Providing local and international artists of African descent a platform to share and promote their artwork, Black Space Jam (BSJ), an evening of multi-disciplinary art, offers audiences a cultural experience and spectrum of Black Art.
Produced by Black Space Media/Afro Van Connect as part of Pi Theatre’s Provocateurs Series, Black Space Jam is a live performance showcase designed to amplify and celebrate Black creatives and the Black experience.
BSJ was created to enhance the visibility of youth of African descent within the local arts and culture community. This platform was made by artists for artists to create opportunities for skill cultivation and brand promotion.
Within its theme of cultural renaissance, the evening features dance, spoken word, stand-up comedy, music and a live DJ. The event will also host various culturally relevant vendors selling their locally-made goods. Each artist will perform 20-minute sets with time between for artists, vendors, and audience members to mingle.
Among the participants is Shayna Jones, an award-winning professional performance artist specializing in the traditional oral storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic folklore.
Joining Jones is Mufaro Mbudzi, a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who has gained popularity in Vancouver, hosting his comedy show Scheduled Meditation, bringing together comics and diverse audiences in an intimate environment.
Also appearing is ebonEmpress (aka Dae Shields), the founder and executive director of Afro Van Connect Society. A community advocate, musician, MC, designer, and curator, she blends hip-hop, neo-soul and R&B under her stage name, sharing her lived experience as a woman of African descent, spreading a message of unity and acceptance.
Rounding out the evening is multi-disciplinary artist Jason Bempong (aka Brotha Jason), musician KOR (aka Osmoses x) and DJ and curator DJ Bazenga.
Black Space Jam takes place at the Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward Ave, Vancouver) on March 3. Visit pitheatre.com for tickets and information.