Concert Fally Ipupa on January 2nd 2010 in Paris

Photo: Fally Ipupa and Olivia Longott
Saturday January 2nd 2010, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa will take possession of The Zenith in Paris from midnight to dawn. He will present his new album ‘Arsenal de Belles Mélodies’ to the French public. And this, after a triumphant tour on the African continent. With his song Droit Chemin (2006) he won a Trophée Arts Afro-Caribbean, and a gold record. He sold out stadiums in Africa, and performed with the popular group Kassav.

During the show in Paris he will receive a gold record for his achievements. He will be accompanied by the American R&B singer Olivia Longott, Longott was signed to the G Unit label of rapper 50 Cent.

On January 2nd The Zenith will tremble on the sounds of this popular innovative artist, who wants to produce "world music another way".

International Tropical Christmas Market Paris La Villette from 18 to 20 December 2009

For the first time in Paris, the Caribbean islands, combined with 42 African countries, will introduce a new journey called the 'Le Marché international de Noël tropical de Paris' (International Tropical Christmas Market of Paris).

It’s an Ultramarines mix of: crafts, clothing, jewelry, spices and other delicious cuisines.

Place: Paris La Villette, from 18 to 20 December 2009

Experience: Visiting the exhibit of the slave trade in Nantes (France)

Photo: Château des ducs de Bretagne in Nantes
During the 18th century, prior to abolition of slavery, Nantes was the slave trade capital of France. This kind of trade caused Nantes to become the first port in France and a wealthy city.

Till 3th Januari 2010 there is an exhibit 'Traite négrière et esclavage: la traversée' (Slave Trade and Slavery: crossing) in the Château des ducs de Bretagne in Nantes.

Blogger Mademoiselle Nadia visited the exhibit. On her blog Bounjour France she wrote: "Seeing actual shackles and chains that slaves wore in person has the capability to hit you pretty hard. In cases for our viewing, there were shackles and chains that these that marked the end of the freedom of the African slaves who were brought over to the new world via la traversée." The very shackles that they wore...It was powerful." read her full story here.


Read:
Nantes Journal; Unhappily, a Port Confronts Its Past: Slave Trade
Breaking the Silence Slave Routes: France

Le festival Vibrations Caraïbes 2009 - Paris (4-13 December)

From 4 to 13 December 2009 the Caribbean Vibrations Festival (Le festival Vibrations Caraïbes), Festival of Contemporary Arts of the Americas and the Caribbean island will have its next edition in Paris. A festival with dialogues between the islands and the continents, at the Maison des Cultures du Monde in Paris

For 2009, the theme of Caribbean Vibrations Festival is “AfricAméricA”. Which will be a mix of artists from the three continents, Africa, America, Europe. With Gwo ka Gnawa Jazz, Dub Poetry, Pop Folk Caribbean Creole, literary readings, photography and video art, and screenings of ethnographic documentaries in partnership with ARTE.

Featured artists: Randy Weston, Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Karim Ziad, Kali feat. Manu Dibango, Dede St Prix Dub Poets and Brother Resistance and Mutabaruka, Orlando Poleo, Herve Samb and Simone Schwarz-Bart.

This year’s special guest will be singer/song writer Valerie Louri, from Martinique.

Maison des Cultures du Monde/ Fondation Alliance française 101 Blvd Raspail Paris 6ème. www.vibrationscaraibes.com

Marvin Sapp - Gospel Festival Paris 2009 (Oct. 31)

Le Festival Gospel de Paris – Sunday October 31st in Paris (50. av. dur President Wilson 92310 La Plaine St-Denis) with Marvin Sapp and Total Praise.

After Kirk Franklin and Bebe Winans, ‘Le Festival Gospel de Paris’ invites the gospel and R & B star Marvin Sapp. The reputation of Marvin Sapp has gained momentum in 2008 with his hit "Never Would Have Made It” from the album Thirsty. The song peaked at 1st on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs and 14th in U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2008 Sapp received the BET AWARDS for Best Gospel Artist.

MARVIN SAPP AUX BET AWARDS from KAL N on Vimeo.

The Former member of legendary group Commissioned will perform for the first time in France at the Gospel Festival 2009. He will be joined by 180 singers and musicians of Total Praise. Total Praise has performed with Barbara Kendrics, Jessye Norman, Johnny Hallyday and many other famous artists.

