Indigenous Music Series Session 6 - Navigating Struggles for Indigenous Artists with guest speaker- Drezus Music
Apr 13, 2025
Indigenous Music Series Session 6
Navigating Struggles for Indigenous Artists with guest speaker - Drezus Music
Sunday, April 13th
The Exchange - 2431 8th Ave
2:00 pm
Minors welcome, accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Free admission. Everyone welcome.
Drezus (Jeremiah Manitopyes) is an Anishinaabe/Nehiyaw hip-hop artist, songwriter, and actor who has become a powerful voice for Indigenous people. Based in Calgary Alberta, his music blends raw storytelling with cultural pride, inspiring the next generation to embrace their identity and find strength in their roots.
Drezus first gained recognition with Team Rezofficial, earning a JUNO nomination and multiple Indigenous music awards. As a solo artist, his 2013 album Redwinter and its title track became an anthem for the Idle No More movement, calling for Indigenous unity and empowerment. His follow-up, Indian Summer, further solidified his influence in the hip-hop world.
With a career filled with achievements - including the 2022 SOCAN Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award, a 2017 MTV VMA with Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), and four Indigenous Music Awards - Drezus has shared the stage with global icons like Drake, 50 Cent, and Mobb Deep, proving that Indigenous artists belong in every space. His latest release, Ballad of Bobby Jones featuring Sebastian Gaskin, continues his legacy of thought-provoking, powerful music.
Beyond music, Drezus has acted in Yellowstone and contributed to film and TV soundtracks, using storytelling as a tool for change. Through his art and activism, he encourages Indigenous youth to embrace their culture, express themselves with confidence, and chase their dreams—whether in music, business, or any other path they choose.
Drezus shows young people that their voices matter and their stories deserve to be heard.
Made possible with support from The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent On Recordings (FACTOR) and Creative Saskatchewan.
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About the Exchange
The Exchange is wheelchair accessible and offers 2 non-gender/wheelchair-accessible washrooms.
The Exchange is an all-ages venue that supports the Safer Spaces Initiative. We do not tolerate any form of harassment, abusive and/or discriminative behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for immediate removal from the event/venue. If you are experiencing any harassment, please ask to speak to a manager.
Ticket price plus taxes and fees - lineups subject to change - no refunds or exchanges