AMW Conference Program
Saturday September 13th, 2025
Delta Hotel Toronto Airport Conference Centre – 655 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON.
Conference Schedule (MC Program)
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Registration & Networking
Check in, meet fellow attendees, and get settled.
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Opening Welcome
Hosts: Richmond and Afia open the event and introduce a performance by Captain Love.
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Executive Welcome & Moderator Intro
Richmond Bonsu introduces Julz Ossom, AMW Executive Director, for Opening Remarks. Then Efia introduces Moderator Eves’s Eye.
Panel Introduction
Moderator introduces panelists:
- Kwadwo Assafu-Adjaye a.k.a. Ice
- Aidan Sykes
- Barelson
- Azeez Fusigboye a.k.a. Fusi Hype
- Adeniji Daniel
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Session 1: Leveraging Music Tourism Opportunities for Artists of African Descent Moderator: Eves’s Eye
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Topic 1: A Vibrant Pathway for Cultural Exchange and Recognition
How music tourism enables Canadian artists of African descent to share heritage, rhythms, and stories with global audiences through festivals, cultural events, and workshops—growing fan bases and strengthening a diverse Canadian music identity rooted in African diasporic traditions.
Q&A with panel and audience (press may be present)
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Break
10-minute refresh & transition.
Panel Introduction
Moderator MC Ebone introduces panelists:
- T-Nynce
- Michelle Allman-Esdaille
- Detlef Darko
- Akpobome Edge
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Spotlight Panel
Discussion continues with the above panelists.
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Topic 2: Amplifying the Beat — Professional Development & Funding Pathways for DJs of African Descent in Canada
Equipping DJs, artists, and creators with resources to thrive globally: opportunities, brand-building, representation, practical tips for applications, digital presence, AI, and collaborations to amplify Black voices in international nightlife and festival circuits.
Q&A with panel and audience (press may be present)
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Intermission — Networking & Performances
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Performance: Taene
Efia introduces the performance.
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Performance: Mo Flava
Efia introduces the performance.
Panel Introduction
Moderator Richmond Bonsu introduces panelists:
- Chadwick Criegehtney
- Andria Barrett
- Charles Lewis
- Timaj Garad
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Session 2: Funding Opportunities for Musicians & Performing Artists of African Descent in Ontario & Canada Moderator: Efia
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Topic 3: Exploring Opportunities for Artistic Growth & Sustainability
Overview of funding options (public grants, private sponsorships, emerging models like NFTs and AI). Discussion of key funders (Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Creates, FACTOR, Ontario Arts Council), application processes, eligibility, and grant-writing strategies to sustain vibrant artistic careers in Canada’s evolving cultural ecosystem.
Q&A with panel and audience (press may be present)
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Performance: P’Bay
Afia introduces the performance.
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Performance: K Vibez
Afia introduces the performance.
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Networking
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Closing Remarks
By MC AFRO. The End.
Notes
Times are local to Toronto (EDT). Running order reflects the MC’s program.