Week of 24th February: Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Black Ballet, Fashion Africa Conference, Africa Business Partnership Forum, Uncle Errols Poetry Jam, South Africa after Nelson Mandela, Black Solicitors Network Networking, Mama Africa Unplugged, Queens4Africa Fundraising Variety Show, T&T High Commission London 1st Annual All Inclusive Carnival Fete

Kairabe (Hello in Mandinka),

Proud to be African Clothing is happy to give you another delightful buffet of entertainment, networking, skills, debate, education, movies and discussion.

The Nigerian Diaspora in the UK has grown significantly over the past few years. Recently released figures from the Office of National Statistics on 29^th August 2013, estimate that there are over 180,000 persons who list Nigeria as their country of birth. The Nigerian Government and the International Organisation of Migration is conducting a survey to identify Nigerian professionals in the UK and how the brain drain can be reversed. Please assist if you are a Nigerian professional or know someone who is (particularly in health and education) by completing this survey.

Enjoy the week

Monday 24^th February

At 5.00pm The Mo Ibrahim Foundation presents the Ibrahim Index of African Governance: The Student Perspective in Room 4429, School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This presentation by Salmana Ahmed and Christina Nelson addresses how the IIAG can be put to practical use in research and its relevance to an academic audience. Register by email.

At 6.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies hosts Mandela and the Media in Room G53, Senate House South Block, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. To register for this seminar contact Hilary Sapire

At 7.00pm Lets Watch screens The Stuart Hall Project at Juno Bar, 134-135 Shoreditch Hight Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JE. This documentary tells the story of the founding father of contemporary cultural studies who was an inspiring influence on British intellectual life since his emigration from Jamaica till his death last year Admission is £2.00 more details from here. 

Tuesday 25^th February

At 6.30pm Inspirational YOU presents Get Ahead in fashion Masterclass at The Stephen Lawrence Centre, 39 Brookmill Road, Deptford, SE8 4HU hosted by Ken Anyanwu, this evening is for those who would like to grow their career in fashion, speakers include Oliver Morris (Fashionaires.co.uk), Tamu Thomas (Kenema), Arieta Mujay (African Creative Collective), Chiedza (Afrodesiac/ Brown Sugar GH) and Sinem Bilen-Onibanjo (FAB Magazine. Register for this FREE event here

 At 8.00pm The Royal Opera House presents Black Ballet at Linsbury Studio Theatre, Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD. This mixed programme of new dance includes pieces by Arthur Pita, Christopher Marney and Martin Lawrence. Running till 4^th March, tickets start from £8.00 from here 

Wednesday 26^th February

From 10.00am to 1.00pm the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust hosts a 2 Day Interview Techniques Workshop at the Stephen Lawrence Centre. This interactive skills workshop with Yvonne Wilson will cover topics such as how to prepare for an interview, body language and communication skills, the do’s and don’ts of interviews, the different types of interview environments, common interview questions and more, Day 2 involves a live and recorded practice interview. Register for this FREE event here or email for more details

