issue 1 / July 2013
EDITORSNOTE Hi Readers! It’s finally here! After a long and sometimes bumpy ride, we’ve finally gone and done it. Welcome to 247livelistings.com a new online listings and lifestyle website and magazine that will give you regular up to date listings ranging from, gigs, , theatre, family, events, courses and much more all from an urban perspective. Each month we will give you a top quality lifestyle magazine. For our launch edition we have got exclusive interviews with award winning UK rapper Wretch 32, funny man Slim, Eastenders star Ricky Norwood Aka Fat Boy and A Tribe Called Quest’s DJ Ali Shaheed Mohammed. And that’s not all, we profile the excellent West End musical The Bodyguard and get cultured as we take a trip up to Stratford Upon Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and home and pay tribute to one of the most Iconic female tennis players of all time. Join me as each month I (bravely chart) my battle to lose the pounds in the coming months. But let me stop there and welcome you aboard, we truly hope it makes good reading. Lets us know what you think hit us up at Info@247livelistings.com
Michelle x
MEET THE TEAM THE TEAM BEHIND 24/7 LIVE MAGAZINE Gavin Peters Features Editor
Reanne Johnson News & Views
Andy Peters Sport and Fitness
Sola James Lifestyle & Travel
Nicole Robinson Beauty
Damien Brome Money & Finance
Mazel John Fashion
Jammz Designer
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32 RICKY NORWOOD - FROM E7 TO E20
36 24/7 LIVE INTERVIEWS ATCQS ALI SHAHEED MOHAMMED
38 24/7 LIVE INTERVIEWS WRETCH 32
42 ST KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
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24/7Fashion
FASHION
MUMS
By Mazel John
It’s officially summer. And this month we have decided to celebrate three inspirational women that we think are great mothers, mums to be and great fashion icons, Kris Jenner, Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Rochelle Humes. Our three muses have provided us with three looks; Kris Jenner is our Glam-Gran, Beyonce is our trendy everyday mum and Rochelle is our wonderful work-wear mum-to-be. We have chosen these looks because we think they are fun, fashionable and functional. Enjoy.
Get the “Work Friendly Mum-To-Be” Look Jacquard Peplum Top - Oasis - £18.00 Wanetta Asymmetric Skirt in Khaki - Missguided - £8.99 Nude Patent Slingback court Shoes - New Look - £19.00
Get the “Glamorous Gran” Look
Get the “Trendy New Mummy” Look
Blue Asymmetric Dress - Wallis - £40
Asos Glasses - £10
Concealed platform Court Shoes - Barret - £18.75
Cotrast Lapel Blazer - £45 Black Geo Print Slim Leg - £16.99
24/7NEWS OJ INSPIRES US TV DRAMA
50 CENT DISSES JAY Z
THE FORMER SPORTS STAR AND ACQUITTED MURDERER OJ SIMPSON IS TO HAVE IS TRIAL MADE INTO A US DRAMA SERIES.
50 Cent has been firing indirect shots at Jay Z in a veiled attack on the music moguls other ventures. According to the website TMZ, 50 threw shade at J Hova by saying that ‘rappers should never become sports agents ever, with one small ego centric exception”
American network Fox are said to be in talks to turn the trial in to a dramatised show based on the infamous and high profile trial of Simpson back in 1995.
Fiddy doesn’t call Jay out by name but when pressed he hinted heavily at who he was referring to. Jay’s sports agency, Roc Nation Sports is growing fast in the US, regularly signing big names in the world of baseball and NFL such as Robinson Canoe and NY Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
The series itself is said to loosely recreate the arrest, trial and controversial acquittal of Simpson following the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.
The exception that Fiddy was talking about was none other than himself! According to Fox, the series, it pledged, would boast, “the non-stop plot of a courtroom thriller” and present “the story of the trial as it has never been told”.
Simpson is currently serving a 33-year jail for fire armed-robbery and kidnap, having been convicted in 1998 having involvement in an armed raid on the Las Vegas hotel room of two sports memorabilia dealers. According to Fox, the series, it pledged, would boast, “the non-stop plot of a courtroom thriller” and present “the story of the trial as it has never been told”. COWBOYS WERE BLACK TOO! THE OSCAR AWARD WINNING FILM DJANGO UNCHAINED HAS REVEALED THAT THERE WERE IN FACT BLACK COWBOYS AROUND WHICH HOLLYWOOD WOULD RATHER COVER UP. The Quentin Tarantino western starring a black cowboy, Jamie Foxx depicts the complete opposite of the stereotypical image, which usually is of a gun-pointing, boot-wearing, white man - like Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. The vivid image which Hollywood would like to convey, only covers up the fact that actually a quarter of cowboys its been revealed were actually black. Jim Austin - a college-educated, 45-year-old businessman hadn’t heard about the black presence in the Old West. He set up the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, which pays tribute to some of the forgotten black cowboys - men like Bill Pickett, a champion 6
RIHANNA BANNED IN IRELAND According reports billboard posters to support Rihanna’s European leg of her sell out Diamonds Tour have been covered up with items of clothing to conceal the singer’s modesty in Ireland’s capital city Dublin. Several of the billboards have been covered with dresses stapled across the singers naked chest which conceal the topless photo used to promote her Unapologetic album and Diamonds tour. The deliberate customization of the billboards is also reminiscent of New Yorkers covering up an image of Beyoncé in a Bikini for H&M on bus stops around the city Rihanna’s world tour promotional images are no the first time the singer has angered residents of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In September 2011 the singer was banned from shooting her video We Found Love for going topless in a field. The Owner farmer Alan Graham stated that e thought the singer’s behavior was inappropriate. ASHLEY COLE THE RAPPER? Rumours are abound that Chelsea Midfielder Ashley Cole plans to create a UK based record label once he retires from football. A source close to the star said that Ashley has been seeking advice from Hip-hop legend Jay Z; he flew out to New York recently and met the Roc Nation founder for s private meeting. The defender spent an hour inside the Manhattan headquarters of the 99 Problems rapper’s Roc Nation empire after flying from Los Angeles to New York. Roc Nation manages Jay-Z himself, Rihanna, Willow Smith, Beyonce’s younger sister Solange Knowles and super producer Mark Ronson Cole is said to be keen to launch himself in the music business once his career as a footballer is over. It’s also thought that shrewd businessman and entrepreneur Jay-Z - real name Shawn Carter - is looking at ways to make money from football too so is sounding out Ashley on that score too.
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24/7BAROMETER
WHAT’S
HOT?
WIRELESS FESTIVAL 2013
FRANK OCEAN
BEVERLY KNIGHT
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA
KANYE WEST
CIARA
2 CHAINS
LAURYN HILL
LIL WAYNE
35-year-old rapper was the victim of an attempted car Jack and robbery in San Francisco, last month. Thankfully he cam away from the ordeal virtually unscathed.
The Multi Award winning singer songwriter has been sentenced to 3 months in prison for Tax Evasion.
The Young Money Impresario has been dropped by soft drinks giant Pepsi for his lyrics on the track, Karate Chop which has a crude reference to the murder of Emmett Till who aged just 14, was beaten to death by racists in 1955.
HALLE BERRY
Halle scored some major Mummy points with her daughter Nahla by appearing on Sesame Street earlier this year and announcing her second pregnancy at the ripe old age of 47!
WHAT’S
NOT?
With a line up that includes Jay Z, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Rita, Ora, Emelie Sande Snoop Dog and Justin Timberlake. This year’s festival is looking like the best one yet.
The 90’s UK R&b songstress has won her first West End lead as in September she takes over the role of Rachel Marron from US star Heather Headley in the hit musical The BodyGuard
Canadian Model Leyla Ghobadi has alleged that the she has been regularly sleeping with the Yesus rapper behind the back of a heavily pregnant Kim K.
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The Thinking About You singer has recently landed a modelling gig with Los Angeles Based clothing line Band of Outsiders
Nene, Kandi, Phaedra and Co are currently the highest watched ‘Housewives’ in Bravo TV’s Real Housewives Franchise
The Body Part singer was recently served with legal papers right in the middle of a live show for allegedly bailing on performance scheduled at the popular West Hollywood Nightspot The Factory.
24/7GOSSIP ally get rid of you!’ I have three kids and two great dads and it’s not always easy, but you have to try to be a little selfless and we manage just fine.’ Though Kimora was recently linked with heavyweight boxer Malik ‘King’ Scott, she says now: ‘I’m not with anyone at the moment – it’s just my kids and their two dads BEYONCÉ’S UK TOUR RAKES IN £6.2 MILLION
As a thank you to her dancers and staff the Bow Down singer treated them all to a party worth £17,000, splashing out on alcohol at a swanky East London Hotel. According to a source Bey wanted to personally say thank you to all the crew, staff and everyone else involved, who helped make her shows a run away success. Beyonce is currently embarking on the US leg of her world tour.
Reservoir claims it’s the sole owner of the songs in question acquiring the music rights in 2012 and it never gave Craze permission to sell the music. Reservoir wants a judge to block Craze from peddling any more of Aaliyah music.
BEYONCÉ HAS raked in a massive £6.2million from her London shows alone, according to the latest box office figures. The singer who toured the UK in the spring with the brilliant Mrs. Carter Show performed to an estimated 97,000 fans whilst in the UK.
Reservoir Media Management filed the lawsuit against a company called Craze Productions, claiming Craze has been illegally selling songs from Aaliyah’s double-platinum albums Aaliyah and One in a Million on iTunes.
TAX PROBLEMS FOR JERMAINE DUPRI According to reports So So Def founder and award winning music producer Jermaine Dupri is the latest celebrity to be currently being investigated by the IRS for tax evasion. Allegedly from 2008 – 2010 Janet Jackson’s former beau, didn’t pay any tax, which investigators say totalled a whopping 800,000 dollars. He is the latest in a long line of celebrities who have been investigated and subsequently charged for the offence. The gossip website TMZ has reported that a number of rappers and actors have been singled out for examination of their books including Lauryn Hill, Wesley Snipes, Fat Joe, Chris Tucker all of which have either been found guilty and served jail time or are currently having their accounts screened by the US government agency .
VENUS TAKES HER EYE OF THE PRIZE AS SHE LOCKS LIPS WITH HER SEXY CUBAN MODEL BOYFRIEND Tennis ace Venus Williams seemed somewhat distracted by the presence of her boyfriend Elio Pis as he joined her on court in Miami, when she and her sister Serena recently competing in the 2013 Sony Open. Elio was pictured watching his girlfriend from the grand stands as she played. Venus was eventually eliminated in the tournament after losing to Germany’s Angelique Kerber. She was also eliminated with younger sister Serena in the doubles competition The former Wimbledon champion has been dating the 24-year-old model since last year.
