Afro Hair & Beauty Show Feature 2015

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LIFE & STYLE

+++ Hair-raising event Afro Hair & Beauty Live returns this weekend

Reggae meets afrobeats Nigerian star Patoranking: reggae with an African twist

Ladies’ night Sportswomen stepped out for the #BeAGameChanger Awards

OMI Cheerleaders all the way

20 T H E V O I C E MAY 21 - 27, 2015

Out and about

Trust t r o p S gress en’s o r m p o o t W t e ded th doing the mos y was n e t t a k e st we ations , the ceremon oxer la is t n r a o g r p s o gb ank and en’s in B k m ls a h o a t u m w u f id o y r o iv S , histo world se ind don’s u o n e g h o t h o t L u e r n m is u o o n h r recog MES f mpany ion Christine O o A o t N C s d E e r L c a n B w NOTA nger A he Rambert Da 400m champ i. a h C e m #BeAGa sport. Held at t rld and Olympic Maggie Alphons o r women’s by the likes of w orld Cup winne W attended ams and rugby d Nicola A k

d by Slee

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ROOM WITH A VIEW: Attendees at last week’s event.

IT’S A KNOCKOUT: British boxer Nicola Adams, and the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title at the London 2012 Olympic Games, collects her award from John Treharne, CEO of The Gym Group.

PRESS PALS: The Voice’s sports editor, Rodney Hinds, with broadcaster Clare Balding (right).

ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Katie Brazier from the FA and rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi (right) at the WST awards ceremony.

Been anywhere exciting, lately? Upload your images to The Voice's Pinterest page, and the best snaps will appear in a future issue of People & Places

TOP TRIO: Former athletes Connie Henry (left), Jeanette Kwakye (centre) and celebrity publicist Diahanne Rhiney (right).

VoiceOnline

MAY 21 - 27, 2015 T H E V O I C E 21

Entertainment

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

The stars were out in force for the recent Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas MAN OF THE MOMENT: Ludacris hosted the event

CURVACEOUS: Mariah Carey

BIKER CHIC: Tracee Ellis Ross

RISQÉ: Jennifer Lopez

SLICK: 50 Cent

ALL EYES ON ME: Dencia

MODEL BEHAVIOUR: Jourdan Dunn

22 T H E V O I C E MAY 21 - 27, 2015

Cover story

THREE CHEERS FOR OMI The Jamaican singer on enjoying global stardom thanks to his smash hit, Cheerleader

BY NADINE WHITE

URBAN POP DON: Omi

O

mi initially burst onto the music scene in 2012 with ska/island pop single Cheerleader, which enjoyed widespread airplay and critical acclaim. The accompanying music video garnered over one million views on YouTube within days of its release.

More recently, an EDM (electronic dance music) remix by German DJ Felix Jaehn has catapulted Omi to transatlantic heights.

The song has been streamed over 200 million times on Spotify and hit the number one spot in over 15 countries worldwide.

What’s more, Cheerleader has gone four times platinum in Australia; five times platinum in Sweden; and two times platinum in Denmark, where he recently performed as a guest on their version of The X Factor.

During a recent promotional tour of the UK, it was revealed that Cheerleader has sold over 600,000 copies here in Britain, officially making it a platinum selling record. The song also topped the Official Top 40 singles chart for three consecutive weeks.

Of this achievement, Omi says: “I'm really excited. This is something some can only dream of and I'm so grateful.”

Before trailblazing international charts and stadiums, Omi – real name Omar Pasley – grew up in the countryside parish of Clarendon, Jamaica before relocating to the buzzing capital of Kingston as a young adult.

“I had a good upbringing,” he reflects. “My parents instilled the best ethics in me to take me through life. My father was a huge inspiration to me before he died, especially artistically, and remains so”.

Many people will not know that the singer’s late father, Kenroy ‘Jah Ken’ Pasley, was an

exceptionally gifted visual artist and musician who died when Omi was just nine years old.

Clearly, artistic flair is in his genes, leading him to be dubbed the ‘new don of urban pop.’

