The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 15
THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT & CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE
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20
TH
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
CELEBRATING TWO DECADES OF A UNIQUE MOVEMENT
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ENTERTAINMENT
The Phoenix – January 2017
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TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynehost
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Star Recognition for Steel Pulse
DJ SILK is truly shutting it down!
A massive ‘Big Up ’ to Birmingham’s own Grammy Awar d-winning Steel Pulse for finally ge tting due recogShe drops a surprise album dissing her husband but we all know nition on the Broa d Street ‘Walk of that was just an attention grabber , supports Hilary Clinton but Stars.’ Blessed! failed to get her into office but one massive achievement was the fact she filled out wembly stadium 2 days in a row this year! She is is todays superstar of RNB and best that doing it!
Beyonce STILL REIGNS
Its been a great year for Wolverhamptons own DJ Silk who had a call from R Kelly to do a remix cd of his songs and he also was support DJ for Wiz Khalifa at the Red Bull tournament in London!
Bexce ptional Conce Congra pt tulation s
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X Facto
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THE MACK IS BACK! It only takes one song to make you have a career and Mark Morrison from Leicester has truly shown that. The all time R&B classic Return of the Mack celebrates its 20th Anniversary and has made the top ten charts..well done Mack!
A
’
Sir Lenny the ‘Great
ful, rom 16-year-old hope in’s ita Br of e on to being , greatest ever icons , ist op thr ilan ph or, comic, act Chancellor, and now university ws no Sir Lenny Henry kno bounds. mingHis recent visit to Bir y, for em ad Ac ely ham’s Shen e more one, was to encourag le to take up diverse young peop somes, art the performing deemed en oft is ich wh ng thi inaccessible. ancellor Now, in his role as Ch iversity, Un y Cit m ha ng mi of Bir ing more he will be champion ll as uniwe as re, the ity ers div . ral ne ge in versities at A great icon and a gre Lenny Sir , ses cau of ion champ ss dle en the is deserved of him one plaudits that makes ts.’ ea ‘Gr e tru of Britain’s
Apache Takes Aim
F
CHOCOLATE GOD! Tash is Birmingham’ s award winning model. Our answer to Tyson Beckford & Tyrese. Get a load of this hunk!
KATY B stuns at
mobo
ty B stunned us at Underrated singer Ka d even Craig David an r yea s the MOBO thi ech while she spe found it hard to do his s baby oh yes! leg ... ard aw his presented
good to go - black heels always work
fter worldwide success, singer/song writer and DJ, Apache Indian’s love for music has seen the award-winning Birmingham star set up his Apache Indian Music (AIM) Academy, to support young people in developing industry standard skills in these areas and more. Based at South & City College Birmingham, his students undertake the skills of singer, writer, radio and TV presenting, as a foundation to the industry on a grander scale. After his relentless run of international success, now Apache, noted for his distinctive fusion of bhangra, reggae and British flavours, is showing young people the right way to AIM for, at the college’s Handsworth campus, in the industry giving them the ‘heads-up’ on what’s right – and even more – in the game called ‘music.’
HEAVY! Drake’s Jordan trainer is bang
on!
The Phoenix – January 2017
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Page 17
ENTERTAINMENT
When we were young @ Harmony Q Clu- bRavers
Cat Deeley
Faith
LL Cool J
Missy Elliott yz
Section Bo
Pamela Anderson
John Barnes
Steve
Chronixx
ms
Willia
- 1998 on ild Interview Destiny’s Ch zells Road Lo
Tru Str
ndon & Drake - Lo
eet Dan
ce Stre e 2007 t Cred Party
Ciara
Keri Hilson
Method Man
Tim Witherspoon & Gordy Pix
DJ EJ
Bobby Dazzla
Lady Leshurr, Mixmaster Yootie, Mystikle Blue
Hatman
White Yardie
Richard Blackwood & Kevin Hart
Teddy Riley
y& Henr hlin enny Sir L McLaug ia Marc
Tyson, Lester, Asher D
Here’s to you
DJ E
J&
Cha
rlie
Slot
h Jazzy Jeff & Mad Skillz
Shola Ama
The Great People We’ve Met over the last 20 years. Mark Dwayne & The Stars Will Smith
Richard Blackwood & Slim
Tyson & Prince William
Ghostface Killa & Sicnis
Gramps
Redman
Daniel Riley
NAS, Aaliyah, Missy, Ginuwine
Cristiano Ronaldo
P Diddy
Destiny’s Child
Katy May Street Cred Event
KC & Sisqo
Damage
Ya Garn Too Far Mon!
Bobby Noodlez, Brady & Shortie
DJ Mexy Birthday Bash
Jazzy Jeff
Beenie Man, Danny D, PacJam
Club Event of the month Joe Hunt has been a household name in the club scene for many years and its great that he now has a massive underground Garage party we can all go too simply called NICE held at the legendary Rainbow Warehouse in Digbeth Birmingham. These events have massive attendance figures and always a NICE old skool loving crowd. The ravers are energetic and friendly, its a scene that you can easily
go to and feel apartof. You can witness the best Garage Djs and live acts in the scene. As far as it goes for Garage events in the Midlands there is only one and it is this.. Check some of the photos and be sure to hit their facebook page for more info. Facebook:niceundergroundgarage
Keri Hilson
Changing Faces
SWV
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ENTERTAINMENT
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BROS will BOSS 2017!
