Week of 25th March: Floetry, Afrobeat, Black Baby Show, African Market, VC4Africa Networking, Somali Films, Black Relationships, Celebrating Women's Achievement

Proud to be African Hoody

Hello all,

Stuck as we are in perpetual winter Proud to be African Clothing tries to bring you a little piece of African Caribbean sunshine!

As we celebrate the life of Professor Chinua Achebe, the father of modern African literature we have a Poetry Jam, Mama Jumbe’s Book Club and the launch of Courttia Newland’s new book, The Gospel According to Cane.

We have also had another celebrity endorsement with Estelle rocking the Proud to be African hoody, so it may be winter outside, it’s warm inside.

Have a great week and keep warm

                           Monday 25^th March

At 5.30pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies presents The Developmental State Experiment in Africa: The Experiences of Ghana and South Africa in The Senate Room, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. This is a discussion by Professor Joseph Ayee (Rector, Mount Crest University, Ghana) and Emeka Anyaoku (former head of the Commonwealth). This is FREE, RSVP here.

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From 6.00pm to 11.00pm Lets Events hosts Lets Screen: ‘Hidden Colours’ at Bar 19:20, 19-20 Great Sutton Street, Farringdon, EC1V 0DR. This documentary discusses the history of African and aboriginal people around the globe. A discussion will follow the film, admission is £2.00. Check here for more details.

Tuesday 26^th March

From 6.00pm to 8.00pm the Royal Africa Society and the London Africa Media Network host the Kenya Debate in Room G2, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG, with Solomon Mugera (Africa Editor, BBC), Professor Justin Willis (Durham University), Michaela Wrong (Author/ journalist) and Mariana Pena (International Justice Expert). The event will be chaired by Richard Dowden (RAS) and will discuss the issues arising from the recent tight elections, the effect of the ICC and Kenya Supreme Court, and the way forward for Kenya. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

Wednesday 27^th March

At 6.30pm is the VC4Africa London Meetup at Cape Bar,Corner of Wood Street and Love Lane, The City, EC2V 7JQ, this FREE event is an opportunity to meet up, chat, network and make friends with like minded African professionals or people with an interest in Africa. RSVP this FREE event here.

From 7.30pm to 11.30pm Uncle Errol presents Poetry Jam 5 at the Vibe Gallery, 100 Clements Road, Bermondsey, SE16 4DG cohosted by Cezanne Poetess an array of entertainers will entertain with spoken word and poetry. More details here.

Thursday 28^th March

At 6.00pm KAYD Somali Arts presents Somali Film Night at Idea Store, Chrisp Street, 1 Vesey Path, East India Dock Road, E14 6BT. There will be a screening of two films Janaale (the Fortune Men) is a short documentary exploring the Somali Diaspora from the latter part of the 19^th century, focussing on those who worked as seafarers in Britain’s Merchant and Royal Navy through both World Wars and up to the Falklands War and beyond. Muted Cry is a short play that portrays the devastating effects of FGM. The screenings will be followed by a discussion with the producer of Janaale Jama Guure Mohamed and Leyla Hussein a campaigner against FGM. More details here.

At 6.00pm is the iCAN Social/ Network Evening at La Tasca, 12 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AE. This is an informal event where you can show up and network with African Caribbean professionals in a relaxed environment, food and drink . Register for this FREE event here.

From 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tiwani Contemporary will be hosting the Art Connect Series in Tiwani Contemporary, 16 Little Portland Street, W1W8BP exhibiting the work of African female visual artists. There will be a panel discussion moderated by Christine Eyene with Sonia Boyce, Angele Etoundi Essamba, Nancy Mteki, Katy Deepwell and Giulia Lamoni. RSVP by email.

At 7.00pm author Courttia Newland will be Launching his new book The Gospel According to Cane in The Flyover Space, 3-5 Thorpe Close, Portobello, W10 5XL. RSVP by email to meet one of the finest young Black British authors for FREE.

At 6.30pm INIVA hosts Linda Bellos discussing Equality at Rivington Place, Hoxton, EC2A 3BA. The ex politician, activist and businesswoman will set out the current history of the equality politics since the 1970’s and demonstrates how vital the Human Rights Act has been in safeguarding  the rights of some of the most vulnerable. Tickets are £7.00 (£5.00 concs) from here.

At 7.00pm is the Mama Jumbe Book Club at Mama Jumbe’s Restaurant, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW, where short powerfully provocative stories will be discussed. This events publication is The Colours of Love by Lauri Kubuitsile. Music will be provided by DJ Finesse, more details here.