From 5.45pm to 9.00pm is Fashion Africa Conference at The Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This event will include two panel discussion  with contributions from fashion professionals, entrepreneurs and industry experts who will discuss and debate topics. Themes include sustainable Fashion Made in Africa and The Future of Africa Fashion. Panellista include Annegret  Affolderbach (Choolips),Daphne Kasambala (Sappelle online boutique), Helen Jennings ‘(Arise and Kisua), Lisel Truscott (Textile Exchange),Mark Stephenson (Sandstorm Kenya), Prama Masperi (Mayamiko), Prama Bhardwaj (Sunflag/Mantisworld), Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo (FAB Magazine), Tasmin Lejeune (Ethical Fashion Forum) and Terence Sambo (One Nigerian Boy blog). Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 6.00pm Cass Business School and Alliance 54 present Africa Business Partnership Forum (AGBPF 2014) at Cass Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8TZ. Themed ‘Doing Business with Africa: Business Models, Partnerships and Governance’, this forum will bring together African and non Africa businesses and investors to strategically position themselves, develop partners and develop Africa. Moderated by Dzidziso Sam Kamuriwo (Cass Business School), with confirmed speakers William Pollen (Invest in Africa), Andy Gibson (Institute of Export), Dr Ayo Salami (Duet Africa Fund), Claire Alexandre (M-Pesa), Gibril Faal (AFFORD & GK Partners), Simon Bransfield-Garth (Azuri Technologies), Mansoor Hamayun (BBOXX), Mohan Sodhi (Cass Business School) and Ernest Okwudike (Alliance 54). Other invited speakers include Tope Lawani (Helios Investment), Philippe Vogeleer (Vodafone), Mo Ibrahim (Satya Capital and Mo Ibrahim Foundation), Geoffrey White (Lonrho), Tom de Man (Heineken). Topics will include, Business Models in Africa: Success Stories and Case Studies, Developing Business Partnerships to Facilitate Growth, Africa Rising: What benefits for African businesses, Intelligent Governance: Lessons for Africa. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen hosts Ghana Russet Up at The Russet, 17 Amhurst Terrace, Hackney Downs, E8 2BT. This  will be a 3 course taste tour of Ghana £25.00 per head from here.

At 7.30pm is Uncle Errols Poetry Jam at Trispace Gallery, 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG. Themed Anger and Protest featuring Sam Berkson, with an open mc, poetry slam and musical acts and a Cherry Pop Slot, a 15 minute slot or virgin or nervous performers. Admission is £4.00.

At 7.00pm is South Africa after Nelson Mandela at the Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This panel discussion looks at South Africa as the ceremonies marking the passing of Nelson Mandela come to an end and the country prepares for the upcoming election amidst popular dissatisfaction with the ANC. The panel consists of Martin Plaut (Institute of Commonwealth Studies) and Jonny Steinberg (Oxford University). Tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Thursday 27^th February

At 7.00pm is Cultural Heritage of the African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean: Musical and Linguistic Traditions of Afro-Asians on Film at the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS. There will be a screening of the film ‘Indian Ocean Memories and African Migrants’ follows by a panel discussion with Professor Tope Omoniyi (Roehampton University) and Professor Parvati Nair (Queen Mary University London)

At 7.30pm is HomeB4Midnite at Bar Solo, 22 Inverness Street, Camden Town, NW1 7HJ, hosted by comedian Mr Blair featuring spoken word from Soul Brother Ian, comedy from President Obonjo and Denny Do Well  and live music from Garwe, Stephan, Chukuma and Zerena Melody. This is a FREE event

Friday 28^th February

At 2.00pm Chatham House presents Internal Party Democracy and South Africa’s 2014 Elections at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. With Jessie Duarte (African National Congress) who will reflect on the Reponses of the ruling party yo allegations of corruption, rising unemployment, service delivery and social cohesion. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 5.15pm The Bush Theatre presents We are Proud to Present..... at the Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ. This play by Jackie Sibblies Drury directed by Gbolahan Obiesan  is about a group of actors who gather together to tell the little known story of massacre of the Herero people in German South West Africa (Namibia) the first genocide of the 20^th century. Running till 12 March tickets are £19.50 from here

At 6.00pm is the iCAN Social Network Evening at La Tasca, 12 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AE where you can network with fellow African, Caribbean professionals. Register for this FREE event here or just turn up! 

At 6.30pm the Black Solicitors Network hosts BSN Monthly Networking Night at Corney and Barrows, 10 Paternoster Square, St Pauls, EC4M 7DY. This networking night is not just for lawyers or those in the legal profession but for all African or Caribbean professionals. Just turn up!

