Bazika

Artist Bio

Bazika is originally from Congo, born in Brazzaville. He discovered his passion for music at a very young age, 12yrs old. He performed with Clotaire Kimbolo and the ball orchestra in Los Angeles. Bazika favorite musical instrument is guitar, he studied harmony at Rumba for seven years. Bazika has travelled the world performing with different legends in the music industry and he has done lots of music recording and releases several of his own music composition. He has gained lots of followers in his social media. His unique voice and music soothe the soul

Brian Quaye

Artist Bio

In his own words, I was born into music, I had not much of a choice but to become a musician. I was born by a musician, language spoken at home was music. Brian is classically trained pianist; he plays Jazz and many more music genres. Brian had great opportunity of experiencing music at a very young age. He gone further on to become a sound engineer and producer. Brian has shared the stage with great musicians playing classical jazz, doing workshops and recording music. His love for music has given him a chance to work and collaborate with lots of high-profile musicians such as Lorain Klassin and Thandi Klassin the late mother of Loraine. The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree, thanks to his late father for gifting him with such talent.

Jessica Mbangeni

Artist Bio

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Jesica Mbangeni is a South African praise poet and singer born & raised in Nqamakwe Eastern Cape. She rose to prominence after participating on Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002. She toured around the world performing with music legends. Soweto Gospel choir won Grammy Award and many more during her time with the choir. She has collaborated with many great musicians in South Africa. She has also pursued an acting career, in 2013, Mbangeni made her on-screen feature debut in Zabalaza, and appeared as a guest on the television series Skeem Saam. Other television series Mbangeni has appeared in include eKasi: Our Stories (2015), The Coconuts, and Dube on 2. 

N'Nato Camara

Workshop Facilitator 

In Malinke, N’Nato means "I’m coming" and she arrived in this world dancing! N’Nato Camara is a member of the Susu tribe and comes from the city of Conakry in Guinea West Africa. In Guinea, N’Nato was the principal dancer with the Ballet Taille led by Mamadouba Camara, soloist for the Ballet Djoliba and former soloist for the Ballet Africans - two of West Africa’s most respected traditional groups. Other Guinean groups N’Nato has performed with include Circus Baobob, and Kaley Multicultural, and Aklysso.

After arriving in Canada in 2004, N’Nato performed with Masabo Culture Company and primarily with three-time Juno award winner Alpha Yaya Diallo. N’Nato travels the world performing and teaching traditional West African dance including in Mexico, Japan, Costa Rica and the United States. Some of her career highlights include in August 2008 when she was the lead Choreographer and Artistic Director of Explosion Africaine performed at the Chan Centre in Vancouver. She toured North America and Poland with Les Amazonnes de Guinee. Along with touring with Marafani World Beat and Kikeyambay Traditional Drum and Dance, N’Nato continues to perform internationally with Alpha Yaya Diallo.

Leonard Boniface

Speaker

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Leonard “Lenny” Boniface is a musician – singer, songwriter, and drummer – and a humanitarian, public speaker, journalist, manager (Management), event and trip organizer, and employee working in the human services field. Leonard was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa, and now lives and works in Whitehorse, Yukon. He has travelled extensively and is a former member of the Oxfam International Youth Parliament (OIYP), founder and president of Teenage Life & Young Adults International Society (TELIYA International), co-founder of the Yukon African Caribbean Association, co-chairman of the Yukon Labor Market Framework and director of Accent Access Inc., a firm specializing in cultural events, consulting and travel. Leonard is also a dedicated father to his son, Hisani, whose unique name means “charity” or “good cause” in Swahili.

Roxi Hunter

Sounds That Satisfy

Performing has been my passion since at a very young age these are his words. Roxx Hunter is a multi-talented musician whose specialty includes lead guitar, bass player and sound engineer. He has worked with many big names in the music industry. He has travelled to Africa and collaborated with other African musicians.  His musical genre is rock/Afro rhythm.

Maju Maju

Event Organizer & Performer 

South African Born artist, musician & event organizer. Former founding member of the Soweto Gospel Choir. 

She travelled around the world with the choir sharing stage with music legends like, Red Hot Chillie Peppers, Queen, Bono and many more. She has performed in summer festivals around Canada. Her inspiration in music comes from Miriam Makeba - Wikipedia . 

The reason why she performs some of her songs during her live music, such as Pata Pata and Jikelemaweni. Maju Maju perfomes her original songs, she taught herself how to play piano at the age of 34.