Indigenous Music
Kah-beh Nahgamowaat Videos Highlight Indigenous Artists From Manitoba
Four-Part Genre-Spanning Series Premieres March 14 via YouTube
Four Indigenous artists from Manitoba are in the spotlight this month in the Kah-beh Nahgamowaat live performance video series. Produced through the Indigenous Music Development Program at Manitoba Music, the series premieres on March 14 at 7 PM CT via YouTube and will run weekly.
Kah-beh Nahgamowaat is an Anishinaabe phrase meaning “They are here singing” gifted by Colin Mousseau, Shkaabih Traditional Medicine Helper.
The series focuses on original new music from artists in local Indigenous music communities. Each artist will be able to add the professionally-filmed videos to their career development toolkits, creating key content that’s become critical to making festival and venue booking connections, expanding fan bases, and accessing new markets.
Country artist Kimberley Dawn launches the series on March 14 with her new song “Be My Angel”. Country folk/rocker Kristen McKay will share two songs, “Ogichidaa” and “Black As Night” on March 21. Alternative rapper The O.B. will debut “Musashi” on March 28. Avant-pop artist KWIAT will release “Lopsided Love” on April 4.
Produced with Kejic Productions, a Winnipeg-based company owned and operated by Cree/Ojibway producer and director Erica Daniels, Kah-beh Nahgamowaat was filmed on location at The Forks’ event space.
“I’m excited to share the performances and stories behind the songs by these inspiring artists, who show the depth of Indigenous talent and excellence,” says producer Cassidy Mann, the Indigenous Music Development Coordinator at Manitoba Music. “It’s an honour to carry on the tradition established in the Talking Stick series. We’re grateful to Erica and her team at Kejic for helping to bring the artists’ vision to life.”
The IMDP was launched in 2004 to support First Nation, Inuit, and Métis artists and music companies develop sustainable careers in the music industry. The program delivers projects and services that respond to the needs of the industry as identified by a steering committee. The IMDP is supported by the Manitoba Government and Manitoba Film & Music.
About the Artists
Photos by Tara Carpenter (Kejic Productions)
Kimberley Dawn
"Be My Angel"
Premieres March 14, 7 PM CT
Kimberley is a multi-award-winning country music artist from Manitoba. Wearing many hats, she is a talented award-winning singer, radio broadcaster, actor and author.
A multi-award winning country singer, with 4 albums and now 5 singles on radio. In 2024 Kimberley headed back into the studio. Due to the sudden death of her husband in June of 2024 new music has been postponed until March 2025.
An award-winning radio personality celebrating 20 years in the business. Heard throughout the Province of Manitoba on various stations.
Kimberley is an actress. She appeared in the award-winning children’s tv show Tipi Tales, where Kimberley Dawn played the role of Turtle, a 400-year-old turtle who is very wise with the teachings of First Nations people. She also is in a public service movie about addiction and plays an aunt trying to protect her Niece from the harsh realities of drug addiction.
An award-winning Author, in 2021 Kimberley was asked to be a part of an amazing volume of award-winning books called the “Power Of Why”. Glory St. Germain is the main author.
“With life and many traumas over the past 4 years, the most trying time of my life, I was able to pen a song that will hopefully give you peace, love and understanding for when it is time to be by your loved one’s side as they cross over. With the loss of my son in 2013 and now my husband in 2024, it was time to give this song wings.”
Backing track recorded with the great Chris Burke-Gaffney, who brings the song to light with a melody that will sing in your heart. Mastered by Al Hunnie. Live audio recording by CTRL Space Records.
“I am very proud of this song and hope you will listen and share.”
Kristen McKay
“Ogichidaa” and “Black As Night”
Premieres March 21, 7 PM CT
Born in central Manitoba, Kristen McKay, spirit names Golden Eagle Woman & Sacred Turtle Woman, and from the Bear Clan is a 2 Spirit Anishinaabe Woman from Pine Creek First Nation. Kristen is the Owner/Operator of Kristen McKay Inspirations as well as the lead singer to her band Kristen McKay Music. Kristen is also a Ceremonial Traditional and Contemporary Hand Drum Singer and Hand Drum Maker. Kristen is also an original canvas artist, Jingle Dress Dancer and is also a Sundancer & Ceremonial Buffalo Dancer.
Kristen is deeply connected to her spirituality and culture and has adapted a spiritual support analogy of being protected and supported by her 10,000 Grandmothers. This was inspired by Kristen when 215 was announced from the ground search in Kamloops, BC. Kristen is a Grandchild and a daughter of Residential School Survivors, her parents before her attended IRS and her Grandparents before them had also attended IRS. Kristen is also a third-generation day school survivor and intergenerational survivor.
In 2023 Kristen followed her long-time dream of becoming a Flourishing Life Coach in Calgary, Ab. This was also followed by her completing Train the Trainer training in Winnipeg, Mb. Currently Kristen is facilitating wellness, healing, education and awareness workshops in First Nation Communities across Turtle Island.
