It's interesting that when I was introduced to Andy Ayo Akinwolere just a couple of weeks ago at the Children of the Gap exhibition launch, my initial star-struck coyness was soon put to bay when we shared our mutual love for travelling... So without further hesitation, I invited Andy to be part of a panel discussion I'm... Continue Reading →
James Barnor: Ever Young in a Box of His-story
On a visit to James Barnor's home, I was treated to a history lesson of Ghanaian and British culture dating back to the 50's when the 86yr "Ever Young" photographer began his career and became Gold Coast's first newspaper photographer and later on the first to introduce colour processing to newly Independent Ghana. James Barnor shared... Continue Reading →
Guylene Solon Kora Love #Art4Change
https://youtu.be/a0F8ckveE2c When Guylene Solon turned up at my door step a couple of days ago with more than just a suitcase, I knew this would be an opportunity to utilise her talent (of which she has many) in collaboration with #Art4ChangeHaiti. Seeing her Kora (an African harp) carefully unpacked from its durable casing (where Guylene travels,... Continue Reading →
On the streets with Daniele Tamagni “Gentlemen of Bacongo”
On the streets of Soho with award-winning photographer Daniele Tamagni… When Daniele Tamagni's in town, I don't need much of an excuse to catch up with the "Gentlemen of Bacongo" photographer. I've known Tamagni, who shot pictures for my portfolio back in the days when I used to model, for over 8 years. Yet despite the critical acclaim... Continue Reading →
The stencil on the wall: Joe Turpin talks being South African, comparison to Banksy and “Park’s Pleasure” debut
With a successful exhibition already to his name, it's easy to forget the "pop art expressionism" artist is only 19, a student and living in thousands of miles away from home; Johannesburg. In this exclusive interview Joe Turpin talks; being South African, comparison to Bansky and his debut art work "Park’s Pleasure" What are some of... Continue Reading →
His First: Yoruba Deity Eshu (Exu) told through film
"When I met Dionisis Kostakis on my second day in Rio de Janeiro last year, there was little about him, if nothing at all, that indicated his unusual hobby..." I wrote in the blog post From Candomblé to Voudun… Eshu to Shango… These are a few of his favourite things. Two years later, his "unusual hobby" has... Continue Reading →
Edrin’s bedside table: Books on Africa
http://youtu.be/CY33Jitl8Mc I spent the weekend in Berlin hanging out with Edrin Kondi - a friend I met during my trip to Ghana in 2010... I couldn't help notice the books about Africa he had sitting on his bedside table... This was my excuse to get an interview with my host and find out a bit... Continue Reading →
Journey through Afro-Brazilian Culture… Unspoken Barriers Photo exhibition
It's exactly 2 years since I got a phone call that would change the my fate, particularly in education. When UAL admin called to tell me a "mistake" had been made - I couldn't carry on with the second year studying BA Journalism, because I'd "failed" my first year, I thought my world would come crashing... Continue Reading →
When Africa came to the Square… Africa On The Square 2014
Londoners didn't have to travel very far to get a taste of Africa on the 11th October, when the continent of all humanity came to one of the World's most famed squares - Trafalgar Square in central London. Africa On The Square was organised by the Mayor Of London for Black History Month. The event included... Continue Reading →
Amazing Nigeria…
When you think of a holiday destination in Africa, Nigeria may not be an obvious choice. However Angela Lipton - my first guest contributor - could change that as she reveals some hidden treasures of the West African nation... Amazing Nigeria. The beauty of Nigeria is proverbial and its cultural heritage, listed among the UNESCO Heritage Sites, is... Continue Reading →