Live-streamed
We invite you to step into this ‘Garden of Black Roses’ for an evening celebrating the contribution of Black creatives to music, theatre, dance, poetry and stewarding of community. These bold artists will water your creative gardens of what joy and resistance look like when they are in bloom.
In partnership with Black Arts Vancouver
Featuring
MC
Mx. Bukuru
6:00 PM – Opening Welcome
6:20 PM – Imbali Blooming (Apocalyptic Sunset)
I use spoken word, jazz singing and ancestral hymns to take the audience on a journey of self-love, joy, and to experience some South African cultures.
6:40 PM – Eye-sha
This set is a journey through soulful melodies and infectious rhythms, that transcends boundaries and celebrates the universal language of music. The performance incorporates a fusion of contemporary R&B, West African vocal stylings, Ethereal harmonies, and nostalgic vibes to showcase the power and versatility of the human voice, bridging cultures and embracing diversity.
7:05 PM – Elite Squad (IGITARAMO - The Night Assembly)
IGITARAMO: It is a Kinyarwanda word that can be translated in many ways, some being: party, entertainment, or even reception.
From a Rwandan point of view, it is “the night assembles”. Mostly hosted by the leaders at night and attract a sizeable number of guests and family members. The tradition is accomplished by artists and warriors showcasing their acts and at the end of the night food and drinks are shared around a fire. I want to recreate a piece of history In the Rwandan history book. An unforgettable image of king Musinga the second Hosting European visitor.
7:30 PM – Kindling Collective (Kindling)
Mara is a queer mother living through the end of a world. Fighting addiction in the wake of global collapse and the death of her true love, Mara must grapple with life in a new land-based community if she is to create a new life for her daughter and herself. A monologue inspired by Octavia Butler’s “Parables” novels and their motifs of rebirth through fire, Kindling asks what recovery means for a society seemingly set on watching the world burn.
7:55 PM – D Fretter
D Fretter is a poet, spoken word artist, and musician living on the unceded territory of the Semiahmoo Nation (aka South Surrey BC). He began writing accidentally when he and his friend stole vinyl records and made a game of rapping over the music.
As a poet, D has been described as “like a hip-hop Andrea Gibson” or “a philosophical Shel Silverstein”. His debut collection of poetry Joy + Misery charted at number one in African Canadian Literature and number six in Canadian Poetry on Amazon. His second collection The Journey is All the Same is set to be released later this year.
Through his work D Fretter shares is story and the lessons he’s learned about love, loss, and healing.
8:20 PM – Feven Kidane
8:55 PM – Ana Santos
Meet Ana Santos, the 25 year old alternative soul and hip hop artist hailing from the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC. With her magnetic presence and powerful voice, Ana is reshaping the landscape of soul and hip hop music.
Her stage presence is electrifying, commanding attention with her dynamic energy and magnetic charisma. Ana's live performances are a fusion of soulful ballads, fiery rap verses, and captivating storytelling, leaving audiences in awe of her versatility and undeniable talent. Her music serves as a powerful platform for self-expression, and with her thought-provoking lyrics and infectious rhythms, she is inspiring a new generation of listeners and musicians alike.
9:20 PM – AHSIA
