Update on February 21, 2008: I have added a video clip of the "African Creation" event on Sunday, February 17, 2008.

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Original report (February 16, 2008):

If you are interested in African culture and its regional variations (e. g., in the US, the Caribbean, and in Latin America), the events of Hamburg's Black History Month are the top ticket in town. This year, they are taking place at locations like the Stage Club (Neue Flora, Stresemannstrasse 159, opposite the S-Bahn station Holstenstrasse) und Kulturhaus 73 (Schulterblatt 73, Scjhanzenviertel) until March 9 (2008).

My favourite ones have always been the Sunday events at Stage Club. For an admission of 6 euro, you get an afternoon of music and other kinds of entertainment for the entire family.

Last Sunday (February 10, 2008), the Stage Club hosted the „Afro-Caribbean & Latin Connection“. At 3 p.m., it started off with the RawJam Talent Contest for Vocalists. Seven more or less great singers were judged by four competent jurors, including Love Newkirk (used to work for Germany's VH-1). Each Sunday, two singers are eliminated from the contest. Next Sunday, our instant favourite Sidney (a very strong twelve-year old) will compete against the remaining four singers.

After the contest, more experienced artists were sharing the stage, including Frank Roberto McClean (Panama), Marion Campbell (Great Britain), Pagode Juventude (Brazil), B.J. Philip (St. Lucia) und Sister Gracy (Jamaica?) & Herbman Band. Food was served as well (chicken with roasted potatoes, chick peas and other vegetables with curry-coconut cream sauce and saffron rice for 5 euro, plus tasty cakes).

We had lots of fun until 9 p.m.!

Upcoming Black History Month events at the Stage Club:

Sunday, February 17, 2008, 3 p.m.: „African Creation” (6 euro)
Featuring Angelina Akpovo, Lerato Sebele, Pat Attah, Pap Armand, Sam T.N., Laye Mansa, Paps Natty General

Sunday, February 2008, 3 p.m.: „Afrodeutsche Vielfalt“ („Afro-German Multiplicity, 8 euro)
Soul, Rock, Jazz und Pop with Yasmin K., Ghee, Kaylo, Trace, Akin Douglas, Stockely, Sandy, Champain, Jenni

Additional events at Kulturhaus 73:

Saturday, February 23, 2008, 9 p.m.: “Black Poetry Night” (4 euro)
Featuring Love Newkirk, Mystic Dan, Olufunke, Maseho and Marion Campbell

Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 8 p.m. (free):
Noah Sow presents her new book „Deutschland Schwarz Weiss. Der alltägliche Rassismus“ (Bertelsmann).

Thursday, 28. Februar 2008, 20 Uhr: Documentary „All Power to the People – Black Panther and Beyond” by Lee Lew-Lee (USA, 116 min, 1996)

You'll find the March events at www.colurmusic.de.