Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) Launches Toronto Artist-in-Residence Program, Welcomes Afropop Star ZOCHI as First Recipient
The Canadian Emerging Artist Music Awards (CEAMA) proudly announces the official launch of the CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence Program, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to artist development and industry mentorship for Canada’s most promising emerging talent. The program kicks off in Toronto with its inaugural 2025 Artist in Residence: ZOCHI, the Nigeria-born, Saskatchewan-based Afropop trailblazer, known across the country as Canada’s Queen of Afropop.
As the 2025 CEAMA HOUSE Artist in Residence, ZOCHI will receive a fully funded, one-year residency and development scholarship that includes housing, marketing and publicity support, artistic development, and full-service artist management through Black Exposed Entertainment. ZOCHI has also been officially signed to CEAMA HOUSE, a music development company — not a traditional label — built by legendary Canadian artists for the next generation of creators.
CEAMA is the first and only Canadian awards program that exclusively recognizes emerging musicians and industry professionals for their creativity, community impact, social purpose, and long-term growth, rather than commercial metrics like streams or sales. Winners are vetted by icons of Canadian music and receive their awards only after undergoing a mentorship process, ensuring each artist receives not just recognition, but real tools for success.
The CEAMA Artist in Residence program features intensive mentorship from a growing roster of legendary Canadian artists and music professionals. Current mentors include:
- Michael Williams (Founding VJ, MuchMusic)
- Solitair (Hip-Hop legend, producer)
- With partnership support from That Eric Alper Publicity, Black Music Canada, and more to be announced.
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 are not a record label. We are a music development company built by legends, for future artists. CEAMA HOUSE reinvests all artist performance proceeds into a touring and accommodations fund to support upcoming artists accepted into festivals and tours — launching in 2027.”
As a part of her mentorship, ZOCHI recently joined Michael Williams at CBC Studios Toronto, where she observed a live national interview about the legacy of Sly Stone — gaining first-hand media training and insight into interview techniques from legends.
ZOCHI, who is also the 2025 CEAMA Afrobeats Award recipient and an official CEAMA Ambassador, recently performed at NXNE 2025 and joined the Saskatchewan leg of Jully Black’s “Songs & Stories Tour.” She will also open for Sean Jones’ “Revival” Tour on July 30 at Palais Royale, Toronto. Her new single, “Beside Me,” a heartfelt track inspired by her journey as a Black queer woman living her truth, will be released on June 20 during Pride Month.
Also featured as a CEAMA Ambassador and 2025 Award Recipient is Saskatchewan Hip-Hop icon Pimpton, winner of CEAMA’s Hip-Hop category. Looking ahead, CEAMA is exploring introducing public voting in 2026 to increase inclusivity and community engagement.
CEAMA HOUSE is also a presenting sponsor of Sean Jones’ “Revival: The Ultimate Summer Escape Tour”, running July 16, July 30, August 13 & 27 at Palais Royale, Toronto, alongside partners SOCAN and a roster of JUNO-winning artists and emerging guests.
Follow CEAMA and ZOCHI’s journey as they continue to shape the sound — and soul — of Canada’s next generation of music.