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Paulette Simpson, one of the most influential Jamaican executive in the UK

21 Mai 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #paulettesimpson, #blacklegacy, #moneymob, #paulmuhammad, #ENG, #uk, #jamaica

Photo source: web

Paulette Simpson is an extremely influental Jamaican lady who wears many hats. She is well known as the Executive Director of the Voice Newspaper (subsidiary of the JN Group), a Black-owned newspaper that has served the Black British community for over 35 years but not only. Paulette Simpson is also the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Corporate of Affairs of JN Bank Limited in the United Kingdom, Britain's first Caribbean-owned bank and the Deputy Chair of both the Windrush Advisory Panel and the Windrush Commemoration Committee.

Born in England, her grandmother thought best for her granddaughter, Paulette, to be raised in Jamaica and so she returned there as a child. Paulette Simpson attended primary school in both Mizpah and Christiana, before moving on to Manchester High School. As an undergraduate, she returned to the UK and studied at the University of Stirling in Scotland, where she earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in Business Studies (Finance and Marketing). She also later completed a MBA at the University of Westminster. Professionally, she began working at PriceWaterhouse, for a few years, in various positions. She was then recruited by the National Commercial Bank to establish and manage its London office. When the ownership changed in 2002, she was immediately snatched by, what was then, the Jamaica National Building Society. Since, she has worked as Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at JN representative office in the UK and provides strategic management support for The Voice Newspaper.

Paulette Simpson is considered to be a major player in improving the lives of Jamaicans in the UK and Jamaica, bridging and maintaining Jamaica's connection with its Diaspora. She is very active in the community and assists various charities with their work.

She was recognised twice as one of Britain’s most influential people of African and African-Caribbean heritage in the annual UK Powerlist published by Powerful Media in 2018 and 2019.

Paulette Simpson is also deputy chair of the Windrush Advisory Panel and the Windrush Commemoration Committee in the United Kingdom. As such, she has been honoured for services to the Caribbean community in the UK by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and was conferred with the highest ranking order of Commander of the British Empire.

Click below to watch Paulette Simpson's interview conducted by Paul Muhammad, founder of the MoneyMob movement on the topic of "Supporting Black Businesses" in our Ujamaa series.

Fuse ODG, a Pan-African Artist and Philanthropist

19 Mai 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #fuseodg, #music, #artist, #ghana, #carosika, #ENG, #uk

Photo Source: Web

Fuse ODG, born Nana Richard Abiona on 2nd December 1988, is a Ghanian Afrobeats rapper, singer and songwriter born in Tooting, London. He is a two-time winner of the Best African Act at the MOBO Awards and came to international fame with his 2012 single 'Antenna'. Working with the likes of Wyclef Jean, Sean Paul and Ed Sheeran, FUSE ODG brought Afrobeats to the general public.

Fuse ODG was raised in Ghana and returned to South London to complete his secondary school. In 2011, a trip back to his homeland started off his musical career. He released a string of Afrobeats singles that melded old African highlife rhythms with western rap and R&B melodies and came to fame with his song 'Antenna' in 2012. His chosen stage name "Fuse" comes from his fusion of musical styles, as he is known for his unusual combination of genres such as Afro-pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk and rock, whilst "ODG" stands for 'Off Da Ground'.

At 30 years old, FUSE ODG released his second album, New Africa Nation, which encompassed a more ambitious project: building schools to enable children in rural areas in Ghana and Jamaica to access quality education. Besides, his movement TINA 'This is New Africa' (which is also the name of his first album) is all about changing how Africa is perceived internationally. His take is:

"If you are from Africa, your mission should be loving yourself and developing a love for where you are from."

Watch Antenna, FUSE ODG single, that shot him to fame.

