Week of 28th January: the ANC, There Was a Country, V&A Museum, Live Jazz, Tropical Vibes and Movies

Hello My Good Friends,

Divas on Demand

As we come to end of February there a whole series of fascinating events to keep us warm and engaged. Last week Proud to be African Clothing had a great time at the Divas on Demand Networking event with Jenny Garrett, Claudia Liza and Gemma Feare, we look forward to the next one! As we enter the US Black History Month this week we have Ethiopian coffee documentary's  book talks on the ANC and Nigeria, Igbo Dancing, live jazz, Chadian movies, African art at the V&A Museum.

Monday 28^th January

At 7.30pm the Africa Centre presents South Africa, The new ANC leaders and an uncertain future at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, a talk with journalist Fiona Forde (author of ‘An inconvenient youth: Julius Malema and the new ANC’) with author Gillian Slovo about the changing face of the former liberation movement as it governs modern South Africa. Although this is a FREE event a £3.00 donation is politely hinted at here. 

At 6.00pm the Lets Events team will be screening the documentary Black Gold at Bar 19.20 19-20 Great Sutton Street, Farringdon, EC1V 0DR. The film follows an Ethiopian coffee producer as he goes around the world attempting to get a fair price for his high quality coffee. Admission is FREE and the film starts at 7.30pm sharp

Tuesday 29^th January

At 7.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network (ICSN) Book Club returns to review Professor Chinua Achebe’s new book ‘There was a Country: A personal memoir of Biafra’ at Madam Chis, 187 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1RQ. Come along have some excellent nibbles and discuss this brilliant and deeply controversial book

Thursday 31^st January

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents Land Reform in Zimbabwe Revisited: A Qualified Success? at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE, with former UK Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, Joseph Hanlon (LSE), Jeanette Manjengwa (University of Zimbabwe), Teresa Smart(Institute of Education). They will be discussing a new book ‘Zimbabwe takes back its land’ which argues that despite hyperinflation and political violence, the new farmers are doing relatively well and becoming productive countering the dominant media narrative. This is a FREE event register here.

At 6.30pm Millers Jazz Lounge presents Alim Kamara Live Hip Hop Night at O2 Water Margin, 23 Entertainment Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 0DY. Hosted by G.R.E.E.D.S with special guests Andrew Muhammad, Ego-Ella May and the NuVibez band. Along with the live poetry and music there is also a buffet. Tickets are £20.00 from here.

At 8.00pm Supa Fine presents Lumiere, Julivaa, Flexie Musio, Missbee and Modupe at the Hideaway, 114 Junction Road, N19 5BL performing live jazz, soul and folk music followed by Resident DJ’s Citizen K and Speedy, GUBA Award winner Juliyaa will be performing her African inspired soul vocals with guitarist Tom Povey, Lumiere will be performing her unique blend of acoustic folk and slow soul, Missbee will be fusing classic Ella Fitzgerald sounds with latin, soul  and old school jazz, ranging from sad to soulful with Carl Harris on vocals and Keeling Lee on guitar, Modupe is a soulful vocalist with effortless stage presence and finally Nigerian vocalist Flexie Muiso. Tickets for all this soulful, jazzy goodness is £5.00 from here. 

Friday 1^st February

At 6.30pm in the Lunch Room of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) Museum we have Africa: Speed, Search, Sound at the V&A museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL. Where you can speed date with historians about their favourite items, search for hidden representations of Africa, make recycled accessories, learn drum calls and party. There will be live music by the Thabani Nyoni Band in the V&A Cafe at 8.00pm. This is an uber groovy FREE event with many never seen before African art treasures. More details here

Saturday 2^nd February

At 10.00 am the ICSN Dance school returns to Islington Arts Centre, 2 Parkhurst Road, N4 0SF for 2013. With a fusion of dance styles as well as core Igbo dancing this course lasting till 23^rd March 2013 is only £65.00. Email for more details 

From 1.00pm we have London Tropical Vibes 2013 at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL, there will be a Tropical Market with delicious foods, cocktails and other products on sale in the main hall, a festival showcase, exciting workshops and a buffet of French Caribbean cuisine followed by a party with all flavours of tropical music including a Latino band Cajunto Sabroso followed by Sunbailante DJs. All of this tropical goodness can be yours with tickets ranging from £5.00 to £27.00 from here.

