Limes 50TH Edition by Dean Serieux

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

ISSUE 50, October 2013 www.thisislime.net

EDITION

MUSIC

events

THEATRE

GALLERY

Food & Drink

screen

INTERVIEWS

£2.00

Paula Patton

CLUBS

ON I T TI Claimck

E age al pa 39 P M gg n E

COin a rBoamotioEE PAG W

JAPAN’S ANSWER TO BLUE MAN GROUP

21 Bruno Mars

CONTENTS

Taye Diggs

OCTOBER 2013 36 COVER STORY Paula Patton 04 Events We live the dream 07 Food/Drink Chocolate week 08 Fashion/Beauty BuyMyWardrobe 10 Gallery Romuald Hazoumé 16 Theatre Colman Domingo

26 Keri Hilson

22 Music Speech Debelle 32 Screen London Film Festival 40 Clubs Dj Spinna 42 Comedy Kojo 46 Breaktime Get your jokes on

MONTH

50 EDITION

MUSic

EVEnTS

THEATrE

GALLErY

Food & drink

ScrEEn

inTErViEWS

£2.00

Paula Patton

cLUBS

N TIO im ETI e Clapack MP ggag nal E 39 COin a roBamotioEE PAG W

Publisher’s note BLACK HISTORY

ISSUE 50, October 2013 www.thisislime.net

18 Lorna Browne

Published By Got Media Limited

t’s a Celebration! Welcome to the 50th edition of Lime. This month we celebrate a tremendous milestone and Black History Month in true Lime Style. This edition is once again

busting at the seams with the very best events taking place throughout the capital and exclusive movie features and interviews from some of the biggest black stars from around the world e.g Paula Patton, Taye Diggs Kelly Hilson and our very own

Lorna Brown. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as almost as much as we’ve enjoyed making it. Happy Liming!

Team Lime Designer Mialisa Fenty Photographer Peter Branch Contributors Cassam Looch Maxine Laurie Marshall Natasha Julienne Nicky Trax Adelaide Damoah Victoria Woode Lynette Lisk

To book your advert in the next issue of Lime and on thisislime.net or to request a media pack email Dean Serieux at dean@thisislime.net

CONNECT WITH LIME www.thisislime.net

To request a review email reviews@thisislime.net

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Event Listings: listings@thisislime.net

www.twitter.com/ limewithus

Lime: a word used in the Caribbean which means socialising and good times with your friends and family – welcome to Lime Magazine.

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

EVENTS

and show us what you’re working with!

Oct - 25 Oct

SOUL CARIBBEAN BIG BAND: The UK Tour Featuring Zara McFarlane and Carleen Anderson Hosted by Richard Blackwood Music Director: Kevin Robinson Following their sellout performance at the opening celebrations of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this Summer, Soul Caribbean tours the UK this autumn starting in London and then taking in Poole, Gateshead, Manchester and Birmingham. A 21st century melting pot of well-loved songs made famous from artists as diverse as Bob Marley and Rihanna, Soul Caribbean is the ultimate Caribbean music party. The evening is hosted by actor and comedian Richard Blackwood and features sensational soul diva Carleen Anderson (The Brand New Heavies), young singer Zara McFarlane (signed to Gilles Peterson’s

Oct WE LIVE THE DREAM

We’re always looking for acts to perform, so if you know somebody or you are that somebody, then get in contact. Info: 7pm - 11pm Free / Email Allsortz01@ hotmail.co.uk for more info or to submit your performance material. Website: www. allsortzopenmic. wordpress.com Thursday 3 October | LONDON SHAKA ZULU | shakazulu.com Saturday 5 October | POOLE Lighthouse | lighthousepoole. co.uk/ 0844 406 8666 Wednesday 23 October | BIRMINGHAM Town Hall | thsh. co.uk/ 0121 345 0600 Thursday 24 October | GATESHEAD The Sage Gateshead | sagegateshead.org/ 0191 443 4661 Friday 25 October | MANCHESTER RNCM | rncm.ac.uk/ 0161 907 5200 Brownswood label) and a magnificent live band led by Kevin Robinson (Simply Red). New arrangements of timeless classics such as Could You Be Loved, Umbrella and Monkey Man, mixing soul, reggae, ska, salsa, soca, calypso and R’n‘B create a dance party like no legacy will be intensively profiled across the UK & Punch Records have directly responded to public interest with this trailblazing UK musical tour. Info: 8pm Free / Main Space / Standing Website - www. punch-records.co.uk Twitter - @punchrecords

Oct ALLSORTZ

“Brothers and Sisters - I Have A Dream!” This year is the fiftieth anniversary of Martin Luther King’s legendary speech. King’s life and 4 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

other This night is sure to have you up on your feet and dancing the night away. “The Soul Caribbean big band, assembled by Kevin Robinson, played a sunny set of reggae, soul, ska, and salsa, climaxing in a glorious choral version of Many Rivers to Cross with the Stratford East Singers” – The Times An evening packed with energy and talent. Showcasing the very best the capital has to offer in up-and-coming performers. Are you a singer, rapper, dancer, comedian, or spoken word artist looking to take that next step and perform in front of a live audience? If so then Allsortz is for you! Take to the Big Stage at Rich Mix

Oct Miss Face of Africa EU 2013

Miss Face of Africa EU 2013 comes to indigO2 on 15 October 2013. London will celebrate the biggest and most spectacular ‘African Beauty Pageant’ show this year. Face of Africa EU 2013 heralds the “BIGGEST” African cultural event this DECADE, will be buzzing with the: - Feistiest Looks - A Runway full of Attitude - Amazing Hair & Character - An ignited stage of Talent - Fashion and Headline Performances With a long list of recognisable faces all across the globe in Music, Comedy and Dance, to captivate our audience and raise an awareness of world poverty, but the most important of all, ‘FACE OF AFRICA EU’ aims to command a place in the hearts and minds of the audience and communities, about the significance of “How a few coins to Charity, is a mighty achievement to Poverty”. Info: £17.50 - £39.50 5:00PM

- 20 Oct Robyn Orlin/ Moving Into Dance Mophatong Beauty remained for just a moment then returned gently to her starting position

org.uk/theatre/event-detail. asp?ID=14749 19:45, 14:30, 17:00 £16-32

th October GhostPoet

Celebrate the beauty of 21st-century Africa with this vibrant and entertaining spectacle featuring dance, text, film and props. This hilarious show encapsulates African culture’s inventiveness: the eye-popping costumes, made from recycled materials such as laundry bags and sweet wrappers, are inspired by the customs of the Surma and Mursi tribes, who adorn themselves with body paints, plants, feathers and fur. Info: £15.00 / 20:00, 17:00 Stratford Circus http://www.barbican.org. uk/theatre/event-detail. asp?ID=15053

Oct – 2 Nov Boy Blue Entertainment The Five & the Prophecy of Prana Japanese Manga artist Akio Tanaka joins the Olivier award-winning team behind Pied Piper for an explosive narrative dance work integrating hip-hop, Manga and martial arts. Five troublemakers are sent to a rehabilitation camp for young offenders run by the Grand Master of the Pih Poh Fu martial art. Unknown to them, he is also a Guardian of Prana – a secret warrior group entrusted with the protection of a spell controlling peace. When a rebellious Guardian seeks to seize power, the five must lead the battle of good against evil. Info: http://www.barbican.

stir wherever they go we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us at the stunning Hackney Empire in October. Info: £15.00 -19.50 http://www. hackneyempire.co.uk/3247/ shows/ghostpoet.html

Soundcrash presents Ghostpoet live at the Hackney Empire. Obaro Ejimiwe, aka Ghostpoet, laughs when he remembers how Gilles Peterson “took a risk on a random maverick” back in 2010 by signing him to the Radio 1 DJ’s Brownswood imprint. Within a year, that risk paid off: Ghostpoet’s debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, marked him out as one of the most distinct, uncategorisable and forward-thinking voices to emerge in British music this decade, and it was rewarded with a surprise Mercury Prize nomination in 2011. It was a sudden rise for a man who for whom news of a record deal came in the same week that he was made redundant from his office job in insurance.

Oct African Drumming and Dance African drumming and dance with the Blema Dancers who will welcome the Dame Dashers with their intoxicating beats and then run a FREE African Drumming workshop in the café (or outside depending on the weather). Info: Free http://www. hackneyempire.co.uk/3339/ shows/african-drummingand-dance.html

Oct The African Market followed by Minnjiaraby: ‘Wouty’ album launch Join us from 12noon as

we bring you a unique alternative fair, showcasing the talents from Africa and the Diaspora located in London and UK. It includes designer’s and charities’s stalls where you can find original fashion pieces, accessories, jewellery, shoes as well as Arts & Crafts, homewear, beauty natural products, books, music, arts amongst more. Local & international charities are also represented, promoting their actions, raising awareness but also funds by selling goods. And to complete the joyful atmosphere homemade African food will be served. It’s open til 7pm, it’s all free entry and everyone is welcome! Info: (Market) 12pm - 7pm, (Music) 8pm - Late (Market) Free / (Music) £10, £7 adv The African Market 12noon to 7pm - Free Entry

EVENTS

http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=8394

Two years on, having moved on from Brownswood to [PIAS], Ghostpoet’s creativity has blossomed even more. On his second album, Some Say I So I Say Light, he pushes even further in all directions than on Peanut Butter Blues, mixing the abstract and the concrete with uncanny skill. With his live shows causing a LIME MAGAZINE 2013

FOOD AND DRINK

Lime’s Recipes of the month! Pork & thyme cheeseburgers

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 20 mins Pork mince is good value compared to beef. Bitter salad leaves work well with the sweet apple, creamy cheese and herby meat Ingredients • 25g butter • 1 onion, grated

• 500g pack lean pork mince • 2 egg yolks • 1 tbsp finely chopped thyme To serve • 4 slices cheddar • 4 tbsp chunky apple sauce • 4 soft burger buns, split • handful salad leaves

White chocolate cheesecake with rhubarb compote This soft and creamy cheesecake makes a suitably impressive and indulgent end to a dinner party Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr, 40 mins 200g oatcake biscuits • 85g butter melted • 450g white chocolate • 284ml pot double cream • 400g full fat soft cheese, such as Philadelphia • 4 eggs • 1 tsp vanilla essence For the rhubarb compote • 600g rhubarb (trimmed weight), cut into 2½ cm chunks • 250g golden caster sugar • ½ vanilla pod, split in half lengthways • 100ml orange blossom muscat dessert wine (we used Brown Brothers) Method 1. Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm springform tin with baking parchment. Whizz the biscuits in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs. Pour in the butter, whizz briefly again, then tip the mixture into the tin and press down firmly. Bake for 10 mins, then cool. 2. Reduce oven temperature to 140C/fan 120C/ gas 1. Wrap a double layer of foil, lined with cling film, around the base and sides of the tin to make it watertight. Break 400g chocolate into a pan, then pour in the cream and heat until the chocolate has melted. Leave to cool slightly. Rinse the bowl of the processor, then blend the cream cheese, eggs and vanilla essence together with the melted chocolate 6 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

and cream until smooth. 3. Put the tin in a deep roasting tray, then pour in the filling. Half-fill the roasting tray with boiling water, bake for 1 hr, then turn the oven off. Leave to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1-2 hrs. Lift the cheesecake from the water, discard the foil, then cover with cling film and chill. The cheesecake can be made up to 3 days ahead. Grate the remaining chocolate over the cheesecake before serving. 4. For the compote, heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Mix the rhubarb and sugar in an ovenproof dish. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod on top of the rhubarb, then drop in the pod, too. Pour the muscat over, cover with foil, then bake for 30-40 mins, stirring halfway, until the rhubarb is cooked. Leave to cool, then remove the pod. Serve the compote with the cheesecake. The compote can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Follow us on twitter @limewithus for free and discounted tickets to the best events in the city

Prep:30 mins - 40 minsCook:1 hr, 45 minsPlus 6-24 hours marinating A chunky, comforting casserole that makes a wonderful Sunday lunch Ingredients • about 2½ kg British pork loin • 6-8 garlic cloves, peeled and cut into thin slivers • 7 tbsp olive oil • 1 lemon, juice only • 1 tsp dried fennel seed • 8 sprigs fresh oregano • 300g shallots • 1 large celeriac, quartered and peeled • 1 x 130g twin-pack cubetti di pancetta (small cubes of Italian cured belly pork) • 600ml full-bodied red wine – drink the remainder! Method 1. Using a small, sharp kitchen knife, stab through the fatty side of the pork loin to make about 30 fairly deep, randomly spaced incisions. Insert a sliver of garlic into each stab mark, pushing the garlic well into the meat and smoothing over the fat to close up the entry points. Reserve a few slivers to push in cuts made on the fleshside of the joint.

2. Put 5 tablespoons of the olive oil, the juice of the lemon, tbsp of fennel seeds and the leaves stripped from 4 oregano sprigs in a large non-reactive dish (a non-porous dish, such as glass or stainless steel, which won’t react with acidic foods and alter the flavour). Grind in plenty of black pepper, then swish everything into a sludge with one clean hand. Put the joint into the dish and massage the marinade into every nook and cranny. Leave the pork to marinade for 6-24 hours in a cool place or the fridge. 3. When you are ready to start cooking, preheat the oven to 170C/Gas 4/fan oven 150C. Put the 300g of shallots in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 2 minutes to loosen the skins, then tip the shallots into a large sieve or colander and rinse under cold water. Trim off the root end, then peel the shallots, breaking any large ones into their natural segments. Halve the 4 celeriac wedges, then cut into large, bite-sized chunks.

