Jack Ramage 

Decompress Fest

São Paulo

Ariel learned to cut hair in prison and developed the most famous hair-cut in Brazil: “Blindado”. The most resistant cut, able to resist even a motorcycle passing-by. Today he travels the world to spread the essence of Brazilian favelas cuts, a styled called "chavosos".

OG favela gear from south side of São Paulo. Worn by the real ones, from artists to rappers. They also have a community bar and football team.

A Brazilian Indigenous Afro brand led by Isaac Silva. Genderless democratic fashion for all kinds of bodies. Haute couture is also present in its DNA, all handmade by the stylist Isaac Silva himself.

Led by Cameroonian Melanito Biyouha, this stylish African eatery uses spices to make their food with love. The environment welcomes everyone as a family. Each employee who passes through the kitchen ends up recreating the dishes of their land (the extensive menu has more than 40 options with different kind of flavours from Africa).

Working as a fashion designer for more than 10 years, Luiz Cláudio, is filled with the desire to build an amazing and intricate fashion label, characterised by the use of manual techniques and precious fabrics worthy of a couture atelier.

Lu Safro is an incredible hair designer who creates true masterpieces and owns a saloon in the heart of downtown, near the iconic Galeria Rock. She usually does hair styling for the most important fashion shows in São Paulo Fashion Week, always alongside her daughter, Mika Safro, the most relevant young beauty artist in the emerging fashion scene.

Amazing vegan cuisine created by Congolese refugee Pitchou Luambo, with the help of his daughter Marie Luambo. "The basis of African gastronomy is vegetables, which we need to demystify that there is meat in our kitchen, a habit that was practically acquired only in Brazil when our ancestors arrived here".

Cacau Brito doesn’t do nails, she does art. Much demanded by the most relevant artists in the rap scene, and using several techniques combined to reach its perfection in composing unique and memorable nails. Nail Queen? definitely.

Bar do Biu is an absolute classic and is the headquarters of Corinthians soccer team fans in the west of São Paulo. That typical Brazilian-style bar, serving the best Northeastern dishes & traditional feijoada every day.

Jardin do Centro is a plant shop and cafeteria in Downtown. They occupy 2 floors of a building hosting a film room, a co-working space and promotes black artists thought events and exhibitions.

Black-Owned Businesses in São Paulo

Tushar 

Lagos

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

Creative Spaces with Tushar

Wavy the Creator

This is probably one of my favorite places to eat, coupled with the fact that it basically gives the vibe of you being in a house based on the variety of “rooms” you can go to.
Their jollof rice, peppered turkey and plantain? Never a miss

This is a new fashion store that appeals to the younger crowd in Nigeria. I first came across them on social media and was very pleased when i went to their online store and saw how well they cater to what the young people like. They have variety of options from shoes, to accessory They recently just opened a store at the Palms mall in Lekki, which is very convenient.

When I heard about Rufus and Bee, a fun house in Lagos, I was excited. The sense of freedom and nostalgia from the experience could make your inner child come alive. It is located in a building with 3 restaurants, a movie theater and an amazing rooftop view.

I feel this is a recreational haven for music and art lovers. It is a strategic site for the country, it was created around a decommissioned prison. From getting an insight into prison life in the 80’s to seeing a sample size of a cell as well as the gallows kind of motivates my process.
You sense immediately the love that transformed this former prison and place of hate and misery of colonial times into a venue where everyone is welcome. The park is beautiful

This bay is the ideal spot for ocean lovers, tourists and unarguably one of the best places to go to and have fun and relax. It’s my go to for the perfect “daycation”.

The main attraction for me was the 400m long canopy walkway (longest in Africa) as it gives a full view of the unique wildlife inhabiting the centre.

My first time at Bogobiri, I felt like I was at a spa in a treehouse. The art and decor are placed together to help you relax. The restaurant, the hotel and the art center make it a hub for everyone. You definitely know I do not miss Thursday’s open mic night.

A fine dining restaurant placed in an eye-catching environment with bamboo structures, use of shapes, contemporary art pieces and lest I forget, a contemporary fashion design store. My friends know it's the luxury Amala for me, to me it’s Amala that went to Yale.

This gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa with over 8,000 diverse works of art. Getting to see a wealth of artworks and be inspired by the thoughts behind the art. My favorite part of the first experience was how receptive and accommodating it feels once you’re in.