From 2.00pm to 5.30pm the LCSI presents African Diaspora in Development of Africa at London West Valley College, 218 Whitechapel Road, E1 1BJ. The seminar will cover African development needs, donating skills and time for development, establishing partnerships, funding opportunities, working with international organisations etc. Reserve your place at this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen will be hosting Its Ghana be Meze at Carlton London Cafe, 4 Roach Road, E3 2PA. This is a 6 course meze madness of delicious Ghanaian street food, with vegetarian options. There are two sittings one at 6.30pm and the other at 8.30pm. All for just £20.00. 

Sunday 3^rd February

At 2.30pm the Africa Centre has a screening of the Cannes Film Festival winner A Screaming Man at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. This Franco-Chadian drama by Mahamat Saleh Haroun is about Adam a former swimming champion who is now a pool attendant at a 5 star hotel, forced to give up his job to his son by the new Chinese owners, he becomes resentful all the while the country is in civil war with the District Chief harassing Adam for his contribution to the war effort, but being penniless he only has his son. RSVP for this FREE screening here.

Week of 21st January: Divas on Demand, Afrobeat, Networking, Jamaican history, debates, quiz and movies

Hello snow buddies!.

If you're like me stuck in the house (or too lazy and comfy to shift!!) then you have a prime opportunity to get a Proud to be African hoodys for you and your children.

Monday marks the beginning of the second term of the first (and hopefully not last) son of Africa to be President of the USA, there are many networking events as well this week such as Divas on Demand this Thursday where you can mingle with Claudia Liza (BBC3) and Jenny Garrett . We have great talks such as Eirencon on Monday as well as Afrobeat on Saturday, Afrobeat plays on Friday and Africa Centres Sunday Sunday movie. No excuse to be bored, cold or unoccupied this week!!

Monday 21^st January

From 9.30am to 4.30pm Freeagent and NBWN Acelerator present Women in Business: Unlocking Your Millionaire Mindset in Room M117, London Metropolitan University, 84 Moorgate, EC2M 6SQ. This event is designed to help you identify the issues that keep you from working hard at your business but not making money with a line up of accomplished speakers and presenters such as Matt Perkins (Head of SME’s at Freeagent), Sheila Elliott (BSS Management Consultancy), Leigh Ashton (The Sales Consultancy), Hannah Foxley (The Womens Wealth Expert) and Folake Balogun (WDF Productions).

Book this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Facilitators for a Better Jamaica will be hosting Yes We Can-Moving Forward, a cultural reception to mark their 10 year anniversary and the inauguration of US President Barack Obama at Veranda Bar, 30 Acre Lane, Brixton, SW2 5SG, by pleasant coincidence the inauguration day coincides with the Martin Luther King Jr Day in the USA a rather fitting and poetic symmetry! Tickets are £10.00 with complimentary cocktails and canapés.  Tickets and more details here.

At 7.30pm Paula Hemming and Sacha Anthony present Kick Ass Networking at The Folly Bar, 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0BT where you can learn exact strategies you need to succeed and how to avoid the biggest mistakes small businesses make. Starting off with an hour of networking followed by a topic introduced by the organisers for brainstorming and discussion, followed up by Accountability and report backs for people to share strategies that worked for them with the group. Tickets which include a glass of Prossecco start from £28.00 from here.

At 6.30pm Eirencon presents 21^st Century Imperatives for Africa’s Cities at Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank Street, E14 5JJ. Moderated by Lanre Akinola (This is Africa magazine) guest speakers Kunle Adeyemi (NLE), Giles Omezi (Laterite), Jonathan Ledgard (The Economist) and Jennifer Robinson (UCL) will discuss the effect rapid urbanisation has upon democracy, identity and citizenship, whether traditional forms of organisation can counter the alienations of urban life and the disparity between the wealthy and poor. Register for this fascinating FREE event here.

