Street Cred Magazine - February 2021

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

FEBRUARY 2021

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Jason Derulo Teams Up With Maroon 5’s Adam Levine For Hot New Hit

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Indian ballet prodigy, Kamal, finds feet in UK F our years ago Kamal Singh left school and took his first ballet class. Now 21, the son of a rickshaw driver has become the first Indian dancer to win a place on the English National Ballet School's professional trainee programme.

Living in London - a world away

from his family and home in Delhi - he spends his days with 12 other students sharing their dreams of joining a major international ballet company and making it as a principal dancer. For Kamal, none of it would have been possible without the support of his teacher, Argentine dancer Fernando Aguilera - and some Bollywood

star power.

He says: "When I heard I had got a place at the English National Ballet School I was so happy, but at the same time, I was a little sad because I knew my father could not pay the fees. But my teacher told me not to worry about the money, to just focus on the ballet - and dance."

From the moment Kamal walked into one of his free trial classes at the Imperial Fernando Ballet Company in Delhi, Aguilera knew he had discovered an exceptional talent. He convinced Kamal's parents that he would find a way forward. Over three intense years of training, he provided Kamal with free tuition, a room in his

home in Delhi and helped raise the fees that would allow him to take up a place at the prestigious English National Ballet School.

Fees for the year-long course cost ÂŁ8,000, and then there are living expenses. It was out of Kamal's reach - until the pair turned to crowdfunding with his

platform, Ketto - co-founded by Bollywood stars Kunal Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan where over ÂŁ21,000 was donated "I received lots of support from the Indian community," says Kamal. "Now lots of new students want to study ballet in India. They really got inspired."

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Tony Iommi Talks Black Sabbath As Band’s ‘Heavy Metal’ Bench Is Reinstalled

Glastonbury Festival axed for SECOND YEAR RUNNING

A NEW video containing a live interview with Black Sabbath star Tony Iommi has been made to commemorate the reinstallation of the band’s ‘heavy metal’ bench on Broad Street in Birmingham.

The mini documentary is presented by Christian Martin, the former Argentinian rugby player who is himself a huge Black Sabbath fan, and features rare footage of the band performing in its early days.

The video was commissioned and released by Westside BID to commemorate the rededication of the bench which first appeared in 2018 but had been temporarily removed during the Midland Metro tram extension works.

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G

lastonbury Festival 2021 has been cancelled for a second year running due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The news was announced on the Worthy Farm event's Twitter page.

Festival organisers Michael and Emily Eavis said: "With great regret, we must announce that this year's Glastonbury Festival will not take place. And this will be another enforced fallow year for us.” They went on to say: “Tickets for this year will roll over to next year."

It came in the same week that the future of UK music was up for debate at a DCMS inquiry into streaming, and in Parliament regarding postBrexit music touring visas.

The full statement on the festival website read: "In spite of our efforts to move heaven and earth, it has become clear that we simply

will not be able to make the Festival happen this year.

We are so sorry to let you all down."

It confirmed that as with last year, anyone with a ticket will now be offered the opportunity to roll their £50 deposit over to next year, when the festival will hopefully resume. It had been due to take place in June 2021.

The Eavis said: "We are very appreciative of the faith and trust placed in us by those of you with deposits, and we are very confident we can deliver something really special for us all in 2022!"

On January 5 the government responded to a report by UK Music called ‘Let the Music Play: Save Our Summer 2021,’ which outlined a range of measures that could help the industry get back up and running.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

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Midge Ure announces NEW Voice & Visions tour

F

ollowing the overwhelming response to 2019’s ‘The 1980 Tour’, Midge Ure & Band Electronica are returning to the road in 2022 with the ‘Voice & Visions’ tour, celebrating 40 years since the release of Ultravox’s Rage In Eden and Quartet albums.

At the start of 1981, Ultravox were laying their claim to be one of the defining acts of the 80s following the global success of hit ‘Vienna’.

Heading back into the studio the same year invigorated, they recorded their second album with Ure as frontman, Rage in Eden, which hit the Top 5 in the UK album charts.

Quartet, their third album with Ure, came in quick succession in 1982 with production from legendary Beatles producer George Martin. Continuing the band’s impressive chart run, it became their third Top 10 album, featuring four Top 20 singles including the anthem ‘Hymn’.

The ‘Voice & Visions’ tour will begin at York’s historic Grand Opera House on February 22, visiting an astounding 26 cities across the UK before culminating at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on April 2.

Transporting fans back to the decade of electronics, experimentation, synthesizers and great songwriting, the albums highlights will be showcased alongside landmark hits from Ure’s incredible back catalogue.

Midge Ure said of the tour: “I can’t begin to tell you how great it feels to be back out touring after the uncertainty of the past two years and it is especially exciting to delve back in time and revitalise two standout albums from my career, Rage in Eden and Quartet. This is the logical and emotional follow up to the 1980 tour.”

l The Nutcracker photo by Bella Kotak

BRB Announce Second Film Of The Nutcracker At The REP AFTER A hugely successful live stream and on demand broadcast of The Nutcracker at The REP in December which saw nearly 9,000 households across the globe enjoy the magic of the classic Christmas ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet are pleased to announce that a second film of The Nutcracker at The REP, featuring a different cast of Company dancers, will go on sale today.

