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The African Music Academy of Canada (Amakana) is a federal and Alberta-registered Non-profit Corporation in a Community Mentorship Agreement with the Cosmopolitan Music Society. Rehearsals at The Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre. Address: 8426 Gateway Blvd, Edmonton, T6E 4B4
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The African Music Academy of Canada, when JUNO Award winner Garth Prince found a sustainable way to bring his music and culture programs to schools. When we became a non profit we chose AMAKWAYA, the choir program, as our flagship because it is the most joyful way to bring people together. Yet we are not a traditional choir.
We meet once or twice a month to sing, drum, share skills, and build community. The Academy welcomes singers and musicians, but also those who want to contribute in other ways. Non musicians find a place here through networking, volunteering, and sharing their own talents, making Amakwaya a space where every contribution matters and everyone belongs. |
Our Mission: Fostering Community through the Joy and Education of African-inspired Music.
Connect with us on LinkedIn.
Connect with us on LinkedIn.
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2026/2027 Board of Directors:
President: Hellen Juma Vice President: Marlene Kirwin 2nd Vice President: Dominic Fayenuwo Secretary: Michelle Prinsonsky Treasurer: Laura Rice Director: Katlego Ntibinyane Director: Nana Asante-Apeatu Director: Core-Lee Conway Founding President: Garth Prinsonsky |
For information regarding our bylaws, Board of Directors, or organizational policies, please contact Founding President Garth Prinsonsky at admin@amakana.ca
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timeline
2026: We learned music from Zimbabwe ending with a sold out concert in partnership with The Mbira Renaissance Band.
2025: We formed a Community Mentorship Agreement with the Cosmopolitan Music Society.
2024: Registered the Academy as a Canadian non-profit arts organization on the 9th of September.
2023: Visited Namibia to market our children's book: Grazing Back Home.
2022: Our founder won JUNO Award (Best in Canada) for Children's Album of the Year (Yaaayyy!).
2020: Released our JUNO- winning album, Falling in Africa, and with it, published our first children's book: Grazing Back Home.
2019: Visited Namibia to support music programs initiated on previous trips.
2017: Visited Namibia for music residency and production of the documentary Memoirs of the Motherland.
2016 - 2018: Learned about Orff Schulwerk and completed Orff Levels 1 and 2.
2008: The founder moved from Namibia to Canada.
2007: Released Ti Mama and Hope as part of the award-winning Namibian vocal group, Afroshine.
2006: Visited Canada as part of the Mascato Youth Choir's Western Canada tour with Korora (formerly Kokopelli) Choir.
2000: Founder joined Mascato Youth Choir in Namibia and sang as a soloist on multiple tours including Europe and Canada.
2025: We formed a Community Mentorship Agreement with the Cosmopolitan Music Society.
2024: Registered the Academy as a Canadian non-profit arts organization on the 9th of September.
2023: Visited Namibia to market our children's book: Grazing Back Home.
2022: Our founder won JUNO Award (Best in Canada) for Children's Album of the Year (Yaaayyy!).
2020: Released our JUNO- winning album, Falling in Africa, and with it, published our first children's book: Grazing Back Home.
2019: Visited Namibia to support music programs initiated on previous trips.
2017: Visited Namibia for music residency and production of the documentary Memoirs of the Motherland.
2016 - 2018: Learned about Orff Schulwerk and completed Orff Levels 1 and 2.
2008: The founder moved from Namibia to Canada.
2007: Released Ti Mama and Hope as part of the award-winning Namibian vocal group, Afroshine.
2006: Visited Canada as part of the Mascato Youth Choir's Western Canada tour with Korora (formerly Kokopelli) Choir.
2000: Founder joined Mascato Youth Choir in Namibia and sang as a soloist on multiple tours including Europe and Canada.