Friday 29^th March

From 10.00am to 1.00pm the Reward Charitable Organisation will be hosting its Launch Party at St Christopher Village Inn, 165A Borough High Street, Southwark, SE1 1HR. This night of food, drink and entertainment is seeking to raise money to assist children and young people in Caribbean countries to gain education, improve their standard of living and increase their opportunities. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm BMITC presents Celebrating Our Women’s Advancement and Leadership at the Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, Ladbroke Grove, W11 2AY. The event will consist of inspirational stories in celebration of International Womens Month with music, live entertainment and a Caribbean canapé reception, hosted by Angie Le Mar speakers include  Baroness Patricia Scotland (Former Attorney General), Marcia Dixon (Voice), Alice Ukoko (Women of Africa), Jenni Steele (Lioness Ladies), Sonia Megge (Inspirational You), Charlene Bello (Future Leaders 2013) and Osaseri Guobadia (Future Leaders 2013). Entertainment will be provided by Top Level Band with Taymah, DJ Divine and Marc Anthony with spoken word by Neelofer. Pamper and Spoil me bags will go to the first 50 adult ticket holders.  Tickets are £10.00 for adults (£5.00 children) from here

At 6.30pm London Black Professionals hosts the March Meet and Greet at Brown Sugar, 146 High Holborn, Holborn, WC1V 6PJ. This is chilled event where you can hang out, chat, flirt, network or just hang out with fellow black professionals. Admission is £5.00

 At 8.00pm is Afrika In Motion at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA featuring Kadialy Kouyate and Sound Archive. This kora playing Senegalese griot will be performing tracks from his debut album Londo amongst others. Also performing will be percussionist Siemy Di System playing his unique compositions known as world jazz. Upstairs will be DJ Jack Yglesias featuring Kwame with live percussion playing funk, latin and Afrobeat. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm £5.00 there after.

Saturday 30^th March

From 12.00pm to 6.00pm Starlight Music Academy hosts the Black Relationships Conference at the Leander Community Centre, Ship Street off Vanguard Street, Deptford, SE8 4DH. Speakers will include Paul Grant and the event will be looking at the way forward in building sustainable relationships in the black community. Register for this FREE event here. 

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm the African Advocacy Foundation hosts Be Young, Smart and Wise at Marcus Lipton Youth Club, Minet Road, SW9 7UH. The event seeks to highlight the issues of health particularly sexual health amongst young people, the event will consist of poetry, song art and rap performances as well as stalls with free gifts, testing kits and sexual health practitioners and advice services. This event is FREE RSVP here. 

At 6.00pm Ferosh Empire presents Taste of Africa at Mama Jumbe’s 350 Katherine Road, Forest Gate, E7 8NW. This evening will consist of fashion, music, food, networking and dance, Tickets are £10.00 from here and include dinner!  

At 9.00pm Afrobeat Vibrations kick of its second instalment of 2013 at the New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, Dalston E8 3RL with Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra and special guests playing live, and DJ Koichi Sakai on the decks. There will also be a screening of Fela Live at Glastonbury in 1984. Admission is £8.00 before 10.00pm, £12.00 thereafter. £10.00 advance tickets available from here. 

At 9.00pm the London JazzFunk All Stars will be celebrating Women in Jazz and Funk at Cottons, 30 Exmouth Market, Islington, EC1R 4QP, with Natalie (The Floacist) Stewart of Floetry with acts paying tribute to singers such a Amy Wineouse, Jill Scott, Teena Marie and others. Tickets are just £13.50 in advance

At 10.00pm Afrokartel will be at plan B Basement, 418 Brixton Road, Brixton, SW9 7AY, featuring a cross pollination of UK electronic and African music such as kuduro (Angola), Soukous (Congo), Highlife (Ghana), Afrobeats (Nigeria), Benga (Kenya) etc. Tickets are £7.00 from here.

Sunday 31^st March

From 12.00pm to 5.00pm we have the Black Baby Show at the Cre8lifestyle Center, The Old Baths, 80 Eastway, Hackney Wick, E9 5JH. This event is dedicated to African Caribbean parents and carers with books, clothes and other products and services all under one roof. Admission is £10.50 for adults £4.00 for children from here. 

From 12.00pm to 7.00pm is the African Market at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA with a showcase of African arts, fashion, books, jewellery, music and culture from the diaspora. There will be drumming, face painting, kids activity and family workshops. FREE entry all day. In the evening from 8.00pm there will be a Charity Gig for Gambia featuring Jally Kebba Susso and Manding Sabu to launch the Pen and Paper Campaign for St Michaels Nursery School in Njongon, Gambia. You can bring stationary donations on the day. Tickets are £7.00 in advance from here and £10.00 on the door.  

Week of 18th March: Malawian President, Kenya Elections, Divas on Demand, Feferity, Songs for Seacole and Inspirational You

Hello All,Welcome to a new week in which Proud to be African Clothing is happy to share with you Divas on Demand Focus Group, the Malawian President, Book launches about the ANC, Inspirational You, West African blues, Feferity, movies at the Africa Centre and much more.

Monday 18^th March

At 1.00pm KCL will be holding Food in Africa- Rice, Industrialisation and Nigeria in the Council Room, Strand Campus, Kings College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS, Dr Ekaete Ikpe will be discussing the significance of this most simple of grains using the rice economy in Nigeria as a case study. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 5.30pm Divas on Demand will be holding a Focus Group at the Museum of London, 150 London Wall, City of London, EC2Y 5HN, guests will include Paris Petgrave and Yvonne J. Douglas, the event is themed around International Women’s Day. Admission is FREE although donations are appreciated from here. 

