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.
TUESDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Launch of Afriapps book: African Apps in a Global Marketplace
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!
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!
SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER
London, UK. 10:00am -7:00pm (also on Sunday 6th November 11am – 6pm)
A new home and lifestyle event showcasing the best of established and emerging local and international African, African-Caribbean and African Diaspora businesses. Bringing together under one roof the very best of health & beauty, food & drink, fashion, photography, art and much more.
Ethik-All PR & Fée Uhssi Present….FAIRETAIL
London, UK. 7:00pm – 3:00am
Fairetail is a new concept show, aiming to highlight upcoming creative & innovative talents in ethical fashion, arts, music and businesses. The main hall will be hosting the catwalk and acts including live music performances and The Art of Wrapping Dance performance created by Fee Uhssi and choreographed by Giada Nazarri. The lounge area will host an ethical fashion & accessories pop up shop, exhibiting handmade and ethical clothing, jewellery, and accessories; an art exhibition and live screening. The event will culminate in an afterparty with Vibes Squad Family, Ras Lion & Crew.
More details on Facebook or contact [email protected]
AFRI-KOKOA featuring FELA! Musical band 'Fontanelles'
The essential diet of the best quality afro inspired music around continues. After the massive success and dancefloor mayhem of last month's Black History Festival, Afri-kokoa wastes no time in bringing you the most exciting new live afro-band in London right now – the Fontanelles. A new 10-piece band, featuring some of the most highly rated players from the jazz, afrobeat and dub/reggae scenes in London, the Fontanelles have played with the likes of Mulatu Astatké, Johnny Clarke, Chartwell Dutiro, Cinematic Orchestra, Zero 7, Roberto Pla, Plan B and many more, the band formed whilst playing for the FELA! musical at the National Theatre. DJs AJ Kwame (Afri-kokoa) and Africathy (Mama Put, Axis of Afro) will be spinning the best in afro-beat, funky highlife and afro-mashups for the dancefloor….
Find out more on the Rich Mix site and on Facebook.
The Unknown Mystic MuSound
London, UK. 9:00pm – 12:00am
The first installment of The UnKnown Mystic MuSound Tour with MuSound composed specifically for each night of the tour. Improvisation session led by Dahu Mumagi (Sax/Composition – Meshell Ndegeocello, Chris Dave, Dukru) with special guests including Maskelah Baht-Gavriel (Spoken Word), Kevin Davy (Lamb/AfrikaAfrika/KDQ), David Turay (Sax – Psylus/Tomorrows Warriors) and more. The event is for the love of music, creativity, to meet and greet and to exchange ideas.
Exclusive Adèle Dejak accessories showcase
London, UK. 6:00pm – 10pm
An exclusive UK showcase of work by Kenya-based fashion designer, Adèle Dejak. For one night only, Dejak's bold, contemporary, African-inspired jewellery, bags and belts will be on sale at The Drift Bar. Find out more information (including how to enter to win one of the designer's beautiful pieces) on the Adèle Dejak blog.
Africa: The New Creative Frontier
London, UK. 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Hosted by Hatch Events in partnership with the British Council, an eye-opening and forward-looking information session, which aims to provide creative businesses, entrepreneurs, cultural practitioners and policy influencers with a greater understanding of Africa's creative economy. For those interested in developing creative projects and business links with Africa and broadening cultural dialogue and opportunities for exchange with Africa.
Pen and Mic
Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania, from 7:30 – 11:00pm
Pen and Mic returns featuring with the PEN: Ntsiki Mazwai (all the way from South Africa just for Pen & Mic),Mrisho Mpoto, Louise Hoole, Langa Sarakikya and on the MIC: Sy-Meez, Grace Matata, Nikki Mbishi, Kauzeni Lyamba accompanied by Swahili and Ashimba. Spread the word and go early. Apparently, seats go fast!
FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER
Mama Africa for East Africa: Artists for East African Famine Relief Part 2
A fabulous all-female lineup in celebration of African Women's music and creativity in the name of Miriam Makeba & Wangari Maathai. Featuring Helen McDonald (incandescent singer/composer), Oneness Sankara (incomparable spoken word and lyrics), Jane Dorca (a whole new take on gospel singing Zimbabwe-style), Phoenix Martins (the Marigold! She stole the show last time), Namvula Rennie (mellifluous in song), DJ Nimz (floor-filling electric eclectic selector) and Wangui's tribute to Wangari Maathai. The event is in aid of UNICEF/SAVE THE CHILDREN and in Association with Carnival Village & Colourful.
