A few weeks ago, I was providing the soundtrack and co-hosting WIBCA’s Cocktails & Soul soirée — an annual black-carpet affair that many consider the unofficial kickoff to gala season in Montreal’s Black community. It’s an evening of style, soul, and celebration, highlighting Black brilliance and excellence across generations. Each year, WIBCA presents awards to community members who go above and beyond in service to others. This year’s Golden Heart Volunteer Awards went to Erica Lapiste, Sonia Millet, and Doreen Jones. The organization’s board and staff have perfected the formula for bridging generations — honoring pioneers while nurturing future leaders. …

Looking inside Montreal’s Silvertooth Gym, it’s clear this is more than just a place to work out. Here, movement, mindset, and muscle come together in a space that welcomes everyone—from beginners to fighters. Silvertooth Gym is in NDG on Saint Jacques and was opened in September 2022 by Phillipe Allaire, a professional Muay Thai fighter. Fun fact: Phillipe got the nickname Silvertooth after chipping a tooth during a fight in Thailand—and having it replaced with a silver one. (Gold Tooth Gym just wouldn’t hit the same.) I recently sat down with Adam Bienstock- Smith, one of Silvertooth’s certified fitness coaches, …

Born and raised in music Michael S’obrian is an accomplished musician, a producer, writer and performer. His has collaborated and worked with some of soca’s biggest stars. One of his biggest and most recent projects is a track featuring Shurwayne Winchester & The Legendary Mighty Sparrow. My Island Girl pt.2 is one of those tracks that gets you vibing. Before we go any further you need to know this international sensation is a Montrealer by birth Trini in blood. So focused on mastering his craft he doesn’t seem phased by fame. Simply focused on a mission to create good music …

Montreal’s Caribbean food festival returns to the Old Port for a four-day celebration. This year marks the 20th anniversary and you can be sure to expect a lot of surprises. For the first time the festival will be situated on the main promenade of the Old Port. The sites and sounds of the islands will fill the air. Olympian champion and official spokesperson Bruny Surin returns for his third consecutive year. I recently spoke with the international track star about his connection with the Taste of The Caribbean. Born in Haiti, Bruny says it very important for him to promote …

Looking for participant between 10-18 years of age to explore the art of deejaying Attention all aspiring deejays and music lovers, Overture With The Arts (OWTA) will be providing an eight week workshop on the art of DJing. The West Island based organization is looking for participants between the ages of 10-18, who need not have any previous experience. I have the honor and pleasure to have been chosen as the instructor for the upcoming session. We will introduce students to the various equipment from analog to digital. With 20 years experience as a deejay, broadcaster and all around music …

Local author Akilah Newton joins forces with Vancouver’s Tami Gabay for insightful book Black History Month is just around the corner and with it comes  a slew of events in our community across Montreal. With so much going on its best to take notes and save the dates. This year Overture With The Arts founder and  executive director Akilah Newton embarks on a cross Canada tour. In addition to her work with OWTA,  this young Kirkland native recently co-authored Big Dreamers with Vancouver’s Tami Gabay.  Released in October 2018, this is a must-have student activity book that highlights the achievements …

April 19, 2004 was my first live to air on K103’s Street Sounds radio show. What started out as a temporary replacement gig I turned into a 14-year ride. After hosting over 2,500 shows, interviewing international stars and supporting local talent, the time has come for me to move on. Thanks to all of you that tuned in and listened over the years. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. It was a great chapter, being a part of the first and only daily urban show broadcasting out of Kahnawake to Montreal and beyond. There’re so …

Last Saturday, I was invited to be the master of ceremonies at the African Canadian Development and Protection Network’s (ACDPN) annual career fair and mentorship initiative, in collaboration with McGill University. It’s an event that introduces youth from the English-speaking Black community to professionals in the health and social services fields. Executive director of the ACDPN, Tania Callendar explains its main objective as been an opportunity for our youth to network with professionals from our community that have succeeded in establishing themselves in the field. “Seeing people that look like them in these positions makes it more realistic and attainable… …

On March 30, he  releases “Echoes Between a Rock and Hard Place” on soundcloud Two years ago, I came across a unique artist whom I’ve since seen showcasing his talents all over the city. Born in Chibougamau and raised in Montreal, his name is Ukpöng Etang also known as Mr. Pong. I’m sure many of you have crossed paths with the young steel pan player at a show, wedding or even in the metro. Despite the big Trini flag on his pan case, he’s actually of Jamaican and Nigerian decent. And what makes Mr. Pöng stand out is his ability …

So much happened in sports, music and events around the community Years come and go quickly, but our memories will last forever. Much like its predecessor, 2016 was filed with highs lows, good and bad. So much transpired over the 12 months, reflecting can sometimes get blurry. One event that we’re guaranteed to remember was the historical U.S. elections, and President-elect Donald Trump still doesn’t roll off the tongue easily for me. However, we must accept his victory and hope for the best going forward. Another memorable standout of this past year was the death of so many musical icons, …