This Month: Eseohe Arhebamen

This month "Culture Keepers" proudly presents Eseohe Arhebamen as our featured artist! Eseohe is a poet, dancer/choreographer, mixed-media artist, musician and performance artist. Born in Nigeria, raised in Detroit City and currently residing in New York, Eseohe's artworks reflect a diversity of cultures and the interrelations of media. Eseohe Arhebamen's works are heavily influenced by traditional Afrikan Theater and her study of Butoh. Since immigrating to the United States, Eseohe has won several awards for her artworks. In addition, she has performed or shown works internationally in Africa, Asia, and America. Lastly, Eseohe has collaborated with numerous artists and organizations to produce multimedia events.

Please come out on March 18, 2009 at 1 p.m. to see her perform! We look forward to seeing you there!

You can find more information of Eseohe at www.edoheart.org

Culture Keepers

Every month we bring in an artist to entertain our customers. We have intentionally named this reoccurring event "Culture Keepers", as the artists we host represent the Nigerian and African culture with authenticity, dignity, and without apology. Our aim is to expose the greatness Africans have to offer through the arts, support up-and-coming artists, and provide a service to our customers that they will enjoy and appreciate.

Beginning in January 2008, we have hosted two artists of high caliber: Emperor Adichie, a DJ, dancer, and singer; as well as Levelz, a 22-year old PhD student who is also a gifted poet and emcee.

We plan to continue our production of "Culture Keepers" and hopefully host it more frequently. Please come out and support each month if you are available. Currently, performances occur during lunch time hours around 1 p.m.

Thank You. We look forward to seeing you there!

Both Emperor Adichie and Levelz can be found at http://www.emperoradichie.com/ and http://www.levelzdey.com/, respectively.

OCCI Restaurant

OCCI restaurant was established in 2008. Operating under the contract of Excellente Caterers, Inc., Mrs. Ify Nwabukwu brought her Nigerian catering business to New York City from Washington, D.C. After successfully catering to the Nigerian market in the Washington Metropolitan Area, including serving the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for five (5) years, she was asked to bring her operation to New York for more opportunities. Now, one year later, she has set up a bloosoming establishment in the Consulate of Nigeria in mid-town Manhattan, just one block from the United Nations, that serves Nigerian public officials and dignitaries, as well as interested customers from all walks of life, social status, and cultural backgrounds.

OCCI's mission is to not only serve Nigerian food, but also to help represent Nigeria and Africa in a better light. Upholding a high standard of quality food options, a well-to-do environment, and innovation and creativity in forward, adaptable progress, OCCI seeks to be a humble leader in the field of cultural representation. We hope you enjoy our food and services. Please check back often for updates on our events and pictures for your enjoyment.

Thank You and God Bless.