Week of 31st March: Tanzania’s President, Ebony Inspired, Race Belonging and the First World War, LSE Africa Summit, the Caribbean Council House of Lords Reception 2014, Diabetes in people of Caribbean and West African descent Lecture, Taking Zimbabwe to Rugby World Cup 2015, Muntu Valdo, Remo Conference and Award Nite, Focus Organisation: Best From Africa, 4th Annual University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition

Eka le

Its two weeks until the movie adaptation of Half of a Yellow Sun comes out on general release in the UK. This Nollywood to Hollywood epic starring Oscar nominee/ BAFTA winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, John Bodega, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Owenu, Anika Noni Rose, was filmed in location in Nigeria, with a UK/ Nigerian crew. Telling the story of a family and group of friends riven by the Nigerian civil war it is a quintessential African story, by an African writer, made into film in Africa with African actors! It goes on general release on 11^th April, please identify your local cinema and support this movie. 

We cannot complain that our story is not told if when it is we are not there in mass to show the power of our numbers and funds.

I don talk my own.

This week sees a summits, seminars, shows, plays and presentations. Enough to delight the eye, the mind and the soul.

Have a great week

Monday 31^st March

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents Tanzania’s Transformation and Vision 2015: Governing Economic Growth for Social Gain at Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Alex Vines OBE (Chatham House) with the President of the United Republic of Tanzania HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who will discuss his vision for a middle income Tanzania, his country’s regional role and its potential to become a regional hub. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 6.00pm is Ebony Inspired UK in the Haldanes Room, UCL, Wilkins Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT. This business, networking and social event for black professionals and entrepreneurs, is in its second year. Tickets are £15.00 in advance, £20.00 on the door or £5.00 for UCL students

At 6.30pm the Imperial War Museum and the Black and Ethnic Minority Arts Network present Hackney Remembers- Race, Belonging and the First World War at The Tomlinson Centre, Queensbridge Road, E8 3ND. This event explores the role played by the various members of the British Empire during the First World War, with a screening of the IWM short film ‘Whose Remembrance’, presentations by Professor Gus John (Institute of Education), Jerry White (Historian), Diane Abbott MP, Patrick Vernon, Ngoma Bishop and Suzanne Bardgett (IWM). There will also be musical performances and refreshments. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Lorna Blackmans Play ‘The Diary of the BBB’ at the West Indian Cultural Centre, 9 Clarendon Road, Hornsey, N8 0DJ. The play is about a young man struggling to be an upstanding citizen despite the negativity surrounding him, narrated in a diary format to an afrobeats backing track.  Tickets for the play and dinner are £15.00 from here.

Tuesday 1^st April

At 6.30pm is The Caribbean Council House of Lords Reception 2014 in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, The House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0PW. Hosted by Lord Foulkes, this annual rum and punch reception will feature guest speakers Mark Simmonds MP (FCO Minister), Senator Mark Golding (Jamaica Minister of Justice) and Andy Thorne (Kestrel Liner Agencies). Tickets are £75.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm is Atomic Bomb: Who is William Onyeabor? at the Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. Nigerian synth funk pioneer, William Onyeabor’s 8 self released extremely rare albums are celebrated with special guests Damon Albarn, The Lijaadu Sisters, Alexis Taylor, Kele Okereke, Pat Mahoney, Sinkane, Money Mark and Ghostpoet performing his music, which is seeing a renaissance after an epic journey to track him down and re release his music. Tickets start from £17.50 from here

At 8.00pm is Mokoomba at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This Zimbabwean band mixes different African styles with Tongan rhythms offset with Congolese grooves. Admission to see this electrifying band is £10.00 from here or £13.00 on the door. 

Wednesday 2^nd April

From 9.30am to 4.30pm UKTI presents Discovering Africa Meet the Experts at Crowne Plaza, Gatwick Airport, Langley Drive, Crawley, RH11 7SX. This event is focussed on how businesses can take advantage of current opportunities in Africa, featuring Greg Gibson(UKTI East Africa), Misbah Mughal (UKTI Tanzania), Valerie Agodo (UKTI Nigeria), David Connelly and Peter Wright. Admission is £25.00 from here. 

At 5.30pm Kings College London is the School of Medicine Inaugural Lecture: ‘Arteries not risk factors: Origins of high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes in people of Caribbean and West African descent’  in Lecture Theatre 1, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, KCL, SE1 1UL. Professor Kennedy Cruickshank is a Professor of Diabetes and Cardiovascular medicine and will be presenting his studies based on projects undertaken in Jamaica, Barbados, Nigeria and Ghana. Followed by a drinks reception, to attend this FREE seminar RSVP here. 

At 6.30pm is the Lambeth Music Network Event and Reception at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Hosted by Floetic Lara with a keynote speech by UK hip hop Legend TY Chijioke, this evening of live music, poetry, food, drink and information will also feature an open mic hosted by Tagz of Raw Material. More details about this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Spoken at Verge Bar, Unit 114 Bethnal Green Road, E2 6DG. Hosted by Jah-Mir Early and Bex London this spoken word event features Rikk the Most, Mizan the poet and Emma Ako, entry is a FREE.

Thursday 3^rd April

At 6.30pm Chatham House hosts Free Movement of Workers: A Path to Global Economic Recovery at Chatham House. Chaired by Susie Symes (19 Princelet Street), Justin Rowlatt (BBC World Service) and Manuela Saragosa (BBC World Service) with Chukwuemeka Chikezie (Up!-Africa Ltd) and Tom Finch (Institute for Public Policy Research). The panel will debate the csase for and against immigration in the EU and the concept of free movement beyond the EU. Register for this event here. 

At 7.00pm is the LSE Africa Summit Alistair Berkley Lecture at the Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House, London School of Economics, Aldwych, WC2B 4JF entitled the Impact of Legal Systems on Entrepreneurship in Africa, with a panel of lawyers and entrepreneurs discussing legal challenges to enterprise while doing business in Africa based on two themes Fate of Commercial Contracts in Africa and Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa. Featuring Ken Ihenacho (Clifford Chance Africa), Elikem Kuenyehia (Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors), Jacqueline Musiitwa (PTA Bank) and Oba Nsugbe QC (Pump Court Chambers). Register here 

Friday 4^th April

From 8.00am to 7.30pm is the LSE Africa Summit Research Conference in the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, 54 Lincoln Inn Fields, WC2A 3LJ. Themed African Entrepreneurship, the conference aims to provide strategic insight into emerging trends in Africa from an academic standpoint, with a programme of 4 panel discussions and keynote presentations., register here.

