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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS
DECEMBER 2021
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THE PHENOMENON RETURNS
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BIRMINGHAM ROARS BACK AT FULL STRENGTH
I
n what was a greatly anticipated and thoroughly welcome return, MCM Birmingham Comic Con exploded into the Birmingham's NEC with a kaleidescope of colour, with people showing off their lockdown cosplay creations. The show was far busier than expected, with people filling the halls to capacity, perusing the wide range of cards, toys, collectibles, clothing, props and much much more that was on offer to all. The list of celebrity attendees was much smaller than normal, but the guests who attended were well-received including Hayden Christensen and Ian McDiarmid along with the voice cast of Red Dead Redemption. The Main & Live Stages hosted some impressive panels across the days, and the Cosplay Stage had the usual mix of advice and showcases, much to the joy of all in attendance. There was time to “level up” in the
Gaming Zone, whether you’re hardcore or casual, digital or analog there’s something for everyone. Featuring organised play, tournaments and freeplay for all the hottest new games, retro favourites and can’t-miss classics, the Gaming Zone is the perfect place to take a short rest. It’s dangerous to go alone so grab your friends and head on over because “Ready Player One!” For those concerned about COVID, all attendees needed either a COVID Pass or to take a lateral flow test at the center. The NEC had facilities to test for a fee and blocked everyone from proceeding through a hall without that or showing their pass. A wristband was then provided to prove this If you missed out this time, then do not fear, alongside other events around the country, MCM Birmingham will return 12-13 November, 2022 at the NEC.
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DANCE HALL QUEEN SHENSEEA SHINES BRIGHT AT DUBAI’S ALL AFRICA FESTIVAL Article and Photos by Delroy Constantine-Simms, Article and Photo Edits by Albert M Carter
T
he All Africa Festival in Dubai at the weekend showcased a raft of great talent over three days. Rising dancehall artist, singer and songwriter Shenseea is worth a special mention though. Her headlining performance on Friday 22 October was powerful
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and super fun – testament to her growth as an artist. With the iconic Burj Khalifa as a backdrop and over 3,000 people in the crowd at Burj Park, Shenseea stole the show. Previous artists didn’t make it easy for Shenseea. Hometown heroes Freek, Jaysus Zain, MKO and Sammy Young proved that the UAE is a hotbed of musical talent. And Zimbabwe’s Gemma captured hearts. But Shenseea lifted the vibe to the next level. Dressed in an eye-catching sheer shirt, leather pants and white Balenciaga boots, the Jamaican artist turned up the heat Hyped up by the crowd’s energy, Shenseea worked her hits including Be Good, The Side Chick Song and Run Run – the audience singing with her word for word. Loving the crowd’s reaction, she hopped off the stage midperformance into the media pit so she could engage with her fans at eye level.
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Then Shenseea injected some extra off-the-cuff fun, calling for the crowd to find the best dancer. Spotting a Nigerian dancer who had performed earlier, the
Billboard charting artist invited him on stage to teach her a few moves. Much to the crowd’s delight, an impromptu dance lesson unfolded. The Kanye West collaborator proved she’s not just a great vocalist, picking up a few new dance moves within minutes. Admitting she’s more known for her wordplay, she bust out an
impromptu freestyle – and the crowd went absolutely wild. Shenseeas performance was sensational.She cemented her reputation as an artist on the rise. She captivated the crowd. Here’s looking forward to more great music and future adrenalinefuelled shows from this true star.
CHAII Drops Hotly Anticipated New EP ‘Pineapple Pizza’ MULTIFACETED New Zealand-based artist CHAII has unveiled her new EP ‘Pineapple Pizza’, out now. A six-track release, ‘Pineapple Pizza’ opens with the title track (which had its world premiere on Fortnite, a slick, percussionled R&B jam propelled by CHAII’s soaring vocals. The EP also features the Kiwi-Persian artist’s three most recent singles, starting with ‘Get It Done’, a track that sees her unique, hypnotic flow take centre stage amidst a sparse, menacing production. Then there is the swaggering ‘Oh Nah Yeah’ with US DJ and producer Party Favor (currently running in a KIA advert across the UK and Europe and ‘Might Just’, a collaboration with
Auckland rappers Kings and Eleven7Four that features quickfire bars and smooth, autotune vocals amidst a downbeat production. Elsewhere, CHAII further demonstrates her rapping ability
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in an alternate version of ‘Might Just’, while Iranian rapper Chvrsi stars on ‘Mano Tou’, a track that offers a captivating exploration into her Iranian identity.
