L'ART Issue 4, October 2011

Publications

L’ART

Image Source: Brent Campton

DL

Be Creative

Education is the passport to the future For tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today - Malcolm X UK BLACK HISTORY MONTH Issue 4 October 2011

L’ART

L’ART Music

10

Contents

L’ART speak to music producer Fuzzy Logik! Get his

thoughts on the music scene

18 We talk all things Bluey Robinson with ‘Coming Back’ music video producer Licia Conn

22

Back To Business; see what this Oxford local talent has in store for you this year

Fashion 7

Booty’s store beauties show their new Autumn/Winter

lines plus the moment they saw Beyonce

16

FDR Media company launch a hair and beauty show

with a chance to win. Find out how you can get involved

Performing Arts 4

The Miss P Fundraiser. This show came back bigger &

better and this is just the beginning

Editor’s Letter

H

i all and welcome to the fourth issue of L’ART; the ‘Black History Month’ issue. We are celebrating black history by recognising the work of one talented artist, LL Cool J and finding out how others have been inspired by the greats such as Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X; the list is endless.

Join us as we speak to one of the hottest names in the funky house genre; Fuzzy Logik. We were fortunate enough to have a one-on-one chat with the producer and realised just how humble he is.

We also have some exclusive images from Bluey Robinson’s ‘Coming Home’ music video, a review of September’s spectacular Miss P Fundraiser and there is a new comedy night on the horizon.

Enjoy!

Letisha & Daniella

13

Da House of Comedy; Oxford’s new Comedy night with a difference

Reviews 24

2

Word on the street

3

Oh What

L’ART

S

A Night

aturday September 24th was the day that the Miss P Fundraiser achieved another seal of approval from the audience of over 600 people.

Before the night had started, it was clear that the third annual show was already off to a great start with a new venue and new faces in the crowd. There were also a lot of new faces on stage. Due to watching the previous shows, the founder and committee

members of the Miss P Foundation were approached by budding stars who wanted to get involved; even two family members – Dwight and Gavin Jones – who hosted the first half of the show. So with a combination of returning groups and new members, the audience were in for a treat with over 17 dancers, actors, groups, singers and soloists ready to perform.

Audience of over 600 people

4

The journey began in Octo-

L’ART ber 2009 with the show dedicated to Michael Jackson and Broadway. Then 2010 celebrated the different music styles of today and musical theatre. This year Beverley Harry, the founder and creator of the foundation, decided to explore two angles of music; one being the story of Motown and the other, a scripted piece of how music has evolved over the years. Audience members were taken back in time with Kick Out Of You’ merged into some old classic tunes such as Frank Sinatra and Jamie Cullum’s own renditions of the song. So overall, the concept of the first half was received very well as it was a trip down memory lane for the adults Rick James’ ‘Superfreak’, Ray and a fun music lesson for the Charles’ ‘I’ve Got A Woman’ younger generation. Highand Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘I Get lights of the second half were A Kick Out Of You’. These the Miss P Performers telloriginals were then cleverly ing the story of Motown, Elplayed along with their lat- lie and Chloe singing Michael est covers. ‘Superfreak’ was Jackson’s ‘Ben’, their favourfollowed by MC Hammer’s ite song from that era, Portia ‘Can’t Touch This’, ‘I’ve Got belting out ‘Who’s Loving A Woman’ with Kanye West’s You’ accompanied by Manu ‘Gold Digga’ and ‘I Get A on the piano and Spin Off’s

A fun music lesson

5

L’ART

Nurturing Visions In The Arts

6

Nurturing Visions In The Arts

Image Source: sxc.hu, Murray Photography

contemporary piece to Ste- theatre group for children as vie Wonder’s ‘Redemption young as five. The time and Song’. venue are still to be confirmed but if you keep an eye on their With every show comes a few website (www.misspfoundaglitches. Can you believe that tion.com), you will be the first four of the to know about dancers set all upcoming to open the events. first few minutes of the In the meanshow weren’t time the entire ready? Yes, Miss P commitonce Doyle tee are thankful A c a d e m y ’s and grateful for Irish dancers the constant had opened support and the show, it help that has was the bebeen offered ginning of over the years. backstage Although this madness. fundraising But overall performance the show was a success and was initially created to help lothe New Theatre has already cal student, Portia Harry with shown their interest in work- her attendance at the Urdang ing with the Miss P Founda- Academy, your involvement tion in the near future. The is helping them reach their foundation also has their own goal in helping other young, future mapped out where they aspiring performers achieve plan to start a regular musical the same dream. L’ART