CHILDREN COME FIRST Newly single Model/ Fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons reveals she is putting her love life on hold to raise her children. In a exclusive interview with The Daily Mail, the fashion icon admitted candidly ‘‘Relationships do change throughout the course of your life and I always think in terms of relationships changing and evolving rather than starting and stopping”. ‘Kids never go away from your life and if you’ve been married, that person probably never goes away either. You never get rid of anyone and,’ she laughs, ‘they never re-
The model has also worked with Venus on her athletic line, EleVen and the pair recently posed together for her website, showing off her ready-to-wear tennis apparel.
AALIYAH: PUBLISHERS ARE STILL FIGHTING OVER THE RIGHTS TO HER SONGS. A music publisher is suing a record company over the rights to Aaliyah’s songs some 12 years after the Four Page Letter singers death. According the celebrity website TMZ.com 9
The 6’1 hunk has also been featured in French Vogue with Brooke Shields and has modeled for Russell Simmons’s clothing line. Like Venus, Elio also lives in Florida after moving from his native Cuba. According to his Facebook page, Elio describes himself as a ‘Constant thinker, realist and optimistic.
IMAGEGALLERY
Creative OR CRAZY? SUBJECTS: NICKI MINAJ VS LADY GAGA
By Gavin Peters
Undoubtedly two of the greatest pop icons around, Here at 24/7 Live we have devised this gallery to determine whether the styles of these two women are either creative or crazy. Both women, who have different styles and genres of music, do not seem to shy away from their appearances at all. We will let you guys decide which looks look great and which looks just look blooming awful!
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1/ Gaga sporting an Inside out skeletal-zombie look 2/ Nicki’s contrasting look 3/ Bloody queen 4/ Leopard boss 5/ Meat couture 6/ Sultress 7/ White cloud 8/ Muzzled confusion of colour 9/ Ghetto Red riding hood 10/ Classic look 11/ Shameless Opinion 12/ Tropical look 13/ Exaggerated Nun 14/ Satanical coutoure 15/ Poker faced 16/ Ghetto fabulous 17/ The Monroe 18/ The Black widow
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24/7BEAUTY By Nicole Robinson
It seems like winter has just been dragging on. Even though it may be hard to believe that summer is upon us. Here at 24/7 live, we will give you the heads up on how to look beautiful and at your best whatever the weather...
LADIES
HAIR/ MIXED CHICKS LEAVE IN CONDITIONER 300ML PRICE: FROM £10.95
FACE/ IMAN STICK FOUNDATION PRICE FROM £15.00
Whether you’re Black, White, Asian, Latin, Mediterranean you will love this if you have curly hair. A curl defining leave-in conditioner, it penetrates the hair shaft, conditioning as it smoothes the follicle. Non-sticky and lightweight, as well as alcohol free. Mixed Chicks leaves hair inviting to touch as it defines and locks moisture into every curl.
The NEW Iman Second to None Stick Foundation offers the customer a blend of 14 oil-free, true to you shades in Sand, Clay and Earth. It guarantees a naturally seamless match and texture which is the next best thing to wearing nothing. Silicone based formula infused with Jojoba and the antioxidant power of Vitamins A, C and E
BODY/ MOLTON BROWN ULTRASMOOTH COCO DE MER DUO (SHOWER GEL & BODY LOTION) PRICE: FROM £35.00 London via Barbados. Start your skincare regime with this sensuous Ultrasmooth Coco De Mer shower gel from Molton Brown. Infused with a gorgeous blend of coconut and honey extracts that nourish and moisturise whilst leaving skin smelling amazing. Created to produce a light foam that glides all over leaving skin smooth and soft. Afterwards, when clean and dry, apply Molton Brown’s Coco De Mer Body Lotion to allow open pores to absorb the nutrients to leave skin super soft and radiant. With a lightweight consistency that glides onto skin to hydrate and leave skin looking amazing.
EYES/ IMAN LUXURY EYE DEFINING POWDER PRICE: FROM £11.00
WILD ROSE 24-HOUR MOISTURISER SPF6 40ML PRICE: FROM £20.00
Versatile pearlescent powder with sponge tip applicator, can be worn close to the lashes as smoky or shimmering eyeliner; or blended on the eyelids and brown bone as a smudgy eye shadow with subtle glimmer.
This light, natural moisturiser contains a potent source of vitamin C, which helps to repair fine lines and skin discolouration. Clinically proven to provide 24-hour hydration, this cream has a fabulous texture that leaves the skin soft and protected. Suitable for normal to dry skin.
MEN
BODY/ LAB SERIES ACTIVE EXFOLIATING BODY WASH 200ML
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There is nothing worse than having dull and deflated skin, especially with the cold weather conditions- give your body a revive and exfoliate with this great product. Exfoliating body wash, formulated with electrolytes, refreshes, recharges and renews skins appearance. Contains Electrolytes, which are vital minerals needed to help keep skin hydrated and healthy-looking. This quick lathering gel cleans and energises with a fresh invigorating scent. The dual exfoliating system promotes the cell renewal process for smoother, clearer, more even-toned complexion.
HAIR/ KERASTASE HOMME CAPITAL FORCE ANTI DANDRUFF SHAMPOO (250ML) PRICE: FROM £12.00 Reduce visible dandruff with the help of Kérastase Homme Capital Force AntiDandruff Shampoo. Improve the look and feel of your hair and scalp’s vitality . The Shampoo, is formulated using System Taurine – a complex that’s specifically designed to restore vitality, fortify and strengthen the hair fibre and add body to thinning hair. Leaves hair feeling fresh and clean, with a reduction of visible flakes.
FACE/ ANTHONY LOGISTICS FOR MEN: INGROWN HAIR TREATMENT 70GM A gel complex of Glycolic, Salicylic and Phytic acids gently removes dead skin, helps fight bacteria and frees the hair. Moisturising, not drying. Willow herb and Lavender soothe and calm the skin. These help prevent ingrown hairs.
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24/7GADGETS By Gavin Peters 24/7Live gadgets will take a look into the world of technology. Offering you a real insight into everything new and happening which we think you should keep an eye out for. This month we take a peek into the world of tablets...
alike and can be enjoyed by all ages as it is relatively easy to use. Key Features: * 1.2 GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM * 8 GB on-device memory * 9hrs of battery life * Hand held size * No set up required * Ultra fast page loading 24/7 Rating: 3.5/5 Key features * Fast 1.0GHz dual core processor to make sure that it delivers top performance and outstanding usability * 1024 x 600 (WSVGA) Display Resolution –
sion of their iPad creation, the iPad mini. It really is “Every inch an iPad.” The makers say despite the size difference, Apple has not really compromised much in terms of overall performance from the iPad itself. Its still remains powerful. Key Features * 7.9inch display with HD LED backlit display * Thinner and lighter design (7.2mm thinner than and 53% lighter the iPad.) * A5 CHIP for faster and more fluid powerful performance * 10hrs of battery life * 1080p HD screen and 5-megapixel camera 24/7 Rating: 4.5/5
GALAXY TAB 2 7.0 WI-FI PRICE: FROM £159.00 One thing Samsung has continued to do with its android tablets in recent years, has been able to keep their products easy and relatively accessible for all. This Samsung does not disappoint. Samsung has made their 7in tablet worthwhile whereas other brands have failed and for this reason they have won us over with their brand. Bearing in mind the size of the tablet it still offers a solid performance. Key features * Fast 1.0GHz dual core processor to make sure that it delivers top performance and outstanding usability * 1024 x 600 (WSVGA) Display Resolution – high quality pictures and video * Slim and light design 24/7 Rating: 3.5/5
GOOGLE: NEXUS 7 PRICE: FROM £159.00 Apart from being very light and portable the Nexus 7 is packed with lots of great components to make it a reliable tablet. The tablet bares a solid HD screen along with a 1.2 megapixel camera. Packed with a powerful quad core processor it offers great results along with its stunning display. This Nexus is also ideal for gamingand its contents support amazing game play. Key Features * Thin and light- pocket-sized * Powerful quad-core processor with HD display * Up to 10hrs of web browsing 24/7 Rating: 3/5
KINDLE FIRE TABLET PRICE FROM: £129.00 The new edition to the Kindle fire, is the adapted version the Fire. The makers of Amazon have not failed to impress with this fabulously designed tablet. Not only does it have a fast processor, it also excels on the visual side too. It can be used to read novels, for gaming and browsing
MICROSOFT SURFACE RT PRICE: FROM £399.00 Having revolutionised computing systems Microsoft has come along way, and has remained competitive by launching their Surface RT tablet. The overall design has been crafted with upmost precision, and has a screen which has Anti-fingerprint coating helps keeps Surface looking flawless. Equipped with a powerful NVIDIA Tegra T30 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, it’s capable of handle multi tasking whilst using minimal power even when you are playing music or video content. You can also enjoy a complete hands-free entertainment experience, whether you are watching a film, or holding a conversation on Skype. Key Features * 10.6inch screen with 16.9 clear HD display * 5pt. multi touch * Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3, 2GB RAM * Two 720p HD LifeCams, front- and rearfacing, Two microphones, Stereo speakers * Pre installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT
APPLE: IPAD MINI PRICE: FROM £269
24/7 Rating: 4/5
On the back of success of the original Apple iPad, Apple have gone one better and launched their new smaller, compact ver14
ACER ICONIA A PRICE: FROM £99.00 For those who are not tablet savvy, this platform would be a good first tablet. With its basic easy to use screen and in built applications. The Android™ operating system puts everything you need for searching, communicating, travelling, shopping and more in the palm of your hand. Key Features * large screen with HDMI and Full HD display * File transfer is handled by the MicroSD card slot * The ICONIA A Series packs tablet-optimized Polaris™ Office1 for improved reading and even editing of Microsoft® Office documents 24/7 Rating: 2.5/5
BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK PRICE: FROM £129.00 The playbook with its super fast network connectivity, can access internet through Wi-Fi- or alternatively through it remarkable syncing system where it can work through the Blackberry phone. You can also BBM on the playbook. Communication and face time is also a great feature the device delivers powerful performance in an ultra-portable design. Key Features: * 7LCD display / 1020x600 resolution * 169 pixels per inch * ARM Cortex A9 processor * Apps available from Blackberry App World * 1080p HD / front and back camera (3mp/5mp) 24/7 Rating: 4/5
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24/7CAREERS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A...HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR SALESMAN. NAME: JAMES ING, AGE: 31, PROFESSION: HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR SALESMAN LOCATION: LONDON, SALARY: Varies By Gavin Peters
Not everyone can say that they work in a profession that offers them their dream job. Very few can boast of a position that involves meeting the rich and famous, travelling to exotic destinations and driving in some of the world’s most expensive motoring machines. Well step forward, High Performance car salesman James Ing. He spoke exclusively to 24/7 Livelistings.com about his role in one of the most sought after jobs in the motoring Industry. HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE JOB? I finished university and I started applying for motor sales jobs and jobs in showrooms, but I kept getting rejected. Luckily I had a friend who worked at an established dealership and he got me an interview with the same company, they liked me and offered me a job at that showroom. WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY CONSIST OF? Everyday at the dealership is different and it all depends on who walks through the door because the client base is ever changing. You can have extremely quiet periods depending on the season or other times when you literally don’t stop from the moment you arrive. WHAT ARE THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE JOB THE JOB? The highs are meeting interesting clients and getting to see first hand all the new products and models of high performance cars. Also being the first to drive such cars. The Lows? well obviously you get downsides where you can have problems/issues and the mundane things such as paperwork which I hate, but you have got to do it to make sure every client is
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HAVE YOU DONE ANYTHING UNUSAL OR BEEN ANYWHERE NICE WITH JOB? I have been overseas to handover of cars and have been invited to lots of track events. I go to the most amazing houses of some our wealthy clients. Whenever we do an event its always in the best hotels or fanciest bars in London I have travelled to Italy a few times to hand cars over and flown to many countries in Europe to test drive high performance cars on some of the best racing tracks in the world. It’s an amazing experience as it’s a few days out of the office. You get to meet other sales people from all over the world. We go to dinner, socialise and then test drive the cars on unknown European roads and then on the tracks as well. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTO HIGH PERFORMANCE CARS? Since I was a child I was always interested in fast, high performance cars. My parents could never afford really expensive cars that I dreamed about. I was a little car snob. Even when I was at uni I would always be reading car magazines and seeing what the latest cars were and looking out for them. WHAT KIND OF CARS ARE YOU INTO? I was always into Italian manufacturer’s like- Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maseratis - extreme performance models, apart from them I am a huge fan of Range Rovers. ARE YOU NOT INTO LOWER RANGE CARS? No I had enough of them when I was younger, they’re absolutely fine, but for me they are just not exciting enough to drive or look at. It does not give me the same buzz. In a ‘normal’ car its just a ‘normal’ driving experience whereas in a high performance car the experience starts as soon as you start the engine. THROUGH YOUR LINE OF WORK HAVE YOU MET ANYONE FAMOUS? I’ve met some famous people but not just from the media or public eye- heads of large companies and most clients if you Google them you could recognise they are successful but immediately you could know exactly who they are- its such a variety of people. Footballers, celebrity chefs, famous inventors, heads of large banks etc. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO THIS PROFESSION? Don’t loose faith as typically in most jobs you have to work your way up. I worked with a German dealer and in time was able to push forward and go to the brand I wished to work for. On occasions when people left the company especially internally you could transfer up once you had the interview, and that’s how it’s worked out for me. There are highs and lows along the way. it’s a very competitive industry and the pay can fluctuate enormously depending on the economy but it is a very enjoyable job to be in.
