Afri-love

Africa- and Diaspora-related events this February

A short but exciting month, here are just a few Africa- and Diaspora-related events in Canada, Kenya, the UK and the US. What's happening where you are this month?

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ALL MONTH

African American History Month
Across the US
Various events

This year's official theme is 'Black Women in American Culture and History' and the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum have put together several collections and exhibitions for the occasion. 

Black History Month Canada
Across the US
Various events 

Festivities and events honouring the legacy of black Canadians, past and present. This year, Black History Month will recognize the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 and the contributions of black soldiers in the fight for Canada. 

Black History Month 2012
United States International University, Nairobi, Kenya
Various events 

This year celebrates the daughters of Africa: "Spearheading the Pan African Dream for Peace". The celebration will feature several panel discussions, photo exhibitions as well as jazz nights.

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WEEKEND OF FRIDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 

J-Dilla Changed My Life
Manchester, Brighton & London, UK

The now annual UK tribute parties for American music producer and hip hop legend, James Dewitt Yancey, take place this weekend. They start off in Manchester (Friday 3rd at Ruby Lounge) and then move to Brighton (Saturday 4th at Stickey Mikes) and London (Sunday 5th at Scala, King's Cross). J-Dilla's mother, Maureen 'Ma Dukes' Yancey will be gracing all three events, along with a fantastic line-up of DJs paying homage.

Africa- and Diaspora-related events this December

The final few weeks of the year are jam-packed with reasons to be merry. Here are just a few Africa- and Diaspora-related events in London (UK), Nairobi (Kenya), New York (US), Paris (France and St. John's (Antigua). If you know of any January events that you'd like to share, please contact me by the 23rd of December. Enjoy the last days of 2011!

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ALL MONTH

Dreams of a Life screenings & director Q&As
Cinemas across the UK
Various times

In 2006 a woman's skeleton was found in a flat above Wood Green Shopping Centre, London. The woman, identified as Joyce Carol Vincent, had been dead for three years. The film, Dreams of a Life is a quest to discover who Joyce Vincent was, and how she came to be so forgotten.

Find out screening details including which ones will be followed by a director Q&A, here.

 

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FRIDAYS

Secousse
Divan Du Monde, Paris, France
Midnight - 6:00am

Every Friday, all night, free. With DJ Serpent Noir, DJ Tron and DJ Mo-Laudi. More info about Secousse here.

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FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER

The Shrine presents Afrikan Boy & Ty
Rich Mix, London, UK
8:00pm

Created and curated by legendary DJ's Rita Ray & Max Reinhardt, The Shrine is a wild and wily night out, a wakeup call filled with music, spoken word, dance and visuals... inspired by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the late firebrand Genius of Afrobeat and his Afrika Shrine club in Lagos.  

This month, London based Grime MC Afrikan Boy and UK Hip Hop legend Ty will be jointly headlining.In 2007 Nigerian born Afrikan Boy released the track ‘One day I went to Lidl’, which became a worldwide internet smash getting over 7 million hits on YouTube. In June he released a mixtape titled ‘What Took You So Long’ on his website as a free download, which is a prelude to his forthcoming official EP.TY is one of UK Black music’s true innovators and popularisers. He’s been making music and pushing boundaries for the last 12 years. DJ Support will be from Max Reinhardt (BBC Radio 3’s Late Junction) who will be playing his Afrocentric Rebel selection of beats, ryddims, licks and mash ups from all over Africa and far beyond. 

The Inevitability of International Aid – Part I: The African Side of the Coin

Today's post is by Andrew Mugoya, Founder and Technical Director of Asilia and Founder of Afriapps.

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Recently I launched an ebook titled African Apps in a Global Marketplace which is about the African app industry. From that, I got the following (summarised) response from Joel Selanikio, co-founder of DataDyne and an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University:

"I thought your book was 99% spot on, with my only quibble being in your analysis of aid.  Although I doubt you know of any real sustainable tech innovation that was created by aid (I certainly can't think of any)"

It got me thinking..

