Silent Tracks: How A Producer Is Fighting For Freedom In Canada
Photo: Corban Andrews
A Dream Deferred
In the world of music and production, every sound tells a story. What happens if that voice is silenced, their means of creation is suppressed by others essentially leaving them with the inability to work or learn? Today, I want to share a deeply personal story that goes beyond the studio, beyond the stage, and straight to the heart of a systemic issue that is affecting talented individuals and many Canadians.
Corban Andrews came from Nigeria in 2019 and has been studying architecture at Carleton University with high hopes for employment in construction or residential development - a landscape to call home. He brought with him not just his passion for music, fashion, and art, but also the determination to make a meaningful contribution to this country and for his family and friends. With inspiration from Kayne’s music and Virgil Abloh’s fashion, he hopes to feel security in Canada to call this landscape home, however, the reality he faces is far from the dream he envision, something many individuals sadly face.
Due to ongoing issues with the IRCC, his refugee status has denied his ability to legally work or enroll in educational programs. The very talents that should be nurtured and celebrated are being stifled. This is not just a professional setback; it’s a personal crisis. Each day that Corban is unable to work or study is another day that his future is being stolen from him, along with many others in this same position.
The Broader Picture
This story is not just about one individual. It’s about the thousands of refugees who come to Canada seeking safety and opportunity, only to find themselves trapped in a system that fails to recognize their potential and see them as human. These are people with skills, dreams, and the drive to contribute to society. Yet, they are often left in limbo, unable to work or access education, forced to live in uncertainty.
As his friend, someone with a heart and decency, I’ve seen firsthand the toll this takes. The frustration of not being able to pursue his passion or any, the stress of financial insecurity every living moment, and the emotional strain of feeling unwelcome in a place that was supposed to be a safe haven.
Our Commitment: Turning Sales into Support
In response to this situation, I am proud to announce that our store will be matching every sale with a donation to support Corban’s fund and situation. These funds will go directly towards legal assistance, advocacy efforts, and support to help him gain access to work and education.
Every purchase you make is not just a transaction; it’s a stand for justice, a step towards giving other refugees the chance they deserve. By supporting this cause, you’re helping to ensure that talented individuals like Corban can continue to create, innovate, and thrive.
How You Can Help
We can’t change the system overnight, but we can start by making our voices heard. Here’s how you can join us in this fight for one and maybe all:
Shop with Purpose: Visit our store and know that every dollar spent goes towards supporting this vital cause. Every dollar spent at our store will be recorded and matched back into his fund.
Spread the Word: Share this post, talk about the issue, and raise awareness among your friends and community. Hopefully gain traction and attention to others in Corban’s situation
Advocate for Change: Contact your local representatives and urge them to support refugee rights and reforms that allow refugees to work and study in Canada.
Amplifying Voices, Changing Lives, Design For Cause
Corban and I believe in the power of sound and music bringing people together, to heal, to inspire change, and providing place to be heard. But we also believe in the power of community to stand up for what’s right. By supporting this cause, you’re not just helping one artist; you’re contributing to a movement that seeks to break down barriers and build a more inclusive society.
Thank you for standing with us, and reading this story. Together, we can turn up the volume on this issue and make sure that no one’s voice goes unheard. By connecting with Corban and hearing about his desire in fashion, we dedicated a new design to support this cause, those in similar situations, and those who want to make a brighter change in life for all.
The usage of bright colours was requested by Corban, as we used a close replica to the Nigerian Green to pair it to. Along with some mountains representing Canada’s Rockies, a green sound-wave pattern to embody his artisanal practice, and just a simple design to capture yet amplify the cause.
As we went over ideas for the shirt design, I captured this quote that really personifies the cause and design elements, along with the motivations towards everything about the situation, and how he’s staying positive yet clear minded throughout this process;
“Life isn’t black or white, life is filled with many different situations and stories, life can be sad, funny, tough and inspiring. It can’t be defined by a single colour, but a variety for the range of life’s unexpectedness.”
