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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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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It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week (21st – 27th March) and new research by Bupa UK has revealed a greater need for neurodiversity awareness in the workplace after more people turned to Google for support in the last 12 months:
The research revealed that;

In addition, Bupa’s Head of Mental Wellbeing, Naomi Humber, has exposed the biggest neurodiversity misconceptions in the workplace. She explains that;
How to support neurodiverse employees in the workplace:
Try to get to know more about your team member’s neurodivergence, so you understand how you can best support their unique strengths and challenges. A personalised plan of action led by the neurodiverse individual can help them to feel supported in the workplace. Don’t work off stereotypes or make any assumptions – always ask how you can best support each neurodiverse individual.
Supportive equipment can help some neurodivergent employees carry out their role. For example, some individuals with dyslexia might struggle with reading and writing, and those with ADHD may struggle to prioritise and plan their day.
Examples of assistive technology are:
A workplace that adapts to support its employees’ needs promotes productivity, wellbeing and job satisfaction. When assigning tasks or roles to your team members, try to consider the tasks that will support their strengths.
Some neurodivergent employees may communicate differently to neurotypical people. For example, individuals with autism may not find it easy to read facial expressions or tone of voice. Try to communicate clearly and use direct language. Providing communication documents in a range of formats can also help neurodivergent team members to feel supported.
Many aspects of a typical working environments can cause challenges or barriers for neurodiverse employees. For example, bright lights and noisy open-plan offices can be challenging for those with sensitivity to sensory surroundings.
Whether your team are working remotely or from home, make sure they have access to the right equipment and working environments that support their individual needs. Examples of equipment that can help to support neurodiverse working environments include:
Encouraging awareness of neurodiversity can help to educate everyone in your organisation about the barriers neurodiverse employees face daily at work. Raising awareness also helps celebrate the unique strengths they bring to a team. Education can also lead to greater equality and a more inclusive workplace.
Having a neurodiversity policy can also help to establish a framework for managers and employees to follow, reducing the risk of discrimination in the workplace.
If you’re a manager, there are lots of resources available to help you to support neurodiverse employees, break down any stigmas and create an inclusive workplace. Such as, our manager’s guide to neurodiversity (PDF, 0.3MB) and toolkits.
For more information contact; [email protected].
Visit website: https://www.bupa.co.uk/business/news-and-information/neurodiversity-myths
See also; https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/
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We recently announced we are partnering with the Smart Retail Tech Expo, we’d like to tell you some more about this event!
Make your way to the ExCeL London on the 2nd and 3rd of March and immerse yourself in an exciting hub brimming with innovators revolutionising the UK retail industry!
Discover the most trending products, and hear from an esteemed list of keynotes, curated to give you the blueprint of success that will undoubtedly have you leaving with all the information that will allow your business to flourish in the dynamic digital retail world! Hear from the likes of Google, Meta (ex. Facebook), Snapchat and more and you will walk away with innovative ideas that could change your business for the better!


A ticket to the Smart Retail Tech Expo will also give you access to the White Label World Expo and Retail Supply Chain + Logistics Expo, the 2 leading events for everything retail!
So what are you waiting for? Register for your FREE ticket now and avoid the queues on the day! Secure yours with this link now: https://bit.ly/3r9ltKP