One of the largest markets in the city located in the heart of Lagos island. I enjoy thrifting a lot so this is like thrifting heaven

Exploring Lagos with Wavy the Creator

Portland

Owner, Ian Williams, offers sneaker-themed coffee + 👟 detail shop ☕️.

🎧 The NW first & only Hip-Hop winery created by Bertony Faustin.

Delicious, authentic west African cuisine cooked by a native west African girl.

They serve authentic Jamaican Cuisine in the heart of Portland. And yes, they cater events!

A contemporary soul food restaurant that provides career development opportunities and is non-profit.

Based in Portland, this pop-up vegan supper club is curated by two Black queer artists, Chef Salimatu Amabebe and artist, Annika Hansteen-Izora. It was founded on the premise to rail and dance against the erasure of Blackness in the food and art worlds.

A mellow Ethiopian spot offering yummy traditional food.

A unique cultural experience where you can come learn how to cook African food or order some for dinner!

Fresh and delicious Haitian and Caribbean meals.

Everything to make you salivate: baby back ribs, brisket, chicken, cajun links, etc…

Private Chef/Caterer providing delicious food all throughout the PDX & Gresham area.

The BEST green juices and smoothies. Literally, the best.

Cannabis dispensary in the heart of Madison South neighbourhood.

Black co-owned florist. Flowers & weddings without rules.

Keeping it sweet and simple. Good coffee, good food.

Owner Anthony Brown and big smile brings unique food is unique in his bright blue cart with Southern and Mexican inspired fusion of just plain ol” deliciousness.

Home of custom cakes & elaborate cupcakes, cookies... you name it.

BuzzFeed Tasty's Top 50 wings in the USA!

Southern-style cuisine fused with their Oregon roots.

A fun and tasty twist on your average healthy snacks. Perfect snacks for kids.

A soul food cart serving heart-warming dishes.

This publishing company all started with a book written by co-founder and CEO, Jelani Memory. As a black father with a blended family, racism was an inevitable topic of conversation. The increasingly popularity of this book developed into creating more books about complex topics such as feminism, cancer, gratitude, belonging and much more.

Their work and activism includes direct community education workshops, supporting the outreach of their continued advocacy as first respondents, and helping community members contribute through direct engagement and legislative value. They are focused on shifting cultural and systemic discrimination.

An amazing initiative which tracks the progress of the federal, state and local legislation which addresses police violence.

Founded by Cameron Whitten, a local Portlander, who has more than five years of experience in non-profit leadership and donation accountability. Cameron has served as the Executive Director of local nonprofits such as Know Your City, Brown Hope, and Q Center.

Black-Owned Businesses in Portland

Guillaume Schmidt

Amsterdam

A really beautiful shop owned by a beautiful brown lady. They have a really rare and diverse selection of dolls in all shapes, forms and colours. Unique and super nice. Colourful Goodies is situated in the north of Amsterdam.

I wouldn’t say it’s a business per say, but at the same time you can spend money there. It's important that Black Archives is here, it gets supported and that people can see it. It's Black history in [the] Netherlands. The shape and form that it takes in this country, and all the different parallels and historic touch points about the disgusting tradition of Zwarte Piet – it goes on and on. They are very active and do a lot of stuff, and there's always something to see over there. So that's definitely a recommendation.

It's like an alternative canal ride that shows you the history of Amsterdam through a different lens and a different perspective. Mainly the slave trade, so to speak. How did this beautiful city get so rich?

Super dope little bar in the west side of Amsterdam. A lot of fun people and always good vibes. I want to give an honourable mention to Pamela, who's actually around the corner. One of the owners, Lola, is a beautiful spirit. It's multiple owners but it's such a nice place and the best queer place in the city. If you're open-minded and you're a good person, you're cool, it's definitely worth a visit.

Lola Edobor is an Amsterdam-born restaurateur with Dutch and Nigerian roots. She is the owner of Pamela, a queer and BIPOC safe space in the city centre with plenty of high-quality drinks, music and food to satisfy your needs.

This unique store offers an extensive range of diverse and inclusive books. Books that function as mirrors so that children can recognise themselves, and windows so that they get a glimpse into the world of the other.

In the west side as well. Owned by the beautiful Shirley, that's our own spot – that's our local. Get a drink there – it’s good vibes – and just chill. Get yourself familiar with the Surinamese kitchen.

Another little jam you can't miss. Get yourself a nice little goat curry, get your reggae tunes and vibe the hell out.

