#easterncongo

Goma, Nord Kivu, République Démocratique du Congo

Poetry Meets Art - Mama Masika & International Women’s Month Special | Tuesday 8th March | Passing Clouds | 7pm - 11pm

Tickets - EventBrite | Shoobs

"A nation can rise no higher than its Women" - Minister Farrakhan

What does true Freedom and Independence look, sound and feel like? How do we identify with the needs of a nation where everyone benefits rather than just a small handful? And why are women so vital, at the core even, of the move towards bettering a nation?

Join in this month as we celebrate and work to continue the legacy of the inspiration and legend that is Mama Rebecca Masika Katsuva. This fiercely determined yet humble spirit passed away leaving a trail of passion, love, care, justice, fearlessness and so much more behind. Mama Masika's life was torn apart by the genocide in Congo, raped, looted and attacked numerous time but she rose above it all and dedicated everything towards helping women and children move from being victims to victorious.

Her centre in Eastern Congo has been able to help over 60,000 women and orphans to get back on their own feet which is amazing, however, the future is uncertain. Masika's daughters have taken over the running of it but as you can imagine they are grief stricken. This is where YOU come in and help to help keep the centre open - they provide homes, education, counselling, therapy and community. 10% of money from the tickets and door will go towards keeping the centre open and budgeting for the future which is indeed full of Hope.

So.....who do we have in store for you

Performances by....

FLOetic Lara

The incredible and supreme vocals of The Voice finalist will be tearing, ripping, annihilating the stage so get ready! Having graced many stages and even recorded her first album in Bob Marley's studio, Jamaica, it's clear to see why her name is consistently appearing on many bills. The fusion of jazz and blues melodies, spoken word packed with power and the ultra in commanding your attention...this is one performance not to miss out on!

http://www.laralee.uk/

Christine Ameh

A new comer to poetry and spoken word but by no means a stranger to performance....please get ready to applause this talented writer and singer who owned the crown and title of TELEMA slam champion! Christine Ameh has the perfect balance between truthful and hard hitting words and an understated, soft style of delivery that sets her apart from others. She has a great ability to draw you in with her well researched information and leave you empowered....get ready for the mind expansion and true Edutainment!

Sukina Pilgrim

Someone have the fire brigade because this amazing performer right here is about to bring the FYAH! Sukina Pilgrim is a diverse rapper and spoken word artist who is smashing barriers with words that come from a place of truth and wisdom. This coupled with her flow and engaging performance style simply makes her a winner.....don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

Presentations from....

Madame Nicole

Okay...this is where the activism and action takes place to ATTEN-HUT! Nicole is a Congolese activist who works tirelessly to have policies changed in Parliament regarding policies on conflict minerals and arms. She has been in touch with Masika's family to find out what the current situation is with the centre and how we can help them.

Cheryl Phoenix

Yo! This amazing woman right here though means BUSINESS...... A serial entrepreneur who specialises in business development, marketing, and event management, Cheryl has been working in the business arena for over 18 years. Cheryl owns several businesses and brands including Global Black Links, Purple Pages, The Black Child Agenda & African & Caribbean Relocation and Investment Summit and will be speaking on her current work with the Black Child Agenda.

http://cherylphoenix.com/index.html

Live Art from....

Nebula Nebula

Our multi-talented resident artist returns to transform her paintbrush into a brush into a weapon as we take art for activism to another level. Rich, powerful and captivating are just some words to describe what she produces as part of the live art interpretation. Check out the link below or some of her previous work....enjoy!

http://nebulaartschool.tumblr.com/

Music from...

Sid Mercutio 

Simply tune in, turn on and zone out to the sounds of the DJ whose name is one the lips of many.....after listening to his original tracks and remixes you'll hear why...

Limited-edition collection of TOMS! Each purchase helps fund the work of The Eastern Congo Initiative, Ben Affleck’s nonprofit (hello!) and of course, like TOMS’s motto, for each pair sold a child in need will receive a new pair of shoes. Cute shoes, great cause- now that’s win-win!

Buy them here 

Click here video (very cool) to see what The Eastern Congo Initiative is all about.

"…This is what I believe in, what I think of as the meaning of life. Getting involved with something, helping others, improving the fabric of the universe and I believe that if you do that, even just a little bit, I think you’ll find your life gets better, too." - Ben Affleck

ECI’s Mission: The Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), founded by Ben Affleck in 2010, carries a mission to increase economic and social opportunities for those living in eastern Congo. Their combination of public and private partnerships along with grant-making initiatives are laying the foundation for local, community groups in eastern Congo to do what is needed to build sustainable futures. Doesn’t everyone deserve a helping hand and a little motivational push once in a while?

More about The Eastern Congo Initiative