Understandably, FUSE ODG has been instrumental in promoting 'the Year of Return', a 2019 initiative of the Ghanaian government, along with the U.S. based Adinkra Group, that is intended to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa (specifically Ghana) to settle and invest in the continent. In support of the year of Return Campaign, he launched Nana Dolls in December 2018, a black doll line for young African girls on the continent. In his announcement, the singer stated that the doll line was an important addition to the cultural representation of the true African girl. He went on to address the problem Africa is facing as Black dolls in Africa only represent 1% of the market. 99% of the toys being sold in Africa are white dolls which condition children to believe that being white is better. His contributions were recognised the same year at The African Diaspora Awards, which celebrates the accomplishments of exemplary individuals from the African Diaspora who excel in various spheres of life, as well as individuals in society working towards the advancement of Africans in the Diaspora and Africa as a whole.

FUSE ODG has now embarked on the new mission of building a high school in Akosombo, Ghana and refurbishing a secondary school in Jamaica with Reggae artist Chronixx, fitness entrepreneur Chakabars and artist Donisha (who also happens to be Bob Marley's granddaughter). Students will be equipped with various vocational skills to find work, upon graduation, in industries such as construction, or health and beauty for instance.

For more info, watch one of his latest interview below:

Our cultural mediator, Caro Sika, got a selfie snapshot with FUSE ODG at the latest Black Magic Awards.

Princess Ademiluyi Ronke, the founder of Africa Fashion Week

28 Avril 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #fashion, #blacklegacy, #ENG, #princessronke, #nigeria, #uk

Photo Credit: Allure Vanguard

Princess Ademiluyi Ronke is the great grand-daughter of the late Ooni Ajagun Ademiluyi, the King of the Ife Kingdom, now located in Osun State, Nigeria. She is the owner and founder of the award-winning fashion platform, Africa Fashion Week London and Nigeria. To date, the Fashion Week has gained global recognition and showcased over 1000 African and African inspired designers.

Princess Ademiluyi Ronke was born in England and is a Law Graduate from Thames Valley University in London. In 2011, she founded Africa Fashion Week London in order to promote African Fashion globally. This year marks 10 years of her showcasing African fashion designers in London. Her Africa Fashion Week London platform is the longest running festival in the UK and Europe that supports and promotes emerging African designers. Under her supervision, organizations like the KwaZulu Natal Fashion Council, The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, The Seychelles Creative Enterprise and The Trade & Investment South Africa have all used the AFWL platform to showcase creative talents from their various countries to the world.

In 2015, she launched Africa Fashion Week Nigeria to provide an African platform to emerging African designers on the continent and give them the opportunity to showcase their collections in Europe, through Africa Fashion Week London.

In 2016 she was made the global and cultural ambassador of the Legacy of the Iconic Queen Moremi. The late ‘Moremi Ajasoro’ is an historical figure of extraordinary dimensions in Ife, who saved her people and heritage from extinction.

Princess Ademiluyi Ronke uses the Queen Moremi Initiative to promote female leadership, mentorship and entrepreneurship programs for young women. She also campaigns against trafficking of young women in Nigeria.

We've had the opportunity to attend Africa Fashion Week London on two occasions. Click on the video below to watch our first experience of Africa Fashion Week London. A real feast for the senses!

Legendary Soul Singer Omar

21 Avril 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #music, #artist, #omar, #2021, #carosika, #interview, #ENG, #uk

Photo Source: Web

Omar Christopher Lye-Fook, known professionally as Omar, is an internationally acclaimed and exceptional soul singer, songwriter and musician, who has been praised by the likes of Maxwell, Erykah Badu and Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder actually wrote him a song which they recorded together as a duet 15 years later.

Omar was born on 14th October 1968 in London. His father, Byron Lye-Fook was a studio musician and drummer who worked with reggae legends Bob Marley and Horace Andy, as well as the Rolling Stones. At age five, Omar was already learning how to play the drums. During his school years, he completed formal training in piano, trumpet/coronet, and other percussion instruments. He also spent two years at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, and the Guildhall School of Music in London. Recording for his father's Kongo label, Omar debuted in 1985 with the single "Mr. Postman" at age 16. He shot to fame in 1991 with his single "There’s Nothing Like This". It reached number 14 in the UK Singles Chart.

