Street Cred Magazine - April 2017

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 17

20 YEARS AS THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ALL EYEZ ON ME

As the world gets ready for the release in june, we take a look at the man behind the moVie

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

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It’s time to ‘Show What U Got’

S

by Steve Williams

WUG is the word as singer/songwriter/ magazine founder/editor/promoter/dj/producer Mark Dwayne’s latest single; ‘Show What U Got’ is already proving a massive hit with its play on social media portholes and YouTube channel.

It’s been a while since his album ‘Hustler’ created instant hits like ‘In Love Again,’ ‘Barber Shop’ and ‘Get Down,’ but his new fresh, uplifting banger is a reminder – to the ol’ skool – of what they’ve been missing for so long, whilst opening the doors to a new era of fans who, instantly, have fallen for ‘one of their own’ whose dulcet, always meaningful lyrical tones have touched the hearts a n d

minds of people of all ages, generations, genres and cultures.

For multi-talented Birmingham-born Dwayne, Founder/ Managing Editor of award-winning lifestyle and entertainment magazine, Street Cred, it’s been a journey of ‘discovery’ as his life-long determination for success as a solo singing entity is now bearing fruit – on a personal level as the catchy single marks a ‘comeback’ for one of the city’s all-round favourite sons.

Immensely proud of his hometown, for the always affable MDG, ‘This Is The Time’ to Show What HE’S Got...in no uncertain way.

He’s been singing since the age of five, sampling, covering and appearing as legends like the late Michael Jackson, who he covered alongside Peter Andre at the Clothes Show at Birmingham’s NEC in support of the British Heart Foundation back in 2001 when Michael came out with ‘Rock My World’.

All in his quest for that ultimate ‘goal’ of becoming a succesful singer/songwriter in an industry that has been his raison d'etre for so long.

But, as is his effervescent ‘always-giving’ nature, Street Cred took

over his life as he put his own singing career on hold as he pursued his ‘job,’ his ‘responsibility’ to uplift those around him and give his fellow-Brummies their deserved platform to shine – as it was always felt that the city was ignored by major labels – both home and abroad.

Mark also collaborated with Pato Banton and Phoebe One, on ‘The Real Moneymaker’ with the latter.

But it wasn’t just Birmingham based artists that used the platform, as it was national and international artists such as Destiny’s Child who he brought to Lozells Road, Beenie Man, Jessie J, Buju Banton, Joe, Usher, P Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, Teddy Riley, Missy Elliott, Shola Ama, Richard Blackwood, Trevor Nelson, Damage and many more who graced the front cover of the Street Cred Magazine.

After twenty dedicated years of serving Birmingham’s untapped talent, “It’s time for me to show what I’ve got,” he says.

‘Show What U Got?’ He’s been doing it for years, with his tracks getting prime-time, regular play on the likes of Radio 1 Xtra, where he got record of the week twice on Dream Teams Sunday Show by Timmy Magic and DJ Spoony, and appearing on Ministry of Sound album listings to great response.

His mum, Marcia McLaughlin - herself a multi-awarding winning Founder/Managing Editor of The Enterprise Newspaper and, for seven years, The Phoenix Newspaper, is an ever-present inspiration and guiding light in his life.

Mark would like to thank Simon Cowell for the work that he has done to put talent on the map and for recognising him as the ‘R Kelly of the UK’, Gordy Pix for being one of the most supportive friends that he has ever had, and Paul Kennedy for believing in him, and giving him a great insight into the industry and the future of it.

Now Mark Dwayne is on a platform of his own as he can, himself, now expose his own, personal life experiences and overwhelmingly natural talent to the masses as he creates his own Birmingham-led ‘#SWUG’ movement to show the world what his city’s got, and to pass on the legacy of Street Cred Magazine to the next generation.

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 19

www.streetcredmagazine.com

One Love: The Bob Marley Musical F

by Paul Ramsey

irstly I must give credit to director Kwame Kwei-Armah for this wonderful production.

Growing up as a youth back in the late 70's I recall my older sister coming back home one Saturday afternoon with the Bob Marley album Rastaman Vibration.

Back then Woolworths was the biggest seller of music on the High Street!

How times have changed, which leads me on to discuss the chosen venue for the show - The REP Theatre.

This was one of my old haunts growing up as a teenager.

The REP bar was a trendy bar a little ahead of its time in comparison to many Birmingham bars back then.

Wow a Bob Marley musical at this prestigious Birmingham location, how times have progressed since the early eighties when anyone sporting dreadlocks would seem out of place around this particular area of Broad Street let alone inside The Rep. As I entered the building the foyer was busy with people of all nationalities which represented the great legend himself.

Robert Nesta Marley had a magical appeal that reached out to people all over the world from every country you can think of.

After collecting my tickets, the friendly staff directed me to a bar area where I could get a pre show drink.

I was very impressed to see the bar well stocked with my favourite Jamaican beverages of Wray and Nephew white rum and Ting - a popular Jamaican carbonated grapefruit drink.

I got my drink and made my way

to my seat which was half way into the auditorium with slightly restricted side view but not that bad as to spoil my evening.

As I expected with the huge Marley playlist the show started with music from the stage band, the acoustics were impressive and confirmed the quality we were to expect for the evening.

The acting was on key as an array of budding actors of all backgrounds with some of our own local talent being on stage made it even more special.

Bob was played by Mitchell Brunings making his UK debut, he carried off Marley to a tee.

His singing was more impressive than his attempt to master Marley's strong Jamaican patois, same can be said about the majority of the key actors.

Alexia Khadime plays Rita Marley, Cat Simmons plays one of Bobs many girlfriends Cindy Breakspeare.

Impressive performances by two of our own Birmingham boys Thomas Vernal who plays Claudine Massop and Delroy Brown who plays Bob's manager Don Taylor.

