THE GENDER OF STARS
They say Frenchmen know
the gender of things—
things inanimate, abstract, material, anything
I, I am no Parisian
I am no Breton either
I am no privileged assimilée
Yet, I know the gender
of Stars
I, an Ogu son
Of a graceful Awori sylph
I know, yes, I tell you
the gender of stars—
they are female
femininely beauteous
like Abike, my mother.
WILLIAMS O’SEUN
@poetiquepolymath
“AFTER” A POEM WRITTEN BY WALE OWOADE
After lightning comes rain.
I will go looking for shadows
in their honeymoons. One day
there would be no sky, only
a silhouette searching for itself.
When I am tired of searching
for proof that God exists, I will
pour ashes inside a glass and ask
the moon to smile. This is what
the war left me: a slightly burnt
tongue—a room made from
a broken dirge—a graveyard
in a churchyard—a lone bird with
a bone for a twig—a two legged
dog—fresh ashes waiting to
be named—prayers starting
and ending with ‘ex’—a window’s
jaw dropping at the sight of a city
eating itself. Even when am
lonely I can’t save the world.
When I will begin to heal,
I will rust. I will say
once there was a war, maybe
a love. After rain comes sun,
I will go searching for
a grave with my name on it.
Written by Wale Owoade
ABOUT WALE OWOADE
WALE OWOADE is a Nigerian poet and creative enthusiast who lives and writes in north-central Nigeria. His poems have appeared or are forthcoming in About Place Journal, Apogee Journal, Chiron Review, Cordite Poetry Review, footmarks, Radar Poetry, Spillway, The Bombay Review and Vinyl among others. Some of his poems have been translated to Bengali, German and Spanish. He is a recipient of 2015 Tony Tokunbo Poetry Silver Award. Wale is the Publisher and Managing Editor of EXPOUND: A Magazine of Arts and Aesthetics. He also interviews contemporary poets at The Strong Letters and is the Founder and Creative Director of Bard Studio.
West African Exhibition Festival to Launch in the United Kingdom Summer 2016
Liberia to Debut Participation in Notting Hill Carnival London, England – Boweh Foundation supported by BOSS Global Inc is launching its first ever Liberian arts and culture Exhibition Festival. Our aim is to bring back some of our lost/ forgotten heritage and cultures through festival, and with this reason, we have the honour to invite to you all to the ground event. The Lift Liberia Festival is a part of a campaign that will launch in London, UK this Summer and make its next stop November in Liberia, West Africa.
Liberia is a beautiful country that suffered from civil war and political unrest and later from the Ebola outbreak in 2014. Liberia is working towards surpassing her glory days and becoming a truly great nation once again. Thanks to Min. Eugene Nagbe and the Government of Liberia for their unwavering support towards this Festival.
The Boweh Foundation is hosting the festival and events will run from mid-July and will climax during the London Notting Hill Carnival at the end of August. The Festival will include an Exhibition on Liberia's history, highlight cultural dance, food, arts, crafts and tourism. This will be the first time in the history of the London Notting Hill Carnival in which Liberia will be represented and is also the 50 th anniversary of the famous Notting Hill Carnival.
We are proud to have some of our local artists flying in to be part of this great event. Some of the artists are Leslie Lumeh, a self-taught professional who has made remarkable strides both locally and internationally over the 23-year span of his career as an artist, illustrator, cartoonist and teacher, with many brilliant art projects to his credit. Chase Walker – an amazing illustrator; He has done a series of children books like Shoe’s that fit, Varney, Gbagba, Red Rooster among others. Sponsors are welcome to come onboard on this historic journey to London.
The Boweh Foundation was founded by Jerry Boweh, who was born in Liberia, West Africa and currently resides in Scotland. Boweh has a BA in Youth and Community Development and a MA in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Boweh possesses a strong desire to contribute to communities, schools and society with the intention of promoting social and cultural integration and tolerance, especially amongst those of younger generations.
Boweh is the Founder of African Youth Development Action Project (AYDAP), an international charity registered in the UK and operates in Africa, mainly Liberia.
Boweh has over 15 years of music and community experience and is currently the Director of Music and Training at Africa House. His creativity and innovative profile is illustrated through his work in the following roles and positions held: Founder and Director, LIFT-Liberia Social Enterprise promoting Identity, Community Cohesion and Celebration, Founder and Director of African Youth Development Action Project AYDAP, Founder and Musical Director, Glasgow Gospel Choir, and Founder/ Writer for ZUBA Band- Winners of the 2006 JPF Music Award for Best African Album of the Year.
