Breakin Convention 2011

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LIFESTYLE • ARTS • MUSIC • FASHION…

Breaking out of the box The annual hip-hop dance festival Breakin’ Convention returns for 2011, once again, showcasing the very best in international street dance Four page Breakin’ Convention supplement inside

it’s all here!

22 THE VOICE APRIL 21 - 27, 2011

SPECIAL FAREWELL

Fashion with purpose

Queens of lovers’ rock Carroll Thompson and Lorna G performed

King of lovers’ rock Peter Hunningale and the Klearview Harmonix gave out roses to women to mark Mothering Sunday

THE final In Celebration of my Sisters (ICOMS), which was held on Mothering Sunday at Hackney Empire, was a dazzling event.

Hosted by Brenda Emmanus and myself, the show kickedoff with a breathtaking dance performance by youngsters from the award-winning Carol Straker Dance Company, followed by praise and worship from gospel jazz singer Adelaide Mackenzie and prayers from Pastor Bryan from Higher Praise Christian Fellowship.

A jam-packed showcase, the night was buzzing with excitement as everybody who has performed over the last 15 years took centre stage to say goodbye to their fans.

Comedy acts Donna Spence, Llewella Gideon and Felicity Ethnic, to name but a few, had everybody in stitches – not forgetting a fantastic extract from the Black V Monologues performed by Angie Le Mar,

Ellen Thomas and Doña Croll.

A music performance was given by MOBO award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown, who did a duet with Paulette Tajah. And performing for the first time in many years, original boy band Kreuz serenaded the ladies with their hit song Slap ‘n’ Tickle, causing temperatures to rise.

However, the climax of the night was when the king and queens of lovers’ rock performed their classic hits, which got everybody out of their seats rocking and swaying, while reminiscing about their youthful days in the clubs.

A successful night, founder of ICOMS Tony Fairweather announced that the show will be going on tour in order to celebrate ‘sistas’ within the Diaspora, kicking off with Jamaica next year as part of the island’s 50th anniversary of independence . *To find out more log onto: www.fairweatherproductions.co.uk

WESTFIELD shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush was recently awash with fashionistas, as Vogue and fashion diva Naomi Campbell launched yet another Fashion For Relief pop up store.

The exclusive shop, which had donated goodies from Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Campbell herself, also had wonderful collections from Burberry, Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen.

With sale proceeds going to The Princes' Trust and victims of the recent tsunami and earthquake in Japan, scores of celebrities came out to support the event, including actress Genevieve Nnaji, Ana Araujo, Beverley Knight, Keisha Buchanan and Shingia Shoniwa of The Noisettes.

Donna Spence and Anika Wilson, dressed in character as Saleah, for a tribute to Windrush generation

Dan Smith and Shingia Shoniwa of The Noisettes

Beverley Knight at launch of one week only charity pop-up shop

Janelle Oswald and Brenda Emmanus, dressed in Gisella Couture, hosted the 15th In Celebration Of My Sisters at the Hackney Empire Saxophonist YolanDa Brown and Paulette Tajah

Naomi Campbell launched new pop-up store in aid of Fashion For Relief at Westfield London shopping centre

APRIL 21 - 27, 2011 THE VOICE 23

www.voice-online.co.uk

Football blues FOOTBALLER Samuel Eto'o leaves the Park Hyatt after his team Inter Milan lost their Champions League game against Schalke in Milan.

Night moves COMEDIAN Felicity Ethnic dances with an audience member at Hackney Empire.

Play time

AUTHOR Aita Ighodaro (left) and James Haskell at the Playgirl magazine launch party at the Blanca Bar, London.

PEOPLE and Places caught up with Miss Jamaica UK, 21-year-old medical student Salema Junior-Radford, to find out how she is handling her new title. A proud ambassador of her father’s homeland, the beauty queen revealed she aims to fly the Jamaican flag high, challenging stereotypes and ensuring that people far and wide know how wonderful the island, culture and people are.

