Synopsis 

Starr Blacks, real name Ralston Anthony Paige, was born on 16 May 1977 in Kingston Jamaica to Linette Morris and Winston Paige. After graduating from High School at the ageof 18 Starr Blacks moved to South Korea, on a school scholarship where he was trained as a Manager and Supervisor for a worldwide shoe company.

At age 19, he moved back home to Kingston Jamaica to live with his mother and siblings. As a teenager, friends nicknamed him “Blacks”; because of his complexion. This later became his stage name “Mr Blacks”;. It was not long before his friends noticed that he had a star born talent and changed his nickname to “Starr Blacks”.

Early Life

After returning home from his scholarship in South Korea, Starr Blacks worked as a youth journalist with the Sunday Herald. From 1995 to 1999 he had various jobs as a waiter/bartender at the Golden Dragon Restaurant, Countryside Club, Courtleigh Hotel, and Shamrock Party Service.

In the year 2000 Starr Blacks came to the United Kingdom to find a better life for his family.

The first few years were difficult for him and being away from his family made it harder.

However, with the love and support of his family and friends; Starr Blacks enrolled on a computer course and was later able to find work. This was the starting point in his life in the United Kingdom.

In his spare time Starr Blacks wrote songs and would have free style entertainment sessions with his friends. Not long after performing freestyle with friends, Starr Blacks turned to performances at local parties.

Career

From a young age, music has always been close to Starr Blacks' heart and at 23 years he started writing his own songs. In 2006 Starr Black's hard work for writing and performing his songs were paid off when he got a recording contract for a year with Street Vibes Records.

Getting a contract with Street Vibes Records inspired him to venture out on his own. His first major performance was on a London Tour alongside one of Jamaica's biggest reggae superstar, Busy Signal. Starr Blacks has also done performances in London, including Lewisham People Day, East London Carnival, Jamaica National Yearly Concert in Brixton and Luton Carnival. Despite his performances, getting a big break as a reggae artist in the UK has proved to be a hard challenge due to reggae music not being main stream in the UK at the time.

As the years went by Starr Blacks was faced with hard challenges to maintain his family. With not making enough money in the music industry, Starr Blacks was forced to make hard a decision and this lead him to taking a break from his music career in order to get a fulltime job to raise his family. Between 2012 and 2014 he started to focus again on his music. He started to make an appearance in the reggae scene collaborating with other artists such as Towa World Orda, Chris Militant, Fashionlinx, Real Askel, Tiny Neferty and Bravess Family.

In 2014 Starr Blacks got his big break signing up with Golden Platinum Empire Recording Label, and he has already been receiving positive feedbacks from the release of his first song with the company  “Prayer”

Look out for Starr Blacks because he has a lot more to come!!

In a dinner organized by the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow to host the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Gofrey Onyeama. The minister met with staff of the Nigerian Embassy and the leaders of the Diaspora community.

The chairman of the Russian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora organization (NIDO Russia) who is also a member of the Board of trustees of NIDO Europe, Mr. Rex Essenowo, said that the visit of the Minister was long awaited. While discussing issues the Diaspora leader advised the Hon. Minister that Nigeria-Russia relations can be more fruitful if Nigeria appoints a Russian speaking Ambassador to the Russian Federation.  He stressed that such a person will understand the culture of friendship and mentality of the Russian people, which in turn will bring more benefits to both sides. Mr Essenowo also expressed the importance and benefits Nigeria stands to gain by establishing the Diaspora Commission, a bill that has suffered many fates and went through both houses of the National Assembly twice. He said a good response will foster wider cooperation with Russia in technological and infrastructural development, creating employment for citizens, and can as well double or even triple trade balance between their countries.

The minister visited Russia to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov..
Several talks were held between Nigeria and Russia.

Also, on the 31st of May, in company of the African Diplomatic community and dignitaries and representatives from Russia and other countries, there was a joint celebration of the Africa Day which is started on the 25th of May.

The event took place at the banquet hall of the Russian ministry of External affairs.

 

A new dawn in history unfolded, as chapter members from  The Nigerians in The Diaspora Organization Europe  (NIDO) met in the City of Dortmund for a memorable Nido Europe Summit on Friday the 26^th of May and Saturday the 27^th of May at The LENSING – CAREE CONFERENCE CENTRE, Silberstrasse 21  44137   Dortmund, Germany

Distinguished Key Speakers, Entrepreneurs , Politicians, Community Leaders and NIDO Chapter members travelled from far and wide to experience and participate in an inspirational thought provoking event  packed with presentations, workshops, new partnerships, networking, media interviews and the urgent need to  plan and implement sort term and long term initiatives for the social and economical development of business, trade and an enabling environment in Nigeria.

I was also in Dortmund, Germany to promote the summit but also to gather the thoughts of distinguished community leaders and NIDO Chapter members who travelled from far and wide.

