Week of 29th September: Path to Possibilities Charity Gala, Ladies Talk International Underword, Doing business in Cote d’Ivoire, Africa Rising: The Role of the Diaspora African Woman, Maya Angelou: A Celebration, Best of Nigeria Gala, The Fight Against Ebola, The Pan African History of Basil Davidson, 50 Years of ‘Arrow of God’, 100 Years of Nigeria, The London African Gospel Choir, Miss Black Africa UK 2014 Grand Finale, African and Caribbean Relocation and Investment Summit 2014

Dumela (Hello in Sepedi)

The days draw shorter, the temperature drops a few notches but Proud to Be African Clothing is
happy to bring you another week of Charity Galas, seminars, plays, networking and music.

Have a great week 

Monday 29^th September

At 6.30pm Autograph ABP presents Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955-1989) at Tiwani Contemporary, 16 Little Portland Street, W1W 8BP, this is a solo retrospective of the work of this seminal and highly influential figure in African and Black British art marking the 25^th anniversary of his death. Curated by Mar Sealy and Renee Mussai, this FREE exhibition runs till 1^st November

Tuesday 30^th September

From 9.30am to 4.30pm AFRUCA hosts a Training Course: Working with Black/African Children and Families in London. This course aims to develop a stronger working knowledge of clients from Black/ African backgrounds. The course contributes 6 hours towards your CPD and costs £40.00 from here.

At 10.30am the Black Cultural Archives presents Family Archive Fun at Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, SW2 1EF. This workshop explores Treasures in the Archives, teaching fascinating stories from within the collection and the importance of preserving treasure items. This is a FREE event for families with children aged 3-7 years.

At 7.30pm is Ladies Talk International Premiere at Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7HL. Angie Le Marr hosts 6 women talking about their lives, careers, challenges and obstacles thy have faced. Featuring Jasmine Dotiwala (broadcaster), Michelle Gayle (R&B/ Soul singer), Janelle Oswald (journalist), Ellen Thomas (actress), Dona Croll (actress) and Jackie G. Michaels (entrepreneur). Followed by a Q&A tickets are £5.00 from here.

                                    Wednesday 1^st October-Happy Birthday Nigeria!!

At 6.30pm Reel Black Media presents Underword- Spoken Word Documentary at Lost Theatre,

208 Wandsworth Road, Vauxhall, SW8 2JU. This documentary is a snapshot of the UK spoken word circuit featuring such legendary performers as Floetic Lara, El Crisis, Best Kept Secret etc. followed by a Q&A with filmmaker AmeN NoiR, Director Gizla and artist Zena Edwards and others. Admission is £5.00 in advance from here or £7.00 on the door.

At 7.00pm The Frontline Club presents The Fight Against Ebola at The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This panel discussion will take a view of the situation on the ground, how Ebola is being combatted and what more needs to be done. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.30pm BurntOut Theatre presents Muscovado at Holy Trinity Church, Clapham Common Northside, SW4 0QZ this original play by Matilda Ibini set on a plantation in Barbados in 1800as they prepare for the arrival of an important guest from England, this original ply about British involvement in the slave trade is running till 10^th October. Admission is £10.00 (£8.00 concs) from here. 

Thursday 2^nd October

At 11.45am The Business Council for Africa hosts Doing business in Cote d’Ivoire at Simmons and Simmons, Citypoint, 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9HT. HE Claude Bouah-Kamon the Ivorian Ambassador will address a joint meeting on the business environment and opportunities in Cote d’Ivoire, with companies who will share. Admission starts from £32.00 from here.

From 1.00pm to 4.00pm is Africa Rising: The Role of the Diaspora African Woman at The House of Lords, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Hosted by legendary South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Rt Hon Baroness Verma (Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change), the conference seeks to provide an avenue for African women in the diaspora to play an integral role in Africa’s changing political, environmental and economic landscape. Speakers include Justina Mutale (African Woman of the Year), Jacqueline Onalo (Human Rights Lawyer), Deborah Owhen (Made Equal), Lukwesa Burak (Sky World News), Chioma Agwuegbo (YNaija), Melissa Powys-Rodrigues (South Africa Chamber of Commerce UK), Vuyeswa Ngqobongwana (Press TV), Sherry Dixon (Women on the Crossroads), Dr Anna Vanderpuye (African Roundtable), Kate Anolue (African Women in Politics), Perez Ochieng (Sahara Communities Abroad), Dr Titilola Banjoko (AfricaRecruit). The conference is followed at 6.00pm with the Premiere of A Motherland Tour: A Journey with Yvonne Chaka Chaka at The Courthouse Hotel. Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 5.00pm is The Launch of the UCL Past, Present and Future Exhibition at South Cloisters, Wilkins Main Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT. This Black history Month celebrates the achievements of UCL alumni celebrating past historic figures, the present showcasing academics and alumni and the future represented by the students. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm The Tanzania Development Trust hosts Girls Say No! Celebrating Tanzania’s success in fighting FGM at Westminster Central Hall, Storeys Gate, SW1H 9NH, this fundraising event seeks to raise funds to build a Safe House for girls at risk of FGM in Tanzania and will feature, food, guest speakers and music from Tanzanian musician Freddy Macah and his band. Tickets are £20.00 from here or by emailing Julian.

