ADVANCE at the JUNOS 2023

A Spotlight on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

At this year’s JUNO Welcome Reception before the Opening Night Awards, ADVANCE presented a collection of photos commemorating 50 years of Hip Hop that were displayed to invitees in attendance. The photos highlighted select moments and artists that have contributed to Canadian Hip Hop over the years. This highlight was continued with the Spotlight on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Performance at The 2023 JUNO Awards Broadcast featuring some of Canada’s best. 

Photos by CARAS/Lisa Mueller

With involvement from ADVANCE and the JUNO Rap Music Advisory Committee, we worked with CARAS to figure out a way to shine a light on a genre that has given so much to the world, in just an eight minute segment. There are countless contributors to the culture that deserve recognition and we’re happy major organizations are taking steps in the right direction to magnify it on the main stage. We brought Hip-Hop to Edmonton with style, grace and unity.

The performance was written and produced by four-time JUNO Award Winner and Global A&R at Def Jam Records Kardinal Offishall and award winning artist, writer and actress Jemeni. Kardinal hosted the celebration with Haviah Mighty, who became the first woman to win the JUNO Award for Rap Album/EP of the Year at the 2022 Broadcast. The collective performance showcased the talents of four-time JUNO Award winner Choclair, Toronto rap duo Dream Warriors, two-time JUNO Award winner Maestro Fresh Wes, hip hop pioneer Michie Mee, and two time JUNO Award winner TOBi with veteran entertainer DJ Mel Boogie spinning. The track was produced by renowned recording artist Rich Kidd in celebration of the history of the genre. 

Be The Change: In Conversation with ADVANCE and Music Canada

We were thrilled to partner with Music Canada for the “Be The Change” panel during this year’s JUNO Week in Edmonton. This important discussion was moderated by Olivier Vander Zaag (Director of Regulatory Affairs, Music Canada) and featured Keziah Myers (Executive Director, ADVANCE), Carmen Spencer (Senior Director, PX Business Partner - People Experience, Sony Music Entertainment Canada), and Lord Quest (Creative Executive, Black Music, SOCAN).

ADVANCE House

Celebrating all Black music business professionals, creators, artists and nominees…ADVANCE House is the place to be!

For the first time, we brought the second annual ADVANCE House to Edmonton during JUNO Week 2023! Thank you to our event partners, suppliers and to all of you who came out to celebrate with us!