What does it feel like to be unemployed for a year? Well, to be honest, I feel like I am pretty low in terms of self-esteem. I have been looking for work for the last year; however, with some college under my belt, I don’t feel like I am what employers are looking for. When I do go for job interviews, nine times out of ten it’s at some dive where they want me to go door-to-door to peddle gas or sell something to people that they don’t need. I have tried employment agencies, but it seems that the only jobs they have for men like me are factory jobs.

Don’t get me wrong – I am not afraid of working, but my experience working in a factory setting has been, shall we say, less than desirable. I have had bosses who treat their employees like garbage, because they are usually working with people who are new immigrants and don’t know much better (in terms of what should be expected in a proper working environment).

On the home front, it has been extremely stressful. My wife is left with to manage the majority of the bills, on top of making sure that the kids (2 girls) have a good Christmas. I know she loves me; however, I can’t help but feel ashamed and wonder if she would be better off without me.

To put it bluntly, I don’t feel like a man.

I am not providing and I don’t feel like a role model to my kids. I feel like I don’t want them to grow up seeing me in this position and feeling that it’s okay for me not to be working. I know my mother-in-law must be thinking I wish this deadbeat didn’t marry my daughter.

My wife and I have been married for a 5 years and I can now understand why they say the number one reason for divorce is due to money worries. With money being tight this last year, it should come as no surprise that we have had many arguments related to finances.

My self-esteem has been taking a beating, and not because of what anyone says, but because of my expectation of what I think my role as the man of the house should be. I should be in a position to build a nest; my wife shouldn’t be working and bringing in all the bacon! And I am pretty sure that my neighbors and the people at my kids’ daycare think I am a bum. When I go to pick them up (wearing my jogging suits), I wonder if they ever think to themselves, does this guy work?

And then there’s the cheating.

You might ask yourself, cheating? Why is this dude cheating? Well, it’s quite simple: you see, because my self-esteem was so low, I looked for gratification and pleasure whenever and wherever I could find it. It started with me being home and in the dark. I would go onto porn sites and start to masturbate and that quickly grew into an insatiable appetite for sex that I couldn’t ignore. This then translated into cheating, because I had so much time on my hands and my wife, after working long hours, couldn’t be the sex slave that I craved. And a part of me felt that my wife was falling out of love with me or maybe not finding me as attractive because I was unemployed. I found sex elsewhere, and this was the kind of sex I was looking for (the rough sex that I saw on porn).

This was causing a major issue in the marriage and my mind because I was coming home at 4 a.m. from seeing one of my mistresses and the cheating – not surprisingly – wasn’t making me feel happy. Depression then set in and I have been in and out of depression for the last few months. I seek escape through smoking weed and drinking, which have sunk me deeper into a place of despair and anger.

But a new year is almost here! I am keeping my faith alive that 2011 will be a better one, but as of now, I am just not sure what lies ahead.

About the Author

The author wanted to remain anonymous for his own reasons (and we respect that), but doesn’t mind to share that he is a father of 2 young girls, he resides in Montreal, Quebec. He is like many men that we know going through their own challenges due to the recession, Black Daddies Club is grateful for his sincere words and is sending him positive vibes to get though this rough period in his life.

Victor with his kids at a Toronto FC game for a BDC Daddies and Me event.

Dr. Molefi Asante defines Africentricity as “a mode of thought and action in which the centrality of African interests, values, and perspectives predominate. In regards to theory, it is the placing of African people in the centre of any analysis of African phenomena.” As a husband and father to three beautiful children, I am truly blessed to be able to play such an important role in helping to shape their lives in this challenging and complex world. I recently wrote the following words in my daily planner:

“Ancestral accountability is the premise of all parental and social responsibility for an African-Canadian Father. For me, the nurturing of and caring for healthy children begins with the full understanding and acceptance of the implications of a healthy and a balanced family that is contributing to the overall health of the African-Canadian community.”

Successful early childhood development can positively transform communities, cities and countries. African-Canadian fathers in Toronto remain in a constant state of war with the stereotypical generalizations associated with black fathers, such as misnomers like ‘baby daddies’, as well as the negative media portrayal of black fathers as neglectful and irresponsible. However – and in spite of the inevitable attacks on our ability to father our children – the call of black fatherhood must transcend personal ambitions and remain rooted in the notion that our future leaders (the children) must be prepared and courageous….

