Life in Colour No.5 Sep 2008 by Level 7 Media

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A word from the editior

CONTENTS

It ’s a big hello from me and all at Life in Colour. This month London is dominated by laughter so we have dedicated this issue to the beautiful ar t of comedy.

MUSIC

CLUBS

STAGE

EVENTS

COMEDY SPECIAL

SCREEN

FAITH

28 29 34

GALLERY TV / RADIO FOOD

Editor

Michelle Martin

Design

Piuchi Fu, Milly Lam

Editorial team

Amanda – Lauria Thomas Chantel’e Marie Thompson Anthony Morrison-Bowen Cherry-Ann Lucas Elsie Boateng Joy Adesanya Joseph Jack Jessica Tanner Jordan Roach Lukas Pukaj Level 7 media GV media Ltd Level 7 Media Derek Morrison-Bowen JB Rose

Photography Admin Support Advertising Distribution Published by Publishers

We have gone behind the scenes to meet some of the people that go out of their way to put a little sunshine in our lives. The UK’S best stand up comedians are featured, with exclusive inter views with Kojo, Jocelyn Gee Essien, Eddie Kadi, Slim and new kid on the block Babatunde. We also hooked up with Def Jam founder and hip hop legend Russell Simmons who spoke exclusively to us about his for thcoming Comedy Tour of the UK As usual we have tickets galore to give away including Kojo’s Last Show, Def Comedy Jam and The Raw American Showcase. If you feel like a night in we have, Eddie Kadi box sets and DVD’s for Little Miss Jocelyn’s new show to give away. Fancy a night out? Then why not enter our competitions to win cinema tickets or a mouth watering dinner for two, at the opulent Bamboo Grove and Calabash resturants We ‘ve had so much fun putting this issue together and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. So once again thank you for your unwavering suppor t and until next month, Take care and keep laughing.

To advertise in the next issue contact: Life in Colour A Level 7 Media company 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour E14 9TS T: 020 7005 0590, F: 020 7005 0970 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. ©2008 Life In Colour

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SEPT/OCT 2008 J A Z Z C A F É . 5 PA R K W AY. C A M D E N TO W N . N W 1 Restaurant reservations:

020 7688 8899

Standing reservations:

0870 060 3777

Book online at:

jazzcafe.co.uk

CHANTÉ MOORE & KENNY LATTIMORE VAN HUNT I FINLEY QUAYE BARBARA MASON THE ABYSSINIANS + DILLINGER PHAROAHE MONCH ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT SLY AND ROBBIE The Beat + The Special’s Neville Staple The Blow Monkeys Down to the Bone The Haggis Horns Meshell Ndegeocello Hil St Soul I Omar Sun Ra Arkestra The New Mastersounds Azymuth Grandmaster Flash Linda Lewis Sleepwalker

NTE CHA E SEE TIMOR O T LA tact TS CKE KENNY time con o.uk I T WIN E AND and day l7media.c e e R MO your nam lour@lev o il Ema o lifeinc il t deta

Chanté Moore & Kenny Lattimore

01 September

The Music Box Present Imaani The soul sensation plays an exclusive gig, debuting her new single Bring Me Love The Pigalle Club, 215 Piccadilly London, W1 9HN 7pm, Admission: £10 Info: 0207 644 1420 www.thepigalle.co.uk

Jazz ‘n ‘ Soul Featuring some of Britain’s talented soul outfits. The Adelaide, 143 Adelaide Road, Primrose Hill, NW3 3NL 7pm, Admission: Free Info: 07903183372 www.helmshine.co.uk

03 September Van Hunt

Atlanta’s soul sensation performs in the UK. 5 Parkway, Camden Town London NW1 7PG 7pm, Admission: £20 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

05 September

The Beat + The Special’s Neville Staple One of the most popular and influential bands of the British ska movement creating a infectious dance rhythm. 5 Parkway, Camden Town London, NW1 7pm, Admission: £25 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

UK’s premier funk, soul and hip hop crew . 5 Parkway, Camden Town London, NW1 11pm, Admission: £10 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

Barbara Mason Philadelphia soul sensation Barbara Mason performs with support from Ewing. Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG 7pm Admission: £20 Info: 0870 060 0870; www.jazzcafe.co.uk

Live Blues&Grooves Night: Following on from the critical acclaim of their first album Love Vs Blues the band are about to release their second album which will be launched at this gig. The Troubadour, 263 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 9JA 8pm, Admission: £6 in advance, £7 on the door Info: 020 7370 1434 www.bluesmix.com.

lounge. 250 Camden High Street, Camden Town London NW1 8QS 8pm, Admission: £5 On The Door info: 020 7428 5875 www.inspiralled.net

British Lovers Rock Gala Awards Show Featuring Kings & Queens of Lovers Rock Matumbi, Caroll Thompson, Janet Kay, Louisa Marks, Maxi Priest, Aswad. Carling Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road London SW9 9SL 9pm, Admission: £30/£35 Info: 0870 534 44 www.brixton-academy.co.uk

07 September

UK Soul Jam

Soul performances with special guest Kele Le Roc. Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town London NW1 7PG 11pm, Admission; from £10 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.

jazzcafe.co.uk

The Abyssinians and Dillinger The classic roots harmony vocal trio who span four decades perform some of their hits. Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town London NW1 7PG 7pm, Admission: £20 Info: 0870 060 0870; www.jazzcafe.co.uk

08-10 September Mica Paris + friends

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club 47 Frith Street Soho, London W1D 4HT 6pm, Admission: £20/£36 Info: 020 7439 0747 www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Jazz Sessions Resident house musicians kick off the evening with a laid-back fusion of Jazz/Funk, evolving into a funkier and uptempo affair as the evening progresses. Chapter One Bar & Kitchen, 143 Stroud Green Road, Harringay, N4 3PZ

Kuba Live Band Featuring Brother Culture A heartwarming journey through dub/electronica. perfoming material from there forthcoming album inSpiral

Kool & The Gang The 80’s soul/funk collection return to the UK for a memorable performance. Indigo 02 Arena, Peninsula Square London, SE10 0DX 7.30pm, £20/£45 Info: 0844 844 0002 www.theindigo2.co.uk

06 September

Breakin Bread: Live Soul/ Funk special London’s longest running soul, funk and hip hop night hosted by Breakin Bread, who are the

RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS:

020 7688 8899 STANDING RESERVATIONS:

0870 060 3777 ONLINE BOOKING AT:

JAZZCAFE.CO.UK

‘The best live music venue in London’ BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

WEDNESDAY 17 and THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

FINLEY

QUAYE Exclusive shows for former winner of the Best Artist title at the Brit Awards, multi platinum selling artist and unquestionably one of the most prolific songwriters and performers of the last decade

EE TO S LO ETS EOCELntact K C I T EG e co k WIN ELL NDnd day timmedia.co.u a l7 e H e v S am le E n @ r r M ail you colou Em lifein il to deta

Nine-time Grammy nominee

launches her new project

TUE 23 : WED 24 SEPTEMBER J A Z Z C A F É . 5 PA R K WAY. C A M D E N TO W N . LO N D O N N W 1 . D O O R S O P E N 7 P M

8pm. Admission: free Info: www.chapteronebar. co.uk

11 September Dan Bowskill

The hugely impressive Soul/ Reggae artist has already cultivated an international fan base and is rapidly spreading the word with his new album “More Than Music” The Pigalle Club, 215 Piccadilly London W1 9HN 7pm, Admission: £10 Info: 0207 644 1420 www.thepigalle.co.uk

Ola Onabule Ola Onabule is one of this generations finest soul/jazz/ funk singer/songwriters and sweet-voiced singer from Lagos Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street Soho, London W1D 4HT 8pm, Admission: £20/£36 Info: 020 7439 0747 www.ronniescotts.co.uk

this great collection of UK funkateers, with Real featuring Louise and Winston Rollins, expect some seriously deep grooves . Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, 47 Frith Street Soho, London W1D 4HT 9pm, Admission: £20 Info: 020 7439 0747 www.ronniescotts.co.uk

16 September Zeep Live

The fabulous five-piece live band includes some of London’s finest musicians Guanabara, Parker Street London WC2B 5PW 9pm, Admission: Free Info: 0207 242 8600 www.guanabara.co.uk

18 September Finley Quaye

Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, NW1 7PG Doors 7pm Admission; £20 advance Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

September 11 & 12 September 19 Paradise Lost

Stevie Wonder

The legendary Stevie Wonder performs live in the O2 as part of his European tour. The O2, Peninsular Square, London, London SE10 0DX 6:30 pm, Admission: £55/ £65 Info: 0871 230 2200 www.theo2.co.uk

12 September Napalama

A fresh musical mutation born out of interaction between Brazil and Africa, with a line up of two fiery percussionists from Brazil and a powerful vocalist from Mozambique Guanabara, Parker Street London WC2B 5PW 9pm, Admission: £10 Info: 0207 242 8600 www.guanabara.co.uk

14 September Funk Affair

The eclectic hip hop all stars perform for one night only The Forum, 9-17 Highgate Road Kentish Town, NW5 7pm, Admission: £20 Info: 0870 534 444 www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Blessed Souls Uk Showcase Open mic/ live music showcase hosted by Adelaide Mackenzie, with a live band. Adulis Eritrean Restaurant and Bar, 44 - 46 Brixton Road, London SW9. info: 07825 604 339 Second Friday of the month, £5 door/£3 guest list. www. myspace.

comblessedssoulsuk / blessesdsouls@yahoo.com

20 September

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly For nearly thirty years Frankie Beverly and Maze have created a unique sound and become one of the most influential groups in modern history. Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street London, W6 9QH 6.30pm, Admission: £31.50 Info: 0844 847 2397 www.hammersmithapollo.net

21 September

and reggae rhythms. Barbican Theatre, Silk Street London EC2Y 8DS 8pm, Admission: £7 Info: 020 7638 8891 www.barbican.org.uk

26 & 27 September Omar + Don-e

British legendary soul icon, Omar performs . Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town London NW1 7PG 7pm, Admission: £25 info: 0870 060 870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

27 September

PEACE ONE DAY

Mad Professor Dub Show with Susan Cadogan

Following the tremendous success of last year’s sell-out concert, the Royal Albert Hall is once again the venue of choice to stage this year’s Peace One Day Celebration with a performance by r&b star John Legend Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP 7pm, Admission: £35-£60 Info: 02075898212/ www. royalalberthall.com

28 September

26 September AfroReggae

The unique Brazilian group are back with a brand new show, fusing Hip-Hop

One of the UKs most talented reggae producers teams up with lovers rock Susan Cadogan for an exclusive dub show Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, Camden Town, London NW1 7PG 11pm, Admission: £15 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

The Sun Ra Arkestra featuring Marshall Allen Jazz avant garde ensemble created by the late legendary pianist & headed by original band member 5 Parkway, Camden Town London, NW1 7pm, Admission: £20 Info: 0870 060 0870 www.jazzcafe.co.uk

