We're not even lukewarm into October and it's already popping! For starters, Tuesday 1st October marked both the start of UK Black History Month and Nigerian Independence Day. In addition, the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) in partnership with American Express, launched 'LFF For Free' - an exciting new initiative to expand the film fest with 30 additional events - all FREE!

The BFI Southbank will transform into a public festival space from 4th until 6th of October, and then again from 11th until 13th of October.

Here are my TOP 'LFF For Free' PICKS, which sit nicely between Black History Month and Naija Independence Day...

You can catch DJ Volta 45 (Doin' Our Own Thing) and Aquila (Zilla Nights) spinning West African and pan-African vinyl in the BFI Bar & Kitchen. Expect to hear sounds from Fela and those who inspired him. (The name is taken from the documentary entitled 'My Friend Fela', you can watch the trailer above.)

Prepare to experience Fela's music with more detail and focus than ever before during this immersive, meditative album listening session... in the dark, cinema style. You'll hear classic album playbacks taken from Fela’s London Scene — Recorded at Abbey Road in London in 1971. Definitely one to hit if you're looking to impress a "friend" 😉

British-Nigerian actress Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman in the 'Harriet' biopic, and one of you lucky peeps (yes that includes you) have a chance to win A PAIR OF TICKETS to the BFI screening of HARRIET on Friday 11th October at 6pm, courtesy of the London Film Festival.

How to enter: If you'd like the tickets, simply reply to this email letting me know you're available to attend the screening on the 11th Oct. 
Closing date: Saturday 5th October at 12pm

Lisa Anderson, Founder of 'Black British Art' has compiled a super useful run down of all the dope Art Exhibitions taking place this month. Be sure to use & abuse it.