African Culture

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Unisciti a noi! Pratica l'italiano in modo divertente chiacchierando con madrelingua provenienti da diverse parti d'Italia. 🌳 **Location:** The Lion & The Unicorn - J D Wetherspoon 📍 **Meeting point:** Waterloo Station, York Rd, London SE1 7ND == **Look for a scarf with "ITALY"** 🕛 **Orario:** 19,00 - 20,30

**Whose knowledge is centred in design? Whose voices are heard, and whose are overlooked?** Join us for an interactive workshop that goes beyond surface-level inclusion to critically explore power, culture, and equity in design practice. **What’s the event about?** We want to create a space where we can talk honestly and practically about what it means to go beyond inclusive design — to question who design is for, how it’s done, and how we might do it differently. It’s not a lecture, nor is it about having the “right” answers. It’s about exploring the topic together in a way that’s open, hands-on… and a bit of fun too. This event will include an interactive activity designed to provoke thought and discussion about what it means to design beyond inclusivity, creating space for deeper shared reflection. **Who’s it for?** This is for anyone working in or around design — whether you’re in services, research, strategy, policy, or community roles. You might: •⁠ ⁠Be curious about the term “decolonising” but not sure where to start •⁠ ⁠Feel a bit disconnected from this kind of conversation •⁠ ⁠Be looking for a more grounded, less academic way in •⁠ ⁠Just want to meet others thinking about design and equity in new ways **What can you expect?** •⁠ ⁠A hands-on group activity inviting you to explore an unfamiliar world, challenge assumptions, and think differently about power, culture, and design •⁠ ⁠Facilitated group reflection and conversation on how we talk about — and act on — the idea of decolonising design in our work •⁠ ⁠Informal conversations and networking at the pub to follow What you’ll take away •⁠ ⁠A practical framework you can adapt or reuse in your own work •⁠ ⁠A more grounded sense of what “decolonising design” can mean in everyday practice •⁠ ⁠A chance to connect with others exploring similar questions Whether you're completely new to decolonising design or already working with these frameworks, you'll find space to reflect, learn, and connect with others navigating similar questions. **About the Ticket** The ticket cost is to hold your place and ensure commitment from attendees. **All participants who attend the event will be offered the option to request a full refund of their ticket price.** This approach helps us plan effectively while remaining accessible to those with financial constraints. Come ready to participate, question, and imagine design differently.

More Infro and Sign: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-insight-to-impact-womens-health-design-jam-manchester-tickets-1982205961390?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

*This event is supported by [languagecalendars.com](https://www.languagecalendars.com/)* Get **£5 off** their language calendars, posters & tees 👉 use code **HOLA5** or click this link: [https://www.languagecalendars.com/discount/HOLA5](https://www.languagecalendars.com/discount/HOLA5) **🌍 Connecting locals and internationals in London 🌍** Join us every Thursday evening in Tooting for the London Language Exchange, where over 20 people gather each week to practice new languages, share cultures, and make new friends. See pics of our previous events on our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/babblelondon), and chat to other members who are coming via our [whatsapp group](https://languagexchanges.com/whatsapp/). **🙋 Who is this for?** All languages and levels are welcome, and we are inclusive of all ages, races, religions etc. Whether you're a polyglot, a beginner just starting with Duolingo Spanish, or you just want to come and socialise, you will be welcomed to our community of language learners and international friends. **🙌 What to Expect:** * **Language Practice:** Whether you’re fluent in Spanish, Italian, English, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, or any other language, our hosts will help you connect with people who match your language interests. * **Friendly Hosts:** Our hosts will greet you at the entrance, give you a label where you can write the language(s) you speak and the ones you’d like to learn or practice. * **Inclusive Atmosphere:** We welcome all languages and levels, and make sure everyone feels comfortable—especially if you're coming alone! It’s a relaxed environment perfect for making new friends and practising languages at your own pace. * **Socialising:** Coming alone or with friends, this is a great opportunity to meet new people in the city. Unlike some other meetup ‘groups’, we do not fill our events with fake members, and you can check how many people attend each week and what languages were practised via our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/babblelondon). **👋 How does it work?** * **Arrive!** No need to register, just come to our event any time between 7-9pm and our event host will welcome you. They will have an orange lanyard and will be sitting next to our sign. * **Write your ‘Language Label’.** Here you can write your name, the languages you are learning, and the languages you can help others with. * **Pay.** Our £1 event fee pays for our lovely event hosts and keeps the event going. Card only please. * **Get talking!** With the help of our host you will be able to find other people attending the event with compatible language interests - we are all very friendly and the majority of our attendees come alone, so there’s no need to worry about getting involved! **📌 Where are we?** We’re normally located on the rooftop of And Then 54a Tooting High St, London SW17 0RN, [Google Maps](https://share.google/MYN7eKkU4k8uFlRKO) However, always check the location on this meetup event and in our [WhatsApp Group](https://languagexchanges.com/whatsapp) just in case there is a change. **💡 Important Info:** Please disregard the attendee numbers shown on Meetup or Facebook. Because we meet at the same time and place every week, many regulars do not sign up beforehand, but we always have a great turnout, often exceeding 50 people. We also have many more participants who join through other platforms. **🔗 Connect With Us:** Stay updated by joining our WhatsApp and Facebook groups or following us on Instagram. You’ll get event updates and stay connected with the community! [https://linktr.ee/londonlanguageexchange](https://linktr.ee/londonlanguageexchange) **FAQ:** **Who is this for?** Anyone interested in languages, from complete beginners to fluent speakers! We welcome all levels and languages. **Do I need to sign up?** You don’t need to sign up, but feel free to join our WhatsApp group for updates and announcements. **Can I come alone?** Absolutely! Many people come solo, and it’s a great way to meet new friends in a relaxed environment. **How does the event work?** When you arrive, you’ll get a sticker to write your native language and the one(s) you’d like to practice. Our hosts will help you find people to chat with based on your preferences. **What if I don’t speak multiple languages?** No problem! Whether you’re fluent or just starting out with a new language, everyone is welcome. **More Questions?** Check out our [full FAQ here](https://languagexchanges.com/what-is-a-language-exchange/) **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** **🗣** “It's so great that people are very friendly and nice here. I practised my English speaking and listening.” - Gerome 🗣 “The language exchange events are a really great way not just to practise languages but also to meet new people in your area. I’ve made many local friends since I moved to the area” - Monika 🗣 “Everything was perfect. The host was so friendly and wonderful!” - Mojtaba 🗣 "It was a lovely language exchange, with lovely people. I practised so much German!" - Sara **About Languagexchanges:** We started in Leeds back in 2014 with the desire to provide a welcoming space that brings people together from all different walks of life, with a shared love of learning languages and culture. We now have communities across the UK including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York - [see all our locations.](https://languagexchanges.com/product-category/events/) 👔 Interested in working with us? [https://languagexchanges.com/work-with-us/](https://languagexchanges.com/work-with-us/) ✍️ Feedback form: [https://languagexchanges.com/events-feedback](https://languagexchanges.com/events-feedback) 📩 Email: [info@languagexchanges.com](mailto:info@languagexchanges.com)