Friday 3^rd October

At 1.00pm the Black Cultural Archives presents Re-Imagine: Black Women in Britain Lunchtime

Talks at Black Cultural Archives. This is series of lunchtime talks by and about inspirational women. Tickets start from £5.00 (£3.00 concs) from here.  

At 5.00pm is Corporate Afrika Social Networking Evening at Browns Bar and Brasserie, 8 Old Jewry, Bank, EC2R 8DN. This evening is a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to interact, test new ideas, products or just network. This is a FREE event

At 6.00pm is a Lecture: When We Ruled the World by Robin Walker in Room 22LT, The Pearson Building, Gower Street, Russell Square, WC1E 6BT. This lecture by Robin Walker is a visual journey through thousands of years of Black history. Followed by a book signing RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society hosts The Pan African History of Basil Davidson: Episode 6 at Khalili Lecture Theate, SOAS, Thornhagh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This episode of Basil Davidsons documentary ‘Africa: A Voyage of Discovery’ traces major developments of African history from the 1880s to the end of World War 2, focussing on different ways colonial rule was established in Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Mozambique. Followed by a Q&A and panel discussion chaired by Dr Gus Casely-Hayford (TV presenter) with Mick Csaky (Series Executive Producer), David Olusoga (Nigerian broadcaster/ filmmaker) and Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (Lancaster University). RSVP this FREE event here.

Saturday 4^th October

At 7.30am is Storytelling and Ring Games from Africa and the Caribbean at Walthamstow Library, Walthamstow High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN. This fun filled and interactive workshop for children of all ages with tales from all over Africa and the Caribbean led by Sis Kai. RSVP this FREE event here.

From 10.00am to 7.00pm the Centre for African Studies presents 50 Years of ‘Arrow of God’, 100 Years of Nigeria: A celebration and an Inquest at The Djam Lecture Theatre, SOAS. This symposium marks the 50^th anniversary of the publication of Chinua Achebe’s novel Arrow of God, with Panel discussions, readings, presentations, a roundtable and cultural performances with speakers such as Herbert Ekwe-Ekwe, Wangui wa Goro, Oladipo Agboluaje, Mpalive Msiska, Kwado Osei-Nyame Jnr, Louisa Uchum Egbunike, Anthony Ofoegbu, Nana Ayebia, Chikwendu Anyanwu and others. Register for this FREE event here.

From 1.00pm to 8.00pm is the African and Caribbean Relocation and Investment Summit 2014 at the University of Westminster, Paddington Green Campus, Paddington Green, W2 1NB, this event will present information on how, what, when and where you can do business, buy land or property and support community organisations in Africa and the Caribbean. Tickets are £7.50 from here. 

At 7.00pm is Miss Black Africa UK 2014 Grand Finale at The Royal Regency Hall, 501 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6TH. This final will see 30 hopefuls from 20 different African countries going through 3 rounds of competition to see who emerges as Miss Black Africa UK, with entertainment, music, comedy, fashion and networking there will also be awards for deserving people and groups. Tickets start from £30.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Path to Possibilities Charity hosts their 5th Path to Possibilities Annual Gala at Hotel Russell, 1-8 Russell Square WC1B 5BE, Celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day with the Hollywood, Red carpet themed, 3 course meal, live entertainment, an auction and a whiskey tasting bar. Tickets start from £70.00 from here.

At 7.30pm The London African Gospel Choir will be performing at The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, Catford, SE6 4RU. This full stage performance with singers, musicians and dancers showcases the diversity of African gospel music. Tickets start from £17.50 from here.

At 8.00pm Magenta Dating presents Black Singles Night at Be At One Monument, 28 King William Street, EC4R 9AT. This event for black single professionals or fans of them, is an opportunity to mix mingle, network and dance, with a few activities thrown in to break the ice. Admission is £5.00 from here. 

Sunday 5^th October

At 5.00pm the Institute of Directors Nigeria presents Best of Nigeria Gala at The Institute of

Directors, 116 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ED. This event will see awards to distinguished Nigerian and friend of Nigeria, cultural displays, musical displays and other attractions. Tickets are £150.00 each from here. 

At 6.30pm is Hit Me With Laughter at The Broadway Theatre, Catford. Hosted by Richard Blackwood this comedy show features favourite comedians.  Ticket start from £17.50 from here.

At 7.00pm is Maya Angelou: A Celebration at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, this evening of readings from her autobiographies, gospel and music chaired by Jon Snow and Moira Stuart features contributions by Adjoa Andoh, Anfgel Coulby, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicola Hughes, Ella Odedina, NITROvox, Roderick Williams and Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Tickets from £15.00 from here.

Week of 22nd September: 12th London African Music Festival, Business in Africa Pays: Kenya, Print the Story of Your Life with Afroretro, SMW2014: Untapped Markets- Social Media Gateways into Africa, Financing Africa’s Future: Infrastructure, investment and Opportunity, South Africa Democracy- Mandela’s ‘Cherished Ideal’, The Political Economy of Agricultural Policy Processes, Making Sense of Music Licensing Masterclass II, Dynamic Industrial Policy in Africa, MTBN Careers and Networking Evening, Lelas Lounge, Manana collective, Sahara Soul

Selam, (Hello in Tigrinya)

 Proud to be African Clothing has been having a fascinating time.The London African Music Festival

continues this week, as well as seminars, networking, more music, talks, comedy and much more.

