Manitoba Music
Manitoba Music and Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain Partner on BPM X CCFM Songcamp and Concert
Black Artists Explore Creative Collaboration with Dr. Henry Band and Showcase Music at Le Patio 340 on August 23
Black music makers in Manitoba will be exploring creative collaboration and sharing music live at Le Patio 340 on August 23 via BPM | Black Professionals in Music program at Manitoba Music: BPM X CCFM. The project was made possible by the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, The Government of Manitoba, and Manitoba Film and Music.
The partnership with Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain (CCFM) will feature a day-long songcamp led by acclaimed local act the Dr. Henry Band featuring local artists culminating in a free concert and showcase at the picturesque St. Boniface patio space. The band will work with the artists to explore different Black music genres and styles (e.g. Dancehall, Reggae, Gospel, Afrobeats, Jazz, Hip Hop, etc.) and how those elements and styles can be incorporated into the artists’ own music. After the songcamp, Dr. Henry Band will bring the music to Le Patio 340’s stage along with the songcamp participants who will each share a few songs followed by DJ Konjo spinning tunes. The event is free and open to the public.
Artists participating in the songcamp and showcase include past BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq performers Chelliot Osuntade of post-punk outfit Fold Paper, R&B/soul singer Jana Jacobs, alternative Afrobeats act Santaklara, Afro-pop/Afro-fusion act Nú Baby, as well as R&B/Afro/pop artist Laurel Chanté, emerging hip hop artist Kwæ Kobain.
"Creativity begins withdrawing from your personal life journey or family background. It's important to understand the genre of music you're interested in, while also exploring other genres to see how they can be integrated into your work. Developing an understanding of sound in music and time signatures is crucial. Collaboration with other artists or musicians can further enhance your creativity. Additionally, stepping out of your comfort zone to explore or play genres you're less familiar with or interested in can lead to new creative insights," says Dr. Henry Band's Henry Onwuchekwa.
"Black music isn't a monolith because it encompasses a wide range of genres, styles, and cultural influences that reflect the diverse experiences of Black communities around the world. From jazz, blues, and gospel to hip hop, R&B, Reggae, and Afrobeat, Black music has continually evolved, incorporating elements from different cultures and eras. Each genre tells unique stories and conveys distinct emotions, shaped by the time's social, political, and historical contexts. This diversity within Black music challenges any notion of a single, uniform style, instead celebrating the richness and complexity of Black musical expression." - Henry Onwuchekwa
The artists will also have a chance to learn from and connect with visiting Toronto-based music supervisor Chantal Anais of Wracket Music Supervision Inc. for a special industry workshop on August 22 at the Manitoba Music office. The free evening workshop is geared at members of the Black music community and is free and open to all.
BPM X CCFM is being presented through the professional development program at Manitoba Music by Industry Development Coordinator Alex Sannie along with BPM Coordinator Tomiwa Omolayo, with guidance from the BPM Committee.
Launched in February 2021, BPM aims to support and celebrate Black music professionals in Manitoba. BPM presents quarterly mixers for participants to meet and build their community and networks, followed by live performances, at BPM X WAG-Qaumajuq. Participants can bring ideas, share their professional needs and barriers, and influence the future direction of the program. Black music makers and industry professionals from Manitoba are welcome. To get involved, please email bpm@manitobamusic.com.
We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters and Manitoba Film and Music and the Province of Manitoba. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada
Dr. Henry Band is an 8-piece group that plays AfroBeat music uniquely blended with many other genres. Conceived and led by Nigerian-born bassist Henry Onwuchekwa, the group is primarily influenced by legendary musician and fellow Nigerian Fela Kuti. However, the band’s songwriting process is inspired by many native genres of Nigerian music such as igbo highlife, gospel and salsa; as well as jazz, funk, r&b and soul. The band comprises of both seasoned and emerging musicians, bringing together years of performing experience with fresh energy. While the band is just beginning its journey in the Canadian music community, their collective musicianship and experience brings many grooves to their stages and moves to their audiences
Chantal Anais
Wracket Music Supervision
Chantel Anais is a Jr. Music Supervisor at Wracket Music Supervision, a role that perfectly aligns with her lifelong passion for music. From an early age, growing up in a music-centric household, music has been the heartbeat of her life and a constant source of inspiration and joy.
