BEFFTA award-winner and TV dance star appointed ambassador for British Heart Foundation
Feb 22nd
TV dance star Akai performing at BEFFTA awards 2011
Got to dance winner and recipient of BEFFTA young achiever award 2011 Akai has been appointed to spearhead a campaign for British Heart Foundation called Food4thought. The self-taught dancer has been busy touring schools and passing on the message to fellow youth the importance of staying fit and eating healthy food. The campaign is trying to tackle the threat of childhood obesity with the help the star.
The charismatic superstar and dance genius gave a surprise visit to a school recently where he gave them a treat with one of his dance routines.
Find out more about Akai at www.akaiofficial.co.uk
BEFFTA This Is Love concert to raise funds for Stephen Lawrence Centre
Feb 15th
BEFFTA Founder Pauline Long and CEO of The Stephen Lawrence Centre Paul Anderson-Walsh during a recent tour of the centre
Wretch 32, Wiley, Bashy, Scorcher and several stars have lined up in support for BEFFTA This Is Love Concert raising much needed funds for The Stephen Lawrence Centre. The concert which is set to take place on 31st March 2012 at The Light House has major talented names to perform including Omar, Don E, Myco Chris, Dionne Reid, David O, Dego Ranking, Stedman Pearson and more.
BEFFTA founder Pauline Long recently caught up with CEO of The Stephen Lawrence Centre Paul Anderson-Walsh who gave her a tour of the great centre, he said, “The Lawrence family wanted to give Stephen’s dream to others. The centre’s initial intention was to be an educational centre, Stephen wanted to become an architecture but he did not get the chance. We have now expanded it and included media centre, business centre, art gallery for exhibitions and more. The memory of Stephen Lawrence is being used to wedge open doors for other people, the centre is open for everyone. Thousands of people have benefited from the centre to date and we would like to continue to give the services to the community but with their help to keep it open for as many years as possible.”
The BEFFTA This is Love Concert is promoting anti-hate/anti-violence, love and peace in London’s special year of Olympics and encouraging communities to come together and spread love and peace. The concert intends to bring unity within different communities through music. BEFFTA This Is Love concert which has support from various media houses including The Afro News and Playvybz radio will be attended by a host of celebrities and high profile guest including Baroness Scotland, Paul Anderson-Walsh who is the CEO of the Stephen Lawrence Trust, Lee Jasper and many more.
Some of the personalities who have joined the campaign are performing artists, creative artists, sportsmen, politicians, nurses, policemen, students, children and people from all walks of lives, all races and all ages.
Junior West Ham footballer and Olympic torch bearer Henry Ochieng Said, I’m happy to support the concert as it’s for a great cause.
Top UK rapper Wretch 32 said: The concert is for a good cause, I would like to see you all down there.
Celebrity hairdresser Verona White said; The concert is going to be great, it’s all about spreading love and giving back.
Supermodel and designer and the official face and ambassador for BEFFTA This Is Love said: This is a fantastic cause to suport and I’m extremely happy to the ambassador and face of it. It’s all about spreading love.
Support The Stephen Lawrence centre and join us in the journey to help in keeping the centre open by attending the concert. The concert welcomes media houses, people of all ages and communities to come together for a good cause.
BUY TICKETS ONLINE IN ADVANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AT £20, FOR GROUPS £15 http://befftathisislove.eventbrite.com/
TICKETS AT THE DOOR COST £28
Make donations directly to the Stephen Lawrence Trust at http://stephenlawrence.org.uk/
Watch BEFFTA TV CREW AT THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE AND ‘BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE’ concert promo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiSGZfKFm1E&list=UUbeyg_9gEcwI3LJsXRQrJ1A&index=1&feature=plcp
Top singer Omar is among performers to headline BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert
RnB singer Myco Chris will be performing at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert on 31st March at The Lighthouse
Fabulous singer Don E joins the line for BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert on 31st March at The Lighthouse
Rising star David O will perform at the BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert on 31st March at The Lighthouse
The very talented soulful singer-songwriter Dionne Reid will be among the great performers at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert on 31st March at the Lighthouse
Get intouch with the BEFFTA team at info@beffta.com
Stars dazzle at the prestigious award ceremony
Jan 13th
BBC One's Holby City star Jimmy Akingbola picks up BEFFTA BEST TV ACTOR award
BEFFTA awards celebrated Europe’s biggest night for black and ethnic actors, fashion designers, models, film makers, musicians, Dj’s, art directors and more at the prestigious 3rd annual BEFFTA awards in London. The great event that attracted thousands of guests from as far USA, Sweden, France, Germany and all parts of UK recognised and celebrated the achievements of black personalities in showbiz.
