NEWS

Sep 11
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#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…OSIYM

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It’s very rare to come across two emcees who not only complement each other in the studio, but also onstage. As one of the few duos in Toronto, OSIYM (pronounced: oh-sigh-em) is just that. Made up of Nova and Charlie Black, the duo has filled a void that’s been missing in Toronto’s hip hop landscape, and it’s been a long overdue moment to once again celebrate the liveliness these two individuals bring to the stage. With two mixtapes under Charlie Black’s belt, and another project under Nova, the two came together to release their debut EP Drunk Words x Sober Thoughts in 2014, and followed it up with SPIRITS this past July. “Out Of Sight, In Your Mind,” as their stage name projects, have created a sound that moves effortlessly through the realms of boom bap to trap, while their live performances challenge the ‘Screwface Capital’ to let loose – whether you expected to or not. – Erin Lowers

OSIYM will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow OSIYM @OSIYMMUSIC on Twitter!

What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?

We both live in the West end. Nova lives in Malton, and Charlie lives in Etobicoke.

What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

Nova: For better or worse, I love all the different characters I see in Malton. As soon as I think I’ve seen it all, I come across something new. From the old lady catching the bus to work at the crack of dawn, to the dude walking the streets with his guitar belting out reggae songs. Even though Malton is so small, there’s a sense of pride from the people who grew up here. It made us who we are.

Charlie Black: I love the DJs in our city. I feel like we can’t be touched when it comes to setting a dope vibe for a party. I’m not the most travelled individual, but any other place I’ve been in the world so far can’t do it like are DJs can. Also, I love summer nights in the city. I feel like as long as I have the intention to have a good time, I can find something to get into in Toronto.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

Charlie Black: I can see it in the people! The way they talk, the way they dress, the way they consume art. If you’ve ever been downtown Toronto, it’s pretty much a living, breathing art museum. Nowadays, that’s spreading all over the whole city. I was blessed to be a part of The Remix Project when it first started, and it is programs like Remix that have helped inspire and open doors for the artistic minds coming out of our city right now.

Nova: It has impacted me by creating opportunities for me coming up. As an aspiring artist, my craft was honed and perfected in bedrooms and basements in my neighbourhood. Some of my biggest mentors were around the block or just a short trip away. The time spent with them gave me priceless lessons which helped bring me to where I am today.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

We do our best to stay original – from our sound, to our content and flows. We keep our lyrics honest and true to who we are instead of putting out a fake persona. Our stage show is something we really take pride in as well. We make sure to actually practice our sets and think of creative ways to keep our crowd entertained. We’re always challenging ourselves to think of ways to better our art.

Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto Festival?

For years, Manifesto has been a trademark in our city showcasing all the elements in hip-hop culture. The Manifesto Festival created a platform that gives opportunities to artists in a city that doesn’t always give its rappers or singers the benefit of the doubt. Putting artists centre stage in the heart of downtown Toronto is major exposure. Who wouldn’t want a chance at reaching people you might not otherwise? To be recognized by a festival that does so much to empower the artistic community is a milestone that every up and coming artist should strive for.

What Canadian rap song epitomizes your childhood?

Charlie Black: It’s a toss up between “Northern Touch” and “Bakardi Slang.” Growing up those songs were everything to me! I remember going crazy with my older brother jumping on couches singing out the lyrics to both of those records.

If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?



Nova: I would have to say “EZ on the Motion” by Ghetto Concept. Back in the day, there was such a divide between American and Canadian hip-hop. That was the first song that made me feel like we could hang with our neighbours south of the border.

WATCH VIDEO: OSIYM – “Bomb”

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Sep 11
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…Yours Truly, T.Y.

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After coming onto the scene in 2012 with his project 500 Autumn Nights, Yours Truly, T.Y. has been running back and forth between Hamilton and Toronto creating music, collaborating with artists and performing for a steadily growing fan base. What makes T.Y. different is his adamant respect for paying dues and recognizing those who’ve come before him, most evident in his 2014 music series titled, #TYTUesdays, in which he remixed a series of classic hip hop tracks and incorporated them into today’s music scene. Following performances at Manifesto, A3C, NXNE, CMW and varying other stages, Yours Truly, T.Y. has gained the respect of his peers, as well as the gatekeepers of Toronto’s music scene. In his latest release, T.Y. teamed up with producer Chef Byer to release The Beautiful Exchange a 9-track project underlining Yours Truly, T.Y.’s ties to Toronto, while affirming him as one of Hamilton’s hometown heroes. – Erin Lowers

Yours Truly, TY will be performing at Live at the Square at Yonge & Dundas Square on September 19. Follow Yours Truly, T.Y. @YOURSTRULY_TY

What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?

I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. It’s about an hour away from Toronto. Blue collar, hard working, not really a small town but not really a big city.

