Meet the 2024 BESPOKE Mentees
Please help us congratulate our 2024/2025 BESPOKE mentee cohort! Read their bios below to get to know these music professionals who are breaking barriers and making a difference all over Canada. They will be matched with experienced mentors in music management who will meet with them in one-on-one professional development sessions over the next five months. Their spot on the mentee cohort also includes a bursary and a free membership with us. MMF Canada is excited to support Canada’s next generation of Music Managers and self-managed artists.
BESPOKE Mentorship Program 2024/2025 is presented in partnership with City of Toronto’s music office. Made possible with the support of Ontario Creates. We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada, and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.
Learn more about the BESPOKE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM program here.
Meet the 2024/2025 Mentees
Jacquie Daniels
BIO: Jacquie Daniels is a Métis Outlaw Country artist hailing from Spruce Grove, Alberta. With roots deep in the Red River Settlement, Jacquie's music is a fusion of traditional country soul & modern-day grit, inspired by legends like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, & Dolly Parton. Her sound evokes the spirit of the 1970s Country Outlaws, with smoky vocals & a rebellious edge that resonates deeply with audiences. A six-time nominee at the Nashville Josie Awards, Jacquie has also been honored as Female Entertainer of the Year at the North American Country Music Awards International. Her career highlights include performances at iconic venues like the Bluebird Cafe, as well as major events such as the Rainmaker Rodeo & the Country Music Awards Red Carpet Showcase. These performances have cemented her reputation as a dynamic presence & a compelling storyteller on stage. Jacquie's recent single, "Small Town Beauty Queen," produced during the TD Artist in Residency Program, hit #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown & gained popularity on SiriusXM Indigiverse. Another notable single, "Girls Can Be Outlaws Too," was created with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts & showcases her ability to break down barriers & redefine the genre. It has also been added to Apple Music's IndigenousNOW & Boot & Mocs playlists. She has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Clayton Bellamy, Donna & Leroy, & Donny Parenteau, & has been mentored by industry legends like Will Nance & Pam Tillis during a songwriting boot camp in Nashville. Her accolades include winning Best Original Song at YYC Rising Star 2022 & participating in the Jim Beam National Talent Search & Canadian Music Week. Jacquie's journey is marked by a dedication to her Métis heritage, incorporating cultural elements into her music & visual storytelling. Whether performing on stage or creating music videos, Jacquie Daniels embodies the spirit of an outlaw, determined to leave an indelible mark on the country music scene for Metis women.
Kesh Sharpe
BIO: Kesh is an Artist Manager from Scarborough, ON who recently launched Gems Management, home to R&B artists Jasmine Kiara and AUDRE. Since graduating with a Pre-Law degree from York University, Kesh has leveraged his skills to assist artists and creatives in areas of music management, marketing, branding, and business development. In 2023 being selected as the Make it Happen Award winner at the Remix Project along with the Business in The Streets program winner in 2020, his experience has led him to become a trusted entrepreneur that is willing to go above and beyond to assist his peers. On any project, Kesh aims to enjoy what he does, do his best, make an impact on the world, and get the job done.
Bukola Balogun
BIO: Recently heard on the soundtrack of the #1 Netflix show, "Ginny & Georgia", Bukola is a Vancouver-based musician who blends R&B vocal stylings, jazz guitar and earnest storytelling to create her authentic sound — handcrafted R&B for the antisocial butterfly. She’s been influenced by artists such as India Arie, Amy Winehouse and Corinne Bailey Rae. The winner of the Juno Awards Host Committee Battle of the Bands, Bukola has since performed at the Juno Awards pre-event: Let’s Hear it! Live, the Honey Jam and at NXNE. Bukola has also been featured on Etalk, CBC the National, and MuchMusic. Earmilk described Bukola as a singer who “delivers a gripping performance well beyond her age.” Bukola’s voice can be heard on the end credit song of the 20th Century Studios/Disney+ film, “The Princess”, where she worked with Emmy-nominated composer, Natalie Holt, and multi-platinum producer, Jon Levine. Most recently, Bukola worked with LA based producers, Baca & Brandn (Shay Lia, Hope Tala, Alina Baraz) on her upcoming sophomore EP, “The Confessions of an Antisocial Butterfly”. Told through the narrative of a fictitious radio show, the EP is a retelling of the classic coming of age story through the eyes of an introspective introvert.