Tuesday 19^th March

Proud to be Kenyan

From 10.00am to 12.00pm ODI will be hosting Elections in Kenya and Ghana: What prospects for political and economic governance at the Overseas Development Institute, 203 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, SE1 8NJ. Speakers include Gabrielle Lynch (University of Warwick), Kojo Asante (Centre for Democratic Development, Ghana), Juliana Rotich (Ushahidi, Kenya) and Sead Alihodzic (International IDEA, Sweden), with Michael Wrong as the discussant and chaired by Alison Evans (ODI). This event will look at why elections seem to trigger violence in Kenya and are largely peaceful in Ghana. RSVP for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm BTWSC/ African Histories Revisited will be hosting Paul Stephenson and the Bristol Bus Boycott at Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, SW11 1JB. This event marks the 100 years since John Archer became London’s first African Mayor and 50 years since Paul Stephenson successfully led the Bristol Bus Boycott. For more information and to RSVP this FREE event book here. 

At 7.00pm Black History Studies presents a screening of Zora Neale Hurston-Jump at the Sun at the PCS Headquarters, 160 Falcon Road, Clapham Junction, SW11 2LN, this film intersperse insights from leading scholars and footage of the rural south to tell the story of Zora Neale-Hurston a trail blazing novelist and anthropologist. Admission is £5.00

Wednesday 20^th March

 At 1.00pm Chatham House will be hosting Peace and Security in Central Africa: Emerging Dynamics at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE, with Simon Alain Handy (UN international Peace and Security) discussing the domestic and regional factors impacting peace and security in CAR particularly in light of the break down in the peace agreement between President Bozize and the Seleka Rebel Movement. RSVP this FREE event here

At 6.30pm we have the monthly networking event Ebony Inspired- A Black Entrepreneurs Network at Mar Azul Restaurant, 124 Clapham Road, Stockwell, SW9 0LA, this FREE event is open to black professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs from all fields and industries RSVP for this FREE event here.  

Thursday 21^st March

At 10.00am Chatham House hosts Good Governance, Growth and Human Rights: A Vision for Malawi’s Development at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE with Her Excellency Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi who will set out her vision for future development and highlight the importance of strengthening institutions and protecting human rights. Attendance is by invitation only by contacting Tighisti Amare.

At 7.30pm Carpe Diem hosts Poetry meets Art at CRE8 Gallery, 80 Eastway, Hackney Wick, E9 5JH, this event involves live interpretations of poetry by artists and the audience. Featuring spoken word artists Tolu Agbelusi, Cezanne Poetess and others you get the opportunity to put pencil to paper and bring the poets words to life. The event also seeks to raise awareness of issues in Congo and improve the life of Congolese. Admission is £7.00 from here.

At 7.30pm Frititi presents African Dancing to Live Drums at Interchange Studios, Hampstead Town Hall Centre, 213 Haverstock Hill, NW3 4QP. This workshop features rhythms from Gambia to Zululand where you will be able to dance, drum and learn the history and background of the dances. Tickets are £10.00 online £15.00 on the door. 

Friday 22^nd March

At 5.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies will be hosting a Talk and Book Launch: Southern African Liberation Struggles. New Regional and Global Perspectives in The Court Room, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. Featuring a roundtable discussion with Kwandiwe Kondlo (University of Johannesburg), Dr Know Chitiyo (Chatham House), JoAnn McGregor (University College London) and the editors and contributors to the book including Hugh Macmillan, Elizabeth Williams and Christabel Gurney. This FREE event is followed by a reception, RSVP here.

At 6.30pm BIS Publications presents Black Scientist and Inventors: UK at Park View School, West Green Road, N15 3QR. This event will demonstrate the great work done by scientists of African Caribbean origin. Tickets are from £10.00 from here.

At 9.00pm Focus Organisation will be launching 2 albums by Mulele Matondo Afrika and Congo Dia Ntotila at the Bedroom Bar, 62-68 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY. The first album ‘Prophecy’ is a solo one by Mulele Matondo Afrika a Kinshasha born bassist, guitarist and arranger the second is ‘Seven Steps to Heaven’ with his band Congo Dia Ntotila Tickets are £5.00 from here or £7.00 on the door

Saturday 23^rd March

At 9.00am Women Mentoring Women hosts Inspirational Woman: Awards and Networking Event at Sarah Bonnell School, Deanery Road, Stratford, E15 4LP, celebrating extraordinary women with talks, poetry by Mbali Madi, singing by Elodie Unia, awards and drama performances by Maleesha Tabansi. Guest speakers include Anne Wafula Strike (British Paralympian), Siobhan Benita (Independent London Mayoral Candidate), Mavis Amankwah (Rich Visions), Pastor Abiih Oloyede, Funke Oham (Women Mentoring Women), poet. Tickets start from £20.00 with discounts for bulk purchases here. 

From 11.00am to 7.00pm Brides of Culture presents Multicultural Bridal Exhibition at Hilton Hotel, Canary Wharf, E14 9SH. The event will feature a wide range of wedding and party professionals such as Fit Bride, Karamel and Brown, Cedar Events and Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium. In addition to presentations one on one consultation are available. Admission to the event is FREE but one on ones can purchased here. 

