Basketball x Music

How music and sport move in rhythm – shaping culture, sparking change, and giving voice to new generations – whether it’s a locker room anthem or a studio session.

PANELISTS:

Ebonnie Rowe (Moderator) - Founder & Executive Director of Honey Jam

Ebonnie Rowe is founder and Executive Director of Toronto PhemPhat Entertainment Group and producer of the long-running all-female Honey Jam concert. Celebrating its 30-year milestone in 2025, the Canadian non-profit showcase and programme for young female artists of all backgrounds and musical genres also provides promotional, mentoring, networking, educational and performance opportunities as well as a safe space for young women to not only learn about the industry but also to be vulnerable, to build self esteem and long-lasting relationships. She has been recognized with CIMA's Trailblazer award, the Roy Thompson Award of Merit, YWCA's Women of Distinction Award for Arts & Entertainment, Manifesto Toronto Arts Festival Pioneer Award, Billboard Canada's 2024 Honours List and the 2025 Women in Music Canada Entrepreneur of the Year award. Find out more @thehoneyjam / www,honeyjam.com

Haviah Mighty - Performing Artist, Musician & Entrepreneur

Haviah Mighty didn’t need to change her birth name when she decided to dedicate her career to music. Mighty could not better describe Haviah’s craft of provocative challenges and uncompromising truths.

Based out of Brampton via Toronto, Haviah has spent a lifetime developing her skills as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and performer, culminating in a style of profound introspection and incisive socio-political critique. Her dynamic combinations of rap, song, and instrumental transition seamlessly from hip-hop to soul to afrobeats with a meticulous flow and cadence that transcends any traditional expectation of genre.

2019 saw Haviah earn break-out success with her album, 13th Floor, making her the first hip-hop artist and the first Black woman to win the Polaris Music Prize, celebrating the “Best Canadian Album of the Year” - but Mighty didn’t stop there. With her JUNO Award-winning mixtape, Stock Exchange (Nov. 2021), Haviah made history once again as the first woman to ever win within the Rap Album of the Year category. Most recently, Haviah was the only Canadian nominee at the 2022 BET Hip-Hop Awards within the 'Best International Flow' category. Recognition has spread internationally, garnering praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, GRM Daily, FADER, Hot New Hip Hop, and so many more. In November of 2023 Haviah was featured on the viral song Trendsetter by Connor Price. The song to date has amassed more than 36 million streams world wide. In May of 2024 Haviah embarked on a European tour, with a couple dates in the Uk, Denmark, Ireland, Germany and Prague supporting Shabazz Palaces. In August of 2024 Haviah's single Double the Fun single/video was released to Global Support by Spotify. Haviah made more noise by hosting and performing in the first ever first ever Billboard Canada Women in Music in September of 2024.

Jully Black - Canada’s Queen of R&B. Truth Teller. Trailblazing Entrepreneur

Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul, is a Juno Award-winning, platinum-selling recording artist and member of Canada’s Walk of Fame, celebrated for her powerhouse vocals, electric stage presence, and songwriting for icons like Destiny’s Child and Nas. Named one of CBC’s 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever, she has shared stages with legends including Elton John, Alicia Keys, and Drake. Beyond music, Jully is a decorated actress (Dora Award winner), speaker, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Canada’s largest Black-led fitness movement, 100 Strong and Sexy. Her viral 2023 NBA All-Star rendition of the Canadian anthem sparked national conversation and earned recognition from the Assembly of First Nations. With hits from her chart-topping album 3 Rocks and a Slingshot, and a growing legacy of activism, empowerment, and artistry, Jully Black remains a dynamic force in Canadian and global culture.

Nicolina - Singer / Songwriter

Twenty-two year-old Nicolina is a singer-songwriter on the rise. Originally from the Toronto suburbs, her popular TikTok covers of emotional, soulful ballads lead to a stint on 2022’s American Idol and most recently Canada’s Got Talent. And when audiences hear her sing – those breathtaking high notes, rich tone, and controlled range – they are mesmerized by her talent and the sheer force of her voice. Her new single "You” is bubbling summer hit with flavours of Adele and Teddy Swims in a sultry pop anthem which features Nicolina’s signature soaring vocals. With more new music on the horizon, along with a slate of electrifying live shows, audiences are ready for what’s next for this talented young artist.

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