Some may call her Kiki, but Keshia Chanté is about to go by a whole different moniker. The entertainer, singer and television host is about to enter her next chapter, adding mom to her never-ending list of titles– and accomplishments. I had the chance to catch up with the Belle of the Ball at the 2026 Cashmere Collection in support of breast cancer awareness. Uniting guests for a good cause, Keshia, in heels and in her 3rd trimester, serenaded the crowd post-fashion show (see the looks here).
With motherhood on the horizon, Keshia is embracing a new chapter. But her sights are set on more than what lies ahead personally. A growing sense of urgency has fuelled her desire to make a difference, and the songstress opened up about her family’s experience with breast cancer and why she’s lending her voice to the cause.
Keshia Chanté Brings Her Voice to the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Keshia Chanté with Sonia Beeksma of Etalk at Cashmere Collection 2026
Libby Roach: You are positively glowing! When I was this many months pregnant, I was lucky to leave my house. Clearly, you are here showing support for a very good reason.
Keshia Chanté: My grandmother had ovarian cancer, then lung cancer, and then she passed away. She was fiercely strong, but not willing to do checkups and go to the doctor. She would still be alive if she were more proactive. And my aunt’s sister is the sweetest, most charismatic person. I have watched her struggle for many, many years with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy. Some days, she has all the spunk in her and other days she is really struggling. It’s hard to watch, to think that someone is going through that.
LR: Cancer treatment has come a long way, but living with a diagnosis can be earth-shattering.
KC: Even in grief, for example, when you lose a loved one, and the world continues, and you’re just in your suffering. I feel that way when people are dealing with disease and health issues; they’re really struggling, and the world continues.
There are elements we need to slow down, and we need to be attentive to what’s going on, and know that much of this is preventable. So we’re just not talking about it enough; we’re not having the conversations.
Keshia Chanté with Sonia Beeksma of Etalk at Cashmere Collection 2026
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LR: Women don’t have the best track record for being upfront with medical issues.
KC: For some of us, there was stigma; it was taboo- you wouldn’t speak about it openly. I believe sharing is truly caring. If I am feeling depressed or anxious, I’ll be telling everyone about it. We need to talk freely. Yes, I’m going to get a mammogram; yes, I’m scared about it. Have the conversations!
1 in 8 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We all know eight women.
LR: And black women will disproportionately have higher mortality rates.
KC: The black community does not talk about these things. This is completely avoidable.
LR: And at events like these, you can really feel the momentum shift. We are all united; we all need to use our voices to inform and support.
KC: I’ve always cared about humanity. Now, I’m about to be a first-time mom. It’s physically gruelling and emotionally challenging. But I think on a spiritual level, on a self-awareness level, it really elevates you.
Through some of the suffering during this pregnancy, I feel so much gratitude and so much joy, and then I think about bringing life into this world, and I really assess everything. The intensity of that is amplified. Everything is magnified. The clock is ticking; I have this new sense of urgency. Now that I’m bringing a child into this world, I’m wondering what my contribution is; what does that look like? How do I maximize my platform? How do I actually make a difference?
My career has always been entertainment and escapism. That’s beautiful. I love to help people get through things; what else can I do?
Jully Black on Breast Cancer Awareness 🎀
LR: As a breast cancer previvor myself, every conversation is an opportunity to fuel change, support or inform. These opportunities, and interviewing advocates like you, motivate me. I’m grateful to meet people who share that purpose.
KC: We all have a role to play. There’s a fear that, when you know someone who’s been through something. And when it is in close proximity, you want to make sure you’re okay, and that the people around you are too.
Vote on your favourite designs and $1 will be donated to Canadian breast cancer causes for every vote, up to $100,000. One lucky person will also win $5,000! Read full rules here.
Follow Keshia Chanté @keshiachante
All images by Libby Roach. Interview may be edited for length or clarity.