Week of 8th July: Bob Marleys ‘Catch A Fire’, TY at Tongue Fu, Africa Scientific Independence, Jamaican Cultural Day, Nigerian Parents and Youth Conference, A Season in Congo at the Young Vic and Lumumba at the Africa Centre

Greetings,

We hope you enjoyed last weeks many offerings as much as Proud to be African Clothing did. This week you have more opportunities to see Chiwetel Ejiofor at the Young Vic in A Season in Congo. There is a panel discussion on Telecom Opportunities in Africa in the Houses of Parliament, African/ Spanish Flamenco at the famous Sadlers Wells and British Hip Hop legend TY will be performing at the South Banks Tongue Fu. Lots of Caribbean events from Grenada, to Bob Marley to Reggae to The Hot Caribbean Fest in Camden, Ibom Day and much more below to enjoy!

Monday 8^th July

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 brilliant performances, dance and music as well as, it runs till 14^th August and tickets start from £10.00 here. 

Tuesday 9^th July

From 3.00pm to 4.30pm the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) will host Telecom Opportunities in Africa in the Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Hosted by Chi Onwurah MP (Head of the Africa All Party Parliamentary Group) and chaired by Egon Cossou (BBC Worlds Africa Business Report) with Bashir Gwandu (CommonwealthITU Group), Stephen Young (DfID), Layth Irani (SBMC Group) and a representative of Vodafone. Following the release of the RAE report Engineers for Africa: Identifying engineering capacity needs in Sub Saharan Africa, the speakers will be exploring the roots of the success of the telecoms industry in sub Saharan Africa mainly, Kenya, Nigeria, what opportunities are there for development and investment and are there larger lessons to be learnt for private sector development. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm is the Inspire YOUth Series 2 at the Channel 4 Building, 124 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2TX. Themed Generation X and Y- From bedroom to the boardroom, the focus will be on youth enterprise and career aspirations. Speakers will include Robin Elias (ITV News), Rozan Ahmed (International PR and Marketing Specialist), Sebastian Tehil (Director), Darwood Grace (Director) and BREIS (Rapper/ Poet) be discussing online journalism careers, the rise of the web series, new media skills, business development, dos and don’ts in the media. Aimed at 16-24 year olds get FREE tickets from here

Wednesday 10^th July

At 7.30pm the Paco Pena Flamenco Dance Company presents Quimeras at Sadlers Wells, Roseberry Avenue, EC1R 4TN, in which legendary flamenco guitarist Paco Pena examines the influence Africa has had on European culture by telling the story of a group of Africans who travel to Spain in search of work, bringing together traditional Spanish and African music and dance in a virtuoso performance. Running till the 13^th of July, tickets start from £12.00 from here.

At 9.00pm we have British Hip hop star Ty at Tongue Fu at London Wonderground Part II, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. This is part of a four show residency where hip hop, poetry  and flash fiction meet up. With spoken words artist performing with improvised soundtracks and films from genre hopping Tongue Fu Band (Nostalgia 77) and design crew CR&D. Featuring Ty the Mercury nominated rapper and poet, poet, curator and broadcaster Luke Wright, Femi Martin, purveyor of flash fiction, Dizraeli, BBC Radio 4 Slam winner. Hosted by Chris Redmond there will also be a launch of the new live album ‘Tongue Fu Tapes Vol 1’. Tickets are £12.50

