Manifesto festival to host a week of events celebrating 50 years of hip-hop

This August Manifesto will host a range of events across the city celebrating a historic milestone of the hip-hop genre through an African diasporic lens. Taking place from August 7th to 13th the week-long celebration will be anchored by The Block Party on August 11 at RBC Echo Beach.

August 11th performances will be spread across two stages showcasing the likes of the Los Angeles-based rapper Aminé and Canadian rap icon Saukrates. Among other performers are local artists Kuruza, Eben, No Tourists, SadBoi, Liza, Eleanor, Keysha Freshh, Phoenix Pagliacci, Temia, Vince the Messenger, and Clairmont the Second. The official after-party will take place Nomad starting 10 pm featuring four local DJs (725 Queen St E).

| Find the tickets for The Block party on Ticketmaster.

Manifesto Music Summit will begin on August 7th, hosted on the Empress boat, in partnership with CIMA and Music Ontario.

For those unable to join the person and looking to celebrate this wealth of history CBC Music’s home for the music of Black origin (hosted weekdays by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe) will air 50 stories over 50 days. The series is on now on CBC and will conclude on August 11th.

In addition, Manifesto will also host a free daytime Block Party at Yonge and Dundas Square on August 12th (in partnership with the Black Talent Initiative and Speedy Transport). This event will include music performances, DJ’s spinning tracks to reflect the five decades of hip-hop’s musical output, a breakdancing battle and curated dance performances, live graffiti, a hip-hop photo exhibit, and numerous vendors on site tied to the culture.

Learn more at mnfsto.ca.