Week of 29th April: New play by Bola Agbaje, Natural November, Inspirational YOUth, Best From Africa and African Bridal Show

Welcome to May!

As we change months Proud to be African Clothing is happy to share lectures on Black Women in Academia, art from Patti Boulaye, another play by Bola Agbaje (the girl does not rest!), the African Bridal Show, Ghanaian cooking, Zimbabwean vs Congolese music and Natural November.

Enjoy

Monday 29^th April

From 6.30pm to 9.30pm Black History Walks presents Black Women in Academia Strategy Meeting in Room GC 1-08, Tower Building Entrance, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, N7 8DB. Chaired by Dr Michelle Asantewa it will have a presentation by Dr Althea Legal-Miller on Sexualised Violence and the USA Black Freedom Movement. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

Tuesday 30^th April

From 6.30pm to 8.30pm is Celebrating the Art of Patti Boulaye and Lanre Olagoke at 1.9 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, W1B 5PW, this FREE viewing is running till 8^th May.

Wednesday 1^st May

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm is the Inspirational YOUth Master Class at London Youth, Pitfield Street, Hoxton, N1 6DA. The evening will feature inspirational young leaders and senior professionals such as DJ Spoony (BBC Radio 5), Kenny Imafidon (Youth Policy Advisor), DJ Neev Spencer (Kiss FM), Ketan Makwana (Rockstart Youth), Emma Trant (Talent House), Priscilla Baffour (Channel 4), the key note speaker will be Dr Chris Imafidon head of Britain’s brainiest family. This event is aimed at 16-24 year olds. Register for this FREE event here.

Thursday 2^nd May

At 6.00pm is the Africa Diaspora Awards Presentation Dinner at the Church House Conference

Centre, Deans Yard, SW1P 3NZ. These awards celebrate Africans in the diaspora including business leaders from all sectors, government officials and diplomats. Civil society representatives and members of the international press. Tickets are £80.00 from here.

At 7.30pm we have Bola Agbaje’s new play The Burial at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG. The play revolves around Funmi who is forced to make some difficult choices when her father dies, not helped by the arrival of his two wives from Nigeria. Tickets start from £10.00 from here.

Friday 3^rd May

At 8.00pm is the Images of Black Women Festival-Middle of Nowhere at the Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR. This is the UK premiere of the award winning film ‘Middle of Nowhere’  on the opening night of the Images of Women Festival starring David Oyelowo. Followed by a Q&A. Tickets are £9.50 from here. 

Saturday 4^th May

At 12.00pm is the a Book Launch and Lecture on Terrorism Challenges in Nigeria by Temitope Olodo at 150 Homerton High Street, E9 6JA, this is lecture will discuss Nigeria’s security challenges and create a platform for better understanding of the crisis and its solutions. RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 11.00am is the 2^nd Annual African Bridal Show at  Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ which will be celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of African culture by highlighting the traditions of African weddings there will be over 30 wedding professional, seminars, media and loads more. Register for this FREE event here.  

At 1.00pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen presents Ghanalicious Spring Feast Lunch at Studio Gi, 2 Tudor Grove, E9 7QL. The 3 course Ghanaian meal comes with complimentary Ghana Spring Punch. Meals are £15.00 for the vegetarian option and £17.00 for meat, take a look at the menu and book here

At 5.00pm MatriMoney presents a Comedy Night with Gordons and I Go-Die at 9 The Broadway, Wood Green, N22 6DS. This is a night of comedy, talk and music featuring comedians I Go Die, Gordons, Helen Paul  and Kelvin. Music from Fuse ODG, Guvna B, James Anderson, David Keigh, Muyiwa and River Song and Lulu. Tickets start from £25.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen presents Ghanalicious Spring Feast Dinner at Studio Gi, 2 Tudor Grove, E9 7QL. The 3 course Ghanaian meal comes with complimentary Ghana Spring Punch. Meals are £26.00 and £23.00 for the vegetarian option, take a look at the menu and book here

