Jazz musicians who dress in space suits and a gospel-rapper are among the winners of this year’s Music N.B. Awards.
The event’s 12th edition took place Thursday night, live-streamed from the Charlotte Street Arts Centre in Fredericton and hosted by musician David Myles.
About 1,000 people had watched the show by Friday morning, said Jean Surette, Music N.B. executive director. It features five musical performances and is still available for viewing online.
“There was a lot of diversity in the music that was being celebrated,” said Surette.
The SOCAN Song of the Year prize went to a seasoned rapper who’s been living and making music in the Moncton area for about the past 10 years.
Teah Bailey, whose stage name is One8tea, wrote “I guess it’s complicated” in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the protests that followed it.
It describes a mental checklist that he goes through every time he leaves the house in order to try to insulate himself from the racism that surrounds him.
“Told my wife where I’ll be – check/ Got my ID – check/ My pants are tight enough to not look like a threat – check…/ Always be smiling…/ Give yourself enough time so you ain’t gotta rush while you’re in there…/ And say a prayer that you make it home safe today.”
Bailey said if he was going to win for anything, he’s glad that song was it.
He was seeing a lot of division around the world and within his faith community and thought he was in a good position to be able to communicate to Black and white audiences.
“If you’re only sharing your experiences, nobody can argue with you,” he said.
“This is actually what my day looks like.”
Bailey describes himself as a storyteller and says his style is very lyrical.
“I guess it’s complicated” is on his album, titled Ventilation 2. It’s one of two he released during the pandemic.
He made all of his albums available for free download from his website One8tea.com on Friday in celebration of the win.
Bailey said he is planning a live concert at some point, but is holding off booking anything until he’s more confident it won’t end up being cancelled.
He’s one of 27 artists recording showcases with Music N.B. this weekend to be shared with industry representatives at an online conference next month.
Artists and industry professionals will have a chance to network and attend professional development sessions from Nov. 18 to 20, via the platform Gather.
It’s been a difficult period for live performers,…