Ashara Ekundayo, president of BluBlak Ultra Media and executive director of the Denver Pan African Film and Arts Festival, launched Cafe Nuba two years ago with several other Denver-area activists as a fundraising and promotional vehicle for the annual film festival. And while that event will be its primary focus next month, Cafe Nuba has evolved beyond its supporting role to become a tour de force in the vibrant Denver black-arts community. It has hosted some notable local and nationally known artists, including jazz musician Ron Miles, poet/author (and ex-Real World New York cast member) Kevin Powell, and poet/activist Sonia Sanchez.
Reaching standing-room-only popularity, the happening draws all types of opinions and people interested in sharing their artistic wares. Most attend just to observe and absorb, but many come to flex their vocal cords and offer some personal perspective. Not for the faint of mind, Cafe Nuba is foremost a "censor-free" environment.
"You should come by Cafe Nuba if you love being in an uncensored venue for creative expression, need an infusion of black culture, love funky beats and political art, are a 'short' film buff, like exotic tea without the smoky atmosphere, secretly dig hip-hop, or have something cool to say to three generations of cultural workers," says Ekundayo.
Whether or not you plan to watch or participate, you can always help with the call and response. Remember: When someone says "Cafe Nuba," it's protocol to respond, "It's hot and it's black."
