Week of 1st July: Africa Writes Programme, Chiwetel Ejiofor at The Young Vic, AFFORD Africa Diaspora and Development Day, 100 Black Men of London, Audience with Our Children, ACBN’s Your Future Your Ambition

Many Jambos and Sannus to all my good friends,

Another groovy summer week with so much awesomeness it is hard to choose where Proud to be African Clothing

should set up shop!

We start of with the Africa Writes 2013 Programme an absolute heaven for fans of African literature. From book readings, book launches, plays, music, parties, discussions, new books, ancient books you name it its all there and FREE. Yes that’s right except for 2 events everything is as FREE as a FREE thing! So there is no excuse for Africans, Friends of Africa, book lovers, Africanistas or just about anyone who likes good things to not get themselves down to the British Library and celebrate African scholarship. As well as that the incredible Chiwetel Ejiofor (Who starred in films like Four Brothers, Dirty Pretty Things, BBC2’s Dancing on the Edge, Children of Men. And in theatre in Othello to name a few) stars in Aime Cesaire’s classic play A Season in Congo at the Young Vic.

We are also counting down to African Fashion Week London which will be running from the 1^st to the 3^rd of August at the Old Truman Brewery Block, Shoreditch, with Yinka Shonibare MBE as patron, over 100 designers and exhibitors this will be one of the African fashion events of the year, look out for more updates as the days count down.

Enjoy the week!!

Monday 1^st July

From 1.00pm to 3.00pm is Wosene Worke Kosrof in Conversation at GAFRA, 9 Cork Street, W1S 3LL. The Ethiopian artist internationally famed for using the fiedel script of his native Amharic as a key element in his creations will be talking about his work with exhibition curators Mesai Haileleil and Raku Sile. The exhibition runs till 26^th July.

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents Economic Reports on Africa 2013: Making the Most of Africa’s Commodities at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Bob Dewar (Chatham House), Emmanuel Nnadozie (Economic Commission for Africa) will discuss with Paul-Harry Aithnard (Ecobank Capital) the importance of designing and implementing effective development plans and industrial strategies to promote commodity based industrialisation. To attend this FREE event contact Chris Vandome

At 6.30pm WHEAT MST presents Meet Celebrate Grow at Durning Hall, Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, E7 9AB, this is an intergenerational event featuring networking and entertainment featuring Music4Causes, rappers Kimba and Paradise. Light refreshments will be available at this FREE event. Register here. 

Tuesday 2^nd July

At 6.30pm the Royal Africa Society hosts the book launch of Youth and Revolution in Tunisia in the

Brunei Suite, School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Alex de Waal (The World Peace Foundation) will be chairing  the launch of Professor Alcinda Honwana’s (Open University) new book about the uprising  in Tunisia that sparked the wave of revolution across North Africa and the resultant tensions between younger and older generations., RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is the Black Sci Fi and Fantasy Book Club in the 5^th Floor Restaurant, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9HD, themed as a ‘safe place’ for Black people who enjoy Sci Fi and fantasy novels and all the things that come from those genres. Bring a book and enjoy this FREE event

At 7.00pm is Hammer & Tongue Hackney 2013 Slam Final at Pogo Cafe, 76 Clarence Road, Dalston, E5 8HB, in which Hackney’s Slam poetry winners from the 2012/1 season come together for the East London Slam Final with 3 rounds of heavy hitting, crowd winning poetry in a variety of styles judged by the audience to establish Hackney Slam Champion. Hosted by Angrysam, Raymond Antrobus and Stephanie Dogfoot, featuring Richard Purnell and DJ Kit Caless on the decks. More details for this FREE event here

Wednesday 3^rd July

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is Your Future, Your Ambition at the Highbury Suite, Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Football Club, Highbury House, 75 Drayton Park, N5 1BU. This event features well known companies such as Cisco, EDF Energy, National Grid, Shell, Accenture, IBM and others hosting an exciting event for 7 to 20 year olds on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths related subjects and what they hold for the future. 7-11 year olds will attend an exhibition and breakout sessions between 10.00am and 1.00pm, 12- 16 year olds will have a morning (10.00am-1.35pm) and afternoon (1.40pm to 5.00pm) session, while the 17 + will have a specific breakout session aimed at providing experience and exposure to the softer skills and attributes needed to stand out to prospective employers, hosted by ACBN, Ernst and Young, The Knowledge Channel, National Grid and others. This is an excellent FREE event that is a must for any young person looking for exposure to the world that awaits them, register here.

At 3.00pm Chatham House hosts International Responses to Transnational Challenges in North and West Africa at the Royal Institute of international Affairs, Chatham House, with Joao Honwana (United Nations) who will discuss the role the international community plays in addressing the drivers of instability in the western Sahel region such as poverty and poor governance. To attend this event contact Tighisti Amare.

At 4.30pm Chatham House hosts Implications of Escalating Insecurity in Central Mozambique at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House with Elisabete Azevedo- Harman and Alex Vines discussing the deteriorating security situation, resulting from political tension and its effects on regional security and the country’s economy. For more details contact Tighisti Amare

Thursday 4^th July

At 6.00pm Beba Summer School will be holding an Open Evening at The Calthorpe Project, 258-274 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8LH. An opportunity to find out about the school, its vision, backs and what to expect. Reserve your FREE place here 

Friday 5^th July

At 3.30pm AFFORD presents the African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) 2013 at Chatham House. Themed ‘International Policy on Remittances, Migration, Development: What Role for the Diaspora?’ the event aims to raise awareness of why certain high level policy processes matter for the African diaspora and for development. Speakers include Justine Greening (Secretary of State for International Development), Mtuli Ncube (African Development Bank), Clarissa Azkoul (International Organisation on Migration), Cecile Riallant (EC-UN Joint Migration and Development Initiative), Jehangir Malik (Islamic Relief UK) and Gibril Faal (AFFORD). To register for this FREE event email Tighisti Amare

