Week of 27th May: AFCAR- The Game, African Markets, Soweto Kinch, African Union at 50, Revitalise Nigeria, Face off Kenya, South African Elections, Azonto Decale, Diane Abbot and Somalia Conferences

My Ogas at the top (ask a Nigerian if you don’t know what that means!) I greet you!!

The sun is out and we have a long weekend and a short week, thus Proud to be African Clothing has a lot of flexing and fun in these here pages.

Thula Trends

On Monday we have two doses of Awesomeness with the star studded African vs the Caribbean Charity Football Match at Brentford FC, in addition to the football and fun day there is a fashion show by our new partners Thula Trends a new online African fashion platform launching this Monday (that’s the second thing), showcasing fashion, hair, cosmetics, accessories from African and diaspora designers, they step out in a big way with this Fashion Show and other events. 

Other than that we have Soweto Kinch at Kings Place, Spitalfields  African Market, Economic Conferences on Somalia at Chatham House and SOAS, African business conferences, Nigeria business conferences, social media strategies, South African election meetings, jazz and poetry jams, Diane Abbot education conference, What is Black Music, Open the Gates 4^th Anniversary, conference on Mali and networking with Black Solicitors. In short we have work, play, knowledge and entertainment in equal measures throughout the week

Enjoy

Monday 27^th May

From 12.00noon Jason Roberts and Sodje Sports Foundation present AFCAR- The Game and Family

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Fun Day at Brentford FC, Braemar Road, BrentfordTW8 0NT. This star studded event will have a family Fun Day at Griffin park with a dance off, music, food stalls, celebrity appearances, a steel band, raffle, steel band vs African dance face off and face painting. The main event is the Friends of Africa vs Friends of the Caribbean celebrity football match kicking off at 3.00pm. The Caribbean Team managed by Ian Wright will feature players such as Jason Roberts, Andy Cole, DJ Campbell, Jamie Lawrence, Paul Merson, Michael Thomas, Paul Davis, Jason Euell, Paul Canoville, Kevin Lisbie, Jamal Campbell Ryce, Sean Davis, Michael Johnson, Richard Langley, DJ Spoony, Dion Dublin, Cyrille Regis, Dave Regis, Omar, Andre Boucard, Ashley Walters, Pascal Chimbonda, Ale Scott, Maxi Priest, Oliver Bernard and Sol Campbell.

Proud to be African Children's T shirts

The African team jointly managed by Fabrice Muamba and Segun Odegbami will feature Patrick Viera, Ade Akinbiyi, the Stein Brothers, Julius Aghahowa, Jay Jay Okocha, Svetoslav Todorov, Tressor Lua Lua, MC Harvey, Clive Betts MP, Vincent Pericard, Ashley Banjo, Chucky Venn, Junior Agogo, Eddie Kadi, James Maza, Max Rushden, Dennis Hobson, DJ Abrantee, Iffy Onuara, Rachel Yankey, Eniola Aluka, Gabriel Zukauni, Tammer Hassan and Ibrahim Sonko (for Africa).

Entertainment by Rough Copy, My7evn, Omar, DLux, Boadicea Dance Group and special surprise guest performance, with Daddy Ernie, Martin Jay, DJ Abass, DJ Edu and Mistri on the decks

In the VIP our new friends and partners Thula Trends will be hosting a fashion show featuring designs from the latest up and coming African designers.

 Tickets for all this awesome, awesomeness are just £10.00 for adults and £5.00 for those under 16 or a family ticket for £25.00  from here (2 adults and 2 children) the aim is to raise funds for the Jason Roberts Foundation which will provide opportunities for children and young people to take part in structured sporting and cultural activities and to develop a Sports Academy in the Caribbean and the Sodje Sports Foundation which aims to inspire and empower children and youth in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.  

http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/afcar-game-27.05.13-759232.aspx

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is Africa at the Spitalfields at Spitalfields Market, 65 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, E1 6AA, this new shopping experience sees this iconic traders market transformed to showcase talents from Africa and the diaspora with stalls with African music, films, fashion, interior, street food, art, crafts and literature. There will be djembe drummers and you can try hair braiding and face painting. This is a FREE event.

Tuesday 28^th May

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At 5.00pm is the Developing Effective Market Entry Strategy for Africa Seminar at Broadway House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NQ. The seminar seeks to increase understanding of the African market landscape, develop Africa market entry, identify and manage barriers to entry and risk management for a new market. Tickets from £135.00 from here.

At 6.00pm Chatham House hosts Unlocking South Africa’s Potential: The Challenge for New Political Parties at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Tony Dykes (Action for Southern Africa) with Dr Mamphela Ramphele (Agang South Africa Party) who will discuss what she considers to be the ANC’s governance failures ahead of the 2014 election, the role of fear in South African politics and how Agang South Africa will challenge the ANC at the next elections. To attend this FREE event contact Chris Vandome.

