Author: Kevin Bourne

SHIFTER presents its first annual Outstanding Black Men in Canada list featuring men having an impact at home, at work, and in the community. SHIFTER is proud to reveal our first annual Outstanding Black Men in Canada list for 2020. This new annual feature was inspired by the murders of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Toronto rapper Houdini, as well as the many Canadian men who took to TV, radio and social media to be vulnerable with their emotions. We wanted to do our part in changing the narrative surrounding Black men in Canada, telling the stories of Black men…

As Canada continues the discussion on diversity, especially surrounding the Black community, the discussion is starting on a new front― the fashion industry. Long-time shoe designer and fashion industry vet, George Sully, recently announced the launch of Black Designers of Canada, the first-ever interactive index of Canadian Black designers. The Sully Wong and House of Hayla co-founder, known more recently for being the designer of Starfleet Boot for CBS’s STAR TREK Discovery, launched the new platform to celebrate and increase visibility for Black designers, who often go unnoticed in the Canadian fashion landscape. “I wanted to create a platform where…

It’s that time again! SHIFTER’s Canadian Music Video Roundup for May includes videos from Lia Kloud, Dip Black, NAV, Roy Woods, Tory Lanez, FTG TwoTone, FTG Reggie, Zach Zoya, and more! Once again, we ask you (the fans) to vote for our Video of the Month. Check out the videos below in order of release date, then help us crown the top video in the country for May. Special shout out to our sponsor Greg Campbell – Blue Panda Realty. Last month you voted for “Puff Daddy” by Y.S.R  feat. Blizz and WildNation as your video of the month. Video of the Month (April) -…

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to share different opinions in public, whether on our website or on social media; most of them controversial. From a young age my father taught me about the importance of speaking my mind. As a child I saw him speak up when no one else wanted to speak up, whether at church, at work, or at the mall. I saw him say things other people were thinking but were afraid to say. As I’ve grown into a man, he’s the person who has shaped me the most out of anybody. He…

SHIFTER’s Artist of the Month for June is none other than Romeyo Wilson. The 26 year-old Toronto-born and Brampton raised artist realized his passion for R&B music at only 12 years of age. In 2007, Romeyo recorded his first song which sparked his growing fanbase throughout his hometown. By 2016, Wilson released eight music videos that year alone, which bolstered anticipation for his first EP, 7/30. and eventually his first album, Angela Vibes. Following these successful projects, Romeyo headlined his first official concert which sold-out at Lee’s Palace in Toronto. Romeyo Wilson, in collaboration with Fame Holiday and Monte Biggz…

Toronto has Kiana ‘rookz’ Eastmond’s Sandbox Studios and Canadian R&B superstar The Weeknd’s HXOUSE. Well, almost two years later, the nation’s capital now has a creative space of its own. On the heals of a Wu-tang Clan COVID-19 fundraiser in partnership with the Ottawa Mission, Ottawa Food Bank, and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and a recent meeting between local hip-hop leaders and mayor Jim Watson, hip-hop artist City Fidelia has opened the Real House of Ensemble, a membership-based studio and creative space for recording artists and creatives. The opening of the Byward Market-based office and studio is the…

Sitting here watching a documentary on The Underground Railroad, it’s interesting to see how many white people, including Christians and preachers, literally risked their lives so Black people could be free. Some of them picking up their families and moving to the hotbeds of slavery to be right on the front lines. It’s also interesting to see how proud their descendants are that their ancestors were on the right side of history. Great great grandchildren, eyes of full of pride, telling stories about how their forefathers and mothers were “conductors” for Black people wanting to make it to the free…

Despite the global pandemic and quarantine, hip-hop and R&B artist Kalix Breezy is busy dropping new music. After relocating from Montreal to Ottawa after ending his two-year relationship with Production Dr. Bass and a long period of preparation, he is ready to show the world his evolution. Produced by his hometown producer K Cooke, his new single “Domino Effect” reflects his soul, pride and engagement on making his life and the life of those around him, if not better, the best it can be by providing his own sources and assets he gained over time. “‘Domino Effect’ is about me or…

Hollywood’s exploitation of Black Culture is sinister and dangerous. Ground zero for this exploitation is none other than hip-hop. They (meaning the Hollywood entertainment industry) see no value in supporting masters and deep practitioners of the various expressions and disciplines of hip-hop because in a capitalistic world, whose sole language is consumerism and greed, dollars and market control in the form of “numbers” is the name of the game. So the vast majority of what they provide listeners and consumers is watered down “Dollarama” versions of the art form that are unrepresentative of the culture, often coming from young emerging…

In recent years, there’s been a push to support Black businesses. Here are 12 black businesses in Ottawa and Toronto you can support today. Over the past few days, members of the black community have been taking to social media to share their lists of black businesses you can support in order to support racial equality, so we decided to come up with our own list. Here are 12 black businesses in Ottawa and Toronto you can support today. OTTAWA View this post on Instagram A post shared by minimalist. afrocentric. art. (@anaya.arts) on Nov 19, 2019 at…

Yesterday, thousands of music industry players, from record labels to music media, took to social media to express their support for Black Out Tuesday, an initiative set to take place on June 2nd in support the black community in their fight against racial inequality and injustice. Capitol Records, Columbia Records, Def Jam, Interscope, as well as the “Big Three” record labels of Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group, have confirmed their participation. Companies as far as Canada, Brazil, Africa and Australia are also set to participate. UMG, the largest music company in the world, stated on Instagram, “As…

Inspired by the unfortunate murder of George Floyd, the many Canadian black men who took to social media to express their sadness, anger and despair, and the resulting sense of brotherhood and solidarity, SHIFTER magazine is launching its first annual Outstanding Black Men in Canada list. The list will honour and celebrate the black sons, fathers, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are having an impact at home, at work, in the community, and in the country. SHIFTER editor-in-chief, Kevin Bourne, says of the new initiative, “Seeing so many black men across Canada take to TV, radio and social media to express the same…