A hard night of solid funk from

03 September

05 September

DJs entertaining on the night will be Supa D, Kismet, Mr Play, Jay Keys, Quincy, Invasion Crew, DJ Pioneer, Dundeal & Ashmoney, Queakes & Stroleer plus many more Dunes, 20 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4EP 9pm, Admission: £8.00, Ladies Free b4 11.30pm Info: 07908 946 138 tezapr@hotmail.com

The most talked about event in South London with top DJs playing RnB, Hip Hop, Slow Jams, Funk House, Old Skool UK Garage, 80s and 90s cuts, Bashment and Rare Grooves. Every Friday. Blue Ice Night Club, 225 Streatham High Road, London SW16 6EN 10-5am, Admission: Free b4 12, £10 after Info: 07983 082 232

Luscious

04 September Code Fever

Ice Fridays

Selective Fridays

DJs playing all the best tunes from the past and present will be Dun Deal, Invasion Crew, Ma1, Scholar-T, Trackstars, Cold As Ice, Love Connection, Godfather, Mixer, Play Ents, NG, JJ, Phenomenon - plus many more! Bar Kide, 13 Blackheath Road, London SE10 8PE 9pm, Admission: Free b4 11pm, more thereafter Info: 07946 689 634

Every 1st Friday of the month, top DJs selecting the best in Soulful, Funky House, Sexy R’n’B, Bashment, Garage, Miami Bass, Bassline, Soca and New Jack swing sounds The Priory Nightclub, 17 The Mall, London W5 2PJ 9-3am, Admission: £8 on guestlist b4 11.30, £2 discount with flyer Info: 07946 500 246 info@prioryniteclub.com

Thursdays at Embassy

Ladies of Class presents Chic

A night of commercial Hip Hop and R’n’B with a mixture of House, courtesy of DJ Woody Embassy London 29 Burlington Street London W1S 3AN 10pm, Admission: Guestlist entrance only Info: 07903 247 247 / 07904 247 247 guestlist@24sevenPR.com

Shy Touch Every Thursday, come and vibe to the sounds of Mix Masters Inc, Top Boyz, Conspiracy and more at Edo Restaraunt and Bar. Music on the night will be a selection of Old Skool Garage, Bassline, Reggae, Lovers Rock, Revival, Bashment, Niche, Funky House and more. Edo Restaraunt and Bar, 66 Streatham High Road, London SW16 1DA 10pm, Admission: £5 all night Info: 07944 900 501 platinumturtleent@hotmail. com

Come and celebrate the 1st anniversary of Ladies of Class. The theme for the night will be black and gold and DJs supplying the music will be Invasion Crew, Voice n Vibes, Celebrity Supa, DJ Slick, Gumbo and Coldsteps, Krazy Hype Ent and Livewire Departure Lounge, 2 Crutched Friars, Aldgate, London EC3N 2HT 10pm-4am, Admission: £10 in advance (limited buy 1 get 1 free tickets) More on the door Info: 07904 898 367 ladies_of_class@hotmail.co.uk

12am, more after Info: 07985 250 909

Branded Each and every Friday, join some of London’s top DJ’S down at Stanza, who will be supplying you with the finest in Hip Hop and R’n’B, Funky house and some Old Skool UK Stanza, 97-107 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 5DY 10pm, Admission: Ladies FREE b4 12 on guestlist Info: 07955 956 250 guestlist@thinkalikeevents. com

06 September Dance Wicked

Invasion, Scholar T & Riskgo, Gumbo & Coldsteps, Bounce FM Hit Squad, Broken Silence and Sinista Risks provide entertainment on this lively Saturday night. Music to include Bashment, Hip Hop, Funky House, R’n’B and Old Skool Garage Blue Ice Night Club, 225 Streatham High Road, London SW16 6EN 10pm- 5am, Admission: Limited £5 guestlist, Ladies FREE b4 11.30 Info: 07984 016 165 jamo1987@hotmail.co.uk

07 September Exotic Sundays

Each and every Sunday, come and unwind to some upbeat R’n’B,

Hip Hop, Funky house and Bashment, provided by G-Ents, Roodblock Ltd, Fab Vibez, Agony UK, Stone Cold and Young Kings Ent Bar Latina, 673 Tottenham High Road, London N17 8AB 9.30pm, Admission: Ladies FREE b4 11.30pm, £10 thereafter / Gents £10 all night Info: 07939 307 535 g-vibez@hotmail.co.uk

10 September Funkylicious

Each and every Wednesday, playing a selection of sexy R’nB, Bashment, Soca, Hip Hop and Funky House The Prior Nightclub 17 Mall Ealing Broadway London W5 5DB 10-2am, Admission: Ladies Free b4 11, £5 after; guys £5 b4 12 Info: 07946 500 243 ar-leeco@hotmail.co.uk

Midweek Flava A mid week fusion of some of the hottest Hip Hop, R’n’B, Bashment and Reggaeton tunes; every Wednesday . Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EP 9-3am, Admission: Free b4 10pm, £5 b4 10pm, £10 after, NUS £5 Info: 020 7287 6933

Urban Club nights Every Friday in London’s heart of the city, DJ’s Top Boyz, Celebrity Supa, Live Linq, DJ Gumbo & Coldsteps & Love Connexion playing the best in R’n’B, Hip Hop, Bashment, Niche as well as Soca and party classics Cameos 48 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SF 10-4.30am, Admission: £8 B4

barrumba@thebreakfastgroup. co.uk

11 September I Luv Uni

After the success of the 1st event, the biggest Beginning of Term Party is back for the second installment of I Luv Uni. DJs to include Live Linq, Mr Play, Ace and Vis, Coldsteps, Pik ‘N’ Mix Family, DJ ‘Funkin’ Sef and many many more! Sound Nightclub, 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA 9pm, Admission: 100 limited £5 tickets + Booking fee Standard tickets: £8 and £10 + Booking fee, more on the door Info: 07961 891 974 / 07961 671 897

Big Thursdays Every Thursday providing you with 3 floors of entertainment. Floor 1: R’n’B, Bashment, Party Classics, Soca and Funky House; Floor 2: 100% Rare Groove and Slow Jams and Floor 3 will include fun, games and Karaoke . Number Ten, 10 Golborne Road, London W10 5PE 9pm, Admission: £5 all night Info: 07956 455 494

12 September The Get Down

London’s weekly Friday night R’n’B, Hip Hop and Bashment party . Bar Rumba, 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EP 9-3am, Admission: Free b4 9pm/ £5 before 10pm / £10 After / NUS £5 Info: 020 7287 6933 barrumba@thebreakfastgroup. co.uk

13 September Sex on the beach

A classy Saturday Night Out with DJs playing R’n’B, Funky House, Reggae, Hip Hop ,Old School, Soca + More. South Beach, 101-103 Brixton Hill, Brixton, London SW2 1AA Admission: £8 b4 12, £10 thereafter Info: 07944 128 732 / 07985 425 501

14 September House Arrest

This night is purely for House lovers; DJs on the night playing only Deep Soulful, Funky, Tribal, Electro House Music all night! Every Sunday. Bar 54 ,438 Mile End Road, London E1 4PE 9-2am, Admission: Ladies Free b4 11pm, Gents £5 b4 11pm - more after Info: 07946 660 814 / 07983 903 108

15 September Lush

Catch Play Ents, Rampage, Sir Vennom, Jolly Roger plus more playing R’n’B, Hip Hop, Funky House, Bashment, Soca - every Monday at Lush Sound Nightclub, 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA 10pm, Admission: £5 b4 11pm, £10 after. Guestlist Only Info: 07956 688 630 svpromotions@hotmail.com

17 September Uptown Splurt

Every Wednesday, come and shake a leg at London’s biggest dancehall night to hit the West End. Cameos, 48-50 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SF 10-4.30am, Admission: Free b4 midnight, gents £8, £10 after Info: 020 7636 6787 / 07930 288 031

19 Sep

Mates Rates Mates Rates has become the West End’s Number One monthly event. DJs, playing the best in Hip Hop, R’n’B, Bashment, Funky, Soca and Old Skool classics will be Top Boyz, Love Connexion, Celebrity Supa, Coldsteps and Gumbo + more. Get there early to avoid disappointment. Cameos, 48 Margaret Street, London 10pm, Admission: £8 B4 12, more thereafter

Info: 07939 862 312 topboystamina@hotmail.co.uk

Soul Fridays A night of smooth R’n’B, 90s Old Skool Flava and a touch of Funky House in a live atmosphere, giving you all the ingredients for the perfect Friday club night. Rex Cinema & Bar, 21 Rupert Street (Next to Planet Hollywood), Soho, London W1V 7FE 10pm, Admission: £10 on guestlist Info: 07968 828 504

25 September Bashy Thursdays

If you love your Bashment, Dancehall, Ragga and Reggae Vocals, this is the place to be every Thursday, downstairs at Number Ten. Silver Star Sound, Splakavelli, Soft Touch, Java Nuclear, Grover Aka Spangees World, Jamaica Movements and more. Number Ten, 10 Golborne Road, London W10 5PE 9pm-2am, Admission: £5 all night Info: 07956 455 494

11pm, £5 thereafter Info: 07787 158 329 / 07949 772 894 myspace.com/ capricornsounduk

27 September Evolution

2 floors dedicated to playing you the very best Hip Hop, R’n’B, Old Skool Classics and Soulful/ Electro/US House. DJs: Ronnie Herel, Big Ted, Dave VJ, DJ ice, Booker T and more. Eve Club, 3 New Burlington Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2JF 10-3.30am, Admission: £10 on guestlist, £15 without. Info: 07739 841 886 darren@ambernightspr.co.uk

28 September Sunday Skool

The plush new Sunday spot in West London. An excellent menu combined with a wide selection of drinks, good music and live music. Ochre, 301–303 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4HH 6pm, Admission: Free Info: 07944 910 015

26 September Glamour Friday’s

Every Friday, catch G-Ents, Jaydaville, Sir Vennom, DJ Popeye, Young Kings Ent & DJ Platinum playing a fine selection of tunes. Luke’s Bar, 20-30 London Road, Barking, Essex IG11 8AJ 10pm, Admission: Ladies Free b4 12, £5 After. Gents £8 all night Info: 07944 166 049

Chocolate Fridays Come and join resident Sounds on rotation each week, playing all your favourite Old and New Skool tunes . Keats Wine Bar, 19 Abbey Road, Park Royal, London NW10 7RB 10-4am, Admission: Free b4

oomooo grove RESTAURANT

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT BAMBOO GROVE Bamboo Grove are offering readers the chance to win a great meal for two at this amazing eatery. This competition is for three pairs of lucky readers to enjoy a meal at Bamboo Grove. To win, simply answer the following question and email your answer to us at the address below. What Caribbean island is known as the spice island? a. Jamaica b. Grenada c. Montserrat Email or post your answers along with a daytime contact number with your e-mail adddress to lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk Winners will be notiﬁed by email. Terms and conditions apply. Competition rules available on request.