At 6.30pm is August Town in the John Gielgud Theatre, RADA,  Malet Street, WC1E 7JN. This play by Claire Prempeh directed by Daniel Raggett about a South London couple Lloyd and Marcia who go to visit her widowed aunt in Jamaica where Lloyed secual desirtes are provoked by an enchanting homosexual Caribbean spitirt. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here or from the Box Office on 020 790804800 

Africa Writes 2013 on Friday

The 3 Day Africa Writes 2013 Programme by the Royal African Society and the British Library begins at 10.00am with Africa in Translation at The British Library Conference Centre, 96 Euston Road, Euston, NW1 2DB.  This 3 panel symposium by acclaimed translator Wangui wa Goro will reflect on translation and its importance for knowledge management in Africa. This is a FREE event.

From 2.00pm to 5.00pm is Writing Africa Futures at the British Library Conference Centre, in which 5 authors shortlisted for the 2013 Caine Prize alongside distinguished authors Doreen Baingana, Zoe Wicomb and Professor Stephanie Newell hold an in depth discussion on the continents flourishing literary future. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm is The Diaspora Writes Back at the British Library Conference Centre. This poetry evening moderated by Bernardine Evaristo MBE (Founder Brunel African Poetry Prize) features acclaimed poets Warsan Shire, Nick Makoha, Nii Ayikwei Parkes and Leeto Thale. Tickets are £7.50 (£5.00 concs) from here. 

Saturday 6^th July

At 10.45am the 100 Black Men of London present Audience With Our Children at London South Bank University, 100 London Road, Elephant and Castle, SE1 6LN. This is the 3^rd incarnation of this annual event themed Educating Black Children- With Purpose, On Purpose. Topics will include Exclusions- Breaking the Cycle, The effectiveness of Mentoring and Social Education, Further, Higher and Beyond education, Parents – A childs first teacher. This event is aimed primariy at Black students as well as teachers and parents and is totally FREE. Register to attend here. 

At 12.00pm Angel Foundation hosts Family Fun Day at The Round Chapel, Powerscroft Road, Lower Clapton Road, E5 0LY. The day starts with Arts and crafts, culture, beauty, music, Zumba, books and gifts and Barbeque. A Kids Korner with face painting, bouncy castle, T shirt designing, cupcake decorating, balloon models, drumming and more. From 6.30pm there will be a concert with James Anderson, Winston Reddy, Yvonne Curtis, Momo-Watt, Steff From London, Sophie Nicole, Rachel, Poetry by Uncle Syd (Base FM), Jazz, Reggae and a saxophonist, dances, an auction and raffle. Hosted by Andrew Clunis (Jamaica Times UK) and Janelle Oswall (The Voice) with Dady Ernie, Errol Hines, Diane Abbott MP and George Ruddock (Jamaica Gleaner). Money raised woll be used to pay for hospital equipment and an ambulance to be shipped to Jamaica.  Tickets start from £7.00 for adults and £2.50 for children from here. 

At 1.00pm is Caribbean Film Corner ‘Carnival Saturday Soup’- Dancehall Edition at The Tabernacle,34-35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. This documentary presents and represents Jamaican urban street culture and lifestyle from the perspective of musicians, producers, dancers, school children and others. Tickets are £8.00 (£7.00 students and £5.00 concs) from here.

At 4.15pm and 6.00pm is Chasing the Moon at RADA, John Gielgud Theatre, Malet Street, WC1E 7JN. This play by Chipo Chung directed by Mimi Poskitt is a collection of stories and personal  memories from interviews reflecting the prospect of diasporans returning to Zimbabwe, diarising the writeers yearning to retunr home in the wake of the 2008 election. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here or from the Box Office on 020 790804800

At 5.00pm is the Africa Gospel Music Awards 2013 at The Great Hall, Queen Marys University, Mile End Road, E1 4NS. This is the 4^th incarnation of this prestigious event with artistes such as Tehila Crew (Nigeria), Cwesi Oteng (Ghana), Dena Mwana (DR Congo), Charisma Hanekam (South Africa), Jackie Mugabo (Rwanda/ UK), Pappy Messages (DR Congo/ UK), PK Boadi (Ghana/ UK), Josephine Atanga (Cameroon/ USA), Beatrice Muniu (Kenya/ UK), Isabella Uzodike (Nigeria/ UK), Isaac Frempong (Ghana/ UK), Myco Chris (Uganda/ UK) and JayEss, hosted by comedian MC Mark , with TV host Praise Asemota. Tickets from £20.00 from here.

At 7.30pm Olivier Award Winning actor Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in A Season In the Congo at the Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LZ. This fascinating drama by Aime Cesaire, directed by Joe Wright and choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui charts the rise and fall of the pioneer Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba and his passionate determination to free his people from Belgian rule. Filled with dance and music as well as stellar performances, it runs till 14^th August and tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

Africa Writes 2013 on Saturday

At 12.00pm is Find Your Voice at the British Library Conference Centre a peer led workshop for 1- This is FREE but spaces are limited so arrive early

19 year olds, facilitated by Thiongo’o Kimathi Ngugi (short fiction writer) and Elmi Ali (poet, writer, performer).

Also at 12.00pm is Storytime! at the British Library Conference Centre for 4-7 year olds, with interactive story telling workshops, Facilitated by Louisa Bello (Nigerian/ English ESL teacher and writer). FREE event parents welcome as well.

From 12.15pm to 1.00pm is African Writing Today at the British Library Conference Centre, a panel discussion with Doreen Baingana, Binyavanga Wainaina and Leila Aboulela exploring current trends in African writing. This is a FREE event.

