HOST

Michael Newman is a TV personality, journalist, and multimedia content creator. In his current role as Community Reporter at Global BC, Michael showcases the things bringing people together in British Columbia — from community events to non-profit initiatives. Previously, he spent many years as host of New Mexico True Television, a documentary travel show showcasing communities around New Mexico. His time there earned him a Regional Emmy.  Michael’s overall mission is to use his relatable personality and mindful presence to create transformational media, as a platform to entertain, inspire, and connect people to new ideas and perspectives. Michael brings an authenticity and genuine curiosity to his work, and through that, strives to capture people's essence through the art of conversation. 

Yvonne Kushe is a multidimensional creative and artrepreneur who manifests her talents as a singer, songwriter, educator, curator and comic. She is also the founder of PolliNATION, an arts collective that seeks to elevate the wellbeing of artists through collaborative workshops and holistic artful experiences. 

Yvonne Kushe’s music is what she likes to define as an amorphous sound. She doesn’t exclusively subscribe to any one genre but rather chooses to explore and appreciate the entire spectrum of sound. 

Her vibrant flair and unique approach to music can be experienced in her recently released album “Unchained”.

Ezra Kwizera is an international artist, music producer and community leader. Ezra’s music style is richly multi‐cultural – a zesty yet soulful mix of Reggae, Soca, East African Bongo, and Pop. With linguistic agility, Ezra fluidly sings and raps in English, Kinyarwanda, Luganda, Zulu and Swahili. Growing up as a refugee in Uganda before moving back to his home country Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, Ezra has a powerful motivation to support Rwandans through his music to rebuild their country. His music conveys the spark of an overcomer and the passion of a community leader with a vision to inspire change in his generation. He currently lives in BC, Canada.

Ndidi Cascade, who is of Nigerian-Italian-Irish-Canadian heritage, is a Vancouver born and based hip hop vocalist.  She is also a songwriter, recording artist, educator and program facilitator. Ndidi has showcased her music across North America and internationally– from classrooms to stadiums, and her music has been featured on Much Music and MTV Canada.  She has shared the stage with talents such as Wu-Tang Clan, Femi Kuti, Digable Planets, The Mad Professor, De La Soul, K-OS and K'naan.  Ndidi Cascade also facilitates and manages programs that use hip hop, spoken word and dance as a medium for healthy self-expression.   She is the founder of the “Word, Sound & Power” and “Elementalz” education programs, which are designed to raise awareness of the origins of the hip hop movement.  Ndidi is also a World Music Education independent school teacher, and she currently tours with her group Metaphor, showcasing interactive hip hop shows in elementary and high schools around British Columbia.  Ndidi is also a cultural curator for Ethos Lab.  www.ethoslab.space

EARL DA PEARL For almost four decades, Earl da Pearl has been an icon in the city of Vancouver. Earl is a professional DJ, MC, and promoter. Earl graduated from Columbia School of Radio and TV Broadcasting, Recording Engineering Program. He has performed for thousands of events that ranges from night clubs, weddings, boat cruises, corporate events, high school dances, festivals, birthday and christmas parties. He is currently still rocking parties across the lower mainland. Earl has helped to pioneer the development of the Black music scene in Vancouver throughout the 80s and 90s. He was later nominated by his peers in 2009, and was inducted into the Stylus DJ Hall of Fame in Toronto

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