Sunday 5^th May

From 11.00am to 7.00pm we have Natural November in May at Hammersmith Town Hall, 177 King Street, W6 9JT, with a special selection of stalls, services and seminars and the first Natural November fashion show. Tickets are £10.00 in advance from here, £15.00 on the door (children and OAPs FREE) 

At 6.30pm is Kojos Comedy Fun House at The Sports Bar, 80 Haymarkt, SW1Y 4TE featuring UK singing sensation Jamelia and Chuck Venn, the the Fun House Players and Stand Up Comedy from Miss London and Shabba. DJ Play will be on the decks withj an after party from 10.30pm. Tickets from £12.50

At 9.00pm FOCUS present The Best From Africa- Zimbabwe meets Congo at the Bedroom Bar, 62-68 Rivington street, EC2A 3AY, with Harare and Kasai Masai performing their latest releases. Harare will also be launching their latest EP Tanaka and DJ JP Kairo will be on the decks, Admission is £6.00 in advance from here, £8.00 on the door.

Week of 22nd April: Divas on Demand, ACLT White Collar Boxing, Richard Blackwood Live Interview, African and Caribbean Cooking, Yoruba women’s Choir, South African Freedom Day Shebeen

Summertime and the sun is (intermittently) shining!

This week Proud to be African Clothing is happy to share with you Divas on Demand Making it Big in the Media, Pitching Africa in the City, networking with black professionals in the city and Canary Wharf, networking with black solicitors, book days and book launches, secret South African shebeens and films at the Africa Centre. You can be fed, connected, educated, entertained, informed and serenaded every day this week. Enjoy!

Monday 22^nd April

From 7.30pm to 9.30pm Kick Ass Networking presents Think Big and Have a Drink at Corney and Barrow, 2b, East Cheap, Monument, EC3M 1AB for informal drinks and networking. RSVP here.

 Tuesday 23^rd April

At 5.30pm African Peoples Advocacy hosts Pitching Africa in the City in the Auditorium, Cass Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8TZ. The event will feature exhibitions by businesses with services relating to the African market, showcase diaspora services to the city, an exclusive briefing on Leading Lions a documentary following 4 leading members of the African diaspora working in the City a drinks reception and networking. Chaired by Henry Bonsu (Colourful Radio), with a presentation by Didier Meledje (Alpha Professional Network), Ben Oguntala (developedAfrica.com), Sylvie Aboa-Bradwell (African Peoples Advocacy), Justine Lutterodt (Africa Women’s Circle) and Bandi Mbubi (TEDx Exeter). Tickets are £25.00 (£20.00 for groups of 2 or more) from here

  

At 6.30pm the Africa Centre hosts Africa’s Book Day at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT where through invited guest speakers and open forum discussion great authors like Chinua Achebe Bessie Head, Jean Senac, Ahdaf Soeif and many others will be explored, bring along your favourite books by African authors as well. Speakers include Kayo Chingoyi (shortliseted for the African Poetry Prize) and Louisa Egbunike (PhD SOAS). Suggested donation of £3.00, RSVP here.  

Wednesday 24^th April

Proud to be Zimbabwean

At 4.00pm is Prospects for Regional Cooperation and Investment Opportunities in Zimbabwe at
The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE with the Hon. Tendai Biti (Minister of Finance, Republic of Zimbabwe) who will discuss the investment opportunities in Zimbabwe and its pivotal role in southern Africa. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm The Black Solicitors Network will be holding BSN Networking Night: Leveraging Your Diaspora at the Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, WC2A 1PL Held in collaboration with the KPMG BAME Network the aim is to explore the opportunities available and practical steps, drawing on culture and heritage to develop business overseas. The panel will include Nankunda Katangaza (Law Society) and Penny Carballo-Smith (KPMG). This event is open to people from all industries and disciplines. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm Alongside Africa presents Duke Ellington Sacred Music and a Tribute to the Count Basie Orchestra at St Clement Danes, The Strand, WC2R 1DH. Part of the Brandenburg Choral Festival London 2013 this is an opportunity to hear true jazz in one of the most iconic churches in London, 50% of the tickets sold will be given to the charity Alongside Africa. Admission is £18.00 from here.

