Week of Monday 27th October: Film Africa 2014, Yinka Shonibare, Diversity League Table 2014, Edo Festival and Awards 2014, Work Sierra Leone London 2014, Ades Cash and Carry Family Fun Day Out, Southern Africa 2014, Mister Africa International 2014, Re—imaging Black History Month for the 21st Century, ILFA Networking Reception, Ebola Beyond the Headlines, These are our friends Book Launch, Colour me not, Deoba Authentic and Friends, Sports and Drapetomania, An evening with Okey Ndibe

Jambo,

This week sees Film Africa, seminars, presentations, readings, plays, conferences and more. Another Proud to be African

week to be

Have a great week

Monday 27^th October

At 11.30am is A Caribbean Story at Wood Street Library, Forest Road, Waltham Forest, E17 4AA. This drama and storytelling workshop for children aged 5-7, explores the landscape and traditions of St Lucia. Register for this FREE event here.

At 2.00pm is Stories From Africa at Wood Street Library. These drama and stories for ages 5-7 feature classic African tales such as How Anansi Became king of all Stories and How the Zebra got his Stripes brought vividly to life. Register for this FREE event here.

At 5.30pm is Breaking Barriers Black History Month Special at BPP University, 137 Stamford Street, Southwark, SE1 9NN. This event consists of a panel discussion on ‘Powering innovation and business success through diversity’, followed by smaller seminars and networking, with guest speakers Paul Smith (Eversheds LLP), Chloe Smith MP, Sonia Brown MBE, Derick Tuitt (HP), Heather Melville (RBS), Robert Baker (Mercer), Anastasia Petrova (RBS), Jeanette Arnold (London Assembly), Jenny Garrett (Women’s Coach), Janice B. Gordon (Business mentor), Sanja Rahman (Sodexho Group), Seyi Obakin (Centrepoint) and Samantha Bowman (BIFM). Tickets are £10.00 (£6.00 concs) from here.

At 5.15pm the Centre for African Studies presents Oil and Rural Infrastructure Development Experiences of the Ilaje in Ondo State, Nigeria in Room 4429, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Anthropologist and Leventis Fellow Drr Babajide Ololajulo (University of Ibadan) will present his research on the experience of state organised oil led development intervention among the Ijale of Ondo State, analysing the internal dynamics and external intervention as a catalyst for physical transformation. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm is the Book Launch of Josefu’s Thousand Hills Tamara Dragadze at Foyles Bookshop, 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT. This Book Launch will be an evening of Rwandan life and culture. Book this FREE event here or call 0203 286 9909. 

At 7.00pm is the Kojo Minta Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Event at The Bush Theatre, W12.This drinks reception hosted by Sir Gordon Duff (St Hildas School)  will feature Dr Gus Casely-Hayford (Cultural historian), Professor Rebecca Hughes (British Council), Elsie Owusu OBE (Society of Black Architects), Dr Helene Neveu Kringelbach (Oxford) and HE Victor Emmanuel Smith (Ghana High Commissioner). Tickets are £29.00 from here

Tuesday 28^th October

From 9.00am to 6.00pm MineAfrica Inc hosts 4^th Focus of West Africa: London at Herbert Smith Freehills, Exchange House, Primrose Street, EC2A 2HS. This workshop and seminar features updates by mining companies on their West African projects, presentations on doing business in West Africa by subject experts. With 2 networking breaks, lunch and a cocktail reception at the end as well, tickets start from C$65.00 from here.

At 6.00pm is the ILFA Networking Reception at Brunei Suite, SOAS. Thus reception in support of the international training programme for African lawyers and legal professionals will feature speeches by Philip Aliker (Tanfield Chambers), Dame Linda Dobbs DBE (ILFA) and Professor Martin Lau (SOAS). More details about this legal networking event here.

At 6.30pm is Keziah Connections Networking Drinks with Black Up Cosmetics at Momentus Champagne Bar, The Cumberland, Great Cumberland, Great Cumberland Place, W1H 7DL. This networking event with Black Up Paris and their make-up artists, with product demonstrations and goody bags. Tickets start from £9.00 here.

At 6.30pm is 10 Years of Small Island with the Ad Hoc Reading Group at Wood Street Library. 10 years after the publication of this book by Andrea Levy, this group will discuss and review the multiple award winning book. RSVP this FREE book here.

At 6.30pm is Black Presence in Britain at Dugdale Centre, 3 London Road, Enfield Town, EN2 6DS. This I a celebration of tradition and culture with food, entertainment, speakers and lots more RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Lil Ragamuffin Fundraiser at Whirled Cinema, 259-260 Hardess Street, Loughborough Junction, SE24 0HN. This annual community building Summer cam takes a team off artist, educators, healers and entrepreneurs to the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, this event will screen Ring di alarm a compilation of 8 sort films from Jamaica and Free Swim an award winning documentary from The Bahamas. Followed by music from DJ AliTwiz, tickets are £10.00 from here.

                                                                 Wednesday 29^th October

At 6.00pm the Black Solicitors Network launches the Diversity League Table 2014 at Norton Rose Fulbright, 3 More London Place, SE1 2RE. chaired by BBC News presenter Clive Myrie this event sees the release of the BSN’s 2014 Diversity League Table report and a panel discussion on the subject of Retention and progression of diverse talent with Annabel Smith (Morgan Stanley), Derek Tuitt Hewlett Packard), Professor Peter Urwin (University of Westminster) and Cordella Bart—Stewart (BSN).followed by a Q&A RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm is IAmnext: Black History Month at the Devas Club, Stormont Road, Battersea, SW11 5EN. This event celebrates the rich culture and history of black people with a night of performances, food and entertainment. Tickets are £14.00 from here

At 7.00pm Deoba Authentic and Friends at Majestic Wine, Grill and Music Bar, 330a Coldharbour Lane SW9 8QH. Hosted by Verona Rose and MC DeRodstar, with guest artistes AY, Chuka Royalty, Kay Boogie, Saffie, Hadassah Heights Ebonie G, Teju the Poet, Akpos DE Comedian and Mbizzy. For more information call 07932961658, 07943751577

At 7.00pm the Centre of African Studies presents Ebola Beyond the Headlines: Discussion and Fundraiser in Room FG01, Faber Building, 23/24 Russell Square, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. This panel discussion moderated by Robtel Neajai Pailey (SOAS PhD Sstudent) with Douglas Farngalo (Union of Liberian Organisations in the UK), Yvonne Aki Sawyerr (Sierra Leone War Trust) and Dr Deborah Johnston (SOAS), this is a FREE event, RSVP here. 020 7898 4370

Thursday 30^th October

At 11.00am is Supersize Africa at Walthamstow Library, High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN. This craft workshop for children aged 5-11 aims to create a supersize map of Africa using paper, fabric and other material. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm the Africa Research Institute presents Grain Revolution: Finger millet and livelihood transformation in rural Zimbabwe at the Africa Research Institute, 55 Tufton Street, Westminster, SW1P 3QL. Dr Chidara Muchineripi (Chinyika Communities Development Project), will discuss how the Chinyika Communities Development Project has tackled food insecurity in Gutu Distriict by encouraging the production of finger millet a highly nutritious, indigenous grain that needs less water than maize to produce. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm is the Where do we go from here Exhibition Closing Event at Anatomy G29, University College London Union, Gower Street WC1E 6BT. This concluding event of Black History Month 2014 features a panel discussion tackling issues of attainment gap, the lack of Black professors etc with speakers such as Professor Ijeoma Ucheegbu (School of Pharmacy), Dr Shafaq Sikander (Wolfson Institute of Biomedical research) and Dr Nathanieel Coleman (Department of Philosophy), followed by a food and rinks reception in the South Cloisters, RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Tree Without Roots: Paul Crooks on Tracing African Ancestor at Dalston CLR James Library, Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8 3BQ. This talk by Paul Crooks covers his 13 year search for his family history from London to Jamaica and back to Ghana. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Getting Books to Every Child on the Planet at The Hospital Cub, 24 Endell Street, WC1H 9HQ. This event presents you with the opportunity to assist in sharing the future of reading in developing and emerging countries. RSVP this FREE event by email.

