11th March 2010: ‘Mama Africa 2010’, a TV special celebrating African and Caribbean Mothers across the UK will be broadcast on HiTV on 14th March.

The show aims to search for the epitome of ‘Mama Africa’ - a woman who embodies strength, love and devotion.

Mothers - and the ideals behind motherhood - is something which reaches out to all nations, but specifically, within BME communities, mothers hold special cultural prominence and are held in high regard.

The idea behind the TV special was born out of an appreciation for mothers, their struggles, their endeavours and the joy and love they bring to their children. ‘Mama Africa’ seeks to celebrate and honour mothers for the nurturing and often courageous roles they play in our lives.

Produced by Phoenix Media Partners Ltd., ‘Mama Africa’ will be a fun-packed feel-good show which will also feature goodwill messages from celebrities like Rudolph Walker (Patrick Truman in Eastenders), top UK comedian and broadcaster Richard Blackwood, UK-based Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi, Nollywood actress Funke Akindele , Africa’s number one comedian Basketmouth and many more.

The show acknowledges not only mothers but all women who have played nurturing roles in our lives.

In the spirit of nurturing and appreciation, the National Blood Service VIP Appeal celebrates African and Caribbean mothers through the support of ‘Mama Africa’.

The National Blood Service VIP Appeal campaign aims to encourage Black African, Black Caribbean and South Asian communities to give blood and help meet the need for rare blood types within ethnic minority communities.

Statistics for blood donation show a situation in need of much improvement; currently only 1% of active blood donors are from combined Black African and Black Caribbean communities. And because of this, particular types of rare blood groups found only in Black communities are in great demand.
                                                                                                                  
With the VIP Appeal, the public get a chance to become a 'Very Important Person' and make a difference in their local community by registering to give blood. Visit www.blood.co.uk/vip for more information.

‘Mama Africa’ is a community programme which highlights the importance of celebrating the achievement and often harrowing endeavours of the African and Caribbean woman.

You can watch ‘Mama Africa’ on HiTV (Sky 204) on Mother’s Day, Sunday, 14th March 2010, at 8.00pm.

Viewers will also get a chance to text in their Mother’s Day wishes text and see the message scroll on screen during the show. The text number will be revealed on HiTV from Friday, 12th March 2010.