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Toronto Is an Oasis of Food, Culture, and Empowerment for BIPOC Creatives – Essence

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Photo credit: Steven Kriemadis / Getty Images

Toronto is an amazing place to go to for any occasion, but the town is most enchanting throughout the summer months. When the season began in late May, I had the chance to go to Ontario’s capital to experience creativity like I had never experienced before. Toronto was buzzing with energy, art, and a palpable sense of community. Every day was full of visits to exciting places, interviews with inspiring people, and unforgettable experiences that showed the wonder and depth of the town.

Stay in Drake’s Hotelan iconic and eclectic hub situated on Toronto’s Queen Street West, added a major element to the trip. The hotel itself felt like a creative haven—a fusion of art, design, and urban comfort. The décor, combined with the view from the rooftop, made it the proper backdrop for my city adventures. Every morning began with a burst of inspiration, whether it was savoring pancakes on the Drake Café or admiring the gallery-worthy art scattered throughout the property.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Drake Hotel. Photo: Brandon Barré

One of the highlights of the trip was the VIP event at Wellington Market, affectionately often called Well—throughout the reopening celebration. With greater than 50 food and beverage vendors, the market was a showcase for Toronto’s diverse culinary scene and an ideal option to kick off summer. The 70,000-square-foot space offered the whole lot from fresh local produce to globally inspired dishes. The market felt like a microcosm of the town—bustling, diverse, and full of flavor. Whether it was artisanal baked goods or fusion cuisine, each meal told a story of Toronto’s culinary culture.

Another vital event was my visit to Nia Art CenterLocated in the guts of a historically Caribbean neighborhood with a protracted history of artistic and creative entrepreneurship, this space is the primary skilled Black arts center in Canada and is greater than just a spot—it’s a logo of cultural preservation and empowerment. Walking through the exhibit with its spaces and theaters, it was clear that the Nia Center serves as a spot for Black artists and creators to thrive. The sense of purpose and commitment to the humanities was deeply inspiring. The digital media lab and youth center create opportunities for the subsequent generation of talent, ensuring that the humanities remain accessible and Black voices are amplified in meaningful ways.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Courtesy of RioCan

During my stay at The Drake Hotel, I had the chance to talk with the incomparable Kadon Douglas, Executive Director BIPOC TV & Film. In 2023, Indeed partnered with Hillman Grad and TIFF to launch Rising Voices Canada, a program designed to uplift and speed up the careers of emerging BIPOC filmmakers. Kadon’s words resonated deeply as she spoke concerning the importance of making a protected and supportive community for filmmakers of color. “The cornerstone of BIPOC TV & Film is community and creating that safety,” she said. “There’s a place where people can come to rest.” The freedom she described—where filmmakers could give attention to their craft without the burden of racial trauma—was inspiring. The program itself is groundbreaking, giving talented individuals access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that may propel their careers forward.

Toronto’s summer charm spread to each corner I visited, especially during Indigenous Fashion Art Festival. The event, held on the Eaton Centre, was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture through fashion. Six Indigenous fashion collections were presented, each telling a robust story of tradition, innovation and transcendent love. The atmosphere was electric, with daring designs that combined modern aesthetics with deep cultural meaning. This festival was a reminder of the wonder and resilience of Indigenous art, and it was an honor to witness this fusion of fashion and cultural pride.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Photo credit: George Pimentel

The next day brought a change of pace with a visit to OverActive Media, Canada’s largest esports ownership group. Their headquarters was a haven for gaming enthusiasts, and I had the chance to take an in-depth take a look at how the corporate operates from the within, in addition to a glimpse into the long run of the gaming industry. Here, we discussed Toronto’s burgeoning esports scene and its impact on the town’s economy. Demand for live events has skyrocketed, and OverActive Media is on the forefront, bringing world-class esports events to Toronto while constructing a world fan base through its offices in Madrid and Berlin.

Toronto’s film and television industry was on full display on the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards held on the CBC Broadcasting Centre. The event was an impressive tribute to the perfect of Canadian film, television and digital media. Speaking to the numerous attendees — who included actors, directors, producers and industry influencers — I used to be reminded of how Toronto has turn out to be a beacon of artistic talent, attracting creators from around the globe. Tonya Williams received the Changemaker Award, the comedy award and the documentary was an ideal success on the ceremony, providing a fitting end to a journey that highlighted Toronto’s role as a centre for culture and creativity.

Toronto is an oasis of food, culture, and empowerment for BIPOC creatives
Tonya Williams receives the 2024 Changemaker Award. Courtesy of Reelworld Screen Institute

When you consider your time in Toronto, it’s amazing how much the town has to supply, especially in the summertime when its energy is at its highest. From art to culinary experiences, fashion to esports, Toronto thrives on diversity, creativity and a way of community. The Drake Hotel, with its artistic flair, has only enhanced this experience, making every moment of your trip feel like a fusion of luxury and culture. Toronto is a spot it is best to aspire to go to not less than once in your life.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Celebrity Coverage

Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership

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Courtesy of YSL

Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.

“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.

“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”

Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.

From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”

The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels

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Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.

“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.

“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.

Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.

The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn

The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence

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Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.

Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.

“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”

it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”

In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.

It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.

For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.

Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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