Afro-Canadian artists and storytellers with disciplines in theater, music, media, and performance are shaping narratives that reflect both heritage and modern identity in Ottawa, which anchors the capital city as a quietly powerful hub of Black excellence. The Black creative community there is not only vibrant, but it also is foundational to the city’s cultural evolution.

Don Ayity

In radio, television, and digital media, few voices are as influential as Vladimir Jean-Gilles, professionally known as Don Ayity. A first-generation Canadian of Haitian descent, Jean-Gilles has become one of Ottawa’s most trusted entertainment reporters and media personalities. Known for his deep industry access, including relationships with high-profile Hollywood figures and access to major events including the recent Critics Choice Awards, Jean-Gilles bridges local storytelling with global culture.

Equally important is his role as a builder. Jean-Gilles creates bilingual content, mentors emerging media talent, and leads culturally grounded broadcasts across radio, television, and streaming platforms. His work exemplifies how media can shape identity, pride, and representation through an Afro-Canadian lens.

Conversations with Jean-Gilles about Ottawa’s cultural ecosystem will inevitably lead to two names that consistently surface, City Fidelia and Daniel “Goldstripes” Desir, both of whom are not only respected creatives, but also among Jean-Gilles’s closest collaborators and friends. A recent evening spent breaking bread with the trio at Aiāna provided me rare insight into their shared histories, creative philosophies, and collective impact on the city.

City Fidelia

Born Luigi Fidelia, City Fidelia stands as a significant figure within Canada’s music landscape. His career seamlessly blends artistry, activism, and industry leadership. Beyond his own success, Fidelia has remained deeply committed to creating opportunities for BIPOC artists in Ottawa through employment, mentorship, and community-driven programming.

As a performer, Fidelia has appeared at sold-out shows and major music festivals across North America, Asia, and Europe, sharing stages with prominent artists while earning acclaim for his genre-blending sound rooted in hip-hop, R&B, and contemporary influences. His 2016 FreeDumb EP amassed millions of streams, while his full-length album Painkiller further cemented his reputation for emotionally resonant, socially conscious storytelling.

Goldstripes

Also based in Ottawa, Daniel “Goldstripes” Desir is a Canadian musician, producer, and songwriter celebrated for his soulful, textured sound and his impact as both a solo artist and collaborator. Goldstripes has written and produced for a range of artists, contributing musical direction and production to projects including releases by Anthony OKS.

In 2025, Goldstripes reached a career milestone when he earned a Juno Award for his songwriting on Maïa Davies’s critically acclaimed album Lovers’ Gothic, which won the Adult Contemporary Album of the Year category. The honor solidified his standing within Canada’s music industry and highlighted his ability to craft emotionally rich, genre-defying work.

Beyond accolades, Goldstripes is deeply invested in shaping the sound identities of emerging artists, weaving ambient textures, hypnotic melodies, and grounded storytelling into his productions. His contributions have also been recognized locally through cultural funding support from the City of Ottawa, underscoring the city’s investment in nurturing individual Black creators.

Together, these voices illustrate a powerful truth: Ottawa’s Black creative community is not simply participating in the arts, it is actively defining the city’s cultural future.