Jully Black with Melafrique

Presented by Calgary Folk Music Festival

Renaissance Juno and Gemini Award-winning soulful R&B singer/songwriter Jully Black has re-invented herself many times over her storied, multi-faceted life. Childhood church choir singing and college law enforcement training preceded a 1998 music publishing deal at age 20. As she penned songs for other artists, including Kardinal Offishall, Nas, Destiny’s Child and Choclair, she developed her own powerhouse, multi-octave vocal style. After her first Juno-nominated hit song "Rally'n" didn’t result in record label courting, she returned to work as a bank teller. Black's songwriting chops weren't ignored, though, with her songs landing on films, followed by her firecracker record, 2007’s Revival, which strongly impacted Canadian urban music – especially her take on Etta James’s "Seven Day Fool.”

From careers in fitness – punctuated by being an Amazing Race contestant – a passion for philanthropy plus stage and screen acting (Da Kink In My Hair, Caroline and more) plus TV and radio hosting, Black has shaped national conversations about race, gender and social barriers, exemplified by changing the Canadian anthem lyrics live at a 2023 NBA All-Stars game to "home on native land,” sparking a discussion about colonialism.

In '22 we got Black’s critically-acclaimed, autobiographical album: Three Rocks and a Slingshot, which featured collaborations with key songwriters and producers. This long-awaited ode to David and Goliath celebrates resilience, love and hope.

Melafrique is an Edmonton-based Afro-fusion band featuring members from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Jamaica and Canada that blend jazz, R&B, reggae, and neo-soul with African musical styles that celebrates the African and Caribbean identities.
March 1st, 2025
Festival Hall
Doors: 7:00 pm; Show: 8:00 pm
All Ages / Licensed

Advance tickets: $30 + fees and taxes

This is a seated event. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit www.calgaryfolkfest.com.

Host or Publisher Calgary Folk Music Festival