The Voice Newspaper: September 2025

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4&5

Sistah Space launches £350K appeal to open UK’s first refuge for Black women

8

From delivery van to boardroom: the rise of motivational speaker Frederick Afrifa

EXCLUDED: Black women are falling through the cracks and are often left to feel like they must stay with their abuser BIG HIT: Cricketer Tawanda Muyeye

Why Black women 12 deserve a safe refuge 1 from domestic violence 2

“I feel betrayed by Britain”: Windrush scandal victim finally returns to UK after 27 years in Poland

Labour has abandoned Black Britain – is it time to back Your Party?

B

18

The power of an African name in a world that tries to erase it

41

Where she belongs: Mega draws on her ancestry for her latest EP, I Am Enough

46

Callum Helliwell is striving to make horse racing more accessible

LACK WOMEN in Britain are among the most vulnerable when it comes to domestic violence, yet they remain some of the least supported.

That’s why the launch of a £350,000 fundraising campaign by Sistah Space – the UK’s only domestic abuse charity specifically for women of African and Caribbean heritage – is so important.

The award-winning organisation, founded by campaigner Ngozi Fulani, has already purchased a building and the land it sits on to open the UK’s first refuge dedicated to Black women and children. Now it needs our support to cover running costs.

Fulani says the “safe space” is urgently needed because mainstream services are failing to protect Black women from abuse.

The scale of the problem is shocking. According to Sistah Space’s recent research 78 per cent of Black women it surveyed had experienced domestic abuse on more than one occasion, while 87 per cent said statutory agencies were not responsive when they reported it.

A staggering 97 per cent said they

This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk

lacked confidence that the police or other agencies would treat them fairly. These findings underline what Black women have long been saying – they are falling through the cracks and are often left to feel like they must stay with their abuser.

Mainstream refuges, Fulani argues, too often make Black women feel “like an alien.”

A culturally specific space where the staff, food, and even the pictures on the wall reflect their identities can make all the difference between staying silent and stepping forward. Without this kind of support, women are forced into impossible choices, including returning to abusers.

If the UK is serious about tackling violence against women and girls, it must face up to these realities.

That means investing in Black-led organisations like Sistah Space, ensuring frontline services are trained to respond without bias, and reforming policies that keep women trapped.

Every woman deserves safety, dignity and the chance to rebuild her life. It’s time Black women were no longer excluded from that hope.

Grenada drops Oath of Allegiance to King Charles West Midlands unites to mourn Rastafarian elder Exodus

3 4

“What do you do when your son is killed by people you love?”

Playwright Jermaine Wong has turned grief into a powerful call to tackle youth violence

5 6 7 8 9 10

Powerful new film and research exposes horrific domestic abuse faced by Black women in UK

Refugee Tawanda Muyeye is now a star of The Hundred Christopher Columbus statue removed from public square in Trinidad and Tobago

Jamaican government transfers land to Rastafari community as reparations for historic state abuse Grenada cuts ties with King Charles – but is it true freedom or just symbolism?

Over £45k raised for family of British siblings who drowned on holiday in Spain

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SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 3

News

OVERCOMING THE ODDS David Tanase-Constantine has juggled work, studying and caring from an early age for his mother.

Now his hard work has been recognised after he was named winner of the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award. By Vic Motune

F

OR MUCH of his young life, David Tanase-Constantine, 20, from Cardiff, has been used to putting others first.

As the main carer for his mother, who suffers from sickle cell disease, his days often began and ended with making sure she was safe and well. Dreams of building his own career felt distant.

“I was facing identity problems, not knowing myself and also just not knowing where to start,” David recalls. “Supporting my family while trying to build a future for myself wasn’t easy.”

There were times when the odds seemed stacked against him.

Yet, despite the obstacles, David remained determined to find a path that would not only support his family, but also enable him to build a better future for himself.

That determination recently saw him achieve something extraordinary.

David has been named winner of the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award at the King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards National Final, a prestigious honour recognising a young person who has overcome barriers to start employment, education or training.

CEREMONY The award capped a whirlwind few days in which the 20-year-old attended a reception at Buckingham Palace, where he met King Charles, founder of The King’s Trust, before being celebrated at a starstudded ceremony hosted by Ant and Dec. Singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes, along with rapper and comedian Michael Dapaah, presented David with his award.

“David’s story is one of sheer perseverance and self-belief,” said Humes. “Whilst juggling work, studying at university and caring for his family, he’s built a future for himself through determination and hard work. He didn’t let uncertainty or doubt define him. Instead he pushed forward and chose to lead by example.”

Dapaah echoed her praise, describing David’s journey as “incredibly powerful”.

He added: “Getting into full-time work, studying at university, gaining qualifications, all while caring for his mother. That takes real strength.”

David’s turning point came when he discovered The King’s Trust’s

Get into Construction programme through Careers Wales.

Determined to take the opportunity, he signed up, gaining handson training, practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications, including a CSCS licence to work on live construction sites.

His reliability and work ethic quickly impressed employers, and he found himself working on highprofile projects — including a major hospital development.

For David, it was more than just a job. The opportunity made him feel like he was finally heading in the right direction.

But even then, balancing the demands of construction work with his caring responsibilities tested his resolve.

That resilience has since carried him into a new chapter: studying criminology at university while continuing to work in construction.

“I never imagined I’d be balancing a job and university, but here I am,” David says. “I’m pushing myself to go further because I know I can do more. I see myself becoming an investor with all my trade skills behind me. I want to build something meaningful not just for myself but for others too.”

His commitment has inspired many, including L’Oréal Paris’s Amelie Fortier-Cyr, who said: “David’s dedication to balancing work, education and caring for his mother is nothing short of inspirational. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his resilience and determination.”

For The King’s Trust, which has supported over a million young

DETERMINED: David Tanase-Constantine with Rochelle Humes and Michael Dapaah, who presented him with his award; left, David is congratulated by The King at a special reception in Buckingham Palace (photos: The King’s Trust)

people since its founding in 1976, David’s story is exactly why their work matters. The youth charity helps those from disadvantaged backgrounds or facing adversity to

ity have moved into positive outcomes.The annual King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards celebrate the transformative journeys of young people like David, as well as volunteers and supportdevelop life skills, gain confidence ers making an impact in their comand access education, training or munities.

The event not only shines a spotwork.

In the past five years, three in four light on individual achievement but young people helped by the char- also demonstrates the lasting effect

of giving young people the tools they need to succeed. Reflecting on his win, David still can’t quite believe it.

“I never expected to win something like this. There are so many talented people out there, so to be recognised in this way is a real honour. It’s made me realise how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful to The King’s Trust for helping me get here.”

FUNDRAISING CONCERT HELPS HURRICANE AND FIRE VICTIMS A STAR-STUDDED reggae concert at Woolwich Works has raised funds to support victims of Hurricane Beryl and recent fires in the parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica.

The Rhythm of Hope Concert, held recently in south-east London, featured performances by dancehall artist Teejay, gospel reggae singer Rondall Positive and award-winning reggae star Etana. Proceeds from the event will go to Jamaican charity Food for the Poor to help communities still recovering from the disasters.

Teejay had the audience on their

feet within minutes, even inviting children to join him on stage. Rondall Positive’s uplifting set focused on themes of hope and faith, while Etana closed the night with a powerful performance that highlighted why she is called “The Strong One.” Speaking after the show, Etana said: “When we touch the lives of others, it not only enriches our own lives and those of our children but also makes a significant difference for those in desperate need. Every small contribution counts, and together, we can create a lasting impact.”

Co-organiser and sponsor Nathaniel Peat described the event as intimate but impactful. “The love in the room was enormous,” he said.

“Everyone who came left uplifted, and those who didn’t, well, they truly missed something special. We made history last night.”

Organisers are already planning next year’s concert to continue raising funds and sharing Caribbean music with London audiences.

If you would like to donate or watch the livestream please visit UPLIFTING: Singers light up the www.rohja.org stage at the concert in London

4 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

‘WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH OUR DOORS IT’S SAFE’

Award-winning domestic violence charity Sistah Space promises Black women a sanctuary and the help they need — but it must reach a new fundraising goal to help victims whose voices remain unheard. By Sinai Fleary

A

MULTI AWARDWINNING domestic violence charity has launched a £350,000 fundraising campaign to open the UK’s first refuge for Black women and children.

Sistah Space – the UK’s only specialist domestic abuse charity for Black women of African and Caribbean heritage – has purchased a large building and the land it sits on to open the ground-breaking refuge.

The charity’s founder, Ngozi Fulani, right, says they are one step away from finally opening the refuge and are now fundraising to cover the operating costs to staff the house.

Ms Fulani says her “safe space” will help stop Black women and children – who are victims of domestic violence – being continuously failed by the system.

Speaking exclusively to The Voice, she said: “We’ve got the house. We’ve got the refuge. We bought it.

“We own the land it stands on.

We’ve had it for over a year, but we can’t afford to open it just yet.”

The charity’s goal for the next

year is to hit the fundraising goal, £100,000 of which will go towards the running costs of the refuge.

“The refuge is for those in immediate need and we can remove them from the danger of domestic violence,” she said.

According to research by Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of specialist domestic and genderbased violence services, an average of two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales.

Disproportionately affected Despite research showing that women from Black and minority ethnic communities are disproportionately affected by domestic violence, organisations like Refuge show there is a severe lack of culturally appropriate services to meet their needs.

Many campaigners, like Ms Fulani, say this lack of specialist support is contributing to Black women falling through the gaps and feeling like they must stay with their abuser.

She insists this is why her award-winning charity exists, to support women who mainstream organisations are failing to reach and appeal to.

To mark Sistah Space’s 10year anniversary this year, the community-based non-profit initiative, which has supported thousands of women and their families during this period, has also released its own research into Black women’s experiences with domestic violence.

More than 2,200 Black women across England and Wales took part in their innovative research, that uncovers a striking pattern of underreporting, repeated trauma, and institutional neglect.

Out of the Black women surveyed, 78% have experienced domestic abuse on more than one separate occasion/ period,

revealing that the problem is widespread in the community.

Worryingly, some 87% of respondents to the survey said that the statutory agencies were not responsive enough when they reported their abuse.

“They make it hard for you to get justice,” said one anonymous respondent from south-east England.

“Social services weaponised my Blackness, feeding into racist tropes of emotional or aggression,” added another from London.

According to Ms Fulani, these types of poor experiences can deter other Black women from coming forward.

She stresses that Black women and children have unique experiences and need the support of a specialist refuge.

She believes that many domestic violence refuges can make Black and minority ethnic women “feel like an alien, and so much so they go back to the perpetrator.”

“When you get to our refuge and we open the door, you will see yourself reflected.

“The person speaking to you will reflect you, the images on the wall will reflect you, even the bedclothes and the food in the

ALWAYS THERE: Sistah Space promises to protect Black women whatever their background or circumstances (photo: Getty Images) kitchen will reflect you. It is a place where you can have your hair whichever way you want and no one will ask you any questions. You will be with women who have faced the intersectionality of racism and misogyny and understand.”

She added: “Whether you are from the Windrush Generation or you came here 10 years ago and your partner is using the fact that you don’t have British status to abuse you, when you walk through our doors, it’s a safe space.”

The charity boss says those who come to her refuge will not be judged because they have traditional African or Caribbean

names or are deemed “too Black or too light”. “They will be allowed to just be, and begin to heal,” she added.

All staff will be trained and qualified, including the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and the Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).

Some of the other key findings from Sistah Space’s research show that a staggering 97 per cent of Black women do not feel very confident that reporting abuse would lead to fair and supportive treatment from the police or other violence against women and girls (VAWG) agencies.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 5

News Feature

TRAGIC LOSS: Sistah Space was founded in November 2015 after Valerie Forde and her 22-month-old baby daughter ‘Baby RJ’, above, were brutally murdered in 2014 at the hands of Baby RJ’s father, Roland McKoy. Ngozi Fulani believes the new refuge will be a tribute not only to Ms Forde and Baby RJ but other Black victims of domestic violence (photo: Supplied)

COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY: Sistah Space founder Ngozi Fulani along with team members Djanomi Headley and Rose Lewis (photo: Supplied)

Sadly, Ms Fulani told The Voice, that based on her 10-year experience working in the sector that figure “sounds about right” and that the intersectionality of institutional racism and misogyny often silence Black women.

She also cited victim-blaming culture as influencing whether victims of abuse speak out or report abuse.

According to the research, 76 per cent did not report the abuse they experience, even though they want to, citing fear of being judged or stereotyped as a Black woman as reasons for not reporting it.

“There is a fear that if you report the perpetrator and the perpetrator is Black, that he can be harmed or killed, and that is a very real fear,” she said.

“Also, for a lot of the service users their perpetrators are their own adult children – that’s very common, especially in the over-60s age category.

“They won’t tell on their children because it’s their children. And

again, there is a very real chance that they could be harmed, given an excessive sentence or killed.”

Ms Fulani is also calling for greater awareness within the Black community about what is defined as rape, domestic abuse or sexual assault.

“A lot of the Black women don’t even realise what they are experiencing is domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault” she said.

Dispelling misconceptions “They don’t know, especially the older ones. They will tell you ‘He made me do this but I didn’t want to but he’s my husband so I had to let him.’”

She is determined to dispel the misconception that only physical violence is considered abuse.

“We have to get our community to unlearn what they have learned,” she said.

Ms Fulani is passionate that the cultural competency training that the charity offer can make all the difference.

But for the training to be effective it must be offered to the police and mainstream agencies such as housing services, hospitals and schools. She is also calling for greater transparency about the correct process to report abuse, so the public not only knows how to respond, but also understands what kind of treatment they should expect from the police and other authorities.

Ms Fulani says children are the “forgotten” victims of domestic abuse and are often also turned away by mainstream services.

She said: “What has happened in mainstream, with domestic abuse services is when Black boys particularly, when they get to the age of 11, 12, they don’t get to go into these refuges.

“These Black women can’t bring their children in there and if they have more than two children the system is set up to fail them.

“So, they find themselves in all these different places or forced to return back into homes with their

abuser.” Ms Fulani says her refuge would not turn any child away.

“We don’t send our children away that’s the point as well, we embrace them and that is the difference,” she explained.

There will be no age restriction on anyone who needs a safe space to stay at the new refuge, according to the renowned campaigner.

She added: “Some of our service users are in their 80s and the perpetrators are in their 90s. There is a crisis within the community.”

Sistah Space is a unique organisation that has the trust of communities that would not usually engage with mainstream services.

Ms Fulani explained: “We also are lucky enough to speak to people who won’t usually speak to mainstream.

We got the African and Caribbean heritage Black people, people from the Rastafari community, we got people that do not trust the system, we got their voices.”

She was driven to do the survey that “specifically” heard from Black women, as there is a lack of data about Black women’s experiences with abuse in Britain – despite the demographic disproportionately being victims of domestic abuse.

She said sternly: “This is not to diss anybody but this is about Black women, Black African and Caribbean heritage, anybody who has any Black heritage, this is for you.”

“With the narrative interviews we have captured their experiences.”

Ms Fulani is hoping along with her dedicated team to use the stark findings to advocate for drastic changes in conversations and ultimately reforms to wider policy.

With her extensive experience working in the domestic violence sector, she says there is a lack of diversity in senior leadership positions in the sector is a cause for concern. She said: “I kept finding

wherever you go to speak about the Black experience or domestic violence as a whole, the higher up you go the Whiter it is.

“I would often go into spaces where not only am I the only Black woman, I am probably the only one with locks or my age.”

She continued: “When they say they have Black representatives they are usually South Asian.

“South Asian people cannot speak for African-heritage people.”

Giving us a voice She added: “It is no longer acceptable for other demographics to speak on our behalf. Stop! Why don’t you invite us to the table, we can speak for ourselves.”

The new fundraising campaign and survey by Sistah Space commemorates a decade of transformative work, providing refuge, resources, and advocacy to thousands of abuse survivors.

It is the start of a year-long drive to educate on the reality for Black women who are victims of domestic abuse, to empower the victims, and to engage new supporters and donors.

One of the charity’s long-time supporters is singer FKA Twigs, who is an ambassador and staunch

“A lot of the

Black women don’t even realise what they are experiencing is domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault”

- Ngozi Fulani

advocate of the organisation.

She said: “I think that domestic violence and interpersonal relationship violence is a really misunderstood subject, and I think it can be even more complicated when you’re of colour and from different cultures.

“Sistah Space is an amazing organisation that helps support women and survivors, find their feet again after going through something really horrific. Sistah Space feels like home to me.’”

Sistah Space was founded in November 2015, following the shocking murder of Valerie Forde and her 22-month-old baby daughter ‘Baby RJ’.

Roland McKoy, who was baby RJ’s father, brutally murdered his daughter and ex-partner Ms Forde in 2014. McKoy attacked Ms Forde and their daughter with a machete, hammer and screwdriver as her eldest daughter listened helplessly via an “open line” telephone call.

The charity has been campaigning tirelessly for Valerie’s Law introduced, named after Ms Forde, to allow compulsory cultural training for police and other government agencies to better support Black women affected by domestic violence.

Ms Fulani believes the new refuge will be a fitting and lasting tribute to Ms Forde, her daughter and other Black victims of domestic violence who did not survive the abuse they were subjected to.

She said: “It took me years to find this place, but I had the vision. When I think about it, I think of all the women who did not make it. I think of Valerie and I think of her baby.” l To donate directly to fundraiser

to open the new refuge please visit: www.sistahspace.org

6 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

News Feature

‘I MIGHT NOT SEE JUSTICE. BUT I DON’T WANT OTHERS TO SUFFER’ Disabled man battling cancer faces repeated tribunal delays.

By Richard Sudan

J

OE MEZGEBE was in the Armed Forces. He served both his country, and his community.

He’s always played by the rules.

But in his own hour of need, the system has failed him time and time again.

The former IT technician at Christ’s College in Finchley filed a claim for unfair dismissal in June 2021 after losing his job.

Having worked at the college for over a year, he was fired via email while at home suffering with Covid.

His story is a harrowing one. He says the reasons put forward for his dismissal can be proven false which is why he demands his day in court.

“My objective is not about money but about natural justice,” Mezgebe told The Voice.

“I got Covid and was seriously ill.

I lost more than 10kg. I thought I was dying. The headteacher called me, and I sent them an extended sick note from my GP. Less than an hour later, I got an email saying I didn’t pass probation. I couldn’t believe it.

“I believe I was treated very unfairly so I pursued my legal rights under the employment tribunal to get justice for my unfair dismissal.”

have not just cost him financially but also taken a heavy toll on his mental and emotional wellbeing.

“The law must change,” Mezgebe said. “Where’s my safeguarding in this, that a vulnerable person, a cancer patient could be postponed twice? If it has happened to me it can happen to others, again and again.

“The financial impact has been devastating. I have lost all my life savings which was meant for my children’s future. As an unemployed person on state benefits, it has now become very difficult for me to even pay for my bills and food etc. Given my health condition it is very unlikely I will be able to work again which compounds my problems.”

He went on: “I hope the Black and the wider community are fully aware of the pitfalls of pursuing an employment tribunal claim if they self-fund it. Both from a financial point of view and especially the impact this can have to their heath which can be devastating. It will have a big impact on their family life.”

Mental health Following the second postponement in September 2024, Mezgebe and his barrister arrived at court only to be told that the case had A costly and painful ordeal been cancelled the day before. The But things would go from bad to email notification had been sent to worse. What followed was a deeply a solicitor who no longer worked at painful ordeal, testing his health his law firm. and financial limits.

It was yet another breakdown Mezgebe, who uses crutches in communication and another following a car accident in 2015, is moment of distress. also battling prostate cancer.

And then came the blow that He’d hoped to resolve his left Mezgebe reeling. His next employment dispute quickly, to scheduled hearing was pushed focus on his health. Instead, he back to September 2026. got caught in a judicial limbo and Only after he personally wrote to nightmare which has lasted for the Prime Minister was the hearnearly four years. ing brought forward by a year, to The Employment Tribunal SerOctober 2025. vice postponed his hearing twice, Even that decision was accomboth times at the eleventh hour, panied by what he describes as a citing a shortage of judges. The first “bizarre” justification – that the postponement came in 2023, the judiciary was already unavailable day before the hearing was due to in 2026. be held.

However, the reality remains The second followed almost that he could still face further postexactly a year later. Each time, ponements. And that the outcome Mezgebe was left out of pocket, he’s fighting for may never come. having paid non-refundable fees to In Mezgebe’s own words, he may his legal team. not live long enough to see justice In total, he has spent than done. £25,000, a devastating amount for “Given I am also disabled and someone on a low income and a cancer patient, the courts’ now without legal representation. postponements – and then attendThe postponements, he says, ing a court hearing on March 18

DISTRESSING: Joe Mezgebe says repeated tribunal delays have left him in financial ruin and worsened his health; inset, The Ministry of Justice admits employment tribunal backlogs have surged, leaving claimants like Mezgebe waiting years for justice (photo: Getty Images) which the court then stated on the day was a mistake – has all had a devastating impact to my overall health. I was already suffering from long Covid and severe depression since losing my job and now have regular thoughts of suicide.

