Week of 14th April: Half of a Yellow Sun on General Release, Thats Our History in Them London Streets, International Black Women’s Festival, Jamaica Hidden Histories, Numbi Rhythm Workshop, Word4Word, Jazz Jamaica, Kingston 14, Watch Me flow, Pan African Business Expo, IrelandNigeria 2014.

Kedu,

Its been a good week for Proud to be African Clothing, Half of a Yellow Sun finally went on general release

with several sold out previews and a gala première and directors Q&A. This Easter week sees plays, music, Business expos, spoken word, movies and much more.

Future events to look out for are the BTWSC Look How Far We’ve Come Conference on 8^th May, tickets, background, stalls and literature display space are all available here.

Half of a Yellow Sun Review

I guess it is finally time to share my review the film, a task have been putting off. I should obviously declare my interests prior to starting, I am Nigerian, Igbo, in one of my lives an amateur military historian of post 1945 conflicts of which the Nigerian Civil War is one, a great fan of the book Half of a Yellow Sun, its author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie who I consider to be a voice, if not the leading Nigerian voice of my generation, director Biyi Bandele who I discovered through his book Burma Boy (which is also crying out to be a film) and lead actor Chiwetel Ejiofor about whom I really don’t need to say much- if you don't know ask somebody.

The story for those unfamiliar with the book is about 2 sisters from a wealthy Nigerian family who at Nigeria’s independence set out on very different romantic paths, the cool, distant, sophisticated Kainene (Anika Noni Rose) begins a relationship with Richard (Joseph Mawle) an English writer whilst living the luxurious life of the Nigerian upper class while Olanna (Thandie Newton) settles down with a radical University lecturer Odenigbo (Chiwetel  Ejiofor) in the sleepy, comfortable university town of Nsukka. Olanna and Odenigbo’s idyllic life is interrupted by Odenigbo’s mother- portrayed brilliantly by Onyeka Onwenu (the finest Nigerian singer of the 1980’s metamorphed into a Nollywood actress) who through machinations brings about a rupture that spreads across both sisters relationships, this domestic discord is matched by the even greater crisis rocking the country first with a coup against the corrupt National Government and then a counter coup and subsequent massacres of Eastern Nigerian’s (mainly Igbo's) who were ‘blamed’ for the first coup. The massacres lead to the secession of the Eastern part of Nigeria as an independent country the Republic of Biafra. Whilst this is happening a baby is born and Olanna and Odenigbo flee repeatedly from the advancing Federal troops, sinking deeper and deeper into penury, experiencing the loss and deprivations of war.

It is a very typical story on many levels. 

The story of war is typical of Eastern Nigerians of that (my parents) generation; a story of massacred relatives, abandoned property, fleeing, always fleeing, euphoria, defeat, refugees, hunger, death, fear and loss but also of life, love, belief and hope.

It is a very Nigerian story on the surface with all the typical ingredients of mismatched lovers, scheming mother, unfaithful men and wronged heartbroken women, but it also tells the story of Nigerian strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The beauty of the book is that it told these very typical stories in an accessible way, with beautiful prose and deep complex characters.

There are 3 main narrators or characters in the book; Ugwu the houseboy, Richard and Olanna. There are those (i.e. me) who believe it is Ugwu’s story; believing that he represents the Nigerian dream and nightmare in extremis, the curse of poverty and the redemptive nature of education, a belief that is almost religious in its acceptance in Nigeria, it is through him many of the books most touching conversations take place and through his eyes the horror of war and the ambiguous nature of evil is expressed. It is also through Ugwu that one of the most interesting plot twists and endings emerges. Others believe it is Richards’s story, the contemplative foreigner, an outsider who comes to love the land, people and a particular person and can thus look on the situation with the fierce, fanatic loyalty of a convert but also the uncomfortable distance of 'the other'. Or finally Olanna’s story, the poor little rich girl, too good, too beautiful and too naive for her own good, gradually discovering her strength as others lose theirs and the world collapses around her. A running metaphor for the inner strength of Nigerian women which is not just true but unfortunately an everyday experience in past and present Nigeria.

Half of a Yellow Sun is thus an extremely difficult book to make into a film, it has so many layers, characters, sub, side and corner corner plots that there is no way all of these can be fit into a feature film. It is not chronological. Thus the film seeks to tell the story in a linear manner using Olanna as the focus.

I will start with the negatives, so I can get them out of the way. I think Thandie Newton should have been Kainene and Annika Noni Rose; Olanna- whether Rose’s British accent could have sustained the entire movie we don’t know but I think Newton fit the slim, cold, complex and rigid Kainene much better, while Rose actually looks like a typical voluptuous, sensuous and warm Igbo girl. I understand the reasons for the casting but it would been better swapped round. 

Ugwu (played by John Boyega) is rather criminally underused, a single scene of him after conscription would have been an opportunity to give a perspective of life for Biafran soldiers and also allowed Boyega to have more dialogue and range than ‘Yes ma, No sah’. Very little is shown of the war itself and the violence that precedes it is covered in two fairly crucial scenes, obviously war scenes are expensive but they are a fundamental part of the book. However the most irritating part is the ending, there were so many endings in the book, that could have been used which not only neatly tied up the story but also gave a certain redemptive or emotive feel to it which were not used.

To be honest virtually all the other negatives are understandable and can be explained away by budget, time or casting issues but the abrupt ending is curious.

Ejiofor delivers as always a calm perfect performance, embodying Odenigbo down to the beard and mannerisms, the book doesn't develop Odenigbo much, making Ejiofor wring all he can from the role. For those who only discovered this fine actor with 12 Years a Slave, please seek out his earlier films (Dirty Pretty Things, GMT, Serenity, Children of Men, 4 Brothers etc) or else wait until he is on stage again (Othello, A Season in Congo etc). If he has not got an Oscar in the next 2 years something is massively wrong. Newton despite the controversy of her casting takes to her role well, Rose carries off Kainene bringing in the sarcastic, dry wit much better towards the end with good lines and a dignified poise.

The stand out performances are from Onyeka Onwenu as the scheming Mama a role she plays with such relish that one must genuinely fear for her daughters in law, the gift however is not so much in her being able to convey it but more in the timing and delivery of her lines, the phrases and mannerisms and implacability of her resolve are all very Nigerian. 

Genevieve Nnaji as Ms Adebayo is outstanding making the most of the tiny role she is given to again deliver a strong performance unfortunately the character in the book and the film are way too small for her to do anything interesting but she still manages to own the Ms Adebayo character, turning her into an arch, sexy foil to Olanna an embodiment of the ‘home based’/ ‘been to’ dichotomy that informs a lot of Nigerian banter. In fact in the context of her performance she would have made a more logical temptress than the actual hapless one. One hopes she has a good agent who can use this is as a cross over vehicle for her and generate more roles in major movies after this. 

Mawle is credible as Richard, channelling his awkwardness, besotted infatuation and otherness. There are cameo turns by other Nollywood stars such as Zack Orji and O.C. Ukeje, but there is never enough time or depth to properly develop anyone other than Olanna thus they are simply lucky to get a line or two.

In conclusion this film always had huge oversized clown shoes to fill and would have disappointed the books admirers whatever it did. The only true way to represent Half of a Yellow Sun is in a 10 or more part mini series and even then it will be difficult.

However this film has great scenes, great scenery and cinematography and great actors and acting. It is the embodiment of the Achebeism that if you don’t like how someone tells your story to tell it yourself, thus it was with an outsize sense of pride that I watched this Nigerian film, made with funds raised by Nigerian bankers, starring Nigerian actors, based on a book by a young Nigerian, written and directed by a Nigerian and filmed in Nigeria.

It is an important film for all these reasons alone, besides being a good story and an interesting film, I will see it again, and again, and take my family, friends and colleagues, and when it comes out on DVD, will be my gift for this year.

Half of a Yellow Sun, out now in print and on the big screen. The next time the world will not be silent while we die.

Monday 14^th April

At 6.00pm is Xtra History and Reasoning: That’s Our History In Them London Streets at Mayor’s Parlour, Harrow Civic Centre, 1 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2XY. RSVP this FREE event from here.

At 6.00pm the International Black Women’s Film Festival screens B is for Boy at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA This debut film by Chika Anadu features a middle class wife and daughter who at nearly 40 loses her unborn male child, in desperation she fakes a pregnancy rather than tell her husband. Followed by a Q&A with Louisa Egbunike and Yvonne Mbanefo. Tickets are £9.50 from here. 

From 9.00am to 4.00pm is the African Business Management Course at Regents University, Inner Circle, Regents Park, NW1 4NA. This fully accredited 3 Day Level 6 Course is designed to give a practical view of working and conducting business in Africa. Course fees are £1,500.00, from here

From 10.30am to 3.30pm is Jamaica Hidden Histories Workshops at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This Graphic Design and Video Workshop is for 18-25 year old so will teach techniques about creating successful brands. Not only is this FREE but volunteers will be able to claim £18.00 per day for travel and subsistence. Email ElamForrester to reserve a place.

At 6.00pm The Royal African Society hosts Algeria Elections 2014: No Time for Change in the Brunei Suite, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, WC1E 7HX. Chaired by Jon Marks (Cross Border Information) with Imad Mesdoua (Mintz Group), Claire Spencer (Chatham House) and Jonathan Hill (KCL), the panel will be assessing Algeria’s current political trajectory as the 2014 elections see the aging President Bouteflika possibly elected for a 4^th term. Register for this FREE event here.  

At 6.00pm the Ka Tutandike Trust UK presents Social Entrepreneurship- A bold new approach to tackling poverty at Nedbank, Millennium Bridge House, 2 Lambeth Hill, EC4V 4GG. This panel will address the use of social enterprises as opposed to the traditional donor dependant model. The panel will consist of Stephen Brenninkmeijer (Willows Investment), Richard Dowden (Royal African Society), Susan Kisitu (Ka Tutandike Trust), Vinay Nagaraju (Riders For Health), Conall O’ Caomiah (Value Added in Africa) and Hans H. Wahl (INSEAD). Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.00pm is the IrelandNigeria Fashion Show 2014 at Rich Mix. This evening of fashion, live music, to launch IrelandNigerias new line ‘IN’ aimed at 16-36 year old men and women. Register for this FREE event here.

Tuesday 15^th April

At 7.00pm is Spoken Word Hysteria at Hysteria Dalston, 578 Kingsland Road, Dalston, E8 4AH. Hosted by Uncle Errol featuring 3 female spoken words; Kemi ‘Demerara’ Taiwo, Melinda Nampiima and Melissa Melody with an open mic as well.

Wednesday 16^th April

At 1.30pm the Overseas Development Institute presents Remittances to Africa: cutting the cost, harnessing the potential at ODI, 203 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, SE1 8NJ. This half day event identifies ways  in which remittances could play a more powerful role in spurring development of sub-Saharan African economies. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.30pm The Mosaic Rooms screens Notes for An African Oresteia at The Mosaic Rooms, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Tower House, 226 Cromwell Road, SW5 0SW. Italian directors Pier Paolo Pasolini visual notes for a feature film he planned to make in the 1970’s juxtaposing Aeschylus Orestes trilogy with African politics make up this 65 minute film. Tickets are £5.00 from here

Thursday 17^th April

From 10.00am to 6.00pm is the Pan-African Business Expo at The Great Hall, Kings College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS. This event seeks to promote, challenge and motivate the economic and social empowerment of the African Caribbean communities. Speakers include Wilfred Emmanuel Jones (The Black Farmer), Sonia Brown MBE (National Black Women’s Network), Michael Parker CBE (Kings College Hospital Trust), John Hilary (War on Want), Muzvare HRH Betty Makoni (Girl Child Network Worldwide), Bryan Treherne (UKTI), Mavis Amankwah (Rich Visions), Sam Onigbanjo (Women4Africa), Kiran Patel (MGR Weston Lay LLP), Daphne Kasambala (Sapelle), Stephanie Chiyangwa (Help Us Help Ourselves), Vava Tampa (Save the Congo) and Jenny Okafor (Nigrian Women in Diaspora Leadership). Admission starts from FREE to £150.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is Afterwork with Business Talk and Party at UnderSolo Bar, 22 Inverness Street, Camden, NW1 7HJ. Between 7.00pm and 9.00pm is the networking/ mix and mingle event, from 8.00pm, George Ruddock (Voice Newspaper) and Wendel Clement (Campbells of London) will share their career highlights and what they consider to be key success factors from an African Caribbean perspective, from 9.00pm is a Caribbean themed party with Jay Sun Bailante and Triple M. FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 from 9.00pm till 11.00pm

At 7.30pm is Watch Me Flow at Vibe Bar, 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL. This yearly Easter event is a fusion of live music, visual art and poetry in aid of a nominated charity. Admission is £10.00 from here with funds going to Awal Children of the Future. 

At 7.30pm is the Jamaica Hidden Histories Showcase at Rich Mix, Freddie Notes will be taking the audience through a musical journey of early Jamaican music spanning 70 years. This is a FREE event, more details here.

Friday 18^th April

At 7.30pm is Kingston 14 at Theatre Royal, Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15 1BN. this gripping police corruption drama set in modern day Jamaica follows A British police officer sent to Kingston to investigate the murder of British tourist. Starring Goldie, Charles Venn, Trevor Laird and Brian Bovell. Running till 26 April ticket start from £10.00 from here.

Saturday 19^th April

At 7.00pm LISF presents Jazz Jamaica at The Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG. Jazz Jamaica will play the hit sounds of Young Jamaica, with The Phoenix City All Stats and special guest Rhoda Dakar. Tickets are £15.00 from here.
 

From 12.30pm is the IBW Short Film Showcase at Rich Mix. Featuring 5 innovative shorts; Maybe another Time (Martinique, 2013), Scissors (Sizo) (Martinique, 2013), In Between (Martinique, 2013), The Tings I see (UK/ USA, 2013) and Small World (UK, 2013). Followed by a Q&A with Ethosheia Hylton (director Small World). Tickets are £9.50 from here

Sunday 20^th April

At 11.00am is the Numbi Rhythm Workshops at Rich Mix, this rhythmic jam session lead by Numbi guest artists Nadia Al Faghih Hasan and Freddy Macha. Tickets are £10.00 (£5.00 concs) from here.

· 

At 12.30pm the IBW Film Festival screens Looking for Claudia Jones at Rich Mix. This documentary about Claudia Jones by Nia Reynolds narrated by Josette Simmons is followed by a directors Q&A. Tickets are £9.50

At 12.30pm the IBW Film Festival screens Night Husbands (Maris de nuit) at Rich Mix a film about the Caribbean, female loneliness and sexuality, followed by a Q&A.

At 7.00pm is Soul Acoustic at Rich Mix, hosted by DJ Ronnie Herel, this collection of singer song writers headlined by Don E, with We Are Dora Martin, Incisive, Hayley Cassidy, Esco Williams, Heston, Christopher Ellis and J Appiah. This is a FREE event.

