
Black Canvas
By Jeriel Harvey


Multi-faceted Singer/Actor Tate Yap
Tate Yap is an actor and singer from Cambridge ON, Canada. He started off his acting career at the early age of 6, making his first appearance on stage in The Browns Children Theatre production of Peter Pan as Smee. After continuing theatre there, and starting to work on short films for a few years, he began working professionally at the age of 10. With his first bigger role on the PBS/TVO show "Odd Squad", his character "O'Donahue" started off his TV career, working on many other shows, movies, and commercials. In 2023, after a tough experience in college, he began songwriting in his dorm room. After testing the waters with a Singer/Songwriter style song as his first release, he realized that Pop was a better fit, after a video of him singing a song he wrote on TikTok surpassed 1.5 million views. Since then, he has been heard by hundreds of thousands of listeners across Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms. Working with talented producers, and sparking interest from labels, his music career continues to grow with each release.

CEO/Founder of The G Community, LLC, Jaylon Givan
Jaylon Givan, CEO/Founder of The G Community, LLC, is a professional artist, educator, director, and youth mentor from Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Givan’s work focuses extensively on one-on-one global dance training for all ages and skill levels. He is a founding graduate of Alabama State University’s BFA Dance Program.
To summarize his background, Givan has trained with esteemed institutions such as Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. He has performed with notable companies, including Urban Souls Dance Company, Dissonance Dance Theatre, and Montgomery Ballet. Additionally, he has collaborated with top commercial dance professionals such as Fatima Robinson and Jeremy Green.
Recent career highlights include performing in critically acclaimed Color Purple film, modeling for Beyoncé’s IVY PARK, and dancing with artists like Lil Nas X and Stevie Wonder.

Groove Phase Singer/Songwriter: Tatum the Dreamer
Tatum the Dreamer is a visionary singer known for crafting music that evokes a refreshing sound. With a unique take on Pop and R&B influences, Tatum weaves lyrics, melodies and harmonies that resonate with listeners on a deeply emotional level. His most recent release Groove Phase with Mayzin and Jack Higgins (currently streaming everywhere) further solidifies their position as a rising star in the music scene.

Aspiring Model and Designer: Libin Lijo Mathew
Libin Lijo Mathew and his journey into modeling has been all about transforming challenges into something extraordinary. He started out as a fitness influencer, turning to bodybuilding to hide the insecurities he had about his facial asymmetry. Growing up, he had stunning features, but something happened—a fall he took or maybe just natural causes—that changed everything, leaving him struggling with self-image.
For years, he thought he had to cover up his differences, but everything changed when he was accepted into a modeling agency that saw his asymmetry as something special, not something to hide. That moment was life-changing. It opened a path of self-discovery where he finally began to embrace what he once thought were imperfections. He turned them into his signature look, making his facial asymmetry a trend and redefining beauty standards on a global scale.
He is making his professional debut on the runway, have been featured by brands like Lee Cooper, and work with some incredible photographers.
All of this began at the very young age of 16, when he decided to take control of his story. His dream is to inspire people never to give up on their own dreams. That’s why he started his own non-profit model management, to give everyone a shot at achieving their aspirations in modeling. His mission is to lift others up, make a difference, and show that no dream is too far out of reach. This journey isn’t just about me; it’s about building a community where everyone can feel heroic in their own way.

Rapper/Lyricist: AsifMusic
Asif is an Indian artist who raps in Hindi language & have over 25K followers over all social media platforms. He is from Kolkata, India. He has been working for music since 4 years as an artist. He releases his first single and official video late back on Sept 2020 after pandemic & since then started hustling and releasing my project constantly. He has over 10 originals on his Youtube & some of them on Spotify as well.