“My safeguarding and human rights have been completely trampled on. And it could be affecting thousands of other people like me.”

The Ministry of Justice has admitted there is a crisis in the legal system.

Official data shows a sharp rise in the number of open employment tribunal cases, with the backlog increasing by 18 per cent compared to the previous year.

While efforts have been made to increase capacity in criminal courts, employment tribunals remain under-resourced and overwhelmed.

Experts are clear. The damage caused by a decade of underfunding will not be quickly repaired.

The removal of legal aid for employment disputes in 2013 has only made the issue worse, forcing more people to self-fund their cases, often against powerful employers with deep legal pockets.

“My message to people is simple.

If they are very determined to go the tribunal to get natural justice, they should first seek legal advice from a barrister/solicitor on the legal merits of the case as they might spend more on legal fees than what they could win if successful in the court,” explained Mezgebe.

“People only go to the courts as a last resort to get natural justice.

But due to the way the courts operate they need to take account of safeguarding issues of the claimant, before making any judicial postponements as the results can be truly devastating for them.”

Black and minority ethnic communities and in all employment sectors.

“I hope my case can highlight the very serious need for improvements in how the court system operates – that would be a positive, at least.

“Courts must make safeguarding a central pillar, when they decide which cases to postpone.

More funding is desperately required for the courts, so they are not short of judges to hear cases which can have a severe impact to people lives.”

Mezgebe says he now speaks out not just for himself, but for a system that appears to favour An uphill battle others going through the same those with money, time and good thing, especially those representAnd that is where Mezgebe finds himself now, battling cancer, strug- health. ing themselves.

For working-class Black people, gling financially, and without the He hopes that by sharing his for those with disabilities, and for story, it will spark questions in the legal support he needs. He now right places and prevent others hopes to self-fund and asks for sup- anyone without access to deep legal reserves, justice becomes a from enduring the same fate. port on his GoFundMe page. waiting game.

In the meantime, Mezgebe What was once a straightforwaits. And hopes. That justice, ward claim of unfair dismissal has so long delayed, has not already become a years-long battle against Justice delayed been denied. a system that seems indifferent to “I believe that in 2025 Britain has still not achieved a society that Christ’s College Finchley Acadhis suffering. is fair for all,” reflects Mezgebe. emy declined to comment when He says his case highlights “There is still institutional racism approached by The Voice about broader inequality built into the employment tribunal process, and prejudice faced by people from the case.

“I hope the Black community are fully aware of the pitfalls of pursuing an employment tribunal case if they self-fund it”

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE | 7

Why it is incredibly important for Black women to have their vaccinations in pregnancy “Black women have historically faced disparities in healthcare and ensuring that more of us are vaccinated in pregnancy is one step closer to closing these gaps.

We already know that Black women have higher rates of pregnancy complications, and our babies are at greater risk of preterm birth and also low birth weight as well.

So this means that vaccinations during this period offer a powerful way to safeguard against and prevent infections like flu, RSV and whooping cough that can exacerbate these risks.

The injected flu vaccine does not contain any live virus, so it cannot give you flu and is safe at any stage of pregnancy.

Some people may get a mild fever or muscle aches for a day or two, but these are signs that your immune system is working.

As a mum and GP, I know that getting the flu jab is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy.”

Dr Julie Hammond Mum and GP

From 01 September 2025 you can get your flu vaccine if you are pregnant at your GP surgery a pharmacy that offers flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over) or speak to your maternity service

8 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

News Feature

BELIEVE IN GREATNESS: TURNING ADVERSITY INTO SUCCESS

From delivery van to boardroom: Frederick Afrifa is hailed as one of Britain’s most exciting young entrepreneurs. By Vic Motune

I

T WAS while making supermarket deliveries on sevenhour shifts for £9 an hour that Frederick Afrifa stumbled across a YouTube video that would change his life.

“I realised my biggest weakness was communication – I had chosen delivery driving because I didn’t want to talk to people,” he recalls. “That pushed me to improve. I reached out to local primary schools, offering to speak for free, because from sport I knew the only way to grow was through practice.”

At first, the results were rough.

“The first talk was really bad,” he admits, laughing. But then one school surprised him by saying they had a budget.

“That’s when I realised I could be paid to speak. Over time, I began asking schools if they had a budget, and sometimes the amounts were much higher than I expected.

That’s how my journey into public speaking began.”

That turning point, born out of frustration and curiosity in a delivery van, has since propelled Afrifa onto one of the UK’s biggest stages – as a standout candidate on series 19 of the hit BBC show The Apprentice broadcast earlier this year.

The show sees ambitious entrepreneurs compete in a series of business-related challenges set by

PRESENCE: Frederick Afrifa on The Apprentice – his communication skills helped him stand out from hundreds of applicants (photo: BBC)

Lord Alan Sugar, in order to prove themselves worthy of an investment from him.

Afrifa, a two-time national gold medalist sprinter, motivational speaker, and communications coach, is hailed as one of Britain’s most exciting young entrepreneurs.

His company, Believe in Greatness, has worked with the likes of Sky, Shell, King’s College London and even the government of the British Virgin Islands.

CONVERSATION Yet the public speaking for which he has been acclaimed, still doesn’t come easy.

“I prepare for public speaking every day by deliberately stepping out of my comfort zone,” he says.

“I see it as a muscle – if you don’t use it, you lose it. So I push myself in small ways: asking for a student discount at Costa even though I’m not a student, or choosing the staffed checkout at Sainsbury’s just to spark a conversation.”

That restless drive and willingness to embrace discomfort are what transformed a once shy and introverted boy into a confident communicator leading workshops across the UK. Believe in Greatness now runs monthly boot camps, has already impacted 10,000 people, and has set a bold goal of reaching 100,000.

DRIVE: Frederick Afrifa leading a Believe in Greatness workshop, helping others overcome their fear of public speaking Beginnings in Milan Afrifa’s story begins far from the boardrooms of Britain.

“I was born in southern Milan to Ghanaian parents who had recently moved to Italy from Ghana,” he recalls.

“We were the only Black family in the area, so I grew up feeling quite isolated. Every two years we’d travel back to Ghana, and as a child I believed Black people lived in Africa and White people lived in Europe, because there were no other Black children in my school or neighbourhood.”

That difference was made painfully clear. “On Valentine’s Day I’d never receive cards, which made me question if it was because of my skin colour. When I travelled with my family on buses, people would avoid sitting near us. Even as a child I could see what was happening.”

Life changed when he was 12 and his father lost his job. The family packed up and moved to London, settling in a one-bedroom flat in Brixton, south London.

“At first, it was confusing. I was surrounded by more people who looked like me, yet we were robbed in the first few months by two Black men. In Italy, whenever I saw another person of colour, there was an unspoken bond. In Brixton, staring too long could be seen as disrespect. It was a completely new culture to navigate.”

Chasing a dream Sport became his escape. A PE

from The Apprentice after the team that he led failed to win over investors in a challenge to design a banking app for children, his appearance catapulted him to wider attention.

“Even before the first episode aired, more people were signing up to Believe in Greatness Into the spotlight programs, attending classes, Afrifa had long been a fan of The and booking me for keynote Apprentice before appearing on speeches,” he says. “The response the show. The idea of going from delivery driver to candidate on one was incredible.” of Britain’s biggest business shows Building legacy became part of his motivation to Beyond business success, Afrifa apply.

“Truthfully, my motivation was is motivated by a bigger purpose: representation. selfless,” he says. “I wanted my “There is the issue of represenjourney to inspire others, especially tation and aspiration for people people stuck in situations they from underrepresented commudon’t enjoy. I remember my own nities,” he explains. “Individuals family of four sharing a single bedroom in a Brixton flat when we often face self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and confidence Finding a voice first came to the UK. If we could It was in 2021 that Afrifa truly push through that, then resilience challenges, even after achieving academically. Through Believe began to find his calling. really can take you anywhere.”

He enrolled in a class to overHis first application to the show in Greatness, we help people come his fear of public speaking ended in rejection. Undeterred, he uncover what beliefs need to be dismantled, and what strategies and got into a conversation with applied again and was eventually can help them step into their the coach. Two weeks later, the selected. coach tested positive for Covid and “At my first audition, we had to potential.” asked Afrifa to cover his session. hand in our CVs. Mine was short That commitment has already “I said yes, and that’s when I fell – athletics, delivery driving, and seen him work with over 700 in love with coaching,” he recalls. now public speaking – while others schools, where his story has helped “That moment became the founda- had pages of experience. Then we students on the verge of dropping tion of my organisation, Believe in were asked: ‘Why should you be out find the strength to continue.

Greatness.”

Lord Sugar’s business partner?’ We “From the start of my journey, I He realised that public speaking, had 30 seconds. Under pressure, I documented everything on social often ranked as one of many peo- clearly articulated my value, and media because I’ve always felt my ple’s greatest fears, could be conthat’s what got me through. With- life’s work is to show people who quered by applying lessons he had out those communication skills, I look like me that their current learned in sport, specifically the wouldn’t have been on the show.” situation isn’t their final destinaimportance of discipline and the Although he was eliminated tion,” he says. teacher spotted his natural speed and urged him to focus on athletics. By 2019, Afrifa had won his first national title. Tokyo 2020 beckoned. But then Covid hit.

“I caught the virus, struggled to recover, and my performances dipped. My team in Italy cut my pay, sponsors dropped me, and I ended up working as a delivery driver to support my family while trying to keep training.”

For a young man who had dedicated years to chasing Olympic dreams, the setback was crushing.

Yet, Afrifa refused to give in.

“I often say the harder the challenge, the better the story,” he reflects. “Getting dropped from athletics was actually a blessing.

That setback pushed me onto the path I’m on today.”

right mindset. “Nerves are like cold weather: you know they’re coming, so prepare. You’ll still feel them but you’ll handle them,” he explains.

“That mindset shift is what allows people to break barriers and truly grow as speakers.”

ADVERTORIAL

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE | 9

Rewriting the Future How Montelle Found her Path with The Open University

Michael I. Ohajuru

BA (Hons) Duniv (Open)

all so helpful. Everything was broken down clearly, even to things like submitting a tutor marked assignment. The writing tutorials really supported the academic side. All of that made a big difference.”

I was delighted when the team at The Open University (OU) invited me to interview Montelle Bee, a young working mother now in her second year studying Psychology. I wanted to hear how her OU journey was progressing—how she was finding the experience and whether it was meeting her needs.

I asked whether her friends or family had been supportive of her decision. “At first, they were really sceptical,” she admitted. “They didn’t understand the idea of an online university— some thought it wasn’t real, just a fad”. But once Montelle explained what the OU was, how it worked, and its credentials, she won them over.

A Path Rediscovered I began by asking what first attracted her to the OU. Montelle told me she had always planned to go to university to study psychology.

At school, she was academic and doing well in her A levels, on track to secure a place at a red-brick university. But a dramatic change in circumstances meant that instead of heading to university, she had to go straight into work.

“I needed money. I needed to provide for myself,” she recalled. “At the time, I felt devastated. All of my friends were going off to university, but I didn’t have the support or resources.”

She went straight into full-time employment.

But the desire to study never left her. Years later, she discovered The Open University. Its flexible, part-time learning model appealed to her. By then, she’d learned she could manage full-time work and part-time study—with the right support.

“The OU felt so inclusive,” she said. “It offered me an opportunity when there was no clear path. That’s really what enticed me to take that next step.”

Flexibility with Purpose It was interesting to reflect on how different our reasons for joining the OU were. I enrolled as I approached retirement, looking to explore new academic interests. Montelle joined to finally access a university education— something that had been denied to her years earlier. But for both of us, the OU’s flexible learning model was the perfect solution.

Having discussed her route to the OU, I was curious to know how she was finding the course itself. Montelle admitted it had been

Montelle Bee

Psychology Student & Working Mother

intense—“definitely tough at times”—but said the experience had been rewarding.

“Like anything worthwhile, it requires discipline and organisation.”

She particularly appreciated how clearly the OU structured expectations.

“They gave guidance on how many hours to study each week to succeed, which was really helpful,” she explained. That advice helped her set aside regular time for study, balancing it alongside work and family responsibilities.

“The flexibility really worked for me. No one was micromanaging or checking in all the time—it was up to me. But that independent structure suited me perfectly.”

Real Learning, Real Support Getting back into academic writing was initially a challenge.

“The first few assignments were tough—but in a good way,” she said. “Once I got back into the rhythm, I really enjoyed it. The feedback was always positive and constructive. Even when there were areas to improve, it built my confidence.”

She found the overall student experience seamless. “The online portal, the Student Help Centre, the forums, the tutor support—it was

They saw how serious she was—and supported her. What really helped her was when her family understood that an OU degree is just as well respected as one from a traditional university, is recognised around the world, and employers take it seriously.

She told me that gave them the confidence to believe in what she was doing—and in her!

More Than Just Online?

When I asked about support, Montelle lit up.

“I absolutely loved the tutorials—especially the in-person ones,” she told me. Most OU study is online, but some modules include face-to-face sessions—and every course has forums and groups so students can connect, share ideas, and not feel like they’re doing it all alone.

“Meeting all the peers I’d been chatting to on WhatsApp or in Facebook study groups—made it not feel like we’re doing it all alone—it’s a proper student community.”

She praised the tutors as “animated and passionate,” saying they brought the course material to life. I knew exactly what she meant. I remember the feeling well. Being in contact with others doing my course was an opportunity to share and debate issues and ideas from the coursework. It reminded you that you weren’t alone—you were part of something bigger.

I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.

Montelle’s journey with the OU has been one of rediscovery, resilience, and rising to the challenge—proving that with the right support and determination, there’s always an opportunity to reclaim your future.

There are over 200 qualifications to choose from, including Psychology, Business, Law, Health and Social Care, Computing, IT and more. The Open University offers students the opportunity to study anytime, anywhere, at a pace that suits them, without putting their life on hold.

OU students are supported every step of the way by expert tutors, a dedicated student support team and all the career advice needed to take that next step. Search open.ac.uk to find out more.

10 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

News Feature

HOW TO SPOT THE FAKES

B

LACK BRITISH women are issuing urgent warnings after being informed the hair products they purchased from Amazon are fake.

Several women are sounding the alarm on counterfeit products that they have been duped into purchasing by sharing their reviews of the products online to warn others.

One woman was contacted by the online shopping giant, and told the Mielle hair oil she’d been buying was “not an authentic” product.

In a post shared on social media platform X in June, Lorraine King said she received a refund and was informed the viral Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil she had been buying was not real.

She tweeted: “I’ve been contacted by Amazon who have informed me a Mielle product I have been buying off a seller is likely not authentic which is horrendous.

“They gave me all my money back, but it worries me that there’s more fake Black hair products out there. Please be warned.”

CAUTION: TikTok user Yvonne (pictured right) shows how similar fake products can be with its packaging; below, Lorraine King INCONVENIENCE urges others to be wary about how to spot counterfeit items In a message seen by The Voice, been registered by Camille Rose, and distributed addresses on the Amazon told Ms King: “As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that so whenever you see that wording side, are not the same as on the on the packaging you will see the original packaging.” you can shop with confidence letter R next to it.”

TikTok user @Yvonnelostfiles in Amazon’s stores, we recently She added: “Another thing to also points out the consistency and learned the product you received look out for is barcode and adcolour of the product are different from a third-party seller is likely dresses, as you can see here it’s got to the original goods. not an authentic Mielle product.

However, it is not just Amazon We’re sorry for any disappointment the manufactured and distributed by addresses for the UK and France that is facing ongoing criticism or inconvenience this caused.”

by Black female customers. There Another Black female customer, on the packaging.”

She then holds up another bottle are also growing concerns online using handle @Yvonneslostfiles on of a product with similar Camille about counterfeit hair products TikTok uploaded a video entitled Rose Curl Maker labelling and being sold in some independent how to spot fake hair products last month after falling victim to a turns it to the side to point out the hair shops across Britain. name does not have the registered Many Black women have now “fake” hair product off Amazon.

R symbol next to the name. insisted they will be only purchasIn the video, she holds up two She says: “This is the fake Curl ing their hair products from major products which appear to be the Maker which I purchased on Ama- high-street retailers such as Boots Camille Rose Curl Maker, but one and Superdrug, after finding out she says is “fake” and one “original”. zon, as you can see on this one where it says Curl Maker there is items brought from some When speaking about an no registered trademark. Another authentic version of the product, independent shops are not real. she says: “The word Curl Maker has indicator was the manufactured Counterfeit goods are often made using substandard and cheap ingredients which can be put consumer’s health at risk.

The products are also usually produced in a place that lacks quality control and the necessary checks to ensure products are safe for the public.

In July, another TikTok user called @shenface wrote: “I refuse to go in them hair shops for hair products any longer.”

Speaking to her 68,000 followers she said: “I started to notice that my hair was shedding. I started to only buy my hair products from only Boots, Superdrug and TK Maxx and the shredding stopped.

My hair started to flourish again.”

Another TikTok user @beauty2braidz89 said: “I don’t go to hair shops any more, I’ve started to buy my hair products from Superdrug.

I just feel with the hair shops you

Black women raise awareness of counterfeit hair products bought online and urge others to be cautious. By Sinai Fleary

never know what’s real and fake.”

TikTok user @yourhairloves has been encouraging Black women to carefully check the packaging, imagery and logos on hair products, before purchasing goods to ensure they are not buying fakes.

Last month, @yourhairloves did a comparison video of two As I am Double Butter Cream products.

She claims the authentic product was purchased from Superdrug, the fake one is from an independent hair shop.

One of the stark differences in the video is the size of the tub of the product from the hair shop, which is significantly larger than the one purchased from the high street beauty giant.

She also points out the font and colour of the writing under the product’s name on the fake product is very different and there is more information listed on the product from Superdrug.

Other customers have taken to social media to share they have experienced “burning” on their scalp after buying some hair products purchased from independent hair shops in Britain.

In May, the Office for Product Safety and Standard (OPSS) is the

UK’s national product regulator, within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), told The Voice, all hair products should be safe.

In the statement, the Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “All hair products sold on our market, including those imported from the United States, are subject to strict laws to ensure people’s safety and protect consumers from misleading claims.

“Distributors including hair shops must check that the products they sell comply with these regulations and should take immediate action if they are made aware of any noncompliance.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “Amazon has a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit products.

“We have proactive measures in place to prevent counterfeit products from being listed and continuously monitor our store.

“Amazon identified an attempt to sell counterfeit Mielle Organics products in the Amazon store, and acted to protect customers and the Mielle Organics brand by removing counterfeit listings, blocking relevant selling accounts, and proactively refunding affected customers.”

The online shopping platform also said that customers are always protected by their A-to-Z Guarantee.

They are also urging customers to contact the Amazon customer BOOMING Black British women spent £200 support team for a full refund of their order if a product doesn’t million on hair products in 2021, arrive or isn’t as advertised. according to Treasure Tress – a Any consumer concerned leading Black haircare subscription that a hair product they have service. purchased is not compliant with But despite the lucrative and booming market built off the backs regulation should contact their local Trading Standards office or of their spending power, those Citizens Advice. parting ways with their hardThe Voice, also contacted the earned cash are not receiving the real and quality hair products they Chartered Trading Standards Institute for comment. need and deserve.

AUGUST 2025

Experiments with Image Free art workshops for ages 14–26

Curated

by Adobe Creative Resident Michael Akuagwu

Each month, work with great artists to explore creative practices in the V&A Art Studio.

Supported by The Adobe Foundation

THE VOICE |11

12 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Opinion

IS IT TIME TO GET BEHIND CORBYN’S ‘YOUR PARTY’?

SHOCKING TREATMENT: Diane Abbott, the UK’s first Black woman MP, has faced repeated suspension and what critics call “shameful abandonment” by Labour’s leadership

Labour has abandoned Britain’s Black communities.

Should they now switch to the former leader’s new initiative, asks Richard Sudan

(photo Getty Images)

F

OR TOO long, Labour has taken Black Britain for granted, offering platitudes, broken promises, and performative virtue. This, despite the irrefutable fact that Black people have contributed hugely to the party.

But Labour’s treachery has become too much. We’ve had too many slaps in the face, to turn the other cheek.

In the aftermath of the Forde Report, the disgraceful treatment of Diane Abbott, and the abysmal launch of its so-called Race Equality Act, to name but a few issues reflecting Labour’s anti-Blackness, an important question looms.

From the rubble of Labour’s betrayal, should Black communities now consider switching to Your Party, the new initiative emerging under Jeremy Corbyn’s brand of politics?

of course this never happened.

