Do you want to develop your research and archiving skills? Are you interested in heritage, arts and culture? If so, the award-winning IROKO Theatre Company in Stratford, East London, has the opportunity for you.
IROKO is looking for 15 Volunteer Researchers to assist in their heritage project – ‘Home from Home’, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aims to celebrate the contributions of British Nigerians to the British society. Successful candidates will undergo a half-day training at the Oral History Society/National Life Stories at The British Library on Oral History Research, Archiving and Documentation. Further training on archival research and collection will be undertaken with the London Metropolitan Archives.
Activities will involve researching, collecting and presenting information about the (hi)stories of 30 influential British Nigerians and 15 oral histories of Nigerian Londoners. Research findings to be presented in a clear format that can be used to create a touring exhibition and to devise a musical-theatre piece that will be shared with the local and wider community through sharing days activities and on digital platforms.
If you are interested in this part time volunteering opportunity and are available between now and end of August 2023, please go to the IROKO Theatre Home Page to register.
IROKO Theatre Company
+44 (020) 8522 1950
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The launch was graced by His Excellency, Ambassador Adamu O Shuaibu, who represented the Nigeria High Commission to the UK. The Ambassador gave a brief speech to a packed hall, commencing reflections on the theme of ‘Home from Home.’ He noted; “There is this conclusion that those who are living in Europe have forgotten our culture – but it’s not true. We’re here promoting the culture of our people even outside our shores.”
Other distinguished speakers included Professor Kene Igweonu, the Pro Vice-Chancellor & Head of College at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London. Professor Igweonu touched on the work of the British Nigerian dramatist, Oladipo Agboluaje when he spoke on the ‘‘Undying Echoes of Home in Oladipo Agboluaje’s Here to Stay.” He underlined that, “current generations of British Nigerians and other Africans are taking their place at the heart of British social, cultural, economic livestreams to proclaim that this [Britain] is home.”
The topic was explored further by Hassan Aliyu FRSA, The President of the Nigerian Arts Society UK (NASUK) in his summary of ‘Nigerian Arts in Britain.’ Aliyu pointed out that “Nigerian artists are household names in the anthology of British arts,” and acknowledged the works of the artists like Yinka Shonibare CBE.
Juwon Ogungbe FRSA, The Founder and Music Director of Juwon Ogungbe Ensemble examined how, “British Nigerians have made their presence felt in all music genres including jazz, classical, soul and grime,” to name but a few. It is hoped that both Ogungbe FRSA and Aliyu FRSA will reprise these topics in full at a Conference on ‘The Legacy of People of Nigerian Descent in Britain,’ scheduled for later this year.
Many aspects of the British Nigerian experience were explored. Dr Isaac Akande, Clinical Psychologist and Lead for Community Inclusion, at Newham Secondary Care Psychological Services raised questions on Nigerian identity in Britain in his talk, ‘Sticks, Stones and Stories.’ He remarked that the ‘Home from Home‘ project might be the answer to ‘avoid the hazards of a single story” by presenting many narratives of the British Nigerian heritage and culture.
Nathaniel Thomas, a town planner and music lover reflected on ‘What it means to be a British Nigerian.’ He asserted that he felt equally at home in the traditions of Nigeria and Jamaica, affirming the dual heritage of his parents. Thomas grew up attending IROKO Theatre workshops which influenced his love of Nigerian music and culture.
Interspersed with light entertainment in the form of an interactive quiz, led by the MC Lookman Sanusi on prominent British Nigerians, such as theatre arts pioneer, Peter Badejo OBE; together with performances from Afrobeat dancers, The Rhythm Masters and the IROKO traditional performers, the launch of ‘Home from Home,’ turned out to be a lively and engaging event, providing the perfect start to a full and varied 18-month programme.
IROKO Theatre Artistic Director and CEO, Alex Oma-Pius said, “He was pleased to see so many members of the community come to celebrate the launch of ‘Home from Home’. The programme will continue to shed light on the stories of Nigerians who have excelled in British society, through public engagements such as the Conference on ‘The Legacy of People of Nigerian Descent in Britain,’ workshops offering research, heritage, video recording and editing skills and tours to visit Nigerian artefacts and heritage at the British Museum, Horniman Museum and the Museum of London Docklands.”
In his closing remarks, IROKO Chairperson, Paul Adesanya thanked the speakers and invited guests, in particular Cllr Charlene McLean, representing Newham Council and Dimitra Kislari from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, without whose support, the project launch and 18 month ‘Home from Home’ programme would not be possible.
This story was first published by IROKO Theatre Company
++44 (020) 8522 1950, [email protected]; www.irokotheatre.org.uk
For more information on the ‘Home from Home’ project visit: https://www.irokotheatre.org.uk/
For the latest updates on Volunteering Opportunities go to Home from Home News.
