Shawn Bernard lost his parents at a young age and grew up in the drug and gang underworld of Edmonton. He has seen tragedy, has done things he isn’t proud of and has paid the price for his actions. It seemed inevitable that he would crash and burn in sadness and rage. Instead, he found a lifeline in music.
Bernard took on the rap name Feenix, after the mythical bird that rises from the ashes of destruction. He says that in music he found life, and in his children, he found redemption.
“The main thing is that I have two boys that I got out of foster care, they were apprehended when they were babies. I’m all they got. If anything happens to me they go back to a foster home. So I have to keep myself grounded and be on a good track,” Bernard says.
“I try to make things happen for us and be a good father at the same time. I put food on the table and shelter over their heads, first things first. On the side, I chase my dreams.”
One of Bernard’s dreams was to bring together Aboriginal hip-hop talents from all across Canada into one project. That dream has come to life in his latest CD, Collobonation.
“I wanted to take an artist from every province in Canada and make a song and showcase their talent,” says Bernard.
Bernard knows from his days living the gang lifestyle that the divisions among Aboriginal people have become more and more pronounced. Territory and gang colours become defining characteristics and ones that can mean life and death. He wanted to break down the barriers with his music.
“I just wanted to show that I can get along with other people, no matter where they are from. If we can make music together and build something together — beautiful. Anyone can do it. It’s possible for everyone to work together.”
Related links:
Shawn Bernard aka Feenix on Radio 3
