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
With over 200 entries from all across Africa, Teambooktu’s maiden Poetry Challenge has swung into full gear! Previous challenges hosted by the website (or as they prefer to be called- the Webcitadel of Pan-African Creative Arts) have been a Short Story Challenge and a Nature Photochallenge but this is their most ambitious challenge yet, sponsored by an art enthusiast Kenechukwu Offor.
To review the poems are 6 renowned external judges. Besides being cultured in poetry and literature, there are also international prize- winners and publishers in the team. The top 3 winning poems will be announced on February 16th 2024
I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust placed on me to serve as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds for the 2024/25 term. Our city is a shining example of compassion, resilience, and unity, and it is with great pride that my family and I look forward to undertaking the responsibility to serve you.
“SONNETS FOR MOTHERHOOD” BY DR. KALTUME AKUBO. BOOK REVIEW BT TONY FERNANDEZ (GET YOUR COPY TODAY)
“THE SONNETS FOR MOTHERHOOD” written by DR. KALTUME AKUBO is a collection of poems which explores the deliberate, tactful and profound appreciation into the many layers and phases of motherhood enhanced with the art of colourful stories.
The energy of these stories live through the sincerity of 51 amazing poems that capture the raw moments of motherhood through a range of emotions and stylistic devices.
From start to finish, we are absorbed into a refreshing world of colourful imagery, deep metaphors and a descriptive flow of spontaneity embracing the themes of Motherhood in great detail.
“THE SONNETS FOR MOTHERHOOD” is a raw celebration of beautiful moments, new awakenings, revelations and profound experiences that paint the joy and precious essence of what motherhood constitutes through a very convincing verse form.
What is also deeply fascinating is that in the very first poem of this collection , titled “I don,t understand” unfolds with the theme of innocence and a new beginning into a journey of Life Lessons.
In my view, it is relevant to have this poem as the first poem of the collection, as we begin a journey into the exposure of nurturing and becoming a mother.
In ” The Joys of Motherhood ” ( The 2nd poem ), we embrace the sequence of more happy beginnings with a depth of imagery, metaphors and stylistic devices .
“Dawn’s first light ” “Warm embrace ” and “laughter ” all denote a positive radiance of joy and the priceless blessing which unfold with motherhood.
This is perhaps one of my favourite poems , so much is said and so many emotions come into play.
The tone takes a new energy and reflection in the poem ” The memory of healing ( Birth Pangs )and more profound sub -themes unfold .
The title speaks for itself as we witness a journey and exposure into motherhood which was not always smooth.
The spirit of perseverance has a profound role to play in this journey with repeated emphasis on “scars ” “birth pangs ” and the need to heal.
Regardless, there is an inner strength not only to face each day and preserve, but also to embrace and attract the fruits of being in a “,rightful place ” and feeding through ” lasting joy “.
The positive transition of Motherhood continues to unfold in the poem ” First day at School ” This is also the dawn of another journey into the school of more mental and physical preparation.
Emotions unfold into more descriptive imagery ” I open my eyes to see light streaming through window blinds ” and once again the poet tells an intense story through well crafted analogies of not just ” Window blinds ” but of life , new doors, new ways of looking at things and a new presence to the earth .
There is a more spiritual tone in the poem ” Sonnets of Matriarchs ” and the legacies that have existed from time through tales , songs , folklore and the written scripts from generations.
Every stanza of this beautiful collection breathes with purpose and stories from the heart feeding the world with the essence of Motherhood with a craft which is creative and deliberate.
In my view , it is also a call for the celebration of Mother’s and their stories of triumph, as well as all the beautiful facets which come with personal growth.
The tone, the energy , the metaphors , as well as the variety of transition and stories are beautiful expressed with an unforgettable energy.
This collection stands out as a beautiful read for literary audiences around the world and an inspiration to women.
” Sonnets for Motherhood” is no doubt a creative masterpiece that celebrates the essence and all the positive shades of Motherhood in all it’s beautiful stages .
Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez
GET YOUR COPY OF THIS AMAZING COLLECTION TODAY - CLICK ON
ABOUT DR. KALTUME AKUBO
DR. KALTUME AKUBO, preferably called Peace, is an author of several international peer-reviewed journals and books. She is a writer and poet who authored Perspective, Angels in Classroom, Poems to Inspire You, Growth Through Life’s Journey, No Time for Later and the Goal Setter Workbook for young adults and professionals.
She is also a STEM ambassador, a sustainable and renewable green energy S.M.E., a data analyst, a project management professional, and a business analyst. The founder of Gift for Love Charity Foundation, an N.G.O. committed to empowering the less privileged in the society, especially orphans, women, youths and positively impacting humanity.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria; a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, UK; and a PhD in Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Leeds, UK.
She is a recipient of several awards, including the 2010 President’s NYSC Honours Award in Nigeria, and the Best State Youth Corp member Award, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She is married and blessed with children.
WHAT MAKES JAMAICA SO SPECIAL ? – A MINI-DOCUMENTARY BY TONY FERNANDEZ. COMING OUT IN 2024
“WHAT MAKES JAMAICA SO SPECIAL ” is a mini-documentary by Tony Tokunbo Fernandez which will be released in April 2024.
Discover what makes this amazing island so special and the legacies an achievements of a special people.
The footage will be recorded in Montego Bay, Jamaica in March 2024 as we continue to celebrate the true life and success stories of Black achievers around the world on THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW .
This genre-bending tale brings to life a futuristic fable that fuses spiritual beliefs with inter-generational tensions. Set in the matriarchal ocean village of Iyi, where West African water deity, Mami Wata, reigns via village leader Mama Efe. It uniquely brings to the screen a story of mythology, fantasy, and folklore. When the harmony of the village is threatened, two sisters must fight to restore order, as traditions of the past crash with calls from the future.
This is the third feature from director C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi, who represents a new wave of Nigerian filmmakers. The film is vividly shot in black-and-white and accompanied by an incredible oceanic soundscape and hypnotic score to frame its fantasy-fable. It won the Sundance Film Festival: World Cinema Cinematography Award (Dramatic) and the African Critics Award, Cinematography Award, and Set Design Award at FESPACO in 2023.
The screening on Wednesday 22 November will feature extra special guests, director of the film C.J. ‘Fiery’ Obasi, and producer, Oge Obasi, for a post-film Q&A.
There will be a full run of Mami Wata from 24th November.
Special ticket offers for this screening:
Put 4 tickets in your basket and only pay for 3. Or put 14 tickets in your basket and only pay for 10.
Mami Wata has been selected to play as part of Cinema Africa by our Programming Partner, Maona Arts.
We are pleased to inform you that the amazing Vivian Makula (Stage name : Kula) originally from Uganda, will be available to perform at concerts, wine bars and music events in West Yorkshire in 2024.
Vivian Makula has an amazing voice with a profound refreshing energy that speaks volumes.
Watch this space for more updates coming soon
INFOFRMATION ABOUT VIVIAN CAN BE FOUND BELOW
If there’s ever a great escape mine would be music . I think there’s a genre to ever season and phase of life , some to soothe some to boost you up and others to just keep it real. So let the music begin Stage name : Kula ( Vivian Makula) Nationality: Ugandan Birthday: 9th Feb
Bradford4Better (B4B), a group of volunteers based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, have just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Bradford4Better are a group of ordinary citizens of Bradford, working together to make Bradford cleaner, safer, greener and better for everyone. They are a grassroots movement, completely volunteer led, united and driven by the passion to make Bradford better.
From small litter picks to city-wide and location-specific clean-up and action day campaigns their work has grown to cover various aspects of improving life in Bradford.
They cover a range of objectives they have set for the group, which include:
Bradford 4 Safer
Bradford 4 Cleaner
Bradford 4 Healthier
Bradford 4 Youth
Their projects include but are not limited to the following:
Don’t Mess with Bradford: Reigniting the Pride in our City, Making our City Cleaner, Greener and Safer
Bradford Lifesavers: Aiming to teach as many people in the city Basic Life Support for free
GP 4 Better: Improving health outcomes (including Community Health Checks)
B4B TV: Real People, Real Stories, Real Bradford
Bradford4Better seeks to use various channels such as digital and social media, art, technology and more along with collaboration and partnership work to engage with, support and empower the community towards an ever-improving Bradford.
B4B have worked with many partners including the local NHS, Bradford Council, the Police, Fire Service, The Telegraph and Argus, schools as well as local businesses, community and charitable organisations.
Bradford4Better is one of a number of local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a social support network for disabled adults in Banffshire; a charity using a refurbished pool as a community hub in south Wales; volunteer doctors providing pre-hospital care across rural Cumbria and a village renewal organisation promoting sustainability, equality and social inclusion in County Antrim.
Representatives of Bradford4Better will receive the award crystal and certificate from Ed Anderson CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire later this summer. In addition, two volunteers from Bradford4Better will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
Chairman Dr Sohail Ahmed welcomed the award, saying: “This award is for all those that believe in making Bradford better. Without the dedication and passion of our volunteers, we could not have made such an impact in our community. Thank you to all those that have been part of this journey and all those that recognised our efforts.”
Shahid Islam, Vice-Chair expressed with enthusiasm: “We’re absolutely over the moon for receiving this award. Of course we don’t do the work in order to receive accolades but when we receive them they do make us understand that our work is appreciated. In the words of Margaret Mead, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’”
Kashif Ahmed, Secretary of Bradford4Better, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive this esteemed recognition, which serves as an affirmation of our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our community. We are grateful for the support we have received from our volunteers, community and partners, which has been instrumental in our success. This recognition inspires us to continue our efforts in creating a better future for Bradford.”
Yasar Mohammed, Treasurer, said, “We are deeply honoured and happy that B4B has been recognised for the work that has been done in the past 4 years. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers as well as our core team. By working together with others we have created real change for the residents of Bradford. We look to do many more projects in the near future and request more people to get involved and help make a difference in their areas.”
Notes to editors
1. Lord-Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties.
2. This year there are 262 recipients of The King’s Award Voluntary Service from across the UK and Channel Islands.
BRADFORD’S NEWEST FRESHEST RADIO STATION – CULTURE CITY RADIO
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRESENT YOUR OWN SHOW
CULTURE CITY RADIO ARE CURRENTLY RECRUITING NEW MULTI GENRE DJs/PRESENTERS FOR 1 OR 2 HOUR SLOTS FROM 8AM – MIDNIGHT ON THE BRAND NEW ONLINE RADIO STATION.
EXPERIENCE PREFERRED BUT A WILLINGNESS TO LEARN IS ALSO DESIRABLE
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PLAY EVERY WEEK OR ONCE A MONTH
ONLY APPLY IF YOU CAN COMMIT
SO IF YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR MUSICAL SELECTIONS AND HAVE A STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION GET IN TOUCH
for making it this far 
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 