STOLEN FROM AFRICA

“The body keeps score, yo. It will tell you when you need to pay attention to it.” At Manifesto 17, marking half a century of Hip-Hop, SFA Culture links up with Weston CI alumnus and Toronto artist Claremont II. In this raw, reflective From The Source conversation, we dive into what happens when a young creative's personal blueprint collides with a rigid school system trying to teach 30 unique minds with the exact same formula.

From sneaking his laptop into the high school lunchroom to make beats, to balancing the deep sonic foundations of a Pentecostal Christian household with early BET broadcasts, Claremont II tracks his evolution onto major festival stages. He opens up about the visual intentions behind his cinematic short film Full Circle, navigating creative burnout, and why giving yourself grace through procrastination is often a necessity for survival.

The School System Tried to Box Him In He Chose Hip Hop Instead | From The Source ft Claremont II “The body keeps score, yo. It will tell you when you need to pay attention to it.” At Manifesto 17—marking half a century of Hip-Hop—SFA Culture links up wit...

-A powerful and deeply reflective conversation with Conway The Machine during his visit to Toronto at the Opera House, building with Born King Mathematics Allah and the Stolen From Africa movement.

In this rare interview, Conway opens up about:

-overcoming trauma and mental health struggles
-the importance of vulnerability and speaking openly
-the rise of Griselda from Buffalo to global recognition
-the legacy of DJ Shay
-Drumwork Music Group and building infrastructure for artists
lessons from Jay-Z
-Black identity, knowledge of self, and perseverance
-Toronto’s connection to Buffalo hip-hop culture
-early support from Toronto legend Big Apples
-why authentic community still matters in hip-hop

More than a music interview, this conversation becomes a reflection on healing, resilience, brotherhood, and cultural memory.

At the heart of the discussion is a deeper philosophy that aligns closely with the mission of SFA Culture — preserving stories, documenting legacy, and creating emotionally honest conversations rooted in the African Diaspora. As Conway explains, understanding history and self-knowledge becomes a pathway toward overcoming obstacles and reclaiming identity.

SFA Culture — by Stolen From Africa — exists to document culture, preserve oral histories, and amplify voices that contribute to community memory and intergenerational understanding.

This is more than content.
This is archive work.
This is cultural continuity.

Conway The Machine on Trauma, Griselda, DJ Shay & Knowledge of Self | SFA Culture -A powerful and deeply reflective conversation with Conway The Machine during his visit to Toronto at the Opera House, building with Born King Mathematics Al...

Representing Stolen From Africa at Afrofest Toronto 2023 , a space filled with community, culture, reflection, music, and connection.

In this special SFA Culture street conversation piece, community members share what comes to mind when they hear the words “Stolen From Africa.” Their responses explore identity, ancestry, slavery, resilience, cultural loss, healing, Pan-African connection, and the importance of reconnecting with our roots.

For nearly a decade, Stolen From Africa has participated in Afrofest not simply as a clothing brand, but as a conversation starter — using fashion, storytelling, and community engagement to inspire deeper dialogue across the African diaspora.

This video captures:
• reflections on Black identity and cultural memory
• conversations around ancestry and reclaiming lineage
• perspectives on Afrobeats and global Black influence
• the emotional impact of reconnecting to Africa
• the power of community gatherings like Afrofest
• how storytelling, fashion, and media can strengthen cultural connection

At SFA Culture, our goal is to preserve voices, archive lived experiences, and create media that strengthens intergenerational dialogue and diaspora connection. These conversations are part of a larger living archive documenting the emotional, cultural, and historical realities of Black communities in Toronto and beyond.

“This is what we need. We need this activation.”

What Does “Stolen From Africa” Mean? | Raw Voices from Afrofest Toronto 2023 Representing Stolen From Africa at Afrofest Toronto 2023 , a space filled with community, culture, reflection, music, and connection.In this special SFA Cult...

A rare and powerful conversation with RZA of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan officially inducted into the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Filmed in Toronto, this conversation captures RZA giving Born King his flowers for decades of dedication to knowledge, culture, youth empowerment, and carrying forward the teachings and principles connected to the Nation of Gods and Earths in Canada.

RZA reflects on:

the roots of knowledge from Harlem (“Mecca”)
mathematics as a daily way of life
discipline, spiritual conduct, and growth
Born King’s consistency over 20+ years
using art, music, design, and education as tools for elevation
mentoring youth and building future generations
preserving knowledge through culture and community work

Throughout the conversation, RZA acknowledges Born King as someone who not only studied the lessons mentally, physically, and spiritually but continued to produce fruit by teaching, creating, and inspiring others across generations.

The exchange highlights hip-hop culture beyond music, as education, identity, responsibility, and legacy.

Rare Conversation RZA Honours Born King and the Nation of Gods Earths A rare and powerful conversation with RZA of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan — officially inducted into the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Filmed in Toronto, thi...

The drums carried more than rhythm… they carried memory, connection, and identity. 🥁🇬🇭🇨🇦

Captured during the official launch of Sankofa Square in Toronto, this powerful performance by Ghana Toronto Morale brought together the spirit of Ghana, the African diaspora, and the heartbeat of community through traditional drumming, movement, and celebration.

“Sankofa” means:
Go back and fetch it.

A reminder that culture is not something left behind
it’s something we carry forward.

🇬🇭🇨🇦 Ghana Toronto Morale Drumming at the Official Launch of Sankofa Square 🥁 The drums carried more than rhythm… they carried memory, connection, and identity. 🥁🇬🇭🇨🇦Captured during the official launch of Sankofa Square in Toronto...

Dominican 🇩🇴 elites built a nation on rejecting blackness...all to distance themselves from Haiti 🇭🇹 #fyp #caribbeanculture #unitedcaribbean #caribbeanpeople #trendingreelsvideo #fypreels #nonefollowersviewers