Behind the Beauty with Jully Black

Jully Black might rightfully be regarded by many as Canada’s Queen of R&B. But, make no mistake, this woman considers herself proud Jamaican royalty. She’s embraced her black, green and gold lineage since she grew up in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood. And, she’s channelled the best of heritage throughout a decorated career spanning three decades.

As she’s set to begin her Songs & Stories tour across Canada, the Juno-winner singer sits exclusively with us for our latest Behind the Beauty feature. From the 416 to the 876, Black shares all the deets about her life, career, causes and much more!

876-411: Queen, we really appreciate you taking the time to sit down with us! One thing people will know about when they first meet you is that you’re authentically and unapologetically Jamaican.

You grew up in a Jamaican household in Canada and were raised by a strong single mother. What about your upbringing stands out most in your mind to this day? And, what lesson did you learn most from that upbringing that moulded you into the woman you are today?

Jully Black: What stands out most about my childhood is how deeply cultural it was – within our four walls – you would think I was actually born and raised in Jamaica. The morals, the ethics, the faith, the food, the older siblings who took great care of me. The way Mom enforced rules while encouraging and enforcing education all shaped me. But, what made the biggest difference was that she also allowed us to dream. And, she supported our dreams.  

The lesson I have carried with me to this day is that what’s for you will never miss you and to pray without ceasing. Another powerful lesson I’ve learned is that forgiveness is the gateway to freedom. 

The highs were incredible—being recognized with Juno nominations, collaborating with legends like Nas, Destiny’s Child, and Sean Paul, and seeing my music reach people on such a large scale was a dream come true. But the music industry will humble you just as quickly as it lifts you up.

876: Regarding Jamaican music, which artists were you most exposed to and enjoyed
the most growing up? And, which Jamaican artists, if any, inspired you to pursue a music
career?

Jully Black: Oh, Jamaican music was everywhere in my house growing up! It wasn’t just music; it was a way of life.

I was raised on the legends—Bob Marley, of course, because his music wasn’t just sound, it was scripture in our home.  Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” was like an anthem, a rhythm that just lived in my spirit. Barrington Levy’s voice was unmistakable, Beres Hammond’s smooth, soulful storytelling taught me about love and longing. And then, there’s Buju Banton. Watching his evolution as an artist and a musical missionary was powerful. His growth, his depth, his ability to shift with time while staying rooted in truth. That spoke to me.

Did they inspire me to pursue music? Absolutely. They showed me that music is more than just a career—it’s a calling, a responsibility. It can move people, heal people, unite people. That’s the legacy they left. And, that’s the spirit I carry with me in everything I do. 

876: You found strong success early in your career, nabbing Juno nominations and getting to collaborate with and write for the likes of Nas, Destiny’s Child, Sean Paul and more, as you mentioned. But, you also faced your share of trials when your hit album, “This Is Me,” was a victim of piracy. How did you manage the highs of getting accolades and working with esteemed company? And, how did you deal with the stresses of the music industry during that time?

Jully Black: When This Is Me was pirated, it was devastating. I poured my heart into that album, and to have it taken and distributed without my consent was a tough pill to swallow.

I dealt with it the only way I knew how—by staying rooted in my faith, leaning on my community, and reminding myself that my purpose was bigger than any single setback. My mother always instilled in me that what’s for you will never miss you, so I kept going. I learned to pivot, to focus on what I could control, and to find strength in knowing that no industry obstacle could take away my gift or my calling. That mindset has carried me through every season of my career. 

876: From there, you only went from strength to strength. Your Juno-winning album, “Revival,”
and its hit single, ‘Seven Day Fool.’ You got into theatre and television as well. As much
as you’ve enjoyed music, how fun was it to get involved with those other mediums?

Jully Black: Getting into musical theatre was a game-changer for me.  It’s actually what forced me to finally get a vocal teacher— Elaine Overholt. She didn’t just teach me how to use my voice; she taught me how to protect it, how to preserve it, how to let sound happen rather than force it. That changed everything. 

And that’s exactly what being on stage every night did, too. Even though we said the same words, depending on the day, the emotion was different. Theatre taught me how to be present, how to live in the moment, and how to feel every note, every breath, every silence. It was a whole new kind of storytelling, and I fell in love with it.

TV was another wild ride—just a different way to stretch myself as an artist. At the end of the day, whether it’s music, theatre, or television, it all comes down to connection. That’s what I live for. 

876: The other day, we saw visuals of your performance at the 2012 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, when Celine Dion was the headliner. What do you remember about that show? And, what are your emotions like whenever you get the chance to perform in front of the Jamaican people?

Jully Black: Oh wow, that show was everything. The 2012 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival came at a time when I had no manager, no record company support and my original band had pretty much quit on me. So for me, that performance was a testament to hard work, faith, and really taking the time to groove my craft. We traveled with 23 people, and the festival took care of all of us—just real love all around. 

And to be a Jamaican-Canadian on that stage, alongside one of Canada’s biggest performers,  Celine Dion, was surreal. She was so nice to us — she complimented my sound, showed up for soundcheck, and even hung out in the dressing room. [It was] just a beautiful experience from start to finish.  

The only thing? I wish more of the crowd had come earlier to really support the opening acts. But regardless, performing in front of the Jamaican people is always an emotional, full-circle moment for me. It’s like stepping into the embrace of my ancestors, standing on the soil that shaped me, and giving back through music. There’s nothing like it!

876: As mentioned earlier, you’ve worked with the likes of Sean Paul, plus Kardinal Offishall,
Choclair and other artists of Jamaican descent. Is there a dream collab you’d like to do
with a Jamaican artist before your career is over?

Jully Black: Well, let me start by saying—my career will never be over!  It only ends when God calls me home. Ha ha ha!  