Among the winners on the night was singer Dionne Reid as best female act, Wretch 32 as best male act, Kitoko as best male designer and more. Meanwhile honorary awards went to Barbara Blake who flew in all the way from Jamaica to pick up BEFFTA Female Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution on British television as the first black woman television personalities on British TV in the UK. Male Lifetime achievement award went to the legendary designer Adebayo Jones who has been in the fashion industry for nearly three decades producing the most luxurious collections. Adebayo Jones has mentored several younger designers in his many years as an industry professional. BEFFTA Creative personality went to none other than the most sought after hairstylist Angela Plummer who has contributed immensely with her creative hair designs.
Got to dance TV winner Akai left the audience wanting more of his dance moves as he picked up BEFFTA young achiever award at the end of her dance session. “I’m very happy and deeply surprised to pick up this award, I wasn’t expecting it, thank you”, said Akai in complete shock on stage surrounded by him mother and father. Meanwhile Got to dance finalised and choreographer Turbo was a very popular act on the night.
The glamorous award ceremony hosted by Pauline Long who is the founder and owner of the brand BEFFTA and co-hosted by motivational speaker and TV presenter Sama Ndango. This award ceremony is special as it embraces various talented individuals in many genres, most of these people work behind the scenes and are hardly celebrated. I hold this project very close to my heart as it’s main purpose to give back and inspire more people to achieve highly, said Pauline Long.
The international award ceremony is planning a string of events in 2012 including a BEFFTA UK festival, the first annual BEFFTA Africa and the 2nd annual BEFFTA USA . The events are supported by The Afro News weekly newspaper as one of their main media partners.
For more information and full list of BEFFTA UK 2011 winners visit www.beffta.com
Hit TV and webseries drama Meet The Adebanjos cast pick up BEFFTA Best Webseries
BEFFTA Best Screenwriter Ann Akin perfoms her latest production with actress Catherine Ashton at BEFFTA UK 2011
Stars on the red carpet: Dankira international dance group interviewed by presenter Antoine Allen
A wonderful play directed and written by award-winning Ann Akin
OH TV wins BEFFTA BEST TV STATION award
Girlband 4flava pose with Soul singer Kadija Kamara and her guitarist
Singer/Songwriter Cynthia Mare wins BEFFTA BEST UK BASED AFRO/CARIBBEAN FEMALE ACT
Trevor Griffiths of Idelick Media wins BEFFTA BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
TV Presenter Shoggy Tosh picks up BEFFTA BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT on behalf of Simply Chrystolite
Presenter Antoine Allen catches up with guests on the red carpet
BEFFTA founder Pauline Long on stage with Queen of Zambia UK model presenting the awards
Bigbrother star Heaven Africa and a model grace the red carpet
KITOKO PR representative picks up BEFFTA BEST MALE DESIGNER on behalf of the talented designer
Veteran Dj Dego Ranking won BEFFTA DJ OF THE YEAR
Model Lisette Mibo on the red carpet
Mink London boss Funmi Odegbami picks up BEST MAKE UP ARTIST award
Award-winning Asakeoge Couture designs for Leona Lewis
Nov 21st
Asakeoge Couture's exclusive designs for Leona Lewis need your votes now
BEFFTA award-winning fashion designer Asakeoge is absolutely thrilled to be one of the lucky competitors to potentially design beautiful and high fashion dresses for the sensational singer Leona Lewis. The singer who shot to fame by winning xfactor is known for her classy and elegant style. Head designer Asake said, “as you know Asakeoge is all about designing outfits that meet each individuals needs and personality, it would be such an honour to dress Leona in exclusive Asakeoge designs.”
Above is the outfit designed by Asakeoge couture for the competition. The dress has been made with Leona’s image and body shape in mind. It is made in a red bold colour with an emphasised feminine silhouette. The cut out key hole at the back lends it extra elegance without appearing too garish.
The dress can be worn long or short, with the long one having a pleated skirt detail that ends in a fish tail. The short version has a cross over belt detail ending in a below the knee pencil skirt. The classic lines give the dress a timeless romantic aura while the exaggerated padded shoulder give it a modern edge. The dress can be made in jersey for a flowing look or raw silk for a more structured look.
Asakeoge Couture needs your support in order to win this stiff competition. Please cast your vote here: http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a862fabec9a8cb321fcb29d792a9a868/347?referral=fb_wall_vote_link&refId=25
Voting ends in 2 days.
For more information about Asakeoge Couture visit www.asakeoge.com
Award-winning actor Jimmy Akingbola does a double take on BBC
Nov 15th
BEFFTA award-winning actor Jimmy Akingbola plays Mick on BBC hit comedy series Rev
BBC one Holby City’s BEFFTA award-winning actor Jimmy Akingbola continues to make great moves on British Television with a new appearance on BBC two’s top comedy series Rev with six divine new episodes and a Christmas special.
Drug addled Mick played by Jimmy Akingbola on the TV series is back on the blag, fervent in his belief that his feeble scams are actually sophisticated stings worthy of criminal masterminds.
Tom Hollander is back as the Rev. Adam Smallbone, struggling to remain relevant in his inner-city parish where he’s largely derided or ignored except by the demanding and irritating few who attend his church…
Adam’s tiny flock is still hanging in there in East London. Hard-drinking lost soul Colin (Steve Evets) continues his eternal quest for enlightenment while cassock-chaser Adoha’s (Ellen Thomas) crush on her vicar reaches dizzying new heights when he becomes an accidental hero.
The Archdeacon (Simon McBurney) delights in heaping more pressure on Adam and the pedantic Lay Reader (Miles Jupp) continues to fail to help at all, whilst stepping up his campaign to become a priest himself – convinced he would do a far better job.
Meanwhile, Adam’s trying to live down the embarrassing pass he made at headmistress Ellie (Lucy Liemann) in the last series, and at home, Alex (Olivia Colman) has lost patience with being a vicar’s wife. She’s got a demand of her own and it’s life-changing.
The Big Talk production was created by Tom Hollander and James Wood, directed by Peter Cattaneo, produced by Hannah Pescod and Executive Produced by Kenton Allen and Tom Hollander.
Co-creator and lead writer James Wood is joined by Fintan Ryan, who has written episode five, and Sam Bain, who has co-written the Christmas episode with Wood. Bain is also script editor on the series.
Premiering to 2.2 million viewers on BBC Two, Rev. went on to win the South Bank Award for Best Comedy and the BAFTA Situation Comedy award, as well as garnering nominations for Best Comedy and Best Comedy Performance for Tom Hollander at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, Comedy Awards and Broadcasting Press Guild TV Awards
Jimmy Akingbola plays Mick on BBC Two comedy series Rev
Akai does it again at the third annual BEFFTA awards
Nov 15th
TV dance star being interviewed on the BEFFTA red carpet
TV dance star and winner of Got To Dance winner Akai was star of the night at the 3rd annual BEFFTA awards held in London. The young dance sensation gave the audience an electricfying performance to remember leaving most of the audience referring to him as “that kid who can dance.”
Akai was honoured in front of an audience of 2500 with a special award BEFFTA Young Achiever Award. “I’m completely surprised, I wasn’t expecting it, thank you, said a grinning Akai. He was joined by his father and mother who said how proud they were of their boy.
The street dancer who has featured in recent movies Horrid Henry 3d and Street Dance 3D is currently on Disney Channel’s Shake it Up Dance.
For more on Akai and where to find him next, visit:
Akai receives a honorary award; BEFFTA Young Achiever Award
Akai takes the BEFFTA awards ceremony by storm with magnificent dance moves
Akai gets the crowd excited with his electrifying dance moves
Akai gets the crowd excited with his electrifying dance moves
TV dance star Akai looking extremely fabulous at BEFFTA awards
International dance group Dan-Kira gives BEFFTA UK awards an opening to remember
Nov 6th
International dance group Dan-Kira opens up BEFFTA UK awards 2011 with amazing 6 different dance sets
BEFFTA awards 2011 was officially opened by the leading international dance group Dan-Kira with their superb set of folk dances with about 6 different costume changes that mirrored different African cultures. The dance group with 12 talented dancers ushered in the show hosts Pauline Long and Sama Ndango.
