Africa Day in Ardoyne: Beyond Skin Leads the Way

Beyond Skin returns with another essential event this month, one that amplifies international solidarity, creative collaboration and grassroots impact in equal measure.

Marking UNESCO Africa Week and Africa Day, this special gathering takes place on 22 May at the John Paul II Club amphitheatre in Ardoyne. It’s part of the ongoing Urban Villages programme supported by the NI Executive and delivered in partnership with John Paul II Youth Club and Rogue Encounters. True to form, Beyond Skin continues to bring the world to Belfast in the most meaningful ways.

Zambian hip-hop artist and human rights activist Smack Jay will headline the event, joined by Miss Grand Zambia 2025, Anna Musonda – a powerful campaigner against violence towards women and girls. Both bring global perspectives shaped by advocacy and lived experience, making this more than a celebration. It’s a call to listen, connect and act.

This will be Smack Jay’s third visit to the city, building on strong links with local creatives. His new cross-border collaboration with 5th Element Belfast, Beyond Skin and Punchline Studios Zambia lands on 9 May, making this event a timely and poignant showcase of artistic kinship and purpose.

Expect workshops, conversation and the kind of cultural exchange that reminds us what community and creativity can do when they meet without borders.

For details, email johnpaul2youthclub@hotmail.com. Don’t sleep on this one. Beyond Skin are, once again, doing vital work.