Week of 10th March: Gospel 2014, Aminatta Forna, The Pan African History of Basil Davidson, Poetry Meets Art, ACS TV, Mwalimu Express, Homecoming Africa London Expo, South Africa @20, Ghana Independence Dinner Dance, ICSN Language course, Sidi Toure, Wedding and Bridal Shows, Caribbean Tourism

Jambo, (Hello in Swahili),

Proud to be African Clothing has another packed week of music, expos, business and investing, networking, seminars, media events and presentations.

Have an enjoyable week

Monday 10^th March

At 7.30pm IG Music presents Gospel 2014 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. featuring Men of Gospel, Women of Gospel, Guitars of Gospel, Raymond and Co, The Golden Chords, The Company, Bishop R.L. Edwards and family, EKKlesia Artist, Israel J Allen, Lurine Cato, IDMC, MOR Youth Choir and the Igospel UK Choir led by D ‘Bishop’ Thomas all supported by the IG Band. Early bird tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm the Bloomsbury Institute presents International Women’s Day with Aminatta Forna at Bloomsbury Publishing, 50 Bedford Square, WC1B 3DP. The Orange Prize shortlisted author will discuss her novel The Memory of Love set during the Sierra Leonean Civil War, there will also be a short film presentation by Womankind. Tickets are £15.00 from here, with all proceeds to charity

Tuesday 11^th March

At 5.30pm is A Fusion of Worlds: Ancient Egypt, African Art and Identity in Modernist Britain Exhibition at The Petrie Museum, Malet Place, Camden, WC1E 6BT. This exhibition is an exploration of the ways in which modern artists have been inspired by Ancient Egypt. This is a FREE event, register here.

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents The Pan African History of Basil Davidson: Episode 1- Different but Equal in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. With Mick Csaky (Series Executive Producer), Gus Casely-Hayford presenter Lost Kingdoms of Africa), Professor Stephen Quirke (UCL). This screening and Q&A marks the 30^th anniversary of Basil Davidson’s  documentary film series Africa: A Voyage of discovery produced in collaboration with Channel 4, the Nigerian Television Authority, MBTV, and RM Arts. This episode features Senegalese mathematician, philosopher and Egyptologist Chiekh Anta Diop. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Carpe Diem presents Poetry Meets Art 6 at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring poets and spoken word artists Amen Noir, Michelle Madsen, Niyat Remedy Asfaha, Pete the Temp, Dream Catchers Collection and The Goddess Effect.  Vava Tampa (Save the Congo) will discuss the issue of the conflict in the Congo. Tickets are £5.00 before 9.00pm and £7.00 thereafter.

Wednesday 12^th March

At 5.30pm UCL Institute of the Americas presents Caribbean Tourism: Consumption of Places and the Growth of the Sin Industries in Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This presentation by Dr Emilio Pantojas Garcia (University of Puerto Rico) focuses on sex tourism, gambling and money laundering offering a comparative perspective with competitors in Asia. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 6.00pm is Private Equity Africa- 4th Annual Deals and Funds Review Seminar at Allen and Overy, 1 Bishops Square, E1 6AD. This Seminar offers insights into the previous year’s deal making and fund raising trends and outlook views from leading investors. Tickets start from £85.00 from here

Thursday 13^th March

At 11.00am British African Business Alliance hosts British Africans Meet at Elephant and Castle at Rockingham Somali Support Centre, Rockingham Community Centre, Falmouth Road, SE1 6RU. This event presents the opportunity to meet African Business leaders particularly Somali’s and look at the roles and opportunities being created by SME businesses in Africa. Tickets start from £3.00 from here. 

At 5.30pm the UCL Institutes of the Americas presents That Jamaica: Women, Secrets and Battyman Business in Lecture Theatre 103, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This seminar by Thomas Glave (University of Warwick) considers the possible connections between outlawed and romantic desire. This is a FREE event, register here. 

At 6.30pm is the Sable Reading Series: Art is the HeArt of The Nation at All Nations Cafe and Bar, 8 Sandringham Road, Dalston, E8 2LP. In celebration of International Women’s Month this event features poets and authors Dorothea Smartt,  Kadija Sesay, Wangui wa Goro and 5 open mic slots. Tickets start from £3.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is ACS TV: The Launch in LG02, New Academic Building, Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW. This is the website launch for a new platform that aims to promote and showcase the work of African and Caribbean societies and discuss issues pertinent to African and Caribbean students and communities, followed by drinks and networking. Register for this FREE event here.

Friday 14^th March

At 12.00pm is the Ethnicity Network Forum in Room AG05, City University, Northampton Square, EC1V 0HB. This is a networking opportunity for black Asian and ethnic minority students to brainstorm ideas, gain leadership experience or apply for other roles in the network. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm Zoë’s Ghana Kitchen presents Ghana Get Irish! at Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NG. The eponymous Ghanaian pop up kitchen will be celebrating St Patricks Day with a Ghanaian/ Irish Mash Up menu, complete with ZGK Beer. Get your tickets for £25.00 here. 

At 7.30pm Sidi Toure performs at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL. The Malian bluesman will be playing acoustic Songhai blues drawing inspiration from African tales. Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm Simo Lagnawi Gnawa London at Green Note, 106 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7AN. The Moroccan Gnawa music master is the UK’s leading Guembri player and combines African Islamic spiritual tradition with poetry and singing. Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

Saturday 15^th March

From 9.00am to 4.30pm is Homecoming Africa London Expo at the Olympia Conference Centre, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX This 2 day expo seeks to demonstrate the advantages of returning home, with stands on jobs, property, education, services, investments and entrepreneurial opportunities in sub Saharan Africa, with exhibitors such as Barclays Africa, Standard Bank Group, KPMG Africa, Africa Health Placement, American Tower, Aperture Group, Bain and Company, The Boston Consulting Group and more. There will be workshops on Careers, relocation, investments, property and entrepreneurship. Tickets start from £20.00 from here. 

From 10.00am to 5.00pm is the National African and Caribbean Wedding Show 2014 at Central Hall Westminster, Storeys Gate, SW1H 9NH. Register for this FREE event here.

At 10.00am the Igbo Culture and Support Network begins the ICSN Igbo Language Course, Beginner Level at Bloomsbury Square. This 10 week course is for beginner, be you young, old, Igbo, non Igbo, African or non African, this is a chance to learn this awesome language. The course costs £150.00, email Nneka to register your interest, more details here. 

