Trailblazing curator Koyo Kouoh passes at 57, leaving a transformative legacy in African contemporary art. Her visionary leadership reshaped global institutions and was set to make history at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
The art world is mourning the loss of Koyo Kouoh, an influential curator and cultural leader whose unwavering commitment to amplifying African voices reshaped the global contemporary art landscape. Kouoh, who was serving as executive director and chief curator of Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in Cape Town, passed away suddenly on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the age of 57.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Music
Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse Melanie Fiona joins us to discuss her triumphant return with the Say Yes EP, the life-changing power of affirmation, and how motherhood reshaped her artistry. From Caribbean roots to global stages, she shares industry wisdom and the secrets behind her timeless sound.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Theatre
From Broadway to Hallmark films, Vanessa Sears has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances. Now, she returns to Toronto for her most personal project yet: Shedding a Skin, a groundbreaking one-woman play about identity, burnout, and the radical power of connection.
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- Written by: AfroToronto Team
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Visual Arts
As the vibrant fall season begins, the Art Museum at the University of Toronto will unveil a significant exhibition that delves deep into the underexplored narratives of Canada's past. Titled Otherworld, this exhibition marks the first major institutional solo show by acclaimed artist Camille Turner, running from September 4, 2024, to March 22, 2025. With Otherworld, Turner invites audiences on a journey through space and time, exploring Canada’s entanglement in the transatlantic slave trade—a history that remains largely obscured in the national consciousness.
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- Written by: AfroToronto Team
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Dance
As Fall for Dance North (FFDN) marks its 10th anniversary this fall, the festival celebrates a decade of vibrant performances while bidding farewell to its Founding Artistic Director, Ilter Ibrahimof. From September 26 to October 6, 2024, audiences will experience a dynamic lineup of dance, including the work of Toronto’s own Travis Knights, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent that has defined the festival’s journey and will continue to shape its future.
As the leaves begin to turn, Toronto prepares to celebrate a milestone: the 10th anniversary of Fall for Dance North (FFDN). This year’s festival, running from September 26 to October 6, promises to be a potent mix of nostalgia, innovation, and excitement. It marks a decade of dynamic performances and the last festival with Ilter Ibrahimof as Artistic Director before he steps down later this fall.
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- Category: Music
Legendary Rapper Saukrates shares highly anticipated projects, including new single “My Pager” & 25th-anniversary version of his debut album “The Underground Tapes”
If there is a figure who established the foundation and represents Canadian rap, Saukrates undoubtedly stands as one of the pioneers of the genre in the country. With a career beginning in 1994, his influence spans decades and genres, marked by a track record of successful releases and significant milestones. The Toronto-based artist is a 2024 Emmy nominee, a multi-Juno Awards nominee and winner, and an MMVA winner, proving his lasting impact and talent in the industry.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Articles
- Category: Arts and Entertainment
Harbourfront Centre has reached an extraordinary milestone this year—its 50th anniversary. The institution stands not only as a beacon of cultural engagement but also as a symbol of community and diverse artistic expression. Arinola Olowoporoku, a cultural producer deeply involved with Harbourfront Centre's cultural programming, shared insights into this significant anniversary during our Afropolitan Dialogues podcast conversation.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Articles
- Category: Arts and Entertainment
Don't miss a beat from the upcoming Paris Olympics! Be immune from the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) with Olympic FOMO, your daily Olympics recap, in 20 minutes or less.
The CBC's Olympics programming for the Paris Games is bringing some extra spice to Canadian viewers with Olympic FOMO, a show hosted by well-known and beloved radio personalities Mark Strong and Jememi. Through their next-level access to Paris 2024, they'll offer some truly unique perspectives and showcase cultural diversity on this global stage!
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Theatre
An interview with Jay Northcott, a multidisciplinary artist, director, playwright, and burlesque dancer. They joined the 2023 season of the Stratford Festival as an assistant director on the production of King Lear. We discuss the importance of including diverse perspectives and stories within the Black experience to create a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape. Topics include celebrating the richness of "black identities" and encouraging the exploration of different narratives and the intersection of art, identity, and self-belief.
In the conversation, Jay dives into their journey, reflecting on the challenges they faced as a young multiracial individual growing up in a predominantly white neighbourhood in Spruce Grove, Alberta. They open up about their artistic influences, drawing inspiration from pop culture icons like Paris Hilton and Beyoncé. Aesthetics and fashion heavily drive their artistic expression, creating unique and engaging live performances.
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- Written by: Meres J. Weche
- Parent Category: Arts and Entertainment
- Category: Theatre
An interview with multifaceted actor and performer Joella Crichton. We dive deep into Joella's artistic journey, exploring the unique creativity she discovered within the Afro-Caribbean community as both an actor and Carnival Queen. We learn how her role as a performer becomes a means of self-exploration and human connection, delving into the toolbox of skills she utilizes to bring her stage characters to life.
Joella Crichton's journey as an actor began when her mother asked her what she truly wanted to do. Armed with her passion for acting, she got accepted into the prestigious acting conservatory program at York University. However, while studying there, Joella realized the Eurocentric views of the plays they were analyzing. This realization led her to embark on a mission to find her own voice within those texts and celebrate the diverse voices within them. Inspired by the rich tradition of oral storytelling in the Caribbean, Joella became determined to tell stories that matter and showcase her unique voice.
Join us as we uncover Joella's insights into the power of theatre and her experiences working on this year's Stratford Theatre Festival productions of Les Belles-Soeurs and Wedding Band.
