a celebration of black creators across a variety of spheres including fashion , arts, entertainment, confident in sharing their inspiring perspectives of existing unapologetically in blackness.
Komilla
musician, creative director
I get the most joy knowing that I am sharing the richness of my background and perspective with others. It’s very exciting for me. It’s so cool to see other people experience and ask about how I came up with certain things, or certain sounds and melodies…what’s even cooler is that I get to take them through it…I get a chance to nerd out about the process and inspiration.
it’s so freeing. There is such a deep well of inspiration to pull from just by being me and being present as my authentic self. It’s never-ending. I can take these complex emotions, thoughts, identities, and just…vibe to it. It’s really comforting and it makes heavy things feel not so heavy anymore.
There have been so many moments but the genuine support I received when I released my first single actually got me teary eyed. I tend to overthink, over analyze, over edit…and having people who want to hear me and who are cheering on for me and encouraging me, really lifts me up and inspires me to share more. I love it.
Martinses
musician, producer, deejay, curator
The joy for me is in inspiring other people like me to pursue their interests and in the process build platforms that contribute positively to society and spreads more joy!
It’s the hope that even 1 person can benefit from my perspective and have even better outcomes than myself.
Being an artist has afforded me the opportunity to meet and experience some of the most talented people from music to photography/film to Dance. These people are a joy to experience and I couldn’t ask for a better avenue to Joy as a black man!
Ayo
deejay
As an emerging Black creative, the most joyous aspect of expressing my creativity is the power of music to connect people. Being able to curate and share music that resonates with diverse audiences brings me immense joy. It's a way to celebrate the richness of various culture and its influence on various music genres.
I find fulfillment in creating an atmosphere where people can come together, share in the joy of music, and appreciate the cultural diversity embedded in the beats and rhythms.
My journey in the creative realm is shaped by a desire to relentlessly pursue my passion
I see my creative journey as a multifaceted expression of my identity, and by sharing my perspective, can serve as a beacon of inspiration for others who are on their own creative journeys.
One standout positive experience in my journey as a Black creative has been the ability to connect with a diverse audience and create a sense of unity through music. I've had the privilege of performing at events that celebrate cultural diversity, where people from various backgrounds come together to appreciate the beauty of music. Witnessing the positive energy and shared joy in those moments reinforces the impact of my creative expression.
Emmanuel
content creator, stylist
As a creative individual, my greatest source of happiness lies in sharing my creativity with others through the finished product. I am meticulous about every detail, cherishing each element. Witnessing others appreciate my work as deeply as I do brings immense fulfillment. Engaging with others about my creations and hearing their enthusiasm fuels my joy. Even receiving constructive feedback is rewarding, as it signifies capturing the attention of others.
Passion, connection, and impact are the driving forces behind my continued sharing of perspectives with the world. I am deeply passionate about my work, which flows effortlessly from me, and I have a wealth of knowledge to offer, enriching society positively. The prospect of connecting with individuals who share my mindset, offering mutual support and understanding, fuels my motivation and deepens my sense of belonging within the community. Most significantly, the idea that my ideas could positively affect someone's life, inspiring them to pursue their aspirations despite others' opinions, drives me forward. It's the opportunity to educate and positively influence others that propels me in my endeavors.
One of the most memorable experiences for me thus far has been the chance to collaborate with fellow creatives who share my passions and interests. These collaborations have evolved beyond professional relationships into genuine friendships. Additionally, the opportunity to showcase my talent while working alongside celebrities , brands , and honouring invitations to events has been particularly rewarding.
Heritage
stylist, creative director, content creator
I think what brings me the most joy as a black creative, is getting to showcase who I am through my work to the world, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about black fashion, beauty and art.
The Final result. Seeing all ideas become a reality, and inspiring others through it, is truly my motivator in doing what I do.
l've noticed something interesting about our current society. A lot of people tend to blend in with each other, almost like they're following the same script in everything, maybe it's because they feel safer sticking to what's already familiar and getting accepted by society, but I feel like that takes away from our individuality and actually being who we are, so I get super excited/happy when I see creatives embrace who they are and share their unique stories and expressions, especially through art and fashion. There's just something incredibly inspiring about witnessing that kind of authenticity and diversity.
Mokay
deejay
As a Black creative, the most joyful moments stem from the ability to amplify energy through my art. Being a DJ allows me to reciprocate the infectious vibes in the room, creating an atmosphere where people come together, share joy, and celebrate the magic of music. It's the shared experience of collective energy that brings me the utmost joy.
I am motivated to continue sharing my perspective because I believe in the transformative power of music. The energy exchanged on the dance floor transcends boundaries, fostering a sense of unity and belonging. Every mix is a canvas for me to express my unique perspective, and by sharing it, I hope to contribute to a positive and inclusive narrative within the Black creative community.