From 11.00am to 6.00pm Brides of Culture presents the 9th Multicultural Bridal Exhibition-Spring 2014 at Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA. Showcasing 50 wedding service providers, with a fashion showcase featuring Ade Bakare’s Diffusion Collection, giveaways, wedding planner seminar and  wedding coordinator seminar. Register for this FREE event here.

From 12.00pm to 5.00pm SOAS African Development Forum presents Creative Africa at SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, this panel discussion, will debate how creative industries are challenging the political landscape, driving economic growth and celebrating culture and heritage in Africa. Register for this FREE event here.

At 3.00pm NABSS hosts Black Supplementary Schools and the Role of the Church at Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 7HX. This panel discussion hosted by Stephen Brookes (Excell 3) will feature Keith Davidson (Seven Day Adventists Church), Dr June Alexis (former Head teacher), Reverend Hughie Andrew (Queen Mother Moore Methodist Church), and will debate the impact of churches on education in the black community. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm the Ghana Union and Ghana High Commission hosts the Ghana Independence Dinner Dance at the Selby Centre, Selby Road, N17 8JL. You can dance the meal off to tunes by DJ Maxi Sounds. Tickets including dinner are £35.00, by phone from 07734 312 820, 07958 648 234 or 07956 181 100.

At 7.30pm Evolving Creative’s hosts Everyday Life in an Early West African Empire-DVD Launch at Goldsmiths College, Lewisham Way, SE14 6NW. Based on the book of the same name this DVD details the rise and fall of the great West African empires. Register for this FREE event here.

At 8.00pm is the Ekumfi Etsibeedu Trust Afrobeats Launch Party at Upstairs at the Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG. Hosted by comedian and presenter Reuben Christian, this event is to raise money for the Ekumfi Etsibeedu Trust that supports school children in Ekumfi Etsibeedu, Ghana. Headlined by musician Tigger da Author with spoken word artist WordPlay and Azonto dance act Jay and Bonkz. Tickets are £5.00

Sunday 16^th March

From 9.00am to 7.00pm is South Africa @ 20 in Room DLT, SOAS, Thornhaugh Road. This one day interdisciplinary conference to debate 20 years of democracy in South Africa a key note address on The South African Constitution by Janet Love (South Africa Human Rights commission and 4 panel discussions on Governance and Political Economy, Foreign Policy and International Relations, Contemporary Society and arts and Culture, followed by a drinks reception with South African music and poetry. Register for this FREE event here. 

From 10.00am to 4.30pm is Homecoming Africa London Expo at the Olympia Conference Centre, The final day of this 2 day expo seeks to demonstrate the advantages of returning home, with stands on jobs, property, education, services, investments and entrepreneurial opportunities in sub Saharan Africa, with exhibitors such as Barclays Africa, Standard Bank Group, KPMG Africa, Africa Health Placement, American Tower, Aperture Group, Bain and Company, The Boston Consulting Group and more. There will be workshops on Careers, relocation, investments, property and entrepreneurship. Tickets from £20.00 from here. 

At 11.00am is Numbi’s Rhythm Workshops at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA this is a girls and women only introduction to the djembe, with lessons in basic techniques by guest artists Miriam Dubois and Kay Smith and residents artists Charity Njoki Mwaniki, Kinsi Abdulleh and special guest. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs or £10.00 for familys) from here. 

From 2.00pm to 5.00pm is Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, , London’s finest pan African family adventure returns with poetic performance’s Lucy Angell Johns Parent and Toddler Dance Session, Awale with the Oware society, tunes from hosts Max Reinhardt and DJ Rita Ray and much more. And it’s all FREE.

At 7.00pm is Word4Word with Kat Francois at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN. This monthly spoken word, comedy and music show will feature ShortMAN aka MattBlack and Rhythm of Men. Open mic slots are available and DJ Sloetry will be providing drops and choons. More details here. 

Week of 3rd March: Africa Rising, Ghana 57 Years After 1957, Good Governance with Adams Oshiomole, African Peacemakers, Sudan and South Sudan, Binyavanga Wainana: We Must Free our Imaginations, Egusi Soup, Honor Diaries, Investing, In Nigeria, African Composers Series, Nadia Denton in Conversation with Biyi Bandele, Eddie Griffin and Friends.

Sannu, (Hello in Hausa)

This week Proud to be AfricanClothing brings you a bevy of delights ranging from Theatre to documentaries,

business and investing, networking, seminars, media events and presentations.

Have an enjoyable week

Monday 3^rd March

From 8.30am to 5.00pm is Africa Rising- The Media’s Role in the Continents Renaissance at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG, this conference feature delegates from Al Jazeera, CCTV, TVC, BBC, Comic Relief and other news organisations and aid delegates in gaining a better understanding of the medias role in explaining this moment in Africa history, demonstrate ho ordinary Africans are using social media and movies to set their own agendas, demonstrate the impact new local and international players such as TVC and CCTV are having and see how the traditional shapers of the African narrative respond to these new players. The event will also include a tribute to late BBC Africa presenter Komla Dumor. Register for this FREE event here.

                                                                                                                

At 1.00pm is a Free Q&A Session with Two Cocoa Farmers at Divine Chocolate Pop UP, 53 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, Covent Gardrn, WC2H 9DG. this Q&A session with Mavis and Mercy two members of Kuapa Kokoo who will describe their lives as Ghanaian cocoa farmers and what is like to be a member of a cooperative. Register for this FREE event here                                                    

At 6.00pm Barts and London ACS presents Brotherhood and Sisterhood Night-The Charisma Special in the Recovery Room, Griff Inn SU, Newark Street, Whitechapel, E1 2AT. This quiz will be ACS themed and will have questions about ACS events; admission is £1.00 for members and £3.00 for non members from here.  

At 6.00pm the Royal African Society presents Ghana 57 Years after 1957: Recalibrating the Course of Progress at Brunei Suite, SOAS. Chaired by Lord Paul Boateng, with Hanna Tetteh (Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs), Nana Akufo Addo (2012 Presidential NPP candidate), Dr Michael Amoah (Centre for African Studies), Manji Cheto (Teneo Holdings). Marking Ghana’s 57^th year of independence this panel will discuss the countries progress and address major challenges, setting out and implementing strategic development plans, fighting corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm BBM/BMC present Xtra History and Reasoning Sessions at The Mayors Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, 1 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY, hosted by Harrow Mayor Councillor Nana Asante, with  Laura Adorkor Kofi and author/ story teller Naa Korkoi Abotchi to mark International Women’s month, UNIA centenary and Ghanaian Independence. Register for this FREE event here.

