Spring into March with the hottest gigs, talks and experiences…
23rd: TASTE THE CULTURE: SENEGAL EDITION (London)
Taste, smell and fully experience the culture of Senegal with an event to remember, courtesy of Vivienne Dovi of Melanin Travel. Have your tastebuds tickled with Senegalese food and drink, as well as taking part in various activities to get you familiar with the life in the West African hotspot. Ideal for anyone who’s been enchanted by beautiful photos making their way across social media recently, and is considering taking a trip to feel it for themselves.
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2GkCs6u
26th: DIANA ROSS: HER LIFE, LOVE AND LEGACY (Cinemas across the country)
For one night only, Diana Ross fans across the UK can celebrate the Motown superstar’s 75th birthday with a screening of her 1983 Central Park concert, where nearly 1.2 million people united on the Great Lawn – only for the concert to be hit by a huge storm! With the concert having to come to a halt, Ms Ross returned the next day to delight fans and finish the concert for a gig that has remained one of history’s most memorable occasions. As well as the concert, there is new never before seen footage – essential for all Diana Ross fans!
Tickets and more info: www.mycineplace.com/dianaross
25th: RUDIMENTAL & GHETTS – Teenage Cancer Trust (London)
The Royal Albert Hall is being taken over for a fantastic cause as the Teenage Cancer Trust put on a series of shows, raising money to help young people diagnosed with cancer. Kicking things off on the 25th is Rudimental, one of Britain’s most successful bands, joined by rapper Ghetts, whose black girl magic-infused song ‘Black Rose’ was one of our favourites of last year. Later in the week, you can also see the likes of Take That and The Script taking to the stage as well.
Tickets: www.teenagecancertrust.org
Earlier in March…
7th – 10th: THE HERE AND NOW EXHIBITION (Oxo Tower Wharf, London)
In this limited-time exhibition, art lovers and art newbies alike are invited to view an expression of the Black British experience in the United Kingdom today. Titled ‘Here and Now Art Exhibition’, this is a showcase of paintings, sculpture, photography and film exploring Windrush, Brexit, gender identity and many more factors that intersect with the lives of people of the African-Caribbean diaspora. With featured artists including Samantha Almon Adeluwoye, Kofi Arts, Karla Cornwall and Sola Olulode, this is not one to be missed.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/black-british-visual-artists-18819013372
7th – 10th: MR EAZI: LAGOS TO LONDON (Manchester, Birmingham and London)
If you have ever listened to or been a fan of afrobeats, you’ve definitely heard of Mr Eazi. The award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur is coming to the UK with some of his most popular hits including ‘Leg Over’ and ‘Pour Me Water’, following the release of the Lagos to London album in late 2018.
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2GnoKje
8th – 9th: WOMEN OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL (London)
In the case of this event, WOW is the only word for it. The Southbank Centre’s annual Women of the World Festival is back for 2019, celebrating and bringing together sisters from all over the world. This festival promises diverse discussions, immersive performances and unique and moving perspectives. This year, names such as Angela Davis and Chidera Eggerue (The Slumflower) are set to make keynote speeches. Though tickets to some events sold out pretty early, check out the site to see what’s available.
Tickets and info: http://bit.ly/2SqInxt
14th: BEYOND THE VOYAGE: WOKE. (London)
Brought to you by artists of colour collective WOKE., and Institute of Contemporary Arts, this is an immersive event featuring young British artists of colour who will explore stories and experiences of migration, integration and what it means to be a person of dual heritage living in the UK.
The Mall, 12 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH. Thursday 14th March, from 7pm to 10pm. For tickets and more info, head to: https://www.ica.art/live/woke-beyond-the-voyage
15th: NINA KRISTOFFERSON: TIMELESS (London)
Join GAB-award winning singer Nina Kristofferson for a night of beautiful music as she goes through a catalogue of varied, but well-known classics. Showcasing songs from the likes of Beyoncé, Adele, James Brown, Etta James, Bach, Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, Puccini, Nina Simone and many more, Nina crossing different eras to bring you a stunning show. Following her recent stint performing her self-penned one-woman show ‘Nina Kristofferson’s Billie Holliday Story’, this is a great chance to see the actress, singer and writer in electrifying action.
Tickets: pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/nina-kristofferson-timeless
Until 16th: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (London)
A two-woman show starring talented, British-African actors Ayesha Casely-Hayford and Kudzanayi Chiwawa, this is an interactive comedy that
combining banter and wit with a heartfelt plea for sincerity in the face of tough times. It’s Oscar Wilde like you’ve never seen it before — and a guaranteed great night out for all.
Tickets and info: 020 8333 4457 or www.tara-arts.com
19th: TRACING AFRICAN CARIBBEAN ANCESTRY: Who Do You Think You Are? (London)
Have you ever wanted to trace your ancestry all the way back past your great-great grandparents? Maybe you originate from a long line of African royalty? When Paul Crooks was told that it would be impossible to trace records of slave-ownership and most certainly not his African ancestors enslaved on plantations in Jamaica, it made him want to do it even more. Sit with Paul in an interactive seminar as he describes the journey that took him all the way back to his roots. Not one you want to miss.
Tickets and info: http://bit.ly/2tpgXt3