++44 (020) 8522 1950, [email protected]; www.irokotheatre.org.uk
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The Southbank Centre announces the first cohort of Black artists to engage on its pioneering development programme, REFRAME: The Residency is supported by Apple with partners Factory International in Manchester, Birmingham City University’s STEAMhouse and Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in Birmingham.
The free programme supports Black and Black Mixed Heritage creatives in London, Manchester and Birmingham. (See list of artists below). It will help to address the systemic barriers to career development Black creatives face in the arts and creative industries.
These 80 emerging artists will present their artwork at a free exhibition, which opens on Tuesday 18 July at the Southbank Centre and runs for several weeks during Planet Summer, a multi-artform season that explores themes of care, hope, connection and activism in response to the climate emergency.
The Residency is led by tutors who are established artists: Riley Bramley-Dymond (writer and director); Holly-Marie Cato (photographer and director); dubmorphology (production and performance group); Caleb Femi (writer, director and photographer); Joshua Inyang (music producer, artist and radio host); Nicole Justice (singer, performer, composer, producer and audio engineer); Tayyib Mahmood (filmmaker); Denise Maxwell (photographer); and Tanya Weekes (photographer).
The ground-breaking programme is part of Apple’s global Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) — and represents Apple’s first REJI expansion into Europe. This collaboration aims to inspire future generations to take part in building a cultural legacy for the UK.
The project aligns with Arts Council England’s Let’s Create Strategy, which strives to build sustainable cultural communities across the country.
For more information on the REFRAME programme click here.
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The National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF) are calling on both the Government and Black Church Leaders across the UK to be more active in policy developments.
Launching their revised Manifesto on 20 May 2023, the NCLF is demanding the government engages the Black churches in its developments of all policies, recognising the vital role Black Church Leaders play in the community and their potential to help shape policies that can create a better future for all.
Speaking on the issue, Chair of the NCLF, Ade Omooba MBE said, “We believe that the church have a unique perspective on issues that affect their communities. They are on the front lines of many of these issues, whether those are related to crime, education, health or the economy as they affect the Black communities.”
The manifesto highlights a number of areas where the government and Black Church Leaders can work together to address many of the pressing issues facing the communities, including crime prevention, education, healthcare and poverty reduction.
“The church plays a leading role within the communities and given our insights and experiences, we can help to shape policies that can make a real difference in people’s lives”, continues Revd. Celia Colins.
Through the Manifesto the government is urged to listen to the voices of the community through the Black churches and other faith-based organisations and take seriously the role they can play to make a meaningful difference.
The National Church Leader Forum (NCLF) is an organisation committed to facilitating a Black Christian Voice in the UK. In 2015 more than 200 Church leaders published the first ever Black Church Political Mobilisation Manifesto.
For further information contact Shiloh PR, on 07716 289 717 or [email protected]
Click Here to Register for the Launch on 20 May 2023.
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By Flora Masika
David Bowie was recognised for his ability to create wonder so far and yet so vivid from the world we live in. As fans, we could dive into multi-coloured lifetimes during his shows or escape to dream-like scenarios through his words. But other than simply listening to his music repeatedly, is there another way to achieve the full David Bowie captivating concert experience?
Tributes to his life can try to replicate his vibrancy but how do we know when we are doing the musical legend justice? How can you bottle up his influence into museums, films and articles? Is it even possible to capture that energy on stage again?
As part of a wider celebration of the 50th anniversary release of David Bowie’s legendary ‘Aladdin Sane’ album, the Southbank Centre, London is hosting a series of debates, queer discussions and showcases, culminating in the ‘Aladdin Sane: 50 Years Exhibition,’ from 6th of April to 28th May 2023.
In the ‘Making a Show’ discussion at the Purcell Room on Saturday 22nd April, top industry professionals tackled the practical and abstract problems of creating a space dedicated to the icon who has changed the mindset of people and the wider society. Chaired by British journalist Pete Paphides, the panellists explored the question of recreating the full David Bowie experience.
Curator duo Victoria Broackes and Geoffrey Marsh shared insights on how they designed the successful museum showcases, ‘David Bowie Is’ (2013) and ‘Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains’ (2017) for the V&A. The experts shed light on what makes a successful memoir; how technology and immersive experience museums are reshaping how we learn about history. The talk was paired with a brilliant presentation by panellist Geoffrey Marsh.
In contrast, the other panellists, the director and creative consultants, Adam Smith and Marcus Lyall, came from DJ and audio/video background. They are known for putting counterculture in spaces where they shouldn’t belong. Smith and Lyall detailed their background in setting up raves in the late 90s to early 2000s. Gradually, both became multidisciplinary artists specialising in installations that play with sound, film and light.