Bamboo Grove restaurant offers a modern twist to the traditional Caribbean menu. The innovative menu is ﬁlled with the beautiful fusion of Caribbean and modern European cuisine, to create - Nouveau Caribbean cuisine. For those seeking a sophisticated and warm ambience, mouth watering dishes that originate from all over the Caribbean and an exquisite selection of ﬁne wines and cocktails Bamboo Grove is the place to be.

Address Email Reservations Fax Website

33 South End, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1BE info@bamboo-grove.co.uk 0208 667 0070 0208 667 0699 bamboo-grove.co.uk

04 September Hairspray

Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, she has only one passion - to dance. Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Ave London WC2H 8DP 7.30pm, Admission: £30/£50 Info: 020 7379 5399 www.shaftesbury-theatre.co.uk

06 -07 September Guava Jelly

A bittersweet comedy starring Oliver Samuels, Audrey Reid and Volier Maffe Johnson. Hackney Empire 291 Mare Street, Hackney London E8 1EJ 8pm, Admission: £25 Info: 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

10 September

The Harder They Come This reggae musical tells the story of a country boy who for the bright lights of London. Playhouse Theatre Northumberland Avenue Charing Cross, WC2N 5DE 7pm, Admission: £20/£30 Info: 0870 0606 642 www.TheHarderTheyComeLondon. com

13 September Blood Brothers

Twins, separated at birth, reunite to deal with their turbulent past Phoenix Theatre Charing Cross Road London WC2H 7pm, Admission: £17.50/£50 Info: 0870 140 3300 www.phoenix-theatre.co.uk

Info: 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

15 September Chicago

Award winning musical focusing on the life of showgirl Roxie Hart played by US R’n’B star Kelly Price continues its successful run in London’s West End. Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street London, WC2 7pm, Admission: £25/£52 Info: 0870 140 3300 www.chicagothemusical.com

19 September Dirty Dancing

Experience the excitement and passion of this classic story on stage, more sensational dancing and even more classic songs. You’re sure to have ‘the time of your life’! Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF 7pm, Admission: £30/£60 Info: 020 7379 3369 www.aldwychtheatre.com

20 September Wicked

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz. Apollo Victoria Theatre Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG 7.30pm, Admission: £20/£55 Info: 0844 482 5115 www.wickedthemusical.co.uk

23 September

7.30pm, Admission: £25/£63 Info: 0870 040 0046 www.dirtydancingstage.com

Stomp is a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy. Ambassadors Theatre, West Street London WC2H 9ND 6pm, Admission: £30/£50 Info: 08448 112 334 www.stomplondon.com

27 August

Stomp

24 August Avenue Q

A comedic and entertaining alliance of humans and puppets Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane London WC2N 4AH 7pm, Admission: £44/£63 Info: 0844 482 5100 www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk

25 August Grease

The smash-hit musical, now entering its 2nd year at the Piccadilly Theatre, has a brand new cast. Piccadilly Theatre 16 Denman Street London W1D 7DY 7.30pm, Admission: £20/£55 Info: 020 7478 8800 www.greasethemusical.net

26 August Dirty Dancing

This theatre adaptation of the classic film continues to make waves in theatre land. Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych London WC2 WC2B 4DF

Woman in Black Combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. Fortune Theatre, Russell Street Covent Garden, London WC2B 5HH 8pm, Admission: £20/£30 Info: 020 7534 6100 www.fortune-theatre.co.uk

30 August Billy Elliot

West End stage adaptation based on the critically acclaimed film. Victoria Palace Theatre, 8 Victoria Street London SW1E 2.30pm, Admission: £17.50/£60 Info: 08700 040 0046 www.billyelliotthemusical.com

31 August Mamma Mia

The blockbuster musical continues to play to sell out audiences, featuring Abba’s greatest hits. Prince of Wales Theatre, 31 Coventry Street London W1D 6AS 7.30pm, Admission: £20/£55 Info: 0844 482 5115 www.mamma-mia

14 September

Do You Know Where Your Daughter Is? Explores the breakdown of relationships between a mother and her teenage daughter Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street London E8 1EJ 7.30pm, Admission: £12

01 September The Jump Off

Monthly hip hop event which showcases the freshest talent in dance, music and fashion. Astoria 2, 165 Charing Cross Rd London WC2 9EN 8pm, Admission: £10 Info: 020 7434 9592 www.jumpoff.tv

Summer of Sports at 02 This is Bat and Racket Week and the Premier Sports Team will give you the chance to improve your skills in cricket, table tennis and other sports.

The 02, Millennium Way Greenwich, London SE10 0AX Info: www.theo2.co.uk/inside/ the-o2-summer-of-sport.html

02 September

Greenwich Observation Wheel SE10 already boasts some of the capital’s most ravishing sights and stunning views, now enjoyable panoramically from this 60-metre-high wheel College Approach. Greenwich, London SE10 Admission: £4.50/£7 Info: 020 8241 9818 www.pwrtickets.com

£22.00/£22.50 Info: 0844 482 8008 www.roundhouse.org.uk/

04 September

Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues Reggae is still the mainstay here but blues, bashment, hip hop, soul and jungle, as well as live bands, are also represented. St Moritz, 159 Wardour Street Westminster, London W1F 8WL 10pm, Admission: £8 Info: 020 7734 3324 www.gazrockin.com/

03 September 06 September Free Running See some stunning freerunning as the World Freerunning Championships come to town, bringing 20 of the very best freerunning experts to London to compete in this unusual challenge. The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road London NW1 8EH 7.30pm, Admission:

Chris Rock

Three-time Emmy Awardwinning controversial comedian and actor, exclusively tours the UK. Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street London W6 9QH 6.30pm, Admission: £25/£40 Info: 0844 844 4748 www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Jazz Sessions A night filled with live music and poetry Chapter One Bar, 143 Stroud Green Road Stroud Green, London N4 3PZ 6pm, Admission: £5/£10 Info: 020 7281 9630

GB Basketball The Great Britain men’s basketball team take on the Czech Republic. O2 Arena, Millennium Way Greenwich, London SE10 0AX 4pm, Admission: £15 Info: 0844 844 0022 www.theO2.co.uk

07 September

Regent Street Festival The busy shopping boulevard is shut to traffic allowing food stalls, crafts, theatre puppetry and workshops to entertain the crowds. Regent Street, Westminster London, W1B 5BT 12pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 7440 2400

Body Combat at the Scoop The last of the free Get Fit for Summer classes, Body Combat at the Scoop brings together a variety of martial arts style moves . The Scoop, City Hall, London 7.30am, Admission: Free Info: www.morelondon.com/ scoop

10 September

Portobello Film Festival This is the place to spot bright young things and the edgiest of stars. Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road Kensington and Chelsea, London W10 5JJ Admission: Free Info: 020 8960 0996

11 September Roller Disco

Roller skates and late-night clubbing. Renaissance Rooms, Miles Street Vauxhall, London SW8 1RZ 8pm, Admission: £10 Info: 08444 736 5375

12 September

Fashion Never Sleeps A night of recognizing talented Fashion designers within the Fashion Industry. Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4RL 7pm, Admission: £8 Info: 07956 627 597

13 September

Raw American Comedy Uncut A fantastic comedy night featuring the cream of the crop in American comedy. UCL Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AH 7:30pm, Admission: £10/£15/£25 Info: 08700 600 100 www.ukfridays.com

13-14 September Mayor’s Thames Festival

Hundreds of artists and dancers take part in the daytime displays with a lively carnival on both nights Southbank Centre, Bankside and Embankment London SE1 8XX 12pm, Admission: Free Info: www.thamesfestival.org

15 September

Comedy at Theatre Royal The comedy night in the theatre bar of this Stratford institution is free and boasts of a high standard of comics Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square Newham, London E15 1BN 8pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 8534 0310

17 September Open Mike Night

Every Wednesday night, the Comedy Cafe stage is given to the city’s aspiring comedians; you can see some hilarious performers Comedy Cafe, 66 Rivington Street Hackney, London EC2A 3AY 7pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 7739 5706

19 September

The Property Investor Show The UK’s largest property exhibition, covering both residential and commercial property ExCeL London, One Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL Info: 020 7069 5000 www.excel-london.co.uk

Dance Class and Global Beats: Soca Catch some Caribbean carnival flavour as September’s club night in the Lilian Baylis Studio focuses on Soca dance Lilian Baylis Studio, Roseberry Avenue Islington, London EC1R 7pm, Admission: £8

Info: 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com

20 September

Def Jam Comedy Tour Legendary music mogul and cultural icon Russell Simmons is bringing “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam’’ to the UK Carling Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road Brixton, London SW9 9SL 7pm, Admission: £34.50 Info: www.brixton-academy.co.uk

Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK The 6th Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK Pageant and Cultural Show; a night of song, dance and amazing costumes Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AH 8pm, Admission: £25 Info: www.misstntuk.com

21 September U Got Jokes

A night packed with live comical performances, games and competitions The Lane Bar, 12-20 Osborn Street Tower Hamlets, London E1 6TE 8pm, Admission: £5 Info: 07939 434 834

Yellow Umbrella Day Now in its 6th year, Yellow Umbrella Day is Chiswick’s largest annual charity event and Chiswick Park’s celebrated community festival Chiswick Business Park, 566 Chiswick High Road London W4 Info: 020 8636 808 info@ yellowumbrelladay.com

South Kensington, London SW7 5BD Admission: £20/ £50 Info: 0871 230 1558

25-28 September Beer Exposed

The first event of its kind in London – a 4-day consumer focused event where visitors will experience premium beers from around the world Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street Islington, London N1 0QH 12pm, Admission Free Info: 020 7402 1564 http://www.beerexposed.com

26 September

National Wedding Show This event is one a series of wedding exhibitions; everything you need to know for your special day Earl’s Court, Warwick Road London, SW5 9TA Info: 0871 945 4502 www.nationalweddingshow. co.uk

27 September

The London Rat Race Spend your weekend at the brand new London Rat Race, as the capital is transformed into a huge urban playground City of London 12pm, Admission: Free info: www. ratraceadventure. com

28 September A Night with Kojo

Join UK comedian Kojo for his last show before moving to New York Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street Hackney, London E8 1EJ 8pm, Admission: £20 Info: 020 8985 2424 www.hackneyempire.co.uk

Out of Slavery – Gala Night A memorable evening of music and dance, celebrating the abolition of the slave trade, to raise funds for the Ghanaian charity, Ashanti Development Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AH 7.30pm, Admission: £25 Info: 020 7837 3172 www.ashanti-development.org

Pink Aerobics London Raising money and pulses this September, women can get their fitness kicks at the Breast Cancer Charity, Pink Aerobics Regent’s Park, Westminster London NW1 1pm, Admission: £15 Info: www.breastcancercare. org.uk

24-28 September London Fashion Week

It’s the highlight of the fashion calendar and home to over 150 brilliant designers Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road Naima Jamall Spoken Word Poet

COMEDY SPECIAL

Inside Def Comedy Jam Special Oliver Samuels DVD give aways Ticket give aways

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DJ Kid Capri

Patrice O’Neal

A pioneer in the US music industry has been the resident DJ for Def Jam Comedy since its launch in the early 1990’s. His effortless and original DJ’ing skills brings a unique Hip Hop flavour and he has supported several multi- platinum selling artists throughout his career, includes the likes of Jay-Z, Aaliyah, Usher, Mary J. Blige and Nas.

