The Production Team
Darren Jordan
Director and Producer
Born in the UK to Caribbean parents, Darren immigrated to Canada with his Family in 1975 at the age of eight. In his home, he was taught to appreciate the beauty and diversity of not only his own heritage but that of other cultures as well as what they had to offer. He believes that food, music, dance and art are conduits to such exploration. This is reflected in how he writes and constructs performances, highlighting the culturally diverse tapestry within Edmonton's " Black Community".
He attended Grant MacEwan University and graduated from the child and youth care counselling program. To date he continues to introduce youth to the arts, as a means of improving mental health and self expression.
Darren is the curator, writer and producer of the
‘5 Artists 1 Love’ art show & musical performance. Through 5 Artists 1 Love Darren has worked at bringing together various artistic disciplines within the Black Community under one accessible network. He was quoted saying,” If you can’t find a scene or there is no scene, then you make a scene.”
Presently seated on Board of Directors:
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Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
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Francis Winspear Center for Music
Awards
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Fil Fraser Award 2011 (National Black Coalition of Canada)
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Afro Canadian Heroes Award 2016 (DiversityMagazine)
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Black Leadership of the Year
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Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Award 2022
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Edmonton Artists Trust Fund Award recipient 2023
Robyn Taylor
Director of Operations
Robyn Taylor is the Director of Operations for 5 Artists 1 Love — her role is multifaceted and primarily includes working with each of the 5A1L teams to execute the vision for the season. Working closely with the Producer, she helps drive the success of 5A1L initiatives that celebrate and uplift Edmonton’s creative Black communities – a source of constant inspiration for her.
In her other capacities, she works as the Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Advisor for Mayor Andrew Knack, and directs the 1834 Fellowship program, an initiative dedicated to supporting Black youth passionate about pursuing civic leadership opportunities. She has extensive community and leadership experience, and is incredibly passionate about building up the artistic potential in this City!
Leshan Masikonte
Director of Music
Leshan Masikonte is a Kenyan-born musician, musical director, and playback engineer
based in Edmonton. He is currently the Musical Director for the 5 Artists 1 Love music show
and assists Darren with all things music related year round. Renowned for his versatility, he
has built a successful career blending genres such as reggae, afrobeats, rock, jazz, funk,
and R&B. As a co-founder and band leader of Melafrique, Leshan has contributed to the band’s growth while also working as a session musician, live performer, and music director for various
artists. His expertise extends to playback engineering, making him a highly sought-after
figure in Alberta’s music industry.
Sarah Dharshi
Communications Director
Sarah Dharshi is the Director of Communications for 5 Artists 1 Love, leading storytelling, brand and social strategy and media relations across the organization’s programming and events. With a background spanning performing arts, politics, hospitality, nightlife, and community organizing, she brings a culturally grounded and community-focused approach to communications that centres creativity, connection, and impact.
Professionally, Sarah is a Communications Strategist with experience across the arts, nonprofit, political, and post-secondary sectors, and is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices through art and culture. This is her first year on the 5 Artists 1 Love team, and she is so excited to be part of the magic.
Sheshan Haile
Operations Manager
Sheshan Haile is the Operations Manager for 5 Artists 1 Love, supporting the organization’s mission to amplify Black voices through art, music, and culture. She leads operational planning, grant reporting, nonprofit governance, and execution for major showcases, helping ensure creative visions are supported by strong, community‑driven systems and sustainable practices.
By profession, Sheshan is a Business Systems Analyst and certified Scrum Master, known for bridging strategy, structure, and collaboration across corporate and nonprofit spaces. Beyond her professional work, she is a passionate lover of music in all its forms — from soft rock, R&B, indie, desert blues, Ethiopian and Eritrean jazz, semba, house, and everything in between.
At her core, Sheshan is a community builder committed to fostering meaningful relationships and creating inclusive, sustainable platforms where Black artists and creatives can thrive long term.
Soyinka Seguin
UX/ Web Designer
Soyinka Seguin is a Jamaican-born User Experience Designer with a strong focus on creating inclusive, user-centred solutions. He has partnered with organizations across the government, health, academic, and creative sectors and has received numerous recognitions for his passion for creating change through creativity. He is also a co-founder of Creatif.4 Strategy.
With the impact of his work reaching more than 40,000 users, Soyinka is committed to working with communities, organizations and businesses to identify valuable opportunities using design and marketing.
Sherol Leslie
Community Resource Liaison
Sherol Leslie, a registered Social Worker, is deeply involved in the Barbados and Caribbean communities. Recognized for her contributions, she received awards from the honorary consul of Barbados (2017), Soca Music Edmonton (2019), and NBCC (2023). She was the “Face of Cariwest” (2018) and appeared in Beatrice Longhorn (2017) and More than a Flex (2019).
As a freelance model, she has walked in major fashion weeks, including New York and Milan. In 2022, she launched Fade to Black, a show uplifting the BIPOC community. Now in her fifth appearance with 5 Artists 1 Love, Sherol continues to make an impact both on stage and behind the scenes.