From 12.00pm to 7.00pm Inspirational YOU hosts Be Inspired- Series 2 in Torrington House, Birkbeck College, University of London, WC1E 7HX. This interactive careers and personal development event will feature Courtenay Griffiths QC (Barrister, 25 Bedford Row Chambers),  Amardeep Sohal (I-Pro-Bono/ IPCC), Andy Woodfield (Pricewaterhouse Cooper), Joseph Harker (The Guardian), David Neita (Barrister and Poet), Jonathan Deverill (Partner, DHM Stallard), Miranda Brawn (CitiBAnk), Anne Alexander (Producer, Daybreak on ITV), Dale Simon CBE (Crown Prosecution Service), Abigail Blackburn (Hearst Magazine) and Garry Green (Barrister, Tooks Chambers). Workshops and talks include Public Speaking with confidence, Social Media for business and personal branding, Leading women-Nevr give up, Leading men-A Winning mindset, Get YOU ahead in Law, The business of fashion, Young and winning and The power of meditation. The event is FREE to attend however booking fees for particular workshops apply, check here.

From 3.30pm to 7.30pm the Young Entrepreneurs Association presents YEAh Live at Montgomery Hall, 58 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW. this is a networking/ shopping event aimed at the 18-30 age group to look at alternatives to being employed after graduation and for them to showcase their talents and products. There will be a fashion show by young designers, a MOBO award winning Gospel Group and spoken word poetry. Tickets are £5.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm we have live on stage Biram Seck, Ramon Goose, the Travis Perkins Duo at Jamboree, 566 Cable Street, E1W 3HB. The Senegalese vocalist Biram Seck will appear with his band, Ramon Goose with West African percussion and The Travis Perkins Duo with each other. On the decks will be the Shout Collective spinning out the best selection of blues funk and global sounds. Tickets are £3.00 before 8.30pm and £5.00 thereafter.

At 8.00pm Francis Ford Coppola’s feature film the Cotton Club will be playing in the Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX.Set in the 1920’s with performances from Richard Gere, Gregory Hines, Diane Lane and Nicolas Cage in a heady mix of love, crime and entertainment about a club where black people could only perform and not watch and white people could attend but not perform. This is a FREE screening.

At 7.30pm Zimbabwe born singer-songwriter ESKA will be headlining at the Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4UT, incorporating, jazz, psychedelia and choral work she will be performing tracks from her debut album English Skies and her upcoming EP Gatekeeper. Tickets are from £10.00 -£14.00 from here.

 Sunday 24^th March

From 1.00pm to 11.00pm Colourful Radio’s DJ Freestyle presents Feferity Arts and Music Event at Bar 414, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF. Starting with films by African filmmakers such as 16 Pieces, Inspirational Black Women and Afrobeat Exploration. Special guest for this debut show is the inimitable Dele Sosimi Fela Kuti’s former keyboardist supported by FTfresh music- Tripple C and Youngfree. African food and plenty jollof rice on sale. Full day tickets are £7.00 and £5.00 from 5.00pm

At 2.30pm the Africa Centre will be screening Sugar Cane Alley/ Rue Cases Negres at the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT, based on a semi auto biographical novel by Jospeh Zobel this film paints a rich picture of life under French colonial rule on the island of Martinique through the eyes of an opportunistic shanty town boy. FREE but a £3.00 donation is kindly requested here.

At 6.30pm the London Adventist Chorale presents A Song For Seacole at Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, N1 2XD. This concert is in aid of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal, hosted by Eastenders actors Rudolph Walker OBE. Tickets are £17.50 (£12.50 concs) from here. 

Week of 11th March: YolanDa Brown, Rachel Kerr, Caribbean literature, London Afrobeat Collective, Relocate to Ghana or Nigeria and Mwalimu Express

Greetings and Celebrations!

 As Kenya has a peaceful election, Ghana celebrates 56 Proud to be African Clothing brings you another week of groovy grooviness, from jazz at the South Bank Centre to talks about food at KCL, Caribbean literature, more jazz with Bukky Leo, seminars on moving to Ghana and Nigeria, even more jazz with Yolanda Brown, Mwalimu Express and the London Afrobeat Collective. From business to food, to literature to jazz and more jazz, keep busy and keep warm this week

Monday 11^th March

At 7.00pm Lets Talk hold their monthly debate and discussion night at Bar 19:20, 19-20 Great Sutton Street, Barbican, EC1V 0DR. Hosted by Mikey and Essay get your points and questions ready and come prepared for strong opinions. Admission is £2.00, more details here.

At 7.30pm IG music presents Sing Inspiration 2013 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX with Jaz Ellington with performances from British, European and American mass soul and choir groups accompanied by a 9 piece band! Tickets are between £16.00 and £25.00 from here. 

Tuesday 12^th March

From 12.00 to 1.00pm KCL presents Producing Cocoa with Child Labour in Africa in the Moot Court Anteroom, Somerset House, Strand Campus, Kings College London, WC2R 2LS. Part of the KCL Feed you Mind: Kings Festival of Food and Ideas. This event is FREE book here.

At 7.30pm IG music presents the second day of Sing Inspiration 2013 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX with MOBO Award winner Rachel Kerr, Israel J Allen and the New Ye Choir, with performances from British, European and American mass soul and choir groups accompanied by a 9 piece band! Tickets are between £16.00 and £25.00 from here. 

From 8.00pm to 10.30pm is the  Tuesday Jazz Fix at the Silver Bullet, 5 Station Place, Finsbury Park, N4 2DH hosted by Bukky Leo with Joe Bickerstaff on the piano, Michelle Montolli on the bass and Emiliano Franco on the drums. More details of this FREE event here.