### ECSTATIC DANCE LONDON presents: ## 🌎CACAO DANCE TRIBE: **Afro House & World Beats Ecstatic Dance + Cacao Ceremony** **(DJ & live percussion set)** **Friday Night \| 7:45PM–10:15PM** **Fruit Social: 10:15PM–10:45PM** **Tufnell Park, London** Immerse yourself in an **ecstatic dance journey** infused with **Afro House rhythms, world beats, and live percussion**. Move freely, connect deeply, and let the music take you on a powerful journey of embodiment, release and ecstasy. We’ll open the evening with a dance movement warmup, then shift to a **heart-opening raw vegan cacao ceremony** and positive intention setting ritual, tuning in together before the main dance Wave begins. **Please note:** an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket. To reserve your place please book via eventbrite. Thank you x **🎫Tickets:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ecstatic-dance-london-cacao-dance-tribe-wellness-rave-cacao-ceremony-tickets-498619222517) **🌟 Join the Mailing list for EVENT UPDATES & DISCOUNTS:** [https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london](https://ecstaticdancelondon.myflodesk.com/we-are-london) **📣Join our WhatsApp Community:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IuJVuQiUmENDJGD7bhYRZr?mode=ems_copy_t) **✨Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/ecstaticdance_london?igsh=MXFmdm01NzRtd2xndg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) **What to Expect?** ✨ Uplifting **Afro House**, **Brazilian grooves**, and **organic world rhythms** 🥁 **Live percussion** bringing fire and soul to the dancefloor 🍫 **Raw ceremonial cacao** to open your heart and elevate your energy 💃 Freestyle, expressive movement & moving meditation 🍉 **Optional fruit social** afterwards to nourish and connect No alcohol, no drugs, just rhythm, breath, and community. This is one of London’s most loved **sober Friday night dance experiences**, where you can shake off the week’s stress and celebrate life through movement. ### About Cacao Dance Tribe Founded in 2017, **Cacao Dance Tribe** was one of the world’s first **Cacao Ceremony + Ecstatic Dance** events, originally held in Camden. After a pause during the pandemic, we’re thrilled to have **revived the tribe in Tufnell Park since 2023,** co-created by the **Ecstatic Dance London** community, pioneers of the UK’s sober dance movement since 2009. No dance experience needed — everyone is welcome. We also offer limited **free crew spaces** — scroll below for details and sign-up. **Music Vibe:** Afro House \| World Beats \| Brazilian \| Organic Rhythms

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

Come and join in the fun with talented guest Drum Masters Always suitable for beginners! All ages above 8. We are a 'Social Enterprise' so your attendance & support really helps us to survive. Drum hire included in price as well as community vibe! Learning traditional African rhythms through chant and song . Djembes and dun duns. Learning the rich cultural oral history behind the rhythms and how generationally passed down.

**Association of Black Humanists Book Club Meeting** We are delighted to invite members to our next Book Club gathering, where we’ll be discussing ***Spirituality Before Religions: Unseen Science and Seen Spirituality*** by **Prof. Kaba Hiawatha Kamene**. This book challenges us to explore African-centred understandings of spirituality, science, consciousness, and human meaning. It’s a powerful invitation to interrogate what spirituality can look like outside dogma—and what it has meant for Black people historically and today. As Black humanists, this conversation sits right at the intersection of culture, reason, history, and liberation. Expect a rich, respectful discussion, critical reflection, and space for diverse perspectives. The book confronts one of the most enduring legacies of colonial domination: the erasure and distortion of African knowledge systems. Long before imposed religions, our ancestors engaged deeply with science, consciousness, spirituality, and the natural world—without dogma, without fear, and without submission. Date: Saturday, 7th March 2026 Time: 4pm Where: 55 Square Bar & Restaurants, 126 Barking Rd, London E16 1EN

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!