Wednesday 23^rd January

At 5.30pm we have a Panel Discussion on Michel-Rolph Trouillot at University College London, Institute of the Americas, Seminar Room 103, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0BW. This reflection on the life of Haitian scholar Michel-Rolph Trouillot, the author of pioneering work in anthropology, history and politics in Haiti and the Caribbean. The panel will consist of Professor Richard Drayton (KCL), Professor Andrew Leak (UCL), and Dr Diana Paton (Newcastle). This is a FREE event but registration is advised, more details here. 

From 6.30pm to 9.00pm the African Peoples Advocacy Group, Women4Africa and UCL present the African Diaspora New Year Lecture: The Inspiring Power of Africa at University College London, Room LG04, 26 Bedford Way, Russell Square, WC1H 0AP. Chaired by Eric Chinje (Mo Ibrahim Foundation), the keynote lecturer will be Chantal Aboa (African Peoples Advocacy), other speakers include Sam Onigbanjo (Women4Africa) with special guest of Honour Sorious Samura the multi award winning Sierra Leonean journalist and filmmaker (Cry Freetown, Exodus etc). RSVP for this FREE event by email or by phoning 01634 573 619

Thursday 24^th January

At 7.00pm the SOAS Pan African society hosts the discussion Is capitalism good for Africa in Room G50, SOAS Student Union, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. Considering 7 out of 10 of the worlds fastest growing economies are in Africa, yet the gap between rich and poor is growing is capitalism the best system or are there alternatives? Come here and share your views! More details here.

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm we have Divas on Demand Networking Event at the Museum of London, 150 London Wall, St Pauls, EC2Y 5HN. Divas on Demand is a monthly networking event focussed on ladies of all ages, professions, cultures and backgrounds who share the common goal of achieving success. This months event is themed Secrets of Successful Women. Guest speakers Claudia Liza (BBC 3 presenter) and Jenny Garrett (author Rocking Your Role) discussing Relationships and Spirituality, with entertainment provided by talented singer, song writer and multi instrumentalist Julia Biel. This FREE event is open to men and women book here.

At 6.30pm IRIVA presents ‘You Cant Get Lost in Cape Town’ at IRIVA, 1 Rivington Place, EC2A 3BA. Acclaimed author Zoe Wicomb reads from her collection of short stories and novels set in apartheid and post apartheid South Africa and reflect upon their links to the work of South African artist Peter Clarke whose works are also being shown at Rivington Place until 9^th March 2013. Admission is £6.00 from here.

From 7.00pm to 10.00pm the Africa Centre hosts its first Quiz Night for 2013 at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT with Quizmaster Richard Morgan of Anglo American this is an opportunity to test your Africa general knowledge. Teams can be of 4-6 people or you can come as an individual. Register for this FREE event here. 

From 10.00am to 4.00pm we have Pamper and Pose at Matthews Yard. 1 Matthews Yard, Croydon, CR0 1FF, where you can have your hair styled by a fully qualified hairdresser, a mini makeover, stylist, statement jewellery, one to one photo shoot session with Paula Hemmings, 1 free digital image all for £29.99 from here!

Friday 25^th January

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm Newcastle University and the National Archives host Obeah histories: Exploring Caribbean Lives under Colonial Laws at The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, TW9 4DU. This half day workshop explores the history of Caribbean religion and its suppression from the 18^th to 20^th century’s focussing on African oriented religious practices, participants will be able to explore original archival documents as well as examine images from the National Archives Caribbean through a Lens Project. This is a FREE event and a great opportunity to examine archival material relating to the Caribbean, more information here.