It's fair to say I was there for the

love of the music and not the story of political mayhem and civil war that scarred the island of Jamaica in the elections and would tear the islands communities apart.

The story line shows the struggles that Marley faced whilst trying to establish himself as a singer of peace, love and harmony.

He was duped by Manley into performing a concert which many saw as his support for the PNP party.

The consequences of performing the Smile Jamaica concert provoked a political backlash and an attempt made to take his life.

This resulted in Bob fleeing the Island for England.

He initially struggled to make his music be taken seriously by the British music industry as he competed with Punk Rock which was fashionable at the time.

Bob had an opportunity to return back to Jamaica to stage the 'One Love' concert which would see Manley's People's National Party and Searga's Jamaican Labour Party call a truce in public orchestrated by Bob on stage.

The musical had a pleth-

ora of vibrant scenes acted out with great thought to an initially skeptical crowd of people.

The show features all of Marley's classics including 'No Woman No Cry’, ‘Jamming’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, ‘Exodus’ and finished with a grand finale which saw Mitchell Brunings slip on the stage steps whilst trying to mingle with the audience.

This would have been fitting for him to sing 'One Drop' but instead he got the whole audience on its feet singing his all time classic 'One Love' supported on stage by some of the audience!

I don't think the Rep Theatre has done itself any harm for staging this great performance and bringing a large section of the public into the world of theatre who may never had thought it had anything to offer them.

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

All Eyez On Me T

he legendary biopic we have all been waiting for is finally com-

ing out.

We have literally waited 20 years for this and its still hearsay how he was killed in gunfire in 1996!

Up to this day we can not believe and like a die hard Elvis fan would believe he is not dead!

Questions not answered, stories untold; who exactly was 2Pac? Are we going to hear the truth? Who was 2Pac? What was his mission?

The appeal was so broad, many say he was a thug, leader, poet, rap god, gangster, actor, or all of the above.

He was everything so he was soooo hyped; there has never been such a hype for a rapper since. At only 24 he was a feared man.

2 pac created the ultimate movement. Son of panther

Afeni Shakur who is now resting in peace, could these leadership qualities have come from this background?

He had the ability to relate to all walks of life although he came from a lifestyle that not many could understand.

So many legendary things to talk about; how he bodied the biggest MCS at the time on one record, how many times he went to jail?

He shot the police and he brought gangs together, but why was he so angry?

Many would understand, he’d been shot by his own community, police shot him, he had his mother in prison, he was poor, this was the hungriest and angriest man in the music industry.

A very interesting guy and an example of broken home, violence and much more.

The positive with 2pac is he faced all what he did and

Homeland_A6_2017 aw.pdf

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came out on top..what was it all for? There has to be an answer.

Word has it this film will give you the 2pac we need to know, the loving caring husband leader with a mission to have all of black America rich.

All Eyez On Me, originally titled Tupac, is an upcoming American biographical drama film directed by Benny Boom, produced by LT Hutton, David C. Robinson, James G. Robinson and written by Steven Bagatourian, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Ed Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft. The film stars Demetrius Shipp, Jr. (Tupac Shakur), Danai Gurira (Afeni Shakur), Kat Graham (Jada Pinkett), Dominic L. Santana (Suge Knight), Jamal Woolard (Biggie Smalls), Annie Ilonzeh (Kidada Jones), Lauren Cohan (Lelia Steinberg),

20/03/2017

SNAPPED! DJ Jay Mac hooks up with Stormzy in Bristol who came to support Birmingham hiphop star Mist.

SNAPPED! DJ Jay Mac hooks up with Stormzy in Bristol who came to support MY_A6_Birmingham aw.pdf Birmingham 1 23/03/2017 hiphop 13:28 star Mist.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 21

SPICY FINGERS SEND OFF

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Good Bye and Walk Good Spicy A fter 44 years celebrated performance poet, Spicy Fingers, said ‘goodbye’ to his adoring UK fans with his ‘Walk Good Spicy’ party jam – a night that was full of entertainment, education, art, music and extreme emotions.

The Spicy Home Going Show, at the Mango Lounge, in Birmingham, provided family, friends and fans alike with what would be the last major opportunity to hear and see one of Britain’s greatest, multi-facetted artist at work – in the flesh, up close and personal.

“I’m heading back home,” his

underlying mantra, the much-loved and highly appreciated Spicy was a bundle of nerves, at the outset, before he sat down, djembe drum in front of him, friends either side, and mic to the front.

He was ready to say his goodbyes in the best way he knows.

“Poetry has always been my way

of communicating,” explained ace storyteller Spicy.

He will return to Jamaica to help the country’s children and young people to understand the beauty of the written word.

“I was always aware of the power the written word and that is what I want to pass on to youngsters in Jamaica. It’s never too late to learn.”

Spicy cycled the entire length of Great Britain - from Land’s End to John O’ Groats - to raise funds in order to republish his anthology ‘Reflecting Black,’ which he distribute across the island.

“I am heading back home now,” he declared, as those who know him and love him replied; Walk Good, Spicy.”

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really want Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper -“IApril 2017

people to see where my influences come from - it will make me www.streetcredmagazine.com grow” TERRI WALKER

ENTERTAINMENT BFI Player “I want to show people what the culture premiere for is about, and how it blends with my music” DIZTORTION Homelands

”I want to discover more about myself and shine a light on the true origins of UK music” SHAKKA

O

l Terri Walker

“I’m hoping to advance as an artist and I’m excited to experience the cultural clash” SASKILLA

n Thursday 30th March 2017 BFI Player launched the MARCH 2017 BFI PLAYER (player.bfi.org.uk) ​WILL LAUNCH THE COMPLETE ​HOMELANDS complete Homelands Documentary, following four WING FOURofOFthe THE UK’Smost MOST EXCITING UK’s exciting blackBLACK ARTISTS SIGNED ONTO ​HOMELANDS​, A artists signed onto homelands, ADVENTURE WOULD CHALLENGE THEM ALL ARTISTICALLY AND PERSONALLY. anTHAT International music adventure that would challenge them all artistically and personally.

