How to Host a Diaspora Collective Dinner Party

You can host a  a dinner party with family, friends and maybe a few strangers (after COVID-19). Hosting a Diaspora Collective dinner party is a way to bring people together to connect with food, music and great conversations. Food and music are great connectors, particularly when people are enjoying their favorite dishes  and drinks or discovering a new common love.

 Explore a menu of African, Caribbean, Brazilian or Soul Food. Try to cook some items that you have never tried and share with your guests. Learn and share the origins of the food and the connection to Africa and the African diaspora. Create or find playlists to set the mood with your favorite music or new discoveries from Africa and the African diaspora . Depending on your theme, find some fun facts to share with your guests. 

Sample Menu of our favorites from Africa to get you started:

• African Grilled Tilapia (light fish, native to Africa)
• Doro Wat (Ethiopian Chicken Dish)
• Callaloo (think Southern greens but a little different)
• Jollof Rice (just yummy, battles between Ghana and Nigeria on the best recipe)
• Fried Plaintains

There are many recipes available on the internet, including YouTube videos to assist you on your adventure. Many of the popular American dishes have roots in Africa and you will notice similarities and the unique flavors of Africa as you cook. Here are a few  cookbooks that may be helpful:

• Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed by Bryant Terry
• The Groundnut Cookbook by Dubal Bankole Timothy, Folayemi Brown and Jacob Fodio Todd
• The Soul of a New Cuisine by Marcus Samuelsson
• The Africa Cookbook by Jessica B. Harris

Both Apple Music and Spotify have great Afrobeat, Reggae, Jazz, Hiphop and R&B  playlists for to set the mood for you and your dinner guests. 

Don't forget to offer drinks that are consistent with your theme or are unique to Africa, Brazil or the Caribbean. There are also wine and spirits that are black-owned to share with guests.  The following is a list to get you started:

•  Uncle Nearest Premium Whisky - The name is inspired by the country’s first Black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green. A premium whisky made with a combination of corn and rye using the techniques Nathan taught Jack Daniel. 
• McBride Sisters Wine Collection - The largest African-American owned wine company in the US, founded by 2 sisters with a passion for wine. Offer a selection of red and white wines, including Black Girl Magic and She Can. 
• HH Bespoke Spirits - A selection of rum, gin and vodka. HH draws inspiration from the rich cultural history and distinctive style of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Abbey Creek Wines - An Oregon earth to glass winery with a selection of red and white wines and hip hop playing in the tasting room. 
• Mayine Gin - Founded by gin enthusiasts Luvuyo Jongile and Nodumo Jongile, Mayine Gin became the first Black-owned gin brand in Africa. Mayine, which means ‘let it rain’, currently consists of two flavours: Grape Based and Rooibos Infused

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and share your dinner party pictures, recipes and favorite dishes. #thediasporacollective #livelifewithlovejoypurpose