Tag Archives: Claudja Barry

Canadian Black Music Archives launches “B’Lack Then” exhibition of music icons & pioneers.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Canadian Black Music Archives launch event last Thursday for their B’Lack Then exhibition of memorabilia, instruments and costumes from Canadian music icons and pioneers. The show runs until February 2026 in the Archives of Ontario housed in York University in Toronto (details at end of story).I was thrilled when I was contacted a few months ago by curator, Shadio Hussein, to secure items from Claudja Barry who continues to enjoy a successful career first in disco music, then on to R&B as well as appearing in films, world tours and making her own documentaries. Claudja submitted a gorgeous beaded gown worn on stage and in videos, her “boogie woogie dancin’ shoes”, several magazines from the 70s and 80s with multi-page photo spreads and interviews, press clippings and all manner of mementoes from her exciting career. (pictured below – Shadio poses with Claudja’s beaded gown and some of Claudja’s photos and magazine articles)
Spread across eight glass showcases, the exhibit illuminates the lives of 23 artists across 10 music genres through photographs, albums, newspaper clippings, film screenings, discussions and more. Visitors are invited to explore significant albums, singles and compilations by artists such as Portia White, Salome Bey, Jackie Shane, Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Nana McLean, Adrian Miller, Motion, Rochester aka Juice and Gene King. Rare sheet music by the Ball Family, Shelton Brooks and Nathaniel Dett is also featured, along with original performance costumes worn by King Cosmos, Claudja Barry and Rochester aka Juice.

King Cosmos poses with his own costume & Claudja’s gown

The celebratory evening presented a number of performances by artists featured in the exhibition or their descendants (Tuku, daughter of Salome Bey / Robert Ball, a descendant of the Ball Family Jubilee Singers / Brooke Blackburn of the Blackburn Brothers & son of Bobby Dean Blackburn), speeches from VIPs and congratulations – bravo to Executive Director Phil Vassell (pictured below) and Managing Director Donna McCurvin and to the archivists and curators who worked so hard to amass a collection of artists from so many different genres. Ontario head archivist Jacqueline Spencer (pictured below Phil) spoke eloquently of her colleagues who dug deep to learn about and locate so many of the musical legends.

The exhibition will run through February 2026 to coincide with Canada’s Black History Month.
Located at 134 Ian Macdonald Blvd at York University (opposite the York U subway entrance).
Details: https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/events/Canada_Black_Music_Archives.aspx
Open Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5pm   FREE ADMISSION!
Follow @the.cbma on IG for up-to-date news.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN CANADA

I reached out to a number of friends for comments on Black History Month and what it means to them. Like all artists, many are a bit slow to respond with quotes but here are messages from four friends who have had an impact on my life and I have huge respect for their ethics and opinions.

First up, Michael Williams who many will know from the early days of MuchMusic (1980s) when he was the first face of colour appearing regularly on our TVs. He’s now producing and working with artists while keeping in front of cameras and hosting live events across the country.I live 24-7/365 days a year – Black History Month is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and teach those around you so that your history, our history, is no mystery. But I understand that black history is truly Canadian history now and is being taught in the schools (at least in Ontario) and hopefully coast to coast, that’s what I love about Canada the most.
Michael Williams
CEO, Greydread Productions Inc. and celebrated original veejay of MuchMusic

I’m thrilled to welcome a few words from Kenny Robinson, one of the comedy greats who started back in the 80s when Canadian comedians ruled!! Kenny has had several comedy TV specials over the years and is the founder of the Nubian Disciples of Prior, a collective of black comedy artists that frequently presents special showcases, one of which is coming up soon…With President Trump trying to erase Black History Month in the States, I’ll say EVERY DAY is Black History for me. Political, business, sports and entertainment: the internet has made is possible to discover something new every day.
Kenny Robinson, renowned stand-up comedian and founder of the Nubian Disciples of Pryor

And I’m honoured to include the following quote by well-respected poet and health & wellness entrepreneur Wakefield Brewster. Wakefield’s poetry and spoken word performances have engaged, enraged and entertained audiences across the country.The two easiest camps to identify with during Black History Month are: “Yes! Black Pride, Black Power, Black History Month!” …and “Damn! We still NEED this?!”  I’m in both camps, and here is where I pitch my tent: in the last 5 years of world-changing events: President Obama, #45, COVID-19, the murder of George Floyd, the re-energized presence of BLM. Those five events if you will, gave me the opportunities to change my life. In the midst of global interruption, in the wake of economic upset, I was able to establish a new rhythm and financial moderation. I was not the only one, Black or otherwise, to thread the needle of the worldly chaos. These events allowed “smaller people” to do “bigger things”. There was now more room where very little, to none at all, once existed. I’ve been Living My Lyrical Life as a Poet of The People for a quarter-century, now. Only since 2020, have I become Poetically and personally seen, heard, felt, and embraced (especially by Calgary), like never before. Black History Month brings focus and attention to Our People, and all that we are; more than slavery, heralds of History, presently thriving, and living our legacy. Happiest Black History Month, every single day.
Wakefield Brewster
YYC Poet Laureate Emeritus, Professional Poet & Spoken Word Artist
Page2StageProductions Inc.
Professional Health & Wellness Practitioner
WakeFull Wellness Registered Massage Therapy & Healing Space
www.wakefieldbrewster.com

And here is the indomitable recording star Claudja Barry who has had so many “firsts” as a black artist in Canada I’m gonna let her tell you all about it. She has had hits in every decade since the 70s and is set to release new music later this year. Bravo, Claudja! https://www.theclaudjabarry.com/ 

Thank you so much to all for sharing your thoughts on BHM…am hoping to share more comments from other artists on the subject before the end of the month.