Keshia Chanté

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Keshia Chanté
Chanté in 2016
Chanté in 2016
Background information
Born
Keshia Chanté Harper

(1988-06-16) June 16, 1988 (age 37)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada[1]
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • actress
  • television personality
  • businesswoman
Years active2002–present
Labels
Websitekeshiachante.com Edit this at Wikidata

Keshia Chanté Harper (born June 16, 1988) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, television host, actress and entrepreneur.

She has served as a judge on the international music competition series The World's Best,[2] hosted The Legacy Awards,[3] been an on-air reporter and host for Entertainment Tonight Canada,[4][5] and is listed as an International Voter for the Golden Globe Awards.[6]

Chanté has appeared on, or hosted, several television programs including the BET Awards,[7] Paramount’s Peak of the Week,[2] hosted BB Rewind, the official after show of season 22 of Big Brother on CBS,[8] and Battle of the Blades.[9] She has also participated in community and charitable initiatives, including hosting We Day and supporting campaigns focused on mental health awareness.[10][11] In 2022, she founded the hair care brand KHAIR.[12]

In 2014, she received a star on the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame for her contributions to Canadian entertainment.[13]

Early life

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Keshia Chanté Harper was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, and spent summers with her grandparents in Hinesville, Georgia. Her father is of Afro-Trinidadian descent and her mother is of Puerto Rican and Portuguese descent.[14]

She moved to the Greater Toronto Area as a teenager and graduated from Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School in 2006.[15]

Career

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2003–2012

[edit]
Keshia Chanté (2010)

In 2003, Chanté released the singles "Shook (The Answer)," and "Unpredictable",[16] in response to Shawn Desman’s "Shook".[17] The video for her single "Bad Boy"[18] was directed by Director X.[5]

Her self‑titled debut album was released in 2004.[17] In October 2004, at the Canadian Urban Music Awards, Chanté won Best New Artist, Video of the Year (for "Bad Boy"), and the Fan’s Choice Award.[19] That month she also performed the national anthem at the CFL’s Grey Cup championship game.[20]

Her second album, 2U, was released by Sony Music Canada in 2006, in Canada and Japan. That same year, her MTV special "The Diary of Keshia Chanté" aired in December.[21][22]

Her third album, Night & Day, was released in 2011 by Universal Music Canada.[23] Singles "Test Drive" and "Table Dancer" received Juno Award nominations (R&B/Soul Recording of the Year and Dance Recording of the Year, respectively).[24] She performed on ET Canada’s New Year’s Eve show in Niagara Falls.[25] In late 2012, "Table Dancer" reached the Billboard Japan charts, including Hot 100 and Digital & Airplay.[26][27]

2013–2015

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Chanté co‑hosted 106 & Park on BET alongside Bow Wow during 2013–2014, and appeared as an on‑air correspondent at BET events.[28] In December 2014, she received a star on the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame.[29][30]

2016–2022

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BET premiered Chanté’s song "The Valley" in November 2016.[31] In March 2017, Noisey premiered "Red Light"[32] and A.Side (AUX) premiered "Harmless",[33] followed by the release of the EP Unbound 01 (2017) and Unbound 02 (2018).[32][34] Unbound 01 received a Juno nomination in 2018.[35]

In 2020, Chanté hosted Battle of the Blades with Ron MacLean on CBC Television.[36] She also hosted BB Rewind, the official after show of season 22 of Big Brother.[8]

2023–present

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In 2022, Chanté launched the hair care brand KHAIR.[37] In April 2023, she was listed as an International Voter for the Golden Globe Awards.[38] In April 2025, she appeared in the Lifetime film Fame: A Temptations Story alongside Keri Hilson.[39]

In June 2025, Chanté participated in the 25th‑anniversary 106 & Park tribute segment at the BET Awards in Los Angeles.[40][41][42]

Musical style

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Tara Henley of The Georgia Straight wrote that Chanté has "an arresting voice, magnetic charisma, and driving ambition."[43] Denise Sheppard of Amazon.ca described Chanté as "a teen‑targeted pop phenom" whose "music has the one‑two punch of melodic hooks and the voice to back them up; a combination that can and will appeal to dance/pop music fans of any age."[44]