One of the latest in a long line of Jamaican artists who have successfully broken into the international market, Omi’s success is testament to the island’s well-known saying, ‘we’re likkle but we tallawah’ (we’re small, but mighty).

With that said, the 28-year-old is rarely seen on the local performance circuit in his country of birth, but perhaps this is, in part, down to the distinct lack of live music venues therein.

Thankfully, this didn’t prohibit the talented singer from enjoying success. Under the guidance of revered talent guru Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon – who was responsible for launching the careers of reggae luminaries including Shabba Ranks and Patra – Omi began his professional music journey.

Now, he is signed to Ultra Music, a subsidiary label of Sony Records and is gearing up to embark on an extensive European summer tour.

“This is the first time that I’ll be performing with my own band so it’s definitely a new, exciting experience that I’m looking forward to.”

As with all hit songs, there is always a sense of pressure for the artist to deliver an equally successful follow-up single, in order to solidify their place in the music scene. At the moment, Omi and his team are in the process of choosing a follow-up hit, which could be another golden nugget from his back catalogue.

And with Omi being a prolific songwriter, who has penned other fan favourites such as Fireworks and Standing On All Threes, he has plenty of material to choose from.

“People approach me all the time, saying that they love some of my other material.”

US pop starlet Meghan Trainor has declared that she’s a huge fan of Omi and he recently confirmed that he is in talks with the All About The Bass hitmaker about a possible collaboration.

“Recently we were in dialogue and I’m really looking forward to working with her,” Omi confirms.

Always in music-mode, Omi struggles to find an answer when asked what he does in his spare time. After a long pause, he chuckled before saying: “I’m always working, non-stop. I am truly in my element at this time and genuinely enjoy what I do.”

Jet setting all over the world as one of music’s hottest artists seems exciting and is bound to be packed with all sorts of privileges. Yet, Omi can only speak of one perk that comes with the job, which is “being able to make music that people can enjoy”.

Still, the road to success is seldom without the odd bump along the way and when the going gets tough, Omi draws strength from his musical passion.

“I am encouraged by staying true to the creativity and the art that made the world notice me in the first place. I think that, no matter who you are, you should always try your best to allow yourself to re-enter that initial space. That’s exactly what I do.”

With plans to release a muchanticipated album in early 2016, the world is an oyster for humble Omi. Whilst many artists affectionately create nicknames for their legions of fans, like Beyoncé and her ‘Beyhive’ and Mariah Carey’s ‘Lambs’, Omi describes himself as “a fan of my fans,” elaborating: “I really do attribute a lot of this success to the love and dedication they've shown.”

Cheerleader is out now, available on iTunes. For more information on Omi, visit www.omimusiconline.com

REGGAE NEWS Beres Hammond and Bunny Wailer UK tour

More Life @ O2 Academy B r i x t o n I OCTANE and Macka Diamond (right) are amongst the stars that will perform at More Life music event this weekend.

The reggae stars will be joined by UK artist Ms Dynamite for a unique music experience.

Described as a live culture event like no other, the one-day show will bring together strong dancehall basslines and reggae melodies, for an exciting extravaganza of sounds.

Celebrated for his roots reggae output, I Octane is one of reggae’s most popular contemporary acts, famed for hits including Mama You Alone and My Life.

Macka Diamond burst onto the reggae scene in 2003 and has since found

favour with her fiery delivery and songs such as Bun Him and Dye Dye. Well known for infusing dancehall influences in her music, Mercury Music Prize winner Ms Dynamite found fame with hits including Boooo and Neva Soft.

As if this wasn’t enough, More Life will also feature two of the world’s most famous sound systems: legendary Jamaican collective Stone Love and Japan’s celebrated sound Mighty Crown.

Expect great music and good vibes at this exciting live event.

At O2 Academy Brixton, London on May 2ß4. For more information, visit www.o2academybrixton.co.uk

REGGAE giants Beres Hammond (right) and Bunny Wailer and (far right) will perform a series of shows across the UK this July.

Hammond will play a solo gig at the O2 Academy in Leeds, before being joined by Wailer for joint-headline shows in Bristol, Liverpool, London and Birmingham.