Meet Your New
Agony Aunt!
I
A Rose Between Thorns
t is being plugged as the most exciting reunion of the decade, with Matt and Luke Goss announcing their show at The O2 Arena in August 2017. It will be their first show together since they performed to 77,000 at Wembley Stadium back in 1989. Demand has been unprecedented with tickets for the show selling out in seconds, breaking O2 box office records in the process. Matt and Luke Goss have been overwhelmed with the reaction. “We’re so excited to play these shows, we wish it was next week,” they said. “Summer can’t
O
n Christmas eve we wrapped our present and placed them under the l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal always a very emotional and difChristmas tree. Before we went to ficult situation. bed we decided to take a photo of all the presents. s a young girl, how am I To our surprise on one of the going to cope with my bills present there was a face of a young after Christmas. I live on Asian lady. my own with my son and was given It freaked us out because the help from a local food bank. wrapping paper was plain. Then on We had lovely Christmas. The Christmas morning the door bell bills seem to come in all at the same rang as clear as day, my sister mytime, threatening to cut of my elecself and my son heard it. tric and gas. The worst one is the The strangest thing happened. council tax. When we looked out the window I am working so I am responsible there was no one there for gas, electric, water rate, TV liI went and opened the door to cence, and council tax with my rent. see if they had walked up the My flat is damp up the walls and road, but there was nothing. We they go black with a terrible smell have been freaking out at this. during the cold weather. What do you think has happened? I have tried to fix it myself be- Abigail, Sutton Coldfield cause the council wont do anything. A: Sounds like you had a visitor! My son suffers from asthma and his Angels and spirits are all around skin breaks out in excema. us. They tend to make themselves I don’t know if the damp makes it known on certain occasions, and worse, I am constantly at the docthis may be one of those times. tors with my son getting sick all the You shouldn’t have anything to time. I live in one of those very old worry about, just pray and ask high rise flats on the ground floor. your faith leader to come round How can you help me, my son and pray with you, but never get is only two years old and I am vey frightened of spirits! worried about his health. Please help me get out of this terrible earest agony aunt. I used to place! see you on facebook but I - Shanika, Nechells was not ready to make conA: I think you need to write a tact with you until I saw that you are very strong letter to your counthe new agony aunt for The Phoenix cillor. Newspaper. This should not be happening I was married, but my husband in todays times in my opinion, was incarcerated for boot legging. I especially where there are young use to live an exquisite lifestyle, I children involved. never asked my husband where the I get a lot of these complaints money came from. about the City Council and the I just assumed it was his propliving conditions that people are erty company that he made all his forced to live in. money from. The family wants to The City Council tends to use a take my children away from me. lot of outside contractors and alMy boys are my life. Can they though most do a good job, there take my children from me.? As an are some that leave much to be British Asian women I find it difdesired. ficult to communicate outside my Only by bringing it to the City family. Council’s attention will they be Can you advise me how to keep aware of the failings. my children from his family. Do In terms of your bills, I suggest they have the right to take my boys? you contact your Citizens Advice - Sara, Droitwich Bureau, as they can usually sugA: I hear about this type of gest debt management services thing many times in the Asian who can help you to handle your community, but not exclusive to finances, and if there is any more it. financial help that you might be You have rights as a mother entitled to. to your children, and I would I am sure that the CAB will be suggest you contact your local your best place to get the right Citizens Advice Bureau first and advice. I wish that I could do a foremore. lot more, but pointing you in the They are usually pretty good in right direction is as much as I can providing you with the right addo so that you can get the right vice and direction to take. type of help. I don’t think you need to worry about anyone taking your chilIf you do have any problems dren away from you. In the UK or quries and need some adthere is a legal system that backs vice to point you in the right up parental rights. direction, then get in touch at I wish you well and hope that rose@thephoenixnewspaper.com. you get the right result. Where there are children involved it is
A
D
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The Phoenix – January 2017
come soon enough.” Andy Copping, President of Live Nation UK Touring said: “This has been the fastest sell out in history for any live nation show at The O2 and is utterly amazing.” BROS will be playing Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena on the 25th August as part of their nationwide tour. Propelled by their classic smash hit ‘When Will I Be Famous’, BROS ruled the world from 1987-1992. In that time they rewrote the pop history books. We’ve got a pair of tickets to the Birmingham show up for grabs, and here is what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning!
COMPETITION For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see BROS in Birmingham, just answer this simple question!
Finish the title of BROS’ smash hit: “When Will I Be ________” a) King b) Famous c) Older Just email your answer, with your name and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “BROS Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 28th February 2017. There is no cash alternative.