Equality Act launch which was other than their own political Instead we heard Starmer’s “island a disaster. Black media power and ambition – which the of strangers” deliberate quip. The including The Voice were shut out. leadership evidently did not. phrase should have triggered alarm Instead, Starmer did the opposite No consultation. bells echoing Enoch Powell’s ‘riversNo meaningful community and Abbott was thrown to the of-blood’ warning, casting migrants engagement beyond optics, just wolves and left isolated. Labour fundraised off the back of Abbott’s another spectacle revealing a clear and minorities as threats.

Even within Labour, MPs likened lack of a policy plan to tackle the ordeal sending a clear message issues that matter to Black Britons. it to far-right scaremongering. about whose dignity Labour will HOSTILE Starmer later “deeply regretted” the Meanwhile, as well as instituand will not defend. That abandonThe Forde Report ripped the phrase after the damage was done tional inequality, far-right racism veneer clean off Labour, exposing it ment was shameful enough. because he’d intentionally said it.

But the party didn’t stop there. In on the streets is rising. After the as hostile to Black and non-White July 2025, they suspended her again Southport riots, Black people across It was a clear desperate pitch to people. It highlighted that Black staff felt issues were only addressed for reiterating her long-held views the country were left vulnerably Reform voters. when politically expedient or And, the threat of the far right exposed, and targeted. on racism and prejudice – which beneficial.

In a parallel universe somewhere, is not hypothetical. We live in a are correct. A party that won’t stand Antisemitism got attention while by its most principled voices is not Starmer denounced rising fascism Britain where far-right forces are anti-Black racism and Islamophogrowing and thriving off division and pledged to do all in his power one you can trust. bia were left festering. It confirmed and misinformation.

And then we have Labour’s Race to curb the tide of fascism. But what many have long known. Labour is institutionally and willfully deaf to Black lived experience and conditions.

Then there is the treatment of Abbott our elder stateswoman, the first Black woman MP, now the longest-serving female MP, and “Mother of the House.”

When Tory donor Frank Hester spewed vile, racist abuse and potentially incited violence against Abbott, Labour should have rallied to her defence. Without hesitation.

Without waiting for the Tories to do so.

A simple decision, which surely should have been based on basic morality and integrity. Labour should have closed ranks around Abbott and sent a clear message – if POLITICAL ENERGY: Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (left) is seeking to attract disillusioned voters. Keir Starmer has come under fire for his handling of racism allegations (photos: Getty Images) they gave a damn about anything

Look at Ireland’s surge in farright populism and violence. It’s a warning siren. In the UK, Labour’s embrace of immigration panic is feeding the beast, not taming it.

Enter Your Party. Launched in July 2025 by Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, it openly champions wealth redistribution, nationalisation, social housing, and opposition to arms sales which are fueling apartheid and genocide.

Amid disillusionment, it raked in around 700,000 sign-ups in recent days. This is political energy and hunger, something Labour has long starved.

OPTIMISM There are many questions about the direction of Your Party.

In the coming months The Voice will examine what the party could mean for Black communities. Some of those questions will presumably be answered at the party’s conference in the autumn.

But could there be cause for measured optimism? I think so.

Any political party which speaks to the needs and demands of Black people surely deserve an audience.

We don’t yet know what the leadership will look like.

But among the reasons Corbyn was so popular before being ousted

by Starmer was his proximity to figures like Diane Abbott and his track record of anti racism campaigining.’

Will the new party walk in this tradition? Will it create structures to ensure anti-Black racism cannot

take root within its ranks, and that Black voices are heard?

Black communities are facing peril. Racist attacks will continue to escalate. The far-right will gain more momentum. Inequality is as entrenched as ever.

Starmer talks about an “island of strangers” while his team gleefully post images and videos of Black and non-White people being rounded up in shackles, making clear that “stopping the small boats” is their main concern.

Corbyn pushes belonging, diversity, and a shared resistance. We know which rhetoric rings true. But we also know that words don’t pay rent or end racism.

So, should we back his Your Party?

Labour has shown it doesn’t deserve default loyalty. Your Party is untested but its rapid grassroots build suggests real potential.

If Your Party can tap into the demands of Black Britain we could see a political exodus from Labour.

Black Britain needs to be explicit, and send the message that loyalty must be earned, not assumed. If Your Party steps up, engages with our communities then I think it deserves our backing.

The road won’t be easy. Labour may smirk, and smear. But history shows us that party loyalty is not sacrament.

Labour abandoned us, so now is the moment to forge something new.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 13

‘HE DESERVED MORE CARE, NOT A BULLET’

Vigil marks Marcus Meade’s 40th birthday amid calls for justice over his fatal shooting. By Vic Motune

T

HE FAMILY and supporters of Marcus Meade gathered earlier this month (August 17) to hold a vigil to commemorate what would have been his 40th birthday and renew calls for justice over his fatal shooting by West Mercia Police.

The event took place at Fownhope Close, where Meade, a father of two from Birmingham, was shot and killed by an armed officer on Christmas Eve last year following a five-hour standoff.

Campaigners said the event was aimed at being both a moment of remembrance and a demand for accountability.

Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo MBE, Chair of the Justice4Marcus Meade Campaign, said: “As we remember him on what should have been his 40th birthday, we also call for the immediate suspension of the officer who fired the fatal shot, pending the ongoing IOPC investigation. The family’s suffering continues.”

He added: “We will reaffirm our demand for accountability and transparency from the authorities.”

DISTRESS In December 2024, police officers were called to the Fownhope Close address following reports that Meade was in distress and possibly experiencing a mental health crisis.

Neighbours reported he was holding a knife. Armed units were deployed and negotiators spent several hours attempting to engage with him.

Despite the use of Tasers and flashbangs, the standoff ended shortly after 7.30pm when an officer shot Meade once in the chest at close range. He died at the scene.

Relatives have criticised the decision not to suspend the officer involved and questioned why armed police were sent instead of trained mental health professionals.

His parents, Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke, said that

Marcus was known to be unwell and that his mental health needs should have been met with medical intervention, not lethal force.

Ms Clarke also raised concerns that race may have influenced the police response. The family is also calling for a public inquiry into the actions of West Mercia Police.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the shooting, including Ms Clarke’s concern that race may have played a role in her son’s death.

It has confirmed that bodyworn camera footage and other recordings from the scene which captured parts of the incident, including loud bangs, shouts, and the final moments before the shooting are being reviewed.

As of August 2025, the officer who fired the fatal shot remains on active duty.

In February, the family expressed anger at West Mercia Police’s handling of the case, including communication with relatives during the incident and its response afterwards.

In a statement released earlier this year the force said: “We continue to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marcus Meade.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident. The IOPC continues to carry out an independent investigation, and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

Meade was remembered by friends as a “local hero” for helping to apprehend a murderer in 2001.

His death prompted public vigils, including one attended by more than 100 people in January, and a large funeral in Birmingham the following month where mourners wore blue in his honour.

This tragic incident has reignited national conversations about police use of force, especially in cases involving individuals in mental health crises.

News INQUIRY CALL: Marcus Meade, whose family say his life should have been met with care, not lethal force

14 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

BLACK ON THE SQUARE RETURNS: A celebration of music, food and culture

•

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that Black On The Square will return on Saturday, 6 September.

T

HE MAYOR of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that Black On The Square will return to the capital on Saturday 6 September.

The annual free festival of Black culture and creativity will once again unite thousands of Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds in Trafalgar Square to celebrate the extraordinary contribution that Black Londoners have made to the capital.

Following the success of the event’s first two years, this year includes a focus on London’s nightlife, with the theme ‘Inter-generate’ recognising Black London’s contribution to electronic culture and night life. It will feature legendary Garage music producer and DJ Wookie.

PAST AND PRESENT From noon-6pm, Trafalgar Square will come alive with free live performances, dance, food and family-friendly activities, highlighting the creative force of Black Londoners past and present.

The first acts to be announced include popular Southeast London DJ collective BORN N BREAD who will host the main stage. Performances will include the queen of Lover’s Rock, Janet Kay, community ballet company Pointe Black, Azmari Bet singing, telling stories and improvising, and OPAL will showcase spoken word and performance talent. Many more acts will be an-

nounced later this month.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Black-owned stalls and traders will offer a diverse mix of global cuisines and cultural experiences, including The Merge and Adrian’s Island Fresh. Londoners and visitors can enjoy everything from Caribbean classics and West African vegan bites to seafood specials and plant-based desserts, alongside artisan stalls offering jewellery, art, books, homeware and fashion. This year’s event will feature an ‘Accra to London’ stall with a range of items influenced by the capital of Ghana. This follows the Mayor’s visit to Accra last month as part of his historic trade mission to Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.

In addition to celebrating music and food, the event will spotlight Black entrepreneurship, with support from London & Partners’ Grow London Local, who will provide dropin advice clinics for start-ups and small businesses. There is also a specifically designed children’s area.

Now in its third year, Black On The Square forms part of the Mayor’s Trafalgar Square cultural programme, alongside a wide variety of other celebrations, including Diwali, Eid, Lunar New Year, St George’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. The festival is curated by fynn studio with a Community Advisory Group ensuring it reflects the experiences and priorities of London’s Black communities and is

sponsored by Remilty.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that Black On The Square returns to once again celebrate the incredible contribution of our Black communities. This free family event has become a key part of our cultural calendar, bringing Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds together for a showcase of how London’s Black communities have shaped the sound, flavour and soul of our city for generations.

UNFORGETTABLE “From talented DJs and dancers to incredible food stalls and crafts, this festival is a testament to the huge breadth of our creative talent and a symbol of our capital’s fantastic diversity.

“I urge everyone to enjoy what will be an unforgettable day in the heart of the capital, as we build a better London for all.”

Kojo Marfo, Vice Chair of the Cultural Advisory Group, said: “Black on the Square is now in its third consecutive year, and for the first time, we are introducing an ‘Accra to London’ showcase, bringing brands and founders from Ghana to Trafalgar Square. As Vice Chair of the Cultural Advisory Group and a Ghanaian-born British Londoner, it’s a proud moment that reflects the multicultural heartbeat of our city, and I’m excited to see this celebration come to life.”

•

The free, family-friendly festival will bring thousands of Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds together.

•

The event celebrates the wide-ranging contribution of Black Londoners to the capital.

•

Legendary Garage music producer and DJ Wookie will feature in a packed programme of live music, dance food and workshops.

AUGUST 2025

BLACK ON THE SQUARE

Free | Trafalgar Square | Sat 6 Sep | 12 - 6pm Celebrate Black culture with art, music, food, dance, and activities for the whole family.

Search Black On The Square #LondonForEveryone

THE VOICE |15

16 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Dr Julie Hammond Health Matters

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

URGENT SUPPORT IS NEEDED FOR SICKLE CELL SUFFERERS Sickle Cell Awareness Month is a chance to focus on the fight against the disease

HEALTH CHECK: Sickle cell patients say better training for healthcare staff could prevent dangerous treatment delays; inset below, in sickle cell disorder, red blood cells take on a rigid crescent shape that can block blood flow and cause severe pain

W

HEN I meet people and families living with sickle cell disorder, I am reminded how it affects every part of their lives.

It influences decisions about work, education, relationships, family planning, and has a significant impact on well-being.

Many describe periods of isolation, low mood and anxiety. Children may miss school and fall behind, while adults may need time off work, which can threaten income and job security.

Sickle cell disorder is the most common inherited blood condition in the UK. It mainly affects people from African and Caribbean backgrounds, although anyone can carry the gene.

There are currently around 15,000 people in the UK living with sickle cell disorder, and nearly 300 babies are born with the condition every year. A further 250,000 people carry the trait, often without realising it.

What happens in sickle cell?

In sickle cell disorder, red blood cells, which are typically round and flexible, take on a rigid crescent or ‘sickle’ shape.

These cells do not live as long as healthy ones, leading to anaemia. They can also clump together and block blood flow to bone, tissues and organs, causing what is known as a ‘crisis’, which can involve episodes of severe pain requiring hospital treatment. Over time, sickle cell can lead to complications affecting the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

Did you know there are different types of sickle cell disorder?

HbSS is the most common and usually the most severe. It is caused when the sickle cell gene is inherited from both parents.

HbSC means you inherit one sickle gene and one haemoglobin C gene.

Symptoms can be milder for some people, but severe pain crises and other complications can still occur.

HbS beta thalassaemia occurs when the sickle cell gene is combined with a beta thalassaemia gene.

Symptoms can range from mild to very severe depending on the type of beta thalassaemia gene inherited.

(photos: Getty Images)

Living with Pain A patient of mine, Steve, explained to me that he has lived every day of his life since infancy in constant pain. He does his best to manage his symptoms at home. However, due to the severity of his crises, he is a frequent attendee at his local A&E department.

He always carries a care plan that was agreed upon with his healthcare team.

It clearly outlines the pain medications and treatments he requires in the event of an emergency.

Despite this, there have been times when he has had to wait far too long for relief or has even been refused the treatment outlined in his plan. This is not only distressing but also dangerous, as delays during a crisis can lead to serious complications.

Sadly, I have witnessed and heard countless stories of people with sickle

cell not being believed when they are in pain.

Some are accused of seeking medication unnecessarily in A&E departments, while others are left waiting too long for adequate pain relief.

This is not just poor care; it is dangerous. Sickle cell crises can escalate quickly, leading to organ damage or lifethreatening complications.

These attitudes are often rooted in bias, including racial stereotypes about pain tolerance and drug use. It is a form of discrimination that compounds the suffering of those who live with the condition.

Changing this requires both systemic NHS reform and honest conversations about how racism impacts healthcare.

The role of screening In England, all newborns are screened for sickle cell as part of the NHS heelprick blood test.

Carrier testing is also offered to pregnant women. If a pregnant woman is identified as a carrier, then the father of the child is also invited for a test. If both parents carry the sickle cell trait, there is a one in four chance that their

baby will be born with the disorder.

Despite this, many people still do not know their carrier status before having children.

I encourage everyone, especially those from African and Caribbean heritage, to ask their GP for a blood test to confirm their carrier status if they are unsure, which can be accessed for free under the NHS. Knowing your status can help you make informed decisions and prepare for any potential challenges.

What needs to change In recent years, there has been some progress in treatment options. One example is crizanlizumab, a new drug, available on the NHS, for some people with sickle cell.

It works by helping to prevent the clumping of sickle cells in blood vessels, which can reduce the frequency and severity of crises. For those suitable, it has meant fewer admissions and more control over their lives.

Progress has been made; however, those living with the condition continue to encounter avoidable delays and face disparities in care.

We can change that if services and communities act together.

We need: l More specialist sickle cell nurses and clinics l Faster triage and treatment pathways in A&E l Fair access to proven treatments that reduce pain and protect long-term health l Mandatory training for all staff in acute and primary care settings on recognising signs of a sickle cell crisis, and to ask for and follow the patient’s care plan to prevent treatment delays and ensure care meets patients’ needs.

Sickle cell is not rare in our community. Sickle Cell Awareness Month is a chance to turn understanding into action. l Sickle Cell Awareness Month takes place in

the UK in September

l Dr Julie Hammond is a multi-award-

winning GP, health advocate and innovator.

She is the founder of the mamAR app: www.mamarhealth.com and is also writing a book on The Fourth Trimester due to be released in 2026

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Dotun Adebayo

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

Rate him or hate him - you can’t ignore him!

YES, OUR NAMES ARE AFRICAN – THANK GOD

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?: Sidney Poitier, Hollywood trailblazer, whose French-sounding name helped him break barriers in an era when African names were deemed unmarketable; below, acclaimed British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor proudly kept his Nigerian name and proved success need not mean abandoning African heritage (photos: Getty

Gone are the days where we needed to change our names to fit in – and the world’s a better place for being more African

W

HAT’S IN a name? I hear you ask. A Dotun by any other name would smell as sweet.

True. But that notwithstanding, the greatest gift my parents ever bestowed upon me was to name me AFRICAN. They could have called me John, Jonny or Jonathan. Life could have been easier but I may have ended up being a Jack of all trades and a beast of no nation.

What my parents did was bless me with a name that is AFRICAN and means AFRICAN. Oludotun Adebayo couldn’t be from anywhere else.

No matter where you come from, as long as you’re Black, you’re African, sang the late great Peter Tosh — whether just a drop or a whole blood bank of genes.

But now we know Peter got it wrong. Because it’s not the colour of your skin that defines who you are and where you are from. Not anymore.

Your Blackness doesn’t make you any more African than Elon Musk.

TRIBAL Your name, however, is another thing entirely. It’s the defining factor. It’s like a tribal mark on your forehead. It announces your arrival like a trumpet call at Buckingham Palace announcing: Here comes the king! Here comes the king!

If you’ve got an African name, you are unmistakably, unquestionably an African. No matter where you come from.

‘Cos who else calls their children by African names? Not for all the money in the world and all the tea in China.

Whereas Africans call their children Michael (Stormzy) Cynthia (Erivo) and Daniel (Kaluuya) without even a second thought, non-African parents don’t have to think long and hard not to give their children African names. Not trying to be funny.

When was the last time you came

across a White Kofi or Kwame — or a Chinese one for that matter?

Yes, unmistakably and unquestioningly African. But if you’ve got an English name and you carry it to Africa with you on your tourist holiday to Gambia along with your English accent, then don’t be surprised if you get charged more for everything.

Time was when you had to give your children so-called Christian names in Africa. Them days are gone.

So called as if to say indigenous African names were somehow heathen names belonging to the devil.

Quite apart from that it was the job that came with an Anglican name that proved decisive. You couldn’t get a job without one back in old Africa.

Until along came a bloke called Kwame Nkrumah who was elected the first prime minister and president of a postcolonial Africa with a name that the British empire couldn’t even pronounce.

That name heralded the end of the British empire. It should have liberated Africans from the colonial mentality that the empire left behind in our republics.

If it wasn’t for the great migration — north for Africans and east for those born in the Caribbean — we would have abandoned all vestiges of British imperialism by now.

But we had to come over here, didn’t we, into the Three Lions’ den and suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and a threat of being thrown over the white cliffs of Dover if we didn’t call ourselves something pronounceable to the average Brit.

That’s when we started calling ourselves Terry, Arthur and Delboy — or in my case Dalton

Images)

Abbey-Day-o. I would answer to anything just to avoid the humiliation of the teacher taking the register at school when they came across my name.

For years I cursed the name and whoever gave it to me.

But now I know why. Now I know the importance of being African and why our names are the essential stew in the jollof rice of life that we navigate every day.

Now I realise that I am blessed with a name that Brits are determined to mangle. And I’m cool with that. Mangle it as much as you like, I’m sticking with it.

Because it is who I am.

In Olympian Daley Thompson’s case he anglicised his Nigerian Dele.

Nowadays, though, it’s different.

Somewhat troubled footballer Dele Alli stuck to his guns. So did Could Sidney Chiwetel Ejiofor. Chucky Venice Poitier have been went the other way, but then switched back to include the a big Hollywood Okechukwu in his name. It means ‘God’, after all. star back in It is within acting and among the 1950s and the brilliant British actors of African origin that we have been ‘60s if he was able to claim that heritage and whatever it means. called Oludotun In my day, acting with the likes Adebayo? of Vincent Price and Christopher Lee and appearing in Diamonds Probably not Are Forever, there was a lot of pressure to ditch the African convince him otherwise but he name. stuck by his guns and far from being out of work for having an HEART-THROB ‘un-memorable’ name, the work But then along came an actor hasn’t stopped coming in. called Ian Roberts who decided Some people from the that his name didn’t quite fit and Caribbean get it. Many others after re-discovering the AFRICAN don’t. And it’s fair to say that changed his name to Kwame nearly every White person I come Kwei-Armah. across gets it as well — the fact Talk about if a name fits. He is that I could easily ‘pass’ for the KK-A through and through. sake of a name.

He then became the first And that there is POWER in Black heart-throb in the hospital that old African name that people series Casualty. He’s currently the still laugh at, joke about and artistic director at the Young Vic. mangle when they are drunk or But he’s also my neighbour. He determined to show me who is tells me that his agent tried to boss.

Could Sidney Poitier have been a big Hollywood star back in the 1950s and ‘60s if he was called Oludotun Adebayo?

Probably not. His agent would have told him to change it to something like ‘Sidney Poitier’. Because the only way a handsome Black guy was going to be the matinee idol of White women back in those days was to have a French sounding name like Poitier and his good friend Harry Belafonte.

But in these enlightened times we can never be more successful at looking English, sounding English and calling ourselves ENGLISH as those who are English by name, English by culture and English by heritage. l Dotun Adebayo, Britain’s

most celebrated Black broadcaster, is known as the King of the Nighttime Airwaves. All views here are his own. Listen to him overnight on BBC 5 Live from 1-5am Saturday mornings - Monday mornings & 1am 4am on BBC Radio London (Wednesday to Friday mornings). Follow him on X: @radiodotun

SEPTEMBER 2025

THE VOICE | 19

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

The International Music Summit Brings Global Industry Leaders to London with Historic Gospel Music Hall of Fame Launch during Black History Month

Dr Carol Crawford Danner

L

ondon will take center stage this October as it hosts one of the most anticipated gatherings in the global music calendar—the International Music Summit (The Summit), taking place October 2–4, 2025. Bringing together artists, producers, musicians, and industry professionals from across the world, the Summit promises three days of powerful conversations, innovative insights, and networking opportunities designed to equip and inspire the next generation of music creators.

