SaskMusic

Nini Jegz

Nigerian-born artist Nini Jegz brings a unique blend of Afro Soul, Afro Beat, Pop, RnB, and Alternative to the music scene in Regina, Saskatchewan. With a passion for creating music that connects with and uplifts people, Nini Jegz is dedicated to using her talents to combat loneliness and bring joy to her listeners. Nini Jegz has already made waves in the local music scene, performing at a number of shows and as one of eight members of the Regina band People of the Sun. Nini Jegz's debut single "Memo" was released in March 2022, and fans can look forward to Nini Jegz's upcoming EP set to be released in 2023.

TOVA

TOVA is an expert storyteller who seeks to create worlds and experiences for the listener. He melds together introspective lyrics and engaging narratives with a captivating soundscape that encourage listeners to live in the moment. Since making his debut in 2020, TOVA has quickly gone on to establish himself as a prominent force in Canadian RnB music. After headlining the final day of the 2021 Regina Folk Fest, TOVA went on to have a remarkable 2022. He bagged a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for R and B Artist of the Year, was crowned Contemporary Artist of the Year for the 2022 Saskatchewan Music Awards, and played the prestigious BreakOut West Festival.

Nissya

Nissya, whose real name is Yannis Loubayi, is a French rapper, born in Pointe-Noire (Congo Brazzavile), where he grew up but also spent his childhood in France, Paris. Nissya began writing songs in 2008 under the name of L.Mortel, a name he took from one of his close friends from his neighbourhood who was called Fred-Mortel. Nissya is currently living in Regina and will be graduating in Business Administration this April 2023. He has not been doing much music in the past few years because of his studies which have taken up all his time and effort, but planning to go full steam ahead with his career after April 2023.

Kaya Free

"Since I was a little boy I played traditional drums and played music at parties. Yet, I did not yet know that I was a real artist. Since I was a kid I was playing traditional drums from my country Burundi."
Kaya Free, originally from Bujumbura, Burundi, started rapping in 2001. He starts by writing texts, when he is at school in his draft notebook. From the beginning, his desire was to convey a message of peace and freedom, hence his name. Kaya Free, a mixture of words in Jamaican (Kaya: great) and English (Free) languages, which means "The great freedom". Kaya is now working on building his artistic career in Canada. Kaya Free is also planning an EP with a Francophone artist from Winnipeg named Serge Paul.
Translated by Google Translate/SaskMusic

Taliah Lavertu

Regina-based artist Taliah Lavertu is a vocalist by natural inclination. Her love and influence of RnB was instilled into her at a young age by her mother, who would play albums such as "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" and many others around the house. Entering formal voice lessons as a youth, she trained in folk, classical, and pop styles, becoming more familiar with jazz as she matured. Attending U of C for Voice, Taliah enthusiastically acquired some operatic training as well. She is the recipient of the Maestro Award for her musical ability and sensitivity, received in NYC on a school choir trip; subsequently returning to NYC to participate in an honour choir that debuted at Carnegie Hall. Taliah has since combined her love of jazz with her roots in RnB and Neo-Soul, performing these styles locally in Regina.

ADEOLUWA

ADEOLUWA has two albums, five EPs, and several singles to his credit. He has played at notable Saskatchewan music venues such as The Cathedral Social House, Amigos Cantina, The Recording Arts Institute, Bushwakker Brewing Company, The Cure, The Mae Wilson Theatre, and The Artesian. His work has been featured on established platforms such as CBC, Pulse Music Journal, The Native Mag, and 49th Street. His songs have also received airplay on CBC's The Block, Saskatchewan Weekend, Regina's CJTR radio, and many more. He performed his single "Escape" as the opening performance at the 2020 Saskatchewan Music Awards. He was nominated four times at the Saskatchewan Music Awards for  Alternative Artist of the Year, R & B Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year. He has also performed at the 2022 Grey Cup Festival and headlined his show, "The ADEOLUWA Experience" for SaskTel Max, headlined The Cathedral Village Arts Festival, performed at the Canada World Youth Conference, as well as The Black Canadians, Africans and Caribbean Professionals Inc.'s Black History Month Celebration. His most recent release "Stay With Me" has been streamed more than 15k times since its debut in November 2022.

