About
ABOUT
Skhool of Rap embodies the essence of a social enterprise, dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and engaging young individuals from various backgrounds and communities. Through inclusive and innovative hip-hop songwriting programs, our mission is to foster creativity and provide opportunities for personal and communal growth among youth.
Skhool of Rap, founded in 2025 by film producer and marketing/branding expert Chris Sharpe (aka C Sharpe), is dedicated to empowering youth through creativity and culture. We design and deliver dynamic school programs and workshops tailored for high schools and community organizations. Each workshop centers on collaborative songwriting, music production, and branding, guided by experienced artists and industry professionals who mentor participants every step of the way.
Skhool of Rap embodies the essence of a social enterprise, dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and engaging young individuals from various backgrounds and communities. Through inclusive and innovative hip-hop songwriting programs, our mission is to foster creativity and provide opportunities for personal and communal growth among youth.
Why hip-hop?
Emerging in 1970s New York as a voice for Black American communities, hip-hop has evolved into a global movement and culture. While it encompasses diverse musical styles, at its core, hip-hop remains a platform for self-expression and social dialogue. With two decades of active involvement in Canada’s hip-hop scene as performers and contributors, we share with young individuals the positive and empowering ethos of hip-hop culture: promoting “peace, love, and unity”, advocating for social equality and justice, and celebrating the richness of all races, cultures, and religions.
CREW
Chris Sharpe – FOUNDER, MANAGING DIRECTOR
With over 23 years of experience, Chris is a seasoned marketing professional who has orchestrated concerts, festivals, and provided branding and production services for music artists and DJs. Over the past 8 years, he has served as the cultural/event director for the City of Thompson and as the marketing and communication coordinator for the Town of Inuvik. His diverse portfolio includes creating, producing, branding, and marketing Urban Star, a program broadcasted on all Shaw Media TV cable systems and direct satellite, as well as the upcoming Relationship Remix documentary slated for airing on all CBC TV cable systems and CBC Gem in 2024.
Chris has also delved into the realm of gaming with the Cell Phone Girls video game demo design, authored two published books, and developed a cartoon episode pilot. He oversees operations at the Motto Workspace production studio and has established Manitoba’s first black production house, Black Film Space Manitoba Inc. Furthermore, Chris is a founding member of the International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards Show Inc.
“Hip-hop culture has been ingrained in my life since I can remember, and I find immense joy in fostering an environment where kids can tap into their creativity beyond the confines of traditional schoolwork. Hip-hop’s authenticity and honesty provide a platform for young individuals to express themselves freely and address issues that might otherwise remain unspoken, ultimately leading to positive transformations in their lives.”
Jackie “Bambi” Shaw Owner of Living Music Winnipeg ,Artist, Performer & Workshop Facilitator
Through Living Music Winnipeg, Bambi and her dynamic team offer high-impact, performance-driven workshops that help artists build confidence, vocal strength, and authentic stage presence. With a deep-rooted love for R&B, soul, and pop, her programs ignite creative passion while fostering a welcoming, inclusive space where every artist is seen, heard, and celebrated.
As the lead facilitator of workshops such as “Own Your Glow, Stage Presence,” “Breathing for Rap & R&B Artists,” and the “Mic Technique Masterclass,” Bambi empowers performers to step into their full artistic power, on stage and off. Her teaching style is equal parts technical and heart-centered, blending vocal training with personal development and community connection.
With a strong foundation in hip hop and R&B culture, Bambi has become a vital force for creative empowerment, especially for youth and emerging artists, helping them find their voice and thrive through music.
Bridget Clemente Co-Director Skhool of Rap Reality Show, Filmmaker
Bridget Clemente (she/her) is a Filipino-Canadian filmmaker based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A recent graduate of the Digital Film & Media Production program at Red River College Polytechnic, Bridget is passionate about local, character-driven stories that explore themes of community, identity, and representation.
Her work has been featured by CBC Manitoba, Festival du Voyageur, and Bell Fibe TV1 (Project Avenue). Her participatory documentary BTM: Unmasking Stereotypes in Alternative Subcultures was selected for the 2025 FascinAsian Film Festival, and her most recent project, Vintage in Pride, a short documentary celebrating queer expression through fashion, was released on CBC’s digital platform.
Bridget also serves as the social media lead for OurToba Film Network, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers in Winnipeg. Beyond filmmaking, she creates engaging content on TikTok and Instagram, using storytelling to connect with audiences, build community, and express her interests.
Anika Price – Skhool of Rap Instructor & Program Mentor
Anika Price is a Winnipeg-based music educator, vocal coach, and performer with over seven years of private teaching experience. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Music Education program, she is known for her warm, student-centered approach that nurtures both skill and confidence in her students.
Anika’s diverse performance background spans musical theatre, piano recitals, vocal ensembles, and live festivals, including a recent appearance at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Her real-world stage and studio experience allows her to bring practical insight into every lesson.
Specializing in vocal health, breath control, and pitch accuracy, Anika also draws on her classical piano training to offer singers a well-rounded, musically informed coaching experience. She currently teaches at Living Music Winnipeg and serves as a coach at the Skhool of Rap, while also leading vocal workshops and working as a vocal coach for film productions.
Gracia Balingene – Music Producer & Engineer
Gracia Balingene is an music producer and engineer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, known for his innovative fusion of Afrobeat, rap, R&B, and traditional African music. With a deep passion for rhythm, melody, and storytelling, Gracia creates dynamic, culture-blending sounds that resonate across genres and generations.
His production style is marked by rich textures, infectious grooves, and a global influence that reflects both his roots and forward-thinking approach to music. Gracia brings a fresh, youthful energy to every project, driven by a desire to craft music that feels authentic, emotional, and alive.
Currently, Gracia is producing the Skhool of Rap album, working closely with young artists to shape original tracks that showcase their voices and visions. His role in the project highlights his dedication to mentorship, collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries.
As one of Winnipeg’s rising talents, Gracia Balingene is a name to watch, bridging cultures and sounds through the universal language of music.
Karan Deep aka Rockndeep – Music Producer, Sound Engineer & Multi-Instrumentalist
Karan Deep, known professionally as Rockndeep, is a seasoned music producer, sound engineer, and multi-instrumentalist with over six years of experience in the music industry. Holding a Master’s in Music (Piano) from Trinity College London, Karan blends technical precision with creative flair, delivering high-quality music across a wide spectrum of genres.
His portfolio spans pop, hip-hop, classical fusion, and cinematic scores, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of musical composition and production. Whether working in the studio or directing live performances, Karan brings a distinctive sound rooted in rich musicality and refined engineering.
Known for his creative vision, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit, Rockndeep has earned a reputation as a trusted producer who elevates every project he touches.
Currently, Karan Deep is producing the Skhool of Rap album, helping shape the sound of emerging artists and bringing their stories to life through powerful, genre-bending tracks.