At 6.30pm FORWARD presents These are our friends FGM Book and film launch at Impact Hub, 34b York Way, N1 9AB. This book of poetry by young people addresses the problem will be launched at this event with spoken word performances, screening of a short film of the same name, showcasing artwork and guest speaker such as Rich ‘Blk’ Mkoloma, Scherrikar Bell and more. This is a FREE event although a donation of £5.00 is kindly requested.

At 7.00pm is the Re—imaging Black History Month for the 21^st Century: Inaugural Symposium at University Square Stratford, 1 Salway Place, Stratford, E15 1NN. This event marks the launch of a new community initiative in Newham to ensure that the historical and current contributions of Black African and Caribbean communities is acknowledged and celebrated. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Ciyos Jazz-Reggae Concert and Conversation at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 9NH B. The award winning Jazz-reggae artist Ciyo Brown and his band will showcase their new release ‘Put a little Jazz in their life’s’ along with  Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm is Just Debate The Black Family 2014 Part 2: Strengthening the Black Family at University of Greenwich, KW02, King William Building, Greenwich Campus, SE10 9HX. This is the second part of a debate exploring whether the black family is in crisis of growing from strength to strength. With  a panel of experts and audience participation. Admission is £8.50 from here.

At 7.00pm is the Re—imaging Black History Month for the 21^st Century: Inaugural Symposium at University Square Stratford, 1 Salway Place, Stratford, E15 1NN. This event marks the launch of a new community initiative in Newham to ensure that the historical and current contributions of Black African and Caribbean communities is acknowledged and celebrated. RSVP this FREE event here.

Friday 31^st October

At 6.30pm the Black and Asian Coaches Association presents Sports and Drapetomania: A time to change at Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton, SW2 1EF. This event aims to celebrate the positive contribution sport has made to the mental health of  African Caribbean communities. Hosted by Sandra Griffiths with Key note speeches, presentations, drinks and networking. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is An evening with Okey Ndibe in Room B111, Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. The celebrated Nigeria author will be reading from his critically acclaimed novel Foreign Gods Inc. followed by a reception, RSVP this FREE event by email. 

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating presents Black Singles Social Event at The Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH. This fully hosted singles exempt will encourage you to mix, mingle and socialise in a relaxed environment. Admission is £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is Colour Me Not at Cottons Rhum Jungle, 70 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QP. This evening inspired by the lives of 6 talented actresses will be a fusion of poetry, monologues and music. With a Caribbean buffet at £8.00 per head and reggae afterwards, tickets are £5.00 on the door, more details here.

Film Africa 2014

This 10 day Festival is London’s biggest celebration of African Cinema, returning for its 4^th year in venues across the city, more details here.

At 6.30pm is The Narrow Frame of Midnight (Itar el Lay) at Hackney Picturehouse, 270Mare Street, E8 1HE , this Moroccan debut film by Tala Hadid is an intriguing drama that centres on the intersecting destinies of multiple characters living on the fringes of existence in Morocco. Tickets are £10.60 from here

Saturday 1^st November

From 9.00am to 6.00pm is In Black and White: Prints and Posters from Africa and the Diaspora in Rooms 88A and 90, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. This display features a variety of powerful graphic images from the 1960s to the present, prints, posts, books, paintings and ephemera. Running till 1^st February 2015 this is a FREE event

From 12.00pm to 8.00pm is Ades Cash and Carry Family Fun Day Out 2014 at Ades African and Caribbean Cash and Carry, 132 Nathan Way, Thamesmead, SE28 0AU. This Family fun day will feature Ades tasty suya BBQ, Games and giveaways for children, raffle draw, photo opportunities with celebrities, live music by DJ Shola B and surprise guest appearances. RSVP this FREE event here.

From 12.30pm to 7.30pm is Work Sierra Leone London 2014 at The Boot and Flogger, 20 Redcross Way, SE1 1TA. This event open to Sierra Leoneans and no Sierra Leoneans will hot intenational and local companies looking to recruit skilled professionals into roles in Sierra Leone. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 2.00pm is Southern Africa 2014: 20 years of Freedom and Democracy at Unite the Union, 128 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8TN. Bheki Ntshalintshali (COSATU, South Africa) and Hlobsile Dlamin (Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly) discuss democracy, works rights, women's rights and the need for international solidarity 20 years after the end of Apartheid, RSVP this FREE event here.

At 3.00pm is Yinka Shonibare MBE in Conversation with Mark Sealy MBE at Tiwani Contemporary, 6 Little Portland Street, W1W 8BP, discussing Rotimi Fani-Kayode’s work and legacy, marking the last day of Rotimi Fani-Kayode (1955-1989). RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Mister Africa International 2014 at Mama Jumbe, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. This event sees African men from 30 countries battling it out to be crowned Mister Africa International. Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm Thenublk presents Film40rty at The Grenada High Commission, Archel Road, W14 9QH. Celebrating 40 years of Grenada’s Independence, this evening of short films documents exciting stories from Grenada and the Caribbean diaspora, screening Footprints and Project 2x1 Admission is £7.00 (£5.00 concs, children under 10 FREE) here. 

At 7.30pm is the Edo Festival and Awards 2014 at 18-19 Crimscottt Street, Off Grange Road, SE1 5TE. This festival brings Edo Sons and daughters in the diaspora to celebrate their rich cultural heritage with a dance troupe form Edo State, stand up comedy, recognition awards, musicians from Edo state and VIP guests from Nigeria. Tickets from £15.00 from here.

Film Africa 2014

This 10 day Festival is London’s biggest celebration of African Cinema, returning for its 4^th year in venues across the city, more details here.

11.00am to 3.00pm is Film Africa Family Day at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This event consists of screenings, workshops and the African Market Corner by Open the Gate, djembe drumming by Numbi Arts, interactive storytelling by The Pelican Post, screening of short films from across the continent such as The Animal Party, Behind the Door, Wooden Hand, Kanyekanye. And it’s all FREE, more details here.

At 12.00pm is a Double Bill starting with Ken Bugul: Nobody Wants Her at Rich Mix. This French/ Swiss documentary is an ode to Senegalese writer Ken Bugul. At 1.00pm is the Art of Ama Ata Aidoo this documentary follows the Ghanaian writer Ama Ata Aidoo over the course of a year from the US to her ancestral village. RSVP this event here.

At 12.00pm is Masterclass with Tala Hadid at the South London Gallery, 65-67 Pecham Road, SE5 8UH. The writer, photographer and director will define  what has informed and nourished the development o her aesthetic using excerpts of her work. Admission is £5.00 from here.

Sunday 2^nd November

Film Africa 2014

This 10 day Festival is London’s biggest celebration of African Cinema, returning for its 4^th year in venues across the city, more details here. 

