Kya Publishing Forms Promotional Partnership with Kenyan Writer Mutendei Akhaya Nabutete

TORONTO, ONT (December 2020) - Toronto publishing and communications company Kya Publishing has joined creative forces with Kenyan-based writer Mutendei Akhaya Nabutete, and will be establishing collaborative promotional and cultural activities to highlight cultural products and writing.

"We have always admired Mutendei's unique sense of politics, the arts, and his ability to view culture and literature from an international perspective," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "His intelligence and writing abilities will be an informative and welcome addition to our operations."

Manager of a book/comic and vinyl store in Nairobi, Mutendei is closely connected to the artist trends in the African city. Born in Kenya, he has moved between Toronto, Canada several times before settling back in Nairobi in 2014. 

"The World's Loudest Library is an artspace that caters to support the artwork of local artists, functioning as a mini-marketing hub, as well as showcase gallery," said Mutendei. "I am currently the manager of the store, that focuses on select books from Kenyan authors with historical and cultural relevance as well as inspiring biographies of local iconic persons. In addition, we also focus on classical vinyl music of all genres--vinyl music is a very vogue thing in Nairobi, and patrons of vinyl also consume unique books."

Several of Mutendei's books have focused on the Black identity, the political economy, fighting the system (neo-colonialism) from within, and the generational divide of immigrants within an urban setting. He also enjoys writing untold stories of neglected genres, African mythology, and historical stories within a relevant modern context. He has converted his "Shadow Walkers" novel into a comic series, that was featured on CNN African Voices.

Through the partnership, Kya Publishing and Mutendei will explore African comics with culturally diverse and culturally educative stories, in addition to producing and sourcing products from other Nairobi-based artists. Mutendei's leadership will present curated access to Kenyan culture, literary activities, and publications.

From being a participant at the first Toronto Urban Book Expo in 2014, up until his recent contribution to the 2020 Book Expo (with a guest blog article "The Role of the African Writer"), Kya Publishing looks forward to continuing the partnership and connecting new cultural works and experiences.

To learn more about Mutendei, and his books "Everything Mutendei," "Spruce Avenue," "A Thriller Story," and "Shadows in the Twilight," connect with his website "Mutendei Writes."

Visit Kya Publishing at Miami Book Fair 2020's Virtual Marketplace

TORONTO, ONT (November 2020) - Toronto's Kya Publishing will be featured at this year's Miami Book Fair. The 37th annual edition of the festival will take place from November 15 through November 22,  2020 with novels by Kya Publishing authors Kamilah Haywood and Stacey Marie Robinson featured in their Virtual Marketplace.

The Virtual Marketplace will feature booksellers, publishers, and nonprofit organizations focused on literacy and educational issues. Interested participants can join the festivities online: author readings and conversations, workshops, and children's presentations. 

The live streaming of 300+ authors starts November 15th in English, Spanish, and Creole.

For information, please visit: https://www.miamibookfaironline.com/.

Author Kamilah Haywood Launches Online Discussion Series: "Chuuch"

TORONTO, ONT (September 2020) Kya Publishing author Kamilah Haywood launched an online discussion show "Chuuch" to highlight thoughts, conversations, and progressive ideals from community members in the Greater Toronto Area. Co-hosted by artist relations manager, event curator, and social media strategist Amanda (@whit3agle), the two-hour digital sessions cover a range of topics from the education system to racial trauma.

An open forum, with various guests from the community, the co-hosts encourage  audience comments and dialogue. Kamilah's novels focus on social issues ranging from sex trafficking to drug abuse, and issues within the corrections system--using the platform of "Chuuch" to amplify current issues, share informed voices, and collaborate to make tangible advances is an extension of her written work.

The program is sponsored by Carat Productions, Fame Supply Co., Dine with Dee, and Kya Publishing. The next edition of "Chuuch" is taking place on Sunday, October 4. For additional program details, contact kamilah@kyapublishing.com.

Kya Publishing Releases Results of Black Writers' Survey

TORONTO, ONT. (August 2020) - Toronto-based publishing and communication company, Kya Publishing, issued a survey to document the concerns, needs, and opinions of Black writers who are creating original works in spite of a challenging publishing industry, and in light of heightened awareness of Black stories, perspectives, and leadership.