His unexpected, introspective questions and commentary on life keeps audiences engaged and often crying with laughter. Having performed stand-up at the prestigious HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen.

Capone

Tony Roberts

Known as “The Gangster of comedy” Capone has built up a reputation for bringing down the house each and every time at Def Jam events and leaving his audiences in tears.

Renowned for his hardhitting energetic style that always leaves his audiences wanting more. Tony Roberts is described as the “Comedian’s Comedian”, with an impressive list of famous comedians who respect him.

Kojo Home grown Kojo, the ‘Fresh Prince of Hackney’ has recently been announced as the first ever-British comedian to be associated with the international brand.

Dominique The only female on the line up her style of comedy can be best described as someone who tells it like it is .Out spoken on every topic, Dominique doesn’t beat about the bush or try to sugar coat anything.

COMEDY SPECIAL

RUSSELL SIMMONS: THE GODFATHER OF HIP HOP Life in Colour’s editor Michelle Martin catches up with the man behind one of the most hotly anticipated comedy tours of the year, media mogul, philanthropist and Def Jam founder Russell Simons. Interrupting his vacation to talk exclusively to LIC, we take a three-way call from LA, to Russell in the Hamptons NY, his business partner, Stan Lathan in LA and LIC in London. With a career spanning nearly 30 years there are so many questions we want to ask the iconic entrepreneur who in 2007 was named in America’s 25 most influential people list and can be counted as the man responsible for bringing Hip Hop to a mainstream audience, but we don’t want to get sidetracked. Our goal is to find out about the forthcoming tour, why it has taken nearly 20 years for this award winning show to hit our shores, how he feels about the state of Hip Hop today and the happy union of rap music and comedy. In the autumn of 1999, Russell Simmons and his business partner Stan Lathan (father of Love and Basketball star Sanaa) put on a comedy show that would create history and change the face of African American stand up comedy. The setting was a small venue called, ‘The Academy’ in Times Square and the shows concept was to showcase new and unsigned comedians. Hosted by a then unknown Washington DC native named Martin Lawrence the line up included newcomers Dave Chappelle, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey and a 17 year old kid by the name of Chris Tucker. The show was an immediate success, so much so that by February of 1990 the US channel HBO bought the rights to exclusively air the show on their networks. ‘The original idea was to create an atmosphere and experience of a club that you would never go to in real life’ says Stan ‘this concept was a huge hit, it captured the mood of the time and helped create superstars on the black comedy circuit who have now gone on to successfully break into the mainstream and have carved out a career both in stand up and on screen’. With Chris Tucker h eadlining in the Rush Hour Trilogy, Martin Lawrence starring in Bad Boys and the late Bernie Mac co starring in Oceans Eleven and taking the lead in the Hilarious Guess Who? Stan Lathans comments couldn’t be truer.

creativity takes over but the underlying message is still there. A lot of the people that become comedians come from a poor background just like in Hip Hop music, so this is a platform for them to speak there mind through entertainment. Hip-Hop hasn’t changed it has the same principles from when I first started in the game nearly 30 years ago. Hip Hop has to keep moving in order for it to grow. I get inspired by people like P. Diddy, he is now my role model, of course when I first started it was the guys like Quincy Jones and Berry Gordon, but the guys coming up now and the drive and inspiration they have keeps my vision alive. So can we expect a permanent UK division of Def Comedy Jam? ‘That is something we are working on’, Russell admits, ‘by all accounts everything so far is going well so it would be the right step to take Def Comedy Jam to an international level and obviously the first step would be London. Finally with the untimely passing of Bernie we had to ask Mr Simmons what his thoughts were on this sad turn of events he simply states ‘The passing of Bernie Mac has left the comedy world devastated and there is now a big gap where the great man once stood. He became a personal friend who was kind and honest and devoted to his family, what made him stand out from other comedians was his timing and his delivery. He was a big man in statue and also he was dark, and he wasn’t afraid of being dark skinned. One of his jokes was ‘I am so black that I leave fingerprints on charcoal!’ Very few comedians would be able to address certain issues without offending people and he was one of them. Michelle Martin

With its reputation for breaking new acts and the phenomenal success of the tours stateside. LIC asks why Mr Simmons it has taken so long for them extend their sell out tours to the UK? He replied ‘It’s all about timing. We wanted to bring The Def Comedy Jam to the UK a long time ago, but we wanted to get it right, the right comedians, the right locations and we wanted to get the right promoters involved to make sure that it runs smoothly over there’. He continues, ‘expect to see the familiar format of Def Comedy Jam, and the surprise we have for this tour is the inclusion of the UK comedian Kojo. I have heard a lot of good things about him and he is making great waves in the US at the moment so it was natural for us to invite him onto the tour’. So why did he chose the line up of Patrice O’ Neal, Capone, Tony Roberts and Dominique? ‘ These guys are my personal favourites. (Chuckling) ‘They are really funny and I knew I just had to have these guys on the tour because they embody all the aspects of the Def Comedy Jam. I can promise you these guys will have you rolling with laughter’. The name Def Jam is synonymous with Hip-Hop so LIC asks Mr Simmons how the two genres tie in with each other. ‘It’s all the same’ he answers, ‘comedy like Hip-Hop music is about social expression, it’s a chance for many to document the issues of the time through laughter or music. It is like an art form where

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COMEDY SPECIAL

KOJO: THE CROWN PRINCE OF UK COMEDY In seven years Kojo the comedian has gone from being just another name on the black comedy circuit to one of the UK’s biggest breakthrough acts. Not content with being just an award winning comedian the friendly East Londoner has set his sights on a bigger prize and that’s world domination. The comedian/ TV presenter/ entrepreneur and all round good guy has taken time out to talk exclusively to Life in Colour about how it all started, the emergence of a new black comedy scene, his last UK show and his personal invitation by Russell Simmons to be on the UK Def Jam Tour. It’s a miserable Thursday afternoon, and we arrange to meet at the Award winning Caribbean Scene restaurant in the heart of the Docklands. One curried goat, rice and peas and fruit punch later and Kojo greets us with his trade mark smile that ironically brings the sun out. ‘I was hungry man! He smiles ‘but now i am all yours’ . Looking at Kojo you would never believe that this is a man about to embark on a life changing experience, He sits before us casually dressed and totally unshowbiz, warm and friendly LIC ask Kojo to take us back to the beginning. ‘It all started back in 2000, I was doing Camp America it’s a summer program where you get to go to America and be a mentor/teacher to kids on camp. Each night we had to do an improv or create plays to entertain the children. I would do comedy skits, I just loved entertaining the crowd and making people laugh. When I got home I bought a Voice Newspaper and in the classified section I saw that [comedian] Rudy Lickwood was holding a comedy master class for young people. I signed up for it. The course taught me the basic fundaments of comedy. At the time I had been offered a place at the UK soccer school of excellence but I blew my chance, because I didn’t get up in time for training! It’s turned into a blessing because I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today’. With the odds stacked against him Kojo was determined to succeed and make the black UK comedy scene as big as the black raving scene. ‘What I found with comedy in the UK was that it was inconsistent. We would have one show every three months that would have all the comedians on the line up, I wanted to create a comedy scene where there was a place you could go weekly to have a laugh, we would have different comedians on the line up and nobody headlining the show. By doing this it makes people come out for the night and not the person and that way the scene gets established. And with that idea Kojo’s Comedy Fun house was born. Through The Fun House Kojo has been able to break a number of new acts

including Babatunde who have been able to bring a new brand of comedy that a younger audience can relate to. LIC then asks Kojo how he feels about the emergence of a new wave of African comedians who are bringing their own hilarious brand of comedy to the public arena. ‘That’s the bad side of comedy’ he admits, ‘ a lot of the new comedians come to The Funhouse and they see me free styling African jokes not realising that it is unscripted. When I am performing, it’s Joke number 1, Joke Number 2 and Joke number 3, a lot the kids are coming in and free styling straight away not writing material, which is not stand up. With that answer LIC asks him why he is going to America? Smiling he answers ‘I get bored easily and I feel that I have done all I can for the moment in the UK. I don’t want people to get bored or me and to be honest I think it’s better for me to be unemployed in the US than to be unemployed over here. I’ve been blessed with a really good set up which includes a work permit valid for three years and some really good contacts so it will be like starting all over again the hunger is still there. Don’t worry I will be back I aint disappearing for good’ he laughs ‘ but there are some great opportunities in the states at this time and it would be stupid of me not to take advantage of the situation. But I am doing one last show to say thank you for all the support I have had over the years and it going to be big. ‘This time as well as my usual stand up routine, i am inviting some celebrity guests on stage as well as showcasing some new comedians. It is going to be big’. He adds smiling Talking of celebrity friends LIC asks him how he got to be on the forthcoming Def Comedy Jam Tour. Grinning Kojo replied ‘I got a phone call at 3.30am from Russell Simmons, I thought it was a wind up! i’m saying yeah whatever and he said to me i’ve seen some of your material and I want you on the show. I was in shock. Russell Simmons is one of my Idols! I have read anything and everything on him including his biography and for him to call me personally I aint gonna lie I was close to tears’. ‘I still can’t believe it’s real. So far I have been blessed with some great opportunities I aint very religious but I thank God for all his help in getting me this far. It has taken seven years to actually see my dreams begin to become a reality but I sure aint complaining I’m just thankful for the love and support that people have shown me both here and in the states . Kojo ends our interview with this promise ‘whatever I learn in the States I will make sure I bring it back and teach the next generation of up and coming black comedians’ Kojo Life in Colour wishes you all the success in your new life in America Michelle Martin

COMEDY SPECIAL

LITTLE MISS JOCELYN: PRINCESS OF UK COMEDY When Life in Colour put in a request for an interview with the Award winning comedian Jocelyn Jee Esien aka ‘Little Miss Jocelyn’ we expected an afternoon of high jinks and laugh out loud anecdotes. We weren’t disappointed. Taking time out of her busy schedule to talk exclusively to us, one third of BBC 3’s, 3 Non Blondes tells us about creating history as the first Black women both here and in the States to have her own one women show. Jocelyn shares with us how it all started, life in the spotlight and the forthcoming release of her excellent new DVD.