From 10.00am to 4.00pm is Film Africa 2014 Industry Forum in the Blue Room, BFI, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX. The day consists of 3 panels and a networking lunch bringing together industry experts from Africa and the UK, with the opportunity for attendees to pitch their creative ideas to a panel of experts. Register for this FREE event by email. 

At 12.00pm is Documenting the Past at Rich Mix with 3 films from the Algerian new wave of cinema; Tarzan, Don Quichotte and Us by Algerian director Hassen Ferhani, In the Silence, I feel the Earth roll, a documentary about refugees from the Spanish Civil War in Algeria and Frantz Fanon: Memories from the asylum an examination of the realities of Fanons theories on identity and race and present day Joinville Hospital in Blida, Algeria where he practised. Admission is £9.50 (£7.00 concs) from here.

Week of 20th October: Pandora’s Box, Future Africa: ‘Flying Donkeys’, Somali Week Festival 2014, Ebola Roadshow, 6th Annual BEFFTA Awards UK, African Health Leaders- Making Change and Claiming the Future, Rwanda’s Role in an Emerging Africa and Uncertain World, From Emancipation to Windrush, Mahogany Bridal Show and Exhibition 2014, True African Awards 2014, The London Black Atheists 2nd Anniversary, Work Sierra Leone London 2014, 100 Black Men of London: Community Mentoring Programme Open Day 2014, The African Market, Caribbean Festival, How to Fix Nigeria, Ghana’s Economic Transformation: Progress and Challenges in Policy, The Eastern Caribbean in the 21st Century, Celebrating Chinua Achebe’s Legacy: Arrow of God at 50, African Creative Industries Investment Summit,

Mokom (Hello in Efik),

Proud to be African Clothing has another full week of events, plays, seminars, music, awards, markets and more.

Have a great week

Monday, 20th October

At 12.30pm the Africa Research Institute presents Future Africa: ‘Flying Donkeys’, digital currencies and implanted devices at the Africa Research Institute, 55 Tufton Street, Westminster, SW1P 3QL, with Jonathan Ledgard (The Future Africa Afrotech Initiative, Swiss Federal Institute for Technology), this talk will examine the opportunities presented by advances in robotic and computing which could lead to massive employment growth and knowledge on the continent. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm SLWT hosts the Ebola Roadshow in the Naim Dangoor Auditorium, Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, W1G 0AE. An event for professionals who seek to assist in countering the ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. This is a FREE event, register here or just turn up.

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 1.00pm is Remittance: update of the Safer Corridor Pilot at Oxford House. Chaired by Mary Harper. This meeting discuss the progress of the campaign for safer cross border remittances. Panellists include Degan Ali (Adeso), Farhan Hassan (Somali Heritage Academic Network Ltd), Ed Pomfret, (Oxfam) and representatives from DfID and Consult Hyperion. This is a FREE event.

At 4:00pm is Educate a Girl: Empower a Woman at Oxford House. Chaired by Annisa Ahmed, this event showcases successful British Somali women from different fields and the documentary A Safe Harbour about the Somali sailor community in Butetown Cardiff. Followed by a panel discussion with Amina Ali (Labour Party Councillor), Samra Said (Somali Development Relief Forum), Leyla Bile (Film Maker), Sado Jirde (Black South West Network), Kinsi Abdulleh (Numbi Arts Organisation) and Hanan Bihi (Journalist and Youth Act). This is a FREE event

At 6.00pm is the Anglo—Somali Society Yearly Annual Gathering and Presentation at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. Screening the documentary ‘Through thee firewall’ a portrait of the life and humanitarian work of three exceptional Somali women. Followed by a Q&A with one of the women featured Ilwad Elman. Admission is £3.00.

At 8.00pm is Creative Dialogue: Somali Translated Works at Oxford House. Chaired by Martin Orwin, this event focusses of works of Somali poetry translated into English with recitals by Weedhsame, Martin Orwin Caasha, Lul Mohamud, Clare Pollard, Sarah Maguire, Said Jama and Mohamed Alto, as well as an exhibition of photographs of Somaliland and performances by Nimo Yasin and Abdirizaq ‘Ga. Admission is £5.00 from here.

Tuesday 21^st October

At 3.00pm The Africa All Party Parliamentary Group presents African Health Leaders- Making Change and Claiming the Future discussion in the Thatcher Room, Portcullis House, Bridge Street, Westminster, SW1A 2LW. This high level panel discussion chaired by Baroness Kinnock features Dr Francis Omaswa (African Centre for Global Health), Dr Luis Sambo (WHO), Dr Uche Amazigo (African Programme for Onchoceriasis Control)  and Lord Nigel Crisp (co-editor African Health Leaders). The panel will discuss African health leadership and the new relationship African health leaders seek from partner countries. Followed by a reception at 6.00pm, register for this FREE event by emailing Vanessa. 

At 5.00pm Chatham House hosts Rwanda’s Role in an Emerging Africa and Uncertain World at Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Robin Niblett (Chatham House) with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda who will discuss his vision for Rwanda’s future, building on its development gains and regional and international priorities. Register for this event here.

At 6.30pm is From Emancipation to Windrush at City Hall, Greater London Assembly, The Queens Walk, SE1 2AA. This presentation by Arthur Torrington covers the period from 1838 to 1948 from Emancipation Day till date. This is a FREE event email for more information. 

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents How to Fix Nigeria: A Reckoning with History at the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Funmi Iyanda (Ignite Media), with Max Siollun (historian) and Jide Olanrewaju (Satya Capital), this new panel series aims to definitively explore the question, ‘How to Fix Nigeria?’, exploring the country’s military and economic history and how these experiences will play out in the 2015 elections and beyond. Register for this FREE event here.

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 1.00pm is the Strengthening the campaign to end FGM Conference at Oxford House. Chaired by Dr. Fadumo Omar, this conference discuss ways to strengthen the campaign to end FGM by addressing loopholes in current law and practice. Speakers and panellists include Dr Fatuma Farah (psychotherapist), Dr Nasr Warf (QMUL), Fiona Dwyer (Tower Hamlets Council). This is a FREE event.

At 4.00pm is Somalis in London: Report launch and debate at Oxford House. Chaired by Nazia Hussain (Open Society Foundations) this event launches the report Somalis in London as part of the Somalis in European cities series, which highlights the life of Somalis in 7 cities. Speakers include Ayan Mahamoud Kayd Somali Arts and Culture), Anya Ahmed (University of Salford), Asha Abdillahi (Account3) and Jawaahir Daahir (Somali Development Services). This is a FREE event.

At 6.00pm is Women’s Writing, Heritage and Identity at Oxford House. This event features prominent female artists from across the diaspora , chaired by Giulia Liberatore with Dr Sada Mire (Archaeologist), Nadifa Mohamed, Cristina Ali Farah and Sahro Koshin, it will conclude with a poetry recital by Asha Lul Mohamoud and music by Nimo Degan. Admission is £5.00.

Wednesday 22^nd October

At 10.00am Chatham House hosts Ghana’s Economic Transformation: Progress and Challenges in Policy at Chatham House. Ghanaian President Dramani Mahama and is team of ministers will engage in an in depth roundtable discussion on economic policy and implementation. Register for this event here. 