Dear Family and Friends,
All Roads lead to The amazing Afro Business International Expo 2016 taking place on the 15th and 16th of September 2016 in Reading Berkshire.
The Afro Business International Expo creates a perfect avenue for UK Businesses to partner effectively and invest in viable business in Africa ranging from IT, Energy, Property development, Manufacturing, Retail, Agriculture and many more.
THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO GET INVOLVED
1. Exposure to EU investment opportunities
2. Access to UK investors and the investment community
3. A record average of $500M worth of investments to Africa
4. Prolific networking opportunities with key stakeholders
5. Creating and building new networks and partnerships
Join us at THE PENTA HOTEL AND CONFERENCE , Oxford Road, Reading to identify and develop business with Africa in a secure environment For more info on tickets, visit the website –
This years Expo, also gives YOU the opportunity to fully take advantage of selling/exhibiting products at the amazing BROAD STREET MALL, which attracts well over 20,000 shoppers
Please contact any of the under-listed persons, If you wish to make enquires about booking a stall at Broad Street mall,
Ngozi Fakeye info@afrobusinessexpo.com
+44(0) 7985 188400
Enyidiya Uwa Ojike info@afrobusinessexpo.com
+234(0) 8033036762
alternatively you can also contact ME ( Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez )on +447882809005
Also watch this space for more updates T.T.F
Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim,the CEO of GHANA NIGERIA ACHIEVERS AWARD in his opening remarks stated that the initiative was set up in order to appreciate the effort of some individuals that are blazing the trail in their respective field of endeavor.He said that the event was its first edition and hoped that subsequently so many other people who are doing great and positive things would be recognized.He urged companies and well meaning individuals to always support such initiatives that unites Ghana and Nigeria while creating a platform to motivate people into remaining committed to hardwork and Excellence.
Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye,Ghana’s minister of Youth and Sports who was the special Guest of Honor commended the effort of the organizers and pledged that his ministry would keep doing things that positively projects the image of Ghana while encouraging citizens of the two countries to become passionate in making these two countries a better place for all to live.He called on the Awardees to see the honour as a moral booster to continuously contribute positively to the society.
Several other personalities from the Entertainment industry,Academia,Business etc were present at the event..Hon Nii Lantey Vanderpuye,Victoria Michaels,Akuma Mama Zimbi,Kafui Dey,Barr. Ogochukwu Nweke and so many others received Award on the day.In all it was an exciting event and the Organizers assured that the next edition would be more exciting.Top comedians and Artistes added glamour to the event coupled with good music from DJ Sly, one of the best DJ’s in Africa.
Dear Elders, Family and Friends,
I am pleased to inform you that I will be organising BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS at JUBILEE ROOM, UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT for the 4TH YEAR IN A ROW in conjunction with THE MP FOR READING WEST – MP ALOK SHARMA on Thursday the 27th of October 2016 at 1pm on the dot.
This is A SPECIAL INVITE EVENT ONLY and all 60 invited guests will be notified by email with a SPECIAL INVITATION LETTER very soon.
KEY SPEAKER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CLEBRATIONS, UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT 2016
DR Winston George Ellis – BLACK BRITISH CELEBRITY ACTOR (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN AND DARK KNIGHT) DR ELLIS IS ALSO A THREE TIMES WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPION
MR ARTHUR TORRINGTON – PROJECT DIRECTOR OF WINDRUSH FOUNDATION & CO-FOUNDER OF THE OLAUDAH EQUIANO SOCIETY
MR James Henshaw JUNIOR – FOUNDER OF THE JAMES ENE HENSHAW FOUNDATION. THE LATE DR JAMES ENE HENSHAW WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN INDIGENOUS PLAYWRIGHT TO BE PUBLISHED INTERNATIONALLY
MR David Smith– DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH AFRICAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE
LADY Angie Amra Anderson– Artistic Director of AMRA Productions and PIONEER OF AFRICAN ARTS IN THE UK.
