Culture, Creativity & Community: How The Africa Centre Has Built a Home for African Heritage in the UK Since 1964 With Olu Alake

Episode 163 with Olu Alake, CEO of The Africa Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and amplifying African and diaspora heritage. Since its founding in 1964, The Africa Centre has been a vibrant space for intellectual exchange, artistic expression, and community-building, evolving to meet the dynamic needs of the African diaspora in the UK and beyond.

Under Olu’s leadership, the Centre has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and cultural advocacy, cementing its reputation as a global hub for African excellence. From nurturing emerging artists, some of whom have gone on to win prestigious awards like the Turner Prize, to promoting entrepreneurship and thought leadership, The Africa Centre remains a crucible for creativity and transformation.

In this conversation, we explore the Centre’s journey, its role in reshaping narratives about Africa, and the exciting initiatives in store, from the UK-Kenya cultural season to the 104th anniversary of the Berlin Conference.

What We Discuss With Olu

• The evolution of The Africa Centre since 1964 and its evolution in response to the changing needs of the African diaspora in the UK.
• How The Africa Centre balances its rich legacy with the evolving needs and engagement styles of modern audiences.
• The strategies The Africa Centre uses to ensure inclusivity and represent all of Africa, beyond just major countries.
• How The Africa Centre continues to promote intellectual and social conversations among African thinkers and changemakers today.
• Why the Centre has been instrumental in launching the careers of renowned African artists.

Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss Inside the Business of Afrobeats: International Festivals, Culture & Global Influence? Make sure to check it out!

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Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu

Connect with Olu:
LinkedIn - Olu Alake
Twitter (X) - @TheAfricaCentre

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