Mary Fashanu is known as the Business GPS. She recently co-founded the association of Black Coaches, a non-profit membership organisation promoting best practice and maintaining industry standards for black professional coaches worldwide.
Mary helps fellow entrepreneurs grow their business, make an impact, increase their revenue and land clients consistently. In this interview she discusses how she does this and why becoming a business coach means so much more.
Mary, we would love to know what inspired you to become a business coach?
My own story inspired me. I started the journey during my university days. I was in love with anything to do with strategy. I actually wrote my first strategic concept note for anyone who wanted to start a business, during those days.
In 2013, I moved back to Nigeria, I met with my first mentor, who coached and guided me as I had shown interest in starting a business. My first business was an event planning business – Eminent Events.
I am entrepreneurial at heart, a trait I inherited from my parents (God rest their souls).
Meeting my mentor was the breakthrough. That is when I made the choice to become the path and direction for people willing to start a business. An entrepreneurial journey can be lonely and hard.
What about your career history?
I attended North Trafford (known as the Trafford College) in Manchester, UK. I gained a National Diploma in Business. I then went onto Aston University in Birmingham where I obtained 2:1 in International Business & Management. Then onto the prestigious Grenoble Ecole de Management, in France. I learned basic French AND acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. I finally became a certified John Maxwell Coach and Speaker.
Growing up, did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur. Who was your biggest inspiration?
Yes, watching my parents sparked an interest in me. My mother had a midwifery clinic where she helped women in the community deliver their babies. She also had two pharmacies, One clothing boutique and one skincare store. My Father had two restaurants and an educational toy business – all were in Nigeria.
I always knew that I wanted to be a coach and consultant but never knew in what! As life unfolded, I found my path.
If you had to describe MaryFash in one sentence, what would it be?
The Business GPS who does not take no for an answer.
What services do you now offer as a Coach?
Business strategy coaching services both one to one and group programmes. Business process, structure, and systems and business mentoring.
How many entrepreneurs have you coached to date?
70 and counting!
Are you able to share some of their stories?
Some clients are business coaches, career coaches, marketing coaches, health and skin care coaches and experts, event planners, beauty specialists.
Their stories are similar. They come with vague clarity on how to achieve their business goals, and using my developed and proven methodology – Clarity To Sales, they all get clarity and sense of direction to get them the growth they are looking for. Some of these clients lack process and systems that will help them to reduce or avoid burn out totally. I also help them with putting the right process and systems in place to create a sustainable business.
You are the Co founder of the Association of Black Coaches (ABC), how did that come about?
ABC came about as a result of an increase in the number of new coaches during the pandemic especially within the black community. The coaching industry is not a regulated one. We created ABC to help black coaches maintain high standards, get support they need in a community where they are nurtured.
What has been your experiences so far as a Business Coach?
Phenomenal. As a coach, regardless of your colour, I decide what I want. I work for it and do not allow anything or anyone stand in my way.
Where do you see your brand in the next years?
In the next 5-10, I want to have set up a business academy for new start-ups, equipping them for success. I want to be doing things I want, not because I have to but because I want to.
What are the things you want?
Working with corporate organisations alongside small business owners, solopreneus – training their staff and managers on how to be a better leader to increase efficiency and productivity and having a happy and growth centred environment. I want to have positively impacted as many businesses as possible. The ultimate goal is to become a full time business owner.
And your advice to business owners?
Never take no for an answer! Know what you want, work hard and smart to get it. Prayer & patience are key.
You can find more about Mary Fashanu at: https://www.maryfash.com/
The Association of Black Coaches: Website: https://www.associationofblackcoaches.co.uk/

You have a wonderful concept for an online business . It’s like a one stop shop for all goods and services for people of African descent worldwide. Wow! This is most impressive. Would you say this is an accurate description of the aims of Afrisellnet?
Yes, that is right . You can use the term ‘one stop shop for all goods and services’ for people from the African diaspora . We are promoting products and services as well as showcasing Africans and Afro-Caribbean products, businesses and talent to the rest of the world. Through trade we aim to facilitate community engagement.
When did you launch? Which regions are showing the most interest and activity?
We have just launched on 30th March 2021. So, we are barely 2 months old. We are still in the process of promoting the Afrisellnet brand. There has been a lot of interest. I have been in discussions with people expressing interest to advertise but it takes time to build up the viewing figures and confidence.
Do you think there has been enough awareness about the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the trading potential of a market of approximately 1.2 billion people across Africa?
There has not been enough information about this free trade area. The African Union and other participating organisations should mount a massive campaign to bring awareness of the organisation and its benefits to Africans and people within the diaspora.
You have established non-commercial aims for Afrisellnet directed at building community spirit, cohesion and creating educational opportunities for people of African heritage. How do you plan to achieve this?
We plan to do this through collaboration. Afrisellnet cannot achieve this aim alone. This is why we encourage everyone to join in the discussion and share their knowledge. We need people willing to help their communities. It is true that Afrisellnet has initiated the platform, but it belongs to every one of us.
We encourage people to sign up and give advice to those who need it. In these communities, there are different people with different talents, different education levels. So imagine if we put all of this together and share our knowledge. How much difference we can make to people’s lives. The forum to generate discussion is free to use. We encourage participants to dedicate their time.