Thursday 11^th July

From 9.00am to 5.00pm the Planet Earth Institute will host Africa’s Scientific Independence: How do we get there? at the Hub Westminster, 1^st Floor New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE. Bringing together 100 people from higher education, technology and science in Africa for a mixture of working groups, 1 to 1’s and partnerships in an interactive day on African science and technology. The morning session themed What do we mean by scientific independence? Chaired by Lord Paul Boateng, with Professor Peter Piot (UN AIDS Initiative), Dr Kasirim Nwuke (UN Economic Commission for Africa) and Lanre Akinola (This is Africa). After lunch the first Afternoon session will consist of simultaneous workshops on Making an Impact with academic and science research facilitated by Dr Andy Cherry (Association of Commonwealth Universities), Communicating science to the public– Julian Siddle and Deborah Cohen (BBC World Service), Role of ICT in higher education and scientific learning- UNESCO rep, Challenges of S&T development in West Africa- a case study- Jessica Romo (SciDev.net), The benefits of research partnerships- Elisabeth Schenker (Swiss National Science Foundation), Capacity building for academics in Africa- Dr Elisa Lopez-Capel (Newcastle University), Giving Educators the right tools- Jim Wynn (Promethean) and A new wave of African entrepreneurs: young, socially minded and innovation driven –African Development Institute and African Development Bank. The second afternoon session will be key issue workshops created by participants on the day with the day ending with a Feedback session. Register for this FREE event here. Essential for anyone interested in Science or Africa.

From 10.30am to 5.00pm Sanctuary Artists presents Sanctuary: Home, Away, Common ground in the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG.. This collaborative exhibition of 5 African and 5 European artists explores cultural, political, social and environment differences and commonalities. Featuring Patrick Altes (Algeria), Madi Acharya-Baskerville (UK), Lindsay Duncanson (UK), Annabelle Hulbert (UK), James Mbuthia (Kenya), Kamal Shaah (Kenya), Prina Shah (Kenya) and Michael Taylor (UK). This FREE event runs until 21^st September. More details here.

At 1.00pm Nubian Jak presents Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Remembered at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS. Written and directed by JD Douglas and performed by George Mitchell Secondary School and Richard Atkins Primary School the youngest ever cast to appear at the Royal Court Theatre. There will also be a performance of Swing Time at the Palace by Southfields Academy and Benthall Primary School. RSVP this FREE historic performance by email or phone 0800 09 0400

At 6.00pm Young Black Grads presents The Entrepreneurs Marketplace at Teach First, 4 More London Riverside, London Bridge, SE1 2AU. Featuring numerous businesses, who will be showcasing their products and sharing their experiences. Workshops on how to write a business plan, and business finance by Business LaunchPad and the Bright Ideas Trust, with opportunities to apply for grants and seed loans. This is a FREE event, register here

At 6.30pm Hart Culture CIC hosts the Jamaican Cultural Evening at the Jamaica High Commission, 1- 2 Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BZ. This event in light of Jamaica’s 50^th year of independence will explore Jamaican proverbs in action and showcase Jamaica’s talent in the Diaspora. Register for this FREE event here.

Friday 12^th July

At 6.00pm BBM/ BMC presents Veterans Front Room: Talking Vinyl and Music Industry Memories with Juwon Ogungbe at the Coming Soon Club, 5-7 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley Triangle, HA9 8AE. The multi talented London born Nigerian composer, opera singer, multi instrumentalist and musical theatre artist will be discussing his career and repertoire. FREE event but register here.

The Mboho Akwa Ibom State Association UK and Ireland hosts Ibom Day 2013 at the Thistle Marble Arch, Bryanston Street, W1H 7EH. Aiming to promote investment in education in Akwa Ibom State, raise awareness of business and investment opportunities in the state, as well as raise funds for the development of Ibom House in London and celebrate and recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions. The event will feature a symposium, workshops, spectacular dances, a Mr & Miss Akwa Ibom leadership pageant, Awards Banquet Dinner and Dance and many other things. Hosted by Dr Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom State Governor), with Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida (Nigeria High Commissioner) as the Special Guest of Honour. Also expected are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Liyel Imoke (Cross Rivers State Governor). Tickets start from £60.00 contact by email or phone. 07961 827475/ 07828119278/ 07404042014.