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm the Royal Africa Society hosts Fifty Years of African Unity at the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Onyekachi Wambu (AFFORD) with Alex de Waal (World Peace Foundation) the event will look critically at the achievements and failures of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and its successor the African Union and pose the questions of what if FREE event here.  

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anything has been achieved. RSVP for this

At 7.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network Book Club will be reviewing Americanah at Madam Chi, 187 Upper Street, Islingon N1 RQ. The new novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie covers many continents and is a multifaceted love story, this is a FREE event.

At 7.00pm the Africa Centre hosts Past Performance: Part II at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, in which the Black Cultural Archives will discuss the importance of personal collections and the role that the individual plays as custodian of your own archive. A £3.00 donation is gently hinted at for this event here

At 9.00pm The Bukky Leo Quartet will be jamming at Silver Bullet, 5 Station Place, Finsbury Park, N4 DH. Featuring Emiliano Franco on drums, Ben Roft on piano, Dario Di Lecce on bass and the formidable Bukky Leo on Reeds and Vocal. Jamming as of 10.00pm with Cool Jazz movies in the intervals. This awesomeness is FREE!!

Wednesday 29^th May

At 7.30pm is Uncle Errols Poetry Jam at Vibe Gallery, N0014 The Biscuit Factory, 100 Clements

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Road, SE16 4DG, hosted by WordPlay and featuring Karmelle and David Lee Morgan, this 7^th incarnation of the popular series also features an open mic spot so get there early. More details here.

From 12.00pm to 2.00pm the Royal Africa Society and Somali Economic Forum presents Somalia- Economic and Political Prospects 2013 in G2, School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square. Chaired by Richard Dowden (Royal Africa Society) speakers will include Mohamed Omaar (Former Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia), Hassan Dudde (Somali Economic Forum), Said Shire (Author and political analyst), Agnes Gitau (Eastern Africa Economic Chambers of Commerce) discussing- what Somalia should do to make the gains of the last 15 months sustainable, what is the role of the UK in Somalia and how will the UK’s involvement in Somalia work with other key regional players in the sub region. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

From 9.30am to 5.00pm the Centre of African Studies hosts Mali in Transition in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, College Building, SOAS. There will be four panels focussing on Interdisciplinary perspectives on the crises, Emergency crisis and impact on humanitarian action, heritage and conservation and historical perspectives and future scenarios. There will also be a presentation of the works of Mohamed Alher Ag Almahdi, a Malian Taureg atisan who helped restore ancient manuscripts in the British Library and in Timbuktu. This is a FREE two day conference, for more info email Dr Alessandra Giuffrida and to register email this address with ‘Mali in Transition’ in the subject line

 Thursday 30^th May

At 6.00pm Chatham House hosts Milestones in International Criminal Justice: Africa and the International Criminal Court at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House. Chaired by Elizabeth Wilmshurt CMG (Chatham House) with Dr Tiyanjana Maluwa (Pennsylvania State University) and Dr Max du Plessis (Doughty Street Chambers) this seminar will consider the relationship Alis Martin. 

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between African states and the International Criminal Court and asses African states efforts to curb impunity, particularly the African Unions policies and initiatives in international justice. To be followed by a drinks reception for more information contact

At 7.00pm Creative I.D hosts Jamaica Fundraising Soiree in Market House, 443 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LN. Showcasing the new school of artistes with DJ’s Madd P and DJ Devastate, performances by Michelle Escoffery and others and Happy Hour from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Hosted by Chantal Miller tickets are £12.00 from here. 

Friday 31st May

From 9.00am to 5.00pm is the Revitalise Nigeria

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Business and Investment Summit at the Thistle Hotel, Marble Arch, Bryanston Street, Marble Arch, W1H 7EH. This event features Davos style panels, keynote speakers, guest speakers, breakout sessions and networking sessions, focusing on ICT, Business and Finance and Oil and Gas. RSVP for this FREE event here.

From 9.00am to 5.00pm is the UK- Africa SMEs Development and Investment Conference at Broadway House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NQ. The objective of the forum is to support the development of SME’s value chain, drive investment into small businesses, enhance SME’s management capacity, increase SME productivity and competitiveness and support UK SME expansion in the African Market. Speakers include Hiuane Abacar (Mozambique High Commission), Uke Ngwerume (Old Mutual Zimbabwe), Dr Samuel D. Ameyaw (Bank of Ghana), Adam Shepperson (Ecobank Group), Violeta Valkova (Nedbank Capital), Adam Green (This is Africa Magazine And Financial Times), Carolyne Akers (UKTI), John Small Eastern Africa Association), Professor Allam Ahmed (World Association for Sustainable Development), Sisa Ntshona (Barclays Africa), Dr Martin Koyabe (Kenya Overseas Business Alliance), Anis George Haggar (Haggar Holding), Francois van der Spuy (Invest Asset Management), Chi Chi Oriaku (idigitalMercury), David Foxman (DevelopedAfrica), Dr Martin Koyabe (Kenya Overseas Business Association), Professor Augustine John (African Union), Bidemi Alabi (Association of African Owned Enterprises), Ito Naoki (Embassy of Japan), Gibril Faal (AFFORD)and Professor Roger Mumbycroft (Consultant). Tickets from £40.00 from here.

