I Am African And I Can: Akin Akinsanya

A Taste of Africa for Your Taste Buds

Close your eyes and imagine being in a room flooded with plentiful, delicious, mouth-watering African cuisine. Now open your eyes. Voila, Panla! Akin Akinsanya brings you Panla, "a taste of Africa[n]" cuisine.

Panla, is a name of a fish in Yoruba. Born in Lagos, Nigeria Akinsanya has always been proud of where he came from, with a belief that we must celebrate ourselves if we want people to know who we are, and that "more people need to promote entrepreneurship and diversity."

Music, food, entertainment, and a diverse crowd jumbled in a room to celebrate African culture, is what Akinsanya had in mind when he initiated this food-tasting networking mixer, in 2008.

Akinsanya brings together some of New York City's finest African restaurants and uniquely, skilled chefs to ensure that those who attend the event get the best taste of Africa.

Senegalese, Nigerian, South African, Guinean, Ethiopian, Cameroonian, and Moroccan dishes had been served at past events, giving people "different tastes of Africa."

Actor and comedian Namo Skee shared that, "[Panla] has been the standout platform for Africans to showcase an aspect of their culture."

Because Akinsanya likes to bring people together for a good cause, a percentage of earnings goes to charity. Some of the not for profit organizations that the proceeds went to in the past are: The Children Cancer and Blood Foundation, The Kenyan Education Foundation, Southern Sudan Initiatives, Kechie Project and Kukindiho.

The next New York City African Restaurant Week (NYCARW), taking place from April 27 to May 4, is a bi-annual cultural evening event inviting people from all over to celebrate the best of African cuisine, wine, chefs, artisan, and restaurants across the city.

The NYCARW features various events at different venues across the city that showcase Africa as it relates to food, art, travel, fashion and more.

During this week, foodies, travelers, Afropolitans and more, purchase vouchers online or directly at the participating restaurants and are treated to some of the best African dishes served in NYC.

Those that come to this week-long event, will experience the culture from a different perspective. It is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to come and celebrate the best of African cuisine and culture.

As Akinsanya expressed, "come share the table and celebrate yourself." They will also know that they have been part of an endeavor that promotes diversity and partnership.

Food gives us a window into what a culture is like, and because of Akinsanya more people are being introduced to the beauty of African culture. He brings a taste of Africa to not just Africans, but to people who enjoy exploring and have an appreciation for good cuisine.