There have been a lot of conversations about what the music industry can look like in the future; but before the industry, music was cared for by matriarchs and tradition holders. Before music was a commercial object, it’s practice was a cornerstone of tradition and knowledge-keeping. Now that commerce is entrenched into music practice, many artists struggle to see a way to operate away from the marketplace.
I wanted to bring Delvina Bernard and Kwento together to talk about what it looks like to protect music. As one of the founding members of Four the Moment, an Indigenous- African-Nova Scotian singing group that formed in opposition to a KKK rally in Halifax in the 80s, Delvina has led by example and divested from corporate music and has kept her work focused on community and family. Kwento grew up on the shoulders of the robust African Nova-Scotian music communities that were developed by artists like Delvina, and is a committed caretaker of music tradition. Tica Holiday (fka Holiday Soul) is a Bahamian superstar who relocated to Tkronto to pursue music work. All three have been singing their whole lives and carry ancient musical traditions. I wanted to give an example to the audience and to URL of what is important to tradition holders when talking about music and give some examples of music that has a huge cultural impact while divesting from commercial authority. - Nick Dourado
To learn more about Four the Moment and their incredible legacy, check out this video made by Delvina’s daughter, Zamani:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owFGw290R5I
You can hear some of Four the Moment’s music here at the start of this legendary film about African Nova-Scotian life.
https://www.nfb.ca/film/black_mother_black_daughter/
Interview from the 1980’s:
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2199637298
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We would like to acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Department of Canadian Heritage in the presentation of Sappyfest.