Coming out of hibernation a touch early I feel, but then I don't think one is often afforded time to stop in this busy city. As I write this blog I am nearing the end of my 24hr fast in solidarity with the people who are going hungry in my homeland Zimbabwe. Of course the reality in Harare where I grew up is that people are somehow still surviving and there are still pockets of town where creative people get together. Get drunk and listen to a band on a Wednesday night. Of course you have to buy your beers in US dollars now. It helps to have small denominations as you might not get change but everyone has been forced to find a way of earning foreign currency, even if it's just selling single cigarettes for a couple of rand.

Back here in London the winter is apparently 'biting back' according to one enthusiastic BBC weather man, but still we struggle on. I had the pleasure of hosting a small gig in my flat recently, to be part of a series of gigs that self confessed internet whore, sometimes tube busker and generally nice guy Ryan Koriya is doing as part of his self promotion for his own first original album. Do a facebook, myspace or google search for Ryan Koriya and you can find a bunch of tracks and youtube videos of this actually quite talented young musician, and if you get in touch he will come and play a gig in your lounge for you an your friends.

One of the best parties in town is still Passing clouds: nicer, I feel on the quieter nights as when it's really busy, it becomes a major hassle to get out for a smoke and back in again. I'm enjoying the new Rudimentals album which I got for Christmas, but at present I think you can only get it from a handful of South African music sites if you have an international credit card. That said, they are a truely awesome African ska-reggae band and if rumours of possible UK dates this year are true I shall be making much noise about it closer to the time.

One event that definitely is coming up shortly and promises to be super once more is the 2nd installment of 'Tongue Tied?' at The Cochrane Theatre in Holborn. Once again the line up will include dance, music and spoken word performances with a Zimbabwean theme and in support of ongoing dance projects in Zimbabwe. The mighty rock'n'roll band Sabatta will be playing at Shunt in a few weeks as well which promises to be a good adventure.

Right that's all from me, I'm off to catch the end of the Sunday Passing Clouds Jam. TTFN Tom