Broadening the conversation to include socio-economic factors that explored the implications of the digital age, the panellists outlined how technology increased the immersive experience of museums, changing the way we celebrate artwork. They pointed to social media acting as the equaliser for making information more accessible to the public. Yet, the music and museum business have become more expensive with digital aids that risk closing access to the working class public. This becomes more paradoxical, when museums often place objects, beliefs and lifestyles of the marginalised into their rooms. Opening up conversations as to how we combat the new challenges was insightful. By sharing concerns of the future the ‘Making a Show’ discussion felt like a conversation not between experts but a talk between Bowie fans.
For more information on the ‘Aladdin Sane: 50 Years Exhibition,’ visit’ : https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/aladdin-sane-50-years-exhibition?eventId=940516
The exhibition is accompanied by the release of the Aladdin Sane 50 book celebrating 50 years of the iconic photo shoot with previously unreleased photographs of David Bowie by Duffy.
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The exhibition entitled ‘PerAnkh – The June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive’ (JGPACA) opened on 15th April 2023 with a screening of the 1992 film Hyènes [Hyenas] by Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambéty. The film was introduced by the curator June Givanni and composer and musician Wasis Diop, the brother of the director and creator of the beautiful and evocative film score.
The exhibition takes place at Raven Row Centre in London from 15th April – 4th June 2023, and is structured around a programme of feature films, shorts, documentaries and television programmes by celebrated filmmakers including Timité Bassori, Safi Faye, Gaston Kaboré, Sarah Maldoror, Djibril Diop Mambéty and Ousmane Sembène.
The programme is complemented by a series of intergenerational panel discussions bringing together local and international practitioners. An Archive Studio and Reading Room within the exhibition enables direct public engagement with the wide collection of cinematic artefacts and archival material. The exhibition also includes an installation of the earliest audio-visual works by the Black Audio Film Collective, Expeditions 1 – Signs of Empire and Expeditions 2 – Images of Nationality (1983–84), and a new work by Chimurenga, a collective of researchers and artists from Cape Town, South Africa, which charts the development of the JGPACA.
The June Givanni PanAfrican Cinema Archive (JGPACA) contains a unique collection of artefacts and archival material, which has at its core the interest of Pan-African cinema and its relationship with Black British cinema and culture. Over a period of seven weeks, the exhibition at Raven Row will reveal histories and ideas in African and African diasporic film, recalling significant events and bringing together the work of filmmakers around a wide range of themes, debates and interests.
JGPACA has been established as a ‘living archive’, evolving around the work of film curator and archivist June Givanni, who has been collating and sharing this material since the 1980s. A key figure in the Black British independent cinema movement, she was involved in the landmark Third Eye Festival of Third World Cinema with the Greater London Council (GLC) in 1983, later establishing the African-Caribbean Film Unit at the British Film Institute (BFI) in 1992. At the BFI, she also co-initiated the Black Film Bulletin and played a key role in the historic Africa ’95 conference, marking the presence of African filmmaking in the centenary of cinema.
To date, JGPACA holds more than 10,000 items – including over 700 feature films, television programmes, short films and documentaries, as well as audio recordings, photographs, posters, manuscripts, magazines, books and documents – connecting African film with the film cultures of diaspora communities in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe.
PerAnkh, an ancient Egyptian term referring to knowledge centres, is a title intended to reinforce the essence of the archive and this exhibition, curated by June Givanni, with Awa Konaté. Artist Zineb Sedira has designed a poster for the exhibition.
For more information on the exhibition and programme of events contact: [email protected]; T +44 (0)20 7377 4300;
Raven Row
56 Artillery Lane
London E1 7LS
Maria Bradford is an award winning entrepreneur in the hospitality business. Her special brand of fusion cuisine is already getting her noticed. In this interview, Maria sheds light on her multi- faceted business and the communities and traditions that helped shape her passion for food. We pick up the conversation on her recently won award.
Congratulations on winning the ‘Be Inclusive Hospitality Spotlight Award for African Food 2022’. Please tell us about the award and how, in your opinion, it will change the path of the Shwen Shwen business.
Every person, everywhere, should have an equal chance to live up to their full potential. That’s the basic principle that we need greater awareness of. Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion brings with it, greater innovation and creativity. There’s a richness in diversity we must seek out.
Shwen Shwen’s path is unchanged. I am determined to ensure that Sierra Leonean food culture has its place on the map, and to create a platform on which others can build. That will be my legacy. Winning the award amplifies that, it adds a credibility to the mission and supports my founding vision.
Was the category in which you entered only for African food or for the diversity of foods. Are you aware of the other nominees in this category?
Yes I met so many lovely people in my category and at the event, all of them talented and contributing to the food industry.
