Life in Colour 27

Page 1

London’s First Multicultural Listings Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Issue 27 • October 2010

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R

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Entertainment L i s t i n g s

MUSIC

DJ M Squared’s Mix

CLUBS

Groove Lineage

THEATRE

Akram Khan - Vertical Road

COMEDY

Comedy at Cottons

COMMUNITY

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

SCREEN

Taipei Exchanges

GALLERY

Jimi Hendrix Exhibition

EVENTS

Mind Body & Soul 2010

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

Verbalized

FAITH

World class tutoring in Muslim history

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Run Dem Crew

Our History...



CONTENTS 12

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A Word From The Editor October is a special month. As well as being the longest month in the year, it has special responsibilities. October is the month that we in the UK celebrate the vast history of Black people all over the world. We learn about heroes, villains, martyrs and the brave — just like in all good stories. The difference is, this story impacts on everybody that will read this publication, irrespective of colour or creed. Black history is our history. We are all, in some way shape of form, part of this story. Many people in the UK are still living this history.

24

04-09

MUSIC

24-25

EVENTS

10-11

CLUB

26-29

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

12-15

THEATRE

30-31

COMMUNITY

16-17

COMEDY

FAITH

18-19

SCREEN

32 34-39

20-23

BHM

Editor

40-41

Samera Owusu Tutu

Design

Tony Watts

Contributors:

Katherine Bing

Counsellor Mike

Dominic Gardner-Wright

Head Of Sales

Jessica Meade

Published by

Life In Colour Listings Guide

Publishers

JB Rose

Derek Morrison-Bowen

To advertise in the next issue contact: Life in Colour Listings Guide 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour E14 9TS T: 0207 515 6158, F: 0207 515 6159 Please e-mail all listings information to E: lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk W: www.lifeincolour.uk.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING GALLERY

It’s important to remember the importance of knowing the ‘story’ and who we are within it. It should be everybody’s aim to seek out opportunities to learn more about OUR story and not just the key parts of the plot, but also the more obscure pages that carry the nuances of time-old traditions and highlight the beauty of our culture. Take a look at our Black History Month listings for some events that are off the beaten track. But October isn’t just the longest month when we celebrate Black History Month, it houses a host of different special days and events. For example, it’s also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and 22 October is the inaugural National Nut Day - you’ll find a feature on the wonders of nuts in the Health & Wellbeing section. We’ve also got a new segment in the Health & Wellbeing section called Salon in the City, where we help you get your relaxation on and your beauty regime in check. This month, we visit the Princess Soraya Salon. And for all you music lovers, we have a great competition for you; win a copy of the latest Life & Soul Vibes compilation CD, straight out of Altanta, GA, all with one simple question… As ever we’ve got plenty of places for you to go to and things for you to see. So flick through, get your boots on and go enjoy your city! Maybe I’ll see you there...!

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the advertisers. Life In Colour can not take responsibility for any incorrect or misleading claims made. ©2010 Life In Colour


MUSIC

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Oct Tony Allen 70 - Nigeria 50

Feat. Seun Kuti, Cheikh Lo, Thandiswa, Pee Wee Ellis, Jimi Tenor, Jason Yarde, Byron Wallen, Keziah Jones, Eska Mtungwasi, Ty, Wunmi & more Celebrating Tony Allen’s 70th Birthday and 50 years of Nigeria’s independence, this concert features guest collaborators who he has worked with over the years. Special include Seun Kuti, Cheikh Lo, Thandiswa, Pee Wee Ellis, Jimi Tenor, Jason Yarde, Byron Wallen, Keziah Jones, Wunmi, Eska Mtungwasi, Ty and many more. Also, to commemorate Nigeria’s 50 years of independence, the renowned Nigerian entertainment company Tijani Entertainment will be hosting Nigeria@50 in association with Lebara Mobile with support of the Mayor’s office. Cost: £13.50 - £22.50 Time: 7.30pm Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Info: www.barbican.org.uk, 020 7638 4141

07 Oct

Daddy Yankee With more than 8 million albums sold, 5 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s radio charts, a blockbuster film and 4 chart topping albums to his name, Daddy Yankee is the single most relevant Latin urban artist in the world. He’ll be supported by Aggro Santos at this event. Cost: TBC Time: 7pm Location: O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL Info: wwwo2academybrixton. co.uk

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Oct Julia Biel Singer-songwriter Julia Biel is being touted as one of the UK’s finest new vocalists and has just finished recording her new album, which is scheduled for

release in early 2011. See her at the Southbank with her new band features Marco Piccioni and David Pearson on guitars, Jasper Hoiby on bass and Seb Rochford on drums. Cost: Free Time: 5.30pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

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Oct UK B-Boy Championships This is one of biggest events on both the hip-hop and b-boy calendars. Be part of the UK B-Boy Championships as it celebrates its 15th birthday. You will be amazed by what you see and hear. This is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates hiphop culture.

Cost: £21.50 Time: 5pm Location: O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL Info: www.o2academybrixton. co.uk

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Oct Joe & Keith Sweat Ladies, ladies, ladies. Do we have a treat for you! Two soulful kings of 90s soul are set to hit the city with style. They had the lyrics that made you swoon and are to blame for many a magic moment between couples all over the city. Now you are in for a colossal show when these two hit the stage. Cost: £33.75 - £55.75 Time: 6.30pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues.meanfiddler.com/ apollo

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Oct Arrested Development & M3NSA The double Grammy-winning hip-hop legends who gave us the hits Mr. Wendal and Everyday People are back in the UK in support of their new album Strong. With roots going all the way back to Africa and branches heading straight into the urban centres of American streets, Arrested Development is a band with a message. Here, Arrested Development dare us not to be drawn into their world as they brew a potent concoction of funk, soul, jazz, folk and of course, hip hop. They will be supported by Ghanaian sensation M3nsa. Cost: £13.50 - £22.50 Time: Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Info: www.barbican.org.uk, 020 7638 4141


MUSIC 13 Oct

Arrested Development & M3NSA

Brassroots Every second Wednesday of the month Brassroots hit the Rich Mix stage with the sole

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Oct The O2 African Music Awards Concert Oddly, the O2 African Music Awards concert for the The O2 African Music Awards show will be taking place at the Wembley Arena. Probably for the best given the massive crowd of supporters this event is sure to

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Oct Lyrical Alliance featuring Talib Kweli

Hosted by UK hip hop lynchpin DJ MK (KISS FM, Roots Manuva, Dizzee Rascal), Lyrical Alliance is a ground-breaking, international urban music event that transcends language and cultural barriers to celebrate the common pillars of hip-hop all over the world: the beat and the word. The second half of the evening features major US artist Talib Kweli. Ever since emerging alongside Mos Def as a member of Black Star in the late 90s, Talib Kweli is one of the few artists making commercially viable music that matters – hard hitting and simultaneously able to educate and entertain. Cost: £22.50 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk, 0844 482 8008

entice! With superstars from across the continent, this will definitely be a huge event and is not to be missed! Cost: £15 - £25 Time: TBC Location: Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London, HA9 OAA Info: www.livenation.co.uk/ wembley

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Oct Kisstory Are you a fan of 90’s old school classics? Then you must be a fan of Kisstory - Kiss 100 and Indigo2 are excited to launch Kisstory Live, bringing the infamous Kiss 100 show Kisstory to the club! Kisstory is about those tunes that just stand the test of time - anthems, classics and those tunes that keep you dancing! Expect performances from Kiss 100 DJs Jez Welham and Justin Wilkes plus live PAs from DJ Luck & MC Neat, Sweet Female Attitude and Liquid. Cost: £14.25 - £16.75 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX

Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

17 Oct

Arun Ghosh’s Sunday Sessions Join the charismatic clarinettist and composer Arun Ghosh with invited guests for an extraplanetary astral afternoon of aural experimentation and sonic explorations. A superstellar lineup of Bryon Wallen on trumpet/flute/conch shells, Nat Birchall on soprano & tenor saxophones, Rachael Gladwin on harp & vibraphonist Corey Mwamba collaborate with Ghosh on clarinet and Liran Donin on double bass to create an outer global orchestra. Enter genrewarping yet soulful soundscapes evoking psychedelic realms, modal majesty & devotional jazz - a divine destination for celestial vibrations. Cost: Free Time: 3.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

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The double Grammy-winning hip-hop legends who gave us the hits Mr. Wendal and Everyday People are back in the UK in support of their new album Strong. With roots going all the way back to Africa and branches heading straight into the urban centres of American streets, Arrested Development is a band with a message. Here, Arrested Development dare us not to be drawn into their world as they brew a potent concoction of funk, soul, jazz, folk and of course, hip hop. They will be supported by Ghanaian sensation M3nsa. Cost: £13.50 - £22.50 Time: Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Info: www.barbican.org.uk, 020 7638 4141

aim of blowing your mind, ears and eyes wide open, solely with their instruments. Led by American trombonist Jerome Harper, Brassroots is a 9-piece powerhouse group of horn players and drummers; they’re packed with boundless energy and a musical concept that catapults the brassband genre into another dimension. Special guests will be handpicked each month to join the jamboree, and Rich Mix will be opening up the stage for one new jazz act to get involved each month too. Cost: Free Time: 7.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498


MUSIC 17 Oct

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Seu Jorge & Almaz and Longjon la Flecha Get ready for the brand new sound of Brazil when the coolest man on the planet returns to the Roundhouse with his brand new project, Almaz. For an audience that first met Jorge through his samba covers of David Bowie’s golden years in the Life Aquatic, there are new treats in store with Almaz, as Jorge’s chocolate baritone wraps around Roy Ayer’s ‘Sunshine’, Kraftwerk’s ‘Das Model’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock With You’. Seu Jorge is a singer first and foremost, but many may know him as an actor for his screen-stealing performances in the likes of Wes Anderson’s ‘The Life Aquatic’ and Fernando Meirelles’ ‘City Of God’. With special guests Longjon la Flecha. Cost: £22 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse. org.uk, 0844 482 8008

21 Oct

En Vogue

After 18 years away from the scene, the girls known for their brilliant vocals are back! See them perform all their greatest hits including ‘Hold On’, ‘Don’t Let Go’, ‘Whatever’, ‘Whatta Man’, ‘Free Your Mind’, ‘My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)’, ‘Give It Up, Turn It Loose’ and ‘Give Him Something He Can Feel’ for one night only at indigO2. This will be a night not to miss… Cost: £38.50 - £54.50 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

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Oct Corinne Bailey Rae Following sold-out shows this year at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Somerset House, Corinne Bailey Rae performs at Royal Festival Hall. The February release of her acclaimed second album, The Sea, marked a musical transformation from her debut worldwide hit album of 2006 - a transformation successfully brought to bear in recent shows and hailed in the music press. Cost: £25 Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com, 0844 875 0073

