Over the past three decades, KUUMBA has become one the most highly anticipated events to celebrate the creativity and artistic expression of Toronto’s Black diaspora through the multidisciplinary fields of music, theatre, dance, spoken word and more.

To celebrate KUUMBA’s 30th anniversary, this year’s edition honours the Black journey to liberation and focuses on healing through the arts to challenge and address existing stereotypes, while simultaneously uniting the community and sparking exchange around the creative and intellectual achievements of the Black diaspora.

Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA 365 – an initiative celebrating Black culture all year long – also returns this year for its second edition. In partnership with The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, this year’s program invites four choreographers to use dance to explore and create art through a Black cultural lens focused on the theme of celebration.

Below I share some of my picks of events taking place at KUUMBA 30.

Programming Highlights at KUUMBA30

The Eighth Day: A Play Reading by Nicole Brooks
Saturday, February 8 at Various Times
The Eighth Day is a new production in development from award-winning producer Nicole Brooks, spotlighting 1928 Black Montreal and an unconventional hidden Speakeasy called Lelu’s Cave. There, a mysterious woman gathers nine misfit Femme Noires Burlesque performers to take the stage and create some magic. Little did they know, it was the end of the world as they knew it and the dawning of a new day.

Our Bodies, Our Liberation
Saturday, February 8 at 5pm
A panel discussion with Sonya Renee Taylor and Dr. Syrus Ware, presented as part of The Journey to Black Liberation Symposium. This public discussion features renowned poet and activist Sonya Renee Taylor alongside prominent scholar and artist Dr. Syrus Ware, moderated by Shari Okeke, CBC journalist and Toronto Metropolitan University professor.

Pause+Expand Wellness Series
Workshops begin Tuesday, February 11
This immersive live experience combines meditation, guided visualization and sound therapy to nurture your well-being. Offering four workshops, participants will explore the science behind these practices and how they support mental clarity and overall wellness. Whether you are new to these practices or a seasoned participant, these sessions are designed for a gentle and transformative journey.

Breaking Canada’s Rock Harder Breaking Competition
Two-day event February 15 and 16
Rock Harder is Canada’s premiere breaking event, attracting top breakers from around the globe to compete in an electrifying showcase of skill and style. The dynamic competition invites all breakers, from elite and skilled duos to emerging talent, to shine with fierce battles, world-class judges and a vibrant community.

Silent Legacy
Two performances, February 15 and 16
This performance brings together two forces in dance: young Krump prodigy Adeline Kerry Cruz and Siaska Chareyre. Both artists combine radical authenticity with their interpretative strength through Krump and contemporary dance. Their dialogue questions identity, the sociology of gender, heritage and dance culture.

Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
In partnership with The National Film Board of Canada
Friday, Feb 28 at 7pm
A lost R&B star who eclipsed Etta James and Little Richard, Canadian trans soul singer Jackie Shane blazed an extraordinary trail with an unbreakable commitment to her truth. Forty years after vanishing from public view, this 20th century icon finally gets her second act. From executive producer Elliot Page and the producers of the Emmy Award-winning Hip-Hop Evolution.

KUUMBA continues all month-long, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that centres on meaningful dialogues and celebration. For full festival listings, schedule and tickets, please visit harbourfrontcentre.com.

Images care of Harbourfront Centre.