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.