The Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA), presented by Word Media Group Inc with support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment and the Department of Canadian Heritage brings its annual Black History Month Showcase to the City of Toronto Archives – 255 Spadina Rd, Toronto – on Thursday, February 5, 2026, offering a special day of music, conversation, and cultural celebration rooted in Black Canadian excellence.
The daytime program features acclaimed chef, musician, and cultural ambassador Roger Mooking in conversation with CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell, exploring storytelling, legacy, and the importance of preserving Black music history. The evening showcase highlights live performances from Jully Black, Tanika Charles, Divine Brown, Dru (In Essence), and Liberty Silver, with DJ and production support from Carl Allen.
A defining voice in Canadian music, Jully Black brings her signature blend of R&B, soul, and cultural leadership to the Toronto stage. Tanika Charles adds her richly layered soul sound shaped by jazz, funk, and lived experience, while Dru delivers classic R&B presence grounded in Canadian music history. Liberty Silver completes the lineup with commanding vocals that reflect decades of artistry and influence.
The Black History Month Showcase takes place Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the City of Toronto Archives and is free to the public. Daytime programming runs from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, with the evening showcase from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional details and registration information on https://thecbma.com/.
Link: Black History Month Toronto Showcase Tickets
The CBMA has been invited to display a specially curated exhibit at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite within the Legislative Building at Queen’s Park located at 111 Wellesley St. W, Toronto, Ontario. Installations from the CBMA, Archives of Ontario and the Black Diasporas will be featured in the Music Room of the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite, Queen’s Park.
This event will begin on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, and run until Friday, February 13th from 10 am to 3 pm. An opening reception will be on February 12th from 10 am to 1 pm with remarks by the Lieutenant Governor, representatives from the Archives of Ontario, the CBMA, Black Diasporas, and poetry from Ontario Poet Laureate Matthew “Testament” Jones. Live music at noon with artist to be confirmed.
Link: CBMA’s Black History Month Exhibit Tickets, Wed, 11 Feb 2026 at 10:00 AM
The Toronto showcase connects with CBMA’s wider Black History Month programming, including a special screening of Portia White: Think on Me by filmmaker Sylvia D. Hamilton at the Archives of Ontario on February 18, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. The screening, which Hamilton will attend, spotlights the enduring legacy of the legendary contralto. The evening includes a panel discussion hosted by University of Toronto Professor Mark Campbell, founder of the Northside Hip Hop Archive and Afrosonic Innovation Lab.
“As a living archive, the CBMA continues to elevate the stories of Black Canadian musicians across generations, genres and across the country. To date, we’ve visited Montreal and on February 27th, we will be travelling to Vancouver.” says Phil Vassell, Executive Director of the Canada Black Music Archives.
Link: Black History Month Vancouver Showcase Tickets, Fri, 27 Feb 2026 at 5:00 PM
“TD is proud to support Canada Black Music Archives’ Toronto Showcase and help bring communities together, showcase Black talent, and create space to share Black stories and experiences.”
– TD Bank Group
Black History Month Programming is supported in part by:
· TD Bank Group
· The Government of Canada (Canadian Heritage)
· Archives of Ontario
· City of Toronto Archives
· Afrosonic Innovation Lab