I was honoured to be asked by Debrose founder of Natural November  http://www.naturalnovember.com/#! to present a headwrap workshop. Although the workshop was only for one hour I was impressed by the enthusiam of all participants to lean quick,  style creations, and how they enjoyed the workshop.

The African Centre turned into a true African  market on a Sunday – with stall vendors and exhibitors displaying their entrepreneurship of home-made products, artwork, apparell, accessories, adornments, books, mosaic, natural juices. Its was great catching up with Ebony of  Naturally Sexy, The Hairoine, Belinda of BeUnique,  Zola & Kepani of Greenshack Productions, Naturally Nubian, Proud to be African Clothing, Synergy Soul Designs, Qemamu and many more. I also made some new friends who had their stall – Kawaii Adornment – next to me – they gave me jokes throughout the event that helped me with my energy levels, cos i was so tired.  Thanks to all supporters who purchased shea butter and headwraps and to the sisters who i met at The headwrap workshop at Battersea Library during BHM who each bought an African Print Bag.

At each end of the main hall were seminars on  wholistic health, body or hair care, hair braiding, which were informative and educational from professional speakers throughout the whole day back to back.  Although I was busy with the stall, I did eventurally get to hear some of Leah Salmon Wholefoods and Nature presentation, inspired words about our lifestyle and  how she began her raw food journey. The venue was jam packed as visitors  congregated and squeezed into a space at each end of the hall to listen to the main speakers.

There always come a time when the curtains  have to close and I walked out of the African Centre slowly ‘cos my foot was burning from standing for 7hrs (why didnt i stay sitting on the chair).

Big warm blessing to Debrose on her efforts to make her first event a successful one. Look forward to Natural November 2012

The Calabash Hub

ANANSEKROM – 2011

A Traditional African Festival of Music, Dance & Arts

  ON: Saturday 9^th July, 2011

 TIME: 11am – 7pm

 VENUE: Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, London SM4 5JD 

(nearest station Northern Line –  Morden)

 TICKETS: Adult £10, Children £5

FEATURING

Cultural performances      Gospel Choir     Kente Weaving master classes

 Traditional African games – Oware   Cultural Displays.

African Drumming and Dancing        Comedians      Acrobatics 

Musicians        Procession of chiefs    Musical theatre           

Traditional Food and beverages     Stalls: Arts and Crafts      Souvenirs

INFORMATION  CONTACT: Noble Friends on 07951 644296, 07985 148436

Book tickets http://noblefriends.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44&vmcchk=1&Itemid=44

Check out website for previous year’s event: www.noblefriends.org

(Come and meet us at our stall –  LEKAN Partnership – we shall be selling Raw Shea Butter, African print/leather bags, Black Soap, Headwraps, Accessories and Shea Body Smothers)

SEE YOU THERE – THE CALABASH HUB

THE WINDRUSH FESTIVAL – review

On arrival at the Stratford Circus foyer you could hear the sounds of South Side Harmonic playing the steel pans. They bought carnival to east London playing at regular intervals to echo the sound of the Caribbean. Within the same foyer was a selection of stalls. LEKAN Partnership was selling to customers home-made shea butter smothers and black soap which was very popular. Christina of Yorubatik brightened up the room with her jewellery creation and African print styled attire. On sale were also Afri-centred t-shirts, educational books and dvd’s. There were representatives from ACLT providing vital information about the Trust and fundraising appeals.

There was a blend of activities and workshops for everyone covering 2 floors. I was pleased to have the assitance of Michelle from Naturally Nubian due to the immense amount of women and girls wanting to learn head wrapping techniques. Well done to all the participants who tried over and over again until they were content with there efforts of creation using a wide selection of African print material. Next door was a lyric, poetry and drama master class, which was led by Victor Richards who bought out talent of individuals – which I heard very good reviews. There was several short film screenings shown throughout the day hosted by Lyrical Healer – a spoken word poet.

I was so happy to know that Caribbean Scene Restaurant had cooked a vast amount of food. There was so much selection that eyes were bigger than the belly as I noticed that it was not just my plate overflowing. A refreshing glass of fruit punch quenched the first.

The grand finally was a live theatrical musical performance that was very entertaining. The actors delivered a drama based theme about a family being bought up by their grandma who came to England in the 50′s looking for a better life. Each scene was intervened by Segge singing extracts from his album Windrush – which ended the night with the musical hit song ‘Libation’.

Overall it was a joyous event that bought young, elders and adults together under one roof. It has been said that this is a one off event but ‘hey’ no doubt that this should be an annual event – Watch this space!

