After being in the studio again, I was feeling deeply grateful that I was able to make music again. As I was making tweaks, I rewrote the lyrics to “I will be grateful for today” so that it could be said as a hope, a declaration and a prayer.

While researching Black designers, my undergraduate research assistants came across the award-winning deisgn work of Lani Adeoye. She has a specialization in African-based interior architecture and is the founder of Studio Lanie!

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 27th, 1975.

I was very tired at the airport that evening and so energized at the same time. The attentiveness required while you're in studio, the amount of decisions that need to be made quickly. I felt and feel good about these songs and I hope that they connect with you. Please search Naila Grateful Album

Professor Ronald Cummings examines "how hegemonic masculinity is situated in relation to other masculinities and in particular how it is related, yet often defined in contrast to, female masculinities."

In this quote, Ann Dills positions dance as a type of communicative language and embodied knowledge that is critical in all ways of being and knowing. There are moments for me when dance – be it a party or in my home has always felt like freedom.

“Yes, we will fail, but we will rise, again". Through these reflections, it has inspired me to compose ABCD as a reminder to myself that I will always rise up, and that it is possible for everyone.

It's been a little over a year since the final Black and Free exhibit with THEMUSEUM! Sharing some of the details of two of my pieces, "Abundance" and "Sequins" that inspired by a Jamaican proverb, “Everything you need is right here.”

Film director, tattoo artist, and graphic novelist James Spooner’s 2003 documentary film Afro-Punk explores the lives of four Black Americans who were dedicated to the lifestyle of Punk rock. My PhD research assistants found his film while researching the Afropunk Festival that I went to in 2019.

Everybody starts somewhere — here's the story of the first instrument that sparked it all 🎶✨ #BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musicislove #MyFirstInstrument #MusicJourney #StartSomewhere #MusicianLife #ThrowbackVibes

The international contemporary art exhibition known as the Art Biennale, is held biannually in Venice, Italy. I attended the 2024 Biennale that was themed "Foreigners Everywhere", and that yielded a record number of African countries presenting, with 11 African pavilions.

Sharing this from my undergraduate research assistants' work: Quentin VerCetty is a dynamic visual storyteller whose Afrofuturistic artistry centers the African experience through powerful sculptures and murals. Drawing from the rich traditions of the African diaspora.

Throwing it back to this awesome studio experience with producer John Anthony Gagnon Robinette and recording engineer Luc Tellier. The feeling in the studio last year was unforgettable. I'm still processing the fact that my album is playing across Canada and has charted at more than one station.

Celebrating Nigeria's Independence Day! Nigeria gained its independence from the United Kingdom on October 1st, 1960. Though English is the official language, Nigeria boasts much linguistic diversity with hundreds of languages spoken by different ethnic groups.

On this day a couple of years ago, my graduate and undergraduate research assistants Shanique Mothersill and Cristina Everett, organized a day of programming that led youth participants from the community organization The EDGE on a walking tour of the University of Waterloo.

Meet Jahsun, drummer extrodinaire! He's played on all four of my albums over the past 20+ years. Grateful for his ability to bring the right flourishes, styles and expertise to all of the music we've made. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music and take a listen.

Highlighting Jewelle and Meghan for “The Trials and Triumphs of a Tar Baby”, their piece in the special issue of Canadian Theatre Review I co-edited. Their work tells the story of two Black women bounded by memory, pain, and the search for healing. #Writers #Authors #Blackademia #BlackAndFree

This reminds me that real change comes from creating new possibilities, not just dismantling the old. Revolution is a journey of transformation, both of the world and ourselves. What new visions are you imagining today? 🌿✨ #RobinDGKelley #BlackAndFree #Quote #VisionaryChange #Revolution

Here's a bit of what it looked like recording at Luc Tellier's @studio_redtube last year. Such a great experience ❤️. Please search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music. #BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife #Musicmaker #Musiclove #SongwritingProcess #IndieArtist

Today we honour the memory of those who suffered and resisted the transatlantic slave trade. "This Day inscribes the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples… and invites reflection on its causes, methods & consequences." — UNESCO

On Aug 31, 1962, Trinidad & Tobago claimed independence from Britain. Carnival began as resistance where formerly enslaved Africans used masquerade, music & dance to mock colonial elites & imagine freedom. Steelpan, born from oil drums, became a global symbol of innovation. Black joy is resistance.

