Since September 2016, we had been working every single day, giving up all our time. Cultural food stalls, discos and flash mobs, all arranged to raise money for this special event. On the 9th February at Newstead Wood School, a group of year 10 girls (including myself) hosted A PINCH OF SPICE (APOS) and what an event it was!

When the doors opened at 6:30pm, a flood of people came through the door with their £6 ready to pay for their ticket for one of greatest event this year. As soon as the clocks hit 7pm that night, APOS commenced. First up was Lottie with her hip-hop number to 3005 by Childish Gambino which she definitely aced. Our next two acts were Kafui, with her mashup of Chris Brown’s “Ayo” and Adese with her own rendition on “I was here” by Beyonce. Kafui’s own rap in the second verse of the song was amazing (or as us kids would say ,“lit”) whilst Adese's beautiful voice blew everyone away, especially when she hit the high notes so flawlessly.

Next performing on stage, we had the year 11 african dance and might I say they were so professional. To finish of the first half of the night, it was time for the fashion show! As each beautiful model strutted down the catwalk, everyone was able to admire the extraordinary, vibrant handmade african clothing designed and made by Sian Brady and Izzy Bridge ( year 10). It was then finally time for the interval. A variety of delicious african food and drinks were being sold including jollof and fried rice, chicken, puff puff etc. But the best part was that you could buy rice, chicken and a canned drink for only £2.50. What a great price for tasty food, am I right?

40 mins soared by and soon it was time to start the second half of the show. First up were 2 year 12 girls, Monique and Judith with their sick duet dance. Then we had Gospel Choir with their take on Mary Mary’s “Shackles”. Both acts got the audience hyped and clapping. The year 11’s presented their dance to Beyonce’s “Formation” after which was unquestionably "in formation". Brudda Tozza was up next with Happy Joe to perform his two songs, “Sickest” and “Bout to” and didn’t they get everyone up on their feet dancing around the stage. It was nearly time for the performance of the night however before that, we had Abi singing beautifully to Frank Ocean’s “Thinking about you” and Lois delivering her wonderfully inspiring poem “Perturbations”. The poem reflected her view on Black Lives Matter in America at the same time as bringing tears to the audience’s eyes whilst they were holding up the flashlights. It was truly inspirational. It was then time for a JAGS representative to talk about the charity and everything we had done to help them. Hearing that speech made us realised how important it is to help and give back to others.

Finally, the act everyone had been waiting for. Tizzy and Brandz ended APOS, performing their songs, that have more than 2 million views on Youtube, “All Ways” and “Escobar”. It was a fantastic way to end our event.

Lois Akinnagbe, one of the girls who helped organise APOS stated: "When it came down to the day of the event, I sat down on the train in the morning and thought, "Why do I care so much?" Then I realised the answer was right there in front of me. It expresses everything I wish I could without being ostracised by my surroundings. A Pinch of Spice to me showed how diverse my culture was and how incredibly and untouchably perfect it was. It celebrated my ancestors, myself and it will celebrate my children. It gave the world a taste of everything coursing through my veins, my exact being and it was the perfect way to do it. This event was brought together by a group of friends just as passionate as I was and just as willing as I was. We gave our all and it showed. So you know I didn't have a favourite part of the night because the process and the realisation of how ethereal African culture is was enough reward. I love my culture severely and A Pinch of Spice spreads that love to the world".

As Lois said, this event was put together by a group of friends who gave all their time and effort and this showed. It made us realise that if we are truly passionate about something and give our all, we can achieve beautiful things and A Pinch of Spice is evidence for that. We love our culture and A Pinch of Spice helps us spread our love and passion to the world.

So all I have left to say is...APOS 2018 HERE WE COME !