The concert will be preceded by a plateau of young modern gospel talent such as Dré Bonny (ex Poetic Lover) and Leah Vincent (Lion King).

And the MOBO winners 2009 are ...

The MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards took place yesterday (Sept 30th) at the SECC in Glasgow, Scotland.

According to Madnews, the organisers put on the best show in years.

But someone was pretty "pissed". Ex-Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland Kelly has called for an apology from MOBO organisers, claiming that her performance at the awards ceremony was affected by poor sound quality. (Digital spy)

And Nneka won the Best African Act. On the photo Yolanda Brown who won an award in the category Best Jazz.

LIST OF 2009 MOBO WINNERS
Best UK Act: N-Dubz
Best Newcomer: JLS
Best Song: 'Beat Again', JLS
Best Album: 'Uncle B', N-Dubz
Best DJ: Trevor Nelson
Best Hip Hop: Chipmunk
Best R&B: Keri Hilson
Best International: Beyonce
Best Video: 'Single Ladies', Beyonce
Best Reggae: Sean Paul
Best Jazz: Yolanda Brown
Best Gospel: Victizzle
Best African Act: Nneka

Celebrate Black History Month UK 2009

October is the Black History month in the UK. It was first celebrated in 1987 as part of the African Jubilee Year, the period from August 1987 to July 1988 designated to mark the centenary of the birth of Marcus Josiah Garvey; the 150th anniversary of emancipation in the Caribbean and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity. But now it's an event that is celebrated throughout the UK.

London
Blacks have been in London since 1555, though the first real influx in Britain came in the late 18th century in flights from the 13 colonies during the American Revolution. Prominent black British figures include John Blacke, a trumpeter to kings Henry VII and VIII, who about 1507 became the first black mentioned in royal records; Sir Ira Aldridge, England's first recognized black actor, famous for his role as Othello; John Richard Archer, a leader in London's Pan Africanist Movement, also the country's first British-born councilor and mayor in the early 1900s; and Marianne Jean Baptiste, who in 1996 became the first black British woman nominated for an Academy Award.

Black History Month website

Black history month in London 2009

Celebrate Black History Month in Newham (london)

StrangerFestival: Dutch videomakers sign up now!

For the second time the StrangerAcademy opens its doors in Amsterdam, this year from 13 - 17 October 2009.

Over 150 video-makers between the ages of 15 and 25 from across Europe will together improve their skills in video and storytelling. They will all take part in one of the professional-led StrangerAcademy workshops and show their work to an audience of experts and other video fans. All participants stay in the Stayokay hostel ajoining the festival location (Studio K, Timorplein, Amsterdam Oost).

Programme preview Strangeracademy: click here.
Participants of the StrangerAcademy are the finalists of the StrangerFestival competition, talented video makers selected by our international partners and Dutch talented young video makers. Dutch video makers can still sign up!How? sent an email to puck@eurocult.org and ask for the registration form, or copy the text below & sign up.

One of the conditions for signing up is you have to upload at least 1 self-made video on this website... you can also sign up when you have NOT uploaded a video and you take part in a beginner workshop. More info in the registration form.

Dutch videomakers click here

Joseph Dunoyer and his Trophées des Arts Afro-Caribéens

France: Tonight the Trophées des Arts Afro-Caribéens will be held for the fourth time, but before the event François-Xavier Guillerm of FXG interviewed Guadeloupian Joseph Dunoyer, director general of Afro-Caribbean Arts Awards.

Dunoyer feels good about this year. “A year older, means one year more experience, and when you look at the progress since 23 October 2006, the picture is very positive despite the different waves that we have met during our crusade! “

Dunyor emphasis the location. “ The event will held at the Theater du Chatelet in Paris, a mythical place in the capital and in the French culture.”

Personalities that could give greater visibility to the award ceremony will attend the event. Dunoyer: “ Minister of Culture Frederic Mitterrand, Teddy Riner World champion in judo, Franz-Olivier Giesbert, Patricia Renel, a Caribbean artist who has exhibited in over 47 countries, Sebastien Follin, Willian Galas Sonia Rolland, Antonhy Kavanagh, Omar, Jean-Marc Thibaudier, host of Tele Guadeloupe, Fany J, the revelation of last year, Jacques Martial, Aissa Maiga and many others! For them it is an honour to participate in an event of this size in France.