Captured at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in December, the film will be available on demand from Monday 15 February (tickets are on sale until 11:59pm on Sunday 21 February) - a perfect opportunity to cheer up a miserable February and recapture some of the magic of Christmas.

Each Nutcracker season the Company is usually joined by graduate students from the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School, offering them the opportunity to dance with a professional company, which is a key part of all training for ballet students.

With no live performances at the moment, the opportunities for student dancers were sadly limited, but working within the two covid-safe dancer ‘bubbles’ created for our The Nutcracker at The REP production, we were delighted to be able to welcome two students from The Royal Ballet School (taking on roles in the Arabian and Russian Dances) and students from Birminghambased Elmhurst Ballet School, who performed the Snowflake scene.

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Tributes still being paid to much-loved producer Major the ‘Godfather of Birmingham music'

T

ributes are still being paid to producer Major, the Birmingham music maestro who has been behind the careers of many of the city’s leading grime artists.

The brother of reggae legend Pato Banton, the musical ‘guru’ - real name Winston Mendez was well known and respected for his lifetime’s work and he received endless tributes from family, friends and his peers in the industry.

One of his close friends and fellow music-mogul, Swish Media founder and singer/songwriter/ producer Mark Dwayne Gillespie, who met him, at 14, in his Muzart music studio, recalls: “I always looked up to Major and will always be thankful for him being a great musical mentor to me for many years.

“We had great times producing music in his home studio and Gem Building. He was the first producer who believed in me and my voice.

“As a person he was funny, charismatic and had the best ‘one liners’. Never have I seen someone so dedicated to producing youth, he really gave his life to Birmingham artists.

“He made you believe in your abilities. My friend Major will be greatly missed!”

Another friend, Grantley Haynes, CEO of Grantley Records, called him a "loyal and dedicated inspiration”, whilst many others took to social media, with DJ Dougie Fresh posting: “Ahhh man #RIPMAJOR, a real pillar and legend of the Birmingham music scene! Rest Easy.”

Musical superstar and TV personality Lady Leshurr led many on social media, writing: “We have lost a very important person in Birmingham. The glue & superhero to most mcs in brum.

A good hearted man that always helped everyone 1st.

“When I was younger he let me record in his studio & taught me so much without even knowing it.This loss has burnt me #RIPMAJOR.” JR2 Media tweeted: “Heaven gained a Birmingham legend.

Thank you for the inspiration over the years. Rest up there with your friend big man and make some bangers” Fateh Singh posted: “Major kept me off the streets & gave us a space to create, he wouldn’t even charge a fee He taught me about Babylon & encouraged me to connect to my roots.

“Believe it or not he had a massive role in me getting closer to Sikhi. “Love Major, I’ll never forget our reasonings King.”

Mayhem Nodb said: “RIP MAJOR ....

REAL BIRMINGHAM LEGEND. YOU WILL BE MISSED.” Also a well-respected mentor, Oaklands Birmingham Youth Service wrote: “Major touched the lives of countless young people across Birmingham. His legacy will live on in those he loved and supported. RISE IN ETERNAL GLORY Major”, whilst Concord

Youth Centre said: “Saddened to hear the loss of Bham Youth Service’s finest music educator & youth worker.

He was connected with many youth centres across the city including @ConcordCentre Nurtured & Inspired many young people. May you Rest in Eternal Peace.

"Thoughts are with you & your family.” He died following illness.

l Winston “Major” Mendez

Music legend Dr Dre returns home after brain aneurysm MUSIC LEGEND Dr Dre returned home after he was discharged from hospital following treated for a brain aneurysm.

A lawyer for the hip-hop star, 55, said on Saturday that he was now back at home, without giving further details. A day earlier, actor and rapper Ice-T said he had spoken to Dr Dre, describing him as "safe and looking good".

Dr Dre had been taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles, California after which his team issued a statement saying the rapper - whose real name is Andre Romelle Young -

was in a stable condition.

A post on his Instagram read; ‘Thanks to my family, friends and fans for their interest and well wishes. I'm doing great and getting excellent care from my medical team. I will be out of the hospital and back home soon. Shout out to all the great medical professionals at Cedars.

One Love!!’

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Jemma Continues On Her Mystikle Journey

M

any of you may know her as DJ Mystikle Blue, but now Birminghamborn Jemma Yoloye is making more waves, this time in the Ms Great Britain Classic Pageant.

Jemma has always wanted to be part of the entertainment industry from a very young age, in any capacity.

Even when she moved with her mother back to St Kitts for 3 years, singing and entertaining were at the forefront of what she wanted to do.

After returning to the UK at 16, while studying Computer Programming, Jemma found a Sound Engineering Course run

by Studio 5 which also promised to help with performance skills, especially for shy people, like she was.

“It wasn’t what I was into, but I fell in love with it,” explained Jemma, I love sound engineering, building your music, making sure that whoever is performing

on stage sounds good, and even building my own tracks!”

Fast forward a few years, and her daughters father was a DJ, and after buying him decks, she asked him to teach her, so that she could spend time with him.

“I didn’t realise I’d fall in love with it, and that is how I came into DJ’ing.”

It was during this time that she met Street Cred Magazine Founder, Mark Dwayne. “In terms of DJ'ing in the club it was Mark Dwayne that gave me the chance as other promoters didn't believe in me, whereas he did,” reminisced Jemma.

“That I am grateful for. I ventured out and entered competitions that were dominated by men and became the only female to win King of the Decks in the West Midlands Region twice.”

