Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez

The City of Bradford continues to celebrate the launch of its latest online television B4B TV with two new amazing presenters who are great change makers in the City of Bradford .

Jerry Crawford and Esther Osakwe are the latest role models to join the B4b Television crew.

B4B Television is not only aimed at promoting the amazing stories of Bradfordians to the rest of the world, it is also aimed at promoting local news, a wide range of stories from different sectors and so much more.

VISIT – https://bradford4better.com/b4b-tv/ TODAY

INFORMATION JERRY A ND ESTHER CAN BE FOUND BELOW

JERRY CRAWFORD

Jerry Crawford  is a Community Worker/Activist, Event Organiser , Audio Engineer , Community Stars Winner, Change maker & Covid 19 Community Champion.

He helped set up Bradford’s 1st community recording studio running music projects for the social disadvantaged.

Over the years he has been involved in many community projects and worked in partnership with numerous organisations.

In 2020 he helped to organise peaceful protest for George Floyd.  

Collective Impact  also helps individuals, families or whole communities to bring about social change and improve the quality of life in our local area. They act as the link between communities and a range of other local authority and voluntary sector providers, such as the police, social workers and teachers.

Jerry Crawford AKA Red Dred who has been very instrumental in many music/media based projects and events. He has over thirty years of experience of Djing and organising events. 

Over the decades Jerry has provided entertainment at many functions weddings ,raves, house parties  christening, birthdays, community events,festivals and carnivals

Jerry is also a radio presenter which he has been doing for over 25 years. 

Jerry Crawford is one of the first pioneers to introduce house music to Bradford.

Jerry worked at Livestock Records Bradford’s 1st dance music record shop. He set up Bradford’s first acid house rave all nighter. In early 90s Jerry set up Reuben Sounds

Bradford’s 1st community recording studio at Bradford Community Arts where he started running music production and dj mixing courses. Over the decades he has worked with many organisations such as

Mapa

Xplosion

Bradford Council 

The Youth Services 

Bradford Festival 

Bradford Trident 

The Princes Trust 

SportsDev

Raise The Roof

BCB Radio 

Windrush Generations

and many more schools, community groups and charity organisations.

He is now working with Collective Impact a community organisation based at Mapa. 

ESTHER OSAKWE

Osakwe Nonyelum Esther, popularly known as ONE, is a 35-year-old mother of three who wants to make a difference in Bradford and beyond.

Originally from Nigeria, Esther lived in Colchester and Milton Keynes before making Bradford her home 6 years ago.

Her passions include education, empowerment, music, children, food and faith. 

She is a creative artist with a special talent for all things rest and relaxation  and currently undergoing a master programme in dance movement psychotherapy at the University of Derby.

Esther volunteers in several local and international organisations supporting change and improving quality of life globally. She’s also the founder and director at Life Improvement Consults C.I.C.  

Chief amongst her achievements and recognitions is her title as the Miss commonwealth for Africa 2021/22. 

She hopes to leave her world better than she met it.–

Osakwe Nonyelum Esther (HRH)

Educator and Consultant

Mental Health, Well-being & Fitness Coach. 

Monday the 27th of June 2022 was another historic day in The City of Bradford as BRADFORD 4 BETTER organisation was shortlisted as a finalist for THE NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS in the category of COMMUNITY ORGANISATION – MULTI STRAND

The grand final award ceremony is due to take place in Liverpool in September .

This comes as very good to news to the people of Bradford as members of The Bradford 4 Better organisation have been working round the clock to make a profound difference to the lives of the people of Bradford.

Only last month , Bradford was named UK CITY OF CULTURE 2025 . The great news was revealed on the evening of May the 31st 2022.

Thursday the 9th of June 2022 was another historic day in this great city as Bradford 4 Better Organization launched its new product -B4B Television.

Regular Hosts for B4B Television were in attendance at the launch .

They included Dr Sohail Ahmed, The Chairman for Bradford 4 Better Organisation and a passionate community champion who continues to make a profound difference to the lives of many people in different regions.

Also in attendance was Mr Atif Hussain , an amazing film maker, actor and writer. Mr Hussain will be providing coverage on content relating to film, so watch this space for his show.

The soft spoken Mr Shahid Islam was also in attendance as a regular host. Shahid is a Senior Research Fellow at the Bradford Institute for Health Research and Vice Chair of Bradford for Better.  In 2015 Shahid won the Community Star award for his contribution to the Voluntary and Community Sector and has been heavily involved in energising communities to increase social capital and reduce health inequalities.  In 2020 Shahid won the Most Outstanding Academic Paper awarded by International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare.  More recently (2021) Shahid was awarded the The Chief Scientific Officer’s Excellence in Healthcare and Science Innovation Award.

Bradford based Tony Tokunbo Fernandez – Published Writer, International Blogger and Online Broadcaster was the Compere Host for the evening.

