Life in Colour No.22 May 2010 by Level 7 Media

London’s First Multicultural Listings Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Issue 22 • May 2010

Entertainment L i s t i n g s

MUSIC

Paris/ New York/ London Jazz Festival

CLUBS

Roller Motion

THEATRE

Breakin’ Convention 2010

COMEDY

Paul Sinha

COMMUNITY

Back to our Roots Ghana 2010

SCREEN

London International Documentary Festival

GALLERY

Kingdom of Ife

EVENTS

Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

Lyrical Healer

FAITH

Pentecost Event

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Counsellor Mike

May Days...

CONTENTS 18

A Word From The Editor So I woke up the other day and a song popping into my head. It was Lovely Day by Out of Eden. I hopped out of bed and, with this song in my head, I got on with my morning routine. By the time I was buffed and shiny and ready to go, I had a genuine smile on my face. Maybe I made those I met during the course of the day smile too… well, you can only hope. In fact, that’s exactly what the song is all about, hope. It’s gonna be a lovely day. And with summer beckoning, May is that perfect precursor. That bright-eyed morning before…

04-07

MUSIC

32-33

14-15

CLUB

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

34-35

COMMUNITY

18-20

THEATRE

FAITH

COMEDY

37-39

HEALTH & WELLBEING

27-29

SCREEN

40-41

GALLERY

30-31

EVENTS

FOOD

Editor

You can’t have hope without inspiration. In this edition of Life In Colour we bring you two individuals who make it happen despite all odds. We have a profile of the amazing Fantasia Burrino outlining her many triumphs, and Vicktizzle talks to us about balancing his Gospel career with his inner-city teenage life. I’m sure these remarkable individuals will put a smile on your face. Furthermore, to get you well and truly prepped for the summer May has those two Bank Holidays. You could use them to tie up that Spring-cleaning, or to bond with the family. Or you could dust off those dancing shoes and start your party engine. If the latter is your rout, check out our Bank Holiday special, listing all the key club nights on both days.

Samera Owusu Tutu

Assistant Editor

Ksndra

Design

Milly, Lai Fong Lam

Michalina Zietek

Contributors:

Lyrical Healer

London’s First Multicultural Listings Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Issue 22 • May 2010

Entertainment L i s t i n g s

MUSIC

Paris/ New York/ London Jazz Festival

CLUBS

Roller Motion

THEATRE

Breakin’ Convention 2010

Katherine Bing

Counsellor Mike

COMEDY

Paul Sinha

COMMUNITY

Back to our Roots Ghana 2010

SCREEN

London International Documentary Festival

GALLERY

Kingdom of Ife

EVENTS

Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

Lyrical Healer

Cherelle Glave

Dominic Gardner-Wright

FAITH

Pentecost Event

As always, we’ve got plenty of things to do and places to go for you, so that you can carve out your creative London. Why not check out some of the low-key festivals this month? The London International Documentary Festival have a thought-provoking line-up, particularly of films outlining issues in Africa; these have been outlined your Screen special. My personal pick would be Sweet Crude. Check it out and let me know what you think of it by leaving your thoughts on the Life In Colour website.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Counsellor Mike

May Days...

Head Of Sales

Jessica Meade

Things are looking bright for May. But that’s enough of my yakking. You’ve got places to be…

Published by

Life In Colour Listings Guide

Maybe I’ll see you there!

Publishers

JB Rose

Derek Morrison-Bowen

To advertise in the next issue contact: Life in Colour Listings Guide 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour E14 9TS T: 0207 515 6158, F: 0207 515 6159 Please e-mail all listings information to E: lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk W: www.lifeincolour.uk.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the advertisers. Life In Colour can not take responsibility for any incorrect or misleading claims made. ©2010 Life In Colour

MUSIC Cesaria Evora + Ballake Sissoko and Vincent Segal

05, 06, 27& 28 May 4

Black Eyed Peas with very special guest Cheryl Cole

The Black Eyed Peas announce the UK leg of their eagerly awaited THE E.N.D WORLD TOUR, which comes to The O2 on 5, 6, 27 and 28 May 2010. Their stage shows are spectacular, as are their chart-topping hits. Expect a mind-blowing night to remember. UK’s own Cheryl Cole will be offering support. Cost: Time: 6.30pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

01 May

JO’LEON DAVENUE LIVE @ O2 ACADEMY (BANK HOLIDAY DOUBLE BILL)

This is a night not to be missed. UK talent Jo’Leon will be taking his mellow rap style to the stage in North London. Check him out with full band in tow. Under 21s will need ID. Cost: £7 Time: 8pm - 11pm Location: O2 Academy (Islington), N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS Info: 020 7288 4400

01 02

May bOUNCE with LYRIC L, Beatbox Drase, CK’s Band

This is one of those random nights that makes London so special. bOUNCE has been bringing true talent to music lovers for 11 years. This bank holiday they give you rapper LyricL — the pied piper of West London, Beatbox Drase from Manchester, and of course the bOUNCE deck spinners and MCs. And that’s just what we

know; regular attenders know the event is accustomed to late night special guests dropping in, so keep your eyes and ears open! Get your tickets early as they’re in limited supply. You can buy them via Paypal at www. bouncindj.com. Cost: £15.£18 Time: 10pm - 4am Location: Prehen House, Library & Cellars

May Fantasia Barrino - Live

As an artiste who needs no introduction, known for her immense stage presence and gripping live performances, Fantasia Barrino is earning herself a spot in contemporary music history, selling millions of her albums worldwide. For one night only on 3rd May, the American Idol, and multiple award winning artiste will take to the stage for the first time ever in the UK, with a full live band. Fantasia will be joined by amazing UK support from Mclean, Fundamental and Raheem. The event will be hosted by the award winning

comedienne Kojo. Cost: £32.50 - £54.50 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2. co.uk, 0844 856 0202

May CLOSE UP with KHALID | THE LADIES EDITION

This is one of London’s best music showcases. This month, guest performers include Mr Alexander, Caspian (performing his single Oxygen), In’Sight, author and poet Alexander Jackman and Mymaar. Plus, hear from Gbontwi Anyetei, author of ‘What Do You Call It?’ DJ Rhodium will be on the decks during the pre-show music industry networking session between 7.30pm and 8.30pm, and also after the performance for the after party — 10.30pm until 1am. He’ll be mixing old school classics with the best of the new school. Cost: £8 Time: 7:30pm - 1am Location: the Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN

Cesaria Evora is known as the Queen of Morna, the Cape Verde island’s sweet soulful version of the blues. It fuses West African rhythms and European sensibilities with Caribbean and Brazilian influences. Gifted with amazing artistic longevity, she has been compared to both Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday. Her new album Nha Sentimento is out now. Also, Ballaké Sissoko, who has established a reputation as one of the best kora players of the new generation, collaborates with French cellist Vincent Ségal, known for his work with Bumcello. This event will truly be magical. Cost: £10 - £45 Time: 7.30pm Location Hall Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Info: www.barbican. org.uk, 020 7638 4141

May BLACK EINSTEIN live at Aesthetic Sounds

Come out for a momentous meeting of musical merriment and magic (try saying that fast 3 times). Black Einstein is the musical pseudonym of London producer and musician Colin Emmanuel, who has produced for a variety of internationally respected artists including Eric Roberson, Estelle, Jamelia, The Beta Band, Nate James, Daniel DeBourg, Tawiah, KRS1 and Beverly Knight. Ready to break out of the studio whilst recording his new EP and album, it is now time for him to play live. Also on the night you get a chance to experience the wonderful Grace Obika, The Neutronics, and the sultry Sarah Fonteyne. Man vs Wife will grace the turntables after the performances. Cost: £7 Time: 8 - 11pm Location Vibe Bar, 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL Info: www. aestheticsounds.com

May Susheela Raman

Susheela Raman is one of

MUSIC The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2. co.uk, 0844 856 0202

09 May

May On The Buttons

The M.F. Social Club Present Secondhand Sureshots & Timeless

The M.F. Social Club is a new platform for independent, specialist and archived music films to be shown in venues which normally host live music events and club nights. The aim is to take music films outside of the traditional passive cinema experience and straight to an audience of music lovers.This month, see two independent music documentaries from LA. After the screenings there will be DJ sets from Alex Chase (Stones Throw/ One-Handed Music) and Eric Lau (Ubiquity/ Tomorroww). Cost: £5 Time: 7pm - 11pm Location: The C.A.M.P. 70-74 City Rd London, EC1Y 2BJ

Pitbull plus DJ Swerve

Pitbull returns to indigO2! The Miami funkster will have you bouncing in your seat as he brings the party from South Beach to London. He’ll be accompanied by DJ Swerve. Cost: £22.25 - £42.50 Time: 6.30pm Location: Location: IndigO2,

& 11 May Rihanna

That Rihanna reign just won’t let up! And you know what they say, if you can’t beat ‘um, join ‘um. So get down to the O2 for what’s set to be the event of the year. This young lady is ready to set the stage on fire with her raunchy songs and style. Expect to rock it out, expect electricity, expect something a little R-rated… what happens in the O2, stays in the o2…! Cost: £43.75 - £51.25 Time: 6.30pm Location: The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.o2.co. uk, 0844 856 0202

Every month Gut Instincts have a guest producer who brings along their workstation and give you an insight into how they work, showing you some exclusive tunes; they also talk a bit about how they got into music and what inspires them. The mic is open to anyone who wants to ask for production tips, tricks, or find out what they ate for breakfast that morning. This month’s special guest producer is Eric Lau, renowned for his smoothed out soulful Hip Hop and work with Lupe Fiasco, Dudley Perkins, and Guilty Simpson. Live music from Goldielocks with Kashmir Kid & Tanzanite on the decks. Expect to hear Joy Orbison, Dam Funk, Jay Electronica, Roska, Flying Lotus and Joker. Don’t expect to hear Gracious K, N Dubz or Jay Sean. Mingle with other tech heads. Do some networking, and most importantly, hear some Deep Tunes! Cost: £3 Time: 2pm - 6pm Location: Puregroove Record Shop, 6-7 west Smithfield, EC1A 9JX

Unsigned and Happening

Kofi Blaxx Is a vibrant new reggae artist whose roots stem from Ghana… His musical hooks are not only catchy but educational as well. Blaxx says that: “The people in Ghana are able to relate to reggae music due to the struggle they face in everyday life.” This is why he continues to be passionate about his artistry. Influences like Bob Marley have contributed to the rapid success of this rising star, who is known at home and on European shores. His aim is to push African reggae music worldwide. Kofi has a new single and video out now called Teach Them. Email life_steez@hotmail. com for further info.

Mikel Ameen Mikel Ameen’s quirky and thought

provoking lyrics, which touch on topics not covered by the average British rapper, are fast becoming a force within the urban music scene. As an entrepreneur, his company ‘Its Upshot’ was personally invited by Alicia Keys to perform in New York at her prestigious charity ball ‘Keep A Child Alive’. Songs on his CD include Drug Dealer, a controversial song that talks about donating to HIV/AIDs suffers in poverty stricken countries, and Re-growth, which addresses the lifelong debate on black women and their ever-changing hair. Get a copy of his captivating FREE mixtape called ‘Fu8ers I’m Ready’ at http://www. mediafire.com/?wgztmmznnzo or call 07508341983.

David Mensah David has worked and performed

alongside legendary artists like Jimmy Cliff, Alexander O’Neal, Beverly Knight, Billy Ocean, Sounds of Blackness, Estelle, Raekwon (Wu-Tang Clan), Havoc (Mobb Deep) and Memphis Bleek, to name a few. My Day was the first single from the album Music is the Food of Love. The single shot straight to number one on the Independent UK Music Chart and Global Reverbnation Soul/R&B Chart. The second single from the album was written by David and produced by Coptic, whose worldwide hits include I need a Girl for Usher and P. Diddy. David’s new album Music is the Food of Love is available now on iTunes, Amazon and all good download stores through VME Records. The CD is also available from www.davidmensah.com and CD Baby.

the leading artists and the pre-eminent vocalist to emerge from the Asian Diaspora. Her beautiful voice and the musical landscape she has created have enchanted and inspired millions of listeners in India, Europe and beyond. Born in the UK to Tamil parents, Raman’s artistry and imagination is constantly pushing musical and cultural barriers, finding new connections between India, Europe, Africa and the world. With half a million albums sold and with a justified reputation as an incandescent stage performer who triggers intense emotions in her audience, Susheela’s ability to transcend boundaries and to move on her own terms and between Indian and Western music has at present, few parallels. Cost: £12 - £15 Time: 8pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: www.richmix. org.uk, 020 7613 7498

MUSIC Paris/ New York/ London Jazz Festival

Day 1 05

May DJ-Ango featuring Zhenya Strigalev & Nick Ramm Leading London altosaxophonist (seen with Robert Mitchell, Foley, Chris “Daddy” Dave) and top UK pianist (Cinematic Orchestra, Matthew Herbert) present a contemporary twist to Django Reinhardt RE-arrangements.

EMILE

Rising star Alto Saxophonist Parisien won France’s Victoires du Jazz 2009 Best New Act award. A sparky, contemporary player (Michel Portal, Jacky Terrasson, Paco Sery) combining free jazz and lyrical phrasing with dynamic results.

ANDY EMLER MegaOctet with MARC DUCRET A highly energetic and varied cocktail of musical influences, including Zappa, Miles, Debussy, Prince, Reich and Ellington. Having earned Djano D’or this ensemble is led by a distinguished luminary of French jazz featuring an array of talent including Claude Tchamitchian and Eric Echampard.

This events is part of the Paris/ New York/London Jazz Festival. Cost: Time: 7.30pm - 11pm Location: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG Info: 020 7520 1440, box office 020 7520 1490

Day 2

May MATTHIEU DONARIER Trio featuring MANU CODJIA

This award winning sax, guitar and drums trio presents original compositions and rearrangements of Brassens, Monk, Trenet and Satie,

SYLVAIN LUC

Here presenting his new solo album, this Basque guitar phenomena’s sensitive and nuanced approach is terminally romantic. His collaborations include Birelli Lagrene Dee Dee Bridgewater, Elvin Jones, Didier Lockwood.

