Words On Ice

The outdoor rink failed one of Montreal’s premiere musicians. But hockey’s loss was hip-hop’s victory.

Waahli Yussef, musician and leading member of hip-hop group Nomadic Massive, explains his experience trying hockey for the first time. This experience was not always a positive one, as Waahli experienced racism, even from the first time he tried to skate. Waahli grew up in St-Michel of Montreal, in this neighbourhood is where he experienced hockey for the first time. He took us back to his childhood neighbourhood and to the same outdoor rink where he skated for the first time ever.

He was amazed by how the players moved on the ice and he wanted to learn how to skate.

Despite receiving racial slurs from other players on the ice, Waahli pressed on, to teach himself how to skate. His perseverance and resilience is what allowed him to learn how to skate. 

He discusses how he learned that word has been used since the 1960's, breaking down how words like this are repeated, and the cycle of racism can be passed down to generations. 

As a result of his brush with racism, Waahli says he did not continue to skate and play hockey, losing inspiration from the racism he experience. He said this impacted him preventing him from having a sense of belonging. He said he did not understanding the impact the racism had on him at a young age.

Waahli however gained inspiration and creativity from his music career, eventually leading him to establish Nomadic Massive. He said he found a sense of belonging in hip-hop culture and music.