Established in 1996, UMAC, The Urban Music Association of Canada, serves as the lone music industry service provider for urban music in Canada & the work of Canadian urban artists. UMAC offers professional development services to help music industry workers succeed as cultural entrepreneurs. Through its programs and services, UMAC assists practitioners in the music industry to build sustainable, export-ready careers & find some modicum of success in a musical landscape in Canada not necessarily designed for urban music achievement.

UMAC is the voice of Canada’s urban music industry. It is a member-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to building the domestic and international profile of Canadian urban music*.

UMAC offers professional development workshops, networking events and artist showcases to its members and stakeholders. By utilizing its relationships with industry and government decision-makers, UMAC is also a strong and active advocate for positive, progressive and beneficial policies, policy reform & directives for Canada’s urban music industry.

Toronto-based UMAC’s national scope is facilitated via regional representatives in major urban centers, partnerships with provincial music industry associations & governmental funding & support organizations across Canada. These, as well as other peripheral but vital relationships, aid UMAC to serve as a national resource and central point of contact for members of the entertainment industry and other stakeholders who wish to tap into the urban music community.

*Definition of Urban Music: Urban is a diverse musical format rooted in the rich traditions of African musical expression. Urban music encompasses African-influenced genres including Soul/R&B, Rap, Dance, Reggae, Continental African, Latin, Soca, Jazz, Blues and Gospel.