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Gida Live & San Mei Gallery present 'An Evening with Eshe Escoffery'

27 Novembre 2018 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #event, #music, #artist, #2018, #esheescoffery, #ENG, #uk

Gida Live & San Mei Gallery present 'An Evening with Eshe Escoffery'

On 8th December 2018, Gida Live & San Mei Gallery team up to present 'An Evening with Eshe Escoffery' with your host Eon Irvin of Crackers Radio.

You'll find out more about Eshe Escoffery musical journey from life with the talented family group The Escofferys to the release of the debut solo Nu Kosmic Soul EP "Live Life Be Here". A pianist will accompany the live performance.

Once you've got to know about Eshe, Eon Irving will get you Toe Tappin' and Hip Shakin' to those tunes that make you wanna move.

There's a complimentary drink on arrival and NuDawn will be selling with their amazing Rotis

To book, click link below

Gida Live !! & San Mei Gallery present An Evening With Eshe Escoffery

Tonight we enjoy a relaxed Q & A session with Eshe Escoffery and Eon Irvin (Crackers Radio) We'll find out more about her musical journey from life with the talented family group The Escofferys to ...

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gida-live-san-mei-gallery-present-an-evening-with-eshe-escoffery-tickets-51434660454

Phenomenal Richard Bona at the Jazz Cafe London, Tour 2018

23 Novembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #carosika, #interview, #artist, #music, #afroculture, #2018, #richardbona, #ENG, #cameroun

Photo Credit: Giuliano Eboulia

What a fabulous experience seeing and listening to Richard Bona and his Live Band’s performance in the intimacy of the iconic London Jazz Cafe this week and no we didn’t want it stop although he tried hard (for almost 30mns passed his set time) to put us to sleep in the most creative way ever….

Photo Credit: Giuliano Eboulia

Richard Bona is just an incredible and charismatic being, a substantial artist and a huge musical reference in « mankind » register. Not only is his voice smooth, surreal and unique, his music ecclectic and sophisticated, he just connects with any « nation and tribe » on earth !!! We all shared in this remarkable moment of musical genius as Richard connected with the audience representing different countries and started speaking and singing in Italian, « Hungarian », Hindi or Marathi perhaps as he referred to his fans in Mumbai, to name just a few, and even Japanese !!! Yes, while holding a professorship of Jazz music at New York University, Richard Bona spent 4 years learning Japanese (for free !!! as he boasted on stage). We all laughed at his facial expressions as he recalled the astonishement of Japanese tourists on NY tube as he directed them in their native language….. A black man speaking ……………. !!! Anyhow you got it !!!

Photo Credit: Giuliano Eboulia

And the songs he performed that night are just a display of his artistic prowess !! such as Kalabancoro released in 2003 with great groove and tunes, keys and brilliant shifts in sound perspective ; New Bell released in 1999 which alternates between African polyrhythms and bits of jazzy swing, it also encapsulates the depth of the artist as he tells the story, in his native Cameroonian language Douala, of a man falsely imprisoned for 15 years in the Cameroonian prison called New Bell. It has to be said, Richard Bona’s grandfather was a ‘griot’ (West African StoryTeller to keep it simple).

Richard also performed the song « Please don’t stop » birthed from his collaboration with John Legend released in 2005 on his fourth solo album Tiki, which was nominated for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 49th Grammy Awards, as well as the song Muntula Moto from his latest album Heritage that he released in 2016 under Quincy Jones’ Qwest Label. The title of the song actually means « the benediction of a long life » which talks of the wisdom of old age.

It was a delightful moment !! The cultural and artistic contribution of a great Son of Africa to music and mankind. Sticking to his roots and yet transcending them to a universal musical expression !! Our legacy !!

Thank you Richard Bona and to you all, make sure to check out when this amazing artist comes to your hometown.

See tour dates and locations below, more to come in 2019 !!

Shows - Richard Bona

http://www.richard-bona.com/shows/

Richard Bona and his Live Band at the Jazz Cafe London Tour 2018 - Photo Credit: Giulano Eboulia

Richard Bona and his Live Band at the Jazz Cafe London Tour 2018 - Photo Credit: Giulano Eboulia

Richard Bona Tour 2018

HEIR BORN LEGACY - Liberated Spirits Expressing through Music!!

23 Novembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #music, #event, #artist, #ENG, #uk

What is Heir Born Legacy?