There are many social factors that contribute to family problems and dysfunctional fatherhood in our community, such as racism against African-Canadian men; unemployment; shattered self-image; poor community support structures for men; damaging media stereotypes; the dearth of positive, Black male role models; the disintegration of the values system that sustained us in Africa; and a lack of personal responsibility by some Black men. Yet, despite these and other considerable challenges, there are still many inspiring and persistent examples of healthy, balanced, responsible fatherhood all across the African-Canadian community.

As a 27-year-old father of three children, I often reminisce on my lessons.

My father taught me – among many other important life lessons – to be early if you can’t be on time, the correct way to treat a woman and to have a relentless work ethic. My Ancestors continue to inspire me because of their resilience and valor. How can I articulate these principles to my children if I am absent? The plight of the African-Canadian community can be critically analyzed from multiple perspectives related to social and systemic barriers, colonization, and misrepresentation through the electronic and print media. For all these reasons and more, the struggle to redeem black fatherhood must be waged on multiple fronts.

Victor with his wife

African-Canadian fathers must ensure that they have the tools and supports to be healthy and culturally competent to raise their children. I believe that a strong family matrix and good support system, a sound knowledge of self and a healthy values-based approach form the foundation of effective fatherhood. The positive, productive and respectful relationship with the African woman is at the core of African-centered fatherhood. An African-centered father must remain the prime example of how to reflect and reciprocate the leadership of African women. The value system that children should be exposed to must highlight the importance of sharing, respect for elders, love of learning, commitment to excellence in everything, an African worldview, a healthy African identity and self-image, and a positive, winning mentality.

Toronto is crying out for the African-Canadian father to stand up and not only announce but to loudly (and unapologetically) declare our presence and our ability to support and assist the marginalized and under-served communities throughout our great city. A true African-centered father knows that the children in his home are not the only children he must raise. The young man getting on the TTC with his hat covering his eyes might need mentoring and support. The boy crossing the street, walking with no sense of purpose, might need some guidance. The child standing next to you in the lobby of your apartment complex might also be in need of love. There are currently many services, programs and initiatives that support the healthy development of African fathers, such as the Black Daddies Club, the Yensumo Youth and Community Development’s Rites of Passage process, the Lions Circle, the More than a Haircut Barbershop program and many more. Through these and other such organizations, we can fully embrace our responsibilities as men and fathers.

Our social and moral obligation to all our children is embodied in the African Proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together”. As African-centered fathers, we must create a new cultural framework of peer and communal accountability to ensure that no child is left behind.

Victor Beausoleil is devoted husband and a father of three. Victor is known in throughout Toronto as a mentor to many and personifies the true meaning of leadership in the black community. Victor is also a member of the Black Daddies Club

Brandon's sons. From left to right Tristan (8), Elijah (4), Julian (6)

I am a part of the new generation of fathers who were raised by single mothers. I recently had the opportunity to attend the book launch party of one of my mentors, Dalton Higgins, where he unveiled his newest literary offering, entitled FATHERHOOD 4.0. At this event, I heard fathers sharing their stories as parents.

However, a common theme uniting the comments made by some of these men were that they were raised by their mums, and I couldn’t help but wonder if an event like this (book launch) would have been as successful if the book came out around my father’s or grandfather’s generation. Would the notion of the ‘stay-at-home dad’ be held in the same positive light that it is today or would that father be seen as ‘wutless (less of a man)’ for not going out and bringing home the bacon.

Over the past three years, I have spent many hours working with black fathers in the Toronto community and I have found that a lot of fathers weren’t raised by their fathers. Because of that, they felt that they had to overcompensate when it came to parenting their own children. It is of paramount importance to these fathers that they are present in the lives of their children…and not just for the big moments (like first day of school, weddings, etc.), but also for the small moments (diaper changes at 2a.m., rubbing their son’s/ daughter’s back after a nightmare, reading bedtime stories).

These fathers of the new generation are more hands-on when it comes to parenting than their fathers and grandfathers ever were. And, in my humble opinion, that’s a step in the right direction.