Salawa Abeni Is Back
F
or over 40 years Queen Salawa Abeni has been thrilling audiences with her dynamic live performances. In December 2016 she was invited by the Executive Governor of Lagos state to perform at the state house where some Nigerian legends in the music industry including Queen Salawa Abeni were celebrated by the Lagos State Government, among them include Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Wifor, Adewale Ayuba and Lagbaja. Salawa Abeni performed her waka at the event. Abeni has released over 50 albums between 1976-2016. Salawa is back to her career, she intends to recapture her Waka and take it to the next level .She spoke with Dauda Awwal for The Phoenix Newspaper in an exclusive interview with him. After the sudden death of Nigerian Head of State - Gen. Murtala Ramat Muhammad, she released her hit debut album Late General Ramat Mohammed in 1976 under Leader records. This became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria. Salawa was crowned as
'Queen of Waka' in 1992 Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,the Alaafin of Oyo at Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan and she has continued to regale her fans with several unbeatable rhythms. She is the one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.
Her Career
Waka is a term used to describe music in hausa language,waka developed out of Yoruba folkloric, and Salawa is an icon to millions of Nigerian women in Nigeria and Diaspora. She achieved worldwide fame after releasing several albums; with her albums became the best-selling in Nigeria. She also scored a series of international number-one hits, including "Gentle Lady nimi,mio kinse fighter o,kenikeni ma timi lo sibi ija’’ Her first album gained recognition like Exodus when released by Bob Marley in England. Salawa is a global symbol in the waka. Salawa Abeni was born May 5, 1961 in Epe-Ogun State.
How Many Albums Have You Produced?
'I have produced over fifty albums. But I can only remember the last one, 'The recovering'. I love all the tracks.
Have You Been Arrested By
Nigerian Government For Criticizing Them ?
No. It is better to be slapped with truth rather than be smiled with lies.
Who Taught You Waka?
Almighty God. Nobody taught me waka. It has been in my destiny that everyone would mention Salawa Abeni's name with waka. It's not by my power or wisdom, but Almighty Allah.
Her Challenges
The 'WAKA' suffered a setback about ten years ago when she struck with a ailment she could not perform her musical acts both on-stage and studio, this created a vacuum in the music genre . Queen has fully recovered from the ailment and ready to bounce back into reckoning. People have shown that her enigma was greatly missed during the period of her absence and a need to fill the void created in the entertainment world. “I use this opportunity to show my appreciation to those who have contributed positively to my life particularly Lagos State Government. May God be with them. I learn great things from my tears. A friend is known when needed'' Words by Dauda Awwal
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
The Phoenix – January 2017
BIG SCREEN
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BIGScreen
The Hateful Eight (UK Release Date: January 8, 2016)
The eighth film by Quentin Tarantino gave us all of the trademark qualities we’ve come to expect from the controversial filmmaker but on the smallest scale since Reservoir Dogs way back in 1992. Set predominantly in a roadside bar during a vicious blizzard, this claustrophobic but endlessly entertaining Mystery/Western was a welcome change of pace from Tarantino. The Hateful Eight is proof that sometimes, all you need is an engaging story, a passionate director and an excellent cast to craft a truly brilliant cinematic experience.
Best of 2016 review
wORDS by antony brown
Hell or High Water (UK Release Date: September 9, 2016)
The Jungle Book (UK Release Date: April 15, 2016)
When Disney announced they would be doing a live-action (well, predominantly CGI) remake of their beloved classic The Jungle Book, there was a collective sigh of exasperation around the world. We didn’t want it, we didn’t need it and we damn sure didn’t ask for it. Alas, it was happening and there was nothing we could do but wait and expect the worst. However, what we were given was a movie that not only honoured the 1967 classic, but pretty much improved on it in every conceivable way, resulting in one of the biggest surprises of the year.
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Captain America: Civil War (UK Release Date: April 29, 2016)
Plagued with the herculean task of uniting a plethora of characters from twelve previous movies as well as juggling a complex plot full of twists and turns while still maintaining the “fun” of a superhero movie, Captain America: Civil War (the thirteenth movie in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe) had a very tall order to fill.
It could have quite easily wound up being a jumbled mess that was trying to do far too much at once, but somehow - it worked. Writers Christoper Markus and Stephen McFreely and Directors Anthony and Joe Russo crafted a superhero flick that was everything it needed to be - action packed without losing focus on character, fun without sacrificing story, complex without being exhausting. A near-perfect superhero movie.
Don’t Breathe (UK Release Date: August 26, 2016)
At least once a year, a movie comes along that completely surprises everybody and Fede Alvarez’s Don’t Breathe is that movie. A brutally intense Horror/ Thriller that crams more twists and turns in to its lean eightyeight-minute runtime than most movies do in two hours. A fast, fun, shocking and unapologetically vicious cinematic shot of adrenaline.
A modern-day Western starring Jeff Bridges as a small-town Sheriff hot on the trail of two brothers who have been hitting banks throughout West Texas in a desperate attempt to raise money in order to save their family’s ranch from being repossessed. Hell or High Water is a simple story executed brilliantly, featuring some of the very best performances of the year. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains to root for, just well-developed characters who all have perfectly understandable motives for their actions, which only adds to the intensity of the cat-and-mouse nature of the story. A must-see.
