Umsamso – Black History Month
This winter, Arts Orillia invites visitors to experience something truly special. On February 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM, award-winning performance-maker Mafa Makhubalo brings Umsamo to the Orillia Opera House for a one-night-only performance that blends song, drum, and dance into a moving expression of spirituality, culture, and unity.
Rooted in Makhubalo’s South African ancestry and his lived experience growing up during Apartheid, Umsamo is a deeply personal and powerful work. “Umsamo is an African emancipation philosophy and a rite of passage through my performance process that seeks self-awareness,” says Makhubalo. The result is an immersive cultural experience that resonates far beyond the stage.
A Meaningful Reason to Visit Orillia
Known for its historic charm and growing arts scene, Orillia, Ontario is becoming a must-visit destination for cultural travellers. Attending Umsamo pairs perfectly with a winter getaway, offering visitors the chance to enjoy local dining, downtown shopping, and the vibrant creative energy that defines this lakeside city.
Community, Education, and Connection
Arts Orillia first connected with Mafa Makhubalo during its 2025 residency program, where his passion for mentorship and community engagement stood out. While in the region this winter, he will also lead drum and dance workshops in local schools, supported by curriculum-based resources exploring South African culture across four historical eras, from Indigenous civilizations to post-Apartheid transformation.
Originally from Sasolburg, South Africa, Makhubalo is now the Founder and Artistic Director of Mafa Dance Village in Toronto, sharing African dance traditions across Canada. As he explains, “Dance is an accumulation of memory and the history of my culture.”
Event Details and Tickets
Umsamo
Orillia Opera House, Orillia, Ontario
February 27, 2026
7:00 PM
Ticket Prices
Adults $35
Seniors $32
Young Adults (18–20) $18
Youth (18 and under) $9
Tickets are available through the Orillia Opera House Box Office.
Whether you are planning a cultural night out or a weekend escape, Umsamo offers a compelling reason to Visit Orillia and leave inspired.
