Kenya Isaac —
September 11, 2025
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 to sit down with music figures from the city and explore its roots in jazz, reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, compas, afro-beat and more.
A special reception was held on August 21st at the historic McGill Ballroom to celebrate the project. Featured guest performers included Montreal icons like Jah Cutta, Juliet “Smurfette” Nelson, and Deniston “Sampaloo” Mullings.
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 their story with us.
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The Canada Black Music Archives is a non-profit digital archive established as a division of Word Media Group Inc.
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