The Greenprint Network has launched Print Sessions, a digital content and live music series that bridges the worlds of music and literature. This innovative project, led by 2024 City of Toronto Building Arts Through Community Award winners, challenges the stereotype that musicians are disconnected from literature. The series, curated by Kibra, the Executive Director of The Greenprint Network and a celebrated R&B artist, highlights how these two art forms can enhance each other.
Partnering with Toronto indie bookstore A Different Booklist, Print Sessions features live performances and readings from books that inspire local artists like Nigerian-Canadian rapper Akintoye and Juno Award-winning Afro-fusion artist Tome. For Kibra, the project is personal:
“Reading has always fueled my creativity. It helps me overcome writer’s block and manage my music career. I hope this series inspires others to explore both music and literature.”
On Friday, August 22nd at 7 pm, The Print Sessions comes to life with a free admission live concert experience taking place at York Woods Theatre that features sets from eight performing artists who have strong ties to the Jane and Finch community including Wave Montega, Cocanina, Kibra and much more. This event will show the breadth of artistry emanating from a neighborhood that has been given an unfair stigma by misinformed critics. Come celebrate these artists who are seamlessly blending the world’s of music and multi-disciplinary arts.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Kibra and I’m a Toronto-based artist who is committed to building and uplifting community through my music and exploring themes of love, hope, and empowerment. I am the Executive Director of The Greenpoint Network who is releasing and hosting these music-meets-literature digital content pieces (Print Sessions) and live music events (Print Sessions Live!) in the Jane and Finch neighborhood in Toronto. One of my single’s “Laydown” went viral, earning her over one million interactions organically on Instagram, the highest ever achieved by a Canadian artist on a notable Instagram platform. I have performed at the Toronto International Film Festival, Afrofest Canada, the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Yonge-Dundas (Sankofa) Square. I have also performed internationally with SOFAR Sounds, SXSW in Austin, Texas, at AfroChic in Accra, Ghana, and I was selected by Destination Toronto to perform in Brooklyn, New York as an ambassador for Toronto’s arts and culture.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My forthcoming release is called “SHH!” It’s an upbeat, fun, beautifully produced song about needing a release and a moment to be carefree amidst the constant stresses of life. Sometimes, even when our lives are filled with what we prayed for, we need a break from our fast-paced lifestyles. I feel privileged to have a career that aligns so well with my purpose, a career that allows me to be creative and innovative. However, due to this, I end up drowning in work and often struggle with guilt when I experience burnout. I’m working on unlearning this guilt and adopting a more holistic and balanced approach to life, which helps minimize burnout. When I do get burnt out, I give myself the time needed to recoup. So, this song represents just that, being ok with stepping away and having fun.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I wrote most of this song while it was being produced, which is my favorite way of creating a song. All the pieces end up coming together so organically. I feel like the music fits together so much better when I come to the studio with a variety of things I have on my heart, and let the mood of the production guide the direction I take both melodically and lyrically.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
Yes! I am creating a series of eye-catching content with the amazing Moh (@mohtohsoh) for the release. There will also be a dance challenge choreographed by Briia (@briiaworld) and it’ll be one more thing out there to inspire folks to have fun, let loose, and move their bodies. We all need that!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I don’t think I’ve had that one break-through moment yet, but I feel like every year tops the last, and grants me the ability to continue. There are several moments that I could think of, like going viral or hitting my first 100k streams, but these come and pass. What I really see to be the gift that keeps on giving is the doors these accomplishments open, and how they lead you to others who align with your vision, sound, and or purpose. People I probably would have never met if I wasn’t doing this, I’ve truly been blessed to.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
All of the artists participating in Print Sessions; Cocanina, Wave Montega, Akintoye, Tome, Liz Lokre, Juvon Taylor, Sydanie, 4SANTE, and Mez Mariye!