Heir Born Legacy is a collection of independent musicians and a music manager that have taken their careers into their own hands. The title 'Heir Born Legacy' derives from their emphatic belief that successful, fulfilling careers in music is their legacy and their destinies so THEY are responsible for making it happen.

The concept came about from the harsh realisation that having and making great music is NOT enough. The social media age, in which we now live, dictate that artists must have a big fan and followers base to succeed and in order to do so ARTISTS MUST have the "Make It Happen" Factor. This new innovative concept would proactively support their vision. It would also contribute to develop both the artists' fan base and notoriety required to make a healthy living from music and tour worldwide.

The founding members are:

K9 - Rapper/Producer who has been actively involved in music creation for over 10 years, producing for various artists while slipping in his own projects, now getting ready to release his highly anticipated second entitled 'Blak n Forth'. K9 is described by industry experts as authentic, head-nod, lyrically informative, conscious, thought-provoking, musically captivating hip hop with a prominent Reggae influence.

S.Rise is a singer and songwriter from Guadeloupe. His stage name is a reflection of his conscious lyricism and lifestyle. S.Rise writes from his life experiences and blessings. He wrote one of his most popular song "Most High" on the dreamland riddim alongside legendary artists including Capleton, Sizzla and Frankie Paul. In December 2017, S.RISE Brought some firing performance at the biggest reggae festival in Gambia ,"GAMBI FEST" where he shared the stage with artists like "I wayne " and "Gage ".

In 2018, S.RISE opened up for Kalash sold out show in London followed by an amazing show in Guadeloupe where he shared the stage with Etana. Consequently, on 8th December 2018, he will be returning to Guadeloupe to support some of the greatest bashment artists such as MOVADO/KALASH/ASA BANTON at LIV'my MUSIC event.

Union Blak - Union Blak are an international Hip Hop group residing in the UK. Sir Williams, the producer, is from Birmingham, England. Kimba the emcee is from Trenton, NJ & Kentucky in the USA. They met in 2008 via myspace & quickly developed a strong chemistry. Classic hip hop was the result. To date they have two albums Street English & Union Blak Friday. Both were well received & supported by Chuck D, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, Pos Da Nous of De La Soul, & Lauren Laverne of BBC Radio 6.

RED is an ambitious young woman who has a global vision, passion for the arts and uncompromising work ethic. In 2015, she launched her company, RED ENTERTAINMENT. Starting her own operation was a great way to break into music management and helped her in gaining some real experience. She took over the management of S.RISE in 2016 AND K9 in 2018. RED's management expertise brought S.RISE and K9 international opportunities, greater independence and performances at One Love Festival – the #1 UK festival in celebration of all things reggae and dub and Gambi Fest - The biggest reggae festival in The Gambia.

So if you would like to find out more, make sure to attend their 1st event @Mau Mau in London on Saturday 1st December 2018. Tickets are £5 on the door. Stay connected and follow them on their social media pages @heirbornlegacy for more events.

The best sound of authentic British Soul on stage at Boisdale !

21 Novembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #carosika, #artist, #music, #event, #ujamaa, #afroculture, #2018, #thebritishcollective, #ENG, #uk

Photo Credit: Snazmusic

Yesterday was the launch of the British Collective’s five-day performance at the lively and chic music venue Boisdale in Canary Wharf, London with a live band : keys, bassist, guitarist, drums and vocalists.

Thanks to these four amazingly talented performers, from the get-go, we travelled back to some of the most iconic British soul anthems such as « Family » by Noel Mckoy, « Unbreakable » by Don-E, « There’s nothing like this » by Omar and « Mama used to say » by Junior, to the authentic sound of British Soul music spanning over 30 years, a real treat.

These four artists who are true legends of British Soul Music have sold millions of records worldwide and won many notable industry awards. Individually, they are hugely successful artists but together as the British Collective, you have a dutch pot of different vibes. It’s an incredible fusion of Caribbean and English influenced RnB.

