About Z7 Universe

Zaie & 7 Keyz — Founders of Z7 Universe

For more than 20 years, Zaie and 7 Keyz have built their work around music, storytelling, and creating opportunities for others. As founders of Z7 Universe, they bring complementary strengths to a shared vision: 7 Keyz is a Canadian artist, producer, songwriter, and manager, while Zaie contributes videography, creative direction, and relationships across the music industry. Together, they have helped artists develop their sound and direction, brought visual stories to life, and connected talent with opportunity.

One of their landmark projects was “Cory Jo”, a tribute to Cory Joseph following his NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs. 7 Keyz wrote the hook and produced the record, and he and Zaie co-directed the video with New York City’s K-Boogie of Spanish Fly Media. The video featured cameos from Cory, super-producer Boi-1da, and then-Pickering mayor Dave Ryan. The founders were also invited to a private celebration where Cory shared the championship trophy with family and friends. Zaie, Cory’s younger brother, performed at the Ballin’ for Breast Cancer tournament at Pickering High School.

“Cory Jo” went viral and, by the founders’ count, appeared on more than 200 websites, including Yahoo Sports and BarDown. Accessible coverage includes Crossover Chronicles, which credits 7 Keyz and K-Boogie; Sporting News; Pounding the Rock; Sports Illustrated; and BasketballBuzz. The anthem has surpassed 20,000 YouTube views and remains celebrated to this day.

Artist development became another defining part of 7 Keyz’s work. He secured a management deal with Toronto artist Alx Veliz, also known as Max Bernard. After three months of management and a new artistic direction, 7 Keyz arranged a showcase for Alx and two other Canadian artists and secured a major record deal for him. Alx’s breakthrough song, “Dancing Kizomba”, went on to earn Gold certification in Canada and secure a worldwide deal with Universal Music Group. Its official video has passed four million views. Universal Music’s announcement and Music Canada’s Gold certification announcement document the song’s success.

That commitment to artists’ careers and rights also shaped 7 Keyz’s work with Canadian hip-hop pioneer Michie Mee. After she approached him, he managed her repertoire and negotiated with leading representatives in the Canadian music industry to secure a contract returning the rights to her full catalogue. He brought copyright and criminal-law considerations into the negotiations to help achieve that result.

Across his work with artists and producers, 7 Keyz has secured more than 20 management deals. He also hosted two major showcases at his recording studio, bringing talent before representatives from major record labels. Zaie helped open doors for some of those opportunities through his connections in the music industry.

Their investment in the next generation is just as important to their story. Through their work, they hosted four high-school co-op students, including two from Pine Ridge Secondary School, where 7 Keyz graduated, and five college and university student placements across the region. All successfully earned their placement credits, and Z7 Universe received multiple plaques recognizing its contribution to education.

From Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Zaie and 7 Keyz continue to bring music, visual production, artist development, and community together through Z7 Universe. Their shared history reflects a belief that talent deserves direction, artists deserve support, and opportunity grows when people open doors for one another.