T.E.Dennis Photography
By Patrick Dennis Jr.
In a day and age when it seems every young black person claims to be a rapper, few stand out from the crowd. Toronto’s own Reema Major is one of those few aspiring artists whose style, delivery and persona appear to be genuine and long lasting.
The self-proclaimed “Mother of the new school era, and young buck that the old G’s co-sign” showcased her skills this past Tuesday at Canada’s Wonderland. The event entitled “Summer Bling” featured some of the city’s best young talents and also one of Canada’s top artists, Karl Wolf. Reema headlined the event and did not disappoint.
At the tender age of 16, Reema has mastered the art of performing. On stage she has the confidence and swagger of artists at least twice her age, but as the cliché goes- age is nothing but a number. Performing her current song on the radio, “I’m The One” Reema showed why so many have called her the queen of Canadian hip-hop. Her lyrics and punch lines are hard hitting; she flows like an artist who has been doing this for years.
Many are quick to compare her style to that of Nicki Minaj. “I think that when you are a female coming into a male-dominated industry, people are quick to compare.” explained Reema. “I think it’s reassurance you are doing something right–if you’re whack you won’t be compared at all.” Considering the fact that Reema has really only been putting out music since she was 15, it’s tough compare her body of work to Minaj. From a lyrical stand point however, hands down Reema takes the win. The honesty and conviction in her music speaks for itself.
Reema insists that there is no animosity towards Nicki or any other female artists; she gladly welcomes the comparisons as she knows that when people hear her music and get to know her better as an artist the comparisons will stop. She is a firm believer that female artists need to stick together. “I think power is important, and I think unity is power. Where there is a strong team together, there will be power and by women fighting it just makes us weak,” she proclaimed.
Having gone through a lot in her young life, Reema uses her music as her expression and voice. With all the success she has gained so far she remains humble and grateful for it all. “I’m just grateful. As a ghetto kid, this time last year I was sitting on a stoop. No deal, no money- just a ghetto kid. You have to stay humble because as quick as he [GOD] gave it to you; he can take it away,” Reema explained. It is that understanding and attitude that draws people to her.
Speaking to her you feel like you’re talking to someone wise beyond her years. The delivery of her rhymes mixed with the complexity of her lyrics the perfect blend of what hip-hop and rap truly are. A student of the old school era of flow, Reema uses clever word play not heard in many artists today. She is certainly above the crowd.
This fast-talking, intelligent and passionate artist is certainly on her way to becoming a superstar. She is currently promoting her mixtape, I AM LEGEND (which is available for download on her website), Reema is also busy working on her debut album (due out sometime in 2012). Reema Major will be performing alongside another Toronto artist, KOS at the CNE on September 2nd.
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Henok Abebe
By Samuel Getachew
Margaret Mead may have reflected on commitment and social change generations ago, by writing words that still resonates today – ”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The reality is that there are millions of Canadians who are contributing to our planet in every possible way.
Looking around the world, it is not hard to find Canadians contributing to the betterment of our world. In the continent of Africa alone, in a random visit to villages and towns, one can witness young children named after Former United Nations HIV / AIDS Envoy Stephen Lewis, for his passionate voice in turning the tide against the deadly disease in Africa. In the proud history books of South Africa, there are literally pages of tributes to the leadership of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for his stubborn attempt to help end minority rule in that country in the late 1980′s.
Looking around the thousands of young peacekeepers all across the continent, one can be reminded of the contributions of our former noted United Nations Canadian ambassador, Nobel Peace Prize winning Lester B Pearson. Furthermore, the reality of Canada and Canadians is the fact that many governments may have come and gone over the years, but the contributions of Canadians has never left Africa nor to the cause of International Development.
This cultural commitment to the world has always been Canada’s signature to the world. Local musician, Ethiopian born and Canadian resident, Henok Abebe is one of many who is living our collective greatest ideal. He may not be a household name in Canada, but he has had a long and prosperous musical career in his young adult life in his native Ethiopia. He has played with leading international Ethiopian artists such as Alemayehu Eshete and many others.