FOOD AND DRINK

Pot-roast loin of pork with celeriac, shallots & pancetta

4. Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Toss in the 130g pack of pancetta and fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly frazzled. Transfer the cubes to a large casserole big enough to take the pork, using a slotted spoon so the fat drains back into the pan. Throw the shallots and celeriac into the frying pan and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until coloured, turning frequently. Transfer them to the casserole, again draining off the oil. 5. Pull the frying pan to one side. Quickly scrape off any excess marinade from the pork loin, then season the meat with fine sea salt. Replace the frying pan over a mediumhigh heat and brown the pork on all sides, including the ends. Place the loin on the vegetables in the casserole. Stuff the remaining 4 sprigs of oregano around it. 6. Pour off and discard all the fat in the frying pan, raise the heat and pour in the 600ml of wine. Bring to the boil, scraping up all the tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine bubble and reduce for 3 minutes, then pour into the casserole. 7. Place the casserole over a high heat and bring the juices up to a bubble. Immediately put the lid on the casserole and transfer it to the oven. Cook the loin for 1 hour 45 minutes, turning it halfway through. Remove the casserole from the oven and leave the pork to rest in a warm place for 15-30 minutes, still covered, before carving.

SARTORIA COLLABORATES WITH WILLIE HARCOURT-COOZE FOR CHOCOLATE WEEK

NEWS

Sartoria has teamed up with leading chocolatier Willie Harcourt-Cooze of Willie’s Cacao to offer an array of mouth-watering chocolate dishes in honour of Chocolate Week this October 14th to 26th. This exciting collaboration sees head chef, Lukas Pfaff, combining the very finest Italian ingredients with Willie’s rich and delicious chocolate to create not only sweet treats, but unusual savoury chocolate dishes.

Throughout Chocolate Week the a la carte menu will feature dishes including: aubergine and chocolate cake, with 100% Madagascan 71 and Indonesian 69; Dark chocolate sorbet, new season olive oil, sea salt and sweet ciabatta with Rio Caibe 72; and Sea urchin risotto and water based ganache with 100% El Tersoro. Diners will also have the chance to meet the esteemed chocolatier, who will be in the bar on Tuesday 15th Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

October to discuss his recipes and range of chocolates. All the chocoholics out there will also be pleased to hear that these enticing cocoa treats will be available for an additional week after the official Chocolate Week, because just one week of chocolate simply isn’t enough! Info: To book a table please contact Kate Bassett on 020 7534 7015 or email katieb@danddlondon.com Sartoria 20 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PR www.sartoria-restaurant.co.uk @SartoriaRest LIME MAGAZINE 2013

FASHION/BEAUTY

BuyMyWardro to fill yours Dout of your budget. esigner goods are

Wrong. Second-hand shopping only involves charity shops or digging around in bottomless pits of knitwear in east London. Wrong.

BuyMyWardrobe is on hand to feed those designer urges without scaring your bank card into hiding. BuyMyWardrobe events are one of the most affordable ways to buy designer clothes and accessories, and we caught up with founder Kal Di Paola to discover where the idea came from. How would you describe one of your events for someone who has never been? BuyMyWardrobe events are now held twice a year and are an extension of the BuyMyWardrobe online marketplace. We select 30 of our most stylish online sellers to come together for a one day event where they open up their wardrobes to members of the public. The events are ticketed and are always held in upmarket locations. They open with a VIP

champagne preview hour. Goody bags and indulgent treats add glitz and glamour to make it as far removed from a jumble sale as we can.

Are the items affordable? There is something for everyone. Our focus is on quality – so everything for sale must have been at least £100 brand new,

however, prices at the event start from as little as £10. The best bargains are the designer Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada handbags which go at a fraction of their original price. Will there be any accessories on sale? Yes; it’s everything you’d find in a wardrobe, from clothing and shoes to jewellery and watches. And for the first time ever we’re including a beauty product sale. We are featuring four or five beauty bloggers who will be selling off their beauty samples. Where did the idea for BuyMyWardrobe come from? It was 2008, I had been running my own fashion

8 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

FASHION/BEAUTY

obe

BuyMyWardrobe was born. The first event was a huge success and paved the way for more. It was only after 10 sold out events, an increasing demand for seller spaces and a growing and engaged offline community that I made the leap to launch the online marketplace in August 2012. Before BuyMyWardrobe took off you used to design, is that something you still do? In my head yes, but in reality no. I feel like I still do all the prep – after 12 years of designing, trend forecasting becomes part of your makeup. It definitely still comes in useful, and selling other people’s wardrobes is a much easier job so I don’t miss it too much. Who is your favourite designer? They change all the time, currently I’m a fan of Acne, Rebecca Taylor, Rag and Bone, Celine, Lela Rose and J W Anderson.

label for the past 11 years, the country was in recession, the over consumption of the past decade was being highlighted in the media and a new wave of ecoawareness was taking hold. Faced with a very unhappy bank manager and a wardrobe that would barely close, I decided to make some cash by clearing my wardrobe of years of hoarding. My options to do that were limited. Ebay wasn’t the right place for niche labels and dress agencies were too picky. I wanted somewhere I could set up shop for the day and nobody provided that. So I decided to host my very own designer fashion recycling event, and

What was your first designer purchase? Some brown and turquoise Gucci platform heels. What item in your wardrobe would you not be able to do without? My black Philip Lim Blazer. What item should every woman have in her wardrobe? Is it the LBD? I believe in a new must have piece every season. This season I would say a crisp white shirt. Info: The next ByMyWardrobe live event is October 5th at the Kensington Roof Gardens VIP tickets cost £20 and allow entry from 12pm, include a glass of champagne and a goody bag. Standard tickets cost £5 and allow entry from 1pm. To book tickets visit the website: https://www. buymywardrobe.com/ events

Kal Di Paola

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Romuald Hazoumè

GALLERY

Words: Adelaide Damoah

BWest Africa, Romuald orn in 1962 in Benin,

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

Hazoumè, is considered one of Africa’s leading visual artists. A winner of the prestigious 2007 Arnold-Bode-Prize at Documenta 12 in Germany, Hazoumè first came to the attention of the wider art world in 1992, when his politically astute works were first exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery’s “Out of Africa” show. Already a full time artist by then, Hazoumè’s works have since been shown in major museums and galleries all over the world and has works in the collections of the likes of David Bowie and Iman.

one hour. It was crazy! I love his music and I told him, you know, I love your music and I never have a discount when I buy your music! I don’t want to put a discount on my work. He just said, “Forget it, I don’t want a discount, I will buy immediately.” He paid me the same week. He did not get the piece until eight months after. I asked him why he trusted me. He said, “Because I know you and I know there will be no problem.” That was the story behind David Bowie and this story helped me a lot because when somebody who is well known buys your pieces, it is good for you. It makes publicity.

Romuald Hazoumè was kind enough to take time out from hanging work at another show to discuss his thoughts and feelings about art, his career and success in the run up to his highly anticipated London show. I read that you came to prominence in 1992 when you did the Saatchi Masks show. Could you tell me what lead you to that point? When I was in my last year at school they lost my paper for the final exam. I was very angry and I left school. For four years after that, I just made art. I asked people to show what I was doing. They refused me many times, so it was about seven years before I had my first show. I was very surprised that André Mernier came and bought 10 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

my work. André Mernier was in Africa because he and Jean Picote, the owner of one of the most prominent collections of African art in the world, were trying to find artists for an exhibition in Paris. That is how I ended up at the Saatchi show. David Bowie was there, saw my work and bought some later on. I now travel around the world and make exhibitions. You said that David Bowie was at that

show. How did that show then change your career, your life? My career is changed by me. I met David Bowie in 1995 in Johannesburg. It was very good for me because he bought two pieces of mine for Iman. It was a funny story because usually, you can not talk directly to someone like David Bowie! I played with that so that he needed to talk to me! He talked to me directly and said, “OK, lets talk, I will buy!” After that, we spoke for about

What does success in the art world mean to you? As an African, we do not have to be like European people. The art scene is a big group for artists. They need you inside this group if you can show something very new, original or clever. But what we have to show today is our culture. Because we have something we call art too! It is not only Western people who have that. We have very interesting, strong pieces and we need to show them. When I become very well know, I think it will be because I have something to say. So it seems that you

GALLERY closely identify your success as an artist with your identity as an African. Yes! What is your biggest success to date? When I won the Documenta prize, I was so happy that I cried. I cried because it was so hard to get there. I just had to thank so many people because this was a very well known prize. When I got another prize, again, I said thank you. It pushed me to get better. Would you say that the Documenta prize was your biggest achievement? Yes. What would you say was the hardest set back that you have had and how did you

overcome it? Well, every well known person has somebody behind him. If it is a man, it may be a wife that he has behind him who helps him to be well known and helps with other things so that he can work. What I regret the most is the loss of my first wife. She helped me to be a success because she took care of our children so that I could work peacefully and travel a lot. However, one day, ten years ago, she just died suddenly. It happened so quick. Within five minutes, I lost my wife. We were at a party and she had an aneurysm. I was left with two small children.

aspiration going forward for your work? It is not about art because one of my dreams has been made reality in Benin. It was the possibility to show our work in Benin and we achieved that with a new foundation which has been working for the past seven years. That was my dream, to have a museum where we could put on exhibitions. So today, my big dream is not really about art, it is about how we can get leaders in Africa to be more responsible. How can we get leaders in Africa to be less corrupt and more respectable? That is my dream and it is a big dream.

It must have been difficult. I am so sorry to hear about that... Thank you.

It is a big dream, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be a politician because I hate that because I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to lie!

What is your biggest

Your work could somehow contribute to your dream becoming a reality. Yes! That is what I try to do. What advice would you give to an up and coming artist wishing to follow in your footsteps? The first thing is never follow money, just be yourself. Never think that what people are doing in Western art is what you need to do. Have something to say, but know that it will be very very difficult. And to accept that but still keep going. Yes. Yes. Info: For more on this interview, please visit Art Success at www. adelaidedamoah.com LIME MAGAZINE 2013

GALLERY

Toby Mulligan

Words: Adelaide Damoah

myself to build houses and built my own, as well as building houses for other people. I devoted myself completely to that. I really enjoyed it. But this thing really affects me. There have been so many opportunities I have had to pass up because of it. I wanted to teach, but when it came down to it, my voice would just go by the middle of the day.

his views on success, life and art.

BMulligan is a a rising orn in 1969,Toby

star on the British art scene. A self taught artist, Mulligan was a 2012 finalist for the BP Portrait award and subsequently had his work exhibited at the prestigious National Portrait Gallery in London. Mulligan is unusual in that he not only taught himself how to draw and paint with both hands simultaneously, he also taught himself how to build houses and landscape gardens which he did on a professional basis for a number of years to supplement his practice and to look after his family. A full time artist now, Mulliganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career has taken on a new direction following the recognition he received from earning a place as a BP Portrait award finalist. He took time out of his busy schedule to discuss 12 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

How are you? You sound like you have a cold! No, it is my voice. When I had my first child 20 years ago, I was so overwhelmed with the whole experience that I lost my voice completely. The doctors said that I have a nerve which stops functioning and then one vocal cord starts moving. It is paralysed and they have never been able to find out why. I am very sensitive and if you are that way inclined, you tend to take on a lot of what is going on all around you and it is a constant dilemma. I remember not being listened to and being told that I would never make money from painting. I had my first commissions when I was thirteen or fourteen years old. So I was actually making money from painting from a fairly young age. It carried on when I moved to France to be with the mother of one of my children. I taught

You said you were selling paintings from the age of thirteen or fourteen. I was not brought up in an artistic family. We lived on a farm in the country. I was on my own a lot. I did not go to school at all until I was seven. In some ways, I was kind of fully developed creatively, or imaginatively, by the time I was seven. I knew who I was and what I wanted to do. There was no art at all in my family. There was no painting; we did not listen to music. I am very connected to nature. You could say my confusion came from there. I just wanted it to finish! When I was 15 or 16, I got thrown out of school. Not because I was bad, but because I just was not doing anything. I literally stopped responding to orders. In any case, I was self taught. There were no paintings around you. People were not listening to music and you attended this regimented school with no art. How on Earth did you teach yourself to paint?

I am very lucky in that I am very instinctive. I remember seeing an article on painting and thinking that it was amazing. My parents are open minded and they were good parents. They got me some paints and I copied this painting without knowing anything at all about it. They got me a book on how to paint and I read it. When I focus on something, when I decide I want to do something, I do it. So when I decided I wanted to build a house, I had no training, there was no one to teach me, but I got a book and I looked around me and I just learned how to do it. Wow! You learned how to build houses from a book? Yes! That is amazing! I am very practical. I really believe that when it comes to teaching yourself, if you are listening and you are alive to what is going on, you can learn anything, very quickly. This is why I feel very strongly about school. I am very anti school as it stands because I believe that whatever you do, the things that you learn, they have to matter. If you want to cook, it is because you want to eat, because you want to enjoy food. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t learn to cook because it is the thing to do. You do things because they matter, because you need to. If you need to paint, then you are going to paint. Not just to pass the time.