Dr Monica R Butler

The Summit is more than a conference—it is a dynamic convergence of creativity and business. With masterclasses, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and live showcases, the Summit provides a platform where independent artists and seasoned professionals can learn how to navigate today’s ever-evolving music landscape.

CONNECTIONS Topics will range from intellectual property and digital streaming strat-

TRANSATLANTIC CONNECTIONS: at the International Music Summit

egies to artist branding, production, and international touring, offering practical tools and connections to help careers flourish. This year’s Summit is curated around the theme “Legacy, Leadership & Global Sound,” UK Panelists include, Dr. Charmain Elliott, Ven Spence (Gospel Reggae 360), Keziah Job (Hammond & Harmony), Sarah Holloway

(ProVision Films), Kevin Tomlin (Music Historian),Bishop Delroy Henry (NTA), Sandra Godley OBE. USA Panelists include, Dr. Aulsondro “Emcee NICE” Hamilton, Dr. Earl Bynum, Martin Christie (Producer), Benita Bellamy Kelley (The Bellamy Group), Johnny Sanders (Blonja Entertainment) and Dr. Monica R. Butler (The Butler Group & GMHOF).

Adding to its significance, this year’s Summit will also mark the historic launch of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame UK. This groundbreaking initiative will honor pioneers, trailblazers, and contemporary voices who have shaped gospel music across the decades.

With over 30 inductees to be recognized in the inaugural ceremony, the Hall of Fame will spotlight the genre’s enduring influence, from church choirs to global concert stages.

Dr. Monica R. Butler, founder of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame USA in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, these two dynamic leaders are laying the foundation for an international initiative that honors excellence, preserves history, and inspires future generations of gospel artists across continents.

The induction ceremony will recognize over 30 legendary artists, choirs, and groups, including:

• Karen Gibson, MBE • Bishop John Francis • Professor Ken Burton • Noel Robinson • Audrey Gray • Juliet Fletcher • The Gospel Flames (Donald

Campbell, Charles MacIntosh, John Francis, Ivory Laurence)

RISING STARS

• The Giant Gospel Choir (Paulette Francis, Cheyenne Malcolm, Ruth Whyte, Joannie J, Ray Stewart, Tony Best, Sinclair Malcolm)

The Hall of Fame’s introduction at the Summit underscores the Summit’s mission: to celebrate diversity in music while ensuring that gospel’s rich heritage is given the visibility and respect it deserves.

The induction ceremony will blend history, performance, and recognition—bringing together legends of gospel music with the industry’s rising stars.

“This is more than an event—it’s a moment of cultural recognition,” says Dr. Carol Crawford Danner, founder of Back2BackPR Global and Executive Producer of The Summit.

“For decades, gospel artists in the UK have made monumental contributions with little formal recognition.

We are proud to honor their work and preserve our musical heritage for generations to come.”

Dr. Crawford has partnered with

For details and registration, visit www.theinternationalmusicsummit.com

• The Golden Chords (Stephany Ferguson) …and more, including posthumous honors for Fitz McIntyre, Linton Beckles, and Sandra Escoffrey.

Events will take place at the Hilton London Heathrow Terminal 4, offering a modern, international backdrop, and the historic Bloomsbury Baptist Church, a landmark that has hosted influential voices including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As anticipation builds, the International Music Summit and the launch of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame UK are set to deliver not only education and inspiration but also a unifying celebration of artistry and legacy.

20 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Lyndon Mukasa

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

Eye on the Diaspora

WHY HAS IRAN BEEN A SUCCESS IN RESISTING WESTERN IMPERIALISM? PIONEER: Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, symbolised Africa’s struggle for independence and resistance to neocolonial domination (photo:

African countries need to be brave and think outside the modern global system they exist under

S

INCE LAST year Iran has demonstrated a formidable ability to respond to foreign aggression that for most countries in the Global South is seemingly unthinkable.

Since the 1979 revolution, despite harsh Western sanctions, Iran has advanced militarily and resisted Western dominance, exemplified by drone attacks in 2024 and its role in the ‘12 Days War,’ sustaining defiance against neocolonial pressures.

This begs the question, how and why was this possible? Additionally, why hasn’t any African country ever been able to successfully accomplish resistance on this applied an import-substitution model alongside local content requirements that scale? force Iranian businesses operating in the country to source materials and parts The ‘resistance economy’ To be clear, many African leaders have domestically or develop the substitutes in the past made multiple attempts themselves.

This approach leveraged the sanctions to dislodge themselves from Western dependence and subordination. From Iran faced to its advantage alongside Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, the implementing subsidies and tariffs that former Prime Minister of the Democratic protect developing industries from foreign competition. This is widely known, but Republic of Congo, to Thomas Sankara.

Looking at how Iran has managed to most African governments don’t adopt free itself from dependence on Western this approach to sovereignty. aid reveals the fact that the country has Could this model be replicated in

Getty Images)

Africa? Comparing Iran and Nigeria for instance sheds more light on this question as well as highlights key economic contrasts.

Both countries are major oil producers with young populations and similar overall GDPs – Nigeria at $509 billion in 2024 versus Iran’s $437 billion.

Yet, Iran’s GDP per capita is far higher at $5,800 compared to Nigeria’s $2,300, revealing that despite Nigeria’s larger economy, the average Nigerian remains poorer than the average Iranian In addition, decades of sustained

investment in education and healthcare has ensured that tertiary enrollment is higher in Iran.

Oil revenue is particularly important.

This has been completely nationalised and channelled into domestic research and development in military technology such as drones and missiles which explains its ability to resist Western attacks for so long.

History matters There are a number of structural and historical differences that emerge between

Iran and Nigeria. The latter’s urban centres boast world class universities with a significant tech scene and incredible capacity and potential for further growth.

However, beyond the major cities, the distribution of these assets are not equally shared.

Moreover, the priorities of the two societies are different. Nigeria, even before colonisation by Britain, had centuries of European collaboration with local elites from Benin, Oyo and the Sokoto Caliphate during the slave trade. The modern state is a product of centuries of deep integration into a Western controlled global economy.

These elites would evolve into merchant oligarchs and when the Transatlantic slave trade ended in the 19th century and colonisation began, they became warrant chiefs operating as tax collectors and colonial enforcement on behalf of and accountable to European powers only.

This established relationship did not give way when Nigeria and other African countries became independent.

The elites shifted into governance in the newly formed states, often with priorities that differed from state building.

Iran was very similar to Nigeria in a lot of ways before 1979.

But a revolution expelled the elites that operated under Western influence. Iran was never fully colonised.

This raises the idea that if full sovereignty and economic liberation is to be realised, many African countries need to have a mass revolution and be brave enough to think outside the modern global system that they exist under.

COULD EUROPE TARGET AFRICA’S RESOURCES TO FUEL ITS MILITARISATION? EUROPE IS at a crucial junction for its security and what it perceives as its long-term stability.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with other European Governments, specifically Nato and EU members, is under pressure from the United States to increase spending on defence.

Confronted by Russian threats, China’s challenge to Western dominance, and US uncertainty as Europe’s ally, the EU and Nato are reassessing security policies. This has spurred debate over creating a European army, though questions remain over securing the resources, energy, and manpower required.

With scarce resources and an ageing population, Europe will likely turn to Africa – rich in minerals and energy, and historically tied to Europe – to fuel its militarisation.

This risks renewed exploitation, as European powers compete

with China, Russia, and the US for Africa’s resources in future conflicts.

If European sovereignty and survival are perceived to be at stake, there is no reason to believe they won’t awaken their imperialist tendencies that never really died, but had been obscured under an American world order.

requires significant resources to develop a force comparable to China or the US.

Africa’s role in Europe’s militarisation The EU’s rearming plans rely on securing critical raw materials, with Africa identified as a key partner.

By aligning with the African Union’s Green Minerals Strategy, Europe The militarisation of Europe To address potential Russian threats, aims to exchange technological the European Commission launched expertise for resources, though similar promises of knowledge the ReArm Europe Plan, aiming transfer in exchange for African to raise €800 billion in defence resources have occurred before. spending over four years. Nato Plans about educating the members plan to exceed five per population and increasing literacy cent of GDP on defence by 2035. rates among Africans were made Reindustrialisation of military by many European powers during bases and recruitment drives are the colonial era, but market forces underway, with 200,000–300,000 additional troops needed. Initiatives slowed down such drives. Also, the incentives for having a large like the Clean Industrial Deal educated population of Africans integrate renewable energy into were not there in part because of military expansion, yet Europe still

all the problems that having an educated population could mean for colonial rule itself.

Opportunity or another colonial chapter?

Does Europe really see an opportunity to genuinely participate in the industrialisation of Africa in exchange for critical raw materials?

Considering that industrialisation among many African countries would create new capacities in areas including military technology, that would increase the power and influence of African countries possibly beyond what Europe could control. As a result, the current power dynamic between Africa and Europe could completely change, which would undermine the entire point of Europe militarising to begin with. Alternatively, with many African leaders and elites already subordinating to Western

interests, colonisation may not even be necessary, just managed exploitation. Most EU leaders should be aware that it is not 1884 anymore and the African continent has evolved since the 1960s. Therefore, direct military interventions might be a thing of the past.

But a strategy of fomenting division and instability among and between African countries might be Europe’s best way to exploit the continent on its own terms.

Hopefully this won’t happen.

However, based on Europe’s history in the continent, I am cautious since there has never been an exchange between the two regions in the modern era that has benefited Africans. l Lyndon Mukasa is a writer

and researcher. He studied International Development at the London School of Economics

Africa Travel Shows 2025 brings together the best of Africa in one unforgettable experience. It is where 54 nations meet buyers, media, investors, creators, and the diaspora to spark real partnerships and new possibilities.

Come ready to meet the people behind the ideas, the flavours behind the memories, and the partners behind tomorrow’s success.

Walk in curious. Leave connected.

3,000+ attendees from tourism boards, airlines, brands, governments, investors, creators, and community leaders

6 zones of food, art and history, fashion, music and culture, tourism and business

SEPTEM BER 12-13 NO

VOTEL W EST, HAMME RSMIT LONDON H,

22 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

AFRICAN TOURISM CAN SHINE ON GLOBAL STAGE

VISIONARY: Yared Bizuneh, founder and Director General of Africa Travel Connect

Founder Yared Bizuneh believes Africa Travel Shows 2025 will help transform the continent’s image around the world. By Anshu Taneja

Y

ARED BIZUNEH is the visionary founder and Director General of Africa Travel Connect (ATC).

Even though the company is just a year old, it has already established significant business partnerships with seven African airlines and over 50 media outlets including heavyweights like BBC and CNN. Its aim is to bring everyone – governments, airlines, hotels and businesses – into one shared platform to advance African tourism collectively.

Officially launched in June 2024, ATC was created to address the imbalance in Africa’s representation in global tourism and to promote the continent’s potential. The company’s vision is clear: to increase Africa’s share of global tourism from five per cent to 25 per cent by the year 2030. The global tourism market is worth $11.7 trillion according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Originally of Ethiopian origin, Bizuneh has dedicated his life to the travel sector and has a wealth of experience in the industry having spent almost 30 years serving

a variety of stakeholders in multiple continents, including airlines, destination management companies, and technology ventures.

Covid transforms the travel industry Unexpectedly, it was during Covid when worldwide travel immediately halted that Bizuneh found his true purpose in life having survived a near-death experience.

“On the day of the UK’s first official lockdown, I was hospitalised and admitted to intensive care for 27 days,” he says.

“My condition was critical and my heart stopped for ten seconds. The hospital even informed my wife that I had passed.”

As a man of faith Bizuneh expressed his immense gratitude and reflected on his survival as a blessing and turning point.

His recovery through this traumatic event – during which his five-year-old son helped him relearn how to walk – caused deep introspection and prompted him to pursue a more meaningful path.

The defining moment came when he discovered data that showed that Africa’s global tourism

“The curiosity of younger generations is contributing to a growing interest in exploring more unique African destinations”

- Yared Bizuneh equity – despite comprising over a quarter of the world’s countries – was just under five per cent, according to 2024 United Nations data.

While some may suggest ATC’s target of 25 per cent of global tourism as ambitious, Bizuneh outlines several reasons for optimism.

“Firstly, the way tourism is traded has shifted dramatically

post Covid. Digital and online platforms have become the norm, increasing market accessibility and reach. Video calls, digital bookings, and automation are now central, giving us an advantage in modern connectivity,” he explains.

“Secondly, almost two-thirds of Africa’s tourism is concentrated in just three countries: Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, which leaves significant room for growth in the remaining 51 countries. And perhaps most critically, there is improved transportation. More African countries now have direct flight connections with the UK and other markets.”

Africa is also becoming a focal point for UK-Africa trade and cooperation and has recently been boosted with a high-level trade tour by the Mayor of London to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

As trade and cultural exchange expand, tourism naturally benefits.

In addition, today’s travellers are increasingly seeking experiential tourism – opportunities to engage with different cultures, traditions, and communities.

This shift in consumer behaviour represents an

OPPORTUNITIES: Yared at the launch of Africa Travel Shows 2025

enormous opportunity for the continent, which offers abundant and underutilised cultural tourism experiences filled with deep learning and authenticity. There are approximately 7,000 travel companies in the UK and Africa’s tourism market is still developing and poised for significant growth. Africa Travel Connect is positioning itself at the heart of this transformation to offer total cultural immersion for their customers.

“I have only been to 14 African countries so far because Africa is so vast and varied,” says Bizuneh.

“But just to give you an example of our immense history, my country Ethiopia is 3,000 years old and is unique as the only African nation never colonized. It has ancient Christian heritage and remarkable linguistic diversity with over 28 dialects. This type of diversity is common across Africa both between and within countries.”

Altering perceptions Morocco succeeds as a top African tourist destination due to proximity, its strong infrastructure, and abundant low-cost flight options, but there are different

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 23

Africa Travel Shows 2025

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Visitors can expect an immersive display of Africa’s past, present, and future in six different zones with African gastronomy experiences, fashion shows, live cultural music, art exhibitions, historical galleries, tourism and business expos.

l The Africa Travel Shows 2025 will take place on September 12th and 13th, 2025 at Novotel West, Hammersmith, London. l The opening day is designated for trade professionals and businesses, while the second day is open to consumers. l Tickets for the event are priced at £20, with VIP options and a 15 per cent discount available for readers of The Voice.

IN MORE DETAIL...

OYEGOKE SHAPING THE VISION AFRICA Travel Shows 2025 has confirmed the appointment of Andy Oyegoke as Executive Director, International Cultural Trade Relations.

Oyegoke brings over 27 years of experience across strategic communications, cultural diplomacy, and global trade platforms. His leadership signals a new era of creativecommercial collaboration, and will be instrumental in shaping Africa Travel Shows’ 2025 vision.

Yared Bizuneh said: “Andy Oyegoke’s

perceptions for the rest of the continent.

“There are often misconceptions about Africa, particularly related to security and development,” says Bizuneh. “These negative portrayals in mainstream media often overshadow Africa’s achievements, for example, construction is underway on an airport in Ethiopia which will handle 100 million passengers annually and hold 270 aircraft. Far too often, Africa is perceived as a country or as a safari destination, which completely

appointment represents a transformational step for Africa Travel Shows.

“His rare blend of strategic insight, cultural fluency, and hands-on execution will elevate how Africa’s creative economy engages the world – commercially, culturally, and diplomatically.”

Oyegoke said: “This level of editorial and diplomatic engagement reflects a renewed global interest in Africa. We’re bringing together storytelling, trade, and culture to shift narratives and unlock new opportunities.”

overlooks its multifaceted reality.

South Africa’s great leader Nelson Mandela highlighted the richness of culture, tradition, food, and music that characterises the continent.”

Bizuneh is confident that Africa can follow India and transform its image to rank inside the top 10 in the world’s destinations. He explains: “India has successfully changed its global image and I strongly believe that Africa must also be given platforms to show its real, vibrant, and diverse identity.

Events like this exhibition can

serve as cultural bridges – offering the public new insights into African societies, traditions, music, and history.”

He elaborates further as to why African tourism has historically been underrepresented in global travel markets.

“A major barrier to growth is the absence of ‘trigger points’ i.e. tangible, engaging cultural elements that spark interest and desire. Afrobeats is highlighted as a cultural success story – a musical genre that has garnered

l The event will run from 9am to 7pm on both days and culminates with a formal gala dinner for 150 invited dignitaries and guest speakers. l The event will be a large-scale public celebration of Africa’s culture, travel, and innovation – featuring six themed zones that are designed as trigger points to highlight different facets of Africa’s ethos, innovation and tourism.

Gastronomy Food is a gateway to understanding and connecting with African cultures. For example, the national dish Beyaynetu emphasises the communal and expressive nature of African dining.

Lifestyle and Fashion This is a showcase of African clothing, jewellery, and accessories and will support small vendors and artisans, giving them a platform to share their culture through intricate and ornate products.

Art & History This zone provides a space for artists of African origin to exhibit their work, and aims to spark curiosity and educate visitors by highlighting the rich historical narratives that shape Africa today. Understanding history allows a deeper appreciation for cultural depth.

Music This zone aims to immerse attendees in the vibrant, rhythmic sounds of Africa, further deepening their sensory experience of the continent’s cultures. It will comprise of musical talent and performances from fifteen different countries.

Media There will be various traditional and mainstream media in attendance, as well as influencers who will promote the best of Africa’s diversity and heritage.

global appreciation and is seen as one of many ‘entry points’ through which Africa can connect with the world. Similarly, fashion and film (e.g. Nollywood) serve as vehicles for reshaping Africa’s global image. The curiosity of younger generations is also contributing to a growing interest in exploring more unique African destinations.”

Overcoming challenges Connectivity and accessibility: There is lower air traffic and flight

Tourism and Stakeholders This zone is aimed at businesses to take advantage of the flourishing African markets and build strong connections with other businesses and new customers.

availability to Africa compared to other destinations like India or Dubai, driving up the cost and reducing accessibility. However, new or expanding airlines such as RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, and Air Arabia are emerging, and is expected to boost leisure travel to the region.

High travel costs: Beyond flight limitations, package costs including hotels and visas make African destinations less competitive, especially for longhaul travellers.

Travel advisories: Many African countries suffer from unfavourable travel advisories issued by authorities like the FCO (UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office), which invalidate travel insurance and deter potential tourists.

Negative perceptions and stereotypes: Africa is still widely misunderstood or underrepresented in public consciousness, which affects its appeal as a tourist destination.

24 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Gastronomy – Zone 1 Sponsored by Merry Café

FOOD FROM THE HEART

A new generation of chefs is redefining how African cuisine is seen globally

F

OOD IS more than sustenance; it is memory, culture, and diplomacy on a plate. Africa’s gastronomy embodies this truth with extraordinary depth, and at the Africa Travel Shows 2025, Zone 1 becomes a stage where the continent’s culinary artistry shines. This is not simply an exhibition of food; it is an exploration of identity, migration, and the future of how Africa feeds the world.

The African table is as diverse as its geography. In the north, one finds couscous, fragrant spices, and the slow-cooked stews of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, each dish steeped in centuries of trade and cultural exchange.

In West Africa, the boldness of jollof rice, the richness of groundnut stews, and the warmth of plantain bring people together, transforming communal meals into rituals of joy. East Africa reflects the Indian Ocean’s cosmopolitan heritage, with Swahili curries, spiced teas, and coastal seafood traditions shaped by trade

AUTHENTIC: The global food movement is beginning to recognise Africa as a powerhouse routes linking Arabia, India, and Africa. Further south, braai culture, pap, and the melding of indigenous and European traditions embody the resilience and adaptability of Southern African cuisine.

Yet beyond nostalgia, African gastronomy is increasingly forward-looking. A new generation of chefs and food entrepreneurs is redefining how African

cuisine is seen globally. Their work highlights sustainability, local sourcing, and innovation.

From vegan reinterpretations of traditional staples to finedining reinventions of village recipes, they prove that Africa’s kitchen belongs in the league of the world’s most influential food cultures.

Diaspora chefs, working in London, New York, or Paris,

reinterpret the flavours of their childhood for global palates, bridging continents and sparking curiosity about authentic African ingredients.

Zone 1 offers more than tastings – it creates dialogue. Live cooking shows allow chefs to share their culinary philosophy, while food historians explain how colonisation, trade, and resilience shaped Africa’s palate.

Guests can sample both the rustic simplicity of street food and the refined creativity of haute cuisine.