How did it feel to be crowned Miss Jamaica UK? “It felt amazing because I entered in 2009 and came in the top seven (then), so it felt great to know that my determination paid off. I was also really proud to win against such tough competition. All the other girls were beautiful and we had a great day rehearsing together.”

How will you use your role to promote Jamaica?

“I have begun to use my role to make people in Newcastle, where I'm at university, more aware of Jamaican culture, by talking to the local newspapers. I also hope to use my role to organise a charity fashion show to raise money for Denham Town School and to promote Jamaican businesses in the UK.”

What do you love about the island?

“I still have never been to Jamaica, but I cannot wait to finally go! However, what I love about Jamaican people is how welcoming everyone is and how loving they are. Jamaicans are one of the most loving nations I have come across.”

Who is your favourite Jamaican hero/shero?

“Sherry Ann Fraser, because she is such an inspiration and shows that hard work can pay off. I also love Toots and the Maytals.

I am a massive old school reggae fan because it always cheers me up and brings me back to my childhood.”

How do you think Jamaicans living in the UK should battle negative stereotypes often seen in the media?

“The only way to dispel stereotypes is by being the best that you can be, working hard and proving people wrong. We Jamaicans have to live by example and set the bar!”

What's your favourite Jamaican cuisine?

“Rice and peas; I could eat it forever!”

Who’s your style icon and why?

“I absolutely love Beyoncé, I think she is such an inspiration because she doesn't conform to the pressure to be slim. She always looks glamorous and is a great role model.”

You look amazing on stage dressed in your gown, what's your favourite part of your body?

“My bum! I think it’s peachy and cute!”

If you could change any part of your body, what would you change?

“I have always wanted longer legs, because long pins always make everyone look so much more glamorous, but I have learnt to love my short legs.”

What would you tell other young girls who would like to take part in a beauty pageant?

“To have fun and always believe in yourself. Plus, remember that it not just about beauty but more about what you can do for your country. Being an ambassador is a very important role because you represent everybody and not just yourself.”

24 THE VOICE APRIL 21 - 27, 2011

breaking out of the box

From the streets to the stage Gearing up to showcase some of the best international hip-hop dance talents, annual festival Breakin’ Convention is back for 2011

By Davina Hamilton BEFORE street dance became a mainstream craze – courtesy of reality TV shows like Got To Dance and America’s Best Dance Crew – countless crews were flying the flag for hip-hop dance theatre. And one event that has embodied the spirit of that culture for the past eight years is Breakin’ Convention.

Since its inception in 2004, the international festival that take splace at London’s Sadler’s Wells, has showcased 261 UK companies, 87 international companies, and a total of over 3,030 performers. The brainchild of revered hiphop dance pioneer Jonzi D, Breakin’ Convention has gone from strength to strength each year, and this year’s event – taking place from April 30-May 2 – promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The 2011 line-up features some of the best crews and solo artists that the hip-hop dance world has to offer.

Ugandan crew Tabu Flo (see their interview on page 26) will head to Breakin’ Convention this year, making them the first central African group to perform at the festival.

The international flavour continues courtesy of four US dancers who will perform Chicago Footwork for the very first time in the UK. Noted for its extremely fast pace and unpredictable rhythm, the dance has existed in Chicago for over a decade but has never before made it over the Atlantic to the UK. In addition Japanese performer Kenichi Ebina will perform a piece about a Ninja assassin disguised as a beautiful geisha.

Leading the UK line-up is tightly choreographed street dance from Breakin’ Convention favourites

Plague, as well as a special performance by Boy Blue Entertainment, who celebrate their 10th anniversary this year. In addition, Natalie James performs a poignant solo piece Broken Doll; Theo 'Godson' Oloyade will deliver an intense krump solo; and Got To Dance (Sky 1) semi-finalists Cerebro will also showcase their skills.

Historically, the UK acts at Breakin’ Convention are notable for the way in which they use choreography to explore an ambitious range of themes. The 2011 line-up remains true to form with each of the performers bringing their own unique flavour to the stage.