I am the same way. At school and university, there were plenty of times when I did not go to lectures and I had to teach myself so that I would pass the exams. I learned better when I taught myself. Yes! I think urgency is the best teacher. We are alive, but we often don’t really feel we are alive until we might die. That is very dramatic, but in a way, that is how it is. If you feel like, “shit, this is it, this may be your last moment,” that is when you go for it. When I did the painting that is in the National Portrait Gallery now, it was a competition. You get a year to get your work ready for this competition. But I couldn’t work out what to do. On the morning that I was meant to hand it in, I did a painting of my daughter in two hours and that is the one that was accepted. Congratulations on being short listed! I was surprised, but in a way, I think that if I had worked on it longer, I would have ruined it. Yes. I have seen the painting, it is amazing! Oh, thank you! I work at it. Every day, when I draw, I do 50 drawings in one

GALLERY

When I focus on something, when I decide I want to do something, I do it hour. I work with both hands. I paint with both hands at the same time. I do 50 in one hour, or maybe 30 in 40 minutes. I have learned to work very fast and I believe that less is more. Even when you are doing difficult stuff, less is more. You just need to get really clear, know what you are going to do and do it. I spend more time thinking about it, dreaming about the work and less time doing. You are some sort of prodigy! I don’t think so! My belief is that everyone can do that. The question is, do you have the motivation or the desire or the energy? I would assume that you are full time? Yes, I am full time now. I was doing landscape gardening and building work, but I am not doing that any more. Did you make the decision to go full time or were you approached by a gallery? It was a decision. It has to come from you. Have you had any solo shows? I have had a few recently and the last one was... This seems a bit ridiculous, but I know that this is how people work... I had one a few months ago in London and I only sold one painting. Luckily, I didn’t pay for the exhibition, so it was not a complete disaster. Then I got accepted for the NPG and the last exhibition I did was a sell out. What would you say is your definition of success in the art world? For me personally, my definition has always been to be completely free. Freely expressing

what I really want to do and just free flowing. Without worrying or being in a position where I feel constricted or not able to do what I want to do. That is why I want the proper recognition and I want the money. My definition of success in that sense would be, to have a proper studio somewhere, to not be worried about money or thinking about it and to just be working flat out all the time because that is what I love to do. I would like to give workshops and open studios every few weeks. I am somebody who very much wants to be involved. I like to be involved with people, sharing and inspiring... But I don’t want to be organising it and to feel like I have got commitments that I cannot keep up with. I just want to be doing the work really. What would you say is your biggest achievement to date? As a man for me it is having kids and building a house. I really love my kids. I am very proud of all of my kids. Having and raising kids has taught me that there are no limitations and it has taught me about trust.

What would you say is your ultimate dream for your work? I want to have somewhere I can work. A big space to be working in multimedia, so sculpture film... Collaborating with film makers and making music. I am really into music too. I want to be involved in everything. I want to be continually and freely creating and thinking. I also love writing. I want to find a fusion of film and writing. What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to follow in your footsteps? Trust in the really simple values of working. First of all having a spark or a dream... Something that really moves you. That is the gift. The gift is to be moved. The gift is not to be good at something that is what you work at. Be moved. Have something that matters to you. Do it with trust that if you do it, then it will happen. Every long journey starts with one step. Info: For more on this interview, please visit Art Success at www. adelaidedamoah.com

LIME MAGAZINE 2012 2013

01 THEATRE

- 19 Oct 2013 Cirque-Eloize-iD A leader in the world of contemporary circus,Cirque Éloize has been creating moving performances filled with magic since 1993. Based on the talents of its artists, Cirque Éloize expresses its innovative nature through theatricality and humanity, and combines circus arts with music, dance and theatre. “You’re not going to find a more energetic, mindblowing, roofraising piece of entertainment” – TORONTO STAR In his return to directing Jeannot Painchaud presents a show crackling with daring and modernity. The brand new creation iD is a blend of circus arts and urban dance: b-boying, breakdance, hip hop and more. The scene is set in

October – 09 Nov Crowning Glory “In a world saturated with images of unrealistic and unobtainable beauty, how do women see themselves?” We invite you to join our all-female cast of feisty and fun modern women as they share the trials and tribulations of their hair, and try to uncover what true beauty means.

about our perceptions of beauty.

Crowning Glory is a new play about how mainstream Western definitions of beauty in today’s world affects the way women see themselves. It’s a play that encourages us to think

This current, funny and thought-provoking show will undoubtedly get you talking. Come along with friends or family and take part in the conversation. Crowning Glory returns to Theatre Royal Stratford

the heart of the city, in a public space where people seek refuge and a chance to shed their anonymity; a place where identity is forged and individuality is expressed to a stimulating soundtrack created by composers Jean-Phi Goncalves (Beast) and Alex

McMahon. This dazzling new production incorporates multimedia elements, giving this show a unique feel. 15 performers from a dozen disciplines help create iD s entertaining and unmistakeably urban

East following a sell-out success at last year’s Angelic Tales new writing festival at which the audience told us they wanted to see it on our main stage. Info: £15 (concs £10) Upper Circle just £8 (concs £5) Fri and Sat eves £18.50 (concs £12.50) Upper Circle just £10 (concs £6) http://www.stratfordeast. com/crowning-glory universe, in keeping with Cirque Éloize’s tradition of using multidisciplinary performers from around the world. Info: Peacock Theatre Tickets £15, £24, £36, £42

A Boy and his Soul Lime rating: Words: Natasha Julien

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo to Colman Dominigo for his thought provoking and emontional one man play a man and his soul. If you were not lucky enough to be picking out Spandex outfits in the 70’s dancing to Aretha Franklin and grooving on the dancefloor in the 80’s to Michael Jackson this is defintely the next best thing. He tells the story of his family with wit, warmth and amazing full on energy, offering wonderful impersonations of his mom and pop, and of his cool older brother and vivacious sister. Colman

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Dominigo appears to morph in visual appearnce when channelling his pops and his mom, such are the excellent impersonations. The setting is a run down basement of a West Phildelphia housej which hold

the memories of growing up and the transition from child to adult and then from adulthood to family carer. Don’t miss Colman Domingo shake his stuff and tell his beautiful and original coming of age story. Follow us on twitter @limewithus for free and discounted tickets to the best events in the city

REVIEW

Colman Domingo’s A Boy and his Soul is a beautiful and tender oneman show with the grooviest soul track soundtrack this side of 1970’s Philadelphia.

- 06 Oct Tell Hell I aint coming The opening scene to Marcia P. Samuels’ extraordinary theatrical production starts out on a Sunday morning with Pastor Allgood and his congregation at the local church. Unlike any other Sunday mornings, where millions across the world go to church, Allgood, a moralist, puritan, a socalled avid preacher man, goes to HELL. Surrounded by the screams of tormented souls, terror grips hold of Allgood. A terror that would take him into the realms of everlasting agony played over and over like a broken record.

Created by Antonia Kemi Coker, Tonderai Munyebvu and director Chuck Mike. Info: Soho Upstairs / £10 - £15.00 sohotheatre.com/whatson/zhe-noun-undefined/

young bands, touring from New York to Molde, London to Montreal, and winning numerous awards including the 2010 MOBO for Best Jazz Act and Jazzwise and Mojo albums of the year.

‘Empirical could turn out to be one of the most important bands in UK jazz history’ (Jazzwise) Info: £17.50 £15 https://secure. southbankcentre.co.uk/ syos.php?

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looking British jazz group Empirical continues this autumn with the release of their fourth studio album. The music on the album documents Empirical’s collaboration with the Benyounes Quartet, an up-and-coming critically acclaimed string quartet who have been working closely with the band since 2012 when they performed together in the London Jazz Festival. Featuring composition and improvisation in equal measures, the influences range from the classical tradition through to contemporary jazz and are tied together by Empirical’s ethos gathering knowledge through experiment and observation. In just a few short years Empirical have carved out a place as one of jazz’s most exciting

to self-acceptance, this humorous yet haunting drama encompasses the multiplicity of our cultural, gender and sexual identities and takes a fresh look at what makes us who we are.

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Nov – 08 Dec ZHE: [NOUN] UNDEFINED ZHE’ (pronounced zee) is a gender-neutral pronoun – not he or she. Based on the true-life stories of the two performers, this “immensely moving, funny and courageous” piece of theatre follows the lives of two British Africans living at the crossroads of culture, nationality, gender and sexuality. Traveling from idyllic Harare, Zimbabwe to London’s gritty inner city; from the playfulness of childhood to the pain of adolescence; from the desire for forgiveness

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Imagine a murderer, drunkard or drug addict desperately searching for another fix, another injection, or another pill. Never going cold turkey, never losing the urge, but never realising that there are absolutely no drugs in this Domain. Imagine ending up in Hell. If for a moment one thinks that at some point the torment that is hell will be over for these lost souls, it is not. There is no rest in hell; Satan clarifies that when he says: “Forever, do you know how long forever is…and if your human intelligence could even fathom how long forever is, you would not have imagined a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of forever. Because just when you think FOREVER is over, it starts all over again.” And for Allgood, FOREVER is too timeless to spend in this place Info: www.dontugo. com/ at Broadway Theatre

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. . . from The Butler and Scottsboro Boys

Colman Domingo

ADomingo answered s soon as Colman

the phone I was drawn in to his story, despite the fact I had no idea what it was yet. His soft, warm American accent had me at “Hello there”. Domingo is a busy man, he’s just finished a two and a half week run of his one-man play, A Boy and His Soul, at The Tricycle theatre, appears alongside an all-star cast including Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker in Lee Daniel’s The Butler and is about to reprise his role as Mr Bones in the Scottsboro Boys at the Young Vic. The Scottsboro Boys is based on an uncomfortable piece of American history. In 1931 nine black teenagers were accused of raping two white girls 16 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Colman Domingo The Scottsboro Boys rehearsals. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

in Alabama. The musical – written by Kander and Ebb, the creators of Chicago and Cabaret – tells

the story of the terrible miscarriage of justice that followed.

Can you tell me about your character? I play Mr Bones, and he is one of the end men in our

THEATRE musical. The musical is a deconstructed minstrel show, we’ve taken elements from the original form to tell our story. In a traditional minstrel show there were two end men who were the funny guys, and they would tell a story and help move the plot forward. I play about six or seven different characters. Many of them are racially charged Caucasian men in the south in the 1930s. For example I play a prosecuting attorney and a very racist sheriff, these were all based on the people who were around the Scottsboro Boys case. How does it feel picking up the role of Mr Bones again? I think it’s really exciting for an actor to revisit a role

he has originated. There’s another level of depth I think I can go to. I’d be remiss to do exactly what I did before, I don’t think that would be interesting at all. I wouldn’t play it wildly differently I just think there would be more layers and more textures that’ll be interesting to find. How can you take a play and character like this and separate your feelings from it to do the part justice? I’m so interested in the overall story being told, I think, not only as an actor or an artist but even more so as an activist. It’s something I lean forward to with all my heart and conviction because I’m very passionate about this story. I would look at images of things like lynchings and I would have to place myself not as an African American man but I’d have to look at myself as a Caucasian man in the south and ask, what

was his motivation behind it? I would have look into his heart and see and see whatever it was, fears, or insecurities, whatever charges people to do things like that. I don’t say this carelessly; I do believe it’s one of the most brilliant pieces of theatre I have been a part of. It’s not necessarily the good time people expect with musical theatre, this is the kind of theatre that will shake you to your core. But it’s a good shaken. How do you think British audiences will react to it? I think because British audiences don’t carry the baggage we have with the story, because it is a painful account in American history, I think they’ll be able to view it a bit more objectively. Moving away from the Scottsboro Boys, I noticed you’ve posted quite a few photos from the set of The Butler on

your Twitter feed. What was the atmosphere like on set, what was it like working with the cast? It was the cast of all casts, I was on set for two months and in that time everyone came through, and whether they had one scene or many, everyone was generous and kind an interested in telling the story. I’m sure all the academy award winners who were in the film took many pay cuts etc because they just wanted to be part of the story. Outside of shooting we’d go and have brunch together or we’d have parties, I think that’s why it’s so successful, it all started there on set. Info: It’s hoped The Butler will get an autumn UK release date The Scottsboro Boys will play at the Young Vic from 18 October – 23 November 2013. Box office: www. youngvic.org / 020 7922 2922

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

THEATRE

I am not my hair Efemales believe their

Interview with Lorna Brown from Crowning Glory

ight out of 10

glory, self worth, social acceptance and beauty lies in their hair, according to a recent survey by Travelodge. You may scoff at this ridiculous sounding statistic, as I did when I first read it, but unfortunately it may be closer to the truth than we’d like to admit. Crowning Glory is a new play about mainstream definitions of Western beauty and how black hair is not seen as typically beautiful in the Western ideal. I stole a few minutes with one of the leading ladies, Lorna Brown, during only the second day of rehearsals to find out more about the play and her experiences of black hair in a Western world. Can you tell me about the story and your character? Crowning Glory has seven female characters and it’s essentially about our perception of beauty and this ideal that we’re all striving to obtain, this impossible ideal that changes all the time. But the constant thing that remains is that you never really feel you attain it because as soon as you have it’s changed anyway. We look at the stress and strains of being indoctrinated into that from a very early age. There’s a lot of humour in the play, very strong fundamentals but a lot of 18 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

humour. As far as my character goes, it’s early days. It’s the second day of rehearsals. She’s an egalitarian person, very proud, she’s garrulous, people loving but very opinionated. She is fun to play, she’s not me but there are elements of me in her. Why did you want to be part of this? To be honest I read it and I thought, I’ve got to do this. I grew up with my father telling me stories and that’s what I loved. I read this and thought I want to tell this story. It’s a gift when that happens as an actor, because sometimes it can be for other reasons you take a job. This piece is not necessarily comfortable, but there will be lots of moments of laughter and hopefully

people seeing themselves, and questioning certain things and finding a freedom within themselves as women. What does true beauty mean to you? I guess ultimately it’s about you really being truly yourself, whatever that is for you. That’s a difficult thing to find because we’re bombarded with all kinds of things. Do you have that? I think I’m on the path. It’s difficult to achieve, it’s a daily effort. How did you feel about your hair when you were at school and growing up? I went to school in south London, I didn’t have locks when I was a child but I had natural hair. I relaxed my hair for about four years but I came to it

really late. My mum has natural hair and has never done anything to her hair. I know a lot of people were talking about how their mums relaxed their hair when they were little, or pressed their hair. So I had a sense of my own hair and it being beautiful, the thing I really did want to do when I was younger was to dread my hair but my mum wouldn’t let me. For me it was my identity and the perfect way to have my hair. So as soon as I could, I locked my hair and I’ve had them ever since. Did you ever feel any pressure in regards to how you wore your hair when growing up? Did you want to have European hair that would swish and swing? It’s a really interesting thing, I never consciously thought I wish my hair would do that. But if you constantly see images of hair that moves, and you don’t see ‘yourself’ on television or on billboards or anything, there is a thing where you feel ‘I don’t look like that, my hair doesn’t do that’. It permeates everything and all of us. Although I don’t consciously remember doing that, I did relax my hair for a stage so somewhere it infiltrated me. Info: Crowning Glory will be at Stratford East from 17 October – 9 November. Box office: www.stratfordeast.com/ crowning-glory or 020 8534 0310

Oct - 23 Nov The Scottsboro

Boys From Kander & Ebb, the legendary creators of Chicago and Cabaret... Nominated for 12 Tony Awards...

