Manitoba Music
BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq Returns May 10, Announces New BPM Coordinator
BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq returns with a new edition on Friday, May 10! A 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.
BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq
Friday, May 10, 2024
Winnipeg Art Gallery, 300 Memorial Blvd
Featuring Jana Jacobs, Santaklara, Code-E
Free / Doors 6 PM / Music & Mixer 7 - 9 PM
Food by Elite Meals
The May event marks the first edition with new BPM Coordinator, Tomiwa Omolayo aka AFRODIEM artist and producer Tommyphyll. Omolayo takes the helm for the event series from artist and business owner Andrew Sannie, who was the founding coordinator from 2021 until the Black History Month celebration in February. Sannie continues to be involved in an advisory capacity.
"It’s an honour to take on BPM after all the amazing work Andrew has done and I’m rather excited for this phase of celebrating Black music creatives in partnership with the WAG-Qaumajuq. Manitoba teems with Black culture and creativity and contributing to the conversations highlighting its emerging talents brings me great joy," says Omolayo
The concert will feature sets from Lagos-born, Winnipeg-based alternative Afrobeats artist Santaklara, R&B singer/songwriter Jana Jacobs, and DJ Code-E. The evening will be intimate and interactive, allowing the artists to express themselves through stripped-down, visceral performances that will address identity and community, and celebrate the African Diaspora.
There'll be a mixer throughout the night 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.
Join us for great music and people plus some delicious food!
About the Artists & Coordinator
Infusing R&B vocals with post-hardcore lyrical influences, Jana Jacobs' songs brim with a melancholy that has been refined by endless farewells. By the age of 11, the tapestry of her life had been woven across three different countries, and music became her anchor.With influences ranging from R&B and neo-soul to post-hardcore and jazz, her richly layered harmonies have the ability to instantly transport listeners to the golden hour. Her melodies, though laid back and often playful, are interwoven with introspective lyrics that delve into topics ranging from mental health and intricate relationships to the often chaotic nature of growth. With every soulful note she delivers, listeners find themselves feeling a comforting embrace even amidst their own uncertainties.
Jana doesn't hold back; she's unapologetically vulnerable. Her meticulously curated hooks and the intricate riffs of her vocals are not just easy on the ears but also a profound dive into the nostalgic yearnings for a sense of belonging."
Santaklara is a 20 Year old artist from Lagos, Nigeria currently based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His sound can be described as Alternative Afrobeats as it strays from the typical expectation of what would be categorized under the genre. His listeners have described their listening experience as "magical" while listening to his music and songs like "Contain', 'Santaklaratino', 'Two Piece', and 'Muzziano' certainly back that. Santaklara restarted and rebranded his musical identity when arriving in Manitoba in 2022, and since then, he has gone on to open shows for Ruger, Rotimi, Bnxn(FKA Buju), and a few more big artists. An ever growing presence, Santaklara music is alive and more active than ever.
Originally from Nigeria, Code-E is a Winnipeg-based DJ. His primary objective is to make people dance and have a good time. His music mixes different styles to create something cool. He has opened for several Afrobeat artists who have performed in Winnipeg, including Ruger, Bad Boy Timz, etc. Occasionally, he hosts a party called "ALL ACCESS WITH E," where everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the music together. He is a familiar face in African clubs in Winnipeg, ensuring that everyone on the dance floor has a good time.
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