As for my dream Jamaican collab? Whew, there are so many! I’d love to work with Chronixx and  Koffee—they both bring such a fresh, conscious energy to reggae and dancehall. Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel? Come on! That would be a mad link-up. And I think it would be straight fire to do a song with Shenseea and Spice on the same track—two powerhouse women just running the riddim.  

And of course, one of my biggest dreams would be to remake a Beres Hammond song as a duet with the living legend himself. That would be a full-circle moment. 

876: We’ve enjoyed featuring you as an 876 Beauty for a long time now. Being an 876
Beauty, what do you consider your most attractive physical feature? And, what’s your
most attractive non-physical feature?

Jully Black: My most attractive physical feature is my smile—because when I smile, I see my beautiful Mom. I look so much like her, and that’s something I cherish. I know my smile lights up a room, and when I laugh hard, when I skin my teeth, it’s like an open invitation for everyone else to do the same. Joy is contagious, and I love being a part of that.

As for my most attractive non-physical feature? My heart. The way I love, the way I give, the way I show up for people. That’s something that doesn’t fade, doesn’t wrinkle, and doesn’t need makeup. It’s just who I am. 

876: To say you look amazing for 47 is an understatement. We know jaws drop seeing that
you’re closing in on 50, but look far from it.

We know you exercise regularly and have a special health and wellness initiative, 100 Strong and Sexy, offering people a holistic approach to wellness. How has that holistic approach helped you to age gracefully and how important is it for you to prove that natural beauty is still winning in today’s society?

Jully Black: I really have genetics on my side, and all I have to do is be a good steward of it. I don’t feel my age, and I think the key is treating your life like a bank account—you want to be in the overflow, not in overdraft. That mindset fuels both the desire and the discipline to take care of yourself.  

With 100 Strong and Sexy, I focus on holistic wellness—mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling strong, being present, and making choices that support longevity. Natural beauty isn’t just winning—it’s thriving. When you nurture yourself from the inside out, the glow is undeniable.

876: You made headlines in 2023 during your performance at the NBA All-Star Game by
tweaking a lyric in the Canadian national anthem to honor Canada’s Indigenous community, a move celebrated by so many. You were even honored by the Assembly of First Nations for doing this.

How important was it for you to take such a stand and to use your platform for social awareness?

Jully Black: As a Black woman, if I want to be a recipient of change,  it’s important that I also take strides to help others be supported in whatever way I can. Even though the road hasn’t been the easiest.

There’s a quote that says, “I wouldn’t choose it, but I wouldn’t change it,” because all of who I am is because of all I’ve gone through. To this day, the decision feels so good in my spirit. 

876: You were honoured with a star on the Canada Walk of Fame in 2023 along with Keanu Reeves and Bret Hart. What does it mean to you to be immortalized in such a way after all the work you put in?

Jully Black: It means that my parents’ sacrifice to come to Canada as immigrants and work for little to nothing was not in vain.  My mother worked for just $1.65 an hour in 1968, and yet, she built a life for us. So, when I look at that star, I see her, I see my father, and I see every Black and Brown family that came here with big dreams and barely enough but still made a way.  

I often say that when people see my star, or when they walk on that piece of concrete, they should feel like they’re being elevated, being supported, being lifted up. And I hope that  Black and Brown girls everywhere are inspired to be their own star—even if there isn’t one on the concrete yet. 

876: You’re going to be back on the road this month as you kick off your Songs & Stories Tour across Canada. What can fans expect from you as you embark on this tour and how do you typically manage tour life?

Jully Black: As I prepare to hit the road this February for my Songs & Stories Tour across Canada, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement and gratitude. Fans can expect an electrifying experience that goes beyond just music; it’s a heartfelt journey that is breathtaking, inspiring, and deeply motivating.  

For 90 minutes, we’ll come together to connect —not just with the songs, but with ourselves and each other. It’s a beautiful escape from the every day. It’s a chance to be fully present in the moment. I hope that when you leave, you carry that warmth and connection with you, enriching your life long after the final note. I’m thrilled to share that I have assembled the top musicians and an incredible technical crew to bring this vision to life.

We’ve got phenomenal new merchandise that I can’t wait for you to see, and I’m even wearing custom-made outfits that reflect the passion and dedication I’m pouring into this tour. I’m treating this experience as if I’m on my arena tour,  which is my two-year goal, and I want every moment to feel special and memorable.  You can also expect to hear stories you haven’t heard before—intimate tales that will deepen our connection and add layers to the music. And throughout the theatre, you’ll feel the warmth and presence of my mother, whose spirit inspires me every day.  

Tour life can be a whirlwind, but I find solace in the love and energy we share during these performances. I make it a priority to nurture my spirit, whether through quiet moments of reflection, a bit of exercise, or simply soaking in the beauty of each city we visit. Every show is a shared experience, a collective embrace of joy and vulnerability, and I can’t wait to embark on this heartfelt adventure with all of you. Let’s create some unforgettable memories together! 

876: You’ve gone from humble beginnings in a strong Jamaican household to becoming
Canada’s Queen of R&B. If the Jully Black of today could give one piece of advice to the
Jully Black who just debuted in the industry, what would you tell her?

Jully Black: It would be this: **Love yourself at every stage of your journey,  embracing all your evolutions—both the beneficial and the non-beneficial. Celebrate the good, learn from the bad,  and accept the indifferent.**  

I would also remind her that you don’t always get what you ask for; instead, you receive what you truly believe in. Your mindset shapes your reality, so hold on to your dreams with unwavering faith.  

And finally, I’d say: Remember that every time you start over, you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Each step, each challenge, and each triumph adds to your story and equips you with the wisdom to move forward. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and know that every moment is a building block toward your greatness.