Chop It Up with Lebene Mawutor

Lebene Mawutor

Welcome to "Chop It Up with Lebene Mawutor." This platform delves into the vibrant stories of game-changers, visionaries, and creatives. Through a culturally sound lens, we bring you engaging stories, delightful conversations, and inspiring insights.

Episodes

  1. 2025-06-19

    Artist Management 101: What Every Aspiring Manager Needs to Know (ft. Alex Alphonse)

    Artist manager and marketing & video expert Alex Alphonse joins Chop It Up to unpack what it really means to support artists — from refining their identity to building careers with strategy and soul. 🎯 Topics include: • Must-have skills for artist managers • Setting realistic expectations • Growing beyond your local scene • The importance of collaboration 🎙 Guest: Alex Alphonse 🎵 Featured Music: “Patriotique” – 2moods feat. Jean Goubald 📍 Presented in partnership with Alberta Music, with support from FACTOR Canada & the Government of Alberta. #AlexAlphonse #ArtistManager #ChopItUpWithLM #MusicBusinessCanada #BehindTheMusic #CreativeEntrepreneurship #AlbertaCreatives #MusicStrategy #CanadianMusicScene #IndieMusicSupport #MusicInTheDigitalAge #AlbertaMusic

    24 min

  2. 2025-06-12

    Media, Music, and Making It in Alberta: Nigel J. Williams Keeps It Real

    Media founder. Vocalist. Community builder. Nigel J. Williams is all of the above — and this week, he joins Chop It Up to talk legacy, leadership, and lifting others as you rise. From launching Melanistic Magazine to navigating Edmonton’s creative scene, Nigel gets honest about the wins and roadblocks in building something bigger than yourself. Short, soulful, and full of perspective — this episode is a must-listen for creatives and change-makers alike. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎤 Guest: @nigelthemc 📰 Melanistic Magazine: @melanisticmag 📍 Filmed at @otvibezstudio 🎥 Videographer/Editor: Tomiwa Ladejoh @t_ladejoh 🖥️ Production Assistant: @harrietatim_ 🎙️ Hosted & Produced by: Lebene Mawutor @chopitupwithlm 🎛️ Booking & Artist Liaison: @arlomaverick ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent Black and Brown creatives in music, culture, and community. This episode was produced in partnership with Alberta Music, with support from FACTOR Canada and the Government of Alberta. #ChopItUp #NigelJWilliams #MelanisticMagazine #BlackMediaCanada #AlbertaCreatives #BlackVoicesMatter #ChopItUpWithLM #EdmontonCommunity #AlbertaMusic #BlackVoicesCanada #BlackStorytellers #CanadianCreatives #CommunityBuilders #EdmontonCulture #MelanisticMagazine #EdmontonMC #BlackCanadianMedia #FromChoirToCEO #ChurchToStage #BlackMediaMatters #AlbertaVoices #LegacyInTheMaking #trinidadmusician #trinidadcreative

