Breaking Down Racial Barriers Launches F.A.M.E. Program to Empower Black Canadian Music Managers
F.A.M.E (Foundations & Acceleration for Management Excellence) is an inaugural nationwide initiative designed to strengthen capacity, leadership and sustainability for Black artist managers.
A new initiative is elevating Black Canadian artist managers in the industry.
F.A.M.E. (Foundations & Acceleration for Management Excellence) is designed to strengthen capacity, leadership and sustainability for Black music managers.
Started by Toronto-based non-profit, Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB), the eight-week program — running from October 14 to December 4 — will provide intensive training, mentorship and industry access for Black-identifying music leaders.
Led by music manager Katrina Lopes, the initiative includes weekly Zoom workshops with management industry leaders, one-on-one mentorship and networking sessions with senior music executives and guest speakers from Canadian and U.S. music markets. Participants can gain practical skills, networks and the confidence needed to grow their management businesses and support artists on a global scale.
The initiative was funded by Ontario Creates and FACTOR with support from Canada’s Music Incubator (CMI).
“F.A.M.E. was created to equip Black music managers in Canada with the tools and resources to build stronger careers and foster more success stories,” says BDRB co-founder and program David 'Click' Cox. “F.A.M.E. is about access, mentorship, and community — so managers can thrive and lead the next generation of Canadian music.”
Combining practical knowledge and education with a cultural lens, F.A.M.E. boasts problem-solving skills to tackle future challenges in the music industry — from disruptive technologies to new models of artist sustainability and equity.
“Developed from the ground up with a detailed curriculum specifically curated to the needs of Black music artist managers from the perspective of Black music industry professionals who have successfully navigated the industry,” says Ian Andre Espinet, BDRB co-founder.
The launch of this initiative follows a 2024 ADVANCE report, which examined the barriers face by Black Canadians in the music industry. One of the report’s recommendations was highlighting strategic development for Black music, including mentorship, training and artist development opportunities for Black artists and professionals.
"Targeted funding for Black music initiatives would align with the community’s cultural and economic contributions," ADVANCE executive director Keziah Myers told Billboard Canada.
The deadline to apply for F.A.M.E is October 3. Successful candidates will be notified by October 8. Apply here.