Homelands was a year-long series of global tours, artistic residencies and worldwide explorations that involved each exceptional musician revisiting thony@punch-records.co.uk | 0121 224 7444 their unique personal roots in the UK and their shared cultural roots overseas, as they all created and performed new music in response to their homeland journeys.

This documentary is a culmination of each story.

co.uk | punch-records.co.uk | @punchrecords

ER premiere for HOMELANDS film with Saskilla, Terri Walker and Diztortion “I really want people to see where my influences come from - it will make me grow” TERRI WALKER

l Diztortion

“I want to show people what the culture is about, and how it blends with my music” DIZTORTION

● Terri Walker is a Mercury Music Prize and four ”I want to discover more about myself times MOBO award nominee, singing with TNT, 187 Lockdown and shine a light on the true origins of UK and Shanks & Bigfoot. She was music” signed to Def Soul in the UK, and worked in Jamaica.

SHAKKA ● Diztortion has his own recording studio in London and is signed to Universal Records, “I’m hoping to advance as an artist and working with Lethal Bizzle, Stylo I’m excited to experience the cultural G, Wiley, Tinie Tempah and others. Diz headed out to Suriname, clash” South America.

SASKILLA ● Shakka is a double MOBO winner and has millions of YouTube hits on his Shakkapellas.

He’s worked with Wretch 32, MARCH 2017 BFI PLAYER (player.bfi.org.uk) ​WILL LAUNCH THE COMPLETE ​HOMELANDS Basement Jaxx and angel, and headed out to Dominica.

WING FOUR OF THE UK’S MOST EXCITING ● Saskilla began MC’ing at theBLACK ARTISTS SIGNED ONTO ​HOMELANDS​, A age of 15 , and played a major part ADVENTURE WOULD CHALLENGE THEM ALL ARTISTICALLY AND PERSONALLY. in THAT the UK’s Grime scene, forming nu brand Flexxx and also as a member of Roll Deep. He travelled to Senegal.

Ammo Talwar MBE, CEO of Punch, the agency behind the homelands documentary said: “This is a groundbreaking docthony@punch-records.co.uk | 0121 224 7444 umentary that really challenged each exceptional artist uniquely.

They all traveled alone, with a small film crew following them, to a nation at the root of their sound and cultural identity. They made new compositions with local musicians, and met up with family in each Homeland country”

co.uk | punch-records.co.uk | @punchrecords

F

rom the 1st year at the Ricoh Arena, Conventry, 3 years ago it cemented itself as a must attend annual event.

Its great to see that there is careful thought into who deserves awards and really just to see something with meaning.

This year saw Lenny Henry present the prestigious event at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane and how fitting it was that by far this was their biggest turn out of dignitries and major celebrities such as Tessa Sanderson, David Hayes, Wstrn, Kash The Flash and many others all out to support the cause in seeing the recognition given to those that deserve it most.

Sir Mo Farah and Kadeena Cox were the winners of Lycamobile Sportsman and Sporting Equals Sportswoman of the Year respectively.

Sir Mo Farah, who was unable to attend on the night commented;

WIN

Youth Sport Trust Young Sports P of the Year Alice Tai

British Army Unsung Hero Inderpal Singh Cheema

Sport England Community Spo Project of the Year Spring SLR

England Athletics Coach of the Y Chris Hughton

Spirit of 2012 Connecting Comm Al Madina Centre Mind Wellbeing Award Sonia Smith

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 23

www.streetcredmagazine.com

“Thank-you to the Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards and a very special thanks to everyone who’s voted for me.

“It really means a lot to be named as your Sportsman of the Year! And congratulations to my fellow nominees as well.

“It’s so great to see everyone come together this evening to celebrate the incredible achievements of our diverse sporting communities” Kadeena, who was delighted with her win, said “I’m very honoured to have won this award and would like to give a massive thanks to Sporting Equals for all the work they do in BAME communities” Most awards shows feel the same but this really is one to attend.

A massive congratulations to all the winners who as you can see were genuinely happy to recieve their awards.

Lenny Henry did a grand performance and wont be surprised if he will be the hiost again next year

NNERS

Person

o

Tennis Foundation Special Achievement Shapla Sports FA Recognition Award Rashid Abba

orts

UK Sport Inspirational Performance Ruqsana Begum

Year

Sporting Equals Sportswoman of the Year Kadeena Cox

munities

Lycamobile Sportsman of the Year Mo Farah Lifetime Achievement Award Jason Robinson OBE

BRITISH ETHNIC DIVERSITY SPORTS AWARDS

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Agony Aunt

A Rose Between Thorns

l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal

I

recently found out that my boyfriend of 5 years has cheated on me with one of my best friends.

What should I do? I still really love him but I can’t stand my best friend anymore.

I don’t want to lose him.

- Stacey, Wolverhampton Dear Stacey, Get rid of both of them from your life yesterday.

They are not good for you or anyone around you, and you won’t be able to trust either of them ever again.

If he truly loved you he would never have strayed, and if she was truly your best friend then she would never have gone with him.

Get rid of the deadweight in your life and move on.

A

s a gay man, I have recently been wondering why as a homosexual, we have to ‘come out’ to people.

Why doesn’t a heterosexual person have to profess who or why they love someone else.

Surely what is important is that two people love each other and what they do in the privacy of their own home is up to them?

If being homosexual is considered ‘normal’ nowadays, why is there still this pressure to let everyone else know what you like?

- Dave, Preston Wow Dave, this was a really deep question!

I don’t truly understand the whole thing around ‘coming out’ personally.

Regardless of which side your bread is buttered, as you say, it is your business who you like and why should you have to say anything on the matter to anyone else?

Continue to be a strong role model and decide how you want to live your life for yourself. Don’t work to anyone elses rule if you are not happy with it.

Good luck!

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

W

hen her father Maurice goes missing, his daughter Belle, a strong and independent young woman, goes in search for him, only to discover that he has been taken prisoner by a hideous Beast.

After trading her life for his, Belle finds herself trapped in the Beast's castle with only his servants to keep her company.

As time passes by, Belle grows close to those around her and even begins to see a warmer side to this cold-hearted Beast.

However, back in her village, Belle's father Maurice has spread word of the Beast's existence, forcing an unscrupulous hunter named Gaston to unite the village and embark on a warpath to kill the Beast and rescue Belle.

Bill Condon, a director perhaps best known for Dreamgirls (2006) and the final two instalments of The Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part One (2011) and Breaking Dawn Part Two (2012) has teamed up with Disney to deliver the latest live-action adaptation of one of their animated classics.

Beauty and the Beast is arguably, perhaps undoubtedly, one of the greatest Disney movies of all time, so it had some very big shoes to fill and, like Cinderella before it...the shoe fits pretty darn well.

The exact same story from the original is used, only it is fleshed out, extended and modified, giving more prominence to certain characters and allowing everyone to shine brighter than they ever did before.

The Beast's servants, for example, are given genuine backstories and character arcs that only serve to add to the overall

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

April 01 Crossroads Band 01 Ghost 01 Jorja Smith 04 Attila 05 Tory Lanez: I Told You Tour 06 Ne-Yo 07 Road Trip 08 Yungen 10 You Me At Six 11 Stormzy 13 Kasabian 20 Jake Miller 22 The Kooks 24 Rag’n’Bone Man 30 Rewind & Fast Forward: David Rodigan & Mighty Crown

O2 INSTITUTE

April 02 Temples 06 Toseland 08 Jon Bellion 09 The Tide 09 Melanie C 13 Chris Bourne 15 Cardi B 15 ICW Fight Club 16 Giggs 20 The Shimmer Band 25 Deafheaven 27 Jamie Lenman 28 Keywest

review

Beauty and the Beast

experience.

The movie has not simply been padded out with unnecessary nonsense; every change that has been made and every piece of information that has been added is done so for the benefit of the movie as a whole.

Beauty and the Beast does something most "remakes" fail to do - it feels like more than a shameless attempt to cash in on an existing property; It almost feels like an entirely new experience.

Everything we love about the original animated classic remains intact, but there is more than enough new material to warrant Disney's latest venture into the world of live-action, and with the resounding success of their pre-

vious live-action movies such as Cinderella and The Jungle Book, there seems to be absolutely no sign of them slowing down, so this is an exciting time for Disney fans.

The exquisite Emma Watson is stunning as Belle, a casting choice many were unhappy with when it was first announced.

She proves herself here and delivers a tender and emotional, yet strong-willed and feisty performance as the wonderful Belle.

There's an innocence and purity to the character that makes you instantly fall in love with her; she has a warmth and light to her that is completely absent in the rest of her little village.

She's a big-minded outcast, desperate for more than the confines

wORDS by antony brown

of her small-minded village has provided her with.

Enter...THE BEAST! Dan Stevens, of Downton Abbey and The Guest fame, brings life to The Beast through motion capture - meaning he had to walk on stilts and wear a 40-pound muscle-suit covered in grey Lycra and marker dots for months on set and his hard work pays off.

Under all of the CGI-enhancements lies a charming performance that is equal parts dark and full of humour.

A lot of the comedy featured in Beauty and the Beast stems from The Beast's relationship with the likes of Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts, which is often tumultuous but seeping with an underlying affection that is deeply en-

28 Japandroids 30 The Saw Doctors

(TH) 17 The Solid Silver 60’s Show (TH) 19-23 Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games (SH) 23 Brum Bands Unite Celebrating St George’s Day (TH) 24 Kristiina Rokashevich in Recital (TH) 24 Chris De Burgh & Band: A Better World Live 2017 (SH) 27 Henning Wehn: Westphalia is Not an Option (TH) 28 Friday Night Classics: British Blockbusters (SH)

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

April 12 The Who 14 Harlem Globetrotters 15 E3UK Live 20 Richard Ashcroft 22 Diversity 24-25 Bruno Mars 27 2017 Betway Premier League Darts 28-29 Ed Sheeran

GENTING ARENA

April 05-09 Good Mourning Mrs Brown 12-16 Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic 20 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

NEC

April 06-09 Antiques For Everyone Spring Fair 06-08 Who Do You Think You Are? Live 14-17 Insomnia60 - The UK’s Biggest Gaming Festival

grained in the decades of history they share with one another.

It's delightful to see them all interact. The entire cast brings their A-game and chew the scenery with their theatrical performances, but perhaps the most perfectly cast role in the entire movie is Luke Evans as Gaston.

He brings the smarminess by the bucket-load and becomes the living embodiment of the classic Disney douchebag we all love to hate.

He's good looking, he's charming, he's funny, he's crude, he's dastardly, and he tackles the role with a playful facetiousness that's an absolute joy to behold.

All of the classic songs of our youth remain intact and are beautifully performed by our great new cast, but there are also a handful of brand new songs written specifically for this remake and they fit in brilliantly.

One new song in particular stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is The Beast's powerful and emotional solo reprisal "Evermore" which is a gorgeous addition, not only to Beauty and the Beast, but to Disney's entire back catalogue of classic songs.

All in all, Beauty and the Beast is a remarkable experience. With some of the most gorgeously realised production design in recent memory and the most exquisite song-and-dance numbers this side of La La Land, it truly feels like you're watching a grand West End stage show, so much so that in the screening I attended, when the movie cut to black for the final time, the audience erupted in applause.

It's one of the only times I've ever experienced anything like it in a cinema.

Perhaps the simplest recommendation I can give is this; if you love Disney's original 1991 classic, you'll love this enchanting remake of a tale as old as time.

l Stormzy will be blowing Birmingham away at the Academy on the 11th

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

April 01-02 Caro Emerald (SH) 02 AT LAST: The Etta James Story (TH) 03 Billy Ocean (SH) 04 London Grammar (TH) 05 Murray Perahia performs Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto (SH) 06-08 Rachmaninovs Third (SH) 06 Femi Temowo featuring Engines Orchestra (SH) 07 Saint-Saëns’ Organ Sym-

phony (SH) 08 Naomi’s Wild & Scary (TH) 08 Rob Beckett - Mouth of the South (TH) 09 Azadi Celebration Classic (TH) 12 Laura van der Heijden plays Tchaikovsky (TH) 12 10cc Greatest Hits & More (SH) 13 Mahler’s Fifth (SH) 14 Good Friday St John Passion (SH) 15-16 Rick Astley (SH) 15 The Night Owl and Town Hall Birmingham present - The Big Birmingham Soul Night

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

April 01 Fires That Divide 06 Marcel Lucont’s Whine List 08 The Annual Mayors Charity Rock Festival 14 Superstar Comedy - USA Special 15 Richard Herring - The Best 16 VITAL’s 21 Tax The Heat 28 PORK 29 Pink Floydian 30 Raymond Froggatt

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 25

www.streetcredmagazine.com

£325m Electric Taxi Plant Opens in Coventry

T

he London Taxi Company has opened a new £300 million car plant in Coventry, the first to be dedicated to producing electric vehicles.

The site in Ansty, is the first vehicle manufacturing facility to be built in Britain for more than a decade.

In 2013, the London Taxi Company faced administration before China's Zhejing Geely Holding Group stepped in to rescue the firm.

Designed for, and dedicated to being ultra-low emission commercial vehicles, more than 1,000 jobs, including 200 engineers and 30 apprenticeships, have been created by the opening of the plant.

The new electric taxi will go on sale in London towards the end of this year, and then around the world in early 2018.

Carl-Peter Forster, London Taxi Company chair, said; “The opening of our new plant sets a number of records: it's the first brand new automotive manufacturing facility in Britain for over a decade, the first dedicated electric vehicle factory in the UK, and the first major Chinese investment in UK automotive.”

PSA confirm takeover at GM’s Vauxhall and Opel

Small cars to face VED costs A

T

here’s a significant change in the way that road tax is being paid with anyone buying cars with low CO2 emissions facing a highest relative rise in the tax.

Before, any such vehicles didn't incur the charges, known formally as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but cars registered on or after April 1 will be charged linked to carbon emissions, with three bands - zero, standard and premium - determining how much will be paid on the car each year.

However, if you have a car already, the rule changes do not apply, with the VED remaining under

fter weeks of speculation, French car giants, PSA Group, is to buy the European operations of General Motors, including Vauxhall in the UK, for £1.9bn.

But the announcement about the deal and its impact on thousands of jobs at Vauxhall plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton has the Unite union calling for assurances over the longterm future of the UK factories and their 4,500 employees.

Unite’s general secretary, Len McCluskey, said thousands of workers at the UK plants had endured a "nerve-racking" few weeks.

"While initial discussions with the PSA Group have been relatively positive, our priority is to ensure a long-term future for our plants and the tens of thousands of workers depending on them."

Gavin Shuker, Labour MP for Luton South said: "Our plants are among the most efficient of any in the new company so the Government now needs to play its part by delivering a Brexit deal that keeps Vauxhall building in the UK. They deserve a bright future."

the existing rates.

As more cars get cleaner, the existing rules have cut back the Treasury's income - hence these changes, with now only newly registered cars with zero emissions escaping VED - that means electric and hydrogen cars.

The changes reflect the fact that car manufacturers have cut many car models' CO2 emissions leaving a sliding scale of charges for the first year of ownership and after that petrol or diesel vehicles are subject to a ‘standard’ rate of £140 a year.

Cars registered before 1 April, 2017 are not affected by the VED changes.

ADVERTORIAL

The One-Stop Car Shop T here’s a new car spares and accessories store that is attracting attention from near, far and even further afield that has just about everything you need to keep your vehicle on the road and in tip-top condition.

Hockley Car Spares, in Birmingham, is the little shop with a massive array of choice for all major car makers – and much more in between.

From providing MOT, diagnostic, battery and alternator testing – at 26A Hamstead Road, in Handsworth - to light bulbs and brake pads, car software programming and servicing to free oil checks, floor mats and liners; big names like Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Vauxhall, Peugeot, VW, Toyota and many, many more are covered and catered for – and all at very competitive prices. In fact, they will match any price, for any item, from any other car spares store.

They also supply a recognized number-plate service too.

In addition, you have the latest technology in the electronic option to cigarettes.

So, for discount prices on all your

MOTORING

car needs – and more, Hockley Car Spares is the one-stop shop to keep you motoring.

For all your vehicle needs, at affordable prices owner, Qasim Virgo says; “Bring any quote, from any

recognised car store, to Hockley Car Spares, and we will match any genuine price.”

Open 7days-a-week, there’s also their out of hours number (07872942-718) for that all-round service.

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

The Challenge is an exciting knockout grand prix taking place at Teamwork’s Digbeth, one of the fastest and best equipped tracks in the country, right here in Birmingham. The heats will run monthly starting from April 26th, flowing onto the semifinals in September and October building up to the spectacular Grand Final finish in November.