Elsa Gebremichael / WILD BLACK
BIO: Born and raised in Saskatoon, SK, first-generation Ethiopian Canadian, Elsa Gebremichael is a musician, songwriter, producer, performer, and director with a dynamic musical history. In her previous projects, Elsa toured throughout Europe and North America, showcased at festivals such as SXSW, NXNE, CMW, HPX, CMJ in NYC, BIME in Spain, and The Great Escape in Brighton, opened for renowned artists such as Janelle Monae, Tegan and Sara, and Metric, performed at the second-ever Afropunk Music Festival in NYC, and was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award (Breakout West) for “Pop Recording of The Year”. All experiences that have informed her next chapter as solo artist, WILD BLACK. Wild Black is a multi-hyphenate creative who’s made waves with features in AFROPUNK.com, The Fader, Indie88, Yohomo, The Toronto Star, CBC’s “Q” and “The Block”, and Analogue Trash, who dubbed her latest single ‘I Miss The High’ "Madonna and Blood Orange collaborating on a glittering pop bop”. Wild Black is a two-time recipient of the MVP project by RBCxMusic and Prism Prize, for the visuals for "Moon Star Lover" and "Stay Dreamin’”, and her music has syncs on shows “Strays” on CBC Gem, “Querencia” on APTN's Lumi, and “The D Cut” on Crave Canada, to name a few. Some performance highlights include playing on main stages at Pop Montreal, Toronto Jazz Fest, Pride Toronto, Saskatoon Pride Festival, Regina Folk Festival, Winterruption, and Venus Fest. Wild Black combines influences of disco, 80s/90s dance, pop, and rock into her genre-fluid alternative dream pop sound. Her dynamic presence and captivating stage show combines live instrumentation with electronic elements to create an upbeat and infectious soundscape, luring your body straight to the dance floor. Now signed to indie label Next Door Records, Wild Black is gearing up for the release of her debut album coming soon. Stay Close!
Israel Ekanem
BIO: Israel Ekanem is a dynamic media professional and music manager based in Nova Scotia, dedicated to showcasing diverse voices and emerging talent. His career spans radio, podcasting, and artist management, demonstrating versatility in the music industry. As host and producer of The Off Kilter Show on CKDU FM (www.theoffkiltershow.com), Ekanem has become a local music scene tastemaker, providing a platform for eclectic and underrepresented artists. His influence extends to the digital realm through the Blackout Podcast (www.myblackoutpodcast.com) and the Ubuntu Podcast Network (www.ubuntumedia.com/podcasts), amplifying unique voices in music and beyond. Ekanem has successfully ventured into artist management, currently guiding the career of Mayaya, an emerging eclectic artist. Under his management, Mayaya has performed at notable events including AfroFest Toronto, East Coast Music Awards, Nova Scotia Music Week, and Halifax Jazz Festival. Key accomplishments include developing The Off Kilter Show into a respected platform for emerging artists, expanding the reach of his podcast networks, and fostering connections between local artists and the broader Canadian music industry. Ekanem consistently advocates for greater diversity and representation in Atlantic Canadian music. Through these roles, he has demonstrated a unique ability to identify and nurture talent, create engaging content, and navigate the music industry's complexities. His work bridges cultural divides and brings fresh perspectives to audiences across multiple platforms.
Gurvir Dhesi / easysheperd
BIO: My name is Gurvir Dhesi, also known by my current artist alias, easysheperd (pronounced "e-zee-shep-erd"). My upcoming work is a bold and experimental expression that addresses my South Asian heritage, complex family (and romantic) dynamics, and the quest for a meaningful existence. Distorted guitars, furious basslines, screeching feedback, and high-octane vocals blend with melodic contemplations and tinges from Punjabi music throughout my upcoming project - held together by an overarching narrative and designed to be a complete listening experience. With over 2 million streams worldwide, my tracks have caught the attention of Spotify’s global editorial team and also been played on major Canadian radio stations such as (the now defunct, but remembered always) 93.5, VIBE 105.5, and CBC Radio. In 2023, I was privileged to be part of SOCAN’s Incubator Program alongside prominent artists like Haviah Mighty and Sahaati to name a couple. I take pride in my collaborations as well and have been noted for being extremely versatile. For example, collaborators have included Minz from Nigeria (who released a record with esteemed artist Davido recently), Rajan who is currently creating visuals with popular Punjabi musician Mickey Singh, and Jesse Turnbull, a respected punk producer associated with acts on Canadian label, Dine Alone Records. I also produced a high-quality music video directed by Toronto’s Dragon Andic and partnered with independent label Cheerful Music to release a single titled "ROSALÍA." Recently, I've assembled a team of Ontario-based creative directors, musicians, and videographers, all of whom share a commitment to a unified brand vision. This transition from high-profile collaborations to a closely aligned team marks a significant development in my career. As we gear up for the release of my upcoming project, I am excited about the synergy we have achieved and the work we are set to unveil.