Honorable Mentions:The Conjuring 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Green Room, Arrival, Deadpool, Rogue One
MOst ANTICIPATED of 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (UK Release Date: July 14, 2017)
Moonlight (UK Release Date: February 17, 2017)
Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami. While this brief synopsis alone may fail to grab your attention, a quick Google search will unleash an endless barrage of some of the most intensely positive reviews you’ll ever read. This movie is going to be important, perhaps even life-changing, for so many people from all different walks of life. Spread the word.
Star Wars: Episode VIII (UK Release Date: December 15, 2017)
Beauty and the Beast (UK Release Date: March 17, 2017)
After the whirlwind success of Disney's brilliant live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, the world is now 100% behind Disney’s mission to deliver the very best live-action adaptations of our favourite fairytales we’v ever seen. With a baffling amount of talent on both sides of the camera, it’s difficult not to be excited for this one.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the biggest surprise of 2011, delivering a mature blockbuster full of action, heart and substance. The sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was one of the biggest surprises of 2014, improving upon a fantastic predecessor and venturing into some genuinely dark territory on the way to all out war... and that’s what we’re getting in 2017. In the third chapter of the critically acclaimed franchise, Caesar and his apes are drawn into a war with a vicious Colonel and his army of humans that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Dunkirk (UK Release Date: July 21, 2017)
Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar) has reached an extremely rare feat as a filmmaker. He has delivered great movie after great movie and as a result of that, film fans are immediately excited at
the mere mention of his name. He constantly pushes the boundaries of cinema and exercises his meticulous control over every production, so the fact his next film is a World War II epic is a tantalising prospect. Dunkirk tells the true story of the Dunkirk evacuations from a war-torn beach following the seemingly doomed plight of allied soldiers in World War II.
With the overwhelming success of The Force Awakens and Rogue One, Star Wars is as big as ever and while we know very little about Episode VIII so far, we do know its written and directed by the supremely talented Rian Johnson (Looper) and we now we are finally going to see the continuation of the story setup by the excellent The Force Awakens. But let’s face facts; its Star Wars - that’s all the information we need to get us excited.
Honourable Mentions: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Justice League, Alien: Covenant, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, Kong: Skull Island, Wonder Woman, Thor: Ragnarok, John Wick: Chapter 2.
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GADGETS AND GAMING WITH DANIEL RILEY
The Phoenix – January 2017
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l Tom Parker makes his musical theatre debut as Danny Zuko
Grease is the word!
T I
f you’re an ‘older’ gamer like me, then you may well remember a brilliant title for the PC way back when called Dungeon Keeper. Developed by Brighton, UKbased Brightrock Games, War for the Overworld is a dungeon management game with a dark sense of humour.
The premise is simple, you are a demon whose sole objective is to take over the Overworld by building and growing a lair, filling it with all manner of demons and taking out the ‘good guys’. War for the Overworld feels remarkably similar to that, keeping the brilliantly dark sense of humour, while improving on all as-
l Meshuggah come to Birmingham’s O2 Institute
BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY
January 06 Catapult Club feat. Bad Penny 13 Catapult Club feat. The Evacs 14 Ivory Wave 15 Progress Wrestling 16 Halfnoise 18 SNFU 20 Catapult Club feat. Riverman 24 Two Door Cinema Club 26 Home Free in Concert 27 Vex Red 28 Oktopus 28 Quadrophenia Night
O2 INSTITUTE
January 12 Poets of the Fall 13 Meshuggah 13 Devil You Know 20 The Pretty Reckless 21 The White Buffalo 22 The Dillinger Escape Plan 23 The Hunna 27 Shake The Bass 28 JoJo: Mad Love Tour 30 The Head And The Heart
BARCLAYCARD ARENA
January 13 Comedy Central Impractical Jokers 15 Basketball Cup Finals 2017 20-22 Strictly Come Dancing Live 25 A Day To Remember
NEC
January 12-15 Autosport International 12-15 Performance Car Show
TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL
January 01 Johann Strauss Gala (SH) 02 The Glenn Miller Orchestra (SH) 06 John Wilson conducts the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (SH) 07 Marina Medvetskaya’s Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet (SH) 08 The Magic Of Vienna (SH) 12 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 16 Town Hall Tour (TH) 16 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter (SH) 16 An Evening with Nadiya
pects of Dungeon Keeper. Playing as an Underlord who has woken from a deep slumber, you confront both heroes and rival Underlords across single and multiplayer game modes, including a fully voice-acted campaign. Facing-off against goodly heroes and vicious rival Underlords, players seek to conquer the realm
Hussain (TH) 17 Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner (SH) 18-21 Dvořák’s New World Symphony (SH) 20 Tommy Emmanuel (TH) 21 King Creosote: Astronaut Meets Appleman (TH) 22 Black Dyke Band (SH) 23 Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet (TH) 24 Dean Strang and Jerry Buting: from Making a Murderer (TH) 25 Handel’s Semele (SH) 26 St Petersburg Philharmonic performs Prokofiev (SH) 28 Anton & Erin: Swing Time (SH) 28 Joanne Shaw Taylor (TH) 29 Beethoven’s Fifth (SH) 29 MEXRRISSEY (TH) 30-31 KS3: A Journey Across the Western World (SH) 30 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter (TH) 30 Martha Wainwright with special guests (TH)
GENTING ARENA
January 13 Avenged Sevenfold 21 The Arenacross Tour 24-27 Young Voices 2017
CIVIC HALL, WULFRUN HALL & SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON
January 24 Candlebox (SR) 27 Miles Hunt: The Wonder Stuff Diaries ‘90-’94 (SR) 30 Crazytown (SR)
of Kairos across a number of game modes, including Campaign, Skirmish, Sandbox and Multiplayer. You can also create entirely new levels in the Map Editor and share them with other players via the Steam Workshop. War for the Overworld is available now on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam.