LAIKA featuring Robert Mitchell

Spanish/African influenced sultry vocalist featuring the inimitable recipient of Best Jazz Album 2009/ Gilles Peterson Worlwide Awards on piano. A Billy Holiday tribute, this London debut highlights her new album “Misery” (Blujazz). This events is part of the Paris/ New York/London Jazz Festival. Cost: Time: 7.30pm - 11pm Location: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG Info: 020 7520 1440, box office 020 7520 1490

Day 3

07 May

JEAN-MARC FOLTZ/ STEPHAN OLIVA Duo

This bass clarinet and piano duo carve forms in permanent transformation; stretched motives, stacked rhythms, always fragile… their telepathy, a whisper.

BAPTISTE TROTIGNON/ MARK TURNER Duo Award winning French pianist (Tom Harrell,, Kenny Wheeler, Didier Lockwood) and lauded American tenorist (Kurt Rosenwinkel, Dave Holland) drawing inspiration from their collaborations on Trotignon’s album“Share” (Naïve).

FLY (MARK TURNER, LARRY GRENADIER, JEFF BALLARD)

This US dream team trio includes 2/3rds of Brad Mehldau Trio. Here playing dynamic, beautifully poised music from their album Sky & Country

(ECM). This events is part of the Paris/ New York/London Jazz Festival. Cost: Time: 7.30pm - 11pm Location: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG Info: 020 7520 1440, box office 020 7520 1490

Day 4 08

May DONKEY MONKEY (Eve Risser, Yuko Oshima) A piano and drum duo…FrenchJapanese dynamite explosions! Walk, jump around, and stumble against these dynamic women who compose and improvise with Rock-jazz-pop-freeheavymetal influences.

JULIA SARR Her golden voice brings us close to the raw emotional beauty of the ancestral art of Senegalese storytellers. With a solo debut at Carnegie Hall under her belt, this French based African vocalist garners huge praise from Youssou N’Dour as ‘the fresh face of African music”.

SOPHIA DOMANCICH/ WILLIAM PARKER/ HAMID DRAKE Trio This magical union features France’s foremost female jazz pianist and the formidable mastery of this New York rhythm section- bassist Parker (Cecil Taylor, Rashied Ali) and drummer Drake (Don Cherry, Peter Brotzman, Pharoah Saunders). This events is part of the Paris/ New York/London Jazz Festival. Cost: Time: 7.30pm - 11pm Location: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG Info: 020 7520 1440, box office 020 7520 1490

May Fabolous live in London

Starforce Entertainment brings you Grammy nominated, platinum selling US Hip Hop artist Fabolous, performing live for one night only. Having worked with big pop acts such as Neyo, Jay-Z, Keri Hilson, Timbaland, Rihanna, Pharrell, Mary J Blige, Akon, and most recently Drake and Trey Songz, Fabolous is sure to bring you an unforgettable show performing all his hits, including ‘So Into You’, ‘Everyday, Everyday, Everyday’, Throw It In The Bag’, ‘Breath’ and ‘Make Me Better’. Support acts include Young Nate, Sincere, Scorcher and Pepstar. Cost: £22.25 - £38.50 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

May Classic Voices of Baghdad

The profit from this concert will go to the Iraqi Association’s Iraq Child Appeal. The Concert features the Chalghi Al Baghdadi singing classical music of Iraq. The ensemble is a specialist group of musicians dedicated to the art of Iraqi maqam. Also featuring is Ahmed Mukhtar, a leading oud master, introducing traditional Iraqi music accompanied by Western instruments like the accordion, cello and bass. Cost: £15 - £30 Time: 7.30pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

May Arun Ghosh’s Sunday Sessions

The Albany in association with camoci records presents Arun Ghosh’s Sunday Sessions. This will be a primal odyssey showcasing the clarinettist’s new album. A stellar line-up of support includes vibraphonist Corey Mwamba (pictured) on

MUSIC mbira, and Senegalese kora maestro Kadialy Kouyate. DJ set by Arun Ghosh & visuals by camoci. Cost: Free Time: 3.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: Box office - 020 8692 4446

May Dru Hill

May Lokkhi Terra Plus Dele Sosimi Quartet

Cuban percussion is woven together with Tabla drums and a super tight horn section, funky drums and bass giving it a real London groove. Bandleader Kishon Khan lays down the melodies on keys and Bengali singers Aneire Khan, Sohini Alam front the band with their soulful vocals around the intoxicating brew of Afro-Latin rhythms. Cost: £9.50 Time: 8pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

May Karsh Kale and Bobby Friction

It’s been described as “global

One of the great figures in music in the 20th century, James Brown was a one-off; a true musical revolutionary. James Brown’s musical director Pee Wee Ellis, acclaimed South African singers The Mahotella Queens, dazzling Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré, the Mercury Award-nominated Ty and special guests pay tribute to the electrifying Godfather of Soul. This is not to be missed. Cost: £17.50 - £25 Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com, 0844 875 0073

25 26

May Alicia Keys live

Alicia Keys is now as much of a global superstar as she is a musician’s musician. She’s collaborated with Jay-Z, written songs for Whitney Houston, duetted with everyone from Lou Reed and David Bowie to Chris Martin and Annie Lennox. She was also the girl that made Bob Dylan cry and was immortalised by him in the title track of his recent Modern Times album. Cost: £44.75 - £51.25 Time: 6.30pm Location: The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.o2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

groove music”, but Karsh Kale & MIDIval Punditz’s sound is much more than that; it’s a tight acoustic-electronic soundscape that devoid of fusion clichés blends evocative singing, instrumental melodies, ambient drone and funky, intricate amplified beats with ballsy intelligence and infectious energy. Cost: £15 Time: 8pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

BONOBO

Still maintaining his independent roots, Si Green aka Bonobo continues to create great music, as two forthcoming releases on Ninja Tune confirm. The first being Andreya Triana’s debut album, and the second being the long awaited follow-up to 2006’s ‘Days To Come’ from the man himself. To celebrate this release Bonobo will be performing live at the prestigious Roundhouse this May, and he’s invited a host of

special guests to help the revelry along.Eexpect to see a string section, Belleruche’s Kathrin DeBoer, rising Starlet and recent collaborator Andreya Triana, some amazing audio-visual surprises plus some very special guests will all be down to showcase some of this prolific monkey king’s high-class material from past, present and future. Cost: £25 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: 0844 482 8008

Babbu Maan Concert Tickets Babbu Maan, the only Punjabi singer who sings his own lyrics in his own great music. Babbu Maan is widely famous for his distinctive music and lyrics, at present he is one of the great Punjabi singers who has given a new trend to Bhangra Music. His sad songs are incredibly touching and urbane with the synchronized Punjabi music, as that no one else could create. Now he is entrenched Punjabi pop singer, composer, lyricist,

playback singer and actor as well. Cost: £25 - £60 Time: 7pm Location: Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London, HA9 OAA Info: www.livenation. co.uk/wembley

30 31

May Lady Gaga

Following her hugely successful sell out gigs at The O2 in February, international pop superstar and 3-time Brit Award winner Lady Gaga announced that she will return to the venue on Sunday 30 May 2010. This event will not doubt be an orgy for the eyes. If you can get your hands on a ticket, I advise you do so; in decades to come you’ll wish you had. Cost: £56.25 - £84.25 Time: 6.30pm Location: The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.o2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

JK Entertainment brings you a very special show with some of the best old school artists in today’s music industry - Dru Hill. Having conquered the US and worldwide, Dru Hill have a huge UK fanbase and will take to the indigO2 stage on 24th May. With Sisqo just completing a successful spell in the Celebrity Big Brother house, and the highly anticipated new Dru Hill album, InDRUpendence Day, released in April, the much-loved boy band are riding high. Dru Hill will be joined by Miss Frank and Kojo (MTV Base). Cost: £32.75 - £49.50 Time: 7pm Location: IndigO2, The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX Info: www.theo2.co.uk, 0844 856 0202

May Still Black, Still Proud: An African Tribute to James Brown

Who Is Fantasia Barrino? Our editor, Samera Owusu Tutu, explores the US phenomenon and goes behind the music to find the real American Idol.

It’s hard to forget the larger than life winner of the series 3 of American Idol 2004. Despite being in the bottom two twice during her run on te hit US TV show, the American RnB/soul singer won the hearts of her nation and took the title. While she has maintained a relatively low profile here in the UK, her debut single, I Believe, went straight to the top spot on the US’s Billboard Hot 100, making history as the first debut to hit number 1 in America — and it remained at the top for 11 weeks. In our culture of throw-away reality TV, that should be the end of Ms Barrino’s 15 minutes of fame. But there’s more to this story than just the triumph of her vocal abilities. You see, Fantasia represented all that America would rather forget. An unemployed young single mother with a poverty stricken background from High Point, North Carolina, wasn’t really ‘idol’ material in the eyes of many. But even that could be forgotten with the write sob story, a tragic demise of a hero husband for example. Unfortanately, she wasn’t armed with such a tale and had to plump for having a child at 17 with a physically, verbally and emotionally abusive boyfriend.

Furthermore, Fantasia is openly illiterate, after dropping out of high school following a sexual assault that left her feeling embarrassed and harassed. “…my mom comes upstairs and she says, ‘Something is wrong with you.’ I wouldn’t even talk. She says, ‘Have you been touched?’ I still said nothing. I laid in that bed for two days. I wouldn’t even go to school.” Despite her hardship, one thing we know about Fantasia is she’s a fighter. She overcame her educational short-comings and channelled her energy into writing her best-selling autobiography, Life Is Not A Fairy Tale, in 2005. “I’m proud of myself and I’m proud that I can talk about what I’ve been through. People can relate to me. There are things going on with Fantasia that are probably going on with another family right around the corner.” Season 3 alum Jennifer Hudson may have pipped her to the post of Elie [tk] in Dreamgirls, but Fantasia held her own and landed a the role of Celie in the broadway production of A Colour Purple in 2006. In the same year, she was nominated for a number of prestigious music awards. Her debut album, Free Yourself, afforded her 4 grammy

nominations and her second, Fantasia, gained 3 more in 2008. Her voice has the power to move the most hardened skeptic. This must have made it all the more devestating when she found out she had two tumours in her vocal cord. These were removed, she gained a little weight and suffered some depression. She was at breaking point once again and none would have faulted her for throwing in the towel and walking away from her dreams. But that’s not the Fantasia way. She has soldiered through her problems and come out the other side, with a much-anticipated album in the pipeline for summer 2010 and her first ever London performance, at the Indigo2. “We only have one life to live and I can’t let all the cares in the world weigh me down. I’ll be 40 years old before I know it.” It’s this grit and determination, this will to succeed, that makes Fantasia Burrino a role model. She’s an icon to all those with trying circumstances, a beacon of hope to the disenfranchised. Through her commitment to keep it moving come what may, probably more so than her amazing vocal ability, Fantasia Burrino has proved herself to be a true American Idol.

MUSIC R

B.o.B. Bo.B presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray Release date: 31 May 2010

B.o.B. hit the airwaves in style with his women’s anthem ‘Nothing On You’. The romantic favourite will no doubt be spinning throughout the summer, but don’t get it twisted, while Atlanta native B.o.B. is capable of getting hearts swooning, he’s definitely a party guy. That comes through loud and clear on his album, with lively tracks like Bet I featuring T.I., which will definitely get your head nodding. Expect rapping and singing a la Andre 3000. This eclectic album also features Eminem, Lupe Fiascoand Janelle Monáe — there’s definitely something for everyone.

Nas & Damien Marley Distant Relatives Release date: 17 May 2010 This may seem like and unlikely union to some, but truly the title of this album couldn’t be more fitting. The combination of the Nas’ New York edge and Damien’s Jamaican bite breathes fire into the conscious lyrics that they share. ‘As We Enter’, the first offering from the album is the perfect prelude to a serious collection of cuts. This hard-hitting Album is a must have.

José James Blackmagic Release date: 12 April 2010 There’s something about this guy… his vocals will mesmerise you. And he’s put them to perfect use in what could be one of the best albums of the year. James is new school contemporary Jazz. Cuts like ‘Code’ take you on a journey, riding on a wave of his mellow tenor vocal and musical production by electronica impresario Flying Lotus. The sensual undertones to every track are undeniable — you’ll feel the tension bubbling over in the awesome title track ‘Blackmagic’. ‘Lay You Down’ will transport you to your favourite Sunday afternoon. In short, you need this in your life, and when you get it, you’ll wonder how your music collection was ever complete without it!

BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL The “POISONETTE” look is a must, so ladies be unique, sexy and sophisticated — think Rhianna… Guys can keep if funky too, though denim is acceptable. Now that the tone has been set, throw in the mighty Phat Kontrolaz and you’ve got the best party vibe you can wish for. Cost: £10 - £15 Time: 10pm - 3am Location: The Livery, 130 Wood St, Off Cheapside Street, EC2V 6DL Info: 07888848108

CRATES BANK HOLIDAY BIRTHDAY PARTY

May Spanish Harlem

Spanish Harlem is a wonderful event which features optional dinner, a free Salsa Lesson and both an RnB & Salsa Room. Perfect, Perfect, Perfect for Birthdays, Hen Nights, Social Gathering, and most other special occasions. This would be a great way to spend your Bank Holiday. Entry is free with dinner bookings and the meal is only £15 for two courses. Cost: £6 - £15 Time: 8pm - 3am Location: APT Bar, 10-15 Queen Street, EC4N 1TX Info: www.ticketweb.co.uk

01 May

GORGEOUS BANK HOLIDAY PARTY

Join the Gorgeous crew for their May Day Bank Holiday Special at Abacus. The venue has 3 dance areas, 3 massive bars, a restaurant and over 30 VIP areas! Room one will give you the best in R&B, Hip Hop, Funky, Naija Beats, Bashment and Soca. Room two is for the more lively among you, with Ol Skool Classics, Nu Jack Swing, Ragga and Jungle. Room Three is for the love of House... Funky, Soulful, Tribal and a splash of Ol Skool House and Garage. This night has it all. Your resident DJs area Phat Kontrolaz, Mr Deezel and Mr Drew. Free entry for all birthday bookings. Cost: £10, £5 before 11pm Time: 10pm – 4am Location: Abacus, 24 Cornhill, EC3V 3ND Info: 07958 552 838

A LA CARTE - The Distinguished Gentlemen Edition. (May Bank Holiday) Party at A La Carte for this years Distinguished Gentleman Edition and be perpared for a night of pure sophistication.