Later on today, he will perform his many smooth ballads at Lula Lounge in the hope of raising much needed resources for the East African famine victims for Medecins Sans Frontieres – a Nobel Peace Prize winning charity organization. According to the organizers, “the fact that the victims of famine in East Africa have not been getting the same vast support as survivors of other recent world disasters speaks to our priorities and values”. It is the hope that this particular event and many others in the near future will help turn the tide.
Abebe will join other local artists such as Kooshin and Faduma Nakruma at Lula Lounge starting at 8 PM. Lula is located on 1585 Dundus West and entrance is only $15 or (Pay what you can).
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By Angela Walcott
The Dance Music Comedy (DMC) Expo is unique to Canada. Not only will it showcase young up-and-coming artists in dance and music, on September 10 this talent competition will feature a category for comedy, a $750 cash prize and studio recording time for the lucky winners in each category.
Executive producer Brian Francis started the DMC Expo after three years of research. “I’ve seen many trade shows in the US and Canada, but none of them touched on a variety of entertainment,” says Francis. “I wanted to provide artists with an opportunity to showcase their craft,” says Francis who was a trade show manager for many years. It was his entrepreneurial spirit, which eventually led to producing shows.
Combining dance, music and comedy under one show came not out of necessity to fill a niche market but a more personal need. He wanted to expand on his love for both dance and comedy. Francis began his comedy career doing stand-up at Yuk Yuk’s when he was 27 years old. He participated in the Nubian Nights that provided black, Caribbean-Canadian influenced comedians with a platform. The events often played to sold-out crowds.
“The biggest misconception about comedians is that they are dirty or vulgar,” Francis points out. Francis has a strict policy for DMC Expo where he does not allow vulgar content or profanity of any kind in his show. Competitors who break this rule will be disqualified from the competition. Brian Francis will be headlining the comedy portion of the competition and he will ensure that you don’t necessarily have to use profanity in order to be funny.
Long before Francis was cracking people up with his dry sense of humour, quick wit and impeccable sense of comedic timing, he was dancing. “I was so into break-dancing. There was a time that was all I ever did,” he reflects. In the ‘80s he was part of the “Break Patrol” crew that managed to place 14th out of 1500 competitors in the Crunchy Break Challenge at the CNE.
Francis says he is a good judge of talent and has a good ear for music. Musicians are composed mainly of R&B contestants and while a good ear for music is an essential quality to have as a judge, he was looking for the entire package: entertainment value, a level of professionalism, the ability to interact with the audience, natural talent, commitment and punctuality.
While this is the first year for the expo, Francis would like to see this become an annual event, and he has already mapped out in his mind how he would do things differently and where he would focus more of his efforts and how to learn from his experiences. Overall, Francis wants people to walk away feeling entertained and inspired to live their dreams.
Exhibitors will also be on hand at the Expo offering many products and services for the arts and entertainment community not to mention exhibitors focusing on clothing, studio recording services , vocal coaching services and much more.
Those who will be attending the DMC Expo on September 10th will be in for a special treat as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Glenn Lewis will be the headline performer. Many fans will remember Lewis for his mega-hit “Don’t You Forget It”.
Brian Francis, his wife and a close friend who serves as the production assistant are the three key players in the planning of this event. Plus there is the assistance of countless volunteers. In lieu of sponsors, Francis has chosen cross promotion for this venture. While the task of organizing this event has presented some minor challenges along the way, Francis remains upbeat, “If you have your health, you can do anything.” This is exactly what Brian Francis is doing.
The event will be held at The International Centre in Mississauga on September 10. To order tickets in advance, email [email protected] for a discount and quote promo code SWAY-DMC.
Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Rehearsal Factory for $30 or $40 at the door at the International Centre on the day of the performance.
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By Patrick Dennis Jr.
At the tender age of 16, Reema Major has already made a name for herself in the hip-hop scene. Her fierce and heavy-hitting punch lines have left listeners and fans astonished.
On August 23rd Reema and some special guests will take to Canada’s Wonderland for a day of exciting entertainment. Fresh off of the release of her latest mixtape, “I Am Legend”, Reema will be taking to the stage to perform for her fans.