But the award ceremony also has a deeper meaning. The famous French poet Aimé Césaire told Dunoyer that this event has everything to brotherhood.

Read the interview with Dunoyer on the blog fxgpariscaraibe (French).
(Photo and copyright: Régis Durand de Girard)

Kréyol Day 2009 in London

Live performances, traditional craft and food stands and debates will mark the 8th edition of the Creole Day (“Kreyol Day”) on Sunday 27 September 2009

Saint Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Reunion Island, Guyana, Haiti, Cuba, Cape Verde, Mauritius...

London, September 15th, 2009 – A unique event in the UK, the 8th Creole Day (“Kreyol Day”) will bring together in one place live performances by Creole artists, traditional craft and food stands, and a conference, all representing the diversity of the Creole culture around the world.

The event will be a special day of celebration and entertainment for the whole family, inviting visitors to discover and enjoy the Creole world. More than 1,000 visitors will be expected at this year’s Kreyol Day, which will take place at the Conway Hall, in Holborn, London.

Organised by the French Caribbean Association Menm Biten Menm Bagay (MBMB), the UK charity promoting cultural sharing and solidarity between Creole communities, the Kreyol Day will kick start in style the Black History Month (more here). With famous traditional Caribbean singer Dédé Saint Prix (view video here) as its patron, the Kreyol Day will bring together more than 10 Creole regions, taking visitors on a day-trip full of colours, sounds, flavours, and fragrances from several corners of the Creole world.

This year’s programme will bring together famous as well rising performers, traditional craft exhibitors and expert speakers.

- Creole performers:
. Singers, including a performance by the undisputed queen of Zouk Love Sonia Dersion (view video here); also performing: Subajah (Reggae, Dancehall), Frenglish connexion (Hip-Hop, Reggae. Dancehall), Sked Swad (Creole hip hop), JM (Dancehall)
. Traditional Creole music and dance groups such as ZilOKa (view video here);
. Salsa performance (London Salsa Scene);
. Poetry (Novitse).

About Creole Cultures
Creole cultures are a vibrant mix of African heritage with European influences. The Creole world is spread between 3 main regions: the Caribbean, North and South America, and the coast of Africa by the Indian Ocean region.
With an estimated 800,000 people from these regions living in the UK, the Creole communities contribute dynamically to the UK’s diversity.

Entrance Fee (Booking available on www.mbmbcharity.com):
- MBMB Members: £5
- Advanced booking: £7
- At the door: £9
- Students (at the door): £7
- Children under 10: free

The film Skin – Starring Sophie Okonedo

The film Skin has finally made it to the Netherlands. Skin is of course the portrayal of the life of Sandra Laing, a dark skinned girl born to white (Afrikaan) parents in South Africa during the Apartheid era. With UK born actress Sophie Okonedo as Sandra Laing. In an interview Okonedo said that her upbringing was not too dissimilar to Laing’s. Okenedo is bi-racial Nigerian/Jewish.



Also read the interesting review of the film on shadow and act.







But now Amsterdam. On the blog of the film I read ‘Dutch Courage’. But why do you need courage to show this film? On shadow and act screenwriter and film critic Wendy Okoi-Obuli wrote:" You know who Okonedo is, right? Dirty Pretty Things, Hotel Rwanda, Aeon Flux, The Secret Life of Bees… as well as lots of TV and theatre roles under her belt. OK, so you may not like her entire body of work, you may not even like her acting style, but she’s an Oscar nominated actress; surely that’s enough to at least make her a bankable name, right? Not to most film distributors, it isn’t. “ Read the full story here



From September 11the till October 30th the film will be shown in Europen movie theatres. From October 30th it will be distributed in the US.



Skin’s official movie website



Interview with Sophie Okonedo





The Dutch data for your google agenda

NY400 - Black Holland on the Hudson

This is the black community in the Amsterdam and in New York, at least according to NY400 Holland on the Hudson.

This year Holland and the city of New York will celebrate 400 years of friendship. It's a one year celebration, but this week, 08 - 13 September, special Dutch events will be organised in New York to mark the event. For this special occasion there is an official website called NY400 to show the New Yorkers what Holland is all about. No tullips this time.

