African Nova Scotian music awards to mark 20th anniversary at Dal‑hosted red‑carpet gala

Dalhousie will roll out the red carpet next February during its bicentennial year to host the African Nova Scotian Music Association’s 20th annual awards gala — the first time the event has ever been held on campus.

Some of the African Nova Scotian community’s top musical talent will be feted during the milestone event, which will include an awards ceremony, musical performances, and an after-event celebration.

“We are thrilled to host ANSMA for its 20th anniversary awards gala,” said Richard Florizone, Dal’s president. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the many musical and artistic achievements of African Nova Scotians.”

Awards and performances at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in the Dalhousie Arts Centre will be followed by a catered after-event at the nearby Collaborative Health Education Building, one of the university’s newest facilities.

Hosting the awards show on campus next year provides an opportunity for Dal and ANSMA to celebrate a shared anniversary year together and to help strengthen ties that will foster a more diverse and inclusive campus community.

“As we celebrate our 200th anniversary, we want to partner with community groups in new ways to foster an even more diverse and inclusive community,” said President Florizone. “Partnering with ANSMA for this exciting event is a great way to achieve that."

Promotion through partnership

ANSMA has been promoting the development of African Nova Scotian music and musicians since its inception in 1997 through workshops, showcases and other types of support.

"I am delighted that Dalhousie University shares our objective of creating a better world that requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration,” said Lou Gannon, ANSMA’s president. “My earnest hope is that what we have started in terms of building partnerships will continue. I welcome this fresh approach to the entertainment industry and I look forward to helping build more innovative partnerships in the future.”

The gala takes place on February 24, 2018, starting at 6:30 p.m. Further details and ticket information will be available at a later date.

This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting planning for Dalhousie’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2018. For more information on Dal 200, visit dal200.ca.