At 3.45pm the Caribbean Council hosts The Eastern Caribbean in the 21^st Century- Energising Trade and Investment in Antigua and Barbuda at The Army and Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, SWW1Y 5JN. Chaired by Lord Foulkes of Cunnick This meeting features the newly elected Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Honourable Gaston Browne, where he will set out his plans for affordable housing and infrastructure, plans for Guiana Island, the future of financial services and the gaming sector. Tickets start from £20.00 from here.

At 6.30pm the London School of Economics presents Diane Abbott on London: A Tale of Two Cities at CLM4.02, Clement House, 99 Aldwych, WC2B 4JF. This lecture will focus of thee challenges facing London and policy ideas to address them delivered by Diane Abbot MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington. This is a FREE event, more information here.

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 7:00pm is Identity and Diversity at the Khalili Lecture Theatre SOAS. This event will bring together Somali scholars, and activists to offer their perspectives on Somali identities and diversities. Chaired by Dr Laura Hammond (SOAS), with Michael Walls as discussant, speakers include Professor Hussein Abdilahi Bulhan, (formerly University of Hargeisa), Ilwad Elman (Peace and Human Rights Centre , Mogadishu), Omar Eno (Portland State University) and Claire Thomas (Minority Rights Group). Followed by a reception with refreshments this is a FREE event.

Thursday 23^rd October

From 1.00pm to 4.00pm Black Cultural Archives presents Silver Diamonds: Elders Takeover Day at Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square Brixton, SW2 1EF. This event takes you on a guided exhibition tour exploring the theme Breaking the Silence: Revolutionary Voices, drawing many stories from black women’s stories from the slave trade to the Industrial Revolution. Admission is £7.00 from here.

At 6.30pm is the LSE 2014 Steve Biko Memorial Lecture: Arts and Activism: Reflections on the anti-apartheid struggle and two decades of South African Democracy at  the Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House. Chaired by Professor Thandika Mkandawire (African Development Chair), with South African music legend Hugh Masekela who will discuss his long career and experiences as an anti apartheid activist and exile. This is a FREE event, more information here.

At 7.00pm is Finding Fela at Mildmay Community Centre, Mayville Estate, Woodville Road, N16 8NA. This documentary tells the story off Fela Anikulapo Kutis life, music, struggle, social message and political relevance. Followed by a Q&A with African music and history consultant Kwaku. Register for this FREE event here. 

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 6.00pm is Remembering Abdi Gouhad at Oxford House. Hosted by Muna Elmi, this event is dedicated to the late Abdi Gouhad, and his influence on second-generation British-Somali actors and poets. The evening features screenings and contributions from friends and colleagues such as Graham Simpson, Said Hussein, Yusra and Ubah. Poets such as Ola Animashawn, Anthony Ekundayo Lennon, Chloe Todd, and Muna Elmi will read from his last play Hyatt. Admission is £5.00.

Friday 24^th October

From 9.30am to 5.45pm the Institute of English Studies hosts Celebrating Chinua Achebe’s Legacy: Arrow of God at 50 at Senate House, SOAS, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. This 2 day conference commemorates Chinua Achebe’s work and influence with speakers such as Akachi Ezeigbo, Harry Garuba, Simon Gikandi, T. Vijay Kumar, Okey Ndibe, Femi Osofisan, panel discussions, dramatic presentations and drinks reception with music by kora maestro Kadialy Kouyate. Conference tickets start from £45.00 from here

From 4.00pm to 11.30pm is the 6^th Annual Black Entertainment Film Fashion and Television Awards (BEFFTA) Awards  UK at The Hippodrome Golders Green, North End Road, Barnet, NW11 7RP. Hosted Abrantee Boateng (Capital Xtra) and Pauline Long (Ben TV), event consists of a drinks reception, red carpet, awards show with 43 categories on this first day and entertainment by singer Ten Senah, Jermain Jackman, and Malawian Hip hop star Tay Grin. More details here

At 7.30pm is Pandora’s Box at The Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 9NH. This fascinating tragicomedy about a British Nigerian family and the dilemmas of a mother’s choice about whether to educate her child in the UK or Nigeria. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 7.30pm the Off the Wall Players present Saturday Soup at the Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street E1 5HU. This dramatic triptych explores themes of Black Food, culture and London lives. Followed by a Q&A and Caribbean food. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm Open the Gate hosts Africa Special at Passing Clouds,1 Richmond Road, E8 4AA. Featuring Senegalese Afro-Fusion band Batch Gueye Band live on stage, Madagascaran traditional singer Nogabe Randriaharimalala and Usifu Jalloh, the Sierra Leonean drummer and storyteller. DJs Newton Dunbar, David Katz, Jamie Renton and Beatnik will be on the decks upstairs. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm. £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 thereafter.

At 7.30pm Spora Stories presents Phillis in London by Ade Solanke at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This play tells the story of Phillis Wheatley an African American teenager who came to London in 1773, who became the first African American (and third female American) to publish a volume of poetry. Admission is £8.00 (£6.00 concs).

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 6:00pm is Documenting History, Culture and Heritage at Oxford House. Chaired by Iman Sheel this event sees the book launch of Michael Walls’ A Somali Nation- State: History, Culture and Somaliland’s Political Transition.  This will be followed by a photographic display entitled Somaliland Summer by Kate Stanworth and concludes with a concert by Aar Maanta and his band. Admission is £5.00

Saturday 25^th October

From 9.30am to 5.45pm is Day 2 of the Institute of English Studies hosts Celebrating Chinua Achebe’s Legacy: Arrow of God at 50 at Senate House. This conference commemorates Chinua Achebe’s work and influence. Conference tickets start from £45.00 from here.

At 10.00am is the African Creative Industries Investment Summit at Pricewaterhouse Cooper, 1 Embankment Place WC2N 6RH. This event will give insight into creative industries in Africa such as advertising, arts, broadcasting, fashion, film, music and publishing, with insights from industry experts, networking with investment stakeholders and more. Tickets are £95.00 from here (£115.00 on the door).

From 11.00am to 7.00pm is Freekah: Youths of the Diaspora at The Stephen Lawrence Centre, 39 Brookmill Road, Deptford, SE8 4HU. This event for 10-25 year olds features Spoken word and Drama and African drumming and dance workshops. From  4.00pm there will be refreshments and live performances hosted by Lb Kudos Brown from Smithigo Shawts, motivational speeches from Howie D and Oneness Sankara, a short film screening and  panel discussion with Oneness Sankara, Janine Francois, Samuell Benta and Maria Goratti. Register for this event here, admission is £2.00

At 11.30am is The London is the place for me, Caribbean Festival at The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. This 2 day event features films, workshops on calypso making, speech writing and performances from artists such as Professor Mervyn Morris, Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, John Agard, Alexander D Great, Women of Steel, Mangrove Steelband, Anthony Joseph, Malika Booker, Kei Miller, Tobago Crusoe, Abdul Malik, Tracie Morris, Charlie Dark, Melanie Abrahams, James Ingham, Jamie Renton and Michael Brome aka Sureshot, Mangrove Steelband jam. Tickets start from £12.50 per day from here.

From 12.00pm to 3.00pm 100 Black Men of London host Community Mentoring Programme Open Day 2014 at 3 locations. North London: Redmond Community Centre, Kayani Avenue, Manor House, N4 2HF. East London: 29-35 West Ham Lane, Stratford, E15 4PH, West London: Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, Gunnersbury Lane, Acton, W33 8UXand South London: Cambridge House, 1 Addington Square, Camberwell, SE5 0HF. This open day for the Me I can Be and Parents in Partnership free accredited mentoring Programmes that help develop vital life skills for parents and children (10-15). Register for this FREE event here.

