2024 PROGRAMME
The Mothers’ Ball
Wednesday 20 November 2024
V&A South Kensington
The Mothers’ Ball centres on the rich diversity, creativity, and excellence of the African continent, celebrating m2m’s heritage, whilst shining a light on the incredible women who drive truly life-saving impact.
2024 HOST
PERRI SHAKES-DRAYTON
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PERRI SHAKES-DRAYTON |
Olympic hurdler and sprinter, and Host of The Mothers’ Ball
Perri competed at London 2012 for Team GB and has a 4 x 400m relay world title.
Born and raised in East London, she competed in the 400m hurdles and the 4 x 400m relay at her home Olympics as well as winning gold medals in both European and World Indoor Athletics Championships. A knee injury in 2013 forced her into surgery and four years of rehabilitation, but she returned to claim a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships.
Since hanging up her spikes in 2019 she has become a mother, remains a Nike ambassador, hosted Team GB House at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and has appeared on a number of hit TV shows including ITV’s Dancing on Ice and Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS. Perri loves fashion and travel which she documents on YouTube channel that she shares with her husband, Mike.
2024 SPEAKERS
BUPE SINKALA
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BUPE SINKALA |
mothers2mothers Spokeswoman
Bupe is a community health worker and spokeswoman, based in Lusaka, Zambia.
Bupe was diagnosed with HIV as she was preparing to get married. Despite initially promising to support her, her partner eventually left. The pain of losing her marriage combined with the weight of her diagnosis was devastating, but with support from her aunt she found the strength to carry on. When Bupe learned that m2m was recruiting for women living with HIV to become community health workers, she knew she could use her experience to support others and joined the m2m family in 2019.
Today Bupe delivers health services, education and support to families in her community in Lusaka, Zambia – and as an m2m spokeswoman, she has represented m2m at the United Nations General Assembly for three consecutive years as a vital voice on the realities of health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and the importance of community health workers. Bupe is also a proud mother to a daughter, who inspires her daily to be the best version of herself.
FRANK BEADLE DE PALOMO
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FRANK BEADLE DE PALOMO |
mothers2mothers President and CEO
Born into a family committed to social justice, Frank has more than 30 years experience in the global health community that includes significant achievements in HIV prevention, domestic and global care, treatment, research, policy, and advocacy in over 50 countries. The arc of his life’s work has been shaped by his belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for good health.
His passion emanates from his beloved mother who inspired him to always be better than he thought he could because his responsibility as a human was to care for others with all his heart.
Frank has been the President and CEO of mothers2mothers since 2012.
EMMA FRANCE
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EMMA FRANCE |
mothers2mothers Chief Growth Officer
As a mum battling to raise three feminists—also known as boys!—Emma believes that every woman should have a Bupe in their life, and has made it her life’s work to ensure that no woman or girl on the African continent is left to face a life-changing HIV diagnosis alone and no mother dies in pregnancy or childbirth.
As Chief Growth Officer for mothers2mothers, Emma is responsible for what she calls “the noise and money” globally. At the heart of this, is a deep rooted conviction that the African continent does not need solutions, but investment—women like Bupe are the solution!
Outside of mothers2mothers, Emma has served in various board roles for national and local charities, including as Vice-Chair of Amnesty International UK. She currently sits on the Advisory Board for Gucci Chime and is a Trustee for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Prior to mothers2mothers, Emma was a Project Finance Lawyer working in the City—not the most obvious career choice for someone born to Doctor parents in the Chimbu Province of Papua New Guinea! Emma soon realised that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree when she ended up back where her mum had started—creating maternal health in fragile health settings.
2024 AUCTIONEER
THE MOTHERS' AUCTION
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THE MOTHERS' AUCTION |
Auctioneer
Veronica Scarpati is an Auctioneer and Specialist Head of Sale in the Impressionist & Modern Art Department at Christie’s in London. In a 250-year-old business celebrated for breaking records, Veronica has already made her mark: as one of the company’s fastest-growing talents, Veronica took her first Evening Sale in June 2021— the fastest to achieve this as a new auctioneer. Featured in several publications including The Sunday Telegraph, The Art Newspaper and YOU Magazine, she has been wielding the gavel for Christie’s to strong acclaim. Beyond the rostrum, Veronica loves playing and watching polo, raising money at charity auctions, and takes a keen interest in mentoring the next generation of art world professionals.
2024 MENU
CHEF OPY ODUTAYO
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CHEF OPY ODUTAYO |
Executive Chef
Chef Opeoluwa Odutayo, known as Chef Opy, is redefining African cuisine with her inventive approach to Nigerian flavours. A Westminster Kingsway-trained chef with a Master’s in Food Business Management, she’s among the leading young black chefs spotlighting her Nigerian culinary heritage on a global stage. As a core member of Future Plate and a collaborator with industry greats, she’s inspiring the next generation and gaining recognition for her unique, vibrant and boundary pushing dishes.
“Tonight's menu draws inspiration from "home"—Lagos, Nigeria. From vibrant street food to soulful home-cooked meals, I want to show you the Nigeria I know full of colour, lively sounds, bold spices, and an unmistakable warmth. Each dish is a taste of the love and energy that defines my experience of home”
2024 PERFORMERS
NATALIE RUSHDIE
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NATALIE RUSHDIE |
Natalie Rushdie is the blonde-bombshell renowned for her breathtaking vocal performances at iconic venues including the London Coliseum, Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium and St Paul’s Cathedral. In July 2023 she released a cover of Tell Me It’s Not True in aid of the Bowelbabe Fund honouring her late friend Dame Deborah James – it was first performed by Natalie at James’s funeral and a subsequent request from Dame Debs’ mother led to the recording. The song was recorded live at Abbey Road Studios and shot to the top of the iTunes chart where it stayed for a week before entering the Official Charts Top Ten. With the help of The Sun newspaper, who championed the release, Natalie received the support of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Speaking of the song, Prince William said “…Dame Debs would be so proud. She inspired the nation. I’m wishing Natalie all the very best for her single release to raise money for such an important cause.”
She has performed in the UK and USA alongside such greats as Tony Christie, Matthew Morrison, Frances Ruffelle and Kerry Ellis. Hailed "a joy to behold” by Eamonn Holmes; "An exceptionally talented singer" by Hello! Magazine and “World Class” by the Mail On Sunday’s EVENT Magazine, Natalie has also been referred to by her fans as "The Voice of Wembley" for her many Anthem performances at the national stadium.
Performer
THE ZULU STOMP
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THE ZULU STOMP |
The Zulu Stomp brings the vibrant spirit and heritage of traditional Zulu culture from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to audiences worldwide. This acclaimed group has performed for figures like King Charles at Buckingham Palace and Nelson Mandela, showcasing a captivating blend of male and female dancers, intricate traditional moves, and the powerful rhythms of Zulu drums.
Each performance is a celebration of Zulu identity, expressing loyalty, strength, and a deep cultural connection. Traditional Zulu dances mark important life events—weddings, funerals, coming-of-age, and even communication with ancestors—fostering joy, unity, and pride.
For those unfamiliar with Zulu culture, The Zulu Stomp provides a profound experience, fostering respect and insight into its rich traditions. Each dance tells a story, celebrates heritage, and unifies communities, leaving audiences enthralled and inspired.
Performer
ELIZA
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ELIZA |
ELIZA has defined herself as a master of soulful, dynamic music that has solidified her standing as one of the UK’s most exciting artists to watch. Whilst recently becoming a new mother herself, she continues to rise as an exceptional artist carving her own unique sound with 2 independent albums under her belt including a legendary COLORS session with over 30 million plays.
ELIZA is proving herself to be an artist with depth and integrity and extensive musical knowledge with her last album release “A Sky Without Stars” which has been heavily praised by BBC Radio 1 and 1XTRA since its release in September 2022.
Following on from an iconic sell out headline show at 02 Kentish Town Forum in 2023, where she surprised & revealed her pregnancy to fans on stage at 7 months in, she has been balancing the beautiful journey of motherhood whilst also writing & finishing her 3rd independent album due to be released early next year.
Performer
CUPPY
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CUPPY |
Cuppy, who was born Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola in 1992, grew up in Lagos. Moving to London as a teenager to attend boarding school, her interest in music was ignited when her parents gifted her an iPod which she filled with Nigerian music to feel close to home.
Cuppy went on to learn how to DJ purely from observation, and by 17 had become a household name—amassing over 15 million followers across social media. She has been privileged to DJ for an elite set of crowds and has worked with major brands like Pepsi, Amazon Music, and more. She's also been featured on Glamour UK, Harper's Bazaar, and Forbes 30 Under 30.
Outside of music, her philanthropic work through The Cuppy Foundation, she launched multiple hardship funds at her alma maters and was appointed the first-ever international ambassador for His Majesty King Charles III's - The King’s Trust.
In September, she reached a major milestone by moderating the opening session of this year’s United Nations General Assembly, positioning her at the forefront of global discussions on youth empowerment and sustainable development.
A historic role that positioned her at the forefront of global conversations on youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development. Her impact continues to grow, and her dedication to driving meaningful change has never been stronger.
DJ