7 Day (West-)Afr​ican theatre festival in Cologne, Germany (June 22.-28, 2011 )

The first africologne-FESTIVAL of the modern (west-)African theatre takes place June 22.-28., 2011 in Cologne (Germany) in the Theater im Bauturm as well as the „Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum – The House of World Cultures“.

The Festival will present in thirteen shows (including one for Schools) seven theatre productions: two European premiers, four plays never performed in a German speaking country before and one Cologne-Premier!

Video: In the tracks of The Panther - Dutch Black history in Indonesia

For years, Dutch author Griselda Molemans wondered about the dark skin colour of her grandfather from the Dutch Indies (present-day Indonesia), but failed to explain the origin.

One day, an elderly Indo-African couple from the garrison town of Purworejo in Java, gives her a clue about her family name. What follows next is a suprising quest, leading from the National Archives in Holland to Burkina Faso, Ghana and Java and resulting in the discovery of the African founding father of the Molemans family.

Griselda Molemans is a Los Angeles-based international Dutch reporter and former sports news anchorwoman on the Dutch television. Molemans was born in the Netherlands to an Indo-Molukken mother and a Creole Surinamese-Dutch father.



About her journey she wrote the book 'In the tracks of The Panther' (Dutch title: 'In het voetspoor van De Panter'). The story of the 'belanda hitam' soldiers, young African men who were bought on slave markets in Kumasi (in present-day Ghana) by the Dutch army between 1831 and 1872 and who served in the Dutch colonial Army in the Dutch Indies.

She is also the author of 'Black skin, Orange heart' (in Dutch: 'Zwarte huid, Oranje hart. Afrikaanse KNIL-nazaten in de diaspora'). A book with interviews, and photo sessions with the oldest descendants of African soldiers ('black Dutchmen') who served in the Dutch Indies (present-day Indonesia).

The life stories of these African soldiers and their descendants in The Netherlands, the US, Surinam, Ghana and Indonesia have been documented as part of Dutch colonial history.

Check out some of their stories, and some photographs of armando Ello at armando-ello.blogspot.com

Also see Indo-Africans: The forgotten story of the Black Dutchmen

Video: Nneka - "Valley" (In-Studio Performance)

Another great track of German/Nigerian singer Nneka. She sings neo-soul that combines Hip-Hop, R&B, reggae and other styles. This song has a special meaning to her, she said that the lyrics in "Vally" are though.

Colour Bar - Belgian-Congolese Mixed Race in Search of his identity (interview)

Roland Gust was born to a Congolese mother and a Belgian father. He grew up in Congo, believing he was white. That is, until his family decided to return to Belgium when he was twelve. Twenty years later, in a recently released documentary, Colour Bar, we follow him in his desire to find a grammar to describe his past. 5 Questions for Roland Gust.– Tom Devriendt (from Africa is a Country)

Read this very interesting interview at Africa is a Country - The Belgian Color Bar

Gunst is a film maker and musician who spend the last 5 years making a documentary about his search for identity. He is also a friend of Afro-Europe blogger Sibo who wrote a story about his film "Colour Bar", you can read it here


For a translation in English click the "CC" button on the right.

Video: Be an inspiration - Kwame Kwei-Armah

Be an inspiration is a must-see video of Kwame Kwei-Armah, the British and Afro-Caribbean actor, playwright and broadcaster. He talks about how he is inspired by simply observing the choices his role model makes in life and business.

This video is a must-watch because it shows us the impact of positive influence. In the video he talks about the effect he had on a person who saw a play of him about why black men weren't reading.

Also check out a very thought-provoking interview with Kwame Kwei-Armah on the BBC World News here (video) .

Video: Black in Finland - Gracia – “HKI” (Helsinki)

H/T Mikko Kapanen
”Helsinki doesn’t get much shouted out, to hell with those trying to hush and shout it out.” sings black Finish rapper Cracias in his video "HKI" (Helsinki)

On his blog he writes about himself. "Gracias (Deogracias Masomi May 6th 1987) hailing from The Democratic Republic Of Congo, (formerly Zaire (the place where Muhammad Ali knocked Foreman out.)) Kinshasa.



At the age of four, around 1992 D.Masomi moved up north to Helsinki, Finland alongside his mother to join his father and spark up hope for a better life. At the time DRC was getting torned down by the civil war and riots. In other words Gracias and his family became refugees."

Kwame Kwei-Armah on multicultural Britain

Black British actor, playwright and director Kwame Kwei Armah is featured by the British Foreign Office to mark two years to go until London 2012.

In a film Kwame Kwei-Armah discusses why he believes the UK is now the centre of the Black diaspora world and how it’s a country of diverse cultures.

The film is one of the ‘See Britain through my eyes,’ series featuring individuals from home and abroad talking about their experiences of modern Britain in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Watch the film below.



In the film Kwame talks about a television series he presented for Channel 4 in 2009, where he re-created the Queen’s 1953/54 tour of the Commonwealth. Kwame discovered that many people across the Commonwealth still thought that the makeup of British society was much like it was in the 1950s as opposed to the diverse, modern nation it is today. Kwame was glad he was chosen to front the programme as he was able to personally vouch for the UK’s multiculturalism.