"Daddies and Me" event at Art gallery of Ontario(AGO), Feb 2010

I was recently speaking to another ‘New Age’ dad, when this question was broached: Why is it that although many of our fathers and grandfathers grew up with their fathers in the home, they still didn’t see the importance of sticking around to be fathers to their children?

I was born in Jamaica in the late 70’s and I know that for my own father, it wasn’t seen as culturally or socially important for him to be there on a consistent basis. As long as the school fees were paid and I had books and a school uniform for September, his work as a father was done. I felt that this was the extent of his parenting.

Don’t get me wrong – my dad took me and my brothers and sisters out to Hillshire Beach every now and then (usually on a Sunday afternoon) and boy, did we look forward to those outings! And no matter how infrequent those outings were, they were always extra special. When I think of my dad, those are the memories that come to mind.

Fast forward some twenty-odd years and I have my own kids. I can’t help but wonder: what will be their memories of their father?

Black Business Professional association (BBPA) Community Award Ceremony, BDC received community excellence award

Brandon Hay, founder and Executive Director of Black Daddies Club; Brandon is a Husband, Father of 3 boys (Tristan, Julian and Elijah).

“I believe in the importance of community voice, hence why Black Daddies Club article in Sway magazine came about, our black fathers need a place where we can speak on some of the stuff that is bottled within and this is a great medium, we are working on some great ideas for 2011, keep posted”-Brandon Hay

The author with his firstborn Sun, Amari

“Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!”

These were the first words that ran through my mind as I placed my palm on the wet spot in the bed and realized that it definitely was not “an accident.”

Your mother had assumed that her slumber had been rudely interrupted by an ill-timed bout of incontinence. I, however, struggled to remain calm, because I was certain that we were beginning labour and the wet spot was the first indication that you were on the way.  I glanced at my watch. It was 3:30 a.m. and I had just come to bed to catch up on some much-needed sleep – sleep which I now suspected would not be enjoyed anytime soon!

Period-like cramps followed the discovery of the (now infamous) wet spot. These cramps grew steadily in strength until your mother needed firm pressure applied to the small of her back in order to deal with the growing discomfort.  Members of both of our families had journeyed to Toronto to witness the birth, but I decided against waking them at this early stage.  Based upon my understanding of the stages of labour, I concluded that we had plenty of time, so I resolved to start making calls only when things really started to roll.

The level of discomfort grew so rapidly that it became apparent that this labour would not be a long, drawn-out affair.  The force of the contractions often rendered your mother speechless and, as she breathed through each one, I was feverishly pressing the heels of my palms into her lower back in an effort to relieve at least some of her pain.

I called our midwife, Nicole Bennett, at around 6 a.m. and, after listening to your mother experiencing a contraction, she decided to come over right away. When she arrived, she checked your mother`s cervix, which had dilated to between four and five centimeters.  Her inspection also revealed that you had excreted meconium into the amniotic fluid.  Nicole felt that this situation warranted hospitalization and made the decision to move the birth location from home to Scarborough Grace Hospital.  This hospital permitted the midwife to maintain her status as primary care provider during those times when a potential complication necessitated transfer.

We had visited Scarborough Grace with our midwife several weeks before and, although a hospital birth was not our first or second choice, we were nonetheless comforted by the sight of the Jacuzzi and shower, the spacious rooms and the noticeable lack of intrusive gadgetry in the maternity wing.

We arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 a.m. and were quickly ushered into room 4315. Our family members (my mother, your mother`s parents and your mother`s cousin, Nicole Stovell) were led to the lounge area.  Denise Simon, our heaven-sent doula, arrived shortly afterward and immediately began talking your mother through her breathing and massaging her lower back {*for those who don’t know, a doula basically ‘mothers’ the mother*}.  Her presence and calming self–assuredness allowed me to fully experience the birth without the additional responsibility of having to ‘coach’ your mother through labour.

Watching your mother courageously grappling with the inevitable pain of childbirth was at times overwhelming.  I felt so helpless, in that I was unable to take away her hurt.  I had to remind myself that you two were working together and that pain was an unavoidable part of this process.

