From Aug 21–24, CKUT 90.3FM joins forces with the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) and U of T’s Afrosonic Innovation Lab for a powerful takeover of CKUT’s airwaves.

This is more than a broadcast. It’s a living archive, a reclamation, and a celebration of the Black artists, DJs, promoters, and community builders who shaped Montreal’s sound. From jazz rooted in diasporic traditions, to Caribbean rhythms, to the innovations of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, kompa, soca, Afrobeat & beyond, these are the stories that built the city’s cultural identity.

Over four days (Aug 21-24), you’ll hear nearly 15 hours of original programming: live interviews, music, and oral storytelling across CKUT’s iconic Black music shows like Positive Vibes, Funky Revolutions, West Indian Rhythms, Bhum Bhum Tyme, and more. Featured voices include Jah Cutta, Sampaloo, DJ Andy Williams, Stretch Carr, David Tourne, Toucan and many others who’ve been at the heart of Montreal’s scenes.

It all kicks off with a free live show at the McGill Ballroom, Thurs Aug 21 (5–8PM), featuring performances by Jah Cutta, Juliet “Smurfette” Nelson, Deniston “Sampaloo” Mullings, and a special guest DJ.Montreal has long been a crossroad.

Once dubbed the Harlem of the North, where sounds from the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America collided with Black North American traditions. Too often, these contributions have been left out of Canada’s “official” story. The Takeover is about setting the record straight—advocacy, memory, and truth told through music.

Tune in, show up, and be part of history.

 5–8PM
 3480 McTavish St, 3rd floor
 Free

Tune in to CKUT 90.3 FM for 15 hours of original programming from Aug 21-24 where we’re diving deep into the stories and sounds of Montreal’s Black music scenes.Check out the line up below and tune in to get in on all the action.