September 23, 2022

BUSINESS • Myristica - Myristica is a London based supper club serving modern Caribbean inspired cuisine. Our monthly supper club greets you with a welcome cocktail, canapés and a five course tasting menu. Dishes are rooted in Caribbean flavours and traditions while also celebrating the local and seasonal ingredients that England offers. We provide a unique and modern approach to the traditionally homely and soul satisfying food of the Caribbean and do so in a friendly and warm atmosphere. From Caribbean ingredients we create new exciting dishes and when it comes to the well-known dishes of the islands, we refine them by pushing the boundaries of tradition whilst keeping true to the core flavours that make these dishes what they are. Everything on our menu is carefully thought out and if our menu says it, we will be serving it to you... and with a smile too !https://www.myristica.co/ Google 4.7 out of 5 • West Indian Bake Company -Our story begins in the south of Trinidad in a town called San Fernando. It’s in this beautiful region, lovingly known as ‘Sando’, where Dawn was born and where she developed her amazing craft. By using traditional techniques passed down from generations before and adding her own secret ingredients and special touches, Dawn created a unique style of beautiful Caribbean cuisine. Although it was full of authentic flavours it had an added flare which set it apart from the rest . She quickly became known for her talents or what is known in Trinidad as having a ‘sweet hand ‘.Dawn is no longer with us today but we were blessed to have many of her secrets passed down to us. It is with great pride that we share her legacy with you. https://www.westindianbake.co/ Google 4 out of 5 • Roger's `Kitchen - CHEF ROGER SHAKES WAS PREVIOUSLY HEAD CHEF AT ‘MANGO ROOM’ IN CAMDEN TOWN WHERE HE COOKED FOR STARS, HEAVYWEIGHTS AND LUMINARIES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. Originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, Roger came to London in 1999 where his first employment in a restaurant was washing plates. Learning from the chefs around him and combining this with the culinary skills passed down from his grandparents, he soon realised his talent for food and the joy of feeding others. Rising to become head chef at ‘Mango Rooms’ he has spent decades perfecting Jamaican classics such as Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken which now sit alongside new favourites such as his special Pork Ribs and vibrant Vegan Curry. Over the years he has enchanted a loyal following with his easy-going charm and authentic Jamaican flavours. Striking out on his own with ‘Roger’s Kitchen’ he hopes to bring Caribbean food to a new audience with passion and panache. https://rogerskitchen.co.uk/ Google 4.8 out of 5 EVENTS • Blues for An Alabama Sky (21 September - 5th November) - New York, 1930. Following a decade of creative explosion, the Harlem Renaissance is starting to feel the bite of the Great Depression. In the face of hardship and dwindling opportunity, Angel and her friends battle to keep their artistic dreams alive. But, when Angel falls for a stranger from Alabama, their romance forces the group to make good on their ambitions, or give in to the reality of the time. Lynette Linton directs a startling revival of this extraordinary play by Pearl Cleage. Samira Wiley (The Handmaid’s Tale, Orange Is the New Black) makes her UK stage debut alongside a cast that includes Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo (Three Sisters), Osy Ikhile (Sweat), Sule Rimi (Barber Shop Chronicles) and Giles Terera (Death of England: Face to Face).https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/blues-for-an-alabama-sky • Black Camden with Avril Nanton (11th October, Roger's Kitchen Camden) - This event combines the fascinating black history of Camden alongside delicious Caribbean food and drink. Come and hear Avril Nanton, co-author of Black London: History, Art & Culture in over 120 Places give a live presentation at Roger's Kitchen. Featuring some famous, and not-so-famous, names, this presentation takes at look at the black people who have lived, worked or visited Camden over the years. Your ticket includes a welcome drink (either a house wine, beer or soft drink) to enjoy during Avril's live presentation. Once the presentation is over you can order food from the A La Carte menu with a 20 % discount. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-camden-with-avril-nanton-tickets-419642069727 • Reggae Choir & Friends (30 October 22, Hackney Empire) - The UK’s first-ever official Reggae Choir celebrates its 10th anniversary with a headline show in Hackney! Reggae Choir will share the stage with legendary artists Winston Reedy, Black Slate and Tippa Irie. They will also be joined by Reggae trio Nubian Queenz and Hackney Music Service’s Youth Choir and String Section. Hosted by Hackney Empire favourite Kat B, this will be a night to remember. https://hackneyempire.co.uk/whats-on/reggae-choir-friends/ Ave, London WC2N 5BY BOOKS • Hell of a Book (Jason Mott) - *WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION 2021* 'Truly one hell of a book.' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS, author of QUEENIE. THIS IS A TRUE STORY. An author goes on a book tour for his new bestseller Hell of a Book - which, as people keep telling him, is one hell of a book. THIS IS A COMING-OF-AGE STORY. One morning, he meets The Kid - a young Black boy who looks just like the one on the news who was shot by the police. And The Kid wants him to tell his story. THIS IS A SAD STORY. t's the story of a boy who spent most of his life trying to hide, and to not be seen. And it may not be that different from the story of our author. THIS IS A LOVE STORY. But to find out why, you'll have to read it for yourself. THIS IS A STORY UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU'VE EVER READ. THIS IS A HELL OF A BOOK.4.0 out of 5 Amazon 4.3 out of 5 Amazon 4.06 out of 5 Goodreads

• The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope - Clara Johnson can talk to spirits - a gift that saved her during her darkest moments, now a curse that's left her indebted to the cunning spirit world. So when a powerful spirit offers her an opportunity to gain her freedom, Clara seizes the chance. The task: steal a magical ring from the wealthiest woman in the District. Clara can't pull off this daring heist alone. She'll need the help of an unlikely team: from a handsome jazz musician able to hypnotize with a melody, to an aging actor who can change his face. But as conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one - an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life. 4.8 out of 5 Amazon 4.35 out of 5 Goodreads

PODCASTS • Your Aunties Could Never - Your Aunties Could Never bring you entertaining no-nonsense straight talk from women who aren't afraid to say all the things you wish you could say. Aunty AK, Aunty Farrah, Aunty Nana, and Aunty Sade are four friends from the UK who have lived life and are well respected in business endeavors and amongst friends and family. Elevating them to Elite Auntie status. The Aunties have a voice and are not fearful of being heard. Join them as they discuss topical news and politics, comment on popular culture, and give advice all from an informed (mature) Black woman's perspective. Think a daytime chat show but with seasoning, real talk & large amounts of Melanin Magic. Powered By @Thebritishblacklist https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/your-aunties-could-never/id1508653894 •NoShade Podcast W!ZARD Studios- #NoShadePod is brought to you by @AkuaAubrey_ and @MyOwnRoyalty. There are no limits to the topics we discuss from social issues to everyday life experiences. We keep it real and honest with a dash of shade. Occasionally you might get some alternative facts but you'll get the gist! https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/noshade-podcast/id1263225950 RADIO • Untold Legends: Ora Wahington - Who was Ora Washington? The southern farm girl who wanted more. But recognition came too late – why was the guest of honour at a star-studded event missing? Ora was a brilliant tennis and basketball player who fought to make her name in racially segregated America. We find out about her early life in Virginia. Please note, that this episode contains some outdated language that may offend. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct43cd

FILM/TV • End of the Road (NETFLIX) - With Queen Latifah • Ludacris. A recently widowed Brenda, drives her family cross-country to start a new life. In the New Mexico desert, cut off from help, they must learn to fight back when they become the targets of a mysterious killer. • Wanna Dance with Somebody. -The first trailer for Star Wars' actor Naomi Ackie's Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody is here. The film follows the life of the late singer ,who is considered one of the most successful musical artists of all time with six Grammy Award wins throughout her career. In the trailer we can see glimpses of Houston's iconic career, from first being discovered by record executive Clive Davis while singing in a club to performing in sold out stadiums and playing at the 1991 Super Bowl (Digital Spy). •We Do That Season 2 (BET