“Don’t Ya” Duo Artist: J+M
Mackenzie Sol, who hails from a small town in Northern England, has been making music, acting and dancing from a young age. He first gained the interest of music fans and executives when he appeared on X-Factor UK at the age of 4. By age 6 he’d performed in numerous stage productions at London’s legendary West End. He also trained at the Royal Ballet School in London for two years. At age 13, Sol shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and other stars at the 2014 Carousel of Hope Ball in Los Angeles, directed by David Foster. He quickly gained recognition as a finalist on American Idol season 22 after building a large following on social media, with over 12 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million followers on Instagram. Now, as a singer-songwriter and actor living in the U.S., he’s churning out pop music with his soulful voice and keen sense of writing from the heart.
Jordan Anthony launched onto the Australian music scene at a young age when the Perth native at 14 he became the youngest finalist in the history of The Voice Australia making it to the Top 4 of the series. Having an ear for music and passion for songwriting, he was then selected to represent Australia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with his original song We Will Rise. From Western Australia, the now 19 year-old continues to write and independently release his music. In 2023 he was asked to showcase at MusExpo LA collaborating with other talented artists and musicians. Jordan’s heartfelt lyrics that provide insight into his experiences of bullying, heartbreak, love and loss. Jordan was a Top 14 finalist on American Idol season 22.

“UltraFlame” Singer/Songwriter: Josh Hurt
Josh Hurt is an Urban Pop entertainer in LA, by the way of Dallas, Texas. His Texas roots developed his songwriting skills beginning at the young age of 9, which led him to recording and performing original music throughout his teens. After a long break from releasing music, he’s making his way back with a new sound reflecting his influences of r&b, hip & hop, and dance music from every era. His upcoming EP “ULTRAFLAME” will take you through a sonic journey leaving you feeling confident and demanding everything that you deserve in life.

Power of Change
Every change starts with an idea — a vision of what could happen to create a tangible benefit for an organization. But ideas are not enough. Change —or, to call it by another name, innovation — is the process of transforming a vision into a new reality that delivers the promised benefits.

Power of Self Reflection
How well do you know yourself? Do you think about why you do the things you do? Self-reflection is a skill that can help you understand yourself better.
Self-reflection involves being present with yourself and intentionally focusing your attention inward to examine your thoughts, feelings, actions, and motivations.

Sounds of Sanity Creator and Music Artist: XSavotage
The Largest Indie Artist Music Festival In Long Beach, where the power of music, art, and community intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Enjoy 100+ artists of different genres, countless local vendors, gourmet food, signature cocktails, and a friendly environment. Go out and support local artists and follow XSavotage

Hip Hop Songwriter, Producer, and Music Artist: Trevor Lee

Colombian Designer and Entrepreneur: Angel Riveros
Angel founded his own design studio AIR Studio in 2019. Since then, he has creatively lead and managed several remodeling and development projects for top Disney Executives and recognized L.A. Developers.
Parallel to his design background, Angel has been also passionate about content creation and entertainment media, In 2022 thanks to a YouTube video, Angel got called to participate in the second season of the competition show HOGAR STAR from the network Discovery Familia. Angel competed against 7 talented designers and after 5 difficult challenges he took home the first place. This marked the beginning of a new phase on Angel’s creative journey, after the show aired he joined forces with Celebrity Master Chef Aaron Sanchez and designer Cris Mercado to a new tv show where the 3 of them find Latino restaurants with untapped potential and together take the restaurant to the next level.
Angel has demonstrated not just talent but perseverance and dedication to his craft to overcome the difficulties of growing up in an unprivileged environment. His focus right now is to keep building up his voice and brand to keep making a positive impact on his community, and inspire others to work towards achieving their dreams.

“Snake Charmer” Singer Songwriter- Ryan Allen Gray
Ryan studied Musical Theatre and Acting at East Carolina University before making the big move to New York City in 2012. He started his music career with an LGBTQ performance group called Shirley House in New York. He was part of the group for over 5 years.
Ryan has performed in renown music venues such as Sleep No More, The Peppermint Club, The Rainbow Room, Gramercy Theatre, The Cutting Room, Pianos, and Mercury Lounge. He has also worked in TV and Film and has been featured in off-Broadway productions in NYC such as Rock N Roll Debauchery. Ryan has been lucky to partner with folks including Lance Bass, Lisa Vanderpump and Launch Pad to curate live music events for a good cause.
Ryan moved to Nashville, TN in 2022 to write and produce original music for his debut solo artist project with themes that lend themselves to queer narratives.
Ryan was inspired to write his debut single “Oh My God” by the current political climate surrounding LGBTQIA rights around the world. More specifically the recent legislation and discourse in Tennessee where he is currently based.
“Oh My God” is a reflection on Ryan's own lived experience growing up as a Queer person in rural North Carolina. It is a prayer from a Queer person's perspective. The song is also meant to act as an invitation to a larger conversation about the meaning and nature of God, and the role of religion in shaping how we see and treat each other as human beings.
His most Recent Release is a song called “Snake Charmer” It is the story of the Narcissist and the Empath. It was inspired by themes of past relationships in Ryan’s personal life. You can find “Snake Charmer” on all streaming platforms with the Official Music Video on Youtube.

