The Squad
King Kimbit @kingkimbit
King Kimbit is a literary Hip-Hop artist born and raised on unceded Algonquin territory (Ottawa), passionate about empowering youth, community care, and sharing love through writing, reciting, and the abolition of punitive, carceral institutions.
King has performed solo and as part of ensembles in music and theatre across Turtle Island, Jamaica, and Vietnam. In 2017 King released her debut album Life Lessons Poetically, a collection of musical poetry in collaboration with artists locally and abroad. She is currently creating her sophomore album, Healing Trauma From The Projects.
Since 2018, she has teamed up with Jo-Anne Bryan, Carmelle Cachero, and Jordan Samonas, as a writer and the vocalist of their group, Speaking Vibrations. That year, King co-founded Cap City Cyphers (CCC), a space for rappers and singers to learn and develop improvisational skills and build community. Since then, CCC has partnered with organizations local and abroad to promote community through music.
Seiiizi @seiiizi
Seiiizii is a self taught DJ music producer and songwriter, influenced by hip hop and her Jamaican heritage she creates music that expresses a range of feelings from joy and love to doubt and heartbreak. With her experience of growing in Ottawa Canada she aims to inspire and uplift listeners.
Nic Pouponneau @zoolegacy
Nic Pouponneau is the lead singer of the Ottawa Indie Hip Hop Group Zoo Legacy. He has been performing since the age of 16 and has had the opportunity to grace the stage with Lauryn Hill, Kardinal Offishall, Shad, and ASAP Rocky to name a few. Nic’s first love in hip hop was freestyling. Anywhere there was a cypher, from Ottawa to New York City he has never hesitated to get in the rotation. Nic and Zoo Legacy are busy in the studio readying their new project set for early 2023 release. Providing a unique sound to the city through hip hop, indie and live instrumentation, the group continues to show love locally and contribute to the thriving local arts scene.
Pearly Pouponneau @pearly.media
Pearly is a beloved community builder and creative based in the Ottawa-Gatineau area. As the founder of PEARLY, she creates one of a kind experiences through multiple artistic mediums to bring community, art and visions to life. From creative directing, producing, to curating events, she is able to bring forth a unique design experience.
Pearly captures a diverse range of art forms from commercial, industrial and editorial clients with a raw and provocative perspective.
Dekka Fresnel @studiosdekka
Melchi (Dekka) is an aspiring artist who seeks to further his horizons with every trade he learns; from construction to being a salesman, he’s dipped his toes into many types of careers only to find his callingr: Video editing, photography and content creation. Ever since, life has gone on the up and up and eventually he found himself having a new like minded group to work with: Cap City Cyphers!
Justin Gunderson @jmorrisnow
Award winning radio host and hip hop artist Justin Gunderson is the founder of The Hip Hop Food Drive operating in the 8th year as of 2022. Justin is also the music director and co-founder of Cranium Arts Project. Justin has worked in radio as on air personality and behind the scenes in programming and sales. After spending more than two decades working in the music industry as an artist, radio host, music director and event promoter, Justin knows what it takes to build an infrastructure and is always working to help artists make an impact as his guiding mission.
Mehsum Syed @messemupbeats
Mehsum is a DJ/Producer from Ottawa Canada that plays open format vibes. He specializes in Afrobeats/Amapiano/Hip-hop/Rap/Dancehall/R&b and Soul but is not stuck in that box. With over 100+ events, from weddings to corporate events and even kids birthday parties with everything in between. He brings a club-like set and performance to every atmosphere, keeping the crowd guessing and impressed with every single transition.
CAP CITY CYPHERS 