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HANGING OUT WITH HIGGINS
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MONTHLY COLUMN steve@stevehigginsproductions.com www.stevehigginsproductions.com
THE POCKET ROCKET!
S
ome people make it to the pinnacle of their career, celebrating unquestionable success and landmark achievement in their field of endeavour. In addition to the victorious outcome, it is always instructive to look at the journey- the path towards the success – being just one of the stories behind the headlines. It is also enlightening to see what some achievers do with their success. Jamaican Olympian, Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has certainly made it to that peak of athletic success, being a six-time Olympian, and one of only three women in history to defend an Olympic 100m title. Indeed, at the World Athletics Championships, she is one of the most decorated athletes in history with 11 medals - nine gold and two silver. This is major cause for celebration! “She is the only sprinter, male or female, to win four world titles in the 100m—in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019. Her win in 2019 at the age of 32 made her the oldest female sprinter, and the first mother in 24 years, to
l L-R:- Consul General of Jamaica to the Southeast. USA, Oliver Mair, Mayor Wayne Messam of Miramar, Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce & Emcee Steve Higgins. Mayor Messam won his bid for Shelly-Ann’s Wig! claim a global 100m title. In 2013, she became the first woman to sweep the 100m, 200m and 4 × 100m at a single World Championship and was voted the IAAF World Athlete of The Year. In 2014, after winning the 60m world indoor title, she became the only woman to hold
UJAMAA!
O
ne cannot underscore enough, the importance of selfawareness, and all that goes with it. Everything from your history, your values, your sense of self, your impact on all around you… In fact, once you achieve your own spiritual evolution, it is crucial to share your wisdom with your offspring. Long after his departure to higher service in the greater beyond, Anthony Harrison had such a vision. He traveled far and wide, was very well read, erudite, opinionated, loving and curious. A well- spoken and welldressed gentleman, he
commanded respect wherever he went, and when engaged in conversation, his audience could be confident that multiple lessons were on their way. Harrison took on his selfinflicted mandate to educate
his community, and thought with every fiber of his being, that black folks really need to be very aware of their history, particularly as it pertains to the African experience. Anthony started by teaching his daughter Yvonne King and granddaughter Jasmine and Ayana, and began giving
World Championship titles in all four events at the same time”. Recently in South Florida, I was delighted to have been the Emcee and singer at a wonderful event hosted by the City of Miramar. The occasion“An Evening with an Olympian”-, was a celebration of Ambassador
speeches at high schools, middle schools, and interest groups. He then started selling books – even from his car trunk! Harrison traveled to Egypt with historians to find ‘the truth’, the Pyramids, the Pharos, did research, and then returned, seeking to decode and share black history with the youngsters in his reach. One point of interest was that
one of the Pyramids bore the head of a man with Dreadlocks. The pharaohs actually wore dreads, but their first literary mention is said to be in the Hindu Vedic scriptures dating from around 1700BC. It is said too that the God Shiva wore 'matted' dreadlocks. Is that mainstream knowledge?