    20 min

  3. 2025-06-06

    Why Music Is Her Therapy: Kianna Faith’s Rise in Alberta’s Music Scene

    This week on Chop It Up, host Lebene Mawutor chats with Kianna Faith — Edmonton-based artist, storyteller, and rising voice in Canadian music. In just a few years, Kianna’s soulful sound has made waves across Alberta. In this episode, she talks about turning pain into purpose, the lessons she’s learned as a woman in music, and why her next era might just surprise you. Whether you’re finding your voice or reinventing your sound — this conversation is your sign to keep going. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎶 Featured Music: ONLY I CAN by @kianna.faith (https://www.instagram.com/kianna.faith?igsh=MXdkbjY2NGo4eDE2Yw==) 🎧 Stream Kianna’s EP Unwind: https://open.spotify.com/album/7cMJKWfQHITHz9UirfG49g?si=syzBLhwoQradEyXczx6p7w 📍 Filmed at: @otvibezstudio (https://www.instagram.com/otvibezstudio?igsh=aW43OW4yNHpuYWt0) 🎥 Videographer/Editor: Tomiwa Ladejoh @t_ladejoh (https://www.instagram.com/t_ladejoh?igsh=YzhiczByN3RhZXI4) 🖥️ Production Assistant: @harrietatim_ (https://www.instagram.com/harrietatim_) 🎙️ Hosted & Produced by: Lebene Mawutor (https://www.instagram.com/chopitupwithlm?igsh=ZTFhb2hjaXhtOXVo) 🎛️ Booking & Artist Liaison: @arlomaverick (https://www.instagram.com/arlomaverick?igsh=MWxiYmdmbXEyNXp6eQ==) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In partnership with @albertamusic, with support from @factorcanada & @youralberta ✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support independent Black and Brown creatives in music, culture, and community. 🗓️ New episodes drop Fridays – keep it locked. #KiannaFaith #AlbertaMusic #BlackCreativesCanada #WomenInMusic #EdmontonArtists #WomenInMusic #BlackWomenInMusic #RisingArtists #CanadianRNB #MusicTherapy #MusicAndHealing #BlackCreativesCanada #blackmusicmonth #SupportLocalArtists #EmergingArtists #SoulMusic #BehindTheMusic #ArtistInterview #CanadianMusicScene #CreativeConversations

    13 min

  4. 2025-04-03

    From Alberta to Toronto: Juic3Boy on Music, Culture & His New EP "In My Own Skin"

    This week on Chop It Up, we sit down with Juic3Boy, a Toronto-based artist with Ghanaian roots who grew up in Alberta. Known for blending Afrobeats, hip-hop, gospel, and soul, he takes us through his journey—from hiding his music from his parents to becoming a celebrated artist. We dive into his latest EP, In My Own Skin, exploring themes of long-distance love, cultural identity, and the highs and lows of breaking into the music industry. Join us for a conversation filled with laughter, insight, and the power of music and community. 🎶 Listen to his EP here: https://ffm.to/inmyownskin?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabKSLnvBU0g3EvYvJTeJPB-jtdD6NB456hq3yOjSnBbyGkAjHyMdYCQpK4_aem_0cUgSUmg_9K58Ju6KlhQGg 📲 Follow him for more: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuic3boy?igsh=ankxeGt0Z25veG9t

    1h 3m

  5. 2025-03-14

    Sadé Awele : The Artist Revolutionizing Canada's Music Landscape with Afro-Soul

    Vancouver's rising star Sadé Awele takes us on an intimate journey through her musical universe, centered around her soulful EP "Intuition." This conversation explores how Sade effortlessly blends jazz, Afro-soul, and R&B to create a timeless sound that's uniquely her own. Beyond the music, we dive into how fashion shapes her creative identity, the vulnerability woven throughout her lyrics, and her experience as an Afro-soul artist in Canada's diverse music scene. Sade shares her process of finding inspiration beyond music, creating immersive sonic dreamscapes, and using her art to bridge cultural connections. Recently nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award, she reflects on her artistic evolution and reveals exciting upcoming projects and dream collaborations that fuel her creative fire.

    54 min

  6. 2025-02-07

    Jean Bruce Koua: International Student to Tech Innovator in Affordable Housing

    In this inspiring episode we sit down with Jean Bruce Koua, co-founder of Elev Homes and master of making things happen! He shares his remarkable journey from arriving in Canada as an international student from Côte d'Ivoire to revolutionizing student housing through tech innovation. We explore everything from the thrilling AFCON 2024 victory of Côte d'Ivoire to the vision behind The Hive - a groundbreaking affordable housing initiative. Through stories of culture shock, legal challenges, and startup struggles, discover how resilience and humility shaped his success story. #ChopItUpWithLebeneMawutor #YEGTech #YEGBusiness #ExploreEdmonton #YEGStartup #AlbertaTech #YEGInnovation #EdmontonTech #YEGLocal #IvorianExcellence #TechFounder #YEGCommunity #AlbertaBusiness #YEGEntrepreneur #StudentHousing #AfricanExcellence #YEGLeadership

    1h 16m

  7. 2025-01-03

    AfricanZo: From Law Graduate to Vibe Guru - Culture, Friendship, and the Rise of Afrobeats in Canada

    Meet AfricanZo, a dynamic MC and event coordinator known as the "Vibe Guru." The law graduate turned entertainment maestro is helping shape Edmonton's Afrobeats scene. This hilarious and engaging episode explores everything from his journey across continents. Through personal stories about long-distance friendships, culture shocks, and the art of maintaining relationships, AfricanZo shares insights about the intersection of entertainment, culture, and community. From discussing the difference between MCs and hype men to discussing whether men and women can be just friends, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughter, authentic cultural exchange, and the power of music and community. Don't miss this episode, which is filled with laughter.

