The 37th annual Women’s Blues Revue at Toronto’s Massey Hall celebrated the power of women in blues with standout performances by Quisha Wint, Crystal Shawanda, Rebecca Hennessy, Tanika Charles, Meghan Parnell, Kellylee Evans, and Diana Braithwaite. New Toronto Blues Society Chair Quisha Wint opened the night with a tribute to late keyboardist Stacie McGregor and recognition of outgoing President Derek Andrews. The evening closed with all performers uniting for a moving rendition of “Let It Be,” symbolizing sisterhood and marking an exciting new chapter for Toronto’s blues scene under Wint’s leadership.

Quincy Jones, with a prolific career in music, television, and film spanning over 50 years, has shaped popular culture profoundly. He’s won 26 Grammy awards and produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. Known for his foresight, Jones sees music as transformative, capable of altering lives and bridging cultures, from his work in jazz and hip-hop to advocating for Black music’s legacy. Reflecting on the music industry’s evolution, Jones emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding and adaptation to the digital age, envisioning music’s future as a fusion of past and present influences.

The documentary “Play It Loud!—How Toronto Got Soul” premiered at The Royal Theatre on October 23, telling the story of Jamaican-born musician Jay Douglas and his role in Toronto’s Caribbean music scene. Directed by Graeme Mathieson, the film highlights Douglas’s six-decade career amid cultural barriers, with interviews from artists like Sly Dunbar and Jackie Richardson. The screening drew prominent figures in Canadian Black music, and “Play It Loud!” will open the Doc Soup season on December 4, with more screenings and a live Q&A to follow.

The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) marks its first anniversary, celebrating a year of documenting nearly 300 Black Canadian musicians from the late 1800s to today. Founded by Phil Vassell and Donna McCurvin, CBMA has digitally preserved music, photos, and interviews to raise awareness of Black Canadian musical contributions. Highlights from the year include Black History Month and Black Music Month events, a Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour, and special exhibitions. With ongoing plans for 2025, CBMA aims to continue showcasing Black Canadian talent and welcomes public support through donations and volunteer contributions.

Allison Russell won her first Grammy for Best American Roots Performance with “Eve Was Black” at the 2024 ceremony. She thanked Brandi Carlile for support and highlighted her career’s shift towards healing themes. Russell’s music reflects her journey to self-discovery, and she performed alongside Joni Mitchell at the event, showcasing Canadian talent.

Earlier this year the United Nations adopted a Draft Resolution at its 92nd Plenary Meeting, declaring that “World Steelpan Day” was to be observed annually on August 11th on the UN calendar. Now, just what could be so special about this instrument that it would deserve such an honor?

He’s been compared to a young Stevie Wonder and hailed as the newest torchbearer for nu-classic soul. Praise for his smooth vocal stylings has come from a variety of musicians including Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and India.Arie, while Canadian and International music fans have been raving over this Toronto singer.

Wesley Williams sounded more like a philosopher than a hip-hop superstar during an acceptance speech for one of his many honours recently. Maestro as he is better known, shared his viewpoint during an interview to discuss his many achievements in the entertainment industry.

What is the state of Canadian hip hop? What is the future from 2000 and beyond? WORD convened a group of notable industry players to offer some insight. They are Sol Guy, Craig Mannix, Jonathan Ramos and Ivan Berry. Here’s the breakdown from our panelists:

Jully Black has defied expectations to become a huge success in the Canadian music industry. Not the easiest of task when she was starting out. Singer, songwriter, television personality, the list goes on…. Jully continues to inspire.

Messenjah are arguably Canada’s most popular and important reggae band. They scored such hit singles as “Rock You High, “Jam Session,” “Cool Operator,” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love?,” appeared on the soundtrack of Tom Cruise movie Cocktail, and won the 1989 Juno Award for Best Reggae Recording.

To record her triumphant new album, Brown Sugar, S’Aida headed to Stantonville, Tennessee. The biggest creative leap forward on Brown Sugar is S’Aida’s songwriting.

In November of 2008, the Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) celebrate 20 years of existence. As an icon in the realm of choral music, TMC offers an audio signature that is distinct to the diasporic location of Toronto.

News of Oscar Peterson’s death reverberated around the world, as saddened fans, musicians and dignitaries remembered a man that Duke Ellington once called the ‘Maharaja of the keyboard.

A tribute to the talented Oscar Peterson at the 35th Annual IAJE Conference in Toronto. What are your fondest memories of Oscar? Listen to what others have to say about the Maharaja of the keyboard.

Known to the world as King Jammy’s, Lloyd James was mentored by the great dub master, King Tubby’s, before launching out on his own. Jammy’s would eventually return to Jamaica in the late 70’s, where the Prince became a King and rewrote the history of reggae music.

Those on the Toronto scene who have followed her career for the past 25 years have always known that Molly is a star. “I am a songwriter that can sing, sorta,” she states, with typical self-deprecation.

Hill is arguably the most commercially successful African-Canadian artist ever. International sales of his recordings have exceeded 100 million, and he has scored multiple hit singles, platinum albums, five Junos and a Grammy award.