At 1.00pm is ‘Fairytales For Lost Children’ by Diriye Osman at the British Library Conference Centre. This pre book launch event with the author will be hosted by Dele Fatunla (one of PTBA’s contributing artists!). This is a FREE event.

At 1.30pm is ‘Black Star Nairobi’ by Muloma wa Ngugi at the British Library Conference Centre. This book launch with the author will be chaired by Dr Ranka Primorac (University of Southampton) This is a FREE event.

At 2.00pm is ‘Orchards for Lost Souls’ by Nadifa Mohamed at the British Library Conference Centre. This pre book launch event with the Granta Best of Young British Novelists Under 40 nominated author will be chaired by Richard Dowden )(Royal African Society RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 2.00pm is African Literature Prizes and The Economy of Prestige at the British Library Conference Centre. Chaired by Lizzy Attree (Caine Prize for African Writing) the panel will include Billy Kahora (Kwani?), Jamal Mahjoub and Bernadine Evaristo MBE. This is a FREE event.

At 3.30pm is a Tribute to Chinua Achebe at the British Library Conference Centre with publishers James Currey and Becky Nana Ayebia Clarke OBE and authors Chibundo Onuzo and Chuma Nwokolo, chaired by Richard Dowden. This is a FREE event.

At 4.30pm is ‘Bonfires of the Gods’ by Andrew Eseimokumo Oki at the British Library Conference Centre. This book launch with the author will be chaired by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (2013 Caine Prize shortlisted author) This is a FREE event.

At 5.00pm is Meet the 2013 Caine Prize Shortlisted Writers at the British Library Conference Centre with the five shortlisted authors for the 2013 Caine prize, discussing their work with Tricia Wombell (Black Book News). This is a FREE event.

At 6.30pm is Two Writers, Two Generations: Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Mukoma wa Ngugi at the British Library Conference Centre an intimate conversation between acclaimed author Ngugui wa Thiong’o and his son author Mukoma wa Ngugi chaired by publisher Margaret Busby. Tickets are £7.50 (£5.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.00pm is the Africa Writes Party with NUMBI and Kwani? at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This is a celebration of 10 years of Kwani? and the launch of Scarf Magazine. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here. 

Sunday 7^th July

From 3.00pm to 7.00pm Nitro Theatre and KAYD Somali arts & culture present Summer Caashaq at Rich Mix, featuring Abdikariim Rass and Kuljit Bhamra with Nimo Dagan playing a fusion of Punjabi and Somali music, Warsan Shire a Kenyan born Somali poet and writer and Hudeydi the Somali folk artist performing the Oud (the Somali Lute).

This is a FREE event, more details here 

Africa Writes 2013 on Sunday

At 12.00pm is Beyond Timbuktu: West Africa, Script and Manuscript at the British Library

Conference Centre, in which Dr Marion Wallace (The British Library) explores Timbuktu and Mali’s deep rooted culture of written scholarship and literature with manuscripts from the British Library’s own rare manuscripts. This is a FREE event.

Also at 12.00pm is Storytime! at the British Library Conference Centre for 4-7 year olds, with interactive story telling workshops, Facilitated by Louisa Bello (Nigerian/ English ESL teacher and writer). Arrive Early as space will be limited at this FREE event, parents welcome as well.

Also at 12.00pm is Words, Youth and Revolution at the British Library Conference Centre an intergenerational workshop FREE event parents welcome as well.

At 12.30pm is Fantasy or Reality? Afropolitan Narratives of the 21^st Century at the British Library Conference Centre, a debate on whether Afropolitanism is a new way of being revolutionarily African or shallow consumerism, chaired by Professor Paul Gilroy (Kings College London) with Binyavanga Wainana (author), Minna Salami (blogger), Emma Dabiri (PhD Researcher) and Nana Ocran (journalist). This is a FREE event.

At 1.30pm is Writing the Revolution: Scarf Magazine Launch at the British Library Conference Centre, presenting Scarf magazines Revolution issue featuring a dazzling and radical take on contemporary art, literature, film and music. This is a FREE event

At 2.00pm is ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’ by Tendai Hochu at the British Library Conference Centre, a book reading by the author, chaired by Chino Odimba (Bristol Old Vic). This is a FREE event

At 2.30pm is Re-writing Africa: The Place of Non Fiction at the British Library Conference Centre, a panel discussion chaired by Ike Anya (TEDxEuston), with Billy Kahora (Kwani?), Mary Harper (BBC World Service), Michael Salu (Granta) and Samson Kambalu (artists and author) discussing the new narratives that challenge conventional representations of Africa. This is a FREE event

At 3.00pm is the final Storytime! at the British Library Conference Centre for 8-12 year olds, with interactive story telling workshops, Facilitated by Louisa Bello (Nigerian/ English ESL teacher and writer). Arrive early as space will be limited at this FREE event, parents also welcome.

At 3.30pm is Digital Futures: The Changing landscape of African Publishing at the British Library Conference Centre, in which a panel chaired by Mary Jay (Former Director African Bools Collective) discusses the future of publishing in Africa, featuring Elizabeth Wood (World Reader), Lynette Lisk (Pearson Education), Simi Dosekun (formerly of Kachifo Ltd) and Michael Bhaskar (Profile Books). This is a FREE event

At 4.30pm the programme concludes with Sundiata Keita and the Epic of Ancient Mali at the British Library Conference Centre, this is a staged production of the Epic of Sunjata using excerpts of an English transcribed text. Featuring actor Denver Isaac and renowned griot and master kora player Seckou Keita. Introduced by Wilfred Willey (Malian Community Council) this event is FREE.