If you wasn’t a comedian what would you be? Prime Minister of Hackney!

You made history by being the first ever Black British woman both here and in the US to have her own comedy show. How do you feel about that? I feel good about it, however I don’t focus on it because when it comes down to it, the shows just got to be funny. People want to enjoy themselves, they are not watching history, they are enjoying a comedy show. Saying all that, it’s a really nice feeling, although it has taken a long time.

Tell me about your new DVD? Well the DVD will be coming out at the end of the year and I am about to start the Little Miss Jocelyn live show in the West End. It’s really exciting because I’ll be showcasing new material, not the stuff you that’s been on television already.

My mum and dad are really proud as I should have been a doctor (she laughs), but it’s made all the arguments we had worth while. The main thing really is that you have to be good, its no point me walking through Brixton and someone coming up to me saying, ‘Yeah I know you, are you the first Black female to get your own solo show, but you know what I hat your stuff ’ My stuff has just got to be on point! Do you get a lot of support from the community? I do and it’s all good, bless them, they show me a lot of love. We as a community can smell B.S. a mile off. Even when I put on my shades I feel so self conscious. When I am in Hackney, Peckham or Brixton, people approach me and pinch me and tell me to take off my shades. An auntie comes up to me and says, ‘What are doing?’ And I’m like, the suns out and they’re like, ‘You just don’t want people to recognise you’ and they make me take them off, leaving me squinting! But it makes you check yourself. People come up to me in the street and tell me exactly what they think or they may just hug me, I’ve even been winded before. People treat me like their little sister, daughter or cousin. Whenever I’m with friends and it happens they just don’t get it, and I have to tell them this is how we do it. How did you get into comedy? For me it all started by accident. About ten years ago I was doing a play at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, and the director was putting on a comedy show and asked me if I wanted to perform some stand-up on the bill, I said ‘Ooh no I am an actress darling!’ (Laughing) But he finally persuaded me to do it. I did try to get out of it, but by this time my name was on the bill and on all of the flyers. So I called him up the night before and I asked him what I should do and he said just talk about anything, your family, friends, work, life, anything. When I get down there I realised that BBC TV’s Real Mckoy comedians were on the bill. Geoff Schuman is there and I think, ‘Oh my God! What have I let myself in for?’ Anyway I get on stage and ended up performing my first ever show for 57 minutes. I loved it and the audience loved it. I was talking about everything and anything and got caught up in it so much so that the director was in the wings beckoning me to come off! What are the best and worst things about being a comedian? The best thing is people listening to you and getting it, the worst thing is when they don’t

Will the 3 Non Blondes return with a new show? I don’t know. There is no bad blood between us, the girls and I have known each other since 1992. First and foremost we are friends. We are always talking and always creating new material. It all depends on the BBC and down to whether they want it back or not. They were the ones who stopped the show.

And finally where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Unemployed (laughing), when I’m asked that question, I never know the answer because when I was asked it 5 years ago I never saw myself being here in this position. I really don’t like to say where I’ll be because I do think that God has a bigger plan and I could say out loud ‘ooh I see myself in Eastenders’, but God could’ve had a bigger plan but because I said Eastenders he says, ‘You want Eastenders? There take it!’ And then I become the next black lesbian! Michelle Martin

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COMEDY SPECIAL Eddie Kadi The theory of six degrees of separation was proved to be right after meeting London’s hottest new comedian Eddie Kadi. As a proud and patriotic Congolese ambassador, Eddie asked what country I was from, I replied Sierra Leone. He joked there weren’t many of us around and he only knew of two ‘Salone’ women, who coincidentally happened to be my cousins! Eddie Kadi is not simply a comedian but a one man entertainment package, his original brand of comedy which he has named, “ComEddie”, is an exciting blend of hilarious songs, sketches, hosting as well as traditional stand up. His infectious smile and charismatic nature makes him a born entertainer “My material is drawn from personal experiences and my opinions on life. Through laughter I can also teach people about my culture, breaking down stereotypes and boundaries. I feel it’s my job to alter the negative perceptions of Africa”, explains Eddie. After numerous sell out comedy shows the award winning comedian’s four show boxset is on release now There are no limits for this enigmatic character; as Eddie aspires to be the next Jonathan Ross, who he describes as inspirational. “His talent transcends all racial lines, give this guy seven minutes with anyone and he will get the information needed and entertain the audience”, days Eddie. Friday Night with Eddie Kadi, has a certain ring to it. Eddie jests, “The world is my oyster card zone 1-6 all the way.” Amanda Lauria Thomas

Babatunde As one of the youngest comics on the circuit Babatunde Aleshe, is fast gaining a reputation as THE ONE to watch. Regularly leaving his audience in stitches, Babatunde says he gets his inspiration from his family and his experiences as a young Nigerian growing up in North London. Although his mum had plans for Babatunde to become a doctor, she was ‘surprisingly’ happy for her son to take a career in comedy and with her blessing Babatunde has been rapidly earning his stripes on the stand up comedy circuit, which has so far included sell out performances at a variety of shows such as Kojo’s Comedy Funhouse, and comedy nights at the Hackney Empire LIC asked Babatunde what his worst experience as a stand up comedian has been so far “I done a show at Z Bar in Brixton, and nobody laughed, he admits ‘, that was the worst reaction I’ve ever had”. Since then Babatunde has learnt a valid lesson in the art of comedy and that is that you have to adapt your jokes for specific situations. With his self-titled stage show “The Babatunde Show” set to launch early next year this young comedian is definitely destined for bigger and better things. He added, “The Babatunde show will be like The Dave Chappelle show, stand-up comedy live sketches and my own brand of African flavour! When LIC asked Babatunde who is his favourite comedian is, without hesitation he answers “Eddie Murphy, I get my comedy inspiration from him and the one thing that he has that I try and include in my comedy set is natural wit, charisma and charm” Cherry Ann Lucas

SLIM The hilarious Brixton born comic is no stranger to the comedy scene having made his debut act at the Hackney Empire in 1993 - since then the 28 year old hasn’t looked back. A diverse act that prides himself on being able to entertain the masses, no matter of their age, race or nationality. Slim says his inspiration comes from life and believes that no matter who you are or where you come from, people all have things in common which equals comedic value. A career in comedy can be a gamble, and although Slim admits it has been a lot of hard work he is happy to have never given up on his ambition: “Every year I’ve climbed the ladder – I’m always going up, rather than going down,” he admits and this comic is definitely proving to be moving in the right direction as he has just finished working with ITV and Coco Cola as the voice of the Lilt adverts. Slim tells LIC that the main ingredients to being a good comedian includes versatility, knowing when to get off the stage and of course actually being a funny person. In the future Slim sees himself in the USA where he feels he can further his career and take it to the next level. he says ‘ To be an international comic, you do have to conquer the states and your material has to be original and that’s what I am about.” For more info on Slim log onto: www.myspace.com/slimcomic Chantel’e Marie Thompson

COMEDY SPECIAL

OLIVER SAMUELS: The King of Jamaican Comedy With a career spanning over 35 years Oliver Samuels is truly an icon and inspiration for comedians on an international scale. Regularly selling out shows in America, Canada and the UK, Oliver Samuels unique brand of comedy has struck a cord with many Caribbean ex pats, British Jamaicans and residents from all the islands of the Caribbean. This month see’s the hilarious comedian return to the UK for a national tour after a hiatus of nearly 10 years. Oliver Samuels started his career at the Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation in the hit sitcom Oliver at Large. The Show was groundbreaking from its conception, and it was obvious that it brought families together. Oliver explains, ‘I believe it gave all Jamaicans a sense of pride looking at ourselves and laughing at ourselves’. The show was a phenomenal success and it was picked up by networks abroad and propelled him to international stardom. With this success, Oliver took his unique brand of side splitting comedy on national and international tours across the world. Regularly selling out venues in New York, Toronto, London and Miami, his name is synonymous with Jamaica and laughter and his tour of his UK show Guava Jelly will be no different.

Guava Jelly promises to be a night full of serious belly laughs as Oliver assumes the role of Ascot, a crude but ambitious hardworking man who has gone to the USA to support his family. Watch the sparks fly as Ascot returns to find his family unit changed somewhat by the return of his wife Madge’s first husband. (Played by Dancehall Queen star and Jamaican theatre veteran Audrey Reid) It’s not just the plot that will keep you laughing at this new play, it is the timing and comic delivery of the man who has been given the moniker, ‘the Jamaican Bill Cosby’. Don’t miss this legendary Icon perform live. Guava Jelly Hackney Empire , 291 Mare Street, London E8 Info: Sat 6 & Sun 7 September 020 8985 2424 www hackneyempire.co.uk £25 Michelle Martin

Bernie Mac Obituary “I’m an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job”, said the double Emmy award nominated comedian/actor, Bernie Mac. He definitely was right about that, as one of, “The Original Kings of Comedy” and an integral member of a new generation of black stand-up comedy stars who were able to transfer their talents to a mainstream audience. Bernard Jeffrey McCullough was born on the 5th October, 1957 but was better known as Bernie Mac, raised in poverty from a young age Mac quickly realised that he would have to do something different to get a better quality of life “When I was five, I saw my mother sitting in front of the television set crying with laughter at The Ed Sullivan Show, when I saw her laughing, I told her that I was going to be a comedian so she’d never cry again” The tragic, untimely deaths of Mac’s mother and two brothers only made this young star in the making, more determined to bring laughter into the lives of those around him. As a child he would put together sketch shows for the neighbourhood kids. Mac’s popularity began to grow and his big break came in the form of HBO’s Comedy Def Jam, which propelled him onto the international arena. In the early 1990s, Mac began to appear in a series of Black films, with minor roles in comedies such as Mo’ Money (1992), Friday (1995) and Booty Call (1997). However what propelled him to international stardom was his role in the semi autobiographical sitcom The Bernie Mac Show where he played played the aggressive but lovable surrogate father, who reluctantly takes in his sister’s three youngsters when she goes into a drug-treatment program. The sitcom twisted the traditional ideals of American family life upside down; The success of The Bernie Mac Show opened the doors to Hollywood with roles in Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and its sequels,

Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) and Guess Who (2007), which was a loose remake of the original Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) starring black screen legend Sidney Poitier. Mr Mac had just completed the film Soul Men (2008) before his untimely death, which is due for release later this year. The film also stars soul icon Isaac Hayes who in a tragic coincidence was found dead the following day at his home in Memphis. On 9th August, Bernie Mac’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 50 as a result of complications of pnemonia. He survived by his wife Rhonda, daughter Je’Niece and granddaughter. Life in Colour honours and remembers the legend tha t is legend that is Bernie Mac. Amanda-Lauria Thomas

TO S ET K C TI

Space chimps

A hilanous animated comedy about a ship who dreams of exploring space Info: www.imdb.com

Somer’s Town

of pounds from a London. Exchange bank. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 29 August Info: www. daylightrobberymovie.com

A black-and-white study of the social environment in London, concentrating on a pair of unlikely new friends and the girl they both fancy. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 22 August www.cinema.com/film/10580/ somers-town

The Stranger

The Wackness

Step Brothers

It’s the summer of 1994, and the streets of New York are pulsing with hip-hop. A lonely teenager Shapiro spends his last summer before university selling marijuana throughout New York City. Showing at selected cinemas Release date: 29 August Info: www.sonyclassics.com/ thewackness

Ben X

As an alternative to getting bullied at school, an autistic teenager retreats into the world of online role-playing games Showing at selected cinemas Release date: 29 August Info: www.hollywood.com/ movie/Ben_X

Babylon A.D.