The survey, issued through social media and Kya Publishing's monthly newsletter, was available from July 6 through July 31, 2020 online. The results are now available, in hopes that the findings ignite increased dialogue and investigation into the needs of Black writers.

"The conversation around anti-Black racism, and inclusive perspectives in literature, film, and public narratives has definitely changed this year," said Kya Publishing owner Stacey Marie Robinson. "We interact with a number of Black writers every day, and wanted to hear their thoughts, personal objectives, and struggles specifically as Black writers."

With increased visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, and increased opportunities given to Black voices in light of the community's protesting and demands for social justice, the organization endeavoured to collect the opinions and also words of advice to share amongst their peers.

"Our perspectives are key, during this moment in history," said Robinson. "Writers play a role in the communication of not only narratives, but also ideas and advances. We want to ensure that we continue to be heard, acknowledged, and supported as we tell the stories of our culture and educate generations to come."

Survey results are now available online, with hard copies of the report also available upon request.

A $50 online gift card was issued to one participant of the Black Writers' Survey through a random draw, to be used at Durham Region-based bookseller Notability.ca.

Toronto Urban Book Expo Virtual Presentation Now Online

TORONTO, ONT. (July 2020) - This year's Toronto Urban Book Expo will be presented as a series of virtual greetings, writings, and compositions from a selection of Canadian, American, Caribbean, and African-based writers. For the 6th occurrence of the Writer's Retreat & Conference, the writers took a moment to speak to their peers and share news about their upcoming projects.

Since 2014, the Toronto Urban Book Expo as been committed to providing a platform for published and independent authors to gain: professional development, skills/knowledge increase, international networking/support, audience growth/new readers, and also great entertainment and sightseeing in the city of Toronto coupled with positive vibes.

Nearly 100 writers have participated in the event since it's inception, with 40% of participants travelling to Toronto from across the U.S. Sponsored by the Toronto Arts Council, it has been an opportunity to share the words of Toronto's Black writing community and other independent authors and literary peers with a local and international audience.

This year's Book Expo will include the following virtual presentations:

​ANGELOT NDONGMO (Toronto, Canada) - "Nurturing Our Black Children Through Literature"

ANGELA WALCOTT (Toronto, Canada) - "Reflections"

D.A. BOURNE (Toronto, Canada) - Growing Up Black in Canada: "Silence is not a Stance"

DJ MAJESTY (Toronto, Ontario) - "All Toronto Hip Hop Tribute Mix"

ISABEL HUNT (Toronto, Canada) - "What does it mean to be Black and have a mental illness?"

JAMEEL DAVIS (Cleveland, USA) - "Greetings from the Toronto Urban Book Expo Board of Directors"

JEFFREY LEE CHEATHAM II (Seattle, USA) -  "Greetings from Seattle"

KAMILAH HAYWOOD (Toronto, Canada) - "The Crumbling of a System"

OSAGYEFO MCGREGOR (Toronto, Canada) - "The Power of the Press: Aligned for Success"

MUTENDEI NABUTETE (Nairobi, Kenya) - "The Role of the Writers of Africa & African Descent"

STACEY MARIE ROBINSON (Toronto, Canada) - "Notability: Bringing Black Books to Durham Region"

WILMONT ST. CYR (Spooner's Hill, Barbados) - "Greetings from Barbados​"


Pending the release of travel restrictions and city event/gathering limits, the Book Expo will return for 2021 with an on-site writer's retreat and conference.

Kya Publishing Launches Caribbean-Canadian Communications Archive

TORONTO, ONT. (July 2020) - Toronto publishing and communications company Kya Publishing has just launched their personal archive of Caribbean cultural communications and publications. In support of their "@CarnivalSpotlight" and "@JamaicanCanadianLove" blog outlets, the archives contain comprehensive listings of photo galleries, videos, and articles produced and composed in support of Caribbean-Canadian culture and artists.