“Anything that is involved in entertainment, even though I’m a shy and nervous person, when it comes to music, entertainment, fashion, modelling, skincare, the

whole thing I’m really into all of it,” she beamed.

Her mother used to be a model, someone that Jemma looked up to thinking “I wish I could do that!”

“People think that modelling is just getting dressed up, putting some makeup on and you’re done, but it involves much more than that, including acting when you’re portraying a character or style.”

Last year, Jemma came across

the Miss Great Britain page on Instagram, which was celebrating it’s 75th Anniversary by opening the Ms Great Britain pageant for the over-28 age bracket.

“I had done pageantry when I was 15 in St Kitts, and I had really enjoyed it, apart from the stigma of pageantry with the talking behind your back etc.

“There is also the perception that if you’re a pageant girl, then you’re not educated, you’re dumb or a ditzy blonde, which is so far from the truth, there are Doctors, Lawyers, and people from all walks of life” Jemma felt that she was older and wiser now, and decided to enter herself. “I’ve met so many amazing women, who have been through so many struggles, but will still walk out on stage with a smile on their face and help other people, just like me.”

Also last year, Jemma saw an Grazia advert saying “do you want to be on our front page”.

Naturally it piqued her interest, so she entered.

The topic they wanted to hear from was “What is beauty to you in 2020?” So after I didn’t expect to hear anything back, but it was fun to do.

About a week later I get a message from Grazia saying “you’re through to the judging stage” and in the end I was one of the six picked, and even now it’s still mindblowing.

Miss Great Britain had such a response from this, that this year they have created the Ms Great

l Photo by @photographydzen. Inset Photo @billiescheepersphotography, Photographer Assistant: @susiebrady Britain Classic for those aged 40 and over.

“Theres a lot of Fundraising involved, and they’re supporting Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish. We can also promote our own platform, which for me last time around was Pinks N Blues.

This time I’m searching for my own cause, as it has to be personal to you.”

On the day of the competition, there are 3 categories, as Jemma continued “Fashionwear, Swimwear which always terrifies me, and Eveningwear.”

Jemma is also a loud advocate

Villa launch 'Teamwork' to support local community THE ASTON VILLA Foundation has launched a new project called ‘TeamWork’ which aims to support mental health and wellbeing amongst local people in Birmingham and beyond.

The project has been funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers

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Association (PFA) and will offer an extensive support network to the local community.

TeamWork will help Villa fans and the wider community stay safely connected by providing online and in-person activities.

This includes virtual meet-ups and working alongside fan-led initiatives such as the ‘Villa

for afro-textured hair, even inspiring other pageant contestants to embrace their natural hair. “It is a brilliant group, when Ms Great Britain made the announcement, I had all my previous pageant sisters messaging me saying how great it was that I was back in it again.

“I’m very much a tomboy, and for me to step into this very ‘girlygirly’ environment, and still feel comfortable speaks volumes.”

You can follow Jemma’s journey on her Instagram page, dj_mystikle_blue, and we wish her the best of luck!

Running Club’ to encourage physical wellbeing.

The programme also shares resources to inform individuals on topics which may have a negative impact on wellbeing during these challenging times. Ryan Hollings, Health and Wellbeing Manager at the Premier League cluc, said: “The past 12 months have been a difficult period for everyone, the mental health of the nation has been greatly affected as a result of the pandemic.

“Over the next three years, TeamWork will support as many people as we can - local people and the wider Villa family, through supporting and connecting with others, encouraging physical activity and other ways that can support our mental wellbeing.”

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Don’t worry, It’s Just The M

ulti-platinum global superstar Jason Derulo has released his eagerly awaited new single “Lifestyle (Feat. Adam Levine)” which is available now. The track is accompanied by an official dance video.

With more than 42 million followers and over 954 million likes thus far, Jason Derulo is currently among TikTok‘s top 10 superstars and the most popular active platinum-selling musician across the entire platform.

“Lifestyle (Feat.

Adam

Levine)” sees Derulo joining forces for the first time ever with the one and only Adam Levine, frontman for the threetime Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5, who are one of pop music’s most enduring artists and also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts.

This new song marks the latest in a seemingly endless run of blockbuster releases from D e r u l o , including Jawsh 685 & Jason

Derulo’s 2x RIAA platinum certified chart-topper, “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat).”

Savage Love and its official BTS remix – proved an unstoppable international sensation upon its arrival last summer, peaking at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” as well as atop charts in 16 additional countries around the world.

What’s more, “Savage Love” now boasts o v e r 6 2 5

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million worldwide streams and has been featured in more than 10 million user-created TikTok videos thus far.

As if all that weren’t enough, “Savage Love” is joined by an official studio music video now with over 114 million views via Derulo’s official YouTube channel.

A true multi-platform powerhouse, Derulo undoubtedly ranks among the top pop and urban artists of this or any era, with 13 RIAA platinum certified singles, over 7 billion YouTube views, and worldwide singles sales well in excess of 200 million.

The wildly talented singer, songwriter, dancer, and

entertainer first drew acclaim through songwriting collaborations with such like-minded icons as Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Diddy, and Sean Kingston.

Derulo kicked off his remarkable solo career with 2009’s chart-topping, 5x platinum certified “Whatcha Say” and never looked back, rolling out five acclaimed albums and an epic string o f

hugely successful hit singles including “In My Head,” “Ridin’ Solo,” “Talk Dirty (Feat.

