NO TO XENO

I open not my lips to speak or even whisper
But I’m obliged by my poetic pen
To voice my pain against this reign of slaying.
If my words wouldn’t change a thing,
My silence wouldn’t do either
Hence I must speak at the peak of my voice.

Brainwashed Bags,Diluted in foreign ponds,

A thousand coconuts lost in the maze of the cold wind,

The perfect camouflage, of smart clothes, sweet smiles and soft voices,

but lets read in between the lines,

lets romance the content of the statement that lies within you

Have you forgotten your past?

Have you forgotten that we once danced round the palace of palm trees?

And bathed together from the story of the same bucket

Lets read between the lines

and measure the depth of your story

For we all know “You are n African”

On Friday the 12th of June, Ferdinard Lawson- Award Winning Author   will be be one of the speakers at the AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK, which shall be taking  place on Friday the 12th of June at 6pm at The Stables Hall, the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB

Ferdinard Senyo Lawson is an award winning author (BEFFTA BEST AUTHOR, 2013) of many motivational and inspirational books. Mr. Ferdinard Senyo Lawson is a publication consultant, a columnist in one the biggest Christian magazine in United Kingdom (THE VYN MAGAZINE), Modernghana.com and the African Dazzle Magazine (UK). Ferdinard Senyo Lawson studied Public health and social care (BSs) and currently a full member of the Royal Society for Public Health in UK (MRSPH).

Mr Lawson’s mandate therefore is to empower, motivate and encourage the individuals to remain focused in achieving their dreams and impacting lives. Mr Lawson also strongly believed that, as individuals, we all have the ability to change our mind-set in order to change the beliefs we holds for ourselves upon especially the way we see our world.

Although Mr. Lawson accepts the fact that, changing our belief system is not an easy task, He began to put some vital ideas in his book (IGNITING THE POWER OF YOUR CREATIVE MIND) to enable others to develop a positive and regenerated mind-sets about the way they perceived themselves and the world around them (IGNITE YOUR MIND: RENEW AND CHANGE YOUR WORLD)

Ferdinard’s passion for services to the lord including his loyalty in the area of serving men of god is unparalleled; particularly regarding his current worship and service in the house of Judah (praise) ministries, where he serves as the senior armour bearer to Bishop Michael Hutton-Wood in the United Kingdom.

MR. Ferdinard Senyo Lawson lives in Shirley – Croydon (UK) with his wife Deborah and their two lovely children, Prince Joshua and Princess Jessica Lawson.

Pax Nindi FRSA

After studying Printing Science and Graphical Reproduction, Pax Nindi started his career as a qualified printer in Zimbabwe, before moving to the UK in the mid 80’s where he founded Paxvision, a community video project in London.

He later established himself as a filmmaker, and an event organiser setting up Festivals such as Deptford Days (UK) and Chimanimani (Zimbabwe).

Until 1996, for ten years he served as a senior member in the Arts Council of England national office where he wrote and published the National Carnival Arts Strategy as well as initiate and edited On Route Carnival book. During that time for two years he produced international Carnival Conferences, researched and initiated International Carnival Fellowships for ten artists in Brazil, Trinidad, Europe and USA.

Pax has been a Fundraiser and Cultural Arts Consultant for various arts organisations including Leeds West Indian Carnival (UK), Junkanoo Commandos (Bahamas), Notting Hill Carnival (UK), Maracatu Mafua (UK/Brazil), Miami Carnival (USA) Recife and Olinda Carnivals (Brazil), Carifete (Canada) and Rampage Mas Band (UK) and Tumaini Education Trust (Kenya). He is a Patron for Culture Mix and Carnaval del Peublo.

He has also worked as a Marketing and Cultural Consultant for Western Union, Consultant Arts Programmer for Richmix, The Tabernacle, Luton, Lewisham, Hackney and Bristol local authorities, National Advisor and Consultant for Arts Council of England, South Africa Arts, Sports and Culture department, Arts Council of Wales and Arts Council of Ireland.

He is a contributing writer and radio presenter for radios, magazines and newspapers such as The Voice, Soca News, Ujima Radio (UK), BBC Radio London annual Carnival broadcast in Notting Hill Carnival and Radio Amnesia (Brazil). In 2013 he presented Hackney Carnival live webcast and was the author and publisher of the “Rampage – In Pursuit for Carnival Excellence” carnival book.

As a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and an international carnival consultant, Pax is a keen advocate for the arts and lectures around the world e.g. Florida University, University of Ghana, St Martins College of Art, De Montford University, House of Parliament, South Africa Arts and Culture Department, Pernambuco Arts Department (NE Brazil), Majt Creation Centre (France), Isle of Wight Carnival Learning Centre, Belfast Carnival Centre, Independent Street Arts Network Conference and London’s Carnival Village.

