Kuumba at Harbourfront is Back

Harbourfront Centre celebrates Black History Month at the 17th Annual Kuumba Festival, part of the TD Then & Now Series. “Kuumba” is the Swahili word for “creativity” which embodies Harbourfront Centre’s vision to celebrate the creativity and vitality of Toronto's African and Caribbean communities.

From February 1-3, join us as we showcase local and international artists from the African and Caribbean diaspora and celebrate milestones, anniversaries and the outstanding contributions of black Canadians.

Kuumba Festival Highlights:

10th Anniversary Celebration of The Trane Studio – An all-star lineup of local and international artists including Alexander Brown, Waleed Abdulhamid, Ernest Dawkins, Ursula Rucker, pay tribute to what would have been the 10th Anniversary of the Trane Studio. Hosted by CBC’s Garvia Bailey (Feb. 2 from 8 p.m.- 2 a.m. Cost $15).

An Evening with Dwayne Morgan – The official launch of Dwayne Morgan’s new book, Everyday Excellence, followed by an evening of soul music and spoken word performances (Feb. 1 from 8-11 p.m.).
Kuumba Hair Showcase, Film Screening and Panel Discussion – I Heart My Hair, Kinky Kreations Hair Salon and other industry professionals explore the wonders of black hair through panel discussions, a hair show and film (Feb. 2 from 7-9 p.m.).

The Known Unknown: Top 10 Emerging Artists Unplugged Edition – An unplugged and intimate showcase featuring rising urban music stars including Savannah Ré, Derek Wise, Jelly TooFly and more! Hosted by singer and television personality Tika Simone (Feb. 2 from 2-8 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 2-6 p.m.).
Kuumba Gospel Lounge – A two-hour gospel extravaganza featuring a full choir, choral groups and soloists (Feb. 3 from 4-6 p.m.).

Soca On Ice (part of DJ Skate Nights) – Dr. Jay De Soca Prince spins soca and calypso music on The Natrel® Rink at this annual Caribbean party on ice. Skate rentals available. Hosted by CBC’s Anne-Marie Mediwake and Dwight Drummond (Feb. 2 from 8-11 p.m.).
Additional event listings are available here.