The Black History Month After Party

Wed 1st Nov 2023

About
Cast & Creatives

Because a month isn't enough to mark it, so we added an extra day (but let's celebrate Black History all year round).

Join us in the Stratford East Bar for an evening of performances by Black creatives, hosted by one of comedy's most exciting and talked about new names, Toussaint Douglass (Late Night Mash, Bamous, and Stand Up for Live Comedy).

Performances include:

Powersoul and string blends by Anthony Blaize and JAYRO
R&B by Jade Leanne
Performance poetry by Tatenda Matsvai

Find out more about the artists and their work here.

The Black History Month After-Party is produced by Closing The Gap, Stratford East’s anti-racism staff committee.

Nailah Cumberbatch, Maya Pindar, and Martin Willis, Co-Chairs of Closing the Gap, said “We are thrilled that Closing The Gap are producing THE BLACK HISTORY AFTER-PARTY, an evening that will champion the talent of our Stratford East staff as well as some esteemed guests. We invite you to join us in giving Black History Month 2023 a joyful send-off!"

Toussaint Douglass - @toussaint_gram

Toussaint Douglass is one of comedy’s most exciting and talked about new names and is already making serious waves across the industry. His innovative brand of stand up mixes the personal with the political, whilst adding a uniquely absurdist slant to brilliant comic effect. Seriously talented, Toussaint is joyfully absurd and charmingly awkward with deceptively subversive writing. He has appeared on TV shows such as Late Night Mash (Dave), Bamous (BBC) and Stand Up for Live Comedy (BBC) and has provided tour support for Russell Howard, Paul Chowdhry and Michael McIntyre.

Anthony Blaize and Jayro - @anthonyblaize.ig and @jayrovmusic

Anthony Blaize’s sound can be described as an alternative fusion of pop/soul music or as he would call it, POWERSOUL. This London native successfully released his début album in 2019 ‘A higher Calling’. A projected which was assisted in chief by the production of David Wehinm ( Moses Boyd , J-HUS, Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia & Azekel). The album has garnered over 500,000 streams across platforms and continues to be shared by listeners across the world. His growing list of accolades include selling out London Courtyard Theatre , Touring with legendary UK Rnb&soul artist and Brit Award and Mobo award winner Lemar. Further accolades include , being featured on MTV Wrap UP , I-D, the 405, EARMILK and FADER . He first garnered radio attention by featuring on Trevor Nelsons Destination Africa on BBC 1 Xtra and was then being playlisted by Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6. He’s also written for and worked with UK- Chart topping and Brit award winners Chase & Status , Sway , Azekel , Star.One and Toy-Boy n Robin . Further performances at Reading Festival and BBC Radio 1 BIG Weekender , have gone a long way to cementing Anthony Blaize as a noteworthy live act . He is currently wrapping up new material in the studio and is due for release early 2024 '

JAYRO is a freelance violist and vocalist. Driven by a passion for classical music and people, JAYRO began studying the viola at a young age and quickly developed a talent for the instrument leading her to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She has the privilege of participating in various community orchestras and chamber groups around England showcasing her talent in local concerts and events. She is currently training to become a music therapist at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

With the addition of the viola, Blaize’ performance becomes even more enriched with beautiful melodies blending harmoniously with the band's infectious rhythms and Blaize’ soulful melodies, creating a truly captivating musical soundscape.

Jade Leanne - @jadeleannemusic

Jade Leanne is an R&B artist, dancer and actress from East London, whose love and passion for the arts can be traced back as far as she can remember. Growing up as part of a musical family, singing was a huge part of Jade's upbringing and she would often perform at various events with her parents and siblings. Jade burst onto the music scene, in 2018 and has since gone on to release several singles and her first EP, titled, 'The Experience' in 2020, landing her the title of 'Rookie of the Year 2020’ at the State Of R&B Awards. Inspired by the sounds of Jhene Aiko, Mariah Carey & Beyonce, partnered with her authentic, real and transparent storytelling, Jade’s soulful sound is sure to resonate and continue to have an impact on the music scene. The upcoming singer is currently working on her second project, with the intent to personally connect and heal all who discover her music.

Tatenda Matsvai - @2tender

Tatenda Naomi Matsvai is a Zimbabwean born, South East London based, multimedial performer, Poet and facilitator, working with devised theatre methods, Orality, Ritual and Musicality to create engaging performances that facilitate communal dialogue between audience and performer. Tatenda's work is a joyful hybrid of the personal and the mythical, infusing Zimbabwean folktales with their lived and imagined experiences. Tatenda studied at the BRIT School (2015-17), Rose Bruford College of theatre and performance on European Theatre Arts (2017-2020) and trained with Gardzenice (2019). Tatenda was a Roundhouse Resident Artist (2018/19) and Resident Theatre Maker at Theatre Peckham (2021/22).

More Information

When? Wed 01 Nov, from 7pm
Where? Stratford East Bar
Tickets? Free to attend, no booking required

The Black History Month After Party

More Information

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