Can't forget my cousin's beautiful place. Black haircare to the fullest. My cousin is a special person – good energy and good vibes – so check it out if you need to get your hair done. It’s a big recommendation.

Patta’s Guide to Black-Owned Businesses in Amsterdam

Paris

When I was younger, I worked as a receptionist. I took the opportunity to look at the exhibitions and that is where I discovered cinema culture. This place offers complete experiences around the seventh art with a cinema, a museum and a library dedicated to the seventh art. Being around cinema offers retrospectives and a vision of it that is not uniquely Western-influenced. As a self-taught artist, this place helped me a lot to consolidate my culture of cinema. I am starting a feature film project for the first time, and going to La Cinémathèque Française helps me a lot.

A place where you can find different maps of the world, old books and engravings dating from different centuries. It's fascinating to see how each one tells something of its time. The iconographic aspect is also interesting; many cards present various drawing techniques and colour palettes. A small shop full of curiosities with books from the floor to the ceiling.

IBKKI is a creative studio created by two designer friends, Azel and Youri, who work their pieces with artisans from the Kabylie mountains. To further immerse yourself in their world, they offer ceramic workshops to learn modelling techniques and tame colours. A great experience!

This museum is the former house and workshop of the sculptor Zadkine. I discovered it while skipping classes when I was at law school, which was on the same street. The permanent collection of sculptures presents works sculpted in different materials: wood, stone, earth, etc. The entrances of natural light enhance these different works. The garden is also very pretty, a beautiful place to read and write… or skip classes.

One of the most inspiring places in Paris in my opinion, much more than a store.  It is a real place of life that celebrates African cultures with contemporary accuracy and always with authenticity. The vision and cutting-edge aesthetic of the founder, Youssouf Fofana, makes it a unique space. There, you will find rare and inspiring works and design objects. Maison Château Rouge, through its prestigious collaborations, has contributed to making the African district of Paris shine throughout the world, and makes an entire generation of young Parisians proud.

I enjoy going there to continue to deepen, in an artistic and playful way, the little knowledge I have about architecture. Numerous exhibitions allow you to understand the architectural dynamics of Paris and its metropolises.

The best stand-ups from Paris and the world go through there. The Sarfati is more than a comedy club, it was thought of as a work of art, imagined and created by the stand-up comedy artist Fary (one of the GQ Men of the Year 2023 – congrats bro!). The main room is notably designed by JR. So you can laugh, chill and eat there with a very good menu curated by chef Freddy’s Kitchen.

A beautiful tea room which, to be honest, was one of my best date spots, but since dates have been rare in my life for a while (sniff sniff), this place ultimately became one of my favourite spots to work. The immersion in Iranian culture is complete – from the decoration to the dishes and drinks offered there.

If you want to learn more about Swedish art, go for it. If you want to eat good Swedish pastries, go for it. I go there mainly for one of these two reasons. I won’t say which one in order to preserve my “museum culture credibility”.

A contemporary theatre at the edge of the Canal de l’Ourcq, which offers quite curious performances. I don't always appreciate the programming, but it always leads to reflection and submits original proposals. I like going there to see things that take me out of my comfort zone.

Explore the Quieter Side of Paris with Regloi

Alexander-Julian Gibbson

New York City 

Really dope night spot. Has a lot of creatively themed parties, and has great DJs.

One of my favorite spots in Bushwick/Bedstuy. Really cool vibes, and has a dope backyard that hosts all kinds of event in the summer. Jazz Nights every Thursday too.

My favorite little dive bar spot that effectively hosts 3 very different vibes all at once. In the front there's a regular dive bar, playing rock music. Outside, a very chill and quaint outdoor are with cheap drinks, and the backroom turns to a complete and total rager after midnight. #DIVERSITY lol

Alexander-Julian Gibbson's Guide to Brooklyn

Berlin

Found in Berlin-Charlottenburg, this restaurant serve delicious Ethiopian fare and is open to dine at and for curb side pick-up.

African Food Festival Berlin brings to you the best of healthy delicious African fare. Breaking the gap between street and haute cuisine. Bringing the rich variety of authentic African food from grill to sea to vegan.

A 100% vegan African-Italian restaurant offering amazing creative breakfasts and Sunday brunches. Zero waste and plastic-free.