Of course, as a black guy from Holland, I was looking for some “diversity” on this site. I found it though, but it wasn't really what I was looking for.

The only black person I found was an image of black man lying on the street. He will be discussed on a Conference Urban Health “A Public Health Tale of Two Cities” Part 2.

The intro states: "Big cities inhabit groups of marginalized people. The mental illnesses, addiction and health problems where they suffer from have an impact on the individual and society." Is this black Holland on the Hudson?

Amsterdam is the most multicultural city in the Netherlands and it seems that was the only "shared" thing they could find. Take it from me, you won’t find black people lying on the streets in Amsterdam. And is this the right image of the black community in New York?

But let's not spoil the party. Apart from this website, Holland is a great country to live in, and Amsterdam is the place to be. So If you are in New York, take that free Dutch bike ride and eat my most favourite cookie, stroopwafels. Have fun!

MOBO Awards 2009 - Launch and Nominees (UK)

Photo: Kanya King at the launch party
The anual MOBO Awards 2009 will be held in Glasgow (Scotland) this year on wednesday 30th September 2009. The launch party was held on the 26th August in London.

The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, established in 1995 by Irish/Ghanaian Kanya King MBE and Andy Ruffell are held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any race or nationality performing black music.

This year 2009 is a success for UK black talent. Years ago founder Kanya King complained of the lack of recognition for black artist in UK. And not so long ago it was R&B singer Estelle who made comments about Duffy and Adele and music industry racism. But things have changed.

On her blog founder Kanya King writes:" 2009 has been a phenomenal year for UK music, and it’s so good to see UK talent being recognized in the charts. We’ve worked long and hard to get to this point where all these talented UK Artists are finally getting the mainstream success they so deserve. We only have to take a look at the chart positions of Tinchy, Chipmunk, Alexandra Burke, N Dubz this year to see how far MOBO music has come. This is what we’ve been striving for and I’m really happy that UK music is being so widely acknowledged and indeed, celebrated. You just have to look at the calibre of the Best UK Act category to see how strong the UK scene is at the moment! And check out Beverley’s reaction on our video clip when she hears that she’s been nominated - what a beautiful moment. And I’ve just been told it’s her 10th MOBO Nomination! Wow." Read her full story here


Nominations

BEST UK ACT
Alesha Dixon
Bashy
Beverly Knight
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
DJ Ironik
Donae’o
Mr. Hudson
N-Dubz
Tinchy Stryder

BEST NEWCOMER
Alexandra Burke
Jade Ewen
JLS
Laura Izibor
Master Shortie

BEST R&B / SOUL ACT
Beverly Knight
Ciara
Jeremih
Keri Hilson
Lemar

BEST HIP HOP ACT
Chipmunk
Dizzee Rascal
Drake
Eminem
Kanye West

See full list on nominations here

Notting Hill Carnival 2009 (London)

Notting Hill Carnival always takes place during the last weekend in August, on the Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday so this year it will be on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2009.

The Notting Hill Carnival has been held on the August bank holiday since 1966, bringing the streets of west London alive with the sounds, costumes and smells of the Caribbean.

It started life as a local festival organised by the West Indian community in the area but has expanded into a full-blown Caribbean carnival attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

The fun unofficially kicks off on Saturday with the steel band competition — the Steel Pan Panorama — in Hyde Park. But the official action takes place on Sunday and Monday. Proceedings will kick off at the new time of 9am to make sure that the floats get round the three-mile route from Great Western Road to Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove in good time and that the parade is off the road by nightfall. Events end at 9pm on both days and sound systems at 7pm.

Sunday is traditionally children's day, with the emphasis on family and the parade reserved for young people under 21. The hardcore fun — with up to 40 static sound systems competing for attention as well as the adult's parade — takes place on Monday with partying continuing late into the night. Read the full story here

Notting Hill Carnival official website

To see videos made before, during and after the carnival visit the site nottinghillcarnival at winkball here

Carnaval Tropical de Paris 2009

Carnaval Tropical de Paris 2009 was the 8the edition of the French carnival, which was held on July 14th in the streets of Paris.

This year 2009 the carnival had something new, the election of the Queen of the Carnival. The winning group received a ticket for the Nottinghill Carnival in London.