What is your favorite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

One of my favourite things about Hamilton is it’s tight knit. Especially when it comes to its music scene. Different artists from different genres have no issues crossing over and trying new things which makes it exciting. It’s a good time for Hamilton’s hip hop scene as well. It’s had some OGs get the ball rolling for us and we’re ready to pick up where they left off. The food’s dope, too.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

A lot of my closest friends are artists themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how somebody can go from spray paint on walls to a full time job, based on the same thing. I’ve seen people with limited resources create great music. Hamilton does that to people. It’s a very, “you’re either in, or you’re in the way type of city”, just gotta choose the right team.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

I bring perspective. I bring an honest approach. Not everybody’s born rich and not everybody has to sell drugs. I’m the blue collar guy in the middle. Do I have rich friends? Yes. Do I have friends that sell drugs? Yes. It makes it easier to tell a broader story when you can come at it from all angles.

Why is it important for you to take part in the Manifesto festival?

Every stage is important to me. I enjoy being a part of Manifesto because of what it means to the community and Hip-Hop in general. It was one of the first festivals that took me on, as well. Aside from the fact that I’m down with what Manifesto stands for, loyalty is also important to me. It makes the decision to pursue Manifesto simple.

If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?

I’ll run with the second half of this question. “Top Of The World” by The Rascalz with k-os and Barrington Levy is what Toronto sounded like to me while I was growing up. The outro of that song, when Levy starts adlibbing, still knocks.

LISTEN TO: Yours Truly, T.Y. & Chef Byer – The Beautiful Exchange

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Sep 11
0

An Introduction to…Manifesto’s 9th Annual Arts & Culture Festival – Our City, One City

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Photo Credit: Tse Daniel

Earlier this summer, Toronto served as the host city for the 2015 Pan Am/ParaPanAm Games. Although our athletes pulled off an incredible month of golden wins, the biggest news story to come out of the games was the controversy surrounding American rapper Kanye West’s performance at the closing ceremony.

Shortly after the announcement was made, a petition to have Yeezy replaced was initiated by a group of irritable people, whose beliefs varied from “he’s American,” “he’s a jerk” and “his wife (Kim Kardashian) is annoying.” Needless to say, reasons for the petition were hardly of value. In all, it could be said that the buildup leading to the closing event was even bigger than the event itself. The petition was massive, reaching over 50,000 signatures in the few weeks it was live. Whether you signed the petition or not, everyone had an opinion about the American artist performing on the Pan Am stage.

The people who signed the petition appeared to be partial to one of two mindsets; either you hated Kanye West, or you wanted a Canadian artist to represent Toronto in the closing ceremony. After all, the games were hosted by the city of Toronto. Unfortunately, one could hardly find a pro-Canadian talent opinion that wasn’t laced in vitriol toward Yeezy. However, there was a solid, very loud message from the whole affair: many Torontonians are proud of our artists, and want to see more of them.

Message received.

Manifesto has always strived to represent local talent. Every year of our annual Festival of Arts & Culture, we’ve maintained our mission to showcase talented Canadian artists, and we’ve had local headliners at every festival since Manifesto’s conception – Maestro, K’naan, Michie Mee and Shad to name a few. The Manifesto mission statement has, and always will be, to unite, inspire and empower youth, local artists and communities – and as we enter our 9th year, we will be pushing this message harder than ever. This year, we’ve decided to change things up. Our Canadian arts and culture landscape continues to make leaps in terms of success, and quite frankly, has never shined brighter. This year, we’re bringing together all of Toronto – all six boroughs and associated neighborhoods under a united front – the notion that we are, and always will be, One City. Our City.

– AJ McDowell

Watch the video below and get excited, as MNFSTO9 is just around the corner!

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Sep 11
0

#MNFSTO9: Getting to Know…Keita Juma

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Hailing from Bristol, England and based in Mississauga, raspy-voiced Keita Juma [https://twitter.com/kjforshort] brings an eclectic approach to the GTA’s hip-hop scene. Emerging under the moniker KJ and turning heads with material like his 2012 album Water and his appearance on Shi Wisdom’s “Lovespeak,” Keita Juma has continued his artistic progression on subsequent releases. With 2014’s Peephole/Beach EP release and this year’s Chaos Theory EP , Keita Juma is clearly intent on infusing his music with disparate influences drawing from his diasporic upbringing and his experimental approach to creativity. – Del F. Cowie

Keita Juma will be appearing at Manifesto as part of the Red Bull Sound Select event along with GoldLink and A K U A on September 16. Follow Keita Juma @KJforShort on Twitter and RSVP for RBSS!

What part of Toronto (GTA) are you from/ Where do you live in Toronto (GTA)?

