The Production Team

Over the years, we have fiercely strived to remain grounded & maintain those things we were at risk of losing: connection, hope, solace, joy, etc. One of the ways we achieved this was through music. Music played an integral role in helping people navigate life in the face of a global crisis. We polled a number of people this year and asked them,” What did you listen to over the last two years to get through?” Tonight we celebrate and explore the answers to that question together, 5 Artists 1 Love style. Enjoy!

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:

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Francis Winspear Center for Music

Awards

Fil Fraser Award 2011 (National Black Coalition of Canada)
Afro Canadian Heroes Award 2016 (DiversityMagazine)
Black Leadership of the Year
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Award 2022
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 Advisor for Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, 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.

Kijo Gatama

Director of Stage Management

I’m Kijo Eunice Gatama, a multidisciplinary artist, actor, producer, and emerging playwright based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta). I’m the artistic director of Here, For: Fear Collective, a fear-focused theatre and film festival spotlighting IBPOC artists, and the founder of RECHIQUE, a recycling collective celebrating sustainability and self-love for curly and Black hair.My playwriting explores folklore and Afro-Canadian experiences, with my play Hyena’s Trail debuting in Edmonton this summer (2025). My work has been featured by Nightwood Theatre, Nextfest, Azimuth Theatre, Edmonton Fringe, Theatre Prospero, Thou Art Here, and more. Recently, I expanded my skills into stage management with 5A1L, starting with Joyful Noise and returning for Soul in the City. It’s been a phenomenal opportunity to deepen my understanding of collaboration and Black joy.

Audrey French

Director of Communications

Audrey French is a dynamic multi-disciplinary artist, marketing manager, and content creator with a passion for storytelling and bringing creative visions to life. With a strong foundation in media and public relations, she has built a fulfilling career spanning social media and digital marketing, multimedia, influencer partnerships, public speaking, and content creation. Audrey’s work is driven by a love for innovation and connection, blending strategy with creativity to craft compelling narratives across various platforms. Whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera, she thrives on using her creative gifts to inspire, uplift, and ignite change.

Esther Marah

Marketing Coordinator

Esther Marah is a writer, counselling psychology practitioner, and speaker who hosts the widely celebrated podcast “Hear Me Out.” Passionate about helping individuals uncover their most authentic selves, she has cultivated a global community of engaged listeners while pursuing a career in mental health to support individuals and communities.

As a freelance social media consultant, Esther brings years of experience in video production and social media management, excelling in storyboarding, filming, producing, and editing projects of all sizes. Her expertise extends to curating and managing thriving online media presences across platforms, driving meaningful connection and engagement.

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.

Keith Fix

VIP Musical Director

Keith was born in Edmonton and boasts over five decades of musical prowess. A versatile musician, Keith excels in playing both rhythm guitar and bass. His journey in music has seen him embrace various roles, including roadie, sideman, sound technician, and producer. Specializing in R&B, funk, gospel, blues, and jazz, Keith has collaborated with renowned musicians across Edmonton, Vancouver, Seattle, and Dallas. Since 2012, he has been an integral part of 5 Artists 1 Love, initially as a guest, and has since evolved to serve as the music director for VIP shows, alongside contributing to talent recruitment and mentorship.

Soyinka Seguin

UX/ Web Designer

Soyinka Seguin is a User Experience Designer with a strong focus on creating inclusive, user-centered solutions. He has partnered with multiple organizations in government, health, academic, and creative sectors and has gained multiple recognitions for his passion for creating change through creativity.

With the impact of his work reaching more than 20,000 users, Soyinka is committed to working with communities, organizations and businesses to identify valuable opportunities using design.