Have a great week.

Monday 22^nd September

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm is Apelles Ogaga at Charlton House, Charlton Road, Charlton, SE7 8RE. The Kenyan songstress and her 7 piece band will be performing tracks from her new CD ‘Unastahili Sifa’. Tickets are £8.00 (£6.00 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm is Alim Kamara at The Green Note Club, 106 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7AN. The award winning Sierra Leonean lyricist will perform with a live band bringing rhythm to his words in a movement from hip hop to storytelling. Admission is £8.00 in advance from here and £10.00 on the door. 

At 7.00pm is Joyce Moholoagae and Safricanto at The Canada Water Culture Space, 21 Surrey Quays Road, Rotherhithe, SE16 7AR. Led by Joyce Moholoagae, the Southern African band includes singers and musician from Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and South Africa. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

At 7.30pm is Kyazi Blues, Mudibu and DJ Africathy, Upstairs at the Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Brixton, SW2 1JG. Tanzanian singer/ guitarist Kyazi Lugangira fronts Kihaya beat blues and Sweet Afro Soul  band Kyazi Blues, also performing is self-taught Burundian musician Mudibu, with DJ Africathy on the decks. Tickets are £10.00.

Tuesday 23^rd September

From 9.00am to 5.00pm is Business in Africa Pays: Kenya at Bishopsgate Court, 4-12 Norton Folgate, E1 6DQ. This event focuses on Kenya’s extensive opportunities and the must, wants and needs of this gateway to East Africa. Admission is £50.00 from here.

At 3.00pm is SMW2014: Untapped Markets- Social Media Gateways into Africa at Lumiere, 4 O’Meara Street, SE1 1TE. This simultaneous live streamed conference co hosted in London and Johannesburg, will see the launch of Quirks Peri-Urban Research Snapshot, providing fascinating insight into the peri urban consumer in South Africa. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Print the Story of Your Life with Afroretro The School of Uganglish at Fablab London, 1 Fredericks Place, off Old Jewry EC2R 8AE. This drop in workshop will guide you through designing your own fabric with your own design or message and will see the launch of The School of Uganglish Kickstarter Fundraiser, RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is the International Growth Centre Public Lecture Financing Africa’s Future: Infrastructure, investment and Opportunity at The Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, London School of Economics, 54 Lincoln Inns Fields, Camden, WC2A 3LJ. Dr Donald Kaberuka (African Development Bank) will offer his views on the effects of lo investment in infrastructure on economic growth in Africa, with discussant Paul Collier (International Growth Centre). This is a FREE event.

At 6.30pm is South Africa Democracy- Mandela’s ‘Cherished Ideal’ in The Old Theatre, Old Building, London School of Economics, Houghton Street, WC2A 2AE. Chaired by Professor Craig Calhoun, Moeletsi Mbeki will examine how close South Africa has come in 20 years to the cherished ideal off democracy as envisaged by President Mandela and other ANC leaders. This is a FREE event.

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm is Ghalia Benali and the Yaz Fentazi Trio at The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. The Tunisian singer Ghalia Benali draws from Arabic folk, jazz, Indian classical music and chill out traditions. Algerian Yaz Fentazi Trio features Yaz Fentazi on the oud, Zad Adda on basss and Eric Ford on drums, with a rootsy blend of Gnawa, Chaabi, Andalusian music, jazz and blues. Tickets are £20.00.

At 7.00pm Lorraine Lionheart performs at The Green Note Club. The Botswanan singer blends African rhythms and soul music. Tickets are £8.00 in advance from here and £10.00 on the door. 

At 7.00pm Sona Jobarteh performs at Canada Water Culture Space, The kora virtuoso will be performing with her band tracks from her current CD ‘Fasiya’. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

Wednesday 24^th September

From 9.30am to 5.30pm The Overseas Development Institute hosts The Political Economy of Agricultural Policy Processes in Africa at the ODI, 203 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, SE1 8NJ. This event will present key findings and policy insights from Future Agricultures recent research activities. Speakers include Blessings Chinsinga (University of Malawi), Colin Poulton (University of London), Hannington Odame (Centre for Africa Bio-entrepreneurship), Hussein Mahmoud (Pwani University College, Kenya), Ian Scoones (Institute of Development Studies (IDS)), Jeremy Lind (IDS), Jim Sumberg (IDS), John Thompson (IDS), Naomi Oates (ODI), Roger Calow (ODI), Ruth Hall (Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies) and Steve Wiggins (ODI). Register for this FREE event here

At 11.00am Chatham House presents Humanitarian Aid in the Central African Republic: Delivering Assistance in an Insecure Environment at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James SW1Y 4LE. Patrick L’Hote (International Committee of the Red Cross) will discuss the challenges the ICRC faces in providing aid and promoting international humanitarian law in CAR and prospects for stabilisation with the deployment of UN troops. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

From 12.30pm to 4.30pm BBM/BMC presents Making Sense of Music Licensing Masterclass II at One Westminster, 37 Chapel Street, Westminster, NW1 5DP. This workshop is for people looking to make a living from music with Kwaku delivering a workshop on copyright and Ivan Chandler delivering a workshop on understanding music licensing within the entertainment industry. Admission starts from £30.00 here.