Gentleman this is a event that you really don’t want to miss; if you are a man with class, well polished and suave, then there really is only one place to be. Of course, ladies are invited too! Playing the very best in R&B, Hip Hop, Funky House, 90’s Classics, Raregrooves, Soulful Garage, Revival, Jungle, Afro Beats, Bashment, Soca, Slow Jams and much more. Cost: Time: 10pm - 4am Location: The Livery, 130 Wood St, Off Cheapside Street, EC2V 6DL Info: 07943676383

XS OLD SKOOL GARAGE SPECIAL

The sexy R&B night in the heart of London city brings you their Bank Holiday Garage Special. The XS DJs will be playing the best party classic old school garage. But all you R&B lovers needn’t worry, I’m sur they’ll squeeze in a set for you too. Expect top name DJs like Rampage (1Xtra), Firin Squad (Choice FM), DJ Spoony (Radio 1) and DJ NG (Rinse FM). Cost: £10 Time: 9pm - 2pm Location: Rainforest Cafe,

20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU Info: 07811 962 664

SugaRush “ THE DENIM AFFAIR “ BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

If you live in your jeans, this is for you. Party in comfort with top UK DJs playing the best in R&B, Slow Jams, House and Hip Hop. No entry after 1.30am — and really if it’s taken you that long to put on your jeans, there’s a problem! Ladies are free on the guest list, so get your names down quickly! And don’t forget your ID, no ID no entry. Cost: £5 - £10 Time: 10pm - 4am Location: Latin Quarter, 27 Broadway,Stratford. E15 4BQ Info: 07590287959

May POISON

This night is strictly for over 23s. And for those with a bit of a daring streak. POISON is the ultimate experience... It’ss the night where you can party hard or just chillout, is the night to suit any mood so theres no excuse not to go out and enjoy yourself anymore! Dress Code:

Join the Crates family and celebrate their birthday with them in fine style at The Soul. The family will get together to celebrate their earth day, so go down and boogie to the Funk, Nu soul, Rares,Soulful Hip Hop and Jazz. Cost: £5, free before 10pm Time: 8p - 2am Location: The Soul, 300 Hoe Street,Walthamstow, E17 9QD Info:

est1980

In 2010 an obscene number of Ment2Excel friends and family will be turning 30 - as such they felt it necessary for an event to celebrate the last three decades! It’s also an opportunity for this highly success collective to give back and say thanks. For this reason, the event is absolutely free. Yep, free! Just email your name to the guestlist email below and you’re good to go. Expect a party like no other; the music, the vibe, it will all be on point — they’re professionals. Cost: Free Time: 10pm - 4am Location: The Wall, 45 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HU Info: guestlist@ment2excel. com

WILD “N” OUT Presents The Bank Holiday Friday @ Raduno

Goodfellaz Pr present Bank Holiday @ Raduno, Smithfield’s stylish and exciting new venue. This is definitely one of the best clubbing experiences, especially if you like it lively. Enjoy soca,

BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL R&B, Funky, Hip Hop, Jungle, Garage and Bashment. Despite the raucous music policy, you still need to keep it stylish and sexy, so dress to impress and get down like it’s your birthday! Cost: £5 - £10 Time: 10.30pm - 4.30am Locaiton: Raduno, 85 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6JH Info: 07951189140

May Maxwell D Live at XS

The sexy R&B night in the heart of London city brings you another Bank Holiday Special. The XS DJs will be playing the best in R&B, hip hop and soul, but this time you know you can party extra hard as you’ll have two days to recover! Expect top name DJs like Rampage (1Xtra), Firin Squad (Choice FM), DJ Spoony (Radio 1) and DJ NG (Rinse FM). Cost: £10 Time: 9pm - 2pm Location: Rainforest Cafe, 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU Info: 07811 962 664

30 May

Stylish Day Party… Bank Holiday Weekend Special

The Stylish Nights team are launching a new concept in partying called the “StylishDay Party”. Held at some of the chicest venues in the city with the greatest terraces, these daytime rendevous will leave you with no excuses not to party. Even with the Bank Holiday Monday, you’ll be able to get home early and get some sleep! This is not a Barbeque or garden party; it’s simply a party in the daytime at a lovely venue with nice outdoor terraces. Not to mention the great food that will be served —from calamari to jerk chicken. Hmmm… I look forward to seeing where this all leads… Cost: £5; free before 5pm Time: 3pm – 11.3-pm Location: The Cuban, Citypoint, 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AW Info: 020 7920 6200

May Soul Deep Bank Holiday Special For all you lovers of melody and base, this one’s for you. Expect a soulful mix of R&B, House, Hip-Hop and more. This might just be the perfect blend for your Bank Holiday. Plus, with a 4am finish, you might just need that Monday to recuperate… Cost: £12.50 - £15 Time: 10pm-4am Location: Agenda Bar, 3 Mincing Lane, EC3R 7AA Info: 07951 241 164

May Bank Holiday Obsession

Join a great mix of professionals and party the night away. DJs shall be mixing up sexy beats across all genres. Expect R&B, Hip Hop, Old Skool, Bollywood and Bhangra. Thanks to Voodoo Entertainment this venue has gained an unmatched reputation of the biggest bimonthly night in London. Cost: £15 Time: 10pm Location: The Gable Bar, 25 Moorgate, EC2R 6AR Info: 07958 339 997 or 07961 437 388

CLUBS 01 May

Obsession

Voodoo Entertainment invites you to Obsession set within the wonderful surroundings of London City’s premier venue. A number of VIP tables are available upon request with huge leather sofas and cosy corners to settle into with its sumptuous reds, sexy booths and luxury white marble bar it’s the ideal back drop to party. Cost: £15 Time: 10pm Location: The Gable Bar, 25 Moorgate, EC2R 6AR Info: 07958 339 997 or 07961 437 388

Diamond Noir

A Diamond Noir event is for the mature, classy and soulful individual who appreciates a selection of old and new skool music, you will be brought back to those nights when going out was all about good vibes and great music. This is an opportunity to mingle and

network in an outgoing and sexy environment. Cost: £12 Time: 10:30pm Location: Corney & Barrow, 37 Jewry Street, EC3N 2EX Info: 08718553069 or info@ChilliTickets.com

May Retro 70’s and 80’s Nite

Treat yourself or simply take advantage to enjoy Bank Holiday Sunday quality and fun time with your family or friends. Specials include vegetarian unlimited soft drinks with all meals and live Indian music, and Antakshri Round and DJ. Cost: £16.75 Time: 7pm Location: Bombay Dreams Club, Sevenex Parade, 2 - 3 London RoadHA9 7HQ Info: 08718553069 or info@ ChilliTickets.com

VIP Glitz & Glamour at Vendome

This event is set to be the ultimate VIP and industry party and we request that you think glitz and glamour when it comes to dress code. Music on the night shall be the very finest Funky House, R&B, Old Skool Classics and a touch of Eastern Beats. The last glitz and glamour event was a complete sell-out so don’t delay and make your entry and table reservations now. Cost: £15 Time: 9:30pm Location: Vendome Bar and Lounge, 103 - 105 Walton Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 2HP Info: : 07958 339 997 or 07961 437 388

07,14,21,28 May Groove Lineage

Keep The Faith’s Paul Aaaron takes Hobgoblin in Angel N1 on a weekly Friday night Soul journey migrating through different era’s, tempo’s, sub genres and regional styles of Soul and Roots music. Live

instruments and the occasional live appearances or launch party from visiting USA Neo Soul acts are not uncommon. Check this one out, it’s a mainstay on the London soul scene. Cost: Free Time: 9pm - 2am Location: Hobgoblin, 73 White Lion Street, Angel, N1 9PF Info: www.myspace.com/ keepthefaithclubnight

08,15,22,29 May XS EVERY SATURDAY

A sexy R&B night in the heart of London city. For the slick and suave, XS will be playing the best party classic, bashment, funky house and old school garage. Expect top name DJs like Rampage (1Xtra), Firin Squad (Choice FM), DJ Spoony (Radio 1) and DJ NG (Rinse FM). XS is held every saturday. Cost: £10 Time: 9pm - 2pm Location: Rainforest Cafe, 20-24 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EU Info: 07811 962 664

CLUBS 02,09,16,23 May Roller Motion

Roller Motion is Choice FM’s unique clubbing experience. Join in every Sunday in Vauxhall for the night that everyone talks about. Can you endure 5 hours of fun on skates in two arenas with Choice FM DJ’s playing the coolest party anthems? Test your will power — and leg muscles! Where whatever you like as you’re likely to end up on your bum at least once in the night. This event is for over 18s and photo ID is required. Cost: £8.50 - £11.50 Time: 7pm - 12am Location: The Renaissance Rooms, Wandsworth Rd, Vauxhall, SW8 1RZ Info: 0207 054 8852

Two of the hottest producers in the world are coming to London to battle each other head to head at this completely unique event. DJs Just Blaze & Alchemist will go head to head in a 2 hour sound-clash on 4 turntables. With a catalogue of hits for the biggest names in the game these two legendary beatsmiths are showing their skills on the decks as they go up against each other in a display of skills and selection in true soundclash style. Just Blaze is one of the most creative forces in the game. Having cut his teeth in the late 90’s creating underground bangers for the likes of Buckshot. His distinctive sound soon caught the ear of the big players in the game and he soon had beats featured on albums for the likes of Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Big Pun & Jadakiss. It was however as an in house producer with Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella records that he really made waves producing instant classics for Kanye West, Cam’ron, Freeway, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and of course the main man himself Jay-Z who has featured Just Blaze beats on 6 of his last 7 albums, all of which have gone platinum! The Alchemist, as the name would suggest has a knack of turning things into gold, in his case samples and loops. Having got his start in the production game under the tutelage of two of the biggest names in the game, DJ Premier and DJ Muggs, this California native has made a name for himself for rough Boom Bap style hits. Through his work on albums for underground favourites Dilated Peoples & Defari he came to the attention of Mobb Deep who chose two beats to feature on the classic Murda Muzik, The Alchemist has not looked back since. With a resume that now reads like a who’s who of Hip-Hop including work with Nas, Ghostface, Lil-Wayne, Emimen (for who The Alchemist was tour DJ), Big Pun, Fat Joe & Raekwon to name just a few this is going to be a battle between two of the most respected names in Hip-Hop right now that is going to have to be seen and heard to be believed. Providing the warm up for this incredible night of Hip-Hop are three of the most respected names in the UK scene; Spin Doctor, SJ Snips & Chris P Cuts. Cost: £12 Time: 8pm – 1am Location: East Village, 89 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HX Info: 0844-477-1000

The # 1 Black Love affair for Couples & Singles a like. Meet someone new with the ‘Fin Your Match’ numbers game, and enjoy live PAs and prize giveaways. On the night expect to hear 80’s & 90’s Classics, Roots ‘N’ Kulcha, Hip-Life, Afrobeat, Soca, Soul, RnB, Reggae Dance Hall, Funky House, Rare Groove, Revival, and the DJs spinning this for you will be Natural Mystic and Natural Mystic Breddah, AmeN NoiR plus More. Hosted by ShakaRa. Cost: £5 adv Time: 9pm – 4am Location: Palm Bliss, 706 Leabridge Road, Leyton, E10 6AV Info: 0208 539 21 54

Pose

This fun filled themed party encourages guests to come wearing their favourite glad rags or eye wear. Come join a great mix of professionals partying the night away within a unique vaulted venue that is the perfect backdrop to host such an ubercool party. Cost: £10 Time: 9:30pm Location: Parker McMillan, 47 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SB Info: 07958 339 997 or 07961 437 388

May Bank Holiday Obsession

May Just Blaze vs The Alchemist: The Soundclash

May AFRIMANTIC DANCE: BROTHAS....... The Sistas are Calling YOU!

Victizzle Music producer and artist talks to Lyrical Healer about being British gospel’s finest and keeping it real. Before you found Christ what was your life like? My life was kinda normal really. I went to church every Sunday with my mum and brothers and sister. Grew up without a father. Followed a lot of Gangs on the

roads… I never stabbed or shot anyone, but being associated with them was just as bad. I used to swear a lot, my mouth was filthy, but music is really what kept me away from getting in trouble on the streets . Tell me about your journey to Christ? I just went to a church one day and saw a lot of

young people really worshiping God. That inspired me and I decided that I wanted to be a part of that. I was 16 at the time. Who are your gospel musical influences? I don’t really have any to be honest. I would say my friends that are doing Gospel Music, e.g. Utter Once, Guvna B etc Does your ministry change lives? From what I’ve seen it has — especially with the young people. I get a lot of messages where people tell me that my songs got them thinking about their lives or it got them to change their ways. I just think “Wow!!” I’m just a young black boy from Hackney that makes music. Now people look up to me. What was it like to win MOBO for best gospel act in 2009? It felt great man. Took a long time to hit me, but it was definitely a good feeling. But I don’t like to dwell on things for long, I’m always onto the next big thing! Why do you use music as a medium to tell the world about Christ? Music isn’t something I chose to go and start telling people about Christ. I’ve always been making music, even before I knew Christ, and I’ve learnt to keep it real both in life and in my music. So me becoming Christian didn’t mean that I should stop being real in my music. Christ is my life so I would be a fake if I took him out of my music. He is the centre of the story that I choose to share with the world.