Thursday 25^th April

At 6.00pm is the iCAN Social Network Evening at La Tasca, 12 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AE, running till 11.00pm this is an informal evening for people of African and Caribbean heritage to interact and mingle in a relaxed environment. RSVP for this FREE event here.

Proud to be Kenyan

At 6.00pm Mahi Binebine launches Horses of God in the Brunei Suite, SOAS, Thornhaugh Square, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This book follows the lives of 4 young boys growing up in Morrocco  and analyses the economic and psychological decisions that lead them to extremism. Chaired by Ros Schwartz, RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm Benconnlly Group hosts Sustainability: Opportunities for Business Investment in East Africa at 9 Fitzmaurice Place, Mayfair, W1J 5JD. Chaired by Robin Tucker (Red Kite Enterprise and Environment) with the panel consisting of the Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner, Thairu Ndungu (Nubuke Investments), Dr Elena Clarici (Scipion Capital) and Shahreen Jivraj (Lilla Capital). There will be keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking drinks. Tickets are £40.00 from here.

From 7.30pm is the Mama Jumbe Book Club at Mama Jumbe, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW with quick 10 minute reads that are powerfully provocative that anyone can enjoy, this week’s book is ‘Miss Lora’ by Junot Diaz. More details here.

Friday 26^th April

At 5.30pm TNBT Media and Divas on Demand present Making it BIG in Media at Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN. This exciting and interactive seminar featuring top media professionals providing crucial tips on how to make it big in TV, radio, film or journalism. Guest speakers include Claudia Liza (BBC3 Presenter), Joanna Abeyie (Shine Media), Wayne G Saunders (Independent Film Director) and Bernard Achampong (BBC Radio). Hosted by Winnie Oudemans. There will be refreshment and raffle prizes including a Proud to be African T shirt. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm the Sankofa Women Reading Group discusses A Week in December by S. Faulks at the Marcus Garvey Library, 1 Philip Lane, N15 4JA. RSVP here

At 6.30pm is the SO Altonative 7^th Anniversary/ April Meet and Greet at Brown Sugar, 146 High Holborn, WC1V 6PJ. This is a relaxed environment for black professionals to socialise, network. Admission is £5.00

At 7.00pm, Shebeen Queen will be holding a Freedom Day Celebration Supper taking place in a £28.00 per person from here.. 

Proud to be South African

Victorian warehouse on Hackney, there will be a 3 course South African braai with beer or wine, celebrating South Africa’s Freedom day there will be a bevy of South African delicacies all for

At 7.00pm The Real Fight Club presents Hero For Six Minutes at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX. An evening of white collar boxing with award winning comedian Quincy in his debut boxing match to raise money for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT). Tickets start from £35.00 by calling the Box Office on 0203 005 3265.

At 8.00pm Open the Gate presents World Music Concert at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring Kaka and Michaelangelo Buonarotti Band, playing reggae straight from Italy, Guinea- Bissauan guitarist Tony Dudu and the Gumbe Jazz,  Antonio Testa and Susana Beatriz Alvear. Feryal Ferhat, and Fenomeno Show and Samurai with DJ Koichi Sakai in the ghetto lounge. Admission is £5.00 before 10.00pm and £8.00 after.

Saturday 27^th April

Born in the UK Made in Jamaica

At 10.00am is the Saturday Caribbean Cooking Class at the Open Kitchen, 40 Hoxton Street, N1 6LR. This class covers a 4 course menu from starter to dessert paired with the best agricole rums in the Caribbean. All for just £75.00 from here. 

From 11.00am to 3.30pm Akhaya Cookery School will be hosting Taste of Africa at Tottenham Green Enterprise Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, N15 4RX. In this fun interactive session you’ll be introduced to recipes from North, South, East and West Africa, with expert tuition, recipes cards and a complimentary glass of wine to go with your meal there are two sessions morning or afternoon, either of which is £45.00 from here. 

