ABOUT

ANSMA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development,promotion and enhancement of African Nova Scotian music, locally,regionally and internationally. While ANSMA has worked predominantly with performers and musicians, the scope of our mandate includes providing support for Black music creatives and industry professionals(BMCIPs) across the industry value chain such as: producers, recording studios, managers, agents, licensors, music video producers and directors, etc. Our vision is to put African Nova Scotian music on the world stage!

Our mission is to develop, promote, and celebrate African Nova Scotians in the music industry by providing programs, services, resources, and opportunities that foster long-term partnerships, artistic development, preservation of our music heritage, and sustainable economic success.

    • promote the development and participation of BMCIPs in all aspects of the music industry

    • to develop and advocate for policies and services that serve to support a strong and economically viable Black music sector

    • to raise the profile of African Nova Scotian/ music both in Canada and around the world

    • to identify the needs of BMCIPs and facilitate the development of resources to meet those needs

    • foster collaborations with Music Industry Associations (MIA's) and other relevant entities to advance the promotion of African Nova Scotian music

    • to be inclusive of all styles of Black music as well as being inclusive of Black artists whose primary genre may not be labeled as Black music

    • to be inclusive of gender, sexual orientation, abilities, geographical locations, etc.

    • to adopt effective leadership, governance and operational best practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of ANSMA

    • Commitment To The Nguzo Saba Principles: Being intentional about our purpose and our desire for self-determination.

    • Collaboration: Listening actively, communicating clearly and respectfully, and being supportive of our internal and external stakeholders.

    • Equity: Listening to the voices that promote equity and to ensure that we position ourselves as a model organization acting in accordance with universally accepted equity principles

    • Dedication To Excellence: Defining and communicating to our employees and members what we mean by excellence. Our definition will adopt a holistic view that considers, economic, social, political and cultural dimensions of excellence and professionalism

    • Tradition And Innovation: Developing a shared understanding of the value of tradition as well as the tensions and opportunities that arises when tradition and modernity intersect. Using that understanding we will balance the preservation of cultural traditions with embracing innovation to allow BCMIPs to be competitive and successful in an ever-changing music industry

    • Ethics And Integrity: Being transparent in our decision making, making it clear to members and stakeholders, how critical decisions involving the recognition of artists

    • Talent Growth And Development Of Members

      • Expanding and engaging ANSMA's membership

      • Enhancing regional and international promotion of BMCIPs

      • Creation of export-ready talent

      • Enhancing the volume and quality of creative output

      • Facilitation of local, regional and international opportunities for BMCIPs

    • Strengthening Brand Value And Sustainability

      • Enhancing the participation of BMCIPs in all aspects of the music industry ecosystem

      • Enhancing ANSMA’s brand reputation and perceived value to members, benefactors and other stakeholders

      • Creating a sustainable business model for ANSMA to allow it to grow and thrive

      • Strengthening public knowledge and awareness of African Nova Scotian music heritage

    • Enhancing Operational Efficiency And Accessibility

      • Modernization of ANSMA's social media and communications infrastructure

      • Creation of an efficient and accessible service delivery model that can reach BMCIPs in the province and throughout the Maritimes

      • Leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency as well as lower ANSMA's operating costs

    • Building Organizational Capacity And Industry-Related Competence

      • Enhancing ANSMA's leadership and governance capacity

      • Expanding ANSMA's industry knowledge and competence

      • Optimizing ANSMA's human capital infrastructure inclusive of volunteers

      • Entrenching an organizational culture aligned to the strategic plan