Alongside the line-up of artists, the Breakin’ Convention weekend includes the sixth Film Night, featuring an excerpt of the Night Dancers documentary, and a Q&A with director Emile Dindeen and Tabu Flo. The festival also boasts a range of workshop programmes taught by international artists; DJ demos and aerosol art and freestyle circles; and a UK Old School Circle taking place in the Sadler’s Wells foyer.

And with the event’s musical soundtrack being provided by renowned DJs Biznizz (see his interview on page 27), Pogo and Cutmaster Swift, the festival, once again, promises to offer audiences a truly unique experience.

If you appreciate hip-hop dance, don’t miss this year’s Breakin’ Convention. It’s gonna be big!

Breakin’ Convention is at Sadlers Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1 from 30 April – May 2. For tickets call 0844 412 4300 or visit www.breakinconvention.com

Smooth moves: Got to Dance semi-finalists Cerebro

Solo: Natalie James performs her piece Broken Doll

High flyer: Kenichi

Popular: Breakin’ Convention favourites Plague

Stateside star: Chicago Footwork Skills: Got to Dance star Turbo

APRIL 21 - 27, 2011 THE VOICE 25

Running the show Jonzi D says Breakin’ Convention is the real deal in representing authentic street dance HE’S been at the helm of Breakin’ Convention for the past seven years and still, Jonzi D says he’s excited every time the festival comes around.

Though it’s one of his busiest times in the year, with much behind-the-scenes work required to bring the event to life, Jonzi, who is one of Sadler’s Wells’ associate artists, remains dedicated to the cause of bringing street dance to the stage.

Having created the event back in 2004, the renowned pioneer of hip-hop theatre has watched his project go from strength to strength, annually giving a platform to some of the most talented street dance performers.

Now in it’s eighth year, Breakin’ Convention is arguably the biggest event in the UK street dance calendar and Jonzi still loves it.

A well-respected orator of hip-hop culture – having been involved in emceeing and bboying since the early ‘80s – Jonzi has been committed to the development of hip-hop theatre, creating the acclaimed shows Lyrikal Fearta, Aeroplane Man, and more recently, Markus The Sadist.

But this week, his attention is, once again, firmly fixed on Breakin’ Convention. He tells Davina Hamilton more about his critically acclaimed festival.

is very different to the last.

Jonzi, I speak to you almost every year ahead of Breakin’ Convention and you always seem excited. Does organising the show ever get tiresome?

It’s definitely hard work but it’s always so exciting because every year is different. And since we started touring the festival, that’s also added a different element to it. Each year features different performers and so each show

Has the audience at the festival changed over the years?

We've gone from a core hiphop audience to a much wider audience. Occasionally, that's meant that some people have been a bit out of their comfort zones; they haven't really understood how to make noise and get into the experience. But it's all good.

What are some of this year’s highlights?

This year, we've got the group Tabu Flo performing, which is very exciting, particularly as they're the first central African group to perform at the event.

Also, the group Big City Brains features some of the best poppers from around the world, and this year, they'll be performing a specially commissioned piece, which features some great multimedia and spoken word from the fantastic Saul Williams.

Pierre Rigal from France will also present a very quirky, original piece. And

“Streetdance 3D might make people think that this is all street dance is about” British group Boy Blue, who celebrate their 10th anniversary this year, will be doing a revival of the first piece they did at Breakin' Convention, which was a great piece called Klocks. Every year, there's something that breaks the convention and that excites me.

Street dance has garnered a lot of mainstream attention in the last few years, thanks to reality TV shows like Got To Dance and last year’s film Streetdance 3D. Has that helped to raise the profile of what was once an underground movement?

It has helped in many ways, as the audience for this type of art has definitely grown. But I also feel that, sometimes, competition criteria kills creativity. So often, I see these dance groups and they'll do a little bit of breaking, a little bit of popping – it's as if they're just living up to competition criteria. To me, that has nothing to do with the vision of a creative artist. It almost makes a mockery of the art itself.