Having restarted and directed Bristol’s St Pauls Carnival for 4 years, from Mid 2011 to early 2014, he was Creative Director for Europe’s only purpose built Carnival Centre (UK Centre for Carnival Arts) where he produced and directed their Eastern region major Olympics carnival project “Carnival Cross Roads Eastbound”, directed the Luton International Carnival, the Brazil Encontro and UKCCA European project (Denmark, UK, Hungary and Germany).

He is the Vice President of the World Carnival Commission (Canada), Producer and performer for Harare Dread Band, Director for Circus Development Agency and Birmingham Carnival as well as on the Ghana Centre for Carnival Arts Executive Committee.

He is currently Chief Executive and founder of the Global Carnival Centre.

In his role (2014) he initiated a new Kenyan Peace Carnival in Isiolo, presented the Bahamas Junkanoo Commandos in France, Rampage Mas band in Denmark, and produced a Carnival Symposium in Ghana where he is Consultant Artistic Director for Ghana Carnival.

Pax’s most recent achievements includes his Povo Tour in NE Brazil, coordination of the Hackney One Carnival 2014, the Great British Carnival event in the London Olympic Park, mentoring Nigeria’s Abuja Carnival as the British Council International Consultant.

Pax Nindi FRSA

Chief Executive

Global Carnival Centre

Phone: 07810 874 276

Email: pnindi@yahoo.com

Web: http://www.globalcarnivalcentre.com

Mr David Smith is The Chairman of British African Business Alliance. BABA draws together the business interests of the 54 African Country Communities in the UK, to stimulate business partnerships, investment and private sector led development.

He will be speaking more about his initiative, the long term benefits and how Africans in The UK can join this great organisation.   Watch out for him at The AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK on Friday the 12th of June at The White Lion in Streatham.

To find out more about the British African Business Alliance, see information below

• The British African Business Alliance is a diaspora led business networking initiative.
• Company Overview

  BABA draws together the business interests of the 54 African Country Communities in the UK, to stimulate business partnerships, investment and private sector led development.
• BABA works to establish more effective links between Africa and the diaspora, the wider UK business sector and its business networks.

  African business leaders in the UK are looking to start businesses in Africa; to transfer knowledge and technology; to find effective investment opportunities; and, to create jobs and wealth at home.

• Mission

  To deliver practical and effective support to entrepreneurs and investors.

  To mitigate risk and enhance understanding between parties.

  To provide the means to communicate to a wider Diaspora audience.

  To open opportunities for business and development.

  To stimulate personal and business growth.

• Products

  BABA Business Pipeline
  BABA Events Calendar
• Phone

  07957871470
• Email

  info@britishafrican.org
• Website

  www.britishafrican.org

On Friday the 12th of June, Rijole Bitata- Director of the ATL Learning Centre  will be be one of the speakers at the AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK, which shall be taking  place on Friday the 12th of June at 6pm at The Stables Hall, the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB

Read more about her below

“Rijole Bitata is a language specialist teacher with over ten years experience working in inner city London schools.Originally from Equatorial Guinea, she was born and raised in Spain where she trained as a specialist language teacher before coming to the UK. She has worked with many grassroots organizations and she is passionate about education and parenting.

On Friday the 12th of June, Abdulkarrem  will be receiving an Africa4u Award at the AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK, which shall be taking  place on Friday the 12th of June at 6pm at The Stables Hall, the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB

Read more about Abdulkarrem below

My name is Idris Abdulkareem, I am a professional photographer, and I started my career in this business just over four years ago under the umbrella of Sync photos, I later set up my own brand which is today called “ISMILES” –

I am extremely passionate about the art of photography – i can confidently say its also my hobby.

.The best way to grow in a job  is to like it , and i suppose this applies to any career or field,  I love my job, from fashion, street, landscape, interior, sports e.t.c.

I won two awards as best photographer of the year at African heritage awards and also best upcoming photographer at black MUA awards.

I also got  nominated twice for the best photographer at BEFFTA awards and once  for International achievers awards.

I keep working everyday to  improve on my skills, aspiring to make the best of my career, and so far am enjoying every single bit of it and will continue to do my best

On Friday the 12th of June, KING MAMBO and The Pamtengo Team  will be receiving an Africa4u Award at the AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK, which shall be taking  place on Friday the 12th of June at 6pm at The Stables Hall, the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB

Find out more about Pamtengo Radio Station below

Mission

Pamtengo radio provides the news, shared knowledge and cultural perspective that connect and reflect our vibrant and diverse communities.

Vision

Focusing on our community through radio excellence we will create a unique community resource one that promotes connections and fosters a sense of belonging. We will maintain a local/abroad (Malawi) focus for sharing music, arts, culture, news and opinions. We will serve the people of our community by providing outlets for their creative skills and energies. Our vision is also to provide an outlet for the expression of a wide spectrum of ideas targeting these typically lacking media access to (Malawi) Africa.

