Find Your Voice
Build Confidence Through Hip Hop
We are excited to bring our NEW summer camp to Ottawa for kids ages 8-12 Barz Academy!
Music has always been part of who we are.. As brothers, hip hop has always been more than just something we listened to it’s something we lived.
Music has taught us a lot. Through writing, performing and collaborating, we learned how to express ourselves, how to communicate and how to show up in this world with confidence.
The biggest thing we’ve learned is this.. you don’t have to be “good” at rapping to enjoy it. Hip hop is a tool. It teaches public speaking, creativity, teamwork and self-expression. Hip hop gives kids a safe space to try something new, step outside the writing norms and be heard without judgment.
This is why we created Barz Academy. This isn’t your average day camp!
Our goal is to pass this experience on. To create a space where kids can build real confidence, find their voice and discover what they’re capable of through music.
Meet the Squad
Nicholas Pouponneau
Nicholas Pouponneau is a musician, mentor, and proud girl dad with a passion for helping young people find their voice through music.
As the frontman of Zoo Legacy, Nicholas has spent over a decade performing across Canada and sharing stages with artists such as Lauryn Hill, Kardinal Offishall, Shad and BadBadNotGood. The band blends indie rock and hip hop into a sound that’s entirely their own, earning millions of streams and recognition within the creative community. Their track “She’ll Never Fall In Love,” produced by Gus Van Go, has reached a wide audience, while “System Effect”—a deeply personal song about Nicholas’ family roots—has been featured by multiple media outlets.
Beyond performing, Nicholas has been deeply involved in Ottawa’s creative scene. Through Cap City Cyphers, he helped organize and lead family-friendly freestyle events, teaching the foundations of rap and creating space for young artists to grow. He is also a member of Capital City Syndicate, a monthly freestyle jam session that brings together musicians of all experience levels to collaborate and build community.
Nicholas has worked in professional studio environments, including recording in Brooklyn, New York through a FACTOR-funded project. His experience spans songwriting, performance, recording, and mentorship.
At Barz Academy, Nicholas brings all of this together—creating a space where kids can build confidence, express themselves, and experience the power of music in a positive, supportive environment.
Patrick Pouponneau
With over 10 years of experience working with youth, Patrick is passionate about creating programs where young folks can explore their creativity, build confidence and discover their unique voice. Known for his engaging and supportive approach, he works with diverse communities, including BIPOC youth, using a trauma-informed, strengths-based style that helps every participant feel valued and empowered.
Patrick is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where young people feel safe to share ideas, take creative risks and support one another as they learn and grow.
Beyond his work, Patrick is a published poet, award-winning writer, spoken word artist, emcee and DJ. Blending the power of hip-hop culture with mentorship, he creates high-energy spaces where youth can express themselves, connect with each other, and build skills that last far beyond camp. Through music, storytelling, and creative expression, Patrick encourages young people to find their voice, celebrate their individuality, and leave each session feeling inspired and confident.
Patrick brings heart, creativity, and mentorship to Barz Academy—creating a space where kids feel seen, supported, and empowered to find their voice through music, movement, and self-expression.
What Makes Our Camp Special
Structured Curriculum
We teach real foundations. Students learn rhyming, rhythm, songwriting and performance in a way that’s easy to understand and fun to apply.
Confidence Building
Every activity is designed to build confidence. From simple rhyming games, to trusting their inner voice to performing in front of peers in a supportive environment.
Movement & Outdoor Inspiration
By getting outside and exploring our surroundings, youth learn that inspiration can be found anywhere.. even in the small, everyday moments most people overlook.
What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Icebreakers & Warm-Ups
Interactive activities to build comfort and confidence
Create Your Identity
Choose a rap name, build your crew, and start developing your style
Skill Building
Learn rhyming, rhythm, and songwriting through guided exercises
Movement & Inspiration Time
Daily outdoor walks and creative exploration to spark ideas
Team Building
Strengthen bonds with your crew through collaboration and group challenges
Song Creation
Work toward writing and refining your group song throughout the week
Performance Prep
Build confidence performing on beat and in front of others