The word Dan-kira is Ethiopian meaning dancing rhythmically by hitting the ground with your feet. The BEFFTA award-winning best dance group was founded by Mr Daniel Dulla and Mr Daougi Teddy in 2007.
Dan-Kira entertainment provides the highest quality of East African traditional performance, live music and theatre events in UK and all over the world. The company also offers short courses for the people interested in learning diverse African dance rhythms. The unique dance classes are suitable for all ages and ethnicity.
Their previous performances include performances at BBC radio and WOMAD festival 2010.
Watch Dan-Kira’s full performance coming soon on BEFFTA TV show on SKY Channel.
For more information on how to book Dan-Kira dance group visit:
www.facebook.com/dankira.diversion
International dance group Dan-Kira opens up BEFFTA UK awards 2011 with amazing 6 different dance sets
Dan-Kira international dance group at BEFFTA UK awards
International dance group Dan-Kira opens up BEFFTA UK awards 2011 by ushering in hosts Pauline Long and Sama Ndango
International dance group Dan-Kira opens up BEFFTA UK awards 2011 with amazing 6 different dance sets
International dance group Dan-Kira opens up BEFFTA UK awards 2011 with amazing 6 different dance sets
Singer Kadija Kamara gives the BEFFTA awards audience a special treat
Nov 5th
2011 Oct 22 - BEFFTA Award Show 2011 - Kadija Kamara performing. Photo by Simon Klyne
The beautiful multi-talented singer, songwriter and composer Kadija Kamara gave the BEFFTA awards 2011 audience a night to remember with amazing vocals.
Kadija performed the acoustic version of her latest single ‘Deeper Than This’ and as usual she spices up her performances by engaging the audience to help sing along.
Her second electrifying performance was yet another great track ‘Talking to myself ‘which she sung live with the LS(Lekan Shobiyi) band with great reviews from the audience.
Watch Kadija Kamara’s full performance on BEFFTA TV show coming soon on SKY Channel.
Follow the wonderful songstress for more of her music performances at:
www.soundcloud.com/kadija-kamara
www.facebook.com/kadijakamaramusic
2011 Oct 22 - BEFFTA Award Show 2011 - Kadija Kamara performing. Photo by Simon Klyne
2011 Oct 22 - BEFFTA Awards Show - Kadija Kamara and her guitarist Boyan with one half of the girl band 4FLAVA. Photo by Simon Klyne
TV dance star Turbo impresses the BEFFTA UK awards audience
Oct 31st
Turbo performes at BEFFTA UK awards 2011
TV dance star, musician and choreographer Turbo entertained 2500 audience at the 3rd annual BEFFTA awards leaving them shouting for more of his electrifying moves. Turbo who was finalist on Sky one’s Got To Dance was among the main acts at the prestigious red carpet ceremony.
Turbo was recently a judge on CBBC’s Alesha’s Street Dance stars presented by Alesha Dixon.
Weekly dance classes taught by Turbo: Tuesday’s at 1 Gurney Road, Stratford E15 1SH off Leytonstone road.
Time: 6.30pm – 8pm Intermediate 8.30pm – 9.30pm Beginners
For more information about Turbo visit:
Website: www.turbodance.tv
Facebook: www.facebook.com/issacb
Twitter: www.twitter.com/turboofficial
Dancer and Choreographer Turbo entertains the BEFFTA awards audience
Turbo showing off his dance moves
Turbo showing off his dance moves
The Voice newspaper named as best community paper at the 3rd annual BEFFTA awards
Oct 30th
BEFFTA founder Pauline Long presents The Voice Newspaper managing director George Ruddock with the BEFFTA Best Community Newspaper award at their offices. Photo by Kieran Long
UK’s biggest black newspaper The Voice was awarded the BEFFTA Best Community newspaper at the just concluded 3rd annual BEFFTA awards red carpet ceremony at the Light House, London on 22nd October 2011.
The prestigious international awards ceremony that celebrates achievements of black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts was attended by a host of stars from UK, USA and other parts of Europe.
Pauline Long presented the award to The Voice Newspaper managing director George Ruddock at their busy London offices.
The Voice is a weekly paper that can be purchased in UK newsagents, you can also read the paper online at www.voice-online.co.uk