We Africans have a many complaints about aid from the West. Rightly so. It has destroyed industries, kept dictators in power, fostered a begging culture among some communities and worse, created a entire industry that dependent on there being poor, hungry and needy Africans to be used to bait donors.

But, the problem of aid is two-fold. It is not a solo act, it is a duet between the West and Africa. African culture has contributed its share to this problem.

Etsy inspiration from AfricaDirect: African trade beads, art, jewellery and other artifacts

Since setting up my Etsy shop, I've been spending a lot of time on the global handmade marketplace. Abundant with creativity, it's a great place for inspiration. Recently, I came across Etsy shop, AfricaDirect, specialising in trade beads, jewellery, carvings, masks, textiles and more.

The 15 year-old business is run by Elizabeth Bennett and Sara Luther who are passionate about African art, trade beads and ethnic jewellery. They insist on supporting living artists through soucing items from co-ops across Africa and they also buy from African traders in the US and Europe. Theirs is an interesting story which you can read more about here.

Visit their Etsy store to see more of the beautiful items they stock. Each item has a substantial description explaining its origin and history (often not what you'd expect!).

Africa- and Diaspora-related events this November

November's already here. A reminder that the year is almost through but, before we get ready to welcome in 2012, there are TONS of exciting events to attend. Here are just a few. They're very London-centric so I'd love to hear about all the interesting things going on in your corner of the globe – please share.

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TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER

Launch of Afriapps book: African Apps in a Global Marketplace
Everywhere

You might remember Andrew Mugoya's guest posts about African apps ("5 Reasons why Ghana is the next African app powerhouse", "Learning from the Success of Nollywood"). Today, Andrew launches an ebook on the subject that is free to download for a limited period. Get it while it's hot!

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THURSDAY 3 OCTOBER

Film Africa 2011
London, UK. Various screenings, workshops and live music events until the 13th

10 days of more than fifty of the best African fiction and documentary films from across the continent. With lively Q&As and panel discussions featuring leading African filmmakers, and a dynamic programme of 
cultural events. Find out more and get your tickets soon!

Africa and Diaspora events this October

As September draws to a close, I'm getting geared up for a bunch of exciting events in October. I'm one of those people who plans her social calendar waaaay in advance and diligently researches to find Afri-love-inspiring events. Not always easy but definitely worth it! I thought that I'd spare you some of the time and effort and compile all the Africa and Diaspora related events that I find each month. I also hope to tap into the power of crowd-sourcing to create an even richer listing for all of us. I invite you to share the great discoveries that you make in your "yard" (see the bottom of this post for details). Enjoy!

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MONTH-LONG EVENTS

Black History Month (UK) events in Islington
London
Islington Council is organising a variety of free and low cost film screenings, exhibitions, talks, readings, poetry and performances inspiring and connecting communities to historical legacies and Black experience today
Download Islington Black History Month 2011- Arts and Culture events
Download Islington Black History Month 2011 - Business and Enterprise events
Download Islington Black History Month 2011 - Schools activities 

Afrika Eye Film Festival
London
Afrika Eye Film Festival showcases films that tell stories told by African and diaspora voices. Bringing together local African and Afro-Caribbean communities with international figures in film, music, and dance, Afrika Eye aims to offer an insight into African culture both on and beyond the screen.

I am thenublack exhibition
London, Wednesday 5 - Saturday 29 October
Celebrating the talents of a generation of youth born to parents of the African Diaspora, this exhibition presents artists who have been inspired by the positive influence of their forbearers. Through a variety of disciplines from illustration to photography this collection of work conveys the rich heritage of contemporary Black culture.
Download flyer

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SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER

Black History Live 2011
London, 10am - 6pm
(Also on Sunday 2 October, 10am - 5pm)
A cultural extravaganza at Wembey Stadium celebrating the start of Black History Month. A fun-packed day for all the family

Run the Sahara 2012 Launch
London, 3 - 5:50pm
Featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary El Problema, readings by acclaimed playwright and poet Inua Ellams and preview of The Runner.Sandblast’s 4th annual campaign of Run the Sahara will help raise funds for its exciting new music empowerment initiative –Studio Live – in the Saharawi refugee camps in SW Algeria aiming to enable artists to develop professionally and reach international audiences through music and express their culture and struggle more widely.

