DVBLM shares On Being Chosen As SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award Winner
Back in December 2024, the SOCAN Foundation unveiled the recipients of the fourth SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards, honouring the artistic achievements of DVBLM, Liza, Myles Castello, NAIIM, and Savannah Ré.
DVBLM (pronounced “Double M”), was born and raised in Toronto. Being raised in a Caribbean household, a lot of her musical inspiration draws from her upbringing. Growing up she was musically influenced by artists like Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, Monica, Ciara, Missy Elliott & Timbaland.
Predominantly known for her presence in rap, she is no stranger to a variety of other genres. With a winning personality, she has managed to make great strides in the Canadian music industry developing an organic fan base.
She has performed at numerous events, most notably at Manifesto where she captivated an audience of 16,000 people. Her undeniable talent has caught the attention of popular media outlets, further solidifying her presence in the industry. Artists such as Shenseea and Chinese Kitty have recognized DVBLM’s talent and asked her to share the stage.
DVBLM resonates and is poised to leave a lasting impression with her music.
Congratulations on being selected as a winner for the SOCAN Foundation’s fourth SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards! How do you feel about receiving this recognition, and what does it mean to you personally and professionally?
It was an amazing moment that I will never forget. It was my first time winning an award for my music, and after working consistently it felt great to finally be recognized. Some artists have undergone internal battles about their craft because they might be insecure or fear they won’t be accepted because of the way they look or sound. That is why being a winner of the Black Canadian Music Award means everything to me because I am different in my own way and they acknowledge me.
Each of the winners represents a unique artistic expression within the music industry. How do you think your individual style and genre contribute to the diversity and richness of the Black Canadian music scene?
I feel that my individual style and genre contribute to the diversity and richness of the black Canadian music scene because I come from the city of Toronto where it is very diverse and also I come from a west Indian background. Also, I’ve been told that my style is relatable because the majority of my current Fan Base comes from the same type of cultural upbringing. During my childhood, I was surrounded by different genres of music like R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and Dancehall so I definitely feel like it comes out when I express myself artistically.
The prize includes a significant amount to support career development. How do you plan to utilize the $10,000 award to further your musical journey, and what specific aspects of your career do you aim to enhance with this support?
As an artist, sometimes it is hard to focus only on your dream and give it your all, because there may be some financial obstacles that you may face when trying to put together a body of work. I myself know what that feels like, so I plan to utilize the $10,000 award by investing in my very first project “Customer Service” with the financial support I plan to enhance the quality of my work in the future and bring some of my creative visions to life.
Winning this award is a significant milestone in your career. Looking back, what moments or influences have shaped you as an artist, and how do you think those experiences have contributed to your success today?
Looking back, the times that I wasn’t seeing any progression in my music is what I felt shaped me into the artist I am today. As an artist, sometimes you get writer’s block and won’t feel as confident as you usually do. Those are the best times to push yourself because you’d be surprised by what you can achieve in those moments of vulnerability.
In addition to individual recognition, the Black Canadian Music Awards also emphasize collaboration and community. Are there any fellow Black artists whose work you admire or have collaborated with, and how has that collaboration influenced your own musical journey?
There are many fellow black artists that I would love to collaborate with in the community. Recently, I’ve collaborated with a black Canadian R&B artist named “B.Rob” who created an opportunity for me to showcase my talent at his first headlining show. The crowd was phenomenal, they really appreciated my talent and it definitely boosted my confidence as a performer. That was a moment that I will never forget and that is why I feel like it is very important to collaborate with people in your community because there is so much opportunity to expand your Fanbase and learn new things about yourself and others.
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