2023 – a year of exciting firsts, meaningful connections, and deepening partnerships
Here’s a quick look at some of our favourite moments!
Reconnecting with artists in Mulamba
As part of our most recent research project supported by the Fund for Innovation and Transformation and in partnership with Panzi Foundation DRC, the MMM team paid a visit to one of our Healing in Harmony flagship sites in Mulamba, DRC. Graduates of the program shared how the therapy has made a lasting difference in their lives. Read more
“During the therapy sessions, each of us shared our life experiences. And using our different stories, we came up with a song. And it’s true, I understood that this song could heal because it was the fruit of our own stories.”
– Healing in Harmony artist in Mulamba, DRC
Debut releases from our mobile Healing in Harmony studio project
Through A4A Records with global distribution through Warner Music Canada, we released two debut EPs from artist collectives in South Kivu, eastern DRC. Our mobile studio, in partnership with Panzi Hospital and Foundations and with funding from Grand Challenges Canada as part of the Global Mental Health Program, makes it possible to offer mental health care to youth in remote communities. Find out more and listen now:
- “Maisha Ni Magumu (Life is Hard)” by Cohorte Les Vainqueurs
- “Umoja Ni Nguvu (Unity is Strength)” by Cohorte Les Solidaires
Calling out for “Solidarity”
In partnership with the Mukwege Foundation and SEMA, Make Music Matter was proud to produce and release the single “Solidarity” by the Global Network of Survivors, helping to raise awareness of conflict-related sexual violence and amplify the voices of survivors. Learn more
Creating “Moments” with Indigenous youth in Alberta
The single “Moments” by Nikamo marked the very first release from Healing in Harmony artists in Canada. It was followed up by a five track EP featuring youth from Kehewin Cree Nation, Goodfish Lake, Onion Lake, Cold Lake, and Saddle Lake, Alberta, brought together through the Naskwahamâtowin Healing in Harmony project, an initiative in partnership with Kehewin Native Dance Theatre supported by Bell Let’s Talk and the National Music Centre (NMC).
Check out the full Moments playlist on YouTube
“To give the students a platform to express their feelings, create their own narrative, and share their messages in song is a powerful tool and has the ability to bring the community together in a positive way.”
– Cindy Paul, Lead Music Producer for the Naskwahamâtowin project
To celebrate the release, Nikamo traveled to Calgary to perform songs from their album on the NMC stage.
We are grateful to have connected with the Community Music in Canada research team from Wilfred Laurier University who captured the Healing in Harmony project in action and produced a music video for “Mistatim”.
Billy Talent visits the Healing in Harmony project with Aboriginal Legal Services
Canadian rockers and long time MMM supporters Billy Talent joined Aboriginal Legal Services and Make Music Matter at the Harris Institute in Toronto for a close-up look at the Culture to Wellness program based on the Healing in Harmony model.
Introducing Zoongde`e
Zoongde`e is the artist collective that emerged from the Culture to Wellness project in partnership with Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS), funded by Women and Gender Equality (Government of Canada). The group, made up of front-line workers at ALS in Toronto, released their debut single “Where is Everyone?”, bringing attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirited people (MMIWG). Read more
Cheers to 2024!
There’s a lot to look forward to and we hope you’ll be a part of our mission.
With your support we can continue to grow and reach new communities in need. Please join us in making a difference and donate today.