Up and Coming Pop Alternative Artist: Leif

Internationally Critically Acclaimed Award Winning Composer and Lyricist: Michael Mott

Country Singer and Songwriter: Travis Yee
Travis Yee introduced his unique sound to the world with cover songs and was immediately welcomed with positive feedback from a diverse range of listeners. Some of his fans have even mentioned that Travis has become their most favorite vocalist, which speaks to how valued Travis’ music is to the world.
Travis appeared on Fox’s I Can See Your Voice, Season 1.
Now, after sharing his unique style and tone through cover songs, Travis has embarked on the next step in his musical journey – original music, which is sure to further captivate audiences across the globe. Make sure to follow Travis to get updates on his original music releases. His first 2 singles EVERYTHING, BUT COUNTRY and EYES LIKE MINE are out now with his third single “SHE’S CHANGING.”
You can follow Travis on all your favorite social media / video platforms. His username is @travisyeehaw on all platforms. @asiancountrysinger on TikTok

Fashion Photographer and Entrepreneur: Rony Sejaan

UK Professional Singer Songwriter/Producer: Chris Nichols

Singer/Songwriter/Up and Coming Pop Superstar: Josh Ryan

Multi-Faceted Best Selling Artist: J.D. Netto

Songs in the Key of the Amazingly, Talented: Fabio Rabello

Life and Relationship Coach, Philanthropist, Author, and Husband: Gee Smalls

Award Winning Acclaimed Choreographer and Director: Paul Becker

Alternative R&B Crooner: Ben Kelly

“Tangerine” R&B Pop Artist: GESS

Let’s Get Candid with our Season 10 Premiere Artist: R-Mean

Rapper/Entrepreneur/Innovator: Blessed B33ZY

Professional Dancer and Innovator: Alexander Collins
Alexander looks forward to performing on multiple stages worldwide, appearing on the nearest big screen, and sharing his talent worldwide.

Unleashed with Host, Correspondent, and Entrepreneur: Jason Carter
In addition to his time in front of the camera, Jason has also enjoyed success in radio. As a radio personality Jason has lent his voice to various formats including Top 40; Urban; CHR Rhythmic and Talk.
In the spring of 2006 Jason relocated to Los Angeles and embarked on his television career in Hollywood. Working for many small outlets, Jason honed his skills and cultivated his on- camera persona.
The Summer of 2016, Jason became a host and correspondent for the largest online YouTube news show in the world The Young Turks. To everything from hard hitting news to politics to entertainment, Jason’s unique perspective and expertise has been a valuable asset in reaching their nearly twelve million subscribers.
In the fall of 2018 Jason joined the number one entertainment news source in the world, Entertainment Tonight as host and producer of their new digital platform ETLive. Whether it’s breaking news; sit down interviews or on the red carpet, Jason has been in the middle of all the action in Hollywood.
He has been a correspondent or contributor
with CBS News, HLN and CNN.
For fifteen seasons Jason has been a cast member of the EMMY award winning LGBTQ reality competition show Rupaul's Drag Race. This global phenomenon has given him the opportunity to connect with millions all over the world in addition to providing a vast platform for his brand and likeness to reach broader audiences that have engaged and followed him to other endeavors he has taken on.
Now, in 2020 Jason has launched his own branded content. A talk show called #JasonUnleashed. Daily,Jason sits down with celebrities and industry personalities via Instagram Live and talks everything from career; mental health and self-care to what’s on the horizon and exclusive news.

