Nationwide

The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) is going nationwide to research and document the cultural history of Black Canadians. The project’s goal is to bring awareness and help reclaim the narratives of Black musical contributions in Canada.

The Black diaspora has long been a part of Canada’s melting pot, with Caribbean, African-American and African populations migrating to the region as early as the 17th century. They began building homes and communities, creating a history unique to their own cultural experiences. Whether the oceanside town of Africville on the east coast in Halifax, or the once vibrant hub of Hogan’s Alley in downtown Vancouver, Black communities have played a significant role in Canada’s cultural history.

Through this exploration, the CBMA hopes to unearth some of the untold stories of musicians, artists, and various music figures, while also demonstrating the interconnectivity of these communities.

With extensive research, interviews, and special programming, the CBMA aims to document, highlight, and preserve these histories so they may no longer be left out of the collective narrative.

Montréal

More to come

Overview

Partnering up with Montreal’s CKUT and Professor Mark Campbell of the University of Toronto’s Afrosonic Innovation Lab, the Canada Black Music Archives hit the airwaves with special programming offering a glimpse into Montreal’s rich Black music history.

The Takeover Blk Music / Blk Montreal sought to document, highlight, and preserve the stories of artists, promoters, DJs, and influencers who played a role in shaping the city’s Black Canadian cultural identity.

From August 21-24, The Takeover captured over 15 hours of programming spread out over CKUT’s radio shows Positive Vibes, Butcher T’s Noon Time Cuts, Funky Revolutions, The Magic Roundabout, and Bhum Bhum Tyme.

CBMA’s Phil Vassell and Donna McCurvin, paired with Professor Mark Campbell, sat down with music figures from the city and explored its roots in jazz, reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, compas, afro-beat and more.

Thank you to all the CKUT staff and radio hosts Roger Moore, Butcher T, Raymond Laurent, Howard “Stretch” Carr, Pat Dillon-Moore, Janice (JD) Dayle, Andy Williams, Wayne the Angel, and Storme for your gracious hospitality and sharing your history.

A special thank you goes to Jah Cutta, Janice (JD) Dayle, Johnny Black, Kat Dyson, Michael Williams, Blondie B, David Torné, David Bontemps, Fitz Pageot, DJ Andy Williams, Clement Davis, Vernon Maytone, Mike Mission, ZipLoks + Manchilde (Butta Babees), author and professor, Dr. Dorothy Williams, and jazz singer Ranee Lee, who shared with us their story.

Stories

Positive Vibes

Local Montreal reggae legend Jah Cutta kicks off the CBMA Takeover on Positive Vibes, one of CKUT’s longest running radio shows, airing since 1986. Phil Vassell and Dr. Mark Campbell spoke with Cutta and the shows founder Janice Dayle, as well as Virgo sound system originator Johnny Black and current host of Positive Vibes, DJ Roger Moore.

Butcher T’s Noon Time Cuts

Legendry DJ and radio host Butcher T, CBMA’s Phil Vassell, and Afrosonic Lab (University of Toronto’s professor) Dr. Mark Campbell as they examine Montreal’s rich Black music history. Guitarist Kat Dyson joins the conversation first; the esteemed musician has worked with Prince, George Clinton, BB King, Chaka Khan, Bo Diddley, Stevie Wonder and countless others, adding her invaluable insight. Other special guests include Montreal radio pioneer and former Much Music host, Michael Williams; and Montreal rap pioneer, Blondie B.

Funky Revolutions

The radio show that helped introduce trip-hop to Montreal, switches it up with interviews that reflect Haiti’s deep roots in Montreal’s music scene. Featured interviews, offered in both English and French, include special guests David Torné, a Montreal club owner; classical composer and pianist, David Bontemps; and Grammy-winning musician, Fitz Pageot.

West Indian Rhythms

This segment dives further into Montreal’s Black music history and into the minds of radio host legend, Howard “Stretch” Carr along with Butcher T. Featured guests are Clement Davis of Jamdown Productions, and Vernon Maytone, a member of the internationally famous reggae vocal duo, The Maytones. Don’t miss this exclusive deep dive on Montreal’s first and longest running Caribbean culture radio program. Howard “Stretch” was recently honoured for his 33 years as radio host on CKUT with a “Man of Distinction Award” at the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association.

The Magic Roundabout

The CBMA Takeover interrupts regularly scheduled programming to spotlight Montreal’s hip-hop scene of the 90s and 2000s. Joined by CKUT staple Andy Williams, Mike Mission (Masters at Work), CBMA’s Phil Vassell, Dr. Mark Campbell of Afrosonic Innovation Lab, and ZipLoks + Manchilde (of Butta Babees), as they explore all things Black in Montreal’s music history.

Bhum Bhum Tyme

Dr. Dorothy Williams leads this segment with former CKUT station manager and current host, Pat Dillon Moore, and CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell, to shine a light on the integral role Black culture has played on Montreal’s music landscape. JUNO-winning jazz musician and singer, Ranee Lee was also featured in a phone interview. Lee who now resides in Montreal, is a recipient of an Order of Canada and is often referred to as Montreal’s “Queen of Jazz”.