The labour was progressing so quickly that there was literally no time to enter the Jacuzzi.  Your mother was sorely disappointed, because she was really looking forward to a relaxing soak!

After Nicole moved the cervical lip out of the way (it had become swollen as a result of the pressure being applied by your head), she gave the ‘OK’ for your mother to start pushing – which she was only too willing to do. She positioned herself on her hands and knees and gave herself over to the explosive uterine contractions that would ultimately deliver you into our loving embrace.

I saw your head begin to crown. That was truly a surreal moment – I still couldn’t fully believe that I was going to be a father.  Overcome with excitement, I rushed out of the birthing room, clad only in a pair of swim trunks, to tell the rest of the family of the miraculous events taking place just a few yards away.  I returned to the room – having been chastised by the nursing staff for my semi-naked display – and shortly thereafter your head emerged. Your body, slick with vernix, soon followed.

…And unto us a child was born!

It was 10:12 am on Friday, the 28^th of May, 2004 and it was a beautiful, sun-drenched morning.  I was given the honour of cutting your umbilical cord. I remember thinking that it resembled electrical wiring encased in transparent rubber tubing.  Looking further ‘south,’ I exclaimed excitedly, “It’s a boy! We got a boy!”

While your mother and I recovered from the physical and mental exertion of the past six hours, the midwives conducted some unobtrusive examinations to ensure that you and mom were healthy.  Denise dressed you and then gave you to your mother.  She was so collected, attentive and calm – she fell right into the mother role as if it were already so familiar to her.

And then I held you in my arms for the first time.

What was that like…..The world around us fell away; Time itself seemed to stand still in solemn recognition of this sacred event.  I wish that I could find the words to describe the emotions that shook me to my core on the day that you were born…but honestly, no such words yet exist. All I can say is that I loved you in a way that defies description and can only be understood by those fortunate enough to have felt love of this depth and intensity for themselves.

In the midst of this eternal moment of first contact, it suddenly dawned on me that, as your father, I would be your first and most enduring example of manhood.  Your ability to wrest compassion, joy and love from the often-unyielding granite of the everyday would be largely dependent upon what you learn from the way that I live my life.  An awesome and daunting task…made doubly so because of my own history as the son of an absent father.  I found myself asking, Can I do this?  Can I really be a father to this child?

As if sensing my trepidation, you squeezed my pinky finger reassuringly. “Of course you can,” you seemed to be saying, “or else I would not have chosen you as my daddy.”

“Thank you,” I whispered as the tears filled my eyes.  “Thank you.”

Colwyn Burchall, Jr. is the author of two books, Look for Me in the Whirlwind: A Story of Marcus Garvey and Freedom’s Flames: Slavery in Bermuda and the True Story of Sally Bassett. He is currently working on his third children’s book, entitled FreedomSong, tentatively scheduled for publication in 2011. Your thoughts and comments are welcomed: [email protected]

Colwyn Burchall, Jr. Author and Black Daddies Club member

Antwonne with his young daughter

Salutations,

I am Antwonne “Knowledge” Thomas.  26.  I have two young daughters.

Neither of which lives with me currently.

Our society would consider me uneducated, as I haven’t received my high-school diploma.  The experience of growing in the western world, in these societies and circumstances has allowed me to be very aware of our issues as “urban” youth.  Working closely with Radio personalities on York U, CHRY radio has exposed me to an element of media.  My experience has also manifested thorough interaction with organizations like Breaking The Cycle, and Black Daddies Club.  You can also find many of us ambitious young black men in Barbershops monthly, along the Eglinton/Oakwood region facilitating healthy discussions for our Y.B.M (young black males), as I am a co-facilitator for the More Than An Haircut Program.

—- ( self introduction complete ) —–

“Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood.” Nov 7, 2010.

Today, I miss my babies a lot.  It is hard psychologically, to feel good about yourself when you have such a grotesque failure looming overhead.  You know., the many things that can be said about the absent father.

So that said, I overstand the ways my peer group has fashioned to express themselves, to cope with their pains and psychological traumas.

That said, WE ARE MONUMENTALLY effing up!