In the 1990s, He recorded the albums There's Nothig Like This, Music, For Pleasure and This is Not a Love Song in and towards the end of that decade moved on to major-label RCA. When he parted ways with the label, Omar constructed his own studio and established the record label Blunt Music. He released Sing (If you want it) in 2006. Omar received the Best Neo-soul Act and Outstanding Achievement Awards at the Urban Music Awards, which acknowledges urban music artists around the globe. He was also appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2012. The next year, he released The Man and in 2017 Love In Beats on the Freestyle label, which took three years to make with the collaboration of his baby brother, known professionaly as Scratch Professor (aka Roland). Roland is a Grammy Winning producer, remixer and DJ.

Omar's voice is extra soulful and distinctive although he hated the sound of his voice when he first started performing. He is now described by some as the father of British Neo soul. However, Omar knows no musical boundaries.His influences are wide and varied, including ragga, hip-hop, funk, jazz-pop, rock, and Latin/Caribbean music.

More recently, before the pandemic, Omar was awarded the Music Honour at the Black Magic Awards 2019 at the Criterion Theatre in the heart of London.

Watch his interview and his word of advice for upcoming artists.

Beverley Knight - Powerful and Beautiful

20 Mars 2021 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #beverleyknight, #awards, #music, #artist, #interview, #carosika, #ENG, #uk

In this edition of 'Black Legacy', we will be presenting the charming and powerful singer, Beverley Knight.

Beverley Knight is an English recording artist and musical theatre actress who released her first album The B-Funk in 1995. Heavily influenced by American soul music icons such as Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin, Beverley Knight has released eight studio albums. Widely labelled as one of Britain's greatest soul singers, she is best known for her hit singles "Greatest Day", "Get Up", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Come as You Are".

After more than a decade in the music industry, she was appointed a MBE in 2006 in recognition of her contribution to British music. In September 2005, Knight was made an honorary Doctor of Music by the University of Wolverhampton. After receiving a host of awards, including three MOBO Awards Beverley Knight was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 at the Urban Music Award in London.Beverley Knight supported Prince during his residency at the O2 Arena and also performed at the concert after parties. As a result of this, she was flown to perform at his Oscars party in front of A-list stars and received a standing ovation from stars such as Quincy Jones.

In 2019, Knight celebrated 25 years in music with the release of the live album BK25.

Click on the video below to see Beverley Knight's interview by our cultural mediator Caro Sika at the Black Magic Awards Ceremony in London at the Criterion Theatre, as she received her Music Honour.

26 year old Tene Edwards monetised her passion of writing on Instagram

7 Février 2020 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #poetry, #author, #2020, #teneedwards, #ENG, #uk

For 26-Year-Old Tene Edwards, it all started on Instagram. “I was broken, my heart was aching, and I completely lost myself. I always used to be the girl who smiled regardless of what was happening in my life but after that heartbreak, I just didn’t know how to smile anymore. I remember when I was on my way home from seeing the guy who was really hurting me and my face must have looked so distressed because a stranger said to me “smile. You are beautiful you know. You should smile.” I think this played on my mind during my train journey home and I knew from that moment that I needed to find a way to pick myself up and I can’t remember how long after, but sometime after I began to journal and I found healing in my writing as I faced my emotions.

Tene then decided to share her words with the world and created an account on Instagram called quotepotion which helped her discover that there were many other people experiencing the same emotions as she was. “I built my organic following online using my phone by engaging with people who followed and commented on the inspirational posts of accounts that had larger audiences than mine, this drew them to checking out my page and some following. I did this for hours on end to begin with and found that people were really able to resonate with my words. I then started to search via hashtags that were relevant to my writings and engaged with people there. I also asked the larger accounts to repost my words, some did this for free while other accounts charged”.