L’ART

BOOTY FASHION AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 7

L’ART

vibrance BOOTY Looking forward to holding Beyonce’s pre-season range, the autumn/winter collection will be in store from October. With dresses and evening wear, items from the line will serve as the perfect Christmas gift.

fun BOOTY ttending a London Fashion Week (LFW) 2011 afterparty, conducting a photoshoot, a fashion promo video & seeing Beyonce; these were all the fun-filled business duties Booty’s Louise Trueman and Keshia Roachford crammed into a September weekend.

A

Founders Beyonce and Tina Knowles were in London & Team Booty were there to witness the party that followed the successful catwalk show.

Keshia recalled on the moment she was less than five metres away from the superstar. Perks on the night included tester perfumes of her fragrance ‘Pulse’, canapés and a free bar; but seeing Beyonce in person had to top them all right?

8

BOOTY

confidence

Image Source: Booty, Photography by Tab Adverts

Fashion followers will know LFW took place last month and a memorable event that took place was the UK launch of House of Dereon.

L’ART lisa Contostavlos and TOWIE’s Sam Faiers, described by Keshia as being “easy day to night transitional wear”.

Following heavy rain, it was off to a forest setting with models Michaela-Jane Baker, Paris Richardson and Sarah “We saw the line, loved it and Fairhurst. The weather added so placed an order for the first to the seasonal look matchseason,” Keshia reveals. ing the crop tops, hoodies and jumpers that make Bunty & Booty will be a great location Co. for women to get teasers of the line, not forgetting the en- Louise said, “I would like tire range is in London’s de- Booty to be remembered as partment store, Selfridges. a fashion institution, which brought fun, confidence, viA few hours sleep later and brance and quirkiness. A Team Booty were on loca- brand which made it possible tion for their shoot featuring for the everyday woman to labels Sugar Hill and Bunty access trends & fashion, seen & Co. After a morning with on their favourite icons”. hair stylist Kaysha Green and make-up artist Kellie Morgan, Get your labels in-store now it was off to their shoot with & support Booty’s newly photographer Tab Adverts launched Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/ Sugar Hill has been seen on user/bootyboutique. L’ART the likes of X-Factor judge Tuquirkiness

BOOTY

9

L’ART

T A C I S U M T U O UT P O T Y P P A H M R “I’M A E Y E H T F ANY TI PLEEOWILL ENJOY” ’ART: We have had a THAT PEO

10

L’ART has a talk with the man who brought you Egypt’s funky-hit ‘In The Morning’ and Jada Pearl’s ‘All My Love’. So what does he think of Jada, how does he want to be remembered and who does he want to collaborate with next?

Image Source:

FUZZY LOGIK

L

L’ART to the table, based on their own recording experiences.

listen to your produced L’ART: What was it like track All My Love with Jada working with Jada Pearl?

Pearl. How did you come to work with her?

Fuzzy: Working with Jada was great. She knows exactly Fuzzy: I like to work with what she wants and isn’t afraid fresh talent and a friend of to experiment to try somemine came across Jada’s thing new, which is great!

MySpace page. I really liked what I heard so we sent each L’ART: What artist do you other a few messages back wish to collaborate with next and forth, then had a meeting, and why? discussed ideas, and took it from there.

Fuzzy: Someone called Myshy because she’s the first artL’ART: You must get a lot of ist on my new label, Worldartists wanting to work with Class music. yourself. What factors do you look for in an artist that deter- L’ART: We’re both also big mines whether or not you de- fans of the track you released cide to collaborate musically? with Egypt, ‘In the Morning’ in 2009. Would you say you Fuzzy: I look for artists that have a big passion for making are different vocally and will summer anthems for the holibring something original day raving scene?

11

L’ART Fuzzy: Thank you. Haha, well I don’t mind when that happens, however, I’m just happy to put out music at any time of the year that people will enjoy, if possible.

L’ART thing a little bit different from everyone else.

L’ART: As it’s UK Black History Month, we are remembering influential beings such as Martin Luther King L’ART: What projects are you and Marcus Garvey. In the next 30 years, how would you working on at the moment? want people to look back and Fuzzy: I’m currently setting remember you? up my own label and planning a string of releases from both Fuzzy: I would love if people myself and other producers/ remembered me as being a guy who put out a lot of great muartists.

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY AND

DO SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT FROM EVERYONE ELSE.”

Fuzzy: When you decide to go outside the box and don’t be afraid to try and do some-

12

FUZZY LOGIK

Image Source: cypherpr.com

L’ART: The funky scene has become so popular, but in your opinion, what elements make the perfect funky track, one that stands out from the others?

sic that could still be played in 30 years time. A bit like how Motown is still played today!

But really, I just love doing what I do and am grateful if people today enjoy it, even if only for the moment, Lol! L’ART

13

L’ART

ne thing that Oxford lacks is a regular comedy show. Sure, we get the odd comedian act that attends the New Theatre or Playhouse but never a recurring event where people can look forward to having a laugh. Many enjoyed the Sweet Me events that Tony Nanton and Paddy Luscombe created over the past few months and now it seems the success of the comedy bug has encouraged another night to be born; Da House Of Comedy.

ans will blow you away. First we have Kat B - who is best known for his appearances on MTV Base and Choice FM, Will E Robo – the man responsible for P. Diddy’s Bad Boys Of Comedy and also seen on BET’s Comic View and last, but not least, Eddie Kadi will be gracing the stage with his side-splitting humour – you have most probably seen him in Anuvhahood and heard him on radio with Tim Westwood.

The highly-anticipated show debuts on Saturday November 12th at the Regal, 6.30pm and the endless list of comedi-

Here’s what promotor Mista BigStuff had to say about creating a comedy night with a difference.

14

How did you come up with the theme for this night? - Comedy and gameshows.

I’ve been looking at doing a comedy show & broadening my horizons in terms of events. After seeing that urban comedy events worked well in Oxford an opportunity rose to work with an established events organiser from London called HarmzKidz (HK Productions). I felt that we could raise the bar and do it bigger & better. The concept is actually HK Productions brand as they launched it before and are looking to make it into a roadshow. The idea of the gameshow just adds something a little extra and different and if this one is successful we have bigger plans ahead.

What shall we expect from this night?

A night of laughs and frolics that will have you in stitches. Expect a fun-packed, event-filled evening.

Image Source: Mista BigStuff, J Boateng

O

L’ART

Who chose the comedians for the night?

It was a collaboration between all partners and a joint decision.

We wanted to bring some fresh acts that haven’t been seen in Oxford and expose some of the biggest names in the industry.

Is this event going to be an annual thing?

Depending on the success of the night, we’ll plan them at least twice a year minimum, bringing the UK’s biggest and new urban comedians. So come join us and let’s make this an established thing for Oxford. L’ART

15

F

fdrmediaevents@yahoo.co.uk

DR Media Events are launching their company and want you, (especially hair and beauty lovers) there to welcome the event in with them.

The Saturday showcase hopes to open the door for those struggling for work in the hair and beauty profession. Titled B&B, the Beauty Boutique is even offering a work placement at one of London’s top hair salons.

“It’s so hard for everyone, especially students, who work so hard to get a job. I thought if I get involved with different

FDR Co-founder: Michelle

16

website coming soon! of good friend, Isaac Kikabi.

branded salons, it will be a good opportunity for them,” explains event co-organiser Michelle Buabin.

L’ART

All ages and nationalities are welcome on a day where workshops will be held and hair extensions, beauty products and make-up will be sold.

“He knows everything,” and with experience in events, Isaac offers business and finance knowledge to match “The main competition will Michelle’s ambitious aims Michelle and Isaac hope for a be for those studying hair and and admin skills. great reception and want to be beauty. They will be battling remembered as young entreto get this one place,” she With Toni & Guy and Super- preneurs striving for success teases. Details about how you cuts on their list of desired, in years to come. can win will be revealed on participating clients, Michelle the day.