 At 3.00pm Chatham House presents Dynamic Industrial Policy in Africa at Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, chaired by Alex Vines (Chatham House) with Dr Adam Elhiraika (UN Economic Commission for Africa) and Veronica Kalema (Nedbank Capital). This event sees the launch of UNECA’s report Dynamic Industrial Policy in Africa, which calls for the continents governments to refocus their development strategies on industrialisation through the formulation and implementation of effective industrial policy. To attend this event register here.

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm Debra Debs will be performing at Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY. Lifecycles’. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 concs).
Camerounian singer/ songwriter combines West African vocal styles with R&B and will be performing tracks form her debut album ‘

At 7.00pm Mamani Keita performs at Canada Water Culture Space, the Malian singer and musician will perform tracks from her new album ‘Kanou’ with her band. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

At 8.00pm is Cos Ov Moni 2 in Hackney Attic, 270 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1HE. This sequel to their original pidgin English musical sees the Ghanaian rap duo FOKN Bois singing and rapping their way through Accra and Tema. This event features M3nsa and Wanlov the Kubulor (the FOKN Bois) performing live with a full band. Tickets are £12.50.

Thursday 25^th September

At 6.30pm is iCAN Social Networking Evening at La Tasca, 12 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AE. This informal social/ networking event for African and Caribbean professionals runs to 10.30pm and gives you an opportunity to relax amongst like minded people, RSVP this FREE event here.

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm is Koko Kayinda and the Congo All stars at The Flyover Portobello, 3-5 Thorpe Close, Portobelleo, W10 5XL. The legendary percussionist and vvocalist from DRC Koko Kayinda will lead the Congo All Stars playing soukous with a funky, rumba beat. Admission is £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.  

At 7.00pm Yomi Bashiru and Naija Grooves perform at The Forge. The Nigerian drummer and percussionist and his 9 piece group create an infectious combination of fuji, juju and afrobeat rhythms. Tickets are £12.50 from here. 

At 7.00pm Aubrei Woki and The Kalahari will be performing at Charlton House, the Botswanan vocalist and bassist and band will be performing tracks from their new album ‘Money’. Tickets are £10.00 (£8.00 concs).

At 8.00pm Wormfood presents United Vibrations at Hackney Attic. This band plays a unique 12 tone dance music synthesising afrobeat, punk, hip hop, drum and bass, jazz and more. Tickets are £10.00 from here.
 

Friday 26^th September

At 1.00pm LSE presents Formality Bias: the habits holding Africa back at The Woolfson Theatre, FREE event

New Academic Building, chaired by Kate Meagher, speaker Dayo Olopade (author and journalist) will expose the global pretensions that have stymied African development using case studies from her reporting across the globe. This is a

At 6.00pm Movebacktonigeria.com presents MTBN Careers and Networking Evening—London Edition at Grange St. Pauls Hotel. 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ. This event brings together young professional seeking career and investment opportunities in Nigerian. RSVP this FREE event here.

The networking is followed by an afrobeats party in collaboration with DJ Gabe, DJ Afro B and Silvastone of The Afrobeats Network playing till 3.00am. Admission is FREE for those at the networking and £10.00 for anyone just coming for the party. 

At 6.00pm is Lelas Lounge at Bar 57, 55-57Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8JL this social evening is for black professionals to meet and mingle. Hosted by Nicky and Lela and aimed at the 24-32 age bracket. Tickets are £10.00 in advance, £12.00 on the door

At 6.30pm Black History Walks presents From Negro to Superman! The J.A. Rogers Story in The Blue Room, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT. This presentation by Patrick  Vernon tells the story of J.A. Rogers author and multilinguist, who wrote many books and travelled the world in the early 20^th century. Register for this FREE event here, donations kindly accepted. 

At 8.00pm is Jollof and Jerk at Curve Bar, 199-201 Lewisham Way, SE4 1UY. This Comedy show and Afterparty hosted by Dizzle The Comedian will feature the best in African and Caribbean comedy such as A Dot Comedian, Shabba, Judy Thomas and Donna, a Caribbean buffet will be available all night with music provided by Superboy Loxx. Tickets from £10.00 from here

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm is Seprewa and Mosi Conde at Charlton House Charlton Road, Charlton, SE7 8RE. Ghanaian duo of guitarist Alfred Kari Bannerman and seprewa player Jojo Yates play in the tradition of North Ghanaian tribes. Guinean kora master Mosi Conde will play a wide range of instruments. Admission is £8.00 (£6.00 concs) from here. 

At 8.00pm is Niran Obasa at The Vortex Jazz Club. The Nigerian pianist will be playing a solo set entitled Children of Chibok followed by a second set with his 7 piece band combining hi life jazz and afrobeat. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

At 7.30pm is Casbah Blues and Simo Lagnawi at Hackney Attic. Algerian singer and guitarist Nazim Ziryab leads the 6 piece Casbah Blues in a usion of Arab, African blues and reggae sounds. Simo Lagnawi is one of the leading Guembri players and Gnawa masters and will be playing from his debut solo albu ‘Gnawa London’. Tickets are £7.00 in advance and £9.00 on the door. 