Panels on food tourism explore how gastronomy can drive travel, encouraging visitors to journey not just for landscapes but for flavours. Importantly, sustainability is highlighted: Africa’s small-scale farmers, organic growers, and women-

led cooperatives provide the backbone of its food systems.

The global food movement is beginning to recognise Africa as a powerhouse.

Products like Ethiopian coffee, Ghanaian cocoa, Malawian tea, and South African wines already command international respect. But beyond exports lies a more profound narrative: Africa’s ability to influence global food trends.

From superfoods such as moringa and baobab to indigenous grains like fonio and teff, African ingredients are poised to become staples in health and wellness markets worldwide.

The Gastronomy Zone concludes with an invitation: to taste Africa not only with the tongue, but with the heart. Food becomes the entry point into the continent’s creativity, resilience, and innovation.

By celebrating its flavours, we celebrate Africa itself – past, present, and future.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 25

Lifestyle, Fashion & Design – Zone 3

ICONS OF INNOVATION, CURATED

BY DAME DR MARY MARTIN The roots of African fashion run deep. Curated by the first woman of colour to stage a runway at the UK Foreign Office, Zone 3 is a celebration of icons

F

ASHION IS language. It speaks of heritage, ambition, resistance, and celebration. In Zone 3 of the Africa Travel Shows 2025, lifestyle, fashion, and design converge to articulate a bold truth: African creativity is not peripheral – it is central to the story of global culture.

This space is curated by Dame Dr Mary Martin, a designer of formidable influence and the first woman of colour to stage a runway at the UK Foreign Office. Celebrated as Diaspora Queen Mother in Ghana, her vision frames African talent not as novelty but as luxury, artistry, and innovation equal

to any global capital. Under her guidance, Zone 3 becomes both exhibition and manifesto.

The roots of African fashion run deep. From kente cloth of Ghana, the indigodyed textiles of Mali, and the intricate beadwork of the Maasai, fashion has always been a living archive of identity and status. These traditions are not relics; they are the foundation upon which contemporary designers build. Today’s creators weave heritage into bold, modern statements – gowns sculpted with architectural precision, streetwear infused with African iconography, and jewel-

MODERN STATEMENTS: From the runway to the ancient beadwork of the Maasai, fashion has always been a living archive of identity

lery that carries both spiritual meaning and luxury appeal.

But Zone 3 is not limited to clothing. It is a holistic lifestyle arena, showcasing interior design, wellness, beauty, and craftsmanship. Here, African luxury is reframed not as exotic but as aspirational. Designers demonstrate how sustainable materials, local artisanship, and cultural storytelling come together to redefine what it means to live beautifully.

For visitors, the experience is immersive. Runway presentations bring drama and elegance, while curated installations allow for closer engagement with textiles, accessories, and design objects. Discussions led by fashion icons and cultural critics highlight how Africa’s creative industries are shaping the global narrative. Buyers, investors, and media are invited to recognise the continent not as a “trend” but as a cornerstone of the future fashion economy.

The significance of this zone extends beyond aesthetics.

Fashion and lifestyle industries create jobs, nurture communities, and project soft power.

Africa’s youthful population, digitally connected and globally aware, is driving a renaissance in creativity.

From Lagos Fashion Week to Dakar’s design studios, the continent is setting agendas that ripple outward. Diaspora designers amplify this momentum, carrying African perspectives into international runways and retail spaces.

Ultimately, Zone 3 is a celebration of icons and an invitation to the world. It declares that Africa is not borrowing the spotlight – it owns it.

Under Dame Dr Mary Martin’s curation, this arena proves that African fashion and lifestyle are not waiting for validation. They are already reshaping global luxury on their own terms.

26 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Africa Travel Shows 2025

AFRICA’S BIG SHOW HITS THE CAPITAL

CRAFTING EXPERIENCES: Just five per cent of global tourists choose Africa, but the continent has so much to offer, from the waterfalls of Ethiopia to the diverse fashion

The eagerly awaited Africa Travel Shows 2025 has generated much debate. Here are some of the thoughts on the upcoming event...

“Africa Travel Shows 2025 is more than an event – it’s a movement bringing Africa’s arts, cuisine, culture, and business to life across six immersive zones. Each tells a story of Africa’s creativity and ambition.

Yet with just five per cent of global tourists choosing Africa, our mission is clear – together, we can change the world’s view of Africa by uniting our voices, connecting our strengths, and crafting experiences that inspire true partnership.”

Ambassador Dr Samuel AbiolaJacobs “Food isn’t just what we eat – it’s how we tell Africa’s story. Every taste is a handshake, every recipe a passport to possibility.

“True hospitality isn’t only about service. It’s about opening doors that turn first-time guests into lifelong partners. With every plate, we’re changing how the world experiences Africa.”

Tobias Azizah, curator “There’s gold in our grains and greatness in our spice.

I’m here to prove African cuisine isn’t just delicious – it’s transformational. Ask what’s on the menu; I’ll show you Africa’s next big export.”

Chef Alex, Africa Desert, All Africa

“When food sparks conversation, borders disappear. Let’s share a dish – and build bridges that last beyond this table. “We don’t just feed appetites; we fuel ambition and unlock partnership, one taste at a time.”

Dudu Bar Restaurant, Nigeria “Every cup of Ethiopian coffee we serve is a story steeped in tradition. One sip, and you’re instantly connected to generations of craft and

courage. Our secrets are old, our vision is new. We roast connection, we brew prosperity.

Welcome – let’s raise a cup to the future we’re building together. Jollof rice is more than a meal – it’s an invitation to belong. Here, every flavour tells a story, and every story creates a community.”

Muna Coffee Ethiopia – Yegna Bunna / Meron Cafe / Biruk Kera

“Art isn’t about what hangs on the wall – it’s about what moves across borders. Every canvas tells the story of Africa’s rise. Let’s paint a future no one’s seen before.

“When you invest in African art, you invest in a continent’s possibility. Let’s make culture the currency of our next deal.”

Edouard ‘Edo’ Ndeke, curator “African fashion is global ambition tailored with heritage and vision. When we wear our story, the world can’t help but pay attention. This is more than a runway – it’s the starting line for global recognition. Join us, and don’t just watch the future of fashion – wear it.”

Dame Dr Mary Martin, ambassador and curator “Diversity takes the spotlight and inclusion sets the pace. Every walk, every look is a statement that Africa’s beauty sets the global standard.”

Hassan Reese, DAM Model Management “Music breaks the silence between worlds. The rhythms we play are the connections that turn allies into family.

Every note, every beat is a negotiation with destiny.

Partner with us – and let’s write Africa’s next global anthem together.”

Tsungai Tsikirai

“A seat on our plane is a seat at the table of Africa’s opportunity. Fly with us – land in the future.”

Ethiopian Airlines

“We don’t just fund businesses; we finance dreams. Let’s show you how partnership with purpose can change the continent.” First Bank

“‘Year of Return’ was just the beginning. When you journey to Ghana, you’re investing in heritage – and opening the door to your next big deal.”

Ghana Tourism Authority

“London is where the world meets Africa. Let’s turn this city into a launchpad for new stories, new partnerships, and generational prosperity.”

Local council

It is great to see Yared driving Africa Travel Connect with the same passion he has always brought to his various roles. I am sure that with the support of his team, he will position Africa Travel Connect as the leading source of information and support for consumers and the industry in all things Africa.

Francis Torrilla CEO @ Dertour.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 27

Africa Travel Shows 2025

ETHIOPIA: WHERE NATURE LIVES AND CULTURES CONNECT This East African nation offers an unforgettable mix of ancient history and warm hospitality

E

THIOPIA IS not just a destination – it is a journey into the origins of humanity, where past and present meet in breathtaking harmony. Known as the Land of Origins, this East African nation offers an unforgettable mix of ancient history, dramatic landscapes, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, cultural explorer, or business traveller, Ethiopia invites you to discover something profound.

A living museum of human history Step into Ethiopia, and you’re walking through the pages of early human history. In Axum, explore the ancient kingdom once ruled by the legendary Queen of Sheba. In Lalibela, 12th-century rock-hewn churches carved into stone still serve as places of worship. And in the capital, Addis Ababa, you can meet “Lucy,” inset above, the 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil that reshaped our understanding of

human origins. These aren’t just historical sites – they’re living landmarks, offering a direct connection to the deep roots of civilisation.

Nature and wildlife wonders From the peaks of the Simien Mountains to the lush highlands of Bale, Ethiopia’s landscapes are as diverse as its people. Hike along dramatic cliffs, spot the rare Ethiopian wolf, and share a moment with the Gelada baboon, found nowhere else on Earth.

For birdwatchers, Ethiopia is paradise, home to hundreds of endemic species. Don’t miss the majestic Blue Nile Falls – Tis Abay, or “The Great Smoke.” In the rainy season, it becomes a roaring curtain of mist and colour you have to see to believe.

eco-lodges and retreats. From lakeside escapes like Gorgora Eco Resort to mountain hideaways such as Wenchi Eco Lodge, and the serenity of Beynouna Lodge, these sites offer worldclass service while celebrating the local environment.

Expect more than a room – you’ll enjoy immersive experiences, like guided safaris, local cooking sessions, or scenic coffee ceremonies by the fire.

festivals like Timket, the colourful Epiphany celebration, or witness ancestral ceremonies in the Omo Valley, where age-old customs still thrive.

Culture shines through in everyday life – from the rhythm of traditional music to the warmth of sharing injera. Don’t leave without experiencing a traditional coffee ceremony – a moment of connection and aromatic bliss.

Sustainable hospitality meets local tradition Ethiopia blends modern comfort with cultural authenticity through a growing network of

Culture that lives and breathes Home to over 80 ethnic groups, Ethiopia is a vibrant mosaic of traditions. Time your visit with

Seamless travel with Ethiopian Airlines Getting to – and around – Ethiopia is easier than ever. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading

HISTORY LESSON: Unity Park in Addis Ababa offers travellers the opportunity to learn about Ethiopian culture

carrier, connects over 150 global destinations and 26 domestic locations, including remote parks and landmarks.

Its hospitality arm also manages eco-lodges, ensuring a smooth travel experience from arrival to adventure.

Business meets culture: MICE Tourism on the rise As the seat of the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Ethiopia is a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). With modern venues in Addis Ababa and growing infrastructure, it

blends professional capacity with cultural depth.

Planning your journey Ethiopia is a year-round destination. From green highlands in the rainy season to ideal trekking weather in the dry months, there’s always something to discover.

Come discover Ethiopia From humanity’s roots to highland peaks, Ethiopia offers a journey like no other. Come for the history – stay for the people, the beauty, and the stories you’ll carry long after you leave l https://VisitEthiopia.travel

EXPERIENCE GHANA, THE VIBRANT ESSENCE OF AFRICA AS THE Africa Travel Shows 2025 approaches, Ghana proudly steps into the spotlight as one of Africa’s most compelling and welcoming destinations.

Brimming with cultural depth, historical resonance, vibrant cities, stunning coastlines and warmhearted people, Ghana offers British travellers an unforgettable journey into the soul of West Africa.

From the golden beaches of the Cape Coast to the bustling streets of Accra, Ghana delivers a blend of heritage, adventure and contemporary African spirit.

The country’s tourism brand – Visit Ghana, The Black Star Experience – is more than a slogan; it’s an invitation to discover a land where the past and future dance in harmony.

ESCAPE: Kakum National Park’s canopy walkway; inset, Mole National Park Nature, adventure and relaxation Nature lovers will find paradise in Ghana. Kakum National Park’s famed canopy walkway floats above a rainforest teeming with rare species, while Mole National

Park offers up-close encounters with elephants and antelopes.

Surfers and sunseekers flock to Busua and Kokrobite beaches, while serene escapes can be found at Safari Valley Resort or in the rolling Akwapim Hills.

Culture, colour and celebration Ghanaian culture is rich, expressive, and ever-present.

Visitors are welcomed with the vibrant rhythms of traditional drumming, colourful festivals like Homowo and Panafest, and the royal pageantry of ancient kingdoms such as the Ashanti Empire. In every region – from the north’s expansive savannahs to the lush forests of the Volta – traditions are preserved with pride and shared with joy.

A warm welcome awaits For British travellers, Ghana offers more than just beautiful landscapes – it offers a genuine connection. English is the official

language, direct flights from London to Accra are frequent and the hospitality is second to none.

The Ghanaian people are known for their friendliness, ensuring that visitors feel like family from the moment they arrive.

Discover Ghana now Whether you are a heritage traveller, adventure seeker, cultural explorer, or simply in search of a warm and welcoming escape, Ghana stands ready. It’s not just a destination it’s a homecoming, a celebration and a life-changing experience. l For more information, visit the Ghana Tourism Authority stand at the Africa Travel Show or explore www.visitghana.com

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THE VOICE | 29

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

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GLOBAL REPARATIONS AGENDA Understand, analyse, and act on reparative justice and restitution

T

he Government of the Republic of Togo has formally endorsed the African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS) World Reparations Conference (WRC), to be held on 25 September 2025 at the prestigious UK House of Lords.

In an official letter to ACSIS Chair, David F. Roberts , recently received, the Togolese Government expressed its strong support for the initiative, recognising the conference as a vital platform for advancing the global reparations agenda. The endorsement highlights the alignment of the ACSIS WRC with the objectives of the African Union’s Decade 2021–2031 of African Roots and the African Diaspora, as well as this year’s AU theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

The Government of Togo noted that the ACSIS WRC comes at a pivotal moment, ahead of the 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé, whose theme is “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and Africa’s Role in the Reform of Multilateral Institutions: Mobilising Resources and Reinventing Itself to Act.” The WRC is expected to provide a critical space to address how future generations can be equipped with

the knowledge and tools to understand, analyse, and act on reparative justice and restitution.

“The ACSIS World Reparations Conference offers an essential opportunity to bring together policymakers, scholars, and community leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider diaspora to forge a united approach to justice and

restitution,” the statement from the Togolese Government affirmed.

The ACSIS WRC will feature global experts, political leaders, and grassroots advocates in a day of high-level discussions, policy framing, and strategic collaboration, building momentum for tangible reparations frameworks and action plans.

For more information about the ACSIS World Reparations Conference, please contact: www.africancaribbeansummit.com enquiries@africancaribbeansummit.com

30 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Midlands News

MELINDA WILLIAMS: A STORY OF SURVIVAL AND FAITH Melinda’s story is testament to resilience, faith and the belief that your past does not have to dictate your future

M

ELINDA WILLIAMS is not your typical success story. Her life is a testament to resilience, faith and the belief that your past does not have to dictate your future.

Born in Trinidad and brought to the UK in 1987, Melinda’s early life was scarred by trauma.

From the age of two she endured physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse.

“The darkness was overwhelming,” she recalls. By 14, she was selling drugs. At 15, she was trafficked into the adult entertainment industry in Birmingham and coerced into stripping. By 16, she was addicted to drugs and by 20, she had already survived several attempts to end her life.

Her case would later be described by the NSPCC as one of the worst they had ever seen.

Yet even in her darkest moments while caring for her son who suffered from epilepsy and her diabetic mother, Melinda held on to hope that there was more to life.

That hope led to a turning point in 2007, when broken and desperate she cried out to God. “He met me in my pit,” she says. That moment marked the beginning of a journey of healing, faith, and remarkable transformation.

Expelled from school and with

The darkness was really overwhelming.

The nurses were the only people who ever treated me with dignity – Melinda Williams

no GCSEs, Melinda returned to a distant dream of becoming a nurse.

She enrolled in an Access to Health course at Bournville College and later studied adult nursing at Birmingham City University, where she was diagnosed with severe dyslexia.

Despite the challenges, she pushed forward and in 2011 Melinda became the first in her family to graduate from university.

Her desire to care for others was born out of her own pain. “The nurses were the only people who ever treated me with dignity,” she says, remembering a hospital stay following yet another low point in her life.

It was a Christian support worker who first asked her, “What do you want to do with your life?”

That question lit a spark that changed everything. Melinda didn’t

TURN MY LIFE AROUND: Melinda Williams has overcome hardships in life

stop at nursing. Her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit flourished during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, when she launched MBM, Made by Mel and now rebranded as MBM Trinbago Meals.

This home-based catering business specialising in Trinidadian cuisine began with a single dish, Trinidad’s famous

“doubles”, which quickly exploded.

A social media post led to 100 orders in a single day. Her delicious food caught the attention of Jaguar Land Rover, who invited her to cater for their events. “It reminded me that your gift makes room for you,” she says.

In 2013, following a gruelling eight-year custody battle, Melinda

and her children began making faith-based jewellery, a therapeutic project that grew into MBM Designs, another healing-led business venture.

In 2024, Melinda became an ordained Reverend and launched MBM SIS (My Beautiful Mind), an online ministry and community support group for survivors of

trauma. She now travels the country as a public speaker, advocating for children, mental health awareness and education on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).

She has delivered training on safeguarding in faith communities, worked with the NSPCC, and spoken at churches, schools, and youth conferences.

Melinda has also stepped into the world of media and performance.

Last year she launched the Oh Mel podcast, a space for truth, humour and healing. She recently portrayed Delilah in Samson, a Birmingham stage production written by the acclaimed Dion Farrell.

Her growing platform earned her an invitation to co-host the US-based Ask Carroll show on YouTube, expanding her influence across the Atlantic.

From a childhood steeped in trauma to a life built on purpose and empowerment, Melinda Williams stands as living proof that it is possible to rewrite your story.

Her message is simple but profound: “No matter how bad it starts, God can write a better ending.” l Follow Melinda’s Journey: Podcast: Oh Mel on Spotify Catering: @mbmtrinbagomeals2020 on Instagram l If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story, support is available: NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 National Suicide Prevention UK – 0800 587 0800 Samaritans – 116 123 Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid – 0808 800 0028

A NEW VISION: Melinda travels the country as a public speaker and has also launched her own podcast

HELPING OTHERS: Melinda advocating for children, mental health awareness and education on ACEs

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 31

By Maxine Huie

BRIDGING THE GAP: NATWEST CHAMPIONS BLACK BUSINESS

NatWest strengthens its commitment to Black entrepreneurs across the Midlands and beyond

A

S THE legacy of the Windrush generation continues to shape Britain’s cultural and economic landscape, financial institutions are being called to go beyond symbolic gestures and deliver meaningful change for Black communities.

NatWest is answering that call with a clear, community-driven strategy aimed at unlocking opportunity especially in regions like the Midlands, where ethnic minority entrepreneurship is thriving.

Pam Sheemar, Regional Accelerator Director for Midlands, South West and Wales, focuses on growing and developing businesses to help them achieve their objectives and goals for success. The programme offers entrepreneurs expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and the time and space to develop their ideas.

Pam said: “Birmingham is buzzing with innovative and exciting businesses.” She went on to share nuggets for success stating: “It’s important that business owners stop being in the business and instead focus on the business. By this, I mean some entrepreneurs spend all of their time doing everything for their business, particularly when they are starting out, but you need to step away and get a more holistic

view to really develop your business. That’s where the NatWest Accelerator can help.”

Also within NatWest, Blessing Mutamba, Business Inclusion Programme Manager, pictured below, organised Windrush round table discussions in London and Bristol with those from the Caribbean and from Caribbean descent. She went on to say: “What I took away from the conversation was that there needs to be more synergy between community leaders, business support organisations and financial service providers.

This will mean business support and financial services providers going out into the community more as well as inviting people through their doors.”

That approach is already showing results. In 2024, 34% of NatWest’s business support went to ethnic minorityowned businesses, significantly exceeding the bank’s target of 20%. These figures are part of a broader strategy to level the playing field for those starting and scaling businesses, regardless of background.

A significant part of that journey includes the bank’s growing recognition of cultural heritage and historical context.

NatWest now marks the Windrush Anniversary with a dedicated event, having previously commemorated it during Black History Month.

The decision reflects the importance of the Windrush generation not just as a historical moment, but as the foundation for many Black British business stories today.

“The Windrush generation and their descendants make up an integral part of our wider ethnic minority audiences,” Blessing said.

“We also recognise the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of our customers and the communities they are part of.”

In addition to practical programmes like the Accelerator, NatWest has invested in research to understand the challenges ethnic minority businesses face. In partnership with Aston University’s

BETTER TOGETHER: Windrush Roundtable Delegates with NatWest Hosts Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, the bank released the Time to Change report, which found that while ambition is high, many ethnic minority founders lack access to finance, networks, and tailored business support.

The report revealed that if these barriers were removed, the economic contribution of ethnic minority businesses could soar from £25 billion to £100 billion annually. These insights have shaped NatWest’s wider approach. Initiatives like Careers Insight Days specifically for Black heritage candidates and

women are helping to demystify banking and finance, opening doors to new career paths and opportunities. Internal efforts to support the progression of Black employees and women within the bank are also ongoing and form part of NatWest’s Banking on Racial Equality commitments launched in 2020.

Blessing now plans to take the conversations and ideas raised during recent community roundtables to NatWest’s London and South East and South West England Regional Boards.

