PRESS RELEASES
Nova Scotia Talent Trust announces first recipient of the
Anne-Marie Woods / Imani Enterprises African Diaspora Travel Scholarship
September 20, 2023 – K’JIUPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS
Nova Scotia Talent Trust announces first recipient of the
Anne-Marie Woods / Imani Enterprises African Diaspora Travel Scholarship
K’JIPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS – Imani Enterprises, in partnership with Nova Scotia Talent Trust, are pleased to announce Harmony Adesola as the first recipient of the Anne-Marie Woods / Imani Enterprises African Diaspora Travel Scholarship. Harmony Adesola, aka Harmz, is an up-and-coming hip-hop, spoken word, and theatre artist. He also hosts a podcast called Behind the Sound, an interview series that explores the Nova Scotian music scene. In the most recent episode, Harmz is the featured artist. Click here to watch the episode where Harmz talks about his experiences as an artist and the impact the Travel Scholarship will have in his career. He speaks about being the first recipient of this scholarship in the segment starting at 8:28.
Harmz discusses his journey as an artist and what inspired his love of theatre and spoken word:
“My journey into the world of spoken word and theatre arts was born out of a profound interest in expressive arts, which I nurtured since my high school days. I was first introduced to the enchanting realm of theatre in a drama class, where I discovered its unique ability to weave stories and create powerful emotional connections. The magic of theatre captivated me, opening my eyes to a different form of artistic expression that was both liberating and transformative.”
“Over time, my fondness for theatre has grown, and so has my curiosity about spoken word – a form of performance art that resonates with my love for hip hop and storytelling. I found spoken word’s rhythmic intensity and direct engagement with the audience to be a compelling way of sharing stories and expressing thoughts. My music, rooted in the hip-hop genre, already shares several elements with spoken word – narrative storytelling, rhythmic delivery, and a focus on wordplay. This realization was a turning point that led me to explore spoken word further, bridging the gap between my passion for music and theatre.”
Ms. Woods shares what inspired her to create this scholarship:
“Growing up in Nova Scotia has had a huge impact on my life. It is the source of my creativity and the place that nurtured my love for arts and culture. During Covid while dealing with a brain injury and losing my father, I began to think about legacy and the next generation. I made the decision that if I landed a creative contract, I would make a donation. In 2022, I was able to make contact with the Talent Trust Executive Director, Andrea Urquhart, and make the donation in person.”
Ms. Woods received a Talent Trust scholarship in 1996 for theatre and directing and along with funding from Canada Council for the arts she was able to do a residency at Freedom Theatre, one of the oldest Black Theatres in Philadelphia. That opportunity led to her continuing to build a successful solo career as an activist, playwright, director, producer, poet, lyricist, educator, creative consultant and composer. But very much like Harmz, her career in Halifax started as a rapper winning the first Rap contest held at George Dixon Community Centre in Halifax in the late 1980’s. Woods is also credited with introducing the art of Spoken Word to Halifax in the late 90’s after taking Nova Scotia youth to Tkaronto for a cultural exchange.
“I had never heard Spoken Word before, I was already a poet but the rhythms and vibe of spoken word intrigued and excited me, it was like rap and hip hop but with a unique flava…and I wrote my first Spoken Word piece while sitting in a room listening to a Tkaronto poet called Estelle.”
Ms. Woods never forgot the many experiences and mentors that contributed to her success, so making a $2000.00 donation to be used towards a travel scholarship for emerging African-Nova Scotian Youth Creatives between the ages of 18- 35 was a need in the industry she knew needed to be filled.
Woods was very specific about the scholarship being available for disadvantaged youth of African, Caribbean or African Nova Scotian descent who may not have the same opportunities as others. This was a priority and we were more than pleased to work with her on the specifics of the scholarship.
Woods hopes to gain public interest and raise support for this scholarship so it can continue beyond the two years of her initial donation. Contributions can be made on the fundraising page here.
About the Scholarship:
The Anne-Marie Woods/Imani Enterprises African Diaspora Travel Scholarship awards an African-Nova Scotian, Black, Caribbean or youth of African Descent, based in Nova Scotia $1000 towards travel to present, teach, perform or take part in professional development through a residency, internship or working with a mentor; provincially, nationally or internationally. The Award will be available again in 2024 for disadvantaged Black youth between the ages of 18 – 35 who are working on an artistic career in Spoken Word, or Theatre Arts. Eligible emerging artists can apply through our website beginning in January 2024.
About Anne-Marie Woods:
Anne-Marie Woods aka Amani is a Multi-disciplinary Award-Winning, Professional Artist, Arts Practitioner, Youth Advocate, Columnist, Poet, Playwright, Producer, Director, Acting Coach and Creative Consultant. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Dalhousie University and a Small Business Certificate from the HRDC Self Employment Business Program, she has over 25 years of professional experience developing, planning, implementing and evaluating arts projects as well as performing on the professional stage. She is the 2013 recipient of the coveted national Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Entertainment and has also received the City of Toronto, Bob Marley Day Award,for her Youth and Community Outreach Work and she she is also the recipient of several East Coast Music Awards and a multi recipient of Awards from Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council.