MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER, AUTHOR,, CORPORATE MC, MENTOR, PROMOTER & AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE -UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION. WE PROMOTE THE SUCCESS STORIES OF AFRICANS & CARIBBEANS AROUND THE WORLD. CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005
Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez is an International Award Winner, Published Author & Poet, Broadcast Journalist, MC and Youth Empowerment Consultant . He is also The CEO of AFRICA4U and The Founder of Africans in The Diaspora
People also see him as a Cultural and Social entrepreneur, which means he is skilled in working with many different communities, bringing people together in successful focused events. Tony has organised many cultural events …involving both BME and mainstream communities. He is skilled in hosting events that reinforce community cohesion and bringing different kinds of people together. He has organised events in The UK, The U.S.A, Holland, Germany, Romania, Malta and Nigeria and has visited over 22 European Countries.
Tony has also organised The Black History Month Celebrations at The UK House of Parliament for over five years in a row
He continues to promote the true life and success stories of Africans in Europe and Africans around the world and has organised several small scale literary and awards initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
He has also spent time as an International broadcaster and was The Producer and Presenter for AFRICA4U International Radio Talk Show at Reading4u Radio Station for nearly three years.
Tony has interviewed high profile Members of Parliament, Distinguished celebrities and some of Africas best musicians including Ivonne Chaka Chaka and Kanda Bongoman.
He has also been a guest on BBC Radio on numerous occasions to discuss the community cohesion events he organises at UK House of Parliament and also to recite some of his published work in memory of Nelson Mandela, 50 Years Anniversary of The race relations act and major community issues. Tony has also a Guest on popular Radio stations in Nigeria and The States
In the last few years he has been very passionate about Youth empowerment, community cohesion and cultural intelligence.
Tony was born in South London and has lived in several parts of England and Nigeria . He started writing at the tender age of nine, a habit he expressed with creative enthusiasm. Tony writes Poetry, short stories and proverbs on personal development. He is currently working on his 4th book which will also be his first novel. He is also into Public Speaking at Special events and Social functions and is a Mentor for young people in the UK Community.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at The University of Lagos, Nigeria in English and World Literature. He later went on to attain a teaching qualification at The Frances King International Training Institute, South Kensington London, it was here he studied Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He also studied Web Design at The City University in London.
He published his first book in June 1999 called “The Beauty in the Dark” (A Collection of Poetry which received critical acclamation in many circles around the world). .Tony’s aim in life is to inspire the young generation and to encourage the youth to make the very best of their dreams and aspirations,. He published a 2nd book in June 2009 called ” The Sound of Running Water” – A Family gift book of proverbs and quotations on Personal Development and Positive Thinking .
In December 2009, he published his 3rd book called “One Moment of Peace”.- A collection of Poetry inspired by personal experiences and spiritual growth.
Besides the fact that the Artist has won International online awards, he is mostly inspired by Life experience, love, music and cultural awareness. He was Resident Poet at the 5th London Poetry Festival in 2009 and has been a guest on BBC Radio on very many occassions including The famous Anne Diamond Show. He has also been a guest on a few SKY TV stations and several International Radio Stations around The World
Cross River State is opening its doors to the world and you are invited to be part of the transformation.
Join us at the Cross River State Diaspora Investment Summit 2025, taking place November 17th–19th in London, UK. This landmark event is your gateway to high-impact opportunities in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and resource-rich states.
Come and see the high impact feasibility and viability of ongoing projects like the Bakassi Deep Seaport, Calabar – Ogoja Railway, Obudu International Cargo Airport, the Bakassi Real Estate Water Front, The Cross River State Information and Communication Technology Data Center etc.
Why Attend?
– Discover untapped investment potential across agriculture, tourism, tech, and infrastructure
– Connect with top government officials, diaspora entrepreneurs, and global business leaders.
– Explore incentives and strategic partnerships tailored for sustainable growth.
– Be part of a movement to reshape the future of Cross River through innovation and capital.
Location: London, UK
Dates: November 17th–19th, 2025
Theme: Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Whether you are a seasoned investor or exploring new frontiers, this summit offers a rare chance to align profit with purpose.
Donna Sergeant aka Dee Ess is a proud mother of two, a social innovator, and Service Manager for a children’s mental health charity. With over 35 years’ experience working with children, young people, and families, she has recently become a director of a community interest company, extending her commitment to creating lasting social change.
She is the creator of Love Doesn’t Forget: a podcast and upcoming book that blends storytelling with practical guidance around dementia, memory, and family love from a Black British perspective. Dee is also developing Tech Together, an intergenerational project that reflects her passion for innovative, culturally rooted solutions.
