Music: Cadburys -celebrating Ghanaian music –and promoting Fair-trade......

Cadbury Dairy Milk is pleased to support this years Fairtrade Fortnight with our Big Swap Songs initiative. …All were asking you to do is swap something in your shopping basket for a Fairtrade equivalent, and in return well give you our Big Swap Songs album for free…..It's an eight track album with unique Ghanaian covers of a selection of top UK hits, as well as an exclusive version of Paolo Nutini's chart-topping hit 'Pencil Full of Lead'……..Start Swapping Now……What you have to do is virtually select an item you would change they then give you the link to download the album…

Tracklist
01. Pencil Full Of Lead - Paolo Nutini Feat. The Big Ghana Band
02. Sound Of The Underground - Covered by The Big Ghana Band
03. You spin me round - Covered by The Big Ghana Band
04. Ooh La La - Covered by The Big Ghana Band
05. Unbelievable - Covered by The Big Ghana Band
06. One Day Like This - Covered by The Big Ghana Band
07. Zingolo - Feat. Tinny
08. Bonus track - Zingolo Sway remix

*To download the ‘Big Swap for Fairtrade’ music please visit: http://www.cadburymusic.com/

Ghana International Bank plc introduces GHIB Debit MasterCard

Photo courtesy of Ghana International Bank plc

“We’re unique – a Ghanaian-owned international bank based in the City of London. For Ghanaians around the globe we deliver banking services designed by people who understand your needs, and provide a bridge to the banking institutions of home. For corporates doing business in Africa, we’re a gateway to the global financial system, providing access to expertise, capital and extensive cross-border capabilities.” www.ghanabank.co.uk

“Home or away, the smarter way to pay. Here’s the easiest way to get cash out from your GHIB Current Account or pay for your purchases, at home or abroad.


•No more lunchtime queues at the bank.
•No more carrying around large amounts in cash.
•No more cheques to write and no worrying whether they’ll be accepted.
• Get cash out from your current account or check your balance 24/7 from any bank’s money machine
• Pay for your purchases with your card – easier than cash or cheques
• Lets you enjoy the time-saving convenience of online or phone shopping
• Use it overseas – safer and more convenient than organising foreign currency
• Get a complete record of your transactions in your statement. Helps you stay in control of your money.” www.ghanabank.co.uk

**For more information on the services offered by Ghana International Bank or to apply for a GHIB Debit MasterCard please phone Ghana International Bank’s Retail Banking Helpdesk on 0845 605 6004.

Ghana International Bank plc
67 Cheapside
Ist Floor
City of London
EC2V 6AZ
Telephone: 020 7653 0350
http://www.ghanabank.co.uk/
[The Bank is opened from 9.30am to 3pm]

Food: The best Ghanaian food in London......

“Does your knowledge of African food start with biltong and end with cous-cous? Then you’ve got a long way to go, challey. And where better to start than with the cuisine of Ghana, a country with some 50,000 expats in London.” TIME OUT Magazine

Food courtesy of Jollof Pot

“Whether you're looking to entertain clients or reward your staff, Jollof Pot have an extensive range of dishes to suit all tastes. From lunch meetings to sumptuous banquets, we offer outstanding contemporary and traditional Ghanaian dishes. Our reputation for quality food and a totally different experience is reinforced with a quality of service that is second to none. We will be pleased to quote for any specific food requirements or special diets. Contact us for information on sample corporate lunch menus.” www.jollofpot.co.uk

Food courtesy of Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant

“The essence of The Gold Coast, Brixton is to provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment for those looking to wine and dine, dance and enjoy a warm and hearty African ambience. The emphasis of the business is to celebrate all things African in one of London’s most energetic and diverse communities……..TGC Brixton, is located in the heart of one of London’s most diverse and multi-cultural communities hence the unique opportunity to provide an African themed premier restaurant, cocktail bar and club. From the chic of the TGC Cocktail bar, Afro centric style & cuisine of the Restaurant, the cosy relaxation of the Apata (lounge), the atmospheric energy of the Club to the exclusivity of the VIP lounge, TGC, Brixton is the place to be – an altogether unique African experience! Giving true meaning to the word “Akwaaba” from the Ghanaian culture, meaning “Welcome”. www.thegoldcoastbar.com

Ghanaian food is sooo hot right now –and has left me reminiscing about my most favourite ever Ghanaian restaurant -The Golden Stool. Located in Tottenham [north London] – The Golden Stool was unpretentious [with its plastic table coverings, plastic flowers and its ‘sit-where-you-like-oOh’ verve –it could never be accused of delusions of grandeur] –and served the very best Ghanaian food. Intimate and cosy, offering large potions –and a bowl to wash your hands in [before and after food] -The Golden Stool was a winner; -and even though you really couldn’t conduct a business lunch/meeting there [far too shabby chic for a business meeting] –it was patronized by all nationalities [it became a big favourite of Tottenham’s Jamaican community]. Sadly, due to the current economic climate –it closed its doors.

