Patti Boulaye

Some of you will remember Patti Boulaye from the very successful African film “Bisi Daughter of the River.” Since then she has become a household name as a West End and Recording Star and as an illustrious international Actress with starring roles in Theatre, Films and TV. Patti is the Founder and President of her charity Support for Africa which aims to help educate and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and Malaria in Africa through building clinics all over the continent. Work is due to start soon on the third Aids Clinic in Ghana.

Patti is currently performing in SUN DANCE, a new musical written, produced and choreographed by her and directed by Dougie Squires. It centres on the sensitivity of the African woman and her progress through life from birth to death. It celebrates all aspects of nature and humanity - the many stages of life, the seasons that traverse the year, and the passage of day from dawn to dusk. Through the eyes of the spirit of African Woman set to wonderfully soul-stirring African song and dance, we witness both the amazing life and the cruel destruction of war.

For more information visit www.pbsundance.com or call the Box Office: 020 8985 2424

Question: You released an exciting gospel album recently titled “In His Kingdom”, which is tinged with highlife. Is your music taking a new direction?

Patti: No I have always had an African track but it depends on who you are working with at the time and what they want you to do. Now I am my own person and I can choose to do what I want.

Question: When did you come up with the idea about 'Sundance' and why is it so important to you?

Patti: I first had the idea about 10 years ago but it was only after seeing “Riverdance” that I finally got to do something about it. I want to do for Africa what “Riverdance” did for Ireland. African dance, traditions and culture have always been a hobby of mine for the last 30 years. With Sun Dance I want to create employment for African dancers and good PR for Africa as a whole.

Question: Support for Africa (SFA) is a charity that you have set up. It is a noble cause and lots of people may want to help. How can they get involved?

Patti: Support for Africa was set up at the end of 2000. At the time I was already involved in celebrity fundraising in support of other AIDS charities. I first heard about HIV in 1981 and got involved in 1982 when it started being linked to Africa. I knew that I had to do more when I met Victor at an orphanage in Abuja. Up until then I had always thought that you had to be an adult to get full blown AIDS, but when Victor died of the disease 2 weeks later he was only 1 year old. I was too late to help him but I realised that prevention is much better than the cure and we all need to do what we can to raise awareness. If you would like to find out more about becoming a sponsor or making a donation please click on the link below: http://www.supportforafrica.org/

Question: You are looking great. How have you managed to stay fit and trim and maintain your youthful exuberance?

Patti: The Lord satisfies my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like an Eagle.
Psalm 103 v 5

Patti also has a collection of her own paintings and designs her own range of jewellery. If you would like to find out more about her work or make an order please click on the link below: http://www.pattiboulaye.co.uk/