Godfathers of LGBTQ+TV: Deondray and Quincy LeNear Gossfield

Award Winning Film Director: Clark Monroe

Independent Hip Hop Artist, Vocalist, and Producer: Verum

Hung Up with Eric Cole
A Philly based culture and society platform from a Black Queer Perspective. Since 2017, guests from all walks of life have brought their knowledge, stories, and expertise to the show: educators, singers, artists, actors, authors, community engagers and advocates, podcast hosts, and health advocates. The Hung Up Podcast exists to encourage, inform, and share experiences of the people impacting various spaces throughout the community. He was a Temple University alumnus and 2x Philly Tennis Champion.

Acclaimed Writer, Actor, and Producer: Chris Levine
In the year ahead, audiences can expect to see even more exceptional work from Levine and his team, as they prepare to release three new movies, including productions set in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. With a growing reputation for excellence and an unyielding passion for his craft, Chris Levine is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of film and entertainment.

Emerging Artist of the Year: Noah Derksen
known as a songwriter's songwriter. Hailing from the heart of the Canadian Prairies, Noah has
spent years honing his craft up, down, and across North America. With a rich and soulful voice,
Noah weaves poetry that sounds instantly familiar on first listen. He currently lives in Winnipeg. Noah's new album--Sanctity of Silence- follows the arc of love. Produced by Juno-winner
Murray Pulver, the album is out March 9th, 2023 via Symphonic.

“Up Above” Singer/Songwriter: Cody Daniel

World-Acclaimed Photographer and Director: Joshua Shultz
Today I spend most of my time Directing and planning and shooting for my upcoming fine art photography series.

Powerhouse Vocalist and Friend: Elizabeth Komba Odom

Life According to: Dominic Calvani
At the age of 18, Dom returned to his hometown of Denver for college. While pursuing a degree in computer science and working in the field as a software engineer and business consultant,Dom had the experience of living in multiple different states and countries, including Northern California, Southern California, Germany and Chicago. Moving to Miami brought a lot of changes for Dom, eventually leading him into the modeling and entertainment roles.
As an avid traveler and skydiver, Dom loves getting to see new parts of the world, experiencing new cultures, jumping out of planes, meditating, and going on occasional psychedelic journey to explore the deep crevasses of his mind and the universe.

British Cover Singer Sensation: Paul Middleton
If you enjoy calming and sensitive vocals then each album highlights Paul’s voice to lift you away and escape then discover more, from Bonnie Raitt classic ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ on “Covers”, to a stunning and emotive version of George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ on “Covers 3”, to turning an anthem of P!nk’s ‘Perfect’ into an inspiring ballad on “Covers 4!”
His choice in songs is an extension of his own life stories and is a testament to his unwavering spirit and positivity. Having lost his mother to cancer at a young age and going through his own tumour scare in 2023 he believes in celebrating the vulnerabilities of life and reflecting on gratitude.
So far, his career has seen him achieve 4 number ones, artist of the month at OUTTV and tour parts of the world including USA, UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Ireland. Covers 5 is currently only available on Bandcamp as a fundraiser for his own debut album