Chantel spends countless hours curating playlists, sharing new finds with friends, and attending live performances, DJ sets, local showcases, and studio sessions. This constant immersion in the music scene has honed her ability to identify tracks that can amplify a story or emotion, a crucial skill for a music supervisor. Whether it's discovering a hidden gem from decades past or the latest hit, her eclectic taste spans across genres, making her adept at selecting the perfect soundtrack for any narrative.
One of the most thrilling aspects of music supervision for Chantel is the ability to enhance storytelling through music. She is fascinated by the stories behind songs and how they resonate culturally and emotionally. This curiosity fuels her research-driven approach, enabling her to dig deep into the origins and impacts of music and bring authenticity and depth to every project she works on.
Chantel has worked on notable productions including Amazon's Luxe Listings, the National Film Board's Sounds & Pressure, TVO's Play it Loud, and Fela.tv/Karen Chapman's Village Keeper.
Looking ahead, Chantel's ultimate goal is to become a tastemaker, adding depth to productions by selecting songs that resonate deeply with audiences and propel stories forward.
Konjo is a Winnipeg Based DJ that weaves genres of R&B, Hip, Hop, Dancehall, Amapiano, House, Afro Beats and Techno that takes the listener through a sonic delight. They create blissful vibes that have the audience in a state of pure catharsis to move their bodies on whatever dancefloor that Konjo is curating. Konjo has performed for events and venues all over Winnipeg such as Skratch Bastids’s BBQ, Winnipeg Pride, Kilter Brewing, Le Patio, the Beer Can, QPOC Winnipeg, Gorge Festival and Festival du Voyageur. They made their Vancouver DJ debut in July 2024 for Vancouver Pride at Afro Queer’s Homegrown Black Pride Party.
Photo by Pajack O
Chelliot Osuntade (Chell) is a multi-instrumentalist and performer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Chell is involved in 3 projects currently; Fold Paper, Chell’s new post-punk project that he created to express himself and push the boundaries of what it means to be a black artist through his favorite genre of music. The band recently signed with the renowned Royal Mountain Records in Toronto and recently completed their first tour of the UK; JayWood, a Winnipeg based powerhouse with whom Chell has toured across Canada, Europe, and the United States with; Julien’s Daughter, which he started with singer Emma Murphy. In addition to performing live, Chell has also had the pleasure of recording bass guitar on two songs of Yes We Mystic’s last album ever, all of the Julien’s Daughter discography, and Fold Paper’s debut EP “4TO”.
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.
Kwae Kobain, a talented artist, curator, and music connoisseur, has dedicated the majority of his youth, exploring music as a means of understanding the complexities of the human experience. With a core focus on Hip Hop, he skillfully blends silky melodies and gritty wordplay to craft a tapestry that reflects his unique perspective.
The Nigerian-Canadian artist Laurel Chanté brings a unique blend of R&B, Afro, and Pop to the forefront of the music scene. Born in the vibrant city of Barcelona and raised in winnipeg, Chanté’s multicultural background infuses her music inspired by a rich tapestry of influences. At seven years old, she quickly took a deep interest in old school RnB and pop music. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, and many more. Chanté embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of 9 and began creating her own melodies and lyrics. As the passion for music grew, Chanté honed her craft in the studio, slowly diving into Afro beats and transforming her raw talent into masterpieces.
With her latest single KILONSHELE, Chanté drops a taste of her versatility and culture, using her native language and her Favorite genres, Afro/RnB. Through music, Laurel Chanté invites listeners into her world, where every note is a reflection of her authenticity and creativity.
Nú Baby is a Nigerian born Afro-pop/Afro-fusion singer. Born October 30th and raised in the city of Ibadan. Nú Baby started his Musical career in the year 2018 where he put out a single titled “LY” by May 2020 Nú rebranded under new name Nú baby, to which he dropped his first single Cover you featuring budding act Bnxn. Nú Baby on January 15 2021 dropped his 2pack EP titled “Two for you” which has gone ahead to rack up over 300K+ streams. Nú Baby is an extremely versatile artist who draws inspiration from the likes of Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Bryson Tiller, Jeremih.
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.
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