma associated with this disease,” concludes Vernon.

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