Big African stars grace Pauline Long's Fundraising birthday

2nd October 2008: Pauline Long, founder of Mr and Miss East Africa UK celebrated her birthday on 5th September at the exclusive D'eclipse Restaurant/club in London.

One of the special guests at the party was her close friend top African hiphop/rap star Emmanuel Jal. Among the acts on the night were Congolese star Blanchard Jean Azip aka Deplaizir, Kenyan singer Simba, Ugandan hiphop stars Dro and Nelly, hiphop/rap artists K-RIS and Paddy Lord.

The mother of two is constantly looking for ways of creating awareness for the plight of the African forgotten child and what better way to celebrate with her friends from the African entertainment and showbiz scene.

There was an exclusive dance performance by top London based hiphop dancers Phzcality and a fashion show by young designer Zaina Reich. The party which doubled as a thank you dinner for Mr and Miss East Africa UK 2008 contestants and team was hosted by award winning comedian Eddi Kadi and raised gifts for children including brand new books written by singer K-RIS and his younger brother Alexander, who is a talented poet.

Emmanuel made a generous donation of money to Rafiki Children's Orphanage in Kenya and offered for auction two brand new copies of his latest hit album 'Warchild'. Congolese star Blanchard offered several copies of his latest album "Plaisir Ya Trop!" (Pure Pleasure) to go on action in aid of East African children's charities.

When asked why she used her birthday to fundraise and create awareness for child poverty in Africa, Pauline revealed: "If there is a place I can find more than two people then I will use that opportunity to spread the word. I wanted my birthday to have a meaning and I wanted guests to give back to the children instead of giving me gifts. I would like to urge Africans to feel inspired and find ways of creating awareness for the plight of the forgotten child. Every single help or donation that is given goes a long way to make a difference. If you are doing your thing with clarity and enthusiasms whilst sharing your vision then the rest will fall in place. You will soon have disciples and I have my fans, friends and family to thank for all the support over the years."