The Phoenix Africa - May 2023

There is a reason why Johannesburg in South Africa is now the most cultural and most vibrant town in Africa.

Research shows 12 African cities support and enables the arts, culture, and creative industries.

The 12 African cities that support and enable arts, culture, and creative industry include:

1. Johannesburg, South Africa

2. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

3. Dakar, Senegal

4. Nairobi, Kenya

5. Tunis, Tunisia

6. Marrakech, Morocco

7. Luanda, Angola

8. Accra, Ghana

9. Cairo, Egypt

10. Lagos, Nigeria

11. Harare, Zimbabwe

12. Dar-Es-Salam, Tanzania

Continued on Page 3

EDITORS NOTE

Welcome to “The Phoenix Africa” an exclusive FREE quality Newspaper for the people and business community of Africa.

The Phoenix Africa is a fresh and vibrant publication bringing quality content to the masses. The first free newspaper to be published in Africa by Africans. Leading the way and setting trends.

This is a sister publication to the successful “The Phoenix Newspaper UK” which has stayed true to its focus in providing a regular mix of Positive and Informative articles with an honest and unbiased viewpoint that have a direct connection to its growing readership of 8million worldwide.

The Phoenix Newspaper is renowned as the “voice of the people” truthful and professional journalism, in depth reports and interviews, facts and not fiction, presented in a bright and refreshing

publication that attracts and captivates its audience.

Now these exciting developments are coming to the people of Africa in this Exclusive Free Newspaper & Online Publication.

Working with the people and communities of Africa, starting in Ghana, which is seen as the Gateway, The Phoenix Africa will be connecting with senior government departments and embracing the leaders of major business enterprises, we will be bringing something for everyone, in this new and exclusive publication providing a platform for the Role Models that the next generation will aspire to be.

Building upon our success “Phoenix Africa” will contain exclusive news and developments from across the continent of Africa and the world, bringing detailed and authoritative reports and reviews of matters that reflect and affect both the lifestyle and prosperity of the African people.

This is a platform that will create employment for many young people who aspire to be within this type of industry.

It will invariably give them the chance to write their own narrative to reflect a more inclusive attitude when representing themselves, their culture and their people.

It is important to note that we do NOT report sensationalised news, only uplifting and nonbiased apolitical journalism.

Welcome to The Phoenix Africa, your one stop shop of

Promotion To The Premier League, But No New Owner?

everything positive. We have a need to be accountable to the next generation.

The Phoenix Africa has big plans for the new year with our annual awards taking place again.

The team is ready and waiting to connect with you, so please do get in touch and find out what The Phoenix can do for you and your business.

Sheffield United won promotion back to the Premier League, but there was no sign of prospective new owner Dozy Mmobuosi, who has been in talks to take over at United since December.

Tingo Mobile and Tingo Foods CEO and founder, Dozy, has yet to be ratified by the EFL (English Football League), with present owner, Prince Abdullah, remaining in charge.

It was suggested that the takeover attempt has hit the buffers. Nigerian-born Mmobuosi appeared to hint that his attempts to take charge of the Yorkshire club are coming to an end. In his message, the businessman said he was looking forward to seeing how United get on in the Premier League next season.

Mmobuosi, 43, is reported to be ready to walk away, with the Premier League returnees believed to be moving on as well. It appears that he apparently paid around £9m into the club so far, but he has failed to produce what the EFL has wanted. With the Blades now promoted, the

Roshawn

Clarke Wins Austin Sealy Award At Carifta Games

JAMAICA’S ROSHAWN

Clarke, who retained his Boys Under 20 400m hurdles title, was named the Austin Sealy Award winner as the most outstanding athlete at the 50th Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas.

Clarke won the event in a season’s best and World Under 20 leading 49.92 seconds, 11th best in the world and second only to Jehue Gordon’s championship record of 49.72 seconds set in 2010 in Guyana.

Roshawn, who was also a part of the Under 20 men’s winning 4x400m relay team that closed the championships, joins an illustrious list of Jamaicans who have won the award. Jon Jones was the first Jamaican to win the award in 1979, Andrea Thomas won

asking price might have just gone up that bit more. He did, however, say:

"With the major steps we have taken in recent months to capitalize on our merger and the company’s Nasdaq listing, we are confident we can build significantly on the revenue and earnings growth we achieved in 2022 and deliver considerable value to our shareholders."

Tingo Mobile's revenues for the year were $146.0m, compared to $55.7m the previous year - an increase of 162%. Gross profit for the full year was $64.8m, compared to $9.2m. Tingo Foods, which forms part of the Tingo Group enterprise, through a joint venture recently committed to fit out and operate a $1.6bn state-of-the-art food processing facility in the Delta State of Nigeria, which is believed to be the largest of its kind on the African continent.

All that said, in some quarters, it has been hinted that Prince Abdullah may remain as the Sheffield United owner after the two had talks prior to the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City.

it in 1985, Michell Freeman in 1988, Inez Turner in 1991, Claudine Williams in 1992 and Nikole Mitchell in 1993, Roy Bailey and Aileen Bailey shared it in 1997.

Jamaicans won the award every year between 2001 and 2005 with Usain Bolt winning it in back-to-back years 2003 and 2004. Veronica Campbell Brown won it in 2001, Anneisha McLaughlin in 2002 and Theon O’Connor in 2005.

l Steve Williams, Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Nana Agyeman Amlak, Ambassador, The Phoenix Africa

l Dr Alex Akwaeze, Operations Manager, The Phoenix Africa

l Julian Agyeman, Marketing PR and Events Executive. The Phoenix Africa

l Roland Joseph Tetteh, Assistant Editor, The Phoenix Africa

l Gideon Osei Kankam, Sales & Marketing, The Phoenix Africa

l Ayo Akinfe, Contributor

l Bernard Kwakye, Webmaster, The Phoenix Africa

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief, The Phoenix Africa

Continued From Front Page

The index provides a comprehensive overview of the environment for artists and creative entrepreneurs in the twelve cities. The cities were ranked based on availability and access to cultural venues and facilities, policies supporting the arts, and the cities’ capacity to promote culture.

The index provides muchneeded data for investors, funders, creative entrepreneurs, and other sector stakeholders by offering valuable insights into the gaps in the creative and cultural landscape. In this regard, the index serves as a tool for decision-making by stakeholders in the creative and cultural industries. Future updates to the index will include additional cities and track changes in the cities already mapped.

The Creative Vibrancy Index for Africa (CVIA) is funded by the narrative change organization,

Africa No Filter, and the British Council. The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture and the World Cities of Culture Forum are part of the project’s advisory board, providing technical input.

Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter, said: “The availability and access to arts, culture, and creativity is increasingly the mark of a thriving city and developed economy.

“For us at Africa No Filter, it is also a measure of the support and infrastructure provided to African storytellers to enable them to share their stories, grow audiences and build their sustainability as artists. We were keen to understand how culturally vibrant the African creative sector is so we know if African stories are being heard.

“This index will shine a muchneeded spotlight on the state of the creative landscape in Africa and help us all advocate for more support for storytellers on the

TOP AFRICAN CITIES NAMED FOR ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVE ARTS

continent. We have started with just 12 cities, but our aim is to do this across all major cities on the continent.”

Sandra Chege, Head of Arts Kenya, said: “We are excited to collaborate with Africa No Filter and the Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB to develop this important index. We look forward to engaging in the conversations and insight generated through this project on how cultural actors can strengthen the cultural infrastructure of African cities to create a more enabling environment for creative and cultural practitioners.”

Managing Partner of the Creative Economy Practice at CcHUB, Ojoma Ochai, added: “The ranking of cities is not the main value add. More important is using the comparative measurement to showcase good practice, inspire dialogue and stimulate more support for the sector.”

INTRODUCING APHRO – THE SPIRIT OF WEST AFRICA

Tapped from the tropical date and coconut palm trees of Ghana and locally produced using a time-honoured tradition, the highly popular West African drink, also known as Akpeteshie locally is now available in the UK in two flavours: The Nubi with hints of flamed pineapple, passion fruit and honey and The Moor with ginger, local spices and Hwentia pepper.

Aphro's premium palm spirits are carefully distilled and infused with vibrant fruits, herbs and spices to give a unique depth of taste specific to the region, resulting in a smooth, modern take on this ancient West African favourite.

Aphro Nubi combines flamed pineapple, tropical passion fruit and a little West African honey to offer a warm, aromatic complexity to be sipped, and savoured, over ice.

40% VOL | 80 Proof | Available in 750ml at £39.99

Aphro The Moor is a spicy, robust spirit with local ginger, spices and Hwentia pepper, again to be served over ice

40% VOL | 80 Proof | Available in 750ml at £39.99

Both Aphro spirits are also perfectly suited to mixers or cocktails and are 100% organic.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr Christopher Johnson was the recipient of a ZAFAA or African, Arts and Cultural Global Appreciation Award for contribution to publishing, in London.

He said on receiving the

award, "It was a a privilege to be bestowed such an honour at a time when ethnic firms are displaying 'stubborn' resistance to the tides of inflation and other economic pressures. Thanks to everyone who encouraged and supports this work. Blessings galore."

or library in each country).

The initiative is to create and provide a tool for all ed ucational establishments such as Schools, universities, faith groups and other organisations in the interest of ed ucating the world about the contributions of British Afri can and Caribbean people over centuries. Establish and develop identical TFG website. Secure TFG representatives in each country to manage and coor dinate information on respective website.

Anguila, Antigua, Bahamas, Montserrat, Belize, Ber muda, Barbados, Saint Lucia, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago & Turks and Caicos Islands.

Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Si erra Leone, Zambia, South Africa, South Cameroon &

JUST WHO CAN STOP ALISON BAJAICAN?

Leeds-born Alison Bajaican is a Senior Radiographer who is much more that what is seen on the surface.

As a brand consultant, career development coach, diversity & inclusion champion, public speaker and team builder, she has forwarded the cause and development of many who are now looking to a career in her specialist field, at a ‘rate of knots’ the likes of which was never thought of.

Having trained as an MRI Radiographer from a very early age, as a Senior Radiographer, she since moved south, to Berkshire, and is striving to see a whole new plethora of young, bright Radiographers – who look just like her!

Though a highly-respected alma mater of the renowned Lawrenson School in Headingly, the often ‘rocky’ and trying challenges that she faced proved to be no less than that of those faced by many of a likewise cultural background – but

without the education she was able to obtain.

In fact, from the age of 18, she went from “A Levels to the dole”, as she put it.

“I originally was going to be a nurse – it’s a vocation that’s been in the family for generations. But a cousin of mine – who was in the military - said 'no Alison!' with respect to the nursing profession, she recommended that I look into Radiography as a career.”

She had to overcome blatant, and institutional racism whilst looking for work in the field.

“Every time I looked for a job, the door was closed,” she remembers. “Although I was qualified, I was only offered job sharing roles and part-time. Full-time job offers were restricted for people of colour in the UK back then.”

A determined Alison managed to get on a radiography course by chance; “A guy had to drop out before having to re-sit his exams."

Ms. Bajaican, though, was the

only person to pass out and not get a job. It would then lead her to, in 1991, leave her native Leeds –with a Diploma in Radiography to take with her.

“I had to take that step because I couldn’t get the career job I wanted. I had to leave.”

She got her first full-time job in radiography in Berkshire. “I moved out of necessity,” she said. "It’s when I got my first full-time jobs - in Croydon and Hillingdon."

Seeing herself as a ‘jobbing radiographer’, she was determined to undertake the career she was fully qualified for, around her 9-yearold son, Leon.

With her being in radiology for over 30-years and part of the 32,000-strong Society of Radiographers - which also operates worldwide - many women are contacting her to find out all they need to know about working in the field.

“This year marks 21-years of my National Nubian Networking and

I aim to leave a legacy for my son, Leon, and be open to all cultures and faiths,” she says. “My idea of networking is to find information and then sharing it.”

Leading her National Nubian Networking, Bajaican Blessings, BlackPoppyRose, Seakaid, and the TUC Black Workers Conference, which she attended in 2002, now Alison Bajaican is looking into the Windrush scandal, to see if justice will ever be done for the insufferable pain that’s still felt to this day.

An entrepreneur, leading figure in the medical field and first-class mom - what does the future hold for Alison Bajaican?

One things for sure, there’s nothing that can stop her anytime soon! The Phoenix has worked with Alison over the years, and have found her to be a champion when connecting communities, and promoting diversity and equal opportunities.

Business & Finance

Trendiness of the UK Small Business Sector During 2023

by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

economy.

Director of the BCC, Alex Veitch, said “Altogether the economy should now avoid a technical recession, the stark reality is that businesses face a very difficult year ahead.

Reshoring, Innovation, And Investment In People Help Brandauer Claim Two CBM Awards

One of the West Midlands’ best kept manufacturing secrets has capped a record-breaking year by securing two major industrial awards last night.

Brandauer, which produces millions of high tolerance metal pressings/stampings every week for customers in 10 sectors and across 26 different countries, was named the Confederation of British Metalforming’s Company of the Year in front of 200 people at Birmingham’s Grand Hotel.

Judges praised the Birmingham-based company for its resilience and ability to bounce back from the pandemic, developing a unique lamination process for electrification and increasing its tooling business from £500,000 to £2m per year.

This has seen it take turnover past £9m for the first time in its 161-year history, including new orders for a Slovenian automotive supplier of HVAC systems, a new $3m supercar and reconnaissance drones.

Working in partnership with InComm Training, the firm has also

launched the UK’s first £1m Precision Tooling Academy to help develop the next generation of toolmakers.

In addition to company of the year, Brandauer’s Toolroom Lead Ollie Eskriett beat off the challenge of three other finalists to win the CBM’s best apprentice.

“It was a great night for the company and tops off a superb twelve months of growth, investment and diversification,” explained Stuart Berry, Manufacturing Director at Brandauer.

“To be voted by your peers in the metalforming industry is a massive achievement, as they understand the economic pressures we’ve been under and what it takes to come through situations often outside your control.”

Ollie Eskriett’s success underlies how far the 23-year-old engineer has come and the role he played in launching a quick clip modular tooling concept, one of the first projects in the country to win funding from Innovate UK’s Covid-19 Business-Led-Innovation in Response to Global Disruption Fund.

The company invested £75,000

to develop a quick changeover capability to a progression tool, giving it the option to manufacture the clips – used in medical face masks all over the world - in multiple profiles, widths, thicknesses and lengths. This move has secured over £500,000 of reshoring business from Asia over the next five years and extends the company’s production capacity to 140 million nose clips per year.

Stuart added: “I was delighted that Ollie was recognised. He joined us an apprentice toolmaker bench hand seven years ago and he has progressed into being one of our best engineers, now managing the two busy toolroom departments.”

“Brandauer is a perfect example of what makes our sector so special…tenacity, investing in people and delivering world class innovation and performance”, Stephen Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming, concluded.

“It is a worthy winner of our main award, and we look forward to seeing its components exported all over the world.”

At the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, there were many predictions made about how the small business sector in the UK will survive the post-COVID period.

What trends will we notice in the economy? What lessons could we really learn from preand post-pandemic periods.

Are we experiencing what experts say, is a ‘technical recession? And if that is so, how can the economy recover in the aftermath of this recurring cycle?

Ever so often, government agencies try and predict the scale of problems affecting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

They do so by assessing issues affecting the business economy, including financial performance, workforce, trade and enterprise resilience.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in mid-January 2023, a quarter of all businesses reported increas-

es in staffing expenditure, with food and hospitality having 44% increase in employment costs.

There were other trends that were reported during this period (ONS, January 2023).

• 17% of firms including retail/ service-related industries reported a low turnover.

• 41% of trading businesses reported an increase in prices for goods and services.

• Energy prices have affected production for 71% of firms in food and hospitality.

• 38% of trading firms in the manufacturing sector reported a decrease in performance.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) expects the UK economy to shrink by 0.3% before returning to growth levels in 2023 with inflation expected to slow by the fourth quarter in 2023.

The business body suggested that inflation is likely to continue slowing while investment and recovery indicators show fragility in the workings of the

Businesses tell us that they are most concerned with difficulties in recruiting staff, paying their energy bills and rising taxes” (BCC, March 09, 2023).

Small firms and the self-employed have given fresh impetus to rural and coast communities by enabling them to thrive despite the current economic turbulence.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) asserted that ‘rural areas hold enormous potential for businesses to thrive and contribute to their local communities and the larger economy’.

It recommends that the UK Government should set out clear metrics in its plans, to reflect the social value that small firms create in their communities.

The UK Government should adopt the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendation and pilot a remote visa scheme. Broadband providers should make it easier and cheaper for small firms to leave broadband connections before the minimum contract term expires (FSB Report, April 2023).

Generally, these factors should be considered during 2023 as small businesses strive to remain going concerns: - affordable sustainability, environmental social governance, green supply chains, deeper digital transformation, immersive customer experience and company founder-led brands.

Experian Business Express asserted that because of the pandemic, business owners have learnt how to be resilient whilst staying afloat.

l (L-R Rear) Stephen Morley (CBM), Ollie Eskriett, Adam DuRose (both Branduer) (L-R Front) Paul Hodgetts (In-Comm Training), Jonathan Dudley (award sponsors Crowe), Stuart Berry (Brandauer), Adam Burgoyne (Brandauer) and Gareth Jones (In-Comm Training).

JAZZ MUSICIANS ADVANCED AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS

NOTED AMERICAN jazz performers used music to support African Americans’ struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century.

In 1958, jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins recorded “The Freedom Suite” with drummer Max Roach and bassist Oscar Pettiford. The song’s theme was groundbreaking, and its length — nearly 20 minutes — was unusual.

John Hasse, curator emeritus of American music at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, cites the suite as one of the earliest jazz pieces to make an explicit statement about civil rights. The trio recorded the song near the beginning of the civil rights movement in the United States

and four years after a landmark Supreme Court’s decision declared public school segregation unconstitutional.

“It’s just a singular piece full of invention and surprises,” Hasse said.

“There’s nothing like it.”

Jazz pianist Billy Taylor recorded “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in 1963 with drummer Grady

Tate and bassist Ben Tucker. Taylor had written the song for his daughter as an instrumental, but lyricist Dick Dallas later collaborated with him on lyrics.

Singer and pianist Nina Simone took the song to the next level when she covered it a few years later on her album Silk and Soul and made it popular as a catchy civil rights anthem.

How Jimmy Became Geoffrey In ‘Fresh Prince’ Reboot

WHILST LOOKING UP to his idols Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Akingbola always dreamed of going to Hollywood. But, as a Black child growing up in a White foster family, for him, then, it was always going to be nothing more than a pipedream.

The ‘pipedream’, however, has proven to be reality, as today you can see him in his starring role in ‘Bel-Air’, a reboot of multi award-winning ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Having been in a UK system, where more than 40% of the children awaiting adoption are Black, as a child of Nigerian immigrants who came to England in the 1960s, his story is proof that, despite the most telling of obstacles, anything is possible.

Akingbola’s biological mother developed schizophrenia and his father, convinced she was having an affair, disowned Jimmy believing that he wasn’t his son. His story, profound and moving as it is, though it reads like a

“It’s got just such a wonderful gospel feel,” Hasse said.

In 1965, Simone covered the anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit” — made famous by singer Billie Holiday — for her album Pastel Blues. When Holiday recorded the mournful song, which laments the horrors of racist lynching, she made a mark, says Hasse. But Simone introduced the song to a new generation. Hasse calls Simone’s rendition “stark, stinging and chill inducing.”

In the late 1960s, Simone said that singing the song and spreading its commentary on racial violence was a “duty.”

Hollywood blockbuster, sadly, it’s more commonplace than it needs to be.

His trials, tribulations and eventual triumph was highlighted in ITV programme ‘Handle With Care’, which also focussed the similar stories of other leading Black figures who were fostered, including the actor Lennie James and the athlete Kriss Akabusi. He described his journey on the programme as “a love letter to my parents.” In it he says: “To understand you’ve got to hear my story because I still can’t quite believe it.”

As Black foster families are comparatively rare, growing up in Northern Ireland was even more so. But for Jimmy, he will always say: “I’m here because of both of my sets of parents,” (biological and fostered).

Playing the lovable butler Geoffrey in the gritty Fresh Prince reboot, his more recent film roles include the two 2018 productions, ‘Hero’ and FullDress, plus 2022’s ‘Rise’ and ‘Rogue Agent’.

l Billie Holiday (pictured) recorded the mournful dirge "Strange Fruit" to protest lynching. Later, singer Nina Simone brought it to a new generation

CELEBRATING THE DEFINITIVE GRAND TOURER: 20 YEARS OF THE CONTINENTAL GT

McLaren Automotive Appoints Tobias Sühlmann As New Chief Design Officer

MCLAREN Automotive has announces the appointment of Tobias Sühlmann as the company’s new Chief Design Officer, taking up the role in September 2023.

Sühlmann’s career in automotive design spans two decades, having worked for a range of luxury brands including Bentley, Bugatti and Aston Martin.

It is a welcome return to

McLaren for Sühlmann who was previously the Chief Designer for Special Projects, overseeing the design of the track-only McLaren Solus GT single-seat hypercar based on a video game concept.

Based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, Sühlmann will be responsible for every aspect of brand design, leading a design team whose roles span future

concepts, exterior and interior styling, colour and materials, often working directly with customers to personalise their vehicles before they are hand-built in the adjoining McLaren Production Centre.

Tobias graduated with a diploma at Pforzheim University in 2005 before he joined Volkswagen that same year. He went on to become Head of Exterior Design at Bugatti and Head of Exterior Design at Aston Martin before joining McLaren and then becoming Bentley’s Director of Design which was his last role before he re-joins McLaren.

To celebrate 20 years of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors is hosting a fourmonth programme of unique models, drives and events that kicks-off today at the Shanghai Auto Show with the debut of a one-of-one Continental GT S.

This unique car showcases several bespoke Mulliner features, including commemorative badging, inlays and design motifs marking 20 years of the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors.

The exterior of the special GT S for Shanghai is the strikingly sinister Magnetic dark grey metallic, complemented by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels but with a splash of colour provided by red brake calipers. The black-and-red theme is carried into the interior, with duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black.

A bespoke interior features a unique Mulliner colour way, dual-finish fascias and waistrails and bespoke detailing to centre console and treadplates. The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, giving a unique tactile finish, while the lower veneer is in Grand Black and features a laser-etched overlay celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the Continental GT. A red pinstripe separates the two finishes, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents.

The treadplates proudly display two silhouettes, one of the 1st generation Continental GT and second of the 3rd generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT. The same design can be found on the centre console, whilst the LED welcome lamp in the door has a unique design celebrating the anniversary of the iconic grand tourer.

The Four Owls - Hip-Hop collective announce shows this June

The four-piece will be taking their honest and deep-diving brand of Hip-Hop to venues across the UK in June, with shows in Exeter, Brighton and Southampton.

Formed in 2011, the group have deftly crafted an honest bond of brotherhood that spills out into the music. With a signature sound that is Hip-Hop in its realest form, the group are a feathered troop of Strigiformes unlike anything the world has seen before.

Led by the merciless Big Owl

(Fliptrix), guided by the teachings of Bird T (Verb T), entertained by the do-or-die spirit of Rusty TakeOff (BVA) and inspired by the inventions of Deformed Wing (Leaf Dog), The Four Owls are a buzzing band of lyricists swiftly gathering in force. Having released their thought-provoking and emotive third studio album ‘Nocturnal Instinct’ in 2020, The Four Owls have collectively amassed well over 200 million streams across YouTube and Spotify and played over 500 live performances both domestically and around the

Funding Available For Game Developers

Yorkshire-based Triplevision Games secured support from UK publisher Fireshine Games for the launch of their funded project, These Doomed Isles.

Andrew Stewart, Creative Director at Triplevision Games, said: “When we pitched to the UK Games Fund, we had a pretty ugly, unpolished prototype and not enough time to work on it! The funding we received allowed us both to work full time on developing the core loop, adding art and gave us the time we needed to put together a polished demo, pitch deck and Steam page.

Meeting Oscar-Winning Jazz Artist Jon Batiste

“This in turn led to us talking to various publishers and eventually signing with Fireshine. Without the support of the UKGF, we’d probably still be freelancing and working on putting our pitch together, instead of looking at launching the game into Early Access this Summer.”

Inspired by classic god games, survival city-builders and roguelike deck-builders, in These Doomed Isles you’ll craft your deck of cards to raise islands from the sea, build settlements for your followers and keep them alive as famine threatens, forests burn and raiders loom on the horizon.

globe.

Their music has been supported by the likes of DJ Premier, Mistajam, Charlie Sloth, DJ Target, Toddla T, Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn, U-God (Wu-Tang), Havoc (Mobb Deep), Skinny Man, Rag’N’Bone Man to name a few, as well as Hip-Hop fanatic, comedian Romesh Ran-

ganathan. A collective responsible for a range of modern-day classics that blend encapsulating, head-banging rhythms with undiluted lyricism and conceptual brilliance, The Four Owls have gained a reputation for pushing boundaries in a scene that has grown desperate for a new type of binocular vision.

JON BATISTE is a genre-bending jazz musician, singer and composer. Born into a family of professional musicians in Louisiana, Batiste plays the melodica (shown in the image) and several other instruments, including the piano, organ and upright bass. He performed at the 2022 White House state dinner that fêted French President Emmanuel Macron and Macron’s wife, Brigitte.

He’s also recorded and per-

formed with many well-known artists, including Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson. In 2022, Batiste, then 35, won five Grammy Awards, one for best album for his release titled We Are.

Earlier, Batiste and two others won an Academy Award for the score of the animated movie Soul, popular with audiences of all ages. And Batiste has appeared on Sesame Street, bringing jazz to the next generation of music lovers.

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Tell your family, friends & colleagues about this most spectacular not to be missed

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-HRH Princess Moradeun Founder & Royal Host ASO-EBÍ FESTIVAL (TM)

If you need further information on Exhibition Stands, Sponsorship Packages and Registration of Group Participation at ASO-EBÍ Festival Gala Night 2023 on 26th October, Kindly contact:

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More UK tour dates for Australia’s favourite absurdist sketch group, Aunty Donna

Following their critically acclaimed Netflix series, Aunty Donna are bringing their first live show to the UK and Ireland.

It’s their first visit to perform

on these shores in well over five years, and their first ever UK tour. Their trip will see them visit Glasgow, Dublin, Bath Birmingham, London and Manchester.

It’s been a big few years for the trio who in 2020, partnered with Netflix for the worldwide release of Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun, executive produced by The Office’s Ed Helms and Between Two Ferns’ Scott Aukerman. The series received praise from fans across the globe - including Neil Patrick Harris and RuPaul - and was coupled

with a record-breaking tour of Australia and New Zealand, selling out shows across both countries.

The boys are now absolutely primed to take their

new critically and audience acclaimed live show out to the world. When asked about their upcoming tour, the Aunty Donna boys said: “When the Magical Dead Cat demanded we participate in this incredible tour of the UK and Ireland, a tour showcasing brand new hilarious comedy and some fan favourite bits from our world-shaking Netflix series, we were initially hesitant.

“It seemed we would provide the bulk of the entertainment whilst

the Magical Dead Cat would merely bring some coughed up fur balls! We raised our concerns with the Magical Dead Cat, and it offered to sweeten the deal by ending each show with a special surprise web slinging guest whose name rhymes with Glider Man.

“Desperate to meet this special surprise guest, we immediately said yes.” Aunty Donna exploded onto the Melbourne comedy scene in 2012 with their unique brand of surreal, fast paced, alternative sketch.

They won the hearts of UK audiences, playing the Edinburgh Festival and Soho Theatre between 2014-2017. Since then, their loud and energetic shows have toured around the globe multiple times, won an accolade of awards and amassed a worldwide fanbase including more than 2million followers across platforms and 113 million views on YouTube.

Now, Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane will join together to deliver Aunty Donna’s wildly entertaining style of comedy for a new tour across England, Scotland and Ireland.

Women Filing Lawsuits Against “Dangerously Toxic” Black Hair Products

LAWSUITS have been filed by women who claim that hair relaxers contain toxic chemicals that cause cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, and more, which law firms accepting hair relaxer induced injury cases in all 50 states.

In November 2022, a group of women who used Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer filed a class action lawsuit against L’Oreal and Soft Sheen-Carson, claiming they wouldn’t have used Dark & Lovely if they knew it contained chemicals that might increase their risk of uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, or breast cancer. These products are linked to life-threatening health problems, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, hysterectomy and more.

Many of these lawsuits were filed after a major study found that women who used hair relaxers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer by the age of 70. The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022. The researchers also published another study finding a 30% increased risk of breast cancer for women who used hair relaxers routinely.

Experts are concerned because hair relaxers contain a variety of harsh chemicals that can get into the body through scalp irritation and sores.

Holiday and Travel

Participated In Seatrade Cruise Global 2023

BARBADOS SEEKS GREATER YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill delivered a clear message while sharing remarks at the island’s Junior Minister of Tourism and the inaugural Genealogy Competition awards ceremony last week: the nation’s youth must be educated about the importance of tourism so they can participate in the sector’s future success and sustainability.

“As you know for anything in life to evolve and prosper, young

people must be actively engaged and involved,” he said, adding that “as tourism recovers the world over from the pandemic, there is a recognition of the importance of youth in tourism, [and] as such, there is a concerted effort to promote youth empowerment, through offering education and training as well as access to decent jobs.”

By participating in activities such as the Junior Minister of Tourism competition, young people learn about the industry and have an opportunity to

share their ideas for change and development. This year’s winner, 17-year-old Josiah Grannum of Harrison College, will have the opportunity to be involved in tourism-related activities throughout the year, to be part of Barbados’ delegation attending the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) State of the Industry Conference in 2023, and to represent the island at the CTO's Tourism Youth Congress.

About his participation in the competition, Grannum had this to say: “It was very exciting and

Dutch Court Nixes Plan To Reduce Flights At Schiphol

Ajudge has ruled that the Dutch government cannot order Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, to reduce the number of flights from 500,000 per year to 460,000, dealing a blow to efforts to cut emissions and noise pollution.

The ruling came in a summary case brought by airlines and civil aviation organizations led by Dutch carrier KLM that sought to halt the planned cuts unveiled last year.

The decision by a judge in

Haarlem, a city close to Schiphol, came a day after the airport announced plans to phase out all flights between midnight and 5 a.m., ban private jets and the noisiest planes, and abandon a project for an additional runway.

The judge ruled that the Dutch government did not follow the correct procedure when it called on Schiphol to reduce flight numbers, a decision that was hailed last year as a breakthrough by environmental groups.

The decision means that Schiphol “may not reduce the maximum number of flights ... to 460,000,” the court in Haarlem

said in a statement. In response, KLM said it plans measures that offer “a better alternative for achieving less noise and CO2 while meeting travellers’ need to fly.”

The airline said it would explain its approach in the next phase of the case. “This will investigate whether noise levels can be reduced around Schiphol using methods other than those envisaged by the ministry,” KLM said.

The government ministry responsible for aviation infrastructure said it was studying the ruling and considering its next

the research that I had to do to get into it was very interesting ... I would love to see more young people like myself actually interested in tourism and educated about it, so we can know what our part to play is, so that we can participate.”

The Barbados Government Information Service reports that Minister Gooding-Edghill hopes the CTO will develop a mechanism that allows Caribbean ministries of tourism to work with youth to develop an innovation lab focused on expanding inno-

vation in tourism through technology, an area in which youth are very knowledgeable. The island’s inaugural Genealogy Competition was an opportunity for students to submit a family tree representing both sides of their family accompanied by a summary description and photos where possible.

This past September in the Cayman Islands, J’nae Brathwaite of Tobago won the CTO Tourism Youth Congress competition after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

DOMINICA in its effort to regain market share within the cruise sector, participated in Seatrade Cruise Global which ran in Fort Lauderdale.

Seatrade is an annual premier cruise event which attracts the global cruise community all in one place for networking and information gathering opportunities.

The show saw an estimated 10,000 attendees exposed to the latest cruise products and services from 500+ exhibitors and new launches on the show floor.

The Dominican delegation comprised the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Denise Charles, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority, Benoit Bardouille, and other key tourism stake holders from the private sector. One -onone meetings were held with the major cruise line executives and other representatives.

The discussion focused on increasing Dominica’s cruise business, product offerings, and plans for the improvement of the cruise experience and cruise port operations.

The feedback for Dominica was very positive as it relates to cruise guest experience on the nature island and the cruise business stands to benefit with increase cruise calls and passengers visiting Dominica.

steps. The ministry said in a written reaction that it is “striving to find a new balance between the interests of residents and the liv-

ing environment on the one hand and the economic importance of Schiphol for the Netherlands on the other.”

As of April 2023, Dominica received a total of 190 cruise calls and 236,288 passengers for the 2022/2023 cruise season, compared to 189,334 passengers and 143 calls for the 2019/2020 season. This clearly points to an increase of some twenty-five (25) percent over the 2019/20 figures and signals a strong return to cruise business in Dominica.

l Minister of Tourism along with Cruise Executives

Thailand is gearing up for this year’s highly anticipated Songkran, the grandest and most important Buddhist holiday. Happy Thai New Year!

The Thai New Year, known as Songkran, will take over life in the Kingdom of Thailand from April 13-15. It’s the best time to visit Amazing Thailand every year, and this year after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for the second year.

Visitors and locals alike will soon be participating in parades, carnivals, spiritual performances, and water fights throughout the Kingdom in celebration of the Lunar New Year, marking the beginning of the Thai calendar. With a blend of natural settings and cityscapes to explore, distinct cuisine, friendly people, and an oasis for wellness and meditation, Thailand is the perfect destination for culture-seeking travellers this spring.

For those who can’t make the trip, there are still plenty of local opportunities to engage in the Thai holiday. Here are some great ways to celebrate Songkran in Thailand:

Join the water fight party in Bangkok, where the streets become a massive water fight arena during Songkran.

• Expect to get wet and have fun while cooling off from the heat.

• Visitors looking to celebrate Thai New Year by the Chao Phraya River

• Experience Floating Markets and Candlelit Dinners on Koh Samui.

• Make a splash at this pool party in Chiang Mai to Celebrate Songkran. Some hotels will host a pool party on April 13 to mark Songkran.

BUDDHISTS AND TOURISTS READY FOR THAILAND SONGKRAN

Aegean Airlines Return To BHX With Twice-Weekly Athens Flights

Aegean Airlines has returned to Birmingham Airport (BHX) with its twice-weekly Athens flights. Services on its A320 aircraft to and from the Greek capital will run on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tom Screen, Aviation Director for BHX, said after watching today’s 1035 Athens departure take off: “We are very pleased to welcome back Aegean after a fiveyear absence. Whether cus-

tomers want to enjoy historic Athens or travel onwards to the popular Greek islands, we are in no doubt that these Aegean services will be well subscribed.

“For customers travelling from Greece, Birmingham, at the heart of the growing West Midlands region, has strong appeal for those travelling on business or leisure.” Aegean will be the seventh Star Alliance carrier at BHX.

The Voice Of The Muazzin

Of London's Largest Mosque Warbles From Saudi Arabia

AFTER BEING absent from his mosque since the beginning of Ramadan, Mohammed Hafez al-Rahman joined the worshipers of the largest mosque in the British capital, the East London Mosque, through the Otr Elkalam show, one of the initiatives of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, which has allowed distinguished talents in recitation and adhan to participate in the largest Quran and adhan competition in the world.

The East London Mosque, which has been associated with the voice of Hafez al-Rahman, is unique among the rest of the capital's mosques because it is the only one where adhan is raised through external loudspeakers. It is one of the largest mosques on the continent of Europe and the most attractive to worshipers during Ramadan.

Hafez al-Rahman, who raises adhan and teaches the Holy Quran in East London Mosque, competed with the Egyptian muazzin Mohammed Tariq, who discovered his talent while traveling between France, South Africa, Mauritius, Indonesia and Nigeria and became a famous muazzin on social media. However, Tariq lost the competition to his British rival, who won the highest share of the votes of the jury.

How Ramadan Was Celebrated In America

FINDING COMMON GROUND: REFLECTING ON SHARED CELEBRATIONS ACROSS FAITHS AND CULTURES

During the past “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week”, millions across the world celebrated and continued to celebrate important events of their faith.

The objects of adoration are all different, of course, and there is a need to reaffirm our beliefs and how they might differ from other families of thought and belief. Focusing on people’s differences contributes to building and maintaining vibrant and healthy communities provided it does not encourage bigotry or exclusion.

But during the week, which was recognised as holy by several of the world’s largest faiths,

perhaps people should have been looking at the many things which also bind our many communities, including those in the Caribbean. Thanks to the internet and social media, which allows instant entry to the beliefs of others, people are quickly discover that similarities are just as interesting as our differences.

Regardless of faith or geography, people have unfailingly and joyfully welcomed the approach and arrival of kinder weather. At such times of togetherness, give thanks, extend hands to others, and share stories of the less hospitable months.

Wherever and however people celebrated this time of year,

it was important to remember as wise souls note, that you are also carrying on traditions that know no culture nor creed. These are

human traditions, and they remind us that, whether we admit it or not, we are all similar in the ways that matter most.

BECAUSE MANY American Muslims trace their ancestry to other corners of the globe, Ramadan traditions in the United States are diverse. Immigrants often recall their first Ramadan in the United States as a time they learned new customs.

Rizwan Jaka, born in Chicago and a member of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in the Washington area, notes that many fellow congregants are immigrants or have an international heritage like his — he has roots in India, Pakistan and Mexico. Consequently, the society serves daily iftar with menus rotating among South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, American and other cuisines.

Like Muslims everywhere, on March 22 Jaka begins a month of fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, giving to charities, performing good deeds and gathering for the iftar meal. In the U.S., Jaka says, Ramadan is a time of community fellowship as well as spiritual growth.

For her part, Samira Jaweed, who immigrated from Pakistan at age 29, says she remembers her first Ramadan in the United States as “quite different from how we celebrated in Pakistan.”

KINGSTON COPS AWARD FOR BEST CREATIVE DESTINATION FOR 2023

Jamaica's vibrant cultural capital, Kingston, beat out 152 entrants from 28 nations to be selected Best Creative Destination for 2023 by the jury of the 9th Creative Tourism Awards.

The award was recently presented to the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, by Caroline Couret, Director of the Creative Tourism Network®, on behalf of the International Committee, on the margins of ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, in Germany.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett described the win as a major accolade for Kingston, which has steadily been gaining traction as a cultural and music destination.

“Kingston is the unquestioned cultural heart of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

"We have been taking aggressive steps to position Kingston as a vibrant urban tourism destination. As a result, we are seeing a growing number of travellers choosing Kingston for its many culinary, music, art, sport and cultural offerings,” noted the Tourism Minister. “There is a good reason why Kingston was designated a UNESCO Creative City,” he added.

Minister Bartlett heaped praises

on the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Senator Delroy Williams and the wider Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for the excellent job they are doing to transform Kingston into a Destination City. “They have been doing a phenomenal job of positioning Kingston as an appealing destination city that attracts visitors through its history, culture and entertainment. Visitors get to experience a Jamaica that is so much more than sun, sea and sand,” said the Minister.

Created by the Creative Tourism Network®, an organization for the development and promotion of creative tourism worldwide, the Creative Tourism Awards aim to reward companies, projects, and destinations worldwide that encourage all forms of artistic and creative tourism. The jury that selected Kingston for the award comprises global experts in the fields of tourism marketing and creative economy.

The Kingston nomination was submitted by Kingston Creative, a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to transform Downtown Kingston into a city tourism destination using art, culture and technology.

l Successful delivery of the first A321 aircraft enables Airbus to honour the popularity of the aircraft for the China market and beyond

FIRST CHINA BUILT AIRBUS A321NEO DELIVERED TO JUNEYAO AIR

AIRBUS HAS DELIVERED the first A321neo aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line Asia (FAL Tianjin) to China’s Juneyao Air in Tianjin, China. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and features 207 comfortable seats, 8 in Business and 199 in Economy class. Its delivery flight is to use a ten percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend in support of the green aviation strategy in China.

“Since we announced the commissioning of the first A321 aircraft at FAL Tianjin last November, the relevant final assembly activities and tests went on smoothly, showcasing the maturity of FAL Tianjin to quickly adapt to new products,” said George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and Airbus China CEO.

“The successful delivery of the first A321 aircraft enables Airbus to honor the popularity of the aircraft for the China

market and beyond – and the consistent trust and support from our customers. Airbus continues to expand and enhance its comprehensive cooperation with China’s aviation industry, underlining its longterm commitment to China to ensure customer proximity while supporting the global commercial aircraft production ramp-up.”

Airbus has four A320 Family final assembly facilities around the world: Hamburg, Germany; Toulouse, France; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, United States.

With the conversion of the Tianjin facility last year, and with the newest facility about to complete its transformation in Toulouse, the global industrial system will be fully A321-capable, creating flexibility and agility to meet Airbus’ ramp up objectives and the rising market success of the A321 model.

l Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) accepts Kingston’s award for Best Creative Destination for 2023 from Caroline Couret, Director of the Creative Tourism Network®. The award was presented recently in the margins of ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, in Germany.

PARTNERS CONTINUE TO ASSIST TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA AFTER EARTHQUAKES

The United States and international partners are continuing to support survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

On March 20, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance for the earthquake response in the region, bringing total U.S. support for the response to more than $235 million.

The new funding continues to provide food assistance, safe water, sanitation, shelter and household essentials, as well as psychosocial support to help people recovering from the trauma of the February 6 earthquakes, which killed more than 50,000 people and displaced at least 3 million. The United States announced the assistance during the international donors conference Together for the People in Türkiye and Syria in Brussels, co-hosted by the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which raised $7.5 billion in humanitarian assistance.

“The U.S. will continue to support those impacted in Türkiye and Syria,” State Department spokes-

person Vedant Patel said March 21, applauding the EU-led fundraising effort. “We welcome and encourage continued support from our international partners in this time of great need.”

UNICEF is setting up schools and supporting children affected

JUST ONE ...

by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Above, a UNICEF worker plays games with children February 23 at a stadium in Latakia, Syria, that is serving as a shelter for displaced families. The United States is UNICEF’s largest funder.

“Knowing Who to Prove Wrong”

What if that one co-worker or partner who always criticise your work ethic and commitment to productivity is the one everyone else in the workplace/network dislikes? They say the hardest thing to do is to read somebody’s mind. However, it is also said, “action speaks louder than words.”

With those two quotes in mind, behavioural science takes on a whole new dimension when navigating the maze of human expressions, especially those of us with Afrocentric constructs and influences. Interpreting someone’s behaviour to draw accurate conclusions is still inferential, and unless you are told what is actually going on by that individual you cannot argue with your inaccurate conclusion.

Whether at the workplace or in a social setting, being right gives a sense of accomplishment or even some sort of closure, though relative to the pursuit of knowledge.

As social creatures, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel the need to prove someone wrong.

It could be a colleague at work, a friend in a debate, or even a family member at a gathering.

But the question is, how do we know who to prove wrong?

Is it necessary to engage in a battle of egos, or can we use behavioural science to determine the best course of action?

When considering who to prove wrong, it's important to consider the person's beliefs and values.

If their beliefs are deeply ingrained, contradicting them would cause too much cognitive dissonance.

This is characterised as a state of mind where individuals experience psychological discomfort owing to two or more conflicting beliefs.

To reduce this discomfort, individuals will either change their beliefs or justify their beliefs by seeking out information that supports their beliefs while ignoring information that contradicts them.

It may not be worth the effort to engage in a debate with that person. However, if their beliefs are more malleable and they are open to new information, engaging in a respectful debate may be beneficial.

Individuals derive their

by Khori Hyde

confidence (self-esteem) in conduct and communication from the groups to which they belong (Tajfel, 1979). It is not uncommon therefore for members of one group to exhibit a tendency to favour the opinions and beliefs of their members over those of other groups. A person’s group identity is therefore crucial in formulating your strategy to prove someone wrong.

If the person's beliefs are closely tied to their group identity, it may be difficult to convince them to change their opinion, as doing so may threaten their self-esteem.

However, if the person's beliefs are not directly tied to their group identity, they may be more open to changing their opinion.

One of the most famous behavioural theorists, B.F. Skinner, believed that behaviour is shaped by its consequences. If a behaviour leads to a positive consequence, such as praise or a reward, the behaviour is more likely to be repeated. Conversely, if a behaviour leads to a negative consequence, such as criticism or punishment, the behaviour is less likely to be repeated.

In the context of our discussion, it's important to consider the consequences of a debate to the person you are attempting to prove wrong. If the person perceives the debate as a negative consequence, such as a threat to their ego or self-esteem, they may be less likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs. On the other hand, if the debate is perceived as a positive consequence, such as a learning opportunity or a chance to grow, they may be more likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs.

Albert Einstein, posited, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is

stupid."

This quote highlights the importance of understanding someone's strengths and weaknesses before engaging in a debate with them.

If the person's beliefs are based on their strengths, it may be difficult to prove them wrong. However, if their beliefs are based on their weaknesses, it may be easier to provide evidence to the contrary.

Respect and empathy are vital arsenals to accomplish successful discourse in a debate.

In fact, it was Maya Angelou, who said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

If the person feels attacked or belittled, they may be less likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs. However, if the person feels respected and heard, they may be more open to new information and ideas.

So, when we consider proving someone wrong, we may want to consider more than just the err in their argument.

We may find our objective may be better served by considering the person's beliefs, group identity, and the perceived consequences of the debate.

Additionally, understanding cognitive biases and the hierarchy of needs can provide further insight into the situation.

By approaching the debate with empathy and respect, it may be easier to challenge someone's beliefs and provide new information.

"Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress."

(Mahatma Gandhi). By engaging in respectful debates, we can challenge our own righteousness and help others do the same.

CELEBRATING WORLD KABADDI DAY 2023

2023 is already being an exciting year for Kabaddi, as the second most popular sport in India - after cricket – with the established PKL (Pro Kabaddi League) a mega event in its native country.

Far more a major sport there than the worldwide popular sport football, even if it doesn’t have enough fan-following elsewhere in the world, it has quite some popularity in India.

Now, according to estimates, Kabaddi has a total of 435 million viewers, after the World Kabaddi Day was initiated in 2020, by World Kabaddi, as part of its strategic plan to promote the sports globally. This year ‘Play Hard! Play Smart! Play Together!’ was chosen as the theme for this year’s World Kabaddi Day.

World Kabaddi was formed in 2018 and now has a membership of more than 50 countries around the world, with World Kabaddi president Mr Ashok Kumar Das hoping that the World Kabaddi Day celebrations would raise more awareness to the ancient sport of kabaddi.

“Kabaddi is now played in all five continents and is undergoing tremendous growth, said Ashok, who is also the President of Kabaddi Europe.

“The objective is to make it a celebration of kabaddi around the

world,” he said. “The celebrations is not just for the day as we also want kabaddi activities to be held throughout the month of March.”

He said that World Kabaddi wanted to encourage all members as well kabaddi enthusiasts around the world to conduct at least one

NBA And TEMES Announce Multiyear Agreement To Launch NBA Basketball School In Greece’s Costa Navarino

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and TEMES today announced a multiyear agreement for TEMES to launch an NBA Basketball School in Costa Navarino.

The basketball development program for Costa Navarino guests and aspiring basketball players ages six and up will cover on-court training, skill development and basketball education for all skill levels.

It will tip off this month with one, three and five-day packages. Participants will receive a certificate and will have the chance to win a range of prizes.

on Thursday, June 8 to celebrate the collaboration with a special event featuring on-court programming and appearances by current or former NBA players. Registration for activities beginning May 15 is open now at costanavarino.com/nba-basketball-school.

NBA Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe and Middle East, Neal Meyer, said: “We’re excited to tip off this collaboration with Costa Navarino as part of our continued commitment to growing basketball at the grassroots level in Greece and across the region.

kabaddi activity to celebrate World Kabaddi Day.

The program marks the NBA’s first collaboration with a privately-run hospitality and sports destination in Europe to launch a Basketball School.

NBA International Basketball Operations staff will be onsite

"Our goal through this program is to inspire and create more opportunities for players of all ages to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game, including teamwork, leadership and respect.”

Zion Wins Big At Gymnastics British Champs

TEENAGE SENSATION, Zion

Aserie, took a step closer to his Olympic dream after winning big at the 2023 Gymnastics British Championships, in Liverpool, where he became U18 All Around Silver medallist.

In the individual apparatus finals, he became U18 Rings champion and also went on to win a Bronze on the floor and high bar.

It came just 9 months after the 16-year-old, from Castle Vale, was diagnosed with an acute stress fracture to his lower spine.

The elite athlete who has been training at City of Birmingham gymnastics club at the GMAC in Perry Barr for nearly 10 years, said: “To think it could have meant the end of my gymnastics career when all I’ve ever dreamed about is making it to the Olympics.”

But with the help and support of family and his coach, ex GB gymnast and double commonwealth champion, Luke Folwell, Zion was able to return back to full training.

He trains alongside world class athletes including World Champion, World Cup Champion, European and also Commonwealth Champion, Joe Fraser. Despite being weeks away from his GCSE exams, Zion still manages to fit in 24 hours of training every week.

His mum, Irene, said “I am so proud of what Zion has achieved so far. He has what it takes, never makes excuses and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.”

Zion Aserie is determined to continue with his relentless gymnastics training alongside his revision in the hopes of achieving his dream to becoming the ultimate Olympian.

ACORNS YOUNGSTERS ENJOY EDGBASTON CRICKET EXPERIENCE

Agroup of children who receive support from Acorns Children’s Hospice were treated to an Edgbaston cricket experience and stadium tour.

The seven youngsters – who access the Sibling Support service at Acorns – took part in the fun session under the expert eye of Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches. The group, including Acorns Sibling Workers Jen Bridle and Sarah Childs, then got a chance to peer behind the scenes at Edgbaston, including the players’ dressing rooms and gym, and take some pitch-side selfies.

Acorns Sibling Worker Sarah Childs thanked Edgbaston for the experience. She said: “It can be challenging for the parents of children with complex needs to dedicate time to take siblings out for day trips. This is something that can be especially difficult during school holidays.

“Part of our work at Acorns and the Sibling Service is to help by treating the children, giving them something to look forward to, new experiences, and to relieve some of the pressure on parents. We’re so thrilled with how it’s gone at Edgbaston.

“The children have been really excited at the prospect of coming to the stadium to play

some cricket. It’s been such a memorable afternoon for them.”

The dedicated Sibling Service at Acorns currently supports around 200 brothers and sisters of life limited or life threatened children.

The service provides children with focused groups, individual therapeutic sessions and bespoke support programmes. Warwickshire Cricket Board’s Cricket Development Officer Rob Eynon ran the April 5 session.

He said: “It’s been our pleasure to show the children around and lay on a coaching session. There was lots of energy, they really got involved, and some decent batting and fielding on show.

“These children have gone

through a lot at a young age. I’m delighted they’ve had a good time and put a smile on their faces.

“They’re welcome at Edgbaston any time.”