Week of 24th June: Eko-Ile: Lagos to London, The African Market, Jimmy Cliff, Africa Centre Games Night, African Space Scientists, Ghanaian perspectives

Hello All,

Another busy week from Proud to Be African Clothing. We started the weekend at the Funmi Olawumi Concert where a lucky competition winner got to see the virtuoso performance. This week we have classical music from an Award winning black female composer, perspectives from the Ghana High Commissioner with Star100 and Ghanaian career events, Israeli –African musician Ester Rada, African Women in Europe Awards, Lekan Babalola and the Afrobeat Messengers with Eko Ile at Rich Mix on Sunday. Another excellent mix of education, entertainment and career development for Africans and friends of Africa.

Enjoy!!!

Monday 24^th June

From 9.30am to 6.00pm is Tribute to Aime Cesaire at Cine Lumiere- Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensbury Place, SW7 2DT. This is a celebration of the poet Aime Cesaire who is recognised and one of the leading Francophone poets of the 20^th Century and leading prophets of Negritude. There will be an array of distinguished speakers a well as selected readings and recitals of his poetry. Tickets are £20.00, email Dr Philip Crispin for more information 

At 3.00pm the Olivier Theatre hosts In Conversation with Adrian Lester at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX, in which he talks to Al Senter about his current role in Othello and his

career as well as an interactive Q&A with the audience. Tickets are £5.00 (£4.00 concs)

From 6.00pm to 9.00pm is Senegalese Sabar Drumming Summer School in College Buildings, Russell Square,Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG running till 28^th June, this class instructed by Master Drummer Modou Diouf who will be teaching students a number of traditional compositions as well as the culture, history and playing techniques of this family of drums. The Course is £95.00 (£75.00 concs) from here. 

Tuesday 25^th June

At 5.30pm Chatham House hosts The Rule of Law in South Africa: Measuring Judicial Performance and Meeting Standards at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Suella Fernandes (Africa Justice Foundation) the Chief Justice of South Africa the Hon Mogoeng Mogoeng will discuss the South African justice sector and the Constitutional Courts achievements in what is widely regarded as one of the strongest constitutions in the world for human rights and political freedoms. To attend this FREE event contact Chris Vandome

At 7.00pm the legendary Jamaican Singer Jimmy Cliff will be performing at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, Shepherds BushGreen, W1 8TT. Singing a selection of hits songs from his stellar career as well as new songs from his 012 album RE.BIRTH. The Jamaican singer will be supported by Natty Acoustic from 8.00pm to 8.30pm and joined by special guests. Tickets start from £27.50 from here.

At 7.45pm Errollyn Wallen will be performing at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, Wapping, E1W 3ST. The Ivor Novello Award winning classical pianist (all the more unique for a black female classical musician!) will be performing a selection of her piano works and songs as part of an installation Memory, Reflection and the Passing of Time. Tickets are £12.00 and can be ordered by phone 0207 680 2080 or on the door or from here. 

Wednesday 26^th June

From 6.30pm to 9.00pm is the Africa Centre Games Night at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. Come and play an eclectic assortment of games like chess, oware, Lagos edition Monopoly, draughts dominoes and senet. A fun and different way to socialise and meet people. Come in teams of 4-6 or as an individual. FREE but a donation of £3.00 is appreciated here.

At 7.00pm Enchanted Tunes presents Ester Rada at Momo’s Kernia Bar, 25 Heddon Street, Piccadilly, W1B 4BH. The Ethiopian Jewish singer will draw on her roots as well as her experiences growing up in Netanya a tough Tel Aviv neighbourhood. Tickets are £10.00 on the door

Thursday 27^th June

From 6.00pm to 11.00pm is the iCAN (informal Caribbean African Network) Social Evening at Tompkins, 4 Pan Peninsula Square, South Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 9HN. With an area reserved this is a relaxed informal networking event for African and Caribbean professionals. Either register here or just turn up for this FREE event

At 6.30pm Space Scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will discuss The Power of Dreams at The Crystal, One Siemens Brothers Way, Royal Victoria Docks, E16 1GB. The eminent scientist will discuss how she turned her childhood dreams of being a space scientist into a reality. This is a FREE event but register here. An inspirational must for young people. 

At 7.30pm the Mama Jumbe Book Club will be discussing short stories at Mama Jumbe’s, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. This instalment is ‘Misss Lora’ by Junot Diaz with music by DJ Gabe. FREE event just turn up.

Friday 28^th June

At 8.00am is the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit (NDDDIS 2013) at The Grand Hotel, 8 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BY. This summit seeks to help Nigerians in the Diaspora to go home to invest in Nigeria. Confirmed speakers include Dr Dalhatu Sakir Tafida, (Nigeria High COmmisioner), Olusegun Aganga (Nigerian Minister of Trade and Investment), Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria), David Smith (British African Business Alliance), Clive Carpenter (Business Council for Africa), Bimbo Roberts Folayan (CANUK), Kingsley Aikins (Diaspora Matters) and Barnaby Briggs (Shell International). Running till Saturday evening, tickets are £100.00 from here.

At 9.30am Machair Social Enterprise hosts African Diaspora Entrepreneurship: Social Enterprise in Africa at Machair Social Enterprise, 3Space, 58 Victoria Embankment, EC4Y 0DS. Delivered by Isebail Mackinnon, this workshop will give you an action plan as a social entrepreneur, clarify your ideas and income stream, overview of legal structures, market research and a business plan. Tickets are £35.00 from here.

At 6.30pm Star100 presents Personal Views on Ghana’s Political Journey- 1957 to the present day at 13 Belgrave Square, Westminster, SW1X 8PX. This event will offer three personal views from 1957 to the present day with Professor Kwaku Danso-Boafo (Ghana High Commissioner to the UK),   Dr Michael Amoah (Author; Nationalism Globalisation and Africa) and Yaw Afriyie (Political History student). There will be a short presentation, an interview and a quiz with light refreshments. Tickets are £11.50 from here. 