At 8.00pm King Ayisoba will be performing at Café Oto, 18-22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL. The Ghanaian singer performs in Twi, Frafra and English combining traditional kologo music from the Upper East Region of Ghana with 21^st century flavours. Tickets are £8.00 from here.

At 8.00pm Native Sun will be performing at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, E8 4AA. The Mozambican rapper Mohammed Yahya and London based singer song writer Sarina Leah combine sweet melodies with hip hop undertones, bilingual lyrics and catchy hooks. Admission is £8.00 in advance £10.50 on the door. 

Saturday 27^th September

At 5.00pm Nigerian Thinkers hosts Nigeria: Religion is it moving us backwards or forward? at

The Pullman Hotel, 101 Euston Road, NW1 2AJ. This is a form for Nigerians to discuss issues pertinent to the country, focussing on whether religion is moving society forward or draining it. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 5.30pm Black History Walks presents the Nzingha Lecture 20: The Jessica and Eric Huntley Story in Room B35, Birkbeck College, University of London Malet Street, WCE 7JL. This is a retrospective and a tribute by Dr Mchelle Asantewa to British African British Civil Rights activists who fought for equality via a series of grassroots campaign. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Rum and Comedy at Camden Centre, Euston Road, WC1H 9JE. Celebrating the tastes of the Caribbean with a range of cocktails, ala carte desserts, sweets and freshly made ice creams all made from freshly imported rum, fruits and spices from the Caribbean. As well as free rum tastings, there will be comedy by Richard Blackwood, Glenda Jackson, Mr Cee, Quincy, Axel Blake and Thanyia Mooore, hosted by Kat B with music by DJ Chef, Supreme and Buju. Tickets start from £20.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm AIMSSEC presents Rise Up For Africa at All Saints Church Haggerston, Livermere Road, Haggerston, E8 4EP. This evening of entertainment hosted by Bubbly Maths features the Adventist Vocal Ensemble led by Ken Burton. The proceeds from this concert will be used to provide bursaries for teachers in disadvantaged South African communities. Admission is £20.00 from here.

At 7.30pm is Sahara Soul at The Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. featuring Aziza Brahim Western Sahara), Tartit (Mali), Nabil Baly Othmani (Algeria), Noura Mint Seymali (Mauratania), Malian Taureg singers Sanou Ag Ahmed, Ousmane Ag Mossa and Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni will be evoking the sands and campfires of the Sahel with this showcase of West African desert music. Tickets stat from £15.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm The Manana Collective will be performing at St James Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL. Cuban flautist Jose Zalba-Smith will be performing with James Clarke on piano, Peter Komor on double bass and Mark O’Connor on percussion playing a mix of Latin American rhythms. Admission starts from £18.00 from here. 

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.30pm is With Sticks and Things Upstairs at the Ritz, hosted by Davide De Rose and DJ Katsaris who will be delivering obscure audio palates from Africa and live trance performances and documentary screenings and some surprise live guests. Tickets are £5.00 in advance from here and £7.00 on the door,

At 1.00pm is Juwon Ogungbe at The Green Note Club, 106 Parkway, Camden NW1 7AN. Nigerian pianist and vocalist Juwon Ogungbe will be playing solo on his piano songs from his current CD Life Force Music. Tickets are £7.00 from here.

At 8.00pm Afri Kokoa presents Vaudou Game Album Launch at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Raod, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This new Franco-Togolese group will be launching their debut album Apiafo lay a vintage Togolese funk, tickets are £10.00 in advance and £12.00.

At 8.00pm is Rise Kagona at The Vortex Jazz Club. The Malawian guitarist is the sole remaining member of Zimbabwean rock band, Bhundu  Boys. He will be playing songs from his long career with his Jit Jive Band. Admission is £12.50 from here

Sunday 28^th September

12^th London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here.

At 7.00pm Sekouba Bambino will be performing at Islington Assembly Hall, Upper Street, Islington, N1 2UD. The Guinean singer will be performing with his full band in his first solo show in London for 10 years. Tickets are £20.00 (£15.00 concs) 

At 7.30pm is Kanda Bongo Man at The Forge. The Congolese singer, originator of the kwasa kwasa dance will be performing new and old material. Tickets are £15.00 (£12.50 concs).

At 8.00pm Coco Mbassi will be performing at The Vortex Jazz Club, the Camerounian singer will be performing her subtle blend of Africa roots, classical music, jazz and gospel as well as acoustic soul. Tickets are £12.50.

Week of Monday 15th September: Beyond Nollywood, Nadia Denton’s: The Nigerian Filmmakers Guide to Success, Barnaby Phillips ‘Another Man’s War- The Story of a Burma Boy in Britain’s Forgotten African Army’, London African Music Festival, Property Investor Africa Summit 2014, Macbeth in Congo, Inala with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ghana Youth Day 2014, The Black Market and Film Festival, Caribbean Evening with Positive Network, StartUp Africa 2014, Afro Dance Xplosion 2014

Kedu, Sannu, Eka ro, Jambo,

My people I greet you.

Proud to be African Clothing has a serious problem this week.

Waka too plenty. In essence if you leave your house on Monday there is a risk you might not make it home till next week.

What is there not to do? 