    1h 15m

  8. 2024-11-21

    Oxlade: The Stories, Sounds, and Soul Behind His Debut Album OFA (Oxlade From Africa)

    In this episode where we’re joined by the soulfully vibrant Oxlade, celebrating the release of his debut album, OFA (Oxlade From Africa). We discuss his music's themes of identity, heritage, and resilience and dive into his collaborations with heavyweights like Fally Ipupa and Sarkodie. Oxlade reflects on his upbringing, the inspiration for standout tracks like ‘D PTSD Interlude,’ and how he’s making his mark on Afrobeats. Tune in for a soulful, inspiring conversation!

    23 min

  9. 2024-11-01

    Nifemi Ashani: The Intersection of Fashion, Culture, and Social Responsibility

    In this episode we are honoured to have Nifemi Ashani, a Multi-hyphenate Fashion Brand Consultant and advocate for BIPOC creators. Nifemi takes us through her inspiring journey from Nigeria to South Africa and then to Alberta, her mission to reshape the fashion industry, and her platforms, Styled by Nif and Sunday Refocus. We discuss the vital connection between the diaspora and local craftsmanship, the importance of living true to your values, and the impact of community in Edmonton's fashion scene. Nifemi's story exemplifies the strength of facing fears, building trust, and elevating BIPOC voices in fashion. Don't miss this enlightening episode that beautifully intertwines art, culture, and innovation.

    1h 6m

  10. 2024-10-25

    Kija Lado: Crafting Her Sound - Community, and Everything In Between

    Welcome to another engaging episode featuring the incredible Kija Lado, a South Sudanese musician and multidisciplinary artist. Kija takes us on a fascinating journey from South Sudan to Edmonton, spotlighting how her cultural experiences have intricately shaped her music. We’ll explore her dynamic relationship with acoustic, the art of solo writing versus the joys of collaboration, and the challenges of recording and performing live. Kija shares insights about her anticipated debut album, the critical role of community support in her life, and how her travels have inspired her artistry. Don’t miss this insightful episode that beautifully intertwines art, culture, and community! Follow her: @kijalado

    40 min

  11. 2024-10-21

    Aliya Logun: Designing Spaces and Capturing Moments

    In this episode we explore the world of Aliya Logun, a talented photographer and interior designer at Anavah Design Studio. Aliya discusses her journey into photography, to interior design, and the cultural inspirations that shape her work. Discover the challenges and rewards of designing spaces, debunking myths about interior design, and how community support has fueled her projects. Tune in for an engaging conversation celebrating creativity, culture, and community. Follow Aliya Logun on Instagram: - @aliyalo_ - @aliyalophotography - @anavahdesign.studio

    47 min

  12. 2024-10-11

    Selassie Drah: The Impact of Hip-Hop, Culture, and Community on Art

    Join us for the premiere episode of “Chop it up with Lebene Mawutor” as we sit down with artist, Selassie Drah. In this intimate conversation, Selassie shares his inspiring journey through the music industry, the cultural influences that shape his sound, and the personal stories behind his art. Whether you’re a hip-hop fan, interested in cultural narratives, or love a good story, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Selassie Drah to listen to his music as his our theme song from "It's Chaley, Not Charlie" by @selassiedrah. It’s on all streaming platforms, so make sure you check it out now!

    50 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to "Chop It Up with Lebene Mawutor." This platform delves into the vibrant stories of game-changers, visionaries, and creatives. Through a culturally sound lens, we bring you engaging stories, delightful conversations, and inspiring insights.

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