At 6.30pm is the VC4Africa London Meetup at Cape Bar, Corner of Wood Street and Love Lane, City of London, EC2V 7JQ. This is an informal event for Africans, entrepreneurs, friends of Africa, to meet, socialise and network in a relaxed environment. This is a FREE event, sign up here.

This Friday from 6.30pm to 9.00pm is the Black Solicitors Network Networking Night at Cape Bar, Corney & Barrow, 10 Parternoster Square, City of London, EC4M 7DX. This is a relaxed informal event for Black professionals (not just lawyers) from all sectors. This is a FREE event just turn up.

Saturday 29^th June

From 9.30am to 6.30pm GUBA Awards and NFDP Ltd present Ghana Careers and Opportunities Fair- 2013 at Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ. There will be a Business and Investment Roundtable Forum exploring business and career opportunities in Ghana with Mr Roland Agambire (RLG Communications), Ebele Edwin Ogboe (UBA Capital Ltd), Herman Chinery-Hesse (The Softribe Ghana), Dr Mark Ankrah (State Housing Company), Mrs Pearl Esuah-Mensah (UT Bank), Eric Vincent-Guichard (Homestrings) and Mrs Mawuena Trebarh (Ghana Investment Promotions  Centre). The keynote speaker will be Ghanaian High Commissioner to the UK Kwaku Danso-Boafo. Following the round table discussion will be a Careers Fair for Banking, finance, software engineers, programmers, oil and gas mining etc. Admission is £15.00 from here.

From 9.30am to 1.00pm Machair Social Enterprise hosts African Diaspora Entrepreneurship: Business Start Up Workshop at Machair Social Enterprise, 3Space, 29-31 Oxford Street, W1D DR. Hosted by Isebail Mackinnon, this workshop will give you an action plan as an entrepreneur, clarify your ideas and income stream, overview of legal structures, market research and contact and resources to help with your move to Africa. Tickets are £35.00 from here

From 11.00am to 5.00pm Open the Gate will host The African Market at Old

Spitalfields Market, 16 Horner Square, Spitalfields, E1 6EW, this unique alternative market will feature a selection of African designs, arts, literature, music homeware, jewellery, accessories and natural beauty products. FREE entry throughout. More details here

At 2.00pm the African Women in Europe Awards 2013 hold at Holiday Inn, Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DN. Themed ‘Acknowledging and Empowering African Women investing in Africa’, from 2.00pm to 5.00pm are workshops, with the Awards Ceremony starting at 6.00pm. Tickets are £45.00 from here.

From 4.00pm to 11.00pm is the Nigerian Events Awards 2013 at the Docklands Hilton Hotel, 265 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5HW. This event is organised by Event Planners with the primary objective of creating awareness of and celebrating and rewarding the vast skill and professionalism of the people who work behind the scenes of private, social corporate or public events. There will be music/ comedy, buffet drinks and dinner, raffle draw, goody bags, networking opportunities and a mini exhibition. Tickets from £50.00 from here. 

From 5.00pm to 10.00pm is the AFRUCA Fundraising and Variety Evening at Amnesty International, 17- 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA. This event is part of AFRUCA’s ‘7 Days against human trafficking’ campaign. Hosted by Princess Deun Adedoyin- Solarin there will be an African musical drama, poetry recital by Dumi Senda, a fashion show and classical music by Georgina Whitehead. Tickets are £20.00 from here £25.00 on the door.  

At 6.00pm is the Charity Quiz Night in support of Somali Relief and Development Forum at Oaktree Centre, Osborne Road, W3 8SJ. Team can have up to 6 members and prizes will be given out on the night. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 8.30pm Palo Santo Stage Show presents a quadruple bill of Horn Dogz featuring Breis, Kalakuta featuring Emeka Elendu, Artikel, Unexpected Guest featuring Chima Anya and DJ Snuff and MC Honey Brown at Hootananny Brixton, 95 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF. Horndogz are an eclectic French trio playing everything from P- Funk to jazz, BREIS is a dynamic hip hop artist who fuses hip hop, soul and Afrobeat. 12 piece Afrobeat band Kalakuta featuring Emeka Elendu of Fela Kuti’s Afrika 70/ Egypt 80 will perform Afrobeat standards as well as new compositions, 6 piece heavy funk/ jazz/ hip hop band Unexpected guest will feature Oxford/ London MC Chima Anya, Artikel blend electronic, hip hop and jazz to create a unique sound with DJ Snuff and MC Honey Brown on the decks. All this for FREE before 10.00pm and just £3.00 after!!!

At 9.00pm is Shrine On You with the Classica Orchestra Afrobeat at the New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RL a homage to Fela Kuti the Afrobeat master. Directed by Marco Zanotti this unusual chamber orchestra formed by 11 classical and jazz musicians, featuring Seun Kuti and Kologbo, with DJ’s Koichi Sakai and Kyazi Lugangira Acoustic live duo. Admission is £5.00 in advance and £8.00 on the door. Don’t miss this! 

At 2.00pm is Tales of the not entirely unexpected: fair trade coffee, tea and flowers in Ethiopia and Uganda in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG Professor Christopher Cramer discusses recent SOAS research from DfID funded projects in investigating the Fairtrade experience in Ethiopia and Uganda with journalist Orla Ryan. Followed by a Q&A, for more details about this FREE event contact by email or phone on 0207 898 4041. 

Also at 2.00pm at SOAS is the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony in the Japanese Roof Garden, Brunei Gallery. This ceremony will be conducted by Father Berhanu and his wife and is an integral part of Ethiopian social and cultural life for more details about this FREE event contact by email or phone on 0207 898 4041. 

