SEPTEMBER 2025 • ISSUE NO. 1970
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AFRICA’S BOLD TOURISM VISION Travel leaders champion culture, heritage and wildlife in ambitious drive to secure 25% of the $11.7 trillion global market by 2030 AFRICAN TOURISM industry leaders are spearheading a gamechanging plan to capture a huge share of the world’s multitrillion-dollar market. Their ambitious vision will be unveiled to thousands expected to attend the Africa Travel Shows 2025 event in London this September. ›› p21
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ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER
News, views, stories & videos
THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK
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Sistah Space launches £350K appeal to open UK’s first refuge for Black women
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From delivery van to boardroom: the rise of motivational speaker Frederick Afrifa
EXCLUDED: Black women are falling through the cracks and are often left to feel like they must stay with their abuser BIG HIT: Cricketer Tawanda Muyeye
Why Black women 12 deserve a safe refuge 1 from domestic violence 2
“I feel betrayed by Britain”: Windrush scandal victim finally returns to UK after 27 years in Poland
Labour has abandoned Black Britain – is it time to back Your Party?
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The power of an African name in a world that tries to erase it
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Where she belongs: Mega draws on her ancestry for her latest EP, I Am Enough
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Callum Helliwell is striving to make horse racing more accessible
LACK WOMEN in Britain are among the most vulnerable when it comes to domestic violence, yet they remain some of the least supported. That’s why the launch of a £350,000 fundraising campaign by Sistah Space – the UK’s only domestic abuse charity specifically for women of African and Caribbean heritage – is so important. The award-winning organisation, founded by campaigner Ngozi Fulani, has already purchased a building and the land it sits on to open the UK’s first refuge dedicated to Black women and children. Now it needs our support to cover running costs. Fulani says the “safe space” is urgently needed because mainstream services are failing to protect Black women from abuse. The scale of the problem is shocking. According to Sistah Space’s recent research 78 per cent of Black women it surveyed had experienced domestic abuse on more than one occasion, while 87 per cent said statutory agencies were not responsive when they reported it. A staggering 97 per cent said they
This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
lacked confidence that the police or other agencies would treat them fairly. These findings underline what Black women have long been saying – they are falling through the cracks and are often left to feel like they must stay with their abuser. Mainstream refuges, Fulani argues, too often make Black women feel “like an alien.” A culturally specific space where the staff, food, and even the pictures on the wall reflect their identities can make all the difference between staying silent and stepping forward. Without this kind of support, women are forced into impossible choices, including returning to abusers. If the UK is serious about tackling violence against women and girls, it must face up to these realities. That means investing in Black-led organisations like Sistah Space, ensuring frontline services are trained to respond without bias, and reforming policies that keep women trapped. Every woman deserves safety, dignity and the chance to rebuild her life. It’s time Black women were no longer excluded from that hope.
Grenada drops Oath of Allegiance to King Charles West Midlands unites to mourn Rastafarian elder Exodus
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“What do you do when your son is killed by people you love?” Playwright Jermaine Wong has turned grief into a powerful call to tackle youth violence
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Powerful new film and research exposes horrific domestic abuse faced by Black women in UK
Refugee Tawanda Muyeye is now a star of The Hundred Christopher Columbus statue removed from public square in Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaican government transfers land to Rastafari community as reparations for historic state abuse Grenada cuts ties with King Charles – but is it true freedom or just symbolism? Over £45k raised for family of British siblings who drowned on holiday in Spain
Got a story? email us at yourviews@thevoicemediagroup.co.uk SPORTS EDITOR Rodney Hinds E. rodney.hinds@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk ADVERTISING AND SALES E. advertising@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
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SEPTEMBER 2025 THE VOICE | 3
News
OVERCOMING THE ODDS David Tanase-Constantine has juggled work, studying and caring from an early age for his mother. Now his hard work has been recognised after he was named winner of the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award. By Vic Motune
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OR MUCH of his young life, David Tanase-Constantine, 20, from Cardiff, has been used to putting others first. As the main carer for his mother, who suffers from sickle cell disease, his days often began and ended with making sure she was safe and well. Dreams of building his own career felt distant. “I was facing identity problems, not knowing myself and also just not knowing where to start,” David recalls. “Supporting my family while trying to build a future for myself wasn’t easy.” There were times when the odds seemed stacked against him. Yet, despite the obstacles, David remained determined to find a path that would not only support his family, but also enable him to build a better future for himself. That determination recently saw him achieve something extraordinary. David has been named winner of the L’Oréal Paris Rising Star Award at the King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards National Final, a prestigious honour recognising a young person who has overcome barriers to start employment, education or training.