The British Collective released the 1st volume of their album: The Renaissance Begins in 2016, a mix of RB & Soul and their set last night included many of its songs, such as « Romantic » and a « Piece of Heaven » which are pop orientated and the 1st and 2^nd singles released . Shooting the 1st single big video in Crystal Palace actually led on to this artistic collaboration, where the 4 musicians would commit to compose and do the vocals of two songs each to produce an album. Hence, the next songs performed on stage, such as « Take your time », was written by Noel McKoy. It is a Lovers Rock reminiscing the music scene they all experienced in the 80s and 90s including reggae sounds. Remember that the core members of the group all have Jamaican parentage and their West Indian musical heritage influences the sound of their RnB. Their style could be summed up as « the heartbeat of Reggae expressed in soul ». Other album’s tracks such as « That’s why ! » written by Don E and his brother for Omar has got a latin swing to it.

Video of 1st single Romantic of the British Collective Album

As the concert drew to a close, the icing on the cake was the Live performance of their soon to be released New Single « So ready », a Slow Jam that will melt the hearts of most ladies out there.

In other words, make sure you attend one of the Live Performance of the British Collective at Boisdale this week. They will be performing every night until Friday 23rd November !!! Not to be missed !!

For more info on the British Collective and to book your tickets, click the link below:

The British Collective Icons of British Soul Music

The British Collective 19th - 23rd Nov WINDOW & STANDARD TICKETS INCLUDE A DELICIOUS 2-COURSE MENU (EXCLUDING LOUNGE TICKETS) PLEASE SEE 2-COURSE MENU HERE VIP, PREMIUM & SPECIAL OFFER ...

https://www1.boisdale.co.uk/MusicDetails/tabid/111/rvdsfpid/the-british-collective-3795/Default.aspx

Noel McKoy on the left, Junior and Noel, Omar on the right, photo credit: Snazmusic

Noel McKoy on the left, Junior and Noel, Omar on the right, photo credit: Snazmusic

Caro Sika with the British Collective, photo credit: Snazmusic

Meet Elsa interviewing kidpreneurs Kemi and Kiisha, CEOs of KishemWorld

30 Octobre 2018 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #afroculturekidz, #business, #interview, #kids, #kishem, #afroculture, #2018, #ENG, #uk

Elsa, AfrocultureKidz and Kemi and Kiisha, Kishem

Check out Elsa's interview with girlskidpreneurs Kemi and Kiisha, owner of Kishem brand. Suscribe to our tube channel AfroCultureKidz to see our next videos.

For more info on Kishem and Afroculturekidz, see links below:

kishem

https://www.kishem.com/

Afro Culture Kidz

https://afroculturekidz.com/

Meet Omari McQueen, 10 year old CEO of Dipalicious

27 Octobre 2018 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #business, #afroculturekidz, #interview, #kids, #omarimcqueen, #ENG, #uk

Omari McQueen, 10 year old CEO of Dipalicious

Budding business mogul Omari McQueen is set to impress foodies with his new vegan dip business, Dipalicious. At just ten years old, Omari is already the proud owner not only of his own food company, but a YouTube channel, 'The Mari Maker Show', where he enthuses about homemade vegan dishes and shows fans at home how to recreate them in style.

As one of six children, he learned how to cook very quickly from watching his mum and dad prepare large meals daily, and it wasn't long before he was rustling up his own culinary creations for family and friends, inspired by his Jamaican background and his love of great flavours! While making a vegan pizza, Omari decided to create a dip to accompany it – and the idea for Dipalicious was born.

Overcoming his natural shyness whena he's in the kitchen, Omari has always loved to cook, and creates all the dips he sells himself, before sharing them with the world via the Dipalicious website. As well as being tasty and nutritious, each dip is also 100% vegan approved, ensuring a healthy and ethical way to eat, all while supporting a new business venture from one of the UK's brightest young entrepreneurial talents.

The brand officially launched in 2017 when Omari was only eight, and the delicious flavours on offer currently include Caribbean Kick, Sweet Tooth and Coco Curry– each winning glowing reviews. Dipalicious is going from strength to strength as Omari experiments with new flavours to create vegan dips sure to suit even the most discerning palette.

"I want to create food which everyone can enjoy," says Omari. "That's what great food is all about, to me – it's a way to bring people closer together, and that's what I hope to do with Dipalicious."

When he's not building his brand, Omari enjoys spending time at home with his family and loves to dance along to his musical hero Michael Jackson.

