WHO ARE WE?


Up From The Roots is Toronto's premiere entertainment company that seeks opportunities to uplift through entertainment. By providing opportunities to participate in the community, and expressing oneself using their skills and abilities in all artistic genres, we aim to better our society through entertainment.

Up From The Roots was founded in 1994 in an attempt to provide a forum for the positive expression of artistic talent. Up From The Roots now works with the genres of poetry, dance, rhythm and blues. We also organize bus trips to educational sites, while offering volunteer opportunities, within the community.

Up From The Roots artists can be hired to enhance any event that you might be planning. We can take the worry out of your hands by taking care of your entertainment needs, simply by working within your budget to bring you the best and most suitable entertainment possible. To date, we have provided entertainment for events in the public, private, and corporate sector, and would love to add you to our growing list of clients.
 
 
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THE LATEST NEWS?

WOW!! The site has finally been updated!! It’s a new year, and we have a lot of great plans in the works for you. 2009, represents our 15th anniversary, providing entertainment for you in Toronto, so we hope that you will celebrate with us throughout the year.

Look out for the new and improved Roots Lounge, open mic and poetry slam, taking place on the 3rd Friday of each month.

We will be continuing with our Black Love series, The International Poetry Slam, When Brothers Speak, and When Sisters Speak. We also have a few new shows in the works, as well as some social initiatives designed to bring people together

 
 

I just got back from my first “When Brothers Speak,” and I loved it.  I also went to “When Sisters Speak” for the first time earlier this year also and it was fantastic too.
Danielle, Toronto

For the first time I attended when sisters speak. To say the least it was breath taking and touching.
Melissa, Toronto

I just wanted to say thank you for putting on an outstanding show tonight. You always go all out for your audience and tonight was no exception. Thank you for the exceptional work!
Adwoa, Patron

Thanks for a great evening on Saturday. I am a grandfather who came to your show, and I was more than impressed. I found hope. We are not all gang bangers. I will give my support in any way I can.
G. White, Patron

I've never told you this but I love and admire what you do and why you do it.
J. Ramos, Promoter, REMG

I was introduced to Up From the Roots at a black campus tour of the University of Windsor back in 1994/5, I have been attending your shows since. I find the growth and evolution of your work and what you are contributing to the Urban Scene in Toronto inspiring.
Natalie, Patron, Toronto

As a teacher, I would like to thank you for engaging so many of my students with your words. After your performance, I saw many of my students who are deemed 'at risk' and are not considered to be academic geniuses, walking through the halls with copies of your book & cd.
Ms. Shurr, Teacher, Toronto

 
 

Beyonce
BDay
 

As a self proclaimed Beyone fan, it hurts to admit, but this album didn’t wow me…it’s ok. The production is satisfactory, with a few jams sprinkled throughout. Beyonce seems to have come in to her own as a woman, as reflected in her lyrics. Great gift for a young woman finding herself.

TM.

Lupe Fiasco
Food and Liquor
 

Finally a sign that hip hop is not dead! While this album might not achieve commercial success, the music, flow, and subject matter are definitely worth listening to.

DM.

Jay Z
Kingdom Come
 

Jay Z returns more mature than when he left the game behind. The wordplay and swagger is typical Jay. If you ’re looking for the club anthems, you might not find too many of them, but the album should be in your collection.

DM.

Tanya Stephens
Rebelution
 1/2

Yes. Yes. Yes! Great lyrics. Wicked rhythms. Unmistakably Black, Caribbean, Woman. If you like some intellect with your music, this one is for you.

TM.

Ludacris
Release Therapy
 

With the exception of Money Maker, this album doesn’t bang at all. Ludacris is still witty, but it seems like he spent more time focusing on his other endeavours, than creating in the studio.

DM.

Janet Jackson
20 Years
 1/2

Uhm, well, I was really expecting more. Definitely no artistic evolution here. The music is ok. The lyrics don’t say anything. A big disappointment full of fluff.

TM.

Snoop Dog
The Blue Carpet Treatment
 1/2

For the fans of misogynistic lyrics, this one is for you. There are some stand out songs, and this is consistent with Snoop’s more recent releases.

DM.

Buju Banton
Too Bad
 

Buju has gone back to his dancehall roots and has not missed a beat. There is no mention of Rastafarianism or Haile Selassie, this is just Buju doing what he does best

DM.

Amnesia
Ian Espinet, Starting from Scratch, Jason Chambers
 1/2

Great walk down memory lane. Scratch’s mixes are tight, and right on point. Great album to lose yourself in.

TM.

2 Pac
Pac’s Life
 1/2

Only Bob Marley has more albums out since death than Tupac. While we still love Pac, listening to him rapping with artists he’d probably dis if he were alive, just isn’t cool.

DM.

Akon
Konvicted
 1/2

While his voice can get annoying, there are definitely some good songs on this album. Despite the singles already released, Akon does manage to tackle some serious issues, while showing love for Senegal and Africa.

DM.
Copyright @ Up From The Roots 1996-2006. All rights reserved.