
EVENT CALENDAR
Use this calendar to explore any and all upcoming events associated with ANSMA. This includes events organized and ran by us, events featuring our members, workshops available to our members, awards shows and concerts that might be of interest.

March Town Hall
Get Ready for ANSMA’s Uplifting March Town Hall!
Join us at Alteregos for an unforgettable night of creativity, conversation, and community, hosted by two powerhouse artists—Zamani Folade & Jody Upshaw!
Whether you’re an artist, musician, or music lover, this is your chance to connect, learn, and showcase your talents in a supportive space!
What to Expect:
A night of networking and artistic collaboration
Insightful discussions on the music industry and creative growth
Complimentary food and refreshments
A high-energy jam session to ignite your inspiration
A welcoming space for all ages and creative mediums
Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Alteregos Café, 2193 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS
Meet Your Hosts:
Zamani Folade (@zamanifolade) is a gifted storyteller through song, Zamani blends R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz, and Pop, crafting music that celebrates self-love, identity, and Black girl magic. She has performed across the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and Africa, collaborating with artists like Grammy winner Gordie Sampson and Hip Hop legend Tracey Lee. Her accolades include the Stingray TD Jazz Rising Star Award, SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriters Award, multiple ANSMA and ECMA wins, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for excellence in music.
Jody Upshaw (@jody.upshaw) is a rising R&B star from Nova Scotia, Jody made waves when her single "Straight Shooter" (produced by Classified) was featured in HBO's Euphoria. She has collaborated with JRDN and other notable artists, starred in the documentary "Youth Hip-Hop and Halifax," and served as Music Nova Scotia's Artist in Residence. Now a board member for Music Nova Scotia, Jody continues to shape the industry while crafting her own signature sound.
Save the date and join us for a night of music, mentorship, and meaningful connections!

Lift Every Voice
Lift Every Voice – New Date Announced!
Due to the weather, we had to postpone—but we’re back! Mark your calendars and join us for a powerful night of music, community, and Black excellence!
New Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 6PM
Location: North Branch Library – Terry Symonds Auditorium (2285 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS)
Featuring electrifying performances from:
Kayo (@kayomusic_)
Adina Fraser (@adinafraser)
Blessing Tangban (@blessingtangban)
Eriana Willis (@erianawillis_)
This FREE, all-ages event is your chance to experience the power of music and community in partnership with @hfxpublib. Don’t miss out—come feel the vibes and lift your voice with us!

ANSMA Town Hall
ANSMA Town Hall is Coming to Alteregos Café!
Get ready for an inspiring evening of music, networking, and creativity, hosted by two powerhouse leaders—Kolade Kolawole-Boboye & Kye Clayton!
Whether you're an artist, musician, or just love being part of a thriving creative community, this is your chance to connect, share, and be inspired!
What to Expect:
A night of networking and showcasing your talents
Insightful discussions on music, entrepreneurship, and community building
Complimentary food and refreshments
A dynamic jam session to spark creativity
A welcoming space for all ages and creative mediums
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Alteregos Café, 2193 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS
Meet Your Hosts:
Kolade Kolawole-Boboye – Co-founder & Brand Manager of LDN Records INC, Director at Hope Blooms, and a visionary in creative entrepreneurship. Kolade has successfully pitched on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, received the Lieutenant Governor’s Architecture Award, and organized Halifax’s first outdoor Spring Garden music event. He is passionate about building relationships through creative collaborations.
Kye Clayton – Award-winning artist, producer, and youth leader, Kye has performed at ECMAs, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Magnetic World Festival, and even opened for hip-hop legend Xzibit. As Manager of Youth Power and Innovation, he mentors young creatives and oversees the Hope Blooms music program, guiding youth in producing EPs and music videos.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this night of creativity, connection, and inspiration!