NIGERIA HOUSE BRADFORD will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT NIGERIA HOUSE BRADFORDCAN BE FOUND BELOW
At Nigeria-House, we proudly celebrate the rich heritage of African textiles and fashion. As a premier destination for authentic African clothing and fabrics, we curate a diverse selection that showcases the vibrant culture and artistry of Nigeria. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices sets us apart in the industry, as we strive to bring you not just products but stories woven into each piece. With a vision to empower local artisans, Nigeria-House fosters creativity while promoting traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. We invite you to explore our collection and experience the essence of Africa in every garment you wear.
JOACHIM KEKE will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
Joachim Keke: Dancing Between Cultures, Creating Across Borders.
In the heart of Bradford’s evolving cultural landscape, few artists embody the blend of bold tradition and modern expression like Joachim Keke A dancer, theatre artist, community facilitator and cultural visionary, Joachim has spent the last two years carving a path that not only showcases his craft, but also uplifts voices too often silenced especially those of Black and African heritage.
With roots in theatre and a deep devotion to African culture, Joachim’s performances are not just entertainment—they are living, moving conversations. As a creative and performing artist with Common Wealth Theatre, he has featured in multiple groundbreaking works which includes. “IN COMMON” a citizen-assembly-inspired piece reflecting on social inequality; “STILL WAITING”, a bold and necessary commission from Healthy Minds/Bradford and Craven NHS, addressing raw realities of mental health through immersive performance, “IDENTITY” a deeply personal dance showcase exploring identity and adaptation in unfamiliar spaces as well as working on research and development and co-devising elements of current
work, “PUBLIC INTREST”, which premiered in May 2025, and is part of Bradford
UK City of Culture’s programme
His ability to blend movement with meaning has made him more than just a performer—he’s a facilitator of dialogue. As a **Youth Lab Coordinator with common wealth and **freelance youth theatre director** with **Parkview Youth Theatre (Northern Broadsides) Joachim has supported directing performances such a “Brainstorm” and “Iron man” respectively, mentoring young voices, offering platforms for expression, connection, and healing through performance.
But his reach doesn’t stop at the stage. During **Black History Month**, Joachim co-led the **Black Heritage Day** at the University of Bradford, creating a rich tapestry of indigenous African fashion, music, and dance—an offering to the community, and a powerful reclaiming of identity.
Currently, Joachim is co-choreographing and performing in *So Far So Good*, a tender and humorous piece celebrating the freedom and joy of older adults. He has also contributed to performances at the **Men Porch Awards**, addressing men’s mental health, and the **ABA Gala Night**, where his rousing interpretation of *Still I Rise*—inspired by Maya Angelou—brought the audience to their feet.
Looking ahead, Joachim continues to expand his artistry, with an upcoming **aerial performance commissioned by Bradford 2025** in Shipley and new collaborations with **Brave** , BAFA and other creative platforms on the horizon.
In addition to his UK-based work, Joachim brings a rich legacy from Nigeria. As Artistic Director at Touche Imperium, he led creative direction on numerous theatre productions. With Thespian Family Theatre, he graced major stages, and during his time as a Drama Teacher at Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy, he used movement-led, student-focused methods to ignite youth participation.
Driven by a desire to **celebrate African culture** and fuelled by a love for performance, Joachim’s work connects heritage with hope. He is not just telling stories—he is building bridges, challenging norms, and reminding us all of the beauty in movement, memory, and identity.
KENZIE JAYNE will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT KENZIE JAYNE AND HER INITIATIVE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Blvck Ic3 is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, musician, and DJ based in Bradford, UK. With roots in classical dance training and a passion for community empowerment, their creative journey blends movement, music, and storytelling into bold, socially conscious expression.
Beginning their dance training at just three years old with the Dewhirst School of Dance through the National Association of Teachers of Dance (NATD), they studied Ballet and Tap before expanding into Modern, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Street Dance, and Commercial styles. By age 10, they had completed the NATD Rainbow Award and received a trophy from Craig Revel Horwood for their performance.
At 15, Blvck Ic3 began exploring music production and DJing, quickly gaining local recognition performing across venues in Bradford. Their original music, first released in 2024, delves into themes of mental health, self-worth, social boundaries, and creative freedom.
In addition to their artistic practice, they are passionate about youth and community work. After earning a Level 2 qualification in Youth Work in 2022, they launched Steppers, a community dance initiative with groups for youth aged 12 and under, 12 and over, and adults—providing a platform for expression, movement, and confidence-building.
Blvck Ic3 continues to break boundaries across disciplines, inspiring others through both personal artistry and collective action.
BABES OF THE MOST HIGH will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT BABES OF THE MOST HIGH CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Babes of the Most High is a notable community initiative that focuses on empowering women and addressing issues affecting them. Here are some of the key roles and contributions of the organization within the community:
1. Empowerment and Education: The initiative offers programs aimed at educating women and girls about their rights, health, and personal development. This includes workshops, seminars, and training sessions that enhance skills and knowledge.
