#FIRSTLOOK: FREEUP! EMANCIPATION DAY 2025 CELEBRATION AT THE DISTILLERY

Emancipation Arts proudly presents FREEUP! Emancipation Day 2025, a vibrant, in-person celebration of FREEDOM on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 12 PM to 4 PM at The Distillery Historic District.

Hosted by acclaimed artist and cultural leader Ngozi Paul and friends, this free, family friendly afternoon brings Toronto together through music, dance, art, and community joy.

A signature highlight will be the presentation of the Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award to legendary playwright and visionary artist Djanet Sears, for her immeasurable impact on Canadian arts and Black storytelling.

“We’re honouring Djanet Sears with the Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award because her impact on our cultural landscape is immeasurable,” said Ngozi Paul, founder of Emancipation Arts. “She’s an iconic artist—an actor, writer, director, and teacher—but also a builder of spaces. Through works like Afrika Solo, Harlem Duet, and The Adventures of a Black Girl in Search of God, she’s offered us stories rooted in truth, legacy, and liberation… Her work carries both excellence and generosity—and we simply wouldn’t be here without her.”

HIGHLIGHTED PERFORMERS & EXPERIENCES

The Recipee Band – A crowd favourite blending R&B, Gospel, Motown, Reggae & Soul with irresistible charisma.

Charmie Deller – A Haitian-Canadian musical gem whose voice fuses Pop Soul and R&B with emotional power.

DJ MelBoogie – A Canadian legend spinning the sounds of liberation all afternoon. RAP SHEETS x DJ Nana & North English – Where lyrics meet legacy: a high-energy

trivia event celebrating Hip Hop and R&B culture.

ZahraMoves – A traditional West African dance and song experience from Ghana. Michael Mortley – High-energy Soca dance session to lift your body and spirit. Adrian Hayles – Live painting installation from renowned muralist and artist, presented with Worth Gallery.

Wellness Features – Free massages (first come, first served), face painting for kids, and a welcoming vibe for all ages.

FULL EVENT SCHEDULE

12:00 PM – Welcome!!! Glamma + DJ Akeem (Opening Set)

12:30 PM – The Recipee Band 


1:00 PM – RAP SHEETS Hip Hop & R&B Trivia

1:30 PM – SOCA Dance Demo with Michael Mortley

2:00 PM – Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award Presentation

2:15 PM – Charmie Deller Acoustic Set

2:35 PM – DJ MelBoogie Set

3:00 PM – ZahraMoves African Dance Experience

3:30 PM – The Recipee Band – Closing Set

4:00 PM – Event Sign-Off

About FREEUP!

Produced by Emancipation Arts, FREEUP! is an annual event marking Emancipation Day through art, performance, and inspiration and education. It uplifts the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities past and present.

About Emancipation Arts

Emancipation Arts is a Black-led organization, founded by Ngozi Paul, committed to amplifying stories of liberation through performance, public engagement, and creative leadership.