2 Chainz),” and “Want You To Want Me.” Moreover, Derulo has been an in-demand featured artist, creating international hits with such diverse stars as Pitbull, Florida Georgia Line, Little Mix, Flo Rida, Gucci Mane, and Sofía Reyes.

Among his countless career accomplishments, Derulo is among social media’s biggest stars of any genre. In addition to his prolific musical output, Derulo has made countless TV appearances, including live performances and guest roles on such popular competition series as Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

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Heart Shaped Cheeses Better Than Being Cheesey!

SHARPHAM CHEESE has pulled on our heart-strings and launched two heart-shaped cheeses in time for Valentine's Day.

An essential part of the cheese board or delicious when baked.

Buttercup yellow with milk from Sharpham's own Jersey herd, Sharpham Brie is a mould ripened cheese.

Firm, rich and creamy when young the cheese softens and develops mushroomy notes when aged. It has been handmade for 40 years.

This semi-hard cheese has a refreshing light tang that delicately balances the richness of the milk. Crumbly texture, golden colour and a delicate citrus flavour, Sharpham Rustic is irresistible when served with oatcakes and a sweet chutney.

Sharpham Brie - £6

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Sharpham Rustic - £7

Valentine It’s All About

Valentine's Giant Pasty Gift Box (£25 with 4 Chunk pies) THESE LIMITED edition gift boxes include a Valentine's pasty filled with either steak or 'chunki roast veg', which is suitable for vegans. It also contains four wrapped Chunk pies, which can also be suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Pre-orders are essential and can be made at chunkofdevon.co.uk from 22nd January until 8th February, whilst stocks last. The gift boxes will be delivered on Friday 12th February.

Stuck for inspiration for Valentines Gifts this year? Worry not! We’ve pulled together gift ideas from near and far to help you find the perfect present for your loved one!

Lockdown Special Hamper + Tutored Tasting - £50 SALFORD BREWERY and distillery will be hosting a virtual lovefest for two, kicking off at 7pm lovers can enjoy a tutored tasting of three beers and three gins.

For £50 guests will receive a hamper of limited edition 'lockdown special' SEVEN BRO7HERS beers and the house favourite IPA 'Honeycomb'.

And three flavoured SIS4ERS gins

– including the Signature, Strawberry and Lime and Thyme – will be accompanied by bespoke garnishes and paired tonics.

The tasting pack will also include some scrumptious, luxury handmade truffles to share.

All the beers and gins are vegan, and vegan truffles are available upon request.

The session will be hosted via video link and is the perfect opportunity to escape lockdown life for the evening. Places are limited, so get your tickets while stocks last.

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es

Get Your Geek On! A CUTE Valentine's card for any Pokemon fan!

Choose which Pokemon character you would like your card personalised with, matched with their own quirky Pokemon pun!

Perfect for Valentine's Day! Available on Etsy for £3.90 from MadeWithLoveByJem

Make Some Noise!

SONOS ONE gives you rich, room-filling sound and has the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in for simple voice control of your music, and more. Ask for songs while you cook, easily turn the volume up while you’re in the shower, or even request a lullaby when you’re putting the kids to bed.

Anyone in your home can take charge of the music. Kids can call out their favorite singalongs, friends can skip or replay tracks and adjust audio settings, and guests can request their favorite songs in real time.

Valentines Cocktails INDULGE the senses this February 14th with the 'Rosé Negroni', a delicate balance between Salcombe Distilling Co.'s dry rosé gin 'Rosé Sainte Marie', and the aromatic bittersweetness from rosé vermouth, making for a delicious serve that is sweet, fruity and nutty in equal measure.

Inspired by the flavours, aromas and lifestyle of the South of France, 'Rosé Sainte Marie' pays homage to the 'Sainte Marie' lighthouse, in the Old Port of Marseille.

Ingredients:

25ml Salcombe Gin ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ 25ml Londinio Rosé Vermouth 25ml Londinio Aperitivo

Lemon Peel Ice

Method:

Combine the gin, vermouth, aperitivo in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir gently Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass Garnish with a twist of lemon peel on the side of the glass

Longer Lasting Flowers MAKE THEIR day rosey with this simply stunning 24 Carat Gold Rose! This real rose has been handpicked, gently dipped in 24 carat gold and crafted exquisitely by skilled designers.

For Your Favourite Lazy Layabout!

Presented in a luxury black gift box, this shimmering rose is the ultimate token of long-lasting love and is sure to take pride of place in their homes, and their hearts, for years to come. The perfect gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and engagements!

Available through www.prezzybox.com for £59.95

DO YOU know someone who likes sitting around and doing nothing? Then this Man Cave wooden door sign is the perfect gift idea! Ideal for hanging on the door of an office, shed, bedroom or on the wall, you can personalise the name that appears at the top.

The text reads “Name’s Man Cave, Where he’s busy doing nothing”.

The sign itself is made of wood and comes with string meaning it’s ready for hanging straight away and is personalised through www.funkypigeon.com from £12.99

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Available for £179 from John Lewis

Keep The Spark Alive...

AVA MAY AROMAS has pulled together its top favourite scents which will help create the perfect atmosphere while at home this Valentine’s Day. The firm, which was founded by 25-yearold Hannah Chapman two years ago and has now sold almost half a billion wax melts, has also just released its first-ever Valentine’s Day gift box - and it’s beautiful!

