JOLLOF rice piled high and served with a slice of wheaten is the ultimate African-Irish fusion for Jahswill Emmanuel, for whom even family mealtimes appear to be a naturally inclusive event.
The Nigerian-born organiser of Northern Ireland's first Multi-Ethnic Arts, Culture and Heritage Expo is "really, really" excited to be bringing the flavours, sights and colours of some 55 nationalities to Crumlin Road Gaol later this month.
And his favourite - traditional jollof rice, a type of spicy, tomato-based stew popular across west Africa - will definitely be on the menu, alongside rich international cuisine, art, dance, costume and sport in the all-day extravaganza headlined by hip hop artist, Jordan Adetunji.
A former Belfast City Council Volunteer of the Year (2017), Jahswill is chairman of Multi-Ethnic Sports and Cultures NI and has been planning the expo since 2016.
He has been working quietly behind the scenes, inspiring and invigorating numerous volunteers as well as participating artists, among them the Chinese tambourine dancers, African drummer Wilson Magwere – who was forced to flee Zimbabwe 10 years ago because of his music – Mexican dancers, Eritrean instrumentalists and singer and rapper, David Brown (Nxgen Music).
"Our aim is to embrace and promote cultural diversity and give everyone from every nationality here the opportunity to learn, appreciate and enjoy other cultures as well as showcasing their own heritage, sport and music," beams the multi-award-winning community activist.
Jahswill's "sense of belonging" in his much-loved, adopted home of Northern Ireland took a battering, though - along with a few bruises and a broken jaw – when in 2012 he was assaulted while working as a security guard in Belfast.
"It was a bit of a shock as I came to Northern Ireland at the invitation of a cousin in 2004 and found it a very welcoming and friendly place," he recalls.
"I had been living in London before then, where life was difficult - and very expensive - so coming to Belfast was an exciting new adventure. Even though the soldiers and tanks were still on the streets at that time and there were checkpoints everywhere, I found a warmth in the people.
"They would say 'hello' and would want to talk to you – unlike when I was in London."
Despite his experiences of racial discrimination he says he likes to take a balanced view: "I realise there are good and ignorant people everywhere - if you go to Africa, they can assault you there too. You can experience a racial attack anywhere in the world.
"That is why a festival like this is needed - we share our vision of inclusion with other people and show we care for people, wherever they come from, and that we respect their individuality, heritage and values."
Life has changed dramatically since Jahswill's arrival in Northern Ireland, including the shops.
"There weren't many cultures in Northern Ireland in 2004 and there wasn't even an African store - we had to go to the Asian shop to buy our food," he recalls.
"Now, there are numerous specialist grocery stores, restaurants and coffee shops... it all shows the growth of diversity here and that is such a wonderful thing.
"There are more than 55 different cultures in Northern Ireland today, so it is time to celebrate."
Married to Northern Ireland woman Jennifer, he is keen that his four children, aged from 13 to three, are familiar with his native culture and sees the upcoming ethnic arts, culture and heritage expo the perfect means of bringing a little of Nigeria to their Belfast front door.
"In Nigeria we didn't have good government and the situation was terrible and not getting any better; it was a hard life just to survive," he says, "but I still have family there and in 'normal' times – without Covid - I would travel back and visit.
"There has been no opportunity for my kids to go to Africa yet, but they can learn about the food and clothing from shops in Belfast now.
"It makes you believe this is home. I would really like people who come to this event to feel like they are part of one big, colourful, united community in Northern Ireland.
"It is good to let people know where we come from and that we are here, living together as one."
The Northern Ireland Multi-Ethnic Expo takes place at Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, on Saturday July 31. Tickets (www.eventbrite.co.uk) are free and numbers restricted due to Covid regulations.
