The Cranium Showcase brings you tomorrow’s stars today. The 2025 Showcase will feature 9 live music acts from Ottawa, Canada and around the world. Dive into the musical flavours of Afrobeat, R&B, Hip-hop, Soul and more, as these budding stars provide a peek into the future of live music.
Born in the nation’s capital, Haitian Canadian artist Beaugé is a being beyond the metrics and
hype of the digital era. A cutthroat lyricist who writes above emcees heads. And so the blade
falls; proverbial heads roll downhill. Beaugé’s stage performance has been known to shake the
foundation of many venues. As the kids say “he’s a problem”.
An R&B sensation from Ottawa, Ontario, known for her alternative compositions,
honest lyrics, and electrifying performances. With a passion for crafting evocative music, Gabriel has
quickly risen in the industry, making waves in the world of R&B. In 2024, she made a lasting impression
on new listeners with the release of her singles “Hurt You”, “Toxic”, and “Give You The World”, while
also earning a nomination for “Rising Star” at the Cranium Recognize Awards.
What’s the only way to be brazen while simultaneously being completely vulnerable
emotionally? Well, by being J Chinnasz of course. This artist has studied the art of hip hop and it shows through his ability to be influenced
by a variety of artists. Chinnasz seemingly takes all the aspects he enjoys from the art he
consumes and uses them like individual ingredients when crafting the recipe for his own style.
R&B singer, songwriter, and rapper Maeesha B has forged a unique musical identity, setting the stage for a lasting impact on the music scene. Hailing from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Maeesha’s fierce dedication and passion for music have laid a solid foundation for her to create fresh and original music. Her ability to interpret and express complex feelings through her voice reflects a powerful artistry that is both intriguing and dynamic.
Maky Lavender, hailing from Montreal, discovered his passion for music through dance, pushing
the boundaries of his budding talent by creating his own music and videos. Since 2017, he has
captivated audiences and festival bookers. His debut album, “…At Least My Mom Loves Me,”
saw notable success with over 1 million online streams, notably with the song “Bloom,” awarded
Video of the Year at the 2022 Gala Dynastie.
Shim In The Cut, a 24-year-old Canadian
musical talent hailing from Bujumbura, Burundi. Drawing from a fusion of Hip-
Hop, Afrobeat, and Dancehall influences, he crafts a diverse range and style of
music. Shim is dedicated to elevating
both Canada and Burundi’s music scenes,
envisioning them as rising forces. He is
committed to contributing to their
growth and strives to elevate Burundian
music onto the global stage.
The 4 day music event will connect active industry professionals with musicians, artists and people making moves in the arts and entertainment business. The weekend will feature networking sessions, information panels with music professionals.
Annalie Bonda is a respected music and arts professional with a deep understanding of the non-profit sector, as well as the Canadian music industry. She has worked closely with major labels, distributors, independents, non-profits, and government agencies to advance the careers of Canadian artists, both locally and internationally. Her experience spans artist development, label operations, management, workforce development, advocacy, programs, and events, by fostering impactful partnerships across various levels of the industry and across multiple sectors.
Ashley Ighorewo is a host, event curator, writer, journalist and media professional based in
Ottawa, Ontario. She is the founder of Freegxrl Media; an online platform with a mission to
empower, amplify voices and shift narratives about black women and women of colour. Her
mission is rooted in radical honesty, advocacy, representation and community building.
David Leclerc a.k.a. Quest, is a music composer, producer, director and sound
engineer on the Ottawa/Gatineau hip hop scene. With over twenty years’ experience
in the industry, David Leclerc has composed and worked with many great hip hop
artists, including Misa, D-Track, Dip Black, MaCMuwsA, Mindflip, Mischa and
SeinsSucrer, to name but a few. In addition to being a passionate composer and
arranger, Quest is the founder of Dreamland, a production company that showcases
local musical talent. In 2023, he will be nominated at GAMIQ for Rap Album of the
Year with D-Track for TERRITOIREDELOURS, a project on which he mixed and
composed several tracks. He will also be nominated twice (in 2022 and 2023) at the
CRANIUM gala for the Foundation award and Community builder awards, in
recognition of his dedication to his artistic community.
Melanie Brulée is a force within the Ottawa music scene. A renowned Franco-Ontarian artist,
she’s graced stages across the globe, honing her craft and building a career that spans
performance, touring, and various facets of the music industry. This experience provides her
with invaluable insight into the needs and aspirations of artists and the intricacies of event
production. But Melanie’s impact extends far beyond the spotlight. Driven by a deep
commitment to community, she founded a women-led collective of songwriters and has received
awards for her implication in mental health awareness.
Micah Smith is a powerhouse leader dedicated to uplifting her community. Born and
raised in North Preston, Canada’s largest Indigenous Black community, she has built a
career grounded in purpose, creativity, and impact.
As a musician, Micah has collaborated with renowned artists like Reeny Smith, Joel
Plaskett, and Matt Andersen, and has performed with Michael Bublé. She’s also shared
the stage with legends such as Lisa Fischer, Jully Black, Buddy Guy, Daniel Caesar, and
Anderson .Paak.
Mobo Agoro is a music manager, programmer and cultural strategist working at
the intersection of artist development and grassroots infrastructure. With a
hands-on approach to creative and professional growth, he champions
early-career talent through his work across multiple platforms — most notably as
Artist Manager for rising genre-fluid artist Eyve and as Showcase Coordinator and
Booker for Pitch Scotland.
Bold, unstoppable, and dripping in confidence, Mickey
KP is more than a name—it’s a statement. A natural-born
star, She turns every stage, camera, and event into her
personal runway. With a magnetic presence, she blends
high fashion, luxury, and raw talent, making her a force
in the world of influencers, modeling, and entertainment.
From captivating audiences with her charisma to setting
trends with her effortless style, Mickey is on a mission to
dominate the industry—one power move at a time.
Whether she’s hosting an exclusive event, front-row at a
high-end fashion show, or creating viral content,
Mickey embodies the perfect mix of elegance and edge.
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