CEREMONY The award capped a whirlwind few days in which the 20-year-old attended a reception at Buckingham Palace, where he met King Charles, founder of The King’s Trust, before being celebrated at a starstudded ceremony hosted by Ant and Dec. Singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes, along with rapper and comedian Michael Dapaah, presented David with his award. “David’s story is one of sheer perseverance and self-belief,” said Humes. “Whilst juggling work, studying at university and caring for his family, he’s built a future for himself through determination and hard work. He didn’t let uncertainty or doubt define him. Instead he pushed forward and chose to lead by example.” Dapaah echoed her praise, describing David’s journey as “incredibly powerful”. He added: “Getting into full-time work, studying at university, gaining qualifications, all while caring for his mother. That takes real strength.” David’s turning point came when he discovered The King’s Trust’s
Get into Construction programme through Careers Wales. Determined to take the opportunity, he signed up, gaining handson training, practical skills and industry-recognised qualifications, including a CSCS licence to work on live construction sites. His reliability and work ethic quickly impressed employers, and he found himself working on highprofile projects — including a major hospital development. For David, it was more than just a job. The opportunity made him feel like he was finally heading in the right direction. But even then, balancing the demands of construction work with his caring responsibilities tested his resolve. That resilience has since carried him into a new chapter: studying criminology at university while continuing to work in construction. “I never imagined I’d be balancing a job and university, but here I am,” David says. “I’m pushing myself to go further because I know I can do more. I see myself becoming an investor with all my trade skills behind me. I want to build something meaningful not just for myself but for others too.” His commitment has inspired many, including L’Oréal Paris’s Amelie Fortier-Cyr, who said: “David’s dedication to balancing work, education and caring for his mother is nothing short of inspirational. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his resilience and determination.” For The King’s Trust, which has supported over a million young
DETERMINED: David Tanase-Constantine with Rochelle Humes and Michael Dapaah, who presented him with his award; left, David is congratulated by The King at a special reception in Buckingham Palace (photos: The King’s Trust)
people since its founding in 1976, David’s story is exactly why their work matters. The youth charity helps those from disadvantaged backgrounds or facing adversity to
ity have moved into positive outcomes.The annual King’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards celebrate the transformative journeys of young people like David, as well as volunteers and supportdevelop life skills, gain confidence ers making an impact in their comand access education, training or munities. The event not only shines a spotwork. In the past five years, three in four light on individual achievement but young people helped by the char- also demonstrates the lasting effect
of giving young people the tools they need to succeed. Reflecting on his win, David still can’t quite believe it. “I never expected to win something like this. There are so many talented people out there, so to be recognised in this way is a real honour. It’s made me realise how far I’ve come, and I’m grateful to The King’s Trust for helping me get here.”
FUNDRAISING CONCERT HELPS HURRICANE AND FIRE VICTIMS A STAR-STUDDED reggae concert at Woolwich Works has raised funds to support victims of Hurricane Beryl and recent fires in the parish of St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The Rhythm of Hope Concert, held recently in south-east London, featured performances by dancehall artist Teejay, gospel reggae singer Rondall Positive and award-winning reggae star Etana. Proceeds from the event will go to Jamaican charity Food for the Poor to help communities still recovering from the disasters. Teejay had the audience on their
feet within minutes, even inviting children to join him on stage. Rondall Positive’s uplifting set focused on themes of hope and faith, while Etana closed the night with a powerful performance that highlighted why she is called “The Strong One.” Speaking after the show, Etana said: “When we touch the lives of others, it not only enriches our own lives and those of our children but also makes a significant difference for those in desperate need. Every small contribution counts, and together, we can create a lasting impact.”