At 8.00pm is Word4Word at Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Hosted by Kat Francois, with a Slam competition, of 10 poets, 3 rounds and a £50.00 for the winner and singer songwriter Asabi Hawah as guest. There is also an open mic at his FREE event 

Week of 7th April: Half of a Yellow Sun UK Premiere and Cinema Release, Salif Keita, Lesotho’s Prime Minister, London Afrobeat Collective, Ibibio Sound Machine, Rwandan Genocide, African Peacebuilders, A State of Our Own: Second Independence, Federalism and the Decolonisation of the State in Africa, The Black Market

Kedu!!!

It’s a good week for Proud to be African Clothing!

Half of a Yellow Sun will premiere on Wednesday at Odeon Streatham and General Release on Friday.

The Premiere is already sold out so start booking for the later days. The greatest boost that African cinema will get is if this film is sold out every day, so let’s vote with our money and our time.

We have movies, lots of live music, markets, theatre, seminars and presentations.

Have a great week

Monday 7^th April

From 10.30am to 3.30am is the Jamaican Hidden Histories at Rich Mix, 35-7 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Consisting of a 5 day Spoken Word Worksop exploring Jamaican patois, imagery and music, a Graphic Design and Video Workshop, teaching techniques for creating successful brand and marketing inspired by Jamaican products. For 18-25 year olds, please volunteer by emailing Elam Forrester. Not only is this FREE but you will be eligible for £18.00 per day for travel and subsistence. 

At 3.00pm Chatham House presents Lesotho’s Domestic Priorities and Global Interests: Small Country Levers for international Influence at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane (Prime Minister of Lesotho) will discuss how his government seeks to address Lesotho’s domestic issues such as HIV, power and service delivery and how it seeks to exert its influence in Southern Africa. To attend contact Chris Vandome.

At 5.00pm is the 3ie-LIDC Seminar: Doing and using Impact Evaluations in Room B36, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, WC1E 7HX. Annie Duflo (Innovations for Poverty Action) will explore the question ‘How can we design impact evaluations as a learning tool to help us make better decisions?’ using a large scale experiment in Ghana as an example. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.15pm the Tribal Soul Arts presents The Man Who Committed Thought at the Tristan Bates Theatre, 1A Tower Street, WC2H 9NP. This satirical farce by Patrice Najambana about a peasant seeking justice after his cow is eaten by a dictatorial President, Running till 9^th April tickets are £11.00 (£9.00 concs) from here. 

Tuesday 8^th April

At 6.00pm is Meet the Curators: A Fusion of Wolds Exhibition at The Petrie Museum, Malet Place, Camden, WC1E 6BT. The curators of the A Fusion of Worlds exhibition will discuss the reappraisal of Egyptian sculpture during the early 20^th century and the artists involved. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Poetry meets Art 7 at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. Featuring ShakaRa, Golden Blue, Lenea Herew and Pablo Imani. Tickets are £5.00 before 9.00pm and £7.00 after.

At 7.00pm is the UK Première of Half of a Yellow Sun at Odeon Cinema, 47-49 Streatham High Road, Streatham, SW16 1PW. Biyi Bandele’s adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel about the Nigerian Civil War finally goes on general release after rave reviews at film festivals and sold out preview screenings. Starring Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, BAFTA winner Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Owenu, John Boyega and Annika Noni Rose. Telling the story of twin sisters from a wealthy family returning to Nigeria from an expensive education in England and their very different choices in partners, Olanna (Newton) shocks her family by going to live with her revolutionary professor lover (Ejiofor) and his loyal houseboy Ugwu (Boyega)  while Kainene becomes a businesswoman who ends up falling in love with Richard (Joseph Mawle) an English writer, whilst they are preoccupied with their lives and loves Nigeria implodes into a terrible fratricidal war, in which their love and friendships tested to the end. Tickets start from £10.50, book here.  

At 7.30pm is Salif Keita and Seckou Keita at the Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. The Malian vocalist and kora maestro will be performing his mix of rock, funk, and jazz. The show will be opened by Seckou Keita with a special solo set Tickets start from £10.00 from here. 

Wednesday 9^th April

At 6.00pm Quakers in Britain present This Light that pushes me: Stories of African Peace builders at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ. This exhibition and accompanying book features photographs and testimonies of Quaker peacebuilders from sub Saharan Africa who have experienced some form of violence, tracing their journeys of suffering to social change. Running till 8^th May. 

At 6.00pm the Institute of Commonwealth Studies presents A State of Our Own: Second Independence, Federalism and the Decolonisation of the State in Africa at The Chancellors Hall, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. Chaired by Professor Philip Murphy this lecture by Professor Eghosa Osaghae examines the intriguing features of statehood and politics in Africa, arguing that the decolonisation process is incomplete. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm is a pre screening of Half of a Yellow Sun with Q&A at Odeon Cinema,Bugsby Way, SE10 0QJ. Biyi Bandele’s adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel about the Nigerian Civil War finally goes on general release after rave reviews at film festivals and sold out preview screenings. Starring Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, BAFTA winner Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Owenu, John Boyega and Annika Noni Rose. Followed by a Q&A with Director Biyi Bandele and Chiewetel Ejiofor, tickets start from £11.20, book here. 

At 7.00pm the Frontline Club hosts The Rwandan Genocide: Lessons and Legacy at The Frontline Club, 13 Norfolk Place, W2 1QJ. This panel discussion features David Belton (BBC Newsnight), Eric Murangwa Eugene (Football for Hope, Peace and Unity) and additional speakers and will look back at how communities in Rwanda have been reconciled and the social, political and economic advances the country has made since the genocide. Tickets are £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.

Thursday 10^th April

At 7.00pm is Mailbox at The Mosaic Rooms, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Tower House, 226 Cromwell Road, SW5 0SW. Hosted by Somali British post Elmi Ali Somali-Italian novelist and poet Ubah Christina Ali Farah will discuss her experiences of growing up in Mogadishu and how it has influenced her writing, she will also read from her latest novel Madre Piccola (Little Mother) RSVP this FREE event by email.

From 10.00am to 4.00pm is Reach Societies 3rd Careers Conference at Central Hall Westminster, Storeys Gate, SW1H 9NH. Professional men from the black community will interact with young people aged 14+ to inspire and encourage them along their chosen career paths. The UCAS process will be explained, opportunities presented and the UCFB Reach Society Scholarship. With representatives from EDF Energy, Lloyds Banking Group, the Royal Navy, UCFB, Alpha BSE Training, 100 Black Men of London, ACES Youth Project, BFUWI and NBBC Association. Register for this FREE event by email.

    

At 8.00pm Lokkhi Terra presents Cubafrobeat featuring Dele Sosimi at Rich Mix. Part of the La Linea Festival this Cuban Bangladeshi Afrobeat band features members of Lokkhi Terra and Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra and will feature the premiere of their upcoming album. Admission is £12.00 in advance and £15.00 on the door 

Friday 11^th April

At 5.30pm is Roots, Culture, Identity Art Exhibition Opening Night at 23 -28 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3LS. The exhibition showcases the art of young black artists curated by Zita Holbourne. This is a FREE event.

At 7.00pm is the UK wide cinema release of Half of a Yellow Sun at Odeon Cinema. Biyi Bandele’s adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel about the Nigerian Civil War finally goes on general release. Starring Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, BAFTA winner Thandie Newton, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Owenu, John Boyega and Annika Noni Rose. Telling the story of twin sisters from a wealthy family returning to Nigeria from an expensive education in England and their very different choices in partners, Olanna (Newton) shocks her family by going to live with her revolutionary professor lover (Ejiofor) and his loyal houseboy Ugwu (Boyega)  while Kainene becomes a businesswoman who ends up falling in love with Richard (Joseph Mawle) an English writer, whilst they are preoccupied with their lives and loves Nigeria implodes into a terrible fratricidal war, in which their love and friendships tested to the end. Tickets start from £10.50, book here. 