Your background and expertise in online cyber security puts you in an excellent position to manage a global platform such as Afrisellnet. Cyber security is an ever-present concern for internet users. In light of the current privacy breaches by big tech companies, do you believe that security can be achieved for everyday users?
This question has two answers.
There is no right answer when it comes to online security and privacy. The only effective way is to keep users safe and educate them on online security, privacy issues on the dangers around them. It is like teaching children not to talk to strangers. They say prevention is better than cure.
In my private blog, I educate people on basic knowledge of online safety. Criminals are constantly looking for vulnerability. They do not care if you are a tech guru, individual or company. Alas, the pandemic has contributed to a surge in online crime.
In terms of concerns around data protection. As a company, you can be assured that we are collaborating with other tech companies to protect users’ data. The website is managed and maintained by a hosting company that keeps an eye on the performance and the security aspect.
We also have a data protection policy in place, which is protected by law. We have gone to great lengths to reduce and minimise the amount of the risks.
This is a common situation. Have you wondered why after talking on the phone with someone, as soon as you hang up, an advert pops up showing the same product you were talking about? It looks like the phone is listening to your conversation.
These adverts you see are based on the information they have about you, the interest you have shown to similar products. Whereas it is easy for law or enforcement authorities to track down and fine small companies like Afrisellnet if they breach privacy laws. But at the same time, big tech companies take advantage of users’ data without paying . They have the money and resources to silence the story and blame the users themselves for being reckless. This can have a negative impact on a small company like Afrisellnet.
Yet big tech companies are not doing more damage than cyber criminals- the online predators whose role is to sabotage personal data and information by selling it on the dark web. Companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter offer free resources to educate users on online safety while using their platforms.
We are living in a new era where we cannot go off the internet. Even if we do, we will still face challenges. We depend on smart homes and gadgets used in houses which may expose personal information that can be harvested or exploited by criminals. Most people use a smart television, a smart fridge, a smart meter. These gadgets contain microchips that store our personal data.
Finally, Afrisellnet has big ambitions. What is your idea of success for the company?
To bring the community together and be able to build strong relations to aid development, support and growth in five years’ time.
To encourage members of the African diaspora to be close to their culture.
Our aims include educating the youth on the benefits of settling in African countries and the endless potential offered by the continent. By doing so it will shine a more positive light on Africa and attract more investors.
We want to create an environment for youths to learn soft skills, African traditional ideals based on respect, moral and ethical values in order to bring about community cohesion and build strong relations that will lead to personal development and growth.
We wish to offer parenting courses in order to reduce youth crime and violence. For this, we intend to collaborate with professionals to achieve the best results.
For more information contact: [email protected]; https://afrisellnet.com/
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The London Southbank’s Centre has extended a second season of its successful multi arts online programme ‘Inside Out’. Audiences will not be disappointed with a top line up of international artists and diverse events. From music, to literature, to the spoken word, the second season, launched 24 January until 6 May 2021, promises to entertain and inspire.
On the music front, the Canadian Bell Orchestre presents a premiere performance of new music from their album ‘House Music’ on 13 March. Against the backdrop of woodland scenery, the performance provides an exciting visual and auditory experience that continues ‘to shift the boundaries of instrumental music.’
For more about the Bell Orchestre performance see here
London Contemporary Orchestra are combining the voices of leading vocal groups VOCES8 and Apollo5 in their one-off show at the Southbank on 19th March. Music by composers Duval Timothy, Kelly Lee Owens, and Kjartan Sveinsson is offered as well as new arrangements by Icelandic popular artists, Robert Ames with a rendition of ‘Ascent’ by Oscar winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir and Geoff Lawson’s orchestral presentation of ‘momentary’ Ólafur Arnalds.
Details of how to access the event can be found here