21 - 23 Oct

The Motown Review with Natalie Williams Soul Family

The year 1959, seemed to be a magical year. Not only was it the birth of the world renowned jazz club, Ronnie Scotts, or the making of one of the most influential jazz albums ever, ‘Kind of Blue’, but it was also the year Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy. As a tribute to some of the great artists that have recorded on Motown Records and paying homage to the 50th anniversary of the label last year, Natalie Williams and her Soul Family Band will play a selection of some of the best songs to come out of the Motown era, featuring the music of Smoky Robinson, Martha and The Vandellas, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, The

Supremes, The Jackson 5 and of course Stevie Wonder. Joining her on stage will be 3 other fantastic vocalists, Vula, Sharlene Hector and Brendan Reilly. Cost: £20 - £41.50 Time: 7pm Location: Ronnie Scott’s, Location: 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT Info: www.ronniescotts.co.uk

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Oct Celebration of Life Concert

The mighty Celebration of Life Concert returns with reggae legends Aswad, featuring The Aswad Horns. After two decades on the music scene and 15 albums under their belts, ‘The Lions of Ladbroke Grove’ remain one of the country’s best-loved reggae bands. Saxophonist Courtney

Pine’s innovative style fuses jazz and groove - tonight he’s joined by lyrical guitarist Cameron Pierre for a special duo set. The sensational Lifeforce Band will be joined by guest vocalists MOBO-nominated Guvna B, Kersha Bailey and Vula Malinga - all hotly tipped for 2010. Hosted by Curtis Walker and signed in British Sign Language by Hetty May Bailey. This Celebration of Life Concert supports Revival, the anti-violence campaign which focuses on the need to cherish and respect all life. Cost: £10 - £15 Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

Muntu Valdo

Muntu Valdo’s music is rooted


MUSIC

com, 0844 875 0073

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Oct Robyn

Swedish pop sensation Robyn is in the UK after the release of new album ‘Body Talk Pt 1’. Cost: £15 Time: Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT Info: www.o2shepherdsbush empire.co.uk

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Oct Dru Hill

Dru Hill will perform along with former Blackstreet members Mark Middleton and Eric Williams!! See Sisqo and his group Dru Hill perform their hits ‘How Deep is your Love’ and ‘In My Bed’, along with some of Sisqo’s hits ‘Thong Song’ , ‘Unleash the Dragon’ and ‘Incomplete’. Blackstreet former members Mark Middleton and Eric Williams will also perform some of the groups greatest hits including the almighty track ‘No Diggity’ and ‘Don’t Leave Me’. vocalists that literally immerse themselves in the audience giving a full interactive experience. You

will be truly entertained!! Cost: £29.75 Time: 7pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues.meanfiddler.com/ apollo Cost: £36 - £65.50 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

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Oct Salute To The Wailers

Celebrating over 40 years of music from Jamaica’s first super group. Salute to the Wailers is a live musical celebration and visual experience that proudly recognises the contribution of all the individual musicians who were responsible for creating the sound that today remains the blueprint of reggae music. Be reminded why even in the 21st century Bob Marley remains a poetic visionary and hear why the music of The Wailers remains as fresh as the day it was recorded. Get ready for the reggae event of the year, an evening celebrating, singing and dancing to your favourite Bob Marley & The Wailers songs. With full live band, dancers, on-stage screen visuals, string section and vocalists that literally immerse themselves in the audience giving a full interactive experience. You will be truly entertained!! Cost: £29.75 Time: 7pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues.meanfiddler.com/ apollo

29 Oct

An evening with Roop Kumar Rathod and Sunali Rathod

Performing his Bollywood hits, golden oldies and popular ghazals. Roop Kumar Rathod is one of Bollywood’s unsung heroes. He was the voice of Shahrukh Khan in hit films Veer Zaara (featuring his song

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Oct Morcheeba

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in the blues, mixing African traditions with striking modernity and technical mastery. He has played with some of the great names of African music including Ali Farka Touré and Manu Dibango and last autumn toured with Congolese superstars Staff Benda Bilili and South African legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo. His mesmerising solo set juxtaposes his raw, passionate voice and intensely emotive melodies with an ingenious use of loops, samples and effects. His debut album Gods & Devils was described by NME as ‘a rapturous record that shudders with joy and passion’. His second album, The One & The Many, will be released this autumn. Cost: Free Time: 6pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.

Trip-Hop legends Morcheeba bring their acclaimed live show to the Roundhouse, returning with their most remembered line-up and the unmatched sound of Skye Edwards. Cost: £25 - £26.50 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk, 0844 482 8008

‘Tere Liye’) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (featuring ‘Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai’). In addition to performing his own hits, Roop Kumar is accompanied by the charming Sunali Rathod to sing vintage film classics such as ‘Laga Chunari Mein Daag’ from Dil Hi To Hai and ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Gi’ from Kohinoor, as well as popular ghazals. Cost: £15 - £55 Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

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Oct Nigeria 50 Celebration with Adewale Ayuba

Adewale Ayuba is one of the great figures of the Nigerian Fuji music and the first Fuji singer to win the Kora Award (African Grammy). A charismatic performer who fuses the driving rhythms of Fuji with urban funk grooves to create vibrant hypnotic dance

music that rocks! In his only UK and London concert debut to celebrate Nigeria At 50 Adewale Ayuba leads his superb 12-piece band that is driven by the rich eloquence of the talking drums. At the heart of this show is Adewale Ayuba’s soulful voice that sends chills down your spine. Expect a radiant show in the grand traditions of Nigerian music. Cost: £15.50 Time: 7.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

UB40 UB40 are to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their debut album, ‘Signing Off’, by performing the whole album live during a tour of venues across the UK. Cost: TBC Time: 7pm Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT Info: www.o2shepherdsbush empire.co.uk


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FRESH For Your Ear - LIFE&SOUL VIBES VOL2 So we’ve got the club situation sorted, the outfit’s on point and we’re on our way. Be we all know the party starts way before we step foot on a dance floor. The music we play in our cars, or on our iPods on the tube, really sets us up for a good time. And you know we at Life In Colour are always trying to find ways to make your evenings perfect. Well, we may have outdone ourselves here... DJ M-Squared is one of the US’s formidable talents. His soulful repertoire changes lives and makes babies. Fortunately for you, this connoisseur of all things smooth has created a little something for all of us Brits to enjoy — without the hefty plane fare. Listen to Life & Soul Vibes Vol. 2 Mixed by DJ M-Squared and you’ll be blessed with some of the best artists the US soul scene has to offer. With tracks from Dwele’s new album WantsWorldWomen, to Chinah Blac’s ‘Your Will’ M-Squared holds no prisoners, sending a clear message to all those that say soul music is dead.

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Life & Soul is brought to you by Amartré Entertainment, an independent label and promoter of neo-soul, and some of my favourite tracks on the mix CD come from the independent stable. Take the fresh new sound of Amma Whaat for example, this track will have you loosing yourself in the acoustic soul while the lyrical genius sinks in. I won’t even go into Yahzarah - one of my favourite new voices of the decade - or we’ll be here for a while. But I digress, this is about you! Remember, if you want to start your night right, you need a mix CD in your ear to set the tone. And for all you soul lovers out there, it doesn’t get much better than this...

Competition I bet you thought we were going to leave you hanging right? Never that! If you need this mix CD in your life, then look no further. We at Life In Colour are giving 5 lucky winners the chance to win DJ M Squared’s Mix CD. Just answer the question below, and if you’re one of the lucky 5 to be picked at random, the CD is yours:

Q. Which music legend currently has an exhibition in their honour at Red Reed House? Send your answer, along with your name and address to comps@lifeincolour.uk.com. Remember, the answers are always somewhere in the pages of your Life In Colour magazine, so get hunting!



CLUBS 02, 09, 16 & 30 Sep

Addiction

Now this is what I call a recession-busting event! Ladies listen carefully, it involves you being on time: get to this event before midnight and entry is a measly £1. Nope, it’s not a typo. I really mean £1! We’re talking top quality R&B, Hip Hop and more for less than a portion of chips! For those that can’t make it by the alloted time, there’s also a less than budget busting £5 on the door, and are £10 all night.

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See? Now there’s no excuse for not living the high life and partying hard. Cost: £1 - £10 Time: 9pm - 2am Location: Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftsbury Avenue, W1D 7EP Info: urbanchoice@live.co.uk

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Sep GORGEOUS PARTY Join the boys for another great GORGEOUS PARTY on Sat 5th Jun @ the GORGEOUS ABACUS. It’s time for another Gorgeous party at Abacus. Three dance areas, three bars, and 30 VIP areas. It’s truly party central. Playing the best in R&B, Hip Hop, Funky, House, Naija Beats, Bashment, Soca and more. The dress code as ever is gorgeous and sexy, that means no trainers, hats or t-shirts. Get in contact about the guestlist and you might get in for £5. Cost: £10 Time: 10pm - 4am Location: Abacus, 24 Cornhill, E3V 3ND Info: 07958 552 8380

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Sep XS EVERY SATURDAY

A sexy R&B night in the heart of London city. For the slick and suave, XS will be playing the best party classic, bashment, funky house and old school garage. Expect top name DJs like Rampage (1Xtra), Firin Squad (Choice FM), DJ Spoony (Radio 1) and DJ NG (Rinse FM). XS is held every saturday.Cost: £10Time: 9pm - 2pmLocation: Rainforest Cafe, 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EUInfo: 07811 962 66404 SepSpanish HarlemSpanish Harlem is a wonderful event which features optional dinner, 2 FREE Salsa Lesson & Both an RnB & Salsa Room. This sexy and playful night is Perfect for birthdays, hen nights and most other special occasions. R&B DJs on the night are DJ Maurice of Soul2Street and DJ Marvin. The night includes a salsa dance lesson. To be a part of it you’ll have to be there by 9.30pm. This month it’s free for Virgos — even more of a reason to celebrate your birthday there. There’s even a two course meal for just £15. Perfect! Cost: £6 adv, more on the door Time: 8pm - 3am Location: APT Bar, 10-15 Queen Street, EC4N 1TX Info: bookings@ukfridays.com


CLUBS 05, 12, 19 & 26 Sep

Roller Motion

Roller Motion is Choice FM’s unique clubbing experience. Join in every Sunday in Vauxhall for the night that everyone talks about. Can you endure 5 hours of fun on skates in two arenas with Choice FM DJ’s playing the coolest party anthems? Test your will power — and leg muscles! Where whatever you like as you’re likely to end up on your bum at least once in the night. This event is for over 18s and photo ID is required. Cost: £8.50 - £11.50

03, 10, 17 & 24 Oct

Groove Lineage

Keep The Faith’s Paul Aaaron takes Hobgoblin in Angel N1 on a weekly Friday night Soul journey migrating through different era’s, tempo’s, sub genres and regional styles of Soul and Roots music. Live instruments and the occasional live appearances or launch party from visiting USA Neo Soul acts are not uncommon. Check this one out, it’s a mainstay on the London soul scene.Cost: FreeTime: 9pm - 2amLocation: Hobgoblin, 73 White Lion Street, Angel, N1 9PFInfo: www.myspace. com/keepthefaithclubnight03, 10, 17 & 24 OctAny Given SundayEverybody knows that Sunday is the new Saturday, especially with hot nights like Any Given Sunday getting you ready for the week ahead. Any Given Sunday (or AGS as it is affectionately known by its regulars) is one of the most reliable nights for good times on the circuit and without a missed Sunday for over sevens years,

that’s a pretty good track record. If you’re lucky enough to get in, well done and I’ll see you by the bar…1 Cost: £15.50 Time: 7.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