From 11.00am to 6.00pm is the Blackachieverz Official Launch at St Marys Church Hall, High Street, W3 9BY. There will be finance, investment, lifestyle, history and other speajkers throughout the day such as Monique Newton (British weightlifting gold medallist), D. Hunte (Global motivator), Ade Adepuitan MBE (Television presenter) and others. Tickets from £3.00 (children under 12 FREE and a Caribbean meal with VIP tickets) from here. 

From 11.00am to 4.00pm is The Women Empowered Launch Event at the Grange, Neasden Roundabout, NW10 1 QB, this charity has been set up to house homeless young adults. There will be speakers such as local councillors, MP’s and community advocates, stalls, and entertainment such as African drummers Miriam Dubois and Kay Smith as well as singers and poets. More information here.  

From 3.30pm to 5.00pm Carib Gourmet will be hosting  a Rare Rum and Coffee Tasting at The Open Kitchen, 40 Hoxton Street N1 6LR where you can sample Rhum Agricole made from pure sugarcane from Martinique and Guadeloupe and rare coffees such as the Guadalupe Bonifieur coffee Tickets £45.00 from here. 

Born in the UK Made in Nigeria

At 7.00pm The Yoruba Women’s Choir will be performing at the Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG. This 10 piece choir will be accompanied by their band with uplifting songs from the heart of Africa. Tickets are £20.00 (£17.50 concs) from here. 

At 7.00pm Passing Clouds presents Afrospot at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA hosted by the Soothsayers bassist Kodjovi Kush, with the brilliant Afro blues singer/ guitarist Modou Toure and Raggadon as well as the Afrospot All Stars and DJ’s Will Page and Freestyle. FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £8.00 after.

At 7.30pm Salone Truefans and Gusto Entertainment present the Official 52^nd Sierra Leone Independence Music Concert at The Coronet, 28 New Kent Road, SE1 6TJ. Hosted by DJ Little with afrobeats singers Emmerson and Famous, king of dancehall Dallas Bantan, rapper Alim Kamara, Sierra Leonean pop star Lady Matto and DJ Freestyle of Colourful Radio . Tickets from £20.00 from here. 

Sunday 28^th April

At 1.30pm Feferity will be at Bar 414, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, from 2.30pm there will be film screenings including The Sierra Leone Story, An Interview with Geraldo Pino and Madegn Beach Festival 2011. From 5.00pm will be live performances by Lekan Babalola and The Afrobeat Messengers. Tickets are £5.00, more information here.

From 2.30pm to 4.30pm the Africa Centre will be screening Max and Mona at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. This South African slapstick comedy is about a young professional mourner who has set his sights on becoming a doctor and must travel to Johannesburg to fulfil his dreams; this is a coming of age, journey and comedy film all at once. RSVP here, a £3.00 donation is kindly requested. 

From 7.00pm to 10.00pm is ARISE at The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY.  This is a live interview event hosted by Daddy Ernie with guests Angelica Bell (presenter), Jason Roberts (footballer) and Richard Blackwood (comedian), musical entertainment provided by the resident band d22 featuring Fidel. Tickets are £12.00 in advance and more on the door.  https://www.facebook.com/events/360373420735089/?ref=2

Week of 15th April: Plays by Bola Agbaje and Janice Okoh, Oliva Tweest Musical in the West End, Otelo Burning, Books about Lagos, Africa Day, Caribbean Conferences and Mwalimu Express

My people I greet you!!

We are knee deep in April and African culture and events are again coming in thick and fast. We have plays by two of our favourite playwrights Bola Agbaje and Janice Okoh, an Afrobeats musical to which you can Twist your Olivers! Africas next Generation Discussion, Otelo Burning, Africa Day the the London Business School, Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, Zimbabwe Achievers Award, African Spanish music and much more. And Proud to be Africa Clothing is always happy to share

Enjoy!

Monday 15^th April

At 7.30pm is Janice Okoh’s new play Three Birds at the Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ about siblings Tiana, Tionne and Tanika who find themselves home alone and as the outside world begins to press in on them the three children will do anything to keep their secrets safe from adults who keep calling. A starling and darkly comic drama about childhood, family and fantasy, tickets start from £12.00 from here and the play runs till 20th April. 

