“TRACE (Tracing Rare African Canadian Extraordinaire)”, the new single from Sonia Aimy, was written and recorded as the theme song for the documentary and celebratory project of the same name. The TRACE project aims to recognize the work and efforts of seven Black Canadians in diverse sectors i.e., business, entrepreneur, academic, arts and culture, history, and philanthropy. The seven TRACE honourees include Adonis Huggins, Charlene Rokhaya-Jaye, Naila Keleta-Mae, Renee Rankine, Rosemary Sadlier, Rustum Southwell, and Tunde Dawodu. Executive Producers of the TRACE documentary are African Women Acting (AWA) & Saimy’s Art. It was produced and directed by Sonia Aimy; co-produced by Kennedy Seed Obioha.
The inspiration for the song comes from the TRACE project itself–the desire to discover true role models who do a lot for their community but do not boast about their actions. The afrobeat genre at its core follows a similar principle; allow the instrumentals to speak to the narrative while the vocals are simply an added flourish. “It inspired me to focus on the musical arrangement that will balance the TRACE beautiful narratives”, says Sonia.
Stream below:
The premiere screening of the TRACE documentary at Ada Slaight Hall in Toronto will take place on February 18th, 2023. The event will include a “sip and mingle”, meet and greet, and follow with entertainment and performances before the film is shown.
The single is available from Slammin Media and distributed by Believe Distribution.
With her inimitable, velvety voice, Nigerian-born via Italy singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Sonia Aimy is the quintessential embodiment of contemporary African worldmusic. Her sound blends Afro-jazz, Afrobeat, highlife, and call-andresponse African griot tradition, in an easy
flowing, yet virtuosic performances. Her irresistible rhythms and melody and infectious joie de vivre unite audiences of diverse backgrounds.
