Kuumba presented by TD Bank Financial Group at Harbourfront Centre 

Celebrates Black History Month with an Exclusive Array of Dazzling 

Events and Celebrities

TORONTO, January 10, 2007.   Kuumba is the Swahili word for creativity 

and has become synonymous with showcasing the best local and 

international artists of African Heritage at Harbourfront Centre each 

year during Black History Month.  This year Kuumba presented by TD Bank 

Financial Group coincides with Jamaica�s 45th Anniversary of 

Independence, offering a spectacular festival Kick-Off Concert and 

Soiree to celebrate!

Kuumba presented by TD Bank Financial Group runs from Friday, February 9 

through Sunday, February 11, 2007.  Unless otherwise indicated, events 

are FREE to attend.  All events take place at Harbourfront Centre (235 

Queen�s Quay West).  For more information and to purchase tickets for 

special ticketed events the public can call 416-973-4000 or visit 

http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/

Highlights of Kuumba presented by TD Bank Financial Group include the 

return of Jamaica to Toronto’s Jay Douglas and the All-Star Band; a hip 

hop symposium featuring Ego Trip members Elliot Wilson of XXL Magazine 

and Sacha Jenkins of Mass Appeal accompanied by the launch of 

Rapspace.tv  from web pioneer McLean Greaves, the former executive 

producer of CBC television’s ZeD and internet media consultant to stars 

such as Spike Lee; the Toronto debut of Vieux Farka Tour�, son of 

legendary Ali Farka Tour’, live concert and CD release; the North 

American Premiere of Griots t� Garage: A Musical History of the African 

Diaspora from UK trombonist Dennis Rollins; celebrity judges Cicely and 

Olisa of television’s smash hit �So You Think You Can Dance� and the 

evening spectacle of the Choreographer’s Ball - Step Up and so much 

more!  

Complete details and full schedule below. 

Kuumba is presented by TD Bank Financial Group.  Also supported by The 

Jamaican Consulate General, The Jamaican Tourist Board, Urban Music 

Association of Canada and Girls Unlimited.

SPECIAL TICKETED KUUMBA EVENTS: 

Griots t� Garage: A Musical History of the African Diaspora

Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11 - 7:00 p.m.  

Tuesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 14 � 8:00 p.m.

Studio Theatre � (all performances)

$25 Admission

North American Premiere! Griots t� Garage is one man�s musical journey 

inspired by 500 years of Afro-centric music. Part tribute, part 

documentary and part concert, Dennis Rollins� virtuosic performance is 

intensified by live visual projections that mix archival film with 

live-on-the-floor footage. The piece transports us from the rhythms of 

16th century West Africa, through the development of blues and jazz, and 

onwards to the funky, hip-hop and garage grooves of today. This 

internationally-renowned jazz artist is celebrated for his versatility 

and unique approach to both performance and the often underrated 

trombone. Part of New World Stage International Performance at 

Harbourfront Centre.  

Vieux Farka Tour� Concert and Debut CD Release

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Brigantine Room � 10:00 p.m.

$15 Admission

On tour for the first time in North America! Vieux Farka Tour� is the 

son of legendary Malian musician Ali Farka Tour�.  The proverbial torch 

passed from father to son when Grammy Award winning Ali Farka Tour� lost 

his battle to bone cancer in the spring of 2006.  Vieux�s music respects 

the heritage of his Malian roots and continues in the rich tradition of 

his father.  The debut CD, Vieux Farka Tour�, will be released in Canada 

through World Village and Modiba Records.  The album features the very 

last recordings of the legend Ali Farka Tour� and also includes the 

renowned playing of Grammy Award winner Toumani Diabat�.  Proceeds of 

the CD benefit the fight against Malaria, the leading cause of death in 

African children.  Learn more about Modiba Records� and Vieux Farka 

Tour��s commitment to raise awareness of African culture, politics and 

economic challenges faced by the continent through music.

KUUMBA PRESENTED BY TD FINANCIAL GROUP

COMPLETE SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2007

FAMILY 

Join presenters TD Bank Financial Group for The Kuumba Festival Kick-Off 

Reception in the Marilyn Brewer Community Space on Friday, February 9, 

from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The exceptionally life-like and multiple 

award winning Polymer Clay sculptures from Jamaican-bred Peni Dyer will 

be on display to welcome guests throughout the weekend in the North 

Breezeway.

Cool nights take on a whole new meaning with the increasingly popular DJ 

Skating Nights at Harbourfront Centre�s Natrel Rink.  On Friday, 

February 9, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., all ages can enjoy soul, funk 

and house music courtesy of CKLN DJ�s Carl Allen, Nikki Red and DJ 

La-Z-E spinning live by the lake.  Absolutely free! Warm up with 

complimentary Natrel hot chocolate!  Skate rentals, sharpening and 

private lockers available, as well as a heated and fully licensed 

restaurant.

