SINGER songwriter Winnie Ama, regarded as one of the brightest rising stars in Irish music today, is to perform at this year’s Black History Summit.
Taking place in Ulster University, Belfast, on October 26, the Summit is being organised by the North West Migrants Forum. It is the charity’s fourth such event but this is the first time it is being held outside of Derry.
Winnie Ama describes herself as ‘Northern-Irish Ghanaian’ and it is her fusion of conscious lyrics and soulful vocals that has enraptured audiences and critics since she first burst on to the scene two years ago.
As well as applause from BBC Radio 1 where Gemma Bradley spoke of her “unique voice and fresh writing style” and from RTÉ 2FM which awarded her ‘Rising Star’ status, Ama’s talent secured her a spot at Latitude in 2022 and Glastonbury in 2023.
Her performances have also drawn high praise from Macy Gray and Sister Sledge, both of whom invited her to open for them in Cork and Belfast respectively.
On October 26, the soul star will be centre stage at Black History Summit 2024. She will perform a short set as part of a packed programme of speakers and panellists. Further musical interludes will be provided by Donna Namukasa, a Ugandan musician who entertained greatly at last year’s History Summit.
Keynote speaker for the day will be Kenneth B Morris, great-great-great grandson of famed abolitionist and social reformer Frederick Douglass.
Mr Morris said it was an honour to be invited to Ulster University for the annual Summit, the theme of which will be Reclaiming Narratives.
He said, “Frederick Douglass once said ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men’.
“My great ancestor’s poignant words remind us that the narratives we reclaim help to shape the future for the next generation.
“As we gather at the North West Migrants Forum’s Black History Summit, I am honoured to continue his legacy in the fight for justice, equality, and human rights.
“Reclaiming our narratives is about remembering the past and charting a course for a more just and inclusive future for all.”
Other speakers include Dr Naomi Green of the British Islamic Medical Association, Alfred Abolarin of the NI African and Caribbean Leadership Consortium, Meath County Councillor Yemi Adonuga and nurse, Unison representative and long-time North West Migrants Forum volunteer Beverly Simpson.
Also set to express their views as young people growing up, studying and working in Ireland are Oluwaseun Awonuga, Inioluwa Olaosebikan and Oluwaloseyi Olapade.
Chairing the day’s events will be former BBC NI journalist Donna Traynor.
Admission to Black History Summit 2024 is free however registration is essential. The North West Migrants Forum is also running a free bus from Derry.
Full details can be found on our website, www.nwmf.org.uk. To be in attendance, register here: https://buytickets.at/northwestmigrantsforum1/1356283
The North West Migrants Forum’s Black History Summit is funded by The National Lottery’s Heritage Fund, Ulster University and the Housing Executive.
