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.