12 Sep

CDR

Yep! CDR is back at Plastic People! Your ‘night of ideas and tracks in the making’ is back at the reopened Plastic People but now it is hitting on the SECOND SUNDAY of the month. September will feature Nwachukwu, Uncle G and guests. Check burntprogress. com for details and all things worthwhile reading about the CDR community, and beyond. Residents on the decks will be your usual heroes of the new digital music forms, Tony Nwachukwu and Gavin Alexander. Plus, Mr Beatnick, Semtek and Simbad each spin a discography set of releases past, present and not too distant future.Submit your

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Time: 7pm - 12am Location: The Renaissance Rooms, Wandsworth Rd, Vauxhall, SW8 1RZ Info: 0207 054 8852

track to be heard on the mighty Plastic People soundsytem before 9.30pm during the legendary Open CDR segment. All those who want to submit tracks for Open CDR need to do so before 9.30pm. Cost: £10 Time: 10pm - 4am Location: Abacus, 24 Cornhill, E3V 3ND Info: 07958 552 8380

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Sep Soul Food@Marketplace Bar

Another dollop of beats from the Soul Food Crew, this month featuring Mr Blue Movies and special guest DJ Oliver Sudden! We’re talking Hip Hop, funk, soul and super beats. Cost: Free Time: 8pm - 1am Location: Marketplace, 11 Market Place, W1W 8AH Info: www.marketplacelondon.com

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Sep The Squidz Club

The ultimate night out for young

people with learning disabilities. Dance to the beats of the Heart n Soul DJs, experience fantastic live performances on the main stage, explore the games, makeover and music zones or shine on the open mic. Cost: £5 Time: 7pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

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Oct Wild N Out Part 2 - The Black & White partyr

Back with another smashing event, the Wild N Out crew are set to blow the roof off the last Saturday in October. You’ll be treated to music by the Original Entertainers - Frontliner Syndicate featuring Frontliner and Interlect (formerly of Etiquette, AGS and Carbon). Cost: £10 Time: 10pm - 3am Location: Woodstore Bar, 1 Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF Info: 07951 189 140


THEATRE 05 09

Oct Akram Khan - Vertical Road

Akram Khan, one of the UK’s most innovative and influential dance talents, returns to Sadler’s Wells with his latest full scale contemporary ensemble work, Vertical Road. Visually inspiring and spiritually profound, Vertical Road draws on the performers’ different cultural interpretation of the human odyssey. Choreographed by Khan and performed by a world-class cast of dancers from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, this new work features a specially commissioned score by long-term collaborator Nitin Sawhney. Khan draws inspiration from universal myths of angels that symbolise ‘ascension’ - the road between the earthly and the spiritual, the Vertical Road.

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Cost: £10 - £32 Time: 7.30pm Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Info: 0844 412 4300

05 - 06 Oct

Mzobane

Mzobane is dance straight from the streets of South Africa. Experience the traditional township dance of Pantsula with breaking, hip hop and tap. Be transported to the world of the Shebeen, where two rival dance groups compete in a thrilling dance off. Via Volcano are nine dancers from the Kagiso township outside Johannesburg. Together with British choreographer and hip hop icon Benji Reid, they fuse the traditional township dance of Pantsula with breaking, hip hop and tap. Pantsula is the dance of the streets and the crew’s style of dress - with baggy trousers and Converse sneakers – has become their trademark. With exhilarating moves that will leave you on a high, this is an energetic and feel good show not to be missed. This event is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Cost: £10 Time: 7.45pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

06 09 10 Oct

& A Face Like Mine

Expect a lyrical and sensual performance exploring the many fragmented perceptions Black women have of themselves. Asanda Phewa, University of Cape Town’s Best Theatre-Maker of 2008, explores the many fragmented perceptions black women have of themselves. This performance takes an honest look at how women dress up self worth. This event is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Cost: £9 Time: Various Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446


THEATRE 07 09 10

& Oct Ncamisa! Kiss the Women

An explosive and emotional play exploring the consequences of being a lesbian in Khayelitsha, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town. Just how open and inclusive is post apartheid South Africa when you’re still considered ‘different’? With a powerful central performance from Pam Ngwabeni, Ncamisa! Kiss the Women is based on real life experiences and depicts a world of deep passion, casual violence, soccer and song. This play is directed by Peter Hayes and features unique interpretations of music from Antony and the Johnsons and Lucinda Williams. This event is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Cost: £9 Time: 7.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

13

09

Oct Faustin Linyekula / Studios Kabako presents: More More More…Future

Faustin Linyekula presents an energetic dance work akin to a live rock concert. More More More…Future is a flamboyant, uplifting show for dance and music lovers alike. At its starting point is a style of Congolese pop music called ndombolo described by Linyekula as the ‘bastard daughter of rumba, traditional rhythms, church fanfares and sex machine funk’. This is musical director and exceptional guitarist Flamme Kapaya’s first appearance in the UK and he inserts into the spirit of ndombolo a hefty dose of punk rage and extraordinary energy - a passionate response to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s legacy of war, terror and economic collapse. Cost: £12 - £20 Time: 7.45pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com, 0844 875 0073

08 09

Oct Welcome to Rocksburg

Described as the ‘Township Tarantino’, Grootboom is one of South Africa’s most exciting and talked about theatre makers. Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Township Stories, Grootboom’s new play Welcome to Rocksburg provides a gritty, unsentimental view of life in the townships today. It’s a story about a cash-in-transit heist, the criminals who carry it out, the cops who investigate it, and the community they live in. A facially disfigured young man falls in love with the wrong girl and ends up deep in the criminal underworld playing a cat and mouse game against the criminals and a corrupt police force. Following the tradition of successful Hollywood action movies, this is an original South African action play with a powerful love story at its heart. This event is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Cost: £12 Time: 7.30pm; 3pm Sat matinee Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446


Th e at re Pro d uc t i o n

About Tell Tarra Theatre

Established to celebrate and promote Britain’s most talented writers this exciting company was the brain child of playwright/ singer/ songwriter JB Rose who elicited the help and expertise of the highly respected director/actress Angela Michaels. Tell Tarra exploded onto the theatrical scene in 2004 and has fast become renowned for its Writers’ Festivals, showcases, networking events and high quality theatre productions. 2010 will see the full scale production of the musical The Next Big Thing by JB Rose and directed by Angela Micheals - an insightful, witty play about the highs and lows of the music industry and centered around two female characters determined to reach the top whatever it takes. E. info@telltarra.com W. www.telltarra.com


THEATRE 11

Oct Monologueslam

Monologueslam is the ultimate actors showcase -- up to 30 actors compete in 3 rounds of competition in front of an industry panel of judges. The actors perform monologues of their choice in 1 minute, with a 2 minute improv added in to get the audience involved! A great night of performance from some of the UK’s hidden acting talent to reveal one overall winner! Cost: £5 - £7 Time: 7.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

15 16

Oct Rotozaza - Etiquette

Etiquette is a half-hour experience for two people where the audience’s participation is the show. There is no-one watching. You wear headphones which tell you what to say to each other, or to use one of the objects positioned to the side. There is a kind of magic involved in exploring the gap between language and meaning - for it to work you just need to listen and respond accordingly. Cost: £5 per two-person booking Time: Various Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: 0844 357 2625

15

27

Oct Sampad: In The Further Soil

This is a dance and music theatre production inspired by the text from Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), the Bengali poet and philosopher who was awarded the Nobel prize for Literature. In The Further Soil tells the story of the urban landscapes of India and the UK. These are human stories that bring out fastchanging globalised identities of young people told emotionally through the interplay of music, dance and spoken word. Written by Satinder Kaur Chohan and directed by Harmage Singh Kalirai, the international cast includes Shelley King, Soweto Kinch, Anusha Subramanyam Ratul Shankar Ghosh, Dibyendu Mukherjee and Sanjukta Ray. Cost: £10; £8 conc Time: 7.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498


COMEDY 06, 13, 20 & 27 Oct Comedy @ Cottons

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There’s nothing like a spot of comedy after a great caribbean meal, and that’s exactly what Cotton has to offer. Expect to be entertained by top comedians like Kojo, award-winning Canadian Jag Ghanges and Kane Brown. Cost: Free Time: 7pm Location: Cottons, 70 Exmouth Market, London, EC1 Info: 020 7833 3332


COMEDY 04 16

Oct Afroblighty

30

Oct DONS OF COMEDY

Harmony Productions proudly presents their 6th annual Comedy spectacular DONS OF COMEDY featuring four of Londons best urban comedians, Curtis Walker, Slim, Felicity Ethnic and Richard Blackwood. This will be a night of true heavywieght comedy, pound for pound the best knock-youoff-your-seat jokes. No hype, no gimmics, just the microphone and you the public. Cost: £20 Time: 8pm Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU Info: www.broadway theatre.org.uk, 020 8690 0002

31

Oct Champagne & Skyjuice

Harmony Productions present the hilarious new comedy from Basil Dawkins. “Drunk Aready” Greg (Charles Tomlin) is a joker, full of nothing but big talk. His sensible but long suffering wife Bev (Lavern Archer) has to put up with all sorts of crazy antics from him on a daily basis. But now she has a new idea... Cost: £20 Time: 8pm Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU Info: www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk, 020 8690 0002

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Award-winning stand-up comic Andi Osho, famed for her turn in the BBC’s Mock The Week, is charting her complicated relationship with race, from her London childhood to the present day, encountering minstrel shows, Lenny Henry, the BNP, political correctness and America’s first black President along the way. Andi takes her critically acclaimed standup show on tour this Autumn with Afroblighty, her touching and hilarious story of an identity crisis in the cultural crossfire of Modern Britain. Cost: £12 Time: 8pm Location: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE Info: 020 7478 0100


SCREEN 07

Oct Kwa Mashu: Still My Home

Kwa Mashu is Durban’s oldest township born out of the forced removal of Africans from Cator Manor by the apartheid government. This is a vivid documentary about the people who still call Kwa Mashu their home. With appearances by Jacob Zuma, Jeff Radebe, Sibo Ndebele and Mthunzi Namba. This screening is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Dir: Owen Alik Shahadah, 2009, South Africa/UK, documentary, cert 12, 90min Cost: Free Time: 7.45pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

09

Oct Motherland

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He gave us the multi-award winning documentary ‘500 Years Later’ 5 years agao; now Owen Alik Shahadah brings us Motherland, said to be the most powerful documentary on Africa to date. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent. Motherland looks unflinchingly toward a positive Pan-African future. Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion. Dir: Owen Alik Shahadah, 2010, USA/UK/Ethiopia/South Africa, documentary, cert 15, 120 min Cost: £5 Time: 2.50pm Location: The Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL Info: 020 7001 9844