Th e at re Pro d uc t i o n

About Tell Tarra Theatre

Established to celebrate and promote Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most talented writers this exciting company was the brain child of playwright/ singer/ songwriter JB Rose who elicited the help and expertise of the highly respected director/actress Angela Michaels. Tell Tarra exploded onto the theatrical scene in 2004 and has fast become renowned for its Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Festivals, showcases, networking events and high quality theatre productions. 2010 will see the full scale production of the musical The Next Big Thing by JB Rose and directed by Angela Micheals - an insightful, witty play about the highs and lows of the music industry and centered around two female characters determined to reach the top whatever it takes. E. info@telltarra.com W. www.telltarra.com

THEATRE 01 15

– May Desert Boy

01 03

May Breakin’ Convention 2010 — International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre Sadler’s Wells’ annual three-day festival, Breakin’ Convention, returns for its seventh year with some of the world’s finest poppers, lockers, house dancers, b-boys and b-girls representing the very best in hip hop dance. Additional events include Breakin’ Convention’s annual Film Night and Future Elements Night. Hosted and curated by the inimitable Jonzi D, Breakin’ Convention has become a major happening in the hip hop dance calendar since the first festival at Sadler’s Wells in 2004. Breakin’ Convention runs a year-round programme of events and will tour nationally in October 2010 – see website for full details. The line-up for the weekend includes Hilty & Bosch (Japan), Status (UK), Dance Offensive (UK), Compagnie Mira (France), Renegade (Germany), Jane Sekonya-John (South Africa), Big City Brains (Denmark/Sweden), Fem-Bot (France), Bad T, aste Cru (UK), Radikal (UK) and many many more. Breakin’ Convention now offers reserved seating so early booking is strongly advised. Cost: £20 seated, £15 standing Time: 4pm – 10pm Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Info: 0844 412 4300

They say your life flashes in front of you just before you die. But supposing it’s not just your life. Supposing it’s someone else’s... Soldier Boy’s in a deep situation. Minding his own on the streets of Deptford, he collides with the wrong crowd and meets trouble. Just one more hoody with a knife in his belly, he lies crying for his mother on a riverbank. Instead his cries are heard by the long-dead Desert Man, from Mali 300 years ago... This is the start of an amazing trip, from the chaos and crime of London streets to the stench of slave ships on the open seas and the chains of cotton plantations in America’s Deep South. Man and boy share the absurdity and brutality of their history in order to shape thier future. Shot with killer voices, singing across the ages from Mali to hip hop, from slave songs to rap, Desert Boy is a funny, fantastic and provoking new musical epic. Written by Mojisola Adebayo, music and direction by Felix Cross. Cost: £12, concs £8 Time: 7.30pm, matinees Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: 020 8692 4446

01 16

– May Britain’s Got Bhangra

Theatre Royal Stratford East and RIFCO ARTS in association with Warwick Arts Centre present Britain’s Got Bhangra Britain’s Got Bhangra charts the rise of British Bhangra from the sequin clad 80s through to the RnB fusion of the current charts. Twinkle arrives fresh from the fields of the Punjab with a song in his heart and no money in his pocket. Can his talent shine through or will the remixed bling of the 90’s DJ’s ruin his dreams? Bring the family and move to the rhythm and Bhangra. Shake your shoulders, twist that lightbulb; this is the story of how Britain got Bhangra. A new musical guaranteed to lift you from the dhol drums! Cost: £12 - £20 Time: 7.30pm Location: Theatre Royal

THEATRE Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN Info: www.stratfordeast.com

06 09

– May Circolombia & Roundhouse Circus Company

May Between the Fleeting Words The UK’s leading dabke theatre group Al Zaytouna are proud to announce a new production fusing traditional Palestinian dabke, contemporary dance, poetry, music and digital media. Cost: Free Time: 7.30pm Location: Greenwood Theatre, 55 Weston Street, London Bridge, SE1 3RA Info: sourayaali@hotmail.com

In Mama Nadi’s bar, deep in the Democratic Republic of Congo, her rules apply — no arguments, no guns, and no politics. So when two new girls tainted with the stigma of their recent past arrive, Mama is forced to reassess her business priorities and personal loyalties. Cost: £17.50/£65 Time: 7.30pm Location: Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1 1TA. Info: 020 7359 4404 or info@ almeida.co.uk

Four exciting days of international circus, featuring three companies of young performers. You’ll see the Roundhouse Circus Company and Colombia’s Circolombia in the Main Space; plus Crescer E Viver, Brazil’s first social circus company, performing throughout the building before the main show. The Roundhouse Circus Company, a new collective of acrobats, dancers, actors and circus artists have come together to create a new adaptation of the tragic tale of Echo and Narcissus. This deeply physical representation has been eight months in the making. This first work together as an ensemble twists, turns and tumbles into this premiere, utilising the company’s various backgrounds, and many talents. The city of Cali, a place of joy and violence, provides the source for Circolombia’s freestyle portrait of a society where dance and music are the safety valves of everyday life. The young artists marry energy with this contemporary backdrop to produce a flamboyant display of awe-inspiring acrobatics and dance. Their latest work, Urban, showcases the best from the Colombian national circus school, Circo Para Todos, where members of Circolombia trained. Time: 7.30pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk

01 31 May

Ruined

01 31 May

Eurydice

Eurydice loves Orpheus. Her dead father’s letters of advice for her wedding aren’t reaching the land of the living. She crashes down a flight of stairs and wakes up in the underworld, her memory wiped. How will she ever get home? Alice in Wonderland meets Greek mythology in this playful and heartbreaking take on a timeless tale of grief and redemption. Cost: £10 Time: 7.45pm Location: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LZ Info: 020 7922 2922 or boxoffice@ youngvic.org

THEATRE 18 May - 05 Jun

The Merchants of Bollywood

Following a sell-out critically acclaimed international tour, the glamour and glitter of Bollywood soars into the Peacock Theatre for a limited run. A theatrical dance spectacular, The Merchants of Bollywood charts the history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry, and the dynasty of stars that have lit its way over generations. Featuring a cast of 40 performers and an dazzling array of over 1,000 glittering costumes, this turbo-charged, joyfully uplifting show is a riot of swirling colours, highenergy music and sensational dance scenes choreographed by one of Bollywood’s top young choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant. Over two million people worldwide have seen the shimmer and sparkle of this show pay homage to the world of cinema and a truly extraordinary evening of music and dance – be one of them. Cost: £15 – £40 Time: 7.30pm Location: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT Info: 0844 412 4322

27 May

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

Herald Loomis has been forced to work in Joe Turner’s slave gang for seven years. Now he is searching for the wife he left behind, believing she can help him reclaim his lost identity. Through the people he meets in a Pittsburgh boarding house, he discovers that what he is really seeking is his rightful place in a new world. Time: 7:30pm Cost: £15 Location: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LZ Info: 020 7922 2922 or boxoffice@ youngvic.org

15-23 May

Careful What you Wish For! Blue Mountain Theatre returns for another gripping tale of

domestic disarray. Two families go under the microscope as they face up to the havoc the secrets from their pasts reek on their loved ones. This unmissable tale

of frienship betrayal asks the question: even if we forget, can we ever really forgive? Cost: £30 Time: TBA Location: Catford Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green Catford, SE6 4RU Info: 020 8690 0002 or Tricia@ broadwaytheatre.org.uk

May Live Vibe

Following sell out success last year, Live Vibe returns to the Lilian Baylis Studio to once again provide an invaluable opportunity for young artists from the worlds of dance, music and spoken word and more, to perform in a professional environment during the early stages of their careers. The show also features regular appearances from more established acts - past shows have featured performances from top streetdance companies like Boy Blue and Impact, and the evening is hosted by Hakeem “Mr Impact” Onibudo and guests. From March to June, Live Vibe will take on a theme – Earth, Wind, Fire, Water – as four youth dance / semi-professional companies take to the stage to perform a piece of dance that they have choreographed. The

best company from each show will go on to perform at Live Vibe at the Peacock Theatre on Saturday 24 July. The line-up for the night includes Psychotic, Plumstead Manor, Avant Guarde Youth and Finchley Catholic School. Guest judges over the four months include Kenrick “H20” Sandy, Kate Prince, Katie P and Kymberlee Jay. Cost: £10 Time: 7pm Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Info: 0844 412 4300

May Pattie Shop Diaries

Bigger Than Me Productions presents Pattie Shop Diaries, an everyday story of love, family, identity, gossip, redemption and burnt ‘rice-and-peas’. This is a tragi-comedy music theatre production, focusing on the lives of a modern black family running a pattie shop in Brixton. You have the opportunity to share this brand new work in development with Bigger Than Me productions for free. Spaces are limited, so to get on the guest list, book with the box office early. Cost: Free Time: 7.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: Box office - 020 8692 4446

May A HaHa for Haiti - A Comedy Fundraiser

A showstopping charity gala in support of Action Aid’s relief efforts in Haiti. A HaHa for Haiti is an extraordinary evening of comedy, music and cabaret, featuring top names and exciting special guests, in aid of a very good cause! Book early for this sell-out show. Recommended for ages 16 and over. Cost: £17.50 Time: 7.30pm 9.30pm Location: Udderbelly, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

Sponsored by

Silver Point

Sunswept Beach Hotel

(room only)

£769

£799 All Seasons Resorts

£809 (room only)

Coconut Bay Resort & Spa

£869 (all inclusive)

Village Inn & Spa

£869 (room only)

Bay Gardens Beach Resort

£899 (bed & breakfast)

COMEDY 01

May Best of the Best Comedy Jam

Heartbeat Entertainment presents the comedy comeback king Richard Blackwood, top comedy award winners Slim and Eddie Kadi, Miss forever original Felicity Ethnic and Felix Dexter and the ladies favourite Mr Fraser. This night of top quality comedy mayhem is not to be missed! Cost: £22 Time: 8pm Location: Catford Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green Catford, SE6 4RU Info: 020 8690 0002 or Tricia@ broadwaytheatre.org.uk

May Paul Sinha

Unquestionably a talented and pioneering comic, Paul Sinha has amassed an impressively diverse list of comedy credits, from the numerous Comedy Store and Jongleurs bookings, to a tour of Irish pubs in Auckland. Join him on this evening for some wonderfully uncluttered one-liners delivered with the crisp clarity of cut glass. Cost: £12 Time: 7.45pm Location: Watermans Theatre, 40 High Street , Brentford TW8 0DS Info: 020 8232 1010

A brand new talent search hits east London this season, with Click…Click…Boom at Stratford Circus. Click…Click…Boom will pit the best variety acts against the hottest new comics. Going head to head, comedienne Andi Osho and magician Christian Lee are scouring the pubs and clubs to find the best acts around. Each month three acts from each camp, plus two wildcards announced on the night, will compete for a place in the winter final. There can be only one winner…you decide. Get down to the Stratford Circus for a riotous evening of entertainment. A celebrity headline act to finish the night with a bang after the wildcards attempt to beat the Click Click Boom! If you think you can take on the boom contact Lee or Osho at clickclickboom@stratford-circus. com Cost: £10 – £12 Time: 8pm Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: www.stratford-circus.com

07 May

Laugh Boat comedy show

The Laugh Boat Comedy Show is a night of side splitting comedy from some of the UK’s hottest and funniest comedians

May Click… Click… Boom

May Choice RM Comedy Club

The popular Choice Comedy Club returns and will leave you in stitches. The Choice Comedy Club is the alternative way to spend your Monday evenings with colleagues, friends and family. With Kat as your host and comediens Paul Chowdhury, Funmbi, Kane Brown and D Cartier taking to the stage, you’re in for a hilarious ride! Take part in the entertainment quiz, and at the end of the night party hard with Choice FM’s DJ Woody. Monday’s have never been so much fun! Over 18s only. Cost: £12 - £14 Time: 7pm – 12am Location: Highlight, 11 East Yard, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8AB Info: 0207 054 8852

featuring Quincy, Kane Brown, Axel the Entertainer, Kwaku and award winning comedian Kevin J. Once you’ve laughed the evening away the night continues with a sumptuous Caribbean buffet and then it’s the official after party. Cost: £22.50 Time: 8.45pm Location: 07940 231 791 Info: Tereza Joanne Boat,

King George V dock, Woolwich Manor Way E15

May LOL@SE8

Top comedian and Choice FM presenter Wayne ‘Dibbi’ Rollins hosts a night of hilarious stand up comedy. He’s got some of the best in the business lined up for a side splitting, jaw

aching, rolling on the floor night of comedy not to be missed. Including triple-award winning comedian Glenda Jaxson, Tony Hendricks and A Dot plus spots for the winners of the open mic talent quest. Cost: £10 Time: 7.30pm Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: Box office - 020 8692 4446

SCREEN 1 - 31 May

It’s A Wonderful Afterlife

With a cast featuring the best of British comedy talent, It’s A Wonderful Afterlife is a killer comedy from the director of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. The film features a stelar cast including Jimi Mistry (‘East is East’), Sally Hawkins (‘Happy-Go-Lucky’) and Sendhil Ramamurthy (‘Heroes’). The story is centred on an Indian mother who takes her obsession with marriage into the world of serial murder.  Dir: Gurinder Chadha, 2010, UK, comedy, 12A Cost: £5.50 – £8.50 Time: Various Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: www.richmix.org.uk, 020 7613 7498

Meisie

A charming, intimate portrait of a young girl and her education, filmed in the remote town of Riemvasmaak, on the border of the Kalahari Desert. Director Roodt (Yesterday, Sarafina, Cry the Beloved Country), having glimpsed a girl walking through the mountains instead of going to school, returned to the small town, found the girl, and made the movie with a technical crew of three. Dir: Darrell James, 2008, South Africa, Drama, cert TBC, 9min Time: Sat 1 May 20:40, Fri 7 May 18:20 Location: NFT2, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT Info: www.bfi.org.uk

02 May

My Little Black Heart

A film to take the breath away, the multi-talented Angelique’s directorial debut is so good it’s miraculous. Shot by Anthony Dod Mantle, the film shows a vision of Durban both beautiful and hellish. A young girl (played by Angelique) who is addicted to heroin, working as a dancer, porn actress and sometime prostitute, finds the foetus of a Nigerian baby lying on the beach... Dir: Claire Angelique, 2008, South Africa-Denmark, drama, cert TBC, 90mins Time: 3.30pm & 8.40pm Location: NFT2, BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT Info: www.bfi.org.uk

1/7 May

SCREEN

London International Documentary Festival

01 May Awra Amber

A young Ethiopian woman has escaped her violent husband and is trying to become a member of a unique, self-help community in Northern Ethiopia. In Awra Amba women and men are equal, there is no religion and work is equally shared. Dir: Paulina Tervo, 2009, UK, documentary, cert TBC, 28min Cost: £3 Time: 3.45pm Location: Stevenson Theatre, British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG Info: 020 7323 8181

05 May

Bridging the Gap

Full of ambitions, Daniel Knoop leaves for Africa to fight poverty in a sustainable way. In Cameroon, Daniel is confronted with the rules and bureaucracy of the international community and the omnipresent corruption. For his African environment he has to keep his sexual preference a secret; homosexual practice is punishable here. When his boyfriend in Holland breaks up with him, he plunges into his work and this new world full of contradictions. But can he make a difference in a world that is not his? Bridging the gap offers a candid picture of the professional and personal dilemmas of a young expatriate. This is a UK premiere. Dir: Corinne van Egeraat, 2008, Netherlands, documentary, cert TBC, 85min Cost: £6 Time: 7pm Location: Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street, SW4 0AT Info: 0871 704 2055

