9:00pm
This edition is presented in partnership with the African Nova Scotia Music Association and Music Nova Scotia, bringing together an exciting evening of music discovery featuring three emerging artists from Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan.
Meet us in the Gallery for live music featuring Nigerian-born, Halifax-based pop star aRENYE; Winnipeg’s Dill the Giant, a first-generation Jamaican-Canadian MC; and MELODNA from Regina. Each artist has been building buzz across Canada and beyond through releases, media coverage, and collaborations.
There’ll be a mixer throughout the night for Black music makers as well as BreakOut West delegates and local music companies, labels, venues, and festivals looking to make deeper connections with the Black music community. 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 is 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.
ABOUT BPM
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.
Artists
aRENYE aRENYE
Nigerian-born, Halifax-based pop star aRENYE has been working to keep his creativity + skills sharp while under COVID lockdown. Words from the man himself: Disconnecting to reconnect! From finishing up songs, working with my producers and connecting with my fans, isolation presented a great load of gifts. Have a view of my world and connect with me on this journey! New music out soon.
Dill the Giant Dill the Giant
Winnipeg’s Dill the Giant, a first-generation Jamaican-Canadian MC, delivers raw and honest hip-hop inspired by his island roots. A founding member of the WCMA-nominated trio 3PEAT, Dill has toured extensively, bringing his dynamic performances to stages across Canada and Europe. His latest project, “The Adventures of Ali Wan Kenobi and Mace Windill,” sees him teaming up with producer Ali Wan Kenobi for a powerful blend of sharp lyricism and innovative beats.
MELODNA MELODNA
MELODNA’s career highlights include two consecutive performances at Sled Island (2022, 2023) and the Regina Folk Festival (2022, 2023). She has opened for Begonia in two locations, including sold-out shows, establishing herself as a dynamic live performer.
In 2024, she was nominated for the Saskatchewan Music Awards’ inaugural R&B Artist of the Year category, a recognition of her contributions to the genre and the local music scene. She was also featured in a *Play 92* interview, where her music and creative process were spotlighted, along with her insights into navigating the industry as a BIPOC artist.
Her advocacy extends to panels with SCIC and SK Arts, where she discusses racial equity and empowering BIPOC communities. Media coverage includes features in CBC, Tinnitist, Canadian Beats, and the Leader Post, highlighting her impact within the Saskatchewan music scene. Additionally, MELODNA hosts *Rhythm n Vibez*, one of the only Canadian radio shows that plays strictly R&B, Hip Hop, Amapiano, Afrobeats, and Dancehall. It is the only station in Saskatchewan to showcase these genres, creating space for emerging voices and promoting diversity and representation.
We hope you enjoy your visit to WAG-Qaumajuq! See our tips for visiting.