Singer/Songwriter/“The Voice” Finalist: Jordan Anthony

Birmingham Native and Rising Star: 1KSpin

International Multi-Award Winning Entertainer: Septimius The Great

Singer/Producer/Songwriter: El Hashem
Since then he wrote, recorded, and released two singles and an EP. Upcoming plans include a full album in 2023 that el Hashem best describes as a personal and collective celebration of life, good vibes, inspiration, and feeling good, that will serve to empower the listeners on a struggling day. The album will again be a mix of Western and Middle Eastern vibes that el Hashem loves to connect together. El Hashem’s popularity is growing steadily around the world. From close to home in Toronto, and North America, to the Middle East, Indonesia, Philippines, Uganda, Nigeria, South America, and more, fans are coming to his social media from all over to enjoy his original songs, his fun videos covering popular songs that he does to entertain his friends (he personally prefers that to “fans”), and his sharing of his love of food, dogs, and life. His friendly, down to earth real vibe, and happy smile, seem to be reason for his growing popularity. When he started, el Hashem was concerned about a number of barriers to break as a Lebanese Canadian, gay artist, who is starting on the journey of writing and recording songs after a successful career in media publishing and as a talk show host. To be welcomed and enjoyed by listeners from different cultures, and in spite of the distances, is an exciting, and unexpected step, in his song journey. His recent 2022 Holiday Season videos singing much loved Christmas songs seemed to be spreading seasonal joy to listeners and getting a ton of love. That is how el Hashem sees songs and his role as an artist, to bring people together, to bridge cultures, to create a moment of joy or a powerful emotion.

Actor/Educator/ and Producer: Carolyn Michelle Smith

“Get Back” Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist Dylan Jakobsen

Author/Speaker/Meditation Teacher: Chris Cirak

Long Island Native Singer/Songwriter/Producer: Rob Eberle

Photographer, Award-Winning Filmmaker, and Aspiring Screenwriter: Jesse Foy
Contact Jesse by email or via instagram:
FoyFilms@gmail.com

Pop Urban Artist: Tysen Knight
Tysen was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and grew up in New Jersey, where he finished high school. He decided to skip the idea of going to college and obtained his barbers' license instead and worked with some of the region's top athletes. He moved to California to pursue his passion in the arts and currently resides in the Palm Springs,California.
As a teenager, Tysen communicated his artwork through graffiti on walls and vacant buildings.He was hugely inspired by Andy Warhol.
From an early age, Knight got hands-on drawing cartoons and airbrushing them on jeans for $25. He also created business logos.
Tysen’s documentary, The Art Of Hustle: Street Art Documentary, was a success that motivated him to become a regular gallery contributor, from being a street artist. It won the ''Best Feature Film" Award 2018 at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival.
The production of the documentary, The Art Of Hustle, began in October 2016. Tysen worked sixty hours a week at a barbershop, and when he got days off on Sundays and Mondays, he filmed the documentary for nine months straight.
Knight directed the documentary to deliver the inspirational story about all the endeavors and dedication required to achieve goals and dreams and also shed a positive light on street art and graffiti.
Knight was responsible for a project, "Street Bench Art Pilot" conceived by the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission, the City Council Downtown Subcommittee, and Main Street Palm Springs, which involved decorating the benches throughout downtown
Palm Springs. He created a series of benches with the theme, "Urban Desert Palms and Icons" on Palm Canyon Drive between Arenas Road and Museum Way. The icons included Garland, Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Frida Kahlo, and Lucille Ball.
Knight launched his latest collection of paintings and drawings on October 23, 2019, at www.RobertJamesGallery.com. The works are part of his new Masterpiece Mash-Up Series where he re-imagines paintings from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Leonardo DaVinci, and Grant Wood. The collection debuted in NYC (Time Square) in the last quarter of 2019.
Knight has worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to build homes for the less fortunate. He has also been involved in activities like preparing meals alongside Midnight Mission for the homeless and mentoring young ‘troubled’ kids to pursue arts at no cost.
Knight partnered with The Palm Springs Unified School District and the BAM (Boys Art Mentorship) program in California and utilized his brand of street art to inspire and mentor at-risk youth. During this mentorship program, Tysen engaged students with an interactive program and taught them how to express themselves artistically, which has in return seen the drop-out rate of men of color in these programs reduced.
Tysen Knight won the award for the category, Best Feature Film, at Oregon Documentary Film Festival, in 2018, for his documentary, The Art Of Hustle: Street Art Documentary. He also won the ''Best Director'' Award 2019 at the Marina Del Rey Film Festival for his second film The Art Of Hustle: Homeless Street Artist Documentary.
Tysen also won the artist “Spotlight” award at Red Dot Miami (Art Basel Weekend)
Tysen is also Artist Educator-in- Residence for the Palm Springs Art Museum: Jan 23- I February 9, 2020 (Sheffer/Scheffler Arts Education Space). We are grateful to have him as a guest on Black Canvas