The "@CarnivalSpotlight" blog was inspired by the Kya Publishing novel of the same name, and primarily focuses on Caribbean Carnival costumes, videos, and images in support of the culture in Toronto and abroad. Since 2016, the Instagram page has highlighted Toronto Carnival media, events and mas bands, in addition to images of artists, events, and carnivals around the globe. The @CarnivalSpotlight Archive features a list of carnival activities (including rare 1976 Caribana footage, recorded by the late father of founder Stacey Marie Robinson) and communications celebrating the culture.

The @JamaicanCanadianLove outlet, inspired by the Kya publishing novel "Video Light," has also been used to enhance the visibility of Caribbean-Canadian news, music, and culture. The related @JamaicanCanadianLove Archive contains articles, videos, and other communications recorded and composed over the years.

"Kya Publishing is, and has always been, committed to the documentation and celebration of culture. Specifically Caribbean culture, Canadian culture, Toronto culture, and literary culture," said Robinson. "While our love primarily manifests in books and publishing the written word, we would be remiss to not acknowledge the other ways we have been documenting culture since Kya Publishing was established in 2007."

Accessible through the Kya Publishing website, the Archives have chronicled major events in Toronto and the Caribbean over the past decade, and will continue to grow in support of the artists and organizations that work to sustain and support cultural activities.

"Documenting culture: it is a passion, a personal hobby, and most importantly...it is a necessity," said Robinson. "Kya Publishing will continue to document and archive these stories and individuals. These expressions of culture, in their purest form, and sharing these experiences will continue to be the force that drives this business."

#TUBE2020 UPDATE // Communicating Active Revolution...

“As writers, we document and communicate historical resistance, social movements, current events, and active revolution. This is at the root of our craft.

In lieu of hosting our Toronto Urban Book Expo in July, we will be sharing expository projects from our creative writing community.

We will use our words as best we can in support of--and to inspire--positive change.” ~Stacey Marie Robinson

Toronto Urban Book Expo Adjusts to Virtual Event for 2020

TORONTO, ONT. (May 2020) - Upon careful review of recommendations from the Government of Canada, province of Ontario, city of Toronto, the Toronto Public Library, and event sponsors the Toronto Arts Council, based on the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Urban Book Expo this summer will proceed through virtual delivery.

The three-day event, scheduled this year from Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31, 2020, will include interactive sessions for authors (webinars, interviews, and discussions), providing direct access to speakers and information that would have been obtained in-person at #TUBE2020.

The Book Expo is a writer's retreat and conference where authors and publishers have the opportunity to communicate their projects, explore international networking opportunities, and participate in informative sessions with their peers, experts, and supporters in literature. Surrounding the Emancipation Day long weekend in Toronto, Ontario (which falls on the Civic Holiday, the first Monday in August), TUBE is open to all published and self-published writers.

Registration for individual sessions will begin on Monday, June 1, 2020 through the Kya Publishing website including descriptions, active links, presenter bios, and specific date/time details. Participants will also be provided with a link to download the presentation application (i.e. Zoom).

This year's virtual workshops will be provided free of charge in hopes that the content will 1) contribute to professional development, 2) increase personal skills and knowledge base, and 3) connect an international gathering of like-minded writers to help build networks.

The registration process will allow for the submission of specific questions for presenters, as well as room for participating authors to provide book sales information for a special new outlet being created in lieu of the missed in-person opportunity. ALL writers are welcome to participate and take part in this virtual celebration of writers and literature!

"We will miss the in-person element of our Book Expo this year," said organizer Stacey Marie Robinson. "Since 2014, we have proudly hosted nearly 100 writers/authors, and will work hard to to continue to provide a platform for their development, project showcase, and professional networking."

Kya Publishing Author Kamilah Haywood Releases Inspirational Writing Soundtrack (Mixed by DJ Majesty)

Toronto, Ontario (April 2020) - Kya Publishing author Kamilah Haywood has compiled a list of her favourite songs, artists, and lyrics to share the sounds and inspiration behind her writing. "When I'm Creating" is a mix of hip hop, R&B, and soul tracks that she listens to while developing, drafting, and editing her works of fiction. Mixed by Toronto's DJ Majesty, the 120-minute project is available via SoundCloud.