- 19 Oct 2013 Jonzi D — Lyrikal Fearta: The Letter & Broken Lineage Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D presents a triple bill, including a return of his acclaimed solo work. The Letter, after its explosive debut last year in the Lilian Baylis Studio. In addition, the evening also features a top guest hip hop artist, and Jonzi presents a new work, continuing his three decades as a pioneering creative voice in hip hop dance theatre. “The name Jonzi D shouts respect in circles of hip hop dance theatre” – THE INDEPENDENT The Letter explores the responses to Jonzi being offered an MBE. Using choreopoetry he paints a picture of stunning, rhythmical clarity (The Stage), looking at this sensitive subject matter through the eyes of an animated cast of characters. The Letter is accompanied by a commissioned score played live by member of the Speakers Corner Quartet Kwake Bass. The evening also features a newly commissioned piece, exploring the broken lineage between the old skool and new skool hip hop generations, bringing Jonzi’s unique perspective to evolving

social issues. An exciting collaboration with Ivan Blackstock, of BirdGang Dance Company, it promises to captivate audiences with Jonzi’s trademark wit, humour and style. Info: Wed 16 - Panel discussion with Jonzi D, Benjamin Zephaniah, Omar Lye-Fook and Lemn Sissay, chaired by Brenda Emmanus Thu 17 - With guest artist OneNess Sankara Fri 18 - With guest artist GREEdS Sat 19 - With guest artist Zena Edwards £17.00 http://www.sadlerswells. com/whats-on/2013/JonziD-Lyrikal-Fearta/

It’s showtime, boys… Kander and Ebb’s exhilarating, dazzling and provocative musical receives its UK premiere, once again directed by Susan Stroman, five-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer of The Producers. 1931. Nine black teenagers board a train in Scottsboro, Alabama, in search of a new life. By the end of their journey, their lives – and those of every American – would be changed forever. Accused of an unspeakable crime, their trial would divide a nation. But behind the screaming headlines was the

devastating story of nine young men, desperate to prove to the world that they mattered. Nominated for a remarkable 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Scottsboro Boys is bold, wildly inventive and a daring modern classic of musical theatre.

THEATRE

Step right up and meet the Scottsboro Boys. Their story will change everything… Info: Young Vic http://www.youngvic.org/ whats-on/the-scottsboroboys Tickets: £10, £19.50, £25, £35 Previews: (18 - 28 Oct) £10, £15, £19.50

Oct - 16 Nov BLAM! In an attempt to escape their painfully dull 9-to-5 jobs, four ingenious office workers invent BLAM! an imaginary game where ordinary life is put through the shredder. In this hilarious and explosive show, the mundane workplace is transformed into a world populated by aliens, superheroes and classic blockbuster movie villains. With neck breaking stunts, breathtaking physical feats, exhilarating park our and heaps of attitude, BLAM! takes you on an extraordinary and riotous adventure. ”The Fringe’s unexpected hit of the summer” – THE INDEPENDENT Neander is a physical theatre company that LIME MAGAZINE 2013

THEATRE

and mysterious wood. Encountering tempting trees to climb and beguiling creatures, the tale unfolds as the young audience help to create a magical world using shadow and light to guide the little girl through her bewitching adventure.

BLAM

has toured worldwide under the artistic direction of critically acclaimed performer and director Kristján Ingimarsson Neander’s productions display limitless physical expression along with boundless curiosity. *****”It’s unlikely you’ll have seen anything quite like this uber-inventive and gloriously silly show” – TIME OUT This smash-hit has been drawing packed houses and standing ovations from delighted crowds at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. BLAM! mixes narrative theatre, acrobatics and daring physical stunts. A wordless performance, it offers an imaginative, action-packed and highly entertaining experience, taking physical theatre to new heights of innovation. Info: £12, £20, £30, £38 http://www.sadlerswells. com/whats-on/2013/ Kristjan-IngimarssonNeander-BLAM/booking

th & 27 Oct Smile Orange

Trevor Rhone’s smash hit comedy comes to the Broadway starring Lavern Archer, Ricky Rowe, Charles Tomiln, Wayne Rollings and Tony Hendriks Info: £23.00, 8pm at Broadway Theatre http://broadwaytheatre. ticketsolve.com/ shows/873499768/events

- 28 Oct Gobbledegook — In A Deep Dark Wood Taking inspiration from fairy tales,In A Deep Dark Wood is a fun and interactive show about a little girl who bravely ventures into a dark

Gobbledegook — In A Deep Dark Wood

20 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Following on from the sell-out Planet of the Beetlebuns,Gobbledegook returns to the Lilian Baylis Studio with In A Deep Dark Wood, intertwining shadow play, interactive video installations and a thrilling fusion of contemporary dance and acrobatics. For those aged 2 - 4 years, there is a tailor made version entitled Deep In The Woods with all the magic, but none of the scary bits. In A Deep Dark Wood, developed at Chats Palace, is presented in association with MOKO Dance, a national dance partnership dedicated to opening the eyes of young people and their families to the power of dance. A programme of workshops and activities for children and their families will be available on the Saturday. Info: http://www. sadlerswells.com/whatson/2013/gobbledegook-ina-deep-dark-wood/ Adults: £12 Children: £7

HEADS UP

Nov – 20 Feb Emil and the Detectives

Join young Emil as he says goodbye to his mother, leaves his small town and sets off on a journey that will change his life. When his money is stolen on the train by a mysterious stranger, Emil thinks he’s lost everything. But as he starts tracking down the thief, he soon discovers that he’s not alone in the big city after all. For this classic tale of a boy learning to rely on himself – and on his new friends – the Olivier stage transforms into 1920s Berlin: a place full of surprises and danger, where everything moves at the speed of your imagination. Make sure you’re among the first to experience the National Theatre’s new family show, the latest in the exciting tradition ofWar Horse and His Dark Materials. Big city ways. No loyalty. Have you ever been away from home on your own, Emil? Well, if they murder you in Berlin, it will be your own fault. Info: £12 £26 £38 £48 Half-price tickets for under-18yrs (excludes £12 tickets)

October Nigerian Independence The biggest official Nigerian Independence party in Europe is back by popular demand! Nigerian’s 53rd Independence – Friday 4th October 2013 Hosted by Mr Amour ‘A’ Star & DJ Abrantee Top line up of Afrobeats Artists and DJ’s Music Policy – AFROBEATS, R&B, FUJI, DANCEHALL & MORE Info: Dresscode: Traditional African attire or smart wear only Doors Open: 22:00 Price: £18.00 - £40.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=9294

Oct DMC World DJ Championship 2013 Rane presents The DMC World DJ Finals 2013 at indigO2 this October! 4 World DJ Competitions. 30 Nations. 100 DJ’s! PLUS NEW to the DMC DJ Finals schedule: All day workshops! (Learn how to DJ, Beatbox, B-Boy/B-Girl, Popping / Locking and more) Full schedule and performances to be announced. A one day DJ Festival full of DJ innovation, creativity and

Oct Cokobar.com Music Festival Flavour, the most popular Solo Nigerian artiste across East, West and Southern Africa. He has broken several grounds and has just completed his soldout 10 city US tour which took every one by surprise. He is loved by all for his huge stage presence and once you have experienced his flavour, he becomes a taste you can never forget. Olamide, popularly known as Baddo, has been long coming with hits after hits in his home country Nigeria. He is a new sensation to the Afrobeats industry , raps in a mix of Nigerian language and broken English. He has all the anthems of 2013 in the Afrobeats clubs and will be dropping his most anticipated 2nd album. His fans are surely in for a great show. Info: http://www.theo2. co.uk/indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=9280

-08 Oct Rick Ross - Self Made 3 Tour Rick Ross is coming to

indigO2 on 7th October! Tickets go on sale this Friday 16th August at 10am. Due to music commitments within the USA, Rick Ross will not be performing on 8th October 2013. Tickets are valid for the 7th October, customers must contact their point of purchase if seats have been purchased to be transferred over to the alternative show. http://www.theo2. co.uk/indigo2/ view-event. html?eventId=9301

MUSIC

showmanship. Come and watch the greatest DJs from all over the world battle it out for the ultimate title in the following competitions: World DJ Team Championship / World

DJ Eliminations / Battle For World Supremacy / DMC World DJ Final. Info: £18.00 - £23.50 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=8488

artists of our time. He has sold over 50 million singles worldwide and fully proven himself as a true superstar.

greeted with both popular success and critical acclaim from all corners of the globe. Mars soon racked up a remarkable record of prestigious international awards and nominations. His newest album UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX once again sees Mars melding a multitude of musical approaches to create his own distinctive sound. Info: Doors Open: 18:30 Price: £46.25 - £46.25 http://www.theo2. co.uk/event/brunomars-20131008. html

Released in October 2010, his first album DOO-WOPS & HOOLIGANS was

Oct - 21 Nov Bruno Mars 14-time Grammy Award nominee Bruno Mars performs at The O2 on 8-9 October and 21 November 2013. Support will come from Mayer Hawthorne. Bruno Mars is among contemporary pop’s most gifted and compelling

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Speech

MUSIC

Words: Natasha Julien

British Rapper, Curator of the Koestler Exhibition at the Southbank

Debelle

Cbetter known as Speech Debelle, is a British

orynne Elliot (born 1983, London, England),

rapper signed to the Big Dada record label. The Mercury Prize Winning musician Speech Debelle is currently working on her third new album Full Circle. She has also been politically and socially active with a number of charities and movements one of which being The Strength & Vulnerability Bunker, which is the UK’s annual national showcase of arts by prisoners, offenders on community service, secure psychiatric patients and immigration detainees. It is the sixth exhibition in an ongoing partnership between the Koestler Trust and Southbank Centre. This year’s exhibition at the Southbank invites you to enter an atmospheric bunker, filled with images, objects, sounds and films that reveal personal reflections, regrets and hopes. Mercury Prize-winning rapper Speech Debelle has selected artwork, which she feels should be preserved as testament to the importance of human creation, from the thousands of entries to the 2013 Koestler Awards. You have been very busy, recently a contestant on master chef, working on your new album and now curator of the Koestler Exhibition at the Southbank due to open Tuesday 24th September. It’s a good time for me right now I’m busy doing things that I love, I am working on a new album in Iceland and then in Melbourne in February to finish the album. I started working on the new album in Iceland during their summer which means there daylight for 23 hours a day. Very surreal, as its 2 am and its daylight. I hope to return their as it’s such a different environment and this gives you different types of songs. Also really hoping to see the Northern Lights. How does it feel to be asked to curate the Strength and vulnerability bunker for the Koestler Trust, which is an annual showcase by prisoners and secure psychiatric patients. It’s given me a sense of pride about my art, I’m a rapper n the grand scheme of things it’s kind of low down on the totem pole in regards to art and how it is considered. To have someone say we think you’re an artist. So it makes me appreciative having that acceptance as an artist.

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as it sounds music and art for me have never just been about the money even though society tells me every day that it should be and it really shouldn’t be about anything else. It’s easy to get caught up in that after my first album to be honest I kind of fell into that where I kind of lost it a little bit about what it was actually about. I fell in love with this when it wasn’t making me any money and I loved it just the same. When you do what you love the money will come anyway.