MR RICHARD Richard Duke– SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR, HUMAN CAPITAL STRATEGIST AND COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR
PERFORMING ARTISTS
ACD ARTS FROM EAST AFRICA MANAGED BY Steven Kasamba
THE TWINING BOYS FROM WEST AFRICA
SPECIAL GUESTS SO FAR
MP FOR READING WEST – MP ALOK SHARMA – SPONSOR
MP FOR NEWCASTLE CENTRAL – MP CHI Chi Onwurah
MP FOR WINDSOR- MP ADAM AFRIYIE
MP FOR OCHIL AND SOUTH PERTHSHIRE- MP TASMINA SHEIKH
SIERRA LEONE HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK & IRELAND – HIS EXCELLENCY SIR Edward M Turay
MEDIA PARTNERS –
FOCUS AFRICA – MANAGED BY Atta Kouassi
AFRICAN CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT- MANAGED BY STEVE KASAMBA
9jadiaspora – MANAGED BY Toibudeen Oduniyi
OUTERGLOBE -MANAGED BY Debbie Golt
TrueAfrican Heritage– MANAGED BY Rukayat Aderewa Basaru
AFRICAN SHOW , BLAST 1383- MANAGED BY Real O’Rael
SIMBA MEDIA PRODUCTIONS- MANAGED BY Simba Smp
AFRICANA- MANAGED BY RICHARD Richard Freeman Oluyinka
Esoe Remo – MANAGED BT TOKUNBO
Spaces still available for Sponsorship , For more info, contact is TODAY on +447882809005
AS PART OF ONGOING INITIATIVES FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH, I AM ALSO AVAILABLE TO GIVE TALKS AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS ON BLACK HISTORY THEMES & WEST AFRICAN HISTORY TO COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & SMALL GROUPS AT AFFORDABLE RATES ON SELECTED DATES IN SEPTEMBER AND SPECIFIC DAYS IN OCTOBER- YOU CAN BOOK EARLY BY RINGING +447882809005, ALTERNATIVELY, SEND ME AN EMAIL TO afripoet@gmail.com
Watch this space for more updates
T.T. F
#bbest
Twitter @bbestofficial
F.B page: http://www.facebook.com/b2best
Video youtube link
Dear Elders, Family and Friends,
Only yesterday, The GHANA NIGERIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS took place at The British Council in Accra, Ghana
I feel deeply humbled and honoured to have won AN AWARD FOR POSITIVELY AFFECTING THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND CONSTANTLY PROJECTING THE GOOD IMAGE OF NIGERIANS IN THE DIASPORA
Unfortunately, I was not able to be in Ghana this year for the event but I will like to say a big thank you Comrade Barry Ndu N and The whole team atNigerian Youths Ghana for this great award.
The Special Guest of Honour at the Event was Hon. Minister for Youths and Sports Ghana, Hon. Nii Lantey Vanderpuye who stood in for The President of Ghana
ONCE AGAIN A BIG THANK YOU TO THE AMAZING TEAM IN GHANA , EVEN THOUGH THIS IS MY 13TH AWARD, IT SIMPLY SEEMS LIKE THE FIRST
I also provide the following :
MC Hosting for corporate functions, business expos and network seminars
Motivational Talks for Schools, Universities and Community groups
Emotional Well being, Creative confidence and Bespoke educational modules as part of Youth Empowerment projects/programmes & initiatives in Africa
Customised social media services for Campaigns, Entrepreneurs, Start up businesses, and Social Events across various Social media channels
Talks and Video Presentations on themes related to West African History and Black History
CONTACT US TODAY ON +447882809005 TO MAKE A BOOKING, OR DROP US AN EMAIL : afripoet@gmail.com
T.T.F
IN MEMORY OF ALTON STERLING (TRIBUTE POEM) BY TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ
From the break of dawn,
The morn unfolds with a dirge of new tears,
The “Gentle Giant” has gone,
Silenced . . .
By the developed dogs of of and underdeveloped world,
Bleak music fills the air with repeated gunshots,
Another day, Same old story
From the break of dawn,
The Eyes of justice turns blind to the rhythm of old and new voices,
And the hopes of brothers are shattered, by the fresh tones of more triggers,
Yet the uncivil eyes of a civil world just watch,
proclaiming false poetry of first world notions
lost in the grades of 5th world motions
From the break of dawn……..
We shall rise ..
aimed with hope,
blessed with love
And a brand new song
Written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez
The 6th annual Ethiopian Sports & Culture Festival London will be taking place on
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2016 at The West Ham Memorial, 71 Holland Road, , E15 8BP from 12 Noon to 8pm. This is an event you cannot afford to miss.
Come and be part of a colourful day of Football, athletics, talent show , tug of war and cultural activities including music, circus show, popular quiz and children games.
Also food and merchandise will be made available by businesses and charities.
Transport: West Ham Underground Station: (District, Hammersmith and Circle and Jubilee lines) and DLR Station
Bus 276
Contact Numbers:
General:07463 323 252
Event: 07958353684
07956 876565
Media:
Stalls:/07932068838 07833045056.
Volunteers:
Any one wanting to volunteer please call/email us!
ethiosport@escf.co.uk , www.escf.co.uk.
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 