I think the commercial and corporate voice that has come to represent this art has almost overshadowed the creative potential of street dance. Streetdance 3D might make people think that this is all street dance is about. And unfortunately, the sheep who don't know better, will follow this trend, without knowing anything about the raw, grassroots history of this art.

But with that said, the commercial phenomenon that street dance has become, has allowed Breakin’ Convention to stand out as that one beacon that actually breaks convention as far as this art is concerned.

Have you never been even a little bit tempted to turn Breakin’ Convention into a reality TV show kind of affair?

Never! Breakin' Convention started long before street dance became commercially viable. Eight years ago, you never would have seen street dance on the national stage.

Back then, it was a pretty underground event. That's why I have a lot of respect for Sadler's Wells for believing in my vision and giving this art such a huge platform. Over the years, Breakin’ Convention has continued to be about innovation and unique performances, and we’ve got no intention of changing that.

And what about you? Can you still buss a move?

I love dancing in clubs. That will never change! But as a creator, particularly with the last show, Markus The Sadist, I've moved away from concentrating solely on the dance side and started focusing more on spoken word side of hip-hop theatre.

But it terms of my own moves, I can still hold it down!

Final words?

I think Breakin’ Convention is a great event for young kids to come out and experience. But for all dance lovers, there's so much on offer that showcases the very best of street dance and hip-hop culture, not only through the performances but also through workshops. If you're looking for a good time, come out to this!

26 THE VOICE APRIL 21 - 27, 2011

breaking out of the box

Moves from the motherland

African ambassadors: Tabu Flo

Ugandan dance group Tabu Flo are looking forward to representing their homeland at this year’s Breakin’ Convention MAKING their UK debut at this year’s Breakin’ Convention, Ugandan dance crew Tabu Flo are looking forward to bringing an international flavour to the London stage.

With their performance marking the first time a group from Central Africa has taken part in the festival, the collective, who hail from the country’s capital, Kampala are keen to represent a positive side of their homeland to an international audience.

The group’s members met while dancing with Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU); an organisation that uses breakdance and other elements of hip-hop for positive social change. With BPU, Tabu Flo have been teaching and performing break dance throughout

Uganda, working with various government, community and faith-based organisations, NGOs, artists and festivals.

Through their continued involvement with BPU, the group remain committed to Ugandan youth, leading and encouraging the development of hip-hop dance in the country. They have been using their dance as a means of connection and cross-cultural exchange in different countries.

Here, the group tell us about putting Ugandan dance on the map, and shining a positive light on their homeland.

Why did you choose the name Tabu Flo and what does it mean?

Tabu is a Luganda/Swahili word, which means trouble, or a crazy and chaotic situation.

Flo refers to flow. We chose the name because we believe that in crazy and chaotic situations, great creations emerge. Our creations fill people with excitement and enthusiasm.

Is there a big hip-hop dance scene in Uganda?

The hip-hop dance scene is a very interesting and fast growing one, which is mostly popular in Kampala and other cities like Entebbe. Although it’s dominated by the youth who have started up different hip-hop dance crews as well has hip-hop dance organisations, most of it is grassroots, which is a result of artists striving to achieve positive social change in the communities they come from.

Commercially, hip-hop dance is not of much interest to local events organisers and the media, unlike the Afro dance styles, which have more popularity. But from speculation, we definitely know that hip-hop dance is going to dominate the entertainment scene of the country in a few years.

Despite the fact that at the moment there are not many crews that make a living out of the dance, especially in a culturally diverse country, there is a lot of hip-hop dance

in schools and young people are considering it as a career.

Generally it’s an interesting one as young people mix most of the urban dance styles with traditional dance styles, ending up with their own style.

Some might say that Uganda isn’t necessarily well-known to an international audience for its dance, particularly in comparison to other African countries like Zimbabwe or South Africa. Do you feel that Tabu Flo can put Ugandan dance ‘on the map’, so to speak?

Definitely. Tabu Flo is going to expose and unleash to the international audience the great talents and creativity that Ugandan dancers are gifted with. Most of the members are from different tribes with different tribal dance backgrounds and this brings a lot of flavour to the crew and also to the hip-hop dance styles as well. The only problem is a lack of exposure.