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24/7MONEYWISE VIVA LA REVOLUTION!
By Damien Brome
Much like the decline of the dinosaurs, the high street flagships that dominated town centres across the nation; Woolworths, Jessops, Blockbusters - and now HMV - are falling into extinction. Life and business often share similar traits – companies are born, grow large and sometimes, get sick. The death of a staple HMV was indeed tragic – a much loved institution folding risks the livelihoods of thousands of hard working people. However, the groans of anguish from the City are not as loud as some may expect. The decline of the high street was seen as a long time coming by the more eagle-eyed analysts. The high street is a Twentieth Century symbol of the nation’s economic health. How well the high street fares during periods of economic weakness is often the nation’s barometer for the growth of the economy and a soothsayer as to whether Gross Domestic Product (or GDP) is increasing or shrinking.
shopping giants like Amazon.com are coming to the fore. Shoppers are increasingly moving online and the footfall into shops is suffering. Internet consumer activity has increased and took more than 10% of all the shopping performed across December 2012.
If Joe Average is shopping with wild abandon, that means we as a nation have the cash – or credit – to do so. Money in our pockets means jobs are in abundance. An abundance of jobs indicates that businesses are making money and have the funds to expand their operations and employ more people.
Secondly, innovators and early adopters flourish alongside bursts of advancement in technology, whilst the non-believers suffer. Not investing in similar technology fast enough often means that the core products of a once profitable business are suddenly rendered obsolete.
If this money-go-round is functioning, then in theory the economy is smiling; we are all gainfully employed and business is booming. Now, a couple of significant factors have altered the relationship between customer and retailer. Firstly, how we shop has changed drastically. Although net retail revenues may be lower than say, three years ago people are still shopping. It’s just no longer happening physically.
HMV did not follow the movement away from physical CD and DVD purchases. The reality now is that phones physically smaller than DVDs can be used to play the same films, at a fraction of the price. In 2012, downloads accounted for more than 55.5% of music singles sold. Jessops also didn’t see the big picture (ahem) and
Viva la (r)evolution as the internet is now officially king, and new 18
“Their lack of investment in order to jump onto media streaming via the internet was the final nail in the coffin. ”
There is a historical element to this change. The daily town market was largely phased out by the emergence of the twentieth century high street. The high street came under pressure from the cheaper out of town superstores and the online propositions. The end result may well be a restructure of the high street to cater for the things we cannot yet experience via the web; perhaps a move to a more European-style environment where a cultural taste for coffee will see bistros dominating the space left by the dead shops? Looking at the evolving high street, it appears that there may be a few more casualties before 2013 is through. There is a sneaking suspicion that Argos’ operations need to become more internetbased to compete with more established .com providers. RIM has been panicking about the limited nature of its BlackBerry operating platform in comparison to Samsung’s and Apple’s offerings since 2011 and need to produce a slicker offering which can compete with the GalaxyS3 and iPhone5.
realise that cameras incorporated into mobile phones would replace the need for people to buy cameras to capture memories and events. The decline of Blockbuster embodies both of these arguments. The entertainment provider did not move their service to a more sophisticated distribution model, where films could be delivered to customers’ doors.
Revolution it may well have been, but the evolution of the high street may not finish for some time to come.
It was a trick missed as they did not spot that due to the likes of LoveFilm and Netflix, the discerning DVD watcher no longer had to leave home to receive their pizza and movie. Their lack of investment in order to jump onto media streaming via the internet was the final nail in the coffin.
Damien Brome is a strategy consultant by trade and has been trying to fix financial institutions for over ten years, wisely focussing his efforts on investment banks. Damien started his career in corporate law but decided to try his hand at banking and then consultancy, as he felt being a lawyer did not get him close enough to the guts of a very bloody industry… Damien is currently working for a global investment bank and is executing a number of Risk and Operations-based initiatives on their behalf. A keen writer, he has previously dabbled with blogs which cast a keen eye
The real tragedy is that the online revolution was televised, but the likes of Blockbuster and Jessops didn’t take it seriously. Internet shopping is no secret – so how did they miss it? Over the last five years, the high street giants watched the young pretenders - Amazon, ASOS, Netflix - talk a good game, but did not believe the hype would amount to anything. A few years earlier, at the turn of the 21st century, the financial markets experienced the popping of the .com ”bubble”. Woolworths and the knights of the old order chuckled, believing that they had been right all along; that internet retailing was a misguided fad. What they failed to notice was the regrouping of .com propositions, coupled with the advancement of technologies.
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over the world of finance. He is currently writing a novel based on the City and its deal making shenanigans. He is also the director of a startup and is experiencing the thrills and spills of giving birth to his own corporate monster. Damien lives in North-West London with his partner and their sons and is suffering the daily agony of the Insanity workout programme so he can discover the ripped athlete he has always suspected resides within him, but has never been introduced to formally.
24/7ENTERTAINMENT BUBBLINGUNDER
247MUSIC
INTRODUCING KIERAN ALLEYNE
REVIEW
With slick vocals and unmeasurable talent Kieran Alleyne is what the UK music scene has been waiting for. Performing since 2009 he hit the West End stage staring in Thriller, where at just thirteen years old he played a young Michael Jackson.
By Gavin Peters
Marked as Britain’s very own Chris Brown, Kieran is the ultimate pop star. Not only does he have the look, he has the voice, the moves and the star quality. His sound is fresh and his energy infectious. Appearing as a guest presenter for the CBBC’s Friday Download recently he is also set to grace our screens in the new series of Dani’s Castle with Dani Harmer. Keiran is already building a die-hard fan base and a loyal following. Having studied Dance, his interactive online videos teach his fans his routines and show his cheeky and endearing personality. Already melting the hearts of anyone who discovers his music and recently covering Rihanna’s ‘Stay’ he is quickly becoming and online success. At just the very beginning of his career and with the music industry’s eyes locked on to his moves, Kieran Alleyne is set for worldwide success.
**LIVE** - Syleena Johnson @ Jazz Café Undoubtedly one of the most underrated artists emerge from the r&b scene the soulful songress, Syleena Johnson- graced the stage last night (30 March 2013) at London’s prestigious Jazz Café. The intimate, yet packed out venue was the perfect setting for you to get up close and personal with the beautiful Illinois native. Syleena herself who graced the stage wearing black fitted top and tiger printed silk leggings, topped off with diamond incrusted stiletto boots looked stunning. She opened the show with a very confident “Time to show London town what this divas made of.” To the amusement of the excited crowd. The show itself featured slow and fast tempo classics for the songstress, which included All falls down -the Kanye West collabo, Guess What, Hypnotic, I am your woman and A Boss. Her performance was melodic throughout, and her soulful voice was captivating to the ear. The soft tones and raspy falsetto complement each other- and in turn she delivered an effortless performance.
LINKS Mid way through the show she offered the audience a chance to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ choose the choice of song she should sing, to which the crowd kieranalleyne was screamed a stream of song titles. She would then sing short Twitter https://twitter.com/KieranAOfficial snippets of each song choice. YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/ KieranAlleyne Johnson, fully interacted with the audience throughout, with short ad libs and humorous conversation in between songs. She joked about why she wrote particular songs and the men who inspired her to write them, some of which are ‘no longer in her life.’ At one point she even said to the audience that if I boring you, ‘please let this bitch know, and ill go up-tempo,’ to the audience amusement. All in all the night was very good, her voice excelled on so many levels, and her voice delivered. Rating: 4/5
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247REVIEWS DANCE/PERFORMANCE
Rating 3.5/5
CINEMA
THE JUMPOFF The Jumpoff is a fortnightly show infusing music, urban fashion and the arts forming London’s urban youth culture. The event features the best of aspiring local talent competing in Live Model Shoots, Comedy, Rap, Dance and Producer Battles for cash prizes and most importantly bragging rights. Previous shows have had some the industries finest UK stars such as Labrinth, MR Hudson and Diversity. Date: Monday 11th March-2 September 2013 Price: from £8.00 Time: Doors open 8pm Venue: Scala 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N19NL London Tel: 020 7833 2022
WORLD WAR Z MAN OF STEEL One of this summers most highly anticipated film; Man of Steel hits our silver screen. Clark Kent (Henry Cavill). The young journalist is on a mission. Having been exiled from his dying planet, Clark must decide whether he will protect his new home of Earth, using his out –ofthis-world powers to protect it from the enemies of his native home who are out to get him.