At 6.00pm is Dare to Dream.... Taking Zimbabwe to Rugby World Cup 2015 at the Grange City Hotel, 8-14 Coopers Row, Tower Hill, EC3N 2BQ. This fundraising event aims to help the Zimbabwe Rugby Team go on tour in preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the UK, with a champagne reception, gourmet buffet, free prize draw entry and entertainment from Zimbabwean stars and local players. Tickets start from £60.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm Muntu Valdo will be performing at the Green Note, 106 Parkway NW1 7AN. The Camerounian jazz guitarist, harmonica player and singer will be playing a live set. Tickets are £11.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm is Mama Africa at Arch 365, 15-16 Lendal Terrace, SW4 7UX. Hosted by KMT and featuring live music from Kasai Masai  and DJ’s Bogossy Freshfrenchy and Mango Park (Lengoma) playing the best in hiplife, afrobeats, coupe decale and afro deep house music. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £3.00 before 11.00pm and £5.00 thereafter

Saturday 5^th April

From 9.00am to 7.00pm is the LSE Africa Summit Business Conference at the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building. Themed African Entrepreneurship, the conference aims to capture the changes and opportunities currently emerging in Africa, with 5 panel discussions and a keynote speeche by Jim Ovia (Zenith Bank). Chaired by Professor Stuart Corbridge, ending with a drinks reception register for this event here. 

At 5.00pm the Esoe Remo Project presents the Remo Conference and Award Nite at Legacy African Restaurant, 53 Camberwell Road, SE5 0EZ. This event seeks to show appreciation to all who have supported and volunteered for the Esoe Remo Project in the UK.

At 5.00pm ANA UK presents Senator Oluremi Tinubu Special Recognition and Dinner Gala Event in the Monarch Suite, Hilton London Metropole, Edgware Road, W2 1JU. The event will feature a drinks reception, dinner and entertainment. Tickets are £50.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Passing Clouds presents Merki Waters and Samondi at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. The Liverpudlian conscious hip hop star will be playing an exclusive London gig accompanied by guitarist and flautist Kofi Dako. Drummer and percussionist Kofi Adu and Emmanuel Afram on bass and keyboards. Also featuring Asheber and the Afrikan Revolution, I&Ideal + Isis, KMT Freedom Teacher, Buttons and DJ Mode. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 after

At 7.00pm is Mama Africa Unplugged at Fairly Square, 51 Red Lion Street, Holborn, WC1R 4PF. Featuring Gambian griot and kora maestro Jally Kebba Susso, in conversation and on stage. Admission is £5.00

At 7.30pm Focus Organisation presents Best From Africa at Passing Clouds. Celebrating Senegal’s Independence Day with the Abdoulaye Samb Trio playing an acoustic set, dance and drum company Yaye Dib Sabar, Moroccan Gnawa master Simo Lagnawi and The Gnawa Blues All Stars with DJ Afrycathy on the decks. Tickets are £8.00 from here, £10.00 on the door. 

At 10.00pm MD Entertainment presents the GB Kizomba Competition Final at Expression Studios, 39-51 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, NW5 1RT. This finale of the months long GB Kizomba Competition will see the winners announced and their winning performance and then a chance to party with the contestants, jury, promoters and teachers with music by DJ Pat and DJB. Admission is £12.00 from here, more on the door. 

At 7.00pm UGCY presents the 4^th Annual University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition at the Former Carlton Cinema, 161-169 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SN. Hosted by MOBO Award winning singer Rachel Kerr with 8 universities vying for the crown judged by Andrrea Encinas, Mark De-Lisser and Stephanie and Ayo Oyerinde. Tickets are £15.00 from here with discounts for bulk purchases. 

Sunday 6^th April

Fromm 11.00am to 5.00pm is the Conscious Vibes Natural Hair, Health and Lifestyle Expo at City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, W2 1NB. Featuring live hair demonstrations, pampering and styling sessions and much more, all for £10.00 from here. 

Week of Monday 24th March: British African Diaspora Conference: Nigeria beyond, Unlocking the Potential of Diverse Businesses, The EU-Africa Partnership, The Impacts of Sino-African Cooperation on Africa’s Development, Rwanda 1994-2014: Looking Back, Looking Forward, Business in Africa Pays: Ghana, Launch of the Labour Black Network, Egusi Soup, Mr & Mrs Black Beauty UK Scholarship Pageant 2014, Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Vibration, 2nd African Diaspora New Year Lecture, The T-Boy Show Launch Party

Kedu.

Another awesome event packed week. Lots of music, lots of seminars and discussions, theatre, markets,
networking and much more.

Have an excellent week

Monday 24^th March

From 9.00am to 4.30pm the National Black Women’s Network presents Unlocking the Potential of Diverse Businesses: Improving Access to Finance at The Chamber, City Hall, More London, The Queens Walk, SE1 2AA. The event will be hosted by Sonia Browne MBE with Ray Lewis, a Keynote Presentation by Boris Johnson (Mayor of London) and 4 panel discussions. More details and registration for this FREE event here.

At 12.00pm Chatham House presents The EU-Africa Partnership: Defining the Vision at Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Alex Vines (Chatham House) with Nick Westcott (European External Action Service) who will discuss EU- Africa relations in the context of the summit theme: ‘Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace’ focussing on EU priorities and policy implementation in sub Saharan Africa. To attend contact Chris Vandome

At 3.00pm the Royal African Society hosts Economic Partnership Agreements: The Final Countdown in Committee Room 9, House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Chaired by Peter Lilley MP with Williams Nkurunziza (Rwandan High Commissioner to the UK), Dr San Bilal (European Centre for Development Policy Management) and Adaeze Igboemeka (Trade Policy Unit). The panel will discuss Economic Partnership Agreements which gave African countries preferential access to EU markets, which end in October, the effect this will have on development and the wider EU-Africa relations. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents The Impacts of Sino-African Cooperation on Africa’s Development at Chatham House. At this event Professor Liu Hongwu (Zhejiang Normal University) will discuss the impact of China’s involvement in sub- Saharan African countries, the implications for sustainable development, challenges and cooperation with other international partners in the region. To attend contact Chris Vandome.

At 6.30pm the Royal African Society hosts Rwanda 1994-2014: Looking Back, Looking Forward in Great Hall, Kings College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Dr Phil Clark (SOAS), with Prudentienne Seward (PAX-Peace), Rene Claudel Mugenzi (Human Rights Activist) and Dr David Booth (ODI), this event looks at how best to commemorate the genocide and looks forward to ask to what extent criticisms of Rwanda of Rwanda are justified and where it will be in 20 years. Admission is £5.00 (£3.00 for RAS members) from here. 