Saturday 26^th January

At 8.00pm Moringa Music Label presents AJ Holmes and the Hackney Empire album Launch at The Dalston Victoria, 451 Queensbridge Road, Hackney, E8 3AS. This is the launch of the debut album Wedding by afro party sensation AJ Holmes and the Hackney Empire, alongside the band will be Miles Cleret and DJ sets by The Very Best and Palm City Social DJs. With Palm Wine inspired melodies and West African food served before hand, entrance is £6.00 from here.

From 11.00am to 6.00pm we have the Blackachieverz Official Launch at St Marys Church Hall, High Street, Acton, W3 9BY. This is a dedicated finance, investment, lifestyle and history event with professional speakers such as Monique Newton (Female British Double Weightlifting Gold medallist), Ade Adepitan MBE (Wheelchair basketball player and Television presenter), D. Hunte (Motivator and coach) and more. Tickets start from £3.00 from here. Children FREE with facepainting and other activities and a free Caribbean meal with a VIP ticket.

At 6.30pm Damwin Media presents African Jambalaya at SYNC London, 361 High Street Stratford, Stratford, E15 4QZ where Nollywood meets afrobeats theatre. This musical drama revolves around King Diamond who strikes up a deal with Oba Toh Badt, the most feared babalawo in the land to save his daughter from her wayward ways. Featuring a stellar cast from Wande Cole, Desmond Elliott, ADot Comedian to Shillouetez in the Dark this is a unique diverse mix of theatre, comedy, afrobeats, poetry and dance all in true Nollywood style! Tickets are £25.00 (£20.00 earlybird) from here. 

At 9.30pm Afrobeat Vibrations returns for 2013 at The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, Dalston, E8 3RL, with authentic afrobeat by the Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra with guest musicians and DJ Koichi Sakai on the decks. There will also be a screening of the film ‘Fela live in Berlin’, with a free Nigerian meal after the show. Entry is £8.00 before 10.00pm, £12.00 thereafter. £10.00 advance tickets are available from here. Oya everybody shout ‘Yeah Yeah!’

Sunday 27^th January

At 2.30pm the Africa Centre presents a screening of the Moroccan film What a Wonderful World at the Africa Centre. Faouzi Bensaidi film is about a Casablanca prostitute Souad, her best friend Knza and Kamel a contract killer and the bizarre relationship that forms between them. Admission is FREE from here however a donation of £3.00 is politely requested.

Week Starting 14th January: Trinidadian Talks, Mwalimu Express, Networking, Film and Music,

Hello, greetings and salutations!

We are back into the swing of another working year and as the temperature takes a nose dive Proud to be African Clothing has a plethora of events to keep you indoors and warm the innermost cockles of your soul!

Monday 14^th January :

At 6.00pm we have Lets Talk at the 19:20 Bar, 19-20 Great Sutton Street, EC1V 0DR. This monthly discussion and debate night comes with spoken word and strong opinions. Hosted by Mikey and Easy, admission is FREE and the night goes on till 11.00pm. more details here. 

Tuesday 15^th January

At 6.00pm The Institute Of Commonwealth Studies (ICS) hosts A Wall of Anti Slavery Fire- Frederick Douglass in Britain at Room G26, Senate House, Malet Street, Russell Square, WC1E 7HU. Hannah Murray will discuss the visit of former African American slave Frederick Douglass to Britain in 1840 to popularise the anti slavery campaign across the country and enhancing the trans Atlantic connections between abolitionists. Email for more details about this FREE talk.

At 6.00pm the Royal Africa Society presents Africa’s Media sector: Arguing a business case for sustainability and independence at the Brunei Suite, School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1E 7HU. Organised in conjunction with the London African Media Network this panel discussion chaired by Eric Chinje (Mo Ibrahim Foundation) will feature James Crampton ( Diageo Africa), Gemma Ware (The Africa Report) and Omar Ben Yedder (IC Publications) will examine the key questions and challenges affecting the growth of Africa’s media sector. Register for this FREE event here 

Wednesday 16^th January

From 6.00pm to 9.30pm Young Black Grads presents New Year, Now Network at Mishcon de Reya, Summit House, 12 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4QD. The event will feature an interactive session from motivational speaker Junior Ogunyemi, the Bright Ideas Trust will be speaking about the importance if networking, as well as Peoples poet David Neita. There will be free drinks and refreshments on hand as well. This event is FREE to members so register on the website or here. 

