THE SIT DOWN - interview with Tawiah BEN m'Carthy

Director of Death and the King's Horseman, Tawiah Ben M’Carthy, sits down with Weyni Mengesha to discuss the ways in which this inspired work mirrors our society today and the importance of cultural representation in the Canadian theatre community.

Cameron's Picks

CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, Cameron Bailey, recommends his top Nigerian film for you to check out.

Lionheart by Genevieve Nnaji

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Recorded early 2021

Restaurant Recommendations from Toronto LiFE

Afrobeat Kitchen features local flavours & original eats authentically inspired by West African tradition on Bloor St W.

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Spotlight from TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS - Francesca Ekwuyasi

Keeping in touch, both figuratively and physically, is a challenge during times of isolation; while physical touch – and what we touch – is now a source of fear and anxiety for many. The Dutch phrase “skin hunger” has come to prominence in recent months, encapsulating these feelings.

For the 2020 Festival, TIFA presented Skin Hunger: a new writing commission featuring original works by internationally renowned writers, in reflection on what we’ve all felt and suffered during the COVID-19 crisis. Featured here is Nigerian-Canadian author Francesca Ekwuyasi, reading her Skin Hunger piece, titled Peculiarities.

SPOTLIGHT FROM SMALL WORLD MUSIC - Asiko

Asiko is an all-original contemporary Afrobeat band led by a master of the craft, Foly Kolade. Foly grew up and honed his musical skills in Ogidi Nigeria and moved to New York City in 2003 where he lead Asiko Afrobeat for nine years. He moved to Toronto in 2011 and slowly gathered a roster of players from the reggae, jazz, funk, and Brazilian music scenes to built the current incarnation of the band.

Since forming in Toronto, Asiko has established a record of uplifting big audiences. They have opened for Seun Kuti and have shared a bill with Antibalas, Zap Mama, Buffy St Marie, Aline Morales, Cheick Diabate, Madagascar Slim and Awa Sangho. They have headlined Afrofest and Uma Nota Festival of Tropical Expression in Toronto and have performed at Koerner Hall and Harbourfront's WestJet Stage.

Asiko’s live show is a high-energy spectacle featuring 10+ performers that incorporates Nigerian dance, percussion and costume. They specialize in making audiences get up and dance! 

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ART ATTENTION FROM THE AGO

Quentin VerCetty, Art Educator at the Art Gallery of Ontario shares a piece of Nigerian art from their collection.

Headdress (late 19th-early 20th century), Labintan of Otta.