On February 25th, 2023, live from the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts, the community collective known as The Freedom Marching Project will revive Kitchener’s premier talent showcase from the early 90s. Legacy: What Was, What Is, What Will Be is an entertainment showcase nurturing up-and-coming talent in all aspects of entertainment. It’s an outlet where youth are provided with a genuinely supportive environment to share their cultural heritage with confidence. The collective’s objective is to create a showcase that will contribute a positive space and platform for the growth and advancement of Black creatives and culture by using the power of entertainment to motivate and galvanize.

According to the event website, “Legacy uses the power of entertainment to celebrate and appreciate Black Excellence. They provide a safe space where young aspiring artists can acquire the tools, skills, and knowledge through mentorship to build on their artistry. Readied with their newly acquired appreciation, they’ll hit the stage to unapologetically express Black joy, culture, beauty, and excellence via a presentation at the Legacy Showcase.”

From the 90s to the late 2000s, Legacy became a top-tier showcase for local talent. The presently reworked Legacy showcase will pair participants on the mic or behind the lens with industry Legacy Mentors to foster togetherness and hone in on their respective crafts. To execute this vision, the Legacy Mentors will guide these passionate Black youths and provide emotional support and resources to help them become stage and event ready. Stepping into the role of mentorship for the inaugural year are director and choreographer Shameka Blake (TIFF, Damien Marley, Sean Paul), educator and artist LaToya Ottley, and choreographer Raechele Lovell (Diverse Works Dance Company). There will also be volunteer positions available.

“I come from an environment where I was always the other, and I struggled to find my community. So when I auditioned for Legacy, sang an Usher song, and people knew what that was, I felt at home. I found my tribe where I could safely explore and grow my creativity,” says Rufus John, Founder of The Freedom Marching Project. That same sentiment has been expressed by many alumni, and the committee continues to work diligently to carry it forward with future Legacy members as well.

Hosted by anti-racism and racial justice educator Selam Debs and arts and culture purveyor Glodeane Brown, the Legacy showcase will feature performances by hip hop artist Ramsay Almighty, percussionist Gerima Harvey and award-winning youth mentor, Top 100 Canadian Idol contestant, singer and songwriter Rufus John. Audience members will be treated to a specially recorded round table discussion with past performers about their indelible experience with Legacy and its influence on their lives.

During the Legacy showcase, artists will perform a special tribute to honour Legacy alumni, award-winning sister duo Mystic & Miranda (“Speed of Love,” “Thinkin’ About You”) and singer, songwriter Faith Walker (“Head In The Clouds,” “Steppin’ Out”). The evening’s house band, The Recipee Band, will back the performing artists. The Recipee Band has performed with international heavyweights Brandy, Mya, Usher, Kardinal Offishall, Jully Black and many more.

The Legacy showcase is presented with the generous support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts and Region of Waterloo Arts Fund.

SHOWTIME

Saturday February 25th, 2023
Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts | 36 King St W, Kitchener, ON
Doors: 5:00 PM | Show Starts: 6:00 PM (sharp)

For more details about Legacy: What Was, What Is, What Will Be, visit our website: www.legacykw.ca

To get tickets to the event, click here to visit Eventbrite.