At 7.45pm is Oliva Tweest- An Afrobeats Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES. This is the first Afrobeats musical to show live at the West End and is based on the D’Banj song Oliver Twist. Set in London it is about a promiscuous young man whose past comes back to haunt him when he finds a girls who changes him for the better with comedic performances from his mother and Pastor lover. The cast and Live Band will perform cover versions of songs by artists such as Wiz Kid, D’Banj, Stay J and many others along with surprise guest appearances. This is not to be missed if you are a fan of African music, tickets start from £15.00 from here.

Tuesday 16^th April

From 11.00am to 1.00pm is the Congo Crisis Summit at the Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA. This information sharing event will discuss the latest developments in peace and security in the Great Lakes Regions of Africa and in the DRC specifically. This is a FREE event register here.

At 5.00pm SOAS African Development Forum presents Africa’s Next Generation: A Bright Future in Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, Thornhaugh Street Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. It will consist of two interactive panel discussions Mobilising Youth and Innovating Africa with a range of dynamic speaker from different industries and disciplines including Lanre Akinola (Editor, This is Africa), Yasmin Al Gharbawie (Microsoft Egypt), Amina Adewusi (Africa Women’s Circle), Marieme Jamme (Africa Gathering), Edward Watkiss (Farm Africa), Rahma Ahmed (Somali Relief \nd Development Forum) chaired by Hashi Mohamed (Barrister) with live performances by Proud to be African Clothing designer Inua Ellams and Desta Haile, rounded up with a drinks reception. Register for this FREE event here.here.

the

From 6.00pm to 8.30pm BBM/BMC presents John Archer and Black Politics at Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction, SW11 1JB. Led by history consultant Kwaku this Audio visual presentation covers John Archer London’s first African mayor and his election Black politics. This is a FREE event register here.

At 6.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies presents The Caribbean in Sepia: A history in photographs 1840-1900 in Room 349, Senate House, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HU with Patrick Vernon (Every Generation Media) and Ian Randle (publisher) discussing Michael Ayres book which presents a visual narrative of the Caribbean and analyses how the old Caribbean order of slavery and plantation sugar was swept away by fundamental changes, RSVP here.

From 7.00pm to 9.00pm the Africa Centre and Black Cultural Archives hosts Past Performance: Archiving art, performance and design at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, an evening exploring the nature of heritage and collecting and the institutions, organisation and individuals that are custodians of African and Caribbean heritage. This is a 2 part event with the follow up on 28^th May. This is a FREE event although a £3.00 donation is kindly requested, RSVP here. 

At 7.30pm is Bola Agbaje’s new play Take a Deep Breath and Breathe at the Oval House Theatre, 52- 54 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW. Inspired by Greek mythology this humorous and moving new play explores the power struggles, choices and determinations of young men and women. Donovan dies in an unprovoked attack, Paul is angered by the death of his best friend, Andrew cant drag himself away from the X Box, Ryan is too smart for his own good and their girlfriends are coming up with a plan to make them see revenge isn’t bittersweet. Running till 20^th April Tickets are £8.00 (£5.00 concs) from here or call the Box Office on 0207 582 7680.

Wednesday 17^th April

At 5.30pm is the Royal Anthropological Institute’s Research Seminar: The Ecological Context for Early human Evolution in East Africa at the RAI, 50 Fitzroy Street, W1T 5BT with Dr Sarah Elton (University of Durham). This is a FREE event RSVP here.

Proud to be South African

From 6.00pm to 9.30pm Young Black Grads presents The Cocktail Social at Abacus Bar, 24 Cornhill, EC3V 3ND, a fun filled evening where you can mix with an eclectic mix of people whilst sharpening up your cocktail making skills with a bespoke cocktail making masterclass. With complimentary food, networking games and prizes to be won this is an event not to be missed. Tickets start from £6.00 with group prices available from here. 

