Voice of London

Africa is celebrating its culture, food and music on Trafalgar Square. With over 25,000 people visiting last year, on 27 October, this is their fourth time bringing Black History Month to an amazing close in the heart of London.

The hosts on the stage are Esther Alade originally from Nigeria and Usifu Jalloh from Sierra Leone. This reflects the diversity of the African community in London. There will be an exclusive fashion show directed by Africa Fashion Week London, a young talent exhibit and an African market with a variety of products, offering food and crafts, as well as activities for children and families.

When announcing the lineup on the square, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Once again, Africa on the Square will show our capital at its best, as people of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate the impact of our African and African Caribbean communities. During this month we also acknowledge the struggles for equality for those of African heritage that have been fought by truly great men and women of the past. But more than anything else, this is a time of celebration.”

Paulette Simpson, Executive Director of The Voice (the only British national Afro-Caribbean weekly magazine), commented in an interview with Colourful Radio: “As Britain’s leading black newspaper, we are proud once again to support the Mayor of London’s Africa on the Square celebrations as media partners.”

Photographed below, James Burchall told the Voice of London that he’s “very delighted that his culture and heritage are celebrated” and that so many people have asked to take a picture of him which made him feel “special on this day.”

Laurence Sessou, who has over 20K followers on Instagram, also photographed below, said that she’s “very proud from where she comes from, seeing people from different cultures celebrate and support us is something that makes me very happy.”

The Voice and Colourful Radio, the largest African-Caribbean owned commercial radio network in the UK, are Africa on the Square’s official media partners. For the first time, the festival will be broadcasting live on Colourful Radio throughout the day.

Words, Video and Photo Gallery: Duha Ali | Subbing: Leyi Chen