Luke Reece is an award-winning spoken word poet, theatre producer, and playwright, recently appointed as Soulpepper’s Associate Artistic Director. Through his work as an educator and artistic leader within the national arts community, he advocates for engaging and nuanced storytelling that challenges Canadian audiences. He is one of Toronto’s most decorated slam poets, and has represented the country internationally. In 2021, Reece was included in York University’s inaugural Top 30 Changemakers Under 30 List.

Martin Gomes (He/They) is an Afro/Latino, queer writer and composer born and based in downtown Toronto. He currently works as an artist facilitator under the pseudonym ‘Smooth’ teaching poetry and beatboxing for organizations such as Unity Charity, Lakeshore Arts, JAYU, VIBEArts, tdsbCREATES, and Shakespeare in Action. He’s been afforded the opportunity of performing for people & places such as Opera Atelier, CBC, Sony, Soho House, The Harbourfront Centre, Nuit Blanche, TOLive, Treemonisha and even The Eagles on their Hotel California tour at Scotiabank Arena. With their art, he hopes to set an example of authenticity, empathy, and observation wherever possible in an attempt to spread messages of loving each other’s neighbours even through all the noise.

Shakkoi aka Need Some Koi is an art practitioner that excels as a three time author, spoken word activist, movement instructor. Through performance, facilitation, and community engagement, she possesses a remarkable ability to transcend experiences of power and pain through the mediums of poetry, dance, and speech. With a wealth of experiences to share, everyone Needs Some Koi in their lives!

Tracey Kayy is a multidisciplinary Tkaronto (Toronto) artist of African descent whose creative skills involve singing, rapping, spoken-word poetry and producing. Since she was a young girl, Kayy has traveled across North America singing in a choir and eventually began her solo career as a multifaceted musician. From Pop to Soul, R&B, Alternative, and Hip-hop, Tracey has showcased her talent across various genres. She has collaborated with numerous organizations and businesses including RISE Edutainment, Holt Renfrew, CBC’s Being Black in Canada, Toronto History Museums, Manifesto, the City of Toronto, Wheel It Studios, and many others. As a musician, Kayy has recorded vocals and provided songwriting services for musicians across the world in places like Portugal, Ghana, the US, and her birth country, Canada. Her contribution to an album with New Tradition Music garnered a Juno Award nomination in 2022. Tracey Kayy’s artistic journey is a testament to her dedication, talent, and commitment to creating meaningful connections through her craft.