Jack Sserunkuma has been telling stories since he learned to talk and performing since he took his first steps, writes Monica Sloan.

Growing up in tribal Uganda, he took on the role of family

storyteller from his grandmother.

In Ugandan culture, folk stories are used to teach children to be good members of society.

The 35-year-old writer, actor, poet and dancer moved to Headington, Oxford last year, leaving his wife and children behind while he completes a university diploma in community theatre.

In Oxford he has found the perfect opportunity to channel his gift for traditional African arts, by getting involved with Oxford Africa Week.

He is the spokesman for the festival, now in its third year, and will be telling folk stories and poems.

He is collecting some of his favourite tales for a book.

"I have stories about many things, famine, hunting, fishing, marriage, growing up, cooking. None of my brothers and sisters tell stories, only me. Now my daughter is a storyteller."

Before moving to Oxford, Jack visited Britain numerous times on performance tours.

He learned of the birth of his daughter last year while onstage, and only saw her for the first time when she was seven months old.

He has two other daughters and a son, and returns when he gets the chance.

"Uganda is a multi-cultural society, we have many tribes which represent the cultures of Africa. If you live in Uganda, it's like you live in the whole of Africa."

Oxford Africa Week was set up to promote awareness of African culture and has evolved into a major arts

festival, with 15 galleries and arts venues involved.

Shoppers will be treated to visual arts in the Westgate Centre all week, and there will be live music and arts and crafts for sale at Gloucester Green as part of the African Fair on June 21.

Another highlight is Adama Blayae at the Oxford Playhouse.

The 36-year-old from Senegal cannot read or write, but has a natural talent for drawing. A meeting with graphic artist Christine Lord encouraged his talent and the results are on show at the theatre in Beaumont Street until June 22.

For more details about

Oxford Africa Week, visit

www.smartarts.demon.co.uk/oxfordafricaweek or call 01865 302937.