Past curators have included Sara Lucas. Was there a particular process in the way that the art was selected? When I first started thinking about how I was going to approach this project very early on I started thinking I can’t step into a world that I don’t know. When I thought about an exhibition I started thinking about places like the Tate where I could go and look at art and appreciate it but it wasn’t really my world. But rather than stepping into that world, I really wanted to bring it closer to me, I really wanted the exhibition to have life. You know I haven’t studied art and the intricacies, but I understand what I feel so therefore the exhibition the way its laid out with the different zones and the music and the lighting its more about art having life. How did the invention of the bunker come into creation for the exhibition? It was very natural it just came from viewing the art. As a young Londoner where does your political awareness stem from? You have been politically and socially active in various guises an advocate for the hidden homeless, women’s rights, climate change and also the

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Firstly, I have to be honest I had no idea what curating was or even really what an exhibition really means. From the first meeting I had the idea for the Strength and Vulnerability bunker, when I went in to Koestler every day and was looking at the art work the pieces were kind of picking themselves. It just felt like certain pieces were meant to be in there because it fits in with the theme.

importance of voting? I’m not sure, but really I think first and foremost it comes from Hip Hop and being a teenager which meant it was a rebellious and revolutionary time, which is what happens as a teenager. It was just that time where I felt like I’ve got something important to say and I don’t care who I offend and I’m going to talk about what I see and what I want for the world and that’s when I got in to it. I was listening to things like TUPAC it was the thoughts of a certain community. I am a second born Black British Woman my mum was the first of her siblings to be brought up here and there is something to be said that things are not very fair. I had an awareness of how unbalanced and unfair things were for me as a black woman. To have that, if you’re a woman, if your black or a woman of colour and you have grown up in this country, especially during the 1980’s you’re going to want to say something about it. How easy is it to tell your story? As

your music is very autobiographical would you consider this kind of art therapy almost expressing yourself so freely and wearing your heart on your sleeve in the media industry? I don’t think it’s difficult at all. I’m a writer, so I have been kind of excavating my emotions all of my life, so it’s something that is pretty easy for me to do. What is difficult, is I go out socially to the House music scene, it’s what I like to listen to. But for me to go in the studio and try to make a house tune, it would just sound terrible. I believe everyone has their lane and I believe rap is mine. I get sent music from people and I think the beats are incredible and I think that the likes of Busta Rhymes would jump all over them but then Im unable to do anything with it, as its not where I feel comfortable. As an artist is drawing on your vulnerability is it a double edged sword in that your fans feel that they know you intimately? Art has been my thing, which is why I appreciate this project as its brought it to the forefront. As crazy

As a female British rap artist how important is poetry in your lyrics? Rap music is poetry. Just with a bit more style and music. If you don’t have a love of poetry I don’t think you can really be that good of a rapper in my opinion. Just because all the rappers I know who are really good I can hear the poet in them. Someone who is just able to use words to invoke emotion, that’s poetry, or words to invoke visuals that are poetry. After looking at your website I can see you are a keen tweeter how important is staying ahead of changing technologies? Live with it or Live without it, what side of the fence do you sit? I would like to live without it, that’s what I would like. I’m not really all that big on social networking, even though I should be as independent artist. I don’t have everything connected; I don’t feel that comfortable with technology. I use my phone just to make phone calls; I prefer to call people and talk. But I’m being forced to do stuff with social media as its necessary, but twitter I enjoy. For the full interview please visit www. thisislime.net LIME MAGAZINE 2013

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October 2013** Info: Doors Open: 18:30 Price: £35.75 - £74.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ event/jesus-christsuperstar- 2013-20130313. html

& 18 Oct The Kings Of RNB

Oct Time2Shine Finals

– 14 Oct JAY Z - Magna Carter World Tour After reaching his first British number one album with Magna Carta Holy Grail, JAY Z has confirmed he will be performing at The O2 on Thursday 10, Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Monday 14 October 2013. Support will come from Timbaland. Ticket limit is 6 per person per show – tickets booked in excess of this limit may be cancelled without notice. Info: Doors Open: 18:30 Price: £46.75 - £79.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ event/jay-z-20131010.html Jesus Christ Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock classic Jesus

Christ Superstar returns to The O2 on Sunday 13 October 2013. The show returns to the UK by popular demand, after receiving overwhelming praise during its inaguaral UK run from both audiences and critics alike. The run was seen by over 150,000 thousand people, breaking previous audience records with 74,000 fans seeing the show its opening weekend. Featuring award-winning Tim Minchin as ‘Judas Iscariot’, Spice Girl Melanie C as ‘Mary Magdalene’ and Chris Moyles as ‘King Herod’, plus the Winner of ITV’s Superstar, Ben Forster, returning in the title role of ‘Jesus’. **This is a rescheduled event from Wednesday 13 March to Sunday 13

Time2Shine Finals comes to indigO2 on Sunday 13 October 2013! Time2Shine is the No1 Gospel singing competition in the UK and televised on the Sky network. The 2013 edition will see auditions extending from the London area to include preliminary rounds also staged in Manchester and Birmingham in May. The Finals of Time2Shine 2013 will be held at indigO2 with the winner walking away with £100 000 worth of prizes. Info: Register for auditions now at: www.time2shine. tv £23.50 - £29.25

RNB legends Joe, Tank, Jagged Edge and 112 perform together on one stage for the very first Kings Of RNB concert on 17th & 18th October 2013. Joe fans will get their first chance to hear him perform tracks from his newly released album ‘Double Back: Evolution of R&B’, as well as classics from his previous 9 studio albums with a full live band. Co-headlining with Joe will be one of the most soulful voices in RNB today, Tank. Tank has gained a great many accolades as one third of RNB supergroup TGT, alongside his friends & bandmates Tyrese & Ginuwine, but it is the singers solo material that he is most known and loved for. With 5 solo albums under his belt, 3 of which were number 1 in the US RNB charts, and a career spanning over 13 years, European fans have had to wait a very long time to see Tank in the flesh live on stage. Therefore we are even more proud to present Tank’s first ever live show in the UK! Fans of RNB boy bands will not be disappointed by the addition of support acts Jagged Edge & 112. Jagged Edge are seen as probably the best RNB band of their generation, and famed for their classy vocals, return to the UK for the first time in 3 years. With a catalogue of hits spanning 7 years and 7 multi platinum albums featuring numerous hit singles, their performance promises to

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Finally, the Kings Of RNB concert celebrates one of the pioneering and most famous RNB boy bands to have ever come out of the 90s, 112. Originally signed by Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs to his Bad Boy record label in 1996, the RNB quartet from Atlanta Georgia took the burgeoning hip hop / RNB sound of the late 90s and made it their own. Working with rappers like The Notorious B.I.G., Mase & Craig Mack gave them a unique sound and fan base. After 5 successful albums the band members parted ways and worked on solo projects etc, but in 2012 the 4 original members reformed and have decided to give their UK fans another chance to see them perform together once again. KINGS OF RNB is unmissable! Info: £40.75 - £67.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=9061

Oct Giants of Lovers Rock pt 5 feat Frankie Paul & Special Guests with The Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra

Giants of Lovers Rock pt 5 feat Frankie Paul & Special Guests with The Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra are coming to indigO2 on Saturday 19th October! Tickets go on sale this Friday 12th at 11am. Info: £23.50 - £73.75

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indigO2 on Sunday 27th October! Tickets go on sale Friday 2nd August at 9am. Ages 16 & over Info: 29.25 - £84.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=9278

be a must see for real RNB fans.

st October Billy Ocean

October The Magic of Motown I’ll Be There - the 2013 Tour With Special Guests: GEORGE McCRAE Gwen Dickey of ROSE ROYCE & Jimmy James of JIMMY JAMES & The VAGABONDS It’s back! The UK’s favourite touring Motown stage show returns with a brand-new, all-star spectacular featuring guest appearances from: George McCrae, the lead singers of legendary hit makers Rose Royce and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds. Featuring an all-new score for 2013, The Magic of Motown’s 2013 I’ll Be There show is packed with 36 back-to-back massive Motown hits.

Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more. Info: http://www.theo2. co.uk/indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=6145

Oct Afrobeats Music Festival Featuring R2Bees Live Plus Guests Afrobeats Music Festival featuring R2Bees Live with special guests is coming to

The legendary Billy Ocean, with Special guests Woman, is coming to indigO2 ! Info: £29.25 - £34.75 http://www.theo2.co.uk/ indigo2/view-event. html?eventId=548

PLUS: George McCrae performing his No1 Seventies hits Rock Your Baby, I Can’t Leave You Alone, You Can’t Have It All andIt’s Been So Long, Gwen Dickey performing chart toppers Car Wash, Wishing on a Star and Love Don’t Live Here Anymore and Jimmy James bringing treasured hits Now is the Time and I’ll Go Where the Music Takes Me to the London stage. The Magic of Motown’s super-talented cast delivers five-star performances, authentically reviving the style and sophistication of all the Detroit legends – the

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

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Keri

Hilson

With an array of chart hits under her belt, R&B star Keri Hilson is making a foray into film.

Much like her music, the singer-songwriter seems to have a knack for picking wisely. For, she follows her role in last year’s smash ‘Think Like A Man’ with a part in box-office smash ‘Riddick’. The high-octane Sci-Fi flick, which also stars Vin Diesel, opened at #1 upon release this past weekend. Lime Magazine caught up with the Atlanta-bred beauty recently, chatting it up about her big-screen efforts, upcoming album, and much more. As ever, we ask the questions you really want answers to; ever frank, Miss Keri answered them all. We’ve seen you on the big screen before, but what can we expect different from this venture? Before, when I was in “Think Like a Man”, it was a character very much like myself. But, this one was a deviation from Keri in a lot of ways. Is it fun having that release? It’s easy to be yourself, but how do you approach being someone else? Yes, it was. It was like stepping outside of yourself and escaping my daily normal routine. Anytime I get a chance to be a student I really 26 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

welcome the opportunity to grow and learn. We hear the premiere was the first time you got to see the movie. What were your thoughts of yourself? It [the scene] went by much quicker than we shot it (laughed). There were parts they decided to go without and it’s interesting to see how your days actually play out in a movie. I loved all of the special effects. The world we were physically in [when we shot it] was nothing compared to the world they made it after CGI, green screens, and special effects. They really transformed and made it something much bigger than I expected. Well, we saw the movie and can say you were looking very sexy even as you looked like you were running for your life (laughs)!

Ha! That wasn’t something I was expecting to hear (laughs). With bruises and blood on my face, I remember feeling so dirty. They put dirt on me, under my nails, and all kinds of things. I felt the furthest from sexy I could ever be. Now, let’s talk music. What can we expect there? Right now I’m in Virginia working with Timbaland and wrapping the album up. I’ve said before, I don’t rush anything. This one has to do things for me, especially that the other albums didn’t do. I want to accomplish things with this one that I didn’t with the last. What kinds of things? Choosing the right singles, making sure it’s a seamless sonic effort, definitive sound, and lane-setting. These are things I need to accomplish.

We hear there’s a Kanye West collaboration. Who else should we expect? Doing interviews makes me really understand how many ways people can take a sentence or a phrase. The question was, “have you worked with Kanye West lately”? The answer was “yes”. But, it was assumed he was on my album or I was on his. We actually worked for another artist on his label. Hilson (cont): Although, he’s been a part of my first two albums and I would love to have him on the third. I think we work well together. He’s a genius and I love him as a person. I welcome the idea. So, who are you working with? I want to see Timbaland do for Keri that he does for others. A “big record”. The last time you really saw a successful record between

the two of us was “The Way I Are”. That’s what I’m looking to accomplish with this record.

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Your “take no sh*t” personality is awesome because you push people to make sure they give you the best. Yes, this is a business. I feel in a lot of ways I’ve been failed. I put in my all. Yes, I can do more. I’m not placing blame at all, however, I need everyone to give me the same amount of effort that I’m going to give. I’m appreciative of people, but how loyal are you supposed to before you get what you’re needing or “too much of a compromise”. I refuse to be loyal to my own demise. I am pushing them [Timbaland and Polow Da Don] to give me their best. So, have you heard the album’s first single? Do you have it yet? We think we do, but I’ve been gone so long I don’t think it would be wise to rush now. What’s the feel of it sonically? I don’t want to label anything because I would hate for us to deviate from that. At this phase, I will not put a label on what people will here. But, I do think my fans will pleased. Well, we at Lime are definitely fans of both albums. Highlights for us were your visit to ‘The Splash’ to perform songs you’d never performed before. Yes! I was a little nervous because I’d never performed songs like “All The Boys”. I really wish it was a single. That’s one of my professional regrets…not fighting for that song over others. Cool. Now, going back to Timbaland, we’ve also heard of your involvement with his new album. Can you tell us about that? I’ve heard the music and it’s dope. He and Jay-Z have a record and I’m on it. Any truth to the “apology” song that’s been causing commotion? That track really got misrepresented though. Whoever filmed that video cut him off and faded the video off to make it seem like it was the end of the sentence. Maybe his intention was to clear up what he previously said. I’m not sure if that record will even make the album. Last, but not least, with ‘Think Like A Man’ and ‘Riddick now under your belt, can we expect any more acting from you in the near future? Yes, we can expect it in my future but not the near future. I’m so engulfed in music at the moment and did ‘Riddick’ while on break from it. LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Soul singer

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Words: NICKY TRAX

SEL

Your new single ‘Dangerous’ with Fugi Roc is just starting to buzz and you’ve being tipped by tastemakers as Ones To Watch, how’s life at the moment? S.E.L: Life is great! I am loving that the track is getting so much love! It deserves it! We worked hard to create something that screamed individuality...I think we accomplished that. Fugi Roc: Things are really good thanks, a lot of great things are happening. I’m am so glad people are feeling the material we are putting out, it makes me feel really good! How did you guys team up and what makes your partnership so special? Funny enough, we met playing for Soul 2 Soul. I was playing bass and S.E.L was a backing vocalist. The moment we met we became best friends instantly and have a special relationship. Our taste in music is also very similar. I love the music she loves and she loves the music I love, this always helps when we are trying to make music together we refer to the songs that we both instantly know and vibe of that. You are also part of the Soul 2 Soul collective, and tell us how you became involved with them and are you an honorary Funki Dred? It’s a bit deep as I was singing with a choir, and the director knew Jazzie B and used to do Backing Vocals for him. I 28 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

always respected the way in which the choir director was so technical about singing as she took it seriously and took time to nurture and perfect her craft. I looked up to her because of that and would always stay on after choir as well as come in a bit earlier than everyone else for rehearsal - just to gain more knowledge from the director.