Priced at £30, the limited-edition ‘I Love You’ box contains a gorgeous heart wax melt burner, a room spray, one tea light pack and three wax melts - all in a scent of your choice - From AvaMayAromas.com

For The Sweetie In Your Life DO GIFTS get anymore nostalgic than the Slush Puppie Machine?

Perfect for parties, gatherings and any kind of celebration. Your friends will never want to leave once they catch sight of this dreamy blue slushy machine, based closely on the original design.

This new and improved Slush Puppie Machine still features the iconic, authentic branding, blue colours and the unforgettable pooch at the front, still reeling us in. It looks, feels and most importantly tastes like those ones back in the day – slushy maker goals.

This can be yours for only £44.99 from iwantoneofthose.com

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Tune Raider Music Production highlighting why Black Lives Matter IN MEMORY of George Floyd and in honour of the Black Lives Matter Movement Tune Raiders wrote ‘Black Lives Matter’, an anthem for protesters as a rally cry for the injustices facing people who took part in the protests.

Recorded at Addaline Studios, in Walsall, in the West Midlands, the musical structure took shape when rapping talent Demen Nus/ Jason Thomas, came into the frame.

Supported harmoniously by Paulette Marshall and Shauna Black, the Tune Raiders Music Production song was quickly completed the end product was finally mastered in Telford at, PS Mastering Studios.

The video for the track was also done inhouse by David E. Williams’ video production company COMMUNI-TV, and legendary musician and producer, Paul Beckford, which gave a visual insight into the here and now.

With a compilation of powerful lyrics and harmonious melodies on the album that transcend its theme, the Tune Raiders Music Production’s Black Lives Matter is release on Spotify, Apple, Itunes and Amazon.

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BOND FILM NO TIME TO DIE DELAYED AGAIN

T

he release of the next James Bond film has been delayed for a third time because of the coronavirus pandemic.

No Time To Die had already been pushed back twice, and will now debut globally on October 8, an announcement on the film's website said.

It had originally been due to hit screens in April 2020.

The film is the 25th instalment in the Bond franchise, and marks Daniel Craig's final appearance as British secret service agent 007.

It also features Lea Seydoux and Rami Malek.

The delay comes as a further blow to cinemas that have been forced to shut for months at a time because of lockdowns. A significant part of Bond film earnings come from the UK and European market, and studio MGM may be concerned that Covid restrictions could limit No Time To Die's box office earnings.

It comes after Warner Bros this month announced it was delaying the release of Sopranos prequel The Many Saints Of Newark.

Other blockbusters affected by the pandemic include Jared Leto superhero film Morbius, sci-fi epic Dune and action sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

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A the

King of sea shanty

fter kick-starting the sea shanty phenomenon that has swept the globe in recent weeks, one of the most exciting breakout stars of 2021, Nathan Evans has released his debut track ‘Wellerman’ and ‘Wellerman 220Kid & Killen Ted Remix’ via Universal.

The genre is everywhere right now and it’s all down to Nathan that

The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021 - Page 27

ENTERTAINMENT

a new generation are discovering the thrills of fisherman-themed, multi-harmonised folk music.

It all began when Nathan, from Airdrie, North Lanarkshire in Scotland, decided to start uploading songs to TikTok after completing his morning duties as a postman.

The first track he shared was a cover of Leave Her, Johnny, the traditional Irish shanty that dates back to the early part of the last century.

But what happened next was off the scale, with the video racking up eye-popping numbers.

Something about this music and Nathan’s charismatic delivery connected in a big, big way.

By the time he uploaded a rendition of the New Zealand whaling ballad The Wellerman just a few months later, he was at the centre of a new cultural movement whirling around sea shanties.

To date, he has over 500,000 TikTok followers and The Wellerman has amassed an astonishing seven million views and more.

Now, taking his music career full time, he follows in the chart dominating footsteps of those he has always admired including Dermot Kennedy and Lewis Capaldi as well as finding unlikely fans in Andrew Lloyd Webber,

Gary Barlow and Ronan Keating who have also uploaded their own renditions of the song alongside the current 1.6 billion videos using the hashtag #seashanty on TikTok. He has begun an international love of sea shanties that have seen the craze sweep the globe, popping up in a variety of platforms from football posts to prime-time TV shows.

UK producer 220 Kid’s remix of Wellerman became a viral sensation of its own, exploding out of Instagram and receiving radio plays from Radio 1’s Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw and Capital Dance’s Mistajam. Ahead of its release, it was already Top 20 in the Shazam chart.

Sea shanties have rocketed from cult tradition to a fevered mainstream concern. Everyone is doing it: Manchester City created their own sea shanty meme ahead of a league game against Crystal Palace and Jimmy Fallon and The Roots performed a sea shanty rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song Drivers License on Fallon Tonight.

Nathan himself performed a special version of The Wellerman as part of the BBC’s coverage of the resent Manchester United v Liverpool’s FA Cup tie.

Nicki Minaj Paying Tracy Chapman $450,000 Following Copyright Case

RAPPER Nicki Minaj will pay singer Tracy Chapman $450,000 (£332,000) to settle a copyright dispute after sampling one of her songs.

Chapman sued Minaj in 2018, saying she had used portions of Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight in her song Sorry.