Kamilah, the author of Diamond in the Rough Part Two, a novel about a woman's correctional institution in Toronto that touches on  experiences with confinement, mental health issues, and interpersonal relationships. Known for her realistic approach to life in urban Toronto, and her comfort in addressing otherwise uncomfortable issues, Kamilah uses the artistry of musicians to help her accurately depict the feelings and stories of her characters.

"What keeps me in the writing mood, musically? I definitely love hip hop like Tupac and of course, Biggie," said Kamilah. "I love the nineties rap: Styles P, Jadakiss, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep."

Working with Toronto event and brand manager Ryan Lowe--aka DJ Majesty--Kamilah hoped to share her creative influences with other writers and artists, to show the relationship between the two art forms, as well as the thought processes and melodies that have helped to shape her perspectives and intentions.

"Music is definitely a huge driving force for me, when it comes to my writing," said Kamilah. "I listen to music during all stages of the production process, and I receive inspiration from the creativity of the talented artists who have so deliberately put their songs and albums together. Many of these artists have stood the test of time, over years, and sometimes decades. I hope to create messages through my books that can also resonate with audiences right now...or ten, twenty years from now."

The mix is a part of Kya Publishing's music catalogue of story soundtracks, event promotions, and motivational projects. Available through the Soundcloud platform, Kya Publishing has now collaborated with DJ Majesty for over five years--he is also the featured DJ at their annual Toronto Urban Book Expo event.

Committed to the development and growth of community and culture, Kya Publishing takes pride in providing communication and publishing services in support of writers, artists, organizations, local businesses, and entrepreneurs.

"Writing, music, and creative development of all types are all rooted in inspiration," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "We hope the musical creations that have inspired us in various ways, can also serve as a source of enlightenment and entertainment for all who listen."

To listen to Kya Publishing's full collection of hip hop, soul, reggae, and soca mixes by DJ Majesty, take a look at their SoundCloud page.

To learn more about Kamilah Haywood and her books, please visit her page on the Kya Publishing website.

For information about Kya Publishing's books, products, and services, please connect at KyaPublishing.com.

Kya Publishing Forms Partnership with Jamaican Author Andre Lloyd Simpson

TORONTO, ONT (February 2020) - Toronto publishing and communications company has just joined creative forces with Jamaican-based author Andre Lloyd Simpson, and is excited to launch promotional and cultural activities over the upcoming months that highlight literary stories and influences on the island and internationally.

"Andre has a unique voice and a unique perspective as a writer that we look forward to sharing with our network," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "His work is rooted in self-reflection, inspiration, and telling honest stories, and we will continue to build upon his activities and our own as partners in literature."

Andre, a self-published author of two novels High Rollaz and Crooked Line, is currently working on his third novel, and plans to release a book of inspirational quotes later this year in support of his #HigherThinka brand.

"The writing process is all about learning, and growing, and making connections," said Andre. "Through this partnership with Kya Publishing, I look forward to expanding my own processes and also interacting with other writers and readers on the same mission."

Details about the partnership will be released throughout the year; to learn more about Andre, connect through his Facebook author page (/AuthorAndreLSimpson) or his Instagram account (@AuthorAndreLSimpson).

Kya Publishing Announces New Features for 3-Day Toronto Urban Book Expo 2020

TORONTO, ONT (February 2020) - Toronto-based publishing and communications company Kya Publishing has announced dates for the next edition of their Toronto Urban Book Expo. The book and writer's event will take place over three days leading up to Emancipation Day in Ontario: Wednesday, July 29 through Friday, July 31, 2020.

Established in 2014, the Expo has hosted nearly 100 published and independent authors from Canada and the U.S.A., for a book fair featuring a live DJ, refreshments, children's programming, and an interactive vendor fair. The event has now developed into a retreat for local and visiting international writers to participate in workshops, performances, networking, readings, and also targeted cultural exploration of Canada's urban centre.

