The contributions Africans have made to Scotland

2017 is Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archeology. For a nation that is so historically and culturally rich, the contributions made by Africans to the development of Scotland are hardly acknowledged.

None other would tell it better than Sir Geoff Palmer! He became the First Black Professor in Scotland in 1989, First European to receive an American Distinguished Award and then a Professor Emeritus after his retirement in 2005. In 2014 he was knighted for his services to Human Rights, Science and Charity.

Come and join the conversation which is a major part of Scotland's history and heritage and engage with brilliant African artists that will showcase some of their work, including:

Brina is the new voice of World Roots Reggae Music from Jamaica, an artiste steeped in the sounds and rhythms of her Jamaican culture sharing her music with the world. Brina and her songs come alive on stage, a truly vibrant and captivating performer her lyrics and music are refreshing and uplifting. Fusing together elements of her rich cultural and musical heritage using Reggae, Nyabinghi and other musical styles from the global African diaspora, Brina brings a positive healing message to the world through her songs, singing of justice, equality, liberation, oneness and love.

Thierry Mabonga is an actor and writer who is very proud to be African and Scottish. He trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has worked with the National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre (England), Dundee Rep Theatre, and Citizens Theatre. His work has taken him to countries such as Romania, Russia and Canada. His Television credits so far have been with BBC One. His Film credits include Trainspotting 2. Thierry is currently writing a play, The Stand.

Unoma Okudo is a medical doctor, singer songwriter and a registrar in forensic psychiatry. She has performed as the opening act for well-known artists including Grammy award winner Macy Gray and soul legend Alexander O’Neal and provided backing vocals to music icons Donnie Maclean, Kylie Minogue, among others, for the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In January 2016, Unoma released her first single “Satisfied”, a jazz and soul-infused love song which was was made the “Single of the Week” on the popular Janice Forsyth Show on the BBC. Her hotly anticipated first EP, "Odyssey" is now out on digital release.

Clare Robertson is a musician, singer and songwriter of 1st generation African Scottish descent. She works across Scottish, Irish, English and African traditions to fuse both lyrical, and musical compositions and instrumentation drawing on her life experience using guitar, bazouki, Kalimba, Mbira and Seprewa in the main, Clare is co-founder and member of Hesu,Witches Brew and HA African Orchestra.

There will be sufficient time for networking over some African food.

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