Although the song was never released, a leaked version made its way to radio DJ Funkmaster Flex and went viral online.

Chapman accused Minaj of sharing the song with Flex, although both have denied that version of events.

Minaj wrote Sorry with fellow rapper Nas while she was recording her fourth album Queen in 2018. It was based on a sample of the dancehall track Sorry by Jamaican artist Shelly Thunder.

Unbeknownst to Minaj, that song was based on Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight, from Chapman's Grammy-winning 1988 debut album.

After discovering the connection, Minaj and her record label sought permission to use Chapman's composition, but the singer-songwriter

repeatedly refused.

The singer's lawyer said she has a blanket policy against granting such permission. One of the clearance specialists working for Minaj was also said to have known Chapman was on an unofficial "do not sample" list.

In an earlier judgement, a US District Judge ruled that Minaj's experimentation with Chapman's song in the studio constituted "fair use".

In doing so, she sided with the rapper's lawyers, who argued that artists need to be free to sample music while writing and recording, without worrying about being sued once they approach the rights-holder for a licence.

"Such free-flowing creativity is important to all recording artists, but particularly in hiphop," Minaj's team argued.

Tracy Chapman accepted Minaj's offer with a settlement including her costs and legal fees to date, according to documents made public by the California Central District Court.

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

Ecclestone Buys Unique Ferrari In Art Collection FERRARI IN ART – The Sporting Legacy, a collection of 25 unique original artworks celebrating everything Ferrari, has been purchased by former Formula One Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone.

The series of works by international artist Mark Dickens, in collaboration with renowned F1 photographer Keith Sutton, encompasses all the features that make Ferrari so special.

“There has never been a collaboration like this before and I could not resist the opportunity to acquire it for my private collection. I know both Mark and Keith well and have always been impressed by their professionalism,” said Ecclestone.

“I first became aware of Mark back in 2009 and in 2011 I commissioned him to create 19 paintings, showcasing each of that year’s races. The following year we presented each painting to the respective promoter.”

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Go Carz offering G free taxi rides to the elderly and vulnerable for vaccinations

o Carz, the biggest private hire taxi operator across Shropshire and the West Midlands, is offering free taxi rides to help roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to the first wave of elderly and vulnerable patients of Telford.

Formed in 2017, Teldoc is Shropshire’s first super practice, with a patient population of over 48,000.

In accordance with national guidance, Teldoc have commenced vaccination of the elderly and vulnerable in the local community.

Go Carz are working with participating Teldoc practices to offer transport only to those eligible persons who have been invited to make a vaccination appointment if they have no other

means of transport.

These free rides provide a COVID-safe taxi journey to the vaccination centre only, and the patient has the option to book a safe journey home too.

Eligible individuals who have been invited to make an appointment with the vaccination centre, will be able to claim their free journey using a dedicated account and provided by the Teldoc telephone operator.

Patients will then be able to phone Go Carz dispatch centre to book their free ride using this information.

The gesture of goodwill will benefit the elderly and vulnerable within the local community who, without Go Carz and Teldoc’s help, would have had their vaccination delayed.

Graham Hoof, Regional Director of Go Carz, said: “Many of the elderly and vulnerable may feel safer in a private hire vehicle rather than public transport.

Safely transporting them to ensure they can get their vaccination is a vital step that we can assist with to help our local community beat COVID.” Go Carz was also one of the first transport companies to introduce additional health and hygiene measures in 2020 to make journeys as safe as possible for all passengers and driver-partners.

The measures, designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, include specialist cleaning regimes, in-vehicle protective screens, the wearing of face coverings and passengers sitting in the rear of the vehicle.

l (L to R) Graham Hoof, Regional Director, Go Carz, with patient Sheila Mildoon, 85 and Kate Tatton, Lead Covid Nurse at Teldoc

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80,000 EXAMPLES OF THE CONTINENTAL GT

T

he Home of Bentley in Crewe, UK has produced the 80,000th individual, made-to-order example of the Continental GT – the world’s definitive luxury grand tourer.

The 80,000th car – a righthand drive Continental GT V8 in Orange Flame – was handcrafted earlier this week, in the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car production.

In 1952, the Bentley R-Type Continental made its debut; a Mulliner-bodied coupe with a top speed of just less than 120

mph. It was the fastest fourseater car in the world and very quickly earned a reputation as the ultimate in high-speed luxury.

In 2003, the Continental GT was launched – the first car of the modern Bentley era. Inspired by the R-Type, the first Continental GT established an entirely new market segment – the modern luxury Grand Tourer.

Ever since, it has been the unchallenged benchmark for the sector that it founded, with an average of nearly 5,000 examples a year being delivered to customers around the world.

MOTORS

Keep Your Love On Track LEADING driving experience provider – TrackDays.co.uk – has just launched a new ‘Driving Experiences for Two’ section, including supercars and classic cars, ahead of Valentine’s Day. Spearheading the drive for loved-up couples, or those looking to possibly reignite a dwindling passion, is a desirable selection of superhot supercars including Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, at locations across the UK. Depending on the package, these prestige motors can either be driven by the participants or enjoyed ‘in the back seat’ with a high-speed passenger ride!

And with prices starting from just £75, experiences make an affordable alternative to flowers and chocolates.

Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: “Our new ‘Driving Experiences for Two’ section is the one-stop shop for romantics looking to surprise their partner this Valentine’s Day.