But with Tabu Flo opening up doors, it will awaken the international audience and Uganda will be the next dance destination.

Do you feel proud to shine a positive light on Uganda, when a lot of the media reports about the country tend to be negative?

We feel blessed and proud to represent the country, mostly because the international media houses have portrayed only the ugly side of the nation, concentrating mostly on issues like the gay bill, wars in the north, politics and poverty. So being the first hiphop dance crew to represent Uganda in an international hip-hop dance theatre festival makes us very proud.

What is the group’s proudest/most memorable experience to date?

One of the best Tabu Flo moments is when we were crowned the best Ugandan dance crew at the Mirinda competition in may 2010.

What can audiences expect from your performance at Breakin’ Convention?

They should expect a purely Ugandan classic story told by young energetic dancers. Each of them have an amazing mix of their indigenous traditional dances with breakdance, which has evolved into their own special style and technique.

Audiences can expect an exciting, funny and unique performance, with rich music; some of it by not only the best Ugandan world musicians but also one of the best international world musicians, Kinobe Herbert.

Anything else you want to add?

Tabu Flo members are also founder members of a grassroots organisation called Breakdance Project Uganda, where they give free break dance skills to the Ugandan youth in ghettos, prisons, orphanages, and international and local schools, both disadvantaged and advantaged. The idea is to inspire and achieve positive social change in our country.

Our mission is to create, perform and inspire a new standard of dance worldwide.

Man in the middle: Jonzi D (centre) strikes a pose with Tabu Flo

APRIL 21 - 27, 2011 THE VOICE 27

This DJ means Biznizz!

Breakin’ Convention’s renowned DJ Billy Biznizz on providing the festival’s soundtrack from day one SINCE the first Breakin’ Convention in 2004, the foyer of Sadler’s Wells has played host to award-winning DJs the En4cers. Creating a vibrant, party atmosphere, with an explosive non-stop repertoire of hip-hop and funk, plus countless surprises in the mix, the collective – made up of DJs Pogo, Cutmaster Swift and Biznizz – have created the definitive Breakin’ Convention soundtrack, prompting almost as much dance action from the audience as you’re likely to see on the stage!

A pioneering DJ, producer, composer and performer, Billy Biznizz has always worked closely with hip-hop dance and theatre, often taking to the stage himself as both a dancer and MC. His theatre credits include Jonzi D’s Lyrikal Fearta and Aeroplane Man and he’s also worked extensively with renowned dancer Robert Hylton. His prestigious CV also includes work with international hip-hop legends including the Jungle Brothers, De La Soul and Public Enemy, as well as UK heroes the London Posse and Cookie Crew.

More recently, Billy has been touring with Mercury nominated artist TY and once again he’ll showcases his DJ skills alongside the En4cers at this year’s Breakin’ Convention.

How has Breakin’ Convention changed for you over the years?

For me, Breakin’ Convention hasn't really changed much format-wise. But if we’re talking about acts and artists then it has, but only due to the festival’s team really trying to push boundaries when it come to educating our audience about street culture, theatre and the relationship between the two.

Each year, the doors open early and you and the En4cers start DJing. How soon do people start forming breaking circles? And can you describe how your soundtrack inspires the foyer dance action?

People look at jamming in the foyer as an event of it's own! As soon as those doors are open, people come straight to where the En4cers are playing so they can get down to that funky En4cers mix of many musical styles.

People come to get inspired

Music masters: the En4cers (l-r) Cutmaster Swift, Pogo and Billy Biznizz

by what we play, as many of our audiences know we represent old school and new school hip-hop culture – some would just call it true school!

Most of the dance community know that we have very diverse musical tastes, which equates to a very funky jam.

Hey Mr DJ: Billy Biznizz

You’ve MC’d onstage with Jonzi D over the years. How did you two meet? Any amusing memories?

