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Provoking and non-conformist, Serge Aimé Coulibaly is transporting us in a world  where Fela Kuti, the revolutionary icon that inspired the piece Kalakuta Republik, is displayed in 3D through his musical greatness, his murky and superstitious genius, his enduring creativity pushing off boundaries and his unwavering defiance. Kalakuta Republik offers no escape to facing the crude realities of revolutionary acts : the sublime and the chaos.

Part 1 " Without a story we would go mad"  peaks away from codes, from what is predictable into continuous individual movements that take us into a disjointed trance. The dancers are dressed in black and white as if presenting a manichaean view and isolated experience of the world. Yet Serge Coulibaly through his appearances on stage becomes a conductor who connects with the dancers.

In Part 2 « You always need a poet », we are firstly confronted with moral decadence and the absurd. Sexual depravity, drugs, madness punctuate the sounds of jazz-infused Afrobeat. One dancer is hurt, heavyloaded while  others are intoxicated, used, hurt, abused.  The colours remind us of Fela Kuti’s Shrine which was both a temple and a night club. Yet, the poignant and enduring message of hope and political resistance clearly resonates throughout the piece.

The dancers keep on marching, clenched-fists in the air. And the fight goes on !!!

Kalakuta Republik will show one more night at the Barbican on 1st June and at the Edinburgh International Festival from 8th to 11th August 2019. See links below to book your tickets now.

How impressive!!! Ten men of African and Caribbean descent, embark on a 3 day bike ride London to Paris, led by Captain Adisa Stephen-Ezeocha, with the participation of Tokunbo Ajasa-Oluwa and Pablo Reid who are the co- founding members of Origin and 7 Origin facilitators and volunteers, departing from London in the early hours of the morning on Friday 31st May to reach Paris on Sunday morning.
 

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In addition to fundraising for the program « Origin », they will also pay tribute to the late American professional cyclist Martial Walter know as « Major » Taylor, who won the sprint event at the 1899 world track championships to become the first African American to achieve the level of cycling world champion and the second black athlete to win a world championship in any sport. He raced in the U.S., Europe and Australasia between 1901 and 1904, beating the world's best riders and competed several times in the « Parc des Princes », Paris. Taylor fought racial prejudice he encountered on and off the track and became a pioneering role model for other athletes facing racial discrimination.

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« When the idea of London to Paris on a bike first came-up, I remember thinking... “damn crazy” but what I actually said was “...how about Brighton?” shared Pablo Reid on his Facebook account. Pablo Reid has got many « strings to his bow » and an impressive resume as the founder of British Cultural Archives in Brixton and as co-founder of the project Origin for which the bike ride aims to raise £6,000 and, to this day, has already exceeded its target.

But as Pablo explains « The whole cycling initiative started to become much more than a fundraiser […..] I started to see an opportunity to journey with the ORIGIN men, through a seriously challenging ordeal. Then I saw the question of ‘talking the talk’ or ‘walking the walk’? You know, we often say that we want young people to broaden their horizons and to come out of their comfort zones but how often do we demonstrate this in our own lives? »

And these men have consistently aimed to be a source of inspiration and strength to the younger generation through the Origin Project which came into being in 1999. Last year, for instance, they also succeeded in raising £13,000 against the initial target of £6,000 as they fought in « a white collar boxing » competition for which they trained for 6 months, all for the benefit of the many young men’s lives they are empowering through Origin, a Pan-Afrikan « Rites of Passage » program to take young African and Caribbean boys from childhood into manhood.

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As these courageous and connected men engage with the young people as mentors, older brothers, fathers, they create an ecosystem involving parents and communities. The program is holistic and aim to create a nurturing, stimulating and safe environnement where both children and parents feel supported through life challenges. Origin promotes African ancestry and heritage consciousness, identity formation and community belonging. Origin doesn’t want to plug into the whole « Black youth in deficit » narrative but encourages both youth and parents to embrace personal development, explore themselves, their aspirations, lives and roles.

To play your part and support Origin now, click the link below:

To follow their progress and itinerary, suscribe to their blog.

Two years ago, the Pan-African activist Kemi Seba, president of the NGO "Urgences Panafricanistes" launched an International Day to showcase and promote African production. See video below  (French only)

Kemi Seba is now at the initiative of the First Panafican Centre "CENTRE PANAF" to open its doors in Cotonou, Benin on Saturday 25th May 2019.

