10th annual DanceAfrica festival celebrates Culture and Heritage

Dallas, Texas - Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) and AT&T present the 10th Annual DanceAfrica Festival and Performance "In Celebration of our Heritage." The festivities include a Saturday parade and marketplace featuring fun for the entire family, with nightly dance performances in the Dallas Arts District, October 7-8, 2016. The performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Dallas City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. New York based Forces of Nature Dance Theatre will feature as special guests.

Dr. Baba Chuck Davis photograph by Niesha Lanae Graves - NLG Photography

All five Dallas Black Dance Theatre performing companies will be on stage for nightly performances on Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, 2016, including DBDT, DBDT: Encore!, Allegro Performing Ensemble, Senior Performing Ensemble, and Junior Performing Ensemble. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts' World Ensemble will also perform.

Forces of Nature Dance Theatre photograph by Erin Baiano

The parade kicks off Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. at Dallas Black Dance Theatre located at 2700 Ann Williams Way, Dallas, Texas 75201. The parade will conclude at the Annette Strauss Square where the marketplace will be held. The parade will be led by the founder of DanceAfrica festivals across the country Dr. "Baba" Chuck Davis, followed by drummers, dancers from all five DBDT dance companies, special guest artists, and market place participants.

For DanceAfrica performance ticket information, October 7-8, 2016, at 7:30 p.m., visit www.attpac.

Arik Air still profitable despite harsh operating terrain

A recession, combined with a shortage of dollars, high costs and scarce fuel supplies have created the perfect storm for the Nigerian Airline Industry. Major international airlines including United Airlines and Spanish carrier Iberia have halted operations in Africa’s most populous Nation. Arik Air recently temporarily halted operations for a day but have since resumed.

 Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, chairman of Arik Group, told CNNMoney that the shutdown, which left hundreds of passengers stranded, came after the airline's insurance expired. The company had to scramble to get chartered planes for its passengers on Tuesday, and then scheduled additional flights on Wednesday to get operations back to normal. Arumemi-Ikhide dismissed reports that the company was experiencing financial difficulties.

"Arik is profitable. It's not as profitable as the hard work we put in, but we made around $6 million to $7 million [last year]. When you look at our assets, cash and everything, we are positive. The issue of bankruptcy doesn't come to mind at all."

But Arumemi-Ikhide said Nigeria's capital controls, which restrict the flow of U.S. dollars within the country, hurts airlines. Essentially, some sectors have easier, cheaper access to dollars than the airlines. This has forced Arik to buy dollars through unofficial channels at a higher exchange rate.

Profits in the notoriously tough airline industry are "thin" partly due to expensive fuel prices and scarce supplies, said Arumemi-Ikhide. 

Additionally, poor infrastructure is an issue: Many runways are in bad repair, and it can be difficult for passengers to reach airports in the evenings. "There's a need for the government to address some of the issues if they want the industry to survive," he said. "All the airlines are struggling."

Nonetheless, Arumemi-Ikhide said his company had a strong line of credit and was on track for an initial public offering in 15 months. 

Nigeria's oil-dependent economy has been struggling as oil prices have plunged, with GDP falling by more than 2% in the second quarter. This marked the second consecutive quarter of economic contraction, which put the country firmly in a recession.

Source: CNNMoney

Rhumba dance crooner; Mike Okri performs at 'A Taste of Nigeria' Festival

A Taste of Nigeria, an annual carnival showcasing diverse attributes of Nigeria, is set to hold on October 8, 2016, at the Airhog Stadium, 1600 Lone Star Parkway in Grand Prairie, Texas between 12p to 8p. The 3rd edition presented by Arispop will feature famed Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based musician Mike Okri.

Upon releasing the chart-selling albums Rhumba Dance and Cracks, Okri won numerous awards including the Nigerian Music Awards, Fame Music Award, and the Pan-African Music Awards. Okri is one of a host of musical talents who will perform at A Taste of Nigeria. Others include DJ Freaky T and LaWale Victory and The Victorious Band. Other confirmed performers include Ify the Performer, Ndidi Ogbechie, Seye, and Double O Productions. Comedian Naijamericana (Don Manuel) and model and actress Mary Ekene will host the event.

A variety of family-friendly entertainment and activities will showcase the Nigerian culture. Vendors will present Nigerian art, food, and fashion. Spectators can enjoy a soccer game between Leones FC Football Team and Hope United Football Team. A fashion show spotlighting designs by MaE9 Styling and Design Studio, Dumbaka Fashions, and Shalewa Fashions will provide a splash of color to the festivities. Tickets: Adults 5, Children 3. Children 3 and under FREE.

For advanced tickets, visit; www.atasteofnigeria.com.