Panelist of the Event

Jennarie Headshot
She/they

Jennarie

Singer, Songwriter & Cultural Voice
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Jennarie is a Toronto-based independent artist who blends R&B and jazz into a sound that’s entirely her own—soulful, bold, and rooted in emotional truth. Proudly queer, plus-size, and neurodivergent, she creates music that uplifts underrepresented communities and celebrates self-love and body liberation.

In 2024, her unreleased song Never Been Small went viral after she responded to online body-shaming with music, quickly catching the attention of SZA and amassing millions of views. The empowering track has since garnered over 2 million streams on Spotify and was recently featured in comedian Rosebud Baker’s 2025 Netflix comedy special, The Motherlode.

Jennarie has performed at major events including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival and Pride Toronto, and was recently selected for the RBC x MusiCounts First Up program. She’s received support from FACTOR, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Chalmers Foundation.

Her upcoming single, Summer With You—a shimmering ode to joy and escape—drops ahead of her highly anticipated debut EP, arriving summer 2025.

Takeaways for Attendees

1. Embrace Your Authenticity: Jennarie’s journey reminds us that our uniqueness, whether in identity, voice, or vision, is our greatest strength. Her music celebrates being proudly queer, plus-size, and neurodivergent, showing that embracing your full self can open doors and inspire others.

2. Genre Has No Limits: Her genre-blending sound fuses R&B and jazz to create something truly her own. Don’t be afraid to break boundaries and explore multiple influences—there’s power in carving your own artistic lane.

3. Visibility Matters: Representation is central to Jennarie’s work. She uses her platform to amplify voices and stories often overlooked, proving how music can be a tool for visibility and empowerment.

4. Vulnerability Is Power: Through empowering lyricism and soulful vocals, Jennarie channels personal experiences into universal themes of self-love and resilience. Being honest in your art resonates deeply with audiences.

5. Independent Doesn’t Mean Alone: As an independent artist who went viral and caught the attention of major names like SZA, Jennarie exemplifies how authenticity and community support can carry your art farther than you might expect.

6. Create with Joy and Purpose: Above all, Jennarie’s message is clear: joy is a radical act. Whether through music or everyday expression, lead with love and purpose in everything you create.