In a release on his Facebook Page, Kemi Seba expresses his joy : " I have the honour to announce to you that on 25th may 2019, the official opening of PANAF CENTRE will take place. It will be the 1st African PRODUCTION CENTRE to promote and sell local and continental products in COTONOU.

Several tens of thousands of euros were invested in this commerical space of 430m2 aiming to sell exclusively African and Afro Diasporic products, comprising of a supermarket 100% African, a RESTAURANT 100% African, a fashion BOUTIQUE 100% African (not to mention other boutiques that will open in the coming months).

It will showcase local producers, creators, patriotic entrepreneurs who are discriminated against for the benefit of foreign companies "We seek to demonstrate that entrepreunariat does not systematically rhyme with blind capitalism. On the contrary, our centre will operate within and be based upon cooperative economics".

See some photos of the centre below.

For more info about Panaf Centre: 229 97 16 6583

Several tens of thousands of euros were invested in this commerical space of 430m2 aiming to sell exclusively African and Afro Diasporic products, comprising of a supermarket 100% African, a RESTAURANT 100% African, a fashion BOUTIQUE 100% African (not to mention other boutiques that will open in the coming months).

It will showcase local producers, creators, patriotic entrepreneurs who are discriminated against for the benefit of foreign companies "We seek to demonstrate that entrepreunariat does not systematically rhyme with blind capitalism. On the contrary, our centre will operate within and be based upon cooperative economics".

See some photos of the centre below.

For more info about Panaf Centre: 229 97 16 6583

THE ANNUAL BLACK MAGIC AWARDS HOSTS ITS FIRST EVER MEN’S EDITION THIS JUNE AT THE CRITERION THEATRE, LONDON 

Returning to London’s The Criterion Theatre on Monday 10th June (2019), The Black Magic Awards will look to celebrate and honour the brilliant accomplishments of inspirational black men from across TV, Film, Music, Comedy, Fashion and the Community.  

Founded in 2017 by Comedian, Actor and Film Producer Kojo Anim and Editor and Entrepreneur Annika Allen, the Black Magic Awards is dedicated to recognising the epitome of black excellence. Honourees already announced include; US and UK Film and TV Actor Aml Ameen ( Acting Honour), award-winning Actor and Director Noel Clarke ( Film Honour) accomplished Rapper, Author and Political Activist Akala ( Influence Honour) Brit and Mobo-winner Stormzy ( Inspiration Honour), BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ and Presenter, Trevor Nelson MBE ( Radio Honour), Comedian and Actor Richard Blackwood ( Comedy Honour), Anti-knife Crime Activist Amani Simpson ( Community Champion) and more will be awarded on the night. 

This year's ceremony will be hosted by Kojo Anim, and will include musical performances, guest features, as well as a special commemoration to rapper Cadet (Letter to Krept, Advice) and TV and Film Director Victor Adebodun (The Intent, Venus vs Mars). Following the success of the past two years with the women’s Black Magic Awards, which saw the likes of Emeli Sande, Angellica Bell, Munroe Bergdorf, Angela Griffin, Vanessa Kingori MBE, Gina Yashere, Angie Le Mar and Yolanda Brown turn up  to collect their honours, this year marks the inaugural men’s edition which is set to become an annual awards ceremony. 

“We are at a time where so many people continue to push negative stories about young black boys and men, but not many are sharing the stories about the magic that has come and continues to come from them; says Kojo Anim, co-founder of The Black Magic Network This is what we’re doing, reminding everyone of how boys from underprivileged communities grew into men who refused to lose with the cards they were dealt. It’s time to celebrate their magic.” 

Annika Allen, co-founder of The Black Magic Network also adds: “This is our third year of the Black Magic Awards and to introduce the men’s honourees feels really special. Come June, we look to recognise some phenomenal men who have broken the mould within their careers and are a shining example within their respective industries. We are excited and humbled to host an evening with so much black excellence under one roof!” 

 The Black Magic Awards show is organised by The Black Magic Network and provides honours to black men and women from across numerous industries that have paved the way and celebrates their illustrious talents yearly. 