Arguably reggae’s most revered singer, Hammond’s soulful vocals have laced a plethora of hits including What One Dance Can Do and I Feel Good. With a career spanning over 40 years, the celebrated vocalist is considered by many as the ultimate lovers rock singer.

As the only living member of renowned reggae trio The Wailers, Bunny Wailer’s career stretches back over 50 years. Rising to fame along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, as part of reggae’s most famous group, Wailer and his bandmates scored success with their groundbreaking albums Catch A Fire and Burnin’.

He released his debut solo album Blackheart Man in 1976 and since then, Wailer has released over 30 albums and won three Grammy Awards.

Beres Hammond and Bunny Wailer will perform in the UK from July 11-18, at numerous venues.

For full details, visit www.ticketweb.co.uk

MAY 21 - 27, 2015 T H E V O I C E 23

Music

REGGAE MUSIC FROM THE MOTHERLAND Nigerian star Patoranking is the first African artist to sign to international reggae label, VP Records GOT THE MOVES: Patoranking in the video for his single Daniella Whine

BY DAVINA HAMILTON

L

OYAL Voice readers may remember two articles we carried back in 2011, which lightheartedly pitted dancehall music against Afrobeats.

The first feature, written by a former colleague, argued that Afrobeats’ growing popularity was leaving dancehall in the shade. The follow up article, penned by my good self, argued in favour of reggae’s unfailing popularity and its worldwide influence.

Since then, we’ve seen musical movements, which have attempted to bring both genres together, perhaps most notably the collaboration between dancehall star Sean Paul and Afrobeats hero Fuse ODG, who teamed up for the 2014 single Dangerous Love.

With the appreciation for Afrobeats steadily growing amongst traditional dancehall-lovers, now is, perhaps, the perfect time for African dancehall artist Patoranking to make his bid for global stardom.

He’s already well on his way, having earned critical acclaim thanks to singles including Alubarika, Murda (a collaboration with Nigerian singer Seyi Shay) and the 2014 hit Girlie O, the remix of which featured Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage.

Now, with the release of his latest single Daniella Whine, Patoranking looks set to take his popularity to higher heights.

Hailing from Nigeria, the talented sing-jay (singer and deejay) delivers dancehall with distinctive African music undertones, as demonstrated on his infectious new single.

Staying true to his Nigerian roots, Patoranking shot the video for Daniella Whine in Lagos and he pays homage to both his homeland and the birthplace of reggae, courtesy of a Nigerian flag and a Jamaican flag that stand side by side in the video.

Additionally, he delivers his lyrics in Jamaican patois, but gives shout outs at the end of the song to Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and Ghana – as well as Jamaica.

REGGAE TO DI WORLD!

Blending a gruff deejay delivery with a sweet singing style, Patoranking could perhaps be likened musically to dancehall hero Vybz Kartel.

And watching the energetic artist in action in the video – donning numerous gold rings, a sheepskin coat, three-quarter length trousers and shoes with no socks – style-wise, he could be dubbed Nigeria’s answer to Shabba Ranks of yesteryear.

But Patoranking is quite clear that he’s not attempting to be an imitation of anybody.

“I try to do my own sound, never forgetting where I’m from, so that my people can understand what I’m saying,” he says of his musical style. “I’m a reggae artist but I do have touches of Afrobeats [in my music] as well.”

With reggae music’s best-known artists hailing from Jamaica, Patoranking’s Nigerian heritage serves as his unique selling point. But has being a non-Jamaican proved a hindrance for him?

“No, that hasn’t been a problem,” he says.

“There are so many talented reggae artists who aren’t from Jamaica. Collie Buddz is just one example. He’s from Bermuda, but he still does his thing. Music has no boundaries and no limits. If Jamaicans can dance to a hip-hop song that is from America, I’m sure they can dance to one that is from Africa.

“Everybody knows that reggae is from Jamaica and everybody knows that Jamaicans are [originally] from the Motherland; West Africa. So this [my music] is almost like reggae tracing its roots.”

Well, his formula has proved hugely successful so far, earning the skilled singer a solid fanbase throughout Africa and America.

