Kardinal Offishall has been named the 2023 recipient of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour, an annual award from Canada's Walk of Fame celebrating Canadian musicians who have "used their voices and talent to inspire and drive positive impact in the music industry."
Highlighting the award-winning artist's standing as a "Canadian music icon, producer, A&R executive, and philanthropist," Canada's Walk of Fame further characterizes Kardinal as "a relentless force in shaping Canada's hip-hop scene and a champion of emerging homegrown talent."
In a video reaction to the news, Kardinal shared how it's "truly an honour" to receive the award, naming past winners like Drake and the Weeknd: "This is Canada's elite, and to join Canada's elite as somebody receiving this honour is truly, truly incredible."
"Kardinal is a triple threat to Canada's vibrant music scene," Randy Lennox shared in a release on behalf of the board of directors of Canada's Walk of Fame. "A musician, producer and A&R executive, he has entertained fans with his talent and shared his insights, lent his expertise and helped break down barriers to empower emerging Canadian musicians in a highly competitive global industry for nearly three decades. We proudly recognize his passion, dedication and contributions to Canada's cultural landscape as the 2023 Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree."
"I am thrilled to hear that Kardinal Offishall will be receiving the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour this year," Gary Slaight, president & CEO of the Slaight Family Foundation, added in a respective statement. "Kardi, in his way, has pushed for the betterment of new artists, raised money to help those in need, and accomplished greatness in his career. For all of this, I am proud to say I have known Kardi for many years and that I genuinely can't think of anyone more deserving to receive this special recognition."
Kardinal will accept the honour as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Canada's Walk of Fame, taking place December 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
2023 has seen Kardinal Offishall become Global A&R at Def Jam Recordings, celebrate 50 years of hip-hop at the 2023 JUNO Awards, and reflect on Toronto music history in Play De Record documentary Drop the Needle. His most recent album remains 2015's Kardi Gras, Vol. 1: The Clash, while his most recent single "Run" arrived in 2019.
Read five noteworthy facts about Kardinal Offishall before revisiting Exclaim!'s Timeline feature on the artist's extensive career.
Previous recipients of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour include Arkells, Serena Ryder, Drake, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, the Weeknd, Carly Rae Jepsen and more.
Highlighting the award-winning artist's standing as a "Canadian music icon, producer, A&R executive, and philanthropist," Canada's Walk of Fame further characterizes Kardinal as "a relentless force in shaping Canada's hip-hop scene and a champion of emerging homegrown talent."
In a video reaction to the news, Kardinal shared how it's "truly an honour" to receive the award, naming past winners like Drake and the Weeknd: "This is Canada's elite, and to join Canada's elite as somebody receiving this honour is truly, truly incredible."
"Kardinal is a triple threat to Canada's vibrant music scene," Randy Lennox shared in a release on behalf of the board of directors of Canada's Walk of Fame. "A musician, producer and A&R executive, he has entertained fans with his talent and shared his insights, lent his expertise and helped break down barriers to empower emerging Canadian musicians in a highly competitive global industry for nearly three decades. We proudly recognize his passion, dedication and contributions to Canada's cultural landscape as the 2023 Allan Slaight Music Impact Honouree."
"I am thrilled to hear that Kardinal Offishall will be receiving the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour this year," Gary Slaight, president & CEO of the Slaight Family Foundation, added in a respective statement. "Kardi, in his way, has pushed for the betterment of new artists, raised money to help those in need, and accomplished greatness in his career. For all of this, I am proud to say I have known Kardi for many years and that I genuinely can't think of anyone more deserving to receive this special recognition."
Kardinal will accept the honour as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Canada's Walk of Fame, taking place December 2 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
2023 has seen Kardinal Offishall become Global A&R at Def Jam Recordings, celebrate 50 years of hip-hop at the 2023 JUNO Awards, and reflect on Toronto music history in Play De Record documentary Drop the Needle. His most recent album remains 2015's Kardi Gras, Vol. 1: The Clash, while his most recent single "Run" arrived in 2019.
Read five noteworthy facts about Kardinal Offishall before revisiting Exclaim!'s Timeline feature on the artist's extensive career.
Previous recipients of the Allan Slaight Music Impact Honour include Arkells, Serena Ryder, Drake, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, the Weeknd, Carly Rae Jepsen and more.