When strolling through the African quarter in Wedding, you quickly get the impression that you have ended up in the streets of a small African town. The restaurant, owned by Suzanne Saitz, serves authentic Cameroonian food that's open 'til late.

Found in Reinickendorf, BaoPab offers tasty homemade food from burgers to grilled fish. One of the hot spots in the area. Also hosts jazz nights with cocktails.

Baraka is an amalgamation of Moroccan, Egyptian and Arabian food. Expect mouth-watering dishes like the traditional soup called Harira, that is usually served during Ramadhan, and the usual dips like baba ghanoush and hummus.

Since its opening in 1993, the Africa House, led by the sociologist, Oumar Diallo, from Guinea Conakry, has developed into an institution that is recognised beyond the capital's borders as a place for transcultural encounter and political education.

Experts in all hair textures, specialising in relaxers, texturizers, cutting & colouring.

Centrally located in the heart of Berlin Wedding, Salone Market is a multi-cultural meeting point. You can get both tropical and African food and drinks, as well as typical West African dishes (e.g. rice with peanut sauce, fish with plantains) at moderate prices. They also offer freshly ground classic coffee specialties. Main courses are available from €6 and the drink prices are cheap.

Founded by Femi Oyewole, Black Brown Berlin is a community directory and platform celebrating their culture and community in Berlin. They aim to shine the spotlight on Black and Brown excellence throughout the city by providing a range of thoughtfully curated content aimed to inform, connect, and serve the black and brown community.

Found in the ever-cool Kreuzberg, this vegan shop serves homemade banana bread in different flavours, from cream cheese, white chocolate and walnut to cream, nougat and hazelnut. For now, they offer a pick-up service where they bake twice a week and orders can be collected on Friday and Tuesdays.

This sustainable, handmade lingerie brand offers sultry pieces made out of left-over pieces of chiffon and silk in red, white, purple and many more. Sets made to order.

Found in Berlin-Neukölln, this West African kitchen serving delicious dishes like tilapia, jollof rice, fried yams and a special dish of banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) served with groundnut soup and mixed meat. They also have many vegan and vegetarian options.

Based in Berlin, this hair stylist is an expert in creating gorgeous braids and crowns on POC hair.

For designer Soji Solarin, his clothes are a tool to playfully challenge the preconceptions of black identity. In his collection 'Negro Cowboy', he addresses the cowboy - a landscape in which the black narrative has definitively been written out - with playful graphic tees and structured denim chaps.

Black-Owned Businesses in Berlin

Hawai'i

Owner and head instructor, Dharma Shay, opened the gym which specialises in functional fitness, athletic training, personal training, nutrition guidance, HIIT, post-natal exercise classes, youth athletic training, strength and conditioning, Olympic lifting, jiu-jitsu, and stand up martial arts. This is a great gym on the big island with highly trained and professional staff.

Owners, Randy and Gabby, opened their locally-sourced restaurant on the Big Island in 2011. They have delicious options such as blackened ono sandwiches, their Da Aina burger with a fantastic avocado cream sauce, lilikoi cheesecake or their tropical dreams ice cream. They also have an online shop selling their signature Kona Ketchup, Hawaiian Fire Sauce, and Mauka Mustard at great prices. Vegan friendly!

A beautiful studio in Kailua Kona that offers vinyasa, power, yin, restorative, and meditation classes.

A family-operated hearty, healthy, soul restaurant serving delicious, organic food in the heart of Lihue. The menu consists of Kauai-grown traditional soul food staples such as collard greens, candied yams, fried fish, and fresh baked cornbread.

Opened by two best friends, Chase and Mercedes, Pau Hana offers a high-quality mobile bar service for any event, celebration or reason to have a great time with delicious drinks in hand without having to worry about your guests desires.

After receiving her cosmetology license in 2009 from Western Beauty Institute in Van Nuys, California Raquel with her Los Angeles-native hustle and island girl heart is living out her dreams in Maui. In 2017, Raquel became a Curl Coach Educator for DevaCurl. While curly hair is a passion of Raquel's she also loves to style, colour, and cut all hair types. She has an online shop carrying various hair products as well.

A wonderful artist who tattoos around Maui and Kauai Island. He specialises in black and grey, Polynesian tribal, and ornamental work.

Qiana, a native New Yorker, from Red Hook, Brooklyn and her husband from Southern Italy opened Sale Pepe - Maui’s authentic Italian restaurant. Their pastas and artisan Italian pizzas are crafted by a certified pizzaiola with fresh, local ingredients in classic and creative presentations. Paired with the enjoyment of a fun, social wine bar atmosphere you cant find anywhere else on the island.