“I self-published Walk With Wings to begin with as I wanted to give my readers something that they could hold and make their own. I also saw this as an opportunity to monetise my passion of writing and was very keen to do this after reading a ton of self-help books that consistently screamed “do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life”. I wrote the content out on Word and searched for an illustrator, editor and book designer to help me with the layout of the inside of the book on the copyright pages of other books that I liked. I then uploaded the documents onto CreateSpace (now KDP).

Tene contacted The Good Quote to ask if they could share some of her words on their account and before you know it, she was having a meeting with them in Joe & The Juice about Walk With Wings and the rest is history. Walk With Wings has reached the hands of thousands and thousands of people worldwide and Tene’s words have been shared by household names and celebrities including, Kandi Burruss, Wesley Snipes, Dascha Polanco and Khloe Kardashian.

“Social media is a powerful place; I practically built my brand on there. Anybody can. I think a lot of people are underutilising it, including myself to be honest when we should really be making the most out of it, being a free platform to advertise. I don’t think advertising can get an easier and cheaper than this.”

Continue reading for Tene's 4 steps to get you started on Social Media.

26 year old Tene Edwards monetised her passion of writing on Instagram

Here are her 4 steps to get you started on social media AND share your craft

Step 1: Create an account on Instagram

Step 2: Write a bio (be clear, concise and descriptive)

- What is the purpose of your account? Where can your audience contact you? Include a call to action. Why should they click on your link?

Step 3: Build your audience and direct people to your work

- Research the Hashtags relevant to your brand and engage with the accounts that are using the hashtag through liking their posts and commenting your thought on them. For example some of the hashtags I use to find people to engage with are #knowyourworth #thegoodquote #selflove you can even search competitors hashtags

- Research accounts that have bigger followings than you who repost other people's posts that are similar to yours and align with your brand. Reach out and ask them to repost your posts.

Step 4: Engage with your audience through polls and questions to find out what type of content they enjoy seeing and post more of it.

If you would like to know more and see Tene in person, you can meet her at the event below.

You can also connect with Tene Edwards via Instagram and follow her @teneedwards

Vision Board & Vegan Lunch

Eventbrite - Intuitively Improvised presents Vision Board & Vegan Lunch - Saturday, 22 February 2020 at SpaceAT61, London, England. Find event and ticket information.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vision-board-vegan-lunch-tickets-83470653973

FREE African Cultural and Artistic Market on Saturday 12 October from 12 to 4pm, Wood Green

30 Septembre 2019 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #event, #ujamaa, #2019, #blackhistory, #ENG, #uk

This is a FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY COMMUNITY EVENT to celebrate Black History Month that will take place on Saturday 12th October 2019 in Wood Green Library from 12 to 4pm.

The event will be opened by Haringey’s Mayor Cllr Sheila Peacock at 12noon. There will be an African Cultural and Artistic Market with vendors selling a range of items from original fashion pieces, accessories, jewellery, arts and crafts, books and natural products. There will also be drumming and drama workshops by All Eyes on Egypt and BAP face painting by NaaLa Lartey, an ACLT blood donor registration drive, charities and local community organisations holding stalls such as Haringey IAPT, Obaseki Solicitors, Manhood Academy whilst Reggae Britannia will be providing food.

Guest Speakers will be Patrick Vernon OBE and Danny Thompson who will both present on Black History Month.

This event is open to all. Let's come together to learn and celebrate Black History as well as networking with and discovering artists, artisans, charities and grassroot community organisations all working for the good of our communities.

For more info, see website below:

Black History Month

Would you like to provide any further comments about your visit today? Tell us about your experience of using the website below: What were you looking for / hoping to do on the website today?

https://www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/culture-and-entertainment/whats-haringey/black-history-month

Ba Khem Arts - a fusion of ancient traditions, contemporary society and future visioning

23 Août 2019 , Rédigé par Paul Reid Publié dans #art, #paul reid, #exhibition, #2019, #ENG, #bakhemarts, #uk

Visiting Gus of Ba Khem Arts this week in Shoreditch was a real highpoint for me. This talented young Brother really had me thinking. I arrived with no expectations really, just open I suppose to see what the Brother has going on but I left lifted and thinking how fortunate I was to catch this on the last day of his exhibition.