From 12.00pm to 5.00pm is the Afro Arts Workshop at The Creation Box, Make Space Studios, SE1 7DR. these workshops are suitable for beginners or improvers, traditional/ African drumming with Richard Olatunde Baker and Afrojam Modern African Dance with Kemi Durosinmi. Register for this FREE workshop here.

From 12.00pm to 9.00pm Kofi Arts hosts Pride Black: History Month Open Studio Event at Kofi Arts Studio, 115 Melfort Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7RX. This events celebrates African and Caribbean culture with the launch of a new product and an artist’s talk at 7.00pm. RSVP this FREE event here.

From 12.30pm to 7.00pm the Sierra Leone High Commission presents Work Sierra Leone London 2014 at The Boot and the Flogger, 20 Redcross Way, SE1 1TA. This event seeks to bring highly skilled Sierra Leoneans and non Sierra Leoneans with an interest in working in the country too participate in its future economic growth in a variety of career fields. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 4.00pm is the True African Awards 2014 at Event Palace, Unit 5, Block 2, Dockyard Industrial Estate, Woolwich Church Street, SE18 5PQ. This event seeks to award people of African descent who have contributed to their community in 20 specialist areas. This event features a drinks reception, 3 course dinner and entertainment. Tickets are £60.00 from here.

From 4.00pm to 11.30pm is Day Two the 6^th Annual BEFFTA Awards UK at The Hippodrome Golders Green. Hosted Abrantee Boateng (Capital Xtra) and Pauline Long (Ben TV), event consists of a drinks reception, red carpet, awards show with 28 categories on this first day and entertainment by singer Ten Senah, Jermain Jackman, and Malawian Hip hop star Tay Grin. More details here.

At 6.00pm is The London Black Atheists 2^nd Anniversary at Conway Hall, Brockway Room, 25 Red Lion Square WC1R 4RL. The evening will involve music, poetry, comedy, African and Caribbean food, Book swaps and a fundraising bar, raffle and prize draw. Tickets are £5.00 (£3.00 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm The Red Carpet presents An Evening with Nairobi at Charlie Wrights International Bar, 45 Pitfield Street, N1 6DA. This intimate and sophisticated evening of spoken word, live music and laughter with social commentary. Tickets are £8.00 from here, more on the door.

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 6.00pm is Literature & Poetry at Oxford House. This event is broken into two sessions, the first session is dedicated to Somali writers and poets such as Dr. Bulhan, Bashir Goth and Mohamed Hersi and Malawian writer Mpalive Msiskawho. The second session will feature Ingeborg Vardøen,  an active member of the Norwegian- Somali Community, who will launch her book. The evening will conclude with poetry readings from selected Somali poetry collections chaired by Mustafa Adan Nur. Admission is £5.00.

Sunday 26^th October

At 11.00am is Happy Sunday Redbridge with Jane Grell at Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA. This event features Dominican storyteller Jane Grell whose stories and poetry exemplifies British and Caribbean cultures, RSVP this FREE event here.

From 12.00pm to 6.00pm Black Cultural Archives presents World Audio-Visual Heritage Community Day at Black Cultural Archives. This event raises awareness of the significance o preserving audio-visual documentation and oral histories with a series of workshops on how to record and preserves film, photographs and other. Admission is £25.00 (£20.00 concs) from here

From 12.00pm to 6.00pm is the Mahogany Bridal Show and Exhibition 2014 at The Grand Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BZ. This event features wedding planners, caterers, wedding cake designers and everything you need to make your day special, as well as seminars on Bridal Make Up and Q&A on Hair. Admission is £10.00 from here. 

At 4.00pm is the African Caribbean Gospel Party at The London Jesus Centre, 83 Margaret Street, Oxford Circus, W1W 8TB. Playing Christian Soca bashment and afrobeats music, with tropical drinks and fruits and traditional African and Caribbean snacks, Admission is £5.00 here and £10.00 on the door.

At 7.00pm is Lorna Blackmans Sherlockness and Dr Watsoness- The Black Detective Duo at The West Indian Cultural Centre, 9 Clarendon Road, N8 0DJ.this comedy featuring the black detective duo who are trying to solve the case of who killed the Black Prime Minister. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm is Soulful Sundays at Ivory Arch, 80-82 Walworth Road, Elephant and Castle, SE1 6SW. Hosted by the Governess Live Band and Deleelah and featuring performances from TianaMajor9 Davinia Rodrigues, Sophie Plumb, Eboness Onyx, Boy Nash and headlined by Zimbabwean born singer/ songwriter Garwe. Tickets are £5.00 from here £8.00 on the door.

Somali Week Festival 2014

At 6.00pm is Final Beats at Oxford House. This grand finale of Somali Week Festival hosted by Baar Hersi the features visiting artists Amina Farah and Shay Mire, London- based Somali vocalists Maryan Mursal, Kun Ciil, Bada Cas, Anab Ismail, musicians Said Hussein and Maxamed Maacow Nuur and  Hudbydi for a final night of entertainment. Admission is £10.00

Week of Monday 13th October: ICSN Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival, Star 100: Road Map Ghana Conference, The Afrovibes Festival, Nigeria @100: Transforming a British Experiment, 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Afro-polis: African Renaissance, What Were Black People doing in World War 1, AFFORD: The Role of the UK Diaspora in Emergencies, Caribbean Question Time, The Olaudah Equiano Heritage Walk, I Want to Work in Africa Careers Workshop, BF-UK Dragons Den and Special Surgery, Young Back Grads: BHM Dinner and Debate, Society of Black Lawyers: Children in Conflict Zones, Stori Plenti: Meeting Lagos Through Literature, Acoustic Soul with Lanre

Kedu,

Proud to be African Clothing is happy to present you with another week jam packed with awesome Africanness. So much to do, see and hear but so little time. Multiple festivals going on at the same time from the South African Afrovibes, Afropolis in Hoxton, African Arts to the Somali Week.

Star100 brings an excellent event the Road Map Ghana Conference, for anyone interested in West Africa’s second most dynamic economy (i.e. anyone interested in Africa!).

There is art, music, movies seminars and more, have an excellently Africanly, groovy week.

Monday 13^th October

At 5.00pm the Sulger-Buel Lovell Gallery hosts Of(f) Africa Group Exhibition at Sulger-Buel Lovell Gallery, The Loft , Unit 2 La Gare, 51 Surrey Row, SE1 0BZ. Running till 15^th November, this inaugural exhibition of the selected works of gallery artists from Africa such as sculptor Abdulrazaq Awofeso, photographer Ralph Ziman and mixed media artist Vivien Kohler.

At 5.15pm the Centre of African Studies presents The Memory of the Crowd: Exploring the Potential of Digital Media Platforms to Re-Imagine a National Narrative in Kenya in Room 4429, SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. Sam Hopkins (Iwalewahaus, Bayreuth, Germany) shares his research project ‘The Memory of the Crowd’ a media project in Kenya which explores approaching national history on inclusive identities of choice rather than exclusive identities of birth with Professor Annie Coombes (Pelz Gallery and University of London) . RSVP this FREE event by email.

