Acclaimed R&B artist Savannah Ré has been awarded a $13,000 grant from the Ontario government to support the creation of her next album — a meaningful investment in Black music creators and entrepreneurs across the province.
The funding comes through the AcceleratiON Program, administered by Ontario Creates, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. The grant will support a range of activities for Ré’s upcoming project, including sound production, recording, marketing, and business development through her company, Still Alive Industries Inc., which is based in Oshawa.
Savannah Ré, a Scarborough-born, Juno Award-winning artist, rose to national prominence after winning the 2021 Juno for Traditional R&B/Soul with her standout single “Solid” from her debut EP Opia. Signed to Pickering producer Boi-1da’s music imprint under Universal Music Canada, Ré is now a recognized voice in Canada’s R&B landscape.
In a statement, Ré expressed her gratitude for the support:
“As a Black female entrepreneur, I continue to go above and beyond to achieve success despite the many hurdles I face. The AcceleratiON program is so important to artists like me, and I’m grateful for the investment the Government of Ontario is making into Black and Indigenous music, so our stories can be heard across the nation and around the world.”
The AcceleratiON Program is designed to strengthen Ontario’s Black and Indigenous-owned music businesses, particularly those that may face barriers accessing the mainstream music industry. The initiative supports activities like recording, marketing, export development, live performance production, and skills training — all intended to amplify marginalized voices in Canada’s music scene.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho praised the initiative and highlighted its broader impact:
“Ontario’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture industries enrich our lives and boost economic activity. Still Alive Industries Inc. is helping to ensure Black musicians in Oshawa have the opportunity to share their art with their community and connect with audiences across the province and beyond.”
With this latest investment, Savannah Ré is poised to continue her powerful trajectory as one of Canada’s most important R&B voices, further elevating stories from Black communities through her art.