Victoria Kimani's new single Ayaya out soon

The sensational Victoria Kimani  is preparing to drop her single “Ayaya (Stronga Dan Eva)” a hot slice of R&B infused Afrobeat that’s going to light up airwaves and dancefloors everywhere.

Multi-talented Victoria was born in LA to Kenyan parents; she spent her high school years in Nigeria and moved back to Kenya at 17.  Since then she’s been moving between LA, Atlanta, New York and London collaborating with artists and producers, developing her musical talent which showcases all the global influences she’s had on her journey.

In 2009 she joined forces with a duo called Club Embassy who released a mixtape hosted by 50 Cent’s DJ Whoo kid, it amassed over 250,000 downloads and the buzz around Victoria was sparked.  Since then she has collaborated with artists such as Jadakiss, DJ Green Lantern, Timbaland, Busta Rhymes among others.

The track is produced by Ozy of  T.O.P Productions, released via  Lex Records and will also feature a Bayoz Musik remix and Trackstorm dubstep remix.  Victoria says on first hearing the music she immediately heard Masaai like chanting in her head which is how the infectious chorus was born.

“Ayaya” will serve as a tasty appetiser to the album she’s currently working on

Victoria is ready to help take African Pop Culture to another level from Nairobi to London and everywhere in between.

2ND ANNUAL BEFFTA AWARDS USA COMING SOON - 2012

Following the inaugural 1st annual BEFFTA USA that took place in Atlanta in 2011 the date of the 2nd annual BEFFTA USA will be announced shortly.  The global BEFFTA brand in USA, UK and soon launching in Africa and Caribbean founded by Pauline Long stands for BLACK ENTERTAINMENT FILM FASHION TELEVISION AND ARTS AWARDS.

BEFFTA USA has NOT been re-branded. The unique prestigious award ceremony honours black and ethnic personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts in UK, USA, Africa and the Caribbean. Among personalities honoured at BEFFTA USA 2011 were producer and film director Tyler Perry, celebrity hairstylist Dwight Eubank and more.

The global brand BEFFTA awards was  founded by Pauline Long in the UK purely to give back and celebrate a community with so many achievers who contribute immensely in film, fashion, television and arts. It is the award ceremony where people who work behind the scenes are appreciated together with people who are often at the front.  It is an exclusive VIP award ceremony where everybody is somebody. The nominees of BEFFTA awards range from Djs, promoters, actors, actresses, models, choreographers, journalists, television stations, radio stations, poets, theatre productions, film directors, music producers, television personalities, radio personalities, comedians, dancers, make up artists, hair stylists, models, fashion designers, beauty pageants, photographers,magazines, newspapers, art directors, authors and more .

The BEFFTA team in the UK apologises to any of our USA BEFFTA family for any misleading information that has been passed on to them by our previous franchise holder.

For all information about BEFFTA awards please contact info@beffta.com

Pauline Long, BEFFTA founder started the prestigious award ceremony to give back to a very talented community of high achievers

BEFFTA international manager Verona White at Los Angeles Film Festival

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT is raising funds and awareness for the Stephen Lawrence centre on 26th May at the Hippodrome, Golders Green

Are you a fashion designer or a fashion show organiser? Would you like to donate to The Stephen Lawrence Centre in return for showcasing at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert on 26th May at The Hippodrome?

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE Concert raising funds and awarenes for The Stephen Lawrence Centre is urging fashion designers and organisers to donate funds to The Stephen Lawrence Centre in return for showcasing at the 1st annual BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert.  All designers from shoes designers, to hats, clothes, jewellery, make-up and hair and wardrope stylists are welcome to take part in this good cause.

Stars line up to support BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert

Top 10 musicians from different genres are coming together at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert to raise much needed funds for the Stephen Lawrence Centre in order to help keep it open. The fantastic line up of stars include pop sensation of the famous band Five Star – Stedman Pearson, soulful singers Omar and Dionne Reid, RnB singer Myco Chris, Don-E.

Urban singer/songwriter and choreographer J-SoL will be performing with his full band. The audience at the concert will also be treated to the amazing sounds of Afro-beats star May 7ven, and girl band Shiikane. Reggae artist Dego Ranks who has recently come from a tour in The Gambia , Africa is preparing to perform his best tracks too. The fantastic girl band 4Flava have also joined the line up.

Some people have called him the male Adele, singer David O has a voice to envy. He will be performing live with his band at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert. Pop sensation Aisling O’Reilly who is preparing to perform with The Wanted will also give her best performance.

A spectacular dance act with brilliant choreography is expected to open the concert followed by a short movie screening.

Among special guests on the night are CEO of The Stephen Lawrence Centre Paul Anderson-Walsh, Baroness Scotland, Lee Jasper and more.

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert taking place on 26th May at the prestigious Hippodrome in Golders Green and promoting anti-hate/anti-violence in UK has received great support from top stars including Wretch32, Wiley, Scorcher, Bashy and many more.

“The amazing Stephen Lawrence centre is an asset to the community and a centre for excellence”, said Paul Anderson-Walsh. Find out more about what he revealed about the centre in a recent interview with Pauline Long: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiSGZfKFm1E&feature=player_embedded

BEFFTA team would like to thank top designers Linda Mirembe of LinmiR designs, Asake Oge of Asake Couture and Anrette Ngafor of KiRette couture for donating their designs to be auctioned to raise money for the Stephen Lawrence centre.