At 7.00pm The London Afrobeat Collective will be playing at The Hideaway, 2 Empire Mews, Stanthorpe Road, Streatham, SW16 2ED. The multi instrument, multi talented Afrobeat band will bring their party machine to Streatham playing new tunes, old tunes and classics! Tickets are £15.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm Afri-kokoa presents Ibibio Sound Machine Live Album, Launch Party at The Forge, 3-7 Delancey Street, Camden, NW1 7NL. The 8 pieced band fronted by vocalist Eno Williams will bring their potent mix of high life, disco, post punk and psychedelic electro soul as they launch their new album released in March. Tickets are £8.00 from here 

Saturday 12^th April

From 12.00pm to 9.00pm is the Black Market and film Festival at Platanos College, Clapham Road, Stockwell, SW9 0AL. The market will have stalls with African arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion, sincare, haircare, food, books, DVDs, toys and more. There will be Youth led film screenings and presentations. Tickets are £10.00 in advance £12.00 on the door (under 16s and OAPs FREE).

Sunday 13^th April

At 6.00pm is the Igbo Culture and Support Network April Meeting at Zubi Bar, 144 Holloway Road, N7 8DD. There will be social games, networking, interesting gist, by elections for Executive positions and plenty plenty fine fine Igbo girls and boys.

At 7.00pm is Afrobeats Live at JazzCafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG. hosted by DJ Abrantee, there will be performances by UK afrobeats artistes such as Moelogo, Rotimo, Nizzy, Teejay, Zafi B, Vicky Sola, Tyroon Da Prince, FT Fresh Music, Gizmo and more. Tickets are £10.00 in advance from here, more on the door. 

Week of 31st March: Tanzania’s President, Ebony Inspired, Race Belonging and the First World War, LSE Africa Summit, the Caribbean Council House of Lords Reception 2014, Diabetes in people of Caribbean and West African descent Lecture, Taking Zimbabwe to Rugby World Cup 2015, Muntu Valdo, Remo Conference and Award Nite, Focus Organisation: Best From Africa, 4th Annual University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition

Eka le

Its two weeks until the movie adaptation of Half of a Yellow Sun comes out on general release in the UK. This Nollywood to Hollywood epic starring Oscar nominee/ BAFTA winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton, John Bodega, Genevieve Nnaji, Onyeka Owenu, Anika Noni Rose, was filmed in location in Nigeria, with a UK/ Nigerian crew. Telling the story of a family and group of friends riven by the Nigerian civil war it is a quintessential African story, by an African writer, made into film in Africa with African actors! It goes on general release on 11^th April, please identify your local cinema and support this movie. 

We cannot complain that our story is not told if when it is we are not there in mass to show the power of our numbers and funds.

I don talk my own.

This week sees a summits, seminars, shows, plays and presentations. Enough to delight the eye, the mind and the soul.

Have a great week

Monday 31^st March

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents Tanzania’s Transformation and Vision 2015: Governing Economic Growth for Social Gain at Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Alex Vines OBE (Chatham House) with the President of the United Republic of Tanzania HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who will discuss his vision for a middle income Tanzania, his country’s regional role and its potential to become a regional hub. To attend contact Chris Vandome. 

At 6.00pm is Ebony Inspired UK in the Haldanes Room, UCL, Wilkins Building, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT. This business, networking and social event for black professionals and entrepreneurs, is in its second year. Tickets are £15.00 in advance, £20.00 on the door or £5.00 for UCL students

At 6.30pm the Imperial War Museum and the Black and Ethnic Minority Arts Network present Hackney Remembers- Race, Belonging and the First World War at The Tomlinson Centre, Queensbridge Road, E8 3ND. This event explores the role played by the various members of the British Empire during the First World War, with a screening of the IWM short film ‘Whose Remembrance’, presentations by Professor Gus John (Institute of Education), Jerry White (Historian), Diane Abbott MP, Patrick Vernon, Ngoma Bishop and Suzanne Bardgett (IWM). There will also be musical performances and refreshments. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Lorna Blackmans Play ‘The Diary of the BBB’ at the West Indian Cultural Centre, 9 Clarendon Road, Hornsey, N8 0DJ. The play is about a young man struggling to be an upstanding citizen despite the negativity surrounding him, narrated in a diary format to an afrobeats backing track.  Tickets for the play and dinner are £15.00 from here.

Tuesday 1^st April

At 6.30pm is The Caribbean Council House of Lords Reception 2014 in the Cholmondeley Room and Terrace, The House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0PW. Hosted by Lord Foulkes, this annual rum and punch reception will feature guest speakers Mark Simmonds MP (FCO Minister), Senator Mark Golding (Jamaica Minister of Justice) and Andy Thorne (Kestrel Liner Agencies). Tickets are £75.00 from here. 

At 7.30pm is Atomic Bomb: Who is William Onyeabor? at the Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS. Nigerian synth funk pioneer, William Onyeabor’s 8 self released extremely rare albums are celebrated with special guests Damon Albarn, The Lijaadu Sisters, Alexis Taylor, Kele Okereke, Pat Mahoney, Sinkane, Money Mark and Ghostpoet performing his music, which is seeing a renaissance after an epic journey to track him down and re release his music. Tickets start from £17.50 from here

At 8.00pm is Mokoomba at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. This Zimbabwean band mixes different African styles with Tongan rhythms offset with Congolese grooves. Admission to see this electrifying band is £10.00 from here or £13.00 on the door. 

Wednesday 2^nd April

From 9.30am to 4.30pm UKTI presents Discovering Africa Meet the Experts at Crowne Plaza, Gatwick Airport, Langley Drive, Crawley, RH11 7SX. This event is focussed on how businesses can take advantage of current opportunities in Africa, featuring Greg Gibson(UKTI East Africa), Misbah Mughal (UKTI Tanzania), Valerie Agodo (UKTI Nigeria), David Connelly and Peter Wright. Admission is £25.00 from here. 

At 5.30pm Kings College London is the School of Medicine Inaugural Lecture: ‘Arteries not risk factors: Origins of high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes in people of Caribbean and West African descent’  in Lecture Theatre 1, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, KCL, SE1 1UL. Professor Kennedy Cruickshank is a Professor of Diabetes and Cardiovascular medicine and will be presenting his studies based on projects undertaken in Jamaica, Barbados, Nigeria and Ghana. Followed by a drinks reception, to attend this FREE seminar RSVP here. 

At 6.30pm is the Lambeth Music Network Event and Reception at the Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Hosted by Floetic Lara with a keynote speech by UK hip hop Legend TY Chijioke, this evening of live music, poetry, food, drink and information will also feature an open mic hosted by Tagz of Raw Material. More details about this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is Spoken at Verge Bar, Unit 114 Bethnal Green Road, E2 6DG. Hosted by Jah-Mir Early and Bex London this spoken word event features Rikk the Most, Mizan the poet and Emma Ako, entry is a FREE.

Thursday 3^rd April

At 6.30pm Chatham House hosts Free Movement of Workers: A Path to Global Economic Recovery at Chatham House. Chaired by Susie Symes (19 Princelet Street), Justin Rowlatt (BBC World Service) and Manuela Saragosa (BBC World Service) with Chukwuemeka Chikezie (Up!-Africa Ltd) and Tom Finch (Institute for Public Policy Research). The panel will debate the csase for and against immigration in the EU and the concept of free movement beyond the EU. Register for this event here. 