One day, Jazzie called her up asking if she would manage, organise and arrange the backing vocal section for him and the collective. She turned down the job saying it just wasn’t really for her anymore but told him she knew someone who would be perfect for the job...Me! I was soooooo star-struck when I heard Jazzie B on the other end of my phone for the first time! lol:-) I owe a lot to that choir director...I won’t mention her name but she knows who she is. xx I am a proud Funki Dread. The Soul 2 Soul ethos is to consistently be an individual, and an asset to the collective. Working with such an amazing man like Jazzie B, I have grown so much as an artist. He is a perfectionist, and encourages us all to always strive for perfection in everything we do. The great thing about being part of the Soul 2 Soul family is that we are all amazing artists in our own right....all of us at the top of our game! So when we play together...its Sick! (In a good way!Lol :-)

A little bird tells me your one of the UK’s most formidable bass players, and that you’ve played alongside some great artists including P-Diddy, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue and Bono. Can you tell us about this side of your career and what your proudest moments have been so far and why? And is there one unforgettable memory during your career? I’ve had a great career so far, and there have been many moments that I look back on with fondness. Oone of the biggest moments was with Kylie Minogue. There was a part in the set that she would call me out the front and we would perform the song ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’ and I always felt sweet like she was singing that song directly to me - lol:-) It’s funny, after six months of doing the same song it never got tired. Another fond moment was when I performed with P Diddy, as he has always been one of my heroes, because he is one of the hardest workers that I know of. He came from the bottom and worked hard to get to the top, and then to stay there. What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you in the next few months in terms of releases, shows etc?

have to rush to create anything new. Apart from that I am enjoying playing with Soul 2 Soul and we have a string of dates around England coming up in November.

In terms of releases, there’s the new single ‘Dangerous’! I have also collaborated with Fugi Roc on his second release, ‘Messy’, which is a very hot track and I’m very excited about that. Next year summer, I will be releasing my third single, ‘Elevation’, which everyone loves, and has already got worldwide radio airplay! lol :-) I have received so many requests to release it asap, but it has to be right. It’s a great summer track so I’m going to wait till next year to do it with my debut album. I have been working with Shades of Soul and Pizza Express Jazz to put on a string of shows, both as a host and as an act. I am trying to make it my duty for up and coming artists to be given the opportunity to showcase their talent and abilities in a professional setting, so I’m really looking forward to these shows. The first one kicks off on October 5th in The Pheasantry in Chelsea, London, then October 12th, Maidstone and the big one November 1st at the Pheasantry again. As part of the Soul2soul collective, we will be starting our 25 Anniversary tour in November and there’s lots of live dates. I am working on new singles at the moment,as our first one “Dangerous” seems to be doing very well. I want to have at least five single choices so that when the time I won’t

How did you get into singing? I am a classically trained musician, on the violin and piano, they were my first instruments. Singing just came naturally to me and I first sang in my school choir and remember the thrill I had when I did my first solo - I knew I wanted to perform then. How did you get into music? I started playing bass in church, and one of my sister’s good friends heard me play and happened to be playing for an artist called Lucy Silvas. Lucy was going on tour around Asia and needed a bass player, and when he heard me he asked me to join the tour. Of course I said yes and that was in 2000 and I have been playing ever since.

me to follow my dreams and never let anybody tell me that I couldn’t do anything. He has passed away now and I really really miss him.

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Funny enough, we met playing for Soul 2 Soul. I was playing bass and S.E.L was a backing vocalist. The moment we met we became best friends instantly and have a special relationship. Our taste in music is also very similar. I love the music she loves and she loves the music I love, this always helps when we are trying to make music together we refer to the songs that we both instantly know and vibe of that.

And is there anything fun or wacky or that we don’t know about you? I am a silly child at heart that laughs in most situations, bakes cupcakes as a hobby and has a candycrush addiction! lol :-)

Info: S.E.L Live Dates 05/10/13: The Pheasantry, 152-154 Kings Road, SW3 4UT, London, 12/10/13: Pizza Express Jazz, 32-34 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PF 25/10/13: The High Barn, 28 Bardfield Centre, Great Bardfield, Essex CM7 4SL 01/11/13: The Pheasantry, 152-154 Kings Road, SW3 4UT, London, Fugi Roc featuring S.E.L. release ‘Dangerous’ on Bournehill Music in October. For all info https:// soundcloud.com/fugiroc ; www.s-e-lsoul.com and www.reverbnation.com/ bournehillmusic

First record you ever brought? ‘Now 12’ album. The first record I ever bought was probably N.W.A’s ‘Straight Out Of Compton’ - lol:-) I was really into my gangsta rap at the time. Who is the most inspirational and influential person in your life and why? I have three... my mum, dad and brother because they have always collectively pushed me to be all I can be and to fulfill my dreams. The support is unconditional and consistent. I’ve already told you about my mother so it’s time to tell you about my father. He was a pastor of the church, a very funny person with an incredible intelligence. He always used to tell me that nothing is impossible if I really believe it. He told LIME MAGAZINE 2013

WORDS: CASSAM LOOCH

SCREEN

Lime’s October

film reviews

Captain Phillips The London Film Festival opener is a curious choice. It is a sensitive subject matter, and the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia is ever-present in the news. A film based on a real-life incident from 2010 might also seem like ‘too soon’ after the event, but rest assured this is a superbly crafted affair with some tremendous performances.

Hanks plays the titular Captain, and his turn seems to be fairly run-of-the-mill until the final five minutes when he turns on the style and delivers, what we believe, is his best performance to date. It’s frighteningly realistic, and you wonder how many actors in Hollywood could convince you they are in a state of shock. Elsewhere, young newcomers match the veteran. There is a real sense of danger and energy to the pirates, although credit must also go to director Paul Greengrass for that. The idea of any drama being drawn out of a slow pursuit of a lumbering Ocean vessel might elicit memories of ‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’, but the clever way in which the initial battle of wits is shown makes it feel more like ‘Master & Commander’ or a highseas version of ‘Wrath of Khan’. Things settle into a more predictable arc, but it’s here that the actors rise to the challenge. A high-quality film to open any festival, and a breathless example of the trademark Greengrass style. Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman Rating: 4/5 Release Date: October 18th Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

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It’s fun in places, with Gibson hamming it up the villain of the piece, and Lady Gaga doing a not-bad job as an assassin, but overall it misses the mark. A great pre-credits “fake trailer” for a future The Fifth Estate Another film about wikileaks, but this one isn’t a documentary. ‘We steal secrets: The Story of Wikileaks’ was the Alex Gibney take from earlier this year, but this time we get a dramatised version with Benedict Cumberbatch assuming the role of Julian Assange. It’s an interesting impersonation by one of the most in-demand actors, and although the voice and mannerisms seem to be all there, it still just looks like TV’s Sherlock in a grey wig. The real problem with the film is that it doesn’t know what it wants to be, and it also skirts over the more controversial aspects of the Assange story. There are obvious nods to ‘The Social Network’, and in some of its more focussed moments, the film is positively compelling. Unfortunately we also get scenes where we are “taken out

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Machete Kills You can definitely have too much of a good thing, and that’s the case with Machete Kills. It follows on from the first film with more stars and more minutes in the runtime, but it feels overlong for it.

instalment in the series is undermined by the ending, and Trejo remains the weakest part of the whole thing.

Amber Heard provides great support, as do some of the returning cast, but everyone involved could be doing a lot more. Well, maybe not Charlie Sheen but that’s a different story entirely. Starring: Danny Trejo, Amber Heard and Mel Gibson Rating 3/5 Release Date: October 11th

of the moment” with unnecessary visualisations of online chatter. The rushed finish, which Gibney handled with aplomb, is given a dismissive comedic slant, something which doesn’t do anybody any favours. A story which may well offer up a great dramatic film, but it needs to be resolved in real-life before it can hit the screens. See ‘Captain Phillips’ for evidence of that. Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl and Peter Capaldi Rating: 3/5 Release Date: October 11th

Films to watch out for…

As Halloween arrives, get set for a couple of spooky movies. The classic ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ not only announced Freddie Kruger but also saw a very young Johnny Depp in a minor role. Probably worth watching for both those reasons! Also out are ‘Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia’ and ‘We Are What We Are’. The latter is a slow-paced remake of a Mexican cannibalism film from a few years ago, and as remakes go this is one of the better ones we’ve seen. We’re also looking forward to a couple of sequels. ‘Thor: The Dark World’ and ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’ have been on our radar all year, and finally we get to see them on the big screen

We Are What We Are

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

London Film Festival Preview

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Words: Cassam Loche

Tanother glittering

he Capital is set for

series of Galas, Premieres and Red Carpet events as the 57th London Film Festival hits the screens in and around London. The great thing about this particular festival is that members of the public and also take part, and as such here is our guide to some of the best films to check out this month. Kicking things off is Paul Greengrass’ ‘Captain Phillips’, which sees Tom Hanks taking on a group of Somali pirates. It’s based on true events, and looks to be a taut, tense affair which promises to be evenhanded in its depiction of modern piracy. Hanks also stars in the closing film, with the more light-hearted ‘Saving Mr. Banks’. This time it’s the fate of Walt Disney that is the focus, as he attempts to woo the writer of Mary Poppins (a distinctly unimpressed Emma Thompson) and turn a literary favourite into the movie that we all eventually come to know and love.

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As ever, this festival often highlights some of the films that are in the running for the big awards come the end of the year. Leading the pack already is the fantasticlooking ‘12 Years a Slave’. Michael Fassbender reteams with director Steve McQueen after ‘Shame’, for this story of a free man who is ensnared into the slave trade in pre Civil War America. British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor takes the lead role, ably supported by the likes of Benedict

SCREEN Clooney? The tense spacebased drama has had everyone in a spin since the trailer debut earlier in the year. We don’t usually get many 3D films at the festival, but this one looks like it’s going to be something special. Another trailer that had us excited was the one for Joseph Gordon-Levitts’ take on romance. ‘Don Jon’ sees the actor play a lothario who finally meets the woman of his dreams in the form of Scarlett Johansson (she’ll do, I guess...), but his obsession with adult movies might be a sticking point in their blossoming relationship. This could be the comedy hit of the festival, and in a year where we’ve lacked in the genre in general, perhaps this is the one to get audiences laughing again?

Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt. Early reviews have been stellar for this one. Speaking of stellar... how about Gravity starring Sandra Bullock and George

Scarlett Johansson also stars in the altogether more creepy looking ‘Under the Skin’. This dark tale of an outsider trying to fit in has been freaking out audiences at various festivals around the globe and we await, with some apprehension. It’s going to be spectacular... but will we be able to sleep at night? Richard Ayoade scored big success with ‘Submarine’ a few years ago, and he’s

back with ‘The Double’. Fans of British Cinema should keep an eye out for a couple Urban efforts that might be the surprises of the festival. ‘Sixteen’ sees a cast of new British talent in a story of a child soldier from the Congo trying to fit into London life. Is violence about to return into his life here? A Peckham estate is the backdrop for comedy drama ‘Gone too Far!’ from first-time feature filmmaker Destiny Ekaragha. Based on an award-winning play of the same name, Ekaragha has become something of a festival favourite with her sharp and amusing short films. Can she keep up the success with this fulllength effort? A couple of sporting documentaries that we’re looking forward to are ‘1’, a story about Formula One (all the rage since ‘Rush’) and an astonishing expose of cycling cheat Lance

Armstrong. ‘The Armstrong Lie’ was filmed soon after the riders memorable appearance on Oprah Winfrey, and promises to be even more revelatory. Finally Chiwetel Ejiofor will be on screen again in ‘Half a Yellow Sun’. It’s an epic love story set in 1960’s Nigeria, which many will already be familiar with given the popularity of the source material. The line-up looks especially strong this year, with a number of cinemas around the Capital showing films. Get booking now! Info: Book tickets online at: http://www.bfi.org. uk/lff The 57th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express runs from Wednesday 9 October-Sunday 20 October.

