Canadian Rising Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) Launches Toronto Artist-in-Residence Program, Welcomes Afropop Star ZOCHI as First Recipient
The Canadian Rising Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) proudly pronounces the official launch of the CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence Program, a groundbreaking initiative devoted to artist improvement and trade mentorship for Canada’s most promising rising expertise. This system kicks off in Toronto with its inaugural 2025 Artist in Residence: ZOCHI, the Nigeria-born, Saskatchewan-based Afropop trailblazer, identified throughout the nation as Canada’s Queen of Afropop.
Because the 2025 CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence, ZOCHI will obtain a totally funded, one-year residency and improvement scholarship that features housing, advertising and publicity help, creative improvement, and full-service artist administration by means of Black Uncovered Leisure. ZOCHI has additionally been formally signed to CEAMA HOUSE, a music improvement firm — not a conventional label — constructed by legendary Canadian artists for the subsequent technology of creators.
CEAMA is the primary and solely Canadian awards program that solely acknowledges rising musicians and trade professionals for his or her creativity, group impression, social goal, and long-term development, moderately than industrial metrics like streams or gross sales. Winners are vetted by icons of Canadian music and obtain their awards solely after present process a mentorship course of, guaranteeing every artist receives not simply recognition, however actual instruments for fulfillment.
The CEAMA Artist in Residence program options intensive mentorship from a rising roster of legendary Canadian artists and music professionals. Present mentors embody:
- Michael Williams (Founding VJ, MuchMusic)
- Solitair (Hip-Hop legend, producer)
- With partnership help from That Eric Alper Publicity, Black Music Canada, and extra to be introduced.
CEAMA HOUSE’s Vice Presidents, Joel Joseph (producer for Nelly Furtado, Kardinal Offishall) and Sean Jones (Juno-winning R&B artist, In Essence), emphasize the mission:
“We’re not a document label. We’re a music improvement firm constructed by legends, for future artists. CEAMA HOUSE reinvests all artist efficiency proceeds right into a touring and lodging fund to help upcoming artists accepted into festivals and excursions — launching in 2027.”
As part of her mentorship, ZOCHI not too long ago joined Michael Williams at CBC Studios Toronto, the place she noticed a reside nationwide interview in regards to the legacy of Sly Stone — gaining first-hand media coaching and perception into interview strategies from legends.
ZOCHI, who can be the 2025 CEAMA Afrobeats Award recipient and an official CEAMA Ambassador, not too long ago carried out at NXNE 2025 and joined the Saskatchewan leg of Jully Black’s “Songs & Tales Tour.” She will even open for Sean Jones’ “Revival” Tour on July 30 at Palais Royale, Toronto. Her new single, “Beside Me,” a heartfelt monitor impressed by her journey as a Black queer lady residing her reality, shall be launched on June 20 throughout Delight Month.
Additionally featured as a CEAMA Ambassador and 2025 Award Recipient is Saskatchewan Hip-Hop icon Pimpton, winner of CEAMA’s Hip-Hop class. Trying forward, CEAMA is exploring introducing public voting in 2026 to extend inclusivity and group engagement.
CEAMA HOUSE can be a presenting sponsor of Sean Jones’ “Revival: The Final Summer time Escape Tour”, working July 16, July 30, August 13 & 27 at Palais Royale, Toronto, alongside companions SOCAN and a roster of JUNO-winning artists and rising visitors.
Comply with CEAMA and ZOCHI’s journey as they proceed to form the sound — and soul — of Canada’s subsequent technology of music.