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating presents Mix and Mingle at All Bar One, 175 Bishopsgate Avenue, EC2M 3YD. This is organised for black singles to mix, mingle and meet new people, it will be hosted with people encouraged to mix. Tickets are £10.00 from here

Saturday 1^st March

At 5.00pm Miss Black Africa presents Queens4Africa Fundraising Variety Show at the Ripple Centre, 121-125 Ripple Road, Barking, IG11 7FN. Hosted by Sonia Ike (Miss Black Africa UK 2013), Samaia Tchapesseka (Miss Black Africa UK 2012) and Ruvimbo Chinzou (Miss Black Africa UK 2011), this night is in aid of Central Primary School 7 Okohia and Central School Dimagu, Imo State Nigeria. with comedy from MC Mark  and President Obonjo of Lafta Republic. Guest Speakers Pauline Long, Anita Bonnerman, Fikelephi Jackson and Father Morris. Tickets start from £10.00 from here

At 5.00pm The Somali Relief and Development Fund hosts its Final Charity Quiz Night at the Oaktree Centre, Osborne Road, W3 8SJ. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics in teams of up to 6 members with prizes given on the night. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm is the Nana Churcher Show Live at Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, W1C 2DJ. To celebrate Ghana’s 57^th year of Independence, the Nana Churcher Show is celebrating people who make a difference in the community. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm KMT Freedom Teacher presents Mama Africa Unplugged at Fairly Square, 51 Red Lion Street, WC1R 4PF featuring Kinshasa born, Zimbabwe based Mulele Matondo Afrika. Admission is £5.00 all night. More details here. 

At 7.00pm Open the Gate presents Phoenix City All Stars at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston E8 4AA. This international line up hosted by Fenomeno Show and Samurai featuring special guests Manlio features Phoenix All Stars, ska, reggae and rocksteady band, the Anna Mudeka Band from Zimbabwe mbira playing African rock and funk fusion, Banda do Brazilarte (Brazilian Carnival Vibes) with Tighten Up Cree upstairs. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 thereafter.

At 9.00pm is Xpressions- A Live Afro-Soul Night at Club T Chances, 399 High Road, Tottenham, N17 6QN. Ugandan artiste ‘Energy Man’ Paddy Dee Nangabo headlines this event with his live band, with saxophonist Godfrey Ngobi, Nyinomugihsa, playing traditional Acholi music, Lea Habz, Nancy Parrens, Julie Walugembe, Victoria O’Neil Namayanja and Yiga Samuel Joel. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

Sunday 2^nd March

From 2.00pm to 8.00pm is the T&T High Commission London 1^st Annual All Inclusive Carnival Fete at The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. Party away to the hottest soca and calypso and feast on roti, pelau and corn soup washed down with Angostura rum and Carib Lager, all of which is included in the price. Tickets are £45.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is the Sunday Open Mic featuring Simo Lagnawi at Inspiral Lounge and Events, 250 Casmden High Street, NW1 8QS. Hosted by Nate Maingard. This event feature Moroccan Simo Lagnawi, gnawa master. This is a FREE event more details here. 

Week of 17th February: Screen Nation Film and TV Awards, Jazz’mothology’s JAMMIN, Africa Centre Quiz, Art De la mode, Juwon Ogungbe’s Each Day is Valentines Day, Amira Kheir, Conversations with AFRUCA’s Children’s Champions, 9th Annual Huntley Conference, Akala Unplugged, African Urban Revolution, Ghetto Lounge: Afro Special, ICSN L-O-V-E Party

Obo Kian (How are you in Ishan)

As we dry ourselves off and try not to get blown away by the winds Proud to be African Clothing presents an absolutely riveting week of quiz’s, music, films, awards, conferences and events.

Have a great week!

Monday 17^th February

At 7.00pm is the Africa Centre Quiz at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Hosted by Henry Bonsu, this light hearted an informal night, will give you a chance to relax and network with likeminded people as well as test your knowledge to the limit. This is a FREE event although a £5.00 donation is kindly requested. Register teams of 4-8 members here. 

