ebonEmpress reminds us there’s no real Peace without justice in her topical and moving new single and video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The second single from the Vancouver musician’s debut EP, Peace speaks about the journey of a young black man — his hopes, his dreams and his family life — and ends with him becoming a victim of police brutality.
“This is an important story for me to share, as I witness my family, friends, and community struggle in face of discrimination,” explains ebonEmpress (real name: Dae Shields). “It’s a very emotional topic that brings out complex feelings of rage, sorrow, and grief as I bear witness to the atrocities that are often covered up, downplayed, or completely erased. The lyrics were inspired through my research of Canada’s history of police brutality amongst black men, as well as various experiences of loss within my community.”
Dae shares the powerful story behind the song’s equally powerful video. “The inspiration for the music video comes from the connections we all share. The relationship between the two characters is universal. It represents an unconditional love that can be shared between mother and son, brother and sister, father and daughter, friendship, etc. The video speaks to the many aspects of our humanity from our relationships and community to our artistry and creativity. We chose to focus on this theme to broaden how Black men are seen within the media. Many who are victims of police brutality are often portrayed in a negative light, diminishing their humanity. This video represents Black joy and our determination to protect it.”
Peace is the followup to her single Imperfect, which came out last fall. Written and co-produced by ebonEmpress, the track also features bassist/composer Tim Bennett, pianist/composer Mary Ancheta, vocalist Dawn Pemberton and Paul Clark on drums. The single was co-produced, mixed, and composed by Jane Aurora at Capsule Studios and mastered by Elisa Pangsaeng, with assistant engineers Catherine Hiltz and Jaden Shackelly.
Hailing from Ontario, but now an active member of the Vancouver arts and broader communities, Shields was brought up in double cultures, with the prominence of her Jamaican community in her church, family, and daily life, while simultaneously experiencing aspects of a traditional North American upbringing. She incorporates her experiences as a woman of African descent living in Canada into her music. She was a born musician from a young age. “I grew up in the church, in the choir, and my grandfather is a guitar player, so music has always been a big part of my life,” she says. “I [found] so much healing in music,and wanted to share that with my community.
In addition to being a musician, ebonEmpress is an MC, pianist, spoken-word artist and community advocate. She is one of the founders of Afro Van Connect, a non-profit dedicated to the empowerment of young creatives of African descent through collaboration, conversation, creation and performance. She has performed across Canada and has collaborated with Indigenous rappers Snotty Nose Rez Kids. This past year she was a guest artist at the Vancouver Jazz Festival, RISE Edutainment Event, City of Toronto Mural Showcase, Culture Con in Kelowna, Sunshine Festival in Powell River and Vancouver Winter Arts Festival. She will be at the Khatsalano Music Festival on July 6 and Vancouver’s Granville Block Party on Aug. 25.
Watch the video for Peace above, hear more from ebonEmpress below, and find her on her website, Instagram and Facebook.