They are open for business.

This teahouse has multiple locations across Oahu inside various Sand People and Down To Earth retail stores. Founded in 2015, Kye Teahouse was established on the foundation of Going Back to Nature. Their ingredients are grown in Hawaii & picked only at the peak of freshness. It's one of the reasons why their tea taste so incredible. All of the packing and shipping materials are biodegradable & environmentally sustainable.

Chef, Lamont Brown, showcases locally-sourced ingredients on a worldly platform, with emphasis on Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Visit their restaurant in Haleiwa for the perfect date night, or a great time with friend.

Owner, Soufiane Bouharkat, grew up in Paris and opened his first cafe there. Later moving to Oahu, he opened Le Crepe Cafe in 2009. He creates a bright and enthusiastic Ohana environment for everyone to experience and strives daily to provide his guests with fresh, natural ingredients that not only taste good, but makes you feel great as well.

Locally-owned scuba diving company located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Manny will take you on incredible diving adventures and leave with an experience you'll never forget! Check out his website for a list of activities and price.

Husband and wife team, the Bensons, whose roots are from Louisiana, were inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, which they decided to make Oahu home and open a mouth-watering deli.

Hawaii finally has their very first co-working space! Located on Oahu and birthed from the idea of creating a community of creators and dreamers, BoxJelly strives to cultivate an inspiring workplace that embodies the worth of a well-lived in home.

A food Truck that specializes in Jamaican cuisine. The truck was inspired by a great friend of owner, Damon, that taught him how to cook Jamaican food. He passed away about thirteen years ago and he's been sharing his food with friends and family for years. He actually started the business in December 2019 with a food cart only selling chicken and shrimp plates. In June of 2020, he obtained the food truck, expanded his menu to brown stew chicken and curry chicken. They also do a jerk pork belly, sandwiches and tacos with the Caribbean flare.

Black-Owned Businesses in Hawai'i

Ariel Zetina

Chicago

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

Ariel Zetina’s Top 10 Latin American Restaurants in Chicago

Ethiopian Records 

Addis Ababa

Order the ye tsom firfir (fasting firfir). It is the best thing and come with friends, you won't be able to finish it on your own.

Their green juice is my personal favourite and the place is filled with artwork, most of it made by ZELALEM MERGA and Tesfahun Kebru.

Come early if you want to get those precious seats inside so you can experience the live music up close.

Anytime you want somewhere that has fresh air, greener around Mexico/ Mekenissa Zoma Musuem is the place, take a book and take time for yourself. Also take your time to explore the entire space.

Found next to Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church. A walk up the hill with a nice view. Go during the day.

Found in the neighbourhood of Goma Kuteba and in front of the Ministry of Health. Take your time exploring the space.

Inside or out, the national theatre is filled with history.

My current neighbourhood, Kazanchis, where Fendika is situated. Sundays are the best days to work around anywhere in Addis.

I like barber shops, even though I haven't cut my hair in more than 10 years and I only go there for a trim or for my beard, because like anywhere else in the world, the barber shop conversations are lively. I used to go at least twice a month to another called Finfine Hotel Barber’s with my dad, I have very fond memories of that place.

Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Records 

Estelle

Los Angeles 

Healthy coffee shop in the heart of Leimert Park - the best place in Los Angeles to be.

A little outside of the norm beach scope, but popular as its cleaner than Santa Monica.

Healthy vegan and non-vegan eats in South LA. Also, West Indian food and general fare.

Brunch on a Sunday with LEGENDARY DAMON - the perfect COVID compliant rooftop brunch. Gorgeous scenery, great music - good private vibe.

SHABBAAAA - the best monthly reggae party in LA. Period.

Best day to go is on a Saturday morning 8-12pm. There are ALL kinds of fresh flowers at wholesale prices. Sort of an LA ritual when you get an apartment or house here; you buy your fresh flowers from the flower market.

Monthly HUGE vintage and new artisan market, in “Pasadena”; sort of a village Los Angeles to me.

LA with Estelle

Black-owned vegan food spot in Amsterdam southeast with flavourful Surinamese dishes. The bowls are bomb and the vegan pom is a must-try!

A family-run vegan restaurant fusing Jamaican and Caribbean dishes with Japanese dishes. I love their Jamaican plate with plantains and the owners are too sweet!