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER
Ladies Kizomba Urban Retreat
London, UK. 1:30 – 5:00pm
Studio Afro Latino presents a day with quality teaching, exploring your body movement, improvisation skills, letting go of inhibitions and working on your confidence in a luxurious setting. Including classes in Ladies Ginga and Kizomba Styling as well as relaxation, pool, sauna and jacuzzi facilities. With a special guest from Portugal, Angolan dancer, Vanessa Carvalho.
THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER
Gina Yashere at Contact Theatre
Manchester, UK. 8:00pm
Dubbed by The Guardian as "One of the best comics in the World," Gina Yashere has a made a lot of changes in her life of late. She's travelled the world; from Nigeria to discover her ancestral roots, to Thailand to get her zen on, to Malaysia to…get robbed, to Indonesia to get tattooed, and many other places in between. But now she's ended up in the one place she truly feels at home…Los Angeles. Join her on a rare trip back to the UK with a new show full of hilarity and joy!
Find out what other cities Yashere will be performing in.
The Militant Image: Films by René Vautier
Nicole Brenez will present a selection of films by director René Vautier, followed by a discussion and Q&A. Films include Afrique 50, hailed as the first French anti-colonial film. Made under conditions of severe political repression and censorship, the film clearly demonstrates the brutality of the French colonial regime in West Africa. Culminating in a call to all Africans and comrades around the world to resist colonial oppression, Afrique 50 makes the transition from denunciation to resistance; Frontline – A documentary confronting Apartheid rule in South Africa. It features an interview with Oliver Tambo, and was made in conjunction with the African National Congress (ANC) and; Le Glas – the story of three African revolutionaries who were hanged in Salisbury in white-minority ruled Rhodesia. The film was made for the Zimbabwe African Party for Unity, and features a narration by the celebrated Senegalese filmmaker Djibril Diop Mambety and music by the Black Panthers. More information on the Iniva site.
WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER
The Militant Image: Behind the Lines
Screening of 'Behind the Lines', 1971 a film on FRELIMO's struggle to liberate Mozambique from Portuguese rule, followed by a discussion with director Margaret Dickinson. More information on the Iniva site.
MONTH-LONG EVENTS
Everywhere. 24/7
Okay so this isn't a specific Africa and Diaspora event but, you know how I'm always advocating the pursuit of all things creative. Join thousands of people around the world for thirty days and nights of literary abandon. I'm taking the challenge (although I'm working on a non-fiction book rather than a novel). Sign up and add me as a writing buddy (my username is afrilove).
Our African Roots exhibition
The exhibition explores how Hackney's Africans, from youth to elders, keep and celebrate their own culture in the heart of the city. Their personal possessions and their stories, along with early maps from the Royal Geographical Society and African objects from the Horniman Museum, will reveal how important it is to retain one's own identity. Look out for musician Amira Kheir who shared her passion and inspiration on Afri-love a couple of weeks ago.
What's good in your city this November? 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 November via address: afrilovemail [at] gmail [dot] com.
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Author lulu kitololoPosted on November 1, 2011 Categories CreativityTags accessories, Adele Dejak, Afri-kokoa, Afriapps, Africa, African Apps in a Global Marketplace, African-Caribbean, Afrique 50, Amira Kheir, ANC, Andrew Mugoya, Angola, apps, art, beauty, Behind the Lines, Black Panthers, British Council, comedy, Dahu Mumagi, dancing, Dar Es Salaam, diaspora, discussion, Djibril Diop Mambety, ebook, Ethik-All PR, event, exhibition, Fairetail, fashion, Fée Uhssi, FELA!, festival, film, Film Africa, Film Africa 2011, Fontanelles, food, FRELIMO, Frontline, Gina Yashere, Hatch Events, health, Iniva Arts, interview, Kenya, kizomba, Le Glas, lifestyle, literature, London, Mama Africa for East Africa, Manchester, Mozambique, music, National Novel Writing Month, Nicole Brenez, Nigeria, Our African Roots, party, Pen and Mic, photography, René Vautier, South Africa, spoken word, Studio Afro Latino, Tanzania, The Militant Image, UK, UnKnown Mystic MuSound, Vanessa Carvalho, West Africa, women, writing, Zimbabwe
One thought on "Africa- and Diaspora-related events this November"
Wish i could attend any of those events. Maybe someone is intrested in organizing an event in germany with me.
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