“Umoja” means unity in Swahili, and it’s also the name of an upcoming evening of multidisciplinary creativity and self-care hosted by The Origin Arts and Community Centre. From yoga to house music, Umoja has plenty in store. The diversity of the event is partly reflected in its timing: February is Black History Month and the month of love. With this in mind, Umoja is hosted by all-BIPOC organizers, emphasizing self-love that is expanded outwards to others.
Jacqui Du Toit, award-winning multidisciplinary artist and co-owner of The Origin, says she was “inspired by bringing people together” and “feeling connected as a human race” for Umoja. “There’s gonna be some house music going–some Afro vibes…We take them through a journey of going deeper within.”
Surrounded by artwork from David Pistol and Fabi Gomez, participants will walk through an ancient story about unity told by Du Toit. From there, everyone can take a breather with a gentle yoga flow. Storyteller Jo-Anne Bryan will also guide folks alongside an ASL interpreter for the evening.
Who to expect at Umoja. Images provided.
The Saje-sponsored event will also have singing bowls and chanting. Vocals will be performed by Dominique Gorley and Paula C, with African drumming by Denis Kashi. Finally, sounds from DJ SEIIIZI will bring in the tunes for dancing.
“I believe in the inner circle, because in the circle, we are all equal,” says Du Toit. “And I’m really intrigued by instruments that are made with circles and are round. So, we called on the singing bowls because it makes music with sound frequencies that allow you to go inward, that allow you to just take a step away from all the chaos that’s happening around the world and just feel the body, to feel the healing vibrations of the sounds. And you don’t have to do anything, you can just relax as the sounds begin to heal and shift the frequency inside of your body.”
She adds that tickets can also be purchased and donated for someone else to use.
Umoja takes place at SAW gallery on Feb. 24 from 7–10pm. Tickets are available at the door or on Eventbrite for $11.98. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat. Priority will be given to BIPOC and youth.