Wednesday 5^th March

 At 1.00pm Kingston Nigerian International Society presents Good Governance: A Debt Unpiad (Governor Adams Oshiomole) at Kingston University, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7LB. The Governor of Edo State, Nigeria, will discuss good governance along with Dr Stephen Turner (Kingston University), Dr Peter Orji (Kingston University) and Dami Olatuyi (Mygeria Ltd). Register for this FREE event here.

At 1.00pm the Centre for African Studies presents Fair Trade, Fair Wage? Research evidence from Ethiopia and Uganda in Room 116, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, with Professor Christopher Cramer, Dr Deborah Johnston and Dr Carlos Ova. The event will be looking at the relevance of Fair Trade to poor wage workers using The Fairtrade Employment and Poverty Reduction Project drawing on micro level evidence from Ethiopia and Uganda. Register for this FREE event here

At 4.00pm Chatham House presents Africa’s Peacemakers: Nobel Peace Laureates of African Descent at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Dr Knox Chitiyo (Chatham House) with Dr Adekeye Adebajo (Centre for Conflict Resolution, Cape Town) who will discuss the findings of the new book African Peacemakers: Nobel Peace Laureates of African Descent focussing on African and African American global peace efforts. To attend this FREE event contact Chris Vandome.

At 6.00pm Chatham House presents Sudan and South Sudan: The Importance of Interdependence at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House. Chaired by Paul Murphy (Saferworld) with James Copnall (BBC Correspondent) and discussant Dr Douglas H. Johnson (Independent Scholar on Sudan and South Sudan). The speakers will assess the threats to progress of both countries and how both countries interdependence may be better harnessed to their mutual benefit. To attend this FREE event contact ChrisVandome. 

At 6.00pm is a Free Q&A Session with Two Cocoa Farmers at Divine Chocolate Pop Up. This Q&A session with Mavis and Mercy two members of Kuapa Kokoo who will describe their lives as Ghanaian cocoa farmers and what is like to be a member of a cooperative. Register for this FREE event here                                                   

At 6.30pm the LSE presents Binyavanga Wainana: We Must free our imaginations in CLM 6.02, Clement House, London School of Economics, Aldwych, WC2B 4JF. Chaired by Dele Fatunla and hosted by Dr Wendy Willems (LSE), Kenyan Caine prize winning author and journalist Binyavanga Wainana will discuss his Youtube manifesto ‘We must free our imagination’. This is a FREE event

At 8.00pm Menagerie Theatre and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds presents Egusi Soup at Pentland Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tally Ho Corner, 5 Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 0GA. This comedy from Janice Okoh is about a British Nigerian family as they pack up and head to Lagos for a memorial to their father and realise they have to shed some excess baggage first. Tickets are £16.00 (£14.00 concs) from here.  

Thursday 6^th March

At 7.00pm is Tinariwen at Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ. These original desert bluesmen will be performing tracks from there yet to be released album Emmaar. Check here for more details. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents Lucky Ranku at the Vortex Jazz Club, 11 Gillett Square, Dalston, N16 8AZ. The legendary South African guitarist will be performing original compositions with his 6 piece band from all over Africa. Tickets are £15.00 from here. 

Friday 7^th March

From 8.30am to 7.00pm Homestrings presents Investing in Nigeria at Drapers Hall, Throgmorton Street, EC2N 2DQ. This event presents the latest investment opportunities from Nigeria, ranging from commercial residential, real estate, banking and finance investments, with symposiums, workshops and presentations covering the most exciting business environment in Africa. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 9.00am Global Diplomatic Forum presents EU-African Relations at Europe House, 32 Smith Square, SW1P 3EU. This event looks at EU African relationships, the challenges, opportunities and   potential for non state actors and civil society. Tickets start from £50.00 from here. 

From 11.00am The Mosaic Rooms presents Mogadishu-Lost Moderns at The Mosaic Rooms, 226 Cromwell Road, SW5 0SW. This exhibition by architect Rashid Ali and photographer Andrew Cross is the first to explore Mogadishu through its architecture and urban environment narrating the story of Somalia’s journey from a traditional nation to modern nation state and challenging the familiar images of the city as a place of conflict. Running till 26 April, this is a FREE exhibition.

At 7.00pm is Eddie Griffin and Friends ‘Hilarious’ at the O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, Brixton, SW9 9SL. Hosted by Eddie Kadi, the US comedian will feature comedians Adot Comedian, Geoff Schumann, Axel, Humza Arshad with music from Angel and DJ Abrantee, DJ Memzee, Frisky DJ. Tickets from £38.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents The Rhythms at Vortex Jazz Club. This 7 piece Lagos based band mixes Afrobeat, funk and Yoruba-English lyrics into their own unique style Tickets are £12.50 from here.

Saturday 8^th March

At 2.00pm we have Nadia Denton in Conversation with Biyi Bandele in the Main Lecture Theatre, Divinity School, St Johns College, Cambridge, CB2 1TP. Film industry expert Nadia Denton will be discussing the Nollywood tradition with Nigerian born director Biyi Bandele about his directorial debut with the most expensive Nigerian film to date Half of a Yellow Sun, starring Chiewetel Ejiofor and Thandie Newton. Register for this fascinating and FREE event here. 

At 8.00pm Joyful Noise presents Aubrei Woki and Kalahari at the Vortex Job Club. The Botswanan bassist and vocalist will be performing tracks from his new album Money with his band Kalahari. Tickets are £12.50 from here.

Sunday 9^th March

At 4.00pm FORWARD and IKWRO host Honor Diaries in Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA. This film brings together individuals and women’s rights organisations to speak about child and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Followed by a panel discussion and Q&A moderated by Professor Fareda Banda (SOAS) with Diana Nammi (IKWRO),  Paula Kweskin Honor Diaries producer, Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE (FORWARD) and Jasvinder Sanghra CBE (Karma Nirvana). This is a FREE event although a donation of £5.00 is kindly requested RSVP by email 

At 6.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network hosts its March General House Meeting at Zubi Bar, 144 Holloway Road, N7 8DD. Themed ‘Awards Night’ come and network with the finest and most intellectually stimulating around

Week of 24th February: Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Black Ballet, Fashion Africa Conference, Africa Business Partnership Forum, Uncle Errols Poetry Jam, South Africa after Nelson Mandela, Black Solicitors Network Networking, Mama Africa Unplugged, Queens4Africa Fundraising Variety Show, T&T High Commission London 1st Annual All Inclusive Carnival Fete

Kairabe (Hello in Mandinka),

Proud to be African Clothing is happy to give you another delightful buffet of entertainment, networking, skills, debate, education, movies and discussion.