At 7.00pm is the LSE Africa Summit Alistair Berkley Lecture at the Hong Kong Theatre, Clement House, London School of Economics, Aldwych, WC2B 4JF entitled the Impact of Legal Systems on Entrepreneurship in Africa, with a panel of lawyers and entrepreneurs discussing legal challenges to enterprise while doing business in Africa based on two themes Fate of Commercial Contracts in Africa and Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa. Featuring Ken Ihenacho (Clifford Chance Africa), Elikem Kuenyehia (Oxford and Beaumont Solicitors), Jacqueline Musiitwa (PTA Bank) and Oba Nsugbe QC (Pump Court Chambers). Register here 

Friday 4^th April

From 8.00am to 7.30pm is the LSE Africa Summit Research Conference in the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building, 54 Lincoln Inn Fields, WC2A 3LJ. Themed African Entrepreneurship, the conference aims to provide strategic insight into emerging trends in Africa from an academic standpoint, with a programme of 4 panel discussions and keynote presentations., register here.

At 6.00pm is Dare to Dream.... Taking Zimbabwe to Rugby World Cup 2015 at the Grange City Hotel, 8-14 Coopers Row, Tower Hill, EC3N 2BQ. This fundraising event aims to help the Zimbabwe Rugby Team go on tour in preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in the UK, with a champagne reception, gourmet buffet, free prize draw entry and entertainment from Zimbabwean stars and local players. Tickets start from £60.00 from here. 

At 7.00pm Muntu Valdo will be performing at the Green Note, 106 Parkway NW1 7AN. The Camerounian jazz guitarist, harmonica player and singer will be playing a live set. Tickets are £11.00 from here. 

At 8.00pm is Mama Africa at Arch 365, 15-16 Lendal Terrace, SW4 7UX. Hosted by KMT and featuring live music from Kasai Masai  and DJ’s Bogossy Freshfrenchy and Mango Park (Lengoma) playing the best in hiplife, afrobeats, coupe decale and afro deep house music. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £3.00 before 11.00pm and £5.00 thereafter

Saturday 5^th April

From 9.00am to 7.00pm is the LSE Africa Summit Business Conference at the Sheikh Zayed Theatre, New Academic Building. Themed African Entrepreneurship, the conference aims to capture the changes and opportunities currently emerging in Africa, with 5 panel discussions and a keynote speeche by Jim Ovia (Zenith Bank). Chaired by Professor Stuart Corbridge, ending with a drinks reception register for this event here. 

At 5.00pm the Esoe Remo Project presents the Remo Conference and Award Nite at Legacy African Restaurant, 53 Camberwell Road, SE5 0EZ. This event seeks to show appreciation to all who have supported and volunteered for the Esoe Remo Project in the UK.

At 5.00pm ANA UK presents Senator Oluremi Tinubu Special Recognition and Dinner Gala Event in the Monarch Suite, Hilton London Metropole, Edgware Road, W2 1JU. The event will feature a drinks reception, dinner and entertainment. Tickets are £50.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Passing Clouds presents Merki Waters and Samondi at Passing Clouds, 1 Richmond Road, Dalston, E8 4AA. The Liverpudlian conscious hip hop star will be playing an exclusive London gig accompanied by guitarist and flautist Kofi Dako. Drummer and percussionist Kofi Adu and Emmanuel Afram on bass and keyboards. Also featuring Asheber and the Afrikan Revolution, I&Ideal + Isis, KMT Freedom Teacher, Buttons and DJ Mode. Admission is FREE before 9.00pm, £5.00 before 10.00pm and £10.00 after

At 7.00pm is Mama Africa Unplugged at Fairly Square, 51 Red Lion Street, Holborn, WC1R 4PF. Featuring Gambian griot and kora maestro Jally Kebba Susso, in conversation and on stage. Admission is £5.00

At 7.30pm Focus Organisation presents Best From Africa at Passing Clouds. Celebrating Senegal’s Independence Day with the Abdoulaye Samb Trio playing an acoustic set, dance and drum company Yaye Dib Sabar, Moroccan Gnawa master Simo Lagnawi and The Gnawa Blues All Stars with DJ Afrycathy on the decks. Tickets are £8.00 from here, £10.00 on the door. 

At 10.00pm MD Entertainment presents the GB Kizomba Competition Final at Expression Studios, 39-51 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, NW5 1RT. This finale of the months long GB Kizomba Competition will see the winners announced and their winning performance and then a chance to party with the contestants, jury, promoters and teachers with music by DJ Pat and DJB. Admission is £12.00 from here, more on the door. 

At 7.00pm UGCY presents the 4^th Annual University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition at the Former Carlton Cinema, 161-169 Essex Road, Islington, N1 2SN. Hosted by MOBO Award winning singer Rachel Kerr with 8 universities vying for the crown judged by Andrrea Encinas, Mark De-Lisser and Stephanie and Ayo Oyerinde. Tickets are £15.00 from here with discounts for bulk purchases. 

Sunday 6^th April

Fromm 11.00am to 5.00pm is the Conscious Vibes Natural Hair, Health and Lifestyle Expo at City of Westminster College, Paddington Green Campus, W2 1NB. Featuring live hair demonstrations, pampering and styling sessions and much more, all for £10.00 from here. 

Week of Monday 24th March: British African Diaspora Conference: Nigeria beyond, Unlocking the Potential of Diverse Businesses, The EU-Africa Partnership, The Impacts of Sino-African Cooperation on Africa’s Development, Rwanda 1994-2014: Looking Back, Looking Forward, Business in Africa Pays: Ghana, Launch of the Labour Black Network, Egusi Soup, Mr & Mrs Black Beauty UK Scholarship Pageant 2014, Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Vibration, 2nd African Diaspora New Year Lecture, The T-Boy Show Launch Party

Kedu.

Another awesome event packed week. Lots of music, lots of seminars and discussions, theatre, markets,
networking and much more.

Have an excellent week

Monday 24^th March

From 9.00am to 4.30pm the National Black Women’s Network presents Unlocking the Potential of Diverse Businesses: Improving Access to Finance at The Chamber, City Hall, More London, The Queens Walk, SE1 2AA. The event will be hosted by Sonia Browne MBE with Ray Lewis, a Keynote Presentation by Boris Johnson (Mayor of London) and 4 panel discussions. More details and registration for this FREE event here.

At 12.00pm Chatham House presents The EU-Africa Partnership: Defining the Vision at Chatham House, 10 St James Square, SW1Y 4LE. Chaired by Alex Vines (Chatham House) with Nick Westcott (European External Action Service) who will discuss EU- Africa relations in the context of the summit theme: ‘Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace’ focussing on EU priorities and policy implementation in sub Saharan Africa. To attend contact Chris Vandome

At 3.00pm the Royal African Society hosts Economic Partnership Agreements: The Final Countdown in Committee Room 9, House of Commons, Palace of Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Chaired by Peter Lilley MP with Williams Nkurunziza (Rwandan High Commissioner to the UK), Dr San Bilal (European Centre for Development Policy Management) and Adaeze Igboemeka (Trade Policy Unit). The panel will discuss Economic Partnership Agreements which gave African countries preferential access to EU markets, which end in October, the effect this will have on development and the wider EU-Africa relations. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 5.00pm Chatham House presents The Impacts of Sino-African Cooperation on Africa’s Development at Chatham House. At this event Professor Liu Hongwu (Zhejiang Normal University) will discuss the impact of China’s involvement in sub- Saharan African countries, the implications for sustainable development, challenges and cooperation with other international partners in the region. To attend contact Chris Vandome.

At 6.30pm the Royal African Society hosts Rwanda 1994-2014: Looking Back, Looking Forward in Great Hall, Kings College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Dr Phil Clark (SOAS), with Prudentienne Seward (PAX-Peace), Rene Claudel Mugenzi (Human Rights Activist) and Dr David Booth (ODI), this event looks at how best to commemorate the genocide and looks forward to ask to what extent criticisms of Rwanda of Rwanda are justified and where it will be in 20 years. Admission is £5.00 (£3.00 for RAS members) from here. 

