The historic Africa Centre, for decades an iconic cultural landmark in London’s Covent Garden area, opened to the public again in its swanky new headquarters building in the UK capital’s culture-heavy Southwark. The official opening was attended by a glittering array of people on June 9th. Celebrations continued for four days. Ishara CallanThese are the highlights.
Among the hundreds of people who attended the official reopening of London’s Africa Centre on 9 June were previous directors and trustees of the Centre, leaders of peer organisations, community groups, members of the public and representatives of some African High Commissions.
Notable guests include multi-medium artist Yinka Shinibare, CBE RA, novelist Chibundu Ozuzo, sculptor Sokari Doug Camp, CBE, and Frances Morris, director of Tate Modern.
Oba Nsugbe QC, the Chair of Board of Trustees, opened proceedings by greetings and a warm welcoming. Following this, the Deputy Mayor London, Jules Pipe, Lord Paul Boateng and Pumela Salesla, UK Country Head, Brand South Africa, delivered rousing keynote speeches.
Sonia Boyce OBE, RA was the guest of honor. Her relationship with The Africa Centre dates back almost 40 years, to when she was a member of the Centre’s Board. Five Black WomenExhibition in 1983 (alongside Lubaina himid, Claudette Smith, Houria Niata, and Veronica Ryan). She cut the ribbon together with Lord Boateng.
Following the speeches, a historic moment was witnessed when a mural created by Malangatana Valente Ngwenya, a Mozambican artist, was unveiled. The mural is special because it was originally created as a gift for the Africa Centre in Covent Garden in 1987.
The mural was carefully removed from The Africa Centre’s new location in 2013 and stored in storage until it was fully restored and placed in the new building. Malangatana’s family and members of the Mozambican community were present to conduct a ceremony as part of the unveiling.
In the evening, there was a VIP reception for the first artist to showcase in The Africa Centre’s new gallery – Uganda-based Tanzanian artist Sungi Mlengeya.
Her first solo exhibition outside Africa, (Un)choreographedThis exhibition pays tribute to the rich history and many ways dance can liberate women in Africa and the Diaspora. Curated by Tammi Bello and Jessica Lowe-Mbirimi, Mlengeya’s exhibition unveils eight striking large-scale paintings that radiate energy and celebrate the agency and power of their Black women subjects.
Bold design
A beneficiary of the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, The Africa Centre secured a £1.6m grant in 2018, towards the redevelopment of its new home. It is located in Southwark, the cultural heartbeat of London, only walking distance from other iconic cultural centres such as the Tate Modern, the V&A, the Young and Old Vic theatres and the Southbank Centre.
The Africa Centre’s new home (66-68 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1) sits in a former 1960s office block that has been transformed into the most welcoming cultural venue in London. The building is painted all black on the outside and the interiors are an outburst of colours – from the fierce orange of a setting sun in Africa and earthy ochre to gentle soft greens.
Explaining the vision, Oba Nsugbe, Board Chair, The Africa Centre, said: “The admirable work of architects Freehaus, turned a nondescript office building into a thing of beauty with its bold black design with strips of bright patterning that is synonymous with various African cultures.”
He added: “The four-storey place is filled with paintings and craftwork from African designers. Even lighting, textiles, chairs and other items are sourced from the continent. Tola Ojuolape, who led the interior design, came up with swish contemporary African looks, such as the natty bar networking area at the Centre.”
Momentous occasion
Belvin Tawuya, The Africa Centre’s Communications Director, said: “This was a momentous occasion in the history of our organisation. It was a perfect opportunity to reflect back on our history and pay tribute to all those who helped make The Africa Centre what it is today.
“However,” he added, “our success and sustainability depend on our ability to create space at the table for a younger generation with different but exciting perspectives. The Africa Centre remains a home away from home and we will be working hard to raise that awareness, particularly amongst millennials and Gen-Z, through engaging and relevant programmes.”
Celebrations were spread over four days and each day was packed with activities aligned with the charity’s mission to educate, connect, and advocate for Africa and its diaspora.
Source: New African Magazine
