The 31st edition of the KUUMBA festival, Toronto's premier celebration of Black creativity and culture, is set to return to Harbourfront Centre for the entire month of February 2026. Presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, the month-long event will amplify Afro-Caribbean and Canadian artists while fostering dialogue about Black futures within a global context.
A Three-Decade Legacy of Celebrating Black Excellence
For over thirty years, KUUMBA has served as a vital platform for Black artistic expression and community connection. Diana Webley, Senior Arts & Culture Manager and Co-Curator of KUUMBA, emphasizes the festival's enduring mission. "Rooted in creativity and critical reflection, the festival fosters community connection and dialogue while actively shaping Black futures through artistic expression and cultural exchange," Webley stated. She also highlighted the KUUMBA 365 initiative, which extends the festival's impact through year-round programming designed to nurture emerging artists and sustain cultural conversations.
Multidisciplinary Programming Under the Theme "Sounds of Blackness"
Guided by the 2026 theme "Sounds of Blackness," the festival will offer a rich tapestry of events designed for listening, reflection, and celebration. Pam Briz, Arts & Culture Manager and Co-Curator, describes the theme as an invitation to "listen deeply to Black creativity as a living and evolving force shaped by history and propelled toward the future." The programming spans music, literature, dance, theatre, film, visual art, wellness, and family activities, featuring both free and ticketed events across the Harbourfront Centre campus.
A significant focus this year is on amplifying Afro-Francophone voices, showcasing the diversity of Black expression across languages and diasporas with programming that centres Francophone artists from Canada and beyond.
Signature Events and Community Partnerships
KUUMBA 2026 boasts an impressive lineup of events and collaborations. Key highlights include:
- Ekow Nimako's Building Black AMORPHIA: Spiritual Starships: A new visual art series by the renowned Ghanaian Canadian LEGO® sculptor, on view through August 2026.
- Afro-Franco Music Showcase: Presented with Batuki Music Society, featuring performances by Carine au Micro, Naxx Bitota, and Boubé.
- A Jimmy Cliff Tribute Concert with Jay Douglas and the All Stars.
- Sean Jones: The Love. Affair. & Afterparty with BELLOSOUND.
- KUUMBA 365: Sounds of Blackness at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
- CineFEMME Film Series by CaribbeanTales Media Group.
- A Black Panther in the Great White North, a play reading by Darren Anthony.
- Hollywood Jade Presents: DIVA, a drag celebration.
- Family Sundays, DJ Skate Nights, and wellness programming.
TD Bank Group reiterated its support, noting its "long-standing dedication to supporting Black communities" and pride in funding organizations like Harbourfront Centre's KUUMBA Festival that help "break down barriers and foster inclusive spaces for all."
The festival runs from February 1 to 28, 2026, offering Torontonians and visitors a dynamic, month-long immersion into the power and promise of Black artistic and cultural innovation.
