Africa-related Events in the Washington, DC Metro Area

Tuesday, April 4, 2006. 8:00pm
KUKU (Nigerian Soul Singer-Songwriter). Singer Songwriter Showcase, Austin Grill 919 Ellsworth Drive Silver Spring, MD 20910 (240-247-8969)

Friday, April 7, 2006. 7 PM - 9 PM

afrikafé International First Friday. Featuring: ABABIO O. ABABIO - Author (KENYA). JIN, 2017 14th St. NW, Washington, DC (U Street & Cardozo Metro). FREE; Complimentary Hors D'Oeuvres - Cash Bar. Dress: Casual. Contact: events@afrikafe.com; No need to RSVP. Join us for our monthly social networking Friday, April 7 at JIN for an entertaining evening of cocktails, appetizers and mingling with other international professionals over jazz and Latin music from the Americas, the Caribbean and Africa. Each month, we feature African talent - artists, (visual and performance) writers, poets, designers and more. The evening starts off with an extended cocktail "Meet & Greet" beginning at 7 PM. The artist features from 7:30 PM to 8 PM.

Our International First Fridays provide an opportunity and an informal space for international professionals to meet and interact with each other. It is a time to kick back, enjoy great conversation, be entertained and have a great time. The atmosphere is informal; However, exchange of business cards is always encouraged.

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Millions of people around the world continue to dream about coming to America for the elusive American dream. But what does it really take to become successful in America? In his new book, “Where is America?: An African Immigrant’s Portrait of the Quest to Achieve the Elusive American Dream,” author Ababio O. Ababio discusses his life-long journey, sacrifices and personal struggles in migrating to America.

Saturday, April 8, 2006

Women in Progress Fundraising Event. This fundraising event for Women in Progress is hosted by past WIP volunteer Emilie Kimball and family and His Excellency Fritz Poku, the Ambassador of Ghana to the United States. Entertainment will be provided by "Anansegromma of Ghana" dance group and Ghanaian food catered by Ghana Cafe. A cash bar will also be available. The event is open to the public. $100 per person or family. Ghanaian Embassy, 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC. Contact: Brooke Olster 609-922-0311

Saturday, April 8, 2006. 7:30 p.m.

World Dance Showcase. Local dance troupes perform classical and traditional dances from West Africa, Cambodia, Greece, Japan and Spain. Prince George's Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly, MD • Information: 301-277-1710

Monday, April 10, 2006

Magid: Freedom Stories from Africa (African Performance-Based Story-telling). The Washington DC Jewish Community Center (DCJCC) and the Global Youth Partnership for Africa will hold an evening of performance-based storytelling focusing on the struggle for human rights in Africa. Artists from six African countries will tell their personal and communal freedom stories through music, dance, drumming, film, and spoken word. Tickets are $15, discounted DCJCC member price $10, students $5.

Magid Performers include:
Daniel Ssuuna (Uganda) - Percussionist, poet, singer, reggae artist
Kuku (Nigeria) - Singer, song-writer, guitarist
Guy Djoken (Cameroon) - Storyteller
Anna Mwalago (Kenya) - Actress, dancer, poet, singer

Please contact Sarah Gershman at the DCJCC at 202-777-3237 by Wednesday, April 5 to purchase tickets.
Washington DC Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 United States
Contact: Sarah Gershman 202-777-3237. http://www.dcjcc.org/jewishliving/classes/Magid.php

Friday, April 14, 2006. 8 and 11 a.m.

Legends of West Africa. This performance ensemble brings West African stories to the stage with their traditional music and dance pieces. Prince George's Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd. Cheverly, MD. Information: 301-277-1710.

Monday, April 17, 2006. 8:00pm
KUKU (Nigerian Soul Singer-Songwriter). Jammin' Java (Open Mic Feature), 227 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180

Thursday, April 20, 2006. 6:30 PM to 9 PM 
afrikafe Professional Development: Theme: Recruiting for the Yale-Clinton Foundation

Speakers:	Mr. W. Edward Wood,  Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative
Ms. Martha Dale, Yale-Clinton Fellowship Design and Implementation
Mr. Kaakpema Yelpaala, Clinton Foundation, HIV/AIDS Initiative  
Address: TransAfrica Forum, 1629 K St. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC

(Farragut North or Farragut West Metro). More information: http://www.afrikafe.com/index.asp

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Ba Cissoko (Guinea): Rock, Reggae and Blues through Kora. La Maison française. Reservation required: culture@ambafrance-us.org or: (202) 944-6091

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Nigerian Soul Singer-Songwriter, KUKU, debuts the "Unexpected Pleasures" album. MR KUKU Recordings will release 'Unexpected Pleasures', the debut full-length album by KUKU, a singer, songwriter and guitarist who effortlessly blends his stripped-down brand of soul music with his Nigerian/Yoruba heritage. For more information, contact: Abdulzatar Adebola or Odessa Stewart at Info@mrkuku.com or (703) 354 3008

Wednesday, April 26, 2006. Reception at 6 p.m., Screening and discussion at 7:15 p.m.

The U.S. premiere of Wetin Dey? (Nigerian slang for "what's happening"), a ground-breaking television drama that explores social realities confronting youth in Nigeria across regional, ethnic, and class divides. GW LAW's Creative and Innovative Economy Center and the World Intellectial Property Organization Mark World Intellectual Property Day with Premiere of a Nollywood Drama. Congress to Spotlight Intellectual Property Issues Challenging Nigeria, Home of the World's Third Largest Film Industry. The screening will be preceded by a discussion of Nigeria's burgeoning film industry and how local filmmakers are confronting piracy problems. WHO: Akim Mogaji, creative director, BBC World Service Trust - Nigeria, Amb. Professor George A. Obiozor, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Rep. Mary Bono (R-CA), Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL), Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL), chairs, Congressional Caucus on Intellectual Property Promotion and Piracy Prevention Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA), chair, Congressional Entertainment Caucus Michael P. Ryan, director, Creative and Innovative Economy Center, GW Law School, Suzanne Stoll, Washington coordinator, World Intellectual Property Organization. WHERE: Rayburn Building, Room 2237, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. RSVP: Members of the media are welcome to attend the reception and screening. For more information or to RSVP, contact Frank Pietrucha at (202) 543-6750 or frank@definitive-communications.com or Claire Duggan at (202) 994-0616 or cduggan@law.gwu.edu.

Friday, April 28, 2006. 6:00pm - 9:30pm

Young African Professionals Network. Informal Social and Professional Networking with fellow Young African Professionals. Venue: Club Five, 1214-B 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. 5 YAP members will get the opportunity to win complimentary tickets through a draw to the 1st Annual Memorial Weekend African All-Star Explosion Featuring MTV Award-Winner: 2Face Idibia. Details/RSVP: www.africacenter.com/yap/events

Saturday, April 29, 2006. 8 p.m.

Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble. The dance company performs percussive dance and music numbers from Ireland, South Africa, Canada and the American south. Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave. McLean, VA • Information: 703-790-0123.

Coming in May

Tuesday, May 2, 2006. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Cabral/Truth Circle Film/Book Discussion on Africa and the African Diaspora. TransAfrica Forum. Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street (at the corner of 14th and V Streets), NW, Washington, DC. Call 202.223.1960 Ext. 137

Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 7, 2006 at 3 p.m.

Children of Uganda: A 10th Anniv. Message of Courage, Hope. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center's Kay Theatre.

Thursday, May 11, 2006. 7:30 PM
Mark & Delia Owens: Secrets of the Savanna. The Grosvenor Auditorium, National Geographic Society Headquarters 1600 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 +1 202 857 7700

Saturday, May 13, 2006. 6:00pm-12am

Celebrating African Motherhood 2006. The Highly Anticipated Black Tie Soiree Honoring Distinguished Women of African Descent. Greenbelt Marriot, 6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt Maryland 20770. Hosted by: OYIZA ADABA of African Independent Television (AIT), Angelique Shofar of 89.3FM. NenyéProductions LLC, in association with The Fistula Foundation, are proud to present “Celebrating African Motherhood” (CAM), the only African black tie soirée founded to honor the unique efforts of women of African Heritage. For info/tickets/press passes call: Keke Bongos-Ikwue 240 338 6824 Ewurabena Mills Robertson: 443 655 0313 Nenye Njoku: 410 375 7626. info@nenyeproductions.com

Saturday, May 13, 2006

KUKU (Nigerian Soul Singer-Songwriter). Mocha Hut, Washington DC

Saturday, May 20, 2006

100 Degreez Presents...Tastes Of Africa. African Culture Festival. Washington, DC. Featuring Authentic African foods, Drinks, music and also performances by some of Africa’s premier artists. www.100degreez.net For More Info Or Call Victor 614-218-7429 Kobus 301-455-0561 Ben 240-426-4118

Saturday, May 20, 2006. 10am - 6pm
Pan African Festival. 1001 Old Mitchelville Road, Bowie, MD. 301-249-7545

Saturday, May 27, 2006. Time: doors open at 6:00pm prompt. Gate fee: starts at $25.

Amplifyd Entertainment Presents: Memorial Day African All Stars. Featuring, MTV Award-Winner: 2Face Idibia (African Queen), Majek Fashek (www.majekfashek.com), Amplifyd Crew (www.amplifydcrew.com), Banky (www.banky.com) and many more! Venue: The Lyric Opera House (140 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD) Tickets will be available from April 20, 2006 at: www.ticketmaster.com, www.amplifydentertainment.com, www.tufaceindc.com, and Select Vendors For information on group seating, VIP and backstage info, vendors, and sponsors, contact: bodepedro@gmail.com