At 6.30pm is Lets Talk Too Debate Group at The Goat Tavern, 3 Stafford Street, Mayfair, W1S 4RP. This is a new debate group looking to debate Black cultural issues and news, with this sessions motion for debate ‘That this House believes Black and ethnic minority are mostly not positively portrayed in the media’. There will also be an opportunity for a 30 word elevator networking opportunity for your business or event. Admission is £3.00, £5.00 for two, more details here

Tuesday 25^th March

At 9.00am is Business in Africa Pays: Ghana at Bishopsgate Court, Norton Folgate, E1 6DQ. This event presents the business case for investment in Ghana, ticket start from £45.00 here.

At 6.00pm the Labour Black Network presents the Launch of the Labour Black Network in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. Hosted by Diane Abbott MP, featuring speeches by MPs David Lammy, Chi Onwurah and Keith Vaz, this is a new membership organisation that aims to increase African and Caribbean membership and the number of black MPs, MEPs, councillors and political advisors. Register for this FREE event here

At 6.00pm African Partnership Development UK presents British African Diaspora Conference: Nigeria beyond Amalgamation in the Grand Committee Chamber, Houses of Parliament. Confirmed speakers include Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (Governor, Delta State, Nigeria), Meg Hillier MP and Chi Onwurah MP, who will be discussing Nigeria 100 years after the Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates. Register for this FREE event here

At 6.30pm Health Poverty Action presents The Great Dance Screening and San People of Namibia Exhibition at the Whirled Cinema, 259-260 Hardess Street, Loughborough Junction, SE24 0HN. The Great Dance is an award winning documentary that examines the relationship between the San people and the Kalahari Desert, the photographic exhibition documents 20 years of Health Poverty Actions work with the San people. Register for this FREE screening here.

At 6.30pm Abounding Solutions presents The Ladies Business Brainstorming Club: Networking with a Twist in the Chancellor Room, Hughes Parry Hall, University of London, 19 Cartwright Gardens, WC1H 9EF. This event will consist of brainstorming, networking and speaker of the month Stephanie Africa presenting on How to maximise the results when promoting your products and services online. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Royal African Society presents Separation and the making of South Sudan in the Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS with James Copnall (Author and journalist), and Dr Al-Harith Idriss (former Sudanese Diplomat) and Mawan Muortat (South Sudanese Political Commentator). James Copnall will discuss the theme of his book ‘A poisonous Thorn in Our Hearts’ that argues that Sudan and South Sudan are deeply economically, politically independent and will look at the meaning of separation and the political failings that threaten the future of both Sudan’s. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.30pm is Janice Okoh’s Egusi Soup at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG. This comedy about love, life and loss within a cross generational and cross cultural settings. Running till 28^th March, tickets are £12.00 (£10.00 concs) from here. 

Wednesday 26^th March

At 6.30pm KCL and the Royal African Society presents Just Response to Genocide in the Inigo Rooms, Somerset House East Wing, WC2R 2LS. Chaired by Phil Clark(SOAS) with Alice Urusaro Karekezi (National University of Rwanda), Juergen Schurr (REDRESS), Albert Gasake (Survivors Fund) Rwanda, Henry Redwood (PhD Candidate, KCL), Nicola Palmer (Criminal Law Lecturer) and Dickson Poon (School of Law), the panel examines what constitutes a just response to genocide examining resistance before and during the genocide, established criminal trials, retributive and reparatory justice and the ongoing nature of claims for prosecution and compensation in Rwanda and abroad, Tickets are £5.00 (£3.00 for RAS members) from here.

At 7.30pm is Uncle Errols Poetry Jam featuring Bunmi Hazzan at the Trispace Gallery, 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG. Featuring spoken word performer and former slam chapion Bunmi Hazzan, Open Mic, competitions and music. More details here.

Thursday 27^th March

At 6.00pm is iCAN Social Networking Evening at Tompkins, 4 Pan Peninsula Square, South Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 9HN. This informal networking event for African/ Caribbean workers and professionals. Come with business cards or just come to chill and hang out with people like you, RSVP and more information about this FREE event here. 

At 6.30pm 100 Black Men of London present Keep Calm and Lets Talk About Prostrate Cancer at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. The evening will feature a panel discussion, videos, a raffle and information about this diseases that affects 1 in 4 black men. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm is Poetry ‘n’ Motion at The Roxy Bar and Cinema, 128-132 Borough High Street, SE1 1LB. This evening will feature dance, spoken word and music. Tickets are £10.00, call Sheba on 07730469713.

Friday 28^th March

From 1.00pm to 5.00pm The Institute for Commonwealth Studies presents Southern Africa: History, Culture and Society in Room 102, Senate House, Malet Street, WC1E 7HU. This Seminar is themed ‘Pageantry, Politics and Performances of Power’ with Daniel Conway (Open University), Rachel Johnson, Geoff Levett (Birkbeck), Hilary Sapire (Birkbeck) and Philip Murphy (ICS). More details about this event here

At 5.00pm Kings college Old Boys Association (KCOBA) presents KC Captains of Industry- UK at Methodist Central Hall, 1 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, SW1H 9NH. This business and networking event will feature speakers such as Gbadebo Ogunlami (Software Mind Spa), Tomi Savies (Businessman and Company Director), Dokun Omidora (Banker) and Mr Rotimi Ojo (Executive Medical Director, Sussex partnership NHS Foundation Trust). This is an opportunity to network with alumnus from one of Nigeria’s most prestigious Unity Schools.. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 5.30pm AFRUCA hosts Conversations with AFRUCA Children’s Champions Enfield at The Council Chamber, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XZ. Hosted by Councillor Kate Anolue (former Mayor of Enfield) this evening of conversations led by two AFRUCA Children’s Champions will discuss child protection issues, parenting practices and how they relate to African/ Caribbean children. Refreshments will be provided at this FREE event, register here.  

At 6.00pm Policy Centre for African Peoples presents the 2^nd African Diaspora New Year Lecture in Room V211, SOAS, Vernon Square Campus, Penton Rise, off Pentonville Road, WC1X 9EW. Chaired by Henry Bonsu (broadcaster) and themed ‘Responsible Entrepreneurship as Catalyst for Positive Change in Africa’, with keynote speaker Tonye Princewill (Nigerian entrepreneur and Politician), other speakers include Slyvie Aboa-Bradwell (Policy Centre for African Peoples), Alain Mbe (conservative Councillor for Newham). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm MTA Productions presents The T-Boy Show Launch Party at Aura Mayfair, 49 St James Street, SW1A 1JT. Premiering on the new TV channel London Live the T-Boy Show stars Tolu Ogunmefun (aka Don’t Jealous Me) who has left his rich home in Nigeria to adapt to life with relatives in London. Register for this FREE event here.

At 6.30pm Star100 hosts An Evening with ..Lara Oyesanya and Kwabena Ayirebi at HSBC, 8

Canada Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5HQ. Lara Oyesanya (Barclays) and Kwabena Ayirebi (HSBC) will discuss their personal career experiences; give advice and tips on the finance industry. The event will be followed by an informal session in a local bar. Tickets are £13.50 (£4.50 for Star100 members) from here.

At 6.30pm Children are Made Secure (CMAS) Foundation presents Mr & Mrs Black Beauty UK Scholarship Pageant 2014 at Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JD.The pageant was created to honour black beauty, raise awareness of cultural heritage and intelligence   Admission from £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm Magenta Dating hosts Mix and Mingle at All Bar One, 175 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD. This fully hosted event for black professional singles, where you will be encouraged by the hosts to network, mix and mingle. Tickets are £10.00 from here.

