Illuminating Black Excellence: A Photographic Journey the First Ottawa Black Creatives Hub Performing Showcase
In the heart of February, as we honour Black History Month, the Ottawa Black Creatives Hub's Performing Arts Showcase illuminated the city with a celebration of talent, culture, and resilience. Nestled in the backstage realm, my lens danced with hues and shades, capturing the essence of a night where artistry met diversity in its purest form.
Hosted by the dynamic Sammy Blanco, the evening unfolded with an array of performances that echoed the rich tapestry of Black experiences. From soul-stirring melodies to captivating spoken word, each act was a testament to the multifaceted brilliance thriving in Ottawa's artistic landscape.
At the helm of this grand showcase stands Sharlène Clarke, the visionary force behind Hors Pair Social. Recognizing the abundance of untapped talent in Ottawa, Clarke embarked on a mission to spotlight the diverse voices and narratives within the Black community. The journey wasn't easy, as Clarke and her jury board meticulously curated a lineup of 13 performing artists and two captivating short films, "Jayla" by Fitch Jean and "Surprise!" by Kiera Meeks.
As a photographer navigating the challenges of capturing the magic from the back of the house, I was met with a kaleidoscope of lighting, each hue presenting its own set of obstacles. Yet, armed with knowledge and passion, I embraced the challenge, harnessing the interplay of colours to immortalize moments of raw emotion and artistic prowess.
Amidst the artistic splendour, organizations like the Ottawa Arts Council and The Framework, Youth Action Now stood as pillars of support, fostering an environment where creativity flourishes. The Ottawa Arts Council's commitment to advocacy and representation, particularly through initiatives like the Mandala Project, underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices within the arts. And then there's Framework founded by local icon Kingsley Swim - The Framework is a polymathic agency dedicated to the art of storytelling. Through grant writing, publicity, and strategic partnerships, The Framework embodies the spirit of collaboration, bridging the gap between vision and execution with finesse and ingenuity. Ottawa Music Coalition also made an appearance speaking to their artists being represented and how they advocate for fair pair for musical artists.
Amidst the vibrant performances, Stéphane Alexis, representing the Ottawa Black Art Kollective (OBAK), graced the stage to shed light on the collective's mission and vision. As an artist-directed initiative, OBAK is dedicated to promoting the diverse work of Black artists in Ottawa, providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated. In addition to showcasing artistic talent, Stéphane took a moment to address the importance of mental health within the creative community. His words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the significance of self-care and well-being, especially in the pursuit of artistic expression. Through his advocacy and openness, Stéphane exemplified the spirit of unity and support that defines OBAK, leaving a lasting impact on both the stage and the hearts of those in attendance. Furthering the curation of Afro, Black and Caribbean ancestral talent - Curator Yanaminah Thullah also spoke detailing her transition from Public Service work into a curatorial practice intending to uplift and make space for Black, Afro and Carribean-descended artists within the fine arts context and institution. She also spoke of the guest currated exhibit she worked on with OBAK title We do not dream of labor.
As my lens continues to reflect the vibrancy of the Ottawa Black Creatives Hub's Performing Arts Showcase, let us remember that beyond the pixels and frames lies a narrative of resilience, empowerment, and the boundless possibilities of creative expression. In celebrating Black History Month, we honour not just the past, but the living tapestry of stories that shape our present and inspire our future.
To kickstart the night, a panel featuring Rose-Ingrid, Patrick Cormack, and Axandre Lemours took the stage, delving into their creative journeys here in So-called Ottawa. They candidly shared the challenges they've faced and offered insightful solutions for not just surviving but thriving as creatives in an ever-evolving world, particularly as Black artists. Their stories resonated deeply, echoing the struggles and triumphs of many in the audience.
Now, let's shine a spotlight on the 13 other remarkable artists who graced the stage with their exceptional talents:
Grey Brisson, an emerging singer-songwriter, mesmerized the audience with tracks from his EP "Nobody!", accompanied by the electrifying energy of fellow rockers, the Lionyls. N'nerjie's soulful performance commanded attention, channelling the spirit of vocal legends. Sommer Knight captivated hearts and minds with her insightful spoken word performance, seamlessly weaving conversations about identity and reflection into her words, eliciting audible snaps of agreement from the crowd.
Malaïka Urbani's commanding operatic performance left a lasting impression, showcasing her formidable vocal prowess. Chloë Bonnet dazzled with her high-flying dance routine, demonstrating unparalleled technique and dynamism.
Miss Mcleod's impassioned and resonant performance showcased her brilliant control of the stage, solidifying her status as a star in Ottawa's artistic constellation.
Christjay transported listeners back to an era of soulful melodies, reminiscent of classic records by icons like Marvin Gaye and Eddie Holman, infusing contemporary lyricism into his soundscape seamlessly.
King 509 ignited the crowd, inviting everyone to celebrate Black History Month with a reflection on Ottawa's vibrant Haitian community, with even Sammy Blanco joining in the festivities.
Noni delivered a rooted and subdued performance that packed a punch, with Iman's beautiful guitar accompaniment adding depth to the soul-stirring experience.
Rapper Mxzy embraced the challenge of opening the night with gusto, delivering an energetic and entertaining performance that set the tone for the evening.
Olivia Onuk unpacked complex emotions with her powerful poetry, exploring spiritual relationships and introspection with poignant sincerity.
The Carleton Afro Dance Crew (CADC) brought the house down with their explosive performance, igniting cheers and wild applause from the crowd throughout their electrifying showcase.
Jacqui Du Toit used her talent for allegorical storytelling to deliver a teachable moment, encouraging reflection and appreciation for our differences while embracing our collective strengths.
The Lionyls took the stage for the closing act, infusing the venue with their signature blend of rock and soul. Their performance was a captivating display of raw energy and undeniable talent, captivating the audience from the first chord to the final note. With electrifying guitar riffs and soulful vocals, they brought the night to an unforgettable climax, leaving the crowd in awe of their musical prowess
Each artist brought a unique perspective and a touch of magic to the stage, collectively painting a vivid portrait of the Black experience through the arts. Their performances were not just entertainment but a testament to the resilience, creativity, and diversity thriving within Ottawa's creative community.
As a Black photographer in Ottawa, documenting and showing up to community events like this showcase is not just about capturing moments but contributing to a living record of our cultural heritage and artistic expression. It's about amplifying voices, preserving legacies, and empowering future generations to embrace their identities and tell their stories unapologetically.