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Baggage Claim Words: Maxine-Laurie Marshall

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movie review Bfun, rom-com that aggage Claim is a

will result in genuine laughter mainly from the fantastically paired comic duo of Adam Brody and Jill Scott. The film is led by Paula Patton who plays Montana Moore, an airline stewardess who is pressured into getting engaged before her younger sister’s wedding by her marriage-mad mother; Catherine (Jenifer Lewis). After Moore’s Mr Right turns out to be Mr Wrong yet again, she’s left singing Toni Braxton’s Unbreak My Heart and has only 30 days to bag herself a man. Here to help are friends and colleagues Sam and Gail (Brody and Scott). Deciding she has no time to meet a new man they make a list of Moore’s viable exes. Together the three of them pull in favours from staff across the airline, including check-in and security, to see when Moore’s exes are flying, and to ensure she ends up on the same flight. You will need to put your

feminist hat away for most of this film if you want any chance of enjoying it. While it seems like the only message is: ‘Women need a man to be happy’, the eventual moral of the story is a little less desperate, thankfully. However, the plot is unashamedly predictable. If you’re looking for surprises, hidden plot-lines and twists, this film is not

the one. If you’re after an easy and entertaining watch with your own Mr Right then grab some popcorn and enjoy! Each of Moore’s exes, and the situations she finds herself in with them, are hilariously over the top, from a CGI rain shower just as she asks “Can this get any worse?” to a super patronising, control-freak ex who genuinely believes

men should ‘lead’ women. But it works, and that’s thanks, in large part, to the choice of actors used for the roles. Taye Diggs (Brown Sugar, Private Practice) is perfect as the controlling, senator candidate with the winning smile and out-of-date view on women. Trey Songz is a great choice for his character, Damon Diesel, apparent man of the moment who is actually penniless and scrounging off his ex girlfriend. The cast is full of familiar faces, as well as the aforementioned, you’ll also see Christina Milian, Terrance J, Lauren London and Affion Crockett. Baggage Claim is directed by David E. Talbert, and adapted from his book, alongside producer Steven J. Wolfe (500 Days of Summer, Our Family wedding). It will be in cinemas in the UK from October 11th.

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Do the right thing

If Carlsberg made movies… Director: Edward Zwick Stars: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman Boyz n the hood

of a decaying innercity school that he is determined to improve. (108 mins.) Director: John G. Avildsen Stars: Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North

In 1981 in L.A., Monica moves in next door to Quincy. They’re 11, and both want to play in the NBA, just like Quincy’s dad...(124 mins.) Director: Gina PrinceBythewood Stars: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman, Jess Willard

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...Then these would be the best in the world. This isn’t a Top Ten, these are just some of the best black movies that were ever made. Feast your eyes and fill your mind, heart and spirit with the Majesty of Black Cinema. Each film here is a mustsee as it reflects the real life circumstances of many African Americans, Africans, and those of African descent. Watch as each character struggles to overcome adversity and obstacles as they pursue a better life. This is all real life packed with excellent acting and direction.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Matt and Christina Drayton are a couple whose attitudes are challenged when their daughter brings home a fiancé who is black. (108 mins.) Director: Stanley Kramer Stars: Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Houghton The Color Purple

The Five Heatbeats On the hottest day of the year on a street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, everyone’s hate and bigotry smoulders and builds until it explodes into violence. (120 mins.) Director: Spike Lee Stars: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson Glory

Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War’s first allblack volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates. (122 mins.)

Saga of a group of childhood friends growing up in a Los Angeles ghetto. (112 mins.) Director: John Singleton Stars: Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Hudhail Al-Amir, Lloyd Avery II In The Heat Of The Night An African American police detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racially hostile southern town. (109 mins.) Director: Norman Jewison Stars: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, Lee Grant Lean On Me The dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal

The story of the rise and fall of an African American vocal group. (121 mins.) Director: Robert Townsend Stars: Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry Lennix Love and Basketball

The life and trials of a young African American woman. (154 mins.) Director: Steven Spielberg Stars: Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Avery Whats Love Got Do With It A film about rock singer Tina Turner and how she rose to stardom with her abusive husband Ike Turner and how she gained the courage to break free. (118 mins.) Director: Brian Gibson Stars: Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly, Virginia Capers LIME MAGAZINE 2013

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Paula Pfilms include the aula Patton’s

musical IDLEWILD, the late director Tony Scott’s thriller DÉJÀ VU, MIRRORS, the acclaimed drama PRECIOUS, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLEGHOST PROTOCOL, DISCONNECT, JUMPING THE BROOM and 2 GUNS. The actress, 37, is married to singer Robin Thicke; they have a three year-old son. Looking stunning in high waisted J Brand jeans and an Isabel Marant shirt, her dark hair falling in waves down her back, Patton sat down in LA for the following interview.

Q: You look lovely and your character in the film wears some fantastic outfits; how interested are you in fashion and style? A: “To be honest, as a mother you don’t have much time. I used to spend time on fashion when I didn’t have a child. I would go through my closet and pick out outfits. Now I often find myself racing to drop my son (Julian) off at school wearing the same thing: black jeans and a t-shirt works. I still love fashion; I just don’t have as much time for it, so I have to carve out windows of time when I need to dress up. I don’t have the same attention to detail I used to have.” Q: BAGGAGE CLAIM is great fun. How did you get involved in the film? A: “I read the screenplay when I was making a film called JUST WRIGHT with Queen Latifah. I read it out loud with my husband 36 LIME MAGAZINE 2013

Patton and my best friend and we laughed out loud. It’s a rare thing for a black woman to be the lead in a romantic comedy, which is something I always wanted to do. I love romantic comedies. They just feel good. So I met David (E. Talbert, the director) to discuss it. But the movie went away and then I got pregnant and had my son. I did some other films and got a call saying: ‘BAGGAGE CLAIM is back, and David wants to make it with you.’ That brought a tear to my eye. I jumped up and down with joy. I was so thrilled and making the film has been a dream come true for me. It has been a labour of love. David created this entire world; he wrote this book. Of course I read his book afterwards, loved it and I loved the script. I always keep the original scripts from my films, because I think they are so precious. I feel so blessed to be here doing this work.” Q: What was the appeal of your character Montana? A: “I love going to the movies, so first and foremost I want to be in a movie that I want to go and see. Who cares if you do a great performance in a bad movie? This character Montana goes through so much. When we meet her she is very happy. She has

a career that she loves, friends she loves and at the start, she thinks that she’s met her dream man who’s going to ask her to marry him; then she realises he’s not so dreamy and that is devastating. So she has come back home and as she’s crying into her pint of ice cream, in walks her beautiful younger sister, played by Lauren London, with a big rock on her finger, saying, ‘I’m going to get married in a month.’” Q: Why does she care about getting married? A: “Montana comes from a family that places a great deal of importance on marriage. Her mother (played by Jenifer Lewis) believes you’re not a lady unless you’re a wife. This pressure feels like a boulder on her back. Emotionally she’s about to crack and so she says, ‘I can’t do it anymore. I don’t want to go to one more wedding,’ because people at weddings keep asking: ‘what about you? The clock is ticking.’ So she devises a plan with her best friends (played by Jill Scott and Adam Brody) who are

day journey through many airports and many cities. Her journey gets a little zany and she starts spiralling out of control. You can see it with her clothing as she starts dressing for each man; she’s trying to be the right fit for each person she dates. You’re not exactly sure who she’ll end up with. That’s the surprise of the film and the fun. Like any good romantic comedy you’re hoping you know what’s going to happen, but there’s still a little element of surprise, too, at the end.” Q: What was it like

working with Derek Luke (William) who plays your close friend and neighbour? A: “The honest truth is that Derek is an amazing actor. I think it’s hard to see a man truly fall in love in a movie, but he is already in love. Derek really loves his wife and has such respect for her and for that love; it just emanates from him. Derek has a lot of warmth. You can believe this man wants to give himself over to a woman. We immediately clicked in the room when we read together, I knew right away that it would be great because of the sweetness, the innocence and the kindness in his heart.” Q: You commented that it’s rare for a black woman to be the lead in a romantic comedy. Are things changing? A: “I think it’s a rare opportunity. It’s hard for women to find lead roles in which they are not playing the support to a male, which is ok, I don’t mind doing that, but it is great to find roles where the woman is driving the movie. And it is absolutely rare to find a movie that has a role for a black woman as the lead of a romantic comedy. In this movie, race doesn’t play any factor in the story; it just happens that our director chose to have an African-American woman in the lead. Often that’s not what happens.” Q: Did you always want to perform, growing up in LA? A: “I always wanted to be an actress, since I was a little girl. I would put on plays in our backyard and then I went to a performing arts high school. I met a guy, who took me to see DO THE RIGHT THING (Spike Lee, 1989). And from then on I wanted to be a filmmaker. At the time that I was in high school the roles for black women were not great, to be frank.

And I thought, well I want to write and create movies that will have great roles for black actors.”

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magnificent in the film. We had really good, fun chemistry. Adam says: ‘listen, we’re going to find you a husband. You can’t find a new person to put a ring on your finger within a month unless they’re in jail or they need a green card. So let’s go through your exes.’ So they go through her phone book and they say, ‘What about this guy? What about this guy?’ Montana is revisiting the past and her exes, wondering if maybe she’s been too picky in the past and should give them another try. It turns into a 30-

Q: Going back to BAGGAGE CLAIM, despite its premise (of a woman desperate to find a man) it has a positive message for women in the end doesn’t it? A: “It does. After Montana acts like a crazy person, yes. What’s beautiful about this romantic comedy is there are two happy outcomes. We see a woman who stands up to her family and says: ‘I don’t care what you think any more, through taking this journey I have come to love myself.’ And as in life, the moment you no longer need a man then one comes along. Then there’s a second happy ending. In this modern world we live in, it was so important that Montana found her own happiness because people are very tough on women. It’s not enough to have a successful career, to volunteer, doing charity work and to take care of all your nieces and nephews. The question is: do you have a man? Do you have a child? It’s as if none of the other things matter unless you are married with a child. That’s unfortunate. Men don’t go up against that. It’s an amazing thing when you find the right person to spend your life with, but if you’re just finding anybody to fit in so you can say, ‘I did it,’ that’s not good. That is why there’s so much divorce quite frankly. What I think is beautiful is at the end of the day, the man Montana meets is the man who knows about all her baggage in life and who she really is.” Info: BAGGAGE CLAIM is released through Fox Searchlight across the UK and Ireland on 11 October 2013.

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

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Taye Diggs Mtalented ulti-

actor Taye Diggs has starred in numerous stage productions including the hit Broadway hits RENT and CHICAGO He made his film debut in HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK. His big screen credits also include HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, THE WOOD, THE WAY OF THE GUN, CHICAGO (2002), BROWN SUGAR, JUST A KISS, MALIBU’S MOST WANTED, DRUM and CAKE Diggs’ next projects are THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY, a sequel to THE BEST MAN and THE TRIALS OF CATE MCCALL. His television credits include PRIVATE PRACTICE, ALLY MCBEAL, WILL & GRACE, THE WEST WING, NEW YORK UNDERCOVER AND LAW & ORDER. Diggs is the author of a children’s book: CHOCOLATE ME! released in 2011. The actor, who has a four-year old son, Walker, with his wife, the actress and Broadway star, Idina Menzel, sat down in LA to discuss the film, his career and family life.

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What was the appeal of the film? “I like the take on it. It reminds me of the actual baggage that exists in airports and the baggage we carry around in relationships. I love that concept. My character is overly ambitious - a politician, who’s just thinking about being Number One. The interaction between my character and Paula’s character is really interesting. You see a chauvinistic side to this man; he’s very controlling, and he’s got a dog (laughs). So that shows a different side to him as well. He was a really fun character to play. The film has great writing. One of the things I like about this movie is the specificity of a lot of the characters. Obviously, as an actor, that makes it much more fun.” In real life politics, are you a fan of President Obama? “I’m a strong supporter of Obama; I think he’s doing a great job.” Do you identify with this character in any way? “I’m working on being less controlling in my life (laughs), and I once had a small dog. Those are two similarities right there.” Langston Jefferson Battle is every woman’s worst nightmare because although he’s successful, he’s chauvinistic and sexist. Do you think that is still common in men? “Oh absolutely, in men and in women. Sure, I do.” Did you know when you first met your wife, Idina Menzel,

What makes a good relationship? “(laughs) If we all knew that, we’d be rich!” You’re both successful actors, does that make it easier? “This is our tenth year of marriage. Sometimes it’s easier and sometimes it’s more difficult. I think every couple deals with the same basic issues: for us there is the travel and the work. That can vary but regardless of what you are and what you do, relationships take work.” Would you like to act with your wife again? “I’d like that. I’d like to do a concert with my wife. That would be cool. I’d like to do some comedy. Doing this movie was fun and I had forgotten how much fun comedy is.” Are you enjoying fatherhood? “It’s the best. I love my little dude (Walker, born September 2, 2009), and I’m just bowled over every day. When he wakes up

and there’s that vocabulary coming at me, it’s an amazing experience. We’re right there. We have help. We need help because we’re both working and travelling, but he travels with us. He’s a great companion. He fits perfectly in my carry-on. Just kidding.” Has fatherhood changed your priorities? “Sure. Everything stops being about you, and it kind of happens naturally. At least for me it did. I’m far more vulnerable than I’ve ever felt in my life just because I can’t be looking over him 24 hours a day, and I’m worried something’s going to happen. You don’t experience love as big as this love of being a father. Your whole world and who you are as a person gets flipped all around.” Did you know that you wanted to perform very early on? “I knew that I liked performing. I didn’t know that I wanted to do what I do now as a career, until I went to college. I just kept doing what I enjoyed. Luckily, my mother put me in the right place at the right time, so I could blossom.” Would you say success a mixture of luck and talent?

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that she was The One? “No, no. It took us a while. We didn’t like each other at first. Then we gave each other a chance and became friends. Then after we were friends, we realised we could become something more. It wasn’t love at first sight at all.”