At 7.00pm is Come Rhyme with Lyrically Challenged at Cottons Islington, 70 Exmouth Market, EC1R 4QP. Hosted by Dean Atta and Deanna Rodger, there are 6 open mic spots for appetiser, Serina Reynolds as starter, Sorority Turner as the Main and MC Angel as Dessert. Admission is £7.50 with a Caribbean supper is £12.50 (£10.00 concs) from here.

At 9.00pm Mama Jumbe’s hosts Nyumbani Night at Mama Jumbe’s, 350 Katherine Road, E7 8NW. Eat, An East African Dine, Drink and Dance affair with Nyama Chima and Rolex to eat, Tuskers Lager to drink and London’s finest East African DJs. FREE entry before 11.30pm.

Saturday 29^th March

At 12.00pm Black Cultural Archives presents #checkurselfies at London Southbank University, 100-116 London Road, Southwark, SE1 6LN. This afternoon of interactive workshops, live performances, debate and seminars for 13-26 years old with appearances for Syd Shelton, Alex Wheatle, Imkaan, Photofusion, Barbara Ahlans and Rhammel Afflick and more. RSVP this FREE event here. 

At 1.30pm NABSS presents Autism in the BME Community with A Second Voice at Birkbeck University, Stratford Circus Campus, 21 Salway Place, Stratford, E15 1NN. This seminar dels with autism from a parents perspective, featuring Aniisa Farah (Somali Autism Awareness), ECS Ltd. Autistic/ Aspergers Adult presentation and a short documentary from the USA. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Black Grape Productions presents Kunle Ayo Live in London at Under The Bridge, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS. Hosted by Ali Baba the jazz musician will embark on a musical journey from the dusty streets of Lagos with some of the world’s finest contemporary artists such as Mike Aremu, Oliver Mtukudzi, Soweto Kinch, Femi Temowo, Annastasia Baker and Tee Mac. Tickets start from £20.00 from here. 

At 9.00pm is Dele Sosimi’s Afrobeat Vibration at The New Empowering Church, 1a Westgate Street, E8 3RL. Dele Sosimis Afrobeat Orchestra will be performing a mix of classic and new Afrobeat tunes live, with DJ Koichi Sakai on the decks. Admission is £8.00 before 10.00pm, £12.00 thereafter or £10.00 in advance from here. 

Sunday 30^th March

From 12.00pm to 7.00pm Open the Gate hosts The African Market at Rich Mix, featuring fashion beauty, accessories, music, jewellery, food, books, drumming circles and much more from the African diaspora. FREE entry all day

At 3.00pm Ben Uri Gallery presents African Artists: Still fighting Ignorance and Intellectual Perfidy at the Ben Uri Gallery, 108A Boundary Road, NW8 0RH.this multinational exhibition provides a platform for critical research and presentation of African video art. More details here

At 5.00pm is The Tony Cheeseman Foundation Annual Lecture at the African Caribbean Centre, 627-633 Barking Road, Plaistow, E13 9EZ, themed Black Women in History (A Snapshot of Black Women in Newham). This is a FREE event

At 7.30pm is In Celebration of My Sisters 2014 at Fairfield Hall, Park Lane, Croydon, CR9 1DG. Hosted by Brenda Emmanus (BBC) and Victor Romero Evans, with a star studded line up of music, comedy, speakers, story telling and dance, Tickets start from £12.50 from here.

At 7.30pm Uncle Errol presents True Stories: Spoken Word at the Mella Centre, 220 North End Road, Kensington, W14 9NX. Featuring El Crisis with his words, sounds an power and other surprise guests as well as vegan food. Tickets are £5.00, more details here.

At 8.00pm Open the Gate presents Amadou Diagne Band at Rich Mix, the Senegalese blues and percussion artist will be accompanied by the Swedish nyckelharpa and violin played by Griselda Sanderson. Supported by Tanzanian Afroblues by Kihaya Blues. Tickets are £7.00 in advance and £10.00 on the door. 

Week of 17th March: Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference, Aabru Arts: Transcending Boundaries 2014, Rwanda’s Recovery, Chewing Gum Diaries, Young Black Grads: Cake and Cobnversation, Royal Africa Society: African women in conflict, Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba Malis, You Crack Me UP Comedy Game show, Feferity, Divas 2014, Pilots of the Caribbean, Divas of Colour 2014, Inaugural London Wide Gathering of Retired Caribbean Nurses

Kedu,

This week is full to the seams with education, entertainment, events and things that make you go ahhhhh!!!

From arts to theatre, to networking, current affairs, film, music and much more.

Have a very African week!!

Monday 17^th March

From 9.00am to 5.00pm NIDO, the Nigerian High Commission and UKTI present the Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference at The Hilton Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE. This 2 day conference is a forum for UK private investors and businesses as well as the Nigerian diaspora to identify and tap into potential opportunities in the Nigerian market. Hosted by Dr Dalhatu Sarka Tafida (Nigerian High Commissioner), with special guests Abike Dabiri (Nigeria House of Assembly), Abdullahi Dikko Inde (Nigeria Comptroller General of Customs), Tunde Lemo (Central Bank of Nigeria), Ade Adeola (Standard Chartered Bank), Mrs Ladi S Katagum (Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission), Mark Dike (Federal Inland Revenue Service). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 12.00pm Aabru Art’s Transcending Boundaries 2014 begins at Mall Galleries, The Mall, SW1A 2BJ. Running till 22^nd March there is a full programme of artist tours and panel discussions with Biyi Bandele (director of Half of a Yellow Sun), Chris Spring (British Museum), Giles Peppiatt (Bonhams)  and Abiodun Olaku (West African artist) check the programme here for more details RSVP here

At 6.00pm is RumShack Surprise at Westminster Kingsway College, 76 Vincent Square, SW12 2PD. This pop up restaurant has food, drink, music and even dominoes! Tickets are £25.00 from here.

At 6.30pm the Commonwealth Journalists Association presents Rwanda’s Recovery: 20 Years since the genocide in the CPA Room, Westminster Hall, Houses of Parliament, SW1A 0AA. This panel discussion reviews Rwanda’s progress from the 1994 genocide to the political and economic stability of today as well as the increasingly authoritarian nature of Paul Kagame’s government. Chaired by Peter Biles (former BBC Africa) with His Excellency Williams Nkurinzinza (Rwandan High Commissioner), Dr Phil Clark (University of London), Vincent Gasana (Rwandan journalist) and Carina Tertsakin (Human Rights Watch). Register for this FREE event here. 

At 7.00pm is the Accenture Skills Session in Room 431, 16 Taviton Street, WC1H 0BW, where you will be taught how to bring your CV to life, practice interview questions and assessment techniques in a relaxed interactive session, followed by a Q&A. More details here.

At 8.00pm The Yard Theatre presents Chewing Gum Diaries at The Shed, South Bank, SE1 9PX. This one woman play by Michaela Cole about Tracey Gordon, the 67 bus, friendship, sex, UK garage, school, music, teachers, periods, emergency contraceptive and much more. This one woman play recalls the last days of innocence before adulthood. Tickets are £12.00 running till April 5^th from here.  

Tuesday 18^th March

From 9.00am to 5.00pm NIDO, the Nigerian High Commission and UKTI present the Bilateral Trade and Investment Conference at The Hilton Park Lane. The final day of this conference will provide a forum for UK private investors and businesses as well as the Nigerian diaspora to identify and tap into potential opportunities in the Nigerian market. Register for this FREE event here. 

At 6.00pm Young Black Grads presents Cake and Conversation at Grand Union Farringdon, 55 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HA. This is an informal networking opportunity for young professionals, graduates, students or entrepreneurs where you can make friends and contacts over a finger buffet grill, cupcakes, drinks and nibbles. Bring your business cards! Tickets are £8.00 for a single ticket £12.00 for a pair from here. 