Today, eighteen years later, Bentley’s skilled craftspeople – many of whom will have worked on the very first example of the Continental GT (still owned by Bentley) – have handcrafted the 80,000th car.

Over this period the style, technology and engineering beneath the car has evolved significantly, seeing an increase of up to 27 per cent in peak power, whilst models within the range have also achieved a reduction over the original Continental GT of 48 per cent in CO2 emissions.

‘Armchair’ car sales shoot up in lockdown MORE PEOPLE are buying their next used car from their living room, with new digital car sales platform Carzam predicting sales of more than 20,000 high quality, late model used cars in its first full year following unprecedented demand.

Just six weeks since it went live at www.carzam.co.uk, the new online used car sales platform has delivered more than 1,000 cars.

The revolutionary new company, which puts customer service first and foremost, can

offer a next-day turnaround on much of its stock and is led by a team of high profile automotive industry experts with unrivalled experience in the motor trade.

Carzam founder Peter Waddell said: “We’ve seen a trend toward people buying more and more significant things online over recent years, but the three recent lockdowns have accelerated the UK’s thirst for e-commerce.

“People are now making much bigger purchases online – and with confidence – from

cars to houses, consumer electronics to domestic appliances.”

The company is on track with it’s strategy to sell more than 20,000 cars in its first year of trading, all ordered online and delivered directly to the new owner’s door with a no-quibble guarantee – and that number is only going to get bigger as consumer trends evolve.

“A few years ago, you wouldn’t buy a TV or a cooker without going to look at one in a showroom first,” added Waddell.

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ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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ARTS VENUES TO GET SLICE OF CULTURE RECOVERY FUND I t has been announced that the Birmingham Hippodrome is among the latest recipients of emergency government arts funding and will be receiving almost £3m from the £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

Town Hall Symphony Hall in the city has been awarded £2.53 million. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is to return to Symphony Hall Birmingham, as its doors open for the first time in over seven months to enable live concerts for socially-distanced audiences.

The announcement follows the decision by Arts Council England to also award Town Hall Symphony Hall £2.53 million from the Fund which is designed to help the sector until March 2021 – while the CBSO received £843,000 earlier this month.

Birmingham Repertory Theatre has also been awarded a grant, of £1.38 million, with

its Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas saying: “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating effect on our communities, city, and industry. We are hugely grateful to The Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the grant announced today for Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

“Without this essential grant there is no doubt that the future of our historic theatre would have been greatly compromised.

Thanks to the support from DCMS and Arts Council England we can now channel our efforts into securing the future of The REP, protecting jobs, and employing freelancers”.

Birmingham-born actor Adrian Lester, a Trustee of the Board of The REP, said the £1.38m would allow it to "inspire and entertain again" when it is able to reopen.

Shakespeare's Globe, the

Sage Gateshead, the replica Elizabethan theatre in London, Birmingham Royal Ballet, the CBSO and the Lichfield Garrick theatre are amongst those who will receive almost £3m from the

£1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund.

Museums to benefit from this tranche of funding include the Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire and the Black Country Living Museum in

Dudley. More than £500m has now been allocated from the Culture Recovery Fund to almost 2,500 cultural organisations and venues.

Schoolboy Skier Channels Eddie The Eagle

A BIRMINGHAM schoolboy is following in the tracks of his hero Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards by skijumping in his back garden.

George Brown was, originally, wanted to be a gymnast, but took up skiing after his and is now using the converted the back garden of his family’s home in Moseley.

And with the help of dad, Stuart, he has a winter gym complete with a mini ski-jump on the back steps.

After taking up the sport five years ago, George, 13, is now the country's top skier in the under-14 category.

With being ‘World No 1’ his dream, the ski whiz’s locked down training routine, which came about after watching the film-biography of legendary ski jumper Eddie the Eagle, the teenager is drawing inspiration from the Winter Olympics' star who also learned to ski jump in his garden.

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MY PERSONAL BATTLE WITH SIRUS THE VIRUS A

t one time I would ask the same question; do you know anyone that has Covid or has had it? And all the time the answer was No. Up until 3 weeks ago when that statistic became a name, my name, Big Dave.

It doesn’t matter how strong you think you are, nothing prepares you for what is about to come.

Firstly it was a feeling of lightheadedness, feeling a bit woozy and ringing in my ears but then the aches started, every single joint in my body, my hips, thighs, knees, shins, fingers and even my grip had all deteriorated and then I was overcome with a total lack of energy.

The lightheadedness was replaced by skull numb smashing pain which was constant. Even my eyes and the back of them was so painful which then led on to a total lack of appetite and to those of you that know me this is totally unheard of.

Prior to Covid I would consume five/ six thousand calories a day no problem, but with Covid this was reduced to zero calories. I took to my bed and found myself now totally bed bound, every bit of my amazing strength and energy had gone.

Luckily throughout all of this I had my own Florence Nightingale, my nurse, my rock, my wife Tina attended to me throughout this period to make sure I had taken onboard enough fluids and numerous paracetamol tablets throughout the day and night.

Next came the night sweats but not just throughout the night but throughout the day as well, getting ringing soaking wet with the sweats which would then turn into cold chills and shivering at times when I wasn’t sleeping.

Every small task turned into a giant one even reaching over to get a glass of water was an effort and I just could not shift the raging headaches that were constantly there.