Thankfully there are at least two more wonderful Ghanaian eateries in London. The first and the most highly recommended eatery is the ‘Jollof Pot’; -founded by famous Ghanaian food duo, -Lloyd and Adwoa Hagan-Mensah [they were runners up on the BBC’s Raymond Blanc reality show, -‘The Restaurant’ -and have a serious celebrity following such as: Cherie Blair, David Cameron, June Sarpong, singer Alexander O'Neal, DJ Lisa I'Anson and director Joe Wright –and an impressive list of clients that includes: Innocent Drinks, House of Lords, Nike, Water Aid, Amnesty International and Lonely Planet]. The Jollof Pot is a catering company which specialises in modern Ghanaian cuisine, -and is famed for using the best and freshest produce [and are hugely responsible for putting Ghanaian food -on the map -thanks guys].

The ‘Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant’ [founded by William and Francesca Quagraine] -of which, I’ve had the pleasure of patronizing on several occasions –is the other restaurant. Like the Jollof Pot, - Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant serves yummy, delicious Ghanaian food –and comes highly recommended. Situated in both Brixton and South Norwood, the Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant is ideal for spontaneous business meetings –and a wonderful way to introduce your friends to our yummy cuisine -in crisp, clean surroundings. Please see the following for contact details:

Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant [South Norwood]
224 Portland Road,
South Norwood,
London,
SE25 4QB
Tel: 020 8676 1919
Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant [Brixton]
40 Acre Lane
Brixton
SW2 5SP
Tel: 020 7326 0164
http://www.thegoldcoastbar.com/

Jollof Pot
Unit 5H,
Standard Industrial Estate,
Henley Road
London
E16 2ES
main line: +44 (0)20-7473-5666
mobile 1: +44 (0)79-0334-4978
mobile 2: +44 (0)78-5425-0140
mobile 3: +44 (0)78-5541-2196
http://www.jollofpot.co.uk/
[Stalls at Exmouth Market Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm; Broadway Market Sat 11am-5pm; Portobello Market Sat 11am-6pm]

**P.s If you know of other fabulous Ghanaian restaurants [anywhere in the world] –please put their details in the comment box below –and let us all enjoy them....thanks x

Architecture: David Adjaye [Chosen to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture]

Photos courtesy of The New York Times

***I’ve been meaning to write about ‘our’ David Adjaye’s post as Architect for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) –to be built in Washington DC. The Smithsonian Institution chose a team led by David Adjaye, the celebrated Tanzanian-born [to Ghanaian diplomats], -London-based architect, to design the NMAAHC, scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015…..

I’ve been so busy –and congratulations to David and his team -are way overdue….but the following text should give you more background information…Enjoy…x

Title: Architects Chosen for Black History Museum

By RANDY KENNEDY Published: April 14, 2009

A dream almost a century old moved another step closer to reality on Tuesday as the Smithsonian Institution chose a team led by David Adjaye, the celebrated Tanzanian-born architect, to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture, scheduled to open on the National Mall in Washington in 2015.

The winners of the design competition — which also include the Freelon Group, Davis Brody Bond and SmithGroup — were chosen over five others, including well-known architects like Norman Foster and Diller Scofidio & Renfro.

The museum is expected to cost $500 million and will be built on a site near the Washington Monument after a three-year design period to turn the winners’ idea into a workable blueprint. The museum was established in 2003 by an act of Congress. And although it does not have a building yet, it has already begun collecting artifacts and conducting seminars and other events, including a recent two-day program on the Black Power movement.

Efforts to build a national museum of black history stretch back to the early 1900s, but they were thwarted by political opposition well into the 1990s. Among the opponents was Jesse Helms, Republican of North Carolina, who in 1994 blocked Senate passage of a bill authorizing the museum, saying Congress should not have to “pony up” for such a project. The museum’s cost will be borne half by the federal government and half through private donations.

Mr. Adjaye, who works in London and recently opened offices in New York and Berlin, is known for his colorful and eclectic designs for the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, as well as for the homes and studios he has designed for artists and celebrity clients like Alexander McQueen, the fashion designer, and Ewan McGregor, the actor.

In accepting the commission, Mr. Adjaye described it as “the dream of my career” and said that the group’s concept for the building — an elevated “mound” dominated by a two-tiered structure that he called a “celebration crown” — focused on the idea of a canopy or porchlike setting for people “to come as a respite, to come and view, to learn.” He said he believed that the primary spirit behind the building, whose interior will be open to skylights at its top, would be one of praise.

