Hosted by Keshia Chante

Canadian actors Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, who created the Black Academy, are staging the Legacy Awards for the second time. The awards honour Black achievement in film, television, music, sports and culture will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24.

This year the ceremonies will be led by Canadian musician and TV host Keshia Chanté.

The Ottawa-born Chanté started her music career at 13, before winning a Juno Award in 2005. Since then she has copped several music awards.

“We often think about her, just as far as being one of our influences, as somebody we watched a lot growing up. And now we feel like we’ve almost grown up with her,” James said.

“We just figured what better way to continue the legacy of the Legacy Awards than, you know, to have somebody who embodies literally what this whole show is about.”

Chanté added, “Building community and having community support you is huge. I now have a 20-year career in this business because of Canadians that have supported Canadians,” she said.

Last year’s ceremony saw performances by Kardinal Offishall, Deborah Cox and an ensemble rendition of Andra Day’s Rise Up by Melanie Fiona, Sate, Jully Black, Fefe Dobson and Alicia Mighty.

Sportscaster Kayla Grey, Haitian Canadian filmmaker Fabienne Colas, reality-TV star Ika Wong and Olympic medallist Andre de Grasse received awards.

Anderson and James disclosed, “We have some incredible acts, confirmed recipients, honourees, presenters,” Anderson said. “It’s a beautiful work in progress and it’s great to see it evolve.”

“You can only imagine that with Keshia Chanté hosting this show that there’s going to be some surprises and she’s going to pull some tricks out of her sleeves,” James said.

Honourees will be revealed in the coming weeks, alongside yet-to-be-announced performers, they said.

Chanté said she was excited for the opportunity of “encouraging other women, and adding some glitz, glamour, some humour — maybe harassing the boys.”

The 90-minute special will be broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m ET, once again taking place at the music venue History in Toronto’s east end.