We are a social people.  A lot of our coping mechanisms have evolved into social and interactive was of acting, meaning ways that we attempt to heal, or deescalate our traumas seem to incorporate other people. Many of which are our peers and they are coming from un-therapied, unstable sources and suffering from their own series of traumas.  We are effectively the blind leading the blind.

We smoke to maintain or because there is an acceptance and appreciation amongst “smoking culture” which creates a miniscule sense of belonging or interact-ability  (with the similar effect of a barbershop where young black males can express freely and candidly- sort of).

We also become more lustful and seek to mate or fornicate as a way of alleviating our frustration, our loneliness or our pain.  This effect/cause is one of the largest sources of our communities’ self inflicted traumas! We are devastatingly harming our women, many of which, have their own traumas from being raised in households where there are traumatized, un-therapied, under-communicative, and anti-overstood adults struggling to deal with everyday realities, and unspoken mistakes. Many times there’s only one traumatized adult; which disables the developing child of many learning experiences through their fathers.

Quality time is compromised in the name of currency.  Another trauma that we are yet to address, unless we do so through the media, consequently glamorizing the negative things we have to go through, and do, in order to “make it” or “get it”.  We desperately need to stop spiraling.

Now, I realize our pride and our ego plays a significant role in our ability to address our shortcomings, or our contributions to OUR chaotic environments.

My dear loved ones I plead with you all, WE ARE ABLE TO CHANGE OUR DIRECTION, altering the horrible fate awaiting us.

Those of us who are battling demons trying not to hurt ourselves…our babies are ourselves.  And every day we are absent and under-aware of our babies’ lifestyle and blame a woman for this.  It hurts many levels of ourselves.  We require reality checks on many levels.

DRINKING is not an aid.  Disregard our respective geographical cultures and be aware.  As a collective culture as a Y.B.M in the GTA, circa 2010, this new culture – unique as we are.  It’s not helping us to drink.

Leaving women to find peace or love with a next woman clearly is doing nothing to stimulate maturity, and mental development in our Y.B.M.

Writing for a beat, instead of writing for the female you’re hurting or your seed, isn’t strengthening our communications nor our ability to maintain healthy male/female relationships.

These are very serious issues in our communities yet we haven’t taken the time to come together and speak to our pains and seek to aid ourselves in healing.

I most certainly do not see my babies as much as I should or I wish to. Though some of my brothers accredit me with seeing my children, and acknowledge the perceived relationship between their mothers and myself. I realize that my problems and those I share with the beautiful mothers of my babies, will affect them.  I need to be able to grow and fix myself.  Not succumb to the depression or pain of such a potential failure.  None of those unhealthy attempts at therapy should prevent me from growth or being a daddy.

That said, I love my brothers.  We would love to help you find your way in this Cold, Cold GTA where all we got is us!  SAVE THE BABIES!!

On behalf of all young fathers that don’t live with their babies, seeking to be helped or understood.

P.S.
To those fathers. Excuses are of weak minds. We as children don’t respect Excuses!
GO HARDER!

Nineteen said so…

Black Daddies Club member

- Antwonne “Knowledge” Thomas

It’s 2:27a.m. I rise from my seat in front of the computer and walk to his bedroom door. I can hear his snoring as I turn the knob and enter. There he rests, ensnared in the blankets like a fly trapped in a spider’s web.

His face is serene. His eyes are half-open, as are his lips, exposing gums where a pair of front teeth once protruded only a few short weeks ago. I whisper to him, “C’mon, puppy, it’s time to go pee.”

My words penetrate the universe beyond sleep, where I imagine that the Ancestors gather and soar like fall-crisp leaves caught in a gust of autumn wind. He, still sleeping, gives his body over to me. I lift him from the tangle of bed sheets and cradle him against my body. He, in turn, moulds himself against me in a way that only well-loved children know. We move over the dark wasteland of discarded Lego blocks and dinosaurs, down the welcoming silence of the hallway and into the dimly-lit bathroom.

He stands before the toilet and yawns. He stoops to push down his pyjama bottoms and, as he returns to an upright position, he grasps his penis in his right hand. The movement is smooth, practiced. The nightly ritual is familiar to him – so familiar, in fact, that he never once opens his eyes.