Five days to record drum, bass, keys, and lead and back-up vocals for 10 songs. I made booklets for everyone with the recording schedule, song order, and song lyrics. Grateful for the opportunity to make this album and for the warm international and national reception it's been given.

Happy to share this album review by Canadian Beats! Please check the link in my bio to see the full article and search Naila Grateful Album wherever you listen to music, thank you.   #BlackAndFree #Proud #Music #Artist #BlackArtist #MusicIsLove #IndependentArtist

Featuring Jordan Oram, a rising cinematographer explored by my undergraduate researchers whose work focuses on lighting Black skin with care and nuance. Through music videos and films, his visuals show intentional lighting can capture the depth and richness of Black skin on screen. #BlackCreatives

“When I show, I Dey give them joy joy joy For my hood, I Dey give them joy joy joy! Joy joy joy Yh Hol’ good energy And positive vibration Is all I need.” — Pheelz 🎶 I attended the AfroTech conference in Austin, Texas in November 2023 as part of a site visit that I did for my #BlackAndFree research.

This quote has been sitting with me. It asks: What would it mean to see ourselves through the layered realities of Blackness? Not just visibility, but a shift in perspective. Blackness as a lens, a force, pushing us toward reflection, relationship, and transformation. #BlackAndFree

All ten songs from my new album are finally out now 🔥✨. Search: "naila grateful album" to stream them all. #AlbumOutNow #NewMusic #NowStreaming #DebutAlbum #MusicRelease #AvailableEverywhere #BlackAndFree #DiasporaSounds #BlackArtMatters #AfrofuturismInSound #FreedomThroughMusic

Featuring Lara, Jellisa, and Shanique—PhD RAs from #BlackAndFree—for “Explorations of Camille Turner’s Unmapped," their piece from the CTR special issue I edited. They reflect on Camille Turner's multimedia works, using Black imagination to uncover silenced histories and imagine a liberated future.

Celebrating Rwanda’s Independence Day, first gained on July 1, 1962! Home to 14M people, Rwanda’s culture shines through Intore dance—performed at weddings and festivals—Imigongo art made from clay and cow dung, and the Amasunzu hairstyle, symbolizing pride, creativity, and identity. #BlackAndFree

Celebrating the DRC’s Independence Day! On June 30, 1960, the DRC gained freedom from Belgium. Known as the “Land of Natural Wealth,” it’s rich in culture and resources. The N’Sele River Festival, Sukous dance, and Luba art all reflect the spirit and heritage of the Congolese people. #BlackAndFree

Sharing research from my undergraduate team on E's Element, a Mississauga-based brand that encourages people to embrace being multifaceted and to pursue multiple dreams. Founded by Nigerian creator Emmanuela Okon, they offer jewellery and limited-edition athleisure pieces! #BlackDesigners #BAF

Out today! The songs “ABCD,” “You Are The Light,” and “I Know” from my new album “Grateful.” Available everywhere you stream music. #BlackAndFree #Music #Black #Artist #Artspace #Musicforlife Musicmaker #Musicislove #AlbumOutNow #NewMusic #NowStreaming #AlbumRelease #DebutAlbum #NewMusicAlert

Attended New York's Afropunk festival in 2019, as a research site visit for #BlackAndFree work. Afro-punk is described as "a space of artistic and political experimentation...from its inception, people of African descent have created, rebelled and influenced within the scene.” - Kaithlyn Greenidge.

Its official! I have an upcoming album that I cannot wait for all of you to hear! Next Friday, on June 27th, I will be releasing my first three singles 'ABCD, You Are The Light & I Know' to my album called 'Grateful'. Thank you everyone who made it all possible. Link to pre-save song is in my bio

Throwback to June 19th last year! I curated the panel "Black And Free: Sites of Performance" for Canadian Association Theatre Research's conference. It was inspiring to speak with my PhD Research Assistants and share our insights and visions about Black expressive culture. #Blackademia #BlackAndFree

Highlighting Janice J. Anderson for “Black Canadas Claim the Nation amid Erasure of Africville in Boyd’s Consecrated Ground”, their contribution to the TRIC/RTAC special issue I edited. Their piece explores portrayals of Black life that challenge the usual narrative of erasure in Canadian history.

