Getting booked in another country isn’t luck — it’s strategy, consistency, relationships and showing up with intention.

In this final episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast we sit down with spoken word artist + curator El Uno, plus Grow House Tampa’s Dennis Amadeus and Curtis Davis — to break down how international networking actually works, how Canadians can get booked in the U.S., and why showing up physically still matters in a digital-first world.

We discuss:

• how to build cross-border artistic relationships

• breaking into U.S. markets from Canada without “connections”

• the power of showing up — open mics, conferences, creative spaces

• why community leadership amplifies career longevity

• how grassroots artists create international demand with intention

This episode is presented by Spin El Poeta, ONE MIC EDUCATORS, and THE DOPE CONTENT.

Supported by Canada Council for the Arts

Full La Raza BIPOC ACCESS podcast episode links (listen FREE on all major platforms):

https://laraza.podbean.com/

Connect with One Mic Educators https://onemic-educators.ca and https://instagram.com/educatorsonemic

Connect with BIPOC ACCESS resources, workshops + community:

https://linktree.com/bipocaccess

In this powerful episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Amani Arts — member of the One Mic Educators collective, author, spoken word poet, concept artist and storyteller based in Hamilton, Ontario. Her work explores Black identity, Somali culture, Muslim representation, self love and the narratives that often get erased in mainstream media.

Amani has been published in TRADMagazine, PITCHMagazine, Briarpatch Magazine and more, and her book Oceans Barwaaqo is her first collective publication. She also teaches workshops for emerging writers and creatives, and was awarded the 2022 GOG Award for “Innovation in a permanent collection” for Breaking The Vault: Art and Poetic Liberty (Art Gallery of Hamilton).

In this episode we discuss:

• Muslim + Somali representation in art

• Using poetry to reclaim narrative

• Refusing to shrink identity for acceptance

• Why showing nuance matters

• Centering joy, regularity + everyday life as art

• Why representation is a leadership responsibility

This is a needed conversation for people who have ever felt unseen, misrepresented or culturally flattened by media.

Watch. Listen. Share. Someone needs access to this — today.

LISTEN TO FULL PODCAST + EPISODES

https://laraza.podbean.com/

Amani Arts

IG — https://www.instagram.com/its.amani.arts

Linktree — https://linktr.ee/itsamaniarts

About the Project

The La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast is co-produced by

Spin El Poeta https://instagram.com/spinelpoeta, THE DOPE CONTENT https://instagram.com/thedopecontent

ONE MIC EDUCATORS https://instagram.com/educatorsonemic

Supported by Canada Council for the Arts.

In this powerful episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Krystal Riverz, founder of River Rockz, and Immortal K (Kendall Jacobs), a young Indigenous artist and filmmaker. Together, they share how the grassroots organization based in Six Nations of the Grand River is fusing Hip-Hop culture and Indigenous traditions to empower youth, heal communities, and challenge intergenerational trauma through creativity.

We explore how River Rockz uses dance, videography, mural painting, spoken word, and community-based workshops to foster resilience, belonging, and expression. Immortal K shares his personal journey from participant to creative leader, illustrating the impact of these programs firsthand.

🎙️ Presented by SPIN El Poeta x THE DOPE CONTENT 🌐 Learn more: https://onemic-educators.ca https://linktr.ee/bipocaccess 🧡 Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts

This episode is part of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Project, highlighting the work of BIPOC creatives building change through storytelling and art.

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, spoken word poet and truth-seeker Muhannad opens up about his creative journey and how poetry has become his sanctuary for healing, truth-telling, and exploring identity. A student of history — human, Indigenous, colonized and migratory — Muhannad uses words as a tool for resistance and reclamation.

He shares how writing became his emotional outlet, how his curiosity in the past is shaping his future work, and why poetry isn't about performance for him — it's about presence.

🎤 Hosted by Spin El Poeta and produced by THE DOPE CONTENT, this episode dives into what it means to be a BIPOC creative navigating personal truth, cultural memory, and creative growth.

📍Learn more about the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS project: https://laraza.ca 🔗 Discover BIPOC ACCESS initiatives & workshops: https://linktr.ee/bipocaccess 🎙️ Follow THE DOPE CONTENT: https://instagram.com/thedopecontent 📚 Produced in collaboration with One Mic Educators 🔊 Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Podcast, we sit down with Tracy J — poet, entrepreneur, and founder of Outpour, a monthly open mic series uplifting poets, artists, and musicians across Durham Region and the GTA. She also shares the story behind Pour-et, her poetry-inspired herbal tea brand, and how both ventures reflect her mission to build intentional, inclusive, and healing-centered spaces for the Black and BIPOC creative community.

We dive into Tracy J’s unique approach to fusing business with purpose, how she stays grounded while wearing many hats as a mother and curator, and her advice for artists looking to turn their creativity into legacy. A conversation on self-expression, safe spaces, and honoring your voice through both art and entrepreneurship.

Presented by Spin El Poeta (One Mic Educators) x THE DOPE CONTENT Discover more: onemic-educators.ca https://linktr.ee/bipocaccess Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts

This episode is part of the La Raza BIPOC ACCESS Artist Development Project, spotlighting artists and innovators rooted in community, culture, and connection.

In this episode of the La Raza BIPOC Access Podcast, join us as we explore Yungstar Millz's evolution from a spoken word poet to a trailblazing hip-hop artist. Millz shares his experiences with independent music production, discusses his unique strategies for fan engagement, and offers insights into how he uses digital marketing to reach a global audience. Tune in to learn how Millz navigates the challenges of the music industry while staying true to his artistic vision and cultural roots.

Join us in this episode of La Raza BIPOC Access Podcast as we delve into the life and music of Esco, a dynamic Latin hip-hop artist blending his Cuban-Salvadorian heritage into his music. Listen as Esco shares his approach to bilingual songwriting, cultural fusion, and how he connects with a diverse audience through his unique sound. This episode offers a peek into the creative processes that shape modern Latin music and provides invaluable insights for any artist navigating the complexities of the music industry today.

This project was made possible with support from the Canada Council for the Arts.

Waabishkizi Miligan Kwe Robin Rice (Missing Murdered Indigenous Woman Warrior + Spoken Word Educator), shares her heartfelt journey of reclaiming her Indigenous identity against the backdrop of historical trauma. Learn about her spiritual awakening, the role of her clans, and her mission and part of her purpose to pass on the teachings to future generations.