Friday, July 10 | 3 PM – 9 PM
Celebrate Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and community at the Melanin Market! Hosted by Khadija Hamidu, founder of Melanin Market, this special afternoon-to-evening partner presentation features a curated selection of local fashion, art, and handcrafted goods from Black-owned businesses. Pull up ready to shop and move with an incredible lineup of interactive community experiences. Follow Melanin Market @melaninxmarket.
This Edition of Melanin Market Features:
3:00 PM – Friday Pop-up Market Opens
Explore and shop a curated selection of local fashion, art, and handcrafted goods from incredible Black-owned businesses.
5:00 PM – Free Pilates in the Square [REGISTER HERE]
Led by Forever Fit by Jole, this free community pilates session is tailored to meet the needs of anyone looking to move their body in all planes of movement. With modifications available, this session is perfect for everyone from beginners to advanced participants.
7:00 PM – "HEATWAVE" Live Performances
Turn up the heat with our evening concert block! "HEATWAVE" features live music from Charmaine, Tash Simone, and Keysha Freshh, alongside a spectacular fire performance by Chris Fire and other special guests.
MEET OUR FEATURED ARTISTS & INSTRUCTORS:
Charmaine
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, and raised between the American South and Toronto, Charmaine's journey to music was born out of resilience. After writing her first song while living in a crowded motel room, she has skyrocketed to become one of Canada’s most buzzed-about new artists. With her exhilarating blend of brash hip-hop swagger and addictive R&B, critics are already hailing her as rap’s Queen of the North. @__iamcharmaine
Tash Simone
Tash Simone is a Toronto and NYC-raised artist, producer, and DJ whose dynamic sound spans R&B, Hip Hop, Dancehall, and House. Operating heavily in the local scene, she is a vibrant media personality and the host of The Tash Simone Show on Fyah Radio. A regular on Toronto stages, she brings her electrifying live sets and interviews to venues across the GTA. @tashsimoneofficial
Keysha Freshh
Dubbed “Hip Hop's kid sister,” Toronto-born Keysha Freshh beautifully blends 90s nostalgia with modern hip hop. Publishing her first song at just five years old, she has been performing ever since. After dropping her hit single "Hollywood Fresh," Keysha made history as the youngest female hip-hop artist to have three songs in rotation on Canada's leading urban radio station. @freekeysha
Forever Fit by Jole
Led by a Certified Stott Pilates Instructor and Rehabilitation Professional with over 15 years of experience, Forever Fit by Jole is tailored for individuals of all fitness levels. Her sessions focus on joint mobility, muscle strengthening, and full-body movement. By incorporating small equipment to stimulate the body's awareness, Jole encourages every participant to safely gain mobility, strength, and stability. foreverfitbyjole.myshopify.com | @foreverfitbyjole
Chris Fire
A powerhouse performer from St. Lucia, Chris amazes audiences with fire eating, dancing, drumming, and limbo that pushes the limits of possibility. Chris Fire is a one-man spectacle whose talent has crossed continents—from the Caribbean to England and now to communities across Canada. His artistry is more than performance—it’s a celebration of cultural legacy and daring creative spirit. @chrisfire10_ent
The next Melanin Market in the Square is August 14.
Go to sankofasquare.ca/hotsquaresummer to see the full season of free weekly events.