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, with a special focus on Shelly-Ann’s charity‘The Pocket Rocket Foundation’. This moniker reflects her petite stature (pocket) and how quick she ‘took off’ from the starting blocks (rocket)! The Foundation is a sustainable Legacy program, granting scholarships to deserving youngsters who may not have the means to secure their education. You see, Shelly-Ann did not ‘make it’ all on her own, and she acknowledges that fact. She grew up in Waterhouse, Jamaica, where opportunities for locals are not in abundance, and, but for outside support and sheer ambition and determination, one may not have many prospects to improve one’s lot. Shelly is ever so grateful to those from that community and all the folks who believed in her, who stood up for her, who sponsored her, who walked the walk with her…and she did not let them down! In fact, her Pocket Rocket Foundation seeks to pay it forward for Jamaican youth, particularly from the underserved areas of Jamaica, who are bursting with potential and talent
He placed an emphasis on black youth doing their own research on their own history, develop a sense of pride and dignity and not consume the version served by others. So, what did he do? He opened his own bookstore in 1992 and called it UJAMAA (pro YU-Jamma). Later on in 2002, as he automated the store, he renamed it– “The African Bookstore”. The Swahili word Ujamaa means 'extended family', 'brotherhood'; it asserts that a person becomes a person through the people or community. “We strive to inspire each other to read; we believe in the educational process and the attainment of self-knowledge and enrichment” says Jasmine King, granddaughter of Anthony Harrison, who now runs the Bookstore. “We are excited to be carrying on Dad’s legacy and
in the field of sports, and who deserve a fighting chance and need support to succeed. The aim here is simpleto achieve educational excellence through scholarships. “When you are in that (marginalized) situation, you really don’t know that you can be successful”, said ShellyAnne in my interview with her. “I need to let them know- and show them- that there is a way out!” The Red-Carpet event was attended by some of South Florida’s key dignitaries and elected officials of Jamaican descent, some of whom bestowed honours on our star athlete. These included Commissioner Dale Holness (former Mayor of Broward County), who awarded Ambassador Fraser-Pryce the Keys to The City of Fort Lauderdale. The Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam also presented her with the Keys to the City of Miramar, while Commissioner Alexandra Davis presented a proclamation. The Consul General of Jamaica, Oliver Mair, who was in attendance, presented her with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Unique items were auctioned, such as Shelly-Anne’s spikes, her wig, her gears, paintings and much more, with all proceeds going to the Foundation’s scholarship fund. Patrons were encouraged to donate to the Foundation online. The evening saw performances by King Banton, April Marr & Steve Higgins. Please log onto www. PocketRocketFoundation.net and donate to Shell-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation!
l Steve and Shelly-Ann
look forward to engaging more young people of all ethnicities, who are interested in our history and indeed the truth!” Since his passing, Anthony Harrison’s physical store has been closed, but his online African Bookstore is alive and well, awaiting the eager eyes of our curious generations to consume serious knowledge. Jasmine’s hope is to fulfil her grandfather’s dream to establish an ‘extended family’a Brotherhood, for all folks of African descent primarily, and indeed the rest of mankind. Encourage the youth in your orbit to log on, purchase even ONE book and learn about themselves. Better yet, as Christmas approaches, give a gift of wisdom! Why not visit them at www.africanbookstore.net/ and join in supporting the African Worldwide experience!
l Anthony Harrison
l Jasmine King
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Food & Fine Dining New street food brand bringing the carnival to Birmingham
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ew street food inspired brand Carnival Kitchen brought the carnival to central Birmingham, giving consumers the chance to try its new range first-hand. Brindley Place, Birmingham was the third stop on the brand’s carnival on tour road trip, with
Carnival Kitchen also making an appearance in London and Manchester this month. Its team arrive in style in a branded Tuk Tuk and was accompanied by a steel band and carnival dancers, to celebrate the recent launch into UK Waitrose and Asda stores. Consumers and passers-by
got the opportunity to sample Carnival Kitchen's street food inspired flatbreads, pies and bites with explosive flavours from India, Thailand, Mexico and the East Coast, USA – including a Philly Steak & Cheese Pie, Tandoori Chicken Pie, Jerk Chicken Flatbread, Red Thai Pork Flatbread as well as
Piri Piri Chicken and Cheese & Jalapeño bites. Mike Holton, brand manager at Carnival Kitchen, said: “It’s fantastic that we were able to bring the carnival directly to consumers, across London, Manchester and Birmingham, to give them a chance to sample our delicious range of street food inspired products. “Our event helped local communities get into the carnival spirit and featured a showstopping Carnival Kitchen Tuk Tuk, steel band and carnival street dancers to catch people’s eyes and ears. The event was a great way to bring the brand and its products to life, and we were delighted to see so many people getting involved and trying the products. “We’ve enjoyed seeing all of you this month, at our three hotspot locations, and hope many of you got the chance to see our branded Tuk Tuk, performers and team in action as they created a carnival atmosphere in the heart of city centres.” The range is now available at selected Waitrose and Asda stores across the UK.