“I want to present the ideas shared and ask how we can shape

a strategy that will allow us to implement what was discussed.

I will also communicate clearly and with rationale on any recommendations that are not possible.”

For Black entrepreneurs in the Midlands and across the UK, these commitments show that real change is possible when institutions listen, collaborate, and act. As the Windrush generation once journeyed into the unknown to build a better future, today’s Black business owners are carving out new paths and with the right support, the future looks brighter than ever.

Karl Wilson wins at 2025 Adult Learning Awards KARL WILSON, aged 63, was forced to give up his successful computer business to become a full time carer for his mum when she developed Alzheimer’s.

Things got even tougher for Karl after his mum passed away and found himself facing homelessness while suffering with depression. But with the support of a training programme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and run by Release Potential, Karl was able to turn his life around and is now using his passion for learning to inspire others in his role as a learning recruitment officer.

Karl’s resilience, determination

PROUD MOMENT: Karl Wilson, centre, with Awards hosts Nicola Beckford and Santina Bunting

Birmingham man has shown how it’s never too late to make a new start and passion to give back has been recognised at the WMCA Adult Learning Awards 2025 where he has won the Learning for Work Award.

After being presented with his accolade at the Awards ceremony at Birmingham’s Grand Hotel Karl said: “My mum was not just my mum, she was my friend and when

I lost her I didn’t know where to turn. Before finding the course, I felt like I had no future, but the training with Release Potential has helped me rediscover my value and purpose. I now have a job I

love, and I’m helping others find their path, too. It’s never too late to start again.”

These awards underline the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker’s commitment to making

sure residents have access to high-quality skills provision and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Karl’s journey is a powerful reminder that learning, coupled with the right support can unlock new beginnings and brighter futures and clearly demonstrates the lifechanging impact of adult education. These awards showcase the incredible work already changing people’s lives. Congratulations to the winners, highly commended and everyone who has been involved for sharing your inspirational experience and journeys.”

32 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

The Voice Partners with The Corporate Awards to Celebrate 10 Years of Excellence

T

HE CORPORATE Awards is proud to announce its official media partnership with The Voice, the UK’s leading Black newspaper, for its landmark 10th anniversary celebrations this September in London.

Taking place on 26–27 September 2025 at the prestigious De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, the two-day celebration will, for the first time, feature a Business Sustainability Conference alongside the awards gala dinner. The partnership with The Voice will help amplify the event’s mission to showcase corporate excellence, sustainability, and leadership across Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. As part of the celebrations, the Corporate Women in Leadership Summit will also be hosted, bringing together trailblazing women leaders to share strategies for resilience, mental wellness, and leadership in today’s dynamic business environment.

Since its inception, The Corporate Awards has travelled across five African

countries, including Cameroon, South Africa, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, recognising outstanding achievements in HR policies, HSE, CSR, and Business Sustainability. The platform has become a trusted stage for celebrating organisations that inspire positive change, foster innovation, and set new benchmarks for corporate responsibility.

“We are thrilled to work with The Voice in telling the stories that matter and celebrating organisations making a real difference,” said Adeline Sede Kamga, Founder of The Corporate Awards.

“Their legacy of championing Black excellence perfectly aligns with our mission.”

Terry Brathwaite, Board President of The Corporate Awards, added: “Partnering with The Voice ensures that our message of resilience, innovation, and impact reaches communities that inspire and drive meaningful change.”

For more information, visit www.thecorporateawards.com

THE CORPORATE Awards Welcomes Mr Terrence Wendell Brathwaite as New Board President Ahead of UK Expansion The Corporate Awards (TCA), a leading pan-African initiative recognising excellence in Human Capital Development, Corporate Governance, CSR, Health & Safety, and Sustainability, is delighted to announce the appointment of retired Coventry University Law School award-winning Postgraduate Studies Director Mr Terrence Wendell Brathwaite, as its new Board President.

Mr Brathwaite, who is the inaugural Coordinator of The Baron Constantine Educational Series (BCES) launched in 2019 at The University of the West Indies (UWI), where he also served as the first Distinguished Honorary Fellow at the Faculty of Law in Trinidad & Tobago, takes over from Mr Romein Patric Van Staden. Under the latter’s stewardship TCA successfully delivered landmark editions in Cameroon (2023) and South Africa (2024).

The organisation expresses its deepest appreciation to Mr Van Staden for his strategic guidance and looks forward to his continued involvement, especially within the research space.

THE VOICE |33

AUGUST 2025

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The Black British Voices study - by The Voice and Cambridge University - found just cent were ‘definitely 12 per proud to be British.’ This special edition is dedicated to the report findings.

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26 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 2020

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34 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

84 AUTHORS, 35 EVENTS, ONE DAY Sir Lenny Henry, June Sarpong, Denise Lewis, JB Gill, and Jordan Stephens Lead the Black British Book Festival 2025

E

UROPE’S LARGEST celebration of Black British literature returns to the Barbican Centre, London, on Sunday 19 October 2025.

This autumn, the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) returns to London’s Barbican Centre for its fifth year — bringing together some of Britain’s most loved cultural figures, including Sir Lenny Henry, June Sarpong OBE, Denise Lewis DBE, JB Gill (JLS, Songs of Praise), Marcus Ryder MBE, and musician and activist Jordan Stephens.

Founded in 2021 by author and cultural entrepreneur Selina Brown, the festival was born from frustration: “When I was self-publishing, I was told my book wouldn’t sell because there was a Black girl on the cover,” says Brown. “I decided then that our stories deserved more — more visibility, more celebration, more space. This festival is my answer to that.”

Now attracting over 5,500 attendees annually, BBBF has become Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature — a day where readers, authors, and families come together not just for books,

but for belonging.

Headline sessions include: • The Shape of Us — June Sarpong & Denise Lewis DBE on legacy, identity, and thriving in the spotlight.

• The Big Payback — Sir Lenny Henry & Marcus Ryder on reparations, power, and the price of justice.

• Horizons & Heartbreak — Jordan Stephens in a raw, unfiltered conversation on creativity and mental health.

• Farmyard Magic — Storytime & Animals with JB Gill With 35 events packed into a single day, — from masterclasses to family-friendly workshops — the festival headline sponsored by Pan Macmillan offers something for every age and interest. The Children’s Zone will be alive with storytelling and crafts, while the Black Book Marketplace will showcase new and established voices from across the UK.

About the Black British Book Festival THE BLACK British Book Festival is a catalyst for change, sparking new possibilities for authors, readers, and communities. We champion the most exciting voices in Black British literature, celebrating stories that inspire, challenge, and reflect the world we live in.

Founded in 2021 by author and cultural entrepreneur Selina Brown, the festival has grown into Europe’s largest celebration of Black British writing — a joyful, inclusive, and impactful platform that dismantles barriers to access and connects literature with

• Sir Lenny Henry said: “My running mate Marcus Ryder and I are as pleased as punch to be involved in the Black British Book Festival. We can’t wait to throw down and debate reparations, race, and how to discuss these things without getting cancelled.

See you there.”

• Marcus Ryder said: “The Black British Book Festival is the most important date in the UK literary calendar for anyone interested in contemporary British writing.

It is an honour to be invited to speak and there is a special joy in knowing that your work is being appreciated by and highlighted by your peers.”

• June Sarpong OBE said: “Stories have the power to open minds and change worlds. This festival is a living testament to the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of Black Britain — and I’m honoured to be part of it.”

communities often excluded from the mainstream.

From headline conversations with cultural icons such as Zadie Smith, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sir Lenny Henry, and Paul Brunson, to collaborations with major cultural institutions including Paramount, Glastonbury Festival, Hay Festival, and Cheltenham Literature Festival, our year-round programme reaches tens of thousands across the UK. Each October, our flagship London festival transforms the Barbican Centre into a celebration of creativity — bringing together more than 80 authors, 35 events, and thousands of attendees for a single day of ideas, debate, and connection. Beyond the capital, we deliver school tours, grassroots workshops, the annual Manchester Central Library Takeover, and run two permanent community libraries in Croydon and Lewisham, providing free access to over 500 titles by Black British authors alongside regular family

• Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan (headline sponsor), said: “It’s one of the most exciting and vital events in the publishing calendar — a joyful, necessary celebration of Black British voices.”

Karena Johnson, Head of Creative Collaboration at the Barbican, added: “Last year’s event was vibrant, powerful, and filled with joy. This year’s line-up is exceptional, and we’re proud to host this cultural landmark again.”

Tickets: Wristbands are intentionally priced to be accessible — just £15 for a full festival pass — and go on sale Friday 22 August 2025 at www.barbican.org.uk. Early booking is strongly advised.

“This isn’t just about one day in October — it’s about changing the face of British literature for generations to come,” says Selina Brown, Founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival.

and youth literacy sessions.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity of our partners and audiences, including principal supporters such as Pan Macmillan, Penguin Random House, Audible, TikTok, and the BBC. Every ticket purchased, donation made, and pound invested helps us to champion underrepresented voices, inspire the next generation of readers and writers, and shape a publishing industry where everyone belongs.

Since its inception, the Black British Book Festival has become a cultural landmark — a place where literature is alive, accessible, and transformative.

For more information, visit our website or connect with us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn.

JUNE 2024 THE VOICE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 35

News

COLUMBUS STATUE REMOVED FROM SQUARE

Trinidad and Tobago reveals plans to build new monument to honour victims of genocide. By Sinai Fleary

A

STATUE of Christopher Columbus has been removed from a public square in Trinidad and Tobago.

The statue (inset below) was removed from Columbus Square, in the capital, Port of Spain, by the Port of Spain City Council following extensive discussions.

The council say there are plans to rename Columbus Square and build a new monument to honour the victims of the subsequent genocide that Columbus’ so-called “discovery” brought, Newsday reported.

Port of Spain Mayor Chinua Alleyne made the announcement of the statue’s removal on August 1, as Trinidad and Tobago celebrated Emancipation Day. He said: “More than 140 years later, restoration and repair require that as we ensure that the yet-to-be-born revere our ancestors like Kwame Ture, we also ensure that they learn our colonial history in its most appropriate historical context.

“For that reason, the Council of the City of Port of Spain has taken the decision to remove the statue of Christopher Columbus from Independence Square and to make it available to the National Museum and Art Gallery for display.”

The statue will now be placed at the National Museum and Art Gallery.

Additionally, in recent years, the statue has been defaced.

It had been splashed with red paint, had its hands removed and even had a bag placed over the head.

The mayor revealed the council has decided to rename part of Oxford Street, Port of Spain, as Kwame Ture Way to honour the Pan-Africanist’s key role in the Civil Rights and global Pan-African movement.

Ture’s birth home on Oxford

Street has already been identified as a heritage site by the National Trust.

Ture was born Stokely Standiford Churchill Carmichael on June 29, 1941 in Trinidad and Tobago. He was a respected activist who played a major role in the Civil Rights movement in the United States and the global Pan-African movement.

He was a key leader in the development of the Black Power movement.

Speaking about Ture, Mayor Alleyne said: “It is our hope that those yet to be born will grow up inspired by the work of this global Pan-African hero from behind the bridge in Port of Spain.”

Earlier this year, the tw in-i sl and Caribbean nation unveiled an amended design of the Coat of Arms featuring a gold Steelpan and pan sticks.

The national instrument has replaced images of Christopher Columbus’ three ships – the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria.

An official statement seen by The Voice said: “The proclamation brings the national emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025 (“the Act”), into operation.

“The Act effects the replacement of the images of Christopher Columbus’ three ships with a gold Steelpan and its iconic two pan sticks.

“Accordingly, the Coat of Arms now features our national instrument. Members of the public are reminded to adhere to the established guidelines on the treatment and use of the national emblems of Trinidad and Tobago.”

PLANNED HONOUR: Kwame Ture, born Stokely Carmichael, is revered as one of the heroes of the struggle for civil rights in 1960s America

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36 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Special Feature

ADVERTORIAL

What is health and care research?

Black women women are 1.7 times more likely to have high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of having a stroke. Photo courtesy NIHR.

An NIHR-supported study is trying to understand why Black women are at a higher risk of having a stroke.

Photo courtesy NIHR

F

ew people’s lives go untouched by health and care research. You may not realise it but every time you reach for a headache or hay fever tablet you are benefiting from the scientific discoveries of yesterday.

Health and care research influences the way we eat, the way we sleep, and of course the treatment and care we receive from the NHS and services like care homes. If it weren’t for research there would be no insulin, no x-rays, and no new treatments for cancer.

When most people think of health and care research they usually think about testing new drugs or vaccines. But not all research involves finding new treatments or getting a jab - it’s also about finding new and better ways to diagnose conditions or prevent them from developing in the first place.

Samuel Nelson, 64, from Essex, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Photo courtesy Prostate Cancer UK.

Transforming prostate cancer diagnosis One study, called TRANSFORM, is doing just this. The biggest prostate cancer screening trial in a generation, its first stage will compare four different ways to detect prostate cancer.

Because your risk of getting prostate cancer increases with age, men over the age of 50 can ask for a blood test, called a PSA test, to check for signs of the disease. Black men should consider PSA testing from the age of 45.

Prostate cancer doesn’t often cause any symptoms in its earlier, more treatable stages.

And since there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer, finding it when it’s curable can be tricky.

But the PSA test alone isn’t always accurate. It can miss some cancers, or detect cancers that grow so slowly they are unlikely to become life-threatening. This is why the NHS has started using MRI scans - a 3D picture of

the prostate - to decide whether a biopsy is needed.

The TRANSFORM study, which is jointly funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and Prostate Cancer UK, will compare different combinations of the PSA

test, fast MRI scans and a new at-home spit-test to find the best way to screen men.

“This is the largest prostate cancer screening study to take place in the UK. It has the potential to affect thousands of lives,” says Prof Hashim Ahmed, Chair of Urology at Imperial College London and chief investigator of the TRANSFORM study.

“Because Black men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer than other men, we are focusing on encouraging as many men from this community as possible to take part.”

At least 1 in 10 of those invited to take part in the TRANSFORM study will be Black men.

Samuel Nelson, 64, from Essex, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and has a strong history of prostate cancer in his family.

He said: “So many men don’t know about prostate cancer, so catching it in time for them to be cured is often down to luck.

It would be wonderful to know there was a mandatory process to check my sons regularly.”

Understanding stroke risk in Black women Sometimes research is about gaining a better understanding

of a condition and why it impacts some people more than others.

Take strokes for example.

Black women are three times more likely to have a stroke than other women. Researchers at the University of Bristol want to find out why.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or cut off. This causes brain cells to die. A stroke can be lifethreatening and have lasting effects on things like speech and movement.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of having a stroke. That’s because it puts strain on your blood vessels, including those in your brain, and can cause them to weaken.

Black women are 1.7 times more likely to have high blood pressure. They also often have bigger spikes in blood pressure during stress.

“Usually when blood pressure spikes, the large vessels in the brain become narrower to protect the smaller, more delicate ones. But research has never looked at whether or not this happens in Black women specifically,” says Dr Lydia Simpson, who is leading the study.

“We want to find out if there’s a difference in the way the brain vessels react in Black women, so we’ll be taking MRI scans to see what happens in the brains of both Black and White women when they are under stress.”

Researchers will take pictures of participants’ brains while solving a mental maths problem and while restricting blood flow in their arms using a blood pressure cuff.

Taking part from the comfort of your home Research can be as simple as filling out a survey from the comfort of your own home.

Other times it may involve making a change to the way you eat, sleep or exercise and keeping a diary of how you feel.

Taking part in research is a great way to give back. By volunteering you are ensuring that research is inclusive and represents the needs of Black people. This can lead to better health for your family, friends and community.

Help shape the future of Black health in the UK. Learn more about health and care research at: bepartofresearch.uk/join.

Lifestyle

38

UK Entertainment Awards founder Shinel Crichlow looks ahead

39

41 THERE’S BEEN A MEGA SHIFT IN MINDSET

Check out environmentalist Nnenna Okore’s bespoke commission at Kew

44 Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, editorial director at #Merky Books, is up for an award

38 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Awards

AN AWARDS CEREMONY TO RECOGNISE REAL TALENT

Founder Shinel Crichlow says the UEAs are vital for championing new artists. By Joel Campbell

T

HE UK Entertainment Awards (UEA) are fast approaching and Lifestyle sat down with the founder Shinel Crichlow to find out more about her and the event which she’s been delivering for ten years.

Honouring and working with names like Judi Love, Mo Gilligan and Ella Mai before their rise to fame, Crichlow says she brought the UEAs to life in order to champion unheralded talent the likes of which is often overlooked.

Having flirted with becoming an artist herself ( fondly known as MC Lady Chyna-Lee back in the day), she settled on working behind the scenes in order to curate an event that would help others, particularly those from underrepresented communities, “I was in a very musical environment,” Crichlow enthused.

“My dad was a DJ and MC, I was an MC as well, Lady Chyna-Lee pon the mic MC, I always like to tell people that. And in school I was surrounded by many musical people like JME from Boy Better Know.

“I liked to sing, MC, but didn’t go on to be the big star I thought I would be when I left school.”

She continues: “I also loved running events. I was doing events and there were so many talented people performing I just thought there was a space in the market. I just thought, there are so many talented people out here, why do you have to be this big,

VISION: Shinel Crichlow used to sing and be an MC, but now her focus is on the UEAs

massive artist to get an award? I felt if you were talented and put in the work, then you should be rewarded and that’s where I came up with the idea for the UK Entertainment Awards.”

Crichlow says although she was musically inclined, the awards were centred on a host of talents that would fit under the entertainment umbrella, be it acting, directing, comedy or screenwriting.

“I’ve been on film sets and seen mothers who are away from the children and they are not actors, they might be make-up artists or producers. They are all important and so that’s where the UEAs were born.”

CHALLENGES Delivering the awards for the past decade hasn’t been an easy feat, especially when you count the pandemic period, which temporarily put a stop on the physical event taking place, forcing Crichlow to think outside of the box.

However, whatever challenges have come her way, only served to deepen her desire to deliver.

“I think the hardest part for me is when someone tells me I can’t do it, that really forces me to get it done. Even if I am in the gym, if someone says I can’t, I’ll be like, right, I’ve got to do it now.

“That was the same thing with the awards show. When I started it, you don’t know anyone, how are you going to pull this off, we’re

not known so the show won’t be very big. That really drove me to make sure that this awards show was successful.”

She added: “It is tough, don’t get me wrong, but when I see people happy that they won an award or they tell stories about the fact that if it wasn’t for the awards they wouldn’t have carried on with their careers because they also felt at a low point as well, and I know that feeling. There’s highs and lows, but at the end of the day, it’s worth it.

“For the pandemic, I thought out of the box. By the time the awards were going to happen, you could be around people, but in small groups.

“I contacted my friend in order to use their studio and we had performances from whoever had been nominated. We did it on YouTube two years in a row.

“When Covid was over I said to myself, ‘right we’re going to go back and have a big awards show’, but then I decided to sit back and take my time. We didn’t have the event for two years which was tough because I felt like I kinda failed.

“But when I looked at other awards shows that are big, they also had a break and I thought, you know what, I don’t want to come out with an event just to come out with an event. Time needs to be spent on it and it will happen in the right time.”

She can barely hide her excitement for this year’s November 14 event taking place at Thameside Theatre, in Thurrock.

The Voice were a part of a special panel convened earlier this year to spotlight the works of various potential nominees who might be in line for a 2025 UEA. With the community bursting at the seams with talent in a wide variety of different entertainment sectors, whittling down the list of options is no easy feat.

Crichlow says panel discussion was just one element of this year’s process that she’s done a little bit differently from years gone by.

“The nominees’ discussion was amazing. There were so many people who were a part of it and it was so nice to hear everybody’s different opinions and it was just good vibes. I’ve also had a dinner

INFLUENCE: The UK Entertainment Awards were the brainchild of Shinel Crichlow, which she’s been delivering for ten years now

There are so many talented people out here, why do you have to be this big, massive artist to get an award? to celebrate ten years, which is also something different I have done in the run up to this year’s event. As an owner, you don’t really celebrate yourself, you don’t celebrate what’s happening, it’s all about the nominees.”

With no previous desire to be

the face of the UEAs, Crichlow says she’s had to accept the fact that people are more embracing of an event like hers when they know who is at the helm.

Doing interviews such as the one she is doing with Lifestyle hasn’t been her forte, but she’s feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

“I just didn’t want any limelight on me, I don’t care for that. I just want to do my job. Get it done,” she said.

“But being in front of the camera, talking about myself, it has been good, it reminds me of my story, it reminds me I was MC Chyna-Lee and just my childhood as well, how I came about doing this.

“It wasn’t just a thing that came into my head, it was from childhood.

“Me enjoying entertainment,

me pouring into people, me always wanting to make a change whether it’s in the awards show, or my family and friends, it’s the person that I am.

“Even me changing my hairstyle all of the time, it’s because my mum was a hairdresser and was always trying hairstyles in my hair, so it’s been a really good journey.”

