MUSIC IN THE SOUL CAN BE HEARD BY
THE UNIVERSE
-LAO TZU
Originating from Toronto, Canada, Jennarie is an independent artist with a distinctive blend of R&B and jazz, channeling influences from Adele and Amy Winehouse into a uniquely personal style. Renowned for her dynamic vocals, extensive range, and impassioned performances, Jennarie has left an indelible mark on the Canadian music scene, gracing renowned venues and festivals including Pride Toronto and the Kensington Jazz Festival. Notably, she toured with tap dancer Travis Knights, captivating audiences at the National Arts Center in Ottawa and the FURIES International Dance Festival in Gaspésie, Québec.
In the summer of 2022, Jennarie received grants from the Ontario Arts Council, leading her to New York City for an immersive exploration of jazz history under award-winning artist Michelle Willis. Her return marked a pivotal moment with the "Artist Development" grant from FACTOR, resulting in the creation of "My Body Treats Me Better," a funky pop anthem releasing on November 24th. Beyond her musical endeavors, Jennarie, a graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Toronto, is actively involved in community initiatives, recently completing Xenia’s Artists Accessibility Program training in October 2023. As a #FACTORFUNDED artist, Jennarie's unique delivery and meticulous attention to detail, as noted by Colin Story of The Whole Note, set her apart in the vibrant world of music.
From a young age, I encountered comments about my size—
being labeled "big-boned" or "large" by family, friends, and
even strangers. In elementary school, bullies targeted me with hurtful names, mocking my appearance with oinks and laughter. As a teenager, I fixated on conforming to societal standards of beauty, trying everything from diet pills to crash diets.
Despite the relentless scrutiny, my true essence shone beyond my size. Creativity, humor, intelligence, loyalty, and passion defined me. Music became my sanctuary, offering solace from the body-centric comments. Singing and songwriting provided a cathartic release for the emotions bottled up inside me.
As I matured, the bullying evolved into a more insidious form—fatphobia permeating various aspects of my life. Despite grappling with the challenges of living in a fatphobic society, music remained my unwavering source of strength.
Through social media, I discovered the body positivity and liberation communities, learning about disability politics, anti-racism work, and more. This journey of self-discovery led to a profound realization: every body deserves respect, care, and love, regardless of appearance or weight.
"My Body Treats Me Better" is a letter to my younger self, a defiant response to those questioning my worth based on my size. It's a body-positive anthem, a reminder that all bodies deserve dignity and respect. In the face of fatphobia disguised as concern, the song asserts, "My body treats me better than they could ever imagine."
YOU CAN LOVE YOUR BODY
YOU CAN LIVE YOUR TRUTH
GO ON AND LOVE SOMEBODY
SHOW THEM ALL OF YOU!