At 6.30pm is Lets Talk Too Debate Group at The Goat Tavern, 3 Stafford Street, Mayfair, W1S 4RP. This is a new debate group looking to debate Black cultural issues and news, with this sessions motion for debate ‘That this House believes Black and ethnic minority are mostly not positively portrayed in the media’. There will also be an opportunity for a 30 word elevator networking opportunity for your business or event. Admission is £3.00, £5.00 for two, more details here

Tuesday 25^th March

At 9.00am is Business in Africa Pays: Ghana at Bishopsgate Court, Norton Folgate, E1 6DQ. This event presents the business case for investment in Ghana, ticket start from £45.00 here.

At 6.00pm the Labour Black Network presents the Launch of the Labour Black Network in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Hosted by Diane Abbott MP, featuring speeches by MPs David Lammy, Chi Onwurah and Keith Vaz, this is a new membership organisation that aims to increase African and Caribbean membership and the number of black MPs, MEPs, councillors and political advisors. Register for this FREE event here

At 6.00pm African Partnership Development UK presents British African Diaspora Conference: Nigeria beyond Amalgamation in the Grand Committee Chamber, Houses of Parliament. Confirmed speakers include Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (Governor, Delta State, Nigeria), Meg Hillier MP and Chi Onwurah MP, who will be discussing Nigeria 100 years after the Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates. Register for this FREE event here

At 6.30pm Health Poverty Action presents The Great Dance Screening and San People of Namibia Exhibition at the Whirled Cinema, 259-260 Hardess Street, Loughborough Junction, SE24 0HN. The Great Dance is an award winning documentary that examines the relationship between the San people and the Kalahari Desert, the photographic exhibition documents 20 years of Health Poverty Actions work with the San people. Register for this FREE screening here.

At 6.30pm Abounding Solutions presents The Ladies Business Brainstorming Club: Networking with a Twist in the Chancellor Room, Hughes Parry Hall, University of London, 19 Cartwright Gardens, WC1H 9EF. This event will consist of brainstorming, networking and speaker of the month Stephanie Africa presenting on How to maximise the results when promoting your products and services online. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Royal African Society presents Separation and the making of South Sudan in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS with James Copnall (Author and journalist), and Dr Al-Harith Idriss (former Sudanese Diplomat) and Mawan Muortat (South Sudanese Political Commentator). James Copnall will discuss the theme of his book ‘A poisonous Thorn in Our Hearts’ that argues that Sudan and South Sudan are deeply economically, politically independent and will look at the meaning of separation and the political failings that threaten the future of both Sudan’s. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.30pm is Janice Okoh’s Egusi Soup at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG. This comedy about love, life and loss within a cross generational and cross cultural settings. Running till 28^th March, tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

Wednesday 26^th March

At 6.30pm KCL and the Royal African Society presents Just Response to Genocide in the Inigo Rooms, Somerset House East Wing, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Phil Clark(SOAS) with Alice Urusaro Karekezi (National University of Rwanda), Juergen Schurr (REDRESS), Albert Gasake (Survivors Fund) Rwanda, Henry Redwood (PhD Candidate, KCL), Nicola Palmer (Criminal Law Lecturer) and Dickson Poon (School of Law), the panel examines what constitutes a just response to genocide examining resistance before and during the genocide, established criminal trials, retributive and reparatory justice and the ongoing nature of claims for prosecution and compensation in Rwanda and abroad, Tickets are £5.00 (£3.00 for RAS members) from here.

At 7.30pm is Uncle Errols Poetry Jam featuring Bunmi Hazzan at the Trispace Gallery, 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG. Featuring spoken word performer and former slam chapion Bunmi Hazzan, Open Mic, competitions and music. More details here.

Thursday 27^th March

At 6.00pm is iCAN Social Networking Evening at Tompkins, 4 Pan Peninsula Square, South Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 9HN. This informal networking event for African/ Caribbean workers and professionals. Come with business cards or just come to chill and hang out with people like you, RSVP and more information about this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm 100 Black Men of London present Keep Calm and Lets Talk About Prostrate Cancer at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. The evening will feature a panel discussion, videos, a raffle and information about this diseases that affects 1 in 4 black men. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Poetry ‘n’ Motion at The Roxy Bar and Cinema, 128-132 Borough High Street, SE1 1LB. This evening will feature dance, spoken word and music. Tickets are £10.00, call Sheba on 07730469713.

Friday 28^th March

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm The Institute for Commonwealth Studies presents Southern Africa: History, Culture and Society in Room 102, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. This Seminar is themed ‘Pageantry, Politics and Performances of Power’ with Daniel Conway (Open University), Rachel Johnson, Geoff Levett (Birkbeck), Hilary Sapire (Birkbeck) and Philip Murphy (ICS). More details about this event here

At 5.00pm Kings college Old Boys Association (KCOBA) presents KC Captains of Industry- UK at Methodist Central Hall, 1 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, SW1H 9NH. This business and networking event will feature speakers such as Gbadebo Ogunlami (Software Mind Spa), Tomi Savies (Businessman and Company Director), Dokun Omidora (Banker) and Mr Rotimi Ojo (Executive Medical Director, Sussex partnership NHS Foundation Trust). This is an opportunity to network with alumnus from one of Nigeria’s most prestigious Unity Schools.. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 5.30pm AFRUCA hosts Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions Enfield at The Council Chamber, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XZ. Hosted by Councillor Kate Anolue (former Mayor of Enfield) this evening of conversations led by two AFRUCA Children’s Champions will discuss child protection issues, parenting practices and how they relate to African/ Caribbean children. Refreshments will be provided at this FREE event, register here.  

At 6.00pm Policy Centre for African Peoples presents the 2^nd African Diaspora New Year Lecture in Room V211, SOAS, Vernon Square Campus, Penton Rise, off Pentonville Road, WC1X 9EW. Chaired by Henry Bonsu (broadcaster) and themed ‘Responsible Entrepreneurship as Catalyst for Positive Change in Africa’, with keynote speaker Tonye Princewill (Nigerian entrepreneur and Politician), other speakers include Slyvie Aboa-Bradwell (Policy Centre for African Peoples), Alain Mbe (conservative Councillor for Newham). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm MTA Productions presents The T-Boy Show Launch Party at Aura Mayfair, 49 St James Street, SW1A 1JT. Premiering on the new TV channel London Live the T-Boy Show stars Tolu Ogunmefun (aka Don’t Jealous Me) who has left his rich home in Nigeria to adapt to life with relatives in London. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm Star100 hosts An Evening with ..Lara Oyesanya and Kwabena Ayirebi at HSBC, 8

Canada Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5HQ. Lara Oyesanya (Barclays) and Kwabena Ayirebi (HSBC) will discuss their personal career experiences; give advice and tips on the finance industry. The event will be followed by an informal session in a local bar. Tickets are £13.50 (£4.50 for Star100 members) from here.

