Nigeria's Akin Akinsanya is the driving force behind Panla, a full service catering and events company that specializes in contemporary international cuisine. He's set up "Taste of Africa" as a networking series geared towards celebrating the best of Pan-African culture. Serving as your passport to an African experience in New York City, attendees will sample various traditional foods from all parts of Africa while DJs spin hits and classics spanning afrobeat, azonto, afro-aoul, highlife, makossa and more.

Participating restaurants/vendors include Panla (catering food from various parts of Africa including West Africa) Queen of Sheba (Ethiopian Restaurant), Madiba ( South African-inspired cuisine), Le Souk Harem (Moroccan/Mediterranean cuisine), New York's own Cake Man Raven (best red velvet cake you ever had). In addition to food, this installment of A Taste of Africa will feature performances by No Small Money (playing some classic highlife tunes), Perfecta Ekpo and a duet by Kaleta of Zozo Afrobeats and Onyinye.

Come get your share of jollof rice, yassa, suya, injera, missir wett, bobotie, couscous, moi moi, and much more! Panla will also be bringing African fashion into the mix as their hostesses will be wearing modern African designs as they interact with the guests. A portion of the proceeds for this installment of A Taste of Africa will benefit The Southern Sudan Initiatives.

WHEN: Thursday, November 15th from 6pm to 12am.

WHERE: Taj Lounge, 48 West 21st St between 5th & 6th Avenues