Experience ‘Muziqa’: a musical showcase benefiting the TAIBU Community Health Centre

The U of T Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) is wrapping up the school year by celebrating African and diaspora heritage through a musical showcase, Muziqa, in support of the TAIBU Community Health Centre. The event will take place on May 18 at the William Doo Auditorium with six exciting acts taking you on a journey through African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian/American music.

Muziqa will feature Black medical students from across all four years of the MD Program, showcasing a number of impressive musicians including violinists, percussionists, guitarists, pianists and horn players. Together, over six acts, the band will play in different formations to share music from Africa and the diaspora. The event, organized by BMSA in collaboration with the TAIBU Community Health Centre, celebrates both the deepening partnership between the two organizations over the past year and the creativity, talent, and culture of Black medical students.

BMSA Co-Presidents, Anu Popoola and Sador Bereketab first envisioned this event almost a year ago. As musicians themselves, Anu and Sador have come to know other musicians within the wider MD and BMSA community and were inspired to host an event that provided the opportunity to showcase these musical talents and celebrate Black culture.

“For so many of us, maintaining a musical or creative practice during medical school provides a grounding experience and is a form of self-care,” says Sador.  “When I take the time to express myself through music I can return to my professional or academic pursuits feeling refreshed and able to think more clearly.”

The TAIBU Community Health Centre, located in Malvern, serves Black identifying communities within the Greater Toronto Area. In September 2024, BMSA members were able to tour TAIBU and learn more about the many services and programs they offer. The health centre, a true community hub, provides everything from primary care to mental health support and meals for the community.

“Over the past year, we have prioritized extending our reach into the community,” says Anu. “Coming out of the pandemic, we focused on reestablishing our connections with community health centres through our Health Promotion Team and that’s one way we have been able to continue to build our relationship with TAIBU.”

The BMSA approached TAIBU almost a year ago about collaborating to host Muziqa and the organization has been actively involved in planning the event, including sharing their input on the songs to be performed. Planning the event has been a huge undertaking, with a number of BMSA members contributing including the Finance, Communications, and Event Planning teams. The band also carved time out each week to practice, balancing their rehearsals with the many commitments of medical school.

“This event is a celebration of Black culture and creativity, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Everyone is welcome – we hope to see you there!” says Sador.

Muziqa takes place on May 18 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the William Doo Auditorium. Tickets are available to purchase through Eventbrite, with all proceeds going towards the TAIBU Community Health Centre.