R.i.s.e Celebrates 14 Years Of Empowering Toronto Artists Through Music, Poetry, And Community

For 14 years, RISE Edutainment has been creating space for youth, emerging artists, poets, musicians, and marginalized voices to be seen, heard, and supported. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, RISE celebrated its 14th anniversary at 918 Bathurst in Toronto with a night filled with music, poetry, storytelling, food, and community connection.

This year’s theme, “The Shift: From Seed to Sanctuary,” reflected RISE’s growth from a grassroots initiative into a thriving nonprofit organization. Founded by Randell Adjei, Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, RISE stands for Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere. Over the years, the organization has become a vital platform for artistic expression, youth leadership, mental health, and community building through the arts.

Held inside 918 Bathurst, an arts and culture space in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, the event brought together artists, supporters, community members, and creatives to honour RISE’s legacy. The venue became a fitting home for a celebration centred on growth, reflection, and the power of safe creative spaces.

The evening was hosted by Kadiatu Barrie and Emcee Ebone, who guided the audience through a warm and energetic program. The night featured performances by Zakisha Brown, who headlined the celebration, with opening performances from Sewa and Sydanie. A special guest from the East also added to the excitement of the evening.

One of the major highlights was the special Pen to Pitch moment. For this special Pen to Pitch moment, RISE brought together three voices who have shaped and elevated spoken word in Toronto and beyond: Randell Adjei, Britta B, and Dwayne Morgan. Through poetry and storytelling, the segment honoured spoken word as a tool for truth-telling, healing, leadership, and community connection.

The celebration also spotlighted the Pen to Pitch finalists: Ilana McCullough, Soro, and Jamaica Bridgett. Their presence reflected RISE’s continued commitment to uplifting emerging voices and creating opportunities for artists to share their stories with a wider community.

Food was also part of the experience, with Taste Budz featured as the event’s food vendor. Known for Jamaican and fusion dishes, natural juices, and baked goods, Taste Budz added another layer of culture, warmth, and community to the night.

For RISE, the anniversary was more than a celebration of 14 years. It was a reminder of the organization’s lasting impact across Toronto and Ontario. Since 2020, RISE has organized over 50 events and programs each year, including initiatives such as the Frequency Tour, the Legal Artivism Program, the documentary RISEN, and the annual Edutainment Summit. Through these programs, RISE has continued to use art as a tool for education, empowerment, and social change.

RISE’s impact has also been recognized beyond the stage. In 2023, the organization received the Toronto Arts Foundation Award for its contributions to the arts community. It has also collaborated with the City of Toronto on major cultural initiatives, including Nuit Blanche, and partnered with organizations such as the Toronto Foundation, UNITY Charity, and VIBE Arts.

At the centre of RISE’s story is Randell Adjei, a Scarborough-raised artist, speaker, author, and community leader. Adjei was appointed Ontario’s first Poet Laureate in 2020, named CBC’s Torontonian of the Year in 2015, and inducted into the Scarborough Walk of Fame in 2022. His work has helped shape Toronto’s spoken word and youth arts scene while creating space for the next generation of artists to grow.

During the event, Mayor Olivia Chow stayed to witness the celebration and spoke about how impactful RISE has been for Toronto’s arts and youth communities. Her presence added another layer of recognition to the evening and highlighted the importance of RISE’s work in supporting young people, artists, and marginalized voices.

The event was made possible with support from Canadian Heritage, Made Well Productions, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Their sponsorship helped bring together a celebration that honoured RISE’s past while looking toward the future of Toronto’s creative community.

As RISE entered its 14th year, the message of the night was clear: the shift had begun, and the artists were ready.