At 6.00pm Aya Distribution hosts a Panel Discussion on Taking African Films to new markets and a Screening of Otelo Burning at Ingenious Media, 15 Golden Square, W1F 9JG. Speakers will include Nadia Denton (African Film distribution and PR consultant), Lizelle Bisschoff (Africa in motion Film Festival), Mykel Ajaere (African Film Development Foundation), Sara Blecher (Director Otelo Burning) and David Somerset (BFI).  The award winning Otelo Burning has been described as a cross between City of God and Blue Crush and is set against the end of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

Thursday 18^th April

At 6.00pm Kaye Whiteman will be launching her book: Lagos: A Cultural and Literary History at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden. In the book she explores the city that has constantly reinvented itself from a small settlement on an uninhabited island to the establishment of the port to one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Admission is FREE but a £3.00 donation is gently hinted at. RSVP here. 

From 6.15pm to 8.00pm United Somali Students will be holding a Volunteer Evening at Hend House, 233 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EE. The voluntary youth led organisation seeks volunteers to fundraise, support and campaign on different projects. RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm award winning Equatorial Guinean flamenco singer Buika will be performing at Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, N1 2XD with a remarkable smoky choice her flamenco is reinvigorated with, jazz, blues and African influences and her 2010 album with Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes won her a Latin Grammy Award.  Part of the La Linea 13, The London Latin Music Festival tickets are  available here. 

Friday 19^th April

From 9.30am to 6.30pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies hosts Constitutional Reform and the

Made in Jamaica

Commonwealth Caribbean: Democratic Legitimacy and Constituent Power in The Court Room, Senate House, Malet Street, Russell Square WC1E 7HU. With Dr Joel Colon Rios, Susan Dickson, Dr Derek O’ Brien and Se-Shauna Wheatle. This is a FREE event

At 7.30pm Aya Distribution hosts a Screening of Otelo Burning at Birkbeck Cinema, 43 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PD. This award winning film has been described as a cross between City of God and Blue Crush and is set against the end of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela about township kids learning to surf, followed by a Q&A with director Sara Blecher. Tickets are £7.00 from here. 

Saturday 20^th April

At 8.30am to 7.00pm the London Business School Africa Club will be holding Africa Day 2013 at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AG. Keynote speakers include Wale Tinubu (Oando Plc), Alex Okosi (Viacom Networks Africa), Richard Dowden (Royal African Society), Alain Ebobisse (IFC) and Becky Anderson (CNN International). Tickets from £35.00 from here.

At 6.30pm Black History Walks presents Queen Nzingha Film Series: Black Hands-The Sister who burned down Montreal in Room B36, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, WC1E 7HX . This documentary is about Marie-Josephe Angelique a slave accused of Montreal in 1734 who was tortured and executed after an epic trial. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm Caribburton’s Dining will be launching as London’s first Pop up Jamaican restaurant at Studio Gi, Enterprise House, 2 Tudor Grove, E9 7QL. This Jamaican 3 courses meal (with vegetarian options) is yours from £25.00 from here.

At 7.30pm is your last chance to see Janice Okoh’s new play Three Birds at the Bush Theatre, about siblings Tiana, Tionne and Tanika who find themselves home alone and as the outside world begins to press in on them the three children will do anything to keep their secrets safe from adults who keep calling. A starling and darkly comic drama about childhood, family and fantasy, tickets start from £12.00 from here and ends today.

 Sunday 21^st April

From 11.00am to 3.00pm is the Numbi Workshop at Rich Mix. 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch E1 6LA. Facilitated by poets Sai Murray and Elmi Ali this workshop will help you to craft your own word sound power. Admission is £10.00 (£5.00 concs, family of 2 adults and 2 children £10.00).

At 2.00pm is Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, hosted by DJ Rita Ray and Max Reinhardt. , This week’s destination is Cape Verde with Carmen Souza live with Theo Pas’cal  and the film Dona Tutua presented by Screen Station as well as kids dance and games, face painting and all sorts of good stuff. And it’s FREE!

Proud to be Zimbabwean

At 7.00pm is the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards Dinner Gala at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4LH. This event seeks to pay tribute to Zimbabweans across all walks of life emphasising inspiring achievements and inspirational role models. Tickets are £65.00 from here and include a champagne reception, 3 course meal and half a bottle of wine per person, discounts for group purchases. 

At 7.00pm Kat Francois hosts Word4Word April Slam at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BN.  Featuring 10 poets competing for £50.00 prize money alongside featured acts, limited open mic, music and drops from Sloetry the DJ. FREE admission more details here.

Week of 8th April: TY Album Launch, Courtney Pine, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ACLT, CLR James Appreciation, South African Achievers, Kirikou at the Africa Centre

Summertime and the livings easy!

This week we have lots of legends and notables of African literature art and music with a Chinua Achebe

Appreciation, not 1 but 2 chances to catch one of Nigeria’s finest new authors Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie here in London, as well as British Hip Hop legend TY’s new album launch at The Jazz Cafe, ACLT events, Courthey Pine,  CLR James Appreciation, a film about Muhammad Ali and the animated film Kirikou at the Africa Centre. It may be winter outside but culturally it’s definitely spring!

Monday 8^th April

From 7.00pm to 10.00pm Wandsworth Mayors Office and Grenada High Commission will be hosting a Caribbean Evening at The Waterfront, Battersea Reach, Juniper Drive, SW18 1TS in support of the Mayors Charities. Tickets are £25.00 from here. 

Tuesday 9^th April

From 1.30pm to 5.00pm Meridian Sport and Social Football Club hosts Team Nigeria Press Conference in the Banking Hall, Nigeria High Commission, 9 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BX, the African Cup of Nations UK is a football competition contested by youths and mens national teams from different UK based Africans. The final will be played at West Hams Upton Park in June. His is a FREE event, register here. 

At 6.30pm is the Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Appreciation Readings at the Dalston CLR James Library, 60 Roseberry Place  , Dalston, E8 3BQ. This will be a celebration of the works and literature of the Father of African literature and the young author seen as his natural successor. The readings will be by Andrea Enisuoh and Ngozi Headley-Fulani with additional support by Ngoma Bishop. This is a FREE event.

At 7.45pm the lady herself talks about her new novel Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ‘Americanah’ at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Her new work is a story of love and race spanning 3 continents and numerous lives centred on a young man and woman and the countries they choose to call home. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

Wednesday 10^th April

From 8.00am place4BRICS hosts the African Creative Industries Investment Summit at The Africa Centre, 38 King Street, WC2E 8JT. This event is for anyone interested in advertising, the arts, broadcasting, fashion, film, music and publishing in Africa and will gicve key insights into Africa’s creative industries by industry experts such as Obi Asika (Storm 360, Glu Africa), Yemisi Mokuolu (Hatch Africa), Njabulo Madlala (South African Opera Singer), Omar Ben Yedder (IC Publications), Nadia Denton (Author-Black British Filmmakers Guide to Success), Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo (FAB Magazine), DjoTunda Wa Munga (Filmaker), Josette Matomby (African Fashion Week), Prof Johanna Gibson (Queen Mary’s University of London), Dr Nicola Searle (UK Intellectual Property Office), Basi Akpabio (Producer), Magali Marcus (Marcus Global Communications ), Elisabeth Lalouschek (October Gallery), Patrick Campbell (OHTV), Simon Vandi (SiVa Entertainment), Lyndon Roberts (Lawyer), Konye Roberts (Adbelts) and Dr Shiyghan Navti (IBM). Tickets are £95.00 from here or £125.00 on the door. 

At 1.00pm The Royal Society for the Arts presents Humanising History and Cultures: The Role of literature at the RSA, 8 John Adam Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6EZ with Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (very busy lady this week) in conversation with Ellah Allfrey Deputy Editor of Granta Magazine with her views on literature. This is a FREE event book here.

At 7.00pm is The Urban Collective : Supporting the ACLT at East Village Club, 59 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HX. Hosted by Love2dance founder Danielle Blenman, it features live music, fashion and poetry, with performances by Anthony Anaxagorou, TALIsinc, iamshugi, Taiwo and more, with a fashion show by Clee Clothing and Ish Couture the Tickets are £5.00 in advance from here and £8.00 on the door. 