05 May

The Death of the Gazelle / la mort de la gazelle In the North of Niger, somewhere in the borders of the Sahara, men are ready to go to war. Under the threat of an invisible enemy, isolated from the world, they live looking forward to the fight. This film relates the improbable daily life of Tuareg combatants. Dir: Jeremie Reichenbach, 2009, France, documentary, cert TBC, 45min Cost: £5 Time: 6.30pm Location: Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, EC1R 3GA Info: 0207 3242 570

SCREEN

London International Documentary Festival

07 May Sweet Crude

In a small corner of Nigeria, billions of dollars of crude oil flow under the feet of a desperate people. Immense wealth and abject poverty stand in stark contrast. The environment is decimated. The people have had enough. After decades of nonviolent protest, in 2005 a new militancy was born. The Niger Delta is seething. Sweet Crude is a documentary about the Niger Delta. It tells the story of the humanitarian, environmental and economic devastation there in the wake of 50 years of oil extraction; the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND); and the opportunity for the international community to do something about the crisis before it’s too late. It also raises broader issues of oil politics, mass media agendas and the role of independent journalists in getting the truth out. Dir: Sandy Cioffi , 2009, USA, documentary, cert TBC, 93min Cost: £6 Time: 6.30pm Location: Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn Street, SW4 0AT Info: 0871 704 2055

8 May

War Don Don

In the heart of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, United Nations soldiers guard a heavily fortified building known as the “special court.” Inside, Issa Sesay awaits his trial. Prosecutors say Sesay is a war criminal, guilty of crimes against humanity. His defenders say he is a reluctant fighter who protected civilians and played a crucial role in bringing peace. War Don Don tells the story of a sensational trial with unprecedented access to prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims and, from behind bars, Sesay himself. In Krio, “war don don” means “the war is over,” and although today Sierra Leone is at peace, the specter of war remains ever-present. Can the trial of one man uncover the truth of a traumatic past? International justice is on trial for the world to see. This film is part of the London International Documentary Festival. Dir: Rebecca Richman Cohen, 2020, Sierra Leone, USA, documentary, cert. , 83mins Cost: £6 - £7 Time: 4pm Location: Tricycle, Cinema, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR Info: 020 7328 1000

EVENTS 29 May

Pakistan Fashion Extravaganza

Vision Events International brings to you the biggest Pakistani Fashion Event of the year, choreographed by HSY and featuring the top Pakistani Fashion Designers and top Pakistani super models Nadia Hussain and Mehreen Syed. Cost: £55.90 Time: 8pm Location: Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, 239 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1EQ Info: 0871 855 30 69 or info@ ChilliTickets.com

30–31 May

Afro Hair & Beauty Live

The total hair and beauty experience celebrates 29 years of showcasing the very best brands and suppliers of hair and beauty products. The exhibition is designed to help and guide you through a complete hair, beauty and health regime. See and learn from the experts, watch hair and fashion shows from new and established designers, get a makeover or simply buy products at great prices; also, buy one ticket buy one free Cost: £12 Time: 10am – 6pm Location: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington N1 0QH Info: 020 7720 2108 or www. afrohairshow.com

01 - 09 May Grand Designs Live

Grand Designs Live returns to ExCeL London this May. The multi award-winning show is based on the hugely popular Channel 4 TV show presented by design guru Kevin McCloud and is the UK’s number one show for design and inspiration for your home. There will be over 500 exhibitors, many products for your home, garden or build project and brilliant interactive show features. With the latest contemporary design and building techniques brought to life, the show offers plenty of ideas and inspiration for your

home and is a great family day out too! Please note: we advise keeping an eye on the tubes; there may be planned engineering on the Jubilee Line, meaning your journey to Excel may take a little longer. Cost: £10 - £18 Time: 10am - 6pm (5pm on last day) Location: Excel, London Docklands, 2 Festoon Way, E16 1JP Info: 020 7069 4000

01 - 08 May

The London International

Documentary Festival 2010

The UK’s premier independent documentary showcase – The London International Documentary Festival – runs from 23 April to 8 May this year, featuring more than 130 films from 36 countries, bringing the world’s stories to the capital. Among the festival highlights are the UK premiere of Napoli, Napoli, Napoli by acclaimed filmmaker Abel Ferrara (Bad Lieutenant, Driller Killer), detailing the lives of prisoners in a Neapolitan jail, and the European premiere of Playground, executive produced by George Clooney and directed by Libby Spears, dealing with

child sexual exploitation. A retrospective of the work of Scottish filmmaker Don Boyd will include the previously unseen Hamlet in China, while 11 films will focus on the culture and daily life of people in Pakistan. A series of debates and discussions will accompany the programme, along with screenings of documentaries from many seldom-seen corners of the world. LIDF 2010 will also include still images and audio, featuring a day of talk, film, audio and photography investigating city fringe spaces in North East London – The Invisible City. See the Screen section for our selected highlights. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Various Info: www.lidf.co.uk For further information please contact Fiona Hazard, LIDF Press Office, tel: 07786 435595.

04 May

Breaking the Ice - 3rd Birthday party!

Yep that’s right, Breaking The Ice is a grand old 3-years-old. And for anyone who’s attended this will be no surprise! Fresh, fun and innovative there really isn’t another night like this on the London social scene. Breaking The Ice is RnB and HipHop karaoke, and your chance to unleash the rap star or soul diva within, as you never have before. No one cares if you sound like a deranged Mariah Carey or a tired Lil Wayne...its all about having fun. Your hosts Annika and Natalie will guide you through the night letting you know what to do and how to do it, and resident DJ’s Resident DJs ASHINEL, DJ COZIE and DJ CHEF will help round the night off with some of the hottest beats around that never fail to get the crowd moving. Sign up time for the karaoke starts from 7pm. To be in with a chance come early as all the performance spots WILL get taken and you could miss your chance. Cost: £5 Time: 6.30pm - 12am Location: Sway Bar, 61-64 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5BZ

EVENTS Info: www. breakingtheicveevents.co.uk

05 - 08 May

Partager: Paris/ New York/ London Jazz Festival

11 May

Southall Story

The Southall Story explores the recent history of a place that has come to be affectionately known as Little India, but for many it is much more than that. It is a town that has welcomed new communities throughout the last century, enabling them to excel and influence both the social and political structures of Britain. A time tunnel of photography, music, film that celebrates the vibrant heritage and culture of Southall from 1950s to the present day. This event is part of Southbank’s Alchemy season. Cost: Free Time: 11pm Location: Spirit Level, Hayward Gallery and Visual Arts, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

14 May - 18 July

Udderbelly at Southbank Centre

Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

16 May

Jimi Hendrix with Lick Library

Forty years after his death, this workshop explores the unique elements to Hendrix’s style that remain unsurpassed to this day. Highly respected guitar tutor Stuart Bull leads the class focusing on the songs, solos and licks by one of the greatest guitarist in the history of rock music. This event is part of the London Guitar Festival. Cost: £4 Time: 11am Location: Level 3 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

Vintage Fashion Fair

Visit the Vintage Fashion Fair to shop and choose from an array of vintage clothing, accessories,

jewellery and textiles dating from 1800’s - 1980’s. There will also be a selection of mens and childrens clothing. This is a perfect way to spend a leisurely Sunday; the fair will offer both wearable vintage pieces at affordable prices, and for those looking for something extra special there will be a selection of designer labels including Chanel, Ossie Clark, Biba and also stunning pieces from the 20’s and 30’s. In fact something to suit everyone’s taste and budget. There will be top vintage dealers from all over England and Europe selling the best of their stock. Take time to browse at the many remarkable stalls and then you can take a break and have some lunch at the comfortable seated café that has a variety of delicious food and refreshments, catering is by Leith’s. Cost: Free adv. £5 on the door Time: 11am - 5pm Location: Earls Court Conference Centre, Earls Court, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA Info: 020 7385 1200

Following from the success of their celebrated programme at Charlie Wright’s International, t Wo MUSIC presents a four-day gala that will focus on cutting edge contemporary French jazz and improvised music, highlighting collaborative projects born of French, American, and British exchange. This will be a tantalizing blend of imports accentuating London as a musical bridge linking New York to Paris. All in the surrounds of the beautiful new concert hall, Kings Place. This event will feature FLY, William Parker & Hamid Drake, Marc Ducret, Julia Sarr and much more! See the music section for listings. Cost: Various Time: 7.30pm - 11pm Location: Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 9AG Info: 020 7520 1440, box office 020 7520 1490

It’s a cow. It’s upside-down. It’s purple. It’s back! After the inaugural season in 2009, E4 Udderbelly is back at Southbank Centre. The most unusual venue London’s ever seen… a 400 seat theatre inside an enormous purple cow. Headlining Udderbelly 2010 is Brazil! Brazil!, a worldwide sensation featuring Capoeira - dance and martial arts fused street style. There will also be comedy in abundance, music and the revolutionary international circus Controlled Falling Project. All this topped up with top family shows, performance poetry and spoken word. Trot on down to E4 Udderbelly this summer and enjoy food, drink and unabashed entertainment at London’s most bovine destination. Keep an eye on Life In Colour pages for Udderbelly listings this summer. Cost: Various Time: Various Location: Udderbelly, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

WRITTEN & SPOKEN SPOKEN WORLD & BOOK REVIEW

09 May

Poetry Picnic

Join some of London’s finest poets for a free lunchtime performance at the lovely Culpeper Community Garden. Like the garden, the line up is eclectic and magical. You’ll be in for a treat! Performers will include David J, Denrele Ogunwa, Jill Abram, Nathalie Teitler and Naomi Woddis. Cost: Free Time: 1pm - 3pm Location: Culpeper Community Garden, 1 Cloudesley Road, Islington, N1 0EG Info: www.culpeper.org.uk

May Jean “Binta” Breeze

Jean “Binta” Breeze is a seminal Jamaican Dub poet and storyteller whose live performances are so powerful she has been called a “onewoman festival”. Join her to celebrate Peckham library’s 10th

birthday with her unique brand of dub poetry and mesmerising storytelling. Cost: Free Time: 6pm - 8pm Location: Peckham library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR Info: 020 7525 1570 or mike. allport@southwark.gov.uk

16 May

Tribute to Malcom X- El Hajj Malik Shabazz

Guest speakers for this event include Dr Mohammed Rudy Moore, Imam Hassan, Dr Rabia and Brother Rashid. There will also be special Acoustic Slam Poetry performances with no music by some of the finest urban Islamic underground poets, such as Muslim Belal, Mohammed Yahya, Masikah, D Servant, Mujahid, The Planets, Baby Muslimz. This event will be hosted by Mecca2Medina. Cost: £3 Time: 2pm Location: Tavistock Hall, 25 Harlesden High Street, NW10

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073‎

4NE Info: 07533 714 938 or thesalamproject@-gmail.com

May Habesha Writers

Sulaiman Addonia and Maaza Mengiste are two novelists from a strong generation of writers born after the Ethiopian Civil War of 1974. Sulaiman Addonia’s debut, The Consequences of Love, is a love story set in Saudi Arabia, alive to the diaspora experiences wrought by the war. Maaza Mengiste joins us from New York on publication of Beneath the Lion’s Gaze, which explores how the bonds of love and friendship are ravaged by political revolution. The authors will read from their work and take questions from the audience. The event is hosted by writer in residence Lemn Sissay. Cost: £7.50 Time: 7.45pm Location: Level 5 Function Room, Royal Festival Hall,

17 22

– May E4 Udderbelly: BOXED - a beatboxing adventure

This epic escapade sees our beatboxing heroes Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra travel to the future and back via outer space, dropping slick theatrics and soulful vocal gymnastics along the way. Pure raw talent mixed with innovative and imaginative use of their ten voices lead to an adrenalinecharged vocal performance reminiscent of Stomp, Into the Hoods or Blue Man Group. Cost: £15, £13 conc. Time: 7pm Location: Udderbelly, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com, 0844 875 0073

Moment by Moment I am going to wash myself in courage Rinsing only in bravery For I am here in this moment I am going to dry my hair with emancipation and oil it with redemption For my deliverance is born I am no longer enslaved, so I’ll dance with glory and jiggle with laughter

School Workshop Facilitator Singer & performance poet Inspirational Speaker Radio Presenter Book Lyrical Healer to perform or speak at your event, call 07944 455 010 or email: info@lyricalhealer.co.uk to see the services that Lyrical provides - visit: www.lyricalhealer.co.uk for more information.

I am going to eat from the fruit of life and fill up with love I am going to walk into my day With clarity of who I am Each stride represents triumph For I am a vibration of light Radiating invisible rays of solar energies that will effect the whole I am going to swim with serenity and splash with peace I matter, because I count I am in alignment because I hear the angels sing I am going to embrace self-love in every moment for I am the moment

Nomad by Ayaan Hirsi Ali Format: Paperback Published: 13 May 2010 Publisher: Simon & Schuster LTD ISBN: 978-1847376640 RRP: £11.69 Ayaan Hirsi went to America on a quest for a new life and in this thoughtful memoir tells of the difficulties she faced in trying to balance her two worlds. Nomad contains vivid observations of people and their cultures, political debacles and anecdotes. Hirsi also tells her own story of how she battled with her devout father for reconciliation after he had disowned her, following her own denouncement of Islam. Hirsi describes with an intimate understanding of the Muslim faith as well as high intellect and courage when comparing some of the controversial Islamic ideals with the more democratic view of the West. Very thought provoking and heartfelt.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind by William Kamkwamba

When William Kamkwamba was 14 his parents informed him that he would have to stop going to school and aid his family on their farm instead. Malawi is a country that battles with AIDS, famine and drought, and in 2002, following the worst floods the country had seen in 50 years, the devastation was severe. William’s family could no longer afford to send him to school so William decided to borrow library books and after discovering a book on the energy made through windmills William became obsessed with the concept. Amidst ridicule from friends, William used scrap metal to make his own windmill and now uses multiple windmills to power all the lightbulbs and radios in his compound. This is the amazing story of Williams determination to better his community and his dream to help of African communities.