Saturday 13^th July

 At 9.00am IDAY-UK and The Nigeria High Commission presents the Nigerian Parents and Youths Conference in the Banking Hall, Nigeria High Commission, 9 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5BX. The conference starts at 10.00am and runs till 6.00pm and is a community response to the tragic murder in Woolwich. Keynote speech by Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, sessions include; Combating Issues faced by Nigerian Youths in the UK, How to prevent religious extremism and radicalisation, Culture and Parenting of Nigerian youths in Modern Britain and Welfare, Crime prevention and education of Nigerian Youths. Lunch and refreshments to be provided at this FREE event, RSVP by phoning or emailing Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi on 07984 646 126

From 1.00pm to 9.00pm the Grenada Overseas Association hosts the 5^th Annual Grenadian Heritage Day at the Old Lyonian Sports and Social Club, 74 Pinner View, Harrow, HA1 4QF. This family, community and charity event will feature Grenadian and Caribbean cuisine, arts and crafts, literature, steel band music, live entertainment, children’s entertainment and a guest appearance by the Grenada Olympic team including Kirani James the 400m champion. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm BBM/ BMC presents Reggae Reggae Reggae Caught on Film: Screening and Discussion at the Coming Soon Club, 5-7 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley Triangle, HA9 8AF. There will be screening of excerpts of films that focus or use reggae music including a premiere of Kwaku’s guerrilla documentary Reggae Music: Britain’s Contribution followed by discussions. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 7.30pm is Bob Marley’s Catch a Fire at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. This orchestral interpretation of Bob Marley and the Wailers iconic album features the Jazz Jamaica All stars, the Urban Soul Orchestra, with special guest Brinsley Forde (of Aswad) and the 240 voice Voicelab Choir. An innovative piece of musical theatre with tickets starting at £17.50 from here.

At 8.00pm is Africa Shock Party at Momo’s Kemia Bar, 25 Heddon Street, W1B 4BH, with Safro Manzangi live and DJ Edu (BBC Radio 1 Xtra) playing the best African tunes. With food and table bookings available, tickets are £12.00

Sunday 14^th July

At 2.00pm the Africa Centre will be screening Lumumba at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, the film charts the true story of the rise to power and assassination of the leader of independent Congo Patrice Lumumba. Directed by Haitian born, Congolese raised Raoul Peck, this ii an emotional account of the tragic leader. Register here, a £3.00 donation is kindly requested. 

From 2.00pm to 8.00pm is Naturally You Day at The Bridge Community Centre, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG, this event will have expert speakers and workshops in the field of natural health, wellness and personal development, children’s activities, live entertainment, whole food meals, snacks and beverages, goody bags and a prize draw. And its all FREE,  register here!! 

From 3.00pm is The Hot Caribbean Fest! at Proud Camden, The Horse Hospital, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town, NW1 8AH. This event features food, music, drink and culture form the Caribbean Islands with performances by Gappy Ranks, General Levy, Scrappy and Triniboi Joocie and the Tropical Storm Band, Frenglish Connexion, steel pan by CSI and many more. And a carnival showcase by the D Riddim Tribe and Genesis Carnival Bands, with DJ’s Sun Bailante, Sakit, QT2Hype and Mista Hooli on the decks, free dancehall, soca, afrobeats and salsa workshops by Madeematik and Emrah Limah as well as children’s entertainment such as drumming, facepainting, drawing and more. Tickets are £10.00 in advance from here (£15.00 for a Jerk chicken, rice and peas meal), £5.00 for children under 12, FREE for under 5’s. 

At 7.00pm the Open Doors Baptist Church presents Empowering West Africa at Google Campus, 5 Bonhill Street, EC2A 4BX. This event will showcase charity, business, employment and trading opportunities within West Africa, with keynote speakers and experienced panellists from ADAP, Invest in Africa and many others. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is The Igbo Culture and Support Network Monthly Meeting at Claremont Project Islington, 24-27 White Lion Street, N1 9PD. Discussing THeJourney of a Woman. Guests speakers will be Yvonne Mbanefo (Learn Igbo Now founder) and Father Adolphus Ikechukwu Ezeakor (author All Alone). Admission is £5.00

At 7.30pm we have Musicool at Paradise Bar, 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE. Hosted by Amanda Star this live band music night will feature spoken word by Errol McGlashan, Jonah McCloud and performances by Mark Asari, Shantel Rock, Giovanna Jayne, Jermaine Grant, The Clef Truants, Yvonne and Aye-Two. Admission is £5.00, more details here.