World War Z is an action-packed thriller featuring Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt). Gerry and his family are become caught up in chaos when a zombie pandemic wreaks havoc on planet Earth. As governments topple and armies are beaten, no one appears to be able to tackle the creatures who threaten life as we know it. Lane is forced to take on the challenge himself, racing round the world against the clock in search of a solution that could save mankind. Rating: 4/5
Rating 4/5
THEATRE
SNITCH
THE BODYGUARD MUSICAL Based on the hit movie, featuring the late Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, this new adaptation now plays in the heart of London’s West End. The story itself sees the rising pop singer Rachel life come under threat from an unsuspecting and obsessive stalker. Former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love... Date: currently showing till September 2013 Price: from £20.00 Time: Doors open 8pm Venue: Adelphi Theatre, The Strand, London WC2R 0NS Tel: 0844 579 0094
DESPICABLE ME 2 Despicable Me 2 is the follow to the original hit film. Featuring some of those familiar faces we see Gru (Steve Carell), the softer side of him can be seen as he continues to bring up his orphans. However when he recruited by an anti villain league, to help them defeat a new villain with his knowledge he is more than willing to assist as this means he can get his hands on a stash of amazing new weapons to his delight, what could possibly go wrong? This animated sequel is even more stunning in 3D. Definitely a must see for the kids!!! Rating 3.5/5
Snitch is a rollercoaster thriller starring John Matthews (Dwayne Johnson) is a loving father. When his son is picked up as part of a drugs sting, things don’t look good and the US Attorney (Susan Sarandon) warns them that unless the boy is willing to help convict the real perpetrators he will go to jail for a minimum of 10 years. Instead of putting his son in the line of fire, Matthews offers to go undercover himself, putting his own life at risk. Rating: 4/5
$100 million with his gang, now scattered across the globe, and is set to enlist him and his team of drivers on a mission that will wipe their criminal records clean and allow them to go and rejoin their families. But first there’s some globetrotting and a very important appointment in London. Rating: 4/5 AFTER EARTH After Earth sees father and son Will and Jaden Smith reinvent their real-life roles on the big screen. A father and child are forced to make an emergency landing on planet Earth, despite it being evacuated by mankind a millennium before. Cypher (Will Smith) is seriously injured in the crash, young Kitai (Jaden Smith) is forced to venture out into this perilous and unfamiliar world to send the signal that is his father’s only hope. Rating: 3.5/5
THE HANG OVER PART 3 The Hangover Part III reunites the original cast and director for one final episode of disastrous goings-on. The gang are back in Las Vegas, determined not to repeat the mistakes of last time. Before long they are embroiled in serious crime, are investing in giraffes and are generally up to their ears in trouble, some of it life-threatening. The Hangover Part III draws close the final chapter in this crazy saga.
STAR TREK - INTO THE DARKNESS
THE GREAT GATSBY The Great Gatsby is the Fitzgerald-like adaptation of the novel. Would-be writer Nick Carraway leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy, and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles. Rating 3.5/5
Rating 3.5/5
EPIC
FAST AND FURIOUS 6 Fast and Furious 6 is the next installment in this adrenaline-soaked escapade and thrilled action. Agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) has tracked down Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), last seen stealing
Epic is a dizzyingly beautiful 3D animation with an amazing cast from the makers of Ice Age and Rio. Mary Katharine (Amanda Seyfried) is the daughter of a professor studying nature deep in the forest. One day, when he doesn’t come back, she goes in search of him and is caught in a leaf shower that magically changes her. Now she’s smaller than most woodland creatures, she’s recruited by a band of tiny warriors in a battle to save their world from evil forces. Rating: 3/5
Star Trek Into Darkness is the latest, darkest installment of Sci-fi classic. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) leads his crew back to Earth only to find an insider has gone on a spree of destruction that has left his world in ruins. He goes on a quest to rid of the violence that has ravaged the earth and get his revenge on the man who has ripped away everything he cherished. Rating: 3/5
247REVIEWS CONCERTS
SINGLES/RELEASES BEYONCE - THE MRS CARTER WORLD TOUR To some people she may in fact be a ‘Child of Destiny’, to others she is a performer, singer, wife and mother, but to all her fans she is the global singing sensation and Icon that is Beyonce. Having released four albums to date, her debut album Dangerously in Love which featured a collaboration with Husband and music mogul Jay Z. The albums followed were, B’day , I am... Sacha Fierce and most recently 4. The concert from start to finish was full of energy. Mrs Carter emerged up from the stage in bellowing mist and pyrotechnics lighting.
BRUNO MARS - TREASURE
NAUGHTY BOY FT SAM SMITH - LA LA LA This infectious and catchy song is probably one of the most liked songs of this summer. With the smooth vocals of Sam Smith on the track only compliments ‘La La La’ nicely. This Song is definitely set to do big things in the charts.
Treasure is another classic tune from the talented and incomparable Mars. The song itself has a classic old school RnB sound to it, which Mars sings so well too. This track is definitely a pleaser which all would like. Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5
Often talking to the crowd, Mrs Carter excited the masses from the moment she started singing to interludes of her music. Working the stage she does, often to my amazement prancing across the stage in heels which should not moving around in.
ROBBIE WILLIAM AND DIZZEE RASCAL - GOING CRAZY
Several costume changes throughout the show, each time out doing the last to a stunning Mrs Carter. The only real criticism i would say is it would have been even greater had she sang old songs from her back catalogue - iespite this the show exceed all expectations. This was the first time i had seen Beyonce perform and it was fair to say that it was an amazing experience by arguably one of the greatest artists of all time. definatelty a must see for all! Rating: 4/5
Not the most obvious collaboration Robbie William teams up with grime MC Dizzee Rascal. The track itself is catchy; Dizzee adds another dimension to the track which I think would otherwise make the track dull. ROBIN THICKE FT TI AND PHARRELL WILLIAMS - BLURRED LINES The RnB crooner that is Robin Thicke is probably one of the most underrated artists in his field. This infectious track will have you moving as it infectious beat will take over your body. Teaming up with TI and Pharrell, definitely do add another dimension to the track. Blurred lines is one for the music collection. Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 2.5
MARIAH CAREY FT MIGUEL - BEAUTIFUL Mariah teams up with man of the moment Adorn singer Miguel to produce this retro sounding RnB track. The song itself shows the smooth sound of Miguel like we know it, and Mariah as usual adds a sultry tones to the track- their voices compliment each other to produce this great track. Rating: 4 /5
KANYE WEST YEEZUS Arguably one of the most outspoken and controversial rappers around, Kanye West releases his sixth studio album provocatively titled; Yeezus The album itself is a plethora of genres new wave, punk, rock and hip-hop. The album does not boast the usual full on raps we are used to of yeezy- so be prepared for something different. The album is multi layered, and does not lack Wests plain mad humour at all aspects of his life. The LP features guests such as Frank Ocean and Kid Cudi to name but a few. What more or less can we expect from Kanye himself, one thing for sure this LP will undoubtedly be one, if not the most scrutinized hip-hop albums of this year! Tracklist for Yeezus
ANGEL - THE WORLD Still one of the UKs most underrated artists, Angel delivers yet another decent track. The up-tempo track I sure will appeal to a wider audience not just within the urban market, as it has a house feeling foot tapping beat. The track I feel though lacks something… Rating: 3/5
RIHANNA - POUR IT UP The princess of Roc Nation, Rihanna returns with yet another banger. This latest single is far grittier and urban then her usual commercial sounding ‘ish. Rating: 4/5
1. On Site 2. Black Skinhead 3. I Am God feat. God 4. New Slaves feat. Frank Ocean 5. Hold My Liqour feat. Chief Keef & Justin Vernon 6. I’m In It 7. Blood On The Leaves 8. Guilt Trip feat. Kid Cudi 9. Send It Up feat. King L 10. Bound 2 feat. Charlie Wilson
DAFT PUNK - RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES Having been out of the spotlight for the past eight years the French duo ‘Daft Punk’ have been hard at working making this creative retro sounding album Random Access Memories. The LP itself demonstrates how creative the duo are- the album must be given credit as they have not tired to sound like anything out there at present but have their own unique sounds which is refreshing. Collaborations to name a few include producer Pharrell Williams who features on their summer hit ‘Get Lucky. With over 72 minutes of creative melodic retro soul sounds, the album is sleek and a credit to itself. Rating: 4/5 The 20/20 Experience track list: 01. Give Life Back to Music feat. Nile Rodgers 02. The Game of Love 03. Giorgio by Moroder 04. Within 05. Instant Crush feat Julian Casablancas 06. Lose Yourself to Dance feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers 07. Touch feat. Paul Williams 08. Get Lucky feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers 09. Beyond 10. Motherboard 11. Fragments of Time feat. Todd Edwards 12. Doin’ It Right feat. Panda Bear
24/7COMEDY An Afternoon with...
SLIM THE COMEDIAN By Michelle Martin There are very few Stand Up comedians that do exactly what it says on the tin. Comedians that make you truly laugh out loud, not just a polite smile or giggle but a serious belly laugh that has you laughing so hard your chest hurts or until you are wiping tears away every time you see them perform live. One such comedian is award winning funny man known simply as Slim. He’s the man that can find the funny iin almost every aspect of life. A South London native, Slim has been a veteran on the comedy scene for over 20 years. Having performed extensively across the UK, USA, Europe and the Caribbean he is a multi award winning comic having being voted best Urban Male Comedian in 2004, 2009, 2011 2012. The funny man took time out of his busy schedule to tell 247Livelistings.com about where it all started, life on the comedy circuit, working abroad and his plans for 2013. I got my name Slim from my sound system background. I used to be in sound when I was younger and I have always been skinny. I got the nickname Slim and the name just stuck I’ve used it throughout my whole comedy career and it works well for me. I first started doing comedy with Jefferson and Whitfield back in the early 90’s. My route into comedy started with these two great comedy pioneers. I’ve always been told that I was funny and they took me under their wing. I did some work on Blouse and Skirt and Soon people were booking me for shows.