The Nigerian Diaspora in the UK has grown significantly over the past few years. Recently released figures from the Office of National Statistics on 29^th August 2013, estimate that there are over 180,000 persons who list Nigeria as their country of birth. The Nigerian Government and the International Organisation of Migration is conducting a survey to identify Nigerian professionals in the UK and how the brain drain can be reversed. Please assist if you are a Nigerian professional or know someone who is (particularly in health and education) by completing this survey.

Enjoy the week

Monday 24^th February

At 5.00pm The Mo Ibrahim Foundation presents the Ibrahim Index of African Governance: The Student Perspective in Room 4429, School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This presentation by Salmana Ahmed and Christina Nelson addresses how the IIAG can be put to practical use in research and its relevance to an academic audience. Register by email.

At 6.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies hosts Mandela and the Media in Room G53, Senate House South Block, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. To register for this seminar contact Hilary Sapire

At 7.00pm Lets Watch screens The Stuart Hall Project at Juno Bar, 134-135 Shoreditch Hight Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JE. This documentary tells the story of the founding father of contemporary cultural studies who was an inspiring influence on British intellectual life since his emigration from Jamaica till his death last year Admission is £2.00 more details from here. 

Tuesday 25^th February

At 6.30pm Inspirational YOU presents Get Ahead in fashion Masterclass at The Stephen Lawrence Centre, 39 Brookmill Road, Deptford, SE8 4HU hosted by Ken Anyanwu, this evening is for those who would like to grow their career in fashion, speakers include Oliver Morris (Fashionaires.co.uk), Tamu Thomas (Kenema), Arieta Mujay (African Creative Collective), Chiedza (Afrodesiac/ Brown Sugar GH) and Sinem Bilen-Onibanjo (FAB Magazine. Register for this FREE event here

 At 8.00pm The Royal Opera House presents Black Ballet at Linsbury Studio Theatre, Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD. This mixed programme of new dance includes pieces by Arthur Pita, Christopher Marney and Martin Lawrence. Running till 4^th March, tickets start from £8.00 from here 

Wednesday 26^th February

From 10.00am to 1.00pm the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust hosts a 2 Day Interview Techniques Workshop at the Stephen Lawrence Centre. This interactive skills workshop with Yvonne Wilson will cover topics such as how to prepare for an interview, body language and communication skills, the do’s and don’ts of interviews, the different types of interview environments, common interview questions and more, Day 2 involves a live and recorded practice interview. Register for this FREE event here or email for more details

From 5.45pm to 9.00pm is Fashion Africa Conference at The Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. This event will include two panel discussion  with contributions from fashion professionals, entrepreneurs and industry experts who will discuss and debate topics. Themes include sustainable Fashion Made in Africa and The Future of Africa Fashion. Panellista include Annegret  Affolderbach (Choolips),Daphne Kasambala (Sappelle online boutique), Helen Jennings ‘(Arise and Kisua), Lisel Truscott (Textile Exchange),Mark Stephenson (Sandstorm Kenya), Prama Masperi (Mayamiko), Prama Bhardwaj (Sunflag/Mantisworld), Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo (FAB Magazine), Tasmin Lejeune (Ethical Fashion Forum) and Terence Sambo (One Nigerian Boy blog). Tickets are £15.00 from here.

At 6.00pm Cass Business School and Alliance 54 present Africa Business Partnership Forum (AGBPF 2014) at Cass Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8TZ. Themed ‘Doing Business with Africa: Business Models, Partnerships and Governance’, this forum will bring together African and non Africa businesses and investors to strategically position themselves, develop partners and develop Africa. Moderated by Dzidziso Sam Kamuriwo (Cass Business School), with confirmed speakers William Pollen (Invest in Africa), Andy Gibson (Institute of Export), Dr Ayo Salami (Duet Africa Fund), Claire Alexandre (M-Pesa), Gibril Faal (AFFORD & GK Partners), Simon Bransfield-Garth (Azuri Technologies), Mansoor Hamayun (BBOXX), Mohan Sodhi (Cass Business School) and Ernest Okwudike (Alliance 54). Other invited speakers include Tope Lawani (Helios Investment), Philippe Vogeleer (Vodafone), Mo Ibrahim (Satya Capital and Mo Ibrahim Foundation), Geoffrey White (Lonrho), Tom de Man (Heineken). Topics will include, Business Models in Africa: Success Stories and Case Studies, Developing Business Partnerships to Facilitate Growth, Africa Rising: What benefits for African businesses, Intelligent Governance: Lessons for Africa. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen hosts Ghana Russet Up at The Russet, 17 Amhurst Terrace, Hackney Downs, E8 2BT. This  will be a 3 course taste tour of Ghana £25.00 per head from here.

At 7.30pm is Uncle Errols Poetry Jam at Trispace Gallery, 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG. Themed Anger and Protest featuring Sam Berkson, with an open mc, poetry slam and musical acts and a Cherry Pop Slot, a 15 minute slot or virgin or nervous performers. Admission is £4.00.

At 7.00pm is South Africa after Nelson Mandela at the Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This panel discussion looks at South Africa as the ceremonies marking the passing of Nelson Mandela come to an end and the country prepares for the upcoming election amidst popular dissatisfaction with the ANC. The panel consists of Martin Plaut (Institute of Commonwealth Studies) and Jonny Steinberg (Oxford University). Tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Thursday 27^th February

At 7.00pm is Cultural Heritage of the African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean: Musical and Linguistic Traditions of Afro-Asians on Film at the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS. There will be a screening of the film ‘Indian Ocean Memories and African Migrants’ follows by a panel discussion with Professor Tope Omoniyi (Roehampton University) and Professor Parvati Nair (Queen Mary University London)

At 7.30pm is HomeB4Midnite at Bar Solo, 22 Inverness Street, Camden Town, NW1 7HJ, hosted by comedian Mr Blair featuring spoken word from Soul Brother Ian, comedy from President Obonjo and Denny Do Well  and live music from Garwe, Stephan, Chukuma and Zerena Melody. This is a FREE event

Friday 28^th February

At 2.00pm Chatham House presents Internal Party Democracy and South Africa’s 2014 Elections at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. With Jessie Duarte (African National Congress) who will reflect on the Reponses of the ruling party yo allegations of corruption, rising unemployment, service delivery and social cohesion. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 5.15pm The Bush Theatre presents We are Proud to Present..... at the Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ. This play by Jackie Sibblies Drury directed by Gbolahan Obiesan  is about a group of actors who gather together to tell the little known story of massacre of the Herero people in German South West Africa (Namibia) the first genocide of the 20^th century. Running till 12 March tickets are £19.50 from here

At 6.00pm is the iCAN Social Network Evening at La Tasca, 12 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, E14 4AE where you can network with fellow African, Caribbean professionals. Register for this FREE event here or just turn up! 

