8 New Brunswick artists you should hear for Black History Month
'The talent, the passion, the lyrical content, it's amazing,' says Clinton Davis, of BAM Radio
Impressive, but lacking recognition.
That's the position Black musical artists find themselves in, says Clinton Davis, and why the podcaster started a weekly radio show, BAM Radio —Black Atlantic Music.
"The production quality is up there," said Davis. "The talent, the passion, the lyrical content, it's amazing."
In celebration of Black History Month, Davis and Information Morning Moncton have collaborated to highlight eight New Brunswick artists making waves in the music industry.
"I tried to spread it out as much as I could throughout New Brunswick, so that the listeners throughout the month can really get a scope of the wide variety of music available out here," said Davis.
Dee Hernandez
Born in Cuba and raised in Dartmouth, Dee Hernandez now calls New Brunswick home.
The singer combines the music of her native land with R & B, funk and jazz.
Hernandez is known for her high-tempo concerts backed up by a nine-piece band.
"I've caught Dee perform no less than 10 times in the past couple of years and that's probably being modest," said Davis.
"The province is incredibly lucky to have her."
Hero B
Hero B, born in the eastern African country of Burundi, now lives in Fredericton.
The artist defies categorization by fusing elements of Afrobeats, a music from West Africa, R & B, hip-hop and dancehall into a sound Davis characterizes as "rhythmic" and "danceable."
Davis said the artist has a "poppy, superstar-type aura and energy to him," and his live shows are something to behold.
"I've seen Hero perform two or three times over the years, and his energy and authenticity on the stage is a pleasure to watch," said Davis.
"He might have a crew on stage, dancers and costumes, kids doing some kind of routine or some kind of creative other fun thing to watch."
Michael J Foxx
No, not that Michael J. Fox.
But make no mistake, the Moncton-based rapper is making his own name in the music industry.
Foxx, who moved from the Bronx, New York, in 2019, has secured a record deal with Sony, charted on the iTunes Top 200 several times and has had his music featured in two Paramount+ television series.
Davis credits Foxx for pushing him out of a creative funk.
"He was the first person to get me back in the studio making music again and having fun after my own 10-year hiatus," said Davis.
"I will say we've created some really great music that's yet to be released."
Jtk
Jtk, also known as Josh the Killer, is a rapper with an interesting sound.
And Davis admits he's not exactly sure what to make of the artist with the energetic delivery and staccato flow.
"I've listened to him on many occasions and simply asked myself, 'is this good?' While also not wanting to turn it off," said Davis.
"In the end I keep on deciding, 'wow, this is very good art.'"
Shawno
Rapper Shawno has a lot going on in his life.
Originally from the Bahamas, Shawno is a student at Mount Allison University in Sackville, where he's pursuing a double major in music and psychology.
He's also a multi-instrumentalist who plays piano, guitar and drums.
"He's one of the first artists to reach out to me that I didn't already know," said Davis.
"His progress has been very inspiring."
One8tea
One8tea is not only a growing force in Canadian hip-hop, he also made history in 2021 when he became the first Black artist to win a Music New Brunswick award.
The Halifax-born artist now calls the Moncton area home.
His life has had its ups and downs, as he has struggled with homelessness and addiction, said Davis.
In addition to his music, One8tea is known for his work in the community.
"He supports youth across Canada with workshops focused on faith, bullying, teen suicide and drug awareness."
The Kingston Collective
Hailing from the Kingston Peninsula, the Kingston Collective is a five-piece band which fuses rock, pop, funk and reggae.
Vocalist Joel McPherson, Father Naheim Allah, is the only Black Atlantic musician in this group.
Davis said McPherson is also known for his work with the Black Rose Nation, a business in Kingston which offers a blueberry u-pick and Christmas tree farm.
"His creative vision and commitment to uplifting Black voices shines through every lyric and stage appearance," said Davis.
"Not only that, but his personal support for the Black Atlantic community knows no bounds."
Léo Rafael
Davis said the only Francophone song in the series is from Léo Rafael, a classically trained vocalist who lives in Campbellton.
But his story is an international one.
"With formal training from the Conservatoire de Strasbourg and studies at Paris 8 University, Léo developed a versatile repertoire that spans pop, jazz and gospel."
Being Black in Canada
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
With files from Information Morning Moncton