“Throughout the history of African-American struggle and celebration, there are these moments of praise,” he said. “It’s for us a deeply spiritual and powerful culture.”

The Freelon Group, led by Philip G. Freelon, will be the architect of record for the project. Based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., the firm has designed the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture in Baltimore. The inclusion of Davis Brody Bond in the group was bittersweet; J. Max Bond Jr., a partner in the firm, a dean of African-American architects and educators and one of a few black architects of national prominence, died in February.

“It is his legacy and his vision that we stand upon now as we move forward,” Mr. Freelon said.

The announcement of the design winners, at a news conference at the Smithsonian Castle, the oldest building on the Mall, was a reminder of the disagreements that have long simmered over where the museum should be built. Some groups had lobbied heavily for its placement south of the Mall, arguing that the new museum would help bring about a much-needed physical and psychological expansion of the Mall beyond its current boundaries.

But the museum’s advisory council — which includes numerous influential black leaders, including Richard D. Parsons, recently named the chairman of Citigroup; Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television; and Oprah Winfrey — recommended the 15-acre site that was eventually chosen: across the street from the National Museum of American History. The council rejected three other possibilities, two of which were not on the Mall. In an interview in 2006 Mr. Johnson said he had told Smithsonian officials that he would resign from the council if the Smithsonian’s board chose a site off the Mall.

“To have relegated this museum to another site,” he said, “when people are looking to it to answer everything from the need for an apology for slavery to reparations, would have been the ultimate dismissal.”

Lonnie G. Bunch, the director of the museum, who also served as chairman of the jury that selected the design team, said at the news conference on Tuesday that “as we moved through this process, one thing was central to our thinking: we continue to be guided by our respect for this wonderfully important site.”

He added, “What I can tell you is, this is a building that I think will sing for all of us, and I think that’s what we wanted.”

Happy Ghana 53rd Independence Day –folks......xx

“At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!



And yet again, I want to take the opportunity to thank the people of this country; the youth, the farmers, the women who have so nobly fought and won the battle.


Also, I want to thank the valiant ex-service men who have so cooperated with me in this mighty task of freeing our country from foreign rule and imperialism.


And, as I pointed out... from now on, today, we must change our attitudes and our minds. We must realize that form now on we are no longer a colonial but free and independent people.


But also, as I pointed out, that also entails hard work. That this new Africa is ready to fight his own battles and show that after all -the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.


We are going to demonstrate to the world, to the other nations, that we are prepared to lay our foundation - our own African personality.


As I said to the Assembly a few minutes ago, I made a point that we are going to create our own African personality and identity. It is the only way we can show the world that we are ready for our own battles.


But today, may I call upon you all, that on this great [day] that …..let us all remember that nothing can be done unless it has the purport and support of God.


We have won the battle and again rededicated ourselves ... OUR INDEPENDENCE IS MEANINGLESS UNLESS IT IS LINKED UP WITH THE TOTAL LIBERATION OF AFRICA.


Let us now, fellow Ghanaians; let us now ask for God's blessing for only two seconds, and in your thousands and millions.


I want to ask you to pause for only one minute and give thanks to Almighty God for having led us through our difficulties; imprisonments, hardships and sufferings, to have brought us to our end of troubles today. [One minute silence!]


Ghana is free forever! And here I will ask the band to play the Ghana National Anthem.


Reshaping Ghana's destiny, I am depending on the millions of the country, and the chiefs and the people, to help me to reshape the destiny of this country. We are prepared to pick it up and make it a nation that will be respected by every nation in the world.


We know were going to have difficult beginnings, but again, I am relying on your support.... I am relying upon your hard work.


Seeing you in this... It doesn't matter how far my eyes go, I can see that you are here in your millions. And my last warning to you is that you are to stand firm behind us so that we can prove to the world that when the African is given a chance, he can show the world that he is somebody!

We have awakened. We will not sleep anymore. Today, from now on, there is a new African in the world!" Independence Speech - Kwame Nkrumah



**Thanks to Almighty God! ….God Bless Ghana.........xx

Furniture Designer: Ben Addo

I have a file full of ‘Movers and Shakers’ of Ghanaian origin; collected over the years from various publications –and furniture designer, Ben Addo is one that continues to intrigue me….I’m finding it very difficult to get more info on this talented man. Can you help, do you know of him -and does he have a website?

The Spirit: 'Speak, and it shall manifest' by Richard Okoree Adofo

To listen to Richard Okoree Adofo at Enlighten Radio please visit: http://www.enlightenradio.net/