CGLCC 7th Annual Black & White Gala: Don’t Stop Us Now!

Coko Galore

This year’s Black and White Gala emcee is an actor, comedian and curator. She is one half of the dynamic improv comedy duo Coko & Daphney, Festival Director of Black and Funny – Toronto and Asian and Funny, and co-producer of The Untitled Black Sketch Project. Her performance credits include headlining comedy festivals across North America (incl. Portland, Vancouver, Chicago & more) and her solo show MIXED CHICK at the Toronto Fringe 2015. She is the former Artistic and Managing Director of The Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, where she was instrumental in the creation of their digital platforms: Bad Dog Comedy TV, Bad Dog Online Education and Bad Dog Comedy Podcast.

As a creative leader, and as a Queer Black & Asian woman, Coko Galore is committed to uplifting and elevating the marginalized voices in comedy. She is excited for how artistic spaces evolve as we move through these challenging times.

DJ Recklezz

A versatile and respected DJ in Toronto’s queer scene, Recklezz has developed a prominent name for themselves over the last decade through local shows, stops in major US cities and appearances for major brands. Recklezz captivates audiences with show stopping sets, and creates an ambiance that makes even the shyest person in the room dance like nobody is watching.

With a technically perfect blend of electro, house, amapiano, hip hop and songs you know and love, DJ Recklezz will leave you sweating and wanting more.

Freddy Gipp, Indigenous Enterprise

Indigenous Enterprise is a Phoenix-based Native American dance troupe of champion powwow dancers and singers spread across Turtle Island and have toured internationally since 2015. They have collaborated with numerous award winning artists and well renowned venues such as the Black Eyed Peas and the Sydney Opera House, which made them the first Indigenous company to perform live in both 2018 and 2019.  

Gala Performer, Freddy Gipp, is an enrolled member of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. His Indian name is “T’san T’hoop A’hn” which means “Lead Horse” in the Kiowa Language and was given to him by his late grandfather, Burgess Lee Tapedo.

Ms. Jada Shada Hudson

Born and raised on the beautiful island of Barbados, Ms. Jada Shada Hudson was a star from the beginning. At a young age she began performing in professional theater, and kept matriculating her talents at the national level with Barbados’ leading dance troupe. Upon immigrating to Canada she delved deep into the drag scene and has come out on top!
The past 13 years, Jada has dominated not only Toronto’s drag scene, but queer celebrations all over the country. She has gained notoriety for being bubbly and gracious which garnered the attention of top brands in campaigns for Spotify, Fireball, Bud light and BMO among others.
“Toronto’s Turn Up Queen” is still revving up. Along with being a recurring panelist on the hit show, ‘1 Queen, 5 Queers’, Ms. Jada Shada Hudson appeared as a contestant on the third season of Drag Race Canada, which premiered July 2022. She was a standout fan favourite and runner up to the Crown!

Miss Moço

Miss Moço [mo-su] is Toronto’s Portuguese-Canadian business queen and international wig snatching diva and star of Canada’s Drag Race S3. Recently returning from living in Lisbon, Portugal where she most notably created and hosts a yearly drag pageant, Miss Drag Lisboa, she has returned to her native Toronto to turn up the heat, which includes her sizzling Sunday Drag Brunch at the Gladstone House. She is a business woman with dreams of building an empire.

​Outside of drag, Moço (he/him) can be found behind the camera as a portrait photographer. Moço studied Creative Photography at Toronto’s Humber College, graduating in 2010. Moco’s deep love for travel, endless pursuit of self-discovery, and innate desire to explore human connection are the driving forces behind his photography.

Sandra Bouza

Sandra Bouza is an award winning Independent Soul Blues artist with decades of live performance experience. She cut her teeth performing in Toronto and Vancouver clubs and then spent three years honing her craft overseas in Europe and North and West Africa.

Upon returning to Canada she invested in her songwriting career and immediately received recognition winning the 2019 Toronto Blues Society Talent Search and representing Toronto at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Her EP ‘Three Years’ received significant radio play in Canada, and her following FACTOR funded album ‘Falling Away From Me” received Canadian radio play and rave reviews in Europe.

Her upcoming album, “A Sound in the Dark” is due for release in spring of 2023.

Finalists for CGLCC’s 2022 Business Leadership Awards have been announced!

FIND OUT MORE

Winners will be announced throughout the night of the Black & White Gala on November 11, 2022. Recipients of the prestigious Legacy and Founder of the Year awards were recently announced ahead of the Gala.

More information on criteria for the Business Leadership Awards found here. Please also see past winners featured on our Business Leadership Wall of Fame.