Canadian singer Jessie Reyez teased earlier Monday that her rendition of the national anthems ahead of the Toronto Raptors-Brooklyn Nets games was going to be something extra special. The final product, which played ahead of Game 1 in Orlando, did not disappoint.
In a spectacular display, Reyez performed both the American and Canadian anthems perched high atop Toronto’s CN Tower. Secured by a safety harness, Reyez was fearless in her performance, not just because she was suspended 1,815 feet above the city, but because of the boldness of her political message.
From the Edgewalk of the city’s tallest landmark, Reyez showed her support for the Black Lives Matter movement and performed ‘O Canada’ while taking a knee.
O Canada 🇨🇦@Jessiereyez | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/4PUn3ybwBp
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) August 17, 2020
The singer stood for the American anthem, but before performing, Reyez looked defiantly at the camera and pulled down her Breonna Taylor neck gaiter.
US Anthem. Game 1 @raptors @NBA Playoffs. #BreonnaTaylor #Toronto pic.twitter.com/A2Ma5OFJv7
— Still no arrests. #BreonnaTaylor (@Jessiereyez) August 17, 2020
What a powerful, poetic and yes, political, performance.