Tickets for the event can be purchased for $31.86 online and include admission, plus all day access to the parks’ rides and attractions. For more details visit, www.reemamajorsummerbling.com
“I Am Legend” showcases the young star at her finest, her mix of raw emotion and energy create the perfect blend. Having received great reviews from industry leaders the time is set for this young queen of Canadian hip-hop to take the throne.
I Am Legend is now available online: www.reemamajor.com | www.itunes.com/reemamajor
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Sonia Aimy
By Anya Wassenberg
Sonia ‘Aimy’ Aimiuwu may be new to Toronto but she’s hardly new to the stage. Her long resumé spans three continents along with several languages and artistic disciplines.
Born in Nigeria, Sonia began singing as a child in a gospel group in Benin City, fueling an early interest in traditional music and song that was also linked to storytelling, dance and theatre. She began her training in Nigeria and continued after immigrating to Italy. “I moved there when I was 19,” she recalls, “and trained in acting, jazz and choreography. I played in jazz bands for four or five years while I was going to school.”
Once out of school, she began a varied professional career that encompassed the cultures of both her native and adopted homelands. She’s worked as an actress, choreographer, dancer and singer with the Teatro di Roma and Teatro Stabile of Turin among others, was the Artistic Director of the African Theatre of Turin, and has helped train others in collaboration with the National Theatre of Nigeria. While she played the club scene in Italy as a student, as a professional she focused on broader projects. “When I started performing professionally, it was in festivals, theatres and events.”
Some of those events were ones she helped organize, including those that promoted African culture in Italy. She’s done multicultural radio programming and worked on youth projects with the Council of Europe and other European agencies, and she’s even starred in Italian films. Music, though, always seems to be at the core of her work, and her background has led to a fusion of styles. “How I would describe it? It’s a mixture. I’d define it as Afrojazz.”
She points out that she’s worked with many different artists of many different stripes, and adds the varied political climates of Africa and the West as part of her artistic baggage. She lists a number of musical influences, including King Sunny Adé, Miriam Makeba, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley, among others. Her voice is strong and expressive, and the music – which she writes – defies easy categorization. Afrojazz will do.
Though she’s only been in Toronto since April of this year, she hit the ground running, and has played at the Gladstone Hotel as part of their World Music series along with taking the stage at Afrofest. She’s concentrating her energies on music at the moment. “I’m still exploring Toronto,” she says. “My focus is really to work with the new band. “ Sonia speaks warmly of the wonderful musicians she’s found in the city.
As a lyricist, she’s often inspired simply by what surrounds her – a storyteller at heart. “It depends,” she says of her inspiration. “Sometimes it’s based on what’s around me, what is happening to people I know. There is one song in particular – I was inspired by a Ghanaian homeless guy. He lived in the train station. I used to give him money. One day, I started talking to him, and he told me his story.” His tale of coming to Italy in hopes of making his fortune and ending up on the street became a song. “It depends on what is happening around me,” she notes. For a memorial event dedicated to the late Miriam Makeba, she was moved to write about racism. “When we get to heaven, nobody is going to judge your skin colour, or whether you’re rich or poor. You’re going to be judged by your soul.” The result was her song “No Colour”.
While she’s still settling in, Sonia seems determined to leave her mark on the city’s stages starting right now. You can catch her smooth vocals and compelling presence performing as part of the Toronto African Dance Festival on August 13 and 14.
Check out Sonia Aimy’s YouTube channel to see her in action.
By Erica Phillips
For those who missed Sade’s live shows this year, pick up The Ultimate Collection. The two-disc set is a real treat for fans and features 29 tracks— 25 classics and four new songs.
That moody, seductive sound Sade has been known for since 1984 permeates the digitally remastered collection. Remember “Smooth Operator”, “Your Love is King”, “The Sweetest Taboo”, “No Ordinary Love”, songs that brought her to worldwide acclaim: They still sound smooth.
