Manitoba Music
Manitoba Music and WAG-Qaumajuq Celebrate Black History Month with Concert & Mixer
February is Black History Month, and to celebrate, Manitoba Music and the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq are sharing a night of music presented on February 20.
Presented in partnership with Black History Manitoba, the special event will feature performances from three acclaimed Winnipeg-based artists: Afrobeats/R&B/trap soul/hip hop artist and producer Azanti; Afro jazz groove collective Dr. Henry Band, and DJ DeLulu spinning house, world pop, Afrobeats, and throwbacks tracks. The intimate setting allows the artists to express themselves through stripped-down, visceral performances that address identity and community, and celebrate the African Diaspora.
An ongoing partnership between Manitoba Music and Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq, the series celebrates Black music makers through quarterly free concerts and mixers in the iconic gallery through the BPM | Black Professionals in Music program at Manitoba Music. The project was made possible by the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, The Manitoba Government, and Manitoba Film & Music.
There'll be a mixer throughout the night, featuring delicious food by So Sumptuous, for Black music makers as well as local music companies, labels, venues, and festivals looking to make deeper connections with the Black music community in Manitoba. Meetups for artists and music entrepreneurs are core to BPM’s community-building focus, offering an opportunity to share ideas, professional needs, and barriers, and make vital career connections.
BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq
Friday, February 20, 2026
Presented in partnership with Black History Manitoba
Featuring Dr. Henry Band, Azanti, DJ DeLulu
Free / Doors 6:45 PM / Music & Mixer 7 - 9 PM
Food by So Sumptuous
Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq, 300 Memorial Blvd, accessible venue report.
About the Artists / Mentor / Coordinator
Azanti, born Nathan Ayomikun Otekalu-Aje, is a 20-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from Abuja, Nigeria. His music blends Afrobeats, R&B, trap soul, and hip-hop into a genre-defying sound that reflects his global upbringing and deep-rooted musical curiosity. A member of the Apex Village collective and signed to Def Jam Recordings, Azanti has earned a reputation for crafting soulful, emotionally charged records and pushing sonic boundaries.
From mimicking gospel harmonies at age three to producing EDM beats by age nine and forming a rock band by twelve, Azanti’s musical journey has been anything but typical. His influences span from Wizkid, Wande Coal, and PsychoYP to Drake,
PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ella Fitzgerald, and DMX. His breakout moment came in 2020 with the YP & Azanti Vol. 1 EP, followed by solo projects Azanti (2021) and Heart Parts & Nostalgia (2022–2023). With poetic lyricism and emotionally intelligent production, Azanti is not just a rising star—he’s redefining what Afro-fusion can be.
In 2025, Dr. Henry Band had the distinguished honour of opening for internationally acclaimed bassist Richard Bona at the prestigious Winnipeg Jazz Festival. This landmark performance marked a significant milestone in the ensemble’s artistic journey and further affirmed its growing presence on the global music stage.
Dr. Henry Band – Afro Jazz Groove Collection is an eight-member Francophone and Anglophone Nigerian Afro-beat, soul, and jazz ensemble based in Winnipeg, Canada. Established in 2019, the band is composed of accomplished musicians united by a shared passion for funk-driven jazz and inspired by the enduring legacy of Fela Kuti, as well as the expressive freedom of jazz improvisation. Their distinctive sound seamlessly integrates Afro-fusion jazz, neo-soul, and sophisticated vocal harmonies with complex polyrhythms and resonant basslines, delivering a dynamic and engaging performance experience for diverse audiences
DJ DeLulu
DJ DeLulu (she/her) is an up-and-coming Canadian DJ based in Winnipeg, MB. Since her debut showcase in March 2025, she's been keeping the vibes high and the dance floor alive at different events like Kilter's Another Day in Paradise: Montréal and Little Brown Jug's monthly Casual Friday. Her aim is to spread joy and unity while spinning the hottest House, World Pop, Afrobeats, and throwbacks tracks
Tomiwa Omolayo
BPM Coordinator
TOMMYPHYLL is an AFRODIEM artist and producer from Lagos Nigeria and has called Winnipeg home for the past 9 years. After releasing his debut self-produced album “Art of DREAMS” in 2020 he’s had his foot on the pedal and hasn’t taken it off since. Having Graced multiple stages with big names in AFROBEATS and more, he continues to deliver electrifying performances with every appearance he makes. He strongly believes that you’ll be a fan once you’re three songs into his discography. When he isn’t working on music, TOMMYPHYLL is working in music and Fashion under the code name “TOMIWA” He has done work with the St Norbert Arts Center, Folk Music Ontario, IRAEDAY and on occasion provides artist consultation.
tommyphyll.com
February is a significant month when we commemorate the achievements and contributions of Blacks in Canada and worldwide.
In 1981, the Black History Month Celebration Committee (BHMCC) was established to plan and implement activities during Black History Month. By 1990, its role expanded to include creating awareness of Black history in Manitoba and beyond, stimulating interest in the contributions of people of African ancestry, and celebrating historical achievements in arts, education, government, sports, science, and more.
Today, BHMCC, alongside other local organizations, promotes, celebrates, and shares Black culture and heritage, with its History Lesson and Youth Symposium as key events.
The committee has successfully encouraged schools and organizations in Winnipeg to hold Black History Month activities, affirming its commitment to celebrating Black heritage and contributions.
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art as a catalyst for change. The Gallery features an impressive collection of over 27,000 artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and media, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. Each piece has its own story to tell. Sharing these stories with the world is at the core of WAG-Qaumajuq. This is an engaging, accessible space where visitors can experience art and learning in new ways. Principles of equity, care, trust, and responsibility guide the institution towards meaningful impact and transformation. To learn more, visit wag.ca
BPM | Black Professionals in Music
Launched in February 2021 and facilitated by Tomiwa Omolayo, BPM | Black Professionals in Music is a program via Manitoba Music that supports Black music professionals in Manitoba. BPM presents quarterly mixers for participants to meet and build their community and networks, followed by live performances, as well as other programming throughout the year. Participants can bring ideas, share their professional needs and barriers, and influence the future direction of the program. To get involved, please email bpm@manitobamusic.com. Participants must be residents of Manitoba and identify as Black musicians or music industry professionals.