Blackout Podcast Israel Ekanem

Ashley is the owner of Happily Hitched Halifax, an all-inclusive wedding chapel in Downtown Halifax specializing in elopements and minimonies. She is also a full-time Event Specialist at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.
Her event planning journey began in theatre with stage management and production in Toronto.
Following her family's roots in Cape Breton, Ashley moved to beautiful Nova Scotia with her partner Jay Fisher (Capture It Photography) in 2020, and is thrilled to be building a life here!
 
Find out more @happilyhitchedhfx

Queensley Chidera is a customer service expert, experienced administrative assistant and Certified Scrum master.
 
She is originally from eastern Nigeria and currently resides in Halifax Novascotia with her husband. Queensley has over 8 years banking experience in Nigeria and 2 years of administrative experience in Canada.
 
Queensley has a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and a master’s degree in food Microbiology from the Federal University of Technology Minna and the University of Nigeria Nsukka respectively.
 
She is an advocate for inclusivity and equality in the workplace and has volunteered in programs that promote these. Outside of her career, Queensley loves trying new foods, loves cooking, hiking and hanging out with friends.
 
Find out more @ajibo_queensley

Coming up in the Open Mic & Karaoke Community, Deves Matwawana has a strong love for pop music which shines through with his catchy hooks and his deceptively heartfelt lyrics. A Dartmouth Native and self-professed comic book geek, he’s the lead singer of the ANSMA Award Nominated, Halifax pop-rock band, CASUAL CRIES FOR HELP.
Deves wants to use his platform to show a different side of black masculinity and black mental health through his art and the way he carries himself.
Described as a mix between Michael Jackson and BareNaked Ladies, Casual Cries For HELP is a fun and vibrant pop-rock band with songs about anxiety, toxic relationships, intruding thoughts and nostalgia.
Check him out @devesinprogress

Dwayne Marcial, a dynamic serial entrepreneur, thrives at the intersection of business and the arts.
As an accomplished artist manager in the Canadian music industry, he navigates the complexities of the entertainment world with finesse. Dwayne's entrepreneurial spirit led him to be a founder of a groundbreaking music streaming app, revolutionizing the way audiences engage with indie music artists. Beyond his commercial ventures, Dwayne is dedicated to fostering a global appreciation for Canadian music.
As the owner of a nonprofit organization, he champions initiatives that export the rich diversity of Canadian musical talent on the world stage. He is a respected client of the Trade Commission of Canada. Dwayne's influence reaches international heights, having actively participated in numerous export missions with Heritage Canada and working with music festivals in Singapore, Australia, and France, a testament to his invaluable contributions to both the artistic and economic landscapes.
Find out more @realdjslim

Trevor Murphy contains multitudes.
 
Whether as the founder of the boutique record label Acadian Embassy, the leader of bands such as Sluice and Quiet Parade, an award-winning publicist, a radio host, or a respected behind-the-scenes player throughout Nova Scotia's culture sector, he acts as a consistent champion for the outsider.
 
Leaning on almost 20 years of experience in the music industry, Murphy strives to promote artists (particularly those from the East Coast) with a dedicated DIY attitude and a staunch alternative spirit.
 
Check him out @hfxisburning

Blanche Israël is the CEO of the East Coast Music Association. A multilingual Moroccan-French Canadian cultural strategist and accomplished professional cellist, she has called Dartmouth, Nova Scotia her home since 2019. Before joining ECMA, Blanche was the founder and lead consultant at proScenium Services, a consulting firm excelling in transformative strategy which helped secure over $10 million in grants and funding for arts organizations.
As a versatile cellist, Blanche collaborates with Indigenous artist Jeremy Dutcher, and in recent years her talents have graced over 60 Canadian stages and have been showcased in a Tiny Desk Concert and at the JUNO Awards. Her advocacy efforts span various arts service organizations, demonstrating her commitment to cultural storytelling and representation.
Blanche has presented at esteemed conferences and platforms including Folk Alliance International, Music Nova Scotia, and the PHI Centre's Digital Literacy Incubator. With a polymathic range, a rich background in arts management, an impressive funding track record, and a profound artistic presence, Blanche Israël is poised to lead the East Coast Music Association towards a future characterized by innovation, inclusivity, and unparalleled cultural impact.