AlterNativeArt

I love working at the Southbank cause of the sheer diversity of programmes on offer. Mama Africa is an event series that will be running through through July with some exciting listings! 2008 Caine Prize Readings Sunday 6 July 2008, 7pm Experience the finest new African writing at this annual event. The shortlisted authors read from and discuss their work, highlighting the extraordinary breadth of the continent's literature. The writers are Mohammed Naseehu Ali (Ghana), Stanley Onjezani Kenani (Malawi), Henrietta Rose-Innes (South Africa), Gill Schierhout (South Africa) and Uzor Maxim Uzoatu (Nigeria). The prize has launched the careers of many African writers, including Helon Habila and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (who's work I have read and thoroughly enjoy!) Colin Grant Tuesday 15 July 2008, 7pm Colin Grant's book Negro With a Hat illuminates the life of Marcus Garvey, a vital, yet often misunderstood, figurehead of the black diaspora. Garvey rose to fame as leader of the U...

I have just returned from a two and a half week trip to Nigeria, reluctantly might I add! Having been born and breed in London, England, I fall under the term Diaspora, however I haven't felt more Nigerian in my entire life! Probably the most widely appreciated art-form in Nigeria is music and the appreciation of Nigerian music within its borders and on the continent continues to grow. Contemporary music gains support not only from the public but arts awards seem to be directed this way (at least by the British Council Lagos). Literature is also at a high standard with writers such as Chimamanda Adichie shining a limelight onto Nigeria, both Historically and culturally ( side note: Wole Soyinka was on my flight back I was so star struck). I myself have been a fan of Nigerian literature for about two years, working my way through Chinua Achebe (No Longer at Ease), Peju Alatishe (Orita Meta) and Helon Habila (Waiting for an Angel) to name a few. During this trip I made my way through...