In my journey, the positive experiences extend beyond specific opportunities to the continuous learning and evolution within the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Collaborating with community members, pushing niche genres in the city, and contributing to the growth of musical landscapes are the general highlights that shape my ongoing narrative. It's about embracing the journey of constant discovery and pushing boundaries.
Peter
founder, Digimillennials
Bringing an idea to life is the biggest joy. Everyone can have an idea but how it’s implemented and executed is what excites me.
- I tell people that what we do over at digimillennials is driven by purpose, not passion. The need, not want to create and share the experiences we do. I am driven by my purpose.
There are a bunch of experiences but I think just breaking down status-quo and putting structure to things. I started my journey early as an intern. To go from that to owning my own company, there’s a lot of growth and learning that I do every day. So all of that adds up to the experience.
Beni (Burundians)
deejay
Showing my creativity has helped me form meaningful connections with like-minded black artists who share the same drive as me. As an up and coming creative, it brings me the utmost joy to envision the endless potential achievements, made possible by collaborating with the most talented individuals in the community.
I think the path of a black artist or person in general is part of a greater narrative which often even feels mythical. Black history has mostly been written from an alien perspective. Through mediums like art, we now have the possibility of controlling our own narratives and honour the memory of those whose stories will never come to light. Being able to contribute to our collective enlightenment and healing is what drives me.
Full circle moments! Seeing a fellow artist pick up a craft to later witness them getting booked for a major gig stands out the most to me. My fate as a creative is bigger than me but it has been beautiful to see everything I manifested come to life.
Abike
artist
That beginning part, where an idea is coming to life in my head brings this level of excitement that is indescribable. It makes me so giddy to create and put sketches down. And I can’t not imagine doing that. So that’s why I create and will keep creating. Whether through illustrations or other mediums of art.
Initially, art started out as a way to connect with my home and learn more about my culture. As I got older, there was a nostalgia that found its way into my daily life in Canada. But as I grow my artistic practice, its become bigger than that. Its become an exploration to find ways to tell Afro-infused visual stories on an amplified scale. Stories that reflect people that look like me, with experiences like mine. I want to create art that reflects our culture in a vibrant, unique and rich way.
The best part of my artistic experience has been seeing my work come to life, with the support of friends, family and my art patrons. Working a full time job and growing my artistic practice has definitely been a rollercoaster but each time I finish a piece of art and I see it showcased in public, through commissions from my amazing patrons or through brand work with the Raptors 905 jerseys or illustrations for Sephora, it brings me a sense of fulfillment and impact. Illustration is just the start of my journey so I’m excited to keep bringing visual stories to life.
Jiynx
deejay
As a Black creative, I’m brought the most joy in the priceless moment when the audience surrounding me reacts to a song that’s rooted in the Black experience - be it the rhythm and instruments that synchronize to reference the sounds of our cultures or the narratives of the lyrics that describe our experiences. It's a powerful reminder that music has the incredible ability to bring people together, especially kinfolk. Having the opportunity to connect through the richness of what’s created by our lineages, and being able to curate a shared moment through the language of music brings me a sense of purpose.
Becoming a DJ has opened up my world, allowing me access to an awareness that I missed out on while growing up. Learning about the stories and backgrounds of new people I’ve met in the community has greatly contributed to me being able to observe my own perspective. I’m eager for DJing to lead me to new places, allowing me to embrace fresh moments and connect with individuals who can share their unique world views with me.
What has always and continues to stand out to me throughout my growth as a creative is being fortunate enough to be in a community with the talented and hardworking Black women who have inspired me in the DJ community. They’ve granted me an opportunity to discover unearthed parts of myself not only through music but through the shared spaces and dialogue that they continuously facilitate.
Tunji
comedian
The part of showing my creativity that brings me the most joy as a black creative is just being able to be myself and share my unique perspective with the world. It's like giving a little piece of my culture and experiences to everyone who tunes in, and that's pretty cool.
What drives me to keep sharing my perspective? Well, I guess it's just the feeling that I'm making a difference, even if it's just a small one. Knowing that I can start conversations, challenge stereotypes, and maybe even make someone laugh or think differently is what keeps me going.
Man, there have been so many positive experiences along the way! One that really stands out is performing at a sold-out show and feeling that incredible connection with the audience. Their laughter and energy were just contagious. And then there's hearing from fans who say my stuff really resonates with them – that's the best feeling ever.
Stella Jane
content creator | fashion designer
As a black creative what truly brings me the most joy is the community that I have around me and how they make me feel seen. As much as I create out of my heart and my personal passions, it means something completely different when you can feel the love from other black creators, from family, from friends, etc. Not only does that bring me joy, it gives me the encouragement to keep going.
What drives me everyday is the thought of my younger self seeing everything I’m currently doing. I grew up with a lot of passion and ambition but so much insecurity. I aspire to be an inspiration to other younger black women to show up unapologetically as them, to take space, to make sure they try everything and anything they set their mind to!
Being recognized as a creator by people who have seen my online platforms always amazes me and gives me the extra motivation to keep on going. It’s a loving feeling to have a community online and I’m so grateful for the chance to create and show up as myself unapologetically.
Xéynamay
performer, musician, event curator
I feel the most joy when performing. As a person who constantly overthinks my interactions with people, performance is the only time I feel sure about my experiences. Suddenly everything feels instinctual and even if I’m nervous or I mess up, I feel safe.
Creation is part of my purpose. I believe my passion is driven by both my instinctual desire to create and my curiosity.
My very first SL!CK concert was in 2019 and I remember what it felt like to take a chance on myself and how many Black creatives helped bring it to life. Since then, I’ve always felt so held and supported. It’s like a silent and unspoken loyalty I’ve been so grateful to experience.
Ediri Obor
lifestyle content creator | scriptwriter | OAP
Knowing that I’m doing what I was created to do and having a positive impact in the lives of the people that interact with my work. I also love being one of the many positive representations for black women creatives in this space because representation matters.
The desire to grow as a creative and a person. I also believe that we aren’t blessed with gifts to keep them to ourselves. We have an obligation to share it with others.
The wonderful people I’ve met throughout my journey so far as a creative is one of the many positive experiences I’m grateful for. I’ve also gotten to know myself better because this journey has not only been an expressive one but also a reflective one. The best though, is hearing people tell me how my work or content has helped them in one way or another. Nothing tops that.
Atang Peloewetse
photographer
The best part of being a creative is the process leading up to shoot is taking an idea from a thought to an entire concept through mood boarding to executing. I think many times people don’t see creativity as having a method to the madness but definitely that pre planning stage is my favourite moment before going into the studio to shoot. When the photos come out exactly as you envisioned, thats the cherry on the top
I think my favourite part of being a black creative is having the ability to share how I view the world through my own perspective. Given that I come from Botswana, a country of very few people, I think that plays to my advantage here in Canada. I think additionally, the thrill of collaborating with musicians, internationally or locally, really helps in the cross pollination of ideas across multi streams of art and that in turn inspires me to create. What keeps me going is the joy I get when my client deliverables are exactly what they wanted. As a photographer, helping people achieve their vision is my goal!
There are two key experiences that stand out to me as moments of black excellence ! The photoshoot I conducted last year showcasing Black Women of different skin complexions definitely stood out, because I always want to showcase beauty from a black perspective. I also recently photographed Dwayne Holness where I had the opportunity to work with a full team of black creatives who were motivated and inspiring on set and told me stories of how they ended up pursuing a career in the arts. That really inspired me and I’m looking forward to how I can push myself further in this coming year!
K-Lah
stylist | brand consultant
Showing my creativity has opened me up to connecting with so many other black creatives; it is that connection and spark that I find through relationships which brings me the most joy! That, and being able to show the multifaceted nature of my blackness and my creativity.
I think what drives me to continue sharing is that I myself am constantly changing. I used to share in order to feel like I belonged or that I was an active participant of the community. I still do in some ways, but now I believe that what is driving me is a deeper pursuit for learning and understanding, so being able to do that and hold space for others to do the same within the community is so nourishing.
Some of the most positive experiences for me so far have been seeing the growth of some of my other talented community members within the diaspora. Wether they are from the same field, adjacent fields or even very different fields. Something like getting asked to assist on a job for Nike x Makeway and walking into the room to see a full crew of incredible talented peers I admire. Things like that really stand out to me because it feels surreal and I feel so grateful to be apart of moments like that!
Sudaneeyaa
deejay | photographer | culture curator
Anything that involves showcasing my culture & my blackness in a creative way brings me joy. The brainstorming stage when I'm curating something new is my favorite part of the process. It just involves delving into Black art, whether it be music, photography, television, etc; allowing myself to be inspired. There's so much beauty in everything we do, and it deserves to be celebrated in every aspect.
Representation matters. As a Sudanese immigrant living in Canada, there aren't many spaces that celebrate the intersections that come with that identity. I try to integrate where I come from into everything I do, which is why I chose the name "Sudaneeya" as my creative alias. Making sure my people are seen and heard is my biggest motivator to being an artist, and carving out spaces for us.
The people I've worked with & met along the way have been the biggest highlight of my creative journey. I've formed so many beautiful friendships through creative collaboration, and I can't wait to keep going.