At 6.00pm the Nigeria Arts Society presents Nigeria @100: Transforming a British Experiment at WAC Gallery, 144 Baylis Road, SE1 7AA. This exhibiton running till 1^st November commemorates Nigerias centenary with artists such as Ade Ogundimu, Chike Azuonye, Chinwe Chukuogo Roy MBE,Dotun Adegbite, Gbenga Orimoloye, Hassan Aliyu, Imoesi Imhonigie, Kunle Adegborioye, Lara Ige Jacks, Micahel Echekoba, Obi Okigbo, Raymond Soko, Titus Agbara and Toni Ndikanwu. More details about this is a FREE event here.  

At 6.00pm Black History Walks present What Were Black People doing in World War 1 in the Portland Lecture Room, University of Westminster, 4-12 Little Titchfield Street, W1W 7UW. This presentation covers the contributions of Africans and Caribbean soldiers, sailors, airmen and workers to the war effort and the importance of their actions. RSVP this is a FREE event here.

Tuesday 14^th October

At 1.00pm The BFI London Film Festival presents Diploma National at the ICA Cinema, Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH. This fly on the wall documentary by Dieudo Hamadi follows a group of Congolese students as they prepare for their National Diploma exam. Tickets for this film are £9.00 from here.

At 1.00pm Black Cultural Archives presents Re-Imagine: Black Women in Britain Exhibition Tours at Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square Brixton, SW2 1EF. This event takes you on a historic journey though the lives of a handful of women o the frontline of making a difference. Admission is £5.00 (£3.00 concs) from here.

At 2.00pm is Nuff Said? an exhibition at The Platform, Loughborough Junction, 2 Ridgeway Road, Loughborough Junction, SW9 7AH. This installation project combines animation, archive and multi media to consider the mind, body and voice of African descendants though history. Running till 18^th October, this is a FREE exhibition, more information here. 

At 5.30pm is the Nigerian Women in Diaspora Leadership Forum Women Holding Hands Mentoring Project at the House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Diane Abbott MP will lead this event promoting and inspiring women. Open to all BME women, register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm AFFORD presents The Role of the UK Diaspora in Emergencies: Spotlight on Nigeria and Lesotho in The Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS. This event sees the launch of research studies mapping Nigerian diaspora health and education professionals by Equinox Consulting and mapping diaspora healthcare professionals in Lesotho by AFFORD. To register for this FREE event email Carlos Pozo. 

At 6.30pm Carpe Diem Events presents Poetry Meets Art-Black History Month Special at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. This night of spoken word, music art and poetry n aid ofCongo and ethical technology features spoken word artists Gallant Sitruc, AmeN NoiR, Halah Mohammed, El Crisis, Nat  Nye, Nyarai Kizzy, Kat Francois and ShakaRa, artist Nebula Nebula and presentations by Vava Tampa of Save The Congo and Nadin Bourne of Freedom Project. Admission is £7.00 before 9.00pm and £9.00 after.

At 6.30pm is The Image and Reality of Black Africans in Renaissance England with Michael Ohajuru at Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JB. Independent historians Michael  Ohajuru and Dr Miranda Kaufmann examine images and accounts of Black Africans in England during the renaissance.

At 7.00pm the Jamaica National Building Society presents Caribbean Question Time at 1 Great George Street, Westminster, SW1P 3AA. As the UK General election comes close this is a platform to discuss the key issues affecting the Caribbean community. Following the question Time format with a panel and audience. Reserve your place at this FREE event by email. 

The Afrovibes Festival

The Afrovibes Festival will be running at across London from the 14^th -18^th October with a Township Café with South African food and South African inspired artwork by local schoolchildren, Africa Inspired photographic exhibition, Pop Up South Africa interactive photography project

At 7.30pm Theatre Royal Stratford East presents Rhetorical at Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX. Written and directed by Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom this satirical and humorous play stars Presley Cheweneyagae (star of Oscar winning film Tsotsi), revisiting one of Thabo Mbekis most famous speeches, laying bare his powers of persuasion, style of governance and impact on citizens. Running till 18^th October tickets are £18.00 (£12.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.30pm the Afrovibes Festival hosts Uncles and Angels/ Dark Cell at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptfors, SE8 4AG. Uncles and Angel’s by Nelisiwe Xaba uses video and interactive dance to show us the South African Reed Dance and how traditional ceremonies can be manipulated by those in power. Dark Cell draws inspiration from the treatment of political prisoners in Robben Island and uses a prison cell as a metaphor for mental imprisonment. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs)

Wednesday 15^th October

At 6.00pm is Africans in Tudor and Stuart Port Towns in Room 180, Queen Anne Building, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Campus, SE10 9HX. Dr Miranda Kaufmann will explore the lives of Africans in 16^th and 17^th century English and Scottish port towns, what occupations and relationships they found and how they were treated by the church, the law and other people. This is a FREE event.

At 7.00pm Every Voice screens Benda Bilili at Hanley Crouch Community Centre, Sparsholt Road, N19 4EL. This film follows a group of musician from the ghettos of Kinshasha 4 of whom are paraplegic and 3 of whom are homeless street children, struggle through to their first recording contract and international stardom. With food and performances and followed by a discussion chaired by Jean-Roger Kaseki. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.15pm The BFI London Film Festival presents Hard to Get in NFT2, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road. This action thriller is set in downtown Johannesburg’s criminal underworld, where gigolo TK and petty criminal Skiets meet in a bar and delve deeper into the local criminal fraternity. Screening again at The Ritzy on the 17^th. Tickets from £9.00 here

Afro-polis African Renaissance at Hoxton Square

This 5 day event provides an exhibition, dining experience, pop up concept store, based on the concept of a fictitious Nigerian couple the Affogbolos. More details here.  

At 9.30am is Breakfast Talks in The Dining Room, 16 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, N1 6NT with Anasthasie Tudieshe (Le Pointe Afrique) in conversation with Camerounian artist Barthelemy Toguo, accompanied by a Senegalese fusion breakfast. Tickets are £15.00 (£10.00 students) from here

From 3.30pm to 5.30pm is Afternoon Tea and Folktales at the Affogbolos in The Dining Room. Hosted by a griot and curated by Yswara gourmet tea. Tickets are £15.00 from here

At 7.30pm is Guess Whos Coming to Dinner Tonight at The Dining Room, is which a menu is crafted by the childhood memories and art of the guest accompanied by South African wines. Tonight’s guest is Barthelemy Toguo. Tickets start from £60.00 from here.

The Afrovibes Festival

At 5.30pm is The African Cypher at The Albany this film shows how dance has enriched and changed the lives of African townships showing the diverse performances of isiPantsula, sBhujwa, Krump and B\boy Tis is a FREE event

At 6.00pm is Mojisola Adebayo with Afrovibes artists at The Albany. Writer and theatre maker sparks conversation and debate with the creative behind Afrovibes productions. This is a FREE event and happens daily until the 17th.

At 7.30pm is Biko’s Quest at The Albany. The JazzArt Dance Theatre Company interprets the inspirational story of anti-apartheid campaigner Steve Biko. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 8.30pm is Chill Pill Plus at The Albany. Deanna Roger and Simon Mole of Chill Pill the Albany’s resident spoken word collective curate an evening of events with guest artists and co hosts. This is a FREE event.

Thursday 16^th October

At 4.00pm the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents The 1:54 Forum 2014: ‘Mapping the Trajectory of Rotimi Fani-Kayode’s Work’ at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. This panel of Christine Eyene (University of Central Lancashire), Renee Mussai (Autograph ABP), Maria Varnaya (Tiwani Contemporary) will discuss the artistic trajectory of Fani—Kayodes work from pre Africa 95 to recent retrospectives. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm Black Fundraisers UK host BF-UK Dragons Den and Special Surgery at The Directory of Social Change, 24 Stephenson Way, NW1 2DP. This fun event sees individuals pitch their projects to a panel of dragons from some of the UK’s finest grant making bodies in exchange for advice. And the opportunity to have one on one speed surgery sessions with funders of their choice and network with other professionals and consultants. Tickets are £20.00 from here.