Lift Every Voice
Experience The Power Of Music At Lift Every Voice!
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Black excellence through music!
Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2025
Time: 6PM – 8PM
Location: Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS)
Featuring Electrifying Performances From:
Quoia States (@official.quoia)
Real Eyez (@realey3z)
aRENYE (@rennygramm)
Asia & NuGruv (@asiathesinger)
Backed by the powerhouse KruxBand (@kruxband) as the house band!
This FREE, all-ages event is your chance to experience the power of music and community in partnership with @hfxpublib. Don’t miss out—come feel the vibes and lift your voice with us!

Lift Every Voice
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER! STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES!
Lift Every Voice Is Back!
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating Black excellence through music!
Date: Thursday, February 13th
Time: 6PM – 8PM
Location: North Branch Library – Terry Symonds Auditorium (2285 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS)
Hosted by the incredible Maje (@magic__mic__), with electrifying performances from:
Kayo (@kayomusic_)
Adina Fraser (@adinafraser)
Blessing Tangban (@blessingtangban)
Eriana Willis (@erianawillis_)
This FREE, all-ages event is your chance to experience the power of music and community in partnership with @hfxpublib. Don’t miss out—come feel the vibes and lift your voice with us!

Black Vibes
This week, join us for our BLACK VIBES showcase at the Church Brewing Co. in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 8PM - 12AM. This premiere event has no cost to attend!
Hosted by Kayo, with sounds by DJ HiiighKee.
This incredible night will feature performances by:
Jah’Mila
Duff Mardino
F$rgo
Quoia States
Universal Soul
Come out and connect with us, our showcasing artists, other Black performers, and Black music industry professionals. We can’t wait to vibe with you in Wolfville!

ANSMA Open House
You're Invited to ANSMA's Open House!
We are excited to welcome you to the African Nova Scotian Music Association's new office space! Join us on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 100 Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth NS, for an evening of connection and celebration.
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore our newly established office, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about the exciting programs and initiatives we're working on to support the African Nova Scotian music community. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to ANSMA, we would love to have you join us.
Snacks and refreshments will be provided, so come prepared to enjoy good food and great company!
We look forward to seeing you there!

26th Annual ANSMA Awards Show
Join us for the 26th Annual African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) Awards Show!
Celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of African Nova Scotian musicians and industry professionals. This premier event highlights Black excellence, recognizing the hard work and impact of artists and creatives within our vibrant community.
What to Expect:
Live Performances
Networking Opportunities
Award Presentations
And more surprises throughout the evening!
Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of music, culture, and community!

October Town Hall
Get Ready for ANSMA’s Inspiring October Town Hall!
This month, we’re thrilled to have the incredible Mumu Fresh and Jah’Mila as our spirited co-hosts for an unforgettable evening!
Whether you're a musician, artist, or simply passionate about the local creative scene, this event is for you. Bring your friends, family, and anyone who wants to connect with our supportive and thriving arts community.
What to Expect:
A night of networking and showcasing your talents
A JAM session guaranteed to inspire and energize!
A welcoming space for all ages and creative mediums
Food and refreshments
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The MacPhee Centre, 50 Queen St., Dartmouth, NS
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 5, at the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this captivating evening of creativity and connection!

Harmonies & Hues: Featuring Mumu Fresh, Ibe Ananaba, and Erasure Art Collective
This unique event put on by the Prismatic Arts Festival offers the perfect blend of auditory and visual delights. The evening features a powerful live performance of Blackout by Erasure Art Collective, a stunning visual arts gallery show with Ibe Ananaba, and the closing highlight of the evening is a performance by the phenomenally talented Mumu Fresh, who will serenade the audience with her soulful tunes. The musical concert will commence with a song honouring the land by L'nu singer, Jenelle Duval.

September Town Hall
Get Ready for ANSMA’s Captivating September Town Hall!
This month, we’re excited to have Tempo and Jordan Metro as your dynamic co-hosts!
Whether you're a musician, dancer, or just someone looking to connect with the vibrant local arts scene, this event is for you. Bring your friends, family, and anyone who could benefit from our supportive community.
What to Expect:
An evening of networking and showcasing your talents
A JAM session that will leave you inspired!
A space for all ages and creative mediums
Food and refreshments
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The MacPhee Centre, 50 Queen St., Dartmouth, NS
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 29, at the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. See you there!