2 book launches; Nadia Denton will be launching ‘The Nigerian Filmmakers Guide to Success’ at the BFI Southbank on Saturday running with Beyond Nollywood with quality Nigerian movies . Al Jazeera journalist Barnaby Phillips will be launching his new book ‘Another Man’s War- The Story of A Burma Boy in Britain’s Forgotten African Army’ at SOAS on Tuesday. The London African Music Festival is just overdosing on sublime African music, with verything from the kora to the afrobeat to the oud to desert rock.

We have investment events, property events, 3 Igbo Cultural events on Saturday (you will eat a lot of kola nut), South African movies, StartUp Africa, Mwalimu Express returns. African ballet and music with Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Sadlers Wells, Congolese Macbeth, Ghana Youth Day, markets

I fact I’m tired just thinking about it, better call the boss, the baby sitter and start planning your week.

Have a groovy week (I know I intend to!!)

Monday 15^th September

At 7.00pm The South African Film Festival screens Beyond the Rainbow at The Vue Cinema Wood Green, 180 High Road, Hollywood Green, N22 6EJ. This documentary explores the transition of thee ANC from a liberation movement into South Africa's ruling party by examining thee evolution off the relationship between its to most prominent leaders Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Followed by a Q&A, admission is £5.00 from here.

 Tuesday 16^th September

At 1.00pm the Black Cultural Archives presents Re-Imagine: Black Women in Britain Exhibition Tours at Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, SW2 1EF. This series takes you on a historic journey through the lives of a handful of women through their pioneering narrative. Tickets start from £5.00 (£3.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.00pm The Royal African Society will be launching Barnaby Phillips ‘Another Man’s War- The Story of a Burma Boy in Britain’s Forgotten African Army’ at the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Richard Dowden and respondent Dr Ike Anya, author and Senior Al Jazeera English correspondent Barnaby Philips will discuss his new book a true story of Isaac Fadoyebo who at 16 defied his family and went to serve in the Royal West African Frontier Force. Weeks after arriving in Burma, his unit was ambushed and Isaac left for dead, until nursed back to health by a local family. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.45pm Third World Bunfight presents Macbeth at The Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. This production transposes Verdi’s classic opera to war torn Congo, with refugee performers telling their own story through the composers musical adaptation of Shakespeare, performed in Italian with English subtitles sung by a South Africa ensemble. Running till 20^th September tickets start from £16.00 from here. 

Wednesday 17^th September

From 10.00am to 5.00pm the Nigerian London Business Forum presents The Greater London Business Conference on Nigeria at Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, Russell Square, WC1H 0DG. Oyo and Niger States are exploring direct links with prospective UK business partners. Speakers at the 2 day conference Sam Ohuabunwa (Nigeria Economic Summit), Professor Pat Utomi, Engineer Emeka Unachukwu (Morflex Energy & Power Ltd), Jennifer Obaseki (Obaseki Solicitors), Ray Ekpu (Newswatch Magazine), John Momoh (Channels Television), Ali Sherwani (ECGD UK) and Simon Brown (UKTI), Tickets start from £15.00 from here. 

Thursday 18^th September

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is Day 2 of The Greater London Business Conference on Nigeria at Royal National Hotel. Tickets start from £15.00 from here.

At 6.00pm the Africa Research Institute presents Aid under the Microscope at The Africa Research Institute, 55 Tufton Street, SW1P 3QL. Graham Ward CBE (Independent Commission for Aid Impact), will present a review of DfiDs aid programmes, evaluating the UKs development assistance and take questions. Register for this FREE event by email or phone 0207 222 4006.

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating presents the Black Singles Social Event at All Bar One Houndsditch, 106-107 Houndsditch, EC3A 7BD. This event is fully hosted for the first 2 hours to encourage people to mix and mingle. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm is Nollywood Babylon at Hotel Elephant, Unit A, behind 40-42 Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle, SE1 6DR This documentary drops viewers into the bustling Idumota market where Nollywood films are sold and stars are born. Tickets are £5.00 from here.

Friday 19^th September

From 8.30am to 5.30pm is the Property Investor Africa Summit 2014 at Grange Tower Bridge

Hotel, 45 Prescott Street, E1 8GP. Themed Investing in Africa Property, this conference will highlight the opportunities an challenges of property investment on the continent. Keynote speakers include Yweri Museveni (President of Uganda), Tutu Agyare (Tullow Oil), Tidjane Thiam (Prudential plc), Bob Diamond (former CEO Barclays), Lord Sheikh, Lord Boateng, Samuel Esson Jonah (Jonah Capital) and more. Tickets start from £15.00 from here.  

At 1.00pm the Black Cultural Archives presents Re-Imagine: Black Women in Britain Lunchtime Talks at Black Cultural Archives. This is series of lunchtime talks by and about inspirational women. Tickets start from £5.00 (£3.00 concs) from here. 