We wish BRADFORD 4 BETTER the very best at THE NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS FINALS 2022 DUE TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER . THE GRAND EVENT WILL BE IN LIVERPOOL

INFORMATION ABOUT BRADFORD 4 BETTER CAN BE FOUND BELOW

BRADFORD 4 BETTER

Bradford 4 Better was formed in Spring 2019, initially as a pressure group to highlight the many concerns of the residents of Bradford and inspire positive change. The group has rapidly evolved into a citizen led community action movement to inform, inspire and empower the residents of Bradford to make positive changes for the betterment of Bradford and its communities.

On 17th of September 2020 Bradford 4 Better was formally incorporated at Companies House as a Community Interest Company called Bradford 4 Better CIC.

We are a group of ordinary citizens of Bradford, Bradfordians, working together to make Bradford cleaner, safer and better for everyone. We are a grassroots movements, completely volunteer led, united and driven by the passion to make our city better.

#bradford4better #cityofculture #cityofculture2025 #community #diversity #media

Dear Friends, 

Would you believe that only last year I published My third published book “MY LITTLE BOOK OF CHRISTIAN POEMS” – An inspirational book of poetry for people of all faiths around the world.

And yet, ten months later, many readers from around the world are still enjoying the book.

CLICK ON THE LINK HERE,  to watch the two minute video of some of the readers who decided to place a copy on their book list. –    DO NOT FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weYRMMROJC0

YOU CAN ORDER YOUR COPY VIA PAYPAL TODAY FOR 5 POUNDS A COPY –  afripoet@hotmail.com 

However if you are interested in my 4th Published book “THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE NAUGHTY”   –  Click on the amazon link here – –    https://www.amazon.com/GOOD-BAD-NAUGHTY-collection-experiences/dp/B09R39GVVC

T.T.F 

#poetry #spokenword #faith #inclusion #diversity

Soldia Nzokomba God Mc RDC Soldier the king of Lingala Rap by his real name Selemani Mwinyi Est The creator of Lingala Hip Hop, in 2007 RDC SOLDIER won one of the rap music competitions, the trophy which was awarded by Simon Cowell, one of the great successful English producer

Rdc has also supported several international artists including The Game, 50 cent, Nas, Akon, Nelly, Tyga, Rick Cross, Wiz Kid, Davido, Awilo and Sean Paul during their performance in large sales in England, one of the most Biggest achievement to date was Supporting Rapper Nelly on 5th June 2016 at 02 Academy in Leeds, selling over 2500 tickets and delivering a professional and engaging performance to the audience. DRC also supported 50 Cent on November 6, 2016 At Manchester Arena One of England’s most prestigious venues

DRC also supports the talents of the community by strengthening the acquisition of social and civic skills among young people and also emerging artists.

At the beginning of the year 2021 DRC releases the title Unity with a message intended for all Africans and the whole world

Nicknamed the king of Lingala Rap, Rdc Soldia is known for his love for Congolese rap and he is also considered the creator and one of the pillars of Rap in Lingala

THE BRADFORD BASED KING OF LINGALA RAP CONTINUES TO EMBRACE NEW LEGACIES OF THE WORLD STAGE OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS IN SOME AMAZING COLLABROATIONS

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES ON HIS PERFORMANCES, INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES – RDC SOLDIER ALSO RELEASED A NEW ALBUM ON THE 30GTH OF JUNE 2022 – NZAMBE YA RAP – (RAP GOD MC )

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS   https://www.instagram.com/rdcsoldier_official_/

https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Artist/RDCSoldier/about/

https:/ https://mobile.twitter.com/rdcsoldier

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES ON -Soldia Nzokomba God Mc RDC Soldier the king of lingala Rap

Biography

Nina Fabunmi’s interest in art began as a child, she developed her artistic skills just as she learnt how to read and write but realized it was a gift when she noticed that her peers could not do draw like she could. At six, she would make small drawings and render them with colored pencils. Her dad had a spot on the wall of his studio where he pinned up all her work. He is an architect and in her sheltered upbringing, his tools of creativity and artistic influence surrounded her. As a teenager, art became her means of expression, she wrote poetry, made drawings, paintings, collage, mosaic and fabric designs with tie-dye and batik. Upon her high school graduation, she received a Proficiency Certificate in Fine Art. 

Dissuaded by her parents for the lack of faith that a career as an Artist could earn her a comfortable living, in 2001 she ended up with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Estate Management also called Real Estate. Her Department was in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management that also housed the Fine Art department. This posed as a great advantage to her as she spent her free time in the Fine Art studios.

After her graduation, she decided to pursue her passion by embarking on a Masters in Fine Art. She knew that if she ever had to go back to school it would be on her own terms. She got on the Internet and searched for Art schools abroad and that was when she discovered the Academy of Art University. She made contact with the school, but at that time could not afford the fees so she put it on hold while she faced her corporate career.