WIN PRIZES Lime magazine would like to give the opportunity to 10 lucky winners to win a Baggage Claim promotional pack plus a 2-4-1 voucher to see the film. To win simply visit www. thisislime.net/offers/ Win_Stuff and enter your name and email address. Good Luck “Oh, of course. It’s a mixture of all of it. I tell young people, ‘do your work. Make sure you come prepared.’ The rest is luck. It’s just a numbers game.” What inspired your great children’s book, ‘Chocolate Me!’? “I wrote that book because when I was young there were issues that I had to deal with. My mother did a really great job. Even today I think back to how she brought the idea of self-esteem, self-love and self-empowerment to my life. I grew up in a neighbourhood in which I

was the only black kid. All the kids made fun of the fact my skin was dark, my hair was curly and my nose was wide. So I went in and cried to my mother, and she gave me a lesson in self-empowerment and self-love. Instead of calling us black or Negro or African American she referred to us all as ‘chocolate’. At that time in my life, chocolate was everything positive to me so it was kind of what I needed to feel better about myself. I hope kids will benefit, if they have gone through something similar to what I went through.” What values are you imparting to your son? “Therein lies the rub. I want my child not to have to deal with any of the madness that I did, but at the same time I want him to be prepared. So we’re taking it day by day. I read him ‘Chocolate Me!’ We just try and teach him to be a good person, to not judge and to accept others.” Info: BAGGAGE CLAIM is released through Fox Searchlight across the UK and Ireland on 11 October 2013.

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

CLUBS

Is this your first time at SSW3 and what’s have your heard about the Weekender? This is my first time actually but I’ve only heard that it’s a great. What kind of a set will you be playing and do you have any secret weapons you can share with us? I never reveal my sets, but let’s just say I’ve been busy working on new music. I will be up to my usual no good self! Is there anyone you are looking forward to catching at SSW3 and why? I definitely want to see Jocelyn Brown, I haven’t watched her perform in years and she’s always stellar. I also always enjoy Martin Atjazz’s sets as well as Motor City playing vinyl. Oliver Cheatham would be great to check out too, he’s a soul legend.

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Words: NICKY TRAX

SPINNA

How does playing in Scotland compare to other countries? and is this the first time that you have played Scotland? I have played Scotland quite a few times but it’s definitely been ages. My good old friend Stevie Sole from Tronicsole Records used to bring me out in my years of venturing to the UK and I noticed the more north in you go, the deeper it gets. I’ve had really good memorable experiences in Glasgow as a DJ and as a party goer. People go crazy for good music.

How does it feel to have been working at the top of your game for so many years now? It’s a blessing. That’s all I can really say. I feel like my job is far from done though. I have so much music in me. Do you think House is having a renaissance right now and that the

music is so strong it’s never really gone away? In some ways yes. It’s festivals like this one, Southport and ADE that definitely help to keep things alive.If you had to judge from the industry side you would think differently, but then again the whole music industry is suffering, not just dance music. Technology hampered it to the point of no return. Luckily there’s a younger generation embracing the music from South Africa to England, and that also helps. That’s the only way it will survive. Otherwise it will get old with the people that it birthed. And how do you manage to keep it fresh, new and I guess, vital. Is it a case of pressure as a legendary DJ/ Producer to always be one step ahead in the house scene? I concentrate on sound. I think my vibe has always

been ahead of itself. Embracing old ideas with new sounds, keeping things edgy. I don’t feel much pressure because I’m in my own little world in my head anyway, lol :-) Recording & Producing must keep you busy. Do you have your own label and is there anyone or track that you’re particularly proud of any and are you psyched about any new stuff upcoming? My label is Wonderwax Music. I have about 13 releases so far. My most proud accomplishment was the Ovasoul 7 track “You Should Be Loving Me.” That track was 6 years in the making as the original session was lost. I originally recorded it in London with Mark De-Clive Lowe, Kaidi Tatham, Finn Peters on flute and a percussionist who’s name escapes me at the moment. The original session was lost due to the engineer’s errors. The

What do you see as your greatest musical career highlights so far? Do you have an unforgettable memory during your musical career? After a decade plus of doing Stevie Wonder tribute parties called ‘WonderFULL’ I was invited to spend a few days with Stevie in Los Angeles last summer. I ended up in his recording studio and at one point I found myself having a conversation with him on his living room couch. It wasn’t my first encounter with him but it was the best interaction and definitely the craziest thing that ever happened to me in my entire life! Things came full

circle for me. He showed me gratitude for celebrating his body of work. What was your first break in music and first big record? Did it set you on your path? My first big break in the music industry came fresh out of college. I cut a record called ‘Everybody Bounce’ under my old DJ crew name Rude Rydims Experiment in 1994. It became a huge party anthem. The label that released it, Freeze, was actually run by Todd Terry, and from that point on I have been non stop. How and when were you first infected by dance music? What was the first record you ever brought? Or earliest musical memory that springs to mind. I grew up in the disco era, and had loads of early disco hits in my home as a kid. Salsoul releases, records by Crown Heights Affair, Patrick Adams, El Coco, Chic etc. Dance music was always there. As soon as house music made it’s way to the New York clubs and radio I was in the record stores going crazy. We’re talking 1986 when it was

fresh. I went to the Paradise Garage the year that it closed it’s doors. That was enough to keep that bug in my body forever. Who is the most inspirational and influential person in your life and why? Stevie Wonder is my biggest hero. His music speaks for itself but on the humanistic side he makes you realise how important unbiased universal love is. Being a blind person having never seen anything before.. all that he feels externally and internally is what he sees. He can grab your arm and read you, you can be silent in a room and he knows where you’re standing. He’s an amazing human being. His work ethic is insane. We may not hear anything from him for years but he’s always in the studio recording. He makes me feel lazy! So after over twenty years, what does the future hold for you? Only god knows that answer, lol. But if it’s up to me, releasing great music, more gigs, and hopefully the opportunity to work with some more legends.

And before you leave us, can you tell us something you think we should all be listening to before we head out the door to SSW3? Let’s take it back to the old school and pull out that Fingers Inc. ‘Another Side’ album”, Now that’s foundation house!

CLUBS

demo got leaked and I ended up having to piece it back together over a 4 year period. It was released finally released in 2009 with a Dennis Ferrer remix and shot to Number One on Traxsource really quickly. It was a rewarding moment for me after all the drama. As for new stuff, I’m working on a new full length house album at the moment. It’s long overdue and I’m very excited about that.

Info: DJ Spinna headlines both SSW3’s The Blue Room and Pressure Point on November 1st-3rd alongside DJ Pierre, Motor City Drum Ensemble, LTJ Xperience, Bob Jeffries and more at The Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries, Scotland. The legendaryJocelyn Brown and Oliver Cheatham are Live and International DJ headliners Fish Go Deep, Nicky Siano, Atjazz, Lovebirds, Groove Assassin, Luke Howard - Horse Meat Disco, Soul Sam, Amir and over 40 DJ’s and Artists. Check out www. scottishsoulfulweekender. com www.facebook.com/ thescottishsoulful weekender

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

COMEDY

Sara Pascoe

Kane Brown

Oct 13 The London Comedy Club The Comedy Club has put on more shows in a single venue than any other comedy club over the last twenty years. We know how to make a great comedy night and now we have made a great comedy night even better see show details. We will continue to bring you the best acts and now we are proud to bring you the best comedy venue in London see venue details. We are truely excited to welcome you to the next level of comedy club buy tickets. We only select the finest acts for our shows. From acts that have been in BAFTA nominated TV shows to established top headline acts and telly regulars. Acts Each show stars a selection of the best acts from the circuit. Acts that have played our shows include Jimmy Carr, Ross Noble, Adam Bloom, Dan Antopolski, Patrick Monahan, Frank Skinner, Russell Hound, Tim Vine, Lee Mack, Harry Hill, and the list goes on... and on. Info: Kingsway Hall Hotel, 66 Great Queen StWC2B5BX London

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Oct Saturday Night in Covent Garden London! Jongleurs Comedy Show Kane Brown is a name that has become associated with fearless and bold comedy. Honest and energetic this fast-paced comic owns any stage and will leave you breathless with laughter and the ladies a little weak at the knees. Kane has performed at many of the world-renowned comedy venues (Comedy Store, Comedy Café, Glee Club, Hackney Empire, Shepherds Bush Empire, Indigo O2, to name a few). He has also interviewed stars from the red carpet for film previews and premieres. Kane always adds a comedy element to anything he does, as this is his natural way of interacting, making him a versatile charming allrounder.

guests. Info: Sat 12 October 8pm £20.50 http://www. hackneyempire.co.uk/3289/ shows/kojos-comedy-funhouse.html

3 course meal, comedy and night club access Info: £40.00 * A small fixed booking fee will be added http://www.jongleurs.com

Oct Kojo’s Comedy Funhouse Hosted by Kojo & Jade from the Choice Fm Breakfast show, an evening of improv & stand up comedy plus celebrity

Kojo

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line-ups of award winning comedians and the finest new acts. Suitable for 18+ Info: 7.30pm £12, £8 adv / Main Space / Limited Unreserved Seating / www.knock2bag. co.uk

Oct Milton Jones – On the road at Broadway Theatre Milton Jones is back on the road with another tour, this time imaginatively entitled On The Road. If you like the stuff he’s done on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo or in any of the nine radio series he’s done for Radio 4 then this is the show for you. Hundreds of his celebrated one-liners, plus pictures he drew. Clever, surreal but mainly just stupid stupid stupid. He’s won awards you know. ‘He’s fast absurd, and very funny’ - Radio Times

Milton Jones

Reginald D Hunter

Oct Black History Comedy Night Team Lucrative is at it again! Bringing you UK’s biggest black comedians in their Black History Comedy Night event at The Broadway Theatre for a one night stand-up comedy show! This is a one off event to celebrate the black history with the funniest comedians to ever have done it in the UK.

The night is suited for all types of people, from young to old, university

students to working people and of course every culture and race not only black people. It’s an event that will go down in the comedy history so make sure you grab your tickets now for this historical event, TEAM LUCRATIVE said so ! Headlining Acts: Eddie Kadi, Kojo and Adot Comedian aka uncle Adot. The night will be hosted by KG the Comedian the man that brought you the YouTube sensation Shadrack and the mandem. Info: Broadway theatre http://broadwaytheatre. ticketsolve.com/ shows/873501818/events £22.50

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

Eddie Kadi

October KNOCK2BAG the cutting edge Join Time Out’s Best Value Comedy Night, Knock2Bag East for an award winning evening of live comedy. With an eclectic line-up of the UK’s most innovative comedians, prepare for explosive night of top notch entertainment on the edge. Line-up: Sara Pascoe + Rob Deering + Luke McQueen + Chris Turner + Oram & Meeten + Lou Sanders + more to be announced Knock2Bag is a twice monthly mixed bill comedy night in East and West London presenting eclectic

‘No-one can touch Jones when he hits his stride’ The Guardian Info: 8pm - http:// broadwaytheatre. ticketsolve.com/ shows/873490253/events £20.00

th Oct 13 Reginald D Hunter -In the Midst of Crackers Following two previous sell-out tours of the UK and the release of his debut stand up DVD, Reginald D Hunter Live, Reginald (who is a popular guest on many of the UK’s bestloved TV shows including Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You) will be setting out to tour the country again in 2013 with his own unique blend of humour in a brand new show, Reginald D Hunter – In The Midst Of Crackers Info: http://www. fairfield.co.uk/showInfo. php?showid=22731 £23.00

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

TAKE A BREAK BREAKTIME

PUZZLE AND JOKE PAGES THAT ARE FUN FOR ALL

Magic Alquerque Fill the grid with numbers 1 through 9. In no row, column and none of the drawn diagonals is reapeated any number. Smaller Example:

44 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

FUNNIES

TEST YOUR BRAIN ON THESE

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

EASIER

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SUDOKU

HARDER

LAUGH OUT LOUD! SOME PICTURES ARE TOO FUNNY NOT TO SHARE

LIME MAGAZINE 2013

BREAKTIME

LAUGH OUT LOUDER! Caught Speeding Woman: Is there a problem, Officer? Officer: Ma’am, you were speeding. Woman: Oh, I see. Officer: Can I see your license please? Woman: I’d give it to you but I don’t have one. Officer: Don’t have one? Woman: Lost it 4 times for drunk driving. Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please. Woman: I can’t do that. Officer: Why not? Woman: I stole this car. Officer: Stole it? Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner. Officer: You what? Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to see. The Officer looks at the woman, slowly backs away to his car, and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches the car, clasping his half drawn gun. Officer 2: Ma’am, could you step out of your vehicle please! The woman steps out of her vehicle. Woman: Is there a problem sir? Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner. Woman: Murdered the owner? Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of your car, please. The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk. Officer 2: Is this your car, ma’am? Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers.

46 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

The first officer is stunned. Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not have a driving license. The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer. The officer snaps open the clutch purse and examines the license. He looks quite puzzled. Officer 2: Thank you ma’am, one of my officers told me you didn’t have a license, that you stole this car, and that you murdered and hacked up the owner. Woman: Betcha the lying bastard told you I was speeding too.

Why did you have to die?

A man was at a grave yard.

He began to moan “Why did you die oh why did you have to die?” A passer by knelt down next to the man and said “Was this person very close to you?” “No, actually i never met him!” replied the man “Why are you moaning then?” asked the passer-by coursously. “He was my wife’s first husband!”

SHE’S DONE FLYING SOLO

CONTAINS MODERATE LANGUAGE AND SEX REFERENCES

BaggageClaimMovieUK #baggageclaimmovie

IN CINEMAS OCTOBER 11