Wednesday 13^th March

From 1.30pm to 5.30pm we have Is Clinical Psychology for me an event targeted at black students at University College London, Wilkins Old Refectory, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT. The event aims to encourage black psychology students to consider clinical psychology training and [provide opportunities to meet psychology professionals and provide information. The event will consist of workshops and presentations with refreshments provided. Register for this FREE event here

 From 2.00pm to 6.00pm the Imperial College Nigerian Society hosts its Business Ideas Competition seeking to cultivate ideas and business concepts that are viable and profitable in emerging economies. There will be an art exhibition and prizes include a personal mentoring session with Partner Capital London. For more information and to enter visit here.  

At 5.30pm the UCL Institute of the Americas hosts a panel discussion on New Perspectives on Caribbean Literature at University College London, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PQ. There will be presentations and discussions by Dr Malachi McIntosh (Cambridge) and Dr Wendy Knepper (Brunel) followed by a brief drinks reception. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm the Wharton Club of Africa (WCA) will be hosting a Business Cocktail Reception in the Devonshire Suite, Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG. The evening will consist of  a cocktail reception and introduction by Lisa Lambie (Satatt Holdings International), Chinedu Okpareke (Oando plc), Idris Mohammed (Development Partners International) followed by a keynote speech by Sir Paul Judge. The evening will continue on to an Investment panel discussing Alternative Capital: Investment HoldCos, family Offices and UHNW, Institutional Private Equity: Connecting and Closing in 2013 and Sector Focus: Healthcare, Power and Energy with the evening ending with further cocktails and strategic networking. Tickets are £42.00 (£37.00 group discount) from here.

At 7.30pm 8 piece brass band Brassroots will be performing live at Rich Mix,35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Having independently released and sold out their debut album ‘Brassroots’ they are getting back to live performances with this FREE event. 

Thursday 14^th March

From 6.00pm to 9.00pm Silk Solutions hosts Making the Move: Investment at Artillery House, 35 Artillery Lane, E1 7LP, discussing investment opportunities in Ghana. Presentations will include Ghana as an Investment Destination by Nana Adu Ampofo (Songhai Advisory LLP), Property Investment by Ernest J Hanson (Beaufort Properties) and Financial Products. Admission is £30.00 from here and the event is structured in such a way you can secure a property at the event and begin the process of investing.

At 7.00pm double MOBO Award Winning saxophonist; YolanDa Brown will play the Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18 1PJ. Backed by her band she will play tunes from her debut album as well as new material. Tickets are £20.00 (£17.00 concs) on the door or £19.00 (£16.00 concs) online from here. 

At 7.00pm the Royal Africa Society hosts Pride versus Prejudice? The battle for sexual freedom in Africa in Room G2, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Oliver Phillips (University of Westminster) with Proffessor Marc Epprecht (Queens University), Sibongile Ndashe (INTERIGHTS) and Stephane Djedje (House of Rainbow Fellowship). The panel will review the challenges to the sexual rights movement across Africa. register for this FREE event here.

From 9.00pm jazz re:freshed presents Psylus at the Mau Mau Bar, 265 Portobello Road, W11 1LR. This 5 piece band of Chibike Odukwe, David Turay, Jamie Benzies, Tile Gichigi-Lipere and Rob Milne will be playing their unique mix of jazz, hip hop and electronica. Admission is £5.00.  

Friday 15^th March

At 2.00pm and 7.30pm the Young Actors Company will be performing Step at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN. This comedy drama is about two young people leaving east London to start a new life at university. Tickets are £6.00 (£4.00 concs), more details here. 

At 8.00pm the band Soothsayers will be performing at The Vortex, 11 Gillett Square, Dalston, N16 8AZ performing tracks from their album Lost City, this fantastic blend of jazz, Afrobeat and funk is as awesome live as it is on CD. Supported by Derek Johnson (aka the Musicalist, tickets are £12.00 from here.

Saturday 16^th March

From 10.00am to 4.00pm Silk Solutions hosts Making the Move to Ghana at University of Westminster, The Pavilion, 115 Cavendish Street, W1W 6UW, listing 6 steps to help you prepare and plan a move to Ghana. Included in the admission price of £95.00 is a Silk Solutions making the move workbook. Book your tickets here.

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm Rich Visions will be hosting Afternoon Tea in Celebration of International Women’s Month at The Strand Hotel, 372 The Strand, WC2R 0JJ. The event seeks to celebrate the achievements that women have made so far in many spheres, with tea, cake and sandwiches and guests speakers including Mavis Amankwah (Rich Visions), discussing Making time for yourself Lorna Stewart (Black 100+ Founder) discussing A Womans Worth, Angela Tella (illumine lifestyle consultancy) discussing- Living A Healthy Lifestyle, Joy Odunsi (Potential U) discussing Personal Styling and making a good first impression, Eryca Freemantle (Product Developer for Beauty and Make up brands) discussing make up and beauty tips and Lola Owolabi (Destiny Ministries) discussing Rewarding the Inner You. Tickets are £10.00 from here

From 1.30pm to 4.00pm KOM Consultancy will be hosting Relocate to Nigeria In A Shoestring- An Inspirational Seminar at Ramada Hotel and Suites London Dockland, Excel 2, Festoon Way, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1RH. Hosted by Kayode Olatuyi this seminar seeks to aid participants in overcoming their anxiety about doing business in Nigeria, have accurate information and advice about how to achieve these goals, become aware of various support schemes, get signposted to possible opportunities, make contacts, have a simple relocation plan and achieve your relocation goal without problems. Tickets are £35.00 from here.