I was a bus driver by day and doing shows by night. I was getting fed up of being a driver and a lot of my jokes were about experiences on the buses and one in particular was about me not letting women with burka’s on my bus. After 9/11 I made the decision to leave the buses and I have never looked back. Jamaica and America love and understand my brand of stand up. When I do shows in Jamaica I am really well received. Being of Jamaican parentage helps as they see I have a lot in common with them. When I perform there they are always surprised that I could do the accent and they love it. Performing in America is very easy, a lot of US comedians focus on relationships and club scenarios. I tend to keep it real and focus on areas that everyone can relate to life, family, work etc., that way it doesn’t get lost in translation. Selling out a theatre is an amazing experience. It’s funny because when I’m performing I don’t see the crowd. I don’t see people doubling up laughing but the roar that I hear when I’ve made people laugh is an amazing feeling that I can only liken to scoring a match winner in a FA Cup final. To know that I am capable of selling out a theatre and making up to 5000 people laugh is indescribable There is some amazing new talent coming out of the UK comedy circuit at this time. A lot of the younger comedians are making a name for themselves on the scene at the moment. Junior Booker, Sam Hastings, Shabba Da Comedian, they are all good guys and are really funny, A lot of the younger comedians look at me now as an older figure in the industry and they call me uncle. I don’t mind and I see it as a compliment as they respect me as a comedian and the work that I have put in. over the years
I am in a good place Career wise I am happy where I am at. I am constantly working and I have performed right across the country as well as some fantastic destinations abroad. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with some amazing comedians including Kevin Hart, Mark Curry (Hanging with Mr Cooper), Bill Bellamy, Curtis Walker, Richard Blackwood and Gina Yashere just to name a few. My plans are to continue what I am doing and to be the best that I can be. Until I stop breathing I will always find something funny to talk about. That is definitely my motto when it comes to comedy. The good thing about stand up is that you can find something funny in everything and everyday life. My type of comedy crosses all cultural and racial boundaries; every one of all races has a mother, sister, brother or family issues so everyone will always have an experience that someone can relate to.
24/7THEATRE 24/7 PREVIEWS:
THE BODYGUARD
By Michelle Martin It ‘s the musical that is taking London’s West End by storm. Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard, tells the tale of former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a multitude of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and one of the greatest hit songs of all time - I Will Always Love You. Tony and Grammy award-winning Heather Headley assumes the role of Rachel Marron (soon to be replaced by British r&b star Beverley Knight) and it’s her West End stage debut. She first came to the public’s attention as the original Nala in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Headley went on to play the title role in Aida for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her debut solo album, This is Who I Am, was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Her third studio album, Audience of One, won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. In recent years she has worked extensively with Andrea Bocelli on his American and international tours and sung at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Lloyd Owen takes on the Kevin Costner role of Frank Farmer. Owen is no stranger to the London stage playing leading roles
in Loyalty at Hampstead Theatre and Blood and Gifts at the National Theatre. Previously his theatre credits include The York Realist for the Royal Court, Julius Caesar for the Young Vic, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? For the Almeida Theatre and The Way of the World for the Royal Exchange Theatre. On television Owen is best known for playing Paul BowmanMacDonald in the BBC’s long running drama Monarch of the Glen and Indiana Jones’ father Professor Henry Jones, Sr, in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. His other television credits include Ghost Squad, The Vice, Coupling, Wire in the Blood and Dead Gorgeous. His film credits include Apollo 18, Miss Potter, The Republic of Love, Between Dreams and the forthcoming Free Ride with Anna Paquin and Drea de Matteo. The ensemble cast includes West End favourites Debbie Kurup (Nicki Marron) who performed in Sister Act, Velma Kelly In Chicago, Ray Shell (Bill Devaney), Miss Saigon, Starlight Express, Sean Chapman (Sy Spector) Hamlet and A Prayer Before Dying and David Page (Rory), Chicago and Kiss Me Kate. The Bodyguard continues its successful run at London’s Adelphi Theatre, The Strand, London WC2, Monday – Sunday, 7.30pm and matinee performances 3pm, prices £20 - £67.50, Box office: 0844 579 0094 HYPERLINK ”http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com” www.thebodyguardmusical.com
247FEATURE
YAHOO WIRELESS
FESTIVAL
When this years Yahoo! Wireless Festival line up was announced it seemed like music fans went crazy. Immediately the 3-day event started trending on twitter and every other social networking site looked as if it was going crash under the sheer weight of movement on each site. Last years Hackney Weekender was arguably the jewel in the crown of what was a very successful 2012 summer of outdoor events. Many were asking whether any other festival would be able to pull off with the same magnitude and line up that the Hackney Weekender boasted and last year delivered. But it seems like Yahoo! Wireless have gone done it, by revealing a line up that has sent everybody into a frenzy and making the Yahoo! Wireless Festival tickets the hottest and most sought after number in town. Yahoo! Wireless Festival is billed as the UK’s number one urban/ pop festival and is set to be the biggest and best event on the summer’s musical calendar. This years line up has proven to be a great draw for the British public with tickets selling out within minutes on them going on sale Yahoo! Wireless 2013 is headlined by rap supremo Jay Z and singer Justin Timberlake other guests confirmed to appear include, Snoop Dog, Trey Songz, John Legend, Miguel, Emeli Sande, Kendrick Lemar, Rita Ora and New additions to the weekend hip hop pioneers A Tribe Called Quest and Nas, some are asking whether this is going to be the biggest and best Yahoo! Wireless Festival yet.
. Robert Bridge Snr Director, Head of International Marketing at Yahoo! Said “Yahoo! Wireless is the culmination of a three month long mobile entertainment festival that we are rolling across two continents. With the hottest line up of the summer, we can’t wait to inspire and entertain Yahoo! Fans across Europe every day. On The Road, culminating in the Yahoo! Wireless festival in London will bring to life the best of Yahoo!” The Wireless festival was born in 2005. First held in London’s Hyde Park, The festival was noted as being very much of the rock & dance genre with headliners at that time including New Order, Moby, Basement Jaxx, Kasabian and Keane.
”This is my third time at Yahoo! Wireless and I absolutely love it. I love the fact that its in London and the line up each year has always been strong.” Over the years the festival has taken on a more urban and international feel. Past guests have included Drake, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. For 2013 the festival has moved from London’s Hyde Park to the Iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Home to the Olympic Stadium) much to the delight of many and the Yahoo! Wireless event organisers themselves. A spokesperson for event organisers Live Nation said “The Olympic park will be home to a dazzling open-air live music experience It offers a chance to experience the excitement of watching the best in popular music and urban music” Regular Festival attendee Charelle Hansen admits that for her Yahoo! Wireless Festival is the only out door summer event she goes out of her way to attend. ‘”This is my third time at Yahoo! Wireless and I absolutely love it. I love the fact that its in London and the line up each year has always been strong. I get to see all my favourite artists all at once and they never disappoint. Even though Beyoncé and Jay Z have both done Glastonbury, it does nothing for me. Every time I’ve seen it on TV it always looks muddy and cold and the idea of sleeping in a tent is just not for me. There is always a good line up at Yahoo! Wireless this year I am really looking forward to seeing Justin Timberlake and Trey Songs. Jay Z is amazing I have never not seen him give 100percent.’
THELINEUP YAHOO! WIRELESS FESTIVAL LINE-UP:
FRIDAY 12 JULY Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, John Legend, Miguel, Ke$ha, Wretch 32, Conor Maynard, special guest Frank Ocean, Iggy Azalea, Bingo Players. SATURDAY 13 JULY JAY Z, Emeli Sande, Rita Ora, Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, DJ Fresh/Live Special guest Calvin Harris, Flux Pavilion, Zedd. SUNDAY 14 JULY Justin Timberlake and JAY Z LEGENDS OF THE SUMMER STADIUM TOUR, A Tribe Called Quest, NAS, A$AP Rocky and Rizzle Kicks Tickets available at www.wirelessfestival.co.uk are priced at £75 plus booking fee.
24/7FEATURE FROM E7 TO E20... RICKY NORWOOD THE REAL EASTENDER REVEALS ALL
By Michelle Martin
Ricky Norwood talks about being an original Eastender and being the master of The ‘Candy’ Dance When the online spin off of Eastenders E20, was first streamed back in 2010 there was one character that stood out from everyone else. He was, loud, brash and each sentence he spoke was littered with slang. The character was Arthur Chubb but known by his nickname Fatboy. Fast-forward three years and Fatboy is now one of the most popular and instantly recognisable characters and that’s mostly down to the charismatic young actor who plays the part. Ricky Norwood is the original Eastender. Born and bred in Forest Gate East London, to a Kenyan Mother and a English father, He readily admits that nobody knows where he is from, ‘Its crazy because I get asked where I’m from all the time all the time and it’s a great get question to get asked and I always reply where do you think I’m from? And I get a different reply every time, Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, but that’s great for me as an actor because I can slot into any role, but you’ve exposed me know, my secrets out’ he answers laughing Ricky first foray into the world of performance came not as an actor but as a street dancer, at the Tom Allen after school club in East London ‘ A friend of mine was going there and I asked me to come with him to learn street dance go to the afterschool classes. I started doing bits and pieces of drama there’, said the handsome 23 year old ‘ then I went to the Theatre Royal Youth theatre in Stratford, it was great place to learn my skill and it just grew from
there’ But it has not been all plain sailing ‘before I landed the role of Fatboy I had a job in Dixon’s and no offence to anybody who works for them, but it really wasn’t for me I found it really regimented, I like to have a laugh and you couldn’t there, I left soon after and get a job as a theatre usher, less pay but it was in an environment that I loved’. Shortly after his brief stint in retail, Ricky was offered the role of Fatboy in the spin off E20. ‘When I went to the audition, it was four actors and all the writers of the E20 script, when I went in they didn’t know this but it was the first time I was reading from a script, after a few scenes, I knew what flavour to give it and they remembered me’. His popularity on E20 didn’t go unnoticed and he was quickly transferred to the main soap, within a year Ricky was nominated
”Fatboy is the type person that you see in East London all the time,”
amazed at the guys acting talent and where he could go as an actor.’ He continued ‘In terms of relaxing I like to go out with my friends and have a laugh and do the candy dance’ Laughing I question whether he knows how to do the dance he answers confidently, ‘i’m the one usually leading! This is my dance! I defy anyone to try an beat me at the candy dance!’ And his advice to any budding young actor trying to make it in the industry,
and then won the best newcomer award at NTA (National Television Awards).