Youtube) -Follows Harry Pinero and Nella Rose as they try something new while meeting incredibly talented Black individuals across the diaspora who are embodying black excellence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB-E-G4kUX8 Me Time (August 26, 2022) (NETFLIX) - With Kevin Hart • Regina Hall. The film follows a stay-at-home dad who finds himself with some “me time” for the first time in years while his wife and kids are away. He reconnects with his former best friend for a wild weekend that nearly upends his life. WHO'S WHO? • Toks Dada the Southbank Centre’s 32-year-old leader -With its new season opening this weekend, the Southbank Centre’s 32-year-old leader talks about how he’s shaping the venue to reflect classical music today, the magic of live music, and the challenge of keeping the lights – and the heating – on (the Guardian) https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2022/sep/21/its-my-age-thats-the-talking-point-toks-dada-the-southbanks-head-of-classical-music •Abel Selaocoe: Where Is Home review – captivating, complex and compelling - The cellist guides us through his musical life so far, from traditional African dance rhythms to 18th-century sonatas (the Guardian). https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2022/sep/22/abel-selaocoe-where-is-home-review-captivating-complex-and-compelling •Charmaine Hayden is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Before entering the world of Venture Capital as one of the only women of colour in VC in the UK to be a managing partner she was no stranger to kicking down diversity doors. By the time Good Soil was founded Charmaine had already built 2 incredibly popular diversity brands (5x award winning ethnic/curve model agency – Face4music and Goal Digger power circle – a hub for female entrepreneurs) before many people were even thinking about braving the “diversity” conversation. She credited her thick skin and solution focused attitude to her tough upbringing. In 2016, she co-launched a successful online media channel, Not for The Radio, where she is a co-host interviewing top musical artists. The channel has over 10 million views and digs into the business behind top industry artists and their craft. With a passion for start-ups and a wealth of knowledge across both the entertainment and media sectors, Charmaine was an obvious fit for the team at GOODsoil. Her vision is to help find and fund more women-led startups. WHAT I AM PERSONALLY RECOMMENDING? 1. The Sweetness of Water . "LONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 BOOKER PRIZE AND SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2022 DYLAN THOMAS PRIZE A TIMES BEST PAPERBACK 2022, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 2021, OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICK AND BARACK OBAMA SELECTION 'A fine, lyrical novel, impressive in its complex interweaving of the grand and the intimate, of the personal and political' Observer Landry and Prentiss are two brothers born into slavery, finally freed as the American Civil War draws to its bitter close. Cast into the world without a penny to their names, their only hope is to find work in a society that still views them with nothing but intolerance. Farmer George Walker and his wife Isabelle are reeling from a loss that has shaken them to their core. After a chance encounter, they agree to employ the brothers on their land, and slowly the tentative bonds of trust begin to blossom between the strangers. But this sanctuary survives on a knife's edge, and it isn't long before a tragedy causes the inhabitants of the nearby town to turn their suspicion onto these new friendships, with devastating consequences. 2. LUBAINA HIMID (Tate Modern until October 2nd, 2022) - This large-scale exhibition will debut recent work and include selected highlights from Lubaina Himid’s influential career. Taking inspiration from her interest in theatre, the exhibition will unfold in a sequence of scenes designed to place visitors centre-stage and backstage. Initially trained in theatre design, Himid is known for her innovative approaches to painting and to social engagement. She has been pivotal in the UK since the 1980s for her contributions to the British Black arts movement, making space for the expression and recognition of Black experience and women’s creativity. Over the last decade, she has earned international recognition for her figurative paintings, which explore overlooked and invisible aspects of history and of contemporary everyday life. In 2017 she was awarded the Turner Prize and in 2018 she was bestowed with the honorary title of CBE for her contributions to the arts.