The centre needs the community support in order to stay open. Please buy tickets and join the worthy cause and help save the centre that is changing lives….
Online tickets and advance tickets purchased directly at The Hippodrome, Golders Green.  single: £20, groups of 5+ £15
http://befftathisislove.eventbrite.com/

Tickets at the door: £28

All money raised will be donated to The Stephen Lawrence Centre.

If you wish to get involved as a volunteer or donate a product or service to be auctioned, please contact the team at: info@beffta.com

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT RAISING FUNDS FOR THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE HAS A NEW DATE 26TH MAY AND A NEW VENUE - THE HIPPODROME, GOLDERS GREEN

Due to unavoidable circumstances we are sorry to announce that BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT raising funds and awareness for The Stephen Lawrence Centre is re-scheduled for a new date of 26TH MAY 2012 and new prestigious venue – THE HIPPODROME , Golders Green. Look out for more information on our website, billboard and underground posters coming soon. Thank you all for the support. Full ticket refunds will be issued to those who cannot make this date, if you wish to donate your ticket money directly to THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE THEN please do so, quoting BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT.

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT RAISING FUNDS FOR THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE HAS A NEW DATE 26TH MAY AND A NEW VENUE - THE HIPPODROME, GOLDERS GREEN

Tickets: You can purchase and collect advance tickets directly at the Hippodrome or online eventbrite  www.befftathisislove.eventbrite.com

ALL MONEY RAISED WILL GO TO THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE.
PLEASE SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE.

www.beffta.com

The fantastic line up includes:

Stedman Pearson(FIVE STAR)
4Flava
Dionne Reid
Shiikane
Aisling O’Reilly
Dego Ranks
May 7ven
David O
J-SoL

Myco Chris

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT RAISING FUNDS FOR THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE HAS A NEW DATE 26TH MAY AND A NEW VENUE - THE HIPPODROME, GOLDERS GREEN

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert official campaign flyer featuring all the stars and Top Model of Colour Nana Afua Antwi as the face and ambassador of the campaign

Top 10 musicians from different genres are coming together at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert to raise much needed funds for the Stephen Lawrence Centre in order to help keep it open. The fantastic line up of stars include pop sensation of the famous band Five Star – Stedman Pearson, soulful singer Dionne Reid, RnB singer Myco Chris.

Urban singer/songwriter and choreographer J-SoL will be performing with his full band. The audience at the concert will also be treated to the amazing sounds of Afro-beats star May 7ven, and girl band Shiikane. Reggae artist Dego Ranks who has recently come from a tour in The Gambia , Africa is preparing to perform his best tracks too. The fantastic girl band 4Flava have also joined the line up.

Some people have called him the male Adele, singer David O has a voice to envy. He will be performing live with his band at BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert. Pop sensation Aisling O’Reilly who is preparing to perform with The Wanted will also give her best performance.

A spectacular dance act with brilliant choreography is expected to open the concert followed by a short movie screening.

Among special guests on the night are CEO of The Stephen Lawrence Centre Paul Anderson-Walsh, Baroness Scotland, Lee Jasper and more.

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert taking place on 26th May at the prestigious Hippodrome in Golders Green and promoting anti-hate/anti-violence in UK has received great support from top stars including Wretch32, Wiley, Scorcher, Bashy and many more.

“The amazing Stephen Lawrence centre is an asset to the community and a centre for excellence”, said Paul Anderson-Walsh. Find out more about what he revealed about the centre in a recent interview with Pauline Long: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiSGZfKFm1E&feature=player_embedded

BEFFTA team would like to thank top designers Linda Mirembe of LinmiR designs, Asake Oge of Asake Couture and Anrette Ngafor of KiRette couture for donating their designs to be auctioned to raise money for the Stephen Lawrence centre.

The centre needs the community support in order to stay open. Please buy tickets and join the worthy cause and help save the centre that is changing lives….
Online tickets, single: £20, groups of 5+ £15
http://befftathisislove.eventbrite.com/
Tickets at the door: £28

If you wish to get involved as a volunteer or donate a product or service to be auctioned, please contact the team at: info@beffta.com

TV dance star Akai performing at BEFFTA awards 2011

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 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 31^st March 2012 at The Light House has major talented names to perform including Omar, Don E, Myco Chris, Dionne Reid, David O, Dego Ranks, Stedman Pearson(FIVE STAR), Ayanna, Aisling O’Reilly, May 7ven, J-SoL.

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”.

Bigbrother star Heaven Afrika said, “I’m inspired and I want to get fully involved in this wonderful initiative”.

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

BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE CONCERT IS ON 31ST MARCH RAISING FUNDS FOR THE STEPHEN LAWRENCE CENTRE

Top singer Omar is among performers to headline BEFFTA THIS IS LOVE concert

BEFFTA This Is Love concert is proud to have Vocalist, cellist, pianist and composer Ayanna on the line up

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

The fabulous girl band Shiikane will be giving their best performance

Get intouch with the BEFFTA team at info@beffta.com

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 3^rd 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 2^nd 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

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

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