15 17

Oct Sandcastle

En is an 18-year-old awaiting conscription for military service; his widowed mother has a new boyfriend who the boy dislikes and instinctively distrusts. A stay with his grandparents (a grandmother edging into dementia, a grandfather who dies suddenly) begins to open En’s eyes to the man his father Boon was. Family photo albums, backed up by online research, reveal a number of surprises and En finds himself understanding his identity and his society rather differently. Since this all happens in Singapore, the story is also a commentary on changing times and politics. In fact, it’s one of the most sophisticated critiques of Singapore’s ‘development’ ever to slip past the censors. But it hits the heart as hard as it challenges the state. Dir: Boo Junfeng, 2010, Singapore, drama, cert 15, 90min Cost: £6 - £9.50 Time: 6.45pm Fri; 4.15pm Sat Location: ICA, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk, 020 7930 3647

19 20

Oct Taipei Exchanges

With premises inherited from an emigrating aunt, Doris decides to open the coffee shop she has always dreamed of. Thanks to a series of accidents – a small collision on a mountain road, a truckload of calla lilies, friends arriving for the opening with gifts of junk from their closets, and some quick thinking on the part of her younger sister Josie - the shop acquires a distinctive identity as an exchange mart.Hsiao decorates the story with bits of animation and vox-pop interviews, finessing a movie which plays like a gently comic dream with a core of real emotion. Dir: Ya-Chuan Hsiao, 2010, Taiwan, comedy drama, cert PG, 82min Cost: £6 - £9.50 Time: 9pm Tues; 2pm Wed Location: ICA, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk, 020 7930 3647


SCREEN 20

Oct Microphone

When Khaled returns to Alexandria, Egypt, after years of travel, he stumbles upon Alexandria’s underground music scene, a secret world filled with hip-hop singers who perform on sidewalks, female rock musicians on rooftops, and graffiti artists who confront the city with their shocking murals. Microphone is an adrenaline-fuelled, infectiously dirty homage to Egypt’s irrepressible and uncertain future. Infused with a counter-culture spirit, this film is a riveting look at an under-reported scene, as Egyptian youths joyously collide Eastern and Western musical influences to create a unique and captivating sonic kaleidoscope. Dir: Ahmad Abdalla, 2010, Egypt, comedy drama, cert TBC, 120min Cost: £6 - £9.50 Time: 4.15pm Location: ICA, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk, 020 7930 3647

19

22 - 24 & 28 - 31 Oct The Stoning of Soraya M.

Set in 1986, during the early days of Khomeini-era Iran, this adaptation of Freidoune Sahebjam’s bestselling book tells the story of a young woman who is accused of adultery and subsequently stoned to death. Seen through the eyes of a French journalist (Thin Red Line’s Jim Caviezel), The Stoning of Soraya M captures the traditions of the village and the tensions between those involved, making for a complex and unforgettable film. Dir: Cyrus Nowrasteh, 2008, USA, subtitles, cert 18, 116 min Cost: £6 - £9.50 Time: Various Location: ICA, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk, 020 7930 3647

29 31

Oct Out of the Ashes

This is a documentary following the Afghan cricket team in their quest against the odds to qualify for the World Cup. Backed by BBC’s Storyville and executive produced by Sam Mendes, the film follows the squad over two years as they progress from playing in their shalwar-kameezes on rubble pitches all the way to a World Cup qualifier in South Africa where they face their greatest test. Dir: Tim Albone & Lucy Martens, 2010, UK, documentary, cert PG, 85 min Cost: £7 - £9 Time: Various Location: ICA, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk, 020 7930 3647


BHM black history month 02, 09, 16, 23 & 30 Oct

20

Somali beadwork and embroidery - family workshops

Over the many years of war, famine and immigration, many younger Somali women, who have lost their mothers or been separated from them, have not been able to learn the skills traditionally passed from mother to daughter. During October, Fion Gunn and Ifrah Odawa will be bringing these skills to West Norwood and over a five-week course they will work on beading and embroidery with parents and children to help design and produce a piece of work to contribute to a ‘House of Beads’. This is a family learning course and participants should be over 18 years old with a child. The course is five weeks and participants will need to sign up for the full course. Book a place in advance. Cost: Free Time: 2pm - 4pm Location: West Norwood Library, 1 Norwood High Street, SE27 9JX Info: 0207 926 1075

04 Oct

The Mayor’s Anti-Apartheid Evening Mayor of Camden, Councillor Jonathan Simpson, is hosting an evening to celebrate Camden’s long association with the antiapartheid movement. The event is open to residents and will focus on people from the borough who were instrumental in the movement, and famous anti-apartheid visitors to the borough, such as Nelson Mandela. Cost: Free Time: 6pm - 8pm Location: Camden Town Hall, Judd Street Info: mayor@camden.gov.uk; 0207 974 1989

08 - 10 Oct Ebony Oration

Curated by associate artists Paula David and Annette Peart, Ebony Oration has something for all the family, from African dance classes (for 8 – 12 yrs, Sat 9 Oct), to a book reading from Guyanese author and screen writer Tessa McWatt (Fri 8 Oct). Friday night is party night with music from emerging artists Taos and Denise Anyogu, and Eddie Nestor hosting the post-show party. On Saturday, renowned performance poet Malika Booker and stand-up sensation Andi Osho, will each be holding master-classes with an opportunity to take part in a poetry and comedy slam that evening. With live foyer music and Caribbean food tasting on offer, this is going to be a celebratory weekend to remember. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: 0844 357 2625


BHM black history month 14 Oct

Jews of Ethiopia: a musical journey

The black Jews of Africa are the subject of much fascinating research. To mark Black History Month, Dr Alexander Knapp, musician, musicologist and former Lecturer in Jewish Music at SOAS, will take you on an illustrated, musical journey revealing the lifestyle and religious beliefs of the Beta Israel (Ethiopians Jews). Knapp will introduce Beta Israel’s unique songs and music, which features in both their sacred and secular spheres. Cost: TBC Time: 7pm Location: The Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129 – 131 Albert Street Info: 020 7284 7384

21

05 - 10 Oct

Afrovibes Festival: No Borders Journey to Johannesburg, via Amsterdam and Eindhoven to South East London! In a year where South Africa has been the focus of the world’s attention, experience the very best in urban contemporary arts straight from this vibrant, exciting and diverse country. Be challenged and inspired by dynamic performances demonstrating the best of what the real South Africa has to offer. Specific Afrovibes Festival events are sprinkled throughout the sections of this magazine, along with their individual ticket prices. Also, look out for the Africavibes Extras -- they’re free! Cost: £34; £24 conc, whole festival Time: Various Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

10 Oct

INSPIRED!

Bring all the family to celebrate Black History Season in Camden. It’s a night of music, comedy and poetry in celebration of the spoken word, hosted by Eddie Nestor with special guests Rudolph Walker OBE and Felix Dexter. Music and poetry from singers from London Community Gospel Choir. Story tellers in Africa used their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, and political comment and this tradition continued in the Caribbean. Stories such as the tales of Anansi travelled from Africa to the Caribbean and America. Listen to gospel music, poetry and stories from the Caribbean, comedy and modern day Black British poets and singers. Enjoy delicious Caribbean cuisine, which will be on sale, along with Rum Punch from the well-stocked bar. Cost: TBC Time: 6.30pm Location: Camden Centre, Info: 020 7974 5633; camdencentre@ camden.gov.uk


BHM black history month 13 Oct

22

Mother Country: An illustrated talk by Stephen Bourne

Stephen Bourne’s new book Mother Country - Britain’s Black Community on the Home Front 1939-45 unearths a ‘hidden history’ of Britain and World War II. Stephen’s illustrated talk will highlight some of the forgotten Britons he features in the book. Including community leaders Dr. Harold Moody and Learie Constantine, Stephen’s adopted aunt Esther Bruce, singer Adelaide Hall, bandleader Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson (who was killed in an air raid) and BBC broadcaster Una Marson - black elders who Stephen interviewed about the Home Front in Africa and the Caribbean. Cost: Free Time: 7pm Location: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ Info: 020 7926 1075

14 Oct

Jews of Ethiopia: a musical journey

The black Jews of Africa are the subject of much fascinating research. To mark Black History Month, Dr Alexander Knapp, musician, musicologist and former Lecturer in Jewish Music at SOAS, will take you on an illustrated, musical journey revealing the lifestyle and religious beliefs of the Beta Israel (Ethiopians Jews). Knapp will introduce Beta Israel’s unique songs and music, which features in both their sacred and secular spheres. Cost: TBC Time: 7pm Location: The Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129 – 131 Albert Street Info: 020 7284 7384

15 - 16 Oct Nina & Shaz

“What if Martin Luther King didn’t have a dream, huh? Would y’all be dreamin’ your big dreams?” Nina Simone and Shazne; both young gifted and black, bound together across generations through civil rights and shattered dreams. Both seize the courage to speak out through their music.

15 Oct

Brixton: From the Windrush to Today

In July 1948 the SS Empire Windrush landed at Tilbury docks. Many of its disembarking passengers, ex-servicemen from the West Indies, were housed temporarily in disused underground shelters at Clapham. From there they were directed to boarding houses in the decayed Victorian suburb of Brixton. In the sixty years since then, Brixton has become one of the most vibrant centres of Black British culture. Historian Mike Berlin of Birkbeck College will explore and celebrate this rich history from the Windrush era to the present day. Cost: Free Time: 2pm Location: West Norwood Library, 1 Norwood High Street, SE27 9JX Info: 020 7926 1075

Cost: £12; £10 conc Time: 7.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

16 Oct

Walking Brixton’s Black History with Michael Groce

Lambeth Archives are pleased to announce the publication of their Brixton Black History walk, starting at Brixton library. For the launch of the walk Brixton poet, Michael Groce, will lead you on a tour of some of the highlights and hidden histories. The walk will last approximately 1.5 hours. Cost: Free Time: 2pm Location: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ Info: 0207 926 1075

18 - 31 Oct

Somali Feast Exhibition

Somali Feast explores three of the most fundamental aspects of Somali culture – food, hospitality and craftwork. It is

a celebration of the traditional skills of Somali women and the welcome given to those who visit their homes. Embroidered dishes will contain traditional Somali cuisine including baajiye fritters, halawatu laws, kaalun iyo bariis, quraa and shigni. The dishes represented in the artwork are listed and recipes for them in both Somali and English can be taken away by members of the public who can try them out at home. Cost: TBC Time: 7.30pm Location: West Norwood Library, 1 Norwood High Street, SE27 9JX Info: 020 7926 1075

26 Oct

Jewellery making for 3 to 8 year olds

Lambeth Libraries’ childrenservices celebrates Black History Month by acknowledging the lives of great pioneers of our time both past and present. There will be events and activities during October half term. Cost: Free

Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Location: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ Info: 020 7926 1075

30 Oct

Untold Design CIC presents Noir

Noir launches against the backdrop of Black History Month with a spotlight on culture. This is an offering to get the creative juices flowing in an inclusive, inspiring and thought provoking showcase incorporating exhibition, Pecha Kucha, short film and catwalk presentations across the mediums of fashion and design. Pecha Kucha is a simple presentation format where images are shown, each for 20 seconds. The images forward automatically and presenters talk along to the images. Cost: £6 Time: 1pm - 10pm Location: Embankment East, Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 1LA Info: 0845 017 9966; 07972 872 006; noir@un-told.co.uk