At 6.00pm Mercyline Africa Trust International will be hosting Tania to Ghana Fundraising Dinner at Liberty House, 9-11 Cottage Green, Camberwell, SE5 7ST. This fundraising dinner is to raise funds to send a volunteer to Ghana to help on a health promotion project.  Tickets start from £10.00 from here.  

At 7.00pm is the exclusive launch of Afronoire at Glow Salon, 63 Southwark Road, SE16 3TY. This intimate event will feature pampering massages and exclusive discounts by Rhodda Redd and Ama Monique Agency, with surprise gift bags, music, fashion, cupcakes and goodies! RSVP for this FREE event here. 

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At 8.00pm is the Ghetto Lounge Spring Special at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA featuring live music from Afro funk band Afrik Bawantu led by singer and drummer Afla Sackey and Minn Diarabi, soulful Senegalese blues band led by Abdoulaye Samb. With DJ’s Koichi Sakai with MC Clapper Priest, Oli Hurez and Leonidas and Kay Suzuki. Admission is £5.00 before 10.00pm, £8.00 thereafter.

Sunday 17^th March

From 11.00am to 3.00pm Numbi presents the Numbi Workshops at Rich Mix, facilitated by musician Mayda Narvey and poet Sai Murray adult and children can sing clap drum, play an instrument and put words together with other people. Admission is £10.00 (£5.00 students or concs and a family of 2 adults and 2 children £10.00)

From 2.00pm to 6.00pm our good friends Mwalimu Express return to Rich Mix. This month’s destination is Madagascar with acoustic guitarist Nogabe Randriaharimalala and Monoswezi’s Zimbabwean traditional songs witj a Nordic edge. With Rita Ray and Max Reinhardt on the decks, childrens yoga, this is a groovy Sunday afternoon hangout with an African twist for the whole family. And its FREE!

At 7.00pm the London Afrobeat Collective will be playing at Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, W12 7LJ. This London based collective that plays Afrobeat (yeah the hints in the name!!!) supported by; brass collective Off Key He Men, Big Beat Manifesto, Totes Awse and Kirsty Keogh this is very awesomely groovy! Every body say yeah yeah. Tickets are £5.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm is Word4Word at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BNX hosted by Kat Francois this evening of spoken word, music and open mic will feature BREIS and JJ Bola, Music and drops by Sloetry the DJ and food at the bar. More details about this FREE event here.

Week of 4th March: Ghana Independence Day, Lenny Henry, Womens Day, Kizomba, Best of Africa Festival and Africa Masterclass

Ete sen everybody!!!

Thats hello in Akan as Ghana celebrates 56 years of independence this week. In honour of this Proud to be African Clothing is knocking 5% of all sales with the code CHALE5. So get your Proud to be Ghanaian T shirts in time for the weekend.
Other than Ghana's Day we have a series of conferences in the Houses of Parliament about Women in Africa and Nigeria. Talks on aid, land and fair trade. Lenny Henry in a new play as well as a South African play, comedy and a Masterclass at the School of Oriental and African Studies.

Monday 4^th March

From 5.30pm to 7.00pm The Institute of Commonwealth Studies will be presenting London 1909: the ANC, the Labour Party and the Indian Congress a presentation by Martin Plaut chaired by Professor Philip Murphy in Room 261, Senate House, University of London, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU  

At 6.30pm the Royal Africa Society will be hosting Women as Leaders in Africa: Participation.. Power and Progress in Committee Room 9, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. The event seeks to explore the link between women’s political participation and increased gender rights and development. Chaired by Baroness Kinnock speakers are Ambassador Carlos dos Santos (High Commissioner of Mozambique), Olabunmi Ajayi (The African Commission for Local Government Improvement and Hadeel Ibrahim (Mo Ibrahim Foundation). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm IRIE! Dance Theatre holds Dance Yourself Fit at the Moonshot Centre, Angus Street, New Cross, SE14 6LU. This ia program of dance activities designed to help you improve your health and fitness through dance and dance related moves. This class is FREE, reserve a place by calling 020 8691 6099 or check the website. 

Tuesday 5^th March

At 5.30pm Diane Abbot MP and BEN TV hosts the British African Diaspora Conference on Nigeria at the Grand Committee Room, Westminster Hall, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. The conference seeks to ask after 14 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria how stable is democracy and the economy. Guest speakers include Muhammadu Buhari (former Military Head of State and CPC Presidential candidate), Abdullahi Dikko Inde (Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service), Diane Abbott MP (Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington). To register for this FREE and fascinating conference email Tunde Alagbi.