M
ekazoo, which we first looked at back at EGX 2016 at the NEC earlier this year, has now launched onto Playstation 4 and Xbox One in Europe. The free-flowing neon-infused platformer takes inspiration from the great and nostalgic platformers of old, giving players access to 5 Mekanimals, each with their own individual strengths. From Frog, to Armadillo, Wallaby, Panda and Pelican, you are able to swing, boost, bounce, climb and fly your way through each level. With fast swapping between each Mekanimal, players will navigate complicated terrain, overcome environmental hazards and face off against an insectoid army. The gameplay is fast and furious, with split second decisions and character swaps required to ensure that you, or you and your friend in its co-op multiplayer mode make it through successfully. In co-op however, half the issue
he hit 70s musical returns in 2017 for a UK tour, coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 27 November – Saturday 2 December 2017. Casting for the show includes Tom Parker (The Wanted) who makes his musical theatre debut playing Danny Zuko, Danielle Hope (Over the Rainbow winner) who plays Sandy, and Louisa Lytton (Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders) who plays Rizzo. Since opening on Broadway in 1972 and the smash hit movie
is controlling the Mekanimal on screen! With only one Mekanimal on screen at a time, players are required to try to collaborate as a ‘hive mind’ to ensure success. Mekazoo is available on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC now, for about £15 depending on platform.
starring John Travolta and Olivia Netown-John, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. It’s the original high-school musical featuring everyone’s favourite characters - Sandy, Danny, the groovy T Birds, the sassy Pink Ladies and the whole gang at Rydell High - and all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.
To celebrate the launch of Mekazoo on consoles, we have teamed up to offer our readers the chance to win a copy of the game! With 3 codes up for grabs for each platform, thats a total of 9 copies up for grabs!
COMPETITION
For your chance to win one of 9 copies of the game, just answer this simple question!
What do you play as in Mekazoo? a) Mekmonsters b) Mekmen c) Mekanimals Just email your answer, with your name, address, contact number and preferred platform(s) to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Mekazoo Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 30th January 2017. There is no cash alternative.
The Phoenix – January 2017
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Happy New Year to everyone. 1Nation Media brings you our first article for 2017 introducing the International Dholki Player from the Asian Music Industry known as 'Tubsy'. As well as Articles of the Asian Music Industry I will also be introducing influential people within the community, real life stories and new talent.
B
hupinder Kullar known as ‘Tubsy’ within the Asian Music Industry is a wellknown international percussionist playing the Indian percussion instrument ‘Dholki’ (one medium sized barrel shape drum). He has a photo of when he was 1 year old trying to reach either side of a Dholak (Formal name of the dholki), where he can safely say his interest in music started at an early age. Tubsy comes from a family of musicians his father and Guru -Teacher Late Shri Pakhar Singh Ji was a Dhadhi (member of the Dhad sarangi band-singing and playing small barrel shape percussion instrument), playing the Dhad sarangi style of music. His elder brother Sital Singh
Tubsy International Dholki Player makes a positive life change for his career (Famous for his Dholak Groove on A.S. Kangs track Gidihan Di Rani) is a very highly regarded Dholak player and was also one of the 1st Dhol (Large Barrel shaped instrument) players in the country as he started a bhangra group called the Saathies bhangra in 1968/9.
