St Michael’s Church in Stoke Newington Common is working with Sheba Montserrat, a London-based dancer, poet and stand-up comedian, to run a series of free ‘edutainment’ community events during Black History Month.
The series of interactive edutainment events, titled Bushtea and Cake, are taking place each Friday in October, combining education and entertainment. Bushtea is a drink traditional to Southern Africa and the Caribbean and will be served for free throughout the events.
The first event, titled Bushtea, Cake and Sing-a-long, took place on Friday 1st October, featuring singing duo Paul Jarvis and Karen Virgo, better known as ‘Soulful Joyful Voices’. Four further events will run at St Michael’s Church in Stoke Newington Common over October. The events are completely free, with admission at 4pm and the activities running between 4:30 – 5:45pm, to ensure the whole the family can attend.
- Bushtea, Cake and Cabaret – Friday 8 October – This show is designed to delight your cultural appetite for entertainment, history and information, hosted by comedian and poet Sheba Montserrat. There will be poetry by Jah Messam and the opportunity to chat with historian Avril Horsford. There will also be Caribbean Gospel Songs and a guest performance from comedian Geoff Schumann.
- A Caribbean Afternoon – Friday 15 October – This celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage will weave together: Caribbean dance from Muraldo DC, storytelling from Sandra Agard and poetry from Everton Roye.
- Bushtea, Cake and Black History Quiz – Friday 22 October – Revd Steve and Revd Shana will host an interactive and informative Black History Quiz, with topics including black trailblazers, inventors and performers.
- An African Afternoon – Friday 29 October – The final event in the series will celebrate African culture and heritage. This cultural Afternoon will weave together traditional African dance and drumming.
Revd Steve Gayle, vicar of St Michael and All Angels Church, Stoke Newington, said:
“I’m so excited to see and take part in the Bushtea and Cake events over the next month. It was heartwarming to see so many people from across the community – people of all faiths and none – coming together at St Michael’s to take part in the fantastic event last Friday. I want to thank Sheba and all those who have helped bring these events to life.”
Sheba Montserrat, Bushtea and cake coordinator, said:
“It’s great to be taking part in these events alongside such a talented, creative and inspiring group of people. Edutainment events are a powerful way of sharing experiences, knowledge and ideas in a fun and interactive environment. It’s a great activity for families, or anyone interested in learning more about African and Caribbean history and culture. Come and join us at St Michael and All Angels!”
Earlier this year, Sheba Montserrat and the team at St Michael’s Church worked together to premiere a documentary on National Windrush Day. Six members of the Windrush Generation are part of the congregation at St Michaels, and featured in the Windrush Pioneers documentary.