The style of work reminded me of the kind of art you’d see on the front of some iconic album covers from back in the day. A whole bunch of references came flooding back; all brought to life by the explanation from the artist, who fluently talked though each and every piece with a passion.

You could miss this work with a glance but pause for a moment and join the dots up and you’ll see there’s a lot going on here.

As Gus goes about the business of applying thought to canvas, I got an overwhelming sense that he’s channeling. The lived experiences of personal relationships finds a way to be heard through references to ancient traditions, contemporary society and future visioning. Every piece is conceptual with a suggestion of cultural download.

I was left thinking... Wow! what a wealth of potential and creativity in our community. We really must find ways for this to grow and prosper.

Review of Ba Khem Arts by Paul Reid

See a selection of Ba Khem Arts work below and his website!!

BKA WORLD

https://bkaworld.com

AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON 2019

25 Juin 2019 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #fashion week, #event, #ENG, #uk

This year, we will be back at Africa Fashion Week 2019 as a media partner for their 9th edition which will be taking place on the 9th & 10th of August.

This year's event is destined to mark a milestone in the history of Africa Fashion Week through the inclusion of several facets designed to enhance the event.

This exciting new structure will include:

THE BUSINESS FASHION TALK

They have created a Bluxe business 'forum', offering guidance and advice to aspiring designers, as they curate talks and panels from leading manufacturers, retailers and government officials and in all areas of fashion.

THE FASHION SHOWS

There will be a selection of 5 different shows taking place on both days with a focus on sustainability, eco fashion fashion and diversity, showcasing designers from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Belgium, Seychelles, Botswana and many more.

LUXURY BOUTIQUE

AFWL 2019 will include the Bluxe luxury market space, designed to showcase some of the leading and established brands within African fashion.

AFRICAN FOOD VILLAGE

This year will also see the inclusion of a food village, showcasing more than 4 African catering companies and brands with food from all over North, South, East and West Africa.

AFRICAN MARKET SOUK

Visitors will be transported into Africa with our African souk; the space promises to showcase new and aspiring African fashion designers and accessory companies housed in an authentic display of some Africa's most innovative designs.

CELEBRITY FASHION SHOW

AFWL 2019 will be hosting the first Bluxe celebrity fashion show in association with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund UK. They will have several celebrity attendance including Richard Blackwood, Moelogo, Shingai Noisettes, Atumpan and also Aaron Hall from the United States.

AFWL VIP AFTER PARTY

AFWL 2019 will also be hosting an exclusive after-party and live performances, with special guests and star studded line-up.

AFWL BEST DRESSED AWARDS

After each catwalk show, AFWL 2019 will be awarding a member of the audience a cash award for an Afro-centric look to the show.

For more info and to book your tickets, click on website below:

Africa Fashion Week London

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.africafashionweeklondonuk.com/

AFRO CULTURE AT AFWL 2019

Kalakuta Republik: A place where freedom lives on !!

1 Juin 2019 , Rédigé par www.afrocultureblog.com Publié dans #carosika, #art, #artist, #2019, #kalakutarepublik, #ENG, #burkinafaso, #uk

Part 1 "Without a story, we would go mad"

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.

Part 2 "You always need a poet"

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.

Kalakuta Republik | Barbican

Dizzying movement, revolutionary ideas and the sounds of jazz-infused Afrobeat recreate the Kalakuta Republik, Fela Kuti's communal compound in Lagos.

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/serge-aime-coulibaly-kalakuta-republik

Kalakuta Republik | Edinburgh International Festival

A dizzying fusion of dance, music and revolution, inspired by the supercharged music and scandalous life of Fela Kuti from Faso Danse Théâtre. 8-11 August 2019.

https://www.eif.co.uk/whats-on/2019/kalakuta