The number of books, papers and reports on how best to develop Africa is staggering. Yet, the human suffering continues amidst frustration among NGOs, donor agencies and Africans themselves that nothing good comes out of Africa. But has anybody bothered to ask Africans themselves what the overused word ‘development’ actually means for them? Komla Tsey will talk about his new book, ‘Re-thinking Development in Africa’ and explain why he believes oral history and wisdom are so important to Africa’s future development. In an increasingly complex world, the task of living wisely, he will suggest, is necessary if we are to build communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, not only in Africa, but the world at large. Copies of the book signed by the author will be available for sale.

About Komla Tsey

Komla Tsey comes from Ghana where he attended secondary schools at Awudome Tsito and Okwapeman Akropong. He studied at Universities of Ghana and Glasgow, Scotland. Since 1990s Komla has been living in Australia researching and learning about health and wellbeing, mainly with Aboriginal communities. He continues to undertake long term development research in rural Ghana. Komla is currently research professor (education for social sustainability) at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University Australia.

Click here for a video or to read more about this book launch, click below

Book Launch

Africa Centre listings template

 20.00 to 21.45

The number of books, papers and reports on how best to develop Africa is staggering. Many of these are written by Western academics or other professionals, taking a view from outside the continent, looking in. Other works emerge after many months or years of ‘immersion’ in a particular African country. Thousands of graduates of international development emerge each year from universities across Europe and North America, keen to bring their ideas and energy to the continent.

There are, of course, many perspectives on Africa, but one which is often overlooked is that of Africa’s own development professionals. Dedicated to the advancement of the societies in which they were born and raised, they often take a different approach to the challenges of development, reflecting their unique understanding of a community’s values.

For over 28 years, Self Help Africa has worked with rural African communities to help them to grow more food and earn money from their farming activities. On May 29th, two of the organisation’s senior staff, country directors Kalongo Chitengi (Zambia) and Amos Zaindi (Malawi), will present the first in this series of development talks at the Africa Centre.

They will speak about Self Help Africa’s efforts to train farmers and community groups in food production and market access, addressing the critical challenge of building capacity among the rural poor in order to achieve sustainable change. They will address the critical challenges which lie ahead – climate change, population growth, environmental degradation – while also highlighting some of the successes which point the way for the future.

Kalongo Chitengi, Director, Self Help Africa, Zambia

Kalongo Chitengi is Self Help Africa’s country director for Zambia. A Zambian citizen, she was  the first woman to take the role of director of an African country programme within SHA.  Kalongo has played a leading role in policy formulation work for the Government of Zambia and is co-author of Zambia’s National Housing Policy.

Currently working across 13 districts in the country, Self Help Africa’s work in Zambia is positively impacting 60,000 farmers and their families and focusses primarily on linking farmers to markets.

Amos Williams Zaindi, Director, Self Help Africa, Malawi

Amos William Zaindi is an accomplished rural development programme management expert with over 10 years working experience in international non-governmental organisations.

Self Help Africa’s work in Malawi focusses on food and agricultural production with an emphasis on agro-ecological farming practices, along with enterprise development. The projects are situated in the south of the country at Masumbankhunda in Balaka District and Kalembo close to the capital Lilongwe, and in the far north at Karonga close to the shores of Lake Malawi.

 If you would like to attend this event, please click here for your FREE ticket

To find out more about Self Help Africa’s work across 8 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, visit www.selfhelpafrica.org

An unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment that showcases some of the best blues influenced African artists today.This gig is part of an exciting music series at the Africa Centre in partnership with leading African music artists and promoters including Juwon Ogungbe (‘Life Force Music’ Album Launch, March 2012), Open The Gate and more in the coming months.

ABOUT MINN DIARABI

This truly remarkable Senegalese blues outfit draws elements from the rich Fula tradition interwoven with Rumba, Mbalax, Afro-Latin and deep blues. Led by Senegalese ABDOULAYE SAMB, MINN DIARABI (translates litterary ‘Mixed Love’) is definitely one of the best hidden gems on the London African music scene.

ABOUT DAJLA & THE WHITE TIGER SOCIETY

With her French and African experiences, singer & bassplayer Dajla offers a blend of classic organic Soul music, contagious grooves, heavy basslines and Reggae and Blues inspired melodies. Her music is a breath of fresh air, a claim for optimism and hope. In a world where darkness seems to be the focus of attention, Dajla & her band The White Tiger Society bring a message of Love and Light.

Doors 8pm  Showtime 9pm

Tickets £8 advance, £10 on the door first come first served

This gig is part of an exciting music series at the Africa Centre in partnership with leading African music artists and promoters including Juwon Ogungbe (‘Life Force Music’ Album Launch, March 2012), Open The Gate and more in the coming months.

13:00 to 18:00

Design and Arts Fair showcasing the talents from Africa and the Diaspora, at the historical building of the Africa Centre in the heart of London, right in the middle of busy Covent Garden!
It includes designer’s and charities’s stalls where you can find original fashion pieces, accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as Arts & Crafts, homewear, beauty natural products, books, music, arts amongst more. Local & international charities are also represented, promoting their actions, raising awareness but also funds by selling goods.
More than an exhibition and trade space, The African Market is a place of curiosity attracting an eclectic mix of people including families, young people, students & adults, and a networking platform both for traders and interested visitors, connecting amateurs, professionals and passionates.