At 6.30pm BBM/BMC presents Black British Writers in Conversation at George Woods Theatre, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross, SE14 6NW. Dr Deirdre Osborne and Professor Joan Anim-Addo host this programme of special events in the run up to the launch of the MA in Black British Writing with authors such as Bernadine Evaristo and Andrea Stuart, both of whom will read from their works and take part in a Q&A. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen presents Totally Ghanalicious London at Zoë’s Ghana Kitchen, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NQ. Bring your own bottle to this 4 course meal, with two sittings one at 7.00pm and one at 9.00pm, admission is £25.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm is Inala featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo at Sadlers Wells Theatre, Roseberry

Avenue, EC1R 4TN. Celebrating 20 years of democracy in South Africa, musical legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo blends Zulu traditions with pianos, live percussion and stings with award winning choreographer Mark Baldwin and world class dancers in this fusion of South African and Western cultures. Running till 20^th September tickets start from £12.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm Feel the Rhythm Productions presents Afro Dance Xplosion 2014 at Hampstead Town Hall Centre, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QP. Themed ‘Moving with the Rhythms’ this weekend of dance classes and workshops will feature Chantal Loial, Allison Ray Dance Company, GOP, Akosua Boakye, Syxx Issac, Sheila Attah, Bafana Soloman Matea Running till 21^st September, tickets start from £5.00 from here. 

London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here

At 7.00pm is Bombino and Jally Kebba Susso at Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, N1 2XD, Taureg guitarist and singer Omara Bombino Moctar plays from his new album Nomad , Gambian kora master Jally Kebba Susso will play a solo set Tickets are £20.00 (£17.50 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm Afri- Kokoa presents Direction Africa with DJ Voodoo Funk at The Forge Camden, 3-7 Delancey Street, NW1 7NL, featuring DJ Frank Gossner playing Arobeat and Highlife, with a film and visuals followed by a discussion on Frank Gossners travels to unearth post independence African music and Q&A led by Peter Adjaye. Tickets are £8.00 in advance from here and £10.00 on the door. 

At 7.00pm is Yaaba Funk at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, Yaaba Funk mixes horns, bass and guitars to produce a unique Ghanaian sound, playing from their new album My vote dey count supported by DJs Chief Commander Yaaba, Mr Brett and The Outlaw Clive Wales. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.00pm is The Rhythms and Afunja at Charlton House Charlton Road, Charlton, SE7 8RE. The Rhythms are a 7 piece Nigerian Afrobeat band from Lagos, while Afunja is a 10 piece Afrobeat band led by bassist Afolabi Lipede. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm is Karama and M.O.O.K Ensemble at The Flyover Portobello, 3-5 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL, led by Moroccan oud master Soufan Saihi with Japanese, Venezuelan, Moroccan, British and Spanish members this is a Moroccan themed global sound. M.O.O.K Ensemble led by guitarist Giovanni Cacioppo features an Ethiopian singer Haymanot Tesfa, Dutch oboist, Spanish violist, English double bassist and Danish percussionist. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 conc) from here. 

At 8.00pm is Kad Achouri at The Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, Dalston, N1 8AZ. Algerian Pianist and vocalist Kad Achouri plays music that is a fusion of French chanson, Basque pop and world jazz over seductive and poetic vocals. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 conc) from here. 

At 8.00pm is Harare, London Zulu and DJ Jamie Renton at the Hackney Attic, Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1HE. The South African singer Ingrid Webster fronts London Zulu and will be followed by Zimbabwean quartet Harare fronted by Kuda Matimba. Tickets are £6.00 in advance from here, £8.00 on the door.  

Saturday 20^th September

From 9.00am to 4.00pm Africa 2.0 hosts StartUp Africa: London at Level 39, One Canada

Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB. This interactive day will be split into 4 parts, Demo, Showcase, Panel of Experts and Networking and is for dynamic entrepreneurs to pitch and demo their business to a panel of influential judges such as Arnold Ekpe (Forer CEO Ecobank) Geetha Tharmaratnam (Abraaj Performance Acceleration Group), Gail Mwamba (Private Equity Africa), Jean-Paul Melaga (Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFG) and Daniel Makoua (Bwamanga Sustainable Investments Advisers) concluding with a cocktail reception. Tickets are £30.00 from here.

At 10.30am is Day 2 of Afro Dance Xplosion 2014 at Hampstead Town Hall Centre. Themed ‘Moving with the Rhythms’ this weekend of dance classes and workshops will feature, Contemporary Dance with Akosua Boakye, Street Dance with Brandan Syxx Issac, Sheila Attah, Acogny Technique with Alessandra Seutin and Congolese Chantal Loial Bafana Soloman Matea Running till 21^st September, tickets start from £5.00 from here.

From 10.00am to 7.00pm is Ghana Youth Day 2014 at The Berne Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall, Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 4RX. Held in conjunction with the Ghana High Commission and Tullow Oil the day will consist of a series of workshops for young people, careers advice and workshops, cultural displays and performances by Fuse ODG and Simply Andy. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 11.00am Nadia Denton launches her second book The Nigerian Filmmakers Guide to Success: Beyond Nollywood in The Blue Room, BFI Southbank, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT. This book charts the new emergence of a new wave of Nigeria audio visual content spanning indie films, documentary, animation, experimental, music videos and diaspora films and acts as a film reference manual to film making from a Nigerian cultural perspective offering important advice. The author will be joined by the father of Nollywood Chris Obi-Rapu, director of Living in Bondage, Dr Ladi Sandra Adamu (Ahmadu Bello University). Tickets are £6.50 from here and include the screening of B is Boy at 2.00pm

At 11.00am is CATIL’s Guided Tour off Pangaea: New Art from Africa and Latin America at the Saatchi Gallery, Kings Road, SW3 4RY, in which Victoria Mendryzk will guide visitors through the exhibition and explain contemporary artworks from Latin America and Africa. Admission is £16.00 from here. 

