The Greenprint Network launches the Print Sessions which blends Toronto's vibrant music scene with literature

The Greenprint Network launches the Print Sessions which blends Toronto's vibrant music scene with literature

The new digital content series features a who's who of Toronto's R&B/Afrobeats/Rap/Reggae scene and launches with live music performances at Yorkwoods Theatre on August 22nd

The Greenprint Network launches Print Sessions, a digital content and live music series that seamlessly connects the worlds of music and literature. Winners of the 2024 City of Toronto Building Arts Through Community Award, The Greenpoint Network is an arts collective that has been making waves in Toronto with their ability to create innovative opportunities for top tier artists and creatives to collaborate and grow their practice through events, programs, mentorship and content creation. The Print Sessions program was put together to help debunk the mythology that musicians are uneducated or not well read, and flipped that script on its head, by highlighting renowned local musicians who have a healthy appetite for literature. "This series is all about collaboration, but not just the collaboration of people, which you definitely will see, but also the collaboration of ideas," says The Greenpoint Network's Executive Director Kibra, who not only curated this series, but who is also known as a buzzworthy R&B artist that is participating in the series too. "The Print Sessions is here to remind you of the connection between music and literature. They have been intertwined since the beginning of time and I find it’s easy to neglect one for the other, but when brought together, the influence each can bring enhances the experience."

Partnering with local Toronto indie bookstore A Different Booklist, The Greenprint Network recorded live music sessions inside the book shop with a broad cross-section of buzzing Toronto-based musicians including Nigerian-Canadian rapper and social media phenomenon Akintoye who has 2.9 million TikTok followers; Juno Award-winning Afro-fusion artist Tome; artist and songwriter Liz Lokre, R&B artists Juvon Taylor, Kibra; rappers Sydanie, Wave Montega, 4SANTE, and performer Mez Mariye. The first half of each artist’s episode features a performance of one original song backed by an in-house live band. For the second half of their performance, the artists read a passage from a book that has inspired them, and then some dialogue ensues around that particular literary find. Kibra adds: "I hope this series encourages whoever watches to also pick up a book, to inspire their creativity, to broaden their understanding of life, of the world, of themselves… and I also hope it encourages folks to listen to the music that is coming from these incredible artists that we have selected to take part in this first season, as well as learn from and relate to the perspectives they share. On a personal note, reading was one of my favourite pastimes, which in turn led me to writing poetry and songs. I felt such a divide when it came to academia and my music career that it caused me to turn away from reading for pleasure. However, as I matured, I realized quickly how important it is to continue to feed the mind as it is the fuel for my art. Reading has helped me through writer's block and has helped me better manage my music career and has significantly contributed to my wellbeing."

Liz Lokre

On Friday August 22nd at 7pm, 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.