Jamaica

A unique Caribbean event in the UK, the 8th Kreyol Day will bring together in one place live performances by Creole artists, traditional craft and food stands, an art exhibition and a conference, all representing the Creole culture in some way. The event will be a special day of celebration and entertainment for the whole family, inviting visitors to discover and enjoy the Creole world. More than 1,000 visitors will be expected at this year’s Kreyol Day, which will take place at the Conway Hall, in Holborn, London.

Organised by Menm Biten Menm Bagay (MBMB), the UK charity promoting cultural sharing and solidarity between Creole communities, the Kreyol Day will kick start in style the Black History Month (more here). With famous traditional Caribbean singer Dédé Saint Prix (view video here) as its ambassador, the Kreyol Day will bring together more than 10 Creole regions, taking visitors on a day-trip full of colours, sounds, flavours, and fragrances from several corners of the Creole world.

Creole cultures are a vibrant mix of African heritage with European influences. The Creole world is spread between 3 main regions: the Caribbean, North and South America, and the coast of Africa by the Indian Ocean region. With an estimated 800,000 people from these regions living in the UK, the Creole communities contribute dynamically to the UK’s diversity.

This year’s programme will bring together famous as well rising performers, traditional craft exhibitors and expert speakers:

• Creole performers: singers, including a performance by famous Zouk singer Sonia Dersion (view video here); traditional Creole music and dance groups such as ZilOKa (view video here); salsa performance (London Salsa Scene); poetry (Novitse). 
• Indoors Creole market: Creole food and craft stands, educational stands, card games…
• Creole conference: debate on the evolution and diversity of the Creole language, and slide show/debate on the relation between the Haitian revolution and Caribbean revolution, as visible in art.
• Screening of a documentary paying tribute to Martinican poet and author Aime Cesaire, who helped formulate the concept of negritude.

Programme

Singers include: Sonia Dersion (Zouk), Subajah (Reggae, Dancehall), Frenglish connexion (Hip-Hop, Reggae. Dancehall), Sked Swad (Creole hip hop), JM (Dancehall)

Dance performances include: ZilOka (traditional Caribbean drum and dance), Lee Knights & Ashley Headlam from London Salsa Scene (Salsa)

Poetry: Novitse (poetry in English/Creole/French)

Conferences

• Debate on the evolution and diversity of the Creole language, with poet and writer Daniel Jonas Rano (French Caribbean) and teacher Mario Gousse (Haiti) in the panel.
• Slide show/debate on the relation between the Haitian revolution and the Caribbean revolution, as visible in art (painting), animated by Haitian artist Kimathi Donkor (view site here)

Screening of a documentary to pay tribute to Martinican poet and author Aime Cesaire, who helped formulate the concept of negritude.

Practical Information

• Where: The Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL (nearest tube station: Holborn)
• When: Sunday 27 September, 12pm to 9pm
• Entrance Fee (Booking available on www.mbmbcharity.com):
  - MBMB Members: £5
  - Advanced booking: £7
  - At the door: £9
  - Students (at the door): £7
  - Children under 10: free