Official website: Carnival Tropical de Paris 2009

See images of the Carnival on the blog Caribes et z'Antilles here

Kwakoe festival in Amsterdam

The Kwakoe festival in Amsterdam South East is moving towards it's final weekend (August 8-9). The Kwakoe Festival is Amsterdam's biggest multicultural festival and the main festive event of the Surinamese, the Dutch Antillean and the African community.

Kwakoe attracts thousands of visitors to the Bijlmerpark show ground over six summer weekends for a programme of live music, dancing, film screenings, sports, informative events, discussions and many varieties of ethnic food. A different theme is chosen each year and this is reflected in the music and performances. Increasingly popular, Kwakoe has drawn crowds of up to a million people in recent years.

Summer Carnival Rotterdam (Netherlands)

Photo and copyright: Bas Czerwinkski
Summer Carnival is a yearly 3-day Caribbean Carnival in the city centre of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Summer Carnival, similar to the carnival in Rio, is a huge event where at least 900.000 visitors come from all over Europe to dance to the latin music and look at the colourful and amazing costumes and floats in the big street parade. On Saturday the big Street Parade emerges in the city centre. The street parade is on July 25th.

Summer Carnival Rotterdam

Next stop, the Notting Hill Carnival in London (30 - 31 August 2009)

The winner of the battle of the drums 2008

Black French celebrities attend Trace TV event

Photo and copyright: Régis Durand de Girard
The French urban media organisation Trace has moved to a new location in Paris. On July 8th Trace celebrated the event by throwing a party for French urban celebs and media officials. Almost 300 people attended the event. The French blog Fxgpariscaraibe made full a photo report of the day. For the photos click here. (On the photo: Vicelow de Saïan from the Supa Crew and Virginie Koné from Trace.)

But what is Trace? Trace is the biggest French urban music and culture channel in the French speaking world. Launched in 2003, TRACE is available in over 1OO countries through digital TV, radio, magazine, web and mobile. But unlike it’s American rival MTV, Trace TV also airs European and afro Afro-Caribbean artists. With eight million subscribers it has become the third French channel behind TV5 and Euronews.

But its success didn’t start in France. Finance for a multicultural urban music channel was hard to find in a country where a black news anchor was seen as revolution. It was the prestigious American investment bank Goldman Sachs who first saw the potential and injected 6 million dollar in the concept.

Trace TV is a black success story. Trace is owned by Claude Grunitzky, Olivier Laouchez and Richard Wayner along with Goldman Sachs Group and other private investors.

Olivier Laouchez , who is born in Martinique, is now the CEO of Trace television. He is the only Black to head of a French television channel. Claude Grunitzky, born in Togo, is the editor in chief of Trace magazine. And Richard Wayner was one of the first members of the new Urban Investment Group of Goldman Sachs. The group was established to focus on investing in urban venture capital and real estate with a specific focus on minority and female entrepreneurs.

www.mytrace.tv
Photo report of Trace event

Esperanza Spalding on tour in Europe 2009

American Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding will be touring Europe from July 7th to August 8th 2009. She will be in France (Vannes Jazz Festival), Portugal, The Netherlands (North Sea Jazz), Spain, Italy (Venice Jazz Festival)and Germany (KulturArena).

If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth. Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops, a multi-lingual voice that is part angel and part siren, and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic, the 23-year-old prodigy-turned-pro might well be the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music. (The Seattle Times.)

Spalding grew up in the King neighborhood of Portland (USA), Oregon, a neighborhood she herself describes as "ghetto" and "pretty scary." Her mother, who raised her and her brother as a single parent, was an independent, industrious woman. (read more @ wikipedia.org)

Esperanza Spalding Myspace



Esperanza Spalding LIVE at The White House

European contest for young leadership talent from minorities

Photo: AtmosphEuropa Inspire people!

A European contest for young leadership talent from minorities of any kind. Barack Obama inspired the contest because he inspired many young and minority Europeans.

So what do you have to do? Of course enter the contest. Inspire people as Obama does. Speak your mind about climate issues, conflicts, and new poverty. You can do this by writing a paper and plug a 3-minute video on YouTube or Daily Motion

But you have to be les then 30 years old. And you have until Saturday, 18 July 2009 to enter the contest

For more information go to: www.atmospheuropa.eu