Image: @renukaphotographyuk
Having both his dad and brother as his strongest influences his playing is a very strong Punjabi folk orientated. Tubsy started playing dhol at the age of about 9 but was already playing Tabla at the local Gurdwara from the age of 6 and Dholak he has always been playing, but dhol came later. His Dhol playing is self-taught, some of his dhol playing comes from the Dholak/Tabla playing, but most of it comes from hislove for desi folk Punjabi music, language and dance. Tubsy has been very lucky in his career in that he has had the good fortune to accompany some very amazing bands/artists, one of the most memorable has to be Late Lal Chand Yamla Jatt Ji. Other artists that he has worked with include, Anari Sangeet, Apna Sangeet, Alaap, Bhujangi, Heera, Premi, A.S Kang, Saathies, Nim-
mana group, Miss Pooja, Kuldeep Manak, Surinder Shinda, Gurdas Maan, sherry Maan, Harbhajan Maan, Diljit Dosanjh, Jazzy B, Sukhshinder Shinda, Aman Hayer, Angrez Ali, Tubsy has played for Bollywood Films Yamla Pagla Dee-
Image: Kreative Photography
wana (1&2) as well as having also played on Mariah Carey’s new single "Love Sick" and played with Naina Cherry and Stevie Wonder on stage. The bands he has been a member of have been; Dashmesh Temple Kirtan Jatha 1976, Anari Sangeet 1979, Nimmana Group 1983, Nachda Sansaar group 1984, Kalkaar 1985, Satrang 1986, Malkit Singh Golden Star 1988, The New Pardesi Music Machine 1990, The Safri Boys 1991, Meshi Eshara 1995, Pardesi 1996, Desi Boys 2000, DCS 2002, Jazzy B 2007, Bhangra All Stars 2011, and Tru Skool Live Band 2014. Coming back to the Bhangra Industry after being very ill with alcohol induced
liver disease, pancreatitis, gall stones and a “snake bite” was always going to be a bit of a challenge for Tubsy. His friends and especially his family were not too keen on him going back into the alcohol fuelled wedding scene and back with the same musicians and band members with whom he once used to drink. Tubsy had a lot to prove, to his friends, colleagues and the whole of the bhangra scene but most of all to himself - he had to stay off the drink to survive. Over the years he has found that he has gained a lot more respect as a musician and he has progressed so much further in his art as a result of being sober and more focussed in his instruments. He has also been able to market himself and has achieved so many big things which he says were never going to be possible if he was still drinking. Music is the most beautiful gift any one could ever receive or indeed give to anyone, this is a quote Tubsy uses very often and he is referring to the teaching and learning process of music. He always recommends that people take the time out to learn an instrument both physically and to also research some of theory behind it too. The music industry is a very competitive market, “in order to get your place you have to know to play your instrument and also how to perform your instrument.” Attitude is another major factor “humility and respect should always be your two biggest attributes.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
I
f you ever wanted to see Perrie, Jade, Jesy and Leigh-Anne in the flesh, well, fear not, the next best thing is heading to Coventry as The Albany Theatre will be swinging open its doors to the world's original and best Little Mix tribute band in April. With breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end, packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and suitable for all ages. The show will feature Mini Mixx performing songs such as DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song, Shout Out To My Ex, as well as their current hit single Touch. Little Mix rose to fame after appearing on TV talent show X Factor in 2011 and becoming the first, and still only, group to win the show. Winning a record deal with Simon Cowell’s label Syco, they were an instant success and have gone on to become one of the most successful UK bands in history, topping the charts both sides of the Atlantic. Last November, the band released Glory Days which became their first number one album. Glory Days, released
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Mini Mixx to star in Little Mix Tribute Show by Syco Music, sold more than 96,000 copies in week one in the UK alone, following on from the success of their three previous Top Five albums. Complete with high energy
The Phoenix – January 2017
dance routines and lots of audience participation, this will be a special end of term show bound to get your Little Mix fans up dancing.
c i t s a t Fan r o F n Fu e h T l Al ! y l i m Fa T
o really get into the festive season is to take part in the other season that happens at the same time - Panto Season! This year saw Dick Whittington brought to The Birmingham Hippodrome by QDOS, and John Barrowman returning to the city as the titular character following his run as Aladdin a few years ago. Starting as it meant to go on, Steve McFadden as King Rat, introducing the massive and menacing mechanical rat shows the effects are amped up yet again. With his usual charm, John Barrowman ably
pranced around the stage, with crowd interaction for both children and adults alike, and his naughty humour had the adults belly laughing their way through the evening. Matt Slack as Idle Jack, returning to the Hippodrome for Pantomime again really stole the show though. From a great song referencing a lot of Birmingham place names with comical quips, to some perfectly timed film names in collaboration with Andrew Ryan as Sarah The Cook, every time he was on stage the crowd was in fits of laughter. Jodie Prenger as Fairy
The Phoenix – January 2017
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Page 23
ENTERTAINMENT
Pop sensation Bieber to rock Dubai in 2017
P Bow Bells had her moments, especially her duet with Barrowman, but felt criminally underused, as did Danielle Hope as Alice. The Krankies were once again on top form, with their usual routine slightly updated for the pantomime. The highlight of the night had to be an underwater
version of “12 Days of Christmas” complete with super soakers, naan breads and more. This years production runs until the 29th January, and it is one that you don’t want to miss! ‘Oh no you don’t!’ A perfect panto for parents and children alike.
op superstar Justin Bieber will be playing in Dubai later this year, his concert promoters have announced. Dubai-organisers 117 Live announced the news following confusion when the city was added to his tour website – only to later disappear. Thousands of ‘Beliebers’ are now preparing to start screaming
as he will be taking his tour to the Autism Rocks Arena, on May 6. The Canadian sensation last performed in Dubai in 2013 at the Sevens Stadium, and since then he has had a string of hits. Love him or hate him, the pop star is definitely having his moment in the charts. Singles like ‘Sorry,’ ‘What Do You Mean’ and ‘Company’ have all seen him rack up sales - it's
now estimated that he's sold over 100 million records, making him one of the biggest-selling artists of all time. The 22-year-old's website now has Dubai firmly on the tour schedule, but no details of tickets have been announced yet. The gig is part of Bieber’s 150plus concert Purpose World Tour.
Page 24
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Fashion Students' Designs Showcased at CSL 2016
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Together Again
F
ollowing the success of their Platinum-selling album ‘Together’ and 29 sold out shows across the UK in 2016, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have announced that they will return in 2017 for a selection of exclusive dates throughout the country. Having first met 10 years ago, performing together in 'Kismet' at the London Coliseum, Michael and Alfie became lifelong friends. That same year, Michael Ball made history as the first musical theatre star to be given a solo concert at the BBC Proms, and asked Alfie Boe to join him to perform at the classical music festival. This instant personal connection and professional mutual admiration makes for the perfect pairing and, to the delight of their hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe, has been finally realised with the Decca-released ‘Together’ to spectacular success. The album has gone Platinum in
The Phoenix – January 2017
just 6 weeks and is on track to become the biggest selling domestic release of 2016. The two critically-acclaimed artists have received a plethora of prestigious awards, record-breaking sales and chart successes. Michael and Alfie say; “There are simply no words for how incredible this is for us. We have always wanted to work together, it was just a case of getting the timing right. We are so grateful to all our fans who have supported us and everyone involved for believing in us. We are literally having the best time and are so happy with the success of the album and the tour.” Summer will see them performing outdoors at some of the UK’s most beautiful stately homes and castles, with six dates announced in June. In winter, they will be back inside to play ten arena dates in November and December, including a night at the Genting Arena in Birmingham.
W
alsall College Fashion students saw their creative designs on the catwalk at Clothes Show Live. Clothes Show Live is the UK’s premier fashion event and every year it features the UK’s leading designers, top celebrities and expert stylists. The students’ outfits were modelled on The Graduate Catwalk show at the event, which showcases some of the best work produced by talented college Fashion students. HND Level 5 Fashion student, Michaela Babb, 20 said: “I’ve been visiting
the show for years and it is what inspired me to study Fashion, so seeing one of my designs on the catwalk was such a surreal feeling. It’s given me even more excitement and motivation to pursue a career as a designer.” Curriculum Manager for Fashion at Walsall College, Christine Taylor, said: “The show is one of the biggest events in the industry for fashion, so it was a great opportunity and experience for students to be part of. “We are delighted that their talents were recognised and are sure that this is just the start for them in their careers.”
Bobbi Brown to step down from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
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fter 25 years with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown is leaving the brand to explore the next phase of her career. “The brand’s 25-year anniversary was a wonderful milestone that made me realize it was time to start a new chapter and move on to new ventures,” said Bobbi Brown. “I am thankful for the extraordinary people that I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years and proud of the creative endeavors and innovative products we’ve created together. “I am also incredibly grateful to The Estée Lauder Companies and the Lauder family for the many opportunities they gave
me. I’m excited to see what the future holds.” Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will continue to capitalize on the growth momentum in the prestige makeup category, building on the strong legacy Bobbi created. The brand’s philosophy of “Be Who You Are” is more relevant today than ever before and the brand will laser focus on connecting, teaching and empowering women globally. Fuelled by makeup artistry, engaging and impactful social media and some of the most beloved beauty products in the world, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is poised to achieve its full growth potential in this dynamic environment.
The Phoenix – January 2017 Page 25
Only Sixty seconds for art genius
O
ne minute. Sixty seconds. It doesn’t matter how you say it, it’s a short period of time. Would it be long enough for world-famous artist Stephen Wiltshire to study the expressive design of the all-new Nissan Micra – having never seen it before – and draw it accurately? Steven has a photographic memory and is best known for his vast monochrome pen-and-paper drawings of city skylines. Highly detailed, these are often created after a helicopter ride lasting just a few minutes. But he’s always keen to try new ways of working, and was challenged by Nissan to draw the new Micra using Tilt Brush by Google. It’s an innovative virtual reality creative app that lets people paint in 3D using the HTC Vive VR headset. The result is a truly stunning piece of visual art, showcasing the expressive and athletic lines of the new hatchback. It’s finished in vibrant Energy Orange, expected to be one of the most popular exterior colours for the new Nissan hatchback. Stephen commented: “I like the Micra. It’s very futuristic and I love the orange colour. I like the shape and I like the lights and the strong line down the side. It’s a very clean design.” Drawing cars is not new for Stephen. As well as his architectural work, he has a love of sketching large American saloons – complete with chrome detailing and white-walled tyres – from the Fifties and Sixties.
