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23 | THE VOICE JUNE 28 - JULY 4, 2012
TWITTER OUTBURST
Leona Lewis in foul-mouthed tirade IT’S OVER
Rick Ross dropped by Reebok
ZOE SMITH
The super strong Olympian
24 ! THE VOICE APRIL 18 - 24, 2013
WHAT STEPHEN LAWRENCE MEANS TO ME Stephen Lawrence was just 18 when he was killed in a racist attack while waiting for a bus in south-east London. In 2012, almost 20 years after his death, Gary Dobson and David Norris were found guilty of his murder. As we approach the 20th anniversary of Stephen’s passing, Dionne Grant talks to a host of familiar faces about what affect his death has had on them
“I will never forget Stephen Lawrence or his story, which I've known most of my life. He's an angel. His death reminds us that evil still exists but ASHLEY God is good ‘BASHY ’ because he gave THOMAS his mother Rapper & actor strength, which allowed him to eventually get justice. Heartbreaking as well as inspirational.”
“Stephen Lawrence’s legacy lives on ‘til this day. I can’t describe the impact his ASHLEY death has had on me WALTERS and others I Actor & MC know. I was oblivious to racism before, but it could have happened to anyone; me, my friends or my family. His death was not in vain though and he will never be forgotten!”
“I was six years old when Stephen got stabbed. His legacy proves to me the power of perSAMUELL severance, BENTA determination Actor & creator and faith. After of web series All 20 years of constant strug- About The McKenzies gle, we have now finally seen some justice. Stephen’s parents are great examples of supporting children and love. I've dedicated the final episode of my new series All About The Mckenzies to Stephen.”
“Stephen could’ve been my brother, my cousin or my friend, which is why his death affected us so deeply. The work JAMELIA that his mother Doreen Lawrence Singer and OBE has done in actress her fight for justice and the charitable organisations set up, is a true testament to Stephen’s legacy. He’s a part of our history that shouldn’t be forgotten.”
“Stephen Lawrence’s passing shows that we were and still are viewed as second RICHARD class citiBLACKWOOD zens. The Actor, comedian message & television we should personality take from his legacy is the need to unite and become leaders!”
“There are certain events in my life that have shaped the person I am today. They are moments that have made me realise EDDIE KADI whatever I do Comedian & in my career, I presenter must do so to make a change. Stephen Lawrence’s legacy stands as an important reminder that as a community we still know what is important, our right to be considered as equals under every circumstance.”
“Stephen Lawrence's legacy covers such a wide spectrum and is a testament to the great person he was. From YOLANDA architecture to BROWN youth empowerment, revolutions Award-winning in law to bringing saxophonist focus to racial conflicts that are still present in society today, his legacy continues to inspire so many.”
“Stephen’s legacy represents hope. Hope for the future where there will be an end to violence MISHA B based on Singer the colour of your skin. I look forward to working on helping fight this cause.”
“The legacy of Stephen Lawrence, screams injustice to me. His mother is unable to rest because 20 JASON LEWIS years later, Comedian some of his killers still walk free. I can only salute the Lawrence family for their tireless campaign for justice. Richard Pryor once said of the prison system, ‘You go down there looking for justice, that’s what you find – just us.’ To me that quote is funny, sad and in this case true. RIP Stephen Lawrence. Gone but never forgotten!”
“The thing that stays in my mind when I think about Stephen’s legacy is his mother Doreen Lawrence’s relentless strug- RICHARD CAMPBELL gle for change. It reminds me of Actor how strong we are when we come together to tackle issues. Stephen’s death exemplifies this quote: ‘If you don’t talk about it, you can’t overcome it’”
“To be honest, I was very young when Stephen Lawrence was killed, but I remember hearing my ANGEL parents talk Singer about it. I'm just happy there has been some justice and there has been a progression in the way things are dealt with.”
“Stephen Lawrence’s death was a tragedy. The scary thing about his murder is that it could DIZZY VOCALhave happened to me CHAMELEON or someone Afrobeats artist that I know for no other reason than the fact we’re young black men. His parents spent years fighting for justice and it makes me feel proud of all they have achieved to date. RIP Stephen.”
“The fight by the Lawrence family demonstrates what is achievable ARNOLD with belief and persist- OCENG ence. I find Actor & rapper their courage most inspirational.”
“It’s been 20 years since the death of Stephen Lawrence and there have only been two convictions for his murder. MIKEL AMEEN This shows Rapper me that as a young black man in 2013 I can STILL suffer the same fate. That’s why it’s so important that his legacy be kept forever in the heart of the black community and Londoners alike.”