Find out more about the brand and try the dips for yourself at the official website www.dipalicious.co.uk - Instagram @dipaliciousdips - twitter@omarimcqueen - Facebook @dipalicious

Vegan Dips | Dipalicious

At Dipalicious we sell a range of Vegan dips with the aim to provide healthy snack food to everyone no matter their dietary needs.

https://www.dipalicious.co.uk/

Omari McQueen, 10 year old CEO of Dipalicious

ADX 2018 WORKSHOPS THIS WEEKEND AT MORLEY COLLEGE STOCKWELL

28 Septembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #dance, #carosika, #afroculture, #2018, #ENG, #uk

ADX 2018 Performers at Morley College on Friday 28th September 2018

Feel the Rhythm Productions

Feel the rhythm productions - Non-Profit Organisation Feel the Rhythm productions promotes African and African inspired dance by organizing workshops in London with talented dancers.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/feel-the-rhythm-productions-4440192289

Book your tickets for this weekend's workshops

ADX2018 SHOWCASE MORLEY COLLEGE

It was a brilliant stage performance showcasing newer local talents and established teachers, masters and choreographers, boasting a variety of African inspired music and genres.

We also discovered the Congolese Band Soukous Koumbele who performed during the film tribute to dancer Lolita Badindamana, who was a popular Congolese artist, dancer, musician who passed away this year and Carolyn Lilly's friend, the funder of ADX. Playing a number of instruments such as the Conga, they got everyone off their seats.

Soukous Koumbele

Out of a number of choreographers and dancers, we spoke to Noire on the night, who choreographed a piece interpreted by 3 dancers "the Market Place" to credit African women who tirelessly sell their goods at the market to feed their families.

Adriano Oliviera from Bahia teaches Afro Fusion which is a blend of Brazilian and West African Contemporary Dance with dynamic movements, connecting energies with less focus on techniques as understood in classical terms.

Demba, namely Dembis Thioung, a professional percussionist who plays a number of traditional instruments such as the dundun, accompanied "Les Femmes Africaines"

Noire on the left, Adriano in the middle and Demba on the left

Noire on the left, Adriano in the middle and Demba on the left

We also spoke to Ajani who prepared a free style of mix contemporary styles and Homebros who choreographed solo a piece called "Feeling First" and specialises in Afro Dance such As Azonto and Afro House.

Watch out for these talented artists and be sure to meet them in person this weekend!!!!

Ajan on the left and Homebros on the right

Caroly Lilly, founder of ADX and Feel the Rhythm Production

Angolan filmmaker Dom Pedro showcases African Cultures

22 Septembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #carosika, #cinema, #afroculture, #2018, #tangonegro, #dompedro, #dance, #music, #ENG

Photo Credit: Tempo Tango

Dom Pedro chose filmmaking to spread the history of our African cultures across the world, especially the history of the kingdom of Kongo.

Originally from Angola, Dom Pedro would escape Angola as a teenager due to cilvil war, leaving his parents behind. Nevertheless, his native land would remain at the centre of his inspiration and creativity, as well as memories of the motherland. Consequently, his love for his culture prompted him to share it with the rest of the world. In fact, he sees it as his life's mission to see African Cultures take their rightful place on the world's stage and to tell the untold story of the motherland so that humanity has a 360° degrees knowledge and vision of itself, Africa being the craddle of mankind.

In one of his most recent and famous documentary "Tango Negro, the African Roots of Tango" (2013), Dom Pedro captured on the screen the social and cultural impact that slavery had on African people and the environment they were forced in, having been snatched away from their homes, families, and natural habitat. We can feel their sadness, nostalgia and the tragedy so profoundly expressed in the musical and dance art form of Tango.

Juan Carlos Caceres, the late acclaimed Argentinian pianist who served as the film composer and passed away in 2015, would say in the film. "The tango is made up of three sadnesses, three memories," ... "The immigrants' sadness. The gaucho's sadness, people who lived in the country. And finally the Blacks' sadness, who didn't come here as immigrants, but who were brought here, leaving their lives in Africa."

Dom Pedro has produced a number of films and documentaries as listed below. He currently is working on a production centered around the Kingdom of Kongo.

- Ray Lema,1997,Tout Partout Partager, 1997. Doc. Musical (RDcongo)
- Bonga, au nom de la liberté.2000. (Angola). Documentary- Portrait. Musique.
- PACO, 2002. Film de fiction. Séléction FESPACO-Burkina Faso. (Angola).
- Barani, Histoire d'une tradition, Documentaire de Pierre Yaméogo. 2002 Assistant
- Le long chemin vers la Paix. 2002, (Angola). Documentaire sur la guerre.
- Kin-Malebo Danse. 2005. Musical Documentary (2x 52mns)
- Congo: Rythmes et Rumba congolaise. 2006. Musical Documentary
- Michelino, Star de la rumba. 2006. Doc. Portrait d'un artiste-guitariste.
- Pépé Felly, l'âme de Zaïko Langa Langa. Musical documentary. 2006
- Rido Bayonne - BORN IN AFRICA. Artiste du Congo-Brazzaville.Doc. 2007.

