Events

Wake up and Smell the Fufu – Official Book Launch and tribute to Christian Njoya Diawara Small: Saturday 7th July 2007 6:30 pm – 9:30pm
Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road London E1 6LA
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In the year 2002 at the humble age of 25, Christian ‘Njoya Diawara' Small decided to go on a soul-searching journey to the land of his forefathers - Africa. Over a six-month period, Njoya walked, talked, ate and slept the life of an African in a rural setting. His mission was to share the skills he had acquired through his IT studies in the UK and at the same time learn as much as he could about his African heritage. He wanted to make sense of the complex identity of a young man born in Britain of Jamaican parentage but, whose ancestors were born in Africa .

During his time in Africa, Njoya documented his travels and many adventures and, encouraged but family and friends, he turned his moving, inspirational and sometimes damn right hilarious experiences of a young man embarking on a journey of self discovery into a book – ‘ Wake Up and Smell the Fufu'.

Join us as we celebrate Njoya's life (who was unfortunately killed during the London bombings in 2005) and the publication of his work with extracts from the book.

We look forward to seeing you at the book launch. If, however, you are unable to come to the launch, you can order a copy of the book by clicking on the Paypal icon below. It will be available from 09/07/07 via all good book stores and you should also be able to order it through your library.

Order your copy of 'Wake up and Smell the Fufu' by clicking on the Paypal icon below

Book details: ‘Wake Up and Smell the Fufu' by Christian Njoya Diawara Small – ISBN 978-0-9542492-2-9

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Njoya's Memoral: 7th July 2006

Taking place at Walthamstow Assembly Hall, the Memorial of Christian Njoya Diawara Small was an opportunity for friends and family come together and celebrate the life force of Njoya.

The drums of George Fiawoo and friends called on everyone’s attention with Charles Small, Njoya’s Father welcoming those gathered and starting the Memorial proceedings.

As with the Celebration of Njoya’s life last year a wealth of talents in song, dance and spoken word graced the stage, with members of the Foundation - Tuggstarr, Sifundo, Patricia Foster, Beyonder and Adisa reading their contributions to Njoya’s book of poetry ‘Man of Great Spirit’.

From the sweet sounds of Gemma Weakes, grace and mesmerising dance of Sharon Wray, timelessness of J’Nay’s vocals, and nutritious lyrical substance of Ty, the night also saw friends old and new of the Foundation sharing their gifts.

The night provided a chance for people to hear more about the work planned by the foundation and an opportunity for many to hear first hand from Aaron Mavinga, a young man involved with the Origin mentoring scheme, one of the leading examples of the type organisations the Foundation wishes to support.

Aaron held the stage with a presence far beyond his young age, highlighting the influence Origin has had on his life and making his contributions as a role model to his peers.
Sheila Henry, Noya’s mother closed the night thanking all those present and highlighted what an important time of reflection the night had been but also but also the importance of looking to the future.

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Community Spirit: March 2006

Community Spirit

For those that are not aware, Community Spirit is the bi-annual social event created to promote and fundraise ORIGIN - a young men's rites of passage programme for 13 to 17 year-old brothers of African Descent. At their event in August 2005, Community Spirit managed to raise over £2,000 for the Foundation.

Please return to find out details of the next event.

The 15th March 2006 saw the return of Community Spirit. The night dubbed 'the defrost session', was once again a jam-packed party, many familiar faces could be spotted dancing away on the night!

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Nike Run: October 2005

On Sunday 16th October 2005, Nike organised a 10k run to encourage people to improve their fitness by training for the run and to continue this training throughout the year. Some of the Foundation members usually participate in the run, but saw this year as an opportunity to get other friends involved, not only to improve their health, but also to raise money and awareness of the Foundation.

In total, the group raised £2,326. They wish to continue to encourage more friends and family to improve their health whilst at the same time, helping the Foundation.

Picture: (from left to right) Edwin Lavinier, Deborah Makinde, Olu Gardner, Asomi Ithia, Yusuff Ajani and Chris Dehaney.

Others who took part in the Nike Run, but who are not featured in the photo are Sifundo Msebele and Elaine Adu-Poku.

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