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APRIL 18 - 24, 2013 THE VOICE ! 25
www.voice-online.co.uk/entertainment
Olympic weightlifter Zoe Smith talks to YV’s Ben Lettman about breaking records, Usain Bolt and partying hard after London 2012
W
HEN YOU think about professional weightlifters, you tend to conjure up images of competitors with a bulging muscle mass similar to someone like action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger. But those preconceived notions have been made redundant by the feats and frame of the diminutive 5ft 2in Zoe Smith. The south Londoner first rose to prominence after capturing a bronze medal as a 16year-old in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and is currently training for the World Junior Championships in Peru
on May 3. Since claiming that medal almost three years ago in India, Zoe has also won a silver at the World Youth Games in 2011 and represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games where she finished 12th, lifting a total of 211kgs, the equivalent of a newborn killer whale. But even more impressive than Zoe’s medal collection is her incredibly long list of national records. The teenage Olympian has so many British records in weightlifting techniques - the clean and jerk and the snatch - that even she’s unsure how many she has broken. “To be quite honest,
because I’ve been breaking records since I was about 13, I think it adds up to quite a lot,” she says. “Maybe a few 100 but they’re all in different weight categories and age categories, so not quite as impressive as it seems.” The 18-year-old adds: “Senior records are the ones that really matter to me. In the 58 kilo category, I’ve still got a few more records to go. I’ve got the British clean and jerk record, but I’ve still got the snatch record and the total record to go, so they’re the big aims and I’m really excited to start breaking them soon.” During last year’s Games, weightlifting was one of the first competitions of the Olympic
schedule and was held at the ExCel Arena. Reminiscing about her experience on the grandest stage in all of sport, Zoe said: “It was really good. I had a really great time. The competition bit was really nerve-racking. It was the biggest stage I’ve ever competed on because usually I’d compete in front of 100 people at most, like I did at the British Championships. And that would primarily be mums, dads and friends of other lifters. “So competing in front of 6,000 was ridiculous. It felt like being a rock star!” she laughs. “I really enjoyed that. All the partying we did afterwards, I think we’ll be taking some of those stories to our grave. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I can’t wait until the next one.” Once a keen gymnast, Zoe first got involved in the sport after coaches discovered her hidden talent as a 12-year-old. Realising that the gym can be a daunting place, Zoe was still full of encouragement for the next generation of female UK weightlifters. “A lot of girls have contacted me through social media and said ‘how do I get involved in weightlifting?’ or ‘I’m now involved in weightlifting because you and the guys inspired me to try it out after the Games’. It’s still really, really unpopular as far as
sports go, but the popularity has increased massively I’d say.” She went on: “It’s quite a male dominated sport of course so to go in as a woman, or at 12 like I did, is quite a terrifying experience. I’d say if you really want to get involved don’t be shy. Just find out where your local club is and maybe take a friend who is also interested, just to make it a little bit less scary. All the coaches I know are more than happy to take on new lifters. “Sometimes when I go into new gyms people are a little bit surprised. Some of them know who I am from the Olympics and stuff, but then other people who don’t can be a bit more surprised. I think a lot of people still expect weightlifters to be absolutely huge but
we’re actually quite little people.” Like Zoe, six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt should be in action at the 2016 Rio Games in Brazil. Zoe says she is a “massive” fan of the world’s fastest man. On spotting the charismatic Jamaican sprinter during last summer’s Games, she recalls: “I didn’t see Usain Bolt out, but we did see quite a lot of the international athletes so that was quite cool. I walked passed Bolt once and I got really excited. I would’ve been a proper fan if I had I seen him out. It would’ve been really embarrassing for everyone around me to watch it! He’s a cool guy!” To keep up to date with Zoe’s progress, follow her on Twitter @ZoePabloSmith
FRANK OCEAN:
JAMIE FOXX:
The entertainer was given an MTV ‘Generation Award ’ for captivating audiences for nearly two decades
The US singer has been named the most ‘powerful gay man in music ’ by Out Magazine
OR BUSTED? F F BU Dear Kat,
My boyfriend says he wants a baby, but I don’t feel ready. I’m 17 and I’ve been in a relationship with him for seven months, he’s 21. Our relationship got serious really quickly and now he’s talking about children. I really love him, but he has a child already and I feel like I’m too young to be a mum. My best friend has a child and the minute she did, her man left. Now she is struggling. I don’t want to lose him by saying no, but I don’t want to have a child either. Plus, my mum would go nuts if I came home pregnant. She doesn’t really like the fact that I’m with a man who has a child in the first place. I want to make my man happy, but I know that I won’t be happy if I get pregnant. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease help me! Lady T
RICK ROSS:
Hi Lady T,
Your approach is a mature one and I respect you for that. You’re 17 and have so much of your life to live. Planning to have a baby now, when you’re still, in the eyes of the law, a child yourself, is not ideal. I understand accidents happen and that many young mothers have made great parents, but should you fall pregnant it would actually be planned. You already talked about watching your friend struggle. Your boyfriend is not that much older than you, is a father already and has only been dating you for seven months, I worry about his incessant need to want another child. How is he with the one that he has? My advice to you would be to tell him no. If he leaves because of this, then you must question why he was with you in the first place. If someone truly loves you they will want the best for you, I don’t think a child is that right now. Take time to enjoy your life. Go on carefree holidays, nights out with your friends (when your of age, of course) and ultra-selfish shopping trips. There is plenty of time for you to start a family.
BUSTED
BUFF
The rapper was dropped by Reebok following the controversy over his lyrics where he seemingly boasts about drugging and raping a woman
JAY-Z:
The hip-hop mogul hit back at critics who said his recent trip to Cuba with wife Beyoncé was illegal with song Open Letter
TWEET OF THE WEEK The usually mild-mannered singer Leona Lewis took to Twitter to complain about cruelty against horses in the recent Grand National
RIHANNA:
A look only Ri Ri could pull off
JAY-Z:
Why those sh orts though, Jay? Leona Lewis
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26 ! THE VOICE APRIL 18 - 24, 2013
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