Tickets are now available to purchase (see link below)

 www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/the-black-magic-awards  

AWARD CATEGORIES:    

Acting Honour – Aml Ameen (TV & Film Actor)  

Radio Honour – Trevor Nelson MBE (Radio 2 and BBC 1Xtra DJ)

Television Honour - Ortis Deley (Presenter)

Film Honour – Noel Clarke (Actor, Writer, Producer & Director)

Music Honour – Lethal Bizzle (Rapper and Grime MC)

Inspiration Honour - Stormzy (Musician & Rapper)

Comedy Honour – Richard Blackwood (Comedian & Actor)

Brand Honour – Trapstar  (Lee and Mikey Trapstar)

Influence Honour - Akala (Hip Hop Artist, Writer and Social Commentator)

Legend Honour – Megaman (Founder of So Solid Crew, Rapper & Producer)  

Impact Honour – Colin Batsa (Co-founder of EGA Music Group & Music A&R)

Community Champions –

• Action Jackson (Motivational Speaker),
• Michael Pusey MBE a.k.a CK Flash (DJ, Youth Worker & Founder of Peckham BMX Club),
• Brixton Soup Kitchen (Brixton based service for homeless people)
• Amani Simpson (Anti-knife Crime Activist & Youth Leader)  

Join the conversation and follow for more news and updates on: Facebook @theblackmagicnetwork Twitter @theblackmagicnw Instagram @theblackmagicnetwork #BlackMagicAwards2019 

ABOUT THE BLACK MAGIC NETWORK

The Black Magic Network is a black lifestyle and entertainment network that provides a platform to showcase positive stories about diverse groups like no one else can. Entertaining, authoritative and insightful, we produce and feature exciting and arresting TV, film and written content that highlights life experiences, passions and culture. We empower and inspire. We listen and advise. We engage and promote debate.  
 

What an inspiring launch night listening to renowned international speakers sharing their passion and endorsing the YBBA's initiative to celebrate, reward and financially invest in our upcoming generation of young black innovative, creative and fierceless entrepreneurs, both men and women alike.

Donna Wilson in charge of YBBA project management and Viv Ahmun in charge of the Strategic vision shared in turn how crucial it was to push a different narrative about young black people and young black people in business.

This project was created to ensure that our next generation of entrepreneurs, visionaries, city builders, leaders and creatives are firmly located in the driver's seat of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It intends to spark one million black led 21st century startups and they are on a mission to get as many organisations, givers and policy makers as possible involved with the project.

The nominations for 2019 are now open. For more info, please click on their website below!

After their electrifying performance on China's first afrobeat stage at the ISY music festival and their viral performance at Fuse ODG's T.I.N.A Festival in Ghana, Kwamz and Flava bring you their first project of 2019!! 

This latest release has been very much anticipated! With the pre released teaser clearly not enough for the Afrobeat lovers, the song comes at no dissapointment as a Kwamz production! The build up from the moment you press play til the beat drops leaves you unable to control the urge to do the Zanku or Shaku on the beat!!

With upcoming performances in Europe, USA and Canada, 2019 is looking very interesting for Kwamz & Flava.

"For years, it was impossible to get eyeballs on 'Babylon" unless you ponied up for a bootleg — Forde recalls seeing copies “that looked like they were recorded off of fuzzy TVs, going for $400 on eBay.”

But because of both the reggae-soundtrack connection and its revolutionary stance, folks still sought Babylon out wherever they could. After the film finally came out on DVD in England in 2009, a whole other generation caught up with it. Grime musicians started namechecking it; Dizzee Rascal’s “Can’t Tek No More,” which takes it name from part of the toast that Blue delivers during the movie’s climax, enlisted Forde himself to sing the hook rather than merely sampling it. And its gritty, street-level sense of reportage — the way it sometimes makes you forget that you’re not watching a work of fiction — hasn’t lost its sense of urgency. “No one was showing this world on British screens at that time,” Forde says. “No one.’" - Source: Rolling Stone

Read the full article below:

Singers from Aswad and Steel Pulse, namely Brinsley Forde and David Hinds, join forces on the first single of the upcoming Brinsley Forde album "The Tuff Gong Sessions".

The song takes us back to the experience of enslaved deported Africans and their search for identity. The generation that has been told the story and experienced the aftermath of the transatlantic tragedy seems to echo back to this young generation what took place centuries ago!!

