THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT & CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE
www.streetcredmagazine.com
20 DECEMBER 2016
£2.95
TH
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
CELEBRATING TWO DECADES OF A UNIQUE MOVEMENT BIG NARSTIE ● SHANA MANGATAL ● MIST ● HOLIDAY & TRAVEL FASHION ● EATING OUT ● SKINCARE ● THEATRE NIGHTLIFE COMMUNITY ● FESTIVALS ● MEMORY LANE
Advert
Editor Mark Dwayne Sub Editor Gordy Munro
Editors Note
“
Be aware but not afraid, the only competition is yourself!
“
D
Production Daniel Riley PR & Marketing Amanda Bowen Mark Dwayne MarkDwayne_MDG MarkDwayneMedia
ecember 2016 will mark 20 years of the legacy of the home grown entertainment and lifestyle magazine, Street Cred.
Do you remember the first time you saw Street Cred? Do you remember the first anniversary at The Grand Hotel? Do you remember the official launch of the Street Cred London office, when Street Cred went international? Do you remember Destiny's Child on Lozells Road with Street Cred? Do you remember me standing outside Mothercare? Do you remember the time when we first met? Do you have your old copy of Street Cred? What year is it? If you do remember these important milestones we would like you to celebrate with us! Street Cred Magazine has been the cutting edge shop window putting Birmingham and its local talent on an international platform. It's you, It's you, It's you I'm talking to! Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Tony Owens, David Hinds of Steel Pulse, The Ashanti King from Ghana, Connecting Roots, Rob Bruce of Rich Bitch, Evander Holyfield, Ripey and Beva, Summit Records, R Platnauer, Gordy Pix, Paul Kennedy, Phoebe One, Mark ‘Tapper’ Anderson, The Dream Team, Pals ID, Michael Henry, Peter Masters, Apache Indian, BBC & Carlton and many more I can’t list here - you know who you are, and why you are significant in our remembrance. Street Cred wants to say thanks to you all for making us a household name for the past 20 years. Celebrate with us, so we can continue to celebrate you! Mark Dwayne MDG
Contents GRIMEY NEWS - Pages 4 & 5 LACOSTE FOOTWEAR - Pages 6 & 7 BIG NARSTIE AND MIST - Page 8 SHANA MANGATAL AND NICE - Page 9 MEMORY LANE - HERE'S TO YOU - Pages 10 & 11 SUPERKART CHARITY CHALLENGE - Pages 12 & 13 SHARDFEST STARS & BARBERBARBER - Page 14 MARK DWAYNE ALL BLACK BIRTHDAY 2016 - Page 15 VIVA BRAZIL & THE DATING GAME - Page 16 SWISH HOLIDAY AND LIFESTYLE - Page 17 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2016 - Page 18
Catch Street Cred On www.streetcredmagazine.com twitter.com/streetcredmag facebook.com/streetredmag The views expressed in Street Cred magazine are not necessarily the editors opinion so do not try to kill him if you read anything you feel offended by! The magazine is a positive and fun read and is not with the intent to threaten anyone. All images are copyright of their respective rights holders. PublisherS TPN Media The Colmore Building 20 Colmore Circus Queensway Birmingham B4 6AT Advertise
0121 339 5885 advertising@streetcredmagazine.com
Newsdesk
0121 339 5885 newsdesk@streetcredmagazine.com
20th Anniversary Edition
A Frozen Spectacular As Disney On Ice Hits The Barclaycard Arena
T
aking children to experience the wonder of a massive Disney Production is always going to be a good
thing. Just seeing the joy on their faces when all the characters came on to the stage really melts you seeing how happy they are. We at Street Cred Magazine were given the opportunity to give a family the chance to experience a meet and greet with the stars of the show before the main event. Latasha and her daughters, Aliyah and Zenayah Aura found the experience to be phenomenal and has called in to say that she has not stopped talking about it to all of her friends and family. Also there on the night were Aston Villa stars Jack Grealish, Gary Gardner, Albert Adomah, Leandro Bucana, Mark Bunn and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. The show started with all the Dis-
ney characters coming on stage, including Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck, Snow White, Toy Soldiers and more - ice skating while acting is something you have to commend. The skaters as always were of an exceptional quality, especially the lead duo playing Anna and Elsa, and the choreography and acting brought the characters to life in a believable enchantment. We have to commend Disney on Ice for a true masterpiece. The whole arena was filled with excited parents and their kids, with both adults and children alike singing along to every word of every song from the smash hit movie - absolutely delightful! Many parents, including the dads were as excited, if not more so, than their children to be there. Personally, I think that was down to the production, and the realistic characters that were portrayed on the ice.
Be prepared to spend though, as besides the price of the admission, there is all manner of wonderful pieces of memorabilia and merchandise tantalising the children from the front steps of the arena, right the way up to your seat - but it’s worth it!
We recommend that every parent should give their child the opportunity to experience this type of magic at least once in their life, to see their little eyes light up truly is amazing.
Whitney Houston Queen of the Night Alexandra Theatre
W
e were all in good spirits to see the Whitney Houston Queen Of The Night Tribute which took place at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on Wednesday 18th October. The iconic singer is well missed by millions because of her powerful voice and sensual songs that touched us in a way like no other. Really, if you’re a true Whitney fan you are all about love and emotion. Starting off with emotional warming us all up for the ballads such as ‘I Have Nothing’, ‘Run To You’, and ‘I Will Always Love You’.
All the songs were performed to a high standard including the live band. Tears of joy were in the theatre and of course with the uptempo songs we had to stand up clap and dance especially to the 80’s hit ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’. The first half was a very easy warm up of the old school Whitney that we knew but it was the second half that was really up tempo and featured her more urban songs such as ‘My Love Is Your Love’ and ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’. The lead singer and band did a fantastic tribute and left every one feeling in good spirits. Would I go again? Sure would!
20th Anniversary Edition
Sir Lenny the
F
‘Great’
rom 16-year -old hopeful, to being one of Britain’ s greatest ev er icons, comic, ac to r, philanthrop and now unive ist, rsity Chance llo r, Sir Lenny Henry knows no bounds. His recent vis it to Birming ha Academy, for one, was to en m’s Shenely courage more diverse young people to performing ar take up the ts, something which is often deemed inacc essible.
Star R ecognition for Steel Pulse A mass ive ‘B
THE MACK IS BACK!
Now, in his ro le as Chance llor of Birmingham City University , he will be championing more diversit y there, as we as universitie ll s in general. A great icon and a great ch of causes, Sir ampion Lenny is dese rved of the endless plaud its that make s him one of Britain’s tru e ‘Greats.’
ig Up’ Award-w make inning S to Birmingham one song to recogn tee ’s It only takes k ar M it d io an n on the l Pulse for fina own Grammy reer lly Broad S you have a ca has Blessed! er st ice treet ‘W getting due Le m alk of S Morrison fro e tim all e tars.’ Th . at th k truly shown rn of the Mac tu Re ic ss R&B cla 20th celebrates its has made the and Anniversary Mack! ts..well done top ten char
DJ SILK is truly shutting it down! Bexceptional Concept
Its been a great year for Wolverhamptons own DJ Silk who had a call from R Kelly to do a remix cd of his songs and he also was support DJ for Wiz Khalifa at the Red Bull tournament in London WOW
Congratulations to the staff of Classic Concept who won BEXceptional award!
To Advertise in street cred call 0121 339 5885 ainer is
ordan tr rake’s J
Beyonce STILL REIGNS She drops a surprise album dissing her husband but we all know that was just an attention grabber , supports Hilary Clinton but failed to get her into office but one massive achievement was the fact she filled out wembly stadium 2 days in a row this year! She is is todays superstar of RNB and best that doing it!
Apache Takes Aim
RELLY is the FACTOR y to see Relly We were so happ r and we cto Fa X return to r she did have to say this yea r than tte amazing and be the first time. ber her We all remem Blige in J ry Ma h wit g singin e came sh er lat rs yea 2013 and three bouncing back. ea t X Factor we se With or Withou t like en tal h wit as lly Re ybright future for to not see it go an this it is impossible d you girl. hin where. We are be
A
fter worldwide success, singer/ song writer and DJ, Apache Indian’s love for music has seen the award-winning Birmingham star set up his Apache Indian Music (AIM) Academy, to support young people in developing industry standard skills in these areas and more. Based at South & City College Birmingham, his students undertake the skills of singer, writer, radio and TV presenting, as a foundation to the industry on a grander scale. After his relentless run of international success, now Apache, noted for his distinctive fusion of bhangra, reggae and British flavours, is showing young people the right way to AIM for, at the college’s Handsworth campus, in the industry giving them the ‘heads-up’ on what’s right – and even more – in the game called ‘music.’
!
bang on
D HEAVY!
CHOCOLATE GOD! Tash is Birmingham ’s award winning model. Our answer to Tyson Beckford & Tyrese. Get a load of this hunk!
KATY B stuns at
mobo
y B stunned us at Underrated singer Kat and even Craig David the MOBO this year speech while she found it hard to do his ... legs baby oh yes! presented his award
good to go - black heels always work
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20th Anniversary Edition
LACOSTE Explorateur Sport 3161 Price: ÂŁ75.00 Available instore: J D Sports Available online: www.jdsports. co.uk The Explorateur is a premium sneaker executed in a subtle off-white colourway for a contemporary take on winterised comfort.
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20th Anniversary Edition
Models : SB, Livvy, Sharika & Kerry
LACOSTE L.12.12 Price: £100.00 Available instore: Schuh Available online: www.schuh. co.uk Unmistakable Lacoste styling and impeccable detailing are the stand out features of this classic court.
LACOSTE Straightset 3161 Price: £70.00 Available: www.asos.com Back for AW16, the popular Straightset is updated with a seamless stitch-and-turn construction technique that accentuates the minimal aesthetic. Team with denim for a clean, understated look.
LACOSTE Joggeur Lace 3161 Price: £105.00 Available: www.asos.com The Joggeur Lace is modelled on a sleek, feminine last shape for a contemporary look. Wear with tailored trousers and a blazer for a classic, urban look.
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20th Anniversary Edition
Big Narstie MARK DWAYNE EXCLUSIVE WITH THE BRITISH RAP HEAVYWEIGHT gyal all over the world. [laughs]
I
caught up with the hottest grime artist in UK right now who everybody loves. London Grime veteran Big Narstie met me at the Marriot Hotel in Birmingham before his Uni show to give Street Cred Magazine and TV the lowdown. He is probably the most down to earth artist I have ever met thats doing it big in the music scene. This guy is good friends with Craig David and was the first grime artist to feature on Johnathon Ross show.
MD: Easy bro, good to meet you thanks for the time
MD: How is the response when you perform the tune?
NARSTIE: No worries fam big up Big Mikee in Birmingham.
NARSTIE: It’s been mental to think I made this darnce at like 4 am in the morning drunk in my yard and to see so many people across the place doing it is crazy
MD: Respect thats our grime king, so tell me the BDL Skank tune is explosive right now how you feel about the whole hype on it? NARSTIE: The BDL skank is doing really well fam, I had to embrace my Jamaican roots by having Supercat and I am riding with the flow fam its all happening.
MD: Being with Craig David on that hit single “When the Bassline Drops” - how has that elevated your career? NARSTIE: What it done for me is it opened more international doors so big up Craig David man I mean he got the
MIST SICK MADE KARLA - LUXURY LIFE OF GRIMES NO 1
C
oming from Brum city is now the grime artist the streets are raving about! Link Up TV, SBTV and many channels alike have blessed us with this guys videos and cant forget the legendary live fire in the booth sessions with Charlie Sloth on 1Xtra. The Brum Town Rated Award winning rapper is currently a peoples favourite generating millions of views online and performing for sell out shows. Mist talks of songs with deep content. A Brum soldier revealing the hard knocks growing up and living the streetlife to losing parents, being locked up in Winson Green and experiencing a life of crime and recklessness. We can quite safely say MIST is the no 1 hip hop grime artist shining from Birmingham. Now Mist is living positive and smashing the charts, even beat-
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ing Ushers album sales online. Every time Mist performs there is something magical and he really doesn’t have to say a word as the crowd sings the lyrics for him. Screaming women of Leeds, Manchester, London and Japan are on a Mist Craze. Tickets are sold out for all shows in Manchester, London and Birmingham. The Mist EP features the hits ‘Smokie’ ‘Karlas Back’ and ‘We Ain’t the Same’. The new video ‘We Ain’t the Same’ definiteley shows the big boss levels of a young artist in his twenties. Hollywood Hype and Grime Daily showcase the star in Dubai wearing very expensive jewellery, rapping on a private yacht, sipping alchol with stunning ladies and cruising in plush Ferrari's. He is definitely living the life of an OG...Go on MIST
MD: Who else you working with on the album? NARSTIE: Robbie Williams, Lady Leshurr, Tinie Tempah and many more. MD: Wow you going in with the names bro mans with Robbie Williams thats mega! And Lady Leshurr thats a good look reppin our brum chick feeling that.
NARSTIE: Of course, its English music bro. It’s all happening. Words: Mark Dwayne
World Exclusive
20th Anniversary Edition
The Woman Who Had A Secret Romance With Michael Jackson
S
hana Mangatal has released a detailed book titled Michael And Me that reveals the man not the superstar he was. Street Cred Magazine caught up with her to get the inside story. As Michael’s receptionist who landed her dreamjob became his closest friend now shares their life in her own words in her newly published book titled Michael and Me. The relationship went on for years, and now Shana wants you to know the side that Michael wouldn’t show. All is revealed in detail in her first book that has got the world talking MD: Hi Shana just want to say thanks for this important interview. I see that you was Michaels Ex-Girlfriend and you are releasing a book about your time together. Why do you think it is important to do this? SM: Now, more than ever, there are so many crazy and untrue stories about Michael. His legacy doesn’t deserve to be tarnished like this. My book will show him in a different light, from my perspective…a girl who fell in love with him.
MD: Would you say you knew him more than anyone else? SM: I don’t think anyone can say that. He showed different people different sides of himself. Most of his friends felt they knew him best, but no one knew everything. MD: What did he like about you most? SM: He liked that I was quiet and shy and nice. MD: What are your best Michael songs and why? :) SM: I love Michael’s sexy songs, especially Give In To Me and Dirty Diana. I love the hard rock mixed with his powerful voice and lyrics that tell a story. MD: How did you hide the relationship so well? Where did you spend time with him? Did you ever have a paparazzi moment? SM: We were only together in private and in work situations, so it wasn’t too hard. TMZ and things like that didn’t exist back then, so it was a little easier to not be noticed.
Club Event of the month
Joe Hunt has been a household name in the club scene for many years and its great that he now has a massive underground Garage party we can all go too simply called NICE held at the legendary Rainbow Warehouse in Digbeth Birmingham. These events have massive attendance figures and always a NICE old skool loving crowd.
Joe Hunt with wife sam norgrove
The ravers are energetic and friendly, its a scene that you can easily go to and feel apartof. You can witness the best Garage Djs and live acts in the scene. As far as it goes for Garage events in the Midlands there is only one and it is this.. Check some of the photos and be sure to hit their facebook page for more info. Facebook:niceundergroundgarage
MD: You’re getting a lot of media attention at the moment, how are you coping with it? SM: It’s been interesting. My social media is filled with supporters as well as some fans who aren’t so nice. It’s difficult reading negativity, so I try to focus and only give attention to positive and supportive people. MD: Knowing the most amazing man in the world you must have seen the unbelievable. What’s the most mem-
orable time you had with him that stands out? SM: I loved seeing how other people reacted to him. I’ve seen tough, hardened thug types become like nervous, teenage girls around him. No one was immune to his charms. Watching him work and dance up close was also something I’ll never forget. He was more amazing in real life than he was in his music videos, if that’s possible.
When we were youn g @ Harmony Q Clu- bRavers
Caprice
Cat Deeley
Faith
Tatyana Ali
LL Cool J
Missy Elliott
Cristiano Ronaldo
Pamela Anderson
John Barnes
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Kirk Franklin
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Willia
Teddy Riley
nry & ny He ughlin n e L Sir a McLa i Marc
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w - 1998 o hild Intervie C s y’ n ti es D d Lozells Roa
Ciara
Keri Hilson
Here’s
The Great People We’v 20 years. Mark Dw P Diddy
Will Smith
Richard Blackwood & Slim
Oritsé Williams
Gramps
Redman
Trilla
Masood Ahmed
Nick Owen
White Dee
Destiny’s Child
Katy May Street Cred Event
KC & Sisqo
Damage
Ya Garn Too
Bobby Noodlez, Brady Shortie
yz & Section Bo
Tru Str
don Drake - Lon
eet Dan
ce Stre e 2007 t Cred Party
Craig David
Sacha Brookes
White Yardie
Tim Witherspoon & Gordy Pix
DJ EJ
Blank Canvas & Reena
Bobby Dazzla
Lady Leshurr, Mixmaster Yootie, Mystikle Blue
Lady Leshurr & Fans
Richard Blackwood & Kevin Hart
Hatman
to you
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Cha
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Tyson, Lester, Asher D
Method Man
Slot
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Malik
Gabby Agbonlahor
ve Met over the last wayne & The Stars
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DJ Mexy Birthday Bash
Jazzy Jeff
Beenie Man, Danny D, PacJam
Tyson & Prince William
Ghostface Killa & Sicnis
Jazzy Jeff & Mad Skillz
Daniel Riley
NAS, Aaliyah, Missy, Ginuwine
Nutcracka Macka
Keri Hilson
Changing Faces
SWV
Shola Ama
P Diddy & Mystikle Blue
SEMI FINAL THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 14TH
SEMI FINAL THURSDAY
OCTOBER 19TH
AR
ITY
CHAL
R
GE
// SCHEDULE
RKA
CH
TS & DATES
U
PE
T
Y CHALLENGE 2017
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EDITORS NOTEEdition 20th Anniversary
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N
N 8
TEAMS
ovember 15th saw the launch of the Superkart Charity Challenge – a Le Mans style race, open to teams from the community as well as corporate, raising money for some important charities including Love Brum, Birmingham Childrens Hospital, Radio Lollipop, Cure Leukaemia, The National Autistic Society, Include Me Too and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and in association with Teamworks Karting. At Teamworks Karting Birmingham, THURSDAY movers and shakers from across the region turned up for what was a great afternoon of food, drink and networking, supporting the launch of what is set to be a huge fundraising effort for the charities, with Peter Masters announcing that
GRAND FINAL
8
TEAMS
NOVEMBER 9TH
SEMI FINAL & GRAND FINAL (Le Mans 120) 225 DUDLEY // HALESOWEN // BIRMINGHAM // B63 3NR
there would be a minimum of £20,000 for each charity raised as a result of this event. The event aims to bring together people from all communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands, with 25 Business teams entering alongside 15 Community teams. “We feel this will bring a stronger bond and reinforce the cohesive spirit
Welcome to “The Drive of Your Life” the most adrenalin fuelled – fun busting knock-out charity event to take place in Birmingham. Our mission is to create an exciting business event whereby teams of ten people from business and community projects can mix, mingle, compete and enjoy a fun filled informal atmosphere, whilst raising a fantastic amount of money for our chosen charities.
0121 516 7128 // info@superkartltd.co.uk // www.superkartltd.co.uk
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Maz Iqbal
Peter Masters & Mark Dwayne
20th Anniversary Edition
Kamal Uddin
amongst the many different nationalities that have made Birmingham and the wider West Midlands their home as a place to develop in peace, harmony and prosperity for now and the future generations to come.” “By bring together all these elements we feel that it can only enhance and strengthen the strength and diversity of our community and will create a long lasting bond of respect and friendship amongst competitors and the public as a whole.” Host for the afternoon, Raaj Shamji showed what he can do
on the microphone alongside his toastmaster duties, ably assisted by the Dead Sea Skulls backing him up, as well as interviewing a number of key people attending the launch including media partners from The Phoenix Newspaper, Desi Blitz and The Asian Today, as well as Cllr Waseem Zaffar and Beverley Nielsen amongst others. Birmingham’s own Apache Indian turned up to rock the microphone, performing some of his hits and promoting the AIM Academy, as well as other prominent Birmingham-based organisations including The Phoenix Newspaper. The Karting event is scheduled for 2017, with full details available on the website at www.superkartltd.co.uk/. Also watch out for more information in the coming months in The Phoenix Newspaper!
Mark Dwayne & Apache Indian
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20th Anniversary Edition
Stars in the Park for
Raise a glass for THE BARBERSHOP
B
illed as ‘Strictly for man-pampering, Barber Barber provides the ‘one-stop-shop’ for all things ‘blokey’ in a society which demands the very best – from top to toe – and more. Situated along the bridge link between the newly open Grand Central shopping and dining experience, in Birmingham, and the already well-established, reverberated Bull Ring, this leading men’s grooming emporium has gone that extra mile providing the highest level of comfort and unique customer experience engineered to make you ‘at one’ with your world. Run by the very amiable Johnny Shanahan, his team of highly skilled groomers provide you with high-end, high value hair care in an environment that is almost unique in its field. From the second you walk in you are treated the ultimate ‘man’ with the offer of a choice of drink, from the flashlooking licensed bar – or, perhaps it’s just a cup of tea that tickles your fancy. Either way, you’re in a place that makes you feel, already, that you will be revisiting time and time again. “Barber Barber is a man’s grooming centre strictly for men,” says the Limerick-born Johnny, “and the reason why we insist on that is because I believe in ‘Men Only’ spaces, where we can be more relaxed and open – and have no inhibitions. Back home, in Ireland, the barbers was always seen as a ‘meeting place’ for men, whether they wanted a cut or not. They would just go in to chat, or have a drink and be comfortable in their surroundings - a home-from-home for an array of different characters that made the place somewhere very special to be. And that’s what I want to bring here.” But there’s been some negative response to the ‘men only’ ethos, with
some women, although Johnny’s at pains to say; “There has been some negative from some women, but the majority I’ve come across think it’s a great concept. The important thing is that men love it because it makes them feel that they belong.” Already opened in Leeds, Manchester, London and Liverpool, Barber Barber is proving classic trims for the classic man, up and down the UK, in a place that men can call their own, with no restrictions – AND THEN SOME! The attention to detail from the barbers here really shines through, using some of the best products in the services they provide. The barbers work with your individual face, hair and beard to give you a tailored finish that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the day. Osman Ahmadi at the Birmingham store really went into detail with the information he gave, with shaving tips, tricks and his own recommendations. Never having been to a dedicated Barber before, this was an experience not to be forgotten soon, and hopefully to be repeated even sooner.
20th Anniversary Edition
Mark Dwayne All Black Birthday 2016 “For me the all black was amazing - I just wanted to get my ravers that have been with me since 1997 and make them relive the days of how we use to party”
V
IP magazine editor and DJ promoter Mark Dwayne brings the All Black roadblock. Over the last 20 years we have seen Mark bring colour theme parties like Blue and White, Black and White and Red and Black, but this year Mark decided to do one colour which was all black which is his favourite colour for many reasons. This night was for
his supporters, a massive road block Birthday in September. Nearly 1000 guests were dressed in full black to celebrate and party in VIP Style at the Myyst Nightclub In Birmingham. The Street Cred magazine editor and DJ has always been known to put on massive and exclusive parties and to date this one has been the best this year. The All Black Event was highly anticipated as Mark announced earlier in the year that he was taking a break from the club scene to concentrate more on the corporate dinners, new album and tours in the UK and Abroad. But if you know Mark Dwayne he couldn’t leave this year without a swag-
ger club party as this is what we know him for. “I don’t do club nights as regular as I used to” said Mark Dwayne “mainly because of my age and if I’m honest going out isn’t the same as back in the day but it was my birthday and I thought why not give it one more go this year and do a party for my friends that love Old Skool but its gotta be all black” As you can see by the pictures 99 percent of the clients were dressed in Black if you were not then it was due to strict orders to not to have your pic taken. “Mark Walters of Aston Villa has been supporting me for the last 19 years, it’s noted - Respect!” beamed Mark “Other celebrity guests included White Yardie and others attended the glamorous affair.”
Mark dwayne
, mark walters
Over the last 20 years Mark Dwayne has been a trendsetter for VIP nightlife parties in the Midlands, his readers buy his magazines support him as a DJ and singer and all that is part of the Mark Dwayne Brand. He has often been hailed as the P Diddy of Birmingham but Mark states “I am simply me doing what I love for my supporters and all I aim to do in my life is put a smile on peoples face. “It turns me on that I am able to give people that escapism needed in their life for a few hours, I love to give people a big party and music is a great way to get everyone socializing and getting to
& MC Fila
know each other. “For me the all black was amazing - I just wanted to get my ravers that have been with me since 1997 and make them relive the days of how we use to party and it was so nice to see everyone here again and grown up, it’s been an amazing 20 years doing magazines and parties ’ Photos by
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20th Anniversary Edition
The Dating Game
‘
Why are you still single? You should be married by now? Don’t you want to have children? It must be you, you are too fussy. No-one is perfect. Who are you waiting for, God himself to come down and whisk you away?’ Yes I have heard it all. I never knew being single was a sin. It is not as though it is something I decided on, I just haven’t found ‘The One’. ‘Ah ‘The One’, well he doesn’t exist. There is no such thing. It’s time you grew up’. Wait a minute… what happened to finding someone who understands me? What happened to finding someone that I click with? What happened to finding someone that I am attracted to mentally and physically? ‘So why don’t you go and find ‘The One’. - How? He is obviously not falling from the tree outside my window. 'Well maybe you need to go out more’. - I do and I seem to be attracting ‘the wrong type’. ‘Why don’t you try some dating websites?’. - Yes I have and I didn’t really have a good experience. I met some men but they all lied about something or another and obvious things like their height (which is not really a problem but I do prefer for him to be taller than me), or their
profile picture is completely different from how they look. One man I met took me to a nice Thai restaurant. Conversation was flowing until he called for the waiter. The waiter came along and asked him what he would like to order. All of a sudden he snapped at the waiter, he spoke to him abruptly and rudely. I was so embarrassed and that was it for me. A total turn off. To be honest I was shocked. I just finished my meal as quick as possible, made an excuse to leave and never contacted him again. I also tried a speed dating event with a friend in London. It was our first experience. The women sat in a row next to eachother and the men would sit opposite them, and speak to them for about 3 minutes individually and then move to the next lady for the next 3 minute chat and so on. The women stayed put while the men moved along. I spoke to afew men but had no luck in finding a good match for me. My greatest issue I realised was with myself. I am successful in every aspect of my life except in relationships. What was I doing wrong? For a while I did not understand what was going on until I started to study ‘ME’. I started to do a course in Life
