Celebrate creativity, connection, and culture at the 3rd annual Jabulani Arts Festival. A four-day festival brings together African, Caribbean, and Black artists in a powerful showcase of music, visual arts, dance, poetry, storytelling, and interactive theatre.
Under this year’s theme, Crossing Bridges – Addressing Social, Cultural, and Generational Barriers, Jabulani invites audiences to experience performances and works that inspire dialogue, healing, and unity across communities. Whether you’re moved by rhythm, captivated by words, or drawn to immersive artistic expression, there’s something here for everyone.
In addition to dynamic performances, community members can participate in free workshops in visual arts, drumming, and storytelling—perfect for all ages and experience levels.
Thursday April 30, 2026 6PM Join us for the official Opening Ceremony of the Jabulani Arts Festival – a powerful gathering that sets the tone for a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Experience the richness of African, Caribbean, and Black artistic expression as performers take the stage, offering a preview of the talent and energy woven throughout the festival….
Connect, celebrate, and be inspired at our Artist Mixer—an inviting gathering on the opening night of the Jabulani Arts Festival! This relaxed, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to meet and engage with the talented artists from across the ACB community. Enjoy the Visual Arts Exhibition, wander through the space, spark conversations, and hear the stories behind the art, music,…
Making for Home is a Theatre for Change performance rooted in lived experiences of movement and displacement, exploring how people build connection, meaning, and a sense of self across shifting landscapes.
Join us for a vibrant hour of African, Caribbean, and Black storytelling, where voices, traditions, and cultures come alive. Experience powerful narratives, shared histories, and creative expression in an engaging, welcoming space that celebrates heritage, community, and the art of storytelling across generations. All are welcome to listen, learn, and connect.
Experience an unforgettable African, Caribbean, and Black storytelling performance that brings together powerful voices, rich traditions, and vibrant cultural expression. Through captivating narratives, performers will share stories rooted in history, identity, resilience, and joy—honouring the diverse experiences and legacies of Black communities across the diaspora. Join in on an engaging discussion where audience members are invited to reflect, ask questions,…
Feel the rhythm, energy, and spirit of the diaspora in this dynamic African, Caribbean, and Black dance performance. Blending traditional and contemporary styles, dancers bring to life stories of heritage, resilience, and celebration through movement, music, and vibrant expression. Each piece reflects the richness and diversity of cultures across Africa and the Diaspora, honouring roots while embracing modern creativity. This…
Echoes & Roots Poetry Showcase
3:00PM
3:30PM
Echoes & Roots Poetry Showcase
Jabulani Arts Festival
Times
Sat May 2 @ 3 PM
Sun May 3 @ 3:30 PM
Info
The Roxy Theatre: Lorne Cardinal Theatre
General (G)
The Black Femme Poetry Collective presents a full-length, interdisciplinary spoken word performance integrating poetry, music, theatre, and movement. Building from the foundation of their Yardbird showcase, this work expands through collective creation into a story-driven, immersive experience rooted in ritual, transformation, and embodied storytelling. Grounded in themes of emergence and becoming, Black womanhood, and the revolutionary nature of self-love, the…
Music Performance: Roots and Rhythm – A Journey of Nations
7:30PM
Music Performance: Roots and Rhythm – A Journey of Nations
Jabulani Festival
Featuring
Noreta Lewis, Oghenevwede Oturuhoyi, Nathan Hackett, Rasheed Lawrence, Sokhana Mfenyana, Ramoy Rodriquez and Andrew Clarke
Experience a powerful musical journey where tradition meets contemporary expression. This dynamic ensemble features three captivating soloists alongside a live four-piece band—drums, bass, keyboard, and percussion—creating a rich, layered sound full of energy and emotion. Through evocative songs and vibrant instrumentation, the performance tells stories of home, identity, resilience, joy, sorrow, and triumph. Each piece reflects the shared experiences and…
Feel the rhythm, share the joy, and make some noise together! Join us at the Jabulani Arts Festival for an exciting, hands-on African drumming workshop designed especially for families with children. In this interactive experience, participants of all ages will explore the vibrant sounds and traditions of African drumming. Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll learn basic rhythms, try out authentic…
Unleash your creativity and celebrate culture through art at our vibrant Visual Arts Workshop, part of the Jabulani Arts Festival! Designed for families with children, this hands-on experience invites participants to explore colors, patterns, and storytelling inspired by African and Caribbean artistic traditions. Guided by an ACB talented artist, you’ll create your own unique masterpieces using a variety of fun…
End the festival on a high note at our vibrant Jabulani Closing Party—an unforgettable celebration of culture, community, and creativity! After a weekend of inspiring performances, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections, this joyful gathering brings everyone together one last time to dance, reflect, and celebrate. Enjoy lively music and a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of African, Caribbean, and…