At 5.30pm the ICS presents An Exemplary Life: Arnold Hamilton Maloney and Trinidadian intellectual history, a talk by Peter Fraser in Room 349, 3rd Floor, Senate House.

From 6.30pm to 8.30pm there is An Audience with Corinne Skinner Carter at  the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, 42 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8NT, in which the former Eastenders actress discusses her career and memoirs ‘Why not me? From Trinidad to Albert Square via Empire Road’. As one of the first black actors on British TV in the 1950s, to the first Black soap opera Empire Road, with over 50 years in the arts she has a fascinating perspective on arts and culture in the black community. RSVP for this FREE event here or email. 

At 6.30pm we have Ebony Inspired UK, the monthly Black Entrepreneurs Networking event at Mar Azul Restaurant, 124 Clapham Road, Stockwell, SW9 OLA. This is an opportunity to mix and socialise with likeminded entrepreneurs and innovators. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

Thursday 17^th January

At 5.30pm the ICS presents The Ringtone and The Drum: West Africa on the Edge in Room G34, Ground Floor, Senate House. Mark Weston, writer and policy advisor on international development will launch his new book ‘The Ringtone and The Drum: Travels in the world’s poorest countries’. This is a FREE event

From 6.00pm to 9.00pm the Black solicitors Network presents City Practice Workshop at Nabarro LLP, Lacon House, 84 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8RW, this interactive workshop for solicitors and trainees in the City to discuss their career paths and progression. Panellists Elizabeth Uwaifo (Sidney Austin LLP) and Thelma Marshall (Hunton & Williams LLP) will share tips and insights from partners at leading City firms. There will be networking and refreshments with drinks and canapés at this FREE event, register here.

Friday 18^th January

At 5.30pm the ICS presents Anglo-French Cooperation in Africa since St Malo-a missed opportunity? a presentation with Professor Gordon Cummings (Cardiff University) and Professor Tony Chafer (University of Portsmouth), in Room G34, Ground Floor, Senate House. Email for more details. 

At 6.30pm we have the Book launch of: Language, Literacy and Pedagogy in Postindustrial Societies at the Jamaican High Commission, 1-2 Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BZ. The authors Dr Paul Mocombe and Dr Carol Tomlin will be launching their second book exploring black/ white achievement gap in contemporary postindustrial economies such as the UK or USA comparing black underachievement on both sides of the Atlantic with white and Asian counterparts. RSVP this FREE event here. 

Saturday 19^th January

From 10.30am to 6.00pm Rich Visions presents Women’s Business Seminar at Crowne Plaza Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ. With over 20 speakers booked this event hosted by Hannah Oyewole (Young Ladies Club) will feature topics such as Turning your passions into profits, Creating an effective Business Plan, Understanding the financial aspects of your business or brand, Juggling business with family etc. Key note speakers include Mavis Amankwah (Rich Visions), Jessica Huie (Colourblind Cards), Petronnellah Sanyamahwe (Employability Coach) and Ellen Thomas (Actress). Spotlight Speakers include Temi Keleowo (Business First Steps), Nneka Ezeemo (Nigerian Orient News), Eryca Freemantle, Tobi Awoyemi, Mansah Sylvia Gbesemete, Esther Austin, Yvonne J. Douglas, Hannah Balogun, Lola Owolabi, Karen Welch, Justina Mutale, Jennifer Obaseki, Sophia Bailey, Atiti Sosimi and Victoria Hornby.

Register for this FREE not to be missed event here.  