Me and Jonzi met in the late 90s. Jonzi wanted to try using a DJ in his Lyrical Fearta show, which went down a storm. People really need to give Jonzi, Benji Reid and Robert Hylton a lot of credit.

These guys really pioneered hip-hop theatre in this country. As for any funny stories, people seem to think I'm one big funny story and to tell the truth, that's just the way I like it!

What are some of your most memorable moments from the festival?

For me, every moment of Breakin’ Convention is memorable for many different reasons. But moments that come to mind are the first time the Electric Boogaloos performed; last year’s foyer jam in the interval being so crazy; having the honour to perform with Suga Pop as one of the dancers in the Greg Cambellock Jr tribute show; and the 2009 Breakin’ Convention after-party.

What are you looking forward to this year?

This year I'm really looking forward to seeing the new performers grace the stage.

Every year they seem to get better so this year, we’ll see who will take their performances out of the conventional box and push the parameters of art and theatre.

Classic Breakin’ Convention tunes Breakin’ Convention wouldn’t be what it is without the music. Every year, the En4cers drop the tunes that get the crowd jumping, thereby providing an unforgettable soundtrack that superbly compliments the festival’s upbeat and feel good vibes.

Over the years, several tracks have become a staple part of the festival’s musical remit. Billy Biznizz picks five favourites.

BAD BOY US A

tar Comedy s ver o c r e d of Un cary Brother, Sand 3 Movie Norbit

COMEDIAN

EDDIE GRIFFIN LIVE

The Return of the Undercover Brother Comedy Tour

UK support: Richard Blackwood | Eddie Kadi | Kevin J Bank Holiday Bank Holiday

Sunday 1st May 2011

Monday 2nd May 2011

BIRMINGHAM Alexander Theatre

LONDON

O2 Academy Brixton (Fully seated & heated)

Station Street, B5 4DS and show starts 7.45pm sharp 1. Knee Deep – Funkadelic

2. Funky Men – James Brown 3. Don’t Touch Me – Busta Rhymes

4. Lack of Afro – The Outsider

5. Spaz – Shash’u

211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL show starts 8.00pm sharp

477 2000 0844 847 2302 0844 www.o2academybrixton.co.uk www.alexandratheatre.org.uk info: 07960 710 502

28 THE VOICE APRIL 21 - 27, 2011

music

Back after the bootleg His last album was leaked online, but US soul star Bilal tells Davina Hamilton he’s raring to go with his new offering

Soul brother: Bilal

UPON receiving a handshake and a polite “nice to meet you” from Bilal, I had to confess to the soul star that his deep speaking voice surprised me slightly. After all, this is the singer whose octave range reached seriously high heights in tracks like Soul Sista and the classic track, Sometimes.

“Oh, so you imagined me to have a speaking voice like Mike Tyson,” Bilal laughed, whilst tucking into what looked like a very healthy lunch. (Salmon and noodles for those of you that love detail).

Having performed a successful show at London’s Jazz Café the night before, the soul star was laid back – and without dreadlocks (“It was one hot day in the summer and I got tired of them,” he said) – as he talked about his latest offering, Airtight’s Revenge.

Following on from his 2006 album Love For Sale, which was controversially bootlegged in its entirety before its release, Airtight’s Revenge is, as Bilal puts it, a

more “retrospective type of album.” It’s not surprising really; having your whole album leaked is bound to make you stop and think.

“I was in a weird space after I put out the last album,” Bilal confirms. “Well, it was really the album I didn’t put out. It kind of put me at a standstill. I was still touring but the album never really came out. So I had to change a lot of things, as far as business is concerned. So that put me in a different headspace.

“At first, I was angry and disappointed. But then it kinda became a positive thing because I saw how well people were responding to the music. It was a catch 22 because people should’ve never have heard the music the way they did, but the fact that they did hear it and liked it was a good thing.”

Releasing his new album independently, does Bilal have any ill-feeling towards his former label Interscope, who delayed the release of Love For Sale and subsequently shelved the album it after it leaked?

“No,” he says. “I don’t know who bootlegged the album but the situation made me stretch myself creatively.