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At 6.30pm Star100 presents Online Networking and Social Media Masterclass with Andrew Davis at Balls Brothers-Minster Exchange, Minster Pavement, Mincing Lane, EC3R 7PP. An expert on social media Andrew’s (Founder of Worst Kept Secret) masterclass will focus not only on the business context but also on best practice in using social media for online networking and in a personal capacity, social media strategies and what the current social media landscape looks like. This event is £13.50 or FREE for Star100 Premium members from here.

From 6.30pm to 9.00pm the Black Solicitors Network presents the BSN Networking Night at Corney & Barrow, 10 Paternoster Square, St Pauls, EC4M 7DX. Open to not just those in the legal profession this is a great way to make new contacts, relax and unwind with Our Learned Friends!! FREE event no RSVP needed just turn up!

At 8.00pm is Soweto Kinch: Urban Landscape in Hall One, Kings Place, 90 York Way, Kings Cross, N1 9AG. The award winning saxophonist, composer, Oxford historian, freestyle rapper and all round musician will be bringing his own take on urban culture following the release of his brand new CD ‘The Legend of Mike Smith’ Tickets start from £9.50 from here

Saturday 1^st June

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From 9.00am to 2.00pm The Right Honourable Diane Abbott MP hosts Black Children and Education: After Gove, where next? at the Jeffery Hall, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, WC1H 0AL, the event will feature experienced speakers and bring together children, teachers, parents and community educators. RSVP for this FREE event here.

From 9.30am to 1.00pm is the African Diaspora Entrepreneurship Business Start Up Workshop on the 2nd Floor, 3Space 9-31 Oxford Street, W1D 2DR. Delivered by Isebail MacKinnon (Machair Social Enterprise) the workshop is for those interested in a move in business in Africa and you will leave with an action plan for you the entrepreneur, a defined and clarified business plan, a market research plan, business tools and resources to help you write your business plan, contacts and resources and an opportunity to network. Tickets are £35.00 from here.

From 2.00pm to 3.00pm Capital Culture Gallery host African Beauty at the Africa Centre, a photographic journey through the eyes of John Kenny this collection of portraits of Africans in traditional communities from the fringes of the Sahara to Angola and Namibia is described as more anthropological than artistic, find out for yourself for £6.00 (under 16s FREE), the exhibition ends 9^th June.

At 5.00pm BBM/BMC and the Black Music Research Unit present the ‘What is Black Music?’ Debate version 1.01 at the University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS. In which Mykaell Riley (Black Music Research Unit) and Kwaku (BBM/BMC) grapple with the terminology ‘Black music’ and attempt to define what it means and encompasses. RSVP this FREE event here

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At 6.00pm is the Face of Kenya 2013 at The Coliseum Suite, 300-310 High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1QW. There will be a Madaraka Day Beauty Pageant and Charity show celebrating Kenya at 50, with 20 male and female models and entertainment by the Africa Jumbo Band, Apelles Ogaga, Zangi and Roselyn. Tickets are £25.00

At 7.00pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen hosts Ghana Cuts from Nose to Tail at Studio Gi, 2 Tudor Grove, E9 7QL. With 6 plates of under rated and tasty cuts from the butcher’s knife all begun with a palm wine ceremony and ended with a shot of herbal drink Alomo bitter (recommended for men, hmmm.....). With sides and desert  and a vegetarian option this Mega meal is £30.00 (£26.00 for veggies) from here. 

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At 9.00pm FOCUS presents Azonto Decale single Launch with Muntu Valdo, M3nsa, Kasai Masai and Afla Sackey at the Bedroom Bar, 62- 68 Rivington Street, Shoreditch,  EC2A 3AY. Each of these excellent artists will perform live from their eclectic repertoires as well as the actual album itself with the party rocking till 3.00am. All for just £6.00 from here or £8.00 on the door.

Sunday 2^nd June

From 12.00pm to 12.00 midnight  Open the Gate will be celebrating their 4^th Anniversary Festival at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA with an African Market, featuring designers, crafts, arts, jewellery, books, music and more. With live music from beginning to end from Kodjovi Kush and Afrospot Orchestra, Tony Dudu, Jally Kebba Susso, Seddik Zebiri, Lyric L, One Drum and more with delicious African food served throughout. FREE entry all day! More details here.