At 6.30pm Children are Made Secure (CMAS) Foundation presents Mr & Mrs Black Beauty UK Scholarship Pageant 2014 at Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JD.The pageant was created to honour black beauty, raise awareness of cultural heritage and intelligence   Admission from £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating hosts Mix and Mingle at All Bar One, 175 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD. This fully hosted event for black professional singles, where you will be encouraged by the hosts to network, mix and mingle. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is Come Rhyme with Lyrically Challenged at Cottons Islington, 70 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QP. Hosted by Dean Atta and Deanna Rodger, there are 6 open mic spots for appetiser, Serina Reynolds as starter, Sorority Turner as the Main and MC Angel as Dessert. Admission is £7.50 with a Caribbean supper is £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 9.00pm Mama Jumbe’s hosts Nyumbani Night at Mama Jumbe’s, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. Eat, An East African Dine, Drink and Dance affair with Nyama Chima and Rolex to eat, Tuskers Lager to drink and London’s finest East African DJs. FREE entry before 11.30pm.

Saturday 29^th March

At 12.00pm Black Cultural Archives presents #checkurselfies at London Southbank University, 100-116 London Road, Southwark, SE1 6LN. This afternoon of interactive workshops, live performances, debate and seminars for 13-26 years old with appearances for Syd Shelton, Alex Wheatle, Imkaan, Photofusion, Barbara Ahlans and Rhammel Afflick and more. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 1.30pm NABSS presents Autism in the BME Community with A Second Voice at Birkbeck University, Stratford Circus Campus, 21 Salway Place, Stratford, E15 1NN. This seminar dels with autism from a parents perspective, featuring Aniisa Farah (Somali Autism Awareness), ECS Ltd. Autistic/ Aspergers Adult presentation and a short documentary from the USA. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Black Grape Productions presents Kunle Ayo Live in London at Under The Bridge, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS. Hosted by Ali Baba the jazz musician will embark on a musical journey from the dusty streets of Lagos with some of the world’s finest contemporary artists such as Mike Aremu, Oliver Mtukudzi, Soweto Kinch, Femi Temowo, Annastasia Baker and Tee Mac. Tickets start from £20.00 from here. 

At 9.00pm is Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Vibration at The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, E8 3RL. Dele Sosimis Afrobeat Orchestra will be performing a mix of classic and new Afrobeat tunes live, with DJ Koichi Sakai on the decks. Admission is £8.00 before 10.00pm, £12.00 thereafter or £10.00 in advance from here. 

Sunday 30^th March

From 12.00pm to 7.00pm Open the Gate hosts The African Market at Rich Mix, featuring fashion beauty, accessories, music, jewellery, food, books, drumming circles and much more from the African diaspora. FREE entry all day

At 3.00pm Ben Uri Gallery presents African Artists: Still fighting Ignorance and Intellectual Perfidy at the Ben Uri Gallery, 108A Boundary Road, NW8 0RH.this multinational exhibition provides a platform for critical research and presentation of African video art. More details here

At 5.00pm is The Tony Cheeseman Foundation Annual Lecture at the African Caribbean Centre, 627-633 Barking Road, Plaistow, E13 9EZ, themed Black Women in History (A Snapshot of Black Women in Newham). This is a FREE event

At 7.30pm is In Celebration of My Sisters 2014 at Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG. Hosted by Brenda Emmanus (BBC) and Victor Romero Evans, with a star studded line up of music, comedy, speakers, story telling and dance, Tickets start from £12.50 from here.

At 7.30pm Uncle Errol presents True Stories: Spoken Word at the Mella Centre, 220 North End Road, Kensington, W14 9NX. Featuring El Crisis with his words, sounds an power and other surprise guests as well as vegan food. Tickets are £5.00, more details here.

At 8.00pm Open the Gate presents Amadou Diagne Band at Rich Mix, the Senegalese blues and percussion artist will be accompanied by the Swedish nyckelharpa and violin played by Griselda Sanderson. Supported by Tanzanian Afroblues by Kihaya Blues. Tickets are £7.00 in advance and £10.00 on the door. 

Week of 17th March: Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference, Aabru Arts: Transcending Boundaries 2014, Rwanda’s Recovery, Chewing Gum Diaries, Young Black Grads: Cake and Cobnversation, Royal Africa Society: African women in conflict, Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba Malis, You Crack Me UP Comedy Game show, Feferity, Divas 2014, Pilots of the Caribbean, Divas of Colour 2014, Inaugural London Wide Gathering of Retired Caribbean Nurses

Kedu,

This week is full to the seams with education, entertainment, events and things that make you go ahhhhh!!!

From arts to theatre, to networking, current affairs, film, music and much more.

Have a very African week!!

Monday 17^th March

From 9.00am to 5.00pm NIDO, the Nigerian High Commission and UKTI present the Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference at The Hilton Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE. This 2 day conference is a forum for UK private investors and businesses as well as the Nigerian diaspora to identify and tap into potential opportunities in the Nigerian market. Hosted by Dr Dalhatu Sarka Tafida (Nigerian High Commissioner), with special guests Abike Dabiri (Nigeria House of Assembly), Abdullahi Dikko Inde (Nigeria Comptroller General of Customs), Tunde Lemo (Central Bank of Nigeria), Ade Adeola (Standard Chartered Bank), Mrs Ladi S Katagum (Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission), Mark Dike (Federal Inland Revenue Service). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 12.00pm Aabru Art’s Transcending Boundaries 2014 begins at Mall Galleries, The Mall, SW1A 2BJ. Running till 22^nd March there is a full programme of artist tours and panel discussions with Biyi Bandele (director of Half of a Yellow Sun), Chris Spring (British Museum), Giles Peppiatt (Bonhams)  and Abiodun Olaku (West African artist) check the programme here for more details RSVP here

At 6.00pm is RumShack Surprise at Westminster Kingsway College, 76 Vincent Square, SW12 2PD. This pop up restaurant has food, drink, music and even dominoes! Tickets are £25.00 from here.

At 6.30pm the Commonwealth Journalists Association presents Rwanda’s Recovery: 20 Years since the genocide in the CPA Room, Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, SW1A 0AA. This panel discussion reviews Rwanda’s progress from the 1994 genocide to the political and economic stability of today as well as the increasingly authoritarian nature of Paul Kagame’s government. Chaired by Peter Biles (former BBC Africa) with His Excellency Williams Nkurinzinza (Rwandan High Commissioner), Dr Phil Clark (University of London), Vincent Gasana (Rwandan journalist) and Carina Tertsakin (Human Rights Watch). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is the Accenture Skills Session in Room 431, 16 Taviton Street, WC1H 0BW, where you will be taught how to bring your CV to life, practice interview questions and assessment techniques in a relaxed interactive session, followed by a Q&A. More details here.

At 8.00pm The Yard Theatre presents Chewing Gum Diaries at The Shed, South Bank, SE1 9PX. This one woman play by Michaela Cole about Tracey Gordon, the 67 bus, friendship, sex, UK garage, school, music, teachers, periods, emergency contraceptive and much more. This one woman play recalls the last days of innocence before adulthood. Tickets are £12.00 running till April 5^th from here.  

Tuesday 18^th March

From 9.00am to 5.00pm NIDO, the Nigerian High Commission and UKTI present the Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference at The Hilton Park Lane. The final day of this conference will provide a forum for UK private investors and businesses as well as the Nigerian diaspora to identify and tap into potential opportunities in the Nigerian market. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm Young Black Grads presents Cake and Conversation at Grand Union Farringdon, 55 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HA. This is an informal networking opportunity for young professionals, graduates, students or entrepreneurs where you can make friends and contacts over a finger buffet grill, cupcakes, drinks and nibbles. Bring your business cards! Tickets are £8.00 for a single ticket £12.00 for a pair from here. 

At 6.30pm the Royal Africa Society presents African women in conflict: from victims to peace builder in Committee Room 14, House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. This panel discussion chaired by Baroness Kinnock (APPG) will feature Dr Eka Ikpe (KCL), Nicola Dahrendorf (conciliation Resources), Siham Rayale (SOAS) and others discussing UK and international policies on gender, peace and security and specific obstacles that African women face. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Uncle Errol presents Spoken Word Hysteria at the Hysteria Bar, 578 Kingsland Road, E8 4AH, featuring Karmelle, Emma Siane Medoes and Asabi Hawah. Open mic slots available, Tickets are £3.00 in advance by email or £5.00 on the door.

Wednesday 19^th March

At 11.00am is Malian Landscapes of Freedom- Escaping Slavery in Kayes in the Wolfson Gallery, SOAS Library. This exhibition accompanies the documentary film ‘The Diambourou: Slavery and emancipation in Kayes-Mali’ by Dr Marie Rodet (SOAS) and presents photographs of archival documents about slavery and emancipation in Mali and photographs of the village of Bouyagui which was created by escaped slaves in 1914. Running from 25 February to 21^st March, this exhibition is FREE, more details here.

At 6.00pm the LSE presents is Our Beloved Sudan in Room CLM 6.02, Clement House, Aldwych, Houghton Street WC2A 2AE. This film tells the story of Sudan from independence in 1956 to partition in 2011, interlacing a public and private story. Followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Taghreed Elsanhouri, this is a FREE event, more information here.

At 6.30pm GlobalNet21 and Africa Changemakers Group present Speakers Corner in The Hub, 1^st Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE. Speakers at this event will have 5 minutes to talk and 5 minutes to answer questions, followed by networking and discussions. Speakers include David Smith (British African Business Alliance) speaking about business solution in Africa, Victoria Clayton, speaking about United, Rachel Nalumoso speaking on her plans to work as an independent educational resources development specialist, Sam Lehane speaking about Camera and Pamela McLean will introduce First Thursdays.

At 7.00pm is a screening of Touch and Pumzi in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS. Touch is a sci fi/ fantasy film directed by Shola Amoo starring Tanya Fear about the lives of two people who meet every day at a specific place and time, one of who holds a devastating secret. Followed by a Q&A with the director and Pumzi  a Kenyan sci fi short film written and directed by Wanuri Kahiu that was screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Thursday 20^th March

At 7.00pm the ACLC Cultural Committee presents a Talk and Debate: ‘Where are our black Actors?...America I presume’ at the West Indian Cultural Centre, 9 Clarendon Road, N8 0DJ. This community debate asks is there a vibrant black British theatre industry? Are there struggling grassroots theatre groups aiming to engage communities through drama. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.15pm is Aabru Arts hosts a Charity Evening for Concern Worldwide at the Mall Galleries, featuring a panel discussion on ‘Coexistence or contradiction’ with Biyi Bandele (author/ playwright/ director Half of a Yellow Sun), Baroness Lola Young (House of Lords), Nkem Ifejika (Business journalist) and Ede Dafinone (African Art Collector), followed by drinks and then a Special Preview Screening of Half of a Yellow Sun at the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH. Tickets are £40.00 from here.

At 7.30pm Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba Malis will be performing at Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, N1 2XD. The undisputed ngoni king will be playing tracks from his latest album Jama ko. Tickets are £22.00 from here.

Friday 21^st March

From 9.30am to 5.00pm the Overseas Development Institute hosts ‘Can Africa’s hidden water resource help secure agricultural growth?’ at ODI, 203 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, SE1 8NJ. This conference will look at water from the groundwater perspective, the agriculture and poverty perspective, the financing and economic perspective as well as lessons from the Asian experience. This is a FREE event register here.

At 2.30pm Aabru Arts presents Pioneers in the World of African Art at The Mall Galleries. This panel discussion with Chris Spring (British Museum) and Abiodun Olaku (Guild of Fine Arts). Book this FREE event by email 

At 6.30pm is a screening of Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me at Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW2 1JG. Filmmaker Khalo Matabane through an imaginary letter to Tata Mandela and conversations with politicians, activists, intellectuals and artists questions the meaning of freedom, reconciliation and forgiveness and challenges Mandela’s legacy, followed by a Q&A. Tickets are £12.00 from here.

At 7.00pm UK Black Entrepreneurs hosts New Business Opportunity at Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 196 High Street, Stratford, E15 2NE. This is an opportunity to network with business owners, investors, professionals and entrepreneurs, tea, coffee, fruit and light refreshments provided. Tickets start from £5.00

From 11.00pm to 2.00am SuperBad PR presents You Crack Me Up: Comedy Gameshow at Odeon Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, Redriff Road, SE16 7LL. Hosted by Richard Blackwood with Kat Boyce, Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins and Shabba da Comedian the 3 comedians have 60 seconds to get 3 randomly selected members of the audience to laugh, if anyone holds out they move to the next round. After the game show the audience is treated to a special stand up set from each comic. Alcohol, popcorn and snacks will be served. Tickets are £15.00 from here, more on the door. 

Saturday 22^nd March

At 10.00am MBW PR presents Divas of Colour 2014 at The Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge, 5 More London, Tooley Street, SE1 2BY. Featuring a wine reception and networking fashion show, beauty pageant, trade exhibition, music performances, auction/ raffle show, keynote speech and award presentation. Standard tickets are £20.00, tradeshow only is FREE from here.

From 12.00pm to 6.00pm is the Inaugural London Wide Gathering of Retired Caribbean Nurses at The Vortex, Gillett Square, Hackney, N16 8AZ.celebrating the contribution of Caribbean nurses who have served in the NHS from 1949 till date with poetry, storytelling and song, guest speakers, music and light refreshments Tickets are £5.00 from here

At 1.30pm AFRUCA’s Children’s Champions and The Woman will be at Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham, SE15 5JR discussing child protection and the over representation of African children in the social care system. This is an opportunity to find out more and be part of the solution. Refreshments will be provided at this FREE event

At 2.00pm is the final Event of Aabru Art’s Transcending Boundaries 2014 Week: Gasworks Tour at Gasworks, 155 Vauxhall Street, SE11 5RH. A VIP Tour of Gasworks discussing ‘African Residencies’ led by Alessio Antonelli (Director of Gasworks)

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen presents Ghana Taste Mauritius at Palm 2, 152-156 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0QJ, this fusion mash up taste explosion is £35.00 ahead, bring your own bottle. Take  look at the crazy menu, get your taste buds prepared and book a space here. 

Sunday 23^rd March

From 10.00am to 6.00pm the Royal Air Force and Black Cultural Archives host Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF at the RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, NW9 5LL. This exhibition tells the story of people from the Caribbean and Africa who volunteered to fight for Britain during the two World Wars and to the present day. Running till 22^nd April, this is FREE entry.

At 2.30pm Feferity returns to Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, for an evening of film, live music and food. There will be a screening of ‘The Family Legacy’ exploring the impact that the birth of a child with sickle cell has on four generations of a family and ‘Looking for Sierra Leone’ in which young Sierra Leoneans in London interview older Sierra Leoneans about their memories. Live music from Khadijatou Doyneh (K2), a versatile singer/ songwriter, spoken word artist and dancer. Admission is £5.00 from here.

Week of 10th March: Gospel 2014, Aminatta Forna, The Pan African History of Basil Davidson, Poetry Meets Art, ACS TV, Mwalimu Express, Homecoming Africa London Expo, South Africa @20, Ghana Independence Dinner Dance, ICSN Language course, Sidi Toure, Wedding and Bridal Shows, Caribbean Tourism

Jambo, (Hello in Swahili),

Proud to be African Clothing has another packed week of music, expos, business and investing, networking, seminars, media events and presentations.

Have an enjoyable week

Monday 10^th March

At 7.30pm IG Music presents Gospel 2014 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. featuring Men of Gospel, Women of Gospel, Guitars of Gospel, Raymond and Co, The Golden Chords, The Company, Bishop R.L. Edwards and family, EKKlesia Artist, Israel J Allen, Lurine Cato, IDMC, MOR Youth Choir and the Igospel UK Choir led by D ‘Bishop’ Thomas all supported by the IG Band. Early bird tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm the Bloomsbury Institute presents International Women’s Day with Aminatta Forna at Bloomsbury Publishing, 50 Bedford Square, WC1B 3DP. The Orange Prize shortlisted author will discuss her novel The Memory of Love set during the Sierra Leonean Civil War, there will also be a short film presentation by Womankind. Tickets are £15.00 from here, with all proceeds to charity

Tuesday 11^th March

At 5.30pm is A Fusion of Worlds: Ancient Egypt, African Art and Identity in Modernist Britain Exhibition at The Petrie Museum, Malet Place, Camden, WC1E 6BT. This exhibition is an exploration of the ways in which modern artists have been inspired by Ancient Egypt. This is a FREE event, register here.

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents The Pan African History of Basil Davidson: Episode 1- Different but Equal in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. With Mick Csaky (Series Executive Producer), Gus Casely-Hayford presenter Lost Kingdoms of Africa), Professor Stephen Quirke (UCL). This screening and Q&A marks the 30^th anniversary of Basil Davidson’s  documentary film series Africa: A Voyage of discovery produced in collaboration with Channel 4, the Nigerian Television Authority, MBTV, and RM Arts. This episode features Senegalese mathematician, philosopher and Egyptologist Chiekh Anta Diop. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Carpe Diem presents Poetry Meets Art 6 at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring poets and spoken word artists Amen Noir, Michelle Madsen, Niyat Remedy Asfaha, Pete the Temp, Dream Catchers Collection and The Goddess Effect.  Vava Tampa (Save the Congo) will discuss the issue of the conflict in the Congo. Tickets are £5.00 before 9.00pm and £7.00 thereafter.

Wednesday 12^th March

At 5.30pm UCL Institute of the Americas presents Caribbean Tourism: Consumption of Places and the Growth of the Sin Industries in Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This presentation by Dr Emilio Pantojas Garcia (University of Puerto Rico) focuses on sex tourism, gambling and money laundering offering a comparative perspective with competitors in Asia. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 6.00pm is Private Equity Africa- 4th Annual Deals and Funds Review Seminar at Allen and Overy, 1 Bishops Square, E1 6AD. This Seminar offers insights into the previous year’s deal making and fund raising trends and outlook views from leading investors. Tickets start from £85.00 from here

Thursday 13^th March

At 11.00am British African Business Alliance hosts British Africans Meet at Elephant and Castle at Rockingham Somali Support Centre, Rockingham Community Centre, Falmouth Road, SE1 6RU. This event presents the opportunity to meet African Business leaders particularly Somali’s and look at the roles and opportunities being created by SME businesses in Africa. Tickets start from £3.00 from here. 

At 5.30pm the UCL Institutes of the Americas presents That Jamaica: Women, Secrets and Battyman Business in Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This seminar by Thomas Glave (University of Warwick) considers the possible connections between outlawed and romantic desire. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 6.30pm is the Sable Reading Series: Art is the HeArt of The Nation at All Nations Cafe and Bar, 8 Sandringham Road, Dalston, E8 2LP. In celebration of International Women’s Month this event features poets and authors Dorothea Smartt,  Kadija Sesay, Wangui wa Goro and 5 open mic slots. Tickets start from £3.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is ACS TV: The Launch in LG02, New Academic Building, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW. This is the website launch for a new platform that aims to promote and showcase the work of African and Caribbean societies and discuss issues pertinent to African and Caribbean students and communities, followed by drinks and networking. Register for this FREE event here.

Friday 14^th March

At 12.00pm is the Ethnicity Network Forum in Room AG05, City University, Northampton Square, EC1V 0HB. This is a networking opportunity for black Asian and ethnic minority students to brainstorm ideas, gain leadership experience or apply for other roles in the network. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm Zoë’s Ghana Kitchen presents Ghana Get Irish! at Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NG. The eponymous Ghanaian pop up kitchen will be celebrating St Patricks Day with a Ghanaian/ Irish Mash Up menu, complete with ZGK Beer. Get your tickets for £25.00 here. 