This is an exhilarating indoor kart racing competition, using superfast – state of the art machines with over 500 competitors and up to 10 drivers on the track at any one time, each team will be battling it out for a place in the grand finale, it’s a fun party style event with live entertainment from our featured band “The Dead Sea

#RRaaiscee To ds Fun

We Want You !

The Race is ON!!

First Heat April 26th “The Superkart Charity Challenge” the most adrenalin fuelled – fun busting, knock-out charity event to take place in Birmingham during 2017.

Come down and party with us and help in raising £20,000 for each of the nominated charities and give your support to our local community groups taking part.

Skulls”, cheeky banter and invigorating race commentary from our very own “MC Raaj”... plus surprise appearance’s from our local and national celebrities who will be dropping in, performing and generaly having fun, mingling freely amongst us for selfies, autographs and more. Theres going to be delicious fine food and drink within our VIP hospitality area with tasty snacks and refreshements available to all, there’s also a licenced bar for those who are not driving... Its all about fun, about breaking down barriers and creating an awareness of just how much time and effort these individuals put in to help and support our community. Come on down, join in the party, get to meet and know our local the business’s, make friends and create partnerships that will bring everyone together for the benefit of our community helping to build for the future as this fantastic city of ours evolves into the great cosmopolitan centre of the 21st century it intends to be.

A Warm Welcome To Our First Teams Up On The Starting Grid Representing Our Local Business Teams: Akaal Ltd - Oldbury MotorservUK - Solihull Premium Meat & Poultry - Bham Bham Car Auctions - Mosley Rd. Bham Portland Eyecare Group - Bham And Representing Our Local Community Teams: Amirah Foudation JABS B8 AIM Academy SCCB Bordesley PLUS .. a very special private entry racing on behalf of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity & Cureleukeamia. AG13 Racing - Chris Cleaver We have limited places left for spectators and VIP tickets so get in quick if you want to be part of this great fundraising spectacular.

A CHAIRTY EVENT LIKE NO OTHER!

If you’re a business you can get involved in a variety of ways, by entering a team yourself, by sponsoring one of our local community groups or by becoming one of our event sponsors promoting your brand to a wider audience - Get in touch now for a great opportunity !

hello@superkartltd.co.uk Tel: 0121 516 7128

ENT ENTERTAINM & R O T A T C E £8 - SP H FOOD & DRINKS £12 - VIP AREA - WIT £25 - LIVE DRIVE - VIP + TEAM DRIVE

t

tertainmen • Thrilling En • Live Bands r • Licenced Ba tivities • Games & Ac

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26TH 6.30 - 11.30PM

LE

H

AVAILAB S E C A L P D ITE URRY - LIM

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 27

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

ST PATRICKS DAY FESTIVAL 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

St Patricks Day Festival 2017 Celebrates Cultural Diversity

A

s the world celebrated St Patrick’s Day, the UK again proved a leader with one of the most diverse and united acknowledgement in the heart of the country.

Britain’s second city-Birmingham-was again head and shoulders above all with passion, variety and overall excitement yet again in great abundance.

With this year’s event having not one, but two stages of live music on Parade Day, some BIG names, plus some of the finest up and coming emerging talent to party the day away.

Organisers put around 75,000 people – the third biggest in the world - turning up to the city’s Digbeth district which saw an a sea of green, white and gold as the streets were bathed in the Irish tri-colour to mark one of the biggest outdoor events on the calendar.

From traditional folk ensembles to the compendium of colour that is a typically Caribbean carnival

tropes, St. Patrick’s Festival 2017 celebrated cultural diversity, plus complex and brave social cohesion as it weaved through a full programme of events to honour the rich Emerald heritage while shining a bright green light on the contemporary Irish culture, both at home and abroad.

Again St. Patrick’s Day, in Ireland, the UK and throughout the world, proved to be one of the best social events on any calendar - with so much, for so many, to get involved with.

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 29

www.streetcredmagazine.com

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

3RD ANNIVERSARY SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to my column where I feature some of the most Welcome to my column where Iand feature some of the most special Charities, Organisations People I have come across. special Charities, Organisations andbeing People I have come across.

Be a part of my journey and enjoy inspired...

Be a part of my journey and enjoy being inspired...

I

n this months’ spotlight, I would like to CELEBRATE! April 2017 is the 3rd Year Anniversary of Camara’s Spotlight.

I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by but it has been such a powerful time.

I completed sixth-form and decided to take a year out to work and progress further, this giving me a little time to reflect on my 15 years in education.

School helped me to develop academically and socially and the last years in sixth-form proved to motivate me to be, “the best that I can be” - this is in fact, my High School’s motto!

A month after leaving school, I was offered a great role within Word 4 Weapons, a Charity which helps to make communities safer, installing secure weapons bins which collects knives and guns.

I said yes and went on to train as a coordinator for the Charity.

We now carry out School

l I Will Tell International Film Festival red carpet

l Smiling with my Phoenix team! Mark Dwayne, Me, Daniel Riley Workshops which highlights dressing its root causes.

I am currently an ambassador some of the myths, facts, laws and issues surrounding gun and for a number of Organisations knife crime and the effect it has and Charities including: Spirit Of London Awards, Through on people.

Having previously attended Unity, Descendants, Angel years of meet- Foundation JA in partnership ings, I decided with the Jamaican High Comit was time to mission in the UK. Each of these roles require do less talking and more do- some sort of communication whether it be via email, over the ing.

I am now telephone, networking, public also a youth speaking or performing.

Each role has helped me to observer to a cross-party grow in different ways. I conParliamentary tinue to remind my mentees that campaign to speaking can be fun!

It doesn’t have to be all overend youth violence in the whelming and serious and alUK, part of the ways remember to end your aims - to reduce conversation on a positive note.

