July 2019
On my (very long) flight back from Japan, after several attempts I finally managed to log into Wifi. We were still 11.5 hrs from landing but I was already mapping out my summer social calendar.
I should rewind a little bit, for context at least.
I'm often scouring the internet and sending screenshots of African events to anyone that cares to read my whats app messages. So I thought: wouldn't it be nice to have a central list of events on a month by month bases of all the black, African and Caribbean events taking place in London and across the UK (sometimes going a little further afield). So here goes, our first edit of events
So welcome to Mais Af Happenings; Improving the accessibility of information on events in the African and Caribbean creative ecosystem.
Somerset House Presents: Get Up Stand Up Now
+When: June - 15th September
+Where: Somerset House
+Where: Somerset House
' The exhibition connects the creative, the personal and the political, reflecting how artists have responded to the issues of our times.'
Somerset House has a 3 month celebration of black culture and you have to see it! Curated by artist Zak Ove, this event celebrates the work and contributions of black individuals in the capital over the last 50 years, ranging from fashion, to film, photography and music.Theres also a 5-episode podcast you can listen to on the go.
You can hand-pick events you want to attend. I picked Jacob Banks and a few others and I cannot wait!
There are lot of events taking place so do check out Somerset House
Tickets can be bought here
Tickets can be bought here
Pop Up Africa X Brixton Village:
+When: Thursday 4th of July, 6-10pm
+Where: Brixton Village
+Where: Brixton Village
No stranger to the London event space, this hopes to be a shopping evening for lovers of Africa. There'll be a bit of music, food and shopping. The Pop up Africa triage doesn't disappoint.
Africa Writes
+When: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th July
+Where: British Library
+Where: British Library
The British Library, home to over 25 million books will be the home of Africa Writes this year. For those not in the know, Africa writes is a literary weekend celebrating the work of Africa’s most talented writers. This years line-up includes writers from Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Morocco, Sierra Leone and many more…
It’s a jam-packed weekend so here’s the a summary of all the events happening:
Friday- Event opens with an evening of cross-generational poetry and performance from many award winning artists
Saturday- Author of Anthology ‘New Daughters of Africa’ Margaret Busby will be exploring her latest anthology with various contributors. There is also an interactive Young adult event taking place.
Sunday- Event closes with Man Booker Prize shortlisted author Chigozie Obioma.
For all you literature fans, this is definitely one you don’t want to miss – its going to be LIT! lol, had to!
The Hague African Festival
+When: Saturday 16th July
+Where: Zuidpark, Den Haag
+Where: Zuidpark, Den Haag
The Hague is more known for the UN International Court of Justice more than anything else. However, in recent years, it launched The Hague Africa Festival. If you are keen on travelling a little further afield for a cross-cultural experience, this is definitely for you.
This year will host artists Oke Sene, Ba Cissoko and Sauti Sol to name a few.
Sun’s out, Fun’s out! You know what to do.
Have an event? Let us know: happenings@maisaf.com