Chilli No. 5 launches Christmas Box gift set
FOR AN ideal spicy present for gourmet foodies Chilli No. 5 has launched its spicy Christmas Box Gift Set, guaranteed to delight the most discerning gourmands this festive season. The Christmas Box Gift Set is filled with a selection of Chilli No. 5's most iconic products offering a fantastic flight of hot sauces to spice up a variety of cuisines. Inside gourmands will find: - Limited Edition gourmet chilli sauce Devilish Dijon - Full size 200 ml chilli sauce bottles Ever So English
- Full size 200 ml bottle Mexican Fury - Full size 200 ml bottle Pizza Pizzazz - Full size pouch Jamaican Jerk - Chilli No. 5 Chilli Flakes - Miniature Pizza Pizzaz and Sriracha Cha Cha Cha The limited-edition hot sauces are guaranteed to be the talking point of this superb gift set. Devilish Dijon is a hot sauce that seriously cuts the mustard. Perfect for pairing with a juicy steak, ribs, or as a flavoursome marinade.
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www.streetcredmagazine.com Article by Delroy Constantine-Simms Pics by Kwame Makure
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l L-R Donna Oluban, Carlos Acosta and Dawn Jenks; Image: Johnathan Williams
CARLOS ACOSTA UNVEILS CADBURY WORLD’S CRACKING CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE CREATION
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arlos Acosta and Cadbury World’s chocolatiers have revealed a Nutcrackerthemed chocolate masterpiece, to mark the return of The Nutcracker in Birmingham this week. Produced by Dawn Jenks and Donna Oluban over two days, the festive creation weighs around 7kg – the equivalent of 155 of standard bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk. The Bournville-based attraction’s talented chocolatiers worked with solid milk chocolate to shape the Nutcracker’s figure, which stands at an incredible 70cm tall. Black coloured cocoa butter was used to produce his hat, hair, moustache, beard, shoes, as well as his belt and trousers. Dawn and Donna created the distinctive jacket by adding a layer of red and blue cocoa butter onto his upper body. The chocolatiers dusted the jacket fringes and buttons with edible gold glitter, before adding gold lustre to the sword to create a final flourish. The nutcracker’s face was also hand-painted with liquid cocoa butter to produce his skin tone and
features. The creation was produced in celebration of Birmingham Royal Ballet bringing Sir David Bintley’s Royal Albert Hall production of The Nutcracker to Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas. This marks the first time this version of the iconic production has been performed outside of London. The chocolate creation will be on display at Birmingham Hippodrome for visitors to see throughout the run of The Nutcracker, from Saturday November 20 – Saturday December 11. Diane Mitchell, marketing manager at Cadbury World, commented: “Our artistic chocolatiers are renowned for making magnificent creations to mark a vast variety of special occasions, and this latest masterpiece demonstrates their creativity and talent. “We’re delighted to welcome The Nutcracker back to Birmingham and couldn’t be happier to be part of the celebrations. Our chocolate creation will be on display at Birmingham Hippodrome from November 20 – we can’t wait for everyone to see him!”
eld under the theme 'There's always a right book', The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2021 (Nov 3rd-Nov 13th) hosted a record number of awardwinning black authors. The most prominent being, Tanzanian novelist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2021 Abdulrazak Gurnah, Trevor Noah, the South African comedian, television host, and political commentator and Chris Gardner, the international bestselling author, entrepreneur and award-winning film producer. The Black Book Collective Director, Christopher Sill, said, “We were not sure how the Arab publishing community would react to a book pavilion, with only Black authors, but we are absolutely thrilled with the unexpected positive reception received from the media, publishers, retailers and the reading public, including the festival organisers.” Publishers, literature agents, retailers were able to meet multiaward-winning Black authors, such as Delroy ConstantineSimms, Maureen DrackettFuller, Heath Bailey, Kande Summers, Albert M. Carter, Kai Brackett, Rasheem Mays-Fowler, Samantha Rodgers, Camelle Daley, Cornell Thomas, Juliet Ibrahim, Jasmine Smith, John I. Jones, LaToya Lewis, Jae Harriet Jones, Denise James, Daniel Sarapong, Bralade KoroyeEmenanjo. Maureen Drackett-Fuller, author and teacher, said” I feel proud that my work is represented in the Middle East, it’s absolutely amazing. In support, author Samantha Rodgers, said, “It’s really heart warming to see so many Black authors at this event, but I have to admit that I was surprised that SIBF endorsed a very black book agenda and I thank them for their vision and support.” In respect of local black representation at the (SIBF) none of the Black authors were Emiratis. School principal and
BLACK AUTHORS MAKE THEIR MARK AT THE SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR (SIBF) author Heath Bailey said, “life for long established Black Emiratis is complicated, by their history of enslavement and current social status. However, an event like this where unapologetically black representation is applauded, Black Emiratis children who often feel underrepresented have secretly told me that the Black Book Collective presence at the (SIBF) has inspired them to
change their narrative by making their own Black Emirati mark in the literary world. The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) emerged as the world’s largest book fair this year, attracting the participation of 546 publishers and literary agents from 83 countries looking to do business with each other. Commenting on the achievement, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of
SBA, said: “The new record is a local, regional and international achievement that could not have been realised without the continuing support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who firmly believes that building strong societies and civilisations can only be achieved through knowledge and books.”
Ingrid Michaelson’s songs for the season out now THE PATRON saint of charming Christmas tunes, Ingrid Michaelson has released her highly awaited holiday project titled, ‘Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs For The Season – Deluxe Edition.’ Originally released in October 2018, the record’s new deluxe edition of her festive ‘Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs For The Season’ features five new tracks – including a previously released single ‘Christmas Valentine’ featuring Jason Mraz, that has since amassed over 45 million streams. “When I released my first
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Christmas album in 2018, I already knew there would one day be a deluxe. And here we are! Anyone who knows me knows that I start celebrating Christmas in September and I cherish this time of the year so very much,” Ingrid explains. “I have added three classics and two originals (one with another self-proclaimed Christmas lover Zooey Deschanel) to create an even greater festive experience! It was very important to me to keep everything in this vintage/ nostalgic world.” Standout tracks on the spirited collection include ‘Merry
Christmas, Happy New Year (Feat. Zooey Deschanel)’ - soon to be a catchy Christmas classic, with the two beloved vocalists sharing their favourite things about the season over bright jingling bells. The track is accompanied by an undeniably adorable stop motion visual featuring a bundled-up rabbit spreading holiday joy. Plus, there’s the Andrews Sisters inspired rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland,’ a dazzling retro rendition featuring carolling sweet three-part harmonies.
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COMPETITION
Enjoy Christmas Preserving Classes With Doyenne
F
rom fruit and spice infused liqueurs and cordials through to mustards, chutneys and of course Christmas mincemeat, learn how to make festive preserves to serve at Christmas, or a gift to friends and family, with leading expert, Rosie Jameson. Rosie is the founder of Rosie's Preserving School, the UK's first and only online cookery school dedicated to preserving. In her laidback inimitable style, Rosie's Christmas workshops will show you how to make your own festive drinks such as marmalade gin and Black Velvet (made from blackberries), an array of lastminute Christmas gift ideas and a fruit mincemeat recipe which is
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vegan, zero fat, but big on flavour. Take part on your own, get some friends in your kitchen with your favourite Christmas tipple, or if it's not possible to be together in person, arrange a virtual Christmas social and take part from your own homes. Workshops are priced at £20 for an individual class or £49.90 for the full season of six. Each workshop is 90 minutes long and can be viewed live or watched at a later date. Rosie's Christmas Preserving Workshops: • 17/11/21 – Marjorie's Mincemeat • 24/11/21 – Drinks for Christmas • 01/12/21 – Last Minute Gifts • 08/12/21 – Red Onion Relish • 15/12/21 – Prunes in Armagnac
and more Prunes! Who knew they could be so delicious. Quick last minute makes that will go straight onto the 'must makes' list of the future. These prunes are so delicious, you could even have them on your porridge if no one is looking! Appearing at food fairs, shows and even on Japan's equivalent of The One Show, Rosie learnt how to make preserves at her mother's knee and has been a passionate advocate for these traditional, but relevant skills ever since. Her life’s mission is to pass on preserving techniques and recipes to others and founded ‘Rosie's Preserving School’ to help do this. She is inspiring people to have a go at making their own jam and preserves.
