No tags yet.
Leeds City is known for its richness in culture and diversity. The city is brimming with diverse nationalities, colour and community. Leeds has a large population of people with African origins, the culture in which comes with this is exciting and brings vibrancy to the city life that Leeds holds. We got speaking to Sisters Abigail and Anne Olaleye who have begun an African Food Festival called ‘That Friday Feeling’. The girls are originally from Nigeria but grew up in Manchester; they have created an event in which they hope brings together people to celebrate the food and culture from Africa. The event is held at freedom mills on Kirkstall road, the place fills with people keen to try different dishes and to dance the night away to afrobeats. It's a fusion of food, games and music shared by people from all across Leeds. We were invited to attend and document the second ‘TFF’ to experience the upcoming African party of the city.
The girls spent the night welcoming new and familiar faces into the venue, serving various plates including ‘puff puffs’ a sugary doughnut ball, salt and pepper soup, chicken and jollof rice, banana bread and Grandmas special cake. The atmosphere was warm (despite the freezing temperatures outside) filled with laughs, embraces and reunions. The food was amazing; home cooked, fresh and filled with a sense of passion for the origins. The attendees played games, conversed and danced from the beginning; there was never a dull or quiet moment. The guys knew how to have a party, to entertain whilst hosting. We loved the community in the running of the event, everybody helped serve and handout plates. There was a huge sense of pride and involvement from all angles.
Between the busyness of the night we managed to have a chat with Abigail the founder of that Friday feeling
What is TFF ? “That Friday Feeling is a unique food and music fest inspired by feel good African parties; which aims to bring people from across the African continent and lovers of the culture together to fellowship, eat and have a great time. Allowing people to network and make connections that hopefully last a lifetime"
What does the event entail? "In the African, diaspora communities and black culture in general; it's not a party if food and music is missing. In our communities food and music is an integral part of how we socialise and connects us all. So when you attend a TFF event, expect to leave with full bellies, become big kids with our games, dance like no one is watching and connect with people. Our motto is live your best life, we hope people feel completely free to be nothing but themselves"
What inspired you to start TFF? "You hear a lot of one Africa or pan-africanism, but I didn’t really see evidence of that in my everyday life. African and diaspora communities are insular, you have the Nigerians, Zimbabweans, South Africans and diaspora communities ( African descent) doing their own thing and not working collaboratively. TFF wants to do its part by bringing young people from across the continent and lovers of the culture in the same room to connect and foster a unified pride in our culture and heritage; whilst vibing to highlife, afrobeats, grime, South African house etc, good food and having the best time of our lives. It seemed like the only way to have fun or meet new people as a young adult was either clubbing or networking events which I don’t particularly enjoy. Most people that know Anne and I, know our love for African weddings (after party) and friend gatherings; we wanted to create a space that felt like you were having a massive reunion, full of jokes and laughs."
Who is TFF for? "TFF was created with the young adults of African descent and the diaspora in mind but everybody is welcome to experience a TFF night. If you are a massive foodie, music junkie, young at heart or just bored with the same old way of partying/having a good time, a TFF night will not disappoint."
Where do you hope to TFF go in the future? "TFF is still in its infancy and we are still testing many things out (proof of concept) but hopeful in 5 years TFF will have its own space serving the distinctive flavours from the continent of Africa, celebrating and sharing its rich culture; also working collaboratively with organisations to tackle issues specific to our communities."
We had so much fun hanging out and sharing food with these guys, our bellies were definitely full of great food; we were taught how to dance and introduced to a whole new dimension of music. It was great to see the collectiveness of people the family feeling which came from sharing culture, food and music. It felt like attending a family party in which anyone is invited to. We have no doubt that the future is bright for TFF as more people join the movement. For more information on the next TFF visit their Instagram page @itstff and like their Facebook page.