Her only work experience in Real Estate was six months of Industrial Training. She then ventured into Broadcasting, Banking and Telecommunications. She moved from industry to industry in search for what she always had; a fulfilling career. She never stopped drawing and painting. In 2001 she got introduced to a Gallery owner who purchased five of her watercolor paintings. She was pleasantly surprised. In that same year, she made her first oil painting. She would paint and sell one- on- one to those who were privy to seeing her work as it was like a hobby to her. The Gallery owner introduced her to Art associations in Nigeria, which she eventually became a member of. She slowly integrated herself into the Art world in Nigeria and had her first Art Exhibition in 2008. Since then she had been exhibiting and selling her work while running a regular 8-5 job.

In 2011, she was commissioned to supply artwork to an establishment in Lagos Nigeria. This was the break she had been looking for and it paid her enough to pick up her dream of an MFA Fine Art painting at the Academy Of Art University.

Nina has been a docent at the Museum of the African Diaspora since August 2011. In 2012 she collaborated with the museum’s education department for the illustrations of a children’s book on the Igbo women’s war of 1929, which is now part of the diaspora curriculum. In that same year, she conducted an abstract painting workshop to the museum’s youth group after which the paintings were exhibited in the museum.

In 2013, she was awarded ‘Best of the Show’ in Bold Brush painting contest and two honorable mentions in the Turner painting contest. She also emerged as a semi-finalist at the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series.

In 2014 she won “Best of the Show” in the Artist Portfolio Magazine Portraits 18^th edition and was also honored by President Elisa Stephens of the Academy of Art University for her outstanding academic achievement. Her work was auctioned at the Tom Joyner fantastic voyage thus helping raise educational funds for African American children.

Fabunmi is now has an MFA Painting from the Academy of Art University (AAU) in San Francisco. She graduated with a distinction and was highly recommended for a teaching position. She has worked as a part time member of Faculty at the AAU, has won several art awards and has been published in renowned art magazines such as the American Art Collector, Southwest Art Magazine, and Artist Portfolio Magazine.  Her work has been shown in Africa, Europe and America. Fabunmi is versatile in portraiture, figures and landscapes and is especially known for her emotionally charged expressive technique, which she achieves with the use of a palette knife. Her work has been shown in prestigious places like the California State Building, UCSF Women’s Health Center and the Museum Of The African Diaspora through the 3.9 Art Collective, an art organization which she belongs to. She is a member of the Portrait Society of America and California Art Club. Her paintings are also shown at Studio Gallery and Gallery 1317 in San Francisco, and Gallery Guichard in Chicago Illinois. Fabunmi has an active studio practice at The Point Shipyard Artists, the largest artist community in the U.S.

EDUCATION

2014        MFA Painting, Academy Of Art University, San Francisco, California 

AWARDS

2016, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series       Regional Finalist

2015, American Art Collector, Portrait Artist Directory

2015, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist

2015, Jerry’s Self Portrait Contest, Semi Finalist

2014, Society for Nigerian Artists (SNA), Distinguished Artist Award

2014, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Regional Finalist

2014, Creative Quarterly 37 (CQ 37), Runner Up

2014, Artist Portfolio Magazine Best of the Show, Portraits Issue 19

2014, Academy Of Art University 2 time honoree- President’s Honor,

                                                                                                Academic Achievement Award                                                

2013, Bold Brush Best of the Show, October

2013, Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Regional Finalist

2013, Turner Painting Contest 2 Honorable Mentions

1993, Federal Government Girls College Proficiency Award, Best Student in Fine Art

The City of Bradford continues to celebrate the launch of its latest online television with a vision to empower, educate and inspire.

In the next few days you will get to know about the latest presenters that have come on board as instrumental change makers within the community.

B4B Television is not only aimed at promoting the amazing stories of Bradfordians to the rest of the world, it is also aimed at promoting local news, a wide range of stories from different sectors and so much more.

CONTINUE TO WATCH THIS SPACE and you will get to know about the lastest presenters in the next few days .

VISIT – https://bradford4better.com/b4b-tv/ TODAY

B4B TELEVISION – THE STORY SO FAR

On the evening of Tuesday the 31st of May 2022, Bradford was named the City of Culture 2025.

The historic day was a sign of many more success stories to unfold and there is no doubt that the whole country is about to witness what Bradford has to offer the rest of the country as well as the rest of the world.

Thursday the 9th of June 2022 was another historic day in this great city as Bradford 4 Better Organization launched its new product -B4B Television.

Regular Hosts for B4B Television were in attendance at the launch .

They included Dr Sohail Ahmed, The Chairman for Bradford 4 Better Organisation and a passionate community champion who continues to make a profound difference to the lives of many people in different regions.

