FIRST UP WITH RBCXMUSIC FEATURES BLACK CANADIAN TALENT
Joseph Sarenhes is an emerging rapper and singer who draws on his Guinean and Wendat Nation descent to create a musical style that is distinctly his own. The rapper draws immense strength and support from his Elders and community in the creation and performance of his music. Joseph kickstarted his career with the debut EP Pride & Chains which came out in November 2021. He was recently awarded Radio Canada’s Musical Revelation of the Year for 2023.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Joseph Sarenhes. I am a young artist of Guinean and indigenous origin (Huron-Wendat Nation). I instinctively create a musical blend that is both homogeneous and refreshing between tradition and current trends. I take tones from Hip-hop, Rock, and R&B while incorporating traditional Afro-indigenous elements.
As a young singer from Quebec City, I take pride in the ways I stand out for my musicality and the power and quality with which I perform. I play piano, guitar, and African percussions while incorporating my voice, flow, and the stories I tell through music to create an intense and incredibly energetic atmosphere. I am proud to be a familiar name here in Quebec and my versatility and giftedness as an artist has only helped my growth and the reach of my story.
I’ve had the honour to be named Radio -Canada’s Musical Revelation of the Year and a Featured Artist in the First Up with RBCxMusic program for 2023. For me, authenticity is what allows me to proudly share my art all over the world.
In the Wendat language, ”Sarenhes” means: The tree with the highest crown. I decided to humbly reclaim my real family name, which had been taken from my ancestors during evangelization. I direct my music to become a unifying medium that will inspire and leave a positive impact on Indigenous youth and others.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
The most recent release is called ”Bruises”. It’s the story of a man who’s trying to get out of this toxic and violent relationship with his girlfriend. It depicts the situation of so many young men who are going through this brutal reality where they are constantly emotionally and physically assaulted. A reality that is too often forgotten. It’s a slow Trap/R&B song that has been composed and written for those lonely nostalgic night rides.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
From true stories only, experienced by me, my ancestors, or by the closest people in my life. Always.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
I’m pretty excited for this upcoming show in Montreal in October, where I’ll perform with the rapper NLE Choppa. I’m stoked to finally be able to rap/sing with people I’ve been looking up to for years!
Congratulations on being a Featured Artist in the First Up with ”RBCxMusic” program! Can you tell us a little bit about the program?
It’s a beautiful project that gives young Canadian artists many opportunities in the industry.
What are some benefits you’ve taken advantage of through the program?
So far, I got to meet a bunch of incredibly talented artists. Most of the ”RBC x Music Featured” Artists met in Toronto during the gathering we had there. Great connections were certainly made.
What’s your goal for 2023?
A lot of shows are coming up! I’m working on giving the best experience possible, working with Native Indigenous dancers, African musicians, and more. There are also a ton of projects coming up before 2024, so I’d say there is way more than one goal I want to achieve until then. However, I’d say that my main goal is to stay authentic through all of that!
Connect with Joseph Sarenhes:
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