As part of the celebration of Black History Month, Tayese Academy of Arts & Culture London CIC presents “African Roots, Shared Rhythms: Exploring African Arts and Culture in the UK Creative Economy,” a special cultural exchange dialogue dedicated to celebrating Africa’s rich heritage, creative expressions, and enduring cultural influence. Scheduled for Friday, 30 October 2026, at the Richard Hoggart Building, Goldsmiths, University of London, the programme will bring together people passionate about African history, arts, music, heritage, and the creative industries. Hosted by Olanrewaju Sharafa, Founder of Tayese Academy of Arts & Culture London, the event seeks to create a welcoming platform for cultural appreciation, meaningful dialogue, learning, and collaboration between African communities and the wider UK creative landscape.
The programme promises an engaging blend of education, entertainment, and cultural participation. Highlights include the documentary screening of ÀYÀN: The Drum That Speaks, offering an opportunity to appreciate the significance of the talking drum in African storytelling and cultural identity, alongside a guest lecture on The Musical Legacy of Pre-Colonial Mali: Impacts and Invisibility. Attendees will also participate in a cultural conversation and live question-and-answer session, followed by an interactive talking drum workshop that celebrates the power of rhythm as a language connecting generations and communities. A special highlight of the occasion will be the presence of Baba Gaji as Special Guest, adding to the programme’s spirit of cultural celebration and exchange. Beyond the presentations and performances, the gathering will provide valuable networking opportunities for creatives, cultural practitioners, students, researchers, and members of the public to share ideas, build relationships, and explore new possibilities within the creative economy.
Taking place from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., the event invites everyone to experience, learn, discuss, participate, and connect through the richness of African arts and culture. Tickets are priced at £15, with advance booking recommended through Eventbrite.
The programme is proudly supported by its promotional partners, Ghaj-Bash Promotions and Goldsmiths, University of London, whose involvement contributes to the promotion of cultural awareness, creative engagement, and meaningful community connections. African Roots, Shared Rhythms is more than an event; it is an invitation to honour the stories of the past, celebrate the creativity of the present, and inspire a future in which African heritage continues to shape conversations, strengthen cultural understanding, and enrich the global creative community.