Vin Diesel in the lead role as veteran- turn-mercenary Thoorop, takes the high-risk job of escorting a woman from Russia to China. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 29 August Info: www.babylonad.com

You Don’t Mess With the Zohan

A hilarious flick starring Adam Sandler, as an Israeli Special Forces soldier, who fakes his death so he can re-emerge in New York City as a hair stylist. Release date: 29 August Info: www. youdontmesswiththezohan. com

Daylight Robbery

Using the World Cup as their cover, a group of England football supporters pull off the perfect crime, stealing millions

A chilling horror about a young couple, staying in an isolated vacation home, who are terrorized by three unknown assailants. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 29 August Info: www.thestrangers.net Two spoiled guys become competitive stepbrothers after their single parents get hitched. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 29 August Info: www.sonypictures.com

Bangkok Dangerous

A hitman who’s in Bangkok to pull off a series of jobs falls for a local woman and bonds with his errand boy, starring Nicolas Cage. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 5 September Info: www. bangkokdangerousmovie.net

RocknRolla

A hotly anticipated Guy Ritchie film, set in London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, naturally attraction the grabbing of some of the city’s toughest gangs. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 5 September Info: www.allmovieportal. com/m/2008_RocknRolla

The Duchess

A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 05 September Info: www.pearlanddean.com

Disaster Movie

Release date: 05 September Info: www.supermovie.com

September Info: www.imdb.com

Amusement

Live!

Three women are stalked by a killer with a grudge that extends back to the girls’ childhoods Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 12 September Info: www.amusementmovie. com

Pineapple Express

A stoner and his dealer are forced to go on the run from the police after the pothead witnesses a cop committing a murder. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 12 September Info: www.pearlanddean.com

Then She Found Me

A New York school teacher hits a midlife crisis when her adoptive mother dies and her biological mother, an eccentric talk show host, materializes and turns her life upside down Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 12 September Info: www.imdb.com

Eden Lake

Refusing to let anything spoil their romantic weekend break, a young couple confront a gang of loutish youths with terrifying and brutal consequences Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 12 September Info: www.imdb. com

The Women

A wealthy New Yorker leaves her cheating husband and bonds with other society women at a resort. A remake of George Cukor’s 1939 film “The Women”. Showing at cinemas nationwide. Release date: 12

A mockumentary following an ambitious TV network executive trying to produce a controversial reality show where contestants play Russian Roulette Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 19 September Info: www.imdb.co.uk

The Unrelated

A woman escaping an unhappy marriage takes refuge with a friend’s family on holiday, where events force her to confront the reality of never having her own children. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 24 September Info: www.imdb.com

Snappers

A young girl moves to Devon to star in a film. When she arrives, she is hounded by the paparazzi. She falls in love with an intellectually challenged caravan site owner, but their relationship is put under immense strain by the paparazzi’. Showing at cinemas nationwide Release date: 24 September Info: www.imdb.com

Starship Troopers 3: Marauder

The next instalment from the galactic warriors Release date: 29 September Info: www. imdb.com

A hilarious comedy from the makers of “Scary Movie and “Superhero Movie”. An unsuspecting group of twenty-somethings find themselves bombarded by a series of natural disasters and catastrophic events. Showing at cinemas nationwide

05 September STR8 UP

Monthly club night playing all the latest Gospel tracks hosted by Choice FM’s Dave P. The Click Club, Vere Street London W1G 9pm, Admission: £5/£10 Info: 020 7316 080

06 September

South African Gospel Choir A celebration of the culture of South African town and a stunning stage show. Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, Lambeth Road London SE1 8XX 6pm, Admission: £10/£20 Info: 020 7960 4242 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Voicelab Welcomes: Thames Philharmonic Choir Thames Philharmonic Choir is renowned for its high standards and richly varied repertoire. The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, Lambeth Road London SE1 8XX 1.30pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 7960 4242 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

07 September Gospel Brunch

Cottons Restaurant and CK Gospel Choir present an afternoon of live gospel music and delicious Caribbean buffet. Cottons Restaurant, 70 Exmouth Ma rket London EC1 1pm, Admission: £20 Info: 020 7833 3332 www.ckgospelchoir.com

London N8 0LZ 7.30pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 8374 7708 www.gospelcentre.co.uk

Date with Destiny This is a theatre production which explores the importance of faith The Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street London WC1H 0AH 6pm, Admission: £10/£12 Info: www.thebloomsbury.com

13 September

Youth service – General meeting The Victory Youth Group to helps young people to develop their full potential St. Andrew’s Church London E13 8QD 1:30pm, Admission: Free Info: 0207 168 0222 www.uckg.org/vyg/

Bond Themed Boat Party A sociable Christian evening that includes, dancing and cocktails The Pridela Boat, Westminster Pier London, SW1A 2JH 7pm, Admission: £22.50 Info: 0208 943 5101 www.smartstepevents.com

Brian Martin & Worship 4 Life Contemporary gospel

evening of worship with Brian Martin. Fairfield Halls Park Lane Croydon, Surrey 7pm, Admission: £15 Info: 0208 688 9291 www.brianmartinworship4life.com

Brompton Road Knightsbridge London SW7 1JA 9.30am, Admission: £25/£40 Info: 020 7052 0440

18 September

An important sacrament in the Roman Catholic Church, every Wednesday. Roman Catholic Church of the Faithful Virgin 143 Central Hill, Upper Norwood SE19 1RT 11:30am, Admission: Free Info: 020 8670 2777 www.virgofidelischurch.co.uk

Thursday Night Live Monthly Gospel night where like minded individuals network and socialise Kennington Park Community Centre, 8 Harleyford Street London SE11 7.30pm, Admission: £2 Info: 07984 754 238

21 September Teenage Talk

A forum for young people to express their ideas and discuss issues they face in society today. Ealing Christian Centre 268 Northfield Avenue, Ealing London W5 4UB 6.30pm, Admission: Free Info: 020 8840 7508 www.ecc.org.uk

26 September

The Marriage Conference A seminar designed for couples to improve their relationships Holy Trinity Brompton

27 September

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Single Christians Meeting Point An event for fellow Christians to mingle and potentially find love, hot buffet is included. The Church Hall Saint Saviour Pimlico, Saint George’s Square Lupus Street, London SWIV 5pm, Admission: £20 Info:07706 505 485 www.eventsforchristians.co.uk

Praying Parents Army Prayer Seminar A conference dedicated to spiritual prayer. Manor Close Community Hall, Thamesmead London SE28 8EY 2.30p.m, Admission: Free Info: www.yeslord.org.uk

08 September

Network Bible College Studying the Bible in great depth - a diploma course, broken into modules. The Gospel Centre, Wightman Road

01 September Here I Am

Celebrating a summer of outstanding female achievements in sport, Nikewomen will host an exclusive exhibition. Niketown, 236 Oxford Street, Marylebone, London W1C 1DE 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7612 0800

03 September

The Story of the Supremes

A display that depicts the ever changing style of the Supremes throughout their career The V&A Museum Cromwell Road South Kensington, London SW7 10am, Admission: £5.90 Info: 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

04 September

Britain United Olympic Exhibition

Celebrates Team GB as it does its best in the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in

Beijing. Southbank, Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX 11am, Admission: Free Info: 0871 663 2500 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

05 September

From War to Windrush

This exhibition tells the personal accounts of the black men and women from WWI and WWII. Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road London SE1 6HZ 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7416 5000 www.iwm.org.uk

08 September Tribal Gathering

An exhibition that looks at beauty and power of African Tribal Art 1 Westbourne Grove Mews Notting Hill, London W11 2RU 10.30am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7221 6650 www.art@ tribalgatheringlondon.com

10 September

Crime & Punishment

A group exhibition that explores gruesome crimes and punishments deemed acceptable by society. 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning Centre 198 Railton Road, London SE24 11am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7978 8309

11 September

Keep Smiling Through: Black Londoners on the Home Front 1939-1945

An exhibition that celebrates the contributions made by black Londoners during WWII. The Cuming Museum, Old Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, London SE17 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7525 2332 www.southwark.gov.uk/ cumingmuseum

15 September

In Memoriam: Remembering the Great War

This major new exhibition is based on the personal stories of the front line soldiers, widows and orphans. The Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, Southwark, London SE1 6HZ 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7416 5320 www.iwm.org.uk

22 September

Greenwich Observation Wheel

This temporary summer ferris wheel, standing at 55m, takes 12-15 minutes to complete a rotation. Greenwich Observation Wheel, College Approach London SE10 9LW Info: 020 8241 9818 www.greenwichwheel.com

25 September

London Sugar and Slavery

African Worlds

An exhibition dedicated to African art and culture. Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 10am, Admission: Free www.horniman.ac.uk

An exhibition which looks at London’s contribution to the sugar industry and Slave Trade. Museum in Docklands, Hertesmere Road, London E14 10am, Admission: Free Info: 0870 444 3857 www.museumindocklands.org

16 September

29 September

Explore the relationship between contemporary fashion and global sportswear brands. Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road London SW7 2RL 10am, Admission: £5 Info: 0870 906 3883

Artists Mark Hansen and Ben Rubin - sifting, filtering and ordering the text fragments from online chat rooms in different ways. Science Museum, Exhibition Road South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD 10am, Admission: Free Info: 01793 846 200 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Fashion V Sport

18 September Aquarium

Immerse yourself in underwater worlds of the Aquarium, with new and improved Caribbean mangrove swamp exhibit Horniman Museum, 100 London Road Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

19 September

Listening Post

30 August Colours & Lines

This is a two-room display with variety and interactive displays. Tate Britain, Millbank London, SW1P 4RP 10am, Admission: Free Info: 020 7887 8888 www.horniman.ac.uk

Shows running daily throughout September 8am Run’s House Reality show documenting the life of Rev Run of Run DMC, It goes behind the scenes of family life. 9am Back In The Days A series of shows that looks back at the careers of well known artists like Eminem and Destiny’s Child 10am Spanking New Music A selection of signed and unsigned acts playing exclusive and intimate live performances 12pm Pimp My Ride A lucky contestant gets the opportunity to have their old and run down cars kitted out 3pm Base Chart Show Top 10 music videos 4pm Beats, Rhymes and Life 6pm The Salt-N-Pepa Show A reality show that follows the lives of the iconic 90’s rap duo, as they prepare to stage their come back while trying to resolve issues of the past. 7pm Jamie Foxx Show The tale of a young Jamie King, a bellhopper at the family hotel - King’s Tower, who always seems to finding himself in trouble.

