Bijaan and Jaiden Riley arrive at the 2026 YYC Music Awards from very different corners of Calgary’s music community. Bijaan’s path runs from childhood rap sessions in northwest Calgary to two nominations for “Jungle,” while Riley enters with three nominations after a year shaped by rapid career growth, community and profound personal loss.

In conversation with Afros in tha City, both artists look beyond the awards to the friendships, mentors, family histories and years of work that made the nominations possible. From Bijaan’s third-culture story and long relationship with Calgary hip-hop to Riley’s rise through the city’s country and folk community, the feature offers a deeper look at what it actually takes to build a music career from here.

The full feature and photo story will be released with the September digital issue and limited print edition.

Join the Afros in tha City newsletter to be the first to know when both editions become available.

A New Era of Afros in tha City

We are thrilled to welcome you to a new era of publishing for Black media at Afros in tha City. As we embark on this journey, we are committed to defining our futures and documenting our history from our own perspective. We believe that our voices are powerful and our stories are vital. Gone are the days of seeking validation from our oppressors, as we stand firm in the understanding that we are the change we wish to see.

Here at Afros in tha City, we are dedicated to embracing this evolution and aligning our actions with our commitment to perpetuating lasting change. Join us as we forge ahead, fearlessly shaping narratives, and amplifying the diverse experiences within our community. Your continued support and engagement are invaluable as we enter this new chapter.

Welcome to a new era of Afros in tha City, where we are unwaveringly dedicated to being the change forever.

QUICK AFRO PICKS - Exciting New Content Coming Your Way!

Get ready for a riveting lineup of new content as we introduce a fresh and immersive experience for our cherished readers. From thought-provoking articles to captivating videos, our new content promises to engage, inform, and entertain in equal measure.

Stay tuned as we roll out this exciting update, and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery with Afros in tha City.

FEATURE interview with nini udochu

As the embodiment of grace, talent, and resilience, Nini Udochu graces the cover of Afros in tha City's March issue, captivating readers with her undeniable presence and magnetic charm. With a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and a spirit fueled by passion, Nini stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and dreamers alike. From her humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, Nini's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams.

In an exclusive interview, Nini Udochu invites us into her world, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of stardom and sharing intimate reflections on her life, her art, and the forces that drive her forward. From the joys of creative expression to the challenges she has overcome, Nini's words resonate with authenticity and wisdom, painting a vivid portrait of a woman who refuses to be confined by limitations or expectations. As we delve deeper into her story, we are reminded of the transformative power of self-belief and the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

AITC: What inspired you to merge your passion for technology and fashion, and how has this combination influenced your creative work and content?

I fused technology and fashion because I am an advocate for women in STEM-related fields considering I am an engineer. As an engineer, I love all things fashion. I bring my authentic self and women love to inspire other women in tech. We don’t wear boring clothes, we shine bright in amazing wear.

AITC: As a prominent figure at the intersection of tech and fashion, how do you see these two industries evolving and converging in the future? Are there any cutting-edge technologies that you believe will significantly impact the world of fashion?

With AI being a hot topic, I foresee a fusion of AI in the fashion industry. This was recently seen in Coperni’s Fall 2023 runway.

AITC: Your influence in the tech and fashion spheres has earned you a substantial following. How do you use your platform to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and positive change within these industries?

I use myself as an ambassador as representation matters in the tech industry and fashion world. Working with brands showcasing new clothing lines, and fragrances and collaborating with Getsmart to take business certifications with Yale shows I invest in myself for my career while being a micro influencer.

AITC: In a digital age where social media plays an integral role in fashion and technology, how do you navigate the challenges of maintaining authenticity while also curating a personal brand that resonates with your audience?

I stay true to myself. I create content through my lens to inspire people on my platform and not compare myself to other influencers other. Everyone creates content that speaks to different audiences. I just focus on my work and try to be better each day.

AITC: As the cover girl of this magazine, what message or narrative do you hope to convey to readers about the powerful synergy between technology and fashion, and the impact it can have on our lives?

The motto: beauty and brains at its best lives here and I stand to represent that.

Afros Media Inc.’- UMOJA (UNITY) Bridge Project collaborates with the privately owned Nom de Plume Agency based in New Zealand and Canada to celebrate International Women’s Month by uplifting the underdogs rising in Western Canada and beyond.