Also in attendance was Mr Atif Hussain , an amazing film maker, actor and writer. Mr Hussain will be providing coverage on content relating to film, so watch this space for his show.

The soft spoken Mr Shahid Islam was also in attendance as a regular host. Shahid is a Senior Research Fellow at the Bradford Institute for Health Research and Vice Chair of Bradford for Better.  In 2015 Shahid won the Community Star award for his contribution to the Voluntary and Community Sector and has been heavily involved in energising communities to increase social capital and reduce health inequalities.  In 2020 Shahid won the Most Outstanding Academic Paper awarded by International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare.  More recently (2021) Shahid was awarded the The Chief Scientific Officer’s Excellence in Healthcare and Science Innovation Award.

Bradford based Tony Tokunbo Fernandez – Published Writer, International Blogger and Online Broadcaster was the Compere Host for the evening

As Bradford continues to celebrate THE CITY OF CULTURE, the time is ripe for the birth of greater stories to unfold.

CONTINUE TO WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES ON B4B TV

THE NIGERIAN WEST INDIAN ASSOCIATION 45TH ANNIVERSARY WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON SUNDAY THE 20TH OF NOVEMBER 2022

This amazing event will include a THANKSGIVING SERVICE, LUNCHEON, EXHIBITION, LECTURE and the launching of a journal containing snapshots of the associations 45 year journey.

Proceeds from the launch will go towards a project for a senior citizen centre

WATCH THIS SPACE

A BRIEF HISTORY

Initially, many community activities and social events in Bradford were hosted by the West Indian community centre based at Textile Hall on Westgate. However, a fire at this venue meant that a new community centre was needed and in 1982 Checkpoint run by the Bradford West Indian Community Centre Association (BWICCA) was established at 45 Westgate, BD1 2QU.
For nearly 4 decades Checkpoint has hosted family celebrations, classes, concerts, black history events, community groups and acted as a hub for the Caribbean community in Bradford. The group who run the site are currently looking for new premises as the narrow staircase leading to the first floor facilities make access difficult for elders or people with prams.

SOURCE – BRADFORDLOCALSTUYDIES.COM

TODAY “THE CHECKPOINT” is still one of Bradford’s most unique historical points.

The legacy of this unique meeting point continues to live within the heart of many Bradfordians as the official Bradford West Indian Community Centre.

The Centre is also and educational and informational resource point that reflects Black history in Bradford as well as cultural initiatives, diversity events, live entertainment, team bonding sessions and an outlet to share stories.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE INITIAITIVES RELATING TO THE CHECKPOINT, BRADFORD

#cityofculture #bradford #blackinbradford #diversity #checkpointbradford

*CECE WINANS TO PERFORM AT THE MUSIC AND MEDIA PLATFORM AWARDS 2022*

We are pleased to officially announce our special guest artists for TMMP Awards 2022.

Headlining on the night is Multiple Grammy Award winner *CECE WINANS*, followed by top UK artists
Jonathan Ogden
Lurine Cato MBE
Noel Robinson
Philppa Hanna
Limoblaze
Reblah
Musumba
Rob Westall and  more……

Special performances include award winning International Artists Sheldon Bangera (India) and Moses Bliss (Nigeria)

Book your tickets today on www.tmmpawards.com .

This is a night you don’t want to MISSED!!!!!

#tmmpawards2022 #tmmpawardsbradford 

Saturday the 18th of June 2022 was a very historical day in THE UK CITY OF CULTURE – BRADFORD as THE WINDRUSH CARNIVAL OF CULTURE 2022 attracted lots of visitors from around the country.

The organisers of this historical annual event – Mr Jerry Crawford, Mr Charles Dacres, Mr Nigel Guy and other community champions had been working very hard to ensure that this years event was colorful and memorable.

As expected, thousands of visitors filled the historical spot of CENTENARY SQUARE IN BRADFORD for this annual initiative which not only lived up to expectations but added a refreshing spark of non stop entertainment to wide audiences .

The line up included a special guest performance by the amazing BARRY BOOM all the way from London.

Other featured creative artists included UNIQUE EXTRA, TEEN SCENCE, DJS REVEREND & MARTELL, RDC SOLDIER, COLINS CHOIR, JIMMY BOXDOWN, SINGCERE, NATURAL RIDDIM, POET MUSIFING and many more artists.

There was also inspirational talks from Tony Tokunbo Fernandez (Published Writer, International Blogger and Online Broadcaster), Linda Johnson based in Huddersfield (A Pan Africanist community champion) and Esther Osakwe (Miss Commonwealth Africa)

The legacy of THE WINDRUSH CARNIVAL IN BRADFORD will continue to embrace the imporance of our history, those who came before us and our stories

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO WATCH A SHORT INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE ORGANISERS – MR JERRY CRAWFORD