Rachael Owojori

Rachael Owojori is a Clinical Coordinator with Saskatchewan Health Authority. She is also a gospel music Minister. She is originally from Nigeria. Rachael and her family moved to Canada in 2009 and have since called Canada home. Rachael takes pleasure in helping others, volunteers her time for the community by singing the Canadian anthem at Canada citizenship events, and volunteers to sing in long-term care homes, charity events and churches. Rachael has released several songs that are available on YouTube and other digital stores. Her songs are currently airing at 100.3 FM Saskatoon other radio/TV stations/Blogs in Canada, U.K. and Nigeria. Rachael's song "Jesus Calls Me Friend" won the 2020 Maranatha Award USA for Exaltation Song of the Year and has gotten over 60,000 views on YouTube. She has been nominated for other awards including Glass Awards Toronto, Praise Factor USA and Gospel Music Association Canada. Rachael’s new release "Jehovah" won the Best High Praise Song in 2022.

Pacifique

African artist from Tanzania, Pacifique, is shaking things up in Canada with his unique sound. His sound is described mostly as Afrobongo, with a hint of Afrobeat from Swahili nation, as well as alternative R&B and dancehall. Pacifique’s first release, "Mamacita featuring Zweii," opened up doors of opportunity for his music career. Another song released in February of 2021 titled "Don’t Hurt Me," tells the story about love and betrayal, and hopes to get the message across to his listeners.

Dyelle

Crafted in the flat lands of Regina, emerging independent artist Melodna came into the game with her debut single "KRYPTONITE". With a few additional singles and the success of her debut EP KEEPSAKE released February 2021, she kicked off her first year with noteworthy performances. Performances include: Canadian Music Week Showcase '21, Regina Folk Festival '21, and Breakout West '21. From multiple interviews, to shows, to out-of-province opportunities, this artist has been stealing the hearts of the prairies and is coming for more. Melodna continues to work with multi­-talented Walter Jeworski as her mixing engineer at Blue Door Recording Studios. Still riding on the success of her debut EP,  Melodna was a sight not to miss at Sled Island 2022 in Calgary AB that had Princess Nokia headlining. She then capped off the summer with multiple performances, one which had her sharing the stage with BEGONIA, as well as a main stage set at Regina's Folk Festival '22 where she opened for Lido Pimienta. This multi-talented artist goes from serenading you RnB style, to hip hop, and then indulges you in some Afro-infusion. Her newly released single, ROTATION has already been in the likings of Eric Alper with playlist on his 360: Indie playlist. You never know what to expect from her and you're never disappointed. The artist that never stops is slated to perform at some of Canada's top industry events 2023. Refusing to submit to one genre, Melodna continues to downpour her music creations anywhere she can.

Morit Music

Moses Idowu hails from Kogi State, Nigeria. He is currently a student of Agronomy at the University of Saskatchewan. The percussionist uses music as his powerful tool for fostering social cohesion and propagating multiculturalism in Canada. Most significantly, he is helping African Canadians have a deeper sense of belonging in the cultural mosaic through the symphonic blend of different genres of music embedded in the rich and diverse cultures present in Canada. Hence, Moses has performed alongside other artists and storytellers at Nutrien Gala Night TCU Place, Rock Your Roots for National Indigenous Peoples' Day, Saskatoon Multiculturalism Day, Saskatoon Intercultural Gathering, Taste of Africa, Black History Month, Nigerian Canadian Association of Saskatoon, Yoruba Community Association Saskatoon, Black Lives Matter YXE, Saskatchewan Truth and Reconciliation Events, and Shelby Gardens Detroit, USA. Moses equally enjoys teaching the art of the African talking drum and other percussion instruments. He hopes that one day, the use of the talking drum at social events in North America will be as widespread as the piano, guitar, and saxophone. At his leisure, he engages in reading, travelling, and volunteering. He goes by the stage name Morit Music.

IIsaiah Bennett