Co-organiser and sponsor Nathaniel Peat described the event as intimate but impactful. “The love in the room was enormous,” he said. “Everyone who came left uplifted, and those who didn’t, well, they truly missed something special. We made history last night.” Organisers are already planning next year’s concert to continue raising funds and sharing Caribbean music with London audiences. If you would like to donate or watch the livestream please visit UPLIFTING: Singers light up the www.rohja.org stage at the concert in London
10 | THE VOICE SEPTEMBER 2025
News Feature
HOW TO SPOT THE FAKES
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LACK BRITISH women are issuing urgent warnings after being informed the hair products they purchased from Amazon are fake. Several women are sounding the alarm on counterfeit products that they have been duped into purchasing by sharing their reviews of the products online to warn others. One woman was contacted by the online shopping giant, and told the Mielle hair oil she’d been buying was “not an authentic” product. In a post shared on social media platform X in June, Lorraine King said she received a refund and was informed the viral Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Oil she had been buying was not real. She tweeted: “I’ve been contacted by Amazon who have informed me a Mielle product I have been buying off a seller is likely not authentic which is horrendous. “They gave me all my money back, but it worries me that there’s more fake Black hair products out there. Please be warned.” CAUTION: TikTok user Yvonne (pictured right) shows how similar fake products can be with its packaging; below, Lorraine King INCONVENIENCE urges others to be wary about how to spot counterfeit items In a message seen by The Voice, been registered by Camille Rose, and distributed addresses on the Amazon told Ms King: “As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that so whenever you see that wording side, are not the same as on the on the packaging you will see the original packaging.” you can shop with confidence letter R next to it.” TikTok user @Yvonnelostfiles in Amazon’s stores, we recently She added: “Another thing to also points out the consistency and learned the product you received look out for is barcode and adcolour of the product are different from a third-party seller is likely dresses, as you can see here it’s got to the original goods. not an authentic Mielle product. However, it is not just Amazon We’re sorry for any disappointment the manufactured and distributed by addresses for the UK and France that is facing ongoing criticism or inconvenience this caused.” by Black female customers. There Another Black female customer, on the packaging.” She then holds up another bottle are also growing concerns online using handle @Yvonneslostfiles on of a product with similar Camille about counterfeit hair products TikTok uploaded a video entitled Rose Curl Maker labelling and being sold in some independent how to spot fake hair products last month after falling victim to a turns it to the side to point out the hair shops across Britain. name does not have the registered Many Black women have now “fake” hair product off Amazon. R symbol next to the name. insisted they will be only purchasIn the video, she holds up two She says: “This is the fake Curl ing their hair products from major products which appear to be the Maker which I purchased on Ama- high-street retailers such as Boots Camille Rose Curl Maker, but one and Superdrug, after finding out she says is “fake” and one “original”. zon, as you can see on this one where it says Curl Maker there is items brought from some When speaking about an no registered trademark. Another authentic version of the product, independent shops are not real. she says: “The word Curl Maker has indicator was the manufactured Counterfeit goods are often made using substandard and cheap ingredients which can be put consumer’s health at risk. The products are also usually produced in a place that lacks quality control and the necessary checks to ensure products are safe for the public. In July, another TikTok user called @shenface wrote: “I refuse to go in them hair shops for hair products any longer.” Speaking to her 68,000 followers she said: “I started to notice that my hair was shedding. I started to only buy my hair products from only Boots, Superdrug and TK Maxx and the shredding stopped. My hair started to flourish again.” Another TikTok user @beauty2braidz89 said: “I don’t go to hair shops any more, I’ve started to buy my hair products from Superdrug. I just feel with the hair shops you
Black women raise awareness of counterfeit hair products bought online and urge others to be cautious. By Sinai Fleary
never know what’s real and fake.” TikTok user @yourhairloves has been encouraging Black women to carefully check the packaging, imagery and logos on hair products, before purchasing goods to ensure they are not buying fakes. Last month, @yourhairloves did a comparison video of two As I am Double Butter Cream products. She claims the authentic product was purchased from Superdrug, the fake one is from an independent hair shop. One of the stark differences in the video is the size of the tub of the product from the hair shop, which is significantly larger than the one purchased from the high street beauty giant. She also points out the font and colour of the writing under the product’s name on the fake product is very different and there is more information listed on the product from Superdrug. Other customers have taken to social media to share they have experienced “burning” on their scalp after buying some hair products purchased from independent hair shops in Britain. In May, the Office for Product Safety and Standard (OPSS) is the
UK’s national product regulator, within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), told The Voice, all hair products should be safe. In the statement, the Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “All hair products sold on our market, including those imported from the United States, are subject to strict laws to ensure people’s safety and protect consumers from misleading claims. “Distributors including hair shops must check that the products they sell comply with these regulations and should take immediate action if they are made aware of any noncompliance.”
An Amazon spokesperson said: “Amazon has a zero-tolerance policy for counterfeit products. “We have proactive measures in place to prevent counterfeit products from being listed and continuously monitor our store. “Amazon identified an attempt to sell counterfeit Mielle Organics products in the Amazon store, and acted to protect customers and the Mielle Organics brand by removing counterfeit listings, blocking relevant selling accounts, and proactively refunding affected customers.” The online shopping platform also said that customers are always protected by their A-to-Z Guarantee. They are also urging customers to contact the Amazon customer BOOMING Black British women spent £200 support team for a full refund of their order if a product doesn’t million on hair products in 2021, arrive or isn’t as advertised. according to Treasure Tress – a Any consumer concerned leading Black haircare subscription that a hair product they have service. purchased is not compliant with But despite the lucrative and booming market built off the backs regulation should contact their local Trading Standards office or of their spending power, those Citizens Advice. parting ways with their hardThe Voice, also contacted the earned cash are not receiving the real and quality hair products they Chartered Trading Standards Institute for comment. need and deserve.
AUGUST 2025
Experiments with Image Free art workshops for ages 14–26
Curated by Adobe Creative Resident Michael Akuagwu
Each month, work with great artists to explore creative practices in the V&A Art Studio. Supported by The Adobe Foundation
THE VOICE |11