From 9.00am to 5.30pm is the First Nigerian Election Sensitisation Scheme Conference at Lecture Theatre Building &, University of Essex, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ. Themed Understanding Our Place in the World. This event will involve debates and keynote speeches with the aim of encouraging open discussion amongst Nigerians. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 2.00pm the BFI presents the French/ Senegalese film La Pirogue at the British Film Institute, National Theatre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. This beautifully shot film directed by Moussa Toure is dedicated to the over 5000 Africans who have died trying to cross to Europe in the past decade, this film tells the story of a retired Senegalese fisherman who is persuaded to captain a wooden fishing boats (the titular la pirogue) on a dangerous voyage in search of a better life, dealing with a female stowaway and treacherous oceans this is a tense epic drama. Tickets are £5.00 from here; the screening is followed by a discussion. 

At 6.00pm AJAMU presents Music and Social Change- The Power of Music, at the Chestnuts Centre, Chestnuts Park, 280 St Anns Road, Tottenham, N15 5BN, a discussion with our good friend Kwaku of BBM/ BBA  about how music can be used to organise young people positively, as well as an open mic session for under 21’s with a £20.00 cash prize for the winner. There will be special guest performances from Cyclonious, Frenglish Connexion, Silas Zephania and Soneni and the Soul. More details about this event here. 

Sunday 20^th January

From 11.00am to 3.00pm Numbi presents Numbi’s Dance and Percussion Workshop at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Taught by storyteller and dancer Funmi Adewole Kruczkowska and Bronzehead a 10 piece London based Afrobeat band. Participants will have a chance to try dancing and each musical instrument, there will be games storytelling, improvisation, and choereography ending up with an opportunity to perform at Mwalimu Express (see below). There are only 15 places available admission is £10.00 (£5.00 concs and £10.00 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children). Book your place by email and check here for more details 

Staying at Rich Mix, our good friends at Mwalimu Express return with their first show of 2013 From 2.00pm to 6.00pm This month’s destination is Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Mono Swezi will be launching their debut album The Village, there will be face painting, children yoga and games and films from Screen Station. This is a FREE and extremely groovy family friendly event

Week Starting 7th January: Talks, Brass Bands, Brazilian Samba, Congolese movies

Welcome to 2013!

Proudto be African Clothing starts the first full week of the New Year the way we wish to continue with a rash of sales and the a few more events. Take a look at our children’s wear and remember that you can still get 15% off with the voucher code 2013NY15.

Tuesday 8^th January

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm the Royal Africa Society (RAS) presents Africa in 2013: Prospects and Forecasts, in the Brunei Suite, School of African and Oriental Studies (SOAS), Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This panel discussion chaired by Richard Dowden (RAS Director) will feature Patrick Smith (Africa Confidential), Pat Thaker (Economist Intelligence Unit) and Komla Dumor (BBC World Service) will examine what issues might be pertinent to Africa in 2013, from elections in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Djibouti, to the conflicts in DRC, CAR, Mali. Will the continents still have the worlds 9 fastest growing economies and the 2^nd largest film industry? RSVP this FREE via the website. 

Wednesday 9^th January

At 10.00am there is Fabulous Women Netwinning at L'eto Cafe, Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford, E20 1EJ. This is a women's only event with 2 talks and a light breakfast, with the chance to give a one minute pitch as well as one to one networking time. The meeting is £10.00 for members and £15.00 for non members. Sign up on the website.

At 6.30pm The Royal Overseas League presents “The Economic Cycle: An economists journey by bicycle from South Africa to London” at Overseas House, Park Place, St James Street, SW1A 1LR. This is a presentation by economist Stuart Block who recently returned from a year long charity cycle trip from South Africa to London, which he documented in a blog, ‘Economic Cycle’ which explored some of the fundamental economic principles and other activities throughout the journey. Tickets are £20.00 (£15.00 earlybird until 09/01/2013) from here. 