On top of the album being bootlegged, the industry as a whole was changing. People weren’t buying music in the traditional way; record stores were closing down.

So I decided it was a good time for me to break away from the norm and experiment. And with this album being released independently, I was able to

push the boundaries a little more.”

That he has. While his earlier material often saw the crooner lamenting on love and relationships, Airtight’s Revenge dissects politics and world issues, whilst also encompassing matters of the heart.

Does he think his fans might be surprised by the shift in subject matter the new album has taken?

“Maybe,” he laughs. “But I have touched on issues like that before – world issues.

And some of my musical inspirations from Curtis Mayfield to Marvin Gaye to Bob Marley, they were all retrospective and conscious in their music when it was called for.”

One of the album’s notable tracks is Little One; a dedication to the singer’s two sons, who both suffer from illnesses.

“My oldest son has autism and my youngest has sickle cell,” Bilal says of his boys who are aged nine and four.

“I am quite open about it, but then, why wouldn’t I be? I don’t want my kids feeling that the problems that they’re going through are ruining their lives in any way. Shame is a terrible thing to have.”

Asked if it’s ever difficult raising two boys with two very different illnesses, he says: “I think life in general can be difficult. It depends on how you look at things. But we get by.

“My oldest son is really getting into music. I got him a drum set and he’s really into it. I’m finding that the older

he’s getting, the more I’m able to understand how to get into his world.

“That’s one of the major things about autism; you’re kind of born in your own world and you almost don’t care about the rest of the world – which, in some ways, is kind of cool! But it’s my job to try and break him out of his shell and through music, he’s doing that. And he’s got really awesome taste in music. He loves Radiohead, which got me into Radiohead too. He loves Alicia Keys and he’s been checking out gospel music too because my mum likes a lot of gospel. He likes stuff with a cool beat to it.

“As for my youngest [son]… man, he’s too much!

This cat is already writing tunes and holding his guitar.

He’s crazy! He loves music too.”

Describing himself as a “family guy”, Bilal lives with his partner (his boys’ mum) and their sons, and says when he’s not on the road, he’s just a “regular dad” who takes his boys to and from school. But he insists he’s not s strict dad.

“No, I’m a fun dad. I try to be strict but they laugh at me!

Their mum is sterner than I am.”

Does he think he’ll marry his partner some day?

“I think so. But love… I’m learning more about it every day. That’s why I write songs about love. It’s the most complicated emotion humans have!”

Airtight’s Revenge is out now on Plug Research

MUSIC NEWS Norman Jay and Jazzie B @ IndigO2 THE legend that is Norman Jay (right) headlines the third night of the Easter club weekender staged at London’s IndigO2 on April 24.

Jay will be joined by another icon, Jazzie B & the Soul II Soul Sound System, plus Ashley Beedle who will all take to the stage at this anticipated event. Arguably one of the finest and most respected DJs in the world today, Jay was the first British DJ to be invited to play at the celebrated Cannes Film Festival. And in recognition of his DJing achievements and involvement in club culture, he was the subject of the 2002 film, Good Times.

Along with Jazzie B, Jay will bring the weekend egg-stravaganza to a cracking finale on Easter Sunday.

At IndigO2 London on April 24. For more information and to book tickets, visit: theo2.co.uk/indigo2

Simone @ Ronnie Scott’s THE daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, US singer Simone returns to London this week to perform two shows at the acclaimed Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club on April 25 and 26.

Keeping her mother’s legacy alive, Simone will be accompanied by musician Paul Robinson who was her mother’s drummer for nearly 21 years. Interestingly, Robinson first met Nina Simone at Ronnie Scott’s, thereby making Simone’s upcoming performances at the venue even more poignant.

An accomplished jazz singer, Simone, though proud to continue her mother’s legacy, has established herself as a talented artist in her own right. Having starred in the Broadway musicals Rent and Aida, Simone is a gifted performer who is sure to set the London stage alight with her performances this week.

At Ronnie Scott’s, London on April 25 and 26. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.ronniescotts.co.uk