DOUBTERS Check out the full interview with Crichlow on the Voice website where she talks about doubters, her day job in real estate and also being a foster parent.

Plus, look out for her short film, produced by Renaissance Studios, about her journey with the UEAs, where she says people will see a ‘different side of Shinel’.

See you on November 14.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 39

Art

Lifestyle

IT’S A MATERIAL WORLD

COMMISSION: Nnenna Okore in the Temperate House

Nnenna Okore explores the future of fashion in a major new festival at Kew Gardens. By Joel Campbell

A

U S T R A L I A N BORN, Nigerian artist, educator and environmentalist, Nnenna Okore, will create a bespoke commission for this month’s new festival, Material World, taking place at Kew Gardens.

Okore joins leading artists, award-winning designers and expert horticulturists to stage a fashion revolution. Inspired by the rich resources plants and fungi offer the clothing industry, the festival seeks to shift the dial on contemporary textile practices.

Held in Kew’s iconic Temperate House and featuring striking installations, thought-provoking planting and skills-sharing events, the six-week festival will shine a light on alternative approaches to modern wardrobes, empowering visitors with positive actions they can make at home. Suspended

in the heart of the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, Between Earth and Sky comes from Okore.

A champion for the power of art in engaging people with ecological issues, Okore will create a commission formed from biodegradable materials including organic cotton, hessian and cheesecloth.

Floating, overlapping and hovering above Kew’s magnificent collection of rare and extinct-inthe-wild plants, vast wing-like forms create an interactive spatial experience.

At its core, this large-scale installation seeks to inspire reflection on ecological responsibility, and forge deeper connections between fashion, design, and the ecosystems that sustain us.

Elsewhere, a takeover by the next generation of fashion designers and thinkers will be

Winter Escape Tour to Ghana

(photo: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew)

explored. Commissioned in collaboration with the London College of Fashion, UAL, this display explores how the plant world can help the fashion industry achieve sustainable style.

An audio-artwork considers the complicated history and environmental impact of cotton, Winter Escape Tour to Ghana provided by

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Join us and visit Ghana, the world’s 10th Christmas and New Year’s destination of choice (P. Briggs) Major Highlights • Amazing city centre tours & wonderful sun, sand & beach escapes • Aburi Mountains & Aburi Botanical Gardens (Ghana’s Kew Gardens) • Canopy walk over rainforest • Cape Coast Castle (UNESCO World heritage site) • Ashanti Kingdom of Gold & Manhyia Palace • Meet locals at ‘chop bars’/restaurants sharing authentic cuisine • Traditional arts & entertainment & live pulsating African music • Food, fashion & shopping therapy Visit our website to book a tour www.winterescapetourstoghana.co.uk www.exploringghana.com UK Contact: UK Mobile: Ghana Contact: Email:

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whilst an additional display illustrates the ways traditional crafts and skills of artisans and indigenous communities can inform more sustainable practices.

A series of accompanying events offer fun and interactive ways for fashion enthusiasts,

sustainability advocates and green-fingered visitors to further uncover how plants and fungi can drive sustainable change.

From vibrant After Hours events with DJs, future-forward fashion shows and costume performances, to talks on sustainable styling, hands-on

workshops and demonstrations, Material World will reveal the stories within our wardrobes to inspire pioneering and positive change.

Paul Denton, Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions at RBG Kew, says: “We are thrilled to be launching Material World, a festival that explores the transformative potential of plants and fungi in fashion.

“This celebration of sustainability brings together art, design, and horticulture to engage visitors in rethinking how we approach our wardrobes, highlighting the connection between natural materials and fashion to inspire positive change in how we consume.

“At RBG Kew, we believe in the power of plants to shape a better future, and Material World invites everyone to discover the role they can play in driving a more sustainable fashion industry.”

40 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Festival

FROM NAIROBI TO LISTER PARK Bradford will play host to Blankets & Wine – the iconic African music festival – as part of its City of Culture programme. By Jerome Conway

A

S PART of its landmark year as UK City of Culture, Bradford is gearing up for the first edition of premier Pan-African music festival, Blankets & Wine, to be held outside of the African continent.

Taking place on September 6, Blankets & Wine UK is presented in partnership with the British Council as part of their UK/Kenya Season 2025.

A mainstay of the Kenyan dance music scene for 16 years, Blankets & Wine will make its international debut in Bradford’s Lister Park, bringing its signature fusion of African music, fashion, food, and lifestyle to European audiences for the very first time.

Set across two stages, the festival will feature a line-up of both emerging and established artists from Kenyan heritage alongside homegrown Bradford talent.

The festival and partnership underscores Bradford 2025’s commitment to championing artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and celebrating Bradford’s diverse communities.

Shanaz Gulzar, Bradford 2025 creative director, says: “We’re thrilled that Kenyan-based Blankets & Wine are coming to the UK, to bring their first ever European show to Bradford during our UK City of Culture year.

FESTIVAL OF SOUND: Live music at Blankets & Wine; below, Kenyan singer-songwriter Njerae

It will be a joyous celebration of music and culture, bringing the vibrant Kenyan music scene to Bradford “Thanks to our partnership with the British Council, we’re creating opportunities for local and international artists to collaborate. Blankets & Wine will be a joyous celebration of music and culture, bringing the vibrant and eclectic Kenyan music scene to audiences in Bradford this September.”

The line-up announced today includes: Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, and producer, Bensoul, rising Kenyan singers on gw rit er, and producer, Njerae, awardwinning,

genre-bending, internationally collaborating and touring singer, rapper, and drummer, Muthoni Drummer Queen aka MDQ, Blinky Bill, Kenya’s leader of the alternative scene and many more.

Muthoni Drummer Queen, creative director of Blankets & Wine, enthused: “Over the last 16 years, Blankets & Wine has championed live and electronic artists from Africa and its diaspora, and built a

community of music, culture and lifestyle enthusiasts.

“We are excited to bring the festival to Bradford to interact with new audiences and are looking forward to fostering lasting relationships between East Africa and UK music, festival and cultural scenes.”

Director of Arts at the British Council, Ruth Mackenzie said: “At the British Council, we work alongside artists, creatives, and

partners to bring international collaborations to life – linking Bradford City of Culture with countries such as Pakistan, Poland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Sarajevo, Kenya, Ghana and Togo.

“We are proud to support Blankets & Wine UK as part of our UK/Kenya Season, which celebrates the creative energy of both nations and builds stronger, lasting connections between them.”

SOMERSET HOUSE INVITES PUBLIC TO ‘STEP INSIDE’

STEP INSIDE 25 Weekend, a special 25th celebratory birthday weekend, taking place at Somerset House, will see a radical transformation from government offices and a car park to an internationally acclaimed arts destination.

In short, the milestone moment, taking place on September 13 and 14, will see the entire building turned inside out.

For the first time visitors will be invited in to explore and discover the lesser-known spaces including its artist studios on Maker Street, and will be given a chance to get closer to Somerset House’s resident creative community and their work.

Reflecting the full breadth of Somerset House’s vibrant creatives on site, and the artistic and social innovation taking place within its walls, the programme of free family-friendly events, installations,

performances and workshops will offer visitors the chance to draw, dance and explore their way through some of the most popular past exhibitions alongside new works from award-winning artists.

Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House said: “Somerset House is much loved as a London cultural space and it has also become a home to many of the UK’s best creatives: a powerhouse for the next generation of talent.

“The Step Inside weekend is a rare opportunity for the public to explore the hidden corners of our site and experience the work made here.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries enthused: “Somerset House has been a key part of London’s landscape for centuries.

“To celebrate this milestone, it is opening its doors with events that

CREATIVE OASIS: The doors of Somerset House will be flung open as visitors enjoy a weekend of entertainment to mark its 25th birthday

explore some of the biggest issues of our time through a creative lens.

“It’s a fitting tribute to a quartercentury of creativity, community, and cultural impact.”

Paying tribute to the venue as a cultural force, Baroness Floella Benjamin, broadcaster and author said: “Somerset House

has become an oasis for creative inspiration in the heart of the city.

It’s somewhere for Londoners of all generations to explore their own creativity and to view the world afresh through the eyes of artists. I’ve seen the impact of this on young people myself through

my involvement in Zak Ove’s Get Up, Stand Up Now exhibition back in 2019 that celebrated 50 years of Black creative pioneers. Long may Somerset House continue to encourage creativity nirvana.”

Miquita Oliver, broadcaster said: “The diversity in my experience here is mirrored by the unique, contemporary, future-facing, genre-defying programming that Somerset House has become so loved for. So thank you, Somerset House, for everything.”

To honour Somerset House’s Step Inside 25 Weekend, Illuminated River has commissioned special bespoke lighting of Waterloo Bridge.

The bridge’s usual pink and purple hues will be replaced with a dynamic lighting display of “Somerset House Blue” reflecting the new visual identity of Somerset House.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 41

Lifestyle

Music

‘THIS IS A STATEMENT OF TRUTH AND REALISATION’

HEIR OF CONFIDENCE: Mega credits her mother’s traits as key when discussing her new EP, I Am Enough, pictured below (main photo: Chantal Aziri)

Mega’s new EP, I Am Enough, sees her draw on her ancestry and lived experiences. By Joel Campbell

D

IMINUTIVE IN stature but very much Mega by name and artistic nature, I Am Enough is the latest body of work from one of North London’s finest.

As she sauntered into the Voice Newspaper’s office in south London, looking very demure, it wasn’t long into our interview that Mega exhibited all the traits of one who was also very mindful.

She’s had enough. Enough of doing things any other way than how her gut and intuition tells her. She’s had enough of not putting her art first and foremost.

She’s had enough of people telling her how to deliver her God-given talent and artistry.

She’s had enough, because she’s realised, SHE IS ENOUGH, and it’s time to share that with the world.

The full project will be available this month, on September 26.

Providing context behind the EP name and title track, which she released earlier this year, Mega enthused: “I Am Enough is a statement of truth and self-realisation that I am already everything I need to be.”

WHERE SHE BELONGS: Mega is sure of herself as an artist and person (photo: Pete Woodhead)

Travelling to Uganda to shoot the video was also for me to reconnect with where my family are from She added: “It is about letting go of other people’s expectations and knowing and believing that I am not equal to the opinions of others; especially when who I am is rejected by those who have another idea of who they think I am or should be.

“It’s important to remember who we are and that we are enough in those moments.”

The theme runs strong throughout the EP. Having recently returned from her parents’ country of birth, Uganda, where she shot the visual for My Bones, Mega says the trip was an important part of

reconnecting with herself. “The title of I Am Enough is very true and literal. I had to believe that again and I had to go on that journey to believe that again.

“Every track on the EP is very, very true. Travelling to Uganda to shoot the video was also for me to reconnect with where my family are from and go deeper on who I am.

“I hadn’t been to Uganda for six years, so going back was interesting because it has changed a lot. I’ve got lots of family over there, my mum was one of 10, my dad was one of six or seven and then there are cousins who also have kids, so it’s quite big.

“Obviously I am BritishUgandan, so while I’m not too sure how soon there will be a tour there, I 100% have to do something there soon.

“Shooting the My Bones video there was incredible. Some of the locations I went to were where my mum grew up. My dad passed away when I was eight years old so it was nice to go back and connect to his life story and myself, to be fair.

“Figuring out who my mum is, is also who Mega is. My mum’s morals, mannerisms, things that made her who she is, I also carry.

“I went with my sister. It was hard because we only had a few days to shoot the video — I say a few days, it was more like six hours if you factor in fittings, etc.

“But to be honest it was the best experience of my career to date. The team (in Uganda) was amazing, so respectful, they just wanted to hear what I had to say which is so important to me at this time. They were really about, how do you feel? What do you want? Are you happy? It was great.”

My Bones dropped on August 15, a month after this journalist’s personal favourite, Roots.

“Roots is a reminder no matter how far you drift, or how many times you lose sense of purpose, the one thing that you always have are the things that make you, you,” Mega explained.

“Our roots are what make us who we are. Going back to the beginning has been a good way for me to reset and to remind yourself of my core values.

FOUNDATION “Going back to environments that remind me of who I am and that I am loved. My roots are my foundation. Our roots give us a sense of identity and for me some security.”

To listen to this EP is to be wrapped in Mega’s very soul, each note and lyric flows from the deepest centre of her being.

It makes sense why it starts with the track Change.

“The EP, the tracks on it, have been put together intentionally.

I liken it to a mini book, a mini chapter of a series of me going through the process to get to the point where I can do this as Mega.

“Change is talking to yourself.

We all feel like, ‘Ahh, I hate the situation that I’m in’, but it takes a lot of guts to say I’m going to take steps to move forward. So Change is about encouraging myself to do that.”

One of the more unexpected things that has changed with the

roll out of this personal project, is the references fans and followers have made to how similar Mega sounds to American singer Beyoncé.

Some might sit up a little when they read this, especially those who haven’t heard Mega before, but once I noticed it, it was hard to dismiss.

“Oh my gosh, recently, I was speaking to a friend who helps with my music and I was saying it’s like, everywhere, I seem to get messages and it’s like Beyoncé central now,” Mega enthused.

She added: “The tracks and the live performance are kind of different. When I perform live I get a lot of comparisons to the bigger voices such as Tracy Chapman, Aretha Franklin and Beyoncé. People say it’s like a mix of those.”

Mega first discovered her passion for singing in youth gospel choirs. Her debut single, Chariot, has now surpassed 50 million streams and led to two acclaimed EPs, Future Me and Colour Your World, praised for their mix of traditional African rhythms, empowering messages, and themes of mental resilience.

Despite the respected bodies of work she has been battling with social media platforms to unban her name. It’s been a big hindrance to her growth and online presence.

She said: “For about three years Mega, the word, has been blocked on Meta. So that’s

Instagram and Facebook, and that’s still the situation.

“People have tried to find me, they have tried to share and they can’t. Even fans that have come to gigs have found out through others. I find myself having to say it all of the time. People have said I was anti social media.

“In this day and age everything is social media, constantly, so that’s been very hard.

“My ex-management were not understanding. While they understood the issue, it’s all about people who want to do the work and essentially where this is concerned it was me doing a lot of it.

“You need a team essentially, I can’t do everything that well.”

She has a new team now and the issue is being addressed but to help a girl out, if you read this, share her name with your musical circles.

She’s come a long way and with I Am Enough, she’s unapologetically stepping into her greatness.

“It’s a brave thing to dare to live your own life, on your own terms, with your own values – even more so when that comes with social costs,” she said.

“I’ve always believed that our uniqueness is our super power.

“We are enough just as we are.

We live one life here on earth and the best way to live it is as our unique and wonderful selves.”

42 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

Black Introvert Week

TIME FOR BLACK INTROVERTS TO BE HEARD AMID THE NOISE Annual networking event will prove hugely worthwhile for the quiet ones who are out there. By Joel Campbell

F

OR GENERATIONS, the narrative around Black excellence has often centred on being the loudest voice in the

room.

This year’s Black Introvert Week UK 2025 challenges that stereotype with a landmark event: Unmuted: Amplifying Black Introvert Voices, shining a light on the power of quiet leadership in the Black community.

On October 30, 2025 at the Kubrick Group Building in central London, an intimate audience of 40-50 people will gather for a powerful evening of conversation and community.

TRAILBLAZERS Confirmed speakers include: Dr Maame Afua Nikabs – clinical psychologist, addressing emotional resilience for Black introverts, Beatrice Ngalula Kabutakapua – storytelling strategist, helping professionals reclaim their narrative, Amira Williams – DEI leader driving change in workplace culture and Grant Harris – an introvert coach and author, redefining leadership for quieter personalities.

Together, these trailblazers will explore what it means to thrive as a Black introvert in professional and personal spaces, from navigating stereotypes to building environments that allow quiet voices to shine.

Richard Etienne, founder of The Introvert Space™ and the driving force behind the event, said: “Our community is filled with thinkers,

strategists, and visionaries whose quiet strength is often overlooked. Black Introvert Week UK is about reclaiming that narrative – showing that you don’t need to be the loudest to make the biggest impact.”

Speaking on what he learned from hosting the 2024 event and how that has aided the delivery of the 2025 iteration, Etienne said: “The journey has been one of deepening insight.

“Our inaugural year was about establishing a space for a conversation that was long overdue. As I wrote for the Black Comms Network after last year’s event, we had moved beyond anecdotes by conducting focus groups and quantitative research, which gave us a clear mandate.

“We discovered that 78 per cent of Black introverts found the transition to hybrid work challenging, and 85 per cent expressed a need for more time to process information before contributing in meetings.

“That initial research was the catalyst for creating practical solutions like the ‘TIMI’ (Toolkit for Inclusive Management of Introverts).

“Last year, we saw the impact of this foundation. The conversation shifted from attendees simply seeking validation to actively seeking strategies. They knew the ‘what’; now they wanted the

VISIONARY: Founder Richard Etienne, founder of The Introvert Space

‘how’. This has directly shaped the 2025 iteration, which is themed around Black introverts in leadership. Our focus has evolved to be one of strategic and personal growth. Through a week consisting of insightful content that climaxes with a live

panel event in London, this year’s initiative is specifically designed to provide tangible tools for navigating workplace dynamics, harnessing creativity, and building authentic connections.

“The aim is to create an evening of meaningful networking that celebrates the quiet power driving innovation and leadership within our community.”

Etienne says he’s been both “humbled and incredibly energised” by the response he’s had to Black Introvert Week UK. Sharing his thoughts on the reactions from across the board, he enthused: “The reception has

grown beyond anything I initially imagined.

“What started with the BBC’s coverage of my work in 2021 to Black Introvert Week’s film Silent Strength and The Voice’s support in 2024, our research has blossomed into a recognised and essential fixture.

“The growth in our following has been matched by a deeper growth in awareness and understanding of the value of introverted leadership within the Black community and beyond. It’s been particularly heartening to see the event embraced not just

by Black introverts, but by allies,

DEI professionals, and corporate leaders who now see this as a critical conversation for talent retention and development.

“When 69 per cent of introverts find traditional networking overwhelming, it signals a systemic issue that needs addressing.

“The positive reception shows that Black Introvert Week is providing a timely and necessary solution, moving the DEI conversation forward into the nuanced, intersectional experiences that are vital for creating truly inclusive workplaces.”

THE UK PREMIERE OF AN EAGERLY ANTICIPATED REGGAE MUSICAL

THE HARDER They Come, the newly adapted reggae musical based on the cult Jamaican film of the same name, celebrates its UK premiere at Stratford East this autumn from September 13 to October 25.

Adapted by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer SuzanLori Parks and directed by Olivier Award-winner Matthew Xia, this production marks a powerful return to Stratford East, where the original stage version premiered to acclaim in 2006.

The cast for the production, which

is presented by Stratford East in association with Washington Square Films, Joshua Blum and Bruce Miller, features Danny Bailey as José, Josie Benson as Daisy, Craig Blake as Ray, Madeline Charlemagne as Elsa, Natey Jones as Ivan, Jason Pennycooke as Preacher, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Pedro, and Thomas Vernal as Hilton.

Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, The Harder They Come tells the story of Ivan, an aspiring singer who arrives

in Kingston, Jamaica, determined to live out his dreams on his own terms and make it as a music superstar.

After cutting a record deal with a manipulative music mogul, Ivan learns that the game is rigged and becomes increasingly defiant.

As his star rises, he finds himself topping the charts and the mostwanted list of criminals.

This unmissable show transports audiences to 1970s Jamaica and asks us the question: “What is the personal cost of fighting against systemic injustice?”

AUGUST 2025

THE VOICE |43

44 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Lifestyle

BLACK TALENT BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

Black British Business Awards RESPECTED: Joelle Owusu-Sekyere is nominated in the Arts and Media Rising Star category

From CEOs to rising stars, the 12th annual Black British Business Awards are a celebration of Black professional excellence. By Joel Campbell

T

HE 12th annual Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) takes place in London on October 17 and will be another celebration of Black professional excellence and commercial brilliance in the UK. In just over a decade, the BBBAwards have already recognised more than 400 Black professionals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to business in addition to employers and allies that continue to address Black racial equity gaps.

This year’s finalists – and overall category winners – will be celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, joined by senior figures in British business, prominent opinion leaders and influencers representing all sectors and regions of the British economy.

Speaking as the 2025 finalists are revealed, BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE emphasised their impact: “I am proud to celebrate this year’s BBBAwards finalists – world class professionals and entrepreneurs whose achievements inspire us all and raise aspirations across society.

“We applaud companies that are backing Black talent and taking meaningful action to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of capital, access to opportunity and top jobs.

“In the war-on-talent, riskbased problem solving is not a zero-sum game. This means

addressing material gaps and issues impacting different populations whilst celebrating a job well done as progress is made.

“We can drive progress towards a fairer, more equal society and a truly inclusive British economy where investment and effort are allocated strategically to solve problems that, once addressed, can contribute to a more stable future for our children and greater prosperity for all.