S
hare the love this season, with the New Grace Smoked Leg Ham. These fully cooked, bonein, traditional Jamaican style leg cuts from Grace Foods, the UK’s number 1 supplier of Caribbean food and drink, are the perfect centrepiece for your Christmas dinner.
Featuring an authentic flavour, staying tender and juicy with a 'Ham-azing' taste! These hams are full cooked, and frozen, ready to be enjoyed hot or cold, and tailored to suit your tastes by adding your own glazes! With each ham approximately 2.5kg, there will be more than enough for even the hungriest
of families, and if you're lucky, leftovers too! These are perfect for sharing with family and loved ones this Christmas! Grace Foods have been generous enough to give 5 of our readers a Smoked Leg Ham, delivered in time for Christmas! To find out how to enter, check out below!
Prime Video Reveals Official Trailer For Season One Of The New Series 'Harlem'
T
he official trailer for Season One of the new series Harlem, from Tracy Oliver of Girls Trip, is now live! Also available is the series’ official key art, photographed by Adrienne Raquel, along with a special artist poster commissioned by New York artist Jade Purple Brown. The Amazon Original singlecamera comedy (with all 10 episodes available exclusively on Prime Video) is in more than 240 countries and territories around the world. Created, written, and executive produced by Oliver, Harlem is a new comedy following a group of stylish and ambitious best girlfriends in Harlem, New York City, the mecca of Black culture in America. Camille is a popular young anthropology professor at Columbia who has an extensive knowledge of the dating norms of many cultures, but has a hard time navigating her own love life; Tye is a successful, queer dating-app creator who prefers keeping vulnerability—and
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For your chance to win one of 5 Grace Traditional Bone-In Smoked Leg Hams delivered to you just in time for Christmas, just answer this simple question!
What vegetable would traditionally be used for the nose of a snowman? a) Sprout b) Carrot c) Beetroot romantic partners—at arm’s length; Quinn is a hopeless romantic and trust-fund fashion designer who is trying to give back to the world while running a struggling business; Angie is a confident, vibrant, and filter-free
singer and actress who also lives rent-free and fabulously with Quinn. Together, they level up from their 20s into the next phase of their careers, relationships, and big city dreams.
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Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Grace Christmas Hams Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 14th December 2021. There is no cash alternative. For more delicious Caribbean recipes, visit Grace Foods UK at www.gracefoods.co.uk and @gracefoods.uk on Facebook and Instagram
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The Adele hype and why we all want to be part of it
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tephanie Fremaux, pop music researcher at Birmingham City University, says that singer-songwriter Adele is creating a type of hype that will further add to the herdlike mentality of the public. “While I would be wrong of me to call myself a fan, I am a great admirer of Adele’s work and I think that the new album will be a commercial success if not a critical one,” says Fremaux, whose research examines how music artists establish and reinforce aspects of their character through performance. “The first single from Adele’s long-awaited ‘30’ album, ‘Easy On Me’, speaks to our troubled Covid times with its themes of love and loss and she is displaying a vocal and thematic maturity to rival
Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ album. “When thinking of Madonna’s output like ‘Papa Don’t Preach’, ‘Like A Prayer,’ and ‘Justify My Love,’ Adele could perhaps be considered to be the millennials’ Madonna. “The social media c o v e r a g e surrounding the release of new Adele music is a sign of our times and by
harnessing the social media outlets, Adele is creating a type of hype that will further add to the herd-like mentality of the public. Because, we as a people like to be part of a movement. Like making Rage Against the Machine a Christmas number one or getting behind Captain Sir Tom
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Moore’s fundraising efforts for the NHS. “In the lead up to the album release, we’ve seen Adele sharing personal messages online about the stories behind her new music and there is a real authenticity here. In our age of celebrity culture, people will find her stark honesty refreshing. She will most certainly be nominated for both a Grammy and BRIT award. Adele has become a national and global treasure, who can do no wrong. “Even if the album isn’t very good, people will still buy into all the hype because of her legacy and the need to have been a part of it.”
