
The new Canadian-original documentary series Sounds Black examines the origins and impact of Black Music in Canada.

Cazhhmere Downey, the award-winning filmmaker will direct all four episodes. Viewers will go on a journey through Black Canadian music’s tangled diasporic roots. And its road to international dominance with contributions from Canadian music luminaries. Sounds Black premieres Saturday, February 1 with back-to-back episodes at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET/PT on The HISTORY Channel and streaming on STACKTV. The remaining two parts air Saturday, February 8 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Rachel Nelson, Vice President of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios had this to say:
“Corus Entertainment is pleased to spotlight this important history and storytelling. In conjunction with our talented production partners at Circle Blue Entertainment and Freddie Films, we’re proud to present Sounds Black to our Canadian audiences which highlights the origins, rich history and impact of Black Music in our country.”
Guest Lineup

Sounds Black features expert voices including Jully Black, Keshia Chanté, Deborah Cox, Fefe Dobson, Kardinal Offishall and Maestro Fresh Wes. Throughout the documentary, the series examines the history and influence of Black music in Canada, the systemic barriers that Black artists face, the journey and impact of Black women in the industry, and the current state of the industry with homegrown superstars like Deborah Cox, The Weeknd and Drake.

“We are proud to present Sounds Black, a series that amplifies the groundbreaking impact and contributions of Black artists in Canada. This project is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and culture. Through our documentary we hope to inspire future generations and ensure that the rich history of Black music in Canada is recognized and celebrated,” said Amos Adetuyi, Founder & CEO, Circle Blue Entertainment and Floyd Kane, Founder & CEO, Freddie Films.
The four-part series Sounds Black includes:
Episode 1: The Seeds

Highlighting the roots of Black music in Canada; from the early Black settlers of the Underground Railroad to the 1960s Caribbean migration, which introduced new music to Canada, which still influences the industry today.
- Guest Contributors: John Bronski, Big C, Ghetto Concept, Jarvis Church, Baby Blue Sound Crew, Crack of Dawn, Fefe Dobson, In Essence, MC J & Cool G, Dalton Higgins, JRDN, Infinite, Jesse Jones (estate of Denise Jones), DJ Mastermind, Michie Mee, Kardinal Offishall, RT, SATE, Shad, Director X.
Episode 2: Pay Me

Examining the systemic barriers that Black artists face in the radio and music label industry. As well as the pivotal moments and historic protests that shaped the current landscape of the music industry.
- Guest Contributors: Ivan Berry, John Bronski, Big C, Choclair, Deborah Cox, In Essence, Farley Flex, Dalton Higgins, DJ Mastermind, Ron Nelson, Kardinal Offishall, Rascalz, Shad, Master T, Dream Warriors, Maestro Fresh Wes, Director X
Episode 3: Women of The Music
Exploring the journey of Black women in Canadian music. As well as their ongoing fight for recognition and opportunity. And celebrating their significant achievement garnered despite racism, sexism and limited industry support.
- Guest Contributors: Salome Bey, Jully Black, Divine Brown, Keshia Chanté, Deborah Cox, Fefe Dobson, Dalton Higgins, Michie Mee, SATE, Jackie Shane, Liberty Silver, and Portia White.
Episode 4: The Takeover
Examining the current state of Black Music in Canada, the impact of losing Canada’s first Black radio station FLOW 93.5 and the impact of The Remix Project, a cultural hub which nurtures artists from marginalized communities. Then, discussing the power of the internet, which has allowed artists, like Drake and The Weeknd, to bypass industry barriers.
- Guest Contributors: Big C, Keshia Chanté, Dalton Higgins, Adria Kain, Rich Kidd, DJ Mastermind, Kardinal Offishall, Pressa, Saukrates, Gavin Sheppard, Reeny Smith, TOBi, Director X
Sounds Black is produced by Circle Blue Entertainment and Freddie Films for The HISTORY® Channel. Producers are Amos Adetuyi and Floyd Kane, SVP was Michelle Aseltine. Associate Producer/Executive in Charge of Production is Caroline Kan-Hai. For The HISTORY® Channel, Susan Alexander was the Executive in Charge of Production. Lynne Carter is the Director of Original Programming. Rachel Nelson is VP of Original Programming and Head of Corus Studios.
SOURCE: corusent.com