BHM black history month 20 Oct

Diana Evans: The Wonder

29 - 30 Oct

I Cover The Waterfront: Billie Holiday

Back by popular demand, Yasmin Kadi, former lead in ‘Fame the Musical’, brings Billie Holliday to life through a mixture of drama and 14 of her most famous songs. She will be accompanied by an outstanding Jazz trio, led by saxophonist Renato D’Aiello, who also plays at the world famous Ronnie Scotts Jazz club as well as other Jazz venues throughout the UK and Europe.Billie’s distinctive timbre - warm, yet resonant possessed the kind of phrasing similar to a jazz instrumental soloist. Her unique timing and heart-on-the sleeve interpretation of lyrics ensures that she still ranks as one of the all time great jazz singers. Cost: £12; £10 conc Time: 7.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

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Author Diana Evans talks about her writing and discusses being an author in Britain today. Her second novel, The Wonder, vividly conjures up the world of 1950s Kingston, Jamaica, the Blues parties and early carnivals of Ladbroke Grove. Diana Evans was a dancer before becoming a journalist and author. She has written for the Independent, Marie Claire, The Guardian, The Observer, Harper’s Bazaar and the Daily Telegraph as well as many other publications. Her first novel, 26a, received critical acclaim with a Betty Trask award, a nomination for the Guardian First Book Award and short listing for the Whitbread First Novel of the Year Award. It was the inaugural winner of the Orange Award for New Writers and has been translated into twelve languages. Cost: Free Time: 7pm Location: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ Info: 020 7926 1075


EVENTS 01 - 03 Oct 01 - 03 Oct

The National Wedding Show

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A visit to the National Wedding Show is an absolute must for all those planning their perfect day. Whether you’re planning a traditional princess fairytale wedding or are a modern bride seeking more of a cutting edge and contemporary affair, with over 300 wedding experts and inspirational features, this is the show for you. This will prove a unique and glamorous wedding shopping experience with thousands of ideas to plan your perfect day. This show is a must-visit day out for all the wedding party - groom-to-be, your mums, bridesmaids and the best man. Get your whole wedding party in one place and save time and hassle with those all important details. Cost: £13 - £32; £6 child Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Earls Court Two, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA Info: 020 7385 1200

The National Home Improvement Show Discover practical home extensions to add space, interior decorating ideas to inspire, innovative home improvements to add real value and save space and get great expert advice to improve your home. Share the passions of celebrity experts such as Michael Holmes, Real Home magazine’s editor-in-chief and presenter of Channel 5’s ‘I Own Britain’s Best Home’, and Julia Kendell from DIY SOS in the Real Homes Live! Theatre. Cost: £12 Time: 10am - 5pm Location: Earls Court One, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA Info: 020 7385 1200

05 Oct

Africavibes Extras Producing Internationally A workshop exploring the role of producer across the subsidised, commercial and international arts sectors and the opportunities available to UK based arts professionals. With Jan Ryan, Director of UK Arts and Executive Producer of Afrovibes. Cost: Free Time: 2pm - 4pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

07 Oct 02 - 03 Oct

Mind Body & Soul 2010

This exhibition offers a vast array of therapies and products, from Aromatherapy, to Reiki and Reflexology, Meditation and Yoga. The therapies are just a few of the things you could see and experience at the Exhibition: there will be lectures, workshops and stage demonstrations. All in all, not only will the exhibition be informative, but it will prove a great day out! Cost: £5 - £12 Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Olympia Two, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Info: 020 7385 1200

Africavibes Extras Managing International Participation Projects Share experiences and tips on how to get participatory work started abroad. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 12.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446


EVENTS 07 - 09 Oct

09 Oct

Skills London 2010 This is the one place for young people to discover the huge

Africavibes Extras Working Internationally as an Artist

to them. Interactive, exciting and

Get great tips on creating spoken word abroad and how UK artists can take advantage of international opportunities. With poets Zena Edwards and Karen Brodie of the British Council.

fun, it’s the perfect place to find

Cost: Free

out all about skills and careers.

Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

range

of

careers,

training

schemes, educational options and skills opportunities available

Cost: Free Time: 9.30am - 3pm; 10am - 4pm Sun Location: Excel, London Docklands, 2 Festoon Way, Info: 020 7069 4000

08 - 09 Oct National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition Meet with the hottest recruiters and get your dream job. Leading employers who are looking to

The Baby Show

This is a must for all mums and mums-to-be. At The Baby Show you’ll find everything dedicated to pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond. With unbeatable shopping, exclusive offers, fantastic entertainment plus expert advice and information, The Baby Show really is an essential part of having a baby. Cost: £16.95 - £22 Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm Location: Earls Court One, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA Info: 020 7385 1200

15 - 17 Oct

DSC South Asian Literature Festival Welcome to the UK’s first major literature festival showcasing the rich and varied cultures of the South Asian subcontinent, from India and Pakistan through to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Across London and the UK the Festival will present this rich storytelling heritage in all its

25

E16 1JP

22 - 24 Oct

forms - debate, discussion and spoken word, poetry, live music, performance theatre and story craft workshops for children. Join us for an exciting opening weekend of events. Check out our

hire graduates, so if you’re fresh out of uni, this is where you need to be. Companies currently recruiting include Abercrombie & Fitch, Bloomberg, BSkyB, Capgemini, Civil Service Fast Stream, Cabinet Office, Enterprise Rent a Car, HSBC, John Lewis Partnership, Mars, Sainsburys, Tescos, The Nielsen Company… plus many more. This exhibition could change your life… Cost: Free Time: 11am - 5pm Fri; 11am - 4pm Sat Location: Olympia Two, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Info: 020 7385 1200

15 - 17 Oct RumFest 2010

RumFest is the world’s biggest festival to celebrate the diversity of rum and its rapidly growing popularity. Over two days, visitors to the festival will have their taste buds tantalised on a whistlestop tour of the world’s most amazing rums. From Antigua to Barbados, from Mauritius to Venezuela, visitors will be able to experience the wonderful and diverse flavours that the world’s most popular drink has to offer, as well as try some of the rarest rums on the planet. This is an adults only event. Cost: £20; £32 for both days Time: 12pm - 7pm Location: Olympia Two, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Info: 020 7385 1200

Written & Spoken section for our pick of the festival’s highlights. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498


WRITTEN & SPOKEN SPOKEN WORLD & BOOK REVIEW

Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47

07 Oct

Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

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Verbalized Experience a dynamic journey through the streets of Johannesburg, Leeds, London and Capetown by South African and UK poets. An international collaboration between South African and British poets, exploring new ways of creating, devising and discussing poetry. Verbalized is a unique performance full of rich soul stirring song and explosive lyrical injection. From the UK, curator Zena Edwards features alongside Khadijah Ibrahiim, Kayo Chingonyi, Dzifa Benson & Avaes Mohammad. From South Africa, featured poets are Mpho ya Badimo, Mbali Vilakazi, Masana Mulaudzi, Naima Mclean and Bulelwa Basse. This event is part of the Afrovibes Festival. Cost: Free Time: 9pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

22

Oct Amiri Baraka with Jean Binta Breeze, Chuck Perkins & Michael Horovitz Amiri Baraka has been a leading figure over five decades in the evolution of the spoken word genre. As a writer, dramatist and activist, his words have challenged

politics,

artistic

practice and cultural change in the US and internationally. Groundbreaking writers Jean Binta

Breeze

and

Michael

Horovitz, and New Orleans jazz poet Chuck Perkins, respond to his work and a revolution theme. Cost: £12 Time: 7.30pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall,

15 Oct

Power of the pen: A Resolution for Kashmir? For 60 years, the Kashmir conflict has seen countless lives lost in one of the world’s most militarised regions. Yet this beautiful part of South Asia has a proud literary heritage dating back further than any other on the subcontinent. Acclaimed writers Victoria Schofield and Justine Hardy and economist Lord Meghnad Desai will discuss the role of literature in the conflict and ask whether the written word can help steer the troubled relationship between Pakistan and India towards a resolution. This event is part of the DSC South Asian Literature Festival. Cost: £7 - £10 Time: 6.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

17 Oct

India and Pakistan: Literary Worlds Apart? In Association with Granta Magazine In Pakistan today – a diverse nation with almost 200 million people speaking nearly 60 languages between them – a new generation of authors writing in English has emerged. Comparisons are being drawn with a similar “corona burst” of literary talent writing in English that surfaced in India during the 1990s. What makes this one stand out? In commemoration of the new Pakistan Granta issue, editor John Freeman, along with an esteemed panel of writers from Pakistan & India will attempt to answer this, in what promises to be a lively and engaging debate. Cost: £5 - £10 Time: 3.30pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

20 Oct

Southbank Centre, Belvedere

Haven’t you heard? Shoreditch is where it’s at. It has everything – beautiful people, happening hotspots, major engineering works, and now – poetry! That’s right – every third Wednesday, the Rich Mix bar pulsates with poems, vibrates with verbs, and spills over with spoken word courtesy of Apples & snakes, England’s leading organisation for performance poetry. And they’re inviting you to sprawl out on the sofas and soak it up. Hosted by that irrepressible king of footstomping pavement– poetry Pete The Temp, or one of the other equally formidable comperes, the sessions have included such guest artists as: John Challis, Jonas McCloud, Danni Antagonist, Bridget Minamore, Lady de Bavardage, Ant Smith, Hannah Osaguona, Lovelife and Mark ‘Mr T’ Thompson. Cost: Free Time: 7.30pm

Info: www.southbankcentre.

Jawdance

Road, SE1 8XX com, 0844 875 0073

23 Oct Grace Nichols & John Agard Two award-winning CaribbeanBritish poets, Grace Nichols and John Agard, come together in a call and response presentation of two of their significant texts Sunris and Man to Pan - inspired by the transfigurative power of carnival and the steel pan. Cost: £7.50 Time: 6pm Location: Royal Festival Hall St Paul’s Pavilion, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073


31

Oct Music Through Unconventional Means: Beatbox Meets Spoken Word

Beatboxers Shlomo and Bellatrix join forces with some of the UK’s leading spoken word artists, including Charlie Dark, Polar Bear, and Dizraeli and the Small Gods, as vocal mastery meets verbal dexterity. Cost: £15 Time: 7.30pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com, 0844 875 0073

27


WRITTEN & SPOKEN SPOKEN WORLD & BOOK REVIEW

In The Kitchen By Monica Ali

28

Format : Paperback Published by: Black Swan ISBN: 9780552774864 RRP: £7.99

Canteen Culture By Ike Eze-anyika

Format : Paperback Published by: Faber and Faber ISBN: 9780571200795 RRP: £9.99 Hard-bitten, cynical and foul-mouthed, Bubba, Jazz, Lionel, Saddam and Sponge know every trick in the book. They hang out in seedy London pubs, enjoy a good punch-up and usually end up sleeping it off in the cells. Petty villains? Low-life scum? No - just a group of London’s finest police officers.

