Black Artists and Musicians

February is Black History Month, a time that recognizes the historic and ongoing struggles toward racial equality and celebrates the experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Today, we are highlighting a number of Black artists and musicians in Brantford. Tourism Brantford invites you to follow along and share your own stories on social media using the hashtag #BHMBrantford.

Nicole Alexander, Artist
Nicole Alexander is a self-taught visual artist whose paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolour reflect her Afro-Caribbean heritage. Born and raised in the two-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Nicole’s inspiration for her paintings stems from her love of dancing, music and poetry, but also and most significantly from the beauty of her Caribbean culture and heritage. Nicole’s “Together Again” 2021 Calendar is now available to purchase through her website and includes 12 images that will inspire you to carry on the new year until we are able to be Together Again. Learn more at nicolealexanderart.ca and on Facebook. 

Vern Payne, Musician
Vern Payne is member of the band, Pleasant Ridge, Chair of the Caribbean Village at the Brantford International Villages Festival and a member of Brantford’s Cultural Advisory Committee. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Brant Community Healthcare System and The Child and Family Foundation. Vern has been playing guitar for over 40 years and plays a wide range of musical genres with Pleasant Ridge, including folk, pop, classic rock, jazz, and blues. When asked what his favourite music venue in Brantford is, Vern says, “I would not say I have a favorite place or event, but the more intimate the setting, the better the performance. I enjoy being close to the audience and see the interaction or reaction to the music.” Follow Pleasant Ridge on Facebook.

Other Black musicians and artists in Brantford include:

CG Dillon, Musician
Courtney “CG” Dillion is a Brantford-based musician, songwriter, performer and producer. Follow CG on Instagram.

Did we forget to include your favourite local Black artist or musician? Share them with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.