One of the amazing NIDO Members I got to speak to was The Chairman of Nigerians in The Diaspora Russia – Mr Rex Essenowo

Mr Essenowo is also a world peace and development advocate as well as an African diaspora consultant

 

TTF   It is a pleasure to meet you here for the very first time here at THE NIDO EUROPE SUMMIT in Germany.  Can you tell our African Online audience of over 6,000 Members, a bit about yourself and your background?  ?

Rex Essenowo: A Russian based Nigerian, I am Rex Essenowo, I am the Chairman of Nigerians in The Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Russia and a member of The BOT NIDO Europe.

I am very passionate about African development especially with reference to Nigeria

 

TTF : What has inspired you most about THE NIDO SUMMIT here in Dortmund and what are three most valuable lessons you have learnt over the last few  days ?

Rex  Essenowo :  The spirit and the urge about finding solutions to Africa,s challenges . I have learnt that there are no problems without solutions .

We can achieve a lot and we are together we are capable and equipped to merge different projects

 

TTF:   What are your thoughts on the Vision of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation EUROPE (NIDO) as an organization?

Rex Essenowo:   Our organisation is involved in empowering The Youth in Nigeria and changing the life of Nigerians for the better.

 

TTF: If our online audience wants to know more about what you do, are there any social media  Platforms or websites that people can check out?

Rex Essenowo I am on facebook, twitter and some other platforms

 

I had the pleasure to catch up with a passionate African Ambassador with a profound passion for Poetry, Politics and Humanity.

Mr Tunji Offeyi is a name you need to remember as he is determined to set the pace and make a positive difference to African communities in the Diaspora.

Africa continues to produce young innovative advocates with vision, foresight and a raw sense of energy and Tunji is definitely one of them

Mr Tunji Offeyi is a Journalist, Poet and Speech Writer/maker and global analyst. He is also The President and Founder of Diaspora African youth congress UK.   He shared his thoughts with me on some very inspirational viewpoints.

Welcome to the World of  TUNJI OFFEYI

 

TTF it is a pleasure to meet you.   Can you tell our African Online audience of over 6,000 Members, a bit about yourself and your background?

 

TUNJI OFFEYI: I am Tunji Offeyi a London based poet and global analyst. I am happily married to a Hungarian woman by the name Kitty. I ran for the Labour Party councillorship ticket unsuccessfully, now a member of the Libdems.I have been into politics right from my undergraduate days at Lagos State University in Nigeria where I was the first unopposed  President of English Studies Students Association ESSA-LASU.As a poet I have published a book titled Echoes from the Soul and I continue to write. Currently doing my postgraduate in International Relations at Staffordshire University .I enjoy travelling and have been to 10 countries at the last count (mainly in Europe) and the journey continues. I have also done thrilling speeches across the black community in the UK especially in the South East where I once lived. Lastly I am a member of the United Nations organisation UK.And currently campaigning against the zero hour contract in conjunction with Hertfordshire University School of Law.

 

 TTF: What are the three most important things you are passionate about in Life?

: TUNJI OFFEYI    : Justice, politics and Poetry.

 

TTF:  How important do you feel it is to maximise your passion to represent the voice of the people and the voiceless?

 

TUNJI OFFEYI: Right from my days as a journalist writing for The Week magazine back in Lagos Nigeria. I have always used my pen to speak against the ills of the society. Many years after I continue to do so. Even here in the UK. My poem titled Africa Feed Thy Hero is a lampoon on the treatment meted out to the African Child.

 

  TTF: What plans do you have to make a positive difference to Africans in the Diaspora?

 

 : TUNJI OFFEYI     Once I floated the Diasporas African Youths Congress UK.I knew I cannot afford to look back. Although it’s seems it’s an idea whose time is yet to come but still I am not getting discouraged as I strongly believe in a new Africa where dreams can come true starting from  here in the Diaspora. I refuse to despise the days of little beginnings.

 

TTF:  If our online audience wants to know more about what you do, are there any social media

Platforms or websites that people can check out? 

 

 

 : TUNJI OFFEYI      I can be reached through tjthepoet@gmail.com ,oooffeyi@yahoo.com,Facebook with the name Tunji Bigsam Offeyi

 

 

 

 

 

A new dawn in history unfolded, as chapter members form  The Nigerians in The Diaspora Organization Europe  (NIDO) met in the City of Dortmund for a memorable Nido Europe Summit on Friday the 26^th of May and Saturday the 27^th of May at The LENSING – CAREE CONFERENCE CENTRE, Silberstrasse 21  44137   Dortmund, Germany

Distinguished Key Speakers, Entrepreneurs , Politicians, Community Leaders and NIDO Chapter members travelled from far and wide to experience and participate in an inspirational thought provoking event  packed with presentations, workshops, new partnerships, networking, media interviews and the urgent need to  plan and implement sort term and long term initiatives for the social and economical development of business, trade and an enabling environment in Nigeria.

