THIS is Refugee Week when we are asked to discover and celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to this country and the North East in particular.

It is the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Refugee Convention which gave international legal protection to those seeking refuge overseas from turmoil at home.

One positive contribution to North East culture by refugees is Karibu Musica, the region’s first Congolese rumba band.

Blending African and South American musical influences, and with an emphasis on dance, Congolese rumba is wholly at odds with the image of the Democratic Republic of Congo presented so often by the media.

Karibu Musica, whose core of North East musicians is bolstered by musical talent from London, will perform a gig at The Cluny, Newcastle, on Friday.

The band will be joined at the Ouseburn Valley venue by African DJs for a gig guaranteed to get the joint jumping. Tickets are £5. You can pay on the door or buy in advance by calling 0191 230 4474.

Friday will also see the launch of the Buddy Project which is designed to pair refugees who have artistic skills or aspirations with established arts professionals who will act as their mentors.

The Buddy Project has been conceived by Platforma, an arts and refugee network funded by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation.

A North East Platforma hub will also be launched on Friday at Dance City when the guest speaker will be Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah.

For details of all Refugee Week events, log on to www.interculturalarts.co.uk