The Honey Jam 2012

Nearly two decades of female empowerment and opportunity for female songstresses brought 17 female musicians out at the 17th anniversary of The Honey Jam, presented by PhemPhat Entertainment Group.
The performers ranged in genre from R&B, rock and pop to soul, blue, hip-hop and even opera. Young, talented female artists from all over Canada were chosen to showcase their talent at the 17th annual Honey Jam at the MOD Club last month. The packed venue was treated to a spectacular night of music as DJ Melboogie and DJ Tasha Rozez spun the ones and twos before MuchMusic host Lauren Toyota invited each female act to hit the stage. Each performer had her own vastly unique ‘it’ factor that won over the hearts of the supporters, fans and industry representatives in attendance.
Fourteen-year-old Angelique Francis played the upright bass and shocked the crowd with her deep, soulful voice, emcee Notty spit her track “Laissez Tomber Les Filles” in French, while 15-year-old Victoria Fragomeni’s larger than life vocal skills belted out Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma”.

Stacey Asiedu from Brampton, who performed the song “Memory Lane”, accompanied by an entire band, says that The Honey Jam is an amazing experience, but so much more than just a performance.
“People may think that The Honey Jam is just about a one-night showcase, but it’s so much more than just providing the artist with a day to perform, it’s about giving us education and resources so that we can facilitate our knowledge and actually develop through our career. It’s been amazing,” she says.

She says the opportunity has given her more of a drive to pursue her career and she doesn’t know which doors will open for her because of it.
Melissa Bel, from Burlington, who won the opportunity to perform in Barbados through The Honey Jam, accompanied herself on guitar and said she is thankful for The Honey Jam, as the opportunity for females to showcase their talent is rare to find.
“I don’t feel like there are enough opportunities for women to, first of all be showcased like this, and then also, to do it all together. We’re not competing, we’re all on the same team and we’re all just enjoying each other’s performances and learning from each other.

Toronto’s Savannah Ré performed her hit “Paranormal” in a stunning yellow dress, and talented songstress Shi Wisdom performed her new single, “Penny”, in a black ensemble before all the “honeys” were invited onstage to participate in a freestyle cypher to close off the night of immense talent.

Honey Jam Auditions

Ninety-three females ranging in age, culture and experience level, with performances of every genre, from all over Ontario, auditioned for a chance to be in the Honey Jam showcase at The Mod Club last Sunday. The showcase, which has run 17 years strong, supports female talent and has been instrumental in the early careers of artists such as Jully Black, Nelly Furtado and Michie Mee.
In front of two rows of music industry professional judges such as Rich Kidd, Boi-1da and Honey Jam founder, Ebonnie Rowe, and a full club of contenders and supporters, each artist had 60 seconds to sing her heart out in order to earn a spot in the showcase on August 16.
Some ladies accompanied themselves with instruments, some danced along to soundtracks, while others performed a capella numbers. Whether they were singing, or rapping, the immense talent in the building was undeniable as shivers were sent down the spines of the people in the packed club, who quietly watched each performer take to the stage, one by one.
Twenty-five-year-old singer/songwriter Stacey who performed at Honey Jam five years ago with a band came out to audition as a solo artist this year, performing the 4 Non Blonde track “What’s Up”, while accompanying herself on guitar. Her confidence and stage presence was evident, yet she says that even experienced artists such as herself get nervous during the audition process, as it all comes down to that one minute on stage to show everyone what she has to offer. “As long as I’ve been performing, I always get a little freaked out when I get up there. My heart goes fast, but it was over really fast. All of a sudden, I was done,” she laughs.

Even though the audition process can be stressful, Stacey explains the surprising support of all the other talented females made it easier. “All the ladies here today have been so supportive of each other. There’s no animosity, there’s no diva-ness — everyone is just really cool here today. It’s been a fun day.”
Stacey’s nerves had left after her piece and she was able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon by staying to watch the remainder of the auditions. She sat back down on the same seat she sat before, but this time as a supporter rather than a contender.
New singer/songwriter Diia, whose first time auditioning was at Honey Jam, says that the audition process is quite different from any other type of performance for an artist and can be a lot more nerve-wracking.
“It’s different, because there are other competitors and there’s judges and there is a difference between playing your own gig and having your family and friends supporting you and fans supporting you, but nonetheless it’s a great experience,” she says smiling.
No feedback was given from the judges after the performances, just a small round of applause from those in attendance after each audition. The ladies could only reflect on their own opinions of how they did in anticipation to hear back from the showcase organizers in the weeks to come to find out if they have been chosen to be a part of this year’s Honey Jam.

Photos By: Fitzroy Facey