“We’re still trying to break into the Caribbean market,” he admits. “But I’m sure it will happen.

With God by my side and the support of VP Records, I think it will happen.”

Indeed, if anybody knows the Jamaican reggae market, it’s VP Records. The world’s largest distributor of reggae music, the popular label, which celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, cast its musical net further afield by signing Patoranking for a distribution deal earlier this year.

It was a landmark move, which saw the star become the first African dancehall artist to sign a distribution deal with the label.

Other non-Jamaican reggae acts

PRESSURE BUSSPIPE Hailing from: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Songs: Love & Affection, Crazy Love

COLLIE BUDDZ Hailing from: Bermuda Songs: Blind To You, Come Around

ALBOROSIE Hailing from: Italy Songs: Herbalist, Kingston Town

Do you think Nigerian reggae artist Patoranking will enjoy success despite not being Jamaican?

Yes, there are plenty of successful non-Jamaican reggae artists 25% Yes, because his music is good 50%

THE GREEN Hailing from: Hawaii Songs: Love I, Wake Up GENTLEMAN Hailing from: Germany Songs: Send A Prayer, Intoxication

THE VOICE POLL

No, there is still a prejudice that exists against nonJamaican reggae artists ACKEE & SALTFISH Hailing from: Japan Albums: Nah Tek Back, Stilla Struggle

25%

“Everything’s been going great,” Patoranking said of the partnership.

“It’s going well and every day something is happening.”

Asked what inspired his love of reggae, the singer explained: “I don’t come from a musical family, but music has always been what I wanted to do. When I was growing up, I had a neighbour who only listened to reggae. So through my neighbour, I got to know the music of Peter Tosh, Bob Marley and many others.

“When I was in school we had this miming competition where you could mime songs. I always wanted to stand out and my way of standing out was by doing something different. So I paid attention to reggae songs and when I performed them in school, the girls loved it!

“Reggae artists are like messengers,” he continues. “And the music itself just has its own aura. When you’re in a club and reggae comes on, the whole atmosphere just changes.”

Who are some of his favourite reggae artists?

“Of course, the late Bob Marley – he’s my general. I also listen to Busy Signal, Mavado, Bounty Killer – there are so many artists I love.”

Considering where he sees himself in five years, the ambitious singer says: “I see myself as one of the biggest artists in the world. I see myself bringing through talent from different parts of Africa – and sipping coffee on one of the islands!

“But right now, I’m just so happy and I thank God for everything that is happening in my career.”

Daniella Whine is out now on VP Records

ON THE RISE: Patoranking

24 T H E V O I C E MAY 21 - 27, 2015

Afro Hair & Beauty

IT’S NOT JUST HAIR, IT’S LIFESTYLE Afro Hair & Beauty Live returns for its 34th year, catering for the lifestyle needs of black women

BY DAVINA HAMILTON

C

ROWDS will once again descend upon Islington’s Business Design Centre for the annual spectacular that is Afro Hair & Beauty Live.

Now in its 34th year, the twoday event will take place this Bank Holiday weekend, showcasing the very best hair and beauty products for women of colour.

Over the years, the exhibition has evolved, offering a more holistic approach to the needs of black British women. It’s a development that the event’s organiser Grace Kelly is proud to see.

“The exhibition has gone from being about purely hair and beauty and become more about lifestyle,” Kelly explains. “It’s about our skin, the clothes we wear, the jewellery we wear and so on. We’ve got a lot of fashion at the show this year, so people will be able to get a lot of afrocentric items.

“We’re unique individuals and there’s no other platform out there

that caters for us in this way.”

Recognising the rise of women opting to wear their hair naturally, the exhibition now boasts more products designed for a variety of natural hair types.

“There are more products available for natural hair now, so whatever your hair type is, there will be a product to suit you,” says Kelly.

“Once upon a time, there were a lot of natural hair products, but they were really more suitable for mixed race hair.

“Now, there are more products available across the board, so whether you have very tight curls or a more loose curl, there’ll be something for you.”

