We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kibra Tesfaye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kibra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Last year, I spearheaded an after-school initiative as the Founder and Executive Director of the Greenprint Network. Our team orchestrated a workshop series titled Creative Writing and Performance 101 at a high school in the Jane and Finch community. Thanks to the generous support from the City of Toronto and Cloré Beauty, we successfully enrolled 10 students and paired them with local artists who served as mentors. Together, they embarked on a journey of crafting and performing songs, poems, or short stories alongside a live band.
Over the course of 3 months, these students delved deep into their creative selves. Through personalized sessions with each participant, I witnessed firsthand the program’s profound impact. Many shared how it provided a safe space for experimentation, bolstered their confidence, and opened doors to new opportunities.
The culmination of their efforts will soon be showcased in our “Print Sessions” series, a live performance and interview platform aimed at supporting libraries and the arts. Witnessing the growth of each student and hearing their reflections during this endeavor was truly remarkable for our team and mentors alike.
Reflecting on this initiative, we took pride in offering an experience we wished we had access to in our own formative years. Breaking down barriers in this collective pursuit felt immensely purposeful. The cherry on top was that this Highschool was the same one I went to. Its success was such that the school has extended an invitation for us to return, and we hope to make it happen again.
Kibra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
ibra, an emerging Toronto-based R&B and Soul artist, effortlessly captivates audiences with her seamless blend of smooth soulful melodies and captivating vocals. Drawing inspiration from her diverse upbringing and life experiences, she curates a unique musical journey that fearlessly tackles social issues, fosters hope, and inspires love.
Kibra has an array of influences for reasons ranging from vocal ability to how they instilled their activism within their music. This includes Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone and Beyoncé, to name a few. In addition to her artistry, Kibra hopes to be recognized as someone who is a actively building community.
Her single, “Rain or Shine,” has amassed over 300,000 streams and garnering accolades on Spotify editorial playlists. In addition, her soul-stirring performance of her single “Laydown” went viral, amassing over 1 million views and the highest number of interactions ever achieved by a Canadian artist on the notable Instagram platform, RNB Radar.
With the highly anticipated release of her debut album, “Soul Butter,” slated for 2024, Kibra is set to redefine the boundaries of soul music. Seamlessly exploring various sub-genres within the realm of soul, she masterfully showcases her artistic versatility while staying true to her distinctive sound.
Kibra has headlined prestigious stages such as TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), Afrofest Canada, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, and Yonge and Dundas Square. Her performances transcend boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on her audience. She has also graced international stages, including SXSW in Austin, Texas and AfroChic in Accra, Ghana, where her magnetic stage presence and heartfelt connection with the crowd elevate her performances to extraordinary heights. She has also collaborated with Sofar Sounds on numerous occasions, where she was showcased her talents to new fans across North America.
Prepare to be enchanted as Kibra takes you on an unforgettable musical journey, captivating your heart and soul with her unparalleled talent, unwavering passion, and unforgettable performances.
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Kibra is also passionate about community building. She has an extensive background in workshop facilitation and public speaking with local organizations such as the Toronto District School Board, Black Women in Motion, and the Art Gallery of York University. She also founded the collective, “the Greenprint Network.” The mission is to create spaces for artists to exchange knowledge, organically collaborate and grow. Through GPN, Kibra and her team have managed to put together several workshops series’, artists’ retreats, and events.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I’m currently reading the Artist’s Way, and it has substantially enhanced the way I view my art as art, and art as a career. I find it’s important to have a balance of both when pursuing art professionally. Art has the power to exceed boundaries and take form in unconventional ways. It’s imperative that we let it. It doesn’t always have to subscribe to the “rules” – it can look ugly, messy, and it can not make sense. Allowing ourselves, as artists, that freedom is crucial.
On the other hand, we also need to have the belief that our artistry is tied to our purpose. The Artist’s Way describes it as divine and a direct reflection of God. Believing that it can sustain my life while inspiring others to connect with their inner selves feels powerful. But then there’s that familiar struggle—imposter syndrome. It’s crippling and often hinders us from taking up and/or sharing in spaces we rightfully deserve to be in.
Transitioning from the realm of personal artistry to a professional career path is indeed a perplexing journey. It demands faith, confidence, and unyielding perseverance. These qualities become the tools to combat those negative thoughts that try to hold us back. I also know my art has the potential to resonate deeply with others. So it’s not just about me; it’s about sharing this creative journey and hopefully inspiring others to embrace their own paths.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It’s hard for me to consider anyone a “non-creative.” I believe we are all creative, it’s wired in us. We may practice it at different capacities, however I don’t believe people are innately not creative or creative. I don’t think I personally know someone who isn’t creative! I think there are folks who may try to detach themselves from their creative interests, or are living in survival mode which has pulled them away from it. There’s a sense of, “I can’t because I have so much else to do” as if creativity always has to be a separate entity from everything else you got going on.
I wish people could view creativity as part of their every-day sometimes, rather than another task. It doesn’t always have to bring you further away from your priorities, it can be integrated in how you reach your goals. Practicing creativity doesn’t just mean you’ll be a better creative; it could make you a better employee, a better friend, enhance your health, etc. I find making room for creativity constantly in little ways has a way of really enhancing your quality of life. I wish more people were able to see that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kibramusic.com
- Instagram: @Kibramusic / @thegreenprintnetwork
- Facebook: @kibramusic
- Twitter: @kibramusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1uxc30c47QC5FqchRCArA
- Other: Tiktok: @kibramusic
Image Credits
Images in school / dark green outfit – Vita Cooper Other images – Taija Grey