Jully Black’s subtle change to the Canadian anthem at NBA All-Star Game wins praise from fans

The NBA’s All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City was a star-studded affair, one that featured musical appearances from international stars like Post Malone, 21 Savage, Burna Boy and Tems.

But it was Toronto’s own Jully Black who provided one of the more memorable performances with a stirring — and subversive — rendition of Canada’s national anthem ahead of the all-star tip-off Sunday night.

Wearing a red dress and a black leather jacket, the Juno Award-winning and platinum-selling R&B singer sounded impeccable, earning praise from fans and admirers across social media.

“My girl @JullyBlack just kicked the most soulful O Canada i ever heard,” wrote Chuck D, the legendary MC from Public Enemy, in a tweet.

“I have never, ever heard the Canadian anthem sung so well and so proudly,” one YouTube viewer chimed in.

Others took note of the fact Black changed a single word in the anthem, singing “our home on native land,” rather than “our home and native land” — a subtle but impactful reference to Canada’s colonial legacy and ongoing dispossession of Indigenous people.

“Now that’s a land acknowledgment,” one Twitter user wrote.

Another user shared an image of the performance, calling it a “Canadian Heritage Moment.”

Here’s how others reacted to Black’s performance:

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