Everything On In January

Staying In

Shining Lights: Black Women Photographers in 1980s-90s Britain by Joy Gregory

Standing as the inaugural critical anthology assembling groundbreaking work of Black women photographers in the UK during the 1980’s and 1990’s, Shining Lights is an essential publication, shedding light on an overlooked chapter in photographic history. Rooted in the socio-political and cultural landscape of Britain, the anthology meticulously explores the communities, experiments, collaborations, and complexities that defined these decades. Through a combination of lived experiences and historical investigations, the publication highlights the innovative use of photomontage, self-portraiture, and staged imagery by pioneers of the period such as Pratibha Parmar and Roshini Kempadoo—just two of the fifty-seven photographers featured in Shining Lights.

Available to buy from January  (date TBA)

The Kitchen (Netflix)

In a cinematic reverie that has been brewing since 2014, The Kitchen unfurls a dystopian reimagining of London’s future, where the fabric of social housing has been axed.

The film is a collaboration between producer Dan Emmerson and co-directors Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya – a man whose Oscar-winning prowess onscreen has now transitioned behind the camera with his directorial debut The Kitchen. Leading the line-up is Jedediah Bannerman in his acting debut and none other than rapper-thespian, Kano “Kano” Robinson – fresh from his role as Sully in the acclaimed series “Top Boy”. The narrative is a collaborative effort crafted by Kaluuya and Joe Murtagh – whose works include “Calm With Horses” and “Gangs of London”.

Stream from 12th January. 

Kali Uchis: Orquideas

Kali Uchis has announced her upcoming Spanish-language album, Orquídeas, set for release early 2024. Inspired by what she has described as the “mystical allure of orchids”, the national flower of Colombia, the album features collaborations with Peso Pluma, Karol G, and Rauw Alejandro, expanding the sonic landscape she explored in her recent release, ‘Red Moon in Venus.’

In a teaser unveiling the tracklist, a dreamy snippet of the music unfolds against the backdrop of a fantastical garden and culminates with her sitting on a mossy hill, introducing the evocative title,  Orquídeas. This album, a fusion of synths, bass, and ethereal vocals, promises a captivating journey into Uchis’s musical universe. Having just wrapped up an extensive 2023 touring schedule, including a spectacular show at the Hollywood Bowl, Uchis continues to prove that her creative bloom is perennial.

Listen to Orquídeas from 12th January. 

Be a Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World—and How You Can Too by Ijeoma Oluo

The #1 New York Times bestseller, Ijeoma Oluo is back and is once again casting her eye over society’s most pressing matters. After arming herself with fountains of knowledge from her previous work—one which delved into issues of race and racism, another which explored the impact of white male supremacy on our systems—Oluo now poses the pivotal question: What’s the next step? In Be A Revolution, it’s not solely about explaining society’s rigged systems, it’s more focused on overcoming those systems and living with them. Whilst showing how people across the world are creating real positive change in our structures, at the heart of Be A Revolution is to inspire action and change. Not only does this book serve as an urgent chronicle of this significant moment, it stands as a restorative call for action, marking another book soon to be soaked in accolades.

Available to buy from 30th January.

Going Out

Soul City at The Jazz Cafe

Connecting the dots between disco, house and soul, Soul City is one of North London’s best kept secrets that needs to be put under your radar for 2024. Hosted every Saturday in the heart of Camden, the club night has seen the likes of seasoned professional, DJ Marcia Carr, and consummate disco selector, DJ Spinna, take the decks for a night of funky mixes and diverting blends. Expect to witness genre-blurring to the max, where the groovy disco tunes and zesty energy will get you dancing in no time.

On every Saturday in January from 10.30pm-3.00am.

CUTE at Somerset House

Somerset House is writing a love letter to all things CUTE with its newest exhibition. Opening in the new year, CUTE explores the presence of cuteness in our modern culture, especially investigating the undeniable pull the doe-eyed animals and chubby-cheeked babies have over us. The exhibition boasts a collection of contemporary artworks, cultural phenomena—such as music, toys, video games—and archives from the Yayoi Museum in Toyko, and even has a dedicated section to everything Hello Kitty, in celebration of its 50th anniversary. If you’re a fan of Hello Kitty, or just trying to escape the January blues, Somerset Houses’ CUTE could be the cure.

Taking place from 25th January- 14th April. 

Just For One Day

Relive the day music brought the world together in Just For One Day, a jukebox musical accounting the story of Live Aid 1985—the event that cut through a generation. Featuring the timeless tunes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, Elton John and more Just For One Day assembles a cast of 26. Crafted by the pen of John O’Farrell and brought to life under the direction of Luke Sheppard, be ready to be transported back to the groundbreaking day, where a momentous occasion was etched into history with 1.5 billion people tuning in to support the cause.

Taking place at The Old Vic theatre from 26th January- 30th March.

Mean Girls

Mean Girls, the legendary teenage saga, returns to the big screen in a musical comedy directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. Featuring an ensemble cast including Angourie Rice and Reneé Rapp, the film breathes new life into Tina Fey’s screenplay. Originally destined for Paramount+, the movie instead opted for a theatrical release.

With Fey and Lorne Michaels at the helm as writer and producer, the film promises a nostalgic journey for Gen Z and Millennials alike. As Regina George watches the world burn once again, and familiar faces like Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprise their roles, the movie teases a blend of past and present, making it a watch for fans and newcomers alike. Get ready to relive the classic tale, because, in the words of Mean Girls, “Get in, loser, we’re going to the movies!”

Watch in cinemas from 12th January. 

London Art Fair

London Art Fair returns in January 2024, kickstarting the global art calendar with a showcase of over 120 leading Modern and Contemporary galleries. From emerging talents to 20th-century masters, the fair promises a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, a chance to engage with live performances, immersive installations, and a thought-provoking program of talks and tours, making it the go-to destination for cutting-edge contemporary artworks. Since its inception in 1989, the fair has evolved into a renowned event, bringing together 130 galleries and nearly 20,000 art enthusiasts annually. While British art dominates, approximately 25% of the exhibited works are from international artists, adding a global perspective. Delve into large-scale projects, and participate in discussions as the fair transcends conventional boundaries, offering a dynamic and enriching artistic experience for all.

Taking place from 17th – 21st January.