A note from Dr. Amara Pope: Exploring Canadian R&B with Roy Hamilton III
A note from Dr. Amara Pope: Exploring Canadian R&B with Roy Hamilton III
Allow me to introduce myself: I am Dr. Amara Pope, a TEDx speaker with over a decade of marketing experience and a Ph.D. in Media Studies. You may have come across me in prominent media outlets such as CTV, Billboard, iHeartRadio, CBC, National Post, VICE, and Your Morning Show, discussing my career development and elucidating my passion for Canadian R&B.
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Roy Hamilton III in his recording studio, where we explored the inspiration behind my research and discussed key insights from interviews I conducted with 35 music industry professionals and marketing executives during my Ph.D. project.
Growing up as a second-generation Canadian-Trinidadian woman, surrounded by soca, reggae, calypso, R&B, and hip-hop at home, I felt the weight of being "Otherized" in a small town in Ontario. Little did I know that these childhood feelings would shape my academic and industry career, leading me to advocate for diversity in media representation.
We explored my research, which investigates how Canadian R&B is deeply indebted to Black America and examines the significant contributions of Caribbean Canadian immigrants to the Canadian R&B scene. I argue that many Canadian artists, who worked in genres traditionally classified as 'Black music,' collaborated on the periphery of Canadian society, and worked with US artists to establish their careers. Their influence laid the groundwork for major contemporary artists like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Jessie Reyez. I argue that their forebearers and the internet allowed contemporary artists to gain recognition and connect with diverse audiences.
As we navigate this new generation of artists, I am witnessing positive shifts in music genre categories. Diversity is taking center stage, and it's an exciting time for the Canadian R&B scene.
Roy Hamilton III asked me what advice I’d give new artists trying to break into the industry and build their careers. I told him that artists should focus on creating three brand values.
Now, as a public speaker, I share my insights on Cultural Marketing, Digital Brand Management, Work/Life Balance, and, of course, Canadian R&B.
Visit www.DrAmaraPope.ca to download the PhD study for free, watch a short summary presentation on the entire 400+ page study, and/or book me to speak at your next event. Let's explore the transformative power of diverse voices together.
Cheers to breaking barriers and celebrating the rich diversity of Canadian R&B!
