Describe your background and industry experience, and explain how it will help you contribute to the SOCAN Board of Directors?
With over two decades of experience as a pianist, composer, and producer, I have dedicated my career to creating, performing, and advocating for music. As a SOCAN member, I understand firsthand the vital role that collective management organizations play in supporting artists and ensuring fair compensation. My background in music spans multiple disciplines, including jazz, classical, and contemporary genres, allowing me to connect with a diverse range of creators and industry professionals.
Beyond performance, I have been deeply involved in music education and community development. As the founder of The Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Arts Foundation, I have worked to provide music education opportunities for underrepresented youth, fostering future generations of artists. Additionally, serving on the boards of Jazz FM 91, Dixon Hall, Artscape Inc, and Community Music School of Toronto (formerly Regent Park School of Music) has given me strategic leadership experience in governance, financial oversight, and policy advocacy—skills that I would bring to SOCAN’s Board of Directors. As well have a certificate from the ICD-ROTMAN Governance Essentials Program.
I want to learn more about empowering creators through new revenue streams, including performance-based opportunities, digital licensing, and emerging technologies like NFTs and sample packs. My industry experience, combined with my work in community engagement and business development, positions me to contribute valuable insights to SOCAN’s mission. As the industry evolves, I want to help SOCAN continue adapting to the changing landscape, ensuring that all members—songwriters, composers, and music publishers—receive the support and advocacy they need to thrive.
In your opinion, what issues will be most important to SOCAN members over the next three years?
I believe over the next three years, SOCAN members will face critical challenges and opportunities as the music industry evolves. Some of those issues will be “fair compensation in the digital age”, as streaming continues to dominate music consumption while traditional revenue sources decline. SOCAN must advocate for stronger policies to ensure fair royalty distribution for creators, addressing the imbalance in streaming payouts and negotiating better rates with digital platforms.
A continued issue will be the impact of emerging technologies, including AI-generated music, NFTs, and blockchain-based rights management. SOCAN must help members navigate these changes, ensuring that creators retain control over their intellectual property and benefit from new monetization models.
Performance-based revenue and live music recovery remain vital, especially as artists and composers rebuild after the pandemic’s disruptions. Supporting members in securing opportunities for live performance royalties, licensing, and international reach will be crucial.
Additionally, equity and accessibility in the music industry must remain a priority. Ensuring that diverse voices are represented and that all members, regardless of background or experience, have access to SOCAN’s resources will strengthen the Canadian music ecosystem for years to come.