THE WINDRUSH FESTIVAL

A special one-off event, as the multi-arts event of the Windrush Festival curated by the B’3 Foundation for all the family. Celebrating the influence and rich dynamic, cultural contributions of African and Caribbean migrants over the past six decades. With live music, theatre, photography, short films and arts & crafts, the day celebrates the culture, music and influence of Caribbean and African migrants to the UK over the past six decades.  

 SUNDAY 12^th JUNE, 2011

FREE WORKSHOPS, MUSIC AND FILMS – 2pm – 4:30pm 

POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD – with Victor Richards

HEAD-WRAPPING TECHNIQUEs – with Sister E (The Calabash Hub)

SHORT FILM SCREENING – with top panel of film makers

MUSIC from South Side Harmonics

WINDRUSH: THE NEXT GENERATION – 5pm – 6pm

An innovated theatrical performance with a live music narrative based on the album ‘The Windrush Vol2’ by Segge Dan. Paying homage to the African and Caribbean migrants who came to Britain in the 50’s and 60’s and had it hard so that the next generation could have it easier.

 ”By bringing out the elders, family and the younger generation, we hope to bridge the generational gap.”

 FOOD & REFRESHMENTS, STALLS SELLING AFRI-CENTRED GOODS AND SERVICES.

TICKETS: £7/5 conc (under 16’s) seniors, disabled & students, Group discounts; 5 adults £30

CONTACTS:Stratford Circus Box Office: Tele 0844 357625. www.stratford-circus.com . Email: info@seggedan.com

VENUE: STRATFORD CIRCUS, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX

‘A celebration of black culture’

THE CALABASH HUB – Anniversary

THE CALABASH HUB meetup was officially 1yr old on 28^th April 2011.  In recognition of this milestone we celebrated the occasion at Cottons Bar and Restaurant in Islington. We were joined by members, friends and those travelling to Ghana in Nov. Although the table was booked for 6:30pm we all arrived at different times and some of us were fortunate to get a few cocktails as part of happy hour. The set menu had a vast number of delightful Caribbean dishes that filled our bellies – some more thatn others, whilst conversing and listening to soul and rare groove tunes that have not heard from time.

Meetups Give Thanks

We raised our glasses (most empty) in recognition of our past, present and future aspirations, education, determination, commitment and support to everyone and those who were unable to join us. During the year we have advertised and participated in a combination of meetups, where people have made new friends, learnt new skills, become cultural aware and have had fun. Opportunity to unify together that educates and inspires to learn about culture. We are looking ahead to many more years of new ventures, greater knowledge but importantly to share the wisdom acquired.

Rhum Shack

After saying farewell to those who had to depart we continued the conversations and celebrations downstairs in Cottons at the Rhum Shack. Tropical scenery awaited us and the cocktail descriptions continued to test the taste buds. We were entertained on the dance floor from those who did not make it to Britain’s Got Talent. As the DJ entertained the crowd with 80’s & 90’s tracks, old school and reggae it seemed like a cross between Karaoke and a singing competition as there were screeches from all 4 corners. An excellent environment especially when the DJ played Candy by Cameo……some bumps here and there from the newbie’s who tried to pick up the sequence and timing of the steps.

Farewell  – At 11:30pm we strolled back upstairs, said our farewells (taking at least another 10mins) to make our way home.

An exciting and innovative year celebrated with a fun and memorable evening. We all look forward to another prosperous, educational, cultural and inspiring new adventures.

WARMEST BLESSINGS

THE CALABASH HUB

SHEA BUTTER PRESENTATION – 29th January 2011

Meetup arranged by Naturally Nubian

At this meetup I gave a presentation about Shea Butter which included info about The Kareti Tree, Extraction Methods, Process, Types & Varieties, Benefits and Womens Co-operative. To view more detailed information check out: http://www.thecalabashhub.com/blog/category/mother-earth/

Also on the day:

*Product demonstration and hair care advice was presented by Hair We Grow Natural, Naturally Sexy and Cecelia Blend.     *During the quizz and game section we had to name the natural oil/ingredient against the description/benefit, name the face against a hairstyle, and answer natural hair questions.  *Very good prizes were won in the quizz which included skin and hair care products, assessories, hair appointment, tshirt and a book.                     *Products and assessories were on sale throughout the day.

It was a very good networking event with sisters and brothers

Warm Blessings to Naturally Nubian for organising this gathering: http://www.naturallynubian01.blogspot.com/

 WHAT MAKE A BLACK WOMAN BEAUTIFUL

click on the above link to watch the documentary.

A documentary that is celebrating black women and their beauty in all forms. I was happy to be part of this documentary put together by The Dream team of You’re Beautiful Woman – an annual event that takes place in London.