2024 Conference
Axé WorldFest presents the 4th annual
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
APRIL 25-27, 2024 - a community partnership with the NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
With programming at CLUB SAW, Arts Court and the 27 CLUB
Axé WorldFest proudly announces the 4th annual Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference. It is an essential gathering to continue much-needed conversations about gender roles in the industry, to network, spark new ideas, and connections through eclectic musical showcases, panels, and networking events over three days.
This groundbreaking event continues its mission to connect, network, and amplify marginalized voices within the music industry.
Axé WorldFest is a leading organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the music industry. With a focus on celebrating cultural heritage and empowering underrepresented voices, Axé WorldFest hosts concerts, festivals, and educational events throughout the year.
The Empowering Women in the Music Industry conference is open to all genders and serves as a platform for people to share insights, build connections, and foster growth in their careers.
Thursday, April 25th 2024 - Azrieli Studio, NAC - 8pm - DAY 1
1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1, Canada
Official OPENING of THE CONFERENCE: TASSIA REIS from Brazil
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The National Arts Center and Axé WorldFest are thrilled to announce that after
being long terms fans, we are presenting Tássia Reis on her *first-ever* Canadian tour!
More than just rap. She’s authentic, bold, and has zero tolerance for nonsense.
As a star of Brazilian rap, Tássia Reis has been making waves with hits that capture the highs and lows of life, infused with humor and a rebellious spirit that challenges the status quo. Her musical journey draws from a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, blending influences from iconic figures like Djavan and Alcione to global sensations like Erykah Badu, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Recognized as a leading voice in Brazilian rap, Tássia refuses to be confined to one genre, exploring jazz, rap, drill, funk, pop, and samba with equal finesse.
In her ascent, Tássia remains a force of storytelling, commanding attention and leaving an indelible mark. Whether delivering a raw, soft, or sensual message, one thing is clear – Tássia Reis is the boss, and she’s calling the shots.
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TICKETS VIA NAC -
https://arts.nac-cna.ca/en/booking/production/bestavailable/9652
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Tassia Reis
Friday, April 26th 2024 - CLUB SAW, 5:30pm - DAY 2
67 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Networking BBQ and Showcases
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DJ Mari Rossi from Brazil
Mari Rossi has always been between the underground and the mainstream. Throughout her 23-year career, she played in the main clubs of São Paulo, to alley-entry invite-only after parties, to major festivals. She always brings an element of surprise to her sets, allowing her to have a long and varied career that has spanned decades, continents, and musical eras.
https://www.instagram.com/marirossi/
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MC Jade London
Jade London has been flaunting and strutting her talents all around Canada and the United States for over 15 years. From walking the runway to magazine spreads, recording music and competing in pageants, she truly has the rights to being two time Miss Capital Pride winner and Ottawa/Canada's Next Drag Superstar
https://www.instagram.com/missjadelondon/
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Mia Kelly
Mia Kelly is a singer/songwriter from Gatineau, QC who makes Bilingual folk roots with a twist of rock and soul. Her powerful voice draws audiences into heartfelt stories and raw emotions, taking you on a journey through sweet ballads to sing-alongs and stomping feet. This summer, she represented Canada at the Francophone World Games in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With two albums, Multiple Canadian tours and two Canadian Folk Music Nominations under her belt, Mia Kelly is undoubtedly making her mark.
https://www.miakellymusic.com/press
Honeypaw
Honeypaw plays Finno-Baltic neofolk that explores ancient vocal and instrumental harmonies and fusing them with modern soundscapes and rhythms. The journal of Musicology has called their music “unusual, evocative, and inviting one to rethink the concept of instrumentality.”
