The sweet aroma of roasted corn, the vibrancy of music in the air and the colourful collage of people, young and old, mingling and having a good time, despite the sweltering sun, was definitely a sight to see. 

It was the grounds of Toronto's third annual Manifesto held in the core of Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square. Amongst the scene were various workshops which included break dancing and hand drumming. Crowds of people filled the space to consume a world of musical culture before their eyes. At the drumming workshop, audience members were deeply engaged, bobbing their heads to the beat of the drum. A woman in the centre of the drumming circle was dancing to the rhythm of the African beat. 

"I'm here in Toronto to share my culture with the people," workshop leader Mohamed Diaby from Guinea, West Africa, said.

On the other side of the square breaking and other freestyle dancing took place. Crowds marvelled at everyone who took the centre of the break floor to perform various tricks. Children most often grabbed the centre of attention, moving their bodies in such a fluid way with remarkable boldness and originality. 

Not far from the workshops stood the Freshest Goods Market: vendor booths showcasing the unique designs of local Torontonian entrepreneurs. Businesses included Malyka Clothing, bombayhustle, goodboy clothing, Stolen from Africa, amongst many more. While speaking to various entrepreneurs it was evident that each business had a personal meaning attached to their product. 

"It's not just clothing, it's a movement... It's education and it's creating awareness," Neil Donaldson, executive director of Stolen from Africa, said about the line.

For some designers, it was the inspiration of hip-hop music that inspired them to express their creativity.  

"We wanted to take all the elements that we love of Toronto and the hip-hop culture and put it on clothing that represented us," said Sanga Genesis, one of the founders of goodboy clothing.

And while the workshops and the vendors kept attendees occupied, the centre of attention remained the talented people rocking the stage. Performances included Sage, KJ and Slick Mason, to name a few. The attendees seemed to enjoy the splash of entertainment, cheering and nodding approval as the music made their bodies sway.

"There's a huge urban stream in Toronto and I don't think a lot of people realize that, so it's good to promote the urban scene in Toronto to people that might not necessarily get involved," said festival goer Henria Stephens with a smile.

Later in the evening, famous hip-hop moguls Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek, along with Canada's own Colin Munroe, headlined the show, peaking the audience's excitement. The crowd was interactive, dancing and singing along with the artists. 

It was apparent that Manifesto was the hot spot of the night. The name in itself was just the right fit.

Words By: Kiah Welsh + Photos By: Robert Okine