At the once-splendid Imperial Hotel, chef Gabriel Lightfoot is trying to run a tight kitchen. But his integrity and his sanity are under constant challenge from an exuberantly multinational staff, a gimlet-eyed hotel management, and business partners with whom he is planning a new venture. Despite the pressure, his hard work looks set to pay off. Until the discovery of a porter’s dead body in the kitchen appears to tip the scales. In The Kitchen is Monica Ali’s stunning follow up to Brick Lane. It is both the portrait of a man pushed to the edge, and a wry and telling look into the melting pot which is our contemporary existence.

Conversations with Myself By Nelson Mandela Format: Hardback Publisher by: Macmillan ISBN: 9780230749016 RRP £25 This book comes with a foreword by President Barack Obama. Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspiring and iconic figures of our age. Now, after a lifetime of taking pen to paper to record thoughts and events, hardships and victories, he has opened his personal archive, which offers an unprecedented insight into h i s remarkable life. Conversations With Myself gives readers access to the private man behind the public figure: from letters written in the darkest hours of Mandela’s twentyseven years of imprisonment to the draft of an unfinished sequel to Long Walk to Freedom. Conversations With Myself is a rare chance to spend time with Nelson Mandela the man, in his own voice: direct, clear, private.


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COMMUNITY

01 31

Oct Breast Cancer Awareness Month

30

Through the Month, Breast Cancer Care aims to inform people about breast cancer and teach all women to become breast aware. Look out for events across the city. Cost: Free Time: Various Location: Various Info: www.breastcancercare.org.uk

01 - 31 Oct

World Blindness Awareness Month

It’s time to put yourself in someone else’s shoes for 31 days, by being aware of the issues faced by blind people during the month of October. It might be the shear impact blindness has on an individual, or it might be how blind people are received by people with sight. Months like this are very important for diversity and inclusion so do your best to actively seek out events across the city. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Various Info: blindnessawarenessmonth.org

06 Oct

Africavibes Extras -Kwaito Dance Emerging from the townships of Johannesburg, Kwaito is a mixture of house, rap and African rhythms popular in nightclubs across South Africa. Join this

energetic Kwaito workshop and learn moves like kwasa-kwasa and twalatsa. This event is free with a ticket to Mzobane. Ages 14+ Cost: Free Time: 4.30pm - 6pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

07

Oct National Poetry Day For all you lovers of words, it’s time to pay homage to the great wordsmiths, past and present, the country has to offer. Keep an eye out for poetry events that mark the day. Better still, double up with a poetry event that also showcases artists from South Africa. There’s more on the Verbalized event in the Written & Spoken section. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Various Info: www.poetrysociety.org. uk

09

Oct Africavibes Extras -Township Theatre

Paul Grootboom and company lead a masterclass exploring the creation of township theatre. This event is free with a ticket to Welcome To Rocksburg. Ages 16+ Cost: Free Time: 11am - 1pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

11 25

Oct Wiggly Jigglers! Creative Movement for Babies and Toddlers

Children are full of vitality and vigour and leave us in no doubt that they need to move, and that we need plenty of energy to keep up with them. At these creative movement sessions they will get the space, the freedom and the time to move in ways that support their development and stimulate their imaginations.

05

Oct Africavibes Extras -Zulu Dance

The Zulus are one of the most well known tribes in Southern Africa. Learn basic Zulu movement, focusing on the power and subtlety of this traditional dance form. This event is free with a ticket to Mzobane. Ages 14+ Cost: Free Time: 4.30pm - 6pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

01

Oct Jeans for Genes Day

Everyone across the UK is being urged to ‘denimstrate’ they care this Jeans for Genes Day and help raise funds for sick children. Take part in as many fundraisers as you possibly can; your help truly makes a difference. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Various Info: www.jeansforgenes.com


COMMUNITY Cost: Free Time: 1pm - 3pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

14 - 17 Oct

Burmese Arts Festival The Burmese Arts Festival is the first ever multi-art form festival presenting contemporary and traditional work by Burmese artists and artists inspired by Burma. By bringing this work to a UK audience, the organisers hope

to widen the understanding of Burma beyond politics, and to open up new audiences and networks for the participating artists. The Free Word Centre will be transformed by site specific installations, created in Burma by leading contemporary artist Po Po and realised by London based artists. The festival will present a unique performance programme featuring visiting arts from Burma, details below, and an exhibition of paintings, short films, video work and installations by artists Nyein Chan Su, Khin Maung Yin, Win

Pe, Sun Myint, Chaw Ei Thein, Po Po, The Maw Naing, Kyaw Thu, Aye Ko, Wah Nu and Htein Lin. There will be Burmese food on sale throughout the Festival. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA Info: 020 7324 2535

This event, ideal for teachers,

18 Oct

and publisher Janetta Otter-

Telling it like it is: The hidden value of storytelling in developing literacy

early-years workers and school librarians, explores the value of storytelling in developing children’s literacy, through a workshop and panel discussion by

storyteller

Vayu

Naidu,

author and publisher Gita Wolf Barry. Experience the wonders of storytelling and discuss its importance in fostering a love of literature. This free event is part of the DSC South Asian Literature Festival. Cost: Free Location: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA Info: 020 7324 2535

19 Oct Words Without Borders: Literature in a Time of War South Asian countries continue to be affected by battles both outside

and

from

within.

What effect has this had on a

Are you having problems seeing your children?

generation of writing? Can great

Families Need Fathers is a charity concerned

literature thrive and new voices

with the problems of maintaining a child’s relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown. We offer information, advice and support services for parents who could otherwise spend thousands of pounds without achieving a positive outcome for their children. We provide 50 free-to-attend branches throughout the UK, a dedicated helpline, a website and resources for members that will help you to have the relationship with your children that you both need. Find out more at www.fnf.org.uk or call 0300 0300 110.

be found, and what impact do conflicts have on freedom of expression? In this special event, acclaimed

Pakistani

writer

Mohammed Hanif along with eminent guests from the region, will each offer their unique perspectives. Cost: £5 Time: 4pm Location: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA Info: 020 7324 2535

31

Time: 5pm


FAITH 06 Oct

32

Hajj Awareness Week 2010 - Launch at the House of Lords

Hajj Awareness Week will be launched in the House of Lords by the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH). This is a preparation campaign for the British Hujjaj who will be travelling for pilgrimage to Makkah. The ABH is the only national Hajj specific organisation, which organises high profile publicity campaigning throughout the year through the printed and electronic media, by special Television programmes on various TV channels, and also by holding seminars. The ABH will have grand annual seminar in Birmingham. Cost: Free Time: TBC Location: House of Lords Info: www.abhuk.com

23 Oct -18 Dec

World class tutoring in Muslim history

Muslim history will be taught by Dr Haifaa Khalafallah (Director of SCIMS) a highly regarded Muslim historian who has trained in Middle Eastern and European History in the US, fiqh in Egypt, and English Common Law in the UK. Lessons will take place on Saturday afternoons. Cost: ÂŁ30 Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm Location: The Islamic Cultural Centre & the London Central Mosque, Room 217, 146 Park Road, NW8 7RG

24 Oct

An afternoon of Gospel Music

Vestry House Museum Celebrate Black History Month at the Vestry House Museum as all enjoy the wonderful sound of Gospel Music. Prepare to be dazzled by some of the UK’s top gospel artists in the beautiful surroundings of Vestry House Museum. This is a Zoe Gospel Promotions Event. Cost: TBC Time: 2pm - 4pm Location: Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow, E17 9NH Info: 020 8496 3000



Go Nuts for Nuts! The first ever National Nut Day in the UK is taking place on 22 October 2010 and it promises to be a true celebration of the nut as the nutritional hero that it is. Restaurants in London and elsewhere will make sure a ‘nutty’ dish goes on their menu on that day to help spread the word. As Saskia Restorick of the Sustainable Restaurant Association says: “Nuts are great — healthy, sustainable and versatile. They can add interesting textures and flavours to lots of dishes as well as being an excellent snack. We’re happy to encourage everyone to celebrate nuts in all their glory.” Kate Gaskell, MD of Fairtrade nut company Liberation, which is launching and organising National Nut Day, says: “Some people are unsure about the many ways they can use nuts in their cooking and we hope they will be inspired by seeing how restaurants do this.” It’s widely known that eating nuts has many health and nutritional benefits. But there are beauty benefits as well. The essential fatty acids in nuts help to make your skin glow. Many nuts are rich in Zinc, including almonds and hazelnuts, and this helps to keep skin soft and repairs skin damage. Nuts are also high in B vitamins, which are good for poor circulation, and nuts rich in selenium (such as Brazils) are good for dealing with acne. Astonishingly, for a food high in fat (though these fats are healthy fats) nuts can help you to lose weight. Because they are high in protein, just a handful can fill you up and stop you reaching for an extra chocolate biscuit. As TV life coach and Liberation fan Pete Cohen says: “Nuts contain a lot of protein and it is hard for us to over-eat protein. They also contain essential fats and are filling and full of energy. If you find yourself tempted by too much chocolate you may find a handful of nuts will take that urge away.” Nuts are so commonplace it’s a bit maybe strange to think of them as a superfood — but they are. They’re highly nutritious; a source of vital fatty acids, omega fats, protein and many vitamins and minerals. The Government’s Chief Medical Officer says 18,000 premature deaths from heart disease would be avoided every year if we cut our meat consumption by half. Nuts are a good form of protein that can help us do this. Leading chef Allegra McEvedy advises that nuts are kept in the fridge; this allows them to last for longer. And it’s a good idea to eat a range of different nuts – cashews, for example contain a high proportion of oleic acid, the heart-healthy fat also found in olive oil; almonds are meant to be great for the colon and great at lowering cholesterol, walnuts are meant to support the immune system and Brazil nuts were shown in one study to potentially prevent breast cancer. If you want to help those in other countries as well as yourself, look our for nuts carrying the Fairtrade Mark in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose and other stores. And check out the National Nut Day website for more information www.nationalnutday.com