At 6.30pm the Black Solicitors Network hosts BSN Monthly Networking Night at Corney and Barrows, 10 Paternoster Square, St Pauls, EC4M 7DY. This networking night is not just for lawyers or those in the legal profession but for all African or Caribbean professionals. Just turn up!

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating presents Mix and Mingle at All Bar One, 175 Bishopsgate Avenue, EC2M 3YD. This is organised for black singles to mix, mingle and meet new people, it will be hosted with people encouraged to mix. Tickets are £10.00 from here

Saturday 1^st March

At 5.00pm Miss Black Africa presents Queens4Africa Fundraising Variety Show at the Ripple Centre, 121-125 Ripple Road, Barking, IG11 7FN. Hosted by Sonia Ike (Miss Black Africa UK 2013), Samaia Tchapesseka (Miss Black Africa UK 2012) and Ruvimbo Chinzou (Miss Black Africa UK 2011), this night is in aid of Central Primary School 7 Okohia and Central School Dimagu, Imo State Nigeria. with comedy from MC Mark  and President Obonjo of Lafta Republic. Guest Speakers Pauline Long, Anita Bonnerman, Fikelephi Jackson and Father Morris. Tickets start from £10.00 from here

At 5.00pm The Somali Relief and Development Fund hosts its Final Charity Quiz Night at the Oaktree Centre, Osborne Road, W3 8SJ. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics in teams of up to 6 members with prizes given on the night. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm is the Nana Churcher Show Live at Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, W1C 2DJ. To celebrate Ghana’s 57^th year of Independence, the Nana Churcher Show is celebrating people who make a difference in the community. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm KMT Freedom Teacher presents Mama Africa Unplugged at Fairly Square, 51 Red Lion Street, WC1R 4PF featuring Kinshasa born, Zimbabwe based Mulele Matondo Afrika. Admission is £5.00 all night. More details here. 

At 7.00pm Open the Gate presents Phoenix City All Stars at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston E8 4AA. This international line up hosted by Fenomeno Show and Samurai featuring special guests Manlio features Phoenix All Stars, ska, reggae and rocksteady band, the Anna Mudeka Band from Zimbabwe mbira playing African rock and funk fusion, Banda do Brazilarte (Brazilian Carnival Vibes) with Tighten Up Cree upstairs. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 thereafter.

At 9.00pm is Xpressions- A Live Afro-Soul Night at Club T Chances, 399 High Road, Tottenham, N17 6QN. Ugandan artiste ‘Energy Man’ Paddy Dee Nangabo headlines this event with his live band, with saxophonist Godfrey Ngobi, Nyinomugihsa, playing traditional Acholi music, Lea Habz, Nancy Parrens, Julie Walugembe, Victoria O’Neil Namayanja and Yiga Samuel Joel. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

Sunday 2^nd March

From 2.00pm to 8.00pm is the T&T High Commission London 1^st Annual All Inclusive Carnival Fete at The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. Party away to the hottest soca and calypso and feast on roti, pelau and corn soup washed down with Angostura rum and Carib Lager, all of which is included in the price. Tickets are £45.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is the Sunday Open Mic featuring Simo Lagnawi at Inspiral Lounge and Events, 250 Casmden High Street, NW1 8QS. Hosted by Nate Maingard. This event feature Moroccan Simo Lagnawi, gnawa master. This is a FREE event more details here. 

Week of 17th February: Screen Nation Film and TV Awards, Jazz’mothology’s JAMMIN, Africa Centre Quiz, Art De la mode, Juwon Ogungbe’s Each Day is Valentines Day, Amira Kheir, Conversations with AFRUCA’s Children’s Champions, 9th Annual Huntley Conference, Akala Unplugged, African Urban Revolution, Ghetto Lounge: Afro Special, ICSN L-O-V-E Party

Obo Kian (How are you in Ishan)

As we dry ourselves off and try not to get blown away by the winds Proud to be African Clothing presents an absolutely riveting week of quiz’s, music, films, awards, conferences and events.

Have a great week!

Monday 17^th February

At 7.00pm is the Africa Centre Quiz at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Hosted by Henry Bonsu, this light hearted an informal night, will give you a chance to relax and network with likeminded people as well as test your knowledge to the limit. This is a FREE event although a £5.00 donation is kindly requested. Register teams of 4-8 members here. 

At 8.00pm SOAS Women’s Society presents For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf in Room G2, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Ntozake Shange’s play will start the Society’s ‘Ain’t I a woman? What’s race got to do with it?’ week, directed by Adam Tulloch, followed by a Q&A with the director and actresses. Tickets are £3.00 from here

Tuesday 18^th February

At 1.00pm Inspirational YOU hosts Inspire Youth Day at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, High Road Tottenham, N15 4RU hosted by Kem Anyanwu, 16-24 year olds will meet top entrepreneurs, learn how to develop winning ideas from successful business leaders and Cambridge University graduates. Register for this FREE event here

Wednesday 19^th February

From 9.30am to 4.30pm is Strategies for Schools Engagement on FGM at the Initiative of Change Building, Greencoat Place, Victoria, SW1P 1BE. This conference will feature panel discussions, expert speakers and targets education, health and social service professionals as well as women’s groups. Admission is £40.00, email for details.

At 1.10pm Juwon Ogungbe presents Each Day is Valentine’s Day, at St Sepulchre, Holborn Viaduct, EC1A 2DQ. Accompanied by Ryoko Izutsu the singer and multi instrumentalist will sing arias and art songs by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, Arne, Quilter, Vaughan Williams, Ginastera, Foster, Porter, Gershwin and Spanish folk songs and the Zarzuela all based on love! More details here. 