MUSIC/COMEDY

Celebrate Jamaican Music, Art and Culture with an array of live 

entertainment at the Kick-Off Concert and Soiree commemorating the 45th 

Anniversary of Jamaican Independence.  Comedic sensation and rising star 

Jay Martin performs his hilarious stand-up comedy, followed by the 

return of Jamaica to Toronto�s Jay Douglas and the All-Star band, surely 

not to be missed.   Featuring a special tribute to Jackie Mittoo.  

Acclaimed Jamaican recording artists Anthony Malvo, Humble and DJ 

Empress Divine round out this amazing line up.  Hosted by Alan Jones of 

Jones and Jones Productions.  Brigantine Room, Friday February 9, 9:00 

p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Supported by the Jamaican Consulate General and the 

Jamaica Tourist Board.  Free.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2007

FAMILY/KIDS CRAFTS

Cameroonian artist Njacko Backo, �The Kalimba King�, teaches kids how to 

construct and play drums and shakers, as well as the fine art of 

singing, dancing and storytelling.  Zoom Room, Saturday and Sunday, 

February 10-11, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Free.

 DANCE

Ponytailz (Stacy Simpson) will be hosting a hip hop, creative movement 

and freestyle class for beginners.  With over 10 years professional 

dancing experience, 35 victories in dance competitions and appearances 

in over 23 music videos featuring artists including Sean Paul, P Diddy, 

DMX and Rihanna; film credits that include �Honey�, �Take the Lead� and 

�Step�; plus Ponytailz has also been a guest on BET�s 106 and Park as 

well as performed for MTV.  Ponytailz is not only recognized as one of 

the best hip-hop dancers worldwide, but is also a celebrated 

choreographer and records her own music.  Learn from one of the best in 

Lakeside Terrace, Saturday, February 10, 2:00 p.m.  Free.

James Williams will be demonstrating over two decades worth of 

perfecting the fusion of jazz, hip hop, Afro-Cuban, Latin and modern 

dance.  Professional credits include working with Patti Labelle, 

Destiny�s Child, Christina Aguilera among many others.  Lakeside 

Terrace, Saturday, February 10, 3:30 p.m.  Free.

Ballet Creole will shed light on their original �creolization� of dance 

by fusing the traditional and contemporary performing arts of Caribbean 

and African origin.  A dynamic new artistic movement.  Lakeside Terrace, 

Saturday, February 10, 5:00 p.m.  Free.

Fans of the immensely popular television program �So You Think You Can 

Dance� won’t want to miss two of the show�s celebrity judges, Cicely 

Bradley and Olisa Thompson of Nu-Stylz, in a Harbourfront Centre 

exclusive workshop.  As Nu-Stylz, Cicely and Olisa have received 

tremendous accolades for their original choreography working with Missy 

Elliott, G-Unit, Tweet, The Fugees and Whitney Houston, just to name a 

few.  With an incredible roster of clientele and abundance of 

professional experience, Nu-Stylz have taught their unique variety of 

hip-hop dance to thousands.  Join the duo for their workshop in Lakeside 

Terrace on Saturday, February 10, 8:00 p.m.  Supported by Girls 

Unlimited.  Free.

Urban dance will be the focus of the Choreographer�s Ball � Step Up, a 

special gathering of Toronto�s finest dancers from �urban� genres.  

Performers will be showcasing the full range of African dance, from 

grassroots traditional to contemporary hip-hop, dancehall and everything 

in between.  Experience solo, duets and group performances in a tribute 

to Shawn Cuffie of DLM Dance and Entertainment Company, one of the most 

sought after professional talent agencies.  Lakeside Terrace, 9:30 p.m. 

to 1:00 a.m.  Free.

FILM

SISTA GOD, directed by Yao Ramesar, Trinidad and Tobago.  2006.  The 

critically acclaimed first feature in a trilogy about the coming of a 

black female messiah in the future, during a period known as the 

Apocalypso - a global holocaust that she alone survives.  Studio 

Theatre, Saturday, February 10, 1:00 p.m.  72 minutes.  Free.

DEAD PREZ: IT�S BIGGER THAN HIP HOP, directed by John Threat, USA.  

2006.  Canadian debut.  More than just a concert documentary; it brings 

attention to the inadequacies of the public education system, minority 

entrepreneurship, and social revolution. Taped in San Francisco, this 

documentary is an analysis on the state of Black America.  Featuring 

interviews with Fred Hampton Jr. (Black Panthers) and Davy D.  Winner of 

the 2006 Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival �Revolutionary Spirit Award�.  

Studio Theatre, Saturday, February 10, 2:30 p.m.  60 minutes.  Free.

FELA KUTI: MUSIC IS THE WEAPON, directed by Jean-Jacques Flori, St�phane 

Tchalgadjieff, Nigeria. 1982.  Screening of provocative documentary that 

celebrates Fela�s contribution to African music and politics.  Part One 

of Harbourfront Centre�s year-long �Felabration� to commemorate the 10th 

Anniversary of the King of Afrobeat�s passing.  Studio Theatre, 

Saturday, February 10, 4:00 p.m.  54 minutes.  Free.

