Happy Black History Month! Come celebrate the occasion on February 20 at the AGO, with a special version of its Friday Night series, live from Walker Court. From 6 pm to 9pm, visitors are invited to attend Friday Night: Sample Chief Takeover, an immersive experience that fills the Gallery with the sounds, sights and tastes of Africa and the diaspora. This is a free event for all visitors.  

Toronto-based collective and agency Sample Chief will transform Walker Court into a multisensory celebration featuring DJs, a participatory live performance from Ghanaian highlife band The Rhythm Section, visual art by Toronto artist Droophead, as well as food and merchandise offerings.  

Before the celebration, Foyer spoke to Sample Chief founder Ore Sami to find out more about what visitors can expect on February 20.   

Image courtesy of Sample Chief

Foyer: Can you talk about how Sample Chief was formed, and describe its mission as a collective? 

Sami: Sample Chief began as a platform to celebrate African music and history, rooted in the belief that Africans should tell our own stories and document our culture for future generations. What started as a social media project quickly evolved into a collective of people dedicated to building community with music at the core. 

Eight years later, we remain deeply committed to that mission, having created multiple channels for our global community to experience music; through events, media, art exhibitions, and even radio. We’re always seeking partners who share our values and are interested in engaging our audiences in immersive, meaningful ways IRL and online. 

Image courtesy of Sample Chief 

 Can you briefly describe the multisensory experience you have planned for February 20 at the AGO?  

Our Friday Takeover on February 20 is an extension of our approach to curating truly immersive experiences bringing together sound, visuals, and community in a cohesive way. 

Visually, few spaces in the city rival the beauty of Walker Court. We’ll transform it with lighting and visual effects by Toronto-based artist Droophead. Sonically, the evening will be led by the Rhythm Section Band, a six-piece highlife ensemble delivering feel-good, upbeat West African music, supported by DJ sets from myself and Kevin Client. The entire night is designed to flow like a single, evolving melody. 

And because a full sensory experience goes beyond sight and sound, guests can also look forward to delicious African snacks and carefully selected drinks throughout the evening. 

Join us for a celebration of community and Black creative expression. 

Don’t miss Friday Night: Sample Chief Takeover live from Walker Court on February 20 from 6 pm to 9 pm. This event is free with admission to the AGO.