Through The Choir
Through the CHOIR. An open door contemporary R&B choir.
OPEN CALL TO SINGERS TUESDAY EVENINGS!
Through the CHOIR is open to all levels of singers with a focus on contemporary R&B. This community building project will include elements of movement, leadership development, vocal coaching, R&B repertoire development, and performance opportunities.

Freedom Festival
Get ready for an incredible celebration of culture and community!
Join us for the African Nova Scotian Music Association's Freedom Festival on August 4th, 2024. Join us for a remarkable celebration of culture and community at the Annual Freedom Festival, presented by the African Nova Scotian Music Association. This special event honors African emancipation in North America and celebrates the rich history of Black Canadians in Nova Scotia.
Event Details:
Date: August 4th, 2024
Location: Ferry Terminal Park, 88 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4W1
Schedule:
Gospel Showcase: 2 PM - 5 PM
Classic Sounds Showcase: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Fireworks: Following the event (weather permitting)
Don't miss this opportunity to experience an incredible day filled with music, history, and celebration!

Crescendo Fest's EXPORT
We're bringing you another amazing event with top industry professionals. Hear from Richard Dunn, Keziah Myers, and Malakhi RL Eason II, as they share their wisdom and experience.
We are located at 100 Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth NS.
Presented by Crescendo Fest and Micah Smith.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Crescendo Fest's Creative Masterclass
Get Ready for Tomorrow! We're hosting an inspiring event with industry pros who will be sharing invaluable insights. We will have Katrina Lopes, Reeny Smith and Ricardo Chung with us in the building!
We are located at 100 Ochterloney Street in Dartmouth NS.
This event is presented by Crescendo Fest and Micah Smith.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

The Town Hall
Are you excited for another TOWN Hall session?? This month, we have Quoia States & Kxng Wooz as your co-hosts.
Come out, network, share your skills, talent, work, and what's going on in the creative scene. You already know we're going to shut it down with a JAM session!
Don't forget, this is for all ages and mediums. So bring your friends, bring your kids, bring your parents—bring whoever makes you feel comfortable and can benefit from our monthly meetups.
See y'all on Sunday, July 21st at the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Halifax Jazz Fesival
Join Us For Unforgettable Live Performances!
Get ready for an afternoon filled with soul-stirring music, electrifying energy, and unforgettable performances. We're thrilled to invite you to a spectacular live event featuring an incredible lineup of talented artists:
Blessing Tangban
HARMZ
Adina Fraser-Marsman
Zamani Folade
And hosting this incredible event, the one and only:
Cyndi Cain
This is an event you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and join us for a night of live music that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca/line-up
Let’s make it a time to remember! See you there!

Canada Day Concert
Join Us for an Exciting Event!
Don't miss performances by Quoia States, Wave Lord, and Casual Cries for HELP, with Haliey Smith headlining! After the concert, enjoy a stunning fireworks display (weather permitting).
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable night of music and celebration!

Black Vibes @ ECMA
The Black Vibes showcase is one of ANSMA’s flagship events. It is an industry showcase displaying African Nova Scotian and Black artists from the East Coast of Canada. This showcase happens twice a year at ECMA and Nova Scotia Music Week.

Rhythm & Royalty Performance: African Kings & Queens
Accompanied by African drums, at this event, you will learn about the storied lives and experiences of great figures from African Royalty.

Rhythm & Royalty Performance: African Kings & Queens
Accompanied by African drums, at this event, you will learn about the storied lives and experiences of great figures from African Royalty.

Lift Every Voice 9: African Heritage Month Musical Showcase
Lift Every Voice is a showcase of amazing talent from our African Nova Scotian music community, produced by the African Nova Scotian Music Association.

Have an event or concert you want added to our calendar, submit details below.