Princess Soraya Salon There’s nothing we London women enjoy more than a good old pamper session. Hence our new review section here in Health & Wellbeing. In conjunction with Glamoo.com, we’ll be testing the latest treatments and beauty trends that are available to you in London. Our first stop is the Princess Soraya Saloon in Finchley, North London. The salon is named after Princess Soraya Esfandiary Bakhtiary, the second wife of the Shah of Iran, well known for her beauty. I’m greeted at the door by a petite lady of indiscernible age dressed in a white beauticians outfit, with tube socks and pristine white trainers. Her hair is also immaculately coiffed and flicked. It’s Firouzeh Ahari, the salon owner. There’s something very no-nonsense about Firouzeh; her air says ‘trust me, it’ll do you good’, and you can’t help but believe her. With over 30 years of alternative and beauty therapy experience, I have no reason to question her. Ok, so when we think of salons we envisage orchids and white comfy chairs. You won’t get that at the Princess Soraya Salon. Upon entering, I realise I am sitting in a lounge and that Firouzeh, the owner, has a very professional business that is operating out of her live-work space. But don’t be deterred! Her surroundings are plush and relaxing and her treatment room is as well equipped as any high-end spa -- if not better. After a very hospitable Gin & Tonic, I am led upstairs to a bathroom and told to undress; I’m handed some disposable undies and a dressing gown. There are only two places for disopable undies: hospital and the spa. When I put them on, any thoughts of standing in someone’s home slip into oblivion. Every treatment at the salon comes with a £5 complimentary paraffin hand treatment. The £5 goes towards replenishing the wax. A small price to pay in my books. Once my hands are waxed and gloved I get on the bed in preparation for my facial. The treatment I have in store is a Hydration Facial. “Dehydration shows itself with very fine lines on the skin. It’s not related to age; the person hasn’t all of a sudden become old. It’s just because the skin doesn’t have enough fluid. And fluid is separate from oil -- you can be hydrated and dry. Dry means you need nourishment and oil. Dehydration doesn’t work with oil; it needs fluid.” And fluid was exactly what I was going to get with my facial, but in the most unconventional way… First comes the complete cleansing and toning. All remnants of make-up are completely removed, leaving the face a fresh blank canvass. Then I was am sat up and a nifty gadget that blows steam at my face is placed on a tray on my lap. The cascade of steam around my face is refreshing and, because of the comfortable sitting position, very relaxing. When the pores are well and truly open, Firouzeh goes in for the kill. With a blackhead extractor, she skillfully removes spots I didn’t know existed, while I sat quietly, inwardly mortified. You see the steam


process brings the impurities to the surface. Needless to say this isn’t the most comfortable experience, but hey, no pain no gain, and nobody past the salon doors need ever know. Once my skin is in tip-top condition, Firouzeh applies a heavy-duty exfoliator to remove the dead skin cells. I can feel a tingling sensation, both from the strength of the product and the bareness of my skin.By the time this process had finished, I feel buffed to perfection. “Now for the facial.” When Firouzeh says these words, my eyes nearly fall out of my head. Nothing in the Princess Soraya Salon is done by halves. “It is only now that the skin is clean enough to accept the quality ingredients of the facial I am about to do.” The Princess Soraya Salon uses facial products from a European company called Germaine de Capuccini, which has a big presence in Spain, Italy and Portugal. “The reason I chose them was because their products are very very strong and I really get fantastic results. I work by results; this product produces results so I’m happy with it. And more importantly, the clients are happy with it.” First my face is covered with a strong hydration gel from the Germaine de Capuccini’s Hydro Swan range. This is where things get very modern… Firouzeh uses a machine omitting galvanic current to push the gel into the depths of the skin cells. Yep, you heard me right. You hold a node with a negative charge, while she rolls another node with a positive charge over your face. Don’t worry, you can’t get an electric shock - but you do have a current flowing through you and that does push the hydrating gel into your skin cells, helping to hydrate and plump them. After this process, a serum is massaged on your face and neck, followed by a hydration gel mask. You’re left with the cool mask and the sounds of the forest playing in the background while you drift away. I find myself floating out of the door with my face the cleanest it has ever felt in my adult life. Ok so this isn’t a plush West End salon, but is Firouzeh qualified? Absolutely. Does she have all of the state of the art equipment? Definitely. Could this be the best facial I have ever had? Quite possibly. Will I be back… without a doubt. Watch this space.. The In Depth Hydration, Cell and Wrinkle Plumping is £60.

Glamoo is a smart buying club and has recently launched in the UK. If you’re a fashionable, cash rich, time poor, professional this is the site for you. Become a member for last minute deals, location based deals and ongoing deals on beauty to great nights out, all through the Glamoo website or through the iphone application. Members can also earn gems, which will also give them credit to use when purchasing offers. In fact, the treatment reviewed was available at a great price through Glamoo.com. Sign up at www.glamoo.com.


38

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Run Dem Crew

04, 11, 18 & 25 Oct

Jamaican Dancehall Dance Class - Mondays

So dutty whining to Sean Paul and the likes can loose you inches -- who knew! This has got to be one of the most fun ways to shake off the pounds. Give it a go, it won’t even feel like exercise! Taught by Paradigmz. Cost: £6 Time: 8pm-9.30pm Location: Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, (Opposite Selfridges Clock) W1K 6TN Info: 020 7629 6183, info@danceworks.net

05, 12, 19 & 26 Oct

Capoeira Palmares Tuesdays

Have fun, become more flexible and learn about Brazilian history and percussion. Capoeira is the beautiful Brazilian dance

artform that mixes dance and martial arts. Watching the coach show you the moves will feel like a treat in itself. Cost: £8 Time: various Location: various Info: www. capoeirapalmares.co.uk

05, 12, 19 & 26 Oct

Run Dem Crew

Formed by Charlie Dark in the winter of 2007 the Run Dem Crew or RDC for short is a running club based at the Nike 1948 in shoreditch. Currently 50 strong and growing, the RDC is a collective of creative heads with a passion for running who meet every Tuesday and run the streets of London. As well as exploring the streets of London the Run Dem Crew also celebrates the diverse urban environment that surrounds the 1948 space with post run workshops, films and talks. The Run Dem Crew is split into four

groups according to fitness and pace. Groups are named after animals Cheetahs, Greyhounds, Hares and Tortoises. Each group is led by a front and rear pacer to ensure safety and no one is left behind. They run different routes through City, Central and East London ranging in distance from 2 to 7 miles. To take part, just turn up on Tuesday, or send an email. Cost: Free Time: 7pm; departure at 7.45pm Location: 1948, Arches 477-478 Batemans Row, Shoreditch, EC2A 3HH Info: info@rundemcrew.com

05, 12, 19 & 26 Oct

Belly Dance - tuesdays

This is a graceful middle eastern dance that works out the whole body. All you ladies in relationships will have pretty pleased partners if you practice your moves at home. Not to worry if you don’t have someone to show your new skills to -- you

can feel proud of your toned torso instead! Cost: £8 Time: 7pm – 8pm Location: Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, (Opposite Selfridges Clock) W1K 6TN Info: 020 7629 6183, info@danceworks.net

05, 12, 19 & 26 Oct

Contemporary Dance Classes Get your body moving to African drum-beats and rhythms at this class. All levels are welcome. Taught by Akosua Boakye. Cost: £6 Time: 8.30pm-10pm Location: Danceworks, 16 Balderton Street, (Opposite Selfridges Clock), W1K 6TN Info: 020 7629 6183, info@ danceworks.net


HEALTH & WELLBEING

29 31

Oct The Yoga Show

Ask Counsellor Mike...

If you are in a relationship and have a question for Counsellor Mike to answer, email: mike@theinstituteofwellbeing.com. To see all our Private Therapies and Personal Development Programmes - visit: www.theinstituteofwellbeing.com or call 0700 2222 700 for more information. Dear Counsellor Mike

Dear Counsellor Mike

I thought I was in the perfect relationship. My man does everything for me, he cooks, cleans, helps me financially, he is funny and kind and I worship him. I couldn’t think of a better relationship until the day he confessed that he has been cheating on me, not once but a few times. Devastation, shock and hurt were my instant reactions and I was not quite sure why he felt the need to cheat on me in the first place. He said that he loves me, but he is sexually deprived and doesn’t understand himself why he does it. I thought our sex life was great, but he obviously doesn’t feel the same and said it was not my fault. Of course I feel it’s my fault and I feel hopeless. I’m not sure if I want to have sex with him now. Where do I go on from here?

I fear my relationship is deteriorating as we speak. I have been married to my husband for two years and when we met his worked involved travelling around the UK. This was fine with me at the start but thought it would eventually stop when we got married. Since the recession, things have got worse, what with redundancies at his workplace and being asked to take on more work. Due to this I hardly see him. I usually see him at weekends, which is fantastic, but when the weekend is over I feel that my life is empty and that I am a single person. It’s difficult to talk to him about it because when he’s here, all I want to do is just hug him and spend quality time with him rather than bring up something that can cause friction or problems which will leave me feeling worse then ever. What can I do?

Elaine Elaine I understand how hurt and angry you must feel. You were led to believe by him that you were in the perfect relationship. You should not blame yourself. It is an issue that he has to deal with by himself and this could be something relating to his past history. It might be worth him seeking counselling to find out what makes him look for sex elsewhere. For you however, you need to come to terms with the issue and work out how you will move forward, with or without him. You might also want to consider counselling either by yourself of as a couple. Once you are both willing to take those steps change will take place. Counsellor Mike

Chante

Chante I empathise; you must feel that you are leading two lives, one as a single person and the other as a married person. If you are not going to say anything to him then he will naturally think that you are happy with the current situation. You are clearly not and you must tell him. It might be worth mentioning it to him before he comes at the weekend so that he is prepared and that there will be a discussion to follow when he comes down for the weekend. You must let him know how you are feeling and how you would like things to be. You also need to find out how he is feeling. Communication is key and you may have to be the one to make the first move. Counsellor Mike

39

Come and spend three days in yoga bliss… the total Yoga experience under one roof at the seventh annual Yoga Show. There will be plenty to do, including free yoga and pilates classes, pilates reformer and 1:2:1 equipment sessions, children’s yoga, demonstrations and lectures. With over 200 exhibitors you will also find everything you need for your yoga & pilates practice together with inspirational products for a healthy lifestyle. Cost: £12 1-day, £6 conc; £20 2-day, £16 conc; £27 3-day, £22 conc Time: 10am - 6pm; 11am - 6pm Fri Location: Olympia National Hall, Hammersmith Road, w148ux Info: 020 7385 1200


GALLERY 01 17

Oct The Nameless

Hew Locke’s third solo show at the Hales Gallery. The Nameless presents a new grand scale installation, covering the gallery in dripping beads and cord. This will be Hew Locke’s third solo show at the Hales Gallery. The Nameless sees a dense amalgamation of historical and contemporary references resulting in the combination of Venetian sculpture with Victorian architectural details, Pre-Columbian artefacts with Assyrian reliefs and heraldry with the Benin Bronzes. Hew Locke was born in Edinburgh, lived in Guyana for the 14 years of his childhood and is now based in London. Hew has been shortlisted for the Fourth Plinth commission in Trafalgar Square. His works are included in several prestigious collections such as the Brooklyn Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, the Tate Collection, the Government art collection, the British Museum and the Henry Moore Institute. Cost: Free Time: 11am - 6pm Location: Hales Gallery, Tea Building 7 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7033 1938

01

40

Oct South Asia

31 Dec - 4 May 2010 - 31 Dec 2012

Created to accompany the launch of JAINpedia - an ambitious project digitising Jain manuscripts in the UK - this small display shows finely illustrated Jain manuscript pages from the 15th to 19th centuries. Manuscripts were preserved in temple libraries, however the V&A’s collection includes examples in a range of styles, some never displayed before. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 5.45pm Location: Room 41, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL Info: 020 7942 2000