The Bentley Boys Are Back
MOTORING
Mercedes-Benz continue Laureus Sponsorship
M N
ext summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature more than eight decades of glittering motor sport history, with confirmation that the acclaimed Kidston Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars is returning to the packed on-track programme in 2017. The inaugural Kidston Trophy was a real crowd-pleaser when introduced for the event’s special Silver Jubilee celebrations in 2015. A captivating grid of more
than 50 eye-catching entries dating right back to the dawn of circuit racing took to the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit for a dazzling 40-minute showdown, complete with a mandatory pitstop and optional driver change. It was an enthralling spectacle featuring legendary marques such as Alvis, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Invicta and Lagonda that – by popular demand – will be repeated on Saturday morning at the 2017 Classic. Though victory went to the
Frazer Nash Super Sports shared by experienced racers Fred Wakeman and Pat Blakeney-Edwards, it was the sight of a dozen iconic Bentleys that really caught the imagination of the 100,000 festival-goers – rightly so, as the Kidston Trophy was named in honour of one of the famed ‘Bentley Boys’ of the late 1920s. It took quite a grid to represent such a buccaneering character, but Motor Racing Legends succeeded in 2015 and its chairman, Duncan Wiltshire, is predicting another
Volvo is shining a light V on Cyclist Safety
l LifePaint helps cyclists be seen when sumertime ends
amazing turnout in July. “We were completely blown away by the fabulous entry last time,” admitted Wiltshire. “The amazing quality and quantity of these wonderfully evocative cars proved incredibly popular both when on display in the paddock and when racing out on the track. They may not lap quite as fast as some of the slightly more modern machines from later epochs competing at the Silverstone Classic, but they are certainly every bit as spectacular.”
olvo have reintroduced LifePaint, the massively poular reflective spray designed to increase visibility and safety of
cyclists. Available to buy online for the first time, LifePaint is an innovative product that reacts to a vehicle’s headlights, warning drivers of the presence of cyclists in the dark. With more than 19,000 cyclists injured on the UK’s roads every year, the long dark nights are the perfect time to reintroduce this potentially life-saving safety product. LifePaint is invisible in daylight, but in the dark reflects light in the same direction as the light source, shining brightly to illuminate the objects it has been sprayed on. The spray sticks to dry textiles and is most effective on fibrous materials such as cotton, fleece, linen and certain nylons. It can also be applied to shoes, helmets, pushchairs and children’s backpacks – and even dog leads and collars. Volvo is working in partnership with the makers of LifePaint, Swedish start-up Albedo100, to distribute the product online and via its dealer network. Volvo is already a market leader in terms of protecting all road users – including cyclists. Its range-topping 90 series models all come with City Safety, which detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals in the path of the car and can automatically apply the brakes in an emergency to help avoid a collision. This technology works day or
ercedes-Benz and its retailer partners in the UK are providing projects supported by Laureus Sport for Good with funding in excess of £350,000 in 2016, and are set to become the main sponsor for Laureus in the UK in 2017. Laureus-supported programmes use sport as a means to tackle crime, violence, discrimination and disadvantage. The imaginative partnership with Mercedes-Benz has seen the manufacturer and retailers nationwide donate £1 each from every vehicle sale to support a variety of these projects. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has also given £1 to these worthy causes for every car they finance. With the help from Mercedes-Benz, Laureus will support 21 additional projects in 18 extra cities in England and Wales – all of which encourage young people to improve their personal skills, increase their employment opportunities and reduce their exposure to gangs and crime through sporting activity.
night and is fitted as standard to the S90 premium saloon, V90 estate, V90 Cross Country all-road car and the XC90 SUV. Volvo is also the only car manufacturer that has automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard across its full product range. Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “LifePaint is another example of Volvo’s human-centric approach to safety. Not only are we a world leader in safety technology for our cars, by offering this innovative spray online, we’re helping to protect more people on our roads than ever – whether they drive a Volvo or not.” The reintroduction of LifePaint is being supported by an on-street advertising campaign, which includes 183 digital six-sheet sites on some of the most dangerous roads in and around London.
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Page 26 The Phoenix – January 2017
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 27
Page 28
ENTERTAINMENT
The Phoenix – January 2017
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My
n i d Wed ig l The Newly wedded couple (Mr & Mrs Johnson) and the Oketunji’s during receptions
l The bride kneeling to give cake to groom as a respect (traditional way)
l The couple on the engagement day
To Advertise
l Mr Femi Johnson sitting down Expecting wife (Olukemi) after paying the family righto the Oketunji’s on 23rd of Dec 2016 (engagement).
N
l The Newly wedded couple with Traditional attire at reception
The wedding of Olukemi Oketunji and Olufem
l Mr and Mrs Johnson in Yoruba attire during reception on 24th Dec 2016
l Presentation of marriage certificate by the area pastor after the joining.
l Mr & Mrs Johnson dancing to the Benin Sound on 24th of De 2016 at the reception
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 29
ENTERTAINMENT
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y a D ng pecial
geria S
l Femi and Kemi During engagement before marriage proper with bridal siblings on Friday 23rd Dec 2016.
mi Johnson on Saturday December 24th 2016
l Olufemi and Olukemi on engagement days cutting the engagement cake after paying the bridal family the traditional right and acceptance
l Olufemi and his friends paying the traditional right, prostrating to the family of the bride (3 times). l Mr and Mrs Johnson on their Yoruba traditional attire 24th Dec
2016
l Mr and Mrs Johnson after joining, Inