Five Black musicians have been announced to join First Up with RBCxMusic — a program for emerging recording artists from across Canada.

Clerel, Joseph Sarenhes, LIZA, Luna Elle, and Sage Harris made the final cut of 20 artists, who will receive performance opportunities, mentorship, funding, and media and promotional marketing support from RBCxMusic.

“As an emerging artist, being part of First Up with RBCxMusic is a huge step towards bringing my career to the next level,” Sage Harris, 2023 First Up with RBCxMusic featured artist, said in a statement. “With RBCxMusic's support, I'm excited for my music to reach new audiences and to grow my fanbase.”

The program has invested more than $199 million in support of over 35,000 artists since 2007. Specifically, First Up with RBCxMusic has supported more than 200 artists since 2020.

See the complete list of musicians participating here.

“Building a community of talented alumni and featured artists over the past three years has really shown us the influence music has in powering ideas and bringing people together,” Shannon Cole, vice president of brand marketing at RBC, said in a statement. “We've received phenomenal feedback on the impact First Up with RBCxMusic has had on emerging musicians across Canada and look forward to continuing its success in 2023.”

RBCxMusic has partnered with Live Nation Canada to allow artists to perform at theatre venues like RBC Echo Beach (Toronto), Danforth Music Hall (Toronto) and Commodore Ballroom (Vancouver).

The program is also supported by AWAL, a music label alternative, and Canadian non-profit, Conscious Economics, which will return to co-host an artists' summit later this year. The summit will include experiential learning seminars, development programs, networking opportunities, financial therapy and more.

Additionally, Yangaroo, a music promotion company, provide educational resources and provide connections to radio and TV broadcasting platforms.

Clerel – Richelieu, QC

A Cameroon-born, Montreal-based songwriter, who was a pre-med chemistry major at a liberal arts college in Ohio and, at the time, playing guitar was his escape.

Joseph Sarenhes – Wendake, Que.

Sarenhes is a young Afro-Native artist from Quebec City. He says he's "currently in the process of showing the world I got it."

LIZA – Toronto

LIZA is a Canadian R&B singer/songwriter. Born and raised in Toronto, Liza grew up in a traditional Ethiopian household and grew up absorbing its music and culture. She also loves Afrobeats and aims to make more music in the genre.

Luna Elle – Mississauga, Ont.

Luna Elle is an emerging singer from Mississauga, Ont. Her vocals have caught the attention of many celebrities on social media, including Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal. Her influences include Brandy, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton, and Sade.