Author: Kevin Bourne

Yesterday, the Canadian Academy of Cinema & Television announced the launch of their new Equity & Inclusion Fund. According to the statement, the fund is aimed at ensuring that Black, Indigenous and people of colour, as well as under-represented industry professionals “achieve increased visibility, accessibility, and recognition in our industry.” The fund has three overarching goals – Open Doors, Invest in Diversity, and Remove Barriers – including both new and existing programs. Open Doors is about providing training to under-represented creators. Specific initiatives include the Directors Program for Women and the Warner Media x Canadian Academy Global Writers Access Program,…

This past weekend, Ottawa, Canada played host to the first annual AFROWORLD Fest, presented by Equal Chance. Originally scheduled to be a live event, organizers decided to continue with a free online festival following with the theme “Safe At Home” following the spike of COVID-19 cases in the capital. The three day event was part of Equal Chance’s efforts to break the stereotypes, fight racism, discrimination and promote unity, love and respect among all members of our society. On Saturday night, AFROWORLD Fest presented the concert performances and fashion show spread out across different venues and locations around the capital,…

Romeyo Wilson is a name you soon won’t forget, as he is Toronto’s up next R&B singer. The Toronto native is one of the most underrated singers coming out of Canada. Wilson is a versatile singer with immense creative abilities, which shines through on every new release. His newest song “Text Me” is a certified smash. The melodic beat, soft vocals and amazing feature from Kim Kelly give you nothing but tropical vibes and a good time. ‘Text Me” is one of those songs that will have you vibing and singing along, but let’s touch base on the overall message.…

After a brief hiatus, hip-hop artist Cheko Salaam has returned releasing back to back music videos titled “Convalenscence” and “Celebrate”. The two videos speak of slow processes and cognitive dissonance, especially in today’s political and social climate. “Convalescence” appeared on Cheko Salaam’s December 2018 release Thirst Trap.  “‘Convalenscence’ introduces a work many men are in need of learning – the slow, non-linear process of healing from an injury,” the Missing LinX and Tapas member explains. “In a time where speed and immediate gratification reigns supreme, we must remember the slow violence, and therefore the slow healing, required to ‘convalesce’ from deep inter-generational wounds.”…

Following his collaborations with Nicki Minaj and DaniLeigh, Zimbabwe artist Bantu is back with his latest single “Leaving”. He recently performed the song at the FIFA 21 World Premiere virtual festival where he performed alongside artists like Dua Lipa, Diplo and Lil mosey. The song appears on the new FIFA 21 soundtrack and his signature African-contemporary pop fusion sound. The song was inspired by the all to familiar story of not knowing what you have until it’s gone. “I wrote this song with friend and frequent collaborator Johnny Yukon (Roddy Rich, Don Toliver, J Balvin, PartyNextDoor). The story for this…

Toronto native TiKA recently released “Sideways”, the first single off her highly anticipated debut alum Anywhere But Here, set to be released February 26th. The now Montreal-based songwriter, film composer, model and curator, took a moment of pain and insecurity and channeled it into her latest release. “‘Sideways’ was cultivated from a vulnerable place of immense pain when I was feeling a great deal of shame for making a mistake with a friend. I didn’t know what to do because I felt that I had ruined the relationship to the point of not turning back. It made me feel unbalanced and…

Zimbabwe born, Toronto artist Charmaine recently dropped her debut single “BOLD”. First impression – this rapper, songwriter and vocalist is completely raw, sexual and unfiltered, and not afraid to say what she wants. But despite lyrics like, “I’m addicted to this money. Why you think I’m so damn bold”, the single isn’t just about sex and money. There’s an underlying message of empowerment and flaunting what you got. The release also came with some brand new visuals. True to the song’s name, the Eye Blake directed video features Charmaine making a statement with bold makeup and outfits while owning exactly who she…

Over the past week, both Canadian and Indigenous people have taken to social media in response to commercial fishermen in Middle West Pubnico, Nova Scotia setting fire to a Mi’kmaw lobster storage facility. Non-Indigenous fishermen have called the Sipekne’katik First Nation’s fishery illegal and a threat to the environment. As a result, the incident has shed light on the issue of First Nations treaty rights in this country. As I’ve said in previous articles, I do love Canada despite its faults. As a first generation Canadian born to immigrant parents, I appreciate the better life Canada has provided my family.…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for September includes videos from Drake, Tory Lanez, Haviah Mighty, TOBi, Classified, Merkules, Ramriddlz, Zach Zoya, Mischa, Asuqomo, Y.S.R and more! Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country for September. Special shout out to our sponsor, realtor and Canadian hip-hop legend Greg Campbell. Last month you voted and crowned “I Am The One Nobody” by Winnipeg’s King Tragedy as your Video of the Month. Video of the Month //  King Tragedy – I Am The One Nobody Who will win for September?…

Yesterday, Ottawa artist Night Lovell took to social media to announce the release of his new music video for “Alone”. True to its name, the Avery Stedman directed video shows Lovell out in the woods in solitude. We’re treated to a back and forth change of pace as we see Night Lovell at times standing and look into the camera, then speeding down a dirt road on an ATV, walking through the forest, then surrounded by flashing light. The song and video are very timely given the times we’re living in with a pandemic and social distancing. The solitude depicted…

Over a year after going into an “Administrative Receivership” and seeking protection from its creditors, Intercity Broadcasting Network Inc, operator of G98.7FM, has announced the recommended buyer for the station – Neeti Ray of CINA Radio Group. Ray beat out over 60 other interested parties in the Sale and Investment Solicitation Process. Ray brings to G98.7FM years of experience as a broadcast operator, with radio properties in Ontario, Quebec and Michigan. While calls for the station to remain under Black ownership have grown in recent months, including a petition with over 13,000 signatures, Ray confirmed his commitment to Intercity Broadcasting Network’s vision…

Toronto rapper WISE recently released the music video for his latest single “Tricks”. Produced by Cahl and directed by Androze Vision and WISE, the song and video tell the story of a man falling for a girl who isn’t ready to give up the party life. “Tricks is a melodic love song about falling for a party girl who has no intentions of settling down. I expose the truth about what I thought to be a promising relationship, and despite the red flags continue to proclaim my love for her”, WISE says of his latest release. The video for “Tricks”…