At 8.00pm SOAS Women’s Society presents For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf in Room G2, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Ntozake Shange’s play will start the Society’s ‘Ain’t I a woman? What’s race got to do with it?’ week, directed by Adam Tulloch, followed by a Q&A with the director and actresses. Tickets are £3.00 from here

Tuesday 18^th February

At 1.00pm Inspirational YOU hosts Inspire Youth Day at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, High Road Tottenham, N15 4RU hosted by Kem Anyanwu, 16-24 year olds will meet top entrepreneurs, learn how to develop winning ideas from successful business leaders and Cambridge University graduates. Register for this FREE event here

Wednesday 19^th February

From 9.30am to 4.30pm is Strategies for Schools Engagement on FGM at the Initiative of Change Building, Greencoat Place, Victoria, SW1P 1BE. This conference will feature panel discussions, expert speakers and targets education, health and social service professionals as well as women’s groups. Admission is £40.00, email for details.

At 1.10pm Juwon Ogungbe presents Each Day is Valentine’s Day, at St Sepulchre, Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2DQ. Accompanied by Ryoko Izutsu the singer and multi instrumentalist will sing arias and art songs by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, Arne, Quilter, Vaughan Williams, Ginastera, Foster, Porter, Gershwin and Spanish folk songs and the Zarzuela all based on love! More details here. 

At 5.30pm the UCL Institute of the Americas presents The Structure of Slave Ownership in St Catherine, Jamaica and Nevis 1817-1834 in Lecture Theatre 103, UCL, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This discussion panel will present 2 papers ‘The structure and significance of British Caribbean slave-ownership: A case study of St Catherine, Jamaica’ by Kate Donington (UCL) and ‘Using Slave registers as a source for Gathering information about the enslaved: A Case Study of St Kitts and Nevis’ Kristy Warren (UCL). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents South Sudan: finding the path to peace in Room K6.29, Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Kings Building, Strand Campus, Kings College London, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Professor Jack Spence OBE (KCL), with Tim Morris (UK Special Envoy to the South Sudan Peace Talks), Gonyi Ajawin (Fasken Martineau LLP) and Veronique Barbelet (Overseas Development Institute), the panel will explore some of the challenges to securing peace, the role of South Sudan’s neighbours, the wider international community and non state actors. RSVP this FREE event here. 

                                                           

                                                                     Thursday 20^th February

At 10.00am the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust hosts How to build a website or blog from scratch at the Stephen Lawrence Centre, 39 Brookmill Road, Deptford, SE8 4HU. This workshop covers the principles of good website design based on Wordpress and provide attendees with a domain name and webhosting, lessons on content, design and management of a website. Register for this FREE course here. 

At 5.30pm AFRUCA presents Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions at 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA. This event chaired by Debbie Ariyo OBE is a conversation with 2 of AFRUCAs children’s champions to discuss child protection issues affecting black families in London. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm is African Urban Revolution: How do population growth and conflict affect cities? at the Africa Research Institute, 55 Tufton Street, SW1P 3QL. This book launch will feature a panel discussion with Susan Parnell (African Centre for Cities), Caroles Rakodi, Tom Goodfellow, David Simon and Haley Leck as well as Jo Beall and Sean Fox, reviewing topics in the book which seeks to provides an insight into the key issues surrounding African urbanisation. Register for this FREE event by email or phone on 0207 222 4006. 

At 7.00pm the SOAS Centre for African Studies presents History on Film: Slavery and the African Diaspora from a Global Perspective in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS. This event will feature a screening of the 2014 film ‘The Diambourou: Slavery and Emancipation in Kayes (Mali)’ directed by Marie Rodet, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr Marie Rodet (SOAS), with Dr Shihan de Silva (Institute of Commonwealth Studies), Dr Parvathi Raman (SOAS) and Angelica Baschiers (SOAS). This is a FREE event. More details here.