At 5.30pm the UCL Institute of the Americas presents The Structure of Slave Ownership in St Catherine, Jamaica and Nevis 1817-1834 in Lecture Theatre 103, UCL, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. This discussion panel will present 2 papers ‘The structure and significance of British Caribbean slave-ownership: A case study of St Catherine, Jamaica’ by Kate Donington (UCL) and ‘Using Slave registers as a source for Gathering information about the enslaved: A Case Study of St Kitts and Nevis’ Kristy Warren (UCL). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents South Sudan: finding the path to peace in Room K6.29, Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Kings Building, Strand Campus, Kings College London, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Professor Jack Spence OBE (KCL), with Tim Morris (UK Special Envoy to the South Sudan Peace Talks), Gonyi Ajawin (Fasken Martineau LLP) and Veronique Barbelet (Overseas Development Institute), the panel will explore some of the challenges to securing peace, the role of South Sudan’s neighbours, the wider international community and non state actors. RSVP this FREE event here. 

                                                           

                                                                     Thursday 20^th February

At 10.00am the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust hosts How to build a website or blog from scratch at the Stephen Lawrence Centre, 39 Brookmill Road, Deptford, SE8 4HU. This workshop covers the principles of good website design based on Wordpress and provide attendees with a domain name and webhosting, lessons on content, design and management of a website. Register for this FREE course here. 

At 5.30pm AFRUCA presents Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions at 25 New Inn Yard, EC2A 3EA. This event chaired by Debbie Ariyo OBE is a conversation with 2 of AFRUCAs children’s champions to discuss child protection issues affecting black families in London. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm is African Urban Revolution: How do population growth and conflict affect cities? at the Africa Research Institute, 55 Tufton Street, SW1P 3QL. This book launch will feature a panel discussion with Susan Parnell (African Centre for Cities), Caroles Rakodi, Tom Goodfellow, David Simon and Haley Leck as well as Jo Beall and Sean Fox, reviewing topics in the book which seeks to provides an insight into the key issues surrounding African urbanisation. Register for this FREE event by email or phone on 0207 222 4006. 

At 7.00pm the SOAS Centre for African Studies presents History on Film: Slavery and the African Diaspora from a Global Perspective in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS. This event will feature a screening of the 2014 film ‘The Diambourou: Slavery and Emancipation in Kayes (Mali)’ directed by Marie Rodet, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr Marie Rodet (SOAS), with Dr Shihan de Silva (Institute of Commonwealth Studies), Dr Parvathi Raman (SOAS) and Angelica Baschiers (SOAS). This is a FREE event. More details here.

At 8.00pm Arts Canteen presents Amira Kheir at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. The London based Sudanese-Italian singer will be performing songs from her debut album ‘View From Somewhere’ drawing from a variety of influences from jazz, eastern, Sudanese, West African and Middle Eastern music. Tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here.

Friday 21^st February

At 5.30pm AFRUCA presents Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions: Hackney at Council Chamber, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1EA. This event chaired by Councillor Susan Jumoke Fajana-Thomas (former Mayor of Hackney) is a conversation with 2 of AFRUCAs children’s champions to discuss child protection issues affecting black families in London. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Jally Kebba Susso at The Green Note, 106 Parkway, NW1 7AN. The Gambian kora master and griot expands on traditional West African music with Afro Funk, jazz, rock and blues. Tickets are £10.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm SOAS Women’s Society presents For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf in Room G2, SOAS. Ntozake Shange’s play will finish the Society’s ‘Aint I a woman? What’s race got to do with it?’ week, directed by Adam Tulloch followed by reception. Tickets are £3.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm iCan presents Think Like A Man. Act Like A Lady at iCan Studios, 35 Monier Road, E3 2PR, a singles and relationship event hosted by MichaelK and Breeny Lee featuring guest artists Boma Diri Music, Victizzle Victor Akata, Clixx and Josh King, with key note speaker Kunle Oyedeji and guests. Panellists Femi Iloyi, Kunle Oyedeji, Ify Alexis, Tanesha Westcarr and Alison Bristow will debate the male/ female relationship divide. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 8.00pm KMT Freedom Teacher presents Mama Africa at Arch 365, 16- 18 Lendal Terrace, Clapham, SW4 7UX, with resident DJ’s on rotation Oya Bun, Bogossy Freshfrenchy an KMT playing the best in Hiplife, coupe decale, afrobeats, Afro deep house, tribal and a DJ competition to find the best African DJ’s. FREE before 9.00pm, £3.00 before 11.00pm and £5.00 thereafter. More details here. 

Saturday 22^nd February

At 9.30am the London Metropolitan Archives host The 9^th Annual Huntley Conference- When They were Young: Researching Our Archives at the London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, EC1R 0HB. Archive materials from this African Caribbean collection will be on offer and will explore London in the 1970’s, speakers including Paul Reid, Toyin Agbetu and Patrick Vernon will be speaking. Tickets are £10.00 (FREE for under 18’s) from here.

At 1.30pm the National Association of Black Supplementary Schools hosts Why Do We Still Need Black History Month at Birkbeck University, University Square, Stratford, 1 Salway Road, Stratford Circus, E15 1NF. This event will feature a film documentary, ‘The Importance of Black History Month’ with panellists Andrew Muhammad, Nubian Jak, Nosa Igbenedion, Neil Mayers, Patricia Green and Natasha Benjamin discussing their experiences in learning about black history with a Q&A to gather the views of the public. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Ghetto Lounge Afro Special at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring Ibibio Sound Machine the Afro electric disco, Sierra Leonean Highlife legend Abdul Tee-Jay, Koichi Sakai and Clapper Priest (Japan meets Jamaica super dancehall set) and DJ’s Nik Weston, Huw72 and Volta45. FREE entry before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 thereafter

At 10.00pm the Igbo Culture and Support Network presents L-O-V-E.. A Fundraising Party at Festac Bar, 148 Holloway Road, N7 8DD. This is a night for young love to flourish,with games and socialising throughout the evening. Tickets are £10.00 in advance (£15.00 on the door) in aid of Amaudo Charity. 

Sunday 23^rd February

At 1.00pm is a Free Spirit Ramble with Griot Chinyere in Epping Forest. Meeting at Chingford Station, donations are £3.00 for adults, £2.00 for children. More details here. 