 
Stalls:

Fashion, Arts & Crafts, Design, Jewellery, Books, Music, Culture, More!

Hair, Style & Beauty demos

Join Drumming Circle by One Drum collective

Face Painting & Glitter Tattoo

as well as delicious Homemade Food

Presented by Open The Gate and The Africa Centre

Bookings/ Queries: Sandrine at theafricanmarket@openthegate.org.uk
Number of stalls is very limited, so make sure you book yours early!

By invitation only! To receive your personal invitation, please email daniela@businessofculture.com by 16th April!

Rudi Lickwood

Rudi has performed at: The Comedy Café, The Comedy Club, Jongleurs and many more.

Jason Patterson
Jason Patterson started out in comedy in 2006 and since then he’s performed at comedy clubs all over the UK. With the confidence and stage presence of a seasoned pro this versatile comedian is definitely one to watch out for.

Competitions: Comedy Store Gong Show Winner – Comedy Cafe New Act Competition x 3 Winner – Nominated Best Newcomer @ The Black Entertainment Comedy Awards 2008.

Prince Abdi
Prince Abdi is one of the only Somali comic working in the UK. He is a relative newcomer who has the material and confidence of that of full time comic. He has a lovely style in his delivery – pacy, upbeat and infectious – that makes the audience warm to him.

Prince has performed at: Hackney Empire, Edinburgh Festival (2007) Trafalgar Square (Eid in the square).

  Josephine Lacey
Josephine Lacey first came onto the London comedy circuit in October 2008. Drawing on her Jamaican-Irish heritage and life experiences she delivers her material with an honest humour and a natural raw energy. She performed in a shared show at The Edinburgh Fringe 2010 where she made a huge impact on audience and promoters with her very funny self.

Comments: ‘Josephine… leaves the audience loving her and wanting more’ – Nigel Rushby, TNT Comedy.

To book, please send a cheque or postal order donation of £6.50 made payable to “Society of African Earth Scientists” to: SAES c/o Orisa Press, PO Box 62968, London N9 1DL

Our brand new comedy night in partnership with top secret comedy club, offering a dazzling selection of the best comedians from the African continent and diaspora.

Only £8/£5 concessions for an evening’s entertainment plus special drinks and food offers (such as jollof rice, jerk or barbecue chicken, veggie options) all night.

Nabil Abdulrashid

Nabil Abdulrashid may well be the very long awaited comedic breath of fresh air. He is currently working on a new sketch show with the producers of “Little Miss Jocelyne” and “Three Non-Blondes”. His TV work includes Show sky channel 370 (writing acting/directing).

Nabil has performed at: The Comedy Cafe, The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, choice fm comedy club.

Jason Patterson
Jason Patterson started out in comedy in 2006 and since then he’s performed at comedy clubs all over the UK. With the confidence and stage presence of a seasoned pro this versatile comedian is definitely one to watch out for.

Competitions: Comedy Store Gong Show Winner – Comedy Cafe New Act Competition x 3 Winner – Nominated Best Newcomer @ The Black Entertainment Comedy Awards 2008.

Rudi Lickwood
One of the top black comedian on the UK comedy circuit, Rudi Lickwood is far more than just a stand-up. Rudi’s recent achievements include earning his status in the ‘Black 100+’ awards for the greatest Black British Achievers, picking up a BECA award for outstanding contribution to comedy, and taking up a high profile request to host an exclusive Brit Awards after-show party.

Rudi has performed at: The Comedy Café, The Comedy Club, Jongleurs and many more.

Lateef Lovejoy

In 2007 Lateef played to sold out shows at the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam when he toured Holland and has featured in many of the UK’s top comedy clubs and venues.

Lateef has performed at: The Comedy Store, Jongleurs (various venues) The comedy Cafe, Hackney Empire, Soho Theatre and many more.

 
To find out more about Comedy Shows Mondays to Saturdays, please visit www.thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk

Our brand new comedy night in partnership with top secret comedy club, offering a dazzling selection of the best comedians from the African continent and diaspora.

Only £8/£5 concessions for an evening’s entertainment plus special drinks and food offers (such as jollof rice, jerk or barbecue chicken, veggie options) all night.

Lateef Lovejoy
In 2007 Lateef played to sold out shows at the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam when he toured Holland and has featured in many of the UK’s top comedy clubs and venues.
Lateef has performed at: The Comedy Store, The Chuckle Club, The Bullion Rooms, Hackney Empire, Soho Theatre and many more.

Prince Abdi
Prince Abdi is one of the only Somali comic working in the UK. He is a relative newcomer who has the material and confidence of that of full time comic. He has a lovely style in his delivery – pacy, upbeat and infectious – that makes the audience warm to him.

Places Prince has performed: Hackney Empire, Edinburgh Festival (2007) Trafalgar Square (Eid in the square).

Josephine Lacey
Josephine Lacey first came onto the London comedy circuit in October 2008. Drawing on her Jamaican-Irish heritage and life experiences she delivers her material with an honest humour and a natural raw energy. She performed in a shared show at The Edinburgh Fringe 2010 where she made a huge impact on audience and promoters with her very funny self.

Comments: ‘Josephine ..leaves the audience loving her and wanting more’ – Nigel Rushby, TNT Comedy.

To find out more about Comedy Shows Mondays to Saturdays, please visit www.thetopsecretcomedyclub.co.uk