ROM Speaks

Global Sounds of Love

Ori Dagan is a Toronto-based jazz singer-songwriter whose rich bass-baritone, inventive scat, and sharp lyrical wit craft a sound that's both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. A graduate of York University's Music Department, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of jazz - from his bold debut (S'Cat Got My Tongue), through the genre's first visual album (Nathaniel: A Tribute to Nat King Cole), to his clever, socially attuned originals (Click Right Here) and the award-winning tribute (Going That Counts - for Ella). A recipient of many awards - including the Great American Song Contest Grand Prize and the John Lennon Songwriting Grand Prize - Dagan's artistry is repeatedly celebrated by critics for its humour, creativity, and honest musicality. Beyond the stage, he's a dedicated community leader, educator, writer, and influencer, bridging tradition and innovation while nurturing jazz's next generation. Ori is the Artistic Director of JazzInToronto Inc., a not-for-profit dedicated to promoting Toronto talent.

Robert Ball (He/Him) (@RobertBallMusic) brings heart and passion to everything he does with "a voice that's smooth as silk" - BroadwayWorld.com. Most recently seen in Evita, Robert has also appeared in Chicago, Treemonisha, as principal character "Arthur" in the movie Christmas On 5th Ave., and as a featured vocalist in the Stratford Festival's Streaming series, Canadian MixTape. He portrayed legendary recording artist "Levi Stubbs" in the premier of the musical The Soul of Motown at Stagewest Calgary, was case in the principal role of "Brent" in the Steven Page & Daniel McIver show, Here's What it Takes, and garnered a Best Actor in a Musical nomination by PlayBill.com for his performance in Songs For A New World at Chestnut Street Playhouse.

In 2020, Robert curated a solo cabaret called Bold, Bruised, Born to Be for Up Close and Musical, directed by Richard Ouzounian for STRATFEST@HOME, and was featured in the Freedom Cabaret performances and tour. As a solo artist and background vocalist, he has shared the stage with and opened for Mary Mary, Nikki Yanofsky, Keshia Chante, Mya, Kim Burrell, Big Freeda, and others. He has toured Pride circuits (Toronto, Jamaica, Brooklyn, DC, London ON) and made appearances on radio and television (CTV, Bold TV, Rogers, Sirius XM, CP24, CBC) promoting his solo music - an evocative blend of soul and jazz.

In addition to modelling, acting, and singing, behind the scenes, Robert is a vocal tutorial coach for Sheridan College and a vocal coach/mentor/teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts. 

Hailed by CTV as "Canada's Queen of Cabaret," Gabi Epstein (@gabifayepstein) is a multi-award-winning singer, actor, and recording artist. One of Canada's most sought after performers, she is best known for playing Fanny Brice in Funny Girl as well as Audrey in the Stratford Festival's production of Little Shop of Horrors. Highlights from a professional career spanning over 20 years include starring in the Tony Award winning musical Once at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Billy Elliot on the Stratford Festival Theatre stage, singing the role of Eponine in Les Miserables: In Concert, and starring in the Canadian premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's one-woman show Tell me on a Sunday. 

She has sung for Alan Menken, Steven Schwartz, and Marc Shaiman, and performed concerts and cabarets in Toronto and New York at venues including Koerner Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, The Jazz Bistro, and Don't Tell Mama in NYC, where her cabaret was named "Best Cabaret of the Year" by the Times Square Chronicles. Some of her other favourite roles include The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods (opposite Corner Gas star Eric Peterson), and Countess Charlotte in A Little Night Music (opposite Will and Grace star Eric McCormack).

Gabi has two studio albums - Show Off (released in 2010) and Gabs Sings Babs - a love letter to Barbra Streisand (released in 2022). The latter was turned into a solo show, also called Gabs Sings Babs, which has been performed to sold out audiences all over Canada.

Gloria Gift Nankunda (@gloriagiftnankunda) is a multifacteted artist - musician, producer, director, curator, voiceover artist, and performer. Her unique sound blends Ankole Ugandan traditions with African genres, languages, and cultures. As a powerful voice for the African diaspora, Gloria explores themes of blackness, identity, social justice, and cultural heritage. She has showcased her Afro-folk soul style on many stages including Habari Africa Festival, Muse Arts Happening Festival, African Music Week Toronto, and Small World Music Festival.

Gloria has also participated in international conferences and trade markets through the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Music & the Arts (CAAMA) including Africa Music Rising Conference in South Africa, and moderated the women in Music Business Panel at African Music Week Toronto.

She hosts a weekly show, "Nankunda's Nest," on Regent Radio and founded Gisha Nankunda Arts Association, serving East African communities through arts and culture in the GTA as hosts of an annual summer festival "The East African Experience" at Regent Park. With a passion for collaboration and creativity, Gloria is a force in the music and entertainment industry in North America, Africa, and throughout the diaspora.