Kristen has begun to take a core understanding of the IRS traumas and began a healing journey with these traumas. The understanding and knowledge of IRS has helped Kristen move forward from the pain and grief that once filled her world. Kristen has been able to help others have a more understanding of the IRS traumas and MMIWG2S+ and has been fully willing to sit in with various IRS workshops and conferences held across Turtle Island.
Through her original canvas art, she has brought her Anishinaabemowin and Cree languages of her ancestors into the inspirational messaging that is brought to the surfaces of the art Kristen shares with her Relatives. Kristen utilizes her gift to put good things and kind reminders of love, light and wellness into her art. Kristen shares that with all Survivors and their families.
The newest endeavour for Kristen is her recent work and time learning how to tan Deer Elk & Buffalo Hides from the fall 2024 hunting harvest. This new reconnection for Kristen McKay Inspirations is to complete the hides for drum making and rattle making workshops. The sound of Mother Earths Heartbeat will echo for the next 7 generations as Kristen as already taken a course of action and launched a new hand drum line called Chitto Biishika Fire Bull Drums by Kristen McKay Inspirations.
Kristen is planning on releasing Original Music in 2025 in English & Anishinaabemowin Languages.
The O.B.
“Musashi”
Premieres March 28, 7 PM CT
The O.B is an Indigenous and Guyanese artist, rapper, and producer. He grew up in the West End of Winnipeg, which has largely shaped who he is today. The art and music he creates reflects his life experiences, from systematic oppression to the love and support he has for his family and friends. Influenced by hip hop artists like Yeat, Playboi Carti, Sean Leon, and Kodak Black he merges his experiences with his influences to create a unique tapestry of sound.
All of his tracks are self-produced and recorded, and each element of his music is highly thought-out and detailed. From hiring a choir to sing a modified version of the Guyanese anthem for his song Americas, researching and writing lyrics based on the Cree star songs, and using and re-engineering Indigenous drums to create trap beats. He has the ability to find the perfect sound to fit the moment and that is also reflected in the way he collaborates. Choosing artists based on how their voice and sound suits the song, not on how popular or influential they are.
When creating his upcoming album the O.B wanted to include and show oW his community, choosing to wear clothing designed by local artists, shoot videos with local videographers, feature local artists on his songs, hire local artists for album and merch artwork, hire local dancers, and more. What motivates him is his community, all of his friends and family who he lost to addiction, Indigenous and minority youth who have few positive role models in their life, and all those he cares about. Inspired by artist/rapper Nipsey Hussle, he wants his music to uplift not just himself, but his entire community.
KWIAT
“Lopsided Love”
Premieres April 4, 7 PM CT
KWIAT (pronounced kwai·uht), is an avant-pop musician from Winnipeg, Manitoba whose essence is interwoven in piano soulful melodies and the heartfelt resonance of the human voice, knows how to create a sonic landscape that transcends conventional boundaries. Born of Métis and Polish heritage, KWIAT, which means "flower" in Polish, draws inspiration in the rich poetry of the indie pop melodies of Fiona Apple, Japanese Breakfast, and showtunes. Infusing her music with cultural authenticity thanks to her Métis and Polish roots, KWIAT's airy, lush, and organically style evokes a colourful floral imagery.
From the age of three, KWIAT found solace and expression in the ivory keys of the piano, her fingers dancing effortlessly across the notes, each keystroke reflecting her innermost emotions. The University of Manitoba Classical Piano program graduate found an unlikely kindred spirit from another era in the works of Chopin.
KWIAT's voice, of a remarkable range and depth, conveys deep emotions with haunting beauty. With each note, KWIAT takes us into a world of introspection and wonder where her Métis and Polish heritage echoes.
Through her music, KWIAT seeks to bridge the divides that separate us and explore the common threads that unite us as humans. Whether performing on stage or composing in the solitude of her studio, KWIAT infuses her music with hope and understanding and reminds us that we are all connected.
KWIAT's melodies reveal the whispers of dreams yet to be realized and the enduring spirit of resilience living within us all. With each note and each lyric, KWIAT invites us on a journey to follow the quiet whisper leading to our dreams.
Recipient of the Women in Music Inaugural Honour Roll Award in 2023, KWIAT has already started making her mark on the Canadian music scene. Her dedication to her craft and advocacy for gender equality in the industry have earned her the 2020 Songsmiths Western Canadian Music Award Nomination for Community Excellence, showcasing her commitment to uplifting her musical community. The same year, KWIAT curated the "Indigeneity" playlist for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, amplifying Indigenous voices and narratives within the music landscape.
KWIAT’s upcoming debut self-titled EP, produced by Juno award winner Hawksley Workman (Tegan and Sara, Sarah Slean, Hey Rosetta!, Serena Ryder), mixed by Juno Award winner George Seara (Shawn Mendes, James Bay, Demi Lovato, Alessia Cara, Rihanna, Drake, Holly Cole, Herbie Hancock, and Sting), and mastered by Elisa Pangsaeng (Yukon Blonde, Kinnie Starr, Said the Whale, GRAE, STACEY, and LOLO) is expected to be released in 2025.