Coaching as I am interested in helping people to get over their fears, blockages and limited beliefs. I became very interested in people’s behaviour and their behaviour patterns. The biggest problem some people have is that they are in denial. It is very easy to blame the other person but the answers are always within you. You attract what you are or feel. Your subconscious mind holds a lot of information that you have fed it for years and unfortunately it may not all be positive, hence what makes you behave in a certain way. I had to tackle my own barriers first before I was able to help others. And so I did and still am. I am the ongoing project. But one thing I will say is that I am ready to date again and attract the right kind of guy for me. I know what I want now. I am single ready to mingle! :) Is there something that you are struggling with? It could be your relationship, career, goals or even fears. I would love to hear from you. Please email me at: neenakapoor100@ hotmail.com. A problem shared is a problem spared! Always here to help! X Neena Kapoor
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or 15 amazing cuts of meat, authentic traditional Brazilian hot and cold dishes, and Caipirinhas, the traditional Brazilian cocktail, look no further than Viva Brazil. Located on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham, the awardwinning authentic Brazilian steak house restaurant chain offers some tantalising cuts of meat, including chicken, beef, pork, lamb and sausages, as well as seafood and vegetarian options. Slow roasted over a charcoal barbeque, each delicious cut of meat is hand carved at the table in front of customers by a troop of Passadors. The
meats come thick and fast, so thankfully they have provided you with a red and green disc, to signal if you want a break from the rodizio. Head Chef Viny Kaiser spoke passionately about the culture and passion for the food that he creates, backed up by Area BBQ and Meat expert Alex Chiesa who gave a presentation on the history of the Churrasscaria. Odu Bamgbose, General Manager of Viva Brazil Birmingham enthusiastically told us of the 2 cocktails for £8 deal on Friday and Saturday nights between 9 and 11pm, and also of the fantastic offer that will be a deal breaker for a lot of families. Depending on the time of day you visit Viva Brazil, there are 4 meat, 9 meat and 15 meat versions of the rodizio available from just £9.99 per person, up to £24.99
per person at peak times. Throw in the fact that kids under 10 eat for free with a paying adult, and children between 10 and 16 only pay £8.95, and you’ve got amazing value. The food itself, from the delicately seasoned and cooked meats brought to your table, to the hot and cold dishes available at the salad bar is sublime, and each new meat you try brings a whole other world of flavour. Just be careful not to fill yourselves up on the salad bar before you’ve tried all 15!
20th Anniversary Edition
Holiday and Lifestyle
Glam Girls Love Marbs
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.00pm on Wednesday afternoon, can only mean one thing, it's time to swap the Nike trainers and school runs for the glamorous heels and champagne party life of marbs. #Rule no.1 Everyday thou shall release the inner goddess, wear lipstick and heels with oversized sunglasses and handbags. #Rule no.2 In Marbella dahhlin you will be kissed twice upon been introduced, so be sure to be wearing your most sensual fragrance, just a little spray on the sides of your neck, just below the earlobes should do it. My personal favourites are Chanel Chance for daytime and Tom Fords Black Orchid for an evening. #Rule no.3 Think housewives of Beverley Hills at all times... Wear only the most fabulous dresses wether it's out for dinner or dancing until the sunrise. Ssssh between just us I found some amazing dupes of designer pieces on sites such as Missguided and Boohoo.com Four days, Three great friends and so
many marbs memories later, however will I fit this all into one article. Marbella is simply every glam girl dream I ever had. It's lined with designer shops, amazing restaurants, bars and nightlife. Cocktails are a plenty and Shisha containing Vodka is enjoyed in most outings. With the bustling atmosphere of every cosmopolitan city, a stunning marina filled with big fancy white yachts that glimmer and decorate the waters, live music, sunshine and every super car you can imagine, Marbella most definitely lives up to its playground party reputation for the most rich and glamorous of lifestyles.
An epic Marbella fail made fabulous.
So I stepped off the plane in beautiful gold detailed heels that would make even Guiseppe Zannoti jealous. I oh so elegantly got into the drop top Aston Martin ready to hit the open roads. It was amazing, the views were breathtaking and my beautifully
blow dried hair was blowing in the breeze, yes ladies this was my moment, my ultimate glam girl turned film star moment. Epic Fail was right around the corner, for little did I know that upon arriving at my destination that beautiful warm breeze I so enjoyed at high speeds had turned my luscious long hair into a wonderfully tangled mess that now resembled something of a birds nest! Well lesson learnt this is not a movie ladies, always always tie your hair back!
pedicures, the perfect blowdry that lasted for days and a killer make up application. Champagne in one hand, lipgloss on and many hours later we were ready to hit the beach party's and nightlife of Puerto Banus.
"No carbs before marbs"
Yes ladies it's true, get super Marbella ready! Hit the gym, eat healthy and drink plenty of water in your pre Marbella prep. However once you arrive it's all high heels. Swimwear and dresses, so enjoy, live life and drink champagne. Be you, Be beautiful and stay glam. With Love Donna-Marie
Rescue at the Bardou
After such an experience there was only one way forward, you guessed it. A ladies pamper day at the salon. I was rescued with a glass champagne upon arrival, well quite a few actually if we're gonna be honest here. Don't judge me it's what glam girls do. This salon oh wow it catered to all my heavenly needs. From Jessica gel manicures and
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CTO State of the industry conference 2016 in barbados
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was told throughout my life many times that I haven’t had a true holiday until I have experienced sun sea and sand, so when the opportunity came for me to review the SOTIC (State Of The Industry Conference) where 52 countries come together to highlight the new attractions of their islands and have a world class tour of Barbados, like any journalist I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. This year was my first visit to the Caribbean, Street Cred Magazine featuring the lifestyle and travel section Swish along with the BBC and the world press were invited to a luxurious week tour of Barbados courtesy of the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. I was well prepared with my attire, boasting my shorts, white vest, pumps, and snazzy snapbacks ready
for that white sand beach and powder blue skies experience. It was an 8 hour flight to get to the other side of the world which they call paradise on earth, as the plane landed I could not wait to stretch my arms and take in the sun. When I stepped off the plane feeling the blazing heat beating down on my skin was brilliant. We were escorted from the airport to our Hilton hotel resort courtesy of the Barbados Tourism Board, the chauffeured drive went through the most amazing scenery. I filmed the whole journey and took so many selfies on my android phone just to have evidence that I was now in paradise. What amazed me was the view of the tropical palm trees amongst amazing large detached houses driving through the neighbourhoods. I hadn’t even reached my hotel and already I was saying to myself I want to live and die here. Yes Barbados is a beauty to the eye! As we got to the Hilton resort hotel we were greeted by two wonderful hostesess who said kindly ‘Enjoy your stay in Barbados’ while handing us both a tall glass of exotic rum punch. It was then I thought this is going to be an epic trip. So we checked into the hotel and within the hour I was confidently topless luxuriating on the beach with Adam Stewart & Mark Dwayne my cocktail , yes we were
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settled and had the first buffet meal over looking the beautiful white sand beach. It was a good start to the trip. The whole thing kicked off the following day when we were picked up at 6.30am to go to the press launch, where we received an in depth introduction from some of the islands, where we as journalist started to get a feel of what as to come for the duration of our stay. After a day of preparation and information, the evenings event took place at an $88million mansion, with a restroom that was so lush you didn’t want to use it, instead taking photos of it. Boasting multiple swimming pools, cinema room, snooker table and all the mod cons, with a backdrop of dignitaries letting their hair down and enjoying the delectable delights that tantalised your tastebuds. The next day was another early start on an all day Rum Tour of Barbados, following breakfast at the Hilton and a factsheet of the Barbados attractions delivered by Billy Griffiths, followed by a mouth watering, knee trembling, anticipation growing pitch of Barbados by Dr Kerry Hall. The tour included a drive past of Simon Cowells multi-million dollar holiday home, Rihanna’s old neighbourhood and the estate where Tiger Woods got married. We stopped at the Rum Shacks and the Sugar Cane Mill as part of the Spice and Rum your, including a legendary massive warehouse built in the 1600’s. The group met with locals who had prepared a local delight of the island, Souse which is a dish of pickled pork and sweet potato.
The trip came to a stop at a local restaurant, for the main meal. The next 3 days were dedicated to the conference itself, interspersed with awards dinners, and networking, before the final night at a Concord bar. The bar was open all night with all bar tenders dressed in Air wear, a free world buffet ranging from Chinese Italian, Carribean and more. All in all, we would like to thank the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc for an epic SOTIC 2016, where I was told there was an increase in numbers of 500 delegates from previous years. All I am waiting for now is my invitation to the 50th Anniversary of Independence, so I can experience the uniqueness in celebration that Kerry Hall sold me at the beginning of the trip!
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TEAMS
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HEATS (Le Mans 90) 202 FAZELEY STREET // BIRMINGHAM // B5 5SE
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