Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, co-founders of The Black Academy, have announced the second annual Legacy Awards will take place on Sept. 24.

The Scarborough natives also announced that award-winning TV host and singer Keshia Chanté will serve as host, according to a statement released June 28.

“Keshia was always our No. 1 choice to host this year’s Legacy Awards,” Anderson said in a statement. “She’s got an undeniable 'IT' factor, she’s extremely talented and funny, and she can hold the room. And most importantly, Keshia embodies what The Legacy Awards and The Black Academy are all about: she’s someone all people of colour can be proud of; she’s been a trailblazer for our community and inspired my brother and me to reach for more. The chance to collaborate with her on this celebration of Black Canadian talent is a real full circle moment for us.”

Chanté has won five Canadian Urban Music Awards and two Canadian Radio Music Awards. Moreover, she is one of the youngest JUNO award-winner and a seven-time nominee for such hits as “Been Gone”; “2U”; and “Table Dancer.”

Additionally, as a host of ET Canada, she has twice been recognized by the Canadian Screen Awards for her hosting and interviewing skills.

In addition to running her own company – K.Chante Inc. – Chanté founded KHAIR, a luxury self-care brand.

“The Legacy Awards are the epitome of excellence, representing the culture at the highest level,” Keshia Chanté, host of The 2023 Legacy Awards, said in a statement. “I’m incredibly honoured to be hosting this year’s celebration. Shamier and Stephan have been an inspiration to me and so many for their unrelenting work ethic and drive to break down barriers for not only themselves but for others.”

The event will be held at History in Toronto on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. and broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem. The show features performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring established and emerging Black Canadian talent.

Insight Productions is accepting résumés from those who have a passion for live events and award shows at legacyawardsresumes@insighttv.com.

“We are thrilled to welcome the phenomenal Keshia Chanté as the host for the second edition of The Legacy Awards,” Sally Catto, general manager of entertainment, factual and sports at CBC, said in a statement. “We look forward to working with Shamier, Stephan, Keshia, and Insight to once again offer audiences a nationwide platform on CBC and CBC Gem for this inspiring celebration of Black Canadian talent and their accomplishments.”

This year’s honourees, as well as performers and presenters, will be announced in the coming weeks, a statement reads.

The Legacy Awards is executive produced by Anderson and James with support from CBC and Bay Mills Studios.

“Our incredible partners at Insight and CBC supported this initiative from the very beginning, and with them and our amazing sponsors, we created a joyous space for Black communities to gather and to celebrate our accomplishments with all of Canada,” James said in a statement. “It’s inspiring to see so many sponsors return this year, but we also look forward to bringing more companies into the fold for this unapologetic celebration of Black excellence and Black culture. With FOMO already mounting, it’s going to be another wild night at History.”