Black Sound Series: The Afterparty
Manchester, 9pm 'til late
A free evening of live music, with performances from Tsana, Sparkz, Young Identity, Media Drop and DJ sets from Phaze One and Irfan Rainy until the small hours.

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TUESDAY 4 OCTOBER

Insight with Robert King: The Angola 3 and their fight for justice
London, 7pm
Robert King at the Frontline Club, in conversation with founder and director of Reprieve, Clive Stafford Smith to recount his personal story of injustice and how his life’s focus now is to campaign against abuses in the criminal justice system and for the freedom of Black Panthers, Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox who are now serving their 40th year in solitary confinement.

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WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER

Freestyle Fictionary
Manchester, 8:30pm
Freestyle Fictionary is an event based on freestyle word games, it is accessible to all, whether Hip Hop heads or not, it is witty, light-hearted, and includes audience participation.

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FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER

I am Osunlade
Manchester, 11:30pm
A 6 hour marathon set by my favourite DJ! House music all night long … 

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MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

The Black British Filmmaker's Guide to Success
London, 6pm - 8pm
Seasoned film commentator, Nadia Denton, discusses her book, The Black British Filmmaker's Guide to Success: Finance, Market and Distribute Your Film. 

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WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

Black LGBT Shorts Programme
London, 7 - 8:30pm
A moving programme of six short films from around the world exploring the experience of being Black and gay, from Australia, South Africa to an estate in South London.

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FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER

Insight with Nawal El Saadawi
London, 7pm
The internationally renowned Egyptian writer, novelist and activist Nawal El Saadawi will be celebraing her 80th birthday at the Frontline Club, discussing her life's work and the launch of a foundation that will embody the themes, ethos and characteristics that have shaped it.

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SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER

Manchester Literature Festival: Jean 'Binta' Breeze
Manchester, 7:30pm
Internationally renowned Jamaican ‘dub’ poet, director and playwright Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze’s words are personal and political and her electric stage presence and rhythmic wordplay has mesmerized audiences around the world. 

Whether speaking about Third World poverty, reggae music, inner-city life, the Caribbean or family, she weaves together themes that challenge and celebrate human experience in all its many forms. She will be joined by members of Speakeasy People and Contact’s Key Partner Company, Young Identity. 

SOAS World Music Stage at the Bloomsbury Festival
London, 12 - 7:30pm (and Sunday, 12 - 5:00pm)

A free concert series brought to you by my alma mater, The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) – the UK’s premier academic institution dedicated to the research and development of non-Western cultures, traditions and languages. Acts include:

• Amira Kheir – Sudanese-Italian singer/songwriter Amira Kheir is creating a sound that is inspired by traditional Sudanese singing and instrumentation, blended with elements of Jazz, Soul, African as well as Middle Eastern music. 
• Laye Sow – one of the most exciting musicians to come out of Senegal. Of Dogan and Fula heritage, the music takes you on a journey from his village on the edge of the Sahara to the happening night clubs of Dakar. 
• Harare Music – Zimbabwe's rich African musical heritage is still alive and kicking, albeit in exile. Frontman and marimba virtuoso Kudaushe Matimba was a member of the legendary Bhundu Boys back in the 80s; now based in London he is keeping up the faith, celebrating the musical alliances he has since made in the UK through the prism of Zimbabwe’s urban Chimurenga and Jit Jive music.
• Diabel Cissokho – Senegalese musician Diabel Cissokho is part of the great line of Cissokho griots. His “resonant voice and rocking kora style” (Songlines), have been welcomed everywhere from WOMAD and Glastonbury to London’s Barbican.

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WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER

Viva Riva! Screening
London, 7pm
For charismatic criminal, Riva, as sudden burst of stolen wealth ignites an exhilarating, hedonistic and perilous journey through one of the most intriguing cities in Africa – Kinshasha.

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What's good in your city this October? Leave a comment to share. 