FESTIVE GIFT FAIR
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estive shoppers from around the UK and beyond descended on Birmingham's NEC this November to get their fill of Christmas songs, Photo ops with Santa and the Grinch, and of course, Christmas presents. The Present Creche was bulging as shoppers grabbed goodies for their loved ones, and for their own
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cupboards, from a wide selection of amazing wares. From perfumes to handmade wooden trinkets, to samosas and fur-lined ponchos, there was something for everyone during this welcome return to the Festive Gift Fair. This really is a great day out for the family, and especially so if you want to get your Christmas shopping done early!
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THE RISE IN VALUE OF GHOSTBUSTERS ECTO-1
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h e n Ghostbusters hit cinemas in 1984 it went on to become a cultural phenomenon thanks to a ground-breaking blend of comedy, science fiction, horror and action. The second biggest film of 1984, Ghostbusters grossed
A
lfa Romeo Racing ORLEN driver, Antonio Giovinazzi, will leave the team at the end of the 2021 Formula One championship, following three seasons with the team. Antonio became the first Italian to compete in a full F1 season since 2011 when he lined up for the team on the grid in Melbourne in 2019. He has taken part in 59 races with the Swiss - Italian team so far, including two for Sauber in 2017, when he made his debut in place of the injured Pascal Wehrlein. Antonio is a driver who is very popular with both the team and fans alike. He has been an incredible professional throughout his experience with the team, contributing to its growth and always giving 100% both on and off the track. His best result was fifth in the
$295 million (£219m) in its first run and is often considered one of the first movie blockbusters. There was a sequel in 1989, a reboot in 2016 and now, nearly 30 years after the original, Ghostbusters: Afterlife has just been released. According to the Hagerty valuations department, one of
the cars from the film was offered within US magazine Hemmings for $149,998 (£111,514) in 2007. One year later and another of the cars, apparently made for the Universal Studios theme park in Florida, was offered on eBay for $45,000 (£33,454). Just two years after that, possibly one of those same cars
sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction for $88,000 (£65,437). Prices were clearly on the up more than a decade ago. In
the intervening years, they’ve rocketed. For a genuine movie car, with a certified history, Hagerty now estimates the value to be in excess of $500,000 (£371,821). As with so many great films, one of the stars of Ghostbusters was a car: a 1959 Cadillac, better known as Ecto-1. The car has gone on to attain cult status, which means that the original prop cars used in the production of Ghostbusters have become highly prized, and valuable too. At the same time, a thriving market in replica Ectomobiles has sprung up. Hagerty Editor, James Mills, said of the Ghostbusters star car “It’s spooky just how wellknown Ecto-1 is. Ghostbusters made it one of the most famous movie cars ever to emerge from a props department. Despite its place in pop culture, few film fans will be aware of the values of an Ectomobile; the real-deal could be worth up to half a million dollars, and even replica examples are valuable. Owners should make sure they’re insured for the correct sum, or they could be in for a nasty fright.”