At 6.00pm Young Back Grads presents BHM Dinner and Debate at Mango Rooms, 10-12 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NH. This evening of drinks, dinner, debate and networking chaired by Dotun Adebayo (BBC) features lively discussions and a 2 or 3 course Caribbean menu. Admission starts from £22.00 from here.

At 6.30pm is Beauty’s Story: Author event with Rita Ese Edah at Hale End Library, Castle Avenue, Highams Park, E4 9QD. Author Rita Ese Edah will be reading passages from her book , a story of loss love, betrayal and awareness takes the reader from East London to Southern Nigeria. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm the Society of Black Lawyers presents Children in Conflict Zones at Fasken Martineu, 17 Hanover Square, W1S 1HU. The purpose of this seminar is to raise awareness of children trapped in armed conflict and occupation and to discuss the mechanisms and strategies to influence the Government and international community, with Courtenay Griffiths QC, Helena Kennedy QC, Professor Carolyn Hamilton and speakers from Amnesty International and UNICEF. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating presents Black Singles Social Event at All Bar One- Houndsditch, 106-107 Houndsditch EC3A 7BD. This fully hosted event will have no more than 30 people who will be encouraged to mix and mingle. Tickets are £5.00 from here.

Afro-polis African Renaissance at Hoxton Square

At 9.30am is Breakfast Talks in The Dining Room with Amelie Kleine (Vitra Design Museum) in conversation Cheick Diallo (leading Malian designer) accompanied by a Senegalese fusion breakfast. Tickets are £15.00 (£10.00 students) from here.

From 3.30pm to 5.30pm is Afternoon Tea and Folktales at the Affogbolos in The Dining Room. Hosted by a griot and curated by Yswara gourmet tea. Tickets are £15.00 from here

At 7.30pm is Guess Whos Coming to Dinner Tonight at The Dining Room, is which a menu is crafted by the childhood memories and art of the guest accompanied by South African wines. Tonight’s guest is James Barnor. Tickets start from £60.00 from here.

The Afrovibes Festival

At 7.30pm is Chill Pill: Afrovibes at The Albany. With a line up of special UK and international artists including Toni Stuart and an open mic slot. Admission is £7.00 (£5.00 concs) from here. Followed by Chill Pill Plus At 8.30pm. Hosted by Raymond Antrobus and Adam Kammerling. Which is is a FREE event.

At 7.45pm is Skierlik at The Albany. This award winning play revisits the horror of a racially motivated shooting spree which devastated the remote settlement of Skierlik in 2008. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

Friday 17^th October

At 1.30pm the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents The 1:54 Forum 2014: Koyo Kouoh in Conversation with Miriam Syowia Kyambi and James Muriuki at Somerset House. Camerounian born, Senegalese bred exhibition maker and cultural producer will be in conversation with artists Miriam Syowia Kyambi and James Muriuki. Register for this FREE event here.

At 3.00pm the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents The 1:54 Forum 2014: Osei Bonsu in Conversation with Ibrahim Mahama at Somerset House. The Ghanaian artist explores the relationship between concepts, art objects and human relationships in both a localised and geographically wide ranging context. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm The Young African presents The Pitch at Google Campus London, 4-5 Bonhill Street, EC2A 4BX. This is a dynamic platform for start-up CEOs to pitch an promote their businesses to potential investors and a panel of judges with the chance to win £500.00 cash prize and a one to one mentoring session with their chosen judge. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm AfriCat UK presents Big Cats- Keeping The Wild at The Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, Kensington, SW7 2AR. TV presenter and wildlife expert Chris Packham will host the evening on behalf of AfriCat Foundation Namibia, discussing what needs to be done to keep lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs free and in the wild, how to take great pictures projects support local people and keep big cats wild in Africa. There will also be a silent auction, chances to win and book travel trips Admission is £20.00 from here.

At 6.30pm Bukka presents Stori Plenti: Meeting Lagos Through Literature at the October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Stret, Bloomsbury, WC1N 3AL . The re launch of world urbanism and architecture platform Bukka and its 10 year anniversary features a tribute to long time supporter Kaye Whiteman an his book Lagos: A Cultural and Historcial Companionpresented bby Dr Oliver Owen (Oxford University), the official UK Book launch of Sandbank City: Lagos at 150  by John Goddwin and Gilian Hopwood and readings from Noo Saro-Wiwa’s Looking for Transwonderland on the city of Lagos, live music, food and drinks. RSVP this FREE event by email.

At 8.00pm is Acoustic Soul with Lanre and Guests at The Omnibus, 1 Northside, Clapham Common, SW4 0QW. Lanre’s unique sound combines acoustic folk and soul influenced by her Yoruba heritage appearing with surprise guests, admission is £5.00 from here.

At 5.00pm Kayd.org presents 2014 Somali Week Festival: Imaginative Horizons at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG. Chaired by Mohammed Adow with key note speaker Ambassador Neil Wigan and Rushanara Ali MP, with the theme introduced by Sheikh Mahamud Sheikh Dalmar. Featuring Dr Hussein Abdiilahi Bulhan (Academy for Peace and Development), Bashir Goth (poet and blogger), Sahra Kooshin (poet and writer). The event will close with a performance by the lute player and vocalist Shay Mire Dacar and poetr readings by Halwo Bulhan Ali. Admission is £5.00

Afro-polis African Renaissance at Hoxton Square

At 9.30am is Breakfast Talks in The Dining Room with Anasthasie Tudieshe (Le Pointe Afrique) in conversation James Barnor (Ghanaian photographer) accompanied by a Senegalese fusion breakfast. Tickets are £15.00 (£10.00 students) from here.

From 3.30pm to 5.30pm is Afternoon Tea and Folktales at the Affogbolos in The Dining Room. Hosted by a griot and curated by Yswara gourmet tea. Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 7.30pm is Guess Whos Coming to Dinner Tonight at The Dining Room, is which a menu is crafted by the childhood memories and art of the guest accompanied by South African wines. Tonight’s guest is from the Desmond Tutu Fellowship. Tickets start from £60.00 from here.

The Afrovibes Festival

At 7.30pm is the The Revivalists at The Albany. This crew of performers sample sections from four iconic theatre texts using them to make statements about their own identity. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

At 7.45pm is Tsotsi at The Albany. This Oscar award film based on Athol Fugards novel tells the story of a young street thug who hijacks a car only to discover a baby in the backseat. This is a FREE event

Saturday 18^th October

From 9.30am to 5.30pm Star100 UK presents The Road Map Ghana Conference at BCS, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, WC2E 7HA. This 10^th anniversary conference will aid in in giving an insight as to what it’s like to move from the diaspora to Ghana, allow people to meet entrepreneurs and change makers. Confirmed speakers include Koko Abedi (Explainer DC), Tutu Agyare (Nubuke Investments), Nicole Amartiefio (An African City), David Ampofo (Channel Two Communications), Dr Sylvia Anie-Akwetey (Fellow of the Royal Society), Ernest Hanson (Beaufort Properties), Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia (Oxford and Beaumont), Jerry Parkes (Impero Investments), Ade Sawyerr (Equinox Consulting) and William Tewiah (Zim Petroleum) Tickets start from £45.00 from here. 