Being positive can lighten serious youth violence by ad- someone’s mood and who

l Spirit Of London Awards Ambassadors

l Celebrating with Bianca Miller, my ‘Wise Women Award’

l With Retired Police Superintendent and friend, Leroy Logan MBE

Marcia McLaughlin - Founder & Editor-In-Chief, Daniel Riley - Assistant Editor, Steve Williams - Sports Editor, Mark Dwayne - Head of Promotion and Marketing. – Love to you guys, Cx I look forward to sharing more with you all this year. HAPPY APRIL! Love, Camara x A big thank you to the Featured, who have made their positive mark: Street Cred Magazine, Spirit Of London Awards, Through Unity, Word 4 Weapons, FFC Haringey, Descendants, Robert Levy Foundation, Transformation Powerhouse, Streetwyze Music Youth Academy, Angel Foundation JA, The Jarret Foundation, Jeanette Arnold OBE AM, Nathaniel Peat, The Chris Donovan Trust, Mandalina Stepniewska, Give Blood UK, Chelsea Kwakye, Desmond Jaddoo, Andrea Corbett, Ms Sheri Adegbsan, Boldstitch Handmade, Anti-Knife UK, Waltham Forest Twinning Association, The Nurses Association of Jamaica, LVE Foundation, Esha Ilyas, Robin Lockhart, I Will Tell International Film Festival, Dr John Roberts, Mark Johnson Designs, Jamaicans Inspired UK, Dream Nation.

l Catching up with Steve McQueen (director of 12 Years a Slave) mummy would not want to be re- of the most kind, courageous, membered as someone positive? funny and hard-working people Another thing I have focused I have come across.

Through the ups and downs, on in the last few years is, to set a goal! Setting a goal is like hav- they continue to stay so strong.

So this month, my 3rd year aning a road map.

You can work towards some- niversary, I would like to thank The thing whether it be little or large, buying a pair of shoes or buying Phoenix Newspaper team - for being so special: a home!

Reaching the goal is sweet, so why not enjoy the steps leading towards it. I have learnt overall that the journey is no less important than the goal. camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com Camara’s Spotlight would not have a platform without the www.camaraofficial.com support I get from The Phoenix www.linkedin. com/CamaraFearon Newspaper team. mara (aka mizzcamara for websearch) Ca This team of people are some

l Standing strong with Jeanette Arnold OBE AM at her International Women’s Day event at City Hall

Get in Touch with Camara

l Speaking and singing at I Will Tell International l Word 4 Weapons winning a Premier Love Film Festival Britain + Ireland Award

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

WEDNESDAY MIC FEVER

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Catch Your ‘Wednesday Mic Fever’ A

bumper crowd heralded its 1st anniversary as some of the regions finest spoken word artists continued to deliver speech in all its fineries.

From poems to rap, song and dance, ‘Wednesday Mic Fever’ was yet another variable ‘mortise board' of mid-week live entertainment that, as always, left all wanting more.

Hosted by celebrated writer and performance poet Ita Gooden and Judith Rowe - aka Miss Emeline – who recently returned from hosting and performing in the 'Big Bands' show in Switzerland’s (similar to the X Factor) and has released a CD entitled ‘Judy Emeline 10 years live.’

It was one of those not-toooften seen nights where people of different ages, genders, and cultures got together, at the Mango Lounge in Birmingham, to enjoy a myriad of entertainment, and education, through the afore-mentioned art forms, plus; jazz, reggae r&b, lover's rock, dance and drama.

“This very cultural, yet multicultural Wednesday Mic Fever celebration is,” says Ita aka Miss Culture Jam, “a non-funded community project that allows established and new artists to showcase their talents to a live audience of all cultures, genders and genres.”

A spectacular anniversary night saw what will be one of the last ever appearances of one of the city’s greatest ever poets,

Spicy Fingers – who is returning to his homeland, Jamaica, after some 40-years of entertaining and educating his mass following here in the UK and further afield.

It was also a night for up-andcoming artists; like fresh-sounding home-based rapper, Hayda Richards, much sought-after saxophonist Samantha Jayne (back from a successful tour with her Whitney Houston Tribute Band), Michael George – a veteran of observational and spiritual enlightenment, female rapper Zara Sykes – she’s worked with the likes of Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige, one of the finest dub artists and organiser of ‘Power in Poetry’ More Culture, unique spoken word artist and figure head of Writers Without Borders Sue Brown, inspirational spoken word artist Joe Cook and drama by Chester Morrison and Ita portraying the iconic Jamaicans Louise Bennett and Eric Coverlly. There was also the 8-piece Sabrosa Salsa Dancers, who kept one and all on their toes all night long.

“I'm very proud to be facilitating this project,” says an overwhelmed Ita. This has turned peoples Wednesday night into their Saturday nights!"

Ita is part of the ‘Writers Without Borders’ writing group and was one of a dozen people from across the United Kingdom who was selected to write a special poem to celebrate the London 2012 Olympics.

Her other accolades include;

writing a poem for Olympics sprint legend Usain Bolt, performing at the Symphony Hall, in Birmingham, for the Jamaican London 2012 Olympics Athletes Team and sharing the stage with international singing star Beverley Knight and world-renowned performance-poet Benjamin Zephaniah and has recently featured on the BBC Television programme ‘The Hairy Bikers’ the Chicken and Egg show.

That notwithstanding, Miss Culture Jam also hosted the 2016 Caribbean Food Festival in Birmingham Centenary Square, performed on the Birmingham leg of Jamaican dub poet Mutaburuka’s UK tour in 2016, was one of the headline artists at the ‘Power in Poetry’ UK tour and the author of the book; 'On The Face Of It.' and a CD entitled La Fire.

