British Black Music month starts this week

British Black Music Month 2011 (BBMM2011) begins this Wednesday, 1 June. This year's event marks the UN's Year of People of African Descent with discussions and events about Africa and activism in addition to live music events, competitions and film showings.

The initiative started in 2006 in order to celebrate

domestic black music, discuss issues, promote better understanding of

the music industry, and to network. This year's BBMM kicks off with a discussion at

Westminster City Hall on June 1:'Get Up, Stand Up:

Socio/Political Activism & British Black Music?'. Panelists include

former organisers of Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Racist Alliance, discussing how they have used music in campaigning activities.

Other events include discussions and seminars, African music competitions, the BBMM Mondays weekly

show on east London's Voice Of Africa Radio 94 FM station, film shows, and a fair. The MauMau bar on Portobello Road hosts Jazz Refreshed every Thursday during BBMM, and The Back 2 Da Future Music hosts the official closing party at the  Moonlighting

Nightclub on July 19.

All events are free except courses and club nights. See  www.britishblackmusic.com for more info.