At 9.00pm Rachel Kerr will be performing at Rock the Belles at the Bedroom Bar, 62 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY. This exclusive set backed by a full band will see Rachel perform new songs from her EP including her new single ‘Iwill love me’. Tickets are £5.00 before 10.00pm if you email to get added to the list 

Sunday 30^th June

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is the Annual NSUUK Annual Nigerian Students Football Challenge at Power League Catford, Canadian Avenue, Catford, SE6 4SW. Register your teams on the day or contact 07567804081 or 07988756682 or email 

At 12.00pm Osasu presents Le Marche Africain at 5^th Base Gallery, 23 Henbeage Street (off Brick Lane), E1 5LJ with African products, designs, food, skin care, arts and more. FREE entry register here.

From 1.00pm to 10.30pm Lekan Babalola and the Afrobeat Messengers presents Eko Ile- Lagos to London at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. The twice Grammy award winning percussionist will be hosting this celebration of the spirit of Lagos with the Ifa-Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust with film, talks by John Mawell Worrell, Juwon Ogungbe, Moji Kareem, Ekua Andrea Agha, Majemite Jaboro and others, visual arts by Olumide Onigbogi., music by Folabi Lipede, food by Aso Rock and fashion. The Evening concert will be led by Lekan Babalola. For your taste of Naija in London pop into this awesome event. FREE daytime events, evening concert £10.00 (£8.00 concs) more details here.

From 4.30pm to 6.00pm the Africa Centre will be screening Hollow City at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. This Angolan film follows the travails and adventures of Bie who is taken to the Angolan capital Luanda after his family is massacred by soldiers. Whilst there he runs away from the group and journeys into the heart of the giant city. FREE but a £3.00 donation is kindly requested here.

At 5.00pm is the Star TV Launch at Double Tree Hilton Hotel, 2-8 Hangar Lane, Ealing, W5 3HN. This new channel will feature family and youth oriented shows in Somali and English, focussing on everyday issues affecting youth in the UK and the diaspora, as well as insights into Somali culture. Tickets for this event are FREE from here.

Week of 17th June: Funmi Olawumi At Jazz Cafe Competition, Lenny Henry in Fences, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma of the AU, Adrian Lester in Othello, Royal African Society Annual Lectures, Africa Gathering, French African music, African movies at the Africa Centre

Hail Good People!!

Please find below Proud to be African Clothing’s veritable okro soup of interesting, educative and entertaining events that will draw you in and nourish your souls for the week ahead.

Funmi Olawumi of the Yoruba Women’s Choir will be performing at the Jazz Cafe this Friday and we have teamed up with Black theatre and events website Afridiziak to offer a lucky winner TWO FREE tickets to the show. 

All you need to do send an email to info@proudtobeafrican.co.uk with ‘PROUD TO BE AFRICAN CLOTHING FUNMI OLAWUMI COMPETITION’ in the Subject and your name in main body.

Get mailing!!!!

We also have the Chairperson of the African Union, Dr Zuma in London on Wednesday, , veteran comedian Lenny Henry in an excellent theatrical turn at the Duchess Theatre, the best of French African music at Institut Francais with Modou Toure and others, Africa Gathering at BBC Broadcasting Centre, 2 delightful movies at the Africa Centre, FOCUS Organisations Africa Special at Rich Mix, the Zimbabwe Minister of Economic planning at Chatham House, Brent Black Music History Quiz with BBM/ BMC.

Enjoy the week and make sure you mention Proud to be African Clothing to your friends, or even better, go wearing one of our products and send me the photos.

Have a great week

Monday 17^th June

From 6.00pm to 10.00pm Positive Inclusions presents Become a Business Mentors Seminar and Networking Evening at Google Campus, 5 Bonhill Street, EC2A 4BX, with Mavis Amankwah. For business owners, entrepreneurs or sole traders with at least 3 years experience looking to guide and assist young entrepreneurs for at least one hour a month. Benefits include receiving ASDAN accreditation in Introduction and Preparation for Mentoring, business profile will be featured on Rich Visions Small Business Directory access to Rich Visions database of 5000, gift vouchers and many more. Register for this FREE presentation and networking event here

Proud to be Zimbabwean

At 10.30am Chatham House hosts Zimbabwe Building business: Economic Development and

Regional Impacts at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE, with the Hon Dr Tapiwa Mashakada (Zimbabwe Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion) who will discuss the business environment and the importance of national development and regional engagement for the continued recovery of the Zimbabwean economy. For information or to attend contact Chris Vandome.

At 5.00pm the Royal Africa Society hosts Regional Economic Outlook for Sub Saharan Africa in Committee Room 18, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Chaired by Jeremy Lefroy (Africa All Party Parliamentary Group), with Antoinette M. Sayeh (Director Africa Department, IMF) who will review recent economic developments in the region and the macroeconmic outlook through 2014 briefly discussing capital inflows and the challenges of energy sector reform. To attend contact Desne Masie 

At 6.00pm is the CAS 2013Annual Lecture Representing the Coast in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Booker prize shortlisted Zanzibar born author Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah will discuss African Indian Ocean writing by the likes of Naipaul, Blixen and Conrad as well as his own works. Chaired by Dr Michael Jennings (CAS Chairman) with Professor Mpalive Msiska (Birkbeck College) RSVP by email 

Tuesday 18^th June

Proud to be Nigerian

At 10.00am Chatham House hosts Opportunities for Financial Services in Nigeria, Angola and Ghana at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House. The Lord Mayor of London Alderman Roger Gifford and Richard Fuller MP (All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria) will discuss their perspectives on opportunities for the financial services sector and SMEs looking to expand with new trading partners in West Africa. To attend contact Tighisti Amare.