Then after days of loss of appetite, not eating and reduced fluid intake came the next part. Which to a hard, fit, strong

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BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

MADE BIRMINGHAM IN

I

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Mind, Body & Soul

“What’s Love Gotta Do With It?”

W

trainer like me with twentysix world strength records to my name, who knows so much about exercise, nutrition, the body and how it works, came the muscle wastage and dramatic loss of weight.

All of those hard years of working out, training and nutritional intake to allow me to train daily. A man who could drop to the floor and smash out one hundred press ups, could not now manage one.

So if you think Covid 19 is a huge conspiracy I totally urge you to think again, this is for real, this for keeps. I don’t know how I will come out of this

only time will tell from now.

I don’t know how I contracted this virus as I followed the Government rules and guidance that were out there to help keep us all safe including masking up, social distancing and good house- keeping but I still managed somehow to contract the virus.

Apparently I was told this is a mild case and I was fortunate due in part to my fitness to avoid the need for ICU, but if this was just a mild case then my heart goes out to those that have experienced the extreme.

Don’t think you are invincible, you are not, as fitness is no shield from the virus itself. Although the fitter you are the more chance you have to fight it off, but it will still get you and put you on the floor but fitness will help to get you back on your feet.

So it is important to focus on body maintenance using nutrition and workouts where you can. As soon as my turn comes around I will be in the que for my vaccine.

I urge you to follow and take up the offer of the vaccine as I believe this is the way out for us all to fight back against the virus.

Stay Safe, Stay Fit and Stay Strong.

hat’s love gotta do with it” sang the beautiful, iconic Tina Turner, well, it’s got everything to do with it.

Love is being deeply connected or committed to something - a person, your faith, work, the planet, a hobby, the list goes on.

Love is used as an everyday word. It’s thrown around in general conversation, but it also has a deeper meaning that can not only break our hearts, but can also elevate us to a place beyond words.

Love makes the world go round . It makes it a better place and humans more bearable. To love one another - your fellow man.

February also has Valentines Day slap bang in the middle of it... remember your loved ones the adverts say.Personally, I feel that ‘loved ones’ should be remembered all year round not for just one day.

Love knows no boundaries. Our loved ones in spirit will often make their presence known to those loved ones left behind.

They will move things around the home, switch lights on and off, you may smell cigarettes if they smoked or their perfume or aftershave, this is how they show us that they’re still around and giving us their love.

Our spirit family continue to love us and are never far away. They continue to share our joys and our sorrows throughout our daily lives.

Spiritual love has no limitations or boundaries. Their love is unconditional and everlasting.

This months Oracle Card pull is aptly named the ‘Eternal Love’ card from the Gaia Oracle by Toni Carmine Salerno.

As a world we have been, and still are, continuing to go through difficult

times.

Although we may not feel that there is any happiness, harmony or fulfilment in our lives, it’s asking us to find these things again as they are there , it’s just that we’ve forgotten how to see and connect with them.

The Red wavy line in the card depicts the turbulent times that we are/ have been experiencing, but above that there shines a beautiful sun.

The colours are uplifting and joyous showing better times are coming, giving us the warmth and hope to see us through.

It may take a little longer than we would like, but we will get back on track and begin to enjoy life again.

And finally, that beautiful rainbow is the icing on the cake so to speak...

What is always at the end of a rainbow? That wonderful pot of gold that we all truly deserve.

Bring out your inner child and see how breathtaking a rainbow truly is.

The darkness will disappear and that beautiful sun will shine brighter than it ever has before ...Stay positive beautiful Souls Be kind, be safe, be love Ruth G Soul Butterfly

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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

Telly-Mad Brummies Watch 1,440 Hours Of TV A Year A NEW survey has reveals that, on average, those polled in Birmingham currently spend 30 hours of every week glued to their tellies, clocking up to 120 hours a month.

With 80 percent of Brits having enjoyed watching more TV during 2020, the research reveals that, in Birmingham, the average household is set to enjoy 22 box set episodes, seven sit-coms, eight soap opera episodes and four football matches per month.

A fifth of those polled said that in 2021 they could not live without their TVs. In an average month this year, viewers in Birmingham will also enjoy 11 reruns of their favourite shows, nine films, seven game shows and six reality shows - as well as a staggering 71 YouTube videos.

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A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR 2021 FROM BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

B

i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome released a special new poem by Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Casey Bailey to mark a message of hope for this year.

The special commission, titled Slice of Sunshine was created to run alongside public images of the Global Rainbow light installation that the Birmingham Hippodrome Festivals team ran over the New Year period.

Global Rainbow – an art installation by international artist Yvette Mattern - was beamed northwest from the city’s iconic Rotunda building on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, marking a message of hope and peace for 2021.

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We were thrilled to work with Casey on such a special message of hope for the New Year.

“We would also like to thank

everybody who shared photos of Global Rainbow too, we have been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to the installation and hope we can bring more moments of positivity to the region throughout 2021.”

Poet Laureate Casey said: “When I first heard that the Global Rainbow was coming to Birmingham, I was so excited to see it light up the sky above the city.

“When I was asked to write about what this meant to me, I thought about the way that rainbows come from a combination of ‘good and bad’ weather and how I hope 2021 could redress the balance of a predominantly bad 2020” ‘Global Rainbow’ is an ongoing public artwork by Artist Yvette Mattern was presented by Birmingham Hippodrome as part of Global Streets, a national project funded through Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants.

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