From 12.00pm to 9.00pm is The Black Market and Film Festival at Platanos College, Clapham Road, Stockwell, SW9 0AL. Showcasing and exposing black cultural and creative entrepreneurs to sell their products and skills. There will be films, economic presentations and workshops. Admission is £9.00 from here. 

At 2.00pm is B for Boy at the NFT3, BFI Southbank, part of the Beyond Nollywood season, is about a Nigerian woman who at almost 40 is expecting her second child and resorts to extreme measures to guarantee a male successor. Tickets are £6.50 from here

At 3.00pm is Gallery Talk: Owusu-Ankomah at October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street,

Bloomsbury, WC1N 3AL, accompanying his new solo exhibition Microcron Begins Owusu-Ankromah speaks to Gerard Houghton about his creative process and his interest in adinkra symbols. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 3.00pm is Caribbean Evening with Positive Network at St Boniface Church, 185 Mitcham Road, Tooting, SW17 9PG. Featuring world class comedy, live music including steel bands, singers, fashion show and delicious Caribbean cuisine. Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 3.00pm Anioma UK celebrates Anioma Day at Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, Camberwell, SE5 0HF, this dinner and dance celebrates the culture and traditions of the Anioma peoples. Tickets are £30.00 from here.

At 6.00pm is The Onitsha Ado Family and Friends at The African Community Centre, Unit 2, Lyndean Industrial Estate, Felixstowe Road, Abbey Wood, SE2 9SG. Tickets for this celebration of Onitsha culture and traditions with dinner and dancing are £20.00 in advance and £30.00 on the door.

At 8.00pm Otu Obi Nde Owerre UK presents Owerri Day 2014 at Broadwater Farm Community Centre, Adams Road, Tottenham, N17 6HE. With food, dancing, culture and fine fine Owerri boys and girls. For more details call 0787 776 6907 or 0795 635 1912

London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here

From 12.00pm to 4.00pm is the Iroko Family Fun Day at Timber Lodge, North Park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Honour Lea Avenue, E20 1DY. This is a fun, creative workshop exploring an African inspired music piece with drumming, chanting, songs and movement, led by Iroko Theatre Company and Juwon Ogungbe will end in an interactive performance for the wider public. This is a FREE event.

At 1.00pm Abdul Tee-Jay at The Green Note Club, 106 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7AN. The veteran Sierra Leonean guitarist and singer/ songwriter plays solo and looks back over his recordings featuring new versions and arrangements of his palm wine classics. Tickets are £7.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm is Seeds of Creation and Sabbey Drummers, Upstairs at the Ritzy, The Ritzy Picturehuse, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JG. Featuring legendary Algerian Mandolin player Seddik Zebiri and his group Seeds of Creation and Ghanaian Sabbey Drummers led by percussionist and vocalist Alfa Sackey. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

 At 7.30pm is Diabel Cissokho at The Forge the kora maesto will play rich mandinka melodies on the kora and nggoni with an upbeat groove followed by DJ Freestyle playing African grooves til late. Tickets are £6.00 in advance and £8.00 on the door. 

At 8.00pm is Samy Bishai at The Vortex Jazz Club, the Egyptian violinist and composer and his quartet fuse his Egyptian ancestry with western music to produce a unique sound, tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Sunday 21st September

At 10.30am is Day 3 of Afro Dance Xplosion 2014 at Hampstead Town Hall Centre. Themed ^st September, tickets start from £5.00 from here.

‘Moving with the Rhythms’ this weekend of dance classes and workshops will feature; Horton  with David Blake of Lion King, Afro House with  Sheila Attah, Afro Zulu with Bafana Soloman Matea and Congolese Chantal Loial Running till 21

From 2.00pm to 6.00pm Mwalimu Express returns to Rich Mix, with live sets from Simo Lagnawi, African films from Screen Station, stalls, Owari games, kids Yoga with Lucy Angell Johnson and DJ sets from DJs Rita Ray and Max Reinhardt, tis is FREE family friendly fun.

At 3.10pm is Nigeria Through a Lens at BFI Southbank, part of the Beyond Nollywood season this is a selection of documentaries about extraordinary Nigerian artistes, including George Osodi: Kings of Nigeria, Emeka Okereke: Invisible Borders and JD Okhai Ojeikere: Master Photographer, with guest directors at the event tickets are £6.50 from here.

At 6.20pm is Mother of George, in NFT3, BFI Southbank, this movie directed by Andrew Dosunmu is an enlightened look at immigrant life amongst the New York, Yoruba immigrant community where a young woman is driven to great lengths to have a baby. Tickets are £6.50 from here.

London African Music Festival

Running from Friday 19^th to Sunday 28^th September across 12 venues, full line up here

At 7.30pm is Sousou and Maher Cissoko and Ebenezer Oke at The Flyover Portobello. Swedish/ Senegalese couple Sousou and Maher Cissoko combine a variety of styles and influences as they perform from their new album Stockholm-Dakar. The show will be opened by guitarist Ebenezer Oke and his 6 piece band. Tickets are £12.50 from here.  

At 8.00pm is Ben Audu at Hootananny Brixton, 95 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF. The Nigerian jazz funk alto saxophonist makes his debut with his unique African swing. This is a FREE event.