6:00pm - 9:00pm
The special event will feature sets from acclaimed local artists. 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.
Join us for a mixer with a DJ and drinks from 6-7pm, followed by performances.
This event will feature sets from acclaimed hip hop artist Anthony OKS, pianist and vocalist Marisolle, and Afrobeat/pop/R&B singer/songwriter Ben Tamana. This event will be hosted by Free Press journalist and writer, Julia-Simone Rutger.
This is our second event in an ongoing partnership between WAG-Qaumajuq & BPM as a demonstration of the commitment the WAG has made to celebrate Black excellence throughout the year, and not only during Black History Month.
ABOUT BPM
Launched in February 2021 and facilitated by artist and business owner Andrew Sannie, BPM | Black Professionals in Music is a program via Manitoba Music that supports Black music professionals in Manitoba. BPM offers regular sessions for participants to meet and network, join discussion groups, and learn from one another. 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. The original artwork for BPM was created by Gabriel Akinrinmade, Box of Wolves.
Anthony OKS Anthony OKS
Anthony OKS uses hip hop to reflect, entertain, and teach. With roots in Jamaican, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and his home base of Winnipeg, the founding member of The Lytics offers up introspective and personal music with an eye on the world, digging deep into themes of Black history, growth, and relationships ofall stripes, every bit of it rooted in love. On his EPs Take Time (2019) and In the Garden (2021) he oscillates between energetic bangers and slowed-out chill, making space for his empathetic lyrics in and around Paalsh’s innovative beats. Anthony OKS is a thinker and a seeker, a good-time provider who also makes you consider your place in the world.
Ben Tamana Ben Tamana
Ben Tamana is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose musical inspiration comes from a variety of roots, including Afro Beat, R&B, Soul, hip hop, dancehall, and Zouk. His passion for music is evident as he continuously seeks to perfect his craft and produce the best music for his audience.Ben’s R&B performances are electrifying and create a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere that leaves his audience with an unforgettable experience. Ben can be heard on radio stations across the nation and overseas and has toured several Canadian cities where his music has been well received.Ben has also performed in various community events, including the Salvation Army Charity fundraiser,Broadway street festival, and the International Reggae Festival.In 2015, Ben Tamana’s single,”First Time Lover,” won the Canadian Urban Television Music Award for the top song of the year. In August 2018, he self-funded his first studio album titled ( First Time Lover )In October 2022, Ben had the opportunity to back up sing for Michael Buble at the sold-out Canada Life Center. Since then, Ben has been releasing new singles every month, including “Bounce,” “Bella,””Maria,” “Be My Wife,” and “Come Home.” Ben plans to release two to three singles every month until the end of the year. Ben Tamana’s passion and dedication to his craft make him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Marisolle Marisolle
Bio to come…
To plan your visit, check out wag.ca/visit.
