Event Review: The Black Market And Film Festival

Boy did this week go fast!

Last Saturday (12th April) Shay, Micky and yself attended 'The Black Market and Film Festival’ held at Platanos College on Clapham Road, where exhibitors included The Maroon Boutique, Deus Avani, Nefertiti's Natural's, Inifiniti Therapi, Oya's Adornments, From Smiley Coast Gambia, J2Steps Designs, Ninety3Ninety4, Nafasi By Nature, Jaan's Jewellery, Cessa Limited, Cezanne Poetess, The Calabas Hub, Pebbles Wearable, Pure Goodness, Pure Aroma, Kali Artz, Chosan, Jacqueline Ramnarine & AllKnightz.com;

The large variety of African inspired products on display included everything from reversible clothing, unusually shaped bags, handmade Ghanaian purses, shoes made of scrap denim, hand sculpted soap stone, 3D book marks, jewellery, organic body products, organic drinks, handmade cards (beautifully crafted by the super talented 11 year old Brother pictured below), books, comics, Black Art themed smartphone cases, crystals to wall art. In short there was something for everyone;

The stand out exhibitors for us however were;

'T Shirt Lady' (A pseudonym seeing as she ran out of business cards!)  - Who displayed bold T-shirts boasting images of Malcolm X with the slogan 'Ain't I A Brother' and an Afro wearing Sista with Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman & Still I Rise poems printed in full on the backs.

Jerpurity - Whose jewelry collection was probably the most diverse in terms of shapes, sizes and overall pieces, given that there were headbands and neck wear as opposed to just earrings and bangles.

Pieces By KeKe - Which featured stunning earrings, that were either outlines of Africa, accented with the Lion of Judah or an Afro rocking Sista. All made from wood, psychedelic coloured plastic and even glass.

Serenity Wholistic Living - Who had two exhibit tables filled with the most naturally beautiful crystals and gemstones I've ever seen and a few of which, Micky and Shay purchased to aid with their holistic therapy.

Amédée  - Specializing in Mother & Baby accessories (although ironically none of us have kids lol), displayed wooden teething rings, bow ties, baby & toddler ring slings, baby shoes and nappy clutch travels bags. All handmade with beautiful Ankara prints;

This table was hands down the best and our collective favourite.

Overall it was a really good exhibit and although we didn't get to see any of the screened movies/presentations there was definitely enough to keep us there for a few hours!