At 6.30pm the Royal Africa Society presents Beyond Aid: Does Higher Education in the UK benefit Africa? at the Jon Snow Lecture Theatre,  London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT. Chaired by Jeff Waage (London International Development Centre) with Professor Graham Furniss (SOAS), Dr Mpalive Msiska (Birkbeck), Lesley Coldham (Tullow Oil), Kwalombota Kwalombota (Public Health Consultant) and Professor David Simon (Canon Collins). This debate seeks to ask what is the impact for the UK and Africa of the huge number of African students in UK universities of which almost 20,000 are Nigerian the 3^rd highest after China and India. Is this another form of brain drain or is it a more nuanced relationship. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm Paceworking presents the Paceworking Conference Celebrating International Women’s Week at LB Southwark, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH themed Agents of Change: Womens organisations, Women’s Leaders and Mothers, the speakers are Dr Karen Brewer (Widows Rights International), Mrs Folurunsho Alakija (Rose of Sharon Foundation), Councillor Kate Anolue (The Worshipful Mayor of LB Enfield), Yinka Essien (Christian Support Group for African and Caribbean Widows), Beverley De-Gale OBE (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust), Perez Ochieng (Sahara Communities Abroad) and Celine Loader (Central Bank of Nigeria). Hosted by Michael Situ tickets are £20.00 from here.

Proud to be South African

At 6.30pm the Queen Mary School of Law hosts Confessions of a Judicial activist by Justice Albie Sachs at The Peoples Palace, Queen Mary, University of London. Mile End Road, E1 4NS. This event marks the launch of the Human Rights Collegium with Justice Albie Sachs activist and retired judge from the South African Constitutional Court who started his career as a young lawyer defending people from South Africa’s Apartheid laws, going into exile and working in the UK and Mozambique until he lost an arm and sight in one eye in a South African car bomb. In 1994 he was appointed by President Mandela to the South African Constitutional Court. Chaired by Professor Geraldine Van Beuren (Queen Marys) this FREE event is preceded by a lecture by the Raphael Samuel History Centre and followed by a drinks reception. RSVP here.

At 7.00pm Black History Studies presents Celebrating the Role of the Black Women in the Family and the Community, a presentation by Sis Anneta Bennett at PCS Headquarters, 160 Falcon Road, Clapham Junction, SW11 2LN will discuss how black women balance their roles and support each other for the benefit of their families and communities. Admission is £5.00

At 7.30pm Lenny Henry will be starring in Fences at the Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1QJ as Troy Maxson a former gifted athlete now struggling with daily life in Pittsburgh and taking out his anger in his loyal wife an sports obsessed son. Set between the Korean and Vietnam Wars this award winning play runs till 9^th March with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets range from £10.00 to £39.50 from here.

Wednesday 6^th March HAPPY BIRTHDAY GHANA!!!!!

Thursday 7^th March

At 5.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies presents The Political Dynamics of Large Scale land deals in Ethiopia: Experience of the Gambella Regional State in Room G26, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. This event seeks to argue that the current trend of large scale land deals in Ethiopia not only challenges indigenous people’s right to land and natural resources but threatens the post 1991 social contract between the Ethiopian state and its diverse ethnic groups. FREE event

At 6.30pm the Institute of International Visual Arts hosts Art and Activism in Contemporary South Africa at 1 Rivington Place, EC2A 3BA. This lecture by Professor Annie E. Coombes (Birkbeck College) explores the effectiveness of women’s art practice in South Africa as an alternative political space. Admission is £6.00 from here. 

At 6.30pm City University will be holding a Fairtrade Panel Discussion  at College Building, City University, St John Street, EC12V 4PB to discuss whether big business is welcome in the Fairtrade market. The panel discussion will be chaired by Rosalind Shrpe (PhD Research Student) will consist of Tim Lang (City University London), Dan Crossley (Food Ethics Council), Atif Choudhury (Zaytoun CIC), Vidya Rangan (Fairtrade Doundation) and Ian Bretman ( ex Fairtrade International). There will be refreshments and an opportunity to network. Register for this FREE event here.

At 8.00pm the South African play Mies Julie starts at Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, W6 9RL, set in the kitchen of a remote South African farmhouse 18 years after the end of apartheid a night of brutality and tenderness unfolds as a black farm labourers and his bosses’ daughter battle of power, sexuality memory, mothers and land. Running till 19^th May, with weekend matinees, tickets are £25.00 (£20.00 concs) from here. 

Friday 8^th March

At 7.00pm the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust presents the Stephen Lawrence Women Awards at Lewisham College, Lewisham Way, Brockley, SE4 1UT. This event seeks to honour the achievements of women in Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich and will feature keynote speakers such as Shami Chakrabati (Liberty), Doreen Lawrence and Joan Ruddock (MP for Lewisham Deptford). This will be the final event celebrating women’s week at the centre. RSVP for this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm West African superstars Angelique Kidjo and Fatoumata Diawara will be performing at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. The Grammy award winning veteran Beninoise singer will be singing alongside the Malian whose debut album ‘Fatou’ was voted album of the year in 2011. For those who love African music this is unmissable. Tickets are £27.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.     