I was also in Dortmund, Germany to promote the summit but also to gather the thoughts of distinguished community leaders and NIDO Chapter members who travelled from far and wide.

One of the amazing NIDO Members I got to speak to was a past  Chairman for Nigerians in The Diaspora Organisaation Europe and an active politician and humanitarian based in Belgium- Hon Nweke.

I had spoken to Hon Nweke several times on the phone, so it was a pleasure to meet him for the very first time in person in Dortmund, Germany.  Some of his thoughts on the summit can be found below

 

TTF :  It is a pleasure to meet you here for the very first time here at THE NIDO EUROPE SUMMIT in Germany.  Can you tell our African Online audience of over 6,000 Members, a bit about yourself and your background?  ?

 

HON NWEKE  I am currently a two –term Councillor at Osetend City Council and Global affairs analyst with a number of Afro-centric media houses. I am also the past Continental Chairman of NIDO EUROPR from 2011-2013

 

TTF:   What has inspired you most about THE NIDO SUMMIT here in Dortmund and what are three most valuable lessons you have learnt over the last few  days ?

HON NWEKE :

1. Qualitative and relevant topics
2. A good mix of audience
3. Comfortable meeting venue and hotel

 

 

TTF: What are your thoughts on the Vision of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation EUROPE (NIDO) as an organization?

 

HON NWEKE :

This is an organisation with great potential, one that is set to be more relevant in the coming years as Africa gets set to take its rightful place in the world stage.

In all of these , purposeful leadership will be critical  

 

 

 

 

.   If our online audience wants to know more about what you do, are there any social media

          Platforms or websites that people can check out? 

www.collinsnweke.eu

Twitter    @collinsnweke

Instagram: Collins_nweke

Facebook      @collinsnweke

Whatsapp:    +32498345889

 

 

 

ABOUT HON. NWEKE 

He is Ex . BOT and Chair and Councillor , Ostend City Council, Belgium

Collins Nweke was born in Nigeria on 14 July 1965. He migrated to Belgium in 1993 and currently has dual Nigerian-Belgian citizenship.

Nweke has a good command of English, Dutch and some German. He lives with his wife, Tonia and two sons, Tonna Jessy (Teejay) Nweke (born 11 March 1994) and Chidi Rae Nweke (born 15 October 1996) in Ostend, Belgium. He is a frequent traveller to Nigeria, his country of origin, where virtually all members of the large Nweke family clan reside. His father, Obi (Eze) Adigwe Nweke, is a traditional ruler and member of Ndi Nze Traditional Ruling Council of his Igbuzo hometown. His mother, Loveth Nweke, died on 5 September 2014. In his speech accepting the Leadership Service Award in Berlin on 7 September 2014, Nweke dedicated the Award to his mother

Education

He trained in Mass Communications, International Business Management (BCom) and Management Social Economy (MSE) partly in Nigeria but mainly in Europe. He also holds a Belgian ‘Graduaat’ in Corporate Policy and a Doctor of Governance (Honoris Causa) awarded in 2014

Employment and Professional activities

Before migrating, Nweke taught English Literature at Omu Boys’ Secondary School, Ibusa. He then worked for five years at the United Bank for Africa plc.

In Belgium, he worked in a team providing the European Commission Justice & Home Affairs Directorate with comparative research and analyses of ethnic minority participation in European business and politics. He later led a team of students on internship from the University College of West-Flanders in the development of a resource center with employment services tailored towards the labour market needs of ethnic minority groups in 2004, culminating in a highly successful national conference of private–public partners. From 2001 to 2004 he was employed by the Ostend civil service department of Social Welfare^[3] where he established a digital Legal Research Centre for social and policy matters. He was co-Founder and first Chairman of the Jakoeboe Refugee Welfare Association in Ostend.

 

Nigerians in Diaspora in Europe

Nweke served as Chief Executive of the Board of Trustees of Nigerians in Diaspora in Europe (NIDO Europe) from 2004 – 2006 and as General Secretary from 2007 – 2009, and was elected Chairman in 2011. Collaborating with Global Diaspora in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Nweke was responsible for a structure with chapters in 18 European countries representing a Nigerian emigrant community (the “Diaspora”) of around 6 million, its objective to support the national development of Nigeria. Nweke played a leading role^[4] in researching and managing the Nigerian Diaspora input in the 2005 National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC) in Nigeria. He carried out research on the concept of “Out-of-Country Voting” and submitted a briefing to the Nigerian Senate on the subject, culminating in a vote in favor of writing the concept into law.

As Chairman, Nweke focused on Trade & Investment and the engendering of sustainable strategic management processes. He led a Trade Mission involving 45 Diaspora and 13 investment projects to the State of Osun, Nigeria in August 2012. However, Nweke’s efforts to reform the Memorandum and Articles of Association of NIDO Europe at a Summit in Zurich, Switzerland, were thwarted. At the conclusion of his two-year term of office in November 2013, he disbanded the seven-man Board of Trustees  and declined to remain in office.