With cultural diversity in the UK more prevalent than ever before the study identifies how African culture has influenced modern-day Britain. The findings revealed that almost half of brits 42%) think the UK has a great mix of cultures that should be celebrated.
YANGA! has a range of entertaining original commission
Specifically evident through recent successes from African musicians, actors and comedians in the past few years. British-Nigerian, John Boyega has taken over Hollywood with his role as Finn in recent Star Wars films, online viral sensation Micheal Dapaah taking over the internet with Big Shaq #MansNot hot and Drake’s massive number-one hit ‘One Dance’ featuring Nigerian artist, Wizkid, who also sold out the Royal Albert Hall last September – to name just a tiny fraction of African-influenced achievements.
In recent years there has been a surge of multiculturalism within the UK, with rapid growth in the African diaspora as seen in cities such as London (612,000), Bristol, Birmingham (190,000 in the Midlands), Nottingham, Manchester (100,000 in North West) and Ireland.
21% of people in the UK admit to already feeling the influence of other cultures in our everyday lives, with African culture being a prime example of this – from music to fashion and entertainment.
Almost a quarter (24%) have sampled African influenced food such as Jollof rice, fried plantain or pounded yam. Just under one in five (19%) listen to music of African influence and over one in ten (13%) have attended events influenced by African culture, with a further 10% admitting their fashion sense features African influences.
According to the survey, 41% recognise the importance of cultural diversity, with almost half of those surveyed (46%) believing it is important to teach children about other ways of life and over a quarter (28%) expressing an interest in learning more about other cultures around the UK.
In bid to continue celebrating Afro – Brit culture, Africa MediaWorks, a new West London based African media hub, has launched YANGA! the first commercial general entertainment destination reflecting the lives, issues and infectious energy of the African Diaspora.
YANGA! has a range of entertaining original commission, shows which include “NUMBER 6” a free-spirited night time comedy show. Presented by the witty and charming Mansour Bellow welcoming some of the most popular Afro-brit black comedians. YANGA! also showcases “FIZZI" a children’s programme, including singing, dancing and African nursery rhymes. Presenter, Gbemisola takes kids on an exciting and imaginative adventure through the shows ‘The Adventures of Lola and Chuchu' and 'Turtle Taido’. These are just two of many great shows launching on the platform.
YANGA! means "self-pride" and “showing-off” in West African Pidgin and is an expression of self-confidence, rather than arrogance (a crucial distinction). With the channel launched, a campaign is running featuring Afro-Brits , from all walks of life, who will express what "yanga" means to them, you can view YANGA! on Sky Channel 293.
Tagged in John Boyega