2. Support Network: Babes of the Most High provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other. This fosters a sense of community and belonging among members.
3. Mental Health Awareness: The organization raises awareness about mental health issues and provides resources and support for women struggling with mental health challenges. This is particularly crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in many communities.
4. Community Service: Babes of the Most High engages in community service projects, such as organizing health fairs, food drives, and mentorship programs for young women and girls. This strengthens community ties and addresses immediate needs.
5. Leadership Development: The organization encourages women to take on leadership roles within the community. Through mentorship and training, it aims to cultivate future leaders who can advocate for women’s issues.
6. Cultural Awareness: The initiative often incorporates cultural aspects, promoting positive representation and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of its members. This fosters inclusivity and appreciation for different cultures within the community
7. Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations, businesses, and local governments to amplify their impact. These partnerships help in resource mobilization and outreach efforts.
8. Spiritual Guidance and Empowerment: We offer spiritual mentorship to women, helping them grow in faith and in their personal relationship with God. Through Bible studies, prayer groups, and faith-based gatherings, the group could empower women to navigate life with a faith-driven mindset. By nurturing spiritual growth, the group fosters a stronger sense of moral and ethical values within the community. This can lead to a more compassionate, supportive, and closely-knit community that upholds these values.
Through these roles, Babes of the Most High plays a significant part in enhancing the well-being of women and the community at large, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
MrMartin Scott will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT MARTIN SCOTT CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Martin Scott short bio.
My name is Martin Scott. I am a member of the Bradford Black History Committee, which is chaired by Nigel Guy MBE.
I am a Black African Caribbean Teacher of 24 years with an MA in Education. My action research approach studies focused on the effectiveness of Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning in educational settings.
I try to include and explore these issues in theatrical pieces, prose, music and films that I create. I am also a self taught musician and a member of the Leeds music house gospel choir.I have collaborated with various musicians in Bradford and Leeds on multiple projects.
I have also created a mini documentary called ‘Seeing with imagination’ which reflects on members of Bradford’s Black Caribbean community and the way they have overcome trauma through connection with the wider community.
I am currently working as a humanities teacher in Bradford at a school located in a definitively deprived area. In my opinion, for the students to know how to build bridges, cultural capital and an expression of their ideas and emotions outside of their own cultural references is needed.
I have a passion for trying to encourage unheard voices opportunities to be heard and understood. My belief is that it will help Bradford to grow into an even better artistically active and engaged multicultural city.
Mr Akinwale Ogundipe will be one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT AKINWALE OGUNDIPE CAN BE FOUND BELOW
Akinwale Ogundipe — Arts and Culture Strategist with a Focus on Community Innovation and Ethical Tech
Akinwale Ogundipe is a Cultural Development Practitioner championing arts, heritage, and community innovation, with a career spanning over 20 years across Africa (Nigeria, Uganda, and Cameroon) and the United Kingdom (Bradford).
His work sits at the intersection of arts and culture, community engagement, artificial intelligence (AI), and programme management, with a strong focus on inclusive participation and cultural sustainability.
Akinwale brings a participatory and impact-driven approach to supporting creative growth, drawing on his extensive experience of developing and managing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems to strengthen the visibility, voice, and value of local cultural expressions. Arts & Culture Engagement
Akinwale has played a central role in promoting cultural heritage preservation and creative sector development in both Nigeria and the UK. He was exposed to arts and culture during his days as a teenager, attending cultural festivals and community rites.
He was the president of a social-cultural student club called the Kegites club back in his undergraduate programme at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Nigeria.
He won the best club on camp award for the 1999/2000 academic year.
He currently leads strategic monitoring and evaluation efforts for The Leap Bradford CIC, a creative place-based programme in Bradford, UK, facilitating inclusive cultural participation and capacity-building among artists and communities.
He has designed and delivered initiatives such as:
Culture and Heritage week during the yearly student union week at the Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Nigeria.
The Arts, Culture and Heritage Creatives Workshops in Nigerian secondary schools, which nurture young talents through cultural education, monthly activities, and creative engagements,
Oversight and support for community-led arts initiatives under the Creative Places Partner (CPP) programme, including documenting the diversity of awardees and assessing the social impact of funded projects.
The Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme capacity development as a Master Trainer for Community Researchers, where he supports the development of a local cultural workforce by training and mentoring individuals to document, evaluate, and shape arts and culture initiatives from within their communities.
Supporting cultural festivals research, such as the ongoing study into the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), focusing on heritage preservation and intercultural connection. Creative programming that integrates intergenerational participation, including storytelling sessions, truck art installations, and community heritage projects.
Volunteering & Community Leadership Akinwale is deeply embedded in grassroots cultural development. His volunteer experiences include:
Served as Children’s Extra Class Coordinator at his church back in Nigeria, developing inclusive programs that introduce children to arts, culture, and storytelling.
