Dwayne Marcial - Musik Iz The Motive

In this explosive episode of The Sanctuary, host Israel sits down with Dwayne Marcial, former Director of Artists and Industry Development at the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA), for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred account of what really happened behind the scenes of one of Atlantic Canada's most important music organizations.

Dwayne pulls no punches as he reveals the shocking reality of organisational dysfunction, alleged conflicts of interest, and the systematic exclusion that led to the dramatic ousting of Executive Director Blanche Israel and his own resignation. From mysterious 10-year handshake deals with no paperwork to board members vacationing in Mexico during crunch time, this conversation exposes the deep-rooted problems plaguing the institution meant to champion Atlantic Canadian artists.

Dwayne reveals how a petition signed mostly by non-members led to organisational chaos, why six board members resigned in rapid succession, and how the organisation burned through Executive Directors in a single year while haemorrhaging funds that should have supported artists.

But beyond the drama, this conversation is ultimately about the future of Atlantic Canada's music scene. Dwayne shares his vision for reform, explains why he believes artists of all genres—not just Celtic and folk—deserve equal support, and offers hard-won advice for musicians navigating an industry where politics often trumps talent.

Whether you're an artist, industry professional, or simply someone who cares about supporting regional music, this episode will leave you questioning how music organisations operate and what real change looks like. Dwayne's passionate call for transparency, accountability, and genuine inclusivity is about reimagining what music advocacy should be in 2025.

This is the conversation the music industry needs to hear, delivered with the brutal honesty that only comes from someone who witnessed it all from the inside.

@realdjslim