At 5.30pm is the 9^th Screen Nation Film and TV Awards and After Party 2014 at Park Plaza Riverbank, 18 Albert Embankment, SE1 7TJ. Hosted by Nigerian British actress Caroline Chikezie and Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, there will be special guests such as Bill Duke, Olympic Athletes, the Nigerian High Commissioner, Premiership footballers, business people and Nollywood stars, with a VIP drinks reception and then an after show party with DJ Abrantee. Tickets start from £70.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Reuben P. Joseph and Yaa Asantewa Arts presents L’Art de La Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and Caribbean at The Yaa Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. This celebration of African and Caribbean designers combines art and fashion at an explosive event for London Fashion Week. 26 models and 18 designers will present their works at a theatrical and spectacular show with African drums, poetry, a steel band and soca music alongside live performers and special guests.  There will be a second day on the 23^rd of February. Tickets are, £10.00 from here

At 7.00pm is Express Yourself: Akala (Unplugged) , Lovelle Hill, Parris Wright, Thea Maria and Miraa May at The Jazz Cafe, Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG. the MOBO winning hip hop artist and others will be combining acapella, acoustic performance with the art of story telling Tickets are £12.50 in advance from here

At 7.00pm Jazzmo’thology presents Jammin at Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Road, SW9 8LF. Featuring soul singer Glinis Le’Flore from Los Angeles with the resident band The Westley Joseph Collective, singing The Motown Songbook. Tickets are £10.00 in advance from here, more on the door. 

Week of 10th February: Refugee Boy, Its Ghana Be Lovely, L’Art de la Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, My African Valentine, South Sudan Conferences, Malorie Blackman, A Jamaican Family in Britain

Wa Penduka (Hello in Herero),

Proud to be African Clothing brings yet another fascinating week of talks, fashion., theatre, music,

documentaries, food, drink and fun.

Remember nothing says ‘I Love You’ like a Proud to BeAfrican T shirt or Hoody!!

Have a great week!!!

Monday 10^th February

At 10.00am Chatham house hosts Division and Conflict in South Sudan: Prospects for Peace and Regional Security at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 st James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Dame Rosalind Marsden (former EU Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan) with Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin (South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation who will discuss the significance of the ceasefire, his perspectives on the pressing issues of security, political reform and nation building and the importance of regional and international actors for peace and development in South Sudan. To attend contact Chris Vandome

At 10.30am the Frontline Club presents BBC Storyville Preview: Coach Zoran and his African Tigers at The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This documentary follows the newly formed South Sudanese national football team and its Serbian coach Zoran Djordevic over its first year in existence. Followed by a Q&A, tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 6.30pm BBM/BMC presents African Voices: Taking Strength from Global African Quotations in the Mayors Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, 1 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY. Harrow Mayoress Awula Serwah’s presentation will be based on ‘African Voices: Quotations By People of African Descent’, using quotes and a part quiz to engender discussion around the topics raised. Register for this FREE event here. 

Tuesday 11^th February

At 6.00pm the Yoruba Conversation Club will meet in Room B104, Brunei Gallery Building, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG. This group welcomes everyone from complete beginners to fluent native speakers, irrespective of race, age or gender who wishes to converse in Yoruba and improve their speaking skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm The West Yorkshire Playhouse presents Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah and Lemn Sissay in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. This play is about a 14 year old boy who’s parents decide to leave him in London, when war breaks out back home and his efforts to transcend his identity as a refugee running till 13^th February, tickets are £15.00 (£7.50 children) from here. 

Wednesday 12^th February

At 10.00am is Getting South Sudan Right at The Langham, IC Portland Place, Westminster, W1B 1JA, the Foreign Minister of South Sudan Hon. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin will give a rare press briefing on the world’s youngest country and developments and answer any questions. RSVP this FREE event by email

At 7.00pm the Frontline Club presents In the Picture: Tales from the City of Gold at the Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This book contains 2 years worth of photographs by Jason Larkin of the landscape of the waste dumps from the hundreds of years of mining in Johannesburg. Tickets are £12.50 from here. 

Thursday 13^th February

At 5.00pm the Centre for African Studies, SOAS hosts World Radio Day 2014 in the Djam Lecture Theatre,  SOAS, Thornhaugh Street. There will be 3 lightning talks given by Felicity Finch) Rwandan Radio Soap Opera), Uzma Sulaiman (Lifeline Energy, Zambia) and Gemma Ferguson (equal Access Project) each showcasing a specific case study of radio as a development tool and a panel discussion opened by Talking Drums and chaired by Robtel Neajai Pailey (PhD Student), with Tim Williams (UNESCO), Birgitte Jallov (Empowerhouse), Children’s Radio Foundation and Milica Pesic (Media Diversity Institute). There will also be a Communication for Development Trade Fair Exhibition and a screening of the documentary Leh Wi Tok about the work of radio journalist and pioneer Andrew Kromah in Sierra Leone. The event will end with an informal drinks reception. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm the UCL Institute of the Americas presents A Jamaican Family in Britain in Lecture Theatre 103, University College London, 51 Gordon Square, WC1H 0PN. Dr Julian Henriques discusses his new book ‘The Jippi-Jappa Hat Merchant: A Jamaican Family in Britain’ with Professor Miranda Aldhouse-Green which is based on the memoirs and writings of several members of Cyril Henriques family which settled in London in 1919. The book explores the early childhood in Jamaica, growing up in the post WW2 and more. RSVP this is a FREE event here.

Friday 14^th February

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen hosts Its Ghana be LOVELY- A Lonely Hearts Banquet at Zoes Ghana Kitchen, Unit G17, Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NG. This Bring your own bottle Valentines Banquet with beer and snacks on arrival and then a 3 course meal (with a veggie option). The menu and tickets for £25.00 can be found here . 

Saturday 15^th February

At 2.00pm is Imagine 2014: Malorie Blackman in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre. The Children’s Laureate will talk about her new novel ‘Noble Conflict’, why she enjoys writing for teens and how she finds the challenge of being the Children’s Laureate. For ages 12+ tickets are £12.00 for adults, £6.00 for Children, £14.00 for book and ticket from here.

At 7.00pm Angel Foundation presents One Love Charity Ball at the Dream Centre, Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham, N15 4RY. This event in aid of The Angel Foundation, Jamaica, features a 3 course meal, charity auction, fashion show and entertainment featuring Tinga Stewart, Hya Grade, Chang Gui Duo, Debbie Holmes, Marcia Mantack, Cherelle Rose Patterson and Emmanuel Waldron. Tickets are £55.00 (£25.00 for the show only). 

At 7.30pm is My African Valentine at Maida Hill Place, 2-4 Fernhead Road, W9 3ET. This evening featiures a 5 course meal, African cocktails, music and dancing. Tickets are £30.00 from here. 

