Keshia Chanté

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

(1988-06-16) June 16, 1988 (age 38)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
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, hosted The Legacy Awards, been an on-air reporter and host for Entertainment Tonight Canada, and is listed as an International Voter for the Golden Globe Awards.

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

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

Early life

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 Portuguese descent.

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

Career

2003–2012

Keshia Chanté (2010)

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

Her self‑titled debut album was released in 2004. 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. That month she also performed the national anthem at the CFL's Grey Cup championship game.

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.

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

2013–2015

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

2016–2022

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

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

2023–present

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

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

Musical style

Tara Henley of The Georgia Straight wrote that Chanté has "an arresting voice, magnetic charisma, and driving ambition." 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."

Influences

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

Public image

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. She later served as a judge on Canada's Best Beauty Talent alongside Coco Rocha and Flare editor‑in‑chief Lisa Tant.

Endorsements

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

Personal life

Chanté began dating former National Hockey League goaltender Ray Emery in June 2010, who had starred as the love interest in her music video for "Test Drive", and the two became engaged in June 2016. But in 2017, Chanté announced via her Instagram account that she had called off the wedding.. She later sought a restraining order against Emery, who was arrested for allegedly uttering threats and assaulting her with a weapon.

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

Philanthropy

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

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

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. She has hosted We Day events in Calgary and Ottawa and spoken about mental health awareness, including depression and anxiety.

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

Filmography

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

2003

2004

2005

2007

2008

2011

2018

2022

2023

2024

See also

References

  1. ↑ [dead link]
  2. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 Leonard, Kyle (November 25, 2018). "WE Day announces new mental health initiative". The Charlatan. Archived from the original on November 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Brophy, Aaron (October 21, 2019). "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. ↑ Ghai, Anahita (August 3, 2022). "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. 1 2 "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.
  19. 1 2 3 4 "Keshia Chanté on top at Urban Music Awards". CTV News. October 21, 2004. Archived from the original on October 30, 2004. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  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 December 23, 2015. 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.
  24. ↑ "2011 Juno Award Nominees". Juno Awards. Archived from the original on February 19, 2011. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  25. ↑ "ET Canada's New Year's Eve Bash sets record". Shaw Media. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Japan. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  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.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "WBSS Media-Keshia Chanté". wbssmedia.com. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  31. ↑ Robertson, Iyana (November 10, 2016). "Premiere: Keshia Chanté Returns to Her First Love with 'The Valley'". BET. Archived from the original on May 18, 2022. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  32. 1 2 MacDonald, Sarah (March 23, 2017). "Keshia Chanté Makes a Detour Down a Path of Pain on 'Redlight'". Noisey (Vice). 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. ↑ "Junos.CTV.ca". Archived from the original on September 19, 2005. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  47. ↑ "Canada's Best Beauty Talent – FINALE". Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  48. ↑ "Sway Magazine - www.swaymag.ca". April 15, 2009. Archived from the original on April 15, 2009. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  49. 1 2 Kwateng-Clark, Danielle (October 6, 2017). "Former '106 & Park' Host Keshia Chanté Ends Engagement, Ex-Fiancé Arrested For Assault". Essence. Archived from the original on July 16, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "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. April 7, 2022. 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.
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  67. ↑ "Cheryl Hickey, Sangita Patel, Carlos Bustamante, Morgan Hoffman, Keshia Chanté, Brittnee Blair, Jed Tavernier". Academy.ca. March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.