The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama by David Remnick Format: Hardback Published: 07/05/2010 Publisher: Picador ISBN: 9780330509947 RRP: £14.00 The story of Barack Obama is one of the great stories of the century and its historical importance is phenomenal. The Bridge is told by a writer who is known for his ability to document historical events with poise and distinction, and in The Bridge Remmick uses this talent to unfold Barack Obama’s ambition and determination. Remmick talks with friends, teachers and Obama himself to delve into the history of this momentous man. A greatly insightful look into the complex and animated life of the first American president of African descent.

www.singleholic.com I’m sitting in a café with my friend Manuele, a sexy, suave Italian who speaks perfect English with a hint of an accent. He has black hair, slight shadow of a goatee, a thirty-three-year-old Shell marketing exec who drives a sexy new VWbug, is loaded with cash and has an ego the size of China. ‘Don’t you want to fall in love?’ I ask. ‘Love? It doesn’t exist. Hollywood made it up so that it could sell more blockbuster movies.’ He rolls his eyes. ‘You will spend the rest of your life looking for this “love”, never find it and at the end you will realise you wasted your whole life.’ POW! Upper cut into the ribs. Is he right? What if love really doesn’t exist? Several world religions don’t believe in love. Maybe these billions of people have it right. But there’s no way I’m giving in that easily.

Format: Paperback Published: 2010 Publisher: Harper True ISBN: 9780007316199 RRP: £5.19

Singleholic Sarah Looking for Love in London

‘No! You’re wrong!’ I wave my finger in Manuele’s face as he stares longingly at a smoker having a cigarette outside. ‘Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds or bends with the remover to remove. Oh no, it is an ever fix’ed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken…’ ‘You’re quoting Shakespeare now?’ Manuele taps his head. ‘Bella, I worry about your sanity. You need to relax. You are only thirty. Look at me, I am thirty-three!’ Bastard. It really bugs me the way men who are older than me claim to be in a worse position age-wise. As if anyone could care less what age a man is. In fact, the older he gets, the more attractive he gets. WE GALS on the other hand, just get wrinklier and wrinklier. Remember how in Sense and Sensibility, Emma Thompson played opposite Hugh Grant as his love interest? Seven years later, Love Actually cast Hugh as the romantic lead, but poor Emma was demoted to middle-aged wife whose husband no longer found her attractive. Yeah…A thirty-year-old woman is probably equivalent to a thirty-eight or thirty-nineyearold man. Single men start to worry when they approach the big 4 – 0. Not that they have anything to worry about of course. Let’s face it, the older they get, the larger their pool of choice women. We girlies, however, have a much harsher deal. A fit of nausea overwhelms me. The room starts to sway. I grab on tightly to the arms of my chair. ‘Sarah?...Sarah?...Are you listening to me?’ Listening? Who can listen when an eternity of misery and loneliness lies ahead? Who can listen when my best years are behind me? Who can listen to anything when I’m cursed with being a GIRL?? I look at Manuele and smile. Remember Sarah, youre a Goddess, and tomorrow is always another day… Singleholic is available in bookshops and at www.amazon. co.uk. See more at www.singleholic.com

COMMUNITY 01 May

May Wiggle and Jiggle

Interpal Charity Dinner

This event is for toddlers and their carers; fun activities that encourage an early love of language, rhymes and songs, and help to provide a firm foundation for learning to read. Cost: Free Time: 11am Location: Purley Library, Banstead Road, Purley, CR8 3YH Info: 0208 726 6900 or purley@ croydon.gov.uk

May African Drumming Classes

Learn to play an African drum to the beat of cultural rhythms with a drum provided for use in the class. This is intensive tuition that takes place in a welcoming atmosphere. Complete beginners welcome. Cost: £7 Time: 8pm – 9:30pm Location: The Synergy Centre, 220 Farmers Road, Camberwell, SE5 Info: 02083145498 or annorculture@hotmail.co.uk

Interpal invites you to this exclusive charity fundraising dinner in aid of a medical convoy to Gaza. The evening will include great performances, speeches by special guests and key note speakers and a five course meal. All proceeds go towards the Interpal medical aid convoy project. Cost: £20 Time: 1pm Location: Maedah Grill, 100 Greenfield Road, Whitechapel, E1 1EJ Info: 07886624888 or ibbydar1982@hotmail.com

May Explore & Play

Come and explore the Cuming Museum through play, music, performance, story telling and crafts. This event is in association with Victory School and sessions are suitable for families with children from toddlers to 5-year-olds. Cost: Free Time: 10am – 11am Location: The Cuming

May Adult Learner’s Week Launch

This open event will be a perfect opportunity to find out more about the different kinds of adult learning on offer in the borough. Representatives from various community and education organisations will be available to offer advice and guidance, whether you are interested in learning a skill to help with your career, upgrading your qualifications, improving your English and Maths, learning something for pleasure, for health or joining a special interest group. Cost: Free Time: 11am - 3pm Location: Lewisham Council, Civic Suite, Catford, SE6 4RU Info: selina.eldridge@lewisham.gov.uk

Museum, The Old Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, SE17 1RY Info: 020 7525 2332 or cuming. museum@southwark.gov.uk

May Grove to Gaza Family Fundraiser

This ‘Solidarity through Charity’ This ‘Solidarity through Charity’ event will feature bouncy castle, face painting, henna, food stalls, cake stalls, a mini bazzar, Nasheeds ft Muslim Bilal, guest speakers and an auction. Cost: Free Time: 3:30pm Location: Al Manaar Mosque, 244 Acklam Road, North Kensington, W10 5YG Info: 020 8964 1496 or info@ mchc.org.uk

Essence of Haiti

This is a fundraising event for the Haiti appeal, bringing you a taste of Haitian cuisine and a touch of Haitian culture. The night will include raffles, poetry, story telling, singers, dancers and will be followed by an infusion of music including sounds straight out of Haiti. Come and dance the night away to sounds from the Caribbean as well as popular dance hits. Cost: TBA Time: 7.30pm Location: 40 St James Street, Walthamstow, E17 Info: 07956861453

May E17 Designers Market

Keep craft alive! Come to E17 Designers Market for hand made products, including jewellery, fashion for all ages, accessories for the home and exclusive letterpress prints and posters. Entry fee includes drink and entry into the raffle. Cost: £1 Time: 11am-3.30pm Location: The Welcome Centre, 8 Church End, Walthamstow, E17 9RJ Info: 020 8556 3508

May Guided Tours of Forty Hall

COMMUNITY 22 May

The Garden of Eden 2

Premier invites you to a master class in creative flower arranging on a budget, for all those who love flowers. Featuring live music and entertainment as well as afternoon tea and cake. Buy your tickets now for this fabulous event! Cost: £9 - £12 Time: 2pm - 4.30pm Location: Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, SW1H 9NH Info: 08456525252

May Love Clean Streets and Report it event

The purpose of this event is to promote the Love Clean Streets and Report it concepts to London authorities, community groups and software developers. The project hopes to empower residents, council staff, partners and politicians to engage in and improve their local environment. Cost: Free Time: 9:30am – 1pm Location: The Hatton, 51-53 Hatton Garden, EC1N 8HN Info: 02079349776 or capitalambitioninfo@ londoncouncils.gov.uk

Waltham Forest Open Evening

Want to try something new? Sign up now for a free taster session and choose from 100’s of full-time and part-time courses to choose from. Cost: Free Time: 4.30pm – 7.30pm Location: Waltham Forest

College, Forest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JB Info: 02085018501 or info:Waltham.ac.uk

Info: 07886 772 683 or shazia. afghan@utrujj.org

The ultimate in children’s entertainment; sing a sea shanty with the pirates, walk the plank, hunt for treasure, play in the soft play area and so many more fun things for the children to enjoy. Cost: £3.50 Time: 10am-5pm Location: The Soul Project Family Activity Centre, 245 Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 Info: 0870 626 0710

May Cradle to Grave Islamic Medical Ethics

Unique one day course covers Islamic Ethics of beginning and end-of-life issues. Issues include contraception, abortion and euthanasia. Emphasis will be on practical application through workshops, role plays and interactive Q&A sessions. Cost: Free Time: 9.30am - 5pm Location: Devere Hotel, Denham Grove, Uxbridge

May Pirates Day

Charity Fashion Show

Summer Daze Fashion Show in aid of the Community Cancer

May Back to our Roots Ghana 2010

This is a life-changing trip to Ghana, including 10 fun-filled nights at a top hotel with great excursions such as slave forts, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles, Kwame Nkruma Centre, Kakum Rain Forest, and more. This inclusive package is based on two people sharing. Cost: £995 Time: TBA Location: TBA Info: 07908 817 233 or www.bubblesvip.com

London! A musical journey Come on a musical adventure and explore London’s buildings, transport and famous places through the magic of music and sound! This interactive, imaginative session for under 5s and their carers is brought to life through song, movement, instruments and musical stories. Cost: £5 Time: 10.30am, 11.15pm and 2pm Location: Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, E14 4AL Info: 020 7739 7880

Uncover Forty Hall’s Untold Secrets with costumed tours. See history brought to life with a Jacobean character and look to the future with information on the Heritage Lottery Bid. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and requires standing throughout. Cost: Free Time: 12pm - 3pm Location: Forty Hall, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA Info: 020 8363 8196 or forty. hall@enfield.gov.uk

Centre has been organised by students at Brunel University. The event will include a fashion show with clothing provided by local stores, boutiques and designers, a pampering suite offering treatments and advice, a silent auction, raffle and guest appearances from celebrities. The event is one not to be missed – join in raising money for a charitable cause. Cost: £15 Time: TBA Location: Newton Room, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH Info: 07884 322724 or sp06aap4@brunel.ac.uk

FAITH May

Cross, Crescent and Cool

03 May Oraclez

It’s back! The biggest indoor gospel event in the UK, is return with an impressive all star line up featuring amongst others Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Mary Mary, Martha Munizzi, Faith Evans, Ann Nesby, Dave Hollister, Coko, Kelly Price and Chevelle Franklyn. Cost: £35 - £65 Time: 2:30pm - 11pm Location: Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way HA9 0DH Info: press@oraclez.com

01 May

Revival for Survival

An extra-ordinary album launch and Gospel concert featuring some of the best UK gospel artistes. This will be a tremendous time of gospel singing and dancing, please don’t miss out bring someone with you. Cost: Free Time: 7pm Location: Shiloh Pentecostal Church, Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL Info: 07815470759 or eugenert4@yahoo.co.uk

Walk for Water for Africa

Operation WellFound in partnership with Greenford Methodist Church are proud to present this event to highlight the fact that 1 billion people worldwide, often children, have to walk long distances to retrieve filthy and unsafe water for themselves and their families. Come out and help raise sponsorship and awareness and enjoy the steel band e and the BBQ. Cost: Free Time: 10am-2pm Location: Greenford Methodist Church, Ruislip Road, Greenford UB6 9QN Info: 0207 998 7376 or alexwright@ operationwellfound.org

08 May

The Extraordinary Woman

Gates of Praise International Women’s Ministry invite you to their annual women’s conference. This event will provide women from different backgrounds the opportunity to spend time with each other, deal with some of the issues that women face and answer questions you may have to empower you in continuing to be an Extraordinary Woman in 2010. Cost: Free Time: 10am Location: The Centre, Curzon Drive, Grays RM17 6BG Info: 01375397219 or admin@gopic.org

12 May

8th Prayer and Healing Service

Are you experiencing problems of some kind? Would you like to talk to us confidentially about your situation? We believe that the God of the Bible heals people today, and miraculously intervenes in difficult situations of all kinds.All are welcome. Cost: Free Time: 7.45pm-9.30pm Location: St John’s & St Matthews, South End Road, Rainham, Rm13 7tx Info: 01708555260 or stjohnscentre@tiscali.co.uk

This is a training day looking at how Christians and Muslims can build bridges between young Christians and Muslims. The training will cover why young people from Christian and Muslim faiths work together, what the shared values from the faiths that inspire common action, what are the challenges of cross-faith work and how to organize a cross-faith event or project. Refreshments and a light lunch will be served Cost: £25 Time: 10:30am Location: St Ethelburga’s, 78 Bishopsgate, City of London Info: info@ christianmuslimforum.org

19 May

Test of Faith

The relationship between science and faith is often represented as a battleground. But are science and Christianity really in conflict? Bringing clarity to the science-faith debate scientists and theologians unpack the key issues. This event is aimed at the church leaders of today and those training to become the church leaders of the future however, if you don’t fit those categories but have an interest in science and faith then feel free to come along too! Cost: £5 Time: 7.30pm Location: London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, St Peter’s, Vere Street W1 0DQ Info: 01223 741 281 or tour@testoffaith.com

May

20 – 22

Catch The Fire World Tour

CTF London is a new look church venture that seeks to bring the Father’s love, revelation and power of the cross of Jesus Christ and amazing friendship of the Holy Spirit into the heart of London. Join them at this year’s world tour for some uplifting spiritual lectures and inspiring music. Cost: £10 - £45

Time: 10am, 2pm and 7pm Location: Ealing Christian Centre, 268 Northfield Avenue, Ealing W5 4UB Info: 0207 663 8090 or info@ctflondon.com

May

20-22

Ablaze 2010

A conference aiming to awaken those who are called to prepare the way of the Lord and to fuel hearts on fire for Jesus. The Children’s Track Conference will also be held at the same time. Registration essential Cost: £10 - £75 Time: TBA Location: IHOP London 47 Station Road, Brent NW10 4UP Info: 02089650070

May

Pentecost Event

Join 5,000 people for a historic night of worship and prayer live in London. With special performances by Holy Trinity Brompton and Hillsong, Jesus House is excited to host an evening open to the whole Church. Worship will be led by Pastor Agu Irukwu. Everyone is welcome to gather to cel©ebrate life in the Spirit. Don’t miss out...book now! Cost: £10 Time: 6pm Location: Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith W6 9QH Info: 08448 444 748

29 May

Word 4 Weapons Seminar

Word 4 Weapons is a Christian based organisation in 2007, after several years of seeing too many young lives being lost to gun and knife crime. Weapons are being openly used on our streets leaving individuals in fear, injured or killed. This seminar looks at how the church can be effective working with the youth involved in knife and gun crime. Cost: Free Time: 10am Location: Peckham LROR Ministries, 50 Copleston Road, Peckham SE15 4AD

HEALTH & WELLBEING Ask Counsellor Mike...