“We are stronger when we are brave enough to acknowledge and solve problems together.”

PATHWAYS This year’s theme, #ELEVATE, reflects the BBBAwards ambition: to spotlight Black leaders breaking barriers and to forge new pathways to equity and representation at the top of British business.

Lifestyle caught up with two of the finalists who explained what being nominated meant to them.

Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, Editorial Director at Penguin Random House with #Merky Books, is widely respected for championing inclusive storytelling and bringing new, diverse voices into British publishing.

Nominated in the Arts and Media Rising Star category, she enthused: “I genuinely couldn’t believe it.

“Before you get shortlisted, before you become a finalist, you have to go to a judging day where you meet so many people who are in your category and you just meet all these incredible, inspiring people. And the fact

that I was among them was, you know, amazing to begin with.

“And then when I got the news, I got it in an email and I read it. I was genuinely really stunned and quite emotional actually because it’s just one of those things that doesn’t necessarily happen to editors.

“Usually we’re very back office kind of people, we’re not really kind of known in the world really, and so to get that recognition was really special.”

Owusu-Sekyere has only been in her current role for just over a year but her love for books and reading started when she was a child. But that wasn’t the only thing she was interested in.

She explained: “I love, love, love books and I love reading and also writing. But it started when I was a kid. It started with my parents, especially my mum just buying us books and passing books down from her father, from his library, too, and us just really getting into the classics first and then finding books that were a bit more my thing.

“I loved Jacqueline Wilson growing up because I was a nineyear-old and she wrote for kids like me. There were pictures in it and I just became immersed in those worlds and it was just something that never left me. So even though I didn’t want to do English literature

a hindrance to her pursuing the ambition for which she finds herself on the cusp of receiving a BBBAwards.

Aston Brooks-Ashitey is also a finalist in this year’s BBBAwards, nominated in the Arts and Media Senior Leader category. A creative and strategic marketing leader with over ten years of experience delivering impactful and awardwinning campaigns for some of the world’s most recognised brands, she told Lifestyle being seen by peers outside of her organisation was a special feeling.

“I was thrilled. I’m not even halfway through my career, probably, by the time I retire. But it sometimes can feel like a slog.

“And even though where I work is very good at recognition and reward, that’s internal. It’s so nice to be externally recognised for the work that I’m doing and by such a prestigious organisation and awards like the Black British Business Awards.

“I think it’s just so nice to have somebody else realise and acknowledge that yeah, ‘you’re doing a good job’. It makes me think I’m doing the right things. Helping other people is right, my values and passions are really being rewarded ‘SPECIAL FEELING’: and recognised which is Ashitey Aston Brooksa really, really nice thing is nominated in the to achieve and I’m really Arts and Media Senior proud of myself.”

Leader categor y Currently the Senior Brand Social Marketing

at A-level or things like that and I didn’t necessarily want to be a publisher growing up, I loved, loved, loved reading and it also got me into writing.

“And so from there I thought, my other love which was actually geology, I started to fall out of love with it. But writing and also reading loads of books was what carried me through some really, really tough times especially during university.

“And so I just thought, you know what, let me just give it a go and let me see if I can do something in that space. But it was a real challenge getting into publishing.

A massive challenge.”

Watch the full interview on our website where Owusu-Sekyere details how coming from a science background was nearly

Manager at LinkedIn, BrooksAshitey specialises in crafting compelling, culturally resonant storytelling that drives brand relevance and business results.

A strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, she champions equal access to opportunity and uses her platform to drive meaningful change, both within the organisations she works for and in the wider community.

“I have been here three and a half nearly four years and I think this is the first point in my career where I’ve felt like I’m in an environment where I can actually really thrive. There’s so much opportunity here to take your career in the direction you want, to do other things to help people in their journey as well.

MENTORING “At LinkedIn, one of the most important things is giving everybody access to opportunity and I’ve been able to do mentoring, volunteering like no questions asked. I can do all of that stuff as part of, you know, my job because it’s such an important part of our mission and values here, which I’ve loved.

“Also, it’s the only place where I feel like I’ve really worked, that recognition and reward is key.”

Watch Brooks-Ashitey full interview on our website.

The BBAs promises to be an inspiring and high-impact event that brings together industry leaders, allies, and change makers.

From CEOs to rising stars, it’s a night of celebration.

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 45

Lifestyle

Music

BLUE PLAQUE HONOUR FOR WINIFRED ATWELL The Trinidadian pianist and entertainer brought joy to a bleak post-war Britain — and now she will be honoured by English Heritage. By Stephen Bourne

I

AM THRILLED that the Trinidadian pianist and entertainer Winifred Atwell will be honoured with an English Heritage Blue Plaque in October.

I am also thrilled to be one of the guest speakers at the unveiling. In the bleak post-war years, when Britain still had food rationing and wartime bomb sites scarred London, Liverpool, Cardiff and many other cities, a party was not complete without Winifred’s records being played and they sold in their millions.

In 1954, when she topped the charts with Let’s Have Another Party, she became the first Black recording artist to reach number one in the ‘pop’ charts.

By 1954 she had also become the first recording artist in Britain to have three million-selling hits.

At the peak of her popularity in the mid-1950s, her hands were insured for £40,000 – a vast sum – and her fan club had over 50,000 members.

One of the many fabulous stories that circulated about ‘Winnie’ was that she had built a house in the shape of a grand piano! It wasn’t true — but it added to the legend.

CHARISMATIC Off stage, she was a shy, retiring personality but, on stage, with her piano, and manic but expert playing, she transformed herself into a larger than life, charismatic star. In the 1950s Winifred was one of Britain’s most successful and best-loved entertainers, as well as undeniably one of the first Caribbeans in post-war Britain to become a celebrity in an era when Black entertainers had more chance of success if they were American.

However, by the 1960s Winifred’s star began to fade with rapid changes in popular music.

First came rock and roll, then The Beatles and the sound of Motown.

Here today, gone tomorrow, memories of Winifred gradually slipped away.

Until now — hopefully the Blue Plaque will restore her to glory.

As a young woman in Trinidad, Winifred’s ambition was to become a classical pianist.

On her arrival here in 1945, she

Winifred was one of the first Caribbeans in post-war Britain to become a celebrity studied at the Hampstead home of Harold Craxton, a professor of piano who taught at the Royal Academy of Music.

However, by the end of the decade, she had turned her attention to ragtime.

To help pay for her tuition, Winifred worked in the evenings playing piano in dance halls and clubs. Then, after marrying the music promoter Lew Levisohn in 1947, under his management she was encouraged to play boogiewoogie and ‘swing’ numbers which quickly brought her to the attention of the British public.

Winifred discovered her famous battered, broken-down piano in a Battersea junk shop, for which she paid £3.

It became known as Winnie’s ‘other piano’ and travelled with her to the nation’s variety theatres, to radio, to television, recording studios and eventually, in 1952, to the top of the bill at the London Palladium and the Royal Variety Performance for the thennew Queen Elizabeth II. As a guest on BBC Radio’s Desert Island Discs in 1952, Winnie gave listeners a taste of the Caribbean when she told the presenter she could easily survive on her own on an uninhabited island: “I could make a pretty hut out of plaited coconut strips and I’d make a roof out of carat palm leaves…I’d eat green coconuts, mangoes, sapodillas, plantains, avocado pears, fish and land crabs. Delicious!

“I could make my cooking utensils out of calabash shells.

There’d be the most gorgeous flowers just for picking, and humming birds flying all around.”

When I interviewed a fellow Trinidadian, Pearl ConnorMogotsi, in 1993, she told me that Winnie came from a conservative family. “She was a quiet, dignified lady. On stage she changed completely, pounding away at the Palladium, that was somebody else,” said Connor-Mogotsi.

“Off-stage, she became that quiet lady again. It was quite an experience seeing Winnie make these changes. She never exposed herself to politics.

“She wasn’t that kind of person.

But she broke down barriers in her own way with her expert piano playing and when she opened one of the first hairdressing salons for Black women in Brixton.”

Pearl added that, in 1969, Winnie recorded an album, Ivory and Steel, with a Trinidadian steel band, The Pan Am North Stars.

She said: “Winnie was a credit to us all. We were very proud of her.”

Winifred’s heart lay with classical music and in 1954 she packed the Royal Albert Hall as a soloist accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

POPULARITY Her programme included the Grieg Piano Concerto and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Her first Australian tour in 1958-59 lasted 13 months and her popularity ‘down under’ was so great that, when her record sales began to fall, she emigrated to that country with her husband.

She never completely recovered from Lew’s passing in 1978, and died of a heart attack in Sydney in 1983 at the age of 69.

Though Winnie has been largely forgotten, some credit must be given to those of us who have tried to keep her memory alive.

In his autobiography Me, published in 2020, Elton John remembered Winnie as one of his childhood influences when he was learning to play the piano. Also in 2020, the Nubian Jak Community Trust unveiled a plaque at the site of her former hair salon in Chaucer Road, Brixton.

And Winnie has a chapter in my book War to Windrush – Black Women in Britain 1939 to 1948, published by Jacaranda Books.

STARLET: Winifred Atwell captured the heart and soul of post-war Britain in the 1950s, and will be honoured with a blue plaque next month; below left, a music sheet from 1954; below right, Stephen Bourne’s book War to Windrush features a chapter dedicated solely to Atwell

46 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

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SEPTEMBER 2025 | THE VOICE

LIVING THE DREAM

One of the rising stars in horse racing, presenter Callum Helliwell is opening doors for others. By Matthew Chadder

C

ALLUM HELLIWELL is one of the few Black voices in British horse racing, and he is striving to make the sport more accessible for those following him.

After rising through the ranks at Sky, Callum has already presented at Royal Ascot and will make his ITV debut later this year.

As his stock continues to rise rapidly, the presenter is keen to use his platform to help others.

“I just try to be the best reporter that I can be, and I think everything else leads on from there,” Callum told the Voice of Sport.

“If I’m good at my job and work really hard, I do believe that will open doors for people down the line.

“I’ve had examples of times where my confidence has been shaken, and I’ve gone to someone for some advice and mentorship, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to give that back to someone else.

“There are so many talented people who would be great for racing but maybe don’t feel as if racing is great for them – I’d love to change that. If we can make racing feel welcoming, then we will see an increase in participation.

“I certainly don’t want to be the type of person that gets to the door and shuts it behind them, I want as many people to come through the door behind me.”

Callum’s love for horses started at an early age, and he has been involved with the sport ever since.

“I was horse mad from day one. I was fortunate enough to be raised in the countryside, in East Sussex, and my parents took me to a riding school when I was five, hoping that I’d just get scared off and that’d be it.

“Unfortunately for them, and maybe plenty of other people around the world, I loved it and my love for horse racing stemmed from there.”

After finishing a degree in journalism, Callum went to work for Sky as a researcher, and his attitude caught the eye of his colleagues very quickly.

“Once you start working in television, you catch the bug. I loved working as part of a team in a live television environment, all working toward one goal.

I was at Sky for two years, and I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a very good researcher, I was more of a personality hire. But I loved it, and I was one of the hardest workers.

“No matter what state I was in, I was in at 7am and leaving at 6pm every day, and I think that caught people’s attention. I was approached and asked what I really wanted to do, and I explained I had my journalism degree, a background in drama and musical theatre and I asked if I could go in front of the camera.

“I did a lot of intense training, a lot of shadowing, and I got my first gig at Chepstow in March, and it was the best day of my life. I hear a lot of my colleagues talk about their nerves, but for me, I was just having the time of my life, and I’ve been living the dream ever since.”

As well as his work for Sky, Callum also works with The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia “The universal language of horse racing, it goes anywhere.

No matter where in the world you are, you’re always going to be able to work it out eventually.

“Therefore, despite it being a bit of a culture change for me personally, if you don’t understand anything to do with the country, at least you know what’s going on at the track. It’s just been an amazing experience, and some of the horsemen and horsewomen I’ve met have been absolutely incredible.”

While his brand continues to grow, and his charismatic personality gains him fans across the world, Callum is more interested in the change he can make, rather than his own personal gain.

“I feel like I’ve got a great opportunity to tell people’s stories and really highlight the amazing work that goes on in our industry. If I can give someone a bit of a push on TV, and that benefits them, to me that’s worth more than 10 million followers, because that’s me actually making a change.

“You can have all the followers in the world, but it doesn’t make you a better person than anybody else. It doesn’t make you more valuable to society than anybody else.”

CHARISMATIC: Callum Helliwell will make his ITV debut later this year; below left, Callum has been horse mad from day one

SHANIAH’S LIFE TRANSFORMED BY ‘BEST EVER JOB’ AT WIMBLEDON

By Matthew Chadder

SHANIAH WILLIAMS is one of 143 people whose life has been changed by the world famous Championships at Wimbledon.

While the action on Centre Court dominates the headlines, the world’s most famous tennis tournament has a much wider impact.

Thanks to the Work at Wimbledon Scheme, an initiative supported by the Wimbledon Foundation to offer individuals facing employment barriers a pathway to employment, Shaniah’s life has been transformed.

“This is the best job that I’ve ever had,” Shaniah told the Voice of Sport. “It was one of my first jobs, so it has set the standard really high.”

Shaniah came through Wandsworth Community Empowerment Network, whose Black Minds Matter project was funded by the Wimbledon

EXPERIENCE: Shaniah Williams Foundation. The recent edition of the tournament was Shaniah’s fourth year working at Wimbledon, and she explained how the Work at Wimbledon Scheme has transformed her life.

“When I arrived, I thought Wimbledon would be quite elitist,” Shaniah admitted.

“However, I haven’t had any issues, everyone has been very friendly, and I’ve had the chance to grow and develop.

“This scheme has definitely

broken down barriers and made things more accessible. It’s helped me with my perception of what is accessible to me, and I’m now able to put these experiences on my CV, which definitely makes things easier.”

Shaniah previously worked in the No. 1 Court Kiosk. This year, she returned as a London Borough of Culture Local Champion on the Wimbledon Foundation Community Fund’s grants panel, which has helped her to develop further.

“My role entails overseeing the grants that different charities submit and deciding who meets the criteria and who should receive the funding.

Shaniah hopes that just like her, other people’s lives can be changed by the scheme.

“There’s not many chances to work somewhere like Wimbledon, and it’s an amazing experience to be on the ground.

“There is a certain atmosphere that I can’t quite describe.”

SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 47

Sport

THREE LIONS AWAITS

Davina Perrin and Cordelia Griffith lit up The Hundred with their displays. By Rodney Hinds

P

ERRIN and Griffith might sound like a firm of solicitors but on this occasion they are the surnames of two young women destined to represent England at cricket.

Davina Perrin and Cordelia Griffith are currently illuminating the sport’s shortest format, The Hundred.

Both are remarkably similar in terms of how they play the game and good judges are of the opinion that the pair will sooner or later wear the famous Three Lions on their chest.

The dynamic duo have already shown their class during the summer extravaganza with bat in hand and are fleet-footed fielders who are razor sharp across the grass.

Griffith plays for London Spirit, the reigning champions, and they made a brilliant start on the opening day of the tournament.

Griffith was key to their success against London rivals, Oval Invincibles with a 29-ball 50 which included six boundaries and one maximum with a strike.

Perrin also delivered early for her side, the Northern Superchargers, with a noteworthy 21 off just 24 deliveries as they beat Welsh Fire Women.

Her fielding thereafter was eye catching and key as her team took all four points.

already represented or were on the verge of representing England. Having already taken 18 months, following my Masters graduation from Durham University, to pursue my ambitions in cricket, it was time to start my legal journey.

“It was at this point, I realised just how significant the sport was to me and how heartbreaking it was to sacrifice something you’d always dreamed of doing professionally.

“With the introduction of the domestic professional cricket contracts in 2020, I was fortunate enough to be given a second chance to pursue my ambitions of playing professional cricket and aspirations of playing for England; an opportunity I took with both hands, and I am so grateful to be able to do so.

“With family from both Barbados and Jamaica, I understand how significant cricket is to the heritage of the Caribbean community. My great-grandfather would often reminisce about the strength and success of the West Indies team under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd during the 1970s and 80s, and it was clear that the sport gave my great-grandfather, his generation and the Caribbean community as a whole so much pride.

“Cricket brought the Caribbean community together in the UK during the toughest of times and will always hold a special place in their heart.”

Despite her distinct Caribbean heritage, she adds: “The dream is and always has been to play for England.”

There is a lack of Black women playing cricket in England but Griffith is more than hopeful of change. She adds: “For me, the two main reasons for a lack of women from diverse back-

REALITY The aim for both Perrin and Griffith is to help their respective sides make it to the final of The Hundred, which takes place on August 31. Both realise that their displays during the tournament is much more than just their individual contributions. They are young role models too.

Griffith comes from a cricket family. Her father Frank was a right-hand batsman and a rightarm medium pace bowler who played for Derbyshire between 1988 and 1996.

During an interview with The Voice, she said: “Cricket has always been important to me and has been a big part of my life from a very young age. But I probably didn’t realise just how important the sport was to me until 2019 when I was faced with the reality that it was time to start seriously pursuing my career in law and applying for training contracts with law firms.

AMBITIOUS: “Cricket, then, was not a Cordelia Griffith viable professional career path for women unless you

GIFTED: Davina Perrin, who plays for Northern Superchargers, was named in the England squad for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup grounds in cricket are, a lack of access and opportunity coupled with a lack of female role models in cricket from different ethnic backgrounds.

“Initiatives such as the MCC Foundation and the ACE Programme have embarked on a mission to increase access and opportunities. They have been trailblazers in recent years.

“I am hopeful that the situation will change. But more can still be done to increase diversity in cricket at all levels. Cricket is a game for all and is a much richer sport when it is played by people from all different backgrounds.”

DREAM Perrin, who played for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred prior to joining the Superchargers, was part of the ACE Elite Programme, an initiative set up by former England cricketer Ebony RainfordBrent which aims to develop young Black cricketers.

The gifted Perrin was named in the England squad for the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia. Of her breakthrough: “It’s a dream come true to have signed for Birmingham Phoenix.

To have the opportunity to train and potentially play alongside the likes of Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine and Amy Jones is amazing and I can’t wait to get going.”

Perrin and Griffith will be the names being talked about in the near future.

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48 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025

Sport

CELEBRATING NIGERIAN SPORTING EXCELLENCE

N

IGERIAN sporting excellence is to be celebrated this month.

The global Nigerian community will witness a landmark moment in sports and cultural recognition as the inaugural Nigerian UK Sports Awards (NUKSAwards) takes centre stage on Monday September 15 in London in aid of grassroots sports.

NUKSA is a leading platform committed to celebrating and honouring the remarkable achievements of Nigerian athletes excelling across Europe, with a special focus on the United Kingdom.

As the first initiative of its kind, NUKSA aims to spotlight outstanding talent, foster grassroots football development, and build a lasting legacy of excellence within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. The mission is to inspire future generations, elevate Nigerian athletes on the global stage, and create a vibrant community dedicated to sporting success.

Hosted by renowned media personalities Mayowa Quadri (VERSUS) and Sirayah Shiraz, the event will celebrate over 130 distinguished individuals and organisations across 36 award categories, recognising outstanding contributions in sports, philanthropy, legacy-building, community development, media, and more.

The event will be groundbreaking whilst raising funds to support

SUPER EAGLE : Alex Iwobi in the famous Nigerian colours

Inaugural NUKSAwards in London will recognise the contributions of elite athletes and grassroots heroes. By Rodney Hinds the future generation of Nigerian athletes, with proceeds from the evening going towards grassroots sports initiatives and mentorship for young athletes.

The ceremony will welcome football legend and nominee Nwankwo Kanu, attending in person to receive a NUKSA Legendary Award.

The public is invited to vote for nominees in all open categories, including high profile contests such as Best Male Striker, Midfielder, Goalkeeper, Female Athlete of the Year, Rising Star, and MVP Awards.

Bringing together current stars, sporting legends, prominent UK-

“We’re really excited for this event, it’s a monumental tribute to generations of Nigerians excelling in sport”

based Nigerian personalities, and distinguished dignitaries, the NUKSAwards marks a historic moment in spotlighting Nigerian excellence in sports and community development.

The prestigious event will be graced by state governors, high-level diplomats, and government officials from Nigeria and the UK. “We’re really excited for this event, it’s more than just an award ceremony, it’s a monumental tribute to generations of Nigerians excelling in sport, giving back to communities, and inspiring global impact and the next generation,” said the event’s spokesperson, David Doherty.

The NUKSAwards recognises a broad spectrum of contributions, from elite athletes and grassroots heroes to media icons and humanitarian changemakers.

With open, closed, and special recognition categories, the event underscores a commitment to celebrating both competitive success and enduring influence.

Fans can cast their votes via the official website at nuksa.co.uk, giving supporters around the world a direct voice in recognising their sporting heroes.

LEGEND: Nwanko Kanu will be attending the event