Kwame also discusses how proud he is of the progress Britain has made in reducing inequality in society. He thinks Britain today is a tolerant country, comfortable in its own skin, where tradition and modernity can co-exist.

Kwame Kwei-Armah is a celebrated actor, playwright and director both in the UK and overseas. He recently served as Artistic Director of the World festival of black arts and culture in Senegal and has just been appointed Artistic Director of Centerstage Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland.

He was born in London as Ian Roberts. He changed his name in his early twenties after tracing his family history (through the slave trade) to his ancestral roots in Ghana. His parents were born in Grenada, then a British colony and moved to the UK in the 1960s.

The film launch coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of the Tricycle Theatre in London where Kwame has staged many of his productions. The theatre has a strong reputation for hosting plays that reflect the cultural diversity of Britain and not afraid to tackle contemporary issues and events head on.

Kwame first found fame as an actor in the popular BBC hospital drama ‘Casualty.’ He became the first Black Briton to stage a play in London’s West End when his award winning piece ‘Elmina’s Kitchen transferred to the Garrick Theatre in 2005.’

Kwame Kwei-Armah is a celebrated British actor, playwright and director both in the UK and overseas. He recently served as Artistic Director of the World festival of black arts and culture in Senegal and has just been appointed Artistic Director of Centerstage Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland.

Video: Sergio Alcover - Spanish singer and Hip Hop dancer

Sergio Alcover is the most prominent black dance and music artist in Spain. Born in Valencia, to a Guinean father and a Spanish mother, Alcover is the face of Hip Hop dance in Spain.

In 1994 he began his career as a breakdancer. And in 2009 he released his first DVD with a breakdance masterclass, tutorials and interviews.

In 2010 he released his second album “Sergio Alcover”. The album quickly gained popularity because of a very popular Spanish television show where he teaches street dance.

Skin bleaching in Jamaica - An unstoppable social virus

Skin colour is typical social hang-up in black communities. But just when think time heals all wounds, things get worse. In the slums of Jamaica skin bleaching is a growing crisis, reported Repeating Islands

"Mikeisha Simpson covers her body in greasy white cream and bundles up in a track suit to avoid the fierce sun of her native Jamaica, but she’s not worried about skin cancer.

The 23-year-old resident of a Kingston ghetto hopes to transform her dark complexion to a cafe-au-lait-color common among Jamaica’s elite and favored by many men in her neighborhood. She believes a fairer skin could be her ticket to a better life. So she spends her meager savings on cheap black-market concoctions that promise to lighten her pigment."

In a new TV-show of Emprezz Mullings the problem of bleaching is discussed. Check out the video below.

Theatre: "Once upon A Time in the 90s" - 26– 27 May 2011 in London

A compelling story following seven young people on a journey of self discovery.

A musical theatre production set in the 90's exploring the social issues that have affected the world across the years; although many of these issues are still present in society they are often seen as taboo and not spoken about.

Each of the characters is representative of a different era ranging from the 50's right up until the 90's. This piece makes political and social comment presenting comedic humour, song and dance and will be an entertaining experience to all spectators.

Featuring special guest performer AKALA (UK recording artist).



26TH – 27TH May 2011: The Albany Theatre Deptford, London, SE8 4AG. For more information www.thealbany.org.uk

Video: London rapper AKALA - "Find no enemy"

AKALA ,born Kingslee Daley (27), London, England is a UK rapper who enjoyed critical acclaim during the mid-00s with his progressive Hip-Hop. In 2006 he recieved the MOBO Awards for Best Hip-Hop Artist.

Akala, who is a fan of Jay-Z, grew up in North London, and uses his own life experiences when he writes. “All of my music is life,” he said. “My music is very autobiographical.” Another of his favourite artists is the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. “I love them! They are unique and different, and I would love to work with them sometime.

"Find no enemy" is the single from Akala’s third album “Doublethink” (2010).


In Nov 2010 Akala headlined a live performance at the British Library to launch the Evolving English exhibition and featured performances by the renowned British poet Zena Edwards, comedian Doc Brown and British rapper/activist Lowkey. The live event also included Akala taking part in a Hip Hop panel discussion alongside Saul Williams, US professor M.K. Asante and Lowkey. See the post British rappers criticise Jay-z

via
Africa is a Country

Video: French singer Joko releases debut album “Joko”

French singer Joko (born in Cameroon) released her debut album "Joko" on 6 May. It's an album with a subtle mix of French music, urban groove, soul jazz and an Afro-Latin atmosphere.

Joko isn't new to the scene, she already made her mark with her performance in the clip "Tous Unis pour l'équipe de France”, which celebrated the French national football team.

But know accompanied with two talented composers her journey has begun

Video: Jill Scott – ‘A Celebration of American Poetry at the Whitehouse’

Via: Pinboardblog
"Jill Scott recently performed a selection of poetry before a special audience including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at a special event entitled A Celebration of American Poetry at the Whitehouse. This is a must watch!

As well as being a three-time Grammy award winning musician, Jill Scott is also a writer whose collection of poems entitled ‘The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours’ became a New York Times best seller. Other artists who showcased the impact of poetry on American culture on the night included Elizabeth Alexander, Billy Collins, Common, Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Alison Knowles, Aimee Mann, and Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers.

Jill Scott embarks upon a new stage in her career with the June 27th release of her fourth studio album ‘The Light of the Sun’."