National Music Centre Celebrates 30 Years of Black History Month on February 7
Free full-day celebration of Calgary’s Black music, fashion, art, and community
(Calgary, AB — January 14, 2026) To mark the 30th anniversary of Black History Month, the National Music Centre (NMC) will present a vibrant, full-day celebration spotlighting the creativity, legacy, and future of Calgary’s Black community. The event takes place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Studio Bell. Admission is free for all.
Curated once again by the legendary Master T and hosted by NMC’s Rebecca Bukasa, the day will recognize the Government of Canada’s theme for 2026: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries.” The event will feature performances by eight-piece neo-soul and hip-hop collective (un)decided and singer Peace Etaje, the winner of NMC’s 2025 Black Music Month Talent Expo; and a tribute to the Honourable Jean Augustine who motioned the House of Commons to officially recognize February as Black History Month.
Beyond the performances, visitors can expect to see a fashion show curated by streetwear stylist Jimmy Boi, highlighting designs by both emerging and established Black fashion designers, including Azach, Artillhomme, and more to be announced. The program will also include community conversations with respected Black community leaders and business owners, reflecting on the foundations of Calgary’s Black community and looking ahead to its future. Among them are Allison McDonald of the new Black female-empowered organization, Black and Vin; Xavier Morain, the 21-year-old founder of Calgary Caribbean Youth Summit; and more. Throughout the day, the main floor of Studio Bell will transform into a Black History Month Market, bringing together 20 Black-owned vendors and community organizations, while showcasing fashion, art, jewelry, and cultural goods.
“Every year, it’s such a blessing to come together for Black History Month and feel the power of our community, especially on this 30-year anniversary,” said Master T. “Bringing artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders into one space, this celebration is a reflection of Black excellence in Calgary and the love that continues to move us forward.”
NMC’s Black History Month Celebration takes place on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Studio Bell. Admission is free for everyone. Learn more and find the full schedule at studiobell.ca/whats-on.
About Master T
Tony Young (a.k.a. Master T) has been at the forefront of music, dance, and culturally diverse television for over 40 years. He and his wife Paula created the show X-Tendamix/Da Mix, which aired on MuchMusic from 1990-2001, and was one of the networks highest rated shows. He fueled the growth of urban music in Canada during his 11 years on air as a MuchMusic VJ and also established himself as an innovative producer. He became world renowned for his relaxed, well-researched style of interviewing some of the biggest stars in the world, such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, P Diddy, John Travolta, Mary J Blige, Spice Girls, Eminem, Meat Loaf, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and countless others. Master T is also the last person to interview 2Pac before his untimely passing in 1996. He was responsible for introducing North Americans to some of their favorite reggae artists including Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Lady Saw, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and many more.
About National Music Centre | Centre National de Musique
The National Music Centre (NMC) has a mission to amplify the love, sharing, and understanding of music. It is preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story inside its home at Studio Bell in the heart of the East Village in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. NMC is the home to four Canadian music halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame. Featuring musical instruments, artifacts, recording equipment, and memorabilia, the NMC Collection spans over 450 years of music history and innovation. A registered charity with programs that include exhibitions, artist development, performance, and education, NMC is inspiring a new generation of music lovers. For more information about NMC’s onsite activities, please visit studiobell.ca. To check out the NMC experience online, including video-on-demand performances, made-in-Canada stories, and highly entertaining educational content, visit amplify.nmc.ca.
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Media Contact:
Julijana Capone, Senior Manager, PR and Marketing
T. 403.543.5123
julijana.capone@nmc.ca | @nmc_canada