ArtMattan Films presents:

Tango Negro: The African Roots of Tango - documentary set in France, Argentina and Uruguay about the African origin of the Tango

https://www.tangonegrofilm.com/

To buy your own copy of the DVD "Tango Negro"

Caro Sika with filmmaker Dom Pedro

AFWL AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2018

2 Septembre 2018 , Rédigé par Caro Sika Publié dans #carosika, #fashion week, #fashion, #interview, #AFWL, #ENG, #uk

Graphik Vision | Portofolio - London Africa Fashion Week 2018

https://graphikvision.myportfolio.com/london-africa-fashion-week-2018

AFWL 2018 Catwalk Pics by

Representing Afro Culture at AFWL London 2018 on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th August 2018 at Freemason's Hall was a real treat. Afro Culture's mission is to showcase and connect diasporic talents and this Fashion Show is all about promoting African and African-inspired design talent. Since its launch in 2011, AFWL has already showcased over 800 emerging designers and exhibitors from all over Africa, Europe and the Americas.

We partnered with Graphik Vision to capture the feel of the day, as well as amazing designs and concepts ( See above youtube link).

I particularly enjoyed seeing some African Royals, such as Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata of Kasai Kingdom of Democratic Republic of Congo, participating and contributing to the event.

We love to see proud Africans boosting their economy and talents.

See picture below and link for more info on AFWL.

Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata in the middle wearing her royal diadem

About AFWL

Founded in 2011 by Ronke Ademiluyi, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is Europe's largest fashion event promoting and nurturing African and African-inspired design talent.

With a collaborative catwalk, exhibition and business development program, AFWL has led the way in highlighting Africa’s emerging designers and apparel industry and has been at the forefront of bringing awareness of Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry to the international market.

Since 2011, AFWL has hosted 8 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by 3rd parties such as The Mayor of London’s Black History Month celebrations.

We have also showcased over 800 emerging designers & exhibitors, from Africa, Europe and America, to almost 70,000 visitors including buyers, retailers, influential industry professionals, and the media and is now a highlight on the annual fashion calendar.

Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London

AFWL Team

AFWL, the leading African fashion event across the globe is back for the season 8! Experience the catwalk shows, meet industry experts and shop from never seen before collections.

https://www.africafashionweeklondon.com/about/

Caro Sika at AFWL LONDON 2018

CHANTAL LOIAL - DIFE KAKO AT BATUKE 2018

25 Août 2018 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #dance, #festival, #carosika, #music, #artist, #chantalloial, #awilolongomba, #ENG, #uk

Team Dife Kako @ Batuke 2018 LONDON

Chantal Loial, founder and director of the dance company Dife Kako, has arrived in London today with 3 dancers who joined her this year from Strasbourg, Guadeloupe and Paris to attend Batuke Festival and Notting Hill Carnival 2018.

On Saturday 25th August, we had the pleasure to see her make a special appearance at the Music Soukous Festival with longtime friend AWILO LONGOMBA.

Chantal Loial performing with AWILO LONGOMBA at Music Soukous Festival, RichMix

For a full bio about Chantal Loial, check out the link below:

Chantal Loial and Dife Kako @ BATUKE! Festival 2018

Chantal Loial will be teaching Soukous and Afro @ BATUKE! Festival 2018 + participate in Notting Hill Carnival

https://www.batukefestival.com/chantalloial-theartist-kizomba

Chantal Loial will be teaching tomorrow, Sunday 26th August 2018, at 1.30pm at Rich Mix, running an Afro & Soukous Bootcamp. For more info and to book your pass, click link below:

BATUKE! Afro-Luso Festival | Kizomba | London |

Kizomba UK Ltd. produces BATUKE! Festival in London, an Afro Luso immersion where participants can learn, improve or perfect dance forms such as Kizomba & Semba in London.

https://www.batukefestival.com/

Team Dife Kako with Caro Sika