At 7.00pm Black Cat Music presents Courtney Pine in Support of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal at the Brixton Jamm, 261 Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9 6LH. Playing works from his latest album the veteran saxophonist will be supported by The Portraits, Jerry Deeney, Paper faces and Zita Holbourne. Tickets are £13.00 in advance and £15.00 on the door from here. 

At 7.00pm Jazz Cafe and Supa Dupa Fly host British Hip hop superstars TY’s Kick Snare and An Idea EP Release Party at  The Jazz Cafe,5 Parkway, London, NW1 7PG, with a host of special guests including BREIS, Akala, Durty, Goodz, Native Sun, Mystro and Pumpkin followed by music from DJ’s Big Ted, Boogie Bunch, Rapzscallion, Bunny Bread, Man vs Wife and Mr Thing. This is proper hip hop at its finest, tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Thursday 11^th April

From 8.30am to 2.30pm CountryFactor will host ZimInvest London 2013 Forum at International Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, W1J 7QY. Themed why Zimbabwe Matters, this is a platform for promoting opportunities to investors in mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, PPP’s and privatisation. Tickets start from £90.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm Tilts London Liming  returns to Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA with spoken word with a chilled out carnival vibe. This Kaiso and Comedy special will feature Calypso legend Alexander D Great, comedian Prince Abdi, spoken word poets Tim Clare, Femi Martin and Tim Bombdog as well as performances from Melanie Abrahams and James Ingham. Tickets are £8.00(£6.00 concs) from here. 

Friday 12^th April

At 6.00pm the TUC hosts Muhammad Ali and his Impact on Minority Communities at Congress House, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3LS. This event features a screening of ‘The King of South Shields’,  a film covering the visit of boxer Muhammad Ali and his wife and daughter to South Shields Mosque and the effect this visit had on the local Yemeni community. Followed by a discussion with Alex Pascall this is a FREE event,register here. 

At 6.30pm Kofi Arts hosts The Art of Love: Expressions of Spirituality on Ancient African Art  at Kofi Arts Studio, 115 Melfort Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7RX a talk charting how spirituality was portrayed through the male and female figure in pre dynastic times. Tickets are £7.00 from here.

At 6.30pm BEMA hosts The Importance of The Black Vote in Hackney at Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Square, a discussion by Operation Black Votes, Simon Woolley about the impact, importance, patterns and relevance of votes cast by African Caribbean people in Hackney over the last 40 years. Hosted by Andrea Enisuoh with Diane Abbott MP, Jules Pipe (Mayor of Hackney), Ngoma Bishop (BEMA) and local councillors. This is a FREE event register here.

Saturday 13^th April

From 11.00am to 6.00pm is the CLR James Legacy Conference at WEA London Region, 96-100 Clifton Street, EC2A 4TP celebrating the works of the great Trinidadian writer and activist C.L.R. James. Confirmed speakers include Darcus Howe (writer and broadcaster), Selwyn Cudjoe (Wellesley Ollege), Mike Dibb (Film maker), Robert A. Hill (UCLA) and Selma James (author). RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm is the South Africa Achievers Awards Gala Dinner at The Cumberland Hotel, Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7DL to celebrate South Africa’s unsung heroes and heroines with a champagne reception, 3 course meal, fashion show with raffle prizes to be won. Tickets are £60.00 from here. 

Sunday 14^th April

At 2.30pm the Africa Centre is showing Kirikou and the Sorceress at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden,  WC2E 8JT. This animated feature film draws on West African folklore and is about a boys extraordinary journey to bring peace and harmony to his village, featuring the music of Youssou N’dour. This is a FREE event although a £3.00 donation is kindly requested.

At 8.30pm is Juwon Ogungbe and Life Force Music at Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, Dalston, N16 8AZ. Hosted by Lord Eric Sugumugu singer, composer and multi instrumentalist Juwon Ogungbe will be performing tracks from his album, Life Force Music and new material, tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.