The first disc features songs from Sade’s debut album Diamond Life, released in 1984; Promise, released in 1985; Stronger Than Pride from 1988 and Love Deluxe from 1992. Disc two also features songs from Lovers Rock, 2000 and Soldier of Love 2010, plus the new songs: “Still in Love With You”, “The Moon and the Sky” remix featuring Jay-Z, “Love is Found”, “By Your Side” (Neptunes remix), and “I Would Never Have Guessed”.
“Soldier of Love”, from the 2010 album of the same name, ventures into different territory with its military feel. While the Neptunes remix of “By Your Side”, has a slightly heavier bass line and “Babyfather” is touching with light beat infused with a hint of reggae and poignant lyrics. Children doing back up on the chorus is particularly sweet.
For you child/ For you he’s the best he can be/ Oh child don’t you know …Your daddy love come with a life time guarantee.
Love and longing feature prominently on this album as in: You’ll always know the reason why/ We could have had the moon and the sky, from the “The Moon and The Sky”.
“Immigrant” describes an all too familiar and uncomfortable story. He didn’t know what it was to be black/ ‘Till they gave him his change/ But didn’t want to touch his hand/ To even the toughest among us/ That would be too much.
Sade is actually a band consisting of Sade Adu on vocals, Andrew Hale, keyboards and programming, Stuart Matthewman, guitars, saxophone and programming, and Paul S Denman on bass. Adu wrote all of the lyrics except for “Still in Love With You” (words and music by Phil Lynott). Matthewman and Hale also contribute to the music and lyrics.
The Ultimate Collection is smooth, moody and sexy from start to finish with a few pleasant surprises.
Track Listing
CD1
Your Love is King
Smooth Operator
Hang On To Your Love
The Sweetest Taboo
Is It A Crime
Never As Good As The First Time
Jezebel
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Paradise
Nothing Can Come Between Us
No Ordinary Love
Kiss of Life
Feel No Pain
Bullet Proof Soul
CD2
Cherish The Day
Pearls
By Your Side
Immigrant
Flow
King of Sorrow
The Sweetest Gift
Soldier of Love
The Moon and the Sky
Baby Father
Still in Love With You
Love is Found
I Would Never Have Guessed
The Moon and the Sky (Remix, featuring Jay-Z)
By Your Side (Neptunes Remix)
Edgy and dripping with sensuality, Saidah produced it independently with a group of her friends. With an intricately painted Saidah singing against an otherworldly backdrop and co-starring with a fierce-looking snake, this video – like her music – is nothing ordinary.
Check out the stunning video below
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By Erica Phillips
Hundreds turned out to hear an eclectic mix of bands at Hamilton Mardi Gras on the weekend; Omarion headlined the Friday night part of the program. Bayfront Park, with the beautiful bay and the setting sun provided the perfect backdrop for the many singers, dancers, rappers and musicians who entertained crowds. Fans enjoyed curry and jerk dishes, Jamaican patties and other island favourites, plus carnival foods such as ice cream, popcorn and candy apples.
Bernadette J-Ling is the festival’s founder, president and executive director. “The goal of the festival is to achieve togetherness with all multicultural groups within Hamilton to showcase their cultures.” The two-day festival started on Friday evening with a host of performers and featured a parade of ‘mas’ costumes on Saturday, which in total drew thousands of people.
Ling says the Omarion concert helped to “lift the level of the event”.
KHANDI
Singer and keyboardist Khandi started the evening with a few R&B covers; she was a finalist in Hamilton’s Got Talent contest held earlier this year.
EJ Grant and APE G.A.N.G. also performed. Grant, 19, said Mardi Gras was his first performance with a live band and is thankful he got to perform in front of the crowd.
Grant was one of the top four in Hamilton’s Got Talent contest and says music is what he really wants to do with his life. However, the self-taught rapper is studying television broadcasting at Mohawk College so he can apply elements of video production to his music.
EJ Grant
Shaun Boothe of Toronto, another performer, has been writing rap since he was 10. “Back then I used to write little rhymes making fun of the girls in my class and tease them with it during recess and stuff like that. All through high school I’d enter talent shows, freestyle competitions, whatever I could do to get out there. The big turning point for me was when I won this competition called the Much Temp competition,” Boothe said.