At 8.00pm Focus Organisation and Global Local Present The Best from Africa Festival at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, with live performances by Ballet Nimba, the No 1 West African Dance company in the UK, Afrik Bawantu the 8 piece Afrobeat- Afrofunk orchestra, AkaWe a new London based 10 piece Afrobeat band from Congo and Nigeria, Sir Loui will be holding an Azonto Decale workshop with DJ Freestyle from Colourful Radio on the decks. Tickets for this jam packed fun event are £7.00 in advance from here and £9.00 on the door

Saturday 9^th March

From 10.00am to 5.00pm ReConnect Africa will be hosting Masterclass: Africa at SOAS, Thornhaugh  Street, Russel Square, WC1H 0XG. This event will consist of 3 master classes; 1- Your Career in Africa, giving an overview of career opportunities in Africa and an understanding of the African job market and how to market your skills, 2- Planning your Business in Africa: giving essential information on business planning in Africa, understanding business strategy and tips for business expansion and 3- Making the move to Africa (Case Study: Ghana)- using Ghana as a study this class will cover how to plan your finances, the key practical elements to be aware of, tips and advice for the move etc. The classes will be facilitated by Frances Mensah Wiliams (Interims for Development Ltd), Griselda Kumordzie Togobo (Consultant Engineer) and Elvina Quaison (Silk Solutions). Eric-Vincent Guichard CEO of Homestrings will give a key note speech on ‘Entering the Investment Arena: Opportunities for the Disapora’ and Carol Hondonga (Rio Tinto) will share her perspective on careers in Africa in ‘What matters to Employers Recruiting for Africa’. Tickets for this packed and informative event are £120.00 from here. 

From 12.00 to 4.00pm Nigeria Dialogue hosts Investing in Energy: The Road Ahead in Lecture Theatre 1, the Blackett Building, Imperial College, South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ. Hosted by Tonye Cole (CEO Sahara Energy Group) the event will give a rare insight into the workings of the Nigerian energy sector and associated investment opportunities. Following a presentation on the title topic there will be a Q&A followed by refreshments. Tickets are £30.00 from here.

At 2.00pm African Odysseys Film Programme presents Maluala and Jende Ri Palenge at BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South bank, SE1 8XT. Maluala (Cuba, 1979) is set in a palenque a settlement of escaped slaves in Cuba’s eastern mountains and tells the story of the leadership as it is pitted against each other by agents of the Spanish colonialists. Jende Ri Palenge (People of the Palenque) is a documentary about the music and culture of the people of the Palenque, the first free slave community in the Americas. The screenings will be presented by Michael La Rose, admission is £5.00.

From 3.00pm to 6.00pm the Sentinel Poetry Movement will Launching 5 Books at Media Partners, Waterloo Action Centre, 14 Baylis Road, Waterloo, SE1 7AA. The books are All the Invisibles a collection of poetry by Mandy Pannett, Marking Time  a collection of one of the UK’s most successful poets and literary editors, Letters Home and Biafran Times by Afram Akeh, The Bridge Selection- Poems for the Road by Nnorom Azuonye and Sentinel Annual Literature Anthology edited by Nnorom Azuonye, Unoma Azuah, Amand Sington-Williams. Hosted by Nnorom Azuonye with live music by Jazz folk singer Aletia Upstairs, admission is FREE from here but if you buy a raffle ticket for £2.50 you could win one of the 5 books.

At 7.30pm we have the Ghana Independence Celebration Party at Mama Jumbe’s 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. With a special buffet menu by Zoe-Ghana Kitchen and music by DJ Mcusa (Hot FM London) playing Afriobeat, Hi life and Old School classics with a book signing by Clarissa Mudukuti author of Kwame Nkrumah: The Man. More details here.

At 8.00pm is the GB Kizomba Competition Finals 2013 at The Dome, Junction Road, Tufnell Park, N19 5QQ, in which 3 couples will win to get to be part of Team GB Kizomba and represent GB at the 6^th Championship International of Kizomba (CIK) in Lisbon. Judges will be Adriana Neves, David Flor, Eddy Vents, Nathalie Leyif and Nelson Campos, with DJ Sub e Karga. Tickets are £8.00 in advance from here and £10.00 on the door.

Sunday 10^th March

From 2.30pm to 4.30pm the Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JT will be screening the Senegalese Film Faat Kine, starring Venus Seye as Kine the manager of a successful petrol station and unmarried mother of two children of different delinquent fathers the film follows her as she goes about her daily life and flits between her friends, family and job, a cheerful film that still somehow manages to be a metaphor on Senegal, tickets are FREE from here although a donation of £3.00 is appreciated.

At 3.00pm Black History Walks and National Association of Black Saturday Schools presents Is there a movement for African reparations in the UK in Room B36, Birbeck University, Torrington Square, Malet Street, WC1E 7HX. This lecture by Esther Stanford-Xosei covers what are reparations, who has received reparations and why, how far back does the UK reparation movement go etc. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is Kojo’s Comedy Fun House at The Sports Bar, 80 Haymarket, Westminster, SW1Y 4TE. This monthly show is hosted by Choice FM’s Kojo the Fun house players are Jazzie, A Sqeezy, Jay Savage, KG Comedian, Jade Avia, Jamie Howard, Kae Kurd, Elisha Myton, Darcy and Thaniya Moore, with England and West Ham Footballer Carlton Cole as the special guest and stand up comedy from Mr Cee and Mikey Carpenter. Table bookings are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) call 07930108794 or BB-222D67B4.

At 6.30pm is a world exclusive première of Alice Walker: Beauty In Truth at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Roads, SE1 8XX. This documentary about the life and art of the Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Color Purple will be followed by a conversation with Alice Walker and the director Pratibha Parmar. Tickets are £10.00-20.00 from here.