At 8.00pm Arts Canteen presents Amira Kheir at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. The London based Sudanese-Italian singer will be performing songs from her debut album ‘View From Somewhere’ drawing from a variety of influences from jazz, eastern, Sudanese, West African and Middle Eastern music. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

Friday 21^st February

At 5.30pm AFRUCA presents Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions: Hackney at Council Chamber, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1EA. This event chaired by Councillor Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas (former Mayor of Hackney) is a conversation with 2 of AFRUCAs children’s champions to discuss child protection issues affecting black families in London. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Jally Kebba Susso at The Green Note, 106 Parkway, NW1 7AN. The Gambian kora master and griot expands on traditional West African music with Afro Funk, jazz, rock and blues. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm SOAS Women’s Society presents For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf in Room G2, SOAS. Ntozake Shange’s play will finish the Society’s ‘Aint I a woman? What’s race got to do with it?’ week, directed by Adam Tulloch followed by reception. Tickets are £3.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm iCan presents Think Like A Man. Act Like A Lady at iCan Studios, 35 Monier Road, E3 2PR, a singles and relationship event hosted by MichaelK and Breeny Lee featuring guest artists Boma Diri Music, Victizzle Victor Akata, Clixx and Josh King, with key note speaker Kunle Oyedeji and guests. Panellists Femi Iloyi, Kunle Oyedeji, Ify Alexis, Tanesha Westcarr and Alison Bristow will debate the male/ female relationship divide. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 8.00pm KMT Freedom Teacher presents Mama Africa at Arch 365, 16- 18 Lendal Terrace, Clapham, SW4 7UX, with resident DJ’s on rotation Oya Bun, Bogossy Freshfrenchy an KMT playing the best in Hiplife, coupe decale, afrobeats, Afro deep house, tribal and a DJ competition to find the best African DJ’s. FREE before 9.00pm, £3.00 before 11.00pm and £5.00 thereafter. More details here. 

Saturday 22^nd February

At 9.30am the London Metropolitan Archives host The 9^th Annual Huntley Conference- When They were Young: Researching Our Archives at the London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, EC1R 0HB. Archive materials from this African Caribbean collection will be on offer and will explore London in the 1970’s, speakers including Paul Reid, Toyin Agbetu and Patrick Vernon will be speaking. Tickets are £10.00 (FREE for under 18’s) from here.

At 1.30pm the National Association of Black Supplementary Schools hosts Why Do We Still Need Black History Month at Birkbeck University, University Square, Stratford, 1 Salway Road, Stratford Circus, E15 1NF. This event will feature a film documentary, ‘The Importance of Black History Month’ with panellists Andrew Muhammad, Nubian Jak, Nosa Igbenedion, Neil Mayers, Patricia Green and Natasha Benjamin discussing their experiences in learning about black history with a Q&A to gather the views of the public. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Ghetto Lounge Afro Special at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring Ibibio Sound Machine the Afro electric disco, Sierra Leonean Highlife legend Abdul Tee-Jay, Koichi Sakai and Clapper Priest (Japan meets Jamaica super dancehall set) and DJ’s Nik Weston, Huw72 and Volta45. FREE entry before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 thereafter

At 10.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network presents L-O-V-E.. A Fundraising Party at Festac Bar, 148 Holloway Road, N7 8DD. This is a night for young love to flourish,with games and socialising throughout the evening. Tickets are £10.00 in advance (£15.00 on the door) in aid of Amaudo Charity. 

Sunday 23^rd February

At 1.00pm is a Free Spirit Ramble with Griot Chinyere in Epping Forest. Meeting at Chingford Station, donations are £3.00 for adults, £2.00 for children. More details here. 

At 5.30pm is the 9^th Screen Nation Film and TV Awards and After Party 2014 at Park Plaza Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ. Hosted by Nigerian British actress Caroline Chikezie and Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, there will be special guests such as Bill Duke, Olympic Athletes, the Nigerian High Commissioner, Premiership footballers, business people and Nollywood stars, with a VIP drinks reception and then an after show party with DJ Abrantee. Tickets start from £70.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Reuben P. Joseph and Yaa Asantewa Arts presents L’Art de La Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and Caribbean at The Yaa Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. This celebration of African and Caribbean designers combines art and fashion at an explosive event for London Fashion Week. 26 models and 18 designers will present their works at a theatrical and spectacular show with African drums, poetry, a steel band and soca music alongside live performers and special guests.  There will be a second day on the 23^rd of February. Tickets are, £10.00 from here

At 7.00pm is Express Yourself: Akala (Unplugged) , Lovelle Hill, Parris Wright, Thea Maria and Miraa May at The Jazz Cafe, Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG. the MOBO winning hip hop artist and others will be combining acapella, acoustic performance with the art of story telling Tickets are £12.50 in advance from here

At 7.00pm Jazzmo’thology presents Jammin at Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Road, SW9 8LF. Featuring soul singer Glinis Le’Flore from Los Angeles with the resident band The Westley Joseph Collective, singing The Motown Songbook. Tickets are £10.00 in advance from here, more on the door. 