At 7.30pm Sidi Toure performs at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL. The Malian bluesman will be playing acoustic Songhai blues drawing inspiration from African tales. Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm Simo Lagnawi Gnawa London at Green Note, 106 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7AN. The Moroccan Gnawa music master is the UK’s leading Guembri player and combines African Islamic spiritual tradition with poetry and singing. Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

Saturday 15^th March

From 9.00am to 4.30pm is Homecoming Africa London Expo at the Olympia Conference Centre, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX This 2 day expo seeks to demonstrate the advantages of returning home, with stands on jobs, property, education, services, investments and entrepreneurial opportunities in sub Saharan Africa, with exhibitors such as Barclays Africa, Standard Bank Group, KPMG Africa, Africa Health Placement, American Tower, Aperture Group, Bain and Company, The Boston Consulting Group and more. There will be workshops on Careers, relocation, investments, property and entrepreneurship. Tickets start from £20.00 from here. 

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is the National African and Caribbean Wedding Show 2014 at Central Hall Westminster, Storeys Gate, SW1H 9NH. Register for this FREE event here.

At 10.00am the Igbo Culture and Support Network begins the ICSN Igbo Language Course, Beginner Level at Bloomsbury Square. This 10 week course is for beginner, be you young, old, Igbo, non Igbo, African or non African, this is a chance to learn this awesome language. The course costs £150.00, email Nneka to register your interest, more details here. 

From 11.00am to 6.00pm Brides of Culture presents the 9th Multicultural Bridal Exhibition-Spring 2014 at Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA. Showcasing 50 wedding service providers, with a fashion showcase featuring Ade Bakare’s Diffusion Collection, giveaways, wedding planner seminar and  wedding coordinator seminar. Register for this FREE event here.

From 12.00pm to 5.00pm SOAS African Development Forum presents Creative Africa at SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, this panel discussion, will debate how creative industries are challenging the political landscape, driving economic growth and celebrating culture and heritage in Africa. Register for this FREE event here.

At 3.00pm NABSS hosts Black Supplementary Schools and the Role of the Church at Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 7HX. This panel discussion hosted by Stephen Brookes (Excell 3) will feature Keith Davidson (Seven Day Adventists Church), Dr June Alexis (former Head teacher), Reverend Hughie Andrew (Queen Mother Moore Methodist Church), and will debate the impact of churches on education in the black community. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm the Ghana Union and Ghana High Commission hosts the Ghana Independence Dinner Dance at the Selby Centre, Selby Road, N17 8JL. You can dance the meal off to tunes by DJ Maxi Sounds. Tickets including dinner are £35.00, by phone from 07734 312 820, 07958 648 234 or 07956 181 100.

At 7.30pm Evolving Creative’s hosts Everyday Life in an Early West African Empire-DVD Launch at Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW. Based on the book of the same name this DVD details the rise and fall of the great West African empires. Register for this FREE event here.

At 8.00pm is the Ekumfi Etsibeedu Trust Afrobeats Launch Party at Upstairs at the Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG. Hosted by comedian and presenter Reuben Christian, this event is to raise money for the Ekumfi Etsibeedu Trust that supports school children in Ekumfi Etsibeedu, Ghana. Headlined by musician Tigger da Author with spoken word artist WordPlay and Azonto dance act Jay and Bonkz. Tickets are £5.00

Sunday 16^th March

From 9.00am to 7.00pm is South Africa @ 20 in Room DLT, SOAS, Thornhaugh Road. This one day interdisciplinary conference to debate 20 years of democracy in South Africa a key note address on The South African Constitution by Janet Love (South Africa Human Rights commission and 4 panel discussions on Governance and Political Economy, Foreign Policy and International Relations, Contemporary Society and arts and Culture, followed by a drinks reception with South African music and poetry. Register for this FREE event here. 

From 10.00am to 4.30pm is Homecoming Africa London Expo at the Olympia Conference Centre, The final day of this 2 day expo seeks to demonstrate the advantages of returning home, with stands on jobs, property, education, services, investments and entrepreneurial opportunities in sub Saharan Africa, with exhibitors such as Barclays Africa, Standard Bank Group, KPMG Africa, Africa Health Placement, American Tower, Aperture Group, Bain and Company, The Boston Consulting Group and more. There will be workshops on Careers, relocation, investments, property and entrepreneurship. Tickets from £20.00 from here. 

At 11.00am is Numbi’s Rhythm Workshops at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA this is a girls and women only introduction to the djembe, with lessons in basic techniques by guest artists Miriam Dubois and Kay Smith and residents artists Charity Njoki Mwaniki, Kinsi Abdulleh and special guest. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs or £10.00 for familys) from here. 

From 2.00pm to 5.00pm is Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, , London’s finest pan African family adventure returns with poetic performance’s Lucy Angell Johns Parent and Toddler Dance Session, Awale with the Oware society, tunes from hosts Max Reinhardt and DJ Rita Ray and much more. And it’s all FREE.

At 7.00pm is Word4Word with Kat Francois at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN. This monthly spoken word, comedy and music show will feature ShortMAN aka MattBlack and Rhythm of Men. Open mic slots are available and DJ Sloetry will be providing drops and choons. More details here. 

Week of 3rd March: Africa Rising, Ghana 57 Years After 1957, Good Governance with Adams Oshiomole, African Peacemakers, Sudan and South Sudan, Binyavanga Wainana: We Must Free our Imaginations, Egusi Soup, Honor Diaries, Investing, In Nigeria, African Composers Series, Nadia Denton in Conversation with Biyi Bandele, Eddie Griffin and Friends.

Sannu, (Hello in Hausa)

This week Proud to be AfricanClothing brings you a bevy of delights ranging from Theatre to documentaries,

business and investing, networking, seminars, media events and presentations.

Have an enjoyable week

Monday 3^rd March

From 8.30am to 5.00pm is Africa Rising- The Media’s Role in the Continents Renaissance at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG, this conference feature delegates from Al Jazeera, CCTV, TVC, BBC, Comic Relief and other news organisations and aid delegates in gaining a better understanding of the medias role in explaining this moment in Africa history, demonstrate ho ordinary Africans are using social media and movies to set their own agendas, demonstrate the impact new local and international players such as TVC and CCTV are having and see how the traditional shapers of the African narrative respond to these new players. The event will also include a tribute to late BBC Africa presenter Komla Dumor. Register for this FREE event here.

                                                                                                                

At 1.00pm is a Free Q&A Session with Two Cocoa Farmers at Divine Chocolate Pop UP, 53 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, Covent Gardrn, WC2H 9DG. this Q&A session with Mavis and Mercy two members of Kuapa Kokoo who will describe their lives as Ghanaian cocoa farmers and what is like to be a member of a cooperative. Register for this FREE event here                                                    

At 6.00pm Barts and London ACS presents Brotherhood and Sisterhood Night-The Charisma Special in the Recovery Room, Griff Inn SU, Newark Street, Whitechapel, E1 2AT. This quiz will be ACS themed and will have questions about ACS events; admission is £1.00 for members and £3.00 for non members from here.  

