Crescendo Fest
- Contest: WIM Canada With Honours - 2026
- Nominator Full Name: Dana Beeler
- Are you (nominator) a member of WIM Canada? : Yes
- Nominee first name : Micah
- Nominee last name : Smith
- Nominees Gender Identity?: Cis-Woman
- Nominee Email : micah@crescendofest.com
- Nominee City: Halifax
- Province / Territory: Nova Scotia
- Is the NOMINEE a racialized person (Indigenous, Black, or Person of Colour)?: Black
- Categorie(s): Change Maker of the Year - Presented by National Arts Centre, Entrepreneur of the Year - Presented by Believe and TuneCore, Women in Music Canada Rising Leader
- Submission Type: Written
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Written Submission - What makes this person / company a great fit?:
Micah Smith is a visionary African Nova Scotian entrepreneur and the founder of Crescendo Fest, a groundbreaking celebration of music, culture, and community rooted in Black excellence and inclusion. Under her leadership, Crescendo Fest has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most inspiring new cultural movements—building space for African Nova Scotian and underrepresented artists to thrive, connect, and be seen on their own terms.
As an entrepreneur, Micah has built Crescendo Fest from the ground up, transforming it from a local showcase into a dynamic, multi-day experience that attracts audiences from across the province. She has demonstrated exceptional creativity and business acumen—developing innovative partnerships, securing sustainable funding, and using every opportunity to uplift others along the way. Her approach balances strong financial strategy with deep cultural purpose, proving that community-driven festivals can be both economically viable and socially transformative.
As a changemaker, Micah leads with intention and integrity. She has created a platform that not only celebrates African Nova Scotian culture but also challenges industry norms by centring equity, education, and empowerment in everything Crescendo does. From mentoring young women in music and production, to ensuring inclusive hiring and representation at every level, Micah’s impact extends far beyond the stage.
Through Crescendo Fest, Micah Smith is redefining what leadership looks like in the music industry—visionary, collaborative, and rooted in community. Her work has ignited a movement that celebrates diversity, fosters opportunity, and reminds us all that meaningful change begins when we invest in each other. - Written Submission - How do you know the person / company: I have worked alongside Micah Smith through the East Coast music community and have followed the development of Crescendo Fest since its early days. As an events professional and advocate for artist development in Nova Scotia, I’ve seen firsthand how Micah’s leadership and vision have created opportunities for African Nova Scotian and underrepresented artists. Her work with Crescendo Fest stands out as one of the most authentic and community-driven initiatives in our region’s music industry.
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Written Submission - How would this Honour benefit the nominee?:
Receiving this Honour would recognize Micah Smith’s extraordinary work in building Crescendo Fest and in shaping a more inclusive future for the Atlantic Canadian music industry. As an African Nova Scotian woman leading one of the region’s most innovative and community-driven festivals, Micah’s leadership often happens behind the scenes—quietly creating opportunities, building partnerships, and empowering others.
Being acknowledged through the Women in Music Honours would not only celebrate her achievements but also help amplify the mission of Crescendo Fest: to uplift African Nova Scotian artists, inspire the next generation of women and gender-diverse creators, and strengthen equity in our industry. This recognition would provide valuable visibility, open doors for greater national collaboration, and affirm the importance of representation and leadership from within the African Nova Scotian community.
