Drezus comments on music and reconciliation at upcoming NMC panel

By Hannah Caparino, September 29 2025—

The National Music Centre (NMC) will be hosting a panel based on Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, in association with the newly updated exhibit, “Speak Up!” at Studio Bell. The panel will include three indigenous artists, each of which are using their platform to express their voice and experiences. The host of the panel, Drezus (born Jeremiah Manitopyes), spoke with the Gauntlet to discuss how the conversation will continue to comment on the relationship between music and reconciliation.

Drezus explains how his collaboration with NMC had been going on for a number of years.

“I got involved with NMC a few years back when they asked me to be part of their Speak Up exhibition. … It’s just basically this showcase of indigenous talent from all different types of music.” said Drezus.

Drezus explains how the panel is made up of three artists, Rex Smallboy, Wendy Walker and Curt Young. The power of music is something that Drezus emphasized, explaining how artists have the ability to inspire one another and continue sharing stories. Drezus notes how music and Rex Smallboy changed the trajectory of his life with the introduction of his group, “War Path”. Through witnessing how Rex Smallboy was able to break into the mainstream, it inspired Derzus to continue to create space for indigenous artists.

Music has always been one of the most accessible ways to build bridges and communicate across a wide range of communities. The rapper has been in the industry for many years since the release of his albums Redwinter in 2013 and Indian Summer in 2014. His experience with music stems from both traditional and contemporary elements which impacted how he produced his own music. The correlation between storytelling and oral history is the anchor for how music has been able to reach audiences and listeners across the globe.

“I think music has always been a part of our community, especially through the drums and through our traditional songs. And music, to me, is just another form of storytelling, which is the backbone of our community and our history.” said Drezus.

Drezus explained how he used the hip-hop genre as his way to reflect on his own experiences, while being able to reconnect with his culture and community.

“I gravitated to it because of the confidence that the artists had to share their own stories, and it made me think of my own story,” said Drezus. “I started to see my lineage, I started to look at our cultures and way of doing things, and I really started to open up my mind and my spirit.”

The hip-hop genre is accessible and the rapper explains that the confidence that is displayed allowed him to become more confident in his identity. Drezus goes into detail regarding how his music had impacted the lives of those within his community and all around the world, with individuals approaching him and explaining how they began to reconnect with their roots, their culture and their traditions. Drezus also describes how his music and the numerous responses from community members had driven his journey to sobriety.

“I had a shift in my music and changing the message, and the narrative of my music. It really helped me tap into my own spirit and I got sober, and for me that was the most important change in my life.” said Drezus.

With the upcoming panel, Drezus explores how reconciliation will be confronted by each panelist’s experiences with residential schools and how the conversation may be incredibly important for viewers to learn and digest their stories. He notes that the aftermath of the residential schools have created deep connections between indigenous communities across Canada, and the panel will dive into the emotions that have been processed and expressed through the universality of music.

“I think it’s going to be an eye-opener for a lot of people because there’s a lot of misinformation out there about residential schools and the residential school experience within our communities and families, which is very, very real for us.” said Drezus.

The rapper expressed his gratitude for art and how it connects everybody on a deeper level. The event will conclude with musical performances from all panelists and will feature a song that is performed by Drezus.

“It’s always a privilege to be able to build with people from different backgrounds and especially in urban centers where I feel like a lot of indigenous people have struggled. I feel like it’s important for us to build those bridges. […] Even just come together and talk about different things together, I think it’s a step in the right direction.” said Drezus

The panel is free to attend and will take place at Studio Bell on September 30. Information can be found on the panel webpage.