Introducing the Nom De Plume Umoja Unity Awards: Celebrating 21 Women Across Canada! Join us in honoring the remarkable women who are reshaping the narrative on women's rights worldwide. Our feature initiative shines a spotlight on 21 inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations, each leaving a significant impact in their communities and beyond.

As part of our commitment to continuous recognition and advocacy, we are pleased to announce that we will be accepting nominations for next year's feature. If you know of any deserving individuals who are making strides in advancing women's rights, we encourage you to nominate them for consideration.

To stay informed about the 2025 call for nominations and other updates, we invite readers to sign up for the Afros in tha City newsletter. By subscribing, you'll receive timely notifications and opportunities to participate in our ongoing initiatives to celebrate and amplify the voices of change-makers. Together, let's continue championing the cause of women's rights and creating a brighter future for all. - Dooshima Jev - Global Head + Master Editor in Chief

To learn about this year’s recipients please visit Don’t Stop Rolling Magazine

& Afro-Disco Makossa: The Dance Floor Record He’s Always Wanted to Spin & More.

Music never arrives without a history. It carries places, technologies, memories and the fingerprints of those who came before.

For our August cover story, Afros in tha City sits down with Adrian Younge to explore the sounds, relationships and creative philosophy behind Afro-Disco Makossa—a record born from his long-held desire to create music for the dance floor without surrendering the depth, musicianship or historical consciousness that defines his work.

Drawing from makossa, soul, funk and disco, the album does not treat these traditions as relics to be reproduced. Younge approaches them as living languages: sounds capable of holding their histories while continuing to move, transform and speak to the present. The result is music designed for movement, connection and deep listening—a record that looks backward only to understand where it might travel next.

But this conversation extends far beyond one album.

Younge reflects on the trust that can only be built through consistency, his enduring creative partnership with Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and the ecosystem they have created through Jazz Is Dead. Rather than positioning legendary musicians as figures frozen in the past, the platform invites living artists to continue creating, experimenting and adding new chapters to their own stories.

He also speaks about attending law school because he wanted to become what he calls “an educated artist”—someone equipped to understand contracts, intellectual property, ownership and the structures surrounding the work. His independence is not simply an aesthetic or an industry label. It is knowledge, preparation, discipline and the infrastructure required to protect a creative life.

That philosophy carries particular weight for an independent publication like ours. Building outside traditional systems requires more than vision. It requires learning how the machinery works, deciding what must remain yours and creating an ecosystem capable of supporting the work long after the excitement of an idea has passed.

Throughout the conversation, Younge retains the curiosity that first led him toward music. “We’re just bigger kids,” he says—a reminder that serious artistic practice does not require abandoning wonder. Growth can mean becoming more skilled, more informed and more intentional while remaining open enough to keep discovering.

This is a cover story about a dance-floor record, but it is also about something larger: how artists honour history without becoming trapped inside it, how independence is built rather than declared, and how curiosity keeps the conversation moving forward.

Adrian Younge covers the August issue of Afros in tha City.

Read “Afro-Disco Makossa: The Dance Floor Record He’s Always Wanted to Spin” at afrosinthacity.com and in our print publication.

Stories Shaping Culture.

This Is What Calgary Sounds Like Now

A New Era of Afros in tha City

FEATURE interview with nini udochu

AITC: What inspired you to merge your passion for technology and fashion, and how has this combination influenced your creative work and content?

AITC: As a prominent figure at the intersection of tech and fashion, how do you see these two industries evolving and converging in the future? Are there any cutting-edge technologies that you believe will significantly impact the world of fashion?

AITC: Your influence in the tech and fashion spheres has earned you a substantial following. How do you use your platform to promote inclusivity, sustainability, and positive change within these industries?

AITC: In a digital age where social media plays an integral role in fashion and technology, how do you navigate the challenges of maintaining authenticity while also curating a personal brand that resonates with your audience?

AITC: As the cover girl of this magazine, what message or narrative do you hope to convey to readers about the powerful synergy between technology and fashion, and the impact it can have on our lives?

Afros in tha City announced as 2023 Notable Award Winner by Notable Life!

Notable Life Awards Goes Digital, Celebrates Canadian Diversity with 3x Nominations for Afros in tha City and more!

Black Enterprise Unveils Canadian Supermodel Winnie Harlow and others as 40 Under 40 Class of 2023

& Afro-Disco Makossa: The Dance Floor Record He’s Always Wanted to Spin & More.