Event listings – If you'd like me to list your event in November and beyond, please drop me an email by the 21st of October via address: afrilovemail [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Want to stay up to date with events, and received Afri-love posts directly into your inbox? Subscribe here.

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Osunlade photo via Resident Advisor; Nawal El Saadawi photo via bikyamasr

The making of Merkato: pledge for beauty & people's livelihoods

A great Kickstarter project was brought to my attention by KateBomz. Merkato is a documentary film about one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in Africa – in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"From the perspective of five personal stories a reflection emerges of a fascinating place that is a true microcosm of the human condition. The culture and way of life for many of Merkato's merchants is under threat by modern development. Merkato is the final portrait of the people who live, work and dream within this rapidly transforming reality." – from the Merkato Kickstarter page

If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, it enables you to pledge to support worthy projects that need some help with funding. The woman behind Merkato, Sosena Solomon, needs our support to finish the film and share it with the world. There are 39 days left to go and Merkato will only be funded if at least $12,000 is pledged by Monday October 10th.

Check out this taster – the shots are beautiful!

 

Find out more and pledge here.

Africa at the Fringe

Every August, Edinburgh, Scotland is taken over by 100s (maybe 1000s) of arts and cultural events courtesy of various festivals. These include the Edinburgh International Festival and more famously, the incredibly diverse Edinburgh Festival Fringe – claiming to be "the largest, and greatest, arts festival in the world". There's just one week of this year's programme left but I thought I'd round up some of the Africa-related events to whet your appetite for the possibilities next year. 

Comedy

Andi Osho: All the Single Ladies
August 3 - 29, £5.00 - £14.00 
Following her hit 2010 Edinburgh debut, Andi (Channel 4's Stand Up for the Week) dissects the pitfalls of dating in this brutally honest and totally hilarious stand-up show. 

Bruce Fummey – My Afro Celtic Angst
August 4 - 28, free 
Scottish African, growing up seemed different. Bruce looks back on: mischievous schoolboy, playful physics teacher, parenting and Ghana. What next? 

Dance and Physical Theatre

Africa, Heart and Soul
August 8 - 21
Traditional Zimbabwean dance, music, rhythm and song. A wonderfully life-enhancing experience of culture and exuberance from the colourful heart of Zimbabwe. A fusion of beauty, irresistable movement and melodies to invigorate the spirit and soul. Presented by Grassroots Theatre.

 

Soy de Cuba
August 4 - 29, £10.00 - £15.00
Red hot from Havana! Mambo, Salsa, Reggaeton! Surrender to the rhythms of Cuba. A legendary Salsa band – spectacular Cuban dancers. Passionate, unbridled infectious entertainment. The hottest high-octane dance party on the planet! Get ready to Rumba!
[I've included this because of the show's exploration of the African roots of Rumba] 

Exhibitions

Zimbabwe Sculptures
August 3 - 28, free
Vhukutiwa Gallery returns for its ninth exhibition of sculpture, presenting a haunting range of work, all with a remarkable tactile quality of evoking a world, part natural, part spirit-orientated, from some of the finest sculptors of the world. 

Music

Antonio Forcione (featuring Seckou Keita and Adriano Adewale)
August 15 - 19 
The Fringe's favourite guitarist launches his first new album in five years. Joined by internationally renowned Kora player, Seckou Keita, from Senegal and Brazilian percussionist, Adriano Adewale. Three musicians, true masters. Prepare to be amazed, enchanted and entertained. 

Remind Me (Fatalima): Samba Sene and Diwan
August 9 - 17
Engaging fusion of Senegalese traditional rhythms and grooves, with touches of reggae, latin, funk, rock and blues. Exploring the traditional grooves mid-week, with full on dance-beats on Saturday. 

Samba Sene and Diwan: Africa Calling
August 3 - 22, £10.00 
Exuberant Afrobeat/Mbalax fusion with touches of ska and rock. Original songs with impassioned vocals, infectious guitar licks and irresistible dancebeats. World party music with a Senegalese soul. 