Served as a system-strengthening volunteer with the Volunteering Bradford team, where I designed a basic case management tool and trained programme staff.
Served as event runner and venue assistant for the Bradford Literature Festival in 2023 and 2025.
Serving as a volunteer Community researcher, master trainer, and event evaluator for the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme.
Volunteering for a community-focused organisation like Johnson Community Support Initiative (JCSI) to deliver arts and heritage workshops in schools, offering mentorship and co-developing local awards and cash grants for young creatives.
Supporting several cultural workshops and festivals through logistical planning, training, and the facilitation of feedback loops between organisers and local participants. These engagements reflect his commitment to cultural access, youth empowerment, and the sustainability of heritage knowledge systems.
Academic Background Akinwale holds: MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics from the University of Bradford, UK MSc in Health Management (Public Health) from the International Telematic University UNINETTUNO, Italy These academic foundations have enabled him to explore the interplay of emerging technologies, health, and culture, particularly how AI can serve the public good through culturally sensitive frameworks and ethical deployment.
Research Interests Akinwale’s current research interest is on developing an ethical AI framework for evaluating cultural policy and measuring the social impact of arts and cultural programmes.
This research aims to: Integrate participatory evaluation methodologies that reflect the lived experiences, voices, and values of cultural stakeholders and creative communities. Design trust-based and transparent AI systems that respect cultural sovereignty and advance equity in how data is collected, analysed, and interpreted within the arts. Adopt a collaborative, mixed-methods approach, co-designing AI-driven evaluation tools with artists, cultural leaders, policymakers, and data practitioners to ensure relevance, accountability, and community ownership.
His proposed framework seeks to balance responsibility, compliance, and creativity, ensuring AI tools used in the sector are inclusive, non-exploitative, and capable of enhancing community well being
Race Equality Network Bradford will b one of the award recipients at OUR AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS AND CARIBBEANS LIVING IN YORKSHIRE taking place this Friday the 3rd of October at The Banqueting Hall, City Hall, Bradford at 5.30pm .
INFORMATION ABOUT THEM CAN BE FOULND BELOW
ABOUT RACE EQUALITY NETWORK BRADFORD
Race Equality Network (REN) is a registered charity supporting over 60 grassroots Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) groups and organisations working with ethnically diverse communities across Bradford District and Craven.
We are dedicated to championing race equality at both grassroots and strategic levels, ensuring key services like education, employment, health, social care, housing, training, and volunteering are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
What We Do:
Support for Members: Advice and guidance for VCS groups.
EDI Training: Expert training on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Collaboration: Co-production and networking opportunities.
Partnerships: Building strong links with the public sector.
Advocacy: Promoting equality and inclusion at every level.
At REN, we’re committed to creating an inclusive future where all communities thrive.
I am a community-focused leader, entrepreneur, and chartered accountant, dedicated to creating lasting impact through empowerment, cultural promotion, and practical support. As the founder of Juicy African Kitchen Limited, I have built more than a business — it is a platform for employment, training, and development, helping local people gain skills, confidence, and opportunities for growth.
From 2011 to 2016, I served as President of Igbo Union Yorkshire, CIC, where I delivered tremendous achievements that strengthened cultural identity and community cohesion.
I have also contributed nationally, serving for 7 years as Financial Secretary of Ogbako Ndi Igbo UK & Ireland, using my professional expertise to drive accountability, sustainability, and growth. I currently serve as a Board Trustee of the Nigerian Community Leeds, where I continue to support the advancement and integration of Nigerians within the wider Leeds community.
Beyond leadership, I am passionate about youth development. Over the years, I have successfully mentored five young people in Yorkshire, guiding them from college through to becoming high-profile employees in leading organisations. In 2024, I organised and funded a day trip for 86 children from ethnic minority backgrounds to Flamingo Land Resort, and in 2025, I sponsored a further trip for 58 children to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, ensuring access to experiences that promote confidence, joy, and inclusion. Through my professional expertise, entrepreneurial initiatives, and tireless community service, I remain committed to empowering individuals, uplifting families, and strengthening communities across Yorkshire and beyond.
One Sentence Award Citation “A dedicated community leader, entrepreneur, and mentor, Matthew Chinedu Nkemdirim (ESQ) is recognised for empowering individuals through employment, training, and youth development, while enriching communities across Yorkshire through tireless service and cultural promotion.”
Location: London, UK
Dates: November 17th–19th, 2025
Theme: Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Sustainable Growth with the People’s First Agenda of Senator Prince Bassey Otu.
Register here: https://cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng/crs-investment-summit
For partnership inquiries: ignatius.oli@cridcom.crossriverstate.gov.ng or justin.udie@adahx.com
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 