From 3.00pm to 4.00pm the Royal Academy of Engineering hosts Private Sector Development in Africa: Lessons from the telecoms industry at The Houses of Parliament, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Hosted by The Right Honourable Chi Onwuarah MP (Shadow Cabinet Minister) and chaired by Egon Cossou (BBC Worlds Africa Business Report), this panel discussion will ask how the telecoms industry has been so successful in bringing opportunities for development and what that means for other industries and what lessons can be learned. This is a FREE event but please register here

Proud to be Ghanaian

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm is 50 Years of the OAU/ AU How Far Have We Come at Ghana High Commission, 13 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PN. This Talk and Q&A by career diplomat Mr K.B. Asante who talk part in the negotiations between the Casablanca and Monrovia Groups that led to the Addis Ababa meeting that led to the creation of the OAU. This is a FREE event

At 6.00pm is Re: Baldwin at Olivier Theatre, The National Theatre, South bank, SE1 9PX, where Bonnie Greer and Daniel Matlin will discuss the work of novelist, essayist, playwright and poet James Baldwin, his involvement in the Civil Rights movement and his role in African American Culture and identity. Chaired by Genista McIntosh tickets are £4.00 (£3.00 concs) from here

From 5.45pm to 8.00pm is the Royal Africa Society 2013 Annual Lecture: Africa The next 50 Years at The Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, W1G 0AE. With HE Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, (Chairperson of the African Union) and chaired by Lord Malloch-Brown (Chair, Royal Africa Society). Dr Zuma will reflect on the achievements and challenges of the AU and look ahead to the next 50 years. Register your interest in attending this FREE event here

Wednesday 19^th June

Born in the UK Made in Jamaica

At 5.30pm, UCL Institute of the Americas presents Reflections on the Radical Caribbean Intellectual in Lecture Theatre 103, 52 Gordon Square, WC1H 0AY. Professor Anthony Bogues (Brown University) will review some of the main elements of the radical Caribbean intellectual focussing on the works and ideas of Toussaint L’Ouverture, Marcus Garvey, CLR James, Sylvia Wynter and Walter Rodney. Register for this FREE event here.

From 6.30pm to 8.30pm the Business Innovation Facility (BIF) hosts Base of the pyramid consumers: Getting the right product to the right people at Unilever House, 100 Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars, EC4Y 0DY. Discussing how companies develop products such as stoves, water purifiers, off grid power, nutritious foods for low income markets and how they overcome challenges will be Soji Ampala (Convention on Business Integrity in Nigeria and Nigeria Country Manager BIF) and Nisha Dutt (Intellecap Consulting and India Country Manager BIF). Chaired by Simon Maxwell (Overseas Development Institute). Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.30pm Lenny Henry stars in Fences at the Duchess Theatre, Catherine Street, WC2B 5LA, as Troy Maxson, a former gifted athlete who now struggles with daily life in Pittsburgh. Set between the Korean and Vietnam wars, he takes out his anger on his loyal wife and sports obsessed son. Tickets for this award winning play are £39.50 from here. 

Thursday 20^th June

Proud to be African Children's Clothes

From 6.00pm to 11.00pm Lela’s Lounge presents Talk To Me (A Speed Dating Affair) at Biagio Bankside, 2 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9EU. For black professionals between 21 and 33 this unique event will have icebreakers, and rounds speed dating rounds all with tunes under the tutelage of host, DJ and poet JJ Bola. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm is Fold Crumple Crush: The art of El Anatsui at October Gallery, 4 Old Gloucester Street, WC1N 3AL. This series of 8 short films filmed over 3 years in Venice, Nsukka, Nigeria and the US this is a portrait of Africa’s most widely acclaimed contemporary artist El Anatsui, giving an insider’s view of the artists practice, the ingenious steps and thousands of hours of labour used to convert used bottle tops into huge opulent wall hangings. RSVP this FREE event here

At 6.30pm is the Brent Black Music History Quiz in the Innovation Room, College of North West London, Wembley Park Drive, Wembley Park, HA9 8HP. This fun, family friendly, multi media event will test your knowledge of Black Music history, with quiz master Kwaku and people from the local music scene, RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Poetry Meets Art at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. With live interpretation of poetry by artists and the audience, featuring Zena Edwards, Errol McGlashan and Nathaniel Nye and an Open Mic. Tickets are £5.00 in advance from here or £7.00 on the door.

                                                                 Friday 21^st June

 At 1.00pm Mashasha and Sam perform in The Central Bar, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 0AA, bass player Mashaasha and drummer Sam from Zimbabwe fuse traditional roots and jazz to bring you original African drum and bass with stunning vocals. This is a FREE event, just turn up and groove!

Proud to be African Hoody

From 2.00pm to 6.00pm BBC Africa hosts Africa Gathering 2013 London 5^th Anniversary at BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, W1A 1AA. Running till Saturday (11.00am to 6.00pm) and themed ‘Hands on technology: The rise of the makers, the dynamic and the disruptive thinkers of Africa, this conference showcases the role of women in the Africa technology sector. Curated by Mariemme Jamme, speakers include Ver Kwakofi (BBC Africa), Caroline Whaley (Nike Foundation), Caroline Kende-Robb (Africa Progress Panel), Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock (Space scientist), Paul-Henry Aithnard (Ecobank Group), Jamie Drummond (One International), Tony Burkson(Technology Evangelsit), Jamila Abass (Akirachix), Mariam Quansah (BBC Africa) and Ken Banks (kiwanja.net and FrontlineSMS). Tickets start from £40.00 from here. 

Funmi Olawumi

At 6.00pm Iroko Theatre Company presents Homage to Canning Town African Ancestors, at Grassroots, Memorial Park, Memorial Avenue, West Ham, E15 3DB. This new musical theatre piece composed by Juwon Ogungbe and directed by Alex Oma-Pius chronicles the lives and times of the African community that worked in the London Docklands are of the 1920s and 30s. Performers include Yaw Asumadu, Afla Sackey and Juwon Ogungbe. RSVP this FREE event here

At 7.30pm Funmi Olawumi will be performing at The Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG. The founder of the Yoruba Women Choir, will be performing with her 12-piece big band featuring the four part harmonies of Naija Soul Sisters and an 8-piece band, mixing afrobeat, juju, highlife and fuji to create a big sound that is faaji music. Playing tracks from her new CD ‘Funmi Ti De’ tickets are: £20.00 (£18.50 concs) from here or by phone 0207 485 6834. 

