BARBARA GWANMESIA: Barbara Gwanmesia is one of a small group of artists in the world who have managed to gain a following in two independent fields: writing and singing. Born in Cameroon, Barbara took to singing and writing instinctively – settling, after years of studies in Cameroon, Tanzania, UK and the Netherlands, as a researcher, writer, editor and singer in the Netherlands. Her almost fanatical focus on reverence for life has led her to use her music, writing and research as instruments of existential hope for others. With a voice variously described as “the Golden Voice and the Healing Voice”, Barbara has sung for Ambassadors, mayors, national political leaders, heads of industry and a varied public. As recently as 2012, she became the acclaimed voice that graced the two day presence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the Dutch city of Deventer. As a writer, Barbara is a published novelist, editor-in-chief of the magazine (formerly known as) African Woman.NL (different name come fall 2014) , and a contributor to the content website www.thebarbaragwanmesiareport.com . Though having been singing for years, Barbara’s first album will only appear in the latter part of this year. One of the songs to appear in that album is Oroko Cry… already a favourite with listeners, and available for listening online on https://soundcloud.com/search?q=barbara%20gwanmesia.

This years Black History Month Celebrations at The House of Parliament is being organised by Tony Tokunbo Eteke Fernandez in conjunction with The MP for Reading West- MP Alok Sharma.   

Tony is also a Published Writer, Poet, Compere, Radio Presenter and Mentor . He also manages and mentors a few upcoming performing artists based in Nigeria and is available for Youth Empowerment projects in Europe on Africa

In his spare time he is The Founder of The AFRICA4U Brand. The AFRICA4U BRAND is made up of AFRICA4U MEDIA, AFRICA4U MENTORING ACADEMY and THE AFRICA4U ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS.  The event in October will also be celebrated alongside The Official launch of The AFRICA4U Brand.

Tony organised The Black History Month Celebrations at the House of Parliament for the very first time last year on Wednesday the 30th of October 2013,, special guests on the day included the likes of The Uk Minister of Justice- MP Helen Grant and representatives from The Nigerian High Comission, Some of the Key Speakers on the day were CEO of OHTV- Mr Akin Salami, CEO of BEN TV- Mr Alistair Soyode, Mr Sam Onigbanjo- Founder of Women4Africa, Dr Nkem Thompson- GP and Motivational Speaker, MRS Cecily Mugo- The Founder of Utulivu Womens Group, Mrs Ngozi Fakeye- CEO of Motherland Magazine and President of Nigerians in Reading- currently doing her PHD at The University of Oxford and many others.

There were performing artists on the day –  Isreal Onoriode, Fourfingaz, Kafy Shyne and Elaka

To find out more about AFRICA4U and current events and initiatives- you can ring me on 07882809005

It is not like I did not see it coming

far from it ….

I have discovered and witnessed,

the drama in your story beyond your smile,

Facts written in brightest colours of your very eyes,

Yet, you still feel that no one is watching ….

There is a lot happening in the background,

Moments absorb and digest slowly

Far more than you can see

that,s just LIFE

It is not like I have not noticed

I have chosen to dance to the tunes of diplomacy

I saw the riddle coming

even before you moved your lips,

Has it come to the point

that this journey in Life,

has been reduced to the hyperbole of a Chess game

I can assure you that Seasons and Stories,

have many stages

And that all the Dramas that lie,

beneath the palace of the sun,

have been tamed . . .

By the power of Silence

Paths of the evening star

The Evening closed its eyes

Darkness stood in silence

Ascending on its prey with some thoughts of chess

Scents of heat provoked the wind

Creating the threats of colourful icons

Grey shadows in Silver cloaks

Ran through forests of green

And wondered round lakes

Searching in childlike hesitation

And then it all happened to quickly

Fire lost its place with water

Curiosity became jealous of wisdom

The night seemed to struggle with the day

And the world began to change

And whilst we were still dreaming

The evening closed its eyes.

Matthew A Daniel is an Author, conference host and speaker. A well sought after speaker in conferences both locally and internationally. An Entrepreneur, Educator, Pastor and Community Leader, he speaks on many platforms about how to engage the Marketplace successfully. With his series on ‘kingdom business’, many have testified to massive changes in their approach to life and work accompanied with marked results. He also addresses the youth and help to prepare them for the future as he uniquely engages them and stimulate interest. The other passion for Matthew is helping the church as a body to become more relevant to the times as she aspire to serve the needs of the people in their communities. Matthew is the Coordinator of Christian Ministries Network with partners in over 35 countries of the globe. Matthew actively operates on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter where he connects with thousands of people across the globe.  He has written and published several books aimed at inspiring communities around the world.

Pastor Daniels is also a graduate of Oxford Brooks University, The University of Cambridge and The Univeristy of Ibadan.

He completed his secoundary education from The Federal Government College, Azare, Nigeria

There is a time to breathe without rushing

To detach the mind from a million thoughts

And reside in a sacred emptiness

To swim in a river of rich waters

Sipping the beauty of existence

Knowing “What will be will be”

But having faith through the Journey

There is a time to be quiet and be grateful

To reset the mind to a golden beach

And float through the shores of silence

To listen to the trees and its ancient music

Embracing the wisdom of the orange sky

As time builds with beauty

We rest our spirits upon the valley of Life

Breathing slowly and reaching for peace

One Moment of Peace

Every substance is intact

Living through a sequence of peace

Every movement captured

By the raw feelings of self-assurance

I am as calm as the stream

Blessed with beauty and still waters

I shall breathe like a King

Despite the mystery from the grey storm

And trace the pictures of my dreams.

Every seed is intact

Bones that have felt many places

Coloured with stories untold

Freedom is a home and not a prison

With many more songs and voices

Every substance…

Every Moment…

And if you listen carefully

One Moment of Peace

The blend was awesome

A unique portrait filled with brilliant conversations

The boat was empty

Waiting for passengers that had accustomed new cultures

The Ocean . . .

My homeland of wisdom

A parent to many boats

Having sailed through many shores

Before the dawn had opened its mouth

Tonight my lips are sealed with palm oil and pasta

The liberal statement from a curious tongue

A tongue filled with oil

Oil that has kissed the skin of the land

Oil filled with blood

The blood of my people

With different strokes but a common cord