As a city full of cultural diversity, London is home to a vibrant West African community with the most sensational cultural events throughout the year. Here are our top five events in London that you need to attend:
1. Fàájì Sundays
Date: Every last Sunday of the month
Location: A secret location for every event
If you are looking for a boogie at the end of the month, Fàájì Sundays is the party you’re looking for.
On the last Sunday of the month, between 6 pm and 11 pm, a secret location in London hosts an inclusive and dazzling event celebrating West African culture. The name of the event, ‘Fàájì’, comes from the Yoruba dialect, meaning enjoyment, which is guaranteed at any of their events.
Fàájì Sundays offer a range of cultural experiences for their guests, including ‘Drunch’ (late night brunch) offering a 4-course menu of authentic West African food, a live band, an afrobeats DJ and an hour of free cocktails between 6 pm-7 pm.
You can find out more information across their social media platforms @FaajiSundays.
2. Black History River Cruise
Date: Saturday, 25th May 2024
Location: Temple Pier, London
The Black History River Cruise is an educational and engaging event run by the renowned Black History Walks organisation (www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk). This fun experience consists of a three-hour cruise on a double-decker boat taking you along The Thames to show boarders thousands of years’ worth of African and Caribbean history on display.
The cruise begins near Temple Tube Station and takes you across six miles of London to Greenwich and back. As you explore London’s African and Caribbean history, music and informed historical commentary from celebrated black resistance leaders such as Phyliss Wheatley and Queen-General Yaa Asantewa.
As the Black History Walks website mentioned, the cruise covers “African Romans, African art and engineering, African diamonds, African odysseys on the Southbank, Nigerian oil, the palace of stolen goods”, and heaps more historical sites!
The proceeds of this cruise will be donated to the Black History Walks fundraiser for plaques in admiration and honour of seven black historical heroes.
For more information on the event, visit the event organiser’s website https://blackhistorywalks.co.uk/walks/black-history-river-cruise/. You can also read about many more events the organisation offers to learn more about black history in London.
3. Nigerian Festival
Date: Saturday, 15th June, 2024
Location: Hendon Park, 17 Queens Road, NW4 2PN
Festival season is approaching!
The annual Nigerian Festival is an energetic event that brings together the Nigerian diaspora and those who love to celebrate West African culture. It is held in different well-known venues across London every year.
The festival spans several days and provides an immersive experience to see the colourful traditions of Nigerian music, art, fashion, and food. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with cultural performances, traditional dances, and art exhibitions that contribute to London’s cultural mosaic.
Attendees have the chance to spoil themselves with art, food, and crafts from the stalls at the festival. This allows small-scale Nigerian businesses to thrive and allows customers to appreciate Nigerian delicacies.
Check out @NigerianFestivalUK on Facebook for more information on the event.
4. Jollof Festival
Date: Saturday, 27th July, 2024
Location: Bohemia Pl, London E8 1DU, 2pm – 7pm
The Jollof Festival is an annual event celebrating the much-loved West African one-pot dish. The thrilling key feature of the festival is the “Jollof Wars,” a culinary competition to determine which West African country has prepared the best Jollof rice.
The festival includes a vendor area, which you can apply to be a part of on their website www.jolloffestival.com, where you have the opportunity to purchase a range of products from jewellery to skincare to seasonings – a variety of perfect treats for you or a loved one.
The Jollof Festival is a community event that allows attendees from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate their love for the iconic dish and West African culinary traditions.
5. Ghana Party in the Park
Date: TBC
Location: TBC
Ghana Party in the Park is one of the biggest West African festivals in the UK and the largest Ghanaian event outside of Ghana. It attracts more than 8,000 guests and is an annual summer festival you don’t want to miss.
Ghana Party in the Park has been hosted by the Akwaaba Group since 2005. It has attracted audiences from all over the West African and Caribbean diaspora to celebrate the colours of Ghanaian culture and heritage.
The exciting outdoor festival offers its guests several spectacular affairs, such as live music, cultural dancing, a fun fair, kid’s activities, arts and crafts, and fashion shows. The festival allows you to enjoy a big day out and honour Ghanaian culture.
In addition to the entertainment, there are many stalls where guests can indulge in authentic Ghanaian and West African food with their family and friends, as well as sweet cultural goods sold at vendors. This event is perfect for diaspora communities and gives you the chance to give back to the community when purchasing products from vendors or food from stalls.
For ticket sales and up-to-date information, visit their website www.gpitp.com.
Looking to grab a meal beforehand? Check out LONDON’S TOP 5 AFRO-FUSION FEASTS!