Timaj Garad is an Ethiopian-Harari Toronto-based multi-disciplinary storyteller, Arts Educator, and Community Organizer using poetry, theatre, and music to bring her stories to life. Her art is autobiographical, working at the intersections of a Black Muslim woman challenging injustice, unearthing truths, and healing. As an award-winning artist & arts educator, Timaj has graced over 400 stages and facilitated several arts-based workshops around the world. Timaj is the Founder of LUMINOUS Fest – Canada’s first Black Muslim arts festival, and Co-founder of The Sisters’ Retreat – a retreat series hosting local and international arts-based wellness retreats for Muslim Women.

She is currently living in Toronto, sharing her poetry and music on stages across the province, continuing to organize arts events, and working on new music. She released her single and music video “Black Gold” as well as her debut EP ‘Blooming at the Mouth’. Timaj is currently working on her second EP. With rich lyrical landscapes, soulful vocals, and a unique blend of singing and spoken word poetry, ‘Blooming at the Mouth’ offers listeners intimate, thoughtprovoking storytelling coupled with anthemic, lively hooks carrying undertones of hope. Timaj believes in the transformative power of the arts to build capacity and strengthen communities.