When Halifax singer-songwriter Jah’Mila takes the stage in England next month, she will be carrying both her Jamaican heritage and the support of a Nova Scotia community that has helped shape her career.
The JUNO-nominated artist will perform July 2 and 3 with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra at The Grange Festival in Hampshire, England, marking her first orchestral performance outside Canada.
The concert, titled Soul of Opera, will be conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and will explore connections between opera, soul, gospel and spiritual music.
Jah’Mila says she was surprised when she received an invitation from festival organizers earlier this year.
“It was a pinch me moment, I’m still trying to figure out if the email is real,” she says with a laugh. “I said yes, and then I listened to the repertoire, and then I was terrified. But I’m terrified and excited in the best way.”
The Jamaican-born artist moved to Nova Scotia nine years ago and has since become one of the province’s most recognized reggae and soul performers. Her 2022 album Roots Girl earned a JUNO Award nomination, while her follow-up album, Woman of the Sun, further expanded her audience.
She says the opportunity to perform in England represents more than a personal achievement.
“I’m so very proud to represent both my homes, Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, but also Jamaica, on a stage like this,” she says.
Jah’Mila credits Halifax’s arts community with helping her develop as a musician.
While reggae remains at the core of her sound, she says collaborations with artists from different genres and cultures have influenced her songwriting and broadened her artistic perspective.
“Reggae is in my blood,” she says. “But coming here, I’ve expanded my musicianship and my mind to be open to different sounds and different cultures.”
Before departing for England, Jah’Mila will be celebrated at a community send-off and gifting event at 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Lighthouse Arts Centre, located at 1800 Argyle St. The event will bring together local designers, artists and supporters ahead of her overseas performance. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear directly from Jah’Mila as she discusses her creative process, her journey following cancer treatment and her plans for the future as she prepares for her international orchestral debut.
The event, organized by House of Soli Youth in Action, aims to connect Haligonians with the artist and foster community building.
“We wanted this send-off to showcase the incredible talent we have here in Nova Scotia,” says Corinne Cameron, chief fashion and inclusion officer with House of Soli Youth in Action. “Jah’Mila will be wearing three custom designs by Khush Mizaj for her performance in England, and throughout the trip, she’ll also be representing local designers, including DB Pearlz Designs, for media appearances and other events. It’s a way for her to carry a piece of Halifax’s creative community with her on the international stage.”Â
At the event, “we’re going to see what she loves and what makes her feel the most confident, and we will add that to her touring wardrobe.”
Cameron says the event reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusion and community support.
At age 15, Cameron suffered a brain injury and stroke following a serious car accident. Since then, she has spoken publicly about disability awareness and accessibility.
“I think being kind can be such an easy little thing and make someone’s whole day or whole year,” she says. “It’s important for people to feel included. Jah’Mila fought cancer, and we want to support the warrior that she is. It is important that people feel heard and included.”
Jah’Mila says the support she has received from Halifax’s arts community has been instrumental throughout her career.
“I am so proud to be a part of the artistic community here in Halifax,” she says. “When I let people know about this opportunity, the community rallied around me.”
She says that support has come from musicians, arts organizations, publicists, photographers and other creatives who have helped her navigate the music industry and reach new audiences.
As she prepares to perform alongside an international cast in England, Jah’Mila says she hopes to make both Jamaica and Nova Scotia proud.
“To share my voice in these spaces and connect with people through music is something I never take for granted,” she says.
Great article that brings awareness to people who are striving to be heard, for all the right reasons.