Newly open at one of my favourite clubs in Amsterdam, Garage Noord. Authentic Sichuan food with fab cocktails and a terrace as well. The club opens at midnight so you can burn the calories off with a dance!

Also known as 'the queen of johnnycakes', which are Caribbean snacks. You can find her stand in multiple locations in southeast Amsterdam. Tip: they also do vegan johnnycakes with different fillings!

Authentic Ethiopian restaurant. Great for sharing meals, especially the injera with all toppings. They also have great fruit-flavoured beers and coffee.

Ghanaian restaurant in Amsterdam southeast. You can’t go wrong with the jollof, plantains or kelewele. African restaurants are very rare in Amsterdam so I’m always looking forward to supporting any new spot.

Non-profit art space with great exhibitions and curation focusing on queer and Afro-diasporic communities.

A Black-owned event space in southeast Amsterdam facilitating its direct community by hosting small parties, panels and ballroom functions. We love to see it!

Being a part of the ballroom community, I notice how hard it is to have access to spaces to practice or get together. Cultural centre Nowhere has facilitated its space to the community for many years. There are classes every week from members of the Dutch ballroom scene as well as organised get-togethers by The Living Room.

Arakaza on Where to Go in Amsterdam During Dekmantel Festival

Floyd Lavine

Take a look at the unique, one-of-a-kind-pieces as well as the designs of the ready-to-wear line by this South African-born designer, launched in 2008. One can hardly identify the cultural roots of these fantastic garments or the times that they could have possibly been made in. Bringing together aesthetics of various African countries and traditional Asian craftsmanship, every piece of his brand is handmade by only one person: Dennis Chuene himself.

I played at one of the first ever African Food Festivals in Berlin. I really enjoyed it. The festival showcased beautiful cultural parts of Africa by celebrating the African and African diaspora community in Berlin. It’s a must-go festival if you’re in Berlin.

If you feel like enjoying West African authentic cuisine, Senegambia is your place. My friend Dede introduced this spot to me and I fell in love.

Selekt is an event management company run by my friend Joy Fatoyinbo. It offers crowd control, club selection, hosting and event management. I’ve been to the events and places they host and it’s always a great time.

If you’re looking for a Black lawyer in Berlin, especially for intellectual property law, my friend Joy (apart from running Selekt) is also a great lawyer. If you’re a creative and need to talk to someone about protecting your work, you know who to call.

Refuge Worldwide is a community radio station that offers more than just radio. It offers community support for Berlin creatives, fights for social justice, raises funds for social issues, hosts workshops and it’s a great hangout spot. I’m glad to be one of the resident DJs.

If you feel like having some Ethiopian food in Berlin, my favourite restaurant for that is Langano. This is a family-run business. I enjoy coming to eat here.

My best friend has had a baby and I finally realised that a good kindergarten is essential. Sankofa is Black-owned kindergarten. [It] has an Afrodiasporic and bilingual early childhood programme for children between the ages of one and six in the city. It was founded by a group of parents, and childrens’ parents play an active role in the overall management of the place.

8 Black-Owned Businesses in Berlin, Chosen By Floyd Lavine

cktrl

London

Best fried dumplings in south. Healthiest juices available too (Apple juice and moringa)

Best jerk chicken and rice & peas in south, fight me. Always hits different.

Chef can make anything happen with jackfruit.

Health is wealth here, all your ital plant based dietary needs are met. Menu changes daily too.

Spelt flour fried dumplings actually go hard.. when there’s any left.

West Indian Spots in Southeast London With cktrl

King Promise 

Accra

You can’t mention Ghana street fashion and not mention them. Coolest kids vibes curated by street kids. Too solid!

This brand is mad innovative. They bring my ideas to life. Growing up on the streets of Accra, thrift shopping on the streets of Cantamanto which is the hub of second hand goods, pretty much shaped our fashion sense and Vigi Force is a direct representation of that for me…

Custom made high end style made at affordable Accra city rates for the streets. Great quality mixed with good style…

More than fashion, their pair of jeans with Kwame Nkrumah prints is my fav.

Shop Ghana's Emerging Fashion Brands with King Promise

Diana Gordon

My favorite African restaurant — I love the Maffe Yappe.

Great vegan spot. I love the ginger latte and the gnocchi.

For childlike wonder even an adult can enjoy.

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