The best gigs, exhibitions and live events across the country this September
1st – 8th: Afropunk Festival (London)
Afropunk Festival returns to London, but this time taking over the cultural hub of Brixton, SW2. This event will offer six days of music, fashion, art and more, all showcasing black talent, and providing a place for expression and pride for the black community in London. With the likes of Jazzie B, August Greene, Grace Jones and more special guests TBA, it would be a shame to miss out on this!
Free – £84, depending on the event. afropunkfest.com/london
8th: Black Films and White Power (London)
To celebrate 10 years of the African Odysseys film programme, BFI Southbank will be offering an interactive lecture discussing the issues of being black in the film industry and how black films have been policed, discredited and abandoned over the years. This free event will also be showing previews 21 black-made films which have been banned. Later in September the BFI will further be screening these banned films as part of a six-week project.
Free, whatson.bfi.org.uk
14th – 16th: Bournemouth Soul Weekend (Bournemouth)
This September, the Carrington House Hotel will be hosting its last ever Bournemouth Soul Weekend, inviting an array of soul and funk DJs to ensure that the event ‘goes out with a bang!’ DJs such as Terry Jones and MiSoul presenter Abi Clarke will be easing you through the weekend, allowing the soul family of Bournemouth to join together one last time.
£60, blacknet.co.uk/event/bournemouth-soul-weekend-2018/
15th: BubblesJasmine: A Vibe (London)
If you’re looking out for a fresh and exciting art exhibition, for one night only comes a celebration of unique acrylic works. From London-based BubblesJasmine, the artwork on display depicts her love for vibrant colours as well as exploring various themes that interest her. The ‘Confidence in Colour’ Collection flows with femininity, self-love and acceptance – especially through her experience as a young black woman.
Free tickets available from bubblesjasmine-a-vibe.eventbrite.co.uk
BubblesJasmine – Goddess Gift
17th: African History at Tower of London (London)
Pioneered by influential mental health worker Harry Cumberbatch MBE, the Tower of London will host an interactive session which will look at the issue of mental health within African history, how it has been treated and resolved since the 1500s. This innovative project will tell stories of black power writers, slaves, sailors and the history of black british civil rights, and how it can be used in order to resolve mental health issues today. A definite must see for budding psychologists and historians.
£10, eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-history-at-the-tower-of-londonblack-mental-health-tickets-46583835506
18th, 20th & 21st: 50 Cent (Birmingham, London, Manchester)
Fancy a trip to the Candy Shop? Is it ya birthday, shawty? Even if neither of these things are true, you still have cause to be excited if you’re a 50 Cent fan – as the rapper-actor-internet troll extraordinaire is touring the country with some of his classic hits. He’s even accompanied by the rest of the G-Unit crew, so it’s a rare, real crew link-up. If 21 Questions is still your jam, don’t miss your chance to see it in person.
Ticket prices vary. nvite.com/community/50centtour
Every Sunday: Month of Sundays Does Carnival (London)
Suffering from sunday blues? Missing Carnival time? Prince of Wales, Brixton is offering a resolution to this with is carnival month of sundays with calypso and carnival vibes into to the early hours, every Sunday of the month! This rooftop bar will also be offering a variety of to-die-for treats, such a burgers and boozy cocktails from the Wray & Nephew rum shack on their rooftop, coupled with a magnificent view of the city below.
£5-15, pow-london.com/promoter/month-of-sundays/
Words by Liv Dennis
