Central Library's Artist in Residence programs are three-month, paid community engagement residencies that support individual artists, arts organizations, and collectives working in Indigenous art and place making, children's art and illustration, or the newcomer experience.
The resident is invited to work in a designated space at Central Library and engage with the public at libraries across the city. Artists are selected in partnership with arts and culture organizations.
Perpie is a Nigeria-born saxophonist, songwriter, arts manager, and aspiring producer. She is always finding and improving ways of expressing her life’s experiences and dreams, weaving them all into an open treasure box — music.
In 2018, Perpie released her debut songwriting project, a five-track EP called Meditation, followed by a live performance session at the Steinway Showroom in Lagos. The release and concert gained media attention and reviews. Headlining for multiple jazz festivals and projects, Perpie is continuously defining her artistic space and carving a niche for herself in the industry. She is known for her warmth, charming tone, and lyrical expression on the saxophone.
Perpie studied Music Education at the prestigious Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and was awarded best graduating student in 2008. In 2011, she received the MTNF 2nd Choice Award for the top three graduating students from the MUSON Diploma School of Music. After graduating with a B.A in Music from the University of Lagos in 2018, she worked as Manager, Membership & Events for the Musical Society of Nigeria, taught in top Lagos schools, and performed in high-profile events across Nigeria and beyond.
Perpie also attended professional training in early childhood music education with Music Together in Manhattan, New York, and offers music lessons to young children in her neighbourhood. She recently completed her musician's residency at the Banff Centre as well as the RAMP Executive training at the Haskayne School of Business.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence is the recipient of the CCIS New Canadian Artist Award presented at the Mayor's Lunch for Arts Champions, in partnership with Calgary Arts Development.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence is pleased to consult with emerging and established musicians of all ages to discuss technique, music, performance, or whatever aspect of the music world would be most helpful.
Perpie is available for one-on one virtual consultations:
Mondays: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Thursdays: 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Book a one-on-one consultation now through the booking calendar.
Attend online programs with Perpie Nwaefido during her residency. Join Perpie as she discusses her musical practise, performs rhymes and rhythms for your baby, sings and shakes with your toddler, and more.
From Coltrane: The Story of a Sound by Ben Ratcliff to The Creative Call: An Artist’s Response to the Way of the Spirit, these are the books Perpie recommends you read for information and inspiration.
Through their residency, chosen artists working in any artistic discipline will bring their Indigenous identities, experiences, and perspectives to the public.
The Newcomer Artist in Residence is an artist who recently arrived in Canada (five years or less) and is the winner of the annual Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) New Canadian Artist Award at the Mayor’s Luncheon for Arts Champions.
This residency recognizes the contribution of children’s artists to literature through exhibitions and workshops for all ages.