‘I would say keep your head down, work hard and focus. Dedicate yourself to your craft, don’t limit yourself be prepared for knocks’ He continued ‘one of my favourite films is Rocky and one of the motto’s of that film is not how hard you hit, its how hard you get hit and keep going.
‘At first people didn’t get the character of Fatboy the script was very regimented, but when I moved over to Eastenders they asked me to make it more slang orientated. I gave Fatboy what I knew was the truth and I also knew that at first it is always good to shock everyone with a new character’.
As I wrap up the interview I ask Ricky to reveal something that no one knows about him.
He added ‘But Fatboy is the type person that you see in East London all the time, the audience got used to him, then I knew could ease off a bit.
Pausing for dramatic effect he answers ‘I’ve got an extreme comic collection and I like to do the bogle on the weekends…’
But the turnaround has been amazing, I remember reading stuff saying that they (Eastenders) didn’t know what they were doing and why had they put such an out there character in the show. At the NTA’s I never thought I was going to win, but when I did it was an amazing experience. It went from confusion to pure love and that’s all I’ve ever got on the street’. Apart from life on Eastenders, 247livelistings.com ask Ricky who he is influenced by and what does to relax. ‘Denzel Washington and Leonardo Di Caprio. Denzel is always great to watch, he has great strength with every character he plays, be it the bad guy or the good guy he will always find a part in the role that you can relate to and thats something I take inspiration from and DiCaprio. I first saw Leo, in the movie Basketball Diaries. I was shocked and
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24/7FEATURE
IT ALL STARTS WITH YES
By Michelle Martin
It All Starts At Yes – make a life changing decision now: Sign up to NCS. National Citizen Service (NCS) have announced their annual unique 3-week residential programme packed with activities that help students build skills for work and life. Open to teenagers aged 16 -17, this unique experience is a chance for young people from all over the country to bond and new friends and teammates over a host of outdoor activities and learn ways of developing personal and social skills that will make a difference in their lives. The programme culminates in a live free concert headlined by East London group the Rudimentals during the summer holidays. NCS has created even more opportunities for young people to get involved. Up to 500 teenagers, aged 16 to 17, will be able to join Rudimental, The 1975, Clean Bandit and the popular festival DJ, and host of global radio show The Selector (broadcast to 38 countries worldwide), Goldierocks at the free gig in Manchester on Saturday May 4th. Over 26,000 young people participated in NCS in 2012 and the programme continues to grow with up to 50,000 opportunities to get involved in 2013 and a total of up to 90,000 opportunities by 2014. This year NCS has joined forces with youth channel SBTV, to demonstrate the importance of self-belief amongst 16-17 years olds. Featuring six self-belief videos exclusively produced by SB.TV and starring Rita Ora, Ed Sheeran and Wretch 32, underground rap duo Krept & Konan, Adam Deacon the star of Kidulthood and the founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards. The joint venture highlights the importance of self-belief and confidence as the key to unlock potential and kick-start a better 34
future for young people. The specially recorded messages feature celebrities sharing how self-belief made a difference to their lives and encourages 16-17 year olds to believe in themselves and make the right decisions at this life-defining age. Jamal Edwards, Entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV, kicks off the campaign this week with his own video message and said: ”I think it’s a great initiative and Self Belief is something I have always represented and put out there to all the people who have followed my story so when we heard from NCS, I wanted to get involved from the get go.” With entry fees capped at £50 and bursaries available, every young person in England has the opportunity to participate regardless of background, experience or whether their strengths lie in sport, creativity or academics. 16 and 17 year olds across the country can fast-track their future and get involved with NCS by visiting www.facebook.com/ncs and signing up for this unique opportunity during the holidays. NCS is also offering the chance to go backstage and work at the concert - and a chance to help run the show. A new role will be revealed each week – signing up is one small step to take part in this great NCS experience.
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24/7FEATURE 15Minutes with...
ACTQ’S
ALI SHAHEED MOHAMMED
By Michelle Martin
In the 90’s hip-hop music started evolve. With the emergence of West Coast gangsta rap, conscious hip hop and alternative hip hop, there was one group born in that era that went on to be named as one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time. A Tribe Called Quest, (ATCQ), made up of childhood friends, Q Tip, Phife Dawg and DJ Ali Shaheed Mohammed are described as the band that changed the face of hip-hop. With their jazz inspired break beats and conscious and sometimes mind blowing metaphors. It’s no surprises that rappers regularly name check them as the group that iinspired them to be the artists that they are today. 247Livelistings.com caught up with founding member Ali Shaheed Mohammed when he was in town for his excellent live DJ set and he talked about music in the UK, touring with (ATCQ) and working with Raphael Saadiq again. Many artists such as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West holds (ATCQ) in such high esteem, it’s amazing that they always name checks you guys, stating that ‘if it wasn’t for (ATCQ), I wouldn’t be the musician I am today is a big statement isn’t it. “Yeah it is a big statement,” answers the talented DJ “You Know I have a relationship with Pharrell that goes back. When I was working at Quest Records, I tried to get those guys a record deal” Do you like performing in London? “I’ve done sets DJ sets in the UK What I love about the UK is that it is so much more flavourful, there are so many artists that come from the UK and the lyrical intellectualism is very intriguing, London is a music town, its music of Integrity, quality and a lot
more honest versus being a marketing package” Which UK and hip hop artists are you feeling at the moment. “I’m really feeling the UK artists Tomorrows Victory and for hip hop there is only one person I am listening to and plugging right now, is Joey Badass, he is only 17 and he is amazing, people go check him out.” How does it feel to know that A Tribe Called Quest helped shape hip hop as we know it and how does it feel being a seen as a music pioneer. “It feels good to be remembered versus living your life and working on something and it goes unnoticed”. Do you still see Q Tip and Phife Dawg and will you all be touring the UK anytime soon? “Both Q Tip and Phife are doing good, and yes we will be coming back to the UK as (ATCQ) for the WIireless Festival but there are a also few dates in Europe lined up”. Where did the name A Tribe Called Quest Come from? Well we were originally called Quest and when we went into the studio to record on the Jungle Brothers song Black is Black, They liked the Vibe, Q Tip was in the booth and it was at the beginning of the record and he said ‘I’m from a group called Quest’ and Africa said ‘ hold on why not say I’m from A Tribe Called Quest’ and the name just stuck. What was it like working with Raphael Saadiq and Dawn Robinson when you were in Lucy Pearl and will you be working with Raphael Saadiq again soon? The Chemistry and creativity in Lucy Pearl was magical. Raphael is like a big brother to me and the mixture was good. I learned a lot. But I don’t know whether we are going to work again soon, we need another Don’t Mess With My Man he is a doing something a little different with his music right now, he calls me all the time
so you never know. Are you still in contact with the founding members of the Native Tongues? Some of them not all of them. I mostly kick it with Maceo, I just saw Mike G, I did a birthday party for 9th Wonder and Mike G came to hang out. I have a tour with Maceo and Sammy B in Europe so you might see us together. If you wasn’t a DJ or producer what would you be doing now? Only the creator really knows I don’t know, lets just say I was meant to be doing what I’m doing so I’m really happy that I have been allowed to to chase my dreams completely.
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or in bibendum leo porta. Duis ultricies tellus a tellus adipiscing tristique. Sed rutrum magna vel risus rhoncus et volutpaters purus placerat. Mauris euismod rhoncus. Maecenas sed elit erat. Nunc dapibus tellus erat. Aliquam eget urna vitae mauris sodales By Michelle Martin ornare. Praesent ac ligula egestas odio iaculis pulvinar. Phasellus It canaliquam be perceived that North sadips Londonipsums.tus is fast becoming the place pulvinar lobortis to be from if you want to make it on the UK hip hop scene. Notable residents include double MOBO award winning rhyme master Vivamus posuerewordsmith iaculis lacus, eu fermentum magna Chipmunk, acclaimed Scorcher and 2012 BET Bestplacerat International winner Wretch 32. e ipsum amet sadip nemis uns in. Nulla Act malesuada augue quis amets uns dolo.res amet unrtras viverra et, fringilla veterl justo 247 Livelistings.com caught up with the proud North Londoner ipsums. Maecenas sed elit erat.such Nunc who sadips as he tells us about his pride at winning an dapibus accolade,tellus remaining true to his roots, his plans for 2013 and a dream date with Olympian Louise Hazel.
Congratulations how did you feel when you won last years BET Best International Act?
I felt an overwhelming feeling of pride to be acknowledged for my talent from an overseas awards show it was definitely a huge thing for me.” Has winning accolade help raise your profile in America?
“Yeah I would say it has increased my awareness as I do get recognised a little more by Americans in and out of the industry.”
in front of all my fans just seeing them enjoying themselves is a big high.” “Lows? being away from my kids for long periods of time.” Describe an average day?
“Wake up at 7am, out by 8am, on radio by 9 for an interview, then afterwards off to studio for about 8 hours to work on the album, then shoot off after to do a performance somewhere in the UK.” Apart from music do you have any other talents?
What are your plans music wise for the rest of 2013?
“To start off where I left off last year working on new material thats out later this year that’s nearly complete, just on the back end getting every nook and cranny perfect.”
“Don’t know if you can class this as a talent but I can do a good voice imitation of fellow musicians.” Are you single?
“Yeah, single and ready to mingle as they say.” Do you have any plans to get in TV or films?
“Nah not at the moment just focusing on what I do best and that’s music, I wouldn’t say that’s not a possibility in the distant future for me to venture into but not quite now, I think my total focus should be in me as a music artist.” Are you still in Tottenham?
Yeah I draw my inspiration from being in Tottenham. I feel I’d be disowning my Tottenham roots if I were to move out and live somewhere among the hills. You see you can’t show hope if you’re not there. I like the people to be able to see a positive face from their community without them needing to switch on a TV. Who are you listening to at the moment?
At the moment I’ve got Chip’s mix tape London boy Devlin’s album A Moving Picture and my boy Jacob banks E.P. on rotation.
Are you a romantic?
“Bien sûr’ sorry that means ‘of course’ in French” who would be your dream date?
“You’re going to get me in trouble with the ladies, I’ll say Louise Hazel and maybe we can hop skip and jump the meal and go straight to dessert” In the past what is the most romantic thing you have ever done?
“I remember when I was young, taking a girl out to the cinema and leaving a rose and teddy in her seat as a surprise for when she returns. I thought that was a nice way to end the night” What would a lady have to do to win your heart?
Who would you like to work with at the moment?
“I honestly have no idea. I guess understanding me is a step in the right direction to winning my heart.”
“Right now, I’d love to work with Damian Marley. I think we’ll come up with a good meaningful song.