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Lara Klaus
Lara Klaus is a highly acclaimed drummer, vocalist, and artist from Recife, Brazil, currently based in Montreal, Canada. Described as "remarkably versatile" by Le Devoir she dedicates her life to performances and music mediation, seamlessly blending Afro-Brazilian rhythms with contemporary soul-pop influences. Lara is an exceptional communicator and has conducted music and percussion workshops with numerous communities worldwide. She is also a member of the Pan-American women's supergroup "LADAMA".
pHoenix Pagliacci
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, as a child, pHoenix Pagliacci excelled as a performer preparing her for a career in music and performance. In 2011, pHoenix released her first project, Books, Bucks & Beats Vol. 1: Holla at a Schola. In 2016, pHoenix participated in an International Women’s Day Cypher with other female artists. The four would go on to form Canadian Hip-Hop group The Sorority. The group embarked on a Canadian Tour and released their sole album Pledge in 2018 before disbanding in 2019. pHoenix then joined Producer/Songwriter Truss to form the R&B duo TRP.P. The duo would go on to release multiple projects, their latest, Mirror Soul in 2021 and tour extensively across Canada. pHoenix admires songwriters like Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, and many others, who chose to change the world through song. She’s been inspired to write about her daily experiences in a world where we experience an array of emotions about relationships, politics, and the state of an ever-changing world. pHoenix is set to release her latest solo album in 2024.
http://www.itsmepagliacci.com/
Djely Tapa
Descended from a lineage of Malian griots, Djely Tapa offers a repertory suspended between Sahelian, blues and electro atmospheres. Reflecting her musical identity, her album Barokan is a tribute to women and Africanness. In May 2019, Djely Tapa was named Révélation Radio- Canada Musique du Monde and Barokan was named "Best World Music Album" at the 2020
Junos.
PANELS // WORKSHOPS
April 27, 2024 11am till 4pm / Arts Court - FREE w/ RSVP - ALL AGES
LOCATION : ARTS COURT Address: 2 Daly Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 6E2
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* 11am Lara Klaus - Brazilian Percussion workshop
Lara Klaus is an acclaimed percussionist, drummer, vocalist, and artist from Recife, Brazil, currently based in Montréal, Canada. She dedicates her life to performances and percussion workshops, blending Afro-Brazilian rhythms with contemporary soul-pop flavors. In this workshop, the artist will lead the participants on a journey through Brazilian rhythms such as maracatu, baião, and samba, using both their bodies and instruments. No prior experience is required, and the workshop is open to everyone interested in learning more about the Brazilian musical universe and exploring its possibilities.
*11am Panel "Melodies & Money: The Role of Music Licensing in Artist Revenue By SOCAN
Join us for an enlightening conversation on music rights and licensing. Gain valuable insights on how to ensure proper setup and avoid any legal mishaps. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the game.
Moderator: Erin Flynn
speakers Nicky Jean - Industry Partner Lead & Tessy Paquin - Programming and Creative Partnerships Coordinator
* 12:15pm Meet the International Presenters: Exploring and Envisioning Global Collaborative Networks
Join this panel featuring leading music presenters from around the world, most of whom are new to the EWIMI community. Learn about these powerful and inspiring panelists, what projects they are currently involved with, and what dreams and visions they have for building collaborative networks that will amplify the music and message of all artists beyond the limitations of national borders.
Moderator Treasa Levasseur
Panelists
Hee Sun Kim - Sori Festival - South Korea // Sonia Aviles - EIMI - Mexico
Jaqueline Fernandes - Afrolatinas - Brazil // Amanda Bittar - Favela Sounds - Brazil
Priscila Santana - City Parks Foundation - NYC, USA
* 2:30pm Resonating Resilience: Amplifying Voices of Women of Color in Canada's Music Scene
This panel convened a diverse group of women to delve into the challenges and victories experienced by women of color within the Canadian music scene. Throughout the discussion, panelists will share personal anecdotes and insights, shedding light on the intersecting barriers and systemic injustices faced by women of color in a predominantly male and white-dominated industry. Emphasizing the crucial need for representation and visibility across all facets of the music sector, panelists will underscore the significance of diversifying stages, studios, and leadership roles to foster a more inclusive and equitable industry. Moderator: Alka Sharma Panelists:
Rosina Kazi, Janice Jo Lee and pHoenix Pagliacci
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3:30pm wrap up and take a break // rendezvous at NAC at 7pm
Saturday, April 27th 2024 - Fourth Stage - NAC / 1 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5W1, Canada
SHOWCASES 7PM
MC Treasa Levasseur
Treasa Levasseur (she/her) wears many hats: performer, writer, culture worker and community educator among others. She spent 7 years working at Folk Alliance International before taking the leap back into the freelance creative life. Elle est une fière francophone vivant à Hamilton.