MUSIC

Urban X-Posure: Hustle and Flow is a hip hop symposium and showcase that 

will concentrate on helping aspiring performers to learn how to present 

their music as commercially viable and export ready for international 

audiences.  Featuring a listening salon for demos and a �live� artist 

showcase.  On hand will be special guests from Ego Trip: XXL Magazine 

Editor-in-Chief Elliot Wilson and Sacha Jenkins of Mass Appeal.  Fresh 

from their immensely popular VH1 television series Ego Trip�s �Race 

�o-Rama� and the latest Ego Trip offering �The White Rapper Show�, the 

street-wise group poignantly dissects established notions of pop 

culture, race and music.  Urban X-Posure: Hustle and Flow will also 

include the �live� webcast and Canadian launch of Rapspace.tv, the next 

big thing from McLean Greaves of Nimble Company whose pioneering works 

as a web guru have earned him Emmy and Gemini nominations for CBC�s ZeD 

and a diverse clientele that includes Spike Lee, P Diddy and Al Gore.  

Co-produced with Urban Music Association of Canada.  Brigantine Room, 

Saturday, February 10, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Free.

Griots t� Garage: A Musical History of the African Diaspora.  See 

description above.  Studio Theatre, Saturday, February 10, 7:00 p.m.  

Admission $25.

Vieux Farka Tour� concert and CD launch.  See description above.  

Admission $15.  Brigantine Room, Saturday, February 10, 10:00 p.m.  

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2007

FILM AND PANEL DISCUSSIONS

BLACK HAIR, directed by Aron Ranen, USA.  2006.  Canadian premiere of 

the controversial documentary that reveals the silent take over of the 

black hair industry by the Korean community.  The documentary will be 

aired in its entirety and features a panel discussion with Ruth Smith of 

Strictly Roots, Buster Berkeley of Amorphous Hair Group, Natashia Palmer 

of Discount Beauty Supplier and Asha Mcleod of Jazma.  Studio Theatre, 

Sunday, February 11, 1:00 p.m.  Free.

SEQUINS, SOCA AND SWEAT: THE HIDDEN HEART OF NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL, 

directed by Stephen Rudder, UK.  2006.  A progressive look at Carnival 

culture behind the masquerade of Europe�s largest street festival.  A 

great warm up for the Trinidad Carnival and Harbourfront Centre�s own 

Carnivalissima festival in June of 2007!  Panel discussion about 

Caribana�s future and what role elders and youth play in carnival 

culture.  Studio Theatre, Sunday, February 11, 3:30 p.m.  Free.

MUSIC/SPOKEN WORD

The Pan African Jamboree is a chance to celebrate excellence in the 

African Black Diaspora, with East and West African displays, drumming, 

steel pan and spoken word with William Doyle Marshall, Henry �Cosmos� 

Gomez, Professor Camille Hernandez-Ramdwar and fetenet.com.  Brigantine 

Room, Sunday, February 11, 2:00 p.m. � 5:00 p.m.  Free.

FOOD DEMONSTRATIONS 

Snackin� with The Fish Shack�s Melvin Laidlaw and his trademark 

Caribbean and British-style fish and chips, veggies and natural juice 

beverages.  Lakeside Terrace, Sunday, February 11, 2:00 p.m.

Creolin�with Chef Ismat Jivani from Big Daddy�s Crabshack and Oyster 

Bar.  Enjoy New Orleans and Cajun style cuisine from the chef whose 

colleagues include the world renowned Chef�s Paul Prudhomme and Emeril 

Lagasse.  Lakeside Terrace, Sunday, February 11, 3:30 p.m.

Celebrity chef du jour Roger Mooking of Kultura Restaurant will be on 

hand to demonstrate his globally inspired culinary delights.  The former 

Juno Award winner is equally talented as a Chef, having been featured on 

The Food Network and HGTV, as well as in Toronto Life magazine.  

Lakeside Terrace, Sunday, February 11, 5:00 p.m.  

MUSIC

Griots t� Garage: A Musical History of the African Diaspora.  See 

description above.  Studio Theatre, Sunday, February 11, 7:00 p.m.  

Admission $25.

SHOP AND DINE

Celebrate the rich African Diaspora communities from around the world. 

The West Arcade will offer arts and crafts and the Marilyn Brewer 

Community Space will offer food all weekend.  

Friday, February 9, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, February 10. 1:00 

p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 11, 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

-30-

Media Contact:

Cary Mignault

Harbourfront Centre 

Media Relations

Voice: 416-973-4655  Fax: 416-973-6055

Email: cmignault@harbourfrontcentre.com

Desire

Is desire by its very nature unattainable?

What are the objects of your desire?

What are the subjects?

From January to May 2007 Harbourfront Centre wants to satisfy your 

cultural desires.

Culture you have longed for.

DESIRE is part of an ongoing exploration of ideas based programming at 

Harbourfront Centre.,Harbourfront Centre questions all that you desire.