 

Soweta Entsha
August 3 - 28, £7.00 - £14.50
A true miracle of the township. Four boys with voices of gold. Entsha in Zulu means new. This remarkable group are a joyous discovery from the beating heart of Soweto. Great music, inspirational harmonies, fabulous dance, unique African a capella. Unmissable. 

Theatre

David Leddy's 'Untitled Love Story'
August 5 - 29, £10.00 - £17.00
Multi award-winning 'site-specific genius' (Scotsman) and 'theatrical maverick' (List) presents serene, elegant, innovative meditation on Venice, love and loss. [Starring actress Adura Onashile] 

 

Dream Pill
August 4 - 28, £6.00 - £9.00
Meet Tunde and Bola, nine years old from Nigeria. Two girls sex-trafficked to London share with you their child's-eye view of the journey they have taken, the people they have encountered and their strange ways. 

Mad About the Boy
August 3 - 28, £6.00 - £10.00
Boy. Dad. Man. A lyrical tussle of will and minds. Written by Gbolahan Obisesan. 

'Master Harold' … and the Boys
August 6 - 9
South Africa, apartheid, a story of the coming of age of white teenager, Hally, who is torn between his father's opinions and the life-affirming lessons of his surrogate fathers, black waiters Sam and Willie. 

Rituals
August 4 - 15
Rituals, a musical and inspirational journey through community-driven healing processes following traumatic and violent experiences in Zimbabwe. This piece incorporates dances and songs, as done during the ritual ceremonies of many tribes during cleansing ceremonies. 

Zambezi Express
Cancelled
Award-winning tale of a boy from the back streets of Zimbabwe returns. Multi-layered African beats, a cappella vocals and wildly dynamic 20-strong company throwing heart and soul into a dizzyingly high-energy succession of jumping, jiving and acrobatic numbers. 

(All excerpts taken from the Fringe programme)

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I had the wonderful opportunity to experience a small slice of what's on offer over the past few days. I came with no expectations and I definitely hope to come back to more fully explore Fringe, one year soon!

Did I miss any? Did you see any shows? How were they?

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Image sources: Andi Osho, Soy de Cuba, Seckou Keita, Soweto Entsha, Dream Pill

Run the Sahara 2012

I've tried but I'm just not a runner. Lesson learned. That didn't stop me from getting excited about Run the Sahara 2012!

Organised by UK charity Sandblast Arts (see Western Sahara in the spotlight) – an arts and human rights organisation working with indigenous Saharawi people, Run the Sahara is an opportunity to participate in the Saharamarathon as well as to experience the lives and culture of the Saharawi who will be your hosts. If you're like me and you're more intrigued by the cultural adventure rather than the physical challenge, you can choose to do as little as walk 5km. If you're into running and extreme sports (you will be in the desert after all), you can run a half or full marathon. Either way, it's set to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for a great cause.

Asilia had the honour of working with Sandblast Arts to create promotional materials for next week's run. See more of what we made here. Look out for the launch party in London this October – more details available on the Sandblast Arts website.

Saluting the efforts to showcase another side to Africa

The following is a guest post from Andrew Mugoya of Asilia and Afriapps.

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Recent events in the UK (riots, looting, etc) have inevitably brought back the black vs white debate with some pundits implying that the disturbances were due to racial tensions. The fact that a significant number of the looters were white is being explained by some as 'The whites have become black" with the implication being that white people who act bad are merely under the influence of black culture and black people acting well are imitating white culture.

It is at times like these that we should be grateful for the many efforts to highlight and celebrate the numerous positives of African and black culture. And it is with this in mind that I salute Afri-love and the many other blogs like it. May your work continue to shine a light to a side of Africa that rarely gets the attention it deserves. 

Thank you Lulu. 

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Thanks Andrew! I would like to salute the following blogs and sites that are helping to stretch narrow perceptions when it comes to African and black culture:

Another Africa
Africa is a Country 
African Digital Art 
AfriPOP!
Afroklectic
Afrolicious
Annansi Chronicles
Dunia ni Duara
I am the Nu Black
Kate Bomz
MsAfropolitan
MyWeku
Out and About Africa
Pop'Africana
That African Girl
Timbuktu Chronicles

What other great sites do you know of?