9pm Flavor of Love 3 A dating game show, starring Flavor Flav of the rap group Public Enemy. Where the prize for a group of lucky ladies is a date with the rapper.

09 September

10pm Nick Cannon’s Wild’N’Out A game show lead by Nick Cannon, involves teams of improvisational comedians, battling it out each week

14 September

MTV Base Monthly Highlights

03 September 4pm Is This the Greatest Video Ever? A panel of music experts including video director Hype Williams and Trevor Nelson will battle it out to find the greatest music video ever made

07 September 6pm Jordin Spark’s Top 10 Duets The US R’n’B diva hosts the music chart show and gives her opinions on the best duets of all time 9.30pm Kojo- The Prince of Hackney A second chance to watch the sold out one man comedy show with Kojo 10pm The Young Gods of Comedy A comedy showcase featuring some of the most talented comedians from the UK and abroad

12pm Ace & Vis: Coming to Jamaica The DJ duo travel to Jamaica to discover the beauty of this tropical Caribbean island

7pm MTV Video Music Awards 2008 One of the biggest award shows in music returns, the all star event will recognise who are the movers and shakers of the music industry 11pm Storytellers: Mary J Blige The life and times of the R’n’B legend, with personal accounts from those who know her best

19 September 9pm Top 30 Back to the Old Skool A music show of the greatest Old Skool music of all time

8.30pm N.E.R.D: MTV Live A live and intimate performance by the hip hop collective exclusively for MTV

25 September 9pm Making the Band 4 Music mogul P.Diddy’s talent contest continues as he tries to find a new music act

27 September 8am Cribs & Vids A tour of celebrities homes as they also selected some of their favourite music videos

28 September 5pm The Lick An entertainment show hosted by Trevor Nelson that explores what going on in the world of music, stage and screen.

21September 7pm Greatest Video Ever: The Results The final decisions are made on what is the greatest music video of all time

Daily listings though out the month of September: Saturday & Sunday 7:00am 70’s show An up beat sitcom about a few wacky teenagers living in the 70’s 8:00am Eve Stay Tuned With Eve, U.S sitcom about a clothing designer living in Miami.

9:00pm All of Us Sitcom about a reporter with a young son. Neesee is edited out of a profile about Robert’s home life.

8:00pm One on One Comedy series about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father.

10:00pm Girlfriends Sitcom about four female friends.

9:00pm All of Us Sitcom about an entertainment reporter with a young son. Robert’s mother collapses during a visit.

11:00pm Desmond’s Sitcom set in a Peckham barbershop. Desmond is struck

8:30am The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs

Monday

9:00am The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American comedy series about a streetwise kid living with wealthy relatives.

7:00: Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto living in the wealthiest community in California.

9:30am The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American comedy series about a streetwise kid living with wealthy relatives.

8:00am Hang Time Teen sitcom about mixed- sex basketball team.

10:00am Malcolm and Eddie An American Black comedy series about two very different best friends. 12:00pm Girlfriends Sitcom about four female friends. 1:30pm The Hughleys US Sitcom about an inner city AfricanAmerican family who move to the suburbs? 2:00pm Beautiful People Family drama series about a woman and her two teenage daughters 3:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes American sitcom about a wealthy widower who adopts two young brothers from the Harlem backstreets. 4:00pm The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American comedy series about a streetwise kid living with his wealthy relatives. 5:00pm One on One Comedy series about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father.

Tuesday 7:00am The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto living in the wealthiest community in California.

10:00am The Wayans Bros Comedy series about two very different brothers who share an apartment.

8:00am Hang Time Teen sitcom about an underdog basketball team who hope to improve their form by having a girl in their ranks.

11:00 amThe Steve Harvey Show Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher.

9:00am The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs.

12:00pm: Girlfriends Sitcom about four women whose friendship is tested by their various romances.

10:00am The Wayans Bros Comedy series about two very different brothers who share an apartment.

1:00pm The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs.

11:00am The Steve Harvey Show .Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher.

2:00pm Malcolm and Eddie American comedy series about two very different best friends.

12:00pm: Girlfriends Second series of the sitcom about four women whose friendship is tested by their various romances.

3:00pm The Steve Harvey Show Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher. 4:00pm The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto living in the wealthiest community in California.

6:00pm Whistler Drama series set in Canada’s premier winter sports town. Quinn returns home to attend the opening of the new training facility named in honour of his brother.

5:00pm One on One Love Comedy series about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father.

8:00pm One on One Sitcom about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father.

11:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes American sitcom about a wealthy widower who looks after two young brothers from the Harlem backstreets.

9:00am The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs.

5:30pm One on One Comedy series about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father.

7:00pm Desmond’s Sitcom set in a barbershop. In the mean streets of Peckham

10:00pm Girlfriends Second series of the sitcom about four women whose friendship is tested by their various romances.

6:00pm All of Us Sitcom about an entertainment reporter with a young son. . 7:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes American sitcom about a wealthy widower who looks after two brothers from the Harlem backstreets.

1:00am The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs. 2:00pm Malcolm and Eddie American comedy series about two very different best friends. 3:00pm The Steve Harvey Show Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher. 4:00pm The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto living in the wealthiest community in California. 5:00pm One on One Comedy series about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father. 6:00pm All of Us Sitcom about an entertainment reporter with a young son. 7:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes American sitcom about a wealthy widower who looks after two young brothers from the Harlem backstreets. 8:00pm One on One Sitcom about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father. 9:00pm All of Us Sitcom about an entertainment reporter with a young son. 10:00pm Girlfriends A sitcom about four female friends

11:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes Sitcom about a multimillionaire, his young daughter and his adopted sons - two brothers from the Harlem backstreets.

Wednesday - Friday 7:00am The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto who now lives in the wealthiest community in California. 8:00am Hang Time Teen comedy-drama about an underdog basketball team who hope to improve their form by having a girl in their ranks. 9:00am The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs. 10:00am Comedy series about two very different brothers who share an apartment. 11:00am The Steve Harvey Show Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher. Regina is determined to beat an old rival from school in a choir competition. . 12:00pm Girlfriends Second series of the sitcom about four women whose friendship is tested by their various romances. 1:00pm The Hughleys Sitcom about an African-American family who move from the inner city to the suburbs. 2:00pm Malcolm and Eddie American comedy series about two very different best friends. 3:00pm The Steve Harvey Show Hip high-school comedy series about an inner-city music teacher. 4:00pm The Fresh Prince of Bel Air American sitcom about a streetwise kid from a Philadelphia ghetto who now lives in the wealthiest community in California. 5:00pm One on One Sitcom about a feisty teenager who moves to live with her bachelor father. . 6:00pm All of Us an entertainment reporter with a young son. 7:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes Sitcom about a multimillionaire his young daughter and his adopted sons - two brothers from the Harlem backstreets. 8:00pm One on One Comedy series about a feisty teenager who is moving in to live with her bachelor father. 9:00pm All of Us Sitcom about an entertainment reporter with a young son. 10:00pm Girlfriends Second series of the sitcom about four female friends 11:00pm Diff ’rent Strokes Sitcom about a multimillionaire and his adopted sons.

Monday

Wednesday

Friday

Sunday

3am- 6am

3am- 6am The Early Riser with Abrantee

3am- 6am

6am- 10am Choice Breakfast with Martin and Lucy

10am- 1pm Morning Show with George Kay

12pm – 3pm

1pm- 4pm Lunchtime Show with Rollo

Chris Phillips

4pm- 7pm Hot Drive Home with Jigs

DJ Woody Mix Show

7pm – 9pm Master Stepz in the Mix

9pm-11pm Live Linq

9pm-12am Friday Nite Flava Rap Show DJ 279

9pm – 12am

12am– 3am Hotsteppa

12am – 3am

Jenny Francis

11pm – 3am Jenny Francis

Tuesday

Thursday

Saturday

3am- 6am The Early Riser with Abrantee

3am – 6am Early riser with Kat

6am- 10am Choice Breakfast with Martin and Lucy

6am – 9am Saturday Breakfast Show with Calvin Francis

10am- 1pm Morning Show with George Kay

9am – 12pm Girls Like Us with Akosua and Dionne

1pm- 4pm Lunchtime Show with Rollo

4pm- 7pm Hot Drive Home with Jigs

7pm – 9pm Master Stepz in the Mix

6pm – 9pm Steve Clarke

9pm-11pm Daddy Ernie Superjam

9pm-11pm Gammo Speng

9pm- 12am Phoebe 1

11pm – 3am Jenny Francis

12am – 3am Dave VJ

The Early Riser with Abrantee 6am- 10am Choice Breakfast with Martin and Lucy 10am- 1pm Morning Show with George Kay 1pm- 4pm Lunchtime Show with Rollo 4pm- 7pm Hot Drive Home with Jigs 7pm – 9pm Master Stepz in the Mix 9pm-11pm Daddy Ernie Superjam 11pm – 3am

Early riser with Kat 6am – 12pm Calvin Francis

Richard Blackwood 3pm – 6pm

6pm – 7pm

7pm – 9pm Martin Jay Caribbean Affair

Natty B Reggae Chart Sow

Gospel Mix Show with Dave P

12pm – 3pm Chris Phillips 3pm – 6pm Firing Squad

TV Channel Listings AIT Sky 198 AIT MOVISTAR Sky 333 BEN - Entertainment channel Sky 194 www.bentelevision.com BET Sky – Black entertainment shows Sky 209

COMMUNITY CHANNEL - Giving a voice to the community Sky 539, Virgin TV 333, Freeview 87 www.communitychannel.org

OBE – A station dedicated to informing, educating and entertaining people about Africa Sky 204 www.obetv.co.uk

GOD THE CHRISTIAN CHANNEL – Religious channel Sky 760 http://uk.god.tv FLAVA - Urban music channel Sky 357 HALLMARK – Drama channel Sky 153 www.hallmarkchannel.co.uk KISS - Urban and dance music channel Sky 351 www.totalkiss.com

KLIMAXX -lifestyle and music station 92.9 fm www.klimaxxradio.net

MTV BASE - Urban music and entertainment channel Sky 342 www.mtv.co.uk/channel/ mtvbase NOLLYWOOD – A station dedicated to African movies Sky 331 www.nollywoodmovies.tv