At 7.15pm Adrian Lester stars in Othello, at the National Theatre Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX. This classic Shakespeare play sees Othello married to Desdemona who is nearly half his age appointed leader of a military operation to defend Cyprus from the Turks, however his ensign Iago bitter at having been passed over for promotion persuades Othello Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair, running till 18^th August tickets for this classic play start at £12.00 from here

At 8.00pm Focus Organisation presents Africa Special! at Rich Mix, 5-47 Bethnal Green Roasd, Shoreditch E1 6LA, featuring Zimbabwean dance band Harare, Senegalese kora player Diabel Cissokho with AJ Holmes on the decks. Tickets are £5.90 in advance from here, more on the door.

At 7.00pm is the Africa Shock Party at Momo’s Kemia Bar, 25 Heddon Street, Picadilly, W1B 4BH, with old school African tunes followed by Noumoucounda Cissoko and his live kora band on stage. The evening will end with MC Scolaire and DJ Benzomix on the decks. Tickets are £12.00 on the door

Saturday 22^nd June

From 10.00am to 4.00pm is the African Student Fair at the Hilton London Docklands, 265 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5HW. This event is aimed at students of African descent and will provide information about scholarships, visas, work placements and study abroad options. Face to face opportunities with universities from the UK, Canada and the EU. This is a FREE event

From 10.00am to 3.00am Lift Effects presents The Xtraordinary Lady at 189 South Norwood Hill, South Norwood SE25 6DJ. With a host of extraordinary ladies who have overcome obstacles and challenges to achieve success, such as Ify Oti who went from being a chartered secretary to running multi million pound projects in the private and public sector, Jacqueline Ani, speaker, author and lecturer, Ada who battled health problems to be a Body by Vi Champion and others. Tickets are £20.00 from here 

From 11.00am to 6.00pm BBC Africa hosts the second day of Africa Gathering 2013 London 5^th Anniversary at BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, W1A 1AA. Themed ‘Hands on technology’ this conference showcases the role of women in the Africa technology sector. Curated by Mariemme Jamme, speakers include Ver Kwakofi (BBC Africa), Caroline Whaley (Nike Foundation), Caroline Kende-Robb (Africa Progress Panel), Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock (Space scientist), Paul-Henry Aithnard (Ecobank Group), Jamie Drummond (One International), Tony Burkson (Technology Evangelist), Jamila Abass (Akirachix), Mariam Quansah (BBC Africa) and Ken Banks (kiwanja.net and FrontlineSMS). Tickets start from £40.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm is the Community Cohesion Event at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG. Hosted by Mackie Sheik in support if the Intwali Foundation for disabled and orphaned children it will feature a live African Band, performing artists, dances, drama and poetic art. Tickets are £25.00 (£15.00 concs) from here.

From 4.30pm to 10.00pm Instituit Francais hosts Fete de la Musique (Music Day) at Institut Francais du Royaume, 17 Queensbury Place, SW7 2DT with celebrated artists such as Senegalese Modou Toure and Madagascan Nogabe Randriaharimalala and more. Not only do you get a free Ricard aperitif between 6.30pm and 7.30pm but the entire event is FREE!! More info here

At 8.00pm Patti Boulaye will be performing at The Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH. Performing tracks from her long career in music and entertainment with surprise guests this is a treat for all fans of the Nigerian- British trailblazer. Tickets from £15.00 from here

Sunday 23^rd June

From 2.30pm to 4.00pm the Africa Centre will be screening Mama Africa at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. This biopic of the South African singer Mariam Makeba who sang for John F. Kenney, performed with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone, Dizzy Gillespie and Hugh Masekela traces her life and music through 50 years of performing from the townships and dance halls of South Africa. FREE although a £3.00 donation is kindly requested from here.

From 2.30 pm to 3.30pm the Open City Docs Fest will screening Black Out + Short: Five Lives by Silence in the Cinema Tent, Torrington Square, WC1E 7HX. Black Out is a documentary about Guinean children who during exam season go out nightly to parts of the Conakry that have light to study and how these children overcome their challenges in order to succeed. Preceded by Five Lives by Silence, tickets are £8.00 (£6.00 concs) from here

At 2.30pm Feferity returns to Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF. At 3.00pm is the film The Family Legacy about the effect sickle cell has on 4 generations of the same family. Looking for Sierra Leone a short film by young Sierra Leoneans based in London interviewing their elders about what they miss about home. From 6.00pm is live music by singer-songwriter, poet, musician and dancer Khadijatou Dyneh (K2) backed by a range of musical styles. Tasty African food will also be on sale, tickets are £5.00 from here.

At 4.30pm is Leh We Tok Conference on Music and Networking at Biagio Bankside, 32 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9EU. This Sierra Leonean participatory meeting hosted by Edwina Momoh and chaired by Joseph Saidu Jr is designed to inspire and raise aspirations of the music industry, redefine success and equip young artists with business skills and techniques for success.  The 5 speakers and panellists are DJ Little, Nick Asgill, Lyande Kaikai (Passport Africa), Osman Kamara (Mo Entertainment) and Kadia Bangura (SaloneTrueFans). RSVP for this FREE event here.

From 4.30 pm to 6.00pm, the Africa Centre will be screening Max and Mona at the Africa Centre. This slapstick South African comedy is about Max who has inherited his grandfathers gift for traditional mourning at peoples funerals but instead is determined to travel to Johannesburg to become a doctor, with money from his village and a wedding gift he sets off on a coming of age adventure with an unlikely partner. This screening is FREE but a £3.00 donation is kindly requested here.