If you are in a relationship and have a question for Counsellor Mike to answer, email: mike@theinstituteofwellbeing.com. To see all our Private Therapies and Personal Development Programmes - visit: www.theinstituteofwellbeing.com or call 0700 2222 700 for more information. Dear Counsellor Mike

Dear Counsellor Mike

I thought I was in the perfect relationship. My man does

I have just come out of a long term relationship which didn’t end very well. I feel as though I didn’t really know my ex partner throughout our relationship and that something was missing. We have a son which was the reason we stayed together. I love my son very much and I couldn’t carry on with the pretence, which why it ended. The problem now is that we are having difficulty with visitation arrangements concerning our son. Sometimes I think it would be easier to be out of my son’s life for a while until it settles down but I don’t know if this is a good or bad idea? Please advise? Derek

everything for me, he cooks, cleans, helps me financially, he is funny and kind and I worship him. I couldn’t think of a better relationship until the day he confessed that he has been cheating on me, not once but a few times. Devastation, shock and hurt were my instant reactions and I was not quite sure why he felt the need to cheat on me in the first place. He said that he loves me, but he is sexually deprived and doesn’t understand himself why he does it. I thought our sex life was great, but he obviously doesn’t feel the same and said it was not my fault. Of course I feel it’s my fault and I feel hopeless. I’m not sure if I want to have sex with him now. Where do I go on from here?

Elaine

I understand how hurt and angry you must feel. You were led to believe by him that you were in the perfect relationship. You should not blame yourself. It is an issue that he has to deal with by himself and this could be something relating to his past history. It might be worth him seeking counselling to find out what makes him look for sex elsewhere. For you however, you need to come to terms with the issue and work out how you will move forward, with or without him. You might also want to consider counselling either by yourself of as a couple. Once you are both willing to take those steps change will take place. Counsellor Mike

Dear Counsellor Mike My wife and I have been trying for a baby for five years through IVF and it was wonderful news when my wife fell pregnant

Dear Counsellor Mike

after all that time. However, last week she miscarried and like

I have been having difficulty lately with my eldest son who is 14 yrs old. I am a single parent and his father isn’t around and really wouldn’t be much of a role model if he was. He doesn’t listen to me as much and seems very angry in life. He says it’s nothing to do with me but I wonder if he resents me. What do suggest I do? Elizabeth

me, is devastated. She is always in tears and is hysterical and of course I do my best to console her, but I am not sure if I am doing enough. I feel she is suffering more as a woman and I don’t know what to say to make it better. Please help? Marvin Marvin Marvin I am very sorry to hear of your loss. This is a very delicate situation as emotions are all over the place. I know your wife is emotional but you are also suffering too and you need to deal with your feelings to help her. Having support from family and friends will help, but dealing with the problem together and facing the future is what you both need to workout. Counselling may be a route to take to get your feelings out in the open with a qualified counsellor to mediate. All the best Counsellor Mike

Elizabeth Your son is 14, a teenager going through puberty, which could be one reason for his anger. There are a lot of emotions going on around him at this time. If you are concerned regarding his father, talk to him and find out what he is thinking. Tell him you are there for him and suggest a day out shopping or go to a restaurant and make it fun. You could also ask him what he wants to do and then you can gently bring issues into the conversation that you are concerned about. The more relaxed he is the more he will open up. All the best Counsellor Mike

Elaine

Derek Adults need to be responsible for their child’s well-being and focus on having a healthy relationship with their parents, whether the separation is good or bad, both have to be civil towards one another especially with father-son relationships. A mother can do a lot to nurture her son, but can not show her son how to be the best man they can be. This is why they need to always establish a strong positive relationship with their father. Both adults need to make things amicable as possible for the child. Make arrangement for visits every weekend or second weekend. If communication has broken down between father and mother, ask a mutual friend or relative you can trust to act as ago between so their relationship isn’t affected. This could affect them in later years and how they deal with relationships when they grow into adults and have children themselves. A father and son relationship is very important for their future well being. Counsellor Mike

HEALTH & WELLBEING 05

May Beginners Kickboxing Classes

Learn the essential techniques and combinations so that training at a higher level becomes a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Cost: £10+ Location: Paragon Gym, 6 – 8 Boundary St, Shoreditch, Hackney, E2 7JE Info: 020 7256 0990

15 – 16 May

2010 London British Judo Open

Promising a packed weekend of judo, with elite judoka from across Europe coming to fight Britain’s talent, the weekend also offers spectators a chance to buy the latest BJA gear and visit the merchandise stalls. Cost: £10 Location: K2 Crawley Leisure Centre, Crawley Info: +44 (0)1509 631695

09 May

Centre, Green Lanes, Stoke Newington, N4 2HA Info: 020 8211 7000

For a higher level of fitness and performance try this fusion of abseiling, acrobalance and dance. Cost: £25 Location: AirCraft Circus, The Hangar Arts Trust, Unit 7a, Mellish House, Harrington Way, SE18 5NR Info: 020 8317 8401

15 May

Wall Running – Taster Session

May Introductory 4-Week rock Climbing Course

Learn the elements of indoor climbing with this comprehensive step-by-step course. Cost: £85 Location: The Castle Climbing

FA Cup Finals

Info: Watch Chelsea and Portmsouth battle it out for the coveted FA Cup trophy. This is the second best attended domestic club championship event in the world and the best attended domestic football event. Cost: TBC Location: Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London, HA9 OAA Info: Ticketing@TheFA.com

All Nations Volleyball Tournament Finals

Info: The volleyball community comes alive for the annual

tournament which allows players to represent their home nations. Held over two weekends, this event is guaranteed to be ejoyable for both spectators and players alike. Cost: Free Location: Bethnal Green College of Technology Info: Gary Beckford

May Race for Life

Have a great day out with your family and friends and help raise money for Cancer Research UK Cost: £12.99 Location: Regent’s Park Info: 0871 641 1111

Learn to Meditate in Half a Day Info: This popular half-day

course is the perfect introduction to meditation, providing the basic techniques that will enable you to experience these benefits for yourself. Cost: £20 Location: Heruka Centre, 13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green, NW11 8ES Info: 020 8455 7563

22 – 23 May Sevens Rugby

With just seven players per side competing on a full-size pitch, sevens rugby guarantees freeflowing games with plenty of tries. Look out for cheerleaders, fancy dress competitions and karaoke between games Location: Twickenham, Rugby Rd, Twickenham, TW1 1DZ Info: 020 8892 2000

26 May

Race for Life

IHave a great day out with your family and friends and help raise money for Cancer Research IL. Cost: £12.99 Location: Battersea Park Info: www.raceforlife.org

27 May – 01 July

Netball - Camden Super 6 Series

So, 6 teams, 6 games, 6 weeks – this is a fast-paced week night league with a few netball rule adaptations to add to the fun! Cost: £300 per team Location: Camden Sports Pitch, Camden Street, NW1 0LL Info: 020 8534 8444

May – May Cricket - England v Bangladesh

Info: England will be looking to capitalise on their success in Bangladesh earlier this year Cost: From £35.00 Location: Lord’s Cricket Ground, St. Johns Wood Road, NW8 8QN Info: +44 (0)20 7289 1611

HEALTH & WELLBEING 29 May

Dig London

Whether you’re an experienced volleyball player, a beginner or just want to “have a go”, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to participate in this inaugural tournament. Cost: £35 per team Location: Regents Park Info: diglondon@ maloryeagles.org

29 – 30 May

Glenn Blythe Tai Chi Workshop 2010 London

Learn about the Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation

Hatha Yoga

Cost: £10 Location: St Aubyns Holistic Centre Contact: 020 7820 9993

Monday – Sunday Pilates

Cost: £10 Location: St Aubyns Holistic Centre Contact: 020 7820 9993

Turkish Bath

Relax while you flush toxins from your body Cost: £22.10 Location: Porchester Spa Turkish Baths Contact: 020-7792 3980

British Military Fitness

The UK’s leading outdoor fitness provider Cost: £36+ Location: Various London locations Contact: 020 7751 9742

Appointment only Personal Trainer - Keety

Cost: from £50 Location: Based in the West London area Contact: keety@hotmail.co.uk

FAME Bodybuilding Competition

Dozens of London’s leanest and fittest body builders will turn out to flex their muscles in the hopes of winning the title of FAME UK Champion. Cost: £10 Location: Excel, London Docklands, 2 Festoon Way, E16 1JP Info: 020 7069 4000 Info: Angiewest2@hotmail. com

Michael Carberry

Personal Trainer – Abu Conteh

Shaherah Jordan meets… Michael Carberry, England CricketerEngland cricketer Michael Carberry is thanking his lucky stars that he didn’t walk away from his career in test cricket 5 years ago.

Sundays

The talented batsman started his domestic cricket career at Surrey and represented England Under 19s at the 2000 Cricket World Cup. He then moved to Kent, which arguably stifled his progress, but a move to Hampshire in 2006 rejuvenated his career. Under the tutelage of Shane Warne, Carberry returned to his natural form and made his England test cricket debut against Bangladesh in February.

Specialises in cardio, interval training and kick boxing. Cost: from Location: Based in South East London area Contact: 07576568075 Family Skate Central London’s largest roller rink. Cost: from £6.50 Location: T47 St Thomas St, SE1 3QX Contact: info@skatingheaven. com

10 May – 24 May Meditation – Changing our Perspective

Learn to focus the mind with a course in meditation Cost: £8 Location: Heruka Centre, 13 Woodstock Road, Golders Green, NW11 8ES Contact: 020 8455 7563

Mondays What: Hoop! Skip & Jump

Get fit with hula hoops, skipping ropes and trampolines Cost: £5 Location: Samuel Montagu Youth Centre, 122 Broad Walk, Kidbrooke, SE3 8ND Contact: mail@ greenwichbouncers.co.uk

Mondays and Thursdays

and balance and health. Cost: from £70 Location: Imperial College, Union Building, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2AZ Info: jeffreyguishard@ btinternet.com

It’s fair to say that his journey has been far from easy with challenges being thrown his way since the start of his career. Carberry, who represented the England Under 19s at the 2000 Cricket World Cup, found himself in the middle of a race row whilst playing for his club in Australia. “It was an unfortunate incident and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone but what it did do is make me realise that the world is not black and white and you will come across people in life who just generally don’t like you regardless of your colour or your personality and that’s just the way that life goes. It has definitely made me a lot tougher all round.” Although he continued to dutifully apply himself to his craft, his tenacity began to fray when he felt that he wasn’t making the progressing in his career at a pace that he would have liked. “Between the knockbacks, the setbacks and the doors being shut in my face I reached a point where I was looking at possibly waking away from the game that I love and have loved since I was a kid.” Thankfully, Carberry had a strong network of friends and family that simply would not let him quit. The hard work he invested paid off - his test debut was solid with 30 in his first innings in an opening stand worth 72 and 34 in the second innings as England won by 181 runs. “This game is definitely about perseverance and like any sportsman you will have ups and downs and learning to deal with disappointment is probably the hardest delivery to play in cricket but its perseverance that keeps me coming back.”

GALLERY 01

01-16 May Chris Ofili

Ofili has built an international reputation with his works that bridge the sacred and the profane, popular culture and beliefs. His exuberant paintings are renowned for their rich layering and inventive use of media, including balls of elephant dung that punctuate the canvas and support them at their base, as well as glitter, resin, map pins and magazine cut-outs. His intensely coloured and intricately ornamented paintings are on show in a major survey of the artist’s career that brings together over 45 paintings, as well as pencil drawings and watercolours from the mid 1990s to today. Cost: £10, Concessions £8.50 Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Tate Britain, Millbank SW1P 4RG Info: 020 7887 8888 visiting. britain@tate.org.uk

May The Islamic History of Central Asia

Learn the islamic history of central asia with Dr Evrim Binbas & Shaikh Atabek Shukurov NasafiHome of the “Great Game” and the ancient Silk Route, the Islamic legacy of Central Asia is unquestionable. From art, knowledge and science to some of the great warriors of Islam, this region is filled with people, places and events of great significance. This short, intensive course aims to explore Central Asia before Islam and the Golden Age, Great Islamic Scholars of the Region, The Golden Horde, Amir Timur; Greater Khorasan and the Future, and some of the lessons that may be learned from the history of this highly strategic part of the world. Cost: TBA Time: 08:45 Location: Muslim World League, 46 Goodge Street, W1T 4LU Info: 07794 253 856 or courses@islamiccirc-les.org

May What You Own Will Finally Own You

01-20 01-31 May

The Indian Portrait 1560 - 1860

This outstanding exhibition, the first of its kind in the UK, tells the story of the Indian portrait over three centuries, exploring the fascinating ways in which Indian artists have approached the depiction of the human form and the changing role of portraiture in Indian history. Bringing together 60 stunning works from international collections, the exhibition will celebrate the beauty, power and humanity of these works of art. Cost: Free Time: 10am – 6pm Location: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place WC2H 0HE Info: 020 7306 0055

Nazish Hussain’s Solo Exhibition is an exploration of people and their possessions. Based on Guy Dubords book ‘The Society Of The Spectacle’, in which he predicts a society dominated by consumer goods and it’s need to make a spectacle of itself. Cost: Free Time: 12pm - 10pm Location: Matsu Photographer’s Gallery, 558 Mile End Road, Mile End E3 4PL Info: 020 8983 3528

May Jain Manuscripts

Created to accompany the launch of JAINpedia - an ambitious project digitising Jain manuscripts in the UK - this small display will show finely illustrated Jain manuscript pages from the 15th to 19th centuries. Manuscripts were preserved in temple libraries and this collection will include examples in a range of styles,

GALLERY some never displayed before. Cost: Free Time: 10am Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL Info: 020 7942 2322 or asia.enquiries@vam.ac.uk

20 May – 22 Jun

Between Nothingness and Eternity

26 May – 05 Dec Tabaimo

Parasol unit, the foundation for contemporary art in London, will host solo exhibition in London devoted to the work of the Japanese artist Tabaimo. The exhibition will consist of five video installations by the female Japanese animation artist, whose work comments on aspects of both contemporary and traditional Japanese life. Cost: Free Time: Location: Parasol Unit, 14 Wharf Rd, N1 7RW Info: 020 7490 7373