He has an erection.  Damn.

Urine spurts out like water from a malfunctioning garden hose. The waste bin, bathmat and my house slippers bear the pungent mark of his errant aim. His task complete, he pulls up his pants, turns to me and waits to be lifted up.

As we leave the bathroom (with his still-warm urine now moistening my toes), I pause briefly to look at our reflection in the mirror. The orange glow of the nightlight illuminates his face.

He is beautiful. Beautiful and effortlessly perfect, in the way that full moons, forests and sunsets always are.

This Gift is my Child.

I feel the fireflies dancing in the pit of my stomach and revel in the steady rhythm of his breath on my neck. Slowly, quietly, I lower him onto his bed. He tucks his knees into his chest as I place the blanket over his body. With this final action, our nightly ritual ends.

I lean over him and gently kiss his forehead. He stirs as the hairs of my beard brush against his cheek. The moment passes and he returns to the grove of untrammelled innocence that flourishes beyond the reach of fear and pain. I stand, looking at him. Then I turn and leave.

It is now 2:32a.m. I return to my seat in front of the computer.

My eyes, like storm clouds pregnant with the promise of rain, are full of tears.

Black Daddies Club member

- Colwyn Burchall, Jr.

*************

Newly arrived in Toronto, Colwyn Burchall, Jr. is presently dividing his time between freelance writing and working as a stay-at-home dad to his two year-old son, Ajani, in addition to his roles as father to Amari, aged six, and husband to Cherise. He holds a Masters degree in Literacy Education from Mount Saint Vincent University. He is currently completing his second children’s book, entitled FreedomSong, tentatively scheduled for publication in 2011.

By Isake Tom

Next Thursday Sept 30^th the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) will acknowledge  the works of four community activists at the DYNASTY, 131 Bloor Street West, 2nd floor  in the Colonnade.

Hosted by former UARR award recipient Angela Robertson, this year’s recipients; Nigel Barriffe, Manavi Handa, Che Kothari and Farrah S. Khan will be on hand to celebrate the organization’s 35^th Anniversary with the acceptance of the Race Relations Award.

The alliance which sprung from the vision of Wilson Head and other founding members in 1975, has since worked tirelessly to address issues of injustice and racism in Toronto. Currently the UARR is concentrating its energy on media production training for young people, empowering youth to recognize and fight racism and gender based violence.

To support this milestone event and celebrate the outstanding achievements of these four community activists, tickets can be purchased by contacting Yumei Lin at [email protected].

It’s CARIBANA Week 2010!  The parade, the parties, the food and the music - this is one week you won’t want to miss. Sway brings you the best events in the city and, trust us, there is something for everyone!

Tuesday, July 27

FLAUNT ON DE WATER
Stella Borealis
1 Queens Quay East, Pier 27

Socasize Fitness presents Caribana Flaunt on De Water Boat Cruise. Cruisers can enjoy food, a complimentary drink and some hot beats by Flow 93.5 FM’s premier Soca DJ, Dr. Jay and Kardinal Offishall’s own DJ.

Wednesday, July 28

CLASH OF TENTS @ Great Hall
Great Hall
1087 Queen St. West

Enjoy the lyrical and topical compositions of two Rival casts of singers vying to have he last word in the calypso season’s final musical showdown.

Thursday, July 29

CARIBANA KING & QUEEN SHOW
Lamport Stadium
1151 King Street West

The King and Queen show has traditionally kicked off the Toronto Caribana Festival weekend every year since the beginning. On Thursday July 29th, the leaders of the Caribana Parade’s Mas bands will put on their showcase costumes and perform for the Parade judges and an enthusiastic crowd at Lamport Stadium.

Friday, July 30

HARBOURFRONT CENTRE ISLAND SOUL FESTIVAL
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

Caribbean culture is celebrated through music, food and art in a weekend-long festival that bridges the gap between Canada and the Islands.

CARIBANA PAN ALIVE
Lamport Stadium
1151 King Street West

The Toronto Caribana Festival and The Ontario Steel Band association present Pan Alive 2010, Canada’s premiere Steel Pan competition happening Friday, July 30th at Lamport Stadium.

