Black creatives in Canada play an important role in the social and cultural fabric of the country. Not only do they enrich Canada’s cultural landscape with their unique contributions and artistic forms, but they also contribute to personal empowerment, serving as a shining example for others to follow their path.
If you want to learn more about their contributions, take a look at these six names who are changing the trajectory of the game in music, TV, books, and theatre.
Kudakwashe Rutendo-A Rising Actor
Born in Calgary, Alberta, and raised in Fort McMurray, Rutendo attended the University of Toronto and studied English, philosophy, and other classics before pursuing acting classes. She was named among the rising stars of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival for her role in Backspot. Rutendo has appeared in several TV series, such as Fear Thy Roommate, and short films like The Second Hand and Love Bites, Bad Influence, and Giving Hope. The rising actor is on her way to writing her second book about a Black woman’s struggle with mental health issues; the book combines poetry and prose.
Elamin Abdelmahmoud-Culture Guru and Broadcaster
Abdelmahmoud immigrated to Canada from Sudan when he was 12. He studied philosophy at Queen’s University and is best known as a culture writer and broadcaster for Buzz Feed and CBC Radio podcast and network radio host. His career began as a production assistant at CBC. As a long-form writer, Abdelmahmoud’s writings were published in renowned magazines like Chatelaine, Macleans, and The Guardian. His first book, Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces, was published in 2022.
Jully Black-Music Legend
Although her roots are of Jamaican origin, Black made a name for herself in the Canadian music industry. Since the start of her career, she has released more than four studio albums and collaborated with several artists like Sean Paul, Destiny’s Child, Nas, and Choclair, among many others. CBC recently selected Black as one of the 25 Greatest Canadian singers ever; she has also been nicknamed Canada’s Queen of R&B by fans and industry friends.
Amanada Parris-TV innovator
What on earth hasn’t Amanda Parris already done? You might wonder. In her career with CBC, Parris hosted the CBC Television series The Filmmakers; she also hosted the CBC TV series Exhibitionist and From The Vaults, along with the CBC Music radio series Marvin’s Room. Apart from being a TV writer and actor, Parris also cofounded and founded several arts and education organizations; armed with a master’s degree in education, she has spoken at several UN conferences.
Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu-Theatre Star
Black theatre in Toronto has always faced challenging times. There was a time when Black-themed plays were mostly relegated to Black History Month. That has all now changed thanks in part to the work of Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu. For over a decade as director of the Obsidian Theatre, she has directed some of the most intriguing and diverse plays, proving that Black theatre is still alive and successful.
Canisia Lubrin-Literary Sensation
Not afraid of coming across as bookish, Lubrin is a renowned writer who says she has always been attracted to things that are a little bit different. That approach won her a huge fan base, thanks to works like her first collection of poetry, Voodoo Hypothesis, which garnered huge attention and was shortlisted for many awards. Her second book, The Dyzgraphxst, won her the Griffin Poetry Prize in 2021. Currently, Lubrin teaches creative writing at the University of Guelph and runs a poetry program at the Canadian imprint McClelland & Stewart.
More than just shining examples, these Black artists and creatives are setting the stage for the next generation of Black Canadians to nurture the arts and expand the presence of creativity and arts among marginalized communities!
David Messiha| Staff Writer