Influences

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Chanté has cited Beyoncé, Aaliyah, and Brandy among her childhood influences, as well as Tupac Shakur, with whom she shares a birthday.[45]

Public image

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On 106 & Park, Chanté was noted by Missy Elliott and Timbaland for her resemblance to Aaliyah. She was approached to portray Aaliyah in a planned biopic but declined after speaking with Aaliyah’s mother, who opposed the film.[46]

In Canada, Chanté has been described as a fashionista by national outlets, performing at Marchesa’s first Toronto runway show and appearing at a Chanel event during the Toronto International Film Festival.[47][30] She later served as a judge on Canada’s Best Beauty Talent alongside Coco Rocha and Flare editor‑in‑chief Lisa Tant.[48]

Endorsements

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Chanté has endorsed brands such as CANON, Pepsi, Bacardi, Nestlé, Bell, Rogers, Stila Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, Ecko Red and Sony.[30] In 2007, Chanté served as the face of Ontario Tourism and sang the theme song in their commercials.[49] In November 2010, Chanté became the face of the Pepsi Refresh Project campaign.[30]

Personal life

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Chanté divides her time between West Hollywood, California, and Toronto, Ontario.[50]

Philanthropy

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Chanté has supported HIV/AIDS awareness and youth initiatives in Canada and abroad. [51]

She has worked with World Vision in the Dominican Republic.[52] She also participated in an AIDS awareness fundraiser with Alicia Keys in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.[53][54]

In 2014, Chanté appeared in an NBC public service announcement for Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation alongside Eli Manning and Hilary Swank to raise awareness of domestic violence.[30] She has hosted We Day events in Calgary and Ottawa and spoken about mental health awareness, including depression and anxiety.[10][11]

Discography

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Main article: Keshia Chanté discography

Studio albums

EPs

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2007 da Kink in My Hair Dahlia Episode: "Empty Bag Can't Stand Up"; 1 epiode
2009 Soul Mahalia Brown Lead role; 6 episodes
2011 Top Chef Canada Judge 2 episodes
2012 Match Game Guest star 5 episodes
2012 Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town Vocalist TV film
2012–2013 The Next Star Judge 2 seasons; 24 episodes
2013–2015 106 & Park Host 390 episodes
2014 BET Awards Pre-Show Host
2014 BET Awards Presenter
2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Presenter
2014 Bethenny Herself 3 episodes
2014 106 & Park: New Year's Eve Host
2014 BET: Notarized Host TV special; Best 100 Videos of 2014
2015 Hockey Wives Herself 5 episodes
2015 BET Awards Pre-Show Host
2015 106 & Party: New Year's Eve Host TV special
2015 BET: Notarized Host TV special; Best 100 Videos of 2015
2016 106 & Party: New Year's Eve Host TV special
2016 Chopped Canada Guest star 1 episode
2018–present ET Canada Host Hollywood correspondent; 300+ episodes
2019 The World's Best International music judge Season 1; 10 episodes
2020–present Big Brother aftershow "BB Rewind" Host 14 episodes
2021–2022 Peak of the Week (Paramount+) Host 2 seasons; 20 episodes
2020–2021 Jann Recurring guest star
2020 Private Eyes Recurring guest star
2025 Fame: A Temptations Story Roxy Lifetime film

Awards and nominations

[edit]

2003

[edit]
  • Canadian Urban Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single for "Shook (The Answer)" – Won [30]
  • Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Solo Artist" (Dance/Urban/Rhythmic) – Won [55]
  • Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Solo Artist" (CHR) – Won [55]

2004

[edit]
  • Canadian Urban Music Award for Best New Artist – Won [19]
  • Canadian Urban Music Award for Video of the Year for "Bad Boy" – Won [19]
  • Canadian Urban Music Award for Fans’ Choice – Won [19]
  • Rising Star Award for Rising Star of the Year – Won [30]
  • MuchMusic Video Award for "Best R&B Video" for "Does He Love Me?" – Won [56]

2005

[edit]
  • Juno Award for "R&B/Soul Recording of the Year" – Won [57]
  • Juno Award for "New Artist of the Year" – Nominee [58]
  • Canadian Urban Music Award for "Video of the Year" for "Does He Love Me?" – Won [56]
  • MuchMusic Video Award for "People's Choice: Favourite Canadian Artist" – Won [30]
  • MuchMusic Video Award for "Best Pop Video" for "Does He Love Me?" – Won [30]

2007

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  • Juno Award for "R&B/Soul Recording of the Year" for "Been Gone" – Nominee [59]

2008

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  • Juno Award for "R&B/Soul Recording of the Year" for "2U" – Nominee [60]

2011

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  • Juno Award for "Dance Recording of the Year" for "Table Dancer" – Nominee [61]
  • Juno Award for "R&B/Soul Recording of the Year" for "Test Drive" – Nominee [62]

2018

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  • Juno Award for "R&B/Soul Recording of the Year" for Unbound 01 (EP) – Nominee [63]

2022

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  • Canadian Screen Award — Best Entertainment News Program or Series for ET Canada – Winner [64]

2023

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  • Canadian Screen Award — Best Host, Web Program or Series for ET Canada Live – Winner [65]

2024

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  • Canadian Screen Award — Best Host, Live Entertainment Special for The Legacy Awards – Nominee [66]
  • Canadian Screen Award — Best Host, Entertainment News Program for Entertainment Tonight Canada – Nominee [67]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ [1][dead link]
  2. ^ a b "Keshia Chante | Actress, Additional Crew, Writer". IMDb. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  3. ^ "Shamier Anderson & Stephan James, co-founders of The Legacy Awards, share the books they loved reading". CBC. September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  4. ^ David, Greg (October 27, 2022). "ET Canada welcomes Big Brother Canada alums Brittnee Blair and Jedson Tavernier as new on-air reporters". TV, eh?. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Canadian songs turning 20 this year: Tegan and Sara, Kardinal Offishall, Feist, more". CBC. January 8, 2024. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  6. ^ "International Voters and Countries". Golden Globes. April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  7. ^ Tinoco, Armando (June 9, 2025). "BET Awards Set To Go On Amid LA Protests Against Immigration Raids". Deadline. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  8. ^ a b DeVault, Ryan (August 7, 2020). "Big Brother 22 spin-off: BB Rewind to debut soon with host Keshia Chanté". Monsters and Critics. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  9. ^ "Battle of the Blades to debut on Oct. 22 after production halted by COVID-19 case". CBC News. October 16, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "WE Day announces new mental health initiative – The Charlatan". The Charlatan. November 25, 2018. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  11. ^ a b "WE Day Alberta To Feature Brett Kissel, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, More In Edmonton Oct. 22 | Samaritanmag". www.samaritanmag.com. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  12. ^ "Award-Winning Singer, TV Host, Actress and Entrepreneur Keshia Chanté Launches Clean, Luxury, Inclusive Hair Care Brand KHAIR". Newsfile. May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  13. ^ "Keshia Chante — Brampton Arts Walk of Fame". City of Brampton. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  14. ^ "Who is Keshia Chanté, Drake's Ex-Girlfriend?". Harper's Bazaar Arabia. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  15. ^ "Keshia Chante — Brampton Arts Walk of Fame". City of Brampton. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  16. ^ Hynes, Hayley (February 28, 2024). "Drake Brings His First Girlfriend Keshia Chanté On Stage At OVO Fest: Watch". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Keshia Chanté". Now Toronto. July 1, 2004. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  18. ^ Santos, Hope Dos (October 6, 2023). "'He hazed me,' Keshia Chanté opens up about her past with Bow Wow and her love for Toronto". NOW Toronto. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
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  20. ^ "Keshia Chanté to sing national anthem at Grey Cup". OttawaStart. July 15, 2011. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  21. ^ "Keshia Chanté getting big push in U.S." JAM! (Canoe). December 5, 2006. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  22. ^ "Chic celebrity: Keshia Chanté". Elle Canada. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  23. ^ Samuels, Keithan (March 1, 2013). "NEW SONG: Keshia Chanté - 'I've Been Searchin'". Rated R&B. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
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  27. ^ "Digital & Airplay Overseas". Billboard Japan. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  28. ^ "BET — Programming and events". BET. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  29. ^ "Keshia Chanté — Brampton Arts Walk of Fame". City of Brampton. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
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  31. ^ "Premiere: Keshia Chanté Returns to Her First Love with 'The Valley'". BET. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  32. ^ a b "Keshia Chanté Makes a Detour Down a Path of Pain on "Redlight"". Noisey (Vice). March 23, 2017. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  33. ^ "Premiere: "Harmless"". A.Side (AUX). March 23, 2017. Archived from the original on June 19, 2017. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  34. ^ "The Valley — Keshia Chanté". AllMusic. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  35. ^ "2018 R&B/Soul — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  36. ^ "Battle of the Blades to debut on Oct. 22 after production halted by COVID-19 case". CBC News. October 16, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  37. ^ "Keshia Chanté Launches Clean, Luxury, Inclusive Hair Care Brand KHAIR". Newsfile. May 23, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2025.
  38. ^ "International Voters and Countries". Golden Globes. April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  39. ^ "Lifetime Debuts 'Fame: A Temptations Story' Trailer Starring Keri Hilson and Keshia Chanté". Rated R&B. April 3, 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  40. ^ "BET Awards Marks 25 Years of Culture's Biggest Night with Host Kevin Hart". Paramount Press Express. June 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  41. ^ "Top 10 Moments of the Night". BET. June 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  42. ^ "Ashanti, Bow Wow, B2K lead 106 & Park tribute at 2025 BET Awards". The Express Tribune. June 2025. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  43. ^ Henley, Tara (September 9, 2004). "Keshia Chanté". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  44. ^ Sheppard, Denise (May 12, 2016). "Keshia Chanté: Keshia Chanté". Amazon.ca. Archived from the original on May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  45. ^ "Keshia Chanté's Night & Day Grind [Interview]". HipHopCanada. November 7, 2011. Archived from the original on October 18, 2016. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  46. ^ "Aaliyah biopic coming to Lifetime". Los Angeles Times. June 17, 2014. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
  47. ^ "Junos.CTV.ca". Archived from the original on September 19, 2005. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  48. ^ "Canada's Best Beauty Talent – FINALE". Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  49. ^ "Sway Magazine - www.swaymag.ca". April 15, 2009. Archived from the original on April 15, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  50. ^ "Star quality: Canadian superstar Keshia Chanté joins as a new host of CBC's Battle of the Blades". Hello! Canada. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  51. ^ "Give CANFAR And Keshia A Kiss | Samaritanmag". www.samaritanmag.com. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  52. ^ "More Celebrities That Support World Vision". World Vision Canada. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  53. ^ "CANADA: Alicia Keys, Stephen Lewis Push for AIDS Awareness". Aegis. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  54. ^ "Alicia Keys lends voice to AIDS fight". CTV Toronto. November 29, 2004. Archived from the original on March 25, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  55. ^ a b "Canadian Music Week 2004 – Canadian Radio Music Awards winners". Canadian Music Week. Archived from the original on January 10, 2009. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  56. ^ a b "KESHIA CHANTE CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY – Sony Music Canada". www.sonymusic.ca. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  57. ^ "2005 — R&B/Soul Recording of the Year — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  58. ^ "Past Nominees + Winners". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  59. ^ "2007 — R&B/Soul Recording of the Year — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  60. ^ "2008 — R&B/Soul Recording of the Year — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  61. ^ "2011 — Dance Recording of the Year — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  62. ^ "2011 — R&B/Soul Recording of the Year — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  63. ^ "2018 — R&B/Soul — Keshia Chanté". Juno Awards. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  64. ^ "ET Canada wins the 2022 Canadian Screen Award for Best Entertainment News Program or Series". Corus Entertainment. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  65. ^ "Cheryl Hickey, Roz Weston, Sangita Patel, Carlos Bustamante, Keshia Chanté, Morgan Hoffman". Academy.ca. February 22, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  66. ^ "Keshia Chanté". Academy.ca. March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  67. ^ "Cheryl Hickey, Sangita Patel, Carlos Bustamante, Morgan Hoffman, Keshia Chanté, Brittnee Blair, Jed Tavernier". Academy.ca. March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
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