Finally tell us something that no one knows about Wretch 32?
If you weren’t a successful artist what would you be doing now?
“Possibly a radio presenter. I’ve been told I’ve got a knack for it.” Who inspires you?
“I’m inspired by everyone. From seeing Coldplay perform at the Emirates Stadium in front of 60,000 fans to my brother Chip having that ’everything is possible mentality’, even down to my fan’s showing so much love by writing to me or vibing with me as I perform on a stage.” What advice would you give to anyone trying to make it in the industry?
This for me was 10 years in the making and I always think what if I had given up when those voices in my head were telling me to. So just be aware the road is long and hard success doesn’t happen overnight. If you’ve got a dream or talent don’t give up at the first hurdle. What are the highs and Lows of your job?
“My highs conflict with my lows. My Highs are performing on tour
I’ll tell you about an embarrassing painful moment when I was young. I was at a friend’s house watching as he and his two other family members were attempting front flips on a made up pile of cushions to soften the landing and I decided to give it a go. I thought I’d give it a go and try show off and as I was midway in the air I forgot to use my hands. Not only did I land on my head but I missed the pile of cushions as well. Luckily I escaped with no broken bones, just a bruised ego and a painful memory when I look back at it. Wretch 32 starts a national tour in October performing in Manchester, October 23, Liverpool, October 24, Newcastle, October 25, Sheffield, October 26, , Birmingham, October 29, Norwich, October 30, Oxford, October 31, Bournemouth, November 1 and London, Saturday November 2, (0844 844 4444), 7pm
24/7TRAVEL
By Sola James
immediately felt like I became part of the Shakespeare story as I entered into “Shakespeare’s country” or Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. My introduction into the life and works of the world’s most romantic play write, poet, and actor started at the very beginning – his birthplace.  Shakespeare’s birthplace “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” – William Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing Born in 1564, William Shakespeare’s family home was fascinatingly preserved in its medieval setting by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Amazed by the middle class 16th Century furniture and modern style baroque wallpaper, I slowly meandered through the various rooms, making sure I didn’t miss out on anything. This house was once inhabited by the bard’s parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, William and his siblings: Gilbert, Joan, Ann, and Richard. The house is a shrine and I had the fantastic opportunity of seeing the world that helped shape the man that changed English literature forever. What can I say? I stood where a genius was born. The trust did a first-rate job in providing replica furniture and textiles that showed the true likeness of what home life would have been like In the household of the Shakespeare family. Located on Henley Street In the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon,
Shakespeare’s birthplace gave a teaser as to where he slept, the dreams he made and even where he ate. A Definite must see to all Shakespeare enthusiasts (a role I’m happily growing into). The various tour guides within Shakespeare’s birthplace gave informative and entertaining insights into how the Shakespeare household was run. According to one of the tour guides, Shakespeare’s parents used to clothe the would-be poet in girls dresses. At the time this was due to the superstitious belief that the devil only wanted the souls of young boys instead of girls up to the age of five. This fallacy even lead to bed chambers being draped in red and or green fabric to warn off the devil and to grant fertility. At the time Shakespeare’s birthplace doubled as a family business which saw his father, John, operating a section of the house to sell his trade. On hand were replica pieces of various animal skins that John used to make into gloves (which were very popular in those days) and bags, just to name a few. John even converted part of the loft in the house to sell his black-market wool.  Dinner time “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blood.” – William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Still in awe by the Shakespearean way of life I made my way over to “Nash’s house” (named after his granddaughter’s first husband, Thomas Nash). Basically this was the first place Shakespeare purchased before he moved to London and became an established playwright and actor. Again, this house was decadently kitted out in true Tudor style likeness of its day. With grand style robust furniture, Nash’s house cleverly continued the Shakespeare story. Next to Nash’s house is
the site of New Place. The last home William Shakespeare owned before he died in 1616. Within easy walking distance of the two previous houses was Hall’s Croft, the Jacobean style home of Shakespeare’s daughter, Susanna. Shakespeare’s daughter married a doctor, John Hall (hence the name of the property) and true to form the luxurious and elegant rooms were on show for all to see. Here I scrutinized the wealthy Dr. John Hall’s medical equipment and browsed through his consultation room bearing necessary tools and equipment befitting his status at the time.  Bedroom “Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” – William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar The place where William Shakespeare once worshipped as a boy to when he retired to his home town was the place he was also laid to rest. The Holy Trinity Church stood regal before me flanked by randomly placed grave stones. Shakespeare is buried in the chancel along with his wife, his granddaughter’s first husband, daughter, and wife. From preventing his bones from being removed, Shakespeare had a scribe engraved on his grave: “Good friend for Jesus’ sake forbear, To dig the dust enclosed here: Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.” William Shakespeare – England’s national poet and literary legend.
24/7TRAVEL STARS SHINE BRIGHT AT THE ST KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
By Michelle Martin
When the summer festival season is in full swing there was one international music festival that takes place on the Idyllic Island of St Kitts that continues to tick all the boxes for all the right reasons. I had been invited to celebrate The St Kitt’s Music Festival’s 16th birthday and I’d heard from very reliable sources that the people of St Kitts were known to party hard. Armed with this information, I made it my mission to show the Kittians that us Brits can party hard too. After an 8-hour flight, I landed and was greeted by a warm Caribbean breeze and an even bigger St Kittian smile. Then it was a relaxing night at the luxurious Marriot Hotel. We were up early to catch the ferry to visit Island of Nevis. It’s a 30-minute journey that has to be one of the most picturesque boat journeys on this side of the Caribbean. Nevis is stunning. There is a serenity and tranquility that I have yet to experience on any other Caribbean island. With only 11,200 inhabitants Nevis is the perfect destination to escape to if you want to get away from the bustle of city life. Our first stop was at the world famous Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill, situated on Pinney’s Beach and named after its charismatic owner. On arrival you’re urged to try the notorious Killer Bee. It’s an extra potent Rum cocktail whose ingredients are a closely guarded secret. After taking one sip I quickly realize that this drink is not for the faint hearted. I make my excuses and pass up on the opportunity to finish the cocktail. Wandering around the bar it’s clear that this place is a celebrity hangout for the rich and famous with a picture
gallery that most eateries would kill for. Then it was off to lunch up at Peak Haven, a rural retreat in the mountain village of Rawlins. Here you are invited to experience the simplicity of Nevisian life in its unspoilt surroundings and also enjoy panoramic views of neighbouring islands Antigua and Montserrat. The owner of Peak Haven is former British resident Mr Edward Herbert, who left Nevis as a young man to help build post war Britain. He made a promise to return and preserve the heritage of his forefathers and develop the lives of the younger generation on the island, something he achieved with success some 30 years later. After lunch, we tour the island, taking in old forts, plantations and some of the oldest churches in Caribbean.
”The annual musical extravaganza comprises of a dedicated Soca night, Reggae/ Dancehall night and Soul and R&B night ...”
within minutes I was jumpin’ like a veteran, local acts Nisha B, and Alidee, warming the crowd up nicely in preparation for what was a high-octane performance by Bajan Favourites Krosfiyah. Then it was time for Trini Soca Warrior Machel Montano. For over two hours he performed hit after hit including One More Time and Wine on Me. At 3am the Soca star threatened to ‘take the party to 6am’ and went on to perform for another 45mins. With swollen ankles and a new found love of Soca music, I was giving the Kittians a run for their money in the partying stakes, but would I be able to party like this for the next two nights?
And then it was with great reluctance we returned to St Kitts for a night of rest in preparation for the start of the Festival.
With that thought in my head, I head back to my room to get a couple of hours sleep ahead of day 2’s press conference and trip to the islands capital Bassetterre.
The annual musical extravaganza comprises of a dedicated Soca night, Reggae/ Dancehall night and Soul and R&B night with past headliners including, Brian Mcknight, Nas, Gyptian, Fay-ann Lyons, Jah Cure and Fantasia Burrino.
Dancehall sensation Popcaan, the UK’s Courtney Pine, Morgan Heritage and a representative from Damian Marley’s camp fielded questions from the press pack and promised a night that would promote reggae and dancehall at its very best.
With headline acts which included Machel Montano, Krosfiyah Damian Marley, Popcaarn, Morgan Heritage, Roberta Flack, Toni Braxton and Omarion The organizers were hinting that this was one of the strongest lineups yet. I woke early to attend the press conference ahead of day 1, where there was some serious talk from both politicians and artists that Soca night was going to be one massive party.
Being of Jamaican heritage, I was looking forward to the reggae night and, I returned to the stadium where a capacity crowd waved a sea of Jamaican, Lion of Judah and St Kittian flags in preparation for headline act Damian Marley.
‘Don’t let the suit fool you’ declared Ricky Skerritt, The Island’s Minister of Tourism ‘I am a Soca animal and I will be there partying hard with all of you tonight’. Nevis’s Soca Queen Alidee announced ‘you guys better be ready to jump up tonight because tonight is the party night.
Saxophonist Courtney Pine came on stage in the Kittian colours performing a set that infused Jazz, soul, and reggae, he proudly proclaimed himself as an ‘adopted Kittian’ and could hardly contain his delight at being invited to perform at this year’s festival.
Strong sentiments which were echoed by both Krosfiyah and Machel Montano’s representative who reassured us that Soca was not dying and infact was growing worldwide.
Morgan Heritage then performed a blistering set that included Down by the River and My One and Only much to the delight of the crowd who encouraged them go over their allotted time.