E - Celebrity entertainment channel Sky 152 www.eonline.com

KISS - commercial R&B music 100 fm www.totalkiss.com

LIVING – Entertainment channel which includes chat shows, dramas and reality TV Sky 112 www.livingtv.co.uk

CH U - Music channel with strong focus on UK underground talent Sky 360 www.channelu.tv

DIVA TV – A channel dedicated to strong and successful women such as Oprah Winfrey Sky 282 www.divatv.co.uk

Radio Channel Listings

HAV IT LIVE– An upbeat lifestyle and music station, which specialises in a wide range of black music. 99.1 fm www.myspace.com/havitlive ENERGY – specialises in reggae and bashment 97.1 fm www.energyfm971.com

THE AFRICA CHANNEL - Documentary channel focused on Africa Sky 281 www.theafricachannel.com

FLAMES – specialises in basehment, R&B & Hip-Hop 102.8 fm www.flamesradio.co.uk

REVELATION TV - A passionate religious channel Sky 772 www.revelationtv.com

1XTRA – dedicated to playing black music DAB, Sky 0137, Freeview 701, Virgin 907 www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra

TROUBLE - Entertainment channel which include many hit sitcoms from the US Sky 177 www.trouble.co.uk

BLAZE IT FM - specialises in funky house and R&B 104.2 fm www.myspace.com/blazeitfm

URBAN TV – An urban entertainment and lifestyle channel Sky 202 www.urbanuk.tv Sky

CHOICE FM - specialises in R&B and Hip-Hop 107.1fm & 96.9fm www.choice-fm.co.uk FLAVA FM – specialises in Hip-Hop and R&B www.flava.co.nz FREEZE– specialises in UKG, D&B, Funky House & R&B 92.7 www.freezefm.co.uk

LIFE FM – community station specialising in gospel, garage and R&B 103.6 fm www.lifefm.org.uk MYSTIC specialises in Hip-Hop, reggae and R&B 98.1 fm www.myspace.com/ mystic981fm ON TOP FM – specialises in black music 99.5 fm www.myspace.com/995ontop PYRORADIO – specialises in Hip-Hop and black music www.pyroradio.com RINSE - specialise in dubstep, garage and grime 100.3fm www.rinse.fm UK FLOW RADIO – specialises in D&B, House, garage & rare grove www.ukflow.tv VU LIVE – specialises in a mixture of black music 92.4 fm www.vulive.co.uk WHOA FM – specialises in playing new music 90.4 fm www.myspace.com/whoafm

CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT & BAR www.windiescove-restaurant.co.uk

G N I R a unique culinary experience which will allow FFE

you to sample flavours from around the Caribbean, Windies Cove provides comfort and enjoyment to all its

Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, and Ackee & SaltďŹ sh, with a choice customers. Speciality dishes include:

of over 32 rums from this tropical region. Family bookings and private parties are also welcome.

y ÂŁ10 l n o r o f meal e s r u o a2c y o j n E : deal k e e w s, Mid y partie birthda r nights fo y a d r u Sat 00 Friday & n o 305 25 m 8 a . 0 s 0 3 g 2 . 0 2 in r d til athe X Tel: Licence gs & family g E10 9T S h ic in reenw christen Road, G r a lg fa 135 Tra

AFRICAN RESTAURANTS 805 RESTAURANT

(Traditional African)

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

249 Amhurst Road, London, N16 7UN Tel: 020 7249 0910

Marathon Restaurant & Bar (Ethiopian)

Abesha Village

93 Caledonian Road, London, N1 0SL Tel: 020 7837 4499

46 Dalyell Road, London, SW9 9QR Tel: 020 7501 8761

Mahogany African Restaurant

(Traditional African)

Abyssinia (African Cuisine) 9 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 3JX Tel: 020 8208 0110

Accra Nima

(Traditional African)

172 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LA Tel: 020 7622 2242

Adam’s Café

(North African) 77 Askew Road, London, W12 9AH Tel: 020 8743 0572

Addis (Ethiopian)

40-42 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DT Tel: 020 7278 0679

Adwoa’s Kitchen

(Traditional African) 35 Whitehorse Lane, London, SE25 6RD Tel: 020 8771 9444

Ahenfie

(Traditional African) 272 High Road, London, N15 4AJ Tel: 020 8493 9177

Buka Restaurant (Nigerian)

222 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 4JP Tel: 020 7625 1550

Bbar (South African)

43 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria 020 7958 7000

Chakalaka

(South African) 136 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SP Tel: 020 8789 5696

Cornerstone

(Traditional African) 72 High Road, London, N15 6JU Tel: 020 8880 1123

The Gold Coast Bar and Restaurant (West African)

224 Portland Road, Wood Side, London,SE25 4QB Tel: 0871 971 3529

Xperience African Restaurant (Traditional African) 88 Loughborough Road, London, SW9 7SB Tel: 020 7501 8655

Le Uche Afrique (Eritrean )

(Traditional African) 61 Vicarage Lane Stratford London E15 w4HG Tel: 0845 345 1723

Mosob (Eriterian)

339 Harrow Road, Maida Vale, W9 3RB Tel: 020 7266 2012

Mama Calabar (North Africa)

Dexion House, 2-4 Empire Way, Wembley, HA9 0XA Tel: 020 8902 2277 www.mamacalabar.co.uk

Brown Eagle

Lubanna (Caribbean wine and

Brown Sugar

165-167 St. John’s Hill, Clapham, London; SW11 1TQ Tel: 020 7228 7713

343 - 345 Cambridge Heath Road Bethnal Green, London E2 9RA Tel: 0207-739-8351 http://www.lubanna.com

B T Flava

Rachel’s Restaurant & Stush Bar

236 High Road, Bowes Park London, N22 8HH Tel: 020 8889 8042

436 Hertford Road London N9 8AA Tel: 020 8292 9495

Brown Sugar (Contemporary Caribbean restaurant and lounge bar) 165-167 St Johns Hill, Clapham Junction, London SW11 1TQ Tel: 020 7228 7713; www. brownsugarlondon.com Caribbean Scene Royale (Caribbean cuisine)

ExCeL Marina, 17 Western Gateway (ExCeL West), Royal Victoria Dock London E16 1AQ Tel: 020 7511 2023

http://royale.caribbeanscene.co.uk

Tagine Restaurant (Morrocan)

Caribbean Scene Family

Safari (Traditional African)

Caribbean Scene, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford London E15 1BG Tel:0845 371 8000 http://family.caribbeanscene. co.uk

1 Fearnlea Road, London, SW12 94T Tel: 020 86757604 440 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 3PX Tel: 020 8679 9055

Smokey Bites

177 Streatham High Road, London, SW16 6EG Tel: 020 8677 1771

Souk Medina (North African) 1a Short Gardens, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9AT

Zigni House (East African) 330 Essex Road, London, N1 3PB

CARIBBEAN RESTAURANTS Ace Fusion

110 St. John’s Hill London SW11 1SJ TEL: 020 7223 8708

Anda De Bridge

(Caribbean bar and restaurant) 42 Kingsland Road, London E2 8DA Tel: 020 7739 3863; www.andadebridge.com

Bamboo Grove

33 South End, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1BE Tel: 020 8667 0070 www.bamboo-grove.co.uk

Bamboula Jerk Kitchen

12 Acre Lane, London, SW2 5SG Tel: 020 7737 6633

Bridgewayz Restaurant

20-22 Great Cambridge Road London, N17 7BU Tel: 020 8493 9443

Brixtonian Havana Club 11 Beehive Place London SW9 7QR Tel: 020 7924 9262

(Caribbean cuisine)

Glistening Waters(Riverside

Caribbean bar and restaurant)

5, Ferry Lane, Ferry Quay Brentford, Middlesex TW8 0AT Tel: 020 8758 1616 / 07737 812 949 www.glisteningwaters.org.uk

Calabash

12 Chapel Street London IG1 2AG Tel: 020 8911 8350

Caribbean Blue

84 Bruce Grove LondonN17 6UZ Tel: 020 8885 5556

Caribbean Delight

823 Romford Road, London, E12 5JG Tel: 020 8514 6403

Caribbean Spice

47 West Green Road London N15 5BY Tel: 020 8245 5013

Eatons Caribbean & Creole Restaurant

378 High Road, London, IG1 1QP Tel: 020 8553 0080

Heritage Inn

Address 82-84 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 3EL Tel: 020 8830 6771

bar restaurant)

46 Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5PR Tel: 020 8968 2200; www. rachelsrestaurant.co.uk/stushbar.htm

Stoshus

(African Caribbean Restaurant) 230 Hornsey Road, Holloway, London N7 7LL Tel: 020 7619 0959; www. stoshus.co.uk

Tasty Jerk

1119 London Road Norbury, London SW16 4XD Tel: 0208 764 5577 The Humming Bird (Caribbean restaurant) 84 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3EN Tel: 020 7263 9690; www. thehummingbird.co.uk

Cottons

55 Chalk Farm Road, Camden London NW1 8AN Tel: 020 7485 8388

Hummingbird

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

Island Fusion(Caribbean cuisine) 57B Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 1TS Tel: 0208 761 5544 www.islandfusion.co.uk

Paradise Inn

Address 1443 London Road, London, SW16 4AQ Tel:020 8679 6519

Mango Rooms (Caribbean cuisine) 10-12 Kentish Town Road NW1 8NH Tel: 0207 482 5065 www.mangoroom.co.uk

Mr Jerk

189 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZD Tel: 020 7287 2878

Windies Cove Caribbean Bar &

Restaurant

135-137 Trafalgar Rd Greenwich, London SE10 9TX Tel: 0208 305 2500

Caribbean Restaurant & Take Away It’s the East London Caribbean restaurant that every one is talking about.

Situated in the heart of East London Calabash Caribbean restaurant offers you West End service at East End prices. Imagine a place where the food is so mouth wateringly good that you don’t want to leave, your in surroundings that transports you back to the Caribbean, there is reggae music playing gently in the back ground and the spirit of Jamaica is ever present, welcome to Calabash Caribbean restaurant.

Opening times: Monday-Thursday & Sundays 12 10pm Friday & Saturday 12- 11pm Eat as much as you like buffet available Monday-Friday 12-3pm

WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT CALABASH Calabash are offering readers the chance to win a great meal for two at this amazing eatery. This competition is for three pairs of lucky readers to enjoy a meal at Calabash. To win, simply answer the following question and email your answer to us at the address below. Who won gold in the 100m at this years Olympic ﬁnal in Beijing? a Mr. Bolt b Mr. Lighting c Mr. Thunder Email or post your answers along with a daytime contact number with your e-mail adddress to lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk Winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions apply. Competition rules available on request.

22 24 Vicarage Lane Stratford, London, E15 4ES Tel: 020 8503 1664

12 Chapel Street Ilford, IG1 2AG Tel: 020 8911 8350