A truly unique event, Afro Hair & Beauty Live 2015 will feature a Fantasy Hair competition, where mind-blowing hair creations will be displayed; the WAHL Battle of the Barbers will see competitors literally going head to head to claim the title of ultimate barber; and attendees can engage in panel discussions, where hair and beauty questions will be answered.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy seminar presentations, sample and purchase products not yet in stores and interact with representatives from a host of companies, as well as engage in one-on-one sessions with hair and skin care professionals.

“It’s really the Mecca of hair, beauty and fashion for black women,” Kelly concludes. “You can find your perfect foundation, your perfect skincare products.

“We have a woman who has designed a skincare range specifically for women of colour, as we have skin issues that non-black women don’t tend to have.

“This event is about what makes us who we are as black women and obviously, it’s not just about what we put in our hair. It’s a lifestyle event that offers something for us all as black women.”

Afro Hair & Beauty Live takes place at the Business Design Centre, London N1 on May 24 and 25. For more information, visit www.afrohairshow.com

ROCK THE RUNWAY: A fashion show in action

PASSION FOR FASHION: Roooi designs on display

WORLD OF CURLS: A stylist shows off his skills

MAY 21 - 27, 2015 T H E V O I C E 25

Afro Hair & Beauty IT’S GOOD TO TALK: A panel discussion gets underway

HAIR RAISING: A striking creation

GOT THE MOVES: Dancers show off their moves

THE POWER OF PIMENTO Businesswoman Sandra Gustard will launch her healing pimento oil line at Afro Hair & Beauty Live

BY RYKESHA HUDSON THE secret to Jamaica's fountain of youth might just be a bottle of Fountain Pimento Oil. Travelling across the globe in search of the best natural healing products, Sandra Gustard has combined some of the world's finest ingredients into an elixir that she’s sure will soothe the soul.

The former south Londoner is returning to the UK, after moving to New York 18 years ago, to launch her organic ‘healing’ oil range, following successful launches in the US, Australia and Jamaica.

During a trip to Jamaica in 2008, Gustard discovered the healing benefits of the island’s hot mineral springs and the popular spice, pimento.

Suffering from a herniated disc and pinched nerve after two car accidents, the businesswoman visited Bath Fountain in the parish of St Thomas. The mineral bath is said to heal pain by using the boiling hot water that spews from between the rocks.

“I was dying to go there,” Gustard told Life & Style. “So I had the bath and got a wicked massage from one of the dreads, who used pimento oil. I felt better immediately.”

On her return home to New York, the London-born entrepreneur came up with the idea of launching Fountain Pimento Oil for people suffering from arthritis and other rheumatic ailments. Her range also includes hair food, bath salts and body butter.

Pimento, which is also known as allspice in some countries, has long since been recognised as having many health benefits and is used for a multitude of ailments.

Indigenous to the Caribbean islands, pimento is believed to be the only spice which is grown solely in the western hemisphere.

On the importance of sourcing organic products from Jamaica for her products, Gustard said: “All of our grannies, aunts and mums boiled teas or rubbed us down with traditional stuff that they grew up with back home.

OIL ON TROUBLED WATER: Sandra Gustard’s (pictured below) pimento oil

“We scoffed at them because they tasted or smelt horrible. Now we know that the alternative medicines for some ailments are much better and safer for us, and if they never harmed our forefathers, it won't hurt us either.”

When Gustard first brought Fountain Pimento Oil out, she would give free massages at nursing homes and churches.

“Now, through word of mouth and promotion, we have customers all over the world, from Dubai, through to Australia, and the USA,” she said proudly. “I am now ready to introduce it to Europe, starting with my home, the UK.” Sandra Gustard will launch her range at Afro Hair & Beauty Live. Her stall (stand 112) will also offer free mini massages and samples

AHB 2015 210x270 v2:Layout 1 12/03/2015 15:43 Page 1 26 | THE VOICE MAY 21-27, 2015

CLASSIFIED

24 – 25 May 2015 Business Design Centre 52 Upper Street London N1 0QH

Tickets £12 at the door, £10 in advance

www.afrohairshow.com