Canadian music history took a hit this week with the passing of Canadian jazz legend, Eleanor Collins. Often coined as Canadas answer to Ella Fitzgerald, Collins bellowing, blissful notes have made her one of Canada’s most formidable talents. She passed away Sunday, March 3rd, 2024, at the age of 104.

Aiming to research, document, and preserve, the Canada Black Music Archives is a digital platform that’s mission is to expose the important contributions of Black Canadians. Many know the mega stars who have spotlighted the countries musical talents, but may not know those who represent the Black roots of the genres these artists stemmed from. The Michigan Chronicle takes a look at the importance of the CBMA and its collection of music, photographs, biographies, historical documents, and more.

Canadian-Somali musician K’naan won The Best Song for Social Change Award for his 2023 single “Refugee”. The award was presented the night before the 2024 Grammy Awards by the same body of the Recording Academy. During his acceptance speech, the artist explained that the Somali word for home is derived from the word mother, stating that “I would like to dedicate this award to my home- my mother”.

The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA), featured in The Globe and Mail, digitally preserves and showcases the often-overlooked contributions of Black Canadians to the country’s music, emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity, and educational value.

On the memorable night of November 23rd, the City of Toronto Archives hosted a celebration centred around the impactful work being carried out at the CBMA, coupled with a joyous celebration of Black Canadian music, and the evening commenced with words of gratitude from the executive director of the CBMA, extending thanks to everyone for joining the journey towards a better understanding, appreciation, and a stronger sense of identity for Black Canadian musicians.

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?

On August 11, 1973, inside the recreation room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in an apartment building in the Bronx, New York, 18-year-old Jamaican-born Clive Campbell, aka DJ Kool Herc, used two turntables looping high energy breaks to create a mix and that became the basis for what we now call hip-hop.

The City of Toronto proclaimed June 2023 as Black Music Month. The proclamation was issued by Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie on behalf of Toronto City Council. The 2023 proclamation was made in response to a request by the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) to continue to honour Black Canadian musicians in Toronto.