Email: info@pamtengo.com

Mob: +44 7402 985533

Skype: +44 208 133 2762

On Friday the 12th of June, FOCUS AFRICA managed by Mr  Atta Kouassi   will be receiving an Africa4u Award at the AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN THE UK, which shall be taking  place on Friday the 12th of June at 6pm at The Stables Hall, the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road, SW16 1BB

Find out more about this great ambassador below

Born out of a passion for Africa, sound, music, culture and tradition, Focus Organizationwas founded by Kouassi Atta (Cote d’Ivoire) in 2010. His aim was simple, to bring good music to the masses – music with soul, power, difference, honesty and heritage.

It wasn’t long before Atta’s focused energy took him to every corner of London, searching high and low for venues, partners and willing individuals to help host his ambitious music events.

Mingling among artists, afropolitans and music enthusiasts, Atta soon found himself atPassing Clouds, celebrating one of his very first events with the hypnotic rhythms of theSoukous kings, Kasai Masai. It was here that Atta met Victoria Blackshaw, a young gig-goer ready to take on all things focused. Together, they embarked on a journey of no return, working with incredible artists, learning about new genres and dance moves, and connecting with scores of other great promoters around town. Severa Adou, fellow Ivorian and budding musician, moved to London from Paris soon after and joined the Focus team, helping organise gigs all over the capital.

 Launching in East London (Cargo, Passing Clouds, Favela Chic, Open the Gate), Focusmoved across to West London (Mau Mau, Notting Hill Arts Club), popped down to South London for a while (CLF Art Café, Mango Landin’), ran a night in central (MoMo’s) and finally moved back East to host a couple of a residencies (Rich Mix, Charlie Wrights, Bedroom Bar).

 Focus grew, spreading its roots in the London music scene and earning the respect and partnership of organisations like Joyful Noise (London African Music Festival), Wormfood, AGMP, Target Live, Continental Drifts, 2 For The Road.

Focus Organization WINNER Best Events Promoter – BEFFTA AWARDS 2013

Focus Organization nominated for Best Events Promoter – BEFFTA AWARDS 2012.

Focus Organization nominated for Life Changers Awards 2013

 We have now worked with an amazing list of local artists including Muntu Valdo, Kasai Masai, Afla Sackey, Diabel Cissokho, Future Groove, Yaaba Funk, M3nsa, Bumi Thomas, Mashasha and Sam, Harare, Native Sun, Kadialy Kouyate, Djembe Thunder, Dj Edu, DJ Eric Soul, JP Kairo, AJ Holmes, Eddie Boi, Dj CD – Carlos de Carvalho etc..

 In conjunction with our partners, Focus has supported events including Africa Utopia, Africa Express (Amadou & Mariam-Baaba Maal-Bassekou Kouyate’-Rokia Traore Etc with special guest: SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY), Global Local, “The BEST From AFRICA Showcase FESTIVAL”with Continental Drifts, Toumani Dabate’, Jimmy Cliff, One love Festival, Black Uhuru, Catch a Fire, Public Enemy etc…

 Mr Atta of Focus continues to celebrate the diversity of London sounds, from cultures worldwide, and is always looking for new music to promote.

This Community Ambassador continues to make us proud and is a profound example of a Role Model, setting the pace for a better tomorrow

 For all new enquiries or if you just want to say hello, email Mr Atta below:

attak@focusorganization.com

VERSES AND FLOWS

Welcome to Verses and Flows today, I am your host, Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau.

Today, I present to you Yusuff Olayode Yusuff-Supoto is a final year student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He has featured in many anthologies and blog.

Olayode is a commentator and an ambitious pupil engineer. He currently works on his first publication: TRAINEE’S MANIFESTOES.

Meet him at www.letnigeriansspeak.wordpress.com @ ayengineers and @herrlayusmem on twitter.

I walked humbly.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

When i had no shoes,
to traverse the rocky village.
And not a splendid bowl of food,
to quench the invigorating hunger.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

When i resided in dilapidated hut,
With disheartening tone of rainfall.
Not even rough window blind
to prevent the visiting mosquitoes.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

When my neighbours were the cook
of the messages with Kitchen aromas.
Not just a water to boil when cold,
or a beverage to defend my shivering tongue.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

When my parent were starved to brim,
Just to pay a penny for tattered texts.
And my portmanteau was borrowed from a shelf,
to appear serious in our village school.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

When tears soaked my beards in daylight
because of the disgrace from her unbridled mouth.
From her my daily bread was served in disgrace
Since not a friend accept to offer,but enemy.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion.

When evils perverted the land of justice.
That we suffered in the hands of the slaves
like the erring goats of mama Africana,
whose goats were armed like bank bugglers.

I walked humbly, and not like a roaring lion

©supoto