www.treasalevasseur.com
Kellylee Evans - jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop
2018 JUNO nominee Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal style embody jazz, soul, pop, and hip-hop. The singer-songwriter won a 2011 JUNO Award and has been captivating audiences along the way, opening for stars such as John Legend, George Benson and Willie Nelson.
https://kellyleeevans.com/
Janice Jo Lee - blending folk, soul, jazz
Janice Jo Lee (born in Tkaronto, Canada) aka Sing Hey, is a contemporary folk artist of Korean settler ancestry. Lee is a folk-soul singer-songwriter, spoken word poet, actor, bouffon, playwright, and educator. They are an award-winning performer who creates looping landscapes with their voice, guitar, trumpet and Korean jangu drum. Lee is a hard femme queer radical. They speak their truth and get in trouble for it often, on stage and off. Lee is interested in using art to build flourishing communities based in justice and joy. Their work explores gender justice, antiracism, friendship, burnout, community, ancestry and the Earth.
https://janicejolee.ca/
Lorraine Klaasen - Jazz & the classic sound of ‘Township Music'
Lorraine Klaasen, the daughter of the late legendary South African Jazz singer Thandie Klaasen, is one of the few South African artists who have preserved the classic sound of Township Music, one of the most distinctive sounds to come out of South Africa. Born and raised in Soweto and now based in London, Lorraine has electrified audiences worldwide with her dynamic stage presence and showmanship. In 2008, Lorraine released the highly charged album Africa Calling – it was produced by South African record producer Mongezi Chris Ntaka, and features bassist Bakhiti Khumalo (Paul Simon’s "Graceland"). Her album A Tribute To Miriam Makeba won Lorraine the 2013 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year and is a tribute to the legendary songstress.
https://www.lorraineklaasen.com/
The Joy Lapps Project - Afro and Latin-Caribbean Jazz, w/ R&B and soul
Multi-modal artist and composer Joy Lapps issues Girl in the Yard, her fifth leader release and first full-length album exclusively featuring original music and arrangements. Informed by a vibrant palette of styles, Girl in the Yard, released July 8, 2022 pays tribute to the community, especially the many women who have helped facilitate her mastery of the steelpan and supported her success in the steelband movement.
https://www.joylapps.com/
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Tickets VIA NAC : https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/36274
Saturday, April 27th 2024 - Club 27 - 11pm AFTER PARTY
27 York St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5S7, Canada
DJ DEL PILAR
DJ del Pilar is also the co-founder of Ottawa's longest running and coziest queer dance party, Homo Phono! Growing up in the 80's and 90's, she has been heavily influenced by old school hip hop, funk, disco, and house music, putting a fresh spin on dance floor classics.
LATE SHOWCASE
ROSINA BASIC INCOME tour is a movement that brings together artists from diverse backgrounds to create a mesmerizing fusion of sounds. As you follow the tour from city to city, it will witness the magic of collaboration and the boundless creativity that ROSINA, MAXH. & EYEDA SOPHIA offer, together —- a captivating odyssey into the heart of electronic music, joined with jazz pop and rhythmic melodies converge in an enthralling sonic innovation.
https://www.instagram.com/rosinamultiplefutures/
TICKETS VIA EVENTBRITE:
FULL SCHEDULE BELOW:
