Tichaona Maredza talks to a karate class in Toronto on Friday March 24, 2017. Maredza shares a world music album nod with his nine-member group the Okavango African Orchestra for their self-titled release, by day he's a worker at the Stonegate Community Health Centre in Etobicoke, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
March 29, 2017 - 3:00 AM
Not every Juno Award nominee can make a living off their music.
Here's a look at one of this year's contenders who punches the clock at a day job before hitting the stage at night.
Name: Tichaona Maredza
Age: 39
City: Toronto
Nomination: Shares a world music album nod with his nine-member group the Okavango African Orchestra for their self-titled release.
By day: Youth worker at the Stonegate Community Health Centre in Etobicoke, Ont.
Background: Maredza volunteered with the Salvation Army before emigrating from Zimbabwe to Canada. Like his bandmates — who work in industries like construction or as a cab driver — he says he's learned the tricky balance of managing two separate worlds.
Music at work: The musician often holds drumming classes for the kids. "I try to be a positive role model," he says. "I hope from what I do I'm able to inspire them to know they can achieve greater things."
Getting nominated: Congratulations for his Juno recognition started pouring in when his colleagues posted a notice about it in the lunchroom.
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News from © The Canadian Press, 2017