Week of 10th February: Refugee Boy, Its Ghana Be Lovely, L’Art de la Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, My African Valentine, South Sudan Conferences, Malorie Blackman, A Jamaican Family in Britain

Wa Penduka (Hello in Herero),

Proud to be African Clothing brings yet another fascinating week of talks, fashion., theatre, music,

documentaries, food, drink and fun.

Remember nothing says ‘I Love You’ like a Proud to BeAfrican T shirt or Hoody!!

Have a great week!!!

Monday 10^th February

At 10.00am Chatham house hosts Division and Conflict in South Sudan: Prospects for Peace and Regional Security at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 st James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Dame Rosalind Marsden (former EU Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan) with Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin (South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation who will discuss the significance of the ceasefire, his perspectives on the pressing issues of security, political reform and nation building and the importance of regional and international actors for peace and development in South Sudan. To attend contact Chris Vandome

At 10.30am the Frontline Club presents BBC Storyville Preview: Coach Zoran and his African Tigers at The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This documentary follows the newly formed South Sudanese national football team and its Serbian coach Zoran Djordevic over its first year in existence. Followed by a Q&A, tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 6.30pm BBM/BMC presents African Voices: Taking Strength from Global African Quotations in the Mayors Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, 1 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY. Harrow Mayoress Awula Serwah’s presentation will be based on ‘African Voices: Quotations By People of African Descent’, using quotes and a part quiz to engender discussion around the topics raised. Register for this FREE event here. 

Tuesday 11^th February

At 6.00pm the Yoruba Conversation Club will meet in Room B104, Brunei Gallery Building, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. This group welcomes everyone from complete beginners to fluent native speakers, irrespective of race, age or gender who wishes to converse in Yoruba and improve their speaking skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm The West Yorkshire Playhouse presents Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah and Lemn Sissay in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. This play is about a 14 year old boy who’s parents decide to leave him in London, when war breaks out back home and his efforts to transcend his identity as a refugee running till 13^th February, tickets are £15.00 (£7.50 children) from here. 

Wednesday 12^th February

At 10.00am is Getting South Sudan Right at The Langham, IC Portland Place, Westminster, W1B 1JA, the Foreign Minister of South Sudan Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin will give a rare press briefing on the world’s youngest country and developments and answer any questions. RSVP this FREE event by email

At 7.00pm the Frontline Club presents In the Picture: Tales from the City of Gold at the Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This book contains 2 years worth of photographs by Jason Larkin of the landscape of the waste dumps from the hundreds of years of mining in Johannesburg. Tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Thursday 13^th February

At 5.00pm the Centre for African Studies, SOAS hosts World Radio Day 2014 in the Djam Lecture Theatre,  SOAS, Thornhaugh Street. There will be 3 lightning talks given by Felicity Finch) Rwandan Radio Soap Opera), Uzma Sulaiman (Lifeline Energy, Zambia) and Gemma Ferguson (equal Access Project) each showcasing a specific case study of radio as a development tool and a panel discussion opened by Talking Drums and chaired by Robtel Neajai Pailey (PhD Student), with Tim Williams (UNESCO), Birgitte Jallov (Empowerhouse), Children’s Radio Foundation and Milica Pesic (Media Diversity Institute). There will also be a Communication for Development Trade Fair Exhibition and a screening of the documentary Leh Wi Tok about the work of radio journalist and pioneer Andrew Kromah in Sierra Leone. The event will end with an informal drinks reception. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm the UCL Institute of the Americas presents A Jamaican Family in Britain in Lecture Theatre 103, University College London, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. Dr Julian Henriques discusses his new book ‘The Jippi-Jappa Hat Merchant: A Jamaican Family in Britain’ with Professor Miranda Aldhouse-Green which is based on the memoirs and writings of several members of Cyril Henriques family which settled in London in 1919. The book explores the early childhood in Jamaica, growing up in the post WW2 and more. RSVP this is a FREE event here.

