Juno-winning Ontario R&B artist earns provincial grant to help produce next album

A Juno-winning R&B artist from Scarborough and her Oshawa recording studio were given a $13,000 boost from the Ontario government’s AccelleratiON program, which aims to strengthen and support the economic and cultural growth of the province’s Black and Indigenous music businesses and artists.

Still Alive Industries Inc. will receive $13,000 through Ontario Creates, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, to support sound, recording, marketing and business development activities for Savannah Ré’s upcoming album.

Savannah Ré Simpson, known professionally as Savannah Ré, is a Canadian R&B singer-songwriter who won a Juno in 2021 for Traditional R&B/Soul for her song ‘Solid,’ from her debut EP ‘Opia.’

Ré, who was signed by frequent Drake collaborator Boi-1da to the Pickering beat king’s Music imprint through Universal Music Canada, said it was an “honour” to be presented the grant. “As a Black female entrepreneur, I continue to go above and beyond to achieve success despite the many hurdles I face,” she said. “The AcceleratiON program is so important to artists like me and I’m grateful for the investment the Government of Ontario is making into Black and Indigenous music, so our stories can be heard across the nation and around the world.”

The AcceleratiON Program is designed to build the economic capacity of successful new and emerging Black- and Indigenous- owned music businesses, particularly those who may face barriers to the mainstream music industry.

Eligible activities include music recording, marketing and promotion, export development, staff expansion and skills development, and live music event production.

Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho said the program is designed to break down those barriers for music businesses and artists who want access to the mainstream music industry.

“Ontario’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture industries enrich our lives and boost economic activity,” said Tourism, Culture and Gaming Minister Stan Cho. “Still Alive Industries Inc. is … helping to ensure Black musicians in Oshawa have the opportunity to share their art with their community and connect with audiences across the province and beyond.”

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