International Women's Day - What Black Femininity Means to These Calgary Artists
This year for International Women’s Day, we are proud to uplift and amplify the voices of the women featured in the upcoming show Strawberries and Peaches: A TD Black History Month Cabaret. This virtual show is curated by local artist Lemba (Misha Maseka) to celebrate the complex grace that is Black femininity.
We asked each artist the following question:
What does Black femininity mean to you?
Lemba (Misha Maseka) is a writer, filmmaker, and musician. Born in eSwatini to Zambian parents but growing up in South Africa, Australia and eventually Canada, she has observed many people and their stories. Studying opera in university gave her an appreciation and ability to access multiple types of vocal styles, which led her to one of her lines of work as a vocal coach (Lemba Studio).
As a true lover and doer of all forms of art, in the last few years, she has had the opportunity to write and direct for multiple film projects -- most recently being head writer of the much-anticipated TV series "The African Family". With that, her love and passion is to always tell and celebrate the small and unseen stories of humanity.
Amanda Okafor is a Calgary born dancer, choreographer, and spoken word artist. She has been a member of the African dance community since the age of 8 and has since been a driving force in sharing and introducing Afro dance styles to the greater community of Calgary. As a Writer, she has written and performed at several local spoken word events. Additionally, her poetry has been featured internationally and nationally, including the Toronto Fashion Week of 2018. Amanda's work, both as a dancer and spoken word artist has often been described as very energetic, vibrant, powerful, and moving – a direct representation of her favorite aspects of the African experience.
Morountodun Okedara (Todun) is a Nigerian- Canadian graduate from the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (2018). She is also a seasoned voice-over artiste as her creative endeavours include being a part of the Nigerian Radio show KO-KO-KA! by the United States Agency for International Development, and participating in the Christmas TV advertisement “Yellow Yellow Christmas” for one of Nigeria’s biggest Telecommunications company (MTN).
Along with majoring in Drama, she acted in the University of Calgary’s mainstage play titled; Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman, and staged her own play, “Que Sera Sera” which was produced by the Student run ND Theatre. She has also been a part of the True Crime Docu Series by Pyramid Productions here in Calgary, Alberta and will be playing the role of Chidi on the African Family Series coming Fall 2021.
Dallas Hayes-Sparks is an opera singer, and teacher from Calgary, Alberta. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia majoring in opera performance and psychology. She is also an honours graduate of the Mount Royal Vocal Academy for Gied Students. Dallas has worked as a rostered singer with Cowtown Opera Company, and is currently a Calgary Opera Company Chorus member. Dallas also works at Calgary Opera as a Community Ambassador, where she is able to spread her love of music with the community. Dallas has been part of two performances at Carnegie Hall in her career. She has also had the privilege of singing for the wife of our previous Prime Minister, Laureen Harper at the Rheumatoid Arthritis Charity event in Ottawa.
Dallas has enjoyed the opportunity to represent her community at Calgary’s Arts Commons’ Black History Month production, and has also received First Place standings across Southern Alberta Music festivals numerous times. Dallas’ most recent performances include chorus in Calgary Opera’s productions of Romeo et Juliette (Gounod), Everest (Joby), and Norma (Bellini), as well as Ida in Cowtown Opera’s adaptation of Die Fledermaus (Strauss), and the role of Marcellina in Le Nozze di Figaro (Mozart) with Vivace.
Chenelle Roberts is a prolific vocal performer throughout the Calgary area. She is an active member of Calgary’s vibrant musical community as a solo artist and collaborates with local bands, choral, and orchestral ensembles in the city. Chenelle currently holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Calgary studying under Dr. Patricia Hrynkiw. Often sought after for her solo performances, Chenelle displays versatility lending her voice to many different genres such as classical and soul music. She has performed on some of Calgary’s largest festival stages including The Calgary Folk Festival, Calgary Stampede’s Coca-Cola Stage, Unison Festival, and Femmewave to name a few. When not performing, Chenelle is a practicing social worker in the field of addictions. She is currently working on the release of her debut EP with band Lost Decade.
Register now to join us for the 20-21 season of the TD Amplify Cabaret series. The TD Amplify Series is made possible by the generous support of the TD Bank Group.