Yet the story is still being told and so relevant - we are looking at a grey bearded rastafari man painting sea waves with people voyaging through in the presence of a child who could be his grandson!! And today Black Africans are still dying at sea every day and slavery is still happening as we speak - the alienation from their continent is still real - the children of Africa are still searching for a better tomorrow!!

Executive Producer: Ras Denco. Produced by Ras Denco and Marc Baronner. Mixed by Marc Baronner @ Bass Galore Productions (Leiden, NL).  Recorded @ Tuff Gong (Kingston, JM) and Mixing Lab (Kingston, JM), Brinsley Forde Studio (Tenerife, ESP), Coyote's Hideout (Belgrade, RS). Engineer @ Tuff Gong: Roland Mc Dermot. Video by Romain 'Sherkhan' Chiffre.

‘AMANI’ is a short inspirational film, starring Joivan Wade, Leroy Logan MBE and Duayne Boachie, based on the true inner reflections of Amani Simpson, producer and co-writer, after he was stabbed 7 times. This powerful autobiographical piece takes the the audience on a rollercoaster journey of faith and self-discovery. 

AMANI    SIMPSON  has    already    been    featured    on    BBC    London    News,    ITV    News,    London    Live    &    in    the    Evening    Standard.   After    battling    PTSD, he  has    rebuilt    his    life    through    social    enterprise    and    personal    development    over    the    last    7    years.    He    is    on    a    mission    to    EMPOWER    2    MILLION    YOUNG    PEOPLE    to    make    positive    choices    and    aspire    higher    before    it’s    too    late.    He    plans    to    take    the    film    and    empowerment    workshops    into    schools,    prisons,    YOS    and    PRU’s    from    March    2019.    

AMANI was released online on Sunday 13th January 2019 and reached over 1 million views in less than a month. 
 
What the press is saying:
   
 

As    well    as    raising    awareness    of    the    project,    Amani    &    Aviard   Inspires    are    also    seeking    public    donations    towards    their    £35K  GofundMe Campaign:    see link below

Other info

 Starring:    Joivan    Wade    (The    First    Purge,    Shiro’s    Story),    Leroy    Logan    MBE    (Former    Superintendent    of    the    Police)    &    Duayne    Boachie    (Hollyoaks)    
 
Directed    by:    Richard    Kattah    of    Little    Drops    Productions    (Timelin3,    To    The    Power    Of    Ten) 

We are delighted to partner with Moneymob for the 3rd consecutive year for our annual trip to Paris. This time is hugely exciting as Moneymob will launch its partnership with UBB (United Black Business) to start their crowd purchase movement in Paris and showcase Francophone businesses.

In order to do so, we invite you to join us from Friday 13th September to Monday 16th September 2019 at an unbeatable price of £290 (flight + accommodation on the basis of two sharing).

PACKAGE (FLIGHT+ACCOMMODATION)

2019 WEEKENDER TO PARIS 4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS

from Friday 13th to Monday 16th September 2019

Departure : London Gatwick - Arrival : Paris Charles de Gaulle

• You will be leaving Friday daytime from London Gatwick and returning Monday from Paris Charles de Gaulle (exact flight times will be confirmed early July). The journey lasts 45mns. Your tickets will be available electronically 1 week before departure.

FREE LUGGAGE:  You are allowed 1 piece of cabin luggage.

• You will be staying in hotel rooms or self-contained apartment (2 people sharing) near Paris City Centre with an LCD television, a private bathroom and FREE WIFI. Linen and towels are provided. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN PARIS:  You can purchase a travelcard Zone 1 to 3 from us for the duration of your stay as an extra fee.

• If you would like to hire a car during your stay, we recommend « Rent a car ». Please contact us for more details or visit https://www.enterprise.fr/en/home.htmML

FEE AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

For more info or to make a booking, email us at info@afroculture.co.uk

MONEYMOB WEEKENDER PROGRAMME

We will produce an itinerary in August with "à la carte activities" of restaurants and places to see in Paris during your stay. We will also organise with a Parisian Tour Guide an historical tour of Black Paris, which can be booked for an extra fee, as well as meals in a number of Afro-Caribbean restaurants.