Friday 14^th February

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen hosts Its Ghana be LOVELY- A Lonely Hearts Banquet at Zoes Ghana Kitchen, Unit G17, Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NG. This Bring your own bottle Valentines Banquet with beer and snacks on arrival and then a 3 course meal (with a veggie option). The menu and tickets for £25.00 can be found here . 

Saturday 15^th February

At 2.00pm is Imagine 2014: Malorie Blackman in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre. The Children’s Laureate will talk about her new novel ‘Noble Conflict’, why she enjoys writing for teens and how she finds the challenge of being the Children’s Laureate. For ages 12+ tickets are £12.00 for adults, £6.00 for Children, £14.00 for book and ticket from here.

At 7.00pm Angel Foundation presents One Love Charity Ball at the Dream Centre, Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 4RY. This event in aid of The Angel Foundation, Jamaica, features a 3 course meal, charity auction, fashion show and entertainment featuring Tinga Stewart, Hya Grade, Chang Gui Duo, Debbie Holmes, Marcia Mantack, Cherelle Rose Patterson and Emmanuel Waldron. Tickets are £55.00 (£25.00 for the show only). 

At 7.30pm is My African Valentine at Maida Hill Place, 2-4 Fernhead Road, W9 3ET. This evening featiures a 5 course meal, African cocktails, music and dancing. Tickets are £30.00 from here. 

Sunday 16^th February

At 6.00pm Reuben P. Joseph and Yaa Asantewa Arts presents L’Art de La Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and Caribbean at The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. This celebration of African and Caribbean designers combines art and fashion at an explosive event for London Fashion Week. 26 models and 18 designers will present their works at a theatrical and spectacular show with African drums, poetry, a steel band and soca music alongside live performers and special guests.  There will be a second day on the 23^rd of February. Tickets are £15.00 or £20.00 for both days from here.

Week on 3rd February: Nollywood on the Move, Numbi’s Night of Afropolitan Dandies, Reception with Cayman Island Premier, NELA Awards 2014, Welcome to Busseyworld, Afrogala 2014, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Red Velvet,

Akkam (Hello in Oromo),

Welcome to February, Proud to be African Clothing has a host of movies, plays, discussions and

presentations this week.

Enjoy

Monday 3^rd February

At 5.00pm Chatham House hosts Mozambique’s Prospects: Investment and the Importance of Strategic Infrastructure Development at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Elisabete Azevedo-Harman (Chatham House) with Hon Gabriel Muthisse (Mozambique Minister of Transport and Communications) who will discuss the strategies and priorities of the Ministry of Transport and Communication and the importance of infrastructure in developing Mozambique’s potentials. To attend contact ChrisVandome.

At 7.30pm The Caramel Film Club screens In The Hive at Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, Balham, SW12 9SG. This feature film about an unorthodox school for boys with disciplinary and other issues in the rural US South, stars Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox. Admission is £5.00, more details here. 

Tuesday 4^th February

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents Nollywood on the Move: 1991-2014 in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Nadia Denton (author Black British Filmmakers guide to success), with Dr Francoise Ugochukwu (The Open University) and Phoenix Fry (University of the Arts London), the discussion will look at themes that arise in Nollywood films such as culture, the effect of religions and the influence of globalisation, the didactic nature of production and their links with Nigerian literature. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Mothership Connections Book Club will be screening Of Good Report in Room G50, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street. This is a South African horror sci fi film, more details here.