Being a Soca virgin I was a little apprehensive at the thought of Soca all night long, but a brief Soca lesson from one of the Journalists on the trip and my fears were soon diminished and
Popcaan came with the dancehall, jumping about the stage interjecting his set with his trademark Yeeooooooow and the female contingent in the front row had to be restrained by
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security during his show. After a brief intermission the first bars of Welcome to Jamrock started, the crowd erupted and proceeded to sing along word for word. Damian Marley’s set was amazing. He effortlessly interacted with the crowd including them in song after song. Inserting St Kitts into his lyrics much to the delight of the local crowd, his performance included a musical tribute to his Iconic father, which was met with much praise. With my ankles swelling to unnatural proportions I was still holding on in my quest to represent and keep up with the Kittians, but they were very hard taskmasters! I definitely had to get some rest ahead of the final night. But luckily for me there was a well-deserved daytrip to one of the islands most spectacular beaches. Cockleshell Bay is home to probably one the most picture perfect beaches I have ever encountered. With its powder soft sand and water so clear that you could see your feet in, it’s a slice of paradise that right there and then I can honestly say admit stole piece of heart. Cockleshell Bay is also home to Wilbur the 500-pound pig (who, from time to time can be spotted taking a dip in the sea) and the enchanting Reggae Beach Bar and Grill. Here we lunched on delicious Chicken Roti’s and coconut shrimp. Then it was a reluctant goodbye so that we could get ready for the festival’s finale. Night 3 and R&B legend Roberta Flack took to the stage early and had the audience captivated, singing along to her back catalogue which included, Feels Like Makin’ Love, and the song that had everyone singing along to Killing Me Softly. Then it was time for Toni Braxton. The sexy singer performed a medley of her early material which included, How Many Ways and Another Sad Love Song, but her set was unexpectedly
halted by a downpour that had the crowd scurrying for cover, she continued her set throughout the heavy rain and coaxed the crowd sheltering to come and enjoy the show signing off with what many of her fans had been waiting patiently all evening for Unbreak My Heart. The grand finale saw former B2K singer Omarion bounce on stage waving a huge St Kitts flag much to the delight of mainly young female teenage crowd. The 28 year old opened with an energetic performance of O and then, Icebox and when rain threatened to return and stop play again, He bought the party to the crowd, by first jumping into the pit and getting up close and personal with the front row. At the press conference earlier he admitted to loving the way Caribbean women dance. This was not forgotten as he then asked for 10 girls to join him on stage and take part in a dance battle much to the delight of the male contingent in the crowd. He finished by spraying the crowd with champagne and performing his popular ballad Speeding. So did I keep up and represent like I boldly stated earlier? The answer is a resounding YES! Kitttians sure know how to throw down! St Kitts is a beautiful island; with beautiful people who did they’re utmost to make my stay in paradise the best ever. The Island’s motto is ‘Follow your Heart, Explore, Feel, Love and Remember’. And on this occasion I certainly did, I Explored, I Felt, I Loved and I will certainly Remember All the memories the beautiful Islands of St Kitts and Nevis gave me. For more information on St Kitts and Nevis visit: www.stkittstourims.kn www.nevisisland.com St Kitts is served twice weekly by British Airways from London Gatwick
24/7FEATURE MY BIG FAT SLIMMING
DIARY By Michelle Martin
Summer is fast appraoching and my weight is still bothering me. but with quite a lot of perseverence on my part i am destined to lose weight befire the years out and have embarked on a fitness regime. It’s not been easy, but with fitness instructor Sweeney in tow I am adamant to shed the pounds. Checking my fitness levels and weight in our first session together was a real eye opener. I’ve always thought I was pretty fit, continually bragging about my ‘hour and half’ of cardio and ‘45 mins’ on the weights’ plus sauna at the gym, but my first morning with Sweeney proved me wrong I couldn’t even jog half the length of the (very small) park! Then it was on to the boxing with gloves and pads. This is where I really started to sweat, Sweeney started me off with some basic combinations and I was hooked. Fancying myself as the next Nicola Adams, I threw myself into the boxing session. Sweeney an amateur boxer and mixed martial arts fighter was patient and guided me through each combination. And you know what I loved it. Forget about the monotony of pounding the treadmill for hours in the Gym, we were boxing outdoors Rocky style. We also discussed my eating. Sweeney made it very clear that if I didn’t change the way I ate, all this training would be a waste of time. My weakness prior to starting the exercise regime was crisps and fizzy diet drinks. How the hell was I gonna cut them out? But he told me not to, just cut down my intake. He did say though yes the crisps at 82 calories a pack is ok, but if I add them up and I eat say, 2 packs a day over 7 seven days, that’s over 1148 calories that I don’t need. When he put it like that it really made me think and slowly but surely I stopped eating the crisps, I haven’t cut them out of my diet completely but put it this way the cravings have been greatly diminished. It’s the same with fizzy drinks. The good thing though is I have noticed the feeling of bloatedness is diminishing and even though I am not on a diet I view food differently. After my first session I felt aches in muscles that I didn’t know I had. Sweeney said boxing is one of the best forms of exercise and you know what I believe him, because in just 4 weeks I’m walking further and my stamina levels have increased tenfold. I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t lost a substantial amount of weight but I can say that my clothes feel a little looser. I’m not prepared to reveal how much my start weight was, but hey lets just say in boxing terms I could easily step in the ring with Anthony Ogogo! The truth will be revealed when I drop down to my desired weight. and I look good in a dress. 46
24/7SPORTS SPORTS PROFILE: TYRONE OGED
Pro Champion of Musclemania Universe
by Gavin Peters
Bodybuilding is a discipline that takes a lot of time, commitment, and training. A competitive sport that showcases the body beautiful. This month 24/7Livelistings.com caught up with a young bodybuilder who has gained major success in just two very short years and is fast becoming a major name in the discipline. Here we i introduces recently crowned bodybuilding champion Tyrone Oged. First and foremost how did you get bodybuilding? I got introduced to it by my Personal Trainer - Dan Parker one day while at training in the gym. What is does a typical week entail for a bodybuilder? A typical week for me is training about 5 day a week, working on symmetry and size. What is your diet like? Currently my diet offseason consists of high protein, Minimal carbohydrates with fibre including things like Oats, Chia Seeds, then also high in good fats - omega 3&6 with fruit and vegetables - with majorly broccoli as a good source of vitamins. How do you prepare yourself for a tournament/event? There’s a lot of mental preparation involved with this. As it means staying away from carbohydrates and saturated fats, which happens to normally, taste best, and focusing on increasing my intake of protein. My posing routine is also one that I focus and pay a lot of attention to, as it involves precision and presentation is awarded with points What is your current ranking - and how hard/easy was it to get to where you are now? 48
Not sure how to define what rank you have - think it all boils down to your achievements & level of inspiration
Then highs come quite easy when you get crowned champion - showing the outcome of Hard Work and dedication, reaping rewards from what you’ve sown.
How many tournaments/competition have you competed in? I’ve completed a total of about 4 shows.
What do you enjoy the most about bodybuilding? I enjoy the feeling I get each time I walk out those gym doors cos I know I go hard, giving no less while I’m in there.
Have many competitions and trophies have you won? I recently took first place and overall champion in Musclemania Britain
Having competing and been crowned a champion, has it led you to do anything other than bodybuilding. Yes, I have pursued acting and gymnastics
What has been the highlight of your career so far? A major highlight for me on this journey will have to be when I got a sponsorship deal with Reflex Nutrition. Along with this would be the great people I’ve been blessed to meet so far in one way or the other.
What do friends and family think about what you do? I get a lot if support from friends and family which I am forever grateful for.
What are the highs and lows of what you do? Well the lows in bodybuilding for me will be the dieting stage and preparation involved in getting to the level you aspire to be for the show.
Have you reached the peak of your career- or do you believe you have much more to come? No, I feel I’ve only just begun, as it’s only my 2nd year in the industry and opportunities are limitless as long as you willing to put in the work.
A lot people don’t realise the amount of work and effort bodybuilding requires, including the mental challenge you have to go through during this period.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to start out in this career? Be prepared to work hard, focus and dedicate your time with a lot of passion and you should be.
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24/7REMEMBERS
24/LIVE REMEMBERS..
ALTHEA GIBSON
By Michelle Martin
At a time when America’s segregation laws were mandatory and the proverbial glass ceiling was impermeable for African American athletes, one African American woman overcame unbelievable odds to become one of the most iconic tennis players of modern times. The name Althea Gibson may not be synonymous with great sporting legends but her achievements unequivocally paved the way for the likes of the Williams sisters, Tiger Woods and Lewis Hamilton who have become champions in areas of sport that were virtually unattainable to people of colour. Althea Gibson was born on 25 Aug 1927, in the small rural town of Silver, South Carolina. Gibson’s parents were very poor and she was raised in poverty. When she was small, they moved north to New York. Growing up in New York, Gibson excelled at many sports including, golf, Basketball and paddle tennis. Althea was introduced to tennis by her musician friend Buddy Walker, and with the help of Dr Walter Johnson, a wealthy black Virginia physician, was encouraged and supported to pursue her love of tennis In 1947 at the age of 20, Althea Gibson won the first of 10 consecutive national championships run by the American Tennis Association. Officials were now beginning to take notice of this 5’11 powerful female athlete, who was dominating the annual black women’s championships. Sports commentators and players who were not of African descent were beginning to be sceptical of the colour bar and somewhat annoyed at the hypocrisy of the segregation laws.
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Gibson was getting frustrated at the limited route black tennis could follow. In 1950 she attempted to gain entry into the US National championships, knowing that inclusion would raise her game both on a national and international scale.
decent to take the title. Gibson defended her title as champion for two consecutive years An accolade that remained for over 40 years until the indomitable Venus Williams emerged as Wimbledon champion in 2000.
When it became evident that the application was going to be revoked solely because of the colour of her skin, Alice Marble, a white four time winner of the event and admirer of Gibson’s game, spoke out on her behalf.
Althea Gibson broke down barriers by being the first African American to be invited to participate as an equal in such an elitist sport, at time when a person of colour could not even enter a tennis club, much less play against a person who was not African American.
In a letter on July 1 1950 edition of American Lawn Tennis, Marble wrote ‘If Althea Gibson represents a challenge to the crop of women players, it’s only fair that they should meet the challenge on the courts, if Gibson were not given the opportunity then there is an uneradicable mark against the game to which I have devoted my life and I would be bitterly ashamed’.
It shows the true strength, spirit, determination and unbelievable odds she had to overcome to achieve success. The beautiful thing is she did so with resounding dignity, as she proudly represented African Americans and her country in the national arena
It was this letter that prompted the United States Lawn Tennis Association to invite Gibson to participate in the tournament.
Retiring from the game in 1958 her achievements were finally recognised and honoured when thirteen years later she was inducted into the National Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Now able to compete against the best players from around the world, Gibson’s game dramatically improved and five years after her official invitation in 1955, she created history by becoming the first African American to win an international title - the coveted Italian Championships.
By 1974 she was inducted to the Black Athletes Hall of fame and in 1984 South Carolina and Florida had both recognised and honoured her great achievements.
Gibson went on to achieve major success at the French championships in both the singles and doubles events.
Forever the reluctant hero, she said in 1957:‘I tried to feel responsible to Negroes but that was a burden on my shoulders, now I’m playing tennis to please me and not them.’
For the doubles she was partnered by an English tennis player Angela Buxton, who was of Jewish ancestry. Ironically her path to success mirrored that of Gibson’s, as Buxton had faced same discrimination from other players and the establishment.
A burden it might have been, but Gibson never gave up, her determination to succeed in a world where so much was against her, marks her as a heroine not just for Africans around the world but for all women.
In 1956 Buxton was the first Jewish player to win Wimbledon and the following year Gibson became first champion of African
Michelle Martin
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