Who is Ian Zafra?
Ian Zafra, a Filipino musician, singer, and songwriter, is currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He brings his music to life across various venues, including Age Care Lakeview, Coast Mental Health, Trees Organic (Granville), the TransLink Busker Program, Granville Island Busker Program, public streets in Vancouver, and private events. Ian has collaborated with notable artists and groups, including Easy Play of Grandt Kitchen (Surrey), Natasha Kozak, and Neil Thompson.
Ian was honored to receive the 2024 Volunteer Positive Impact Award from Coast Mental Health. He prides himself as the guitarist, backup vocalist, co-songwriter, and co-producer for Sheila and the Insects, a band he co-founded in the Philippines.
As a solo artist, Ian’s performances feature an acoustic and electric guitar setup, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans classics from the 1950s to today’s pop hits. His fervent wish is to be able to pursue his passion in music, write new songs, perform his style of music, and be part in contributing to the vibrant music community in Metro Vancouver.
Creative Works
Awards and Recognition
2024 : Heart of Coast Volunteer Positive Impact Award awarded by the Coast Foundation Society at the 2024 Coast Mental Health’s Annual General Meeting.
2011 : Resource speaker of the Philippines for the 2nd ASEAN Japan Forum on the Development of Contents Industry in Singapore.
2005 : Young Music Entrepreneur Selector Award awarded by the British Council of the Philippines at the NU107 Rock Awards 2005
2000 : Guitarist of the Year awarded by San Miguel Beer, Corp. at the SMB Cebu Music Awards 2000
Ian's story
In 1999, with the release of Sheila and the Insects' debut album, Tangible Rhymes, Ian launched Independent Culture Records (ICR), his own music company, signing Sheila and the Insect (SATI) as its first artist.
By 2000, ICR had expanded its reach by creating a website, IndieCultureOnline.com, which sold CDs by independent, unsigned bands. This innovative platform earned Ian the Young Music Entrepreneur Selector Award in 2005. However, the rise of unauthorized digital downloads caused a sharp decline in CD sales, leading to ICR's eventual bankruptcy and the deactivation of its website.
Determined to adapt, Ian restructured the business idea in 2007, founding ICO Music—an acronym for Indie Culture Online. This reimagined venture focused solely on sound recording, music publishing, and digital distribution, eliminating the need for physical music formats. By this point, SATI had already released four albums, all of which were reissued by ICO Music in digital format along with other artists' albums under the company’s catalog.
As the demands of building ICO Music grew, coupled with personal challenges, Ian took a two-year hiatus from SATI. During this time, he explored his creativity as a solo artist, producing an EP featuring 'Kismet' and 'Tell Me How To Make It Right', which he released on digital platforms in 2009. Two years later, in 2011, Ian reunited with SATI, and together they released another album and four singles under the ICO Music label.
Ian's efforts gained recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry - Region 7, which invited him to represent the Philippines as a resource speaker at the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Forum on the Development of Contents Industry held in Singapore in November 2011.
Fast forward over a decade later, Ian and his wife decided to start a new chapter in life and moved to Canada on December 26, 2022, leaving behind what seemed to be his lifelong connection to music. Or so he thought.
Tragically, Ian’s mother passed away on February 4, 2023, just over a month after his arrival in Canada. A passionate singer, karaoke lover, and a devoted secret fan of Sheila and the Insects, she had been Ian’s greatest inspiration and the source of his deep love for music. Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented him from returning to the Philippines for her funeral. Her passing became a turning point, reigniting his passion for music as a way to honor her memory.
Ian’s first performance in Canada was at AgeCare Lakeview, a care home for seniors, including those living with dementia. Soon after, he dedicated his weekends to volunteering at Coast Mental Health's Birchwood facility, sharing his talent and spreading joy. From these humble beginnings, Ian ventured into busking and performing at local cafes. Each performance reignited his passion for music, allowing him to reconnect with what he loves most.
For Ian, it’s not just about playing music—it’s a deeply personal tribute to his mother and the love for music she inspired in him.