Wednesday 5^th February

At 12.00pm Chatham House presents Division and Conflict in South Sudan: Challenges to the Humanitarian Response at Chatham House, Eric Marclay (ICRC) will discuss the humanitarian dimensions of the conflict, the challenges confronting humanitarian operations and the impact of politics on the crisis. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 7.00pm Friends of British Overseas Territories hosts a Reception with the Premier of the Cayman Islands at 6 Arlington Street, St James, Green Park, SW1A 1RE. The honourable Alden McLaughlin MBE Prime Minister of the Cayman Islands will discuss the current relationship between The Caymans and Britain and support available for the young Cayman Islanders working and studying in the UK. Tickets are £20.00 (£10.00 for members) from here. 

Thursday 6^th February

At 6.30pm is Towards Reforming the International Financial and Monetary System at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, WC2A 2AE. Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Coast) will reflect on the technical and moral origins of the crisis and explore the areas that need reform. Book tickets for this FREE event by email or phone 0207 955 6043.

At 8.00pm Fimber Bravo, Susumu Mukai, Leo Taylor and Kadialy Kouyate will be performing at Cafe Oto, 18 -22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL. Trinidadian steel drum maestro Fimber Bravo teams up with a range of musicians including kora maestro Kadialy Kouyate. Tickets are £7.50 from here.

Friday 7^th February

At 7.00pm Red Velvet is showing at The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR. This play starring Adrian Lester is inspired by a true story of in 1833 the greatest actor of his generation has collapsed playing Othello and a young black American actor has been asked to take over his role, how will cast, critics and the audience react? Tickets are £31.00 from here running till March 13^th.

At 9.00pm is A Southern African Dine, Drink and Dance Affair at Mama Jumbes, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. Feast on a boerwors and sosatie banquet, washed down by Viceroy and Castle lager and then dance it off to music by London’s finest Southern African DJ’s. FREE entry

Saturday 8^th February

From 9.30am to 3.00pm is Seize the Opportunity! Expand to Africa- An SME Perspective. With Ernie Barrett(Cambria Solutions Group Holding Ltd) and Folasade Ovie-Afabor (JIL Ventures). With networking, lunch, case studies and workshops about SMEs that are trading in Africa. Tickets start from £50.00 from here.

From 12.00pm to 5.00am is Welcome to Busseywood: World Cinema (True Grit) at the CLF Art Cafe, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST. This is the second instalment of the wildly successful 16 hour film festival. Curated by Vashti Henry and hosted by Kunga Dred, there will be screenings ranging from France, Vietnam, Brazil across 3 floors, with music till 5.00am. More about this epic and FREE event here 

At 6.00pm is the Nigerian Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards 2014 at The Regent, 331 Regent Park, Finchley Central, N3 1DP. Hosted by WiseTola, this awards show will feature awards for personalities of Nigerian origin, a Nigerian buffet and music and entertainment until midnight. Tickets are £50.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm Imperial College ACS presents Afrogala 2014: The Untold Stories in the Great Hall, Sherfield Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ. This blend of dance, music and fashion celebrates African and Caribbean culture. Tickets are from £12.00 to £20.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm Bukky Leo’s Reggae Ska Quartet presents Kasai Masai at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL, featuring the Soukous kings Kasai Masai, with Bukky Leo’s Reggae Ska Quartet Kendrick Row on drums, Lance Rose on bass, Edison Herbert on guitar and Bukky Leo on tenor sax. FREE entry.

At 8.00pm Numbi present A Night of Afropolitan Dandies at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, hosted by Elmi Ali and featuring a poets corner with Numbi resident artists Dorothea Smartt, Olumide Popoola and Kayo Chingonyi, live music by Le Rouge et Le Noir, Swedish/ Eritrean singer Miryam Solomon accompanied by Jean Berthon on guitar and DJ Dapper D on the decks, tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here and £12.00 on the door. 

Sunday 9^th February

At 3.00pm Hackney Picturehouse screens 35 Shots of Rum at The Attic, Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE. This is the story of a middle aged widower and his twentysomething year old daughter, his on-off girlfriend and their footloose friend. Tickets are £7.60 from here.