Last year on PA Day, BAF's Community Residency in partnership with Young People’s Theatre centred some of the students of Freedom School Toronto. Taught by artist educators, Sedina Fiati and Djennie Laguerre the drama workshops focused on the expression of freedom in Black performance in Ontario.

Featuring "Interactive Theatre, Advocacy, and the Pursuit of Freedom" by Lebogang Disele-Pitso, Abigail Ameley Quaye, Jan Selman, Funke Olokude & the Ribbon Rouge ArtSpace Theatre Team, a contribution to the Canadian Theatre Review special issue I edited, examining freedom and social justice.

Featuring June Francis and Joshua Tecumseh Robertson for “Asserting Black Faces and Subverting Colonial Museum Spaces—'Hope Meets Action: Echoes through the Black Continuum', their contribution to the TRIC/TRAC special issue I edited. They explore a decolonial exhibition reclaiming Black histories.

Sharing findings from my research assistants on Lani Adeoye, award-winning designer and founder of Studio-Lani. Her designs incorporate her expertise in African-based architecture, such as furniture and assistive devices. Her work has been featured at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts! #BlackAndFree

Featuring Starr Domingue for “I’m the Greatest Starr... (but no one knows it): Sounds of Blackness in Canadian Musical Theatre,” her work in the TRIC/RTAC special issue I edited. She reflects on her journey as an artist-activist and calls for change in Canadian musical theatre. #BlackAuthors

Here’s more music lyrics from me: “A Dollar?”, from my 2006 album “Free Dome: South Africa”. Check out this track if you want to reflect on the weight of money, systems, and what freedom really means. My albums are all available wherever you stream music under Naila Keleta-Mae. #BlackSkyMusic

Time flies! Two years ago today, Black and Free partnered with The EDGE East to host a PIT Stop Walking Tour at UWaterloo, where students visited different areas on campus. Our partnership with EDGE focused on empowering Black youth through workshops, retreats, and community-focused programming.

Today’s the International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrating intercultural understanding and the exchange that shapes culture. At #BlackAndFree, I'm grateful for the partners who collab with us on events and workshops, promoting cultural understanding and education.

Sharing some lyrics from more of my songs. This time from my track, "Fire Woman". All of my songs are available wherever you stream music under Naila Keleta-Mae. 🎶 #BlackMusicSky #BlackSingers #BlackAndFree #BlackMusicians

Sharing research from my undergraduate assistants who explored Toronto-born Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, a luxury accessories and clothing brand. Her designs—including shoes, handbags, and socks—draw on traditional African craftsmanship, celebrating cultural history. #BlackDesigner

Featuring Natalie Wall for “Ungrateful: A Manifesto for Black Freedom in the Face of White Generosity,” her piece in the Canadian Theatre Review issue I co-edited. It critiques how Black gratitude upholds white supremacy, applying her theory of white generosity to #BlackWomensTheatre in Canada.

Honoured to be the subject of this award-winning story! Hannah Liddle won Gold at the 2024 Canadian Online Publishing Awards for “The forming of Naila Keleta-Mae”, which shares my journey as an artist-academic. Grateful for the profile—congrats, Hannah! universityaffairs.ca/features/the...

My song “Underground Stream” makes me think of the importance of collective power and unity. All of my songs are available wherever you stream music under Naila Keleta-Mae. 🙌🌍 #BlackArtists #BlackSkyMusic #BlackSingers #BlackSongWriters #BlackMusicians #BlackAndFree

Hi everyone, I’m Naila! I’m excited to introduce myself and my work. In 2017, I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to thinking about Blackness and freedom—and that’s how my project, Black And Free, began. Looking forward to sharing the insights and initiatives from this 5-yr artistic experience!