He garnered many industry contacts because of that competition, which came with $25,000 towards the car of his choice and a downtown condo for the summer. Boothe sold the car back to the lot and reinvested the money in himself as an artist. His first video, One By One, was directed by RT. Boothe tries to keep is music fresh and timeless, instead of just timely.
“It’s soulful, it’s deep, it’s raw, it’s fun, it’s fresh. Most importantly it’s me. Nobody else,” he says. He just released his new body of work called Waiting Room, which has 15 songs and features: “People like Kardinal, Talib Kweli, Kim Davis, CyHi Da Prynce from Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label, and a few other people as well.”
For more information about Booth visit shaunboothe.com.
Other performers included Crown A Thornz, with Harbour Sharks, Ms Paige, Entourage and R&B singer Kim Davis. Omarion was engaging with crowd, bringing fans on the stage, much to the delight of the audience. It was night of fun, showcasing of spectrum of music, to a variety of fans.
Check out more pics from Hamilton Mardi Gras
Ms Paige
Kim Davis
Entourage
Donne Roberts
By Anya Wassenberg
“I was born in Madagascar, I grew up in Russia, and now I’m in Canada,” begins singer/songwriter and guitarist Donné Roberts. In a nutshell, it describes a journey that’s been both physical and musical. “I was lucky enough to meet people from all over the world. For me, music is like love, there [are] no boundaries. If the love is there, things will work out perfectly.”
Having picked up the guitar at an early age, a wide-ranging lifestyle and an open mind sparked a lifetime love of musical experimentation. “Starting from when I was in Russia,” he explains. “I started mixing Russian music with Madgascar.” He began his musical career in Russia and Western Europe in the 1980s.
After making Toronto his home, Donné quickly developed a reputation for his often lightning fast technique, along with introducing audiences to the beautiful harmonies that exemplify Madagasy music. In 2004, he was part of the CBC recording project African Guitar Summit that brought together some of the top African guitar players in the country. It united musicians from Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Burundi and Madagascar, and Donné describes a working process that was cooperative. “With African Guitar Summit, I had them do things on my song – but I didn’t direct them,” he says. Similarly, his additions became part of each of the others’ compositions. The result was a 2005 Juno win for the group, and another nomination in 2007 for the follow up CD African Guitar Summit 2.
In between, Donné released his own CD Rhythm Was Born in 2006, resulting in another series of unique recordings and cross cultural mash ups. “I invited Marc and Dave to play on my first album,” he remembers. On the song “Hira’N'Taolo” , he’s accompanied by well known Aboriginal artists Marc Nadjiwan and David DeLeary. “I started to do things with Aboriginal people,” he says, in his typically low key expression. It’s a collaboration that has fueled a series of live performances in the style he calls “African Pow-Wow” that meld his shimmering guitar work with the insistent rhythm and distinctive harmonics of Marc’s First Nations culture.
Now that it’s come time to hit the studio again, he’s taken the experiment another step. “Now I’m recording a new album, and I’m using female Aboriginal vocalists.” He lists recording artists Jani Lauzon and Cheri Maracle, among others. “It sounds really good.” The upcoming release will also include work with Toronto-based Egyptian singer Maryem Tollar. “She does some of her Arabic stuff, which sounds great too,” he reports.
Even though it’s become something of his stock in trade, blending divergent musical styles and cultures isn’t the easiest way to make music. “It’s still a lot of work,” he says. “You have to know the person. You have to know how they sing. It’s not like, you put an African and an Aboriginal together on stage and you work a miracle.”
The second of his current projects is a case in point. Okavangu, the African Orchestra is a project that began performing earlier this year. Similar to African Guitar Summit, the band unites musicians from all over the African continent, from Madagascar to Senegal, people whose styles wouldn’t meet under typical circumstances. “With African Orchestra, we share the rhythm, but we each do it differently,” he explains, describing a gradual process of working together, each musician adding their own unique element to the mix. “We can actually work it out together,” he laughs.