"Over the years, our Expo has resonated with Black Canadian writers and also visiting African American writers," said Kya Publishing founder, Stacey Marie Robinson. "We recognize that there is a spirit of progress and cultural expression in Toronto that really speaks to stories of the African-diaspora, and we have expanded our event to give participants the opportunity to explore this culture and also educate themselves on publishing-related processes."

The three-day event will include expert presentations, author workshops, community activities, and participation in special events around the city of Toronto. Hosted primarily at the Toronto Public Library's Fairview Branch, there will also be events scheduled at local book stores and cultural sites.

"We love having the event around Emancipation Day weekend (and the adjacent Toronto Carnival festivities), because there is a beautiful influx of visitors in the city, celebratory energy, and cultural presentation that is definitely inspiring to creatives," said Robinson. "We encourage our participants to come to Toronto for the Book Expo, and stay for the rest of the wonderful activities...and opportunities for exposure."

While the "book fair" format primarily featured book vendors, the expanded event now speaks to the personal writer's journey, will emphasize the importance of business-building and networking within the writing community, and help authors to establish their personal profiles, followings, and additional sales opportunities.

Recipients of Toronto Arts Council (TAC) support, the Toronto Urban Book Expo looks forward to inviting guests to participate, interacting with local readers, and continuing to build an international community. Since 1974, the TAC has been committed to supporting "the emerging artist to the most established, from celebrated institutions to arts that challenge convention," and Kya Publishing is pleased to continue to reflect and celebrate "Toronto's vibrancy through the diversity of artists, arts communities, and audiences" as expressed by the TAC.

Registration for the Book Expo will begin in March (including fees, accommodation information, and confirmed presenters), with limited opportunities for vendor spaces, and a range of availability for author and community participation.

For additional information and updates about the Toronto Urban Book Expo, please connect with the planning committee or Board of Directors at TUBE@kyapublishing.com, via social media (@TorontoUrbanBookExpo), or please visit the Kya Publishing website for details.

Kya Publishing Launches "Carnival Leadership & Education Series" Online

TORONTO, ONT (January 2020) - Toronto-based communications and publishing company Kya Publishing has released the first of six articles in their new Carnival Leadership & Education Series, which will feature regular reflections on selected elements of Caribbean Carnival culture.
Highlighted elements will include:

MUSIC: instrumentalists, DJs, competitions, artists
TRADITION: history, international impact, characters, focus
DESIGN: mas bands, visual artists, costume designers, presentation
DANCE: styles, theatre, masquerader, choreography
ENTERPRISE: community, businesses, financial growth
LITERATURE: storytelling, authors, classical contributions

In support of Kya Publishing's carnival-centric outlet (and novel bearing the same name) @CarnivalSpotlight, the six-part blog feature will chronicle Caribbean Carnival to reflect, inform, and encourage the development and documentation of the cultural phenomenon that is celebrated and revered by Caribbean natives, descendants, and supporters around the globe.

The Carnival Leadership & Education Series will provide an overview of the select topics, and also list recommended next steps for those who are curious about and/or committed to sustaining and enhancing the culture.

With a history of costume design, mas band administration, and media/communications over the years, Kya Publishing is committed to Toronto's Carnival, its sustainability, and community development.

"Carnival culture provides so much inspiration for us, and is a wonderful representation and celebration of Caribbean culture," said Kya Publishing founder Stacey Marie Robinson. "Each year we enjoy contributing in various ways, to ensure that the following generations of Caribbean Canadians--and our multicultural Canadian peers--never lose sight of the beauty and impact of this heritage."

The Carnival Leadership & Education Series will be available through Kya Publishing's online blog, which can be accessed through the Kya Publishing website, and @CarnivalSpotlight profile on Instagram.

"Through this blog series, we hope to encourage our readers to commit to a carnival leadership activity, connect with local carnival artists and businesses, and also contribute to this beautiful international phenomenon...with a Canadian perspective."

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In an effort to preserve the contemporary Toronto Caribbean Carnival experience, Kya Publishing has developed a fictional book about one Toronto couple's introduction to the world of soca music and mas; "Carnival Spotlight" is a part of their Urban Toronto Tales novel and short story collection, written by Stacey Marie Robinson.