At 7.30pm Brassroots presents Mimika at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This London based collective of jazz, world music and other genres will play a wide ranging and diverse styles from Balkan beats, Latin American, East Asian, South East Asian, break beats, Rock, Funk, Hip hop. This is a not to be missed FREE event

Thursday 10^th January

At 6.00pm we have My African Passport (MAP)- Sierra Leone: New Year, Big Business at School for Social Entrepreneurs, 2^nd Floor, The Fire Station, 139 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ, showcasing the different businesses and projects that can be supported by the diaspora in Sierra Leone with representatives from AFFORD UK, the Sierra Leone High Commission and the Sierra Leone Investments and Export Promotions Agency (SLIEPA). This FREE event is aimed at entrepreneurs, investors and members of the Diaspora interested in doing business or supporting projects in Africa. RSVP here. 

Friday 11^th January

At 8.00pm Open the Gate presents Carnaval Brasileiro at Hackney Attic, 270 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1HE. Featuring live Samba music from Banda do Brazilarte and Madioka Braba. Tickets for this little slice of Brazilian sunshine are £7.00

Saturday 12^th January

From 11.30am to 7.00pm we have Be Inspired at Torrington House, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, Russell Square, WC1E 7HX. This is a series of 10 talks that provide an opportunity for coaching and inspiration by some of the UK’s most influential speakers and entrepreneurs.

12.15pm-Relax and do nothing hosted by Phenomenal Health

12.30pm- Dress For Success- Silfath Pinto (MD of Stylosophy)

12.45pm- Getting Ahead in the media by Shine Media

1.30pm- Speaking with confidence (Improve your public speaking) by Elaine Powell (NLP Practitioner)

1.45pm- I am not void because I am unemployed by Dionne Edwards (NLP Coach) and Joanna Abeyie (freelance journalist)

2.00pm- How to get into law and succeed by Jonathon Deverill (Partner at DMH Stallard), Brereton Horne (Barrister) and Tunde Okewale (Doughty Street Chambers)

2.45pm- Setting up a social enterprise and online business for less than £50 by Laurence Sofowora (Business Advisor) and Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa (Head of 02GoThinkbig)

2.45pm- Understanding finance and manage debt- Carol Huggings and Del Hemley (Financial Competency Specialists)

3.45pm- A practical introduction to mobile application and design: Build your mobile strategy by Dr Donatus Okungbowa (Founder/ Director PigSty Coders

3.30pm- Leading Women: Never give up hosted by Denise Rawls (Entrepreneur/ PR specialist) with Sharon Spence (Accenture), Jessica Huie (Colourblind Cards), Christina Armstrong (formerly Blackberry UK), Jill Saville (Dintrar), Jay Davidson (BBC)

5.00pm- Leading me: Men who lead and succeed hosted by Garry Green (Barrister) with Rodney Hinds (The Voice), Dr Mark Richards (Imperial College), Mervyn Lyn (Marketing MD), Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa (O2 GoThinkbig) and Shaun Campbell (Arthur Wharton Foundation).

Some of the presentations as you can see ar concurrent or overlap so try and not book more than 3 and be aware of the times. Most of the presentations are FREE with 3 presentations being paid for at £2.00, £5.00 and £10.00, check here to book where you can see more details of the speakers or email for more details

  

Sunday 13^th January

From 10.00am to 1.30pm the Grand Union Youth Orchestra will be holding Cross cultural Music Workshops for young musician aged 12-26 years at Rich Mix, the workshops will offer members the opportunity to take part in high profile events, work alongside leading professional musicians, learn about world music first hand, discover new instruments and develop improvisation skills, meet and create with like minded young musicians. The workshops are FREE, register via the website or by emailing Izzy Bianchini.

At 2.30pm The Africa Centre presents the Congolese movie Viva Riva at The Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT. This distinctive film noir revolves around street tough Riva who returns to Kinshasha flush with cash and scarce fuel, while on a hedonistic bender he tries to catch the eye of the mistress of a local crime boss, all the while pursued by a trio of Angolan gangsters. A fascinating film on all accounts with humour and suspense, this screening is FREE however a £3.00 donation is politely hinted at here.