An upcoming show at Lula Lounge puts the spotlight on yet another ongoing musical concern, the roots music of Madagascar, although the players are different again. “I have totally different people in my band. There’s nobody from Madagascar. I would call it very Canadian,” he jokes.
He’ll be playing an acoustic set with a trio consisting of him on guitar with percussion and vocals. “Traditional Madagasy music is not that well known,” he says. “They’re just beautiful melodies, some sad songs. Not dancey.” The material will include both traditional songs and original compositions in the same vein.
He reports that the new CD will be coming out this fall, and you can also hear him playing his composition “Feo Menga” as the theme song for the show Fresh Air weekends on CBC Radio One.
To learn more about Donné, visit donneroberts.com
See Donné live at the Lula Lounge August 5 www.lula.ca/Events/2011/august/Donne-Roberts
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Mutabaruka
By Anya Wassenberg
Meanwhile yuh dancin to dis musik
And tryin to figure out these lyrics
Meanwhile yuh drinkin and havin fun
Watch out
De revolution a com
Betta be a part a de solution
Dis mite be di final confrontation
Betta awake to dis reality
Dis is no time to loose yuh sanity
Caussse…
By de ballot or de bullet
By de bible or de gun
Any which way freedom mus com
(from the poem Freedom)
Whether it’s on a recording, performing live on stage or on his weekly late night radio program – 10:00pm to 11:59pm every Wednesday on Irie FM (www.iriefm.net) – Jamaican poet extraordinaire Mutabaruka has never been known to pull his punches.
Trained as an electrician, he was working for the phone company when he caught onto the radical spirituality of Rastafari, changing his name from Allan Hope to Mutabaruka, which means “one who is always victorious in battle” in a Rwandan language, and never looked back. From his first recording – the 1981 single “Every Time A Ear De Soun’” – and a subsequent live performance at Reggae Sunsplash later that year in Montego Bay, he’s become one of the most recognized and renowned dub poets in the world, wielding the power of words to expose the truth.
“It was in performing them that you become aware of the power of words. I don’t think that poetry itself can change anything, but it can motivate people. In listening, the thought becomes a manifest.”
Yet, the term “dub poet” is one that he actually finds a little too limiting.
“In the beginning, the music was defining us,” he says. “It’s only one genre of music – I think poetry transcends these things,” he says. “We write with the rhythm in mind, but it comes to what I feel at the time.”
By whatever name, dub poetry is an integral part of Jamaican culture, with a world view that comes from its unique vantage point. “The Caribbean has been colonized by the major superpowers – France, England, Spain – and we are close to the new superpower, the United States. It becomes a kind of melting pot of cultures. It’s a unique position.” It’s also an expression whose singular flavour has found fans far and wide. “The Rastafari culture has gone all over the world,” he points out.
On stage, he’s a powerful presence, and Mutabaruka brings a repertoire of a dozen full length recordings from which he’ll draw in his performance. The latest of these is 2009’s Life and Lessons, which was recorded and released in South Africa. “It was the first recorded with outside musicians,” he notes. The musical styles are influenced by the location, with a very African sound on the track “A Girl Called Johannesburg” in particular.
It’s a locale he feels a particular affinity for, one that dates back decades. “Our acceptance of the South African struggles,” he remembers, “we wrote poems to support the struggle against Apartheid. I’ve been to South Africa more than other places in Africa,” he notes. The ties between the Caribbean and the African continent go deeper still. “Even though we adopt the customs of the colonial masters, you can’t take the Africa out of us – it’s in our DNA. You can take a person out of the culture, but you can’t take the culture out of a person.”
His rapport with South Africa includes a great respect for Winnie Mandela. He wrote the poem “My Revolution” (from Life and Lessons) as a tribute to her, and it’s a respect that encompasses all black women. “Creation is female. We can’t get around it. We talk about mother earth, mother Africa… We as males must recognize this is the energy that nurtures and protects – where men make war.”
And when they do, his words will take them to task.
Leaders of the world, sitting in their easy chair
Creating mass destruction, pollution everywhere…
(From the poem Body Count)
Mutabaruka will perform at Harbourfront on July 31, as part of Island Soul
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