Well, when I first moved to Canada I lived in Etobicoke for a few years, then Brampton, and then ended up in Mississauga. I’ve been in ‘Sauga for a while now, more specifically Meadowvale, so that’s where I call home.

What is your favourite thing about where you live or the part of the city you are from?

I’m usually home, so in the nights I’m skating the Lisgar trails taking in what I’ve been working on or some other music. Most of my spots are food spots or bakeries because that’s my thing. If we’re talking meals, then Average Joes in the [Kensington] Market for breakfast, Potluck in Meadowvale for lunch, or Indian Kiss in the Junction for dinner. When I used to live in Etobicoke, there were a few bakeries I’d hit up on the regular – one that sold fresh patties right from the oven (I think it was close to Dr. Flea’s,) and a Ralph’s Bakery on Finch where I’d get fresh Hardo bread. Outside of that, you can catch me at Rattlesnake Point with the family taking in the view or tryna’ start a fire.

How have you seen art and creativity directly impact the area of the city you live in?

There isn’t much art happening in the ‘burbs, just similar houses, roads and bus stops, but I think that’s the suburbs in general. There aren’t any hubs for the artists in ‘Sauga either, so we all end up heading to Toronto. [It] Seems like they’re trying to do more around Square One and Lakeshore specifically, but those are really the only two areas I can think of.

What do you think that you as a creative person brings to the table that is different than other artists?

I’m a part of the entire process and when you get music from me, instead of the lyrics just telling my story, every part of the song is me – from the beat to the mix. I try to take my time with each part [of a song/project] as if it’s a different layer that the listener can take in throughout their journey with the project. Those were always my favourite records growing up. I also feel I have a unique perspective on black music. I remember trying to put my friends on to house and garage back in the day, then grime. Some of them got it but some didn’t, and that let me know that sometimes, new things take time. The industry that’s been going on in England has been active for a while… same as here. I remember watching Mathematik videos on MuchMusic, or when [Saukrates’] “Money or Love” first dropped or when [Kardinal Offishall’s] “Bakardi Slang” was the talk. Then flying to England and going to pirate radio stations or raves with my brother and his friends, seeing the different cultures. From music to fashion, I was able to see the differences every year throughout high school. [It] made me okay with creating whatever made sense in my head.

Why is it important for you to take part/perform in the Manifesto festival?

Manifesto’s a part of hip hop culture in our city, and it’s always an honour to bless the stage. The first time I was in the Manifesto Festival was in ‘08, [when] someone bailed on their performance and I got a text the night before like, “Yo, you tryna’ perform?” I must’ve performed to about 8 people, but it was a great experience and I felt mad nice being a part of the festival. That was the year K-os came on and told K’naan it was cool to do another song, which was a big move on his part because Nathan Philips Square was not playing with the 10pm curfew. There’s always a lot happening in the festival week that brings out all the artists in the city, so it’s good to see people outside of the Internet. Also, it’s the last time everyone’s out before they hibernate for the winter.

If you were to name a Canadian rap song that embodies our hip hop landscape, what would it be?



That’s tough, but off top it would be Saukrates – “Comin’ Up” with Shad’s “I Don’t Like To” as a close second, a very close second. I know they’re older songs but those are the first that come to mind.

WATCH: Keita Juma feat. Brendan Philip – “Come Over”

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Aug 25
0

Win Tickets to Nova Browning Rutherford’s ‘Like A Boss’ Seminar via The F-YOU Project

By | Community, Events | No Comments

It’s been said time and time again that everybody, whether they’re rich and famous or a blue-collared run of the mill person, has a story. This notion that we’re all attached by these shared experiences has been an ongoing trait in the F-YOU Project’s goals – uniting us not by who or what we know, but how we experience life. On August 28th, The F-YOU Project is holding #Triggers, an exhibit that will consist of photos and commentary, at The Richmond (477 Richmond St W). One of these photos include Manifesto alum Rich Kidd, who took a moment to reflect on a time where life wasn’t as peachy and he wasn’t rocking the mic, but rather selling dope and living the street life.

The following day, Nova Browning Rutherford, a personal development coach and speaker with …But I Love Me More, is holding a seminar titled, ‘Like A Boss.’ Focusing on assertiveness and the importance of it, the seminar will reflect on both the #Triggers exhibit, as well as how to transform stories of hurt into stories of success and triumph.

Manifesto is incredibly proud to once again support the F-YOU Project, and we’re giving away a pair of tickets (2) to see Nova speak this coming Sunday. Winning is simple – tell us your favourite quote about overcoming adversity and why in our comments or on Twitter (with the hashtag #triggers), and the lucky winner will be chosen at random. 

RSVP for the (free) #Triggers Exhibit, and if you don’t win tickets to ‘Like A Boss,’ they can be purchased here. 

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