Can “vibrations of the past” bring us closer to the truths and freedoms we may be seeking today? FREEDOM SINGER is a docu-musical inspired by the remarkable journey of singer-songwriter Khari Wendell McClelland (as featured on CBC's The National and Tapestry). In 2015, JUNO-nominated McClelland retraced the steps of his great-great-great-grandmother Kizzy and – using contemporary styles like hip hop, funk and soul – personalized the songs that likely accompanied her and thousands of others as they escaped U.S. slavery. In sharing this music, Khari is brought face to face with his own "unrecorded" heritage, and the realities and myths of one of our quintessential historic narratives: the Underground Railroad.

FREEDOM SINGER was made possible through the support and journalism of CBC’s Jodie Martinson who accompanied Khari on a trek to Nova Scotia, Southwestern Ontario and his hometown of Detroit.

Co-created by Khari Wendell McClelland & Andrew Kushnir with Jodie Martinson
Directed by Andrew Kushnir
Featuring Khari Wendell McClelland, Tanika Charles & Noah Walker

Set & Costume Design by Joanna Yu
Lighting Design by Oz Weaver
Sound Design by Debashis Sinha
Stage Management by Andrea Baggs

A sweet reminder of our history...There are challenges translating a research project to the stage, but Khari Wendell McClelland finds a sweet spot.”
– TORONTO STAR, ★★★

“A moving musical journey along the Underground Railroad...with a Hamilton- esque twist: [the songs] are reinvented as hip-hop, funk and soul numbers...A Must-See”
–TORONTO LIFE

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