Zoe Slusar, also known as ZHE the FREE, is a multi-disciplinary artist, community builder, and explosive performer. Growing up on Treaty 7 land, she extends her fire from the mountains to the prairies. Fun, uplifting, and powerful, ZHE delivers poetic hip hop and ignites the crowd the moment she touches the microphone. She creates a celebratory vibe through storytelling, intentional lyricism, freestyle skills, and energizing beats.
As a hip hop artist and National Music Centre 1st place winner in the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop track competition, ZHE brings the strength of the feminine alive and loves inspiring others about the power of their voice. She is also a captivating public speaker with a successful TEDx Talk, presentations at conferences, summits, and multiple artist tours.
She is an experienced Artist Mentor and Program Coordinator and has worked with organizations such as Sask Music, Tribe Artist Society, Chokecherry Studios, Kilburn Hall, the Community Arts Mentorship Program, the wâhkôhtowin Project, and Paved Arts. In her work with youth, ZHE brings incredible enthusiasm. Hip hop saved her life, and she aims to inspire others to use creativity as a positive outlet. She also proudly served on the JUNOS Rap Music Advisory Committee and is a Science Genius hip hop Ambassador.
ZHE is the founder of Cypher Club YYC and a co-founder of Circle Made Artist Society. She organizes regular Cypher events for the community, including producers, rappers, poets, and musicians who meet regularly to practice freestyle creation through hip hop-based sound.
ZHE has performed on various stages and at many festivals, connecting with audiences on a deep level through her strong stage presence and the realness she brings in exploring emotions and addressing social issues. Experience her bars and incredible energy live!