At 6.30pm the Royal Africa Society presents African women in conflict: from victims to peace builder in Committee Room 14, House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. This panel discussion chaired by Baroness Kinnock (APPG) will feature Dr Eka Ikpe (KCL), Nicola Dahrendorf (conciliation Resources), Siham Rayale (SOAS) and others discussing UK and international policies on gender, peace and security and specific obstacles that African women face. Register for this FREE event here.

At 7.00pm Uncle Errol presents Spoken Word Hysteria at the Hysteria Bar, 578 Kingsland Road, E8 4AH, featuring Karmelle, Emma Siane Medoes and Asabi Hawah. Open mic slots available, Tickets are £3.00 in advance by email or £5.00 on the door.

Wednesday 19^th March

At 11.00am is Malian Landscapes of Freedom- Escaping Slavery in Kayes in the Wolfson Gallery, SOAS Library. This exhibition accompanies the documentary film ‘The Diambourou: Slavery and emancipation in Kayes-Mali’ by Dr Marie Rodet (SOAS) and presents photographs of archival documents about slavery and emancipation in Mali and photographs of the village of Bouyagui which was created by escaped slaves in 1914. Running from 25 February to 21^st March, this exhibition is FREE, more details here.

At 6.00pm the LSE presents is Our Beloved Sudan in Room CLM 6.02, Clement House, Aldwych, Houghton Street WC2A 2AE. This film tells the story of Sudan from independence in 1956 to partition in 2011, interlacing a public and private story. Followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Taghreed Elsanhouri, this is a FREE event, more information here.

At 6.30pm GlobalNet21 and Africa Changemakers Group present Speakers Corner in The Hub, 1^st Floor, New Zealand House, 80 Haymarket, SW1Y 4TE. Speakers at this event will have 5 minutes to talk and 5 minutes to answer questions, followed by networking and discussions. Speakers include David Smith (British African Business Alliance) speaking about business solution in Africa, Victoria Clayton, speaking about United, Rachel Nalumoso speaking on her plans to work as an independent educational resources development specialist, Sam Lehane speaking about Camera and Pamela McLean will introduce First Thursdays.

At 7.00pm is a screening of Touch and Pumzi in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS. Touch is a sci fi/ fantasy film directed by Shola Amoo starring Tanya Fear about the lives of two people who meet every day at a specific place and time, one of who holds a devastating secret. Followed by a Q&A with the director and Pumzi  a Kenyan sci fi short film written and directed by Wanuri Kahiu that was screened at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.

Thursday 20^th March

At 7.00pm the ACLC Cultural Committee presents a Talk and Debate: ‘Where are our black Actors?...America I presume’ at the West Indian Cultural Centre, 9 Clarendon Road, N8 0DJ. This community debate asks is there a vibrant black British theatre industry? Are there struggling grassroots theatre groups aiming to engage communities through drama. RSVP this FREE event here.

At 7.15pm is Aabru Arts hosts a Charity Evening for Concern Worldwide at the Mall Galleries, featuring a panel discussion on ‘Coexistence or contradiction’ with Biyi Bandele (author/ playwright/ director Half of a Yellow Sun), Baroness Lola Young (House of Lords), Nkem Ifejika (Business journalist) and Ede Dafinone (African Art Collector), followed by drinks and then a Special Preview Screening of Half of a Yellow Sun at the ICA, The Mall, SW1Y 5AH. Tickets are £40.00 from here.

At 7.30pm Bassekou Kouyate and Ngoni ba Malis will be performing at Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, N1 2XD. The undisputed ngoni king will be playing tracks from his latest album Jama ko. Tickets are £22.00 from here.

Friday 21^st March

From 9.30am to 5.00pm the Overseas Development Institute hosts ‘Can Africa’s hidden water resource help secure agricultural growth?’ at ODI, 203 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, SE1 8NJ. This conference will look at water from the groundwater perspective, the agriculture and poverty perspective, the financing and economic perspective as well as lessons from the Asian experience. This is a FREE event register here.

At 2.30pm Aabru Arts presents Pioneers in the World of African Art at The Mall Galleries. This panel discussion with Chris Spring (British Museum) and Abiodun Olaku (Guild of Fine Arts). Book this FREE event by email 

At 6.30pm is a screening of Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me at Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW2 1JG. Filmmaker Khalo Matabane through an imaginary letter to Tata Mandela and conversations with politicians, activists, intellectuals and artists questions the meaning of freedom, reconciliation and forgiveness and challenges Mandela’s legacy, followed by a Q&A. Tickets are £12.00 from here.

At 7.00pm UK Black Entrepreneurs hosts New Business Opportunity at Holiday Inn Express Hotel, 196 High Street, Stratford, E15 2NE. This is an opportunity to network with business owners, investors, professionals and entrepreneurs, tea, coffee, fruit and light refreshments provided. Tickets start from £5.00

From 11.00pm to 2.00am SuperBad PR presents You Crack Me Up: Comedy Gameshow at Odeon Surrey Quays, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, Redriff Road, SE16 7LL. Hosted by Richard Blackwood with Kat Boyce, Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins and Shabba da Comedian the 3 comedians have 60 seconds to get 3 randomly selected members of the audience to laugh, if anyone holds out they move to the next round. After the game show the audience is treated to a special stand up set from each comic. Alcohol, popcorn and snacks will be served. Tickets are £15.00 from here, more on the door. 

Saturday 22^nd March

At 10.00am MBW PR presents Divas of Colour 2014 at The Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge, 5 More London, Tooley Street, SE1 2BY. Featuring a wine reception and networking fashion show, beauty pageant, trade exhibition, music performances, auction/ raffle show, keynote speech and award presentation. Standard tickets are £20.00, tradeshow only is FREE from here.

From 12.00pm to 6.00pm is the Inaugural London Wide Gathering of Retired Caribbean Nurses at The Vortex, Gillett Square, Hackney, N16 8AZ.celebrating the contribution of Caribbean nurses who have served in the NHS from 1949 till date with poetry, storytelling and song, guest speakers, music and light refreshments Tickets are £5.00 from here

At 1.30pm AFRUCA’s Children’s Champions and The Woman will be at Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, Peckham, SE15 5JR discussing child protection and the over representation of African children in the social care system. This is an opportunity to find out more and be part of the solution. Refreshments will be provided at this FREE event

At 2.00pm is the final Event of Aabru Art’s Transcending Boundaries 2014 Week: Gasworks Tour at Gasworks, 155 Vauxhall Street, SE11 5RH. A VIP Tour of Gasworks discussing ‘African Residencies’ led by Alessio Antonelli (Director of Gasworks)

At 7.30pm Zoes Ghana Kitchen presents Ghana Taste Mauritius at Palm 2, 152-156 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0QJ, this fusion mash up taste explosion is £35.00 ahead, bring your own bottle. Take  look at the crazy menu, get your taste buds prepared and book a space here. 

Sunday 23^rd March

From 10.00am to 6.00pm the Royal Air Force and Black Cultural Archives host Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the RAF at the RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, NW9 5LL. This exhibition tells the story of people from the Caribbean and Africa who volunteered to fight for Britain during the two World Wars and to the present day. Running till 22^nd April, this is FREE entry.

At 2.30pm Feferity returns to Bar 414, 414 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8LF, for an evening of film, live music and food. There will be a screening of ‘The Family Legacy’ exploring the impact that the birth of a child with sickle cell has on four generations of a family and ‘Looking for Sierra Leone’ in which young Sierra Leoneans in London interview older Sierra Leoneans about their memories. Live music from Khadijatou Doyneh (K2), a versatile singer/ songwriter, spoken word artist and dancer. Admission is £5.00 from here.