Be sure to support them work in aid of a great cause; you!

Also keep your eyes peeled for future events and how you and your business skills can Varied functions, opportunities to win PLUS see future get involved.

Image Source: Michelle Buabin

L’ART

The Beauty Boutique performances by music artists known and up & coming

With a company name translating to ‘from dreams to reality’, Michelle’s drive and determination gets L’ART’s support in her quest to build her company, and helping the unemployed. Though she makes it perfectly clear that she couldn’t have gotten this far in her quest to become an entrepreneur without the help

coming this Winter

“I want clienteles to network, hopes these big names in the benefit themselves and open hairdressing world will offer them up to a different market. help for hair stylists of the future to gain experience, may- “Any clients that want to be even work. know more/ get involved, even in the team, send CVs,” “A lot of them are entrepre- Michelle encourages, with a neurs as well and happy to promise to answer all. “Any help,” Michelle says of other and everything I’ll be happy participating parties. to look over.” L’ART

date and venue tbc at dlpublications-lart.co.uk

17

L’ART meet music video producer Licia Conn to talk film, SBTV and Bluey Robinson

18

4. Arrive at location for 6am to prepare and set up

Licia (to Bluey’s left) with the ‘Coming Back’ team

T

L’ART

Thinking back to one of her last University projects, Licia Conn never dreamed that less than five years after graduation, never mind one, that she would have experience as a music video producer, working alongside the likes of music giants Sony, upcoming media channel SBTV and artists such as Bluey Robinson.

(Did you know the ‘Coming Back’ video director is Having performed on ITV’s Bluey’s cousin and works for This Morning, at Oxford’s O2 SBTV?) Academy and London’s Notting Hill Carnival after par- Having been spotted for her ty, the music scene has been work by director Paris, being made that bit more versatile a part of the ‘Coming Back’ with the singer/songwriter’s team stood out to her from other music video offers that presence. she had previously turned Following on from the popu- down. lar single ‘Showgirl’, Bluey shared his latest video release “Bluey’s the first artist that for new track ‘Coming Back’ I’ve been offered to produce and on learning about a local for that I’ve heard of and love lady’s involvement with the his music. He’s got a massive end product, Team L’ART just female following, an amazing voice.” had to meet her. he name Bluey Robinson has been hot on a lot of people’s lips since he graced us all with his unique swag, sweet vocals and boynext-door image earlier this year. And how could he not be? With his throwback vibe mixed in with his current day twist, Bluey offers genres of pop, dance and blues as he has fun with his musical talent.

5. Artist arrives. Send to make-up & costume

2. Win the role 3. Sort out location, crew, cast, catering, parking etc in a week

A producer’s check list: 1. Pitch idea for music video

L’ART

19

With a catalogue of productions, including Consequences of the Kill and a working relationship with SBTV, her “small but loud” persona continues to get her job offers.

Being a film production honours graduate, Licia specialised in producing at Bournemouth Arts Institute and through recommendations and putting her skills out there, she has gone from strength to strength, kick starting a career in media any film graduate would be proud of.

So let’s talk SBTV. Team L’ART was introduced to the media channel via a recent increase in publicity, particularly via TV promotion ads, and once Licia informed us that it was through SBTV that she

“It’s been amazing. The label are already impressed and are pitching on more videos,” she says of her recent biggest budget gig to date.

20

“I got lucky to begin with.

You have to be a workaholic”, Licia admits, before praising her top organisational skills for being a big help when it comes to her job role.

A still from Bluey’s video ‘Coming Back’

got the Bluey gig, we gained be represented by SBTV, aua greater understanding of tomatically gaining their huge the forever growing Youtube following in return. channel.

There are also talks of creat“The guy that started it (Jamal ing another medium, as Licia Edwards) is only 21-years- spoke of thoughts on “opening old. He started up an arm from when he was 16, SBTV called then it just grew ‘Sudden Black’, quite quickly purely for music in fanbase,” Livideos”, so keep cia explains of your eyes and the founder and ears open.