We love the name ShwenShwen. Can you explain the origins of the name and the full extent of the services you offer?
[Sh•wen Sh•wen] adjective, is derived from the Krio language word for fancy. I deliver award-winning African food for dinner parties, weddings, and corporate events. I have a product range and ‘fancy’ perfectly describes how I plate my food and the ambience one can expect at one of our events.
Your cuisine is very much based on traditional Sierra Leonean dishes. What is unique about the cuisine. How have you adapted it to suit a modern British palette?
There’s a blog post on my website which is entitled https://shwenshwen.com/why-afro-fusion-why-freetown/ and an article https://shwenshwen.com/african-crops-and-slave-cuisine/ which both give an insight into the unique history of Freetown. As a rule I do not mess with traditional Sierra Leonean dishes for the British palette. That would be a crime against food. I will try to elevate the traditional without losing any of its authenticity. I will use the finest ingredients I can find, I will plate it nicely, but I will not mess with traditional dishes to the point they are not authentic or have somehow become a different dish. The taste and basic components all need to be there. Afro-fusion side is where I get to be more creative and use African ingredients to create new dishes
In one of your blogs from https://shwenshwen.com/, you highlight the importance of the immigrant communities’ contribution to British cuisine, including your own. What have been the challenges of launching and operating your business in a climate that has been less than welcoming to immigrants?
Migration is not a crime, and the contribution to the UK and many other countries from migrants is significant. Migration has never been a one-way traffic. The main challenges in the UK are around unconscious bias and barriers are less obvious but there. For example, in the early days when I was trying to secure supper club venues by telephone, people could hear my accent and without trying to know me or understand what I do, I would often get a flat no. On occasions when my husband who is white British calls the same venues, they’re much more open to a conversation and he gets further. Unconscious bias should not be a form of ‘acceptable racism’.
The biggest challenges though in starting my own business were cultural and down to me. A lack of belief in myself was the biggest impediment and I needed to believe in myself first. The second was about how our own society views creative pursuits and how little they are valued. Another challenge is how our own community backs the underdog but isn’t always quite so fond of the underdog when they succeed or start succeeding. Also, when we do cross over to other communities beyond our own you are accused of selling out and somehow being less black.
Whether from the catering side, restaurant or sales of your speciality foods, which products are your best sellers?
My best seller by far is ‘Salone Fire’ chilli sauce. It’s moorish and many people become repeat customers.
At this stage , what are you most proud of and what would you still like to achieve?
I’m really proud of my debut cookbook ‘Sweet Salone’. Available to pre-order now from most good bookstores and to be realised 13th July in the UK, US and Australia. This has been work in progress for two years and it is the thing I am most proud of.
For more information visit; www.shwenshwen.com
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A new style of Alternative Investment Conference (AICON) is being held on 23rd February 2023 at RIBA in London. The event from a leading UK Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) charity, SEO London, is designed to increase access and career development for professionals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the alternative investment space.
Discussing the need to raise the profile of underrepresented groups in the investment careers arena, Nathalie Richards, CEO of SEO London, and host of AICON said: “To improve diversity in the finance sector, we need to showcase our brightest and best voices from underrepresented groups within the industry. At AICON, they will take centre stage, highlighting the amazing diverse talent within the industry and providing them with the expert insights and networks to further accelerate their careers.”
The conference line up will include keynote speaker Nic Humphries, executive chairman of Hg Capital, in conversation with Lynn Akashi, founding partner and chief strategy officer of Zetland Capital, in a keynote fireside chat.
SEO London alumni, Nishi Somaiya, who is now a partner and global co-head of growth equity at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, will help to inspire the next generation through her participation in an expert panel on growth equity and navigating the tech landscape. Dana Haimoff, Managing Director at JP Morgan Asset Management, will help moderate a panel on opportunities and challenges within Private Equity.
The inaugural half-day event will include expert insights from industry leaders across private equity, growth equity, credit, real estate, impact investing, emerging markets and will also provide networking opportunities within the alternative investments industry.
Nathalie continues: “It’s encouraging to have so many people signed up to attend our first AICON and I think it shows how far the industry has come in taking the diversity and inclusion agenda seriously. There is still a long way to go to make the finance sector representative of the UK population, however, we hope the conference and the talented speakers on the day will help inspire more positive changes.”
SEO London (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity Ltd) is a UK-registered charity delivering superior educational, training and mentoring support to young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
To find out more about the conference please visit www.seo-london.org/aicon-london
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Meena Chander, Founder of ‘This Is Us’ Diversity & Inclusion Awards chats with Diversity Business Magazine about forthcoming Awards in January 2023. Tune in to find out how you can enter your business or company into the competition.
To find out more visit: www.thisisusconference.co.uk/c
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