May Black British Civil Rights Heroes

A presentation which explores the achievements of black British men and women who have fought against racism in Britain over the last 400 years; these presentations are delivered in association with Black History Walks. Cost: Free Time: 1.30pm - 5.00pm Location: Imperial War Museum Conference Room, Lambeth Road SE1 6HZ Info: 020 7416 5320 or mail@ iwm.org.uk

Kingdom of Ife

The Kingdom of Ife was a powerful, cosmopolitan and wealthy city-state in what is now modern south-west Nigeria. It flourished as a political, spiritual, cultural and economic centre in the 12th– 15th centuries AD, and was an influential hub of local and long-distance trade networks. The artists of Ife developed a refined and highly naturalistic sculptural tradition in stone, terracotta, brass and copper to create a style unlike anything in Africa at the time. This exhibition features superb pieces of Ife sculpture, portraying a wide cross-section of Ife society and include images of youth and old age, health and disease, suffering and serenity. Cost: £8 Time: 10am Location: Room 35, British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG Info: 020 7323 8181 or tickets@ britishmuseum.org

See the works of AfricanAmerican photographer and artist Rashid Johnson. He is best known as a socio-political photographer who produces conceptual post-black art. Nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus. Cost: Free Time: 10am – 6pm, Mon - Fri Location: Carlson Gallery details, 6 Heddon St, 2nd Floor, W1B 4BT Info: 020 7287 2005

01-31 May

May London, Sugar and Slavery

This thought provoking exhibition reveals our city’s untold history and involvement in transatlantic slavery. In the setting of this historic sugar warehouse, challenge longheld beliefs that abolition was initiated by politicians and be touched by the real objects, personal stories and vibrant art and music that have left their legacy on the capital today. Also featuring a short walk that shows the West India Docks connections to transatlantic enslavement. Cost: £5 Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Museum of London Docklands, No1 Warehouse West India Quay E14 4AL Info: 020 7001 9844 or info. docklands@museumoflondon. org.uk

FOOD Windies Cove Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8305 2500 Address: 135-137 Trafalgar Road, London, SE10 9TX

Papine Jerk

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7924 2288 Address: 8 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG

Planet Caribbean

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7924 2288 Address: 8 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG

Presidential Suya Restaurant

Cuisine: African 020 7708 4491 162-164 Old Kent Road, London, SE1 5TY

Rastarant

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7437 7770 Address: Portland Road, London, SE25 4PP

Savannah Jerk

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8677 1771 Address: 187 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZB

Spice 2000 805 Restaurant

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 7639 0808 Address: 805-807 Old Kent Road, London, SE15 1NX

Ace Fusion Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean Restaurant Address: 110 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 1SJ

Biravenaas

Cottons

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7833 3332 Address: 70 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4QP

Curry Garden

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8852 5090 Address: 133 Burnt Ash Road, London, SE12 8RA

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8695 8625 Address: Sandhurst Road, London, SE6 1DL

Everest Inn

Blessed West Indian

Flakes

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7274 4110 Address: 203 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8RZ

Carmen’s Rose

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8684 3311 Address: 79 Whitehorse Road, London, CR0 2JJ

Coco Caribbean Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7833 3332 Address: 70 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QP

Chef Colin Brown

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7515 8177 Address: 2 Yabsley Street Poplar, E14 9RGK

Cuisine: Indian Address: 881-883 Old Kent Road, London, SE15 1NL Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7582 4222 Address: 152 Newington Butts, Kennington, SE11 4RN

Island Buka

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8692 8397 Address: 160-162 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 3PQ

Jam Rock

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8240 1085 Address: 9-11 Woodville Road, London, CR7 8LH

Jerk City

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7287 2878 Address: 189 Wardour St, London, W1F 8ZD

Jolly J African Restaurant

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8297 6606 Address: 221 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5PQ

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8244 4770 Address: 34 Sangley Road, London, SE6 2JT

The Waterfall Caribbean

Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 2 Colman House, High Street Penge,Greater London SE20 7EX

Tomi’s Kitchen

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8297 8794 Address: 126 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 4NS

Troy Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7739 6695 Address: 10 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, London, N1 6NG

Windies Cove

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8305 2500 Address: 135-137 Trafalgar Road, London, SE10 9TX

God Bless Restaurant

Mehak

Gurkha’s Inn

Majestic Restaurant

Yum Yum Restaurant & Take Away

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8293 5464 Address: 17 Colomb Street, London, SE10 9HA

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7274 6676 330A Coldharbour Lane, London SW9

Humming Bird

Omrith

Veraswamy Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7635 9185 Address: 18A Peckham Rye, London, SE15 4JR

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8683 1664 Address: 23 Brigstock Road, London, CR7 7JJ

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8858 0227 Address: 160 Trafalgar Road, London, SE10 9TZ

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8662 5679 Address: 104B Forest Hill Road, London, SE22 0RS

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8299 3962 Address: 312 Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 5NQ Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 7734 1401 Address: 99-101 Regents St, London, W1B

London’s First Multicultural Listings Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

LIFE IN COLOUR promotes the dynamic world of multicultural entertainment throughout London. This exciting medium delivers a listings guide incorporating arts, media and live events in and around the capital. 100,000 LIFE IN COLOUR publications are distributed free every other month.

*50,000 copies of Life in Colour distributed to... Events e.g. Nottinghill Carnival, Black Hair & Beauty Show, all London boroughs through-out Black History Month, London Film Festival, The Wedding Show etc London Cinemas & Theatres e.g. Hackney Empire Bullion Room Theatre - 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ | Toynbee Studios - 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6AB | Playhouse Theatre - Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5DE | Ambassadors Theatre - West Street, London WC2H 9ND | Stratford Circus, Stratford Circus - Theatre Square, Stratford, London E15 1BX | Arcola Theatre - 27 Arcola St, London, E8 2DJ | The Drill Hall, The Drill Hall, 16 Chenies Street, London, WC1E 7EX | Broadway Theatre - Catford, London, SE6 4RU | Broadway Theatre, Broadway Theatre, the BROADWAY, Barking, IG11 7LS | Fairfield Halls Croydon - Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1DG | Centerprise Bookshop -136-138 Kingsland High Street, London, E8 2NS | Hackney Council - London Borough of Hackney, Town Hall, Mare Street, London E8 1EA | The Albany - Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG | Barbican Centre - Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS | Yaa Asantewaa Art & Community Centre -1 Chippenham Mews, Chippenham Road, London, W9 2AN | The Tricycle Theatre - 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR | Brixton Academy - 211 Stockwell Road, London SW9 9SL | Oval House Theatre - 52-54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW | Idea Store Canary Wharf - Churchill Place London E14 5RB | Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street E8 1EA | Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola St - London, E8 2DJ | The Lexi Cinema Cinema - Chamberlayne Road London NW10 3JU | Ritzy Cinema - Coldharbour Lane London SW2 1JG Also available from selected Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Restaurants, Takeaways, Nightclubs, Libraries

*Plus another 50,00 distributed at London tube and train stations including: Brixton, Elephant & Castle, Lewisham, Wood Green, Dalston Kingsland, Harlesden, Kilburn, Shepherd᾽s Bush, East Ham, Finsbury Park, Seven Sisters etc.

*Plus Life in Colour available on-line

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

is an exciting informative, publication highlighting the achievements of people of African descent. Published by Seven Media this unique Glossy A4 historical book promotes the achievements of people of colour particularly focusing on trail blazers and noted people who are the first in their field to have made recognisable achievements within government, the arts, business, industry and community sectors.

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

Baroness Valerie Amos

One of Britain’s First Black Female Recorders

B: 1954 - Georgetown, Guyana Baroness Valerie Amos was created a life peer in 1997. She is a British Labour Party politician and life peer, formerly serving as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. When she was appointed Secretary of State for International Development on 12 May 2003, following the resignation of Clare Short, she became the first black woman to sit in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. A distinctive element of Baroness Amos’ political career is that she has never actually been elected to any public office as every office held has been

B: 1957

an unelected appointment. Following positions in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission 1989–94. After resigning from the cabinet, Baroness Amos took up a directorship with Travant Capital, a Nigerian private equity fund launched in 2007 and is involved with the 2012 Olympic Committee.

Barrister Constance Briscoe was one of six children born to two Jamaicans who settled in the UK in the 1950s. Briscoe studied Law at the University of Newcastle, financing her studies through various weekend and holiday jobs including working at a hospice with the terminally ill. After completing her MA at the University of Warwick she was called to the Bar in 1983, and became a Recorder, a part time

judge in 1996 - one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Briscoe’s legal practice focuses on criminal law and fraud, principally defending. She is also known for her books ‘Ugly’ and ‘Beyond Ugly’ in which she recounts tales of abuse as a child and she often talks about her experiences publicly.

Baroness Scotland

The First Black Female Attorney General

Dame Linda Dobbs

B: 1955 - Commonwealth of Dominica In 1999, Scotland was appointed Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She was responsible for introducing the Bill to ratify the International Criminal Court in the United Kingdom. She also set up a panel of British-based lawyers who provided pro bono services to UK nationals imprisoned overseas. In 2001 she became Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor’s Department, and was made a member of the Privy Council. Scotland was a contender for a

The First Black Judge Appointed To the High Courts of Justice

cabinet position at a time when Tony Blair is reported to have considered appointing her Leader of the House of Lords. In 2003, Lady Scotland of Asthal, as she is also known, was made Minister of State for the Criminal Justice system and Law Reform at the Home Office. On 28 June 2007, Baroness Scotland was appointed Attorney General by the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. She is the first woman to hold the office since its foundation in 1315.

B: 1951 Dobbs’ mother was from Sierra Leone, and her father was an English lawyer who became a High Court judge in Sierra Leone. She studied Linguistic and Regional Studies (Russian and Law) at the University of Surrey, graduating with a BSc in 1976. She received an LLM from the London School of Economics, and a PhD for research on criminology and penology in the Soviet Union. Dame Linda Penelope Dobbs was the first non-white person to be assigned as judge of the High Court of justice of England and Wales. She was appointed a High Court Judge in September

Bernard Grant MP

One of Britain’s First Black MPs

B: 1944 - Georgetown, Guyana

2004. She received a DBE, and was assigned Queen Bench Division, the Administrative Court, and the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. At the time of the appointment, Dobbs said: “It is a great honour to have been invited by the Lord Chancellor to become a High Court Judge… I am confident, nevertheless, that I am the first of many to come”. She has subsequently been appointed as Chairman of the Magisterial Committee of the Judicial Studies Board.

D: 2000

Bernard Grant was one of many West Indians who took up the British government’s invitation to the colonies to move to the UK for blue-collar employment in 1963. He was for a period a member of the Socialist Labour League. He quickly became a trade union official, and moved into politics, becoming a Labour councilor in the London Borough of Haringey in 1978. As council leader during the Broadwater Farm riot of 1985, in which a policeman, PC Blakelock, was killed, he was thrown into the public eye, when he was widely quoted as saying “The police got

a bloody good hiding”. Grant claimed had been taken out of context, but offered an apology to the family of PC Blakelock. The controversy did not prevent him from becoming MP for Tottenham in the 1987 election, one of only three black MPs at the time. As an MP he backed demands for black sections in the Labour and was recognised as a staunch voice against Police racism. In September 2007 in Tottenham, London, Haringey Council opened the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in his name.

Dawn Butler MP The first Black Female Minister in the House of Commons

B: 1969- London, UK

Colin Powell

First African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

B: 1937 - New York City, California, USA Colin Luther Powell, KCB, MSC, is an American statesman and retired as a four-star general in the United States Army. He was well known for his tremendous popularity among the American people. He was the first African American appointed to the position of 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. During his time within the military, Powell also served as National Security Advisor, as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the latter position during the Gulf War. He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs

of Staff. Colin Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on Monday, November 15, 2004. The following day, George W. Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell’s successor. In 2007, Powell donated the maximum amount to John McCain’s campaign with his name listed as a possible running mate in 2008 for Republican nominee McCain’s presidential election bid however, on October 19, 2008, Powell declared his backing of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing “his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign’ additionally referring to Obama as a “transformational figure.”

Dawn Petula Butler is a British Labour politician, Member of Parliament for Brent South and an Assistant Chief Whip for Gordon Brown’s government. She worked as a GMB Union Officer, including time as a national race and equality officer. She was also an advisor to former London Mayor Ken Livingstone on employment and social issues. She is the first Black female minister in the House of Commons. She was born in London into a large family of Jamaican immigrant parentage with a sister and four brothers. She has said, “It is important to me that government is reflective of our diverse community and ordinary hard working individuals are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Interest in youth services has continued as one of her main interests in Parliament. On 24 October 2006 she was appointed Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs, and she is an Honorary Vice President of the British Youth Council. After Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, on 27 June 2007, Butler was made one of the Labour Party’s six Vice Chairs, with particular responsibility for Youth issues. on

She was appointed to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons shortly after her election, and has also served on standing committees (notably on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill 2006). In November 2007 she was appointed to the Children & Families Select Committee. Earlier (in November 2005), she had been promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary to the health minister Jane Kennedy, but decided to stand down from this post in early 2006. On 6 November 2007, Butler was chosen to second the Queen’s Speech. Her voting record shows she has largely been loyal to the government. She was promoted to Assistant Whip on 12 September 2008.

A Seven

0 Editi

2009 - 201

is a fantastic educational tool for teachers in schools, colleges, youth workers and other educationalist with pages and pages of facts and figures detailing the lives and achievements of Black people that have often gone undocumented.

Black Heroes of Our Time

is particularly accessible to young people as it celebrates not only the African American achievers like Martin Luther King and Alice Walker but also home grown talent like Bill Morris and Kwame Kwei-Armah highlighting rappers, entrepreneurs and community activists. The whole family as well as educationalist will find this important publication invaluable during Black History Month and throughout the year and as an inspiration to all especially young people. For added value we have available a seperate teachers resource crammed pack with exercises and activities to help you get the best out of Black

Constance Briscoe

The First Black Female Cabinet Minister and Joint First Black Woman Peer

Heroes of Our Time.

Black Heroes of Our Time - The book - £25

is already fast becoming an essential addition to all the family.

Black Heroes of Our Time -The book and Teachers Resource Pack- £95 is a ‘must have’ feature in all teachers’ and educationalists toolkit.

To Order Now or for more information about Black Heroes of our Time contact: info@level7media.co.uk Tel: Seven Media 0207 515 6158 www.level7media.co.uk/heroes

ion Publicat Media