Aquakultre is the artistic voice of Lance Sampson — an uncommonly versatile singer, rapper, composer and storyteller from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has released multiple singles, eps, collabs and two full albums, 2020’s Legacy and 2022’s Don’t Trip, both of which were long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize.

Coming up in Uniacke Square, Aquakultre traces his roots to Africville, East Preston, Weymouth Falls, Liverpool & Delaps Cove; back two hundred years to the arrival of the Black Loyalists from the American colonies. Driven by his passion for history and culture, Lance is currently developing a theatrical production in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed 2b Theatre Company. He recently delivered the first season of GeneratioNS: Black Memories, a TV documentary series that he created, directs, and hosts (airing fall 2024). All the while,he has been doing deep research and collecting oral histories from African Nova Scotian communities for his next record, titled 1783 in homage to his Black Loyalist ancestry.

Aquakultre’s installation for Nocturne is inspired by his deep love and respect for the elders, their long memories and cherished stories of love, loss, hardship, and triumph. Having grown up in a community that experienced so much loss of connection, family lore, and culture in the razing of Africville, he is driven to make art that preserves and celebrates all that remains for the benefit of the next generations.

Through all his works, Aquakultre is on a mission to share his love for his unique and beautiful corner of the diaspora. Through his community work, his recordings, performances, and collaborations, Aquakultre delivers a poignant reflection of his personal evolution and his place in community as a Black Nova Scotian.