ALFA ROMEO THANKS ANTONIO GIOVINAZZI 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, and he has given the team many special moments, including leading the race under the lights of Singapore in his debut season and hauling the car into Q3 several times this season. Alfa Romeo wishes Antonio, a great team-mate and a fantastic person, the best for his future endeavours as he embarks on a new chapter of his career. Jean Philippe Imparato, CEO Alfa Romeo: “Alfa Romeo is extremely grateful to Antonio Giovinazzi for his strong contribution to the team over the years, not just from a sporting point of view. Antonio has embodied the Italian spirit of the Brand, being an authentic ambassador every day. “It is no coincidence that it was Alfa Romeo who brought an Italian driver back to F1 after
eight years and that Antonio has been the only Italian driver in the championship for three years. "We are proud to have written together an important chapter in the glorious Alfa Romeo sporting history. We wish Antonio all the best for his future.” Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN: “Saying goodbye to a driver is never easy, especially so in the case of Antonio, who has been part of the team for so long. As we part ways, we will cherish the memories of the good times and learn lessons from the bad ones, knowing these moments all made us grow together as a team. We wish Antonio the best for his future after the 2021 season: before then, we still have three races to achieve some good results together and finish the year strongly.”
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The UK’s First Flying Taxi Hub Set To Be Built In Coventry THE WORLD’S first urban airport dedicated to electric air-taxis and drones has received funding from the UK government. Called Air-One, the transport hub is set to open - as part of Coventry’s ‘City of Culture’ celebrations - in November. Its creators, a new company called Urban Air Port, will use the event to demonstrate how an off-grid, hydrogen-powered urban airport would work. In essence, the site would provide a space for the charging and loading of drones that would ferry deliveries around the city. This could ease congestion in city places packed with delivery vans and therefore improve air quality. The project also has ambitions to host electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), which could shuttle passengers into the city centre and back.
Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2021
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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FULL CAST AND CREW ANNOUNCED FOR CINDERELLA
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olverhampton Grand Theatre has announced today the full cast, crew and creative team for the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella from Saturday 4 December 2021 – Sunday 9 January 2022. The previously announced AJ and Curtis Pritchard (Prince Charming and Dandini), Denise Pearson (Fairy Godmother) and Evie Pickerill (Cinderella) are joined by Tam Ryan (Buttons), Ian Adams (Dame Penny Pockets), Ella Biddlecombe and Britt Lenting (Wicked Stepsisters) and Julie Stark (Wicked Stepmother). The ensemble is; Laura Marie Benson, Chloe Evans, Sophie
Sheridan, Eddie Slattery, Philip Town and Michael Dean-Wilson. The band are Norman Hogg, Simon Crick, Matt Firkins and Wesley Wood under the Musical Direction of Michael Baxter. The Creative Team are Will Brenton (Script Writer and Director), Racky Plews (Choreographer), Eddie Slattery (Assistant to the Choreographer), Steve Power (Musical Arranger), Andy Nurse (Production Manager), Mark Walters (Set Design), Ben Harrison (Sound Designer), Jamie Corbidge (Lighting Design) and Nina Dunn (Video Design). Adrian Jackson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre said; “We are delighted
to be able to present Cinderella and bring the much-loved magic of pantomime back to the Grand Theatre and to the city of Wolverhampton. I know this year’s production will be spectacular, aided by a wonderful company who are eager to entertain audiences throughout the festive period”. Cinderella will be produced by Imagine Theatre, in partnership with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Both Imagine Theatre and Wolverhampton Grand have a rich history of producing topquality entertainment and together will form a perfect partnership. The headline sponsor for Cinderella will be Dudley Zoo & Castle.
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2021 - Page 31
Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2021
ENTERTAINMENT
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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(Christmas Blessings) GRAND CHRISTMAS CLASSICS WITH ALAN TITCHMARSH
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re you looking for the perfect end-of-year festive outing? Make some space in your calendar to experience this exciting concert of festive classics, which features seasonal favourites such as White Christmas, Joy to the World and O Holy Night plus traditional carols such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come, All Ye Faithful and The First Noel. Join Alan Titchmarsh, one of the UK’s favourite personalities and broadcasters, as he leads you through this superb concert full of Christmas spirit and classics,
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accompanied by soloists and a fullorchestra live on stage! The Philharmonia Orchestra will perform at the debut show at the Royal Festival Hall on the evening of the 9th December, with the Birmingham Symphony Hall concert on the 12th December set to feature amazing regional musicians and singers including The City of Birmingham Choir and the Quiristers of Winchester College. Joining Alan at Bridgewater Hall on 20th December will be the Manchester Concert Orchestra and Manchester Chorale.
0208-865-1922
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