The literature programme includes a much anticipated appearance of father and daughter team Kazuo and Naomi Ishiguro in conversation with broadcaster Razia Iqbal on 19th March. Kazuo and Naomi Ishiguro will explore universal themes of love, friendship and loyalty from a generational perspective. Kazuo Ishiguro, the 2017 Nobel Laureate for Literature, has published his first book ‘Klara and the Sun’ since winning the prize. Other popular titles by the author include ‘Remains of the Day’ which was made into a film starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. Daughter Naomi Ishiguro will be discussing her debut novel ‘Common Ground’ which follows the story between two friends from different cultural backgrounds.
Author Olivia Laing explores issues around the freedom of the body and the movement to control one’s own body. The themes are taken up in her latest book ‘Everybody.’ Laing intertwines the legacies of Nina Simone and Malcome X in her narrative and rejoices in ‘the ways ordinary human bodies can resist oppression and reshape the world.’ The exclusive event is held on the 30th March.

Another exclusive event brings author Jhumpa Lahiri in conversation on 6 May. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author discusses her latest novel, ‘Whereabouts,’ an evocative piece about a woman on the threshold of change. Set in a beautiful Italian city, ‘Whereabouts’ provides a wonderful depiction of the Italian landscape Lahiri will read extracts from Whereabouts and reflect on the challenges of translating her book.
All literature events are available on demand for 7 days after the first broadcast.

Other highlights include the launch of lead singer Skin’s powerful memoir It Takes Blood and Guts on 4 March. The multi talented and charismatic artist will reveal how she became an activist for LGBTQI+ community and ‘fought poverty and prejudice to write songs, produce, front her own band (Skunk Anansie) and become one of the most influential women in British rock’.
The event takes place ahead of Skin’s appearance at Grace Jones’ Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre in June 2021.
Though half term is nearly over you may just be able to catch DYSCO an event for all the family on Saturday 20th February. A joyful and fun workshop, DYSCO is for ‘all ages, bodies and minds’ and invites everyone to join in the dancing and moving. DYSCO can be viewed on zoom and is led by dance artist Aby Watson, a self described dyspraxic, dyslexic and ADHD dance artist
Though Lockdown is not yet over, there’s still plenty to keep us going this season. Tickets for all the above events and many more can be purchased via the The Southbank Centre website.
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Review by Mbeke Waseme
Africa Utopia – the 52 countries in one of the most disparate and diverse continents in a perfect state. That is what we want!
The 2019 African Utopia took place at London Southbank in collaboration with Indaba X. It was opened by Kojo Annan, the son of the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who shared his father’s dreams and reminded us how important the youth in Africa will be to Africa’s future. His father often spoke of the significance of the young and old working together. Ancient wisdom combined with new ideas taking place in a perfect Africa.
Some of the best speakers, performers, singers, artisans and writers came together under this event. Established and seasoned performers appeared alongside new and vibrant artists.
The famous Shrine, created by the legendary musician Fela Kuti was transported from its Lagos hub to the Southbank shores and opened with Akala and Talib Kwell. Both are great hip-hop artists who warmed up the audience while awaiting for the arrival of the great Femi Kuti. We had known his father’s music and we were here to relive the jazz, politics and fun he had given us. It was a pleasure when Femi walked by, enabling me to fulfil a promise to my Nigerian family in Malaysia that I would have a photo with the big man himself! (See photo below)
The Friday evening performance afforded us the opportunity to see Femi Kuti in full effect as he performed under the pictures of his parents, Fela and Remilekun Ransom-Kuti. The images of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were also on display as we witnessed Kuti’s phenomenal and unique style. He played alongside his son Made, under the watchful eyes of his parent which was a beautiful moment of nostalgia. An unexpected and precious part of the evening came when Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) graced the stage and performed with Femi.
On Saturday and Sunday, there was a buzzing market, a range of fashion talks, art displays and powerful music performances. The Afro Queens Afrobeat workshop had the crowds jumping, bumping and getting down to the latest tunes.
The History, Memory and Consciousness talk asked how we can preserve Black British History. Many invaluable points came from the esteemed panel of experts which included the poet and rap artist Akala, historians and academics, Ed Keazor, Dr Patrick Vernon, Professor David Killingray, Dr Abosede George and Dr Angelina Osbourne.
It was Dr Vernon’s question of how to create a permanent space that chronicles the diverse history of black people in the UK that struck a chord with me. The issue was raised following his visit to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington.
Professor David Killingray pointed out that books are generally out of date once they are published. Since we live in a time when new information is released every second, he enquired how to get information to young people in a format that works for them?
Derek Owusu’s anthology entitled SAFE introduced some of the contributions made by Black British men. The powerful reflections of one poet who had learned the importance of the ‘F word’ resonated deeply. He spoke of his father’s mistreatment and on traveling home to Nigeria, he saw how the men in his father’s life had not been taught about the whole spectrum and meaning of what being a man is. Hence, anything that was not masculine in the most stereotypical way, was not loved, cherished or understood. He had learned the importance of ‘Forgiveness‘ for his own healing and his father’s so that he could successfully father his own children.