‘Wednesday Mic Fever’ - Supported by artistic stalwarts like; Chester Morrison, Sue Brown, Michael George, DJ Chicken George, Predencia Dixon, John Bailey and Spicy Fingers - takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at the Mango Lounge in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

The Mango Lounge is a wonderful venue for this community project which has only been made possible by the owners Justin and Juliette who generously allowed the use for the benefit of the community.

So, if you want to make your Wednesday night-out a Saturday night-out, where better to go?

The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017 - Page 31

TONY SEALEY 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Birthday Celebrations Abound For Tony Sealey

Y

ou wouldn’t have noticed to look at him but it really was – Athelston ‘Tony’ Sealey OBE celebrated his 60th, yes, 60th birthday.

As family, friends and close associates gathered at the Park Regus Hotel, in Birmingham, to see if they could get any of that

‘alexia of life’ that has made one of the city’s most prominent and busiest figures look so young...for so long.

As the setting for a sumptuous, luxurious and unforgettable night was all in place and so it was as all present paid homage to one of Birmingham’s favourite sons.

From the Caribbean, to Britain,

back again and far beyond, one of Barbados’s proudest was given a night to remember for some time to come.

With business interests in abundance, here in the UK – he has a string of McDonald’s franchises and other worthy businesses throughout Birmingham, as well as his stake in the economy of his

homeland, this was a night not just to say ‘Happy Birthday Tony,’ but to also say ‘Thank You’ for your erstwhile contribution in making yours, your family’s and others’ lives a whole lot better for just being there.

We say again ‘Happy Birthday’ Athelston ‘Tony’ Sealey OBE.

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2017

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE WITH DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUée CBE FRCN FCGI

Leadership Excellence

with Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGI

Working Effectively With Difficult People Behaviours

P

eople with difficult behaviours have learnt those behaviours that they have used to work best for themselves; they have found the choice that works for them.

Difficult behaviour patterns are predictable behaviour patterns.

As a leader you need to be smart in handling people difficult behaviour patterns.

Often persons with difficult behaviour patterns are unaware of the impact they are having on other people and in some cases their patterns defy logic.

In contrast other persons with difficult behaviour patterns are aware of their impact and they seem to derive satisfaction from creating havoc and they know exactly when to push other persons’ stress buttons.

Difficult behaviour patterns within the workplace needs to be handled because those patterns create stress for others and studies have shown that stress can have a negative impact on the brain.

Exposure to even a few days of stress compromises the effectiveness of the neurons in the part of the brain that is responsible for reasoning and memory.

As a leader I encourage you to develop your emotional intelligence inclusive of your ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure.

The other side of that is that you are also required to enable coaching for your teams to handle difficult people behaviour.

So how do you stay on track with difficult people behaviour?

I begin with drawing on my vast experience in healthcare, teaching, business psychology, observations within my many leadership roles and I offer you 7 approaches that have been proven to be effective as follows: 1.

Know what you want

cult behaviour pattern is being or doing – to the behaviour to which you are responding their words and tone of

voice – what works and what does not work.

3. Improve your communication skills and enable improvement in the communication skills of your teams. Build rapport: A relationship of trust and co-operation.

Reduce conflict – remember a source of conflict may arise when you move someone on without the person’s co-operation.

So set a tone for problem-solving and co-operation rather than conflict generation.

Develop common ground and meet the person with the difficult behaviour pattern where the person is at.

Show understanding and reduce the difference between you and the other person and above all show integrity – do what you say and say what you do.

4. Apply Performance Improvement Process with the following in mind: (a) Listen to the person with the difficult behaviour pattern in a way that you have never done before – at the root of a difficult behaviour pattern is the seed of a hurt an

ence instead? (d) Give feedback on work performance – specify rewards for new behaviour and performance and agree the review rewards at intervals.

5. Set limits – people with difficult behaviour patterns tend to focus on their problems and fail to focus on solutions. So ask, what would you like to do about the situation? How might I help you to find a solution?

6. Maintaining emotional balance requires awareness. You cannot stop someone pushing your emotional buttons if you don’t recognise when it is happening.

So let go of what is happening, move on and monitor what you are saying to yourself.

When you absorb the negativity of other persons you enter a self-defeating downward spiral, therefore, avoid negative self-

talk at all cost.

7. Establish clear boundaries.

This is an area where a number of leaders tend to sell themselves short. It is necessary for you to establish your boundaries consciously and proactively.

When you set a boundary and decide why and how you will engage a person with difficult behaviour pattern, you often find that you can control the havoc and chaos that the difficult behaviour patterns elicit.

Focus on solutions – Where you focus your attention determines your emotional state – when you focus on solutions you create a sense of personal efficacy that produces positive emotions and reduce stress in contrast to fixating on problems that create negative emotions and stress.

Improve your emotional intelligence with:

to achieve o r experience and be clear on how the difficult behaviour patterns impact on that which you want to achieve or experience.

Then state what you want effectively and assertively. Pay attention to the specifics of what you want, your assumptions and what you are seeing.

Work on building Trust – Remember Trust is the glue to the bonding of effective relationships.

2. Pay attention to the specifics of what the person with the diffi-

emotional wound that has not yet been healed. (b) Give specific feedback and form a performance agreement and check that you have been listened to. (c) Support the person with the difficult behaviour pattern to do a self-analysis – Ask the person with the difficult behaviour pattern from your perspective, how do you see and understand the situation?

How do you feel when ….? What do you experience? What would you wish to feel and experi-

DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUÉE Neslyn@Neslyn.com

There is a limited offer on Leadership Breakthrough Coaching at

http://neslyn.com/breakthrough-coaching you can contact Neslyn at

Email: Neslyn@Neslyn.com http://Neslyn.com

Facebook: https://goo.gl/7HGTu0