Community Connex with True Daley: Ebonnie Rowe & Michie Mee Honoured at Manifesto

23 September 2011 No Comments

True Daley

By True Daley

Herstory was made when the Manifesto Festival paid tribute to Canadian women who have made a significant impact on the culture and community of hip hop. During the 11-day event, on September 18th, Wombanifesto: The Rebirth was dedicated to women and trans artists.

The day began with a series of panels and workshops, and ended with the inaugural concert at Toronto’s Revival nightclub located in the heart of Little Italy. The familiar venue was beautifully transformed into a spacious living room complete with soft lighting, area rugs, throw pillows and African fabrics draped across the walls.

Today’s aspiring artists paid tribute to honoured guests DJ Mel Boogie, Jemeni, Motion, Anita Stewart, Lillian Allen, Kinnie Starr, Michie Mee, and Ebonnie Rowe. Known lovingly as ‘The Godmother’, Rowe, Phem Phat Entertainment CEO, shared her observations on how this generation of ground-breakers has inspired her.

Ebonnie Rowe/ VIVIAN BARCLAY

“People have been asking what I look forward to, and I always say that I long to see the day when PhemPhat no longer needs to exist. We came out of necessity, and they say necessity is the mother of all invention. We were oppressed and marginalized and needed to stake our claim in this industry. So for me it was always a fight and a struggle trying to break through the glass ceiling in my stiletto heels. Wombmanifesto came out of a desire and celebration. Everyone paved the way for these women so that they could just be and enjoy and thrive.”

Her brain-child, Honey Jam began in 1995, with artists such as Nelly Furtado and Jully Black crediting the event for playing an integral role in their careers. However, event after 16 years, and the support of high-profile sponsors such as Universal Records and MuchMusic, Rowe says she still has to stay on her grind.

“It has gotten better for sure. It’s frustrating not knowing year to year, who your sponsors will be. There were years when I had to pay for it out of my own pocket.

People were suggesting that maybe it was time for me to take a year off, and I refused. I feel like we have yet to have an opportunity to do all that we can do, because we have not had the financial backing to do it. I am not stopping until we have a chance to do that. We will have that opportunity, and I will make it so. It has to happen.”

Rowe also acknowledges the passion and wisdom of her younger counterparts, stating she’d love to expand her current team of volunteers to include those who have made Manifesto a success over the past five years.

“That’s one thing that I see with this generation. They have grants and support. Together I’d like to see us create linkages, synergies and partnerships. They are putting technology to great use. I would love to recruit them and they could take Honey Jam to the next level.”

In addition to being acknowledged by Manifesto, Rowe is the sole African-Canadian to be short-listed for Chateleine magazine’s annual ‘Woman of the Year ’ award. Meanwhile, the ‘Queen of Hip Hop’, Michie Mee says although she appreciates being recognized for being a trailblazer, she still has more to share.

“We don’t get to exploit the wise women in hip hop. We only get to exploit them when they’re young. People ask me when I’m going to stop, and I tell them when anyone who started before me stops. They never ask men stop, they give them books. We need some female perspectives. I’d like to read a Latifah book or a book by Lyte. I want to know what happened with Roxanne Shante. Somebody tell me another story, there are so many other mature women that have a story to tell.”

In perfect serendipity, her 20 year-old son is currently interning at Universal Records Canada, and is working on Reema Major’s new album. Dubbed the ‘Mother of the New School’, Reema Major consistently gives credit to female pioneers. Likewise, Michie Mee has expressed that she’s equally impressed by the young star’s talents. Having been a performer since she was 14 years old, the veteran rapper and actor says she has discovered a new approach to her craft in the past two years.

“When you don’t care what anyone thinks anymore, it comes forth in your delivery and your writing because you’ve surrendered, and because you know the story. Everything changes, because you’ve surrendered. Once you do let go, it’s the biggest exhale, mentally and creatively.”

The royal rapper is poised to return to her throne at Manifesto‘s legendary block party on closing night at Dundas Square on September 25th. Fans will be treated to Michie’s new repertoire of music including a song entitled ‘I Am Legend’.