BYRON LEE’S DRAGONAIRES BOAT CRUISE
Empress of Canada
11 Polson Street

If you’re a fan of live Jamaican Ska, Calypso and Soca music then you don’t want to miss Byron Lee’s Dragonaires Boat Ride on Caribana Friday July 30th - over 5 hours of live music!

HOT 97 JUMP OFF
XS Nightclub
261 Richmond St. Wes

Hot 97 Jump Off at XS Nightclub is the biggest friday night hip hop urban event with over 3000 people and hot 97 DJ’s from New York! This year, Hot 97′s dj Cipha Sounds and Florida’s Black Chiney will spin the best in Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and Soca

COOL ROCK
Orange Room Nightclub
132 Queens Quay East

Caribana 2010 Cool Rock inside the Orange Room is an exclusive Reggae event for true Reggae lovers. Cool Rock, stricly lovers rocks, foundation, and culture. This is an event is strictly for mature clientele!

Saturday, July 31

TORONTO CARIBANA PARADE 2010
Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Boulevard
15 Saskatchewan Road

The Caribana parties and events are great but the main attraction of the Caribana Festival is the 2010 Scotiabank Caribana Parade (North America’s largest Caribbean Parade).

CARNIVAL IN YUH BACKYARD 7
Seventh Heaven Golf Resort
7797 Goreway Drive
Brampton, ON

More than 10,000 people attended last year’s Carnival in Yuh Backyard outdoor soca concert / party. This year is set to break- no SMASH that record to pieces. Carnival in Your Backyard has arguably become Toronto Caribana’s largest and most popular party.

BABY BOYZ DANCE GROUP
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

The Baby Boyz are a group of seven determined young men bursting with talent who are focused on making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others through the medium of dance.

THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS 2010
Tropical Sunset Lounge
1957 Kennedy Road

2010 Universal Urban in association with Enforcas Entertainment & Silent Partners presents THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS – HIP HOP SOCA REGGAE R&B Hosted by: Drake’s Official Super Producer - BOI 1DA Juno Nominated R&B Sensation – Kim Davis

QUEEN IFRICA presented by State Farm
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

Queen Ifrica is the hottest female roots reggae’s vocalist since Marcia Griffiths. Her music, which combines profound lyrics, a powerful voice and pulsating rhythms, inspires women to fight for their rights and to aggressively engage a male-dominated music form in Canada.

OFFICIAL CARIBANA DEF JAM PARTY
Kool Haus Nightclub
132 Queens Quay East

The 9th annual Def Jam Party on Caribana Saturday should be better than ever. The Kool Haus  is expecting a crowd of close to 3000 people ready to dance and grind to some of today’s hottest R&B and Hip Hop artists from the Def Jam Label.

Sunday, August 1

DE CARIBANA LIME/Tropical Rythms
Ontario Place
995 Lakeshore Boulevard West

De Scotiabank Caribana Lime 2010 is being held at Ontario Place (CNE) from 12 noon until 8pm. So, stop in for lunch and stay for dinner because there will plenty of yummy Caribbean treats to feast on, offered by over a hundred food vendors.

THE ULTIMATE STEEL PAN EXPERIENCE
HarbourKIDS Zone Tent
235 Queens Quay West

In this hands-on workshop, participants learn to play various pans including double-second pan, tenor (guitar pan) and bass drums six-bass). Grooves and songs are taught using a combination of rote and letters which can be adapted to any participant regardless of musical background.

PAN IN THE PARK
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

Some of Canada’s best steel pan players and ensembles jam on and around our featured Redpath Stage. Don’t miss out on one of Toronto’s largest collections of steel plan players and ensembles!

THE MELODIANS
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

The Melodians are one of Jamaica’s greatest rocksteady groups, cutting a series of classic singles during the late ’60s and early ’70s. The band’s internationally famed single “Rivers of Babylon” became an anthem of the Rastafarian movement

FRANKIE PAUL
Harbourfront Centre
Queens Quay West

Frankie Paul is often referred to as Jamaica’s Stevie Wonder, and not just because of his visual impairment. Like Wonder, he is a talented multi-instrumentalist with a tremendous vocal range.

For more details or to add an event of your own, check out our Event Calendar.