Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has officially proclaimed June 2024 as Black Music Month, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping Toronto’s varied music landscape. In collaboration with the City of Toronto’s Music Office, SOCAN, TD Bank, the City of Toronto Archives, and Ontario Creates, CBMA presents a curated showcase event honoring Black music and culture, with a spotlight on Toronto’s beloved Little Jamaica community.

The Black Music Month Showcase will take place at the City of Toronto Archives on June 21st. Doors open at 5:30pm, with the program running from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This free event features performances by renowned Canadian artists, including the Reggae Queen Nana McLean with Eddie Bullen, Maurice Gordon, and Henry Gomez, known as King Cosmos. McLean brings her Jamaican roots and soulful vocals, complemented by Gomez and Gordon’s distinct Caribbean folk music. The showcase also includes a display of photographs, album covers, and artifacts celebrating the cultural richness of Little Jamaica on Eglinton Avenue West. Visitors can explore behind-the-scenes glimpses of community legends like Leroy Sibbles, Everton Cooper (King Culture), and more. These exhibits will be available throughout June at the City of Toronto Archives.

Throughout the summer, CBMA continues to honor Black music with the launch of The Little Jamaica Music History Walking Tour at the end of June. Starting June 27th and continuing twice a month until September, the tour invites participants to discover the rich heritage of Caribbean music, culture, and history along Eglinton Ave. West.

Join CBMA in celebrating the legacy of Black music history. We extend our heartfelt thanks to SOCAN, the City of Toronto’s Music Office, TD Bank, Ontario Creates, and the City of Toronto Archives for their invaluable support in making this special showcase event possible.