At 6.00pm the Royal African Society presents Ghana 57 Years after 1957: Recalibrating the Course of Progress at Brunei Suite, SOAS. Chaired by Lord Paul Boateng, with Hanna Tetteh (Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs), Nana Akufo Addo (2012 Presidential NPP candidate), Dr Michael Amoah (Centre for African Studies), Manji Cheto (Teneo Holdings). Marking Ghana’s 57^th year of independence this panel will discuss the countries progress and address major challenges, setting out and implementing strategic development plans, fighting corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm BBM/BMC present Xtra History and Reasoning Sessions at The Mayors Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, 1 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY, hosted by Harrow Mayor Councillor Nana Asante, with  Laura Adorkor Kofi and author/ story teller Naa Korkoi Abotchi to mark International Women’s month, UNIA centenary and Ghanaian Independence. Register for this FREE event here.

Wednesday 5^th March

 At 1.00pm Kingston Nigerian International Society presents Good Governance: A Debt Unpiad (Governor Adams Oshiomole) at Kingston University, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7LB. The Governor of Edo State, Nigeria, will discuss good governance along with Dr Stephen Turner (Kingston University), Dr Peter Orji (Kingston University) and Dami Olatuyi (Mygeria Ltd). Register for this FREE event here.

At 1.00pm the Centre for African Studies presents Fair Trade, Fair Wage? Research evidence from Ethiopia and Uganda in Room 116, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, with Professor Christopher Cramer, Dr Deborah Johnston and Dr Carlos Ova. The event will be looking at the relevance of Fair Trade to poor wage workers using The Fairtrade Employment and Poverty Reduction Project drawing on micro level evidence from Ethiopia and Uganda. Register for this FREE event here

At 4.00pm Chatham House presents Africa’s Peacemakers: Nobel Peace Laureates of African Descent at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Dr Knox Chitiyo (Chatham House) with Dr Adekeye Adebajo (Centre for Conflict Resolution, Cape Town) who will discuss the findings of the new book African Peacemakers: Nobel Peace Laureates of African Descent focussing on African and African American global peace efforts. To attend this FREE event contact Chris Vandome.

At 6.00pm Chatham House presents Sudan and South Sudan: The Importance of Interdependence at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House. Chaired by Paul Murphy (Saferworld) with James Copnall (BBC Correspondent) and discussant Dr Douglas H. Johnson (Independent Scholar on Sudan and South Sudan). The speakers will assess the threats to progress of both countries and how both countries interdependence may be better harnessed to their mutual benefit. To attend this FREE event contact ChrisVandome. 

At 6.00pm is a Free Q&A Session with Two Cocoa Farmers at Divine Chocolate Pop Up. This Q&A session with Mavis and Mercy two members of Kuapa Kokoo who will describe their lives as Ghanaian cocoa farmers and what is like to be a member of a cooperative. Register for this FREE event here                                                   

At 6.30pm the LSE presents Binyavanga Wainana: We Must free our imaginations in CLM 6.02, Clement House, London School of Economics, Aldwych, WC2B 4JF. Chaired by Dele Fatunla and hosted by Dr Wendy Willems (LSE), Kenyan Caine prize winning author and journalist Binyavanga Wainana will discuss his Youtube manifesto ‘We must free our imagination’. This is a FREE event

At 8.00pm Menagerie Theatre and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds presents Egusi Soup at Pentland Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tally Ho Corner, 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 0GA. This comedy from Janice Okoh is about a British Nigerian family as they pack up and head to Lagos for a memorial to their father and realise they have to shed some excess baggage first. Tickets are £16.00 (£14.00 concs) from here.  

Thursday 6^th March

At 7.00pm is Tinariwen at Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ. These original desert bluesmen will be performing tracks from there yet to be released album Emmaar. Check here for more details. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents Lucky Ranku at the Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, Dalston, N16 8AZ. The legendary South African guitarist will be performing original compositions with his 6 piece band from all over Africa. Tickets are £15.00 from here. 

Friday 7^th March

From 8.30am to 7.00pm Homestrings presents Investing in Nigeria at Drapers Hall, Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2DQ. This event presents the latest investment opportunities from Nigeria, ranging from commercial residential, real estate, banking and finance investments, with symposiums, workshops and presentations covering the most exciting business environment in Africa. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 9.00am Global Diplomatic Forum presents EU-African Relations at Europe House, 32 Smith Square, SW1P 3EU. This event looks at EU African relationships, the challenges, opportunities and   potential for non state actors and civil society. Tickets start from £50.00 from here. 

From 11.00am The Mosaic Rooms presents Mogadishu-Lost Moderns at The Mosaic Rooms, 226 Cromwell Road, SW5 0SW. This exhibition by architect Rashid Ali and photographer Andrew Cross is the first to explore Mogadishu through its architecture and urban environment narrating the story of Somalia’s journey from a traditional nation to modern nation state and challenging the familiar images of the city as a place of conflict. Running till 26 April, this is a FREE exhibition.

At 7.00pm is Eddie Griffin and Friends ‘Hilarious’ at the O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, Brixton, SW9 9SL. Hosted by Eddie Kadi, the US comedian will feature comedians Adot Comedian, Geoff Schumann, Axel, Humza Arshad with music from Angel and DJ Abrantee, DJ Memzee, Frisky DJ. Tickets from £38.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents The Rhythms at Vortex Jazz Club. This 7 piece Lagos based band mixes Afrobeat, funk and Yoruba-English lyrics into their own unique style Tickets are £12.50 from here.

Saturday 8^th March

At 2.00pm we have Nadia Denton in Conversation with Biyi Bandele in the Main Lecture Theatre, Divinity School, St Johns College, Cambridge, CB2 1TP. Film industry expert Nadia Denton will be discussing the Nollywood tradition with Nigerian born director Biyi Bandele about his directorial debut with the most expensive Nigerian film to date Half of a Yellow Sun, starring Chiewetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. Register for this fascinating and FREE event here. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents Aubrei Woki and Kalahari at the Vortex Job Club. The Botswanan bassist and vocalist will be performing tracks from his new album Money with his band Kalahari. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

Sunday 9^th March

At 4.00pm FORWARD and IKWRO host Honor Diaries in Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA. This film brings together individuals and women’s rights organisations to speak about child and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A moderated by Professor Fareda Banda (SOAS) with Diana Nammi (IKWRO),  Paula Kweskin Honor Diaries producer, Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE (FORWARD) and Jasvinder Sanghra CBE (Karma Nirvana). This is a FREE event although a donation of £5.00 is kindly requested RSVP by email 

At 6.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network hosts its March General House Meeting at Zubi Bar, 144 Holloway Road, N7 8DD. Themed ‘Awards Night’ come and network with the finest and most intellectually stimulating around