CEO Blog #22 – THE AFRICAN WITHIN

(Header Artwork By: Promise O'Nali exhibition)

Last year, we launched our strategic plan, The Global African. This plan was developed in recognition that our mandate to educate, connect and advocate for and on behalf of Africans required a new manifestation fit for the 21st century. It was an intentional establishment of a renewed sense of purpose where we just don’t recognise that the world is in Africa and Africa is around the world, but also that people of African descent around the world need to be better connected to and educated about each other. The Africa Centre positions itself in the centre of these overlapping spheres, with a raison d’être to serve as a facilitator, connector and enabler of the magic that happens when the Global African family realises its power.

This is why I have been so thrilled over this summer to see how our programming is already reflecting our strategic intentions. We saw the power of this facilitation when we hosted the Creative DNA and Cultural Heritage symposia last month – great minds and awesome talent from all over the Global African family converged in person and online to discuss critical ways that our cultural heritage can be protected, promoted and leveraged for now and posterity. 

Similarly, last week we hosted the Diaspora Wonderland event, which celebrated the cultural and creative richness of Afro-Mediterranean diasporas across Europe’s fashion hubs: Berlin, London, Milan and Paris. And at the time of writing, we are hosting African-American artist William Rhodes’ exhibition ‘Threaded Memories Through The African Diaspora’. All of these events have been not just expressions of Black excellence, but also powerful sites of connection, healing and renewal. 

As intended, these events affirm an African identity beyond the strictures of the post-Berlin imposed colonial boundaries, to encompass all Africans in meaningful dialogue, enable innovation, reclaim our narrative and develop blueprints for strategic development.

Please join us in our upcoming events: more information is available on our website and socials.

We are delighted to announce that one of our strategic partners, Rolling Stone Africa, recently appointed its new Editor-in-Chief, Ms Gwen Madiba.  On her appointment, Gwen said: “As a proud person of African descent, I am deeply honoured to be named the first Editor in Chief of Rolling Stone Africa. To carry this torch alongside such an incredible team is both humbling and exhilarating. Together, we are committed to telling our stories with authenticity, celebrating the brilliance of our artists, our people, and contributing to a powerful, unapologetic narrative of Africa, one that reflects the depth, diversity, and dynamism of our continent.”

We look forward to working with Gwen to amplify African voices on the global stage, and indeed to welcome her to our HQ in Southwark soon.

We also had the pleasure of welcoming Songlines as new partners. Songlines is a British magazine launched in 1999 that covers music from traditional and popular to contemporary and fusion, featuring artists from around the globe. Songlines will work with us on various music-related initiatives to amplify African voices and in accordance with its mission, help the world to discover the real Africa through its music. Songlines publishes a free Africa-focused newsletter every 5 weeks. Sign up for the Songlines newsletter | Songlines here.

Some of the key upcoming events at The Africa Centre. Please book tickets for these on our website -

We have recently taken delivery of the new stock of The Africa Centre inspired merchandise from the Adire Oodua Textiles Hub, in Ile-Ife Nigeria. As seen on the sensational catwalk at Africa Fashion Week London, these bespoke adire t-shirts, scarves, boubou dresses and tote bags feature the iconic The Africa Centre logo. Please get one when you next pop into the Centre.

Have a fantastic October - and to all our UK readers, Happy Black History Month!

Love, Peace & Blessings

Olu Alake

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER