“It was in Costa Coffee with my six and eight year old children that my feelings were reinforced, explains Wayne Kwenda of Zimbabwean ancestry.
He was out having fun with his kids when one called out to him,” Daddy come see, there are brown people”, I answered, “yeah just like me”. Wayne continues, “representation matters, they saw themselves. “Events such as this celebrating blackness makes me realise it is deficient in their environment, and it matters to be represented”.
October in UK is Black History Month. There were two events in Cardiff to mark the end of Black History Month. At the event dubbed "A Taste Of Africa" at the Capitol Centre in Cardiff, there was an exhibition of African arts, clothing, food and music.
Olu Oni, Chief Executive of Africa Welsh News opened the event by welcoming a gathering from all over Africa and Wales. At the event to celebrate Black History month, Mr Oni in his speech complimented the standard of dedication and the organization by organisers to make the event a reality. He said “This is needed and there has to be more events like this in the future”. He thanked event organisers, Sharon Kostini and Sian Holly and those who graced the occasion.
Africa Welsh Executive Director, Olu Oni with event host, Sharon Kostini
One of the organisers Sharon Kostini said of the ‘Taste of Africa’ event in the Capitol Centre, Cardiff “ It’s phenomenal, to see so many people appreciating African inspired artwork. We have taken over an unused shop in the Centre to create a space that is putting a smile on people’s faces while representing our community, raising question’s and making African culture popular”.
As you walk in, the walls are a kaleidoscope of colour, full of art including paintings by Sian Holly, from Mountain Ash but influenced by her travel through and living in Africa. I always think when looking at an artist’s work the consistency of style and quality makes the work stand out and Sian’s work has everything but most important to me is it has a
story, and the story can be of your own making. The white abstract figures produce personal memories of crowds arriving at a church during Epiphany in Ethiopia. My story, my enjoyment, my imagination. Wonderful
A large proud portrait explodes from the wall. Created by the artis Pirate, it is of Cardiff Bay Jazz Diva Patti Flynn who passed away in 2020 but not before becoming founder and patron of Black History Wales. An iconic woman who needs her portrait to be displayed in a prominent site in Cardiff.
Modupe Banji sits next to a row of her Nigerian tie & dye clothes. Shesays,” this is so nice. Since coming to Cardiff, other than church, I don’t mix so this is very special. We should do this on a regular basis”. “It’s promoting our culture in a variety of ways, says talented Nigerian photographer Klat, and has been great for networking. I am at the
beginning of my career and it has been useful to meet like-minded people”.
After seeing publicity for the event Mamadi Bravo from The Gambia decided to support. “ It’s amazing, we need more stuff like this bringing Africa together. We need more of these events but we also need more people attending. We need to bring the continent together and functions like this will definitely help”.
Mamadi’s brother Abular added ”This event is not only promoting the product of the artist but also African culture. I love the fact that people are learning about my culture and may encourage people to travel and see for themselves”.
“It is bringing back so many memories” says Yolanda Kingdon, “but we need more” and Sharon Kostini agrees, “it’s a lot of work to show evidence to funding organizations to gain the finance required but this weekend has proved we need these events, we need to represent our community, we need to bring Africa together and share with everybody”.
As Klat poses for photographs in front of his images depicting ‘Love’, Elham, in traditional Sudanese dress, pores delicious coffee with ginger and Funky Taste Fusion produce authentic food giving visitors an experience of a very special ‘Taste of Africa’.
Go to Gallery to view more photos of the event
For more information about this event and/or future events by Africa Welsh News, call Africa Welsh News on or email us @This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also visit our website - www.africawelshnews.com and our social media handles [@africawelsh - Facebook], [@africawelshnews - Twitter], [Instagram - africawelshnews]
Contact our partners - Sharon Kostini - 07378 180008, Website - www.sharonkostini.com
Funky Taste Fusion - 02922 80 6839
