Africa Day 2010

Melvyn Bragg’s In our time programme goes out on Thursday mornings on BBC Radio 4. Each week Bragg analyses a subject with historical relevance. For those that want a little more context the programme has a newsletter sent by email to all who subscribe. I’ve been subscribing for several years and find Melvyn’s informed knowledge quite inspirational.

In the course of an average posting he describes walking around London and the marvellous landmarks that city has to offer. The South Bank Show presenter has long been chronicling cultural delights. I always feel he translates the intellectual discussions so that scatter-brains like me can appreciate all that is covered on what I believe to be most insightful broadcasting.

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Another city with a fine tradition of culture and arts is Dublin. Today’s fun surrounds the beautiful environs of the Iveagh Gardens. The event I speak of is Africa Day. Sponsored by Irish Aid, this is about celebrating all things African. There is plenty to feed the senses and I will endeavour to bring some of these pleasures to you, my very own subscriber.

I’m sitting in a ring while drummers beat out intricate rthyms. Children seem to be everywhere – Ireland’s maternity units must be working overtime. Looking around the gardens, in Dublin’s leafy south city centre, there is a myriad of food and other cultural items being displayed.

The big worry of course is the weather. A Zimbabwean friend texted yesterday to convince me the weather would be good but, though I don’t wish to be disrespectful to the gentleman, you can never trust the Irish weather. Sorry Ashley.

However I needn’t have worried. There’s no rain and I’m down to my African T- Shirt (well I regard it as being African anyway) and while it’s not quite African skies, we have some rather nice sunshine to accompany the colourful occasion.

I’m sitting on my raincoat (knew it would come in handy) while the established and unestablished ramble around. I have my digital camera and intend putting it to good use. A group of about four Dublin girls/women are sitting on their rug drinking cans of Bulmers and bottles of Buckfast. Are they looking for action, I wonder? They’ll not have to look far.

Glamour and style are at every turn as various sounds bounce around the place. I’m hearing some cool Reggae sounds and feel compelled to investigate what’s going on. One could be forgiven for a sense of delirium – this is truly wonderful fun. Why people resort to drugs for enjoyment I’ll never know.

Well I have made it to the Africa Centre tent and there’s drumming lessons being taught. Should I get involved? Why the hell not. Everyone’s trying to attain a level of skill on the bongos and it’s happening in a lovely atmosphere. Soon there are Irish and native Africans belting away on what seem indestructible African drums. Anyway here goes.....

.....Ten minutes later I emerge from the drumming class with hands red from whacking the animal skin and am thoroughly rewarded for getting involved – no one should pass off the opportunity to sample other cultures.

Right now comedian, Fabu D, is working a crowd of roughly 100 with his unique hybrid of Nigerian/Irish humour. I’ve come across him before and he always gets laughs wherever he goes. Fabu you probably need more piercing material but your attitude is bang on.

Here I am surrounded by beautiful African women (sadly that description cannot be applied to the native Irish females here today). One wonders how Rosanna Davison won Miss World – no justice!! Trophy wives/girlfriends populate this annual event. What a pity Sinead elected not to accept my invitation to join me here. Well one thing is clear; I’d rather be here than stuck in a Chemist any day of the week. She’s the loser on this one, not me.

We’re listening to what sounds like a gospel performance and it’s going well considering the din from a nearby stage with what sounds like a Hip Hop act. How the choir are audible is anyone’s guess. The gospel group do the ‘hit’ ‘Oh Happy Day’, staple of supermarkets all over the land. Packing shelves brings tortuous memories – hell on earth. This though is heavenly in sight, sound, taste, smell and in spirit.

At times I get the feeling I’m encroaching – this is a family event. Not ideal for singletons such as me. Stunning women are all over the gardens. I’ve been on the look out for an African girlfriend for some time and if everyday was Africa Day, I’d be halfway towards achieving that ambition. Can you imagine growing up in this environment?

Today’s youth maybe rejected by our government but this city, my city, has now plenty of cultural routes to choose from. At nearly 38 years of age it is hard to recall anything filling my heart with such an amount of excitement. It’s special. Bubbles are now raining on me, as I write. The tones of Bob Marley’s ‘Stir it up’ are ringing out through the sunny air and, for the first time this year, my arms are starting to burn.

Leaving the Iveagh Gardens is almost heart-wrenching. The day has opened my eyes and ears to further knowledge of African culture. Harcourt Street is solid as I exit and I’m really glad I arrived early as the queue snakes for a good distance and one wonders will those waiting ever get into the garden before it closes. A larger venue may have to be chosen for next year’s event.

At least it’s not raining, of that we can all be merciful. I’m sat in my favourite city centre pub, The Hairy Lemon, finishing this scribbling and look back on what was a genuine cultural highlight. It is an alternative to the bleak economic and wider problems affecting Dubliners and an opportunity for some much needed social integration. Long live Africa!