AWARDS, LONDON ARTS EVENTS, BWBs, AND THINGS....

Flame Lily Arts singer do a catchy, impromptu Acapella song during Africa Awards ceremony at the African Caribbean Centre in Plastow, East London, April 30. Pic by J Kissamo...

Clothes and beauty promoter and business lady, Hamida Mbaga (All Things African), makes a short speech after accepting award from Mr Omotunde Komofale and Balogh Sandor. Pic by J Kissamo.

Author  and All Things African - share a moment to exhibit award. Pic by John Nzolo 

Recent news of a releasse of the legendary Sunburst band from the 1970s due out on 24 June 2016 by Strut Records. Sunburst were led by the late singer James Mpungo ( pictured below, performing in Dar es Salaam , 1997)....

Mpungo who passed away in 2011 and his mates , including keys man and charismatic musician, the late Kassim Magati (died 1994)- developed some of the fusion sounds of Tanzania including Kitoto , Banchikicha and Ukuti, which I have personally adapted to form my own outfit, Kitoto Band, in recent years.

Dr Jennifer Langer opening Bards without Borders gig at Poetry Cafe, West London in Feb 2016.

 Professor Issa Shivji speaks to British Tanzania Society members at Vernon Campus, SOAS,  on Wed 20 April ,2016. Pic by F Macha

Shivji is reknown for his sincere, genuine and deep analysis Tanzania and African social economic trends, since his early days as a student at the University of Dar es Salaam in 1970s.

Dr Andrew Coulson of BTs who chaired the Shivji meeting with another attendee after talk.

Tanzanian PHD student, Shirumisha Kwayu, with BTS attendee...

Refugee brainstorm and discussions at Rich Mix, February 2016.

 Art, life and seats...

Tom Green (centre) of Counterpoint Arts and part of the organising team...at Rich Mix during Refugee week , February 2016.

Bards without Borders , audience at Arcola Theatre, January 2016. Pic by author.

BWBs - Barbara Lopez, Laila Sumpton and author, with ARTE TV cameraman , Frank in Hoxton. Promoting Shakespeare , poetry and BWBs tour 2016.

Brighton University, April 2016. Bards Without Borders, performed here on Friday 29 April, 2016.

Brighton Beach Stones....

BWBs, Arne Pohlmeier ( director), Hamdi Khalif, Barbara Lopez and Edin Suljic - at Poetry Cafe , Feb 2016....

BWBs at Brighton Beach , 29 April 2016....

Road to SOAS lecture by visiting Professor Issa Shivji,. 20  April, 2016....

Prof Shivji with PHD student, Shirumisha Kwayu ( centre) and Aikande, first left ... after SOAS talk.

 

These wonderful singers  were highlights of the Africa Awards on 30 April 2016... And I could not help a quick Selfie Jam with the South African legendary sound!