Emcee Michie Mee will take the stage for Honey Jam: Then and Now at the Kuumba Festival

By Shanichia Henry

Kuumba is unique, vibrant and beautiful. Above all, Kuumba is Black!

Kuumba is actually a Swahili word that means creativity, a fitting name for a festival that seeks to celebrate the multifaceted world of black culture.

The 16^th Annual Kuumba Festival will take place from February 3^rd-5^th , and organizers promise a wide range of activities that is sure to appeal to just about everyone.

The theme for this year’s Kuumba Festival is “Exploring African Roots Through a 21^st Century Perspective”. More than just an exhibit, Kuumba offers an in-depth look into African culture and seeks to make connections between the past and the present.

The festival, directed by Dalton Higgins and Barbara de la Fuente, can be described as a historical examination of sorts that simultaneously educates and entertains. In addition, Kuumba offers interactive workshops allowing those who attend to experience a variety of culture over the course of a few days. Because the Kuumba Festival features an eclectic collection of musicians, artists, and writers anyone of any ethnic or racial background can attend without fearing that they may not be able to relate to the subject matter of the exhibits.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the festival is that although it seeks to examine the African experience, it is also very inclusive and considerate of the multicultural community in which it is held.

Although black culture’s influence on the entire world is undeniable, due to marginalization and oppression, the achievements and experiences of black individuals are often understated or ignored altogether.

For this reason, Dalton Higgins, Diasporic African art Influencer and Artistic Associate of the Kuumba Festival, seeks to foster dialogue regarding the lack of inclusion in various sectors of entertainment. More specifically, he will discuss the lack of representation of people of colour in the fashion industry.

“When you take a quick scan of fashion runways and ad campaigns in this country, the black presence is scant to non-existent,” says Higgins. “We are going to talk about this at the Fashion Blackout event that I cooked up with supermodel Stacey McKenzie. We intend to figure out creative ways to navigate, and manoeuvre through the spaces that do not represent the beauty of black culture.”

Higgins believes it’s time for Toronto to “tap into” its touted status as one of the most diverse cities in the world. He will also be hosting the Known (Un)Known show with Tika Simone.

Individuals who participate in events at the Kuumba Festival express their ideas through various mediums including music, visual arts, spoken word, film and fashion. Music enthusiasts can enjoy events such as The Rhythms of Guinea, which gives everyone a chance to learn some of the basics of drum playing, while being informed about the cultural traditions of the Guinean people.

For those who wish to experience some Caribbean culture, renowned reggae artist Clive Chin will be performing in Celebration of Jamaica’s 50^th Anniversary. For those who love poetry and literature, respected author Itah Sadu and others share their creative approach to traditional storytelling.

There are also a number of events geared towards children and teens. Hip-hop heads will undoubtedly enjoy Honey Jam: Then and Now featuring female emcees Michie Mee and Jemini. The talented and beautiful Rochelle Jordan will also be gracing the stage along with some of her peers for the Known (Un)Known show.

For a complete list of events and performers visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/kuumba/events.cfm?festival_id=99

 

Photos courtesy of Kuumba Festival.

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