01

16

Oct Jan Elegant Accomplishments: The Art of Noh Performance

This small display from the V&A’s collection of superb Nō robes and masks, together with prints illustrating performance, is shown in the Museum’s gallery dedicated to the arts of Japan. It complements the tour of Nō performance and associated events being presented across the UK this autumn. The V&A has been collecting Nō masks - worn by performers of this form of Japanese musical drama - since 1876, a time when the fate of Nō hung in the balance. That same year saw the ban on wearing swords by the samurai - who had been the traditional patrons of Nō for centuries. Many Nō families were forced to sell off their family treasures and western museums were then fortunate enough to acquire many fine examples of these crafts. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 5.45pm Location: Japan, room 45, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Info: 020 7942 2000

01

20

Oct Mar Welcome to Our World... Living with Autism

The Museum’s Welcome to Our World... series of small displays explores some of the more challenging aspects of contemporary childhood, bringing them to greater attention. Living with Autism is a thought-provoking new display taking a look at life through the eyes of children with autism, in collaboration with The National Autistic Society. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 5.45pm Location: V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA Info: 020 8983 5200


GALLERY 01 17

Oct Jimi Hendrix Exhibition

The Jimi Hendrix Exhibition will span one month to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s death. You’ll find David Redferns pictures on the walls and Suzy Reed’s interpretations of David’s Images on textiles including cushion covers, silk scarves and clothing. All items can be viewed and purchased. Cost: Free Time: 12pm - 6pm Location: RedReed House, 7 Bramley Road, W10 6SZ Info: www.suzyreed.com

41

01 Oct - 06 Feb

Impressions of Africa Money, Medals and Stamps

Find out about African history and identity through money, medals and stamps. This small display looks at the images of Africa presented on the coins, banknotes, medals and stamps made for the continent during the past 100 years. These miniature art works reflect changing national identities, and celebrate the cultures and heritage of Africa and its people. In 2010 the world’s attention is focused on Africa, as 17 countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence from colonial rule. The display features a series of case studies from across time and regions, including Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, French West Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Looking closely at these fascinating objects shows how national identities have been constructed and reinforced through the images on them, as well as

changes in the representation of Africa and Africans during the 20th century, from colonial rule to independence and beyond. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 5.30pm Location: Room 69a, British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG Info: 020 7323 8299

01

31

Oct Dec The World in One City

This is an exhibition of unique images linking together Londoners from every one of the Olympic list of nations. This exhibition is by Phillippe Sibelly and was unveiled as part of Rich Mix Live. Cost: Free Time: Various Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

01 02

Oct Noughtie Nightlife Exhibition and Launch Night

Focusing on the fashion, faces and attitudes of cult London club nights including Trash, Anti-Social, AYCE and Circus, Noughtie Nightlife celebrates the first decade of the new century through the images that tell the story, taken by the photographers who were there. Contributors include: Ellis Scott, Billa Baldwin, Ted Polhemus and David Swindells. Cost: Free Time: All day Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

01 31

Oct Brixton Riots community project

Participants of this community project delve into the lives of people who experienced the Brixton Riots of April 1981, a key event in London’s story. After an intensive training week including historical research and social reporting workshops, Emma Acquah, Uriel Blackwood,

Liam MacAtamney, Paul Wood and Shirley Simmonds, along with photographer Frewine Solomon were ready to meet and interview Brixton residents who experienced the Riots of April 1981. The resulting interviews reveal some of the fascinating and intimate stories behind the headlines. From John Callaghan who watched the Riots from the roof of his home, then spent the following days photographing the devastation, to Siobhan Dempsey who recalls the community camaraderie she shared with customers in the pub she had to stay in, unable to leave all night. The social reporters wrote a blog about their experience of the project. This project is part of the Museum of London’s exciting new galleries, which explore the changing lives of Londoners from 1666. Cost: Free Time: 10am - 6pm Location: 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN Info: 020 7001 9844


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Black Heroes of Our Time

8

POLITICS & LAW

is an exciting informative, publication highlighting the achievements of people of African descent. Published by Seven Media this unique Glossy A4 historical book promotes the achievements of people of colour particularly focusing on trail blazers and noted people who are the first in their field to have made recognisable achievements within government, the arts, business, industry and community sectors.

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

Baroness Valerie Amos

One of Britain’s First Black Female Recorders

B: 1954 - Georgetown, Guyana Baroness Valerie Amos was created a life peer in 1997. She is a British Labour Party politician and life peer, formerly serving as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. When she was appointed Secretary of State for International Development on 12 May 2003, following the resignation of Clare Short, she became the first black woman to sit in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. A distinctive element of Baroness Amos’ political career is that she has never actually been elected to any public office as every office held has been

B: 1957

an unelected appointment. Following positions in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission 1989–94. After resigning from the cabinet, Baroness Amos took up a directorship with Travant Capital, a Nigerian private equity fund launched in 2007 and is involved with the 2012 Olympic Committee.

Barrister Constance Briscoe was one of six children born to two Jamaicans who settled in the UK in the 1950s. Briscoe studied Law at the University of Newcastle, financing her studies through various weekend and holiday jobs including working at a hospice with the terminally ill. After completing her MA at the University of Warwick she was called to the Bar in 1983, and became a Recorder, a part time

judge in 1996 - one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Briscoe’s legal practice focuses on criminal law and fraud, principally defending. She is also known for her books ‘Ugly’ and ‘Beyond Ugly’ in which she recounts tales of abuse as a child and she often talks about her experiences publicly.

Baroness Scotland

The First Black Female Attorney General

Dame Linda Dobbs

B: 1955 - Commonwealth of Dominica In 1999, Scotland was appointed Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She was responsible for introducing the Bill to ratify the International Criminal Court in the United Kingdom. She also set up a panel of British-based lawyers who provided pro bono services to UK nationals imprisoned overseas. In 2001 she became Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor’s Department, and was made a member of the Privy Council. Scotland was a contender for a

The First Black Judge Appointed To the High Courts of Justice

cabinet position at a time when Tony Blair is reported to have considered appointing her Leader of the House of Lords. In 2003, Lady Scotland of Asthal, as she is also known, was made Minister of State for the Criminal Justice system and Law Reform at the Home Office. On 28 June 2007, Baroness Scotland was appointed Attorney General by the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. She is the first woman to hold the office since its foundation in 1315.

B: 1951 Dobbs’ mother was from Sierra Leone, and her father was an English lawyer who became a High Court judge in Sierra Leone. She studied Linguistic and Regional Studies (Russian and Law) at the University of Surrey, graduating with a BSc in 1976. She received an LLM from the London School of Economics, and a PhD for research on criminology and penology in the Soviet Union. Dame Linda Penelope Dobbs was the first non-white person to be assigned as judge of the High Court of justice of England and Wales. She was appointed a High Court Judge in September

Bernard Grant MP

One of Britain’s First Black MPs

B: 1944 - Georgetown, Guyana

2004. She received a DBE, and was assigned Queen Bench Division, the Administrative Court, and the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. At the time of the appointment, Dobbs said: “It is a great honour to have been invited by the Lord Chancellor to become a High Court Judge… I am confident, nevertheless, that I am the first of many to come”. She has subsequently been appointed as Chairman of the Magisterial Committee of the Judicial Studies Board.

D: 2000

Bernard Grant was one of many West Indians who took up the British government’s invitation to the colonies to move to the UK for blue-collar employment in 1963. He was for a period a member of the Socialist Labour League. He quickly became a trade union official, and moved into politics, becoming a Labour councilor in the London Borough of Haringey in 1978. As council leader during the Broadwater Farm riot of 1985, in which a policeman, PC Blakelock, was killed, he was thrown into the public eye, when he was widely quoted as saying “The police got

a bloody good hiding”. Grant claimed had been taken out of context, but offered an apology to the family of PC Blakelock. The controversy did not prevent him from becoming MP for Tottenham in the 1987 election, one of only three black MPs at the time. As an MP he backed demands for black sections in the Labour and was recognised as a staunch voice against Police racism. In September 2007 in Tottenham, London, Haringey Council opened the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in his name.

Dawn Butler MP The first Black Female Minister in the House of Commons

B: 1969- London, UK

Colin Powell

First African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

B: 1937 - New York City, California, USA Colin Luther Powell, KCB, MSC, is an American statesman and retired as a four-star general in the United States Army. He was well known for his tremendous popularity among the American people. He was the first African American appointed to the position of 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. During his time within the military, Powell also served as National Security Advisor, as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the latter position during the Gulf War. He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs

of Staff. Colin Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on Monday, November 15, 2004. The following day, George W. Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell’s successor. In 2007, Powell donated the maximum amount to John McCain’s campaign with his name listed as a possible running mate in 2008 for Republican nominee McCain’s presidential election bid however, on October 19, 2008, Powell declared his backing of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing “his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign’ additionally referring to Obama as a “transformational figure.”

Dawn Petula Butler is a British Labour politician, Member of Parliament for Brent South and an Assistant Chief Whip for Gordon Brown’s government. She worked as a GMB Union Officer, including time as a national race and equality officer. She was also an advisor to former London Mayor Ken Livingstone on employment and social issues. She is the first Black female minister in the House of Commons. She was born in London into a large family of Jamaican immigrant parentage with a sister and four brothers. She has said, “It is important to me that government is reflective of our diverse community and ordinary hard working individuals are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Interest in youth services has continued as one of her main interests in Parliament. On 24 October 2006 she was appointed Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs, and she is an Honorary Vice President of the British Youth Council. After Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, on 27 June 2007, Butler was made one of the Labour Party’s six Vice Chairs, with particular responsibility for Youth issues. on

She was appointed to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons shortly after her election, and has also served on standing committees (notably on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill 2006). In November 2007 she was appointed to the Children & Families Select Committee. Earlier (in November 2005), she had been promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary to the health minister Jane Kennedy, but decided to stand down from this post in early 2006. On 6 November 2007, Butler was chosen to second the Queen’s Speech. Her voting record shows she has largely been loyal to the government. She was promoted to Assistant Whip on 12 September 2008.

A Seven

0 Editi

2009 - 201

is a fantastic educational tool for teachers in schools, colleges, youth workers and other educationalist with pages and pages of facts and figures detailing the lives and achievements of Black people that have often gone undocumented.

Black Heroes of Our Time

is particularly accessible to young people as it celebrates not only the African American achievers like Martin Luther King and Alice Walker but also home grown talent like Bill Morris and Kwame Kwei-Armah highlighting rappers, entrepreneurs and community activists. The whole family as well as educationalist will find this important publication invaluable during Black History Month and throughout the year and as an inspiration to all especially young people. For added value we have available a seperate teachers resource crammed pack with exercises and activities to help you get the best out of Black

9

Constance Briscoe

The First Black Female Cabinet Minister and Joint First Black Woman Peer

Heroes of Our Time.

Black Heroes of Our Time - The book - £25

is already fast becoming an essential addition to all the family.

Black Heroes of Our Time -The book and Teachers Resource Pack- £95 is a ‘must have’ feature in all teachers’ and educationalists toolkit.

To Order Now or for more information about Black Heroes of our Time contact: info@level7media.co.uk Tel: Seven Media 0207 515 6158 www.level7media.co.uk/heroes

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