Join us in celebration and ceremony at Rhythms of Recognition. This cultural music experience brings together melodies from across traditions to honour the people who power career development in Canada, marking the 20th anniversary of the Cannexus conference. We pay homage to the contributions of career development professionals and the growth that CERIC champions as sector leaders on both the national and international stage. This soundroom of celebration features performances from musicians representing the cultures of Indigenous Peoples of North America, South Asia and the Afro-Caribbean.
Flute Player, Composer, Producer
A musician from Pune, India, Gandhaar began intensive training in Indian classical music with his father at the age of four. Today, Gandhaar is a flute player who composes and produces world music that combines the melodic depth of Indian classical music with the finesse of electronic music. Notably, he recorded and co-composed “Inner World,” a music album by The Dalai Lama, in 2020. From BGM, songs for TV and film, to advertising jingles and corporate presentations, Gandhaar has been creating music for a wide range of applications for over a decade. He also composes and produces independently released music under his own name, while producing music for indie song writers from around the world.
Cultural Artist-Scholar, Advisor, Spiritualist
Shereen Ashman is a multi-award-winning cultural innovator, educator and performer. The 2025 recipient of the King Charles Award for Service and Leadership, she has spent over 15 years advancing cultural, educational and workforce initiatives across Toronto and the Caribbean. As Founding Director of Saccae Social Innovation Studio Inc., Shereen blends Indigenous innovation, leadership and immersive learning. As a cultural griot and sacred soundscape performer, she bridges African and Caribbean traditions through art, ritual and storytelling to inspire learning and leadership transformation.
Indigenous Hoop Dancer, Musician and Producer
River is a hoop dancer, musician and producer who have overcome many obstacles and barriers in their life. In 2014 they founded Hoops for Hope, a non-profit that advocates for Indigenous people with disabilities and sheds light on issues of diversity and inclusion vs. acceptance. River received the 2017 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award for Youth/Young Adults from the City of London in recognition of their work. Today River Christie-White uses their musical talents and the traditional art of Hoop Dancing to spread awareness about autism and the lack of support for Indigenous children and families with special needs.
Asian Ancestral Neo-Soul
Eunice Keitan, a Malaysian-Chinese-Canadian artist, captivates audiences with her unique fusion of traditional Asian and soul soundscapes. Her music, deeply influenced by experiences across Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Colombia. Eunice's versatility shines whether leading a band at festivals or as a solo loop pedal artist. Her extensive touring schedule has taken her multiple times across Canada, Europe, Asia and both North and South America. Evocative of artists like Emily King, Cleo Sol and Erykah Badu, Eunice's music invites you to experience Asian ancestral Neo-Soul infused with a spirit of wanderlust.
Performer & Percussionist of African & Caribbean Drumming Traditions
Rudi Quammie Williams is a performer and percussionist extraordinaire. He is a mentor to youth, community businesses, organizations and individuals. He is a business consultant and facilitator of discussions on equity and inclusion and countering anti-Black racism with a passion for community development, entrepreneurship and small business. Quammie has a long history of service to the public through his work at the provincial and municipal levels of government and in a number of communities serving organizations. He is skilled in business start-up and dedicated to encouraging strong, qualified and conscious leadership. Quammie specializes in an African-centred approach that encourages healthy organizations free of anti-black racism and other forms of discrimination. In addition to his study of African and Caribbean drumming traditions, Quammie is a graduate of York University’s Hons. Fine Arts and MBA Programs.
West African Drumming Call & Griot storytelling: The drum beat as the heart of all communities and cultures Call for Community: A West African method of calling audience to attention
Guided Land & Ancestral Acknowledgement
Solo Loop Pedal Artistry of Traditional Asian & Soul Soundscape
Call and Response Ritual – Chanting Immersive Activation
Indian Classical and Fusion Music
Curated and produced by Saccae Studio.