The three day festival was packed with many events running simultaneously. On a warm and sunny weekend in London, it was great to experience the vibrancy and energy of Africa brought to the Southbank by this event. It was fabulous to reconnect with people from years ago. May these events continue, as we strive to create a Utopia, not just for a weekend in London but in all countries across Africa.
© Mbeke Waseme: September 2019. All photos by Mbeke Waseme.
For whats on at the Southbank see; https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on
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You could feel the buzz and excitement as guests and nominees arrived on the red carpet at the Screen Nation Awards 2019 at the Mayfair Hotel in London. They came in beautiful attire, ranging from African to arts inspired outfits. A colourful array of clothes that certainly got the photographers snapping!
The age ranges of the Nominees and Award Presenters ranged from as young as 7 years to those who had been working in the industry for 28 years!
Most of the nominees were just thrilled to have been nominated or short listed for an award and the Screen Nation Organisers made sure they kept the champagne flowing in celebratory mood.
The biggest names were selected to host and present the awards, including Presenter and Singer Fleur East from This Morning, Loose Women and I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Fleur East also won an award in the ‘Favourite Female TV Star’ category voted by a public jury.
Other winners included Lucian Msamati for Black Earth Rising and Kiri in the ‘Male Performance in TV’ category: Aml Ameen for Yardie in the ‘Male Performance in Film’ group and Simona Brown – The Little Drummer Girl, Kiss Me First in the Rising Star field.
Also present were child prodigies Callum Daniel , Morgan Hudson and motivational speaker Venessa @inspiringvenessa.

It was truly a remarkable evening, mixing with the stars who there to be recognised for their hard work and talent. It is important for people of colour to be recognised. The industry must change and welcome diversity! Awards should embrace all not just the one percent who are over represented on our screens.
The Screen Nation Awards are to be commended for creating an event that will propel careers and forge futures. Particular with respect to the young such as those who were present on the night.
In organising an event such as the Screen Nation Awards, we often notice the things that go wrong but hardly acknowledge the things that go well nor those who take the first step in the right direction. I therefore take my hat off to all those who made Screen Nation Awards 2019 happen.
It was a great night. Well done to all those who won, those who were nominated and those who came out to support.
Review by Mercy Francis;
For more about the Screen Nation Awards see: https://www.screennation.org/
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