Yvonne Kushe’s Unchained album release shares personal stories inspired by global connections

Yvonne Kushe is a multidimensional creative and self-styled ‘artrepreneur’. She displays equal talent as a singer, songwriter, educator, curator and comic. She is also the founder of PolliNATION, a collective initiative that provides artists in both Uganda and North America the opportunity to collaborate and tap into different creative circles while also promoting their music.

Funding from the Career Development program in 2021 enabled Yvonne to expand a creative initiative of her own: the production and recording of her debut album, Unchained, at Idio Recording Studios. The album was brought to life with the support of producer Ron Nazal, alongside sound engineer Justin Hicks. Alongside its bolstering Yvonne’s profile as a fast-rising emerging artist, the album also allowed her to showcase her plethora of artistic influences and substantial musical range.

Growing up in Uganda, Yvonne was drawn to music and the arts from a young age. She drew inspiration from envelope-pushing artists like Brenda Fassie, Angelique Kidjo, Ms Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Macy Gray, Eartha Kitt, and Cher: each unique musical voices that continue to inform her approach to music-making. When her career took flight in 2010, she quickly identified formative opportunities to gain practical experience: singing commercial jingles, and providing background vocals for several recording artists.

By the end of 2011, a path was clear. Yvonne debuted as a singer-songwriter with two singles: ‘’Mayah’’ and ‘’Kanywani’’. The two songs were themselves completely different genres and writing styles – a theme that has been consistent with her music in subsequent years. After Yvonne’s move to Canada in 2014, she dedicated herself to self-improvement: forging meaningful connections with fellow artists, and opening herself up to opportunities to advance her career.

At the heart of Yvonne’s musical influences are personal connections to home and family, alongside themes of resilience, resistance, and triumph.

“I create music that marries the two worlds that I’m from: Uganda, where I was born and raised, and Canada, where I came into myself. Over the last eight years, my music has reflected life experiences from my time here in Canada. Through my music, I find myself exploring themes such as mental health, gender, love, heartbreak, healing, and systematic oppression.”

Yvonne continues, “I create for myself, first, and then I invite anyone and everyone that can relate to the themes I sing about to feast on my music. Beyond that, however, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that my music centers the Black woman, and her multilayered experiences. Her joy, her pain, her healing, and her successes are what I hope to mirror through my storytelling and music.”

As a creator comfortable in multiple styles and genres – always questing for the raw sense of story at the heart of each musical idea – Yvonne believes that her versatility as an artist has translated to a richer experience for listeners.

“I want listeners from all walks of life to know that my music is intentionally amorphous. When I create, I aim for a roller-coaster of different themes and colours inspired by life, and the by energies around me. I’ve always rebelled against the idea that I had to stick to a particular genre or style in order for my music to be taken seriously. I wanted – and, I still want – to experience the full spectrum of music, without its demarcations and categories. I follow the melodies wherever they take me, and trust that they’re leading me on an excursion to unearth the truth of things about myself and the world around me.”

Since Unchained‘s successful release, Yvonne has continued to pursue opportunities to grow her career, refine her skills, and forge new connections with her audiences from all walks of life. Over the past 18 months, she has played to enthusiastic and engaged crowds at the Surrey Fusion Festival, the West Vancouver Harmony Arts Festival, the African Descent Festival, and the Kaleidoscope Festival, as but a few examples.

In each instance, Yvonne has sought to create personal connections with these audiences through her music, while also serving as a positive role model for other emerging artists. In particular, Yvonne seeks to inspire and unite fellow artists of African diaspora: through her past and current projects, she continues to help these artists find their own unique voices, and reflect their unique lived experiences back to their listeners.

When asked to reflect on her own experiences to date with Creative BC, Yvonne recounts a journey that was – at times – daunting, but ultimately fruitful.

“In October 2020, when I applied in support of Unchained, it was my first time applying. I was intimidated by the process, but also excited for the prospects. Creative BC offered underrepresented groups the opportunity to work with grant coaches, and I was fortunate to work with the amazing Sage McBride.”

Buoyed at the memory of how this kind of practical encouragement and support ultimately led to success, Yvonne is eager to offer similar advice to others considering an application to Creative BC.

“I would encourage applicants to take advantage of resources like info sessions as much as possible. They’re very helpful, and allow you not only to understand the logistics of the programs, but also give you an opportunity to get real-time clarification from program staff. During the info sessions, I often listen to what other applicants are asking, and make mental notes for myself.”

You can download your copy of Unchained here.

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Photos and artwork courtesy of Kayla Sullivan, Caleigh Kats, and Yvonne Kushe.