CEO. With dreams of Jamal Edwards with Rich“Rappers would travelling and ard Branson be filmed doing 64 having possible opbars, hence the name (A64). portunities to produce for acts At the moment they mainly do such as Alexandra Burke and live acoustic sessions,” Licia The Duchess, Licia means says of the filming at present. to continue as she’s started, “They do interviews with art- whether her career takes her ists such as Jessie J.” abroad or onto a shoot for the next big thing.

Commended for ‘repping’ the UK scene like no other, Licia “Appreciation for your work speaks highly of Edwards and that runs smoothly with no his accomplishments. With blips, following a 24 hour average views of 400,000 a day; I love working in proday, artists are very keen to duction.” L’ART

21

8. Sit back and enjoy SBTV’S ‘Behind the Scenes’ edit

So what was it like being in the presence of the ‘Coming Back’ singer? “He was lovely to work with,” she said. She also admitted that although the college scenario of the video is slightly Americanised, the local high school in Kingsbury, North West London that served as a set for the day, helps to make sure all can relate in Bluey’s quest to get his girl.

Image Source: Licia Conn, jumpoff.tv, Virgin

L’ART 7. Hand video over to artist’s team after 3-4 days editing

6. Scenes outside are shot first thing, then do scenes inside

L’ART

Back To Business

L’ART

L’ART

Do you have any recent material out?

I’ve got an EP coming out around Christmas and I hope there will be a big launch party for it. I’ve also got a bench-mark music video for Have you had any experi- the EP called ‘Crow’. ence working with kids?

I taught part-time at a school’s Do you produce all your kids club. I’m also working music? alongside Zahra Tehrani at No I’ve worked with Zahra on Ark T and help kids with re- ‘Crow’ which is her first ever from a group called Multicording and writing lyrics. beat. I’m not really into proSteps based at De Montfort Her label, PG records - who ducing but we have put a lot University (DMU) and I spit operate outside of Ark T - is of effort into this beat. It’s goa few bars over some of their non-profit, purely for kids to ing to sound awesome. beats. I also worked with a come in and use equipment at band called Cabrillo Beach As it’s black history month, the cheapest rate. and they have been banging whilst we remember those out tunes who did a huge amount for “My calling changed but and doing the black community, how music is still at the heart all sorts of of everything I do.” would you like to be rememevents over bered in years to come? the course of Where do you want your As an eccentric within the seven months. bounds of the mainstream, music to take you?

I’m happy and content with who paradoxically went What are you studying at what I’m doing right now. If it against the grain. Someone Uni? gets big, it does, if not I’ll still who challenged and annoyed Originally I wanted to do mube doing it till I’m 50-years- discriminatory ideals. L’ART sic but when I was younger old.

I got involved in all sorts of stupidness and my calling changed. Music is still at the heart of everything I do but I went into youth work because I felt that was the area I needed to explore more.

F

irstly, how did you get the name N-Zyme?

I learnt that an enzyme was a catalyst that sped up chemical reactions. That’s how I saw myself; as a catalyst to shake things up.

How did you get started with music?

Through my older brothers djing at home. Back in the day they were into conscious hiphop and R&B. That spurred me on to start spitting.

Are you involved with music at University?

Yes. I heard some dub-step

Image Source: Guy Henstock

What N-Zyme is doing next...

22 23 Discover Daniel ‘N-Zyme’ Odong’s University contacts, his work with kids and what he’s planning for Christmas.

WORD ON THE STREET

Ladies Love Cool James “Public Enemy for their social criticism. They are revolutionary, conscious and educated us with their music.”

“The first to come to mind... Busta Rhymes, Q Reyna Jones Tip & Snoop Dogg.”

Louis May LL Cool J receives this year’s Hip-Hop Icon title at the Black Entertainment Television Awards. Who would you like to see win next year?

A Jones-Ellis

“MC Hammer; I know it’s funny but Hammer was one of the first rap stars to cross over into the pop culture, which in today’s world of hip-hop we see a lot.”

Arnold Minott

“Common. From his poetic, spoken word flow and the unique way he uses the English language; we love this hip-hop lyricist.”

L’ART

L’ART

Image Source: coolstore888

“If there are any trailblazers (pioneers) who haven’t had the recognition, I would choose one of them. They paved the way for the others.”