From 9.30am to 1.00pm ReConnect Africa presents I Want to Work in Africa Careers Workshop at SOAS, Thornhaugh Street. Led by Frances Mensah Williams this workshop covers the African job market, industries and professions in demand, successful job search strategies,, writing a powerful CV, building networks and finding a job in Africa. Admission is £45.00 from here.

At 12.30pm is Signs and Symbols from Owusu-Ankomah: Micron Begins at The October Gallery. In his second solo exhibition Owusu-Ankomah will present a body of work on canvas depicting an alternative world where human figures are shown in a motif of adinkra symbols. Running till 25^th October, this is a FREE event.

At 1.00pm is the Sandy Waves Book Launch at Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD. First time author Femmy Koya will launch her debut novel about a Nigerian university graduate dealing with the dilemma of an opportunity for fame and fortune in London or staying in Nigeria. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 1.30pm Black History Walks presents How Black People won World War 2 at the Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ. This presentation is a detailed look at the contribution of Africans and Caribbean people to the war effort with video clips and interviews with Spitfire and bomber pilots, Nigerian and other West African troops fighting in Burma and more. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 2.00pm Duchess Talks hosts Breaking the Silence: Mental Health Illness and The Black Community at Wood Green Central Library, High Road Wood Green, N22 6XD. This interactive event with a panel of healthcare experts and a Q&A seeks to overcome the stigma of mental health illness in the Black Community. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 2.00pm is The Olaudah Equiano Heritage Walk starting at Abney Park Cemetery , Stoke Newington High Street, N16 0LH. Confirm attendance at this FREE walk by email or RSVP here.

At 3.00pm the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents The 1:54 Forum 2014: Elvira Dyangani Ose in Conversation with Sammy Baloji at Somerset House. The Congolese photographer and video photographer  will be in conversation with Elvira Dyangani Ose (Goldsmiths College). Register for this FREE event here.

At 3.00pm the 2014 Somali Week Festival presents Creative Play at Oxford House. This interactive activity session for 5-10 years olds with Somali storyteller Zaynab Dahir will include face painting, arts and crafts, clowns and more. This is a FREE event.

At 4.00pm The Igbo Culture and Support Network presents the ICSN Iri ji (New Yam ) Festival at Oakington Manor Hall, Wembley, HA9 6NG. This annual event celebrates many of the beautiful aspects of Igbo culture and heritage, with a variety of foods, yam auctions, masquerades and cultural presentations, live music from Kelechi Ify and traditional Igbo Dancing from the ICSN Dance Troupe Egwu Oganiru, followed by a DJ playing the finest in afrobeats, RnB and Funky house till 1.00am. Tickets start from £10.00 from here.

At 6.00pm The 2014 Somali Week Festival presents Somali Poetry: Past, present and Future at Oxford House. Chairedby Jama Musse Jama, Bashir Goth will introduce the topic of imagination and how it relates to Somali poetry and literature. There will be discussions and poetry recitals with Said Salah, Halwo Bulhan Ali, Dr Mohammed Dahir Afrah, Mohammed Hersi and HassanDaahir ‘Weedhsame’, as well as young and emerging poets. Admission is £5.00.

At 6.30pm Black History Walks presents 400 Years of African Women Resistance Leaders at Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP. This presentation covers female resistance fighters who used everything from pistols, pens to placards. A £3.00 donation is kindly requested here or at the door. 

Afro-polis African Renaissance at Hoxton Square

From 10.00am- 6.00pm The Art and Style Weekend opens in the Hoxton Square, with The Concept Store broken into The Fashion, The Art, The Beauty and Air, Entertainment and Gastronomy selling ethical African fashion labels and Art Exhibition by Congolese photographer Baoudouin Mouanda recreating the studio of famed Malian photographer Malick Sidibe in the Art d’Vivre style. The Art is at 48 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN and The Style at 33 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN.

At 7.30pm is Guess Whos Coming to Dinner Tonight at The Dining Room, is which a menu is crafted by the childhood memories and art of the guest accompanied by South African wines. Tonight’s guest is from Nigeria 2114. Tickets start from £60.00 from here

At 8.00pm FOKN Bois and Taali M will be performing at Bl-nk, 37 East Road N1 6AZ. The evening will have performances by the eccentric Ghanaian rap duo and the Congolese/ Chadian singer Taali M, with a DJ set by Jamaal Nomad. Admission is £20.00 from here.

Afrovibes Festival

From 11.00am to 4.00pm is the Growing Up Club at The Albany. These crafts and activities will transport kids to South Africa. This is a FREE event just drop in.

At 12.00pm is African Folktales at The Albany. Suitable for ages up to 7, Ntirelang Berman tells Botswanan folklore accompanied by music and sounds. This is a FREE event.

At 2.00pm is Khumba at The Albany.  This animation about a half striped zebra on a quest to find the legendary magic waterhole where zebras got their strips. This is a FREE event.

At 2.00pm is Instant Rap Workshop at The Albany. This workshop for 8-12 year olds with poetry slam champion MC Adam Kammerling will show how to whip up raps, bars and verses in minutes. This is a FREE event.

At 5.30pm is Sea Point Days at The Albany. This essayistic film uses a combination of film formats to capture the societal blend in a specific part of Cape Town. This is a FREE event.

At 8.00pm is The Soil at The Albany. This a capella trio from Soweto combine township jazz hip hop, Afro pop and Afro Soul with beat boxing. Supported by vocalist Randolph Matthews. Admission is £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

Sunday 19^th October

From 2.00pm to 6.00pm Mwalimu Express returns to Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. London’s African family afternoon will feature Afro Cuban band Wara live on stage with An Afro Latin Film Odyssey on screen, oware, kids dance sessions, Colombian food and DJs Max Reinhardt and Rita Ray on decks. And it’s all FREE

At 3.30pm the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair presents The 1:54 Forum 2014: Simon Njami in conversation with Abdoulaye Konate and Sokari Douglas Camp at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Simon Njami writer, curator and co founder of Revue Noire will discuss contextualisation of contemporary African art and the establishment of canon with artists Sokari Douglas-Camp and Abdoulaye Konate. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm The 2014: Somali Week Festival presents Djibouti Special: Conversation with Abdallah Haji and Amina Farah at Oxford House. Chaired by Amran Mohammed, Djibouti journalist Abdallah Haji and Somali singer Amina Farah will discuss recent events in Djibouti culture, arts and music alongside UK based Djibouti artists Dahir Youssouf, Anab Ismail and musicians Said Hussein and Mahamed Maacow Nuur. Admission is £5.00.

Afro-polis African Renaissance at Hoxton Square

From 10.00am- 6.00pm The Art and Style Weekend opens in the Hoxton Square, with The Concept Store broken into The Fashion, The Art, The Beauty and Air, Entertainment and Gastronomy selling ethical African fashion labels and Art Exhibition by Congolese photographer Baoudouin Mouanda recreating the studio of famed Malian photographer Malick Sidibe in the Art d’Vivre style. The Art is at 48 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN and The Style at 33 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN.

At 7.30pm is Guess Whos Coming to Dinner Tonight at The Dining Room, is which a menu is crafted by the childhood memories and art of the guest accompanied by South African wines. Tonight’s guest to be confirmed. Tickets start from £60.00 from here.

At 8.00pm is Azonto Music Night by Homebros at the Bl-Nk.