The Grammy-nominated, Juno-winning vocal coach will be remembered for his work with homegrown acts including Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, Loony and more.
The Toronto singer and vocal coach’s death was confirmed to Billboard Canada yesterday evening (April 14) by Jermayne Clayton, artist manager and vice-chair of government and community relations at Music Managers Forum Canada. Sinclair’s passing was unexpected, while he was abroad in Thailand.
Sinclair was an active mentor in the city, providing intentional vocal development, vocal arrangement and coaching sessions to Canadian artists like Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson, TheHonestGuy, Savannah Ré, Loony, Dylan Sinclair and more.
In the 2010s, he launched The Vocal Alchemist, a hub to develop his services, in what he called “the home of intentional sound.” Nevon Sinclair built up a roster of talent over the past decade, helping them elevate their vocal potential.
advertisement
Notably, he worked with Caesar on the Toronto singer’s breakout debut album, Freudian, in 2017. He provided coaching, background vocals, arrangement recording and tour support on the project. “Best Part,” a collaboration with H.E.R., went on to win best R&B performance at the 2019 Grammys. On the charts, Freudian peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.
One of Sinclair's biggest projects was working on the vocal performance and arrangements of Loony's 2021 hit "Raw," the Scarborough-born R&B singer's biggest hit to date. In addition, he assisted with vocal coaching and background vocal arrangements for the singer's other work. "Raw" went on to be sampled by 21 Savage, Metro Boomin' and Burna Boy on 2024's "Just Like Me," which debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100.
"He was the best vocal arranger I know. Anytime I needed something to feel special or stand out, I called Nev," producer and engineer Akeel Henry tells Billboard Canada. Of Sinclair's involvement on "Raw," Henry shares: "[Sinclair is] on the chorus in a call and response with her, and that moment is what made the song. Years later, that same section with his voice was sampled by Metro Boomin, 21 Savage and Burna Boy. That was Nev. He made songs feel better."
advertisement
Scarborough native Savannah Ré, whom Sinclair provided vocal development and coaching services along with background vocal arrangements and recordings, says he was "the first person who really helped me feel confident in my own voice, confident in who I am as an artist."
She continues: "He helped me understand how to use my voice, how to trust it, and how to stand in it fully. This loss is something that will be deeply felt, I think, for the rest of our lives.”
Fellow artist Dylan Sinclair — no relation to Nevon — was coached by the vocalist as they often worked together ahead of the Toronto R&B singer-songwriter's live performances. He calls Nevon, "more than a vocal wizard. This dude gave his life to educating and elevating those around him. Thank you for your humble spirit and everything you’ve contributed to our city. Rest in power."
A noted trailblazer in the Canadian music community, many of his colleagues who worked behind-the-scenes with Sinclair are grappling with his loss.
advertisement
"Nevon’s identity is all over Canadian music history," producer Jordon Manswell tells Billboard Canada. "His absence will be felt in the same way. He’s helped so many of us in ways we may not even understand yet."
Canadian manager, producer and close Daniel Caesar collaborator Jordan Evans echoes a similar sentiment: “Nevon was a beautiful person and an incredible talent. He had a rare gift for bringing out the best in everyone he worked with, and he filled every room with his warmth and energy. His contributions to Canadian R&B were immense, and his impact will be felt for generations to come."
advertisement
Meanwhile, Toronto-based producer Matthew Burnett, known for helming hits for artists like Drake and Jessie Reyez and also a producer/manager for Caesar, calls Sinclair "a true unsung hero in this city who always understood the assignment."
"Nevon Sinclair was one of one," Burnett says. "He was part of my foundation early in my career as the go-to for all things vocals and always delivered. He was a quiet, beautiful soul with an impeccable sense of humour who was given a gift from God, which he made sure to share by impacting both the gospel community and the music industry at large. It was this sensitivity and understanding of both worlds that made him the perfect person for us to collaborate with on Freudian and so many other projects. His legacy will live on forever both tangibly through the works he touched but also through the impact he had in the hearts of many.”
Due to his sudden departure, Sinclair’s family has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for his funeral and other related costs, including bringing him back to Canada. At the time of reporting, the family has received three-quarters of their $30,000 goal.
“Nevon was a truly special soul — someone who loved deeply, lived fully, and brought light into the lives of those around him,” the family writes. “Those who knew him understood the depth of his kindness, his warmth and his unique spirit.”
They continue: “Music was at the core of who Nevon was. As a dedicated vocal coach, he touched the lives of many in the music community, inspiring others to find their voice and confidence. His passion for music and life itself was undeniable, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