Sunday 16^th February

At 6.00pm Reuben P. Joseph and Yaa Asantewa Arts presents L’Art de La Mode: Spirit of Africa, Asia and Caribbean at The Tabernacle, 35 Powis Square, Notting Hill, W11 2AY. This celebration of African and Caribbean designers combines art and fashion at an explosive event for London Fashion Week. 26 models and 18 designers will present their works at a theatrical and spectacular show with African drums, poetry, a steel band and soca music alongside live performers and special guests.  There will be a second day on the 23^rd of February. Tickets are £15.00 or £20.00 for both days from here.

Week on 3rd February: Nollywood on the Move, Numbi’s Night of Afropolitan Dandies, Reception with Cayman Island Premier, NELA Awards 2014, Welcome to Busseyworld, Afrogala 2014, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Red Velvet,

Akkam (Hello in Oromo),

Welcome to February, Proud to be African Clothing has a host of movies, plays, discussions and

presentations this week.

Enjoy

Monday 3^rd February

At 5.00pm Chatham House hosts Mozambique’s Prospects: Investment and the Importance of Strategic Infrastructure Development at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Elisabete Azevedo-Harman (Chatham House) with Hon Gabriel Muthisse (Mozambique Minister of Transport and Communications) who will discuss the strategies and priorities of the Ministry of Transport and Communication and the importance of infrastructure in developing Mozambique’s potentials. To attend contact ChrisVandome.

At 7.30pm The Caramel Film Club screens In The Hive at Exhibit, 12 Balham Station Road, Balham, SW12 9SG. This feature film about an unorthodox school for boys with disciplinary and other issues in the rural US South, stars Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox. Admission is £5.00, more details here. 

Tuesday 4^th February

At 7.00pm the Royal African Society presents Nollywood on the Move: 1991-2014 in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square,WC1H 0XG. Chaired by Nadia Denton (author Black British Filmmakers guide to success), with Dr Francoise Ugochukwu (The Open University) and Phoenix Fry (University of the Arts London), the discussion will look at themes that arise in Nollywood films such as culture, the effect of religions and the influence of globalisation, the didactic nature of production and their links with Nigerian literature. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Mothership Connections Book Club will be screening Of Good Report in Room G50, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street. This is a South African horror sci fi film, more details here.

Wednesday 5^th February

At 12.00pm Chatham House presents Division and Conflict in South Sudan: Challenges to the Humanitarian Response at Chatham House, Eric Marclay (ICRC) will discuss the humanitarian dimensions of the conflict, the challenges confronting humanitarian operations and the impact of politics on the crisis. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 7.00pm Friends of British Overseas Territories hosts a Reception with the Premier of the Cayman Islands at 6 Arlington Street, St James, Green Park, SW1A 1RE. The honourable Alden McLaughlin MBE Prime Minister of the Cayman Islands will discuss the current relationship between The Caymans and Britain and support available for the young Cayman Islanders working and studying in the UK. Tickets are £20.00 (£10.00 for members) from here. 

Thursday 6^th February

At 6.30pm is Towards Reforming the International Financial and Monetary System at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, WC2A 2AE. Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson (Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Coast) will reflect on the technical and moral origins of the crisis and explore the areas that need reform. Book tickets for this FREE event by email or phone 0207 955 6043.

At 8.00pm Fimber Bravo, Susumu Mukai, Leo Taylor and Kadialy Kouyate will be performing at Cafe Oto, 18 -22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL. Trinidadian steel drum maestro Fimber Bravo teams up with a range of musicians including kora maestro Kadialy Kouyate. Tickets are £7.50 from here.

Friday 7^th February

At 7.00pm Red Velvet is showing at The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR. This play starring Adrian Lester is inspired by a true story of in 1833 the greatest actor of his generation has collapsed playing Othello and a young black American actor has been asked to take over his role, how will cast, critics and the audience react? Tickets are £31.00 from here running till March 13^th.

At 9.00pm is A Southern African Dine, Drink and Dance Affair at Mama Jumbes, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. Feast on a boerwors and sosatie banquet, washed down by Viceroy and Castle lager and then dance it off to music by London’s finest Southern African DJ’s. FREE entry

Saturday 8^th February

From 9.30am to 3.00pm is Seize the Opportunity! Expand to Africa- An SME Perspective. With Ernie Barrett(Cambria Solutions Group Holding Ltd) and Folasade Ovie-Afabor (JIL Ventures). With networking, lunch, case studies and workshops about SMEs that are trading in Africa. Tickets start from £50.00 from here.

From 12.00pm to 5.00am is Welcome to Busseywood: World Cinema (True Grit) at the CLF Art Cafe, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST. This is the second instalment of the wildly successful 16 hour film festival. Curated by Vashti Henry and hosted by Kunga Dred, there will be screenings ranging from France, Vietnam, Brazil across 3 floors, with music till 5.00am. More about this epic and FREE event here 

At 6.00pm is the Nigerian Entertainment and Lifestyle Awards 2014 at The Regent, 331 Regent Park, Finchley Central, N3 1DP. Hosted by WiseTola, this awards show will feature awards for personalities of Nigerian origin, a Nigerian buffet and music and entertainment until midnight. Tickets are £50.00 from here. 

At 6.00pm Imperial College ACS presents Afrogala 2014: The Untold Stories in the Great Hall, Sherfield Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ. This blend of dance, music and fashion celebrates African and Caribbean culture. Tickets are from £12.00 to £20.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm Bukky Leo’s Reggae Ska Quartet presents Kasai Masai at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL, featuring the Soukous kings Kasai Masai, with Bukky Leo’s Reggae Ska Quartet Kendrick Row on drums, Lance Rose on bass, Edison Herbert on guitar and Bukky Leo on tenor sax. FREE entry.

At 8.00pm Numbi present A Night of Afropolitan Dandies at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA, hosted by Elmi Ali and featuring a poets corner with Numbi resident artists Dorothea Smartt, Olumide Popoola and Kayo Chingonyi, live music by Le Rouge et Le Noir, Swedish/ Eritrean singer Miryam Solomon accompanied by Jean Berthon on guitar and DJ Dapper D on the decks, tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here and £12.00 on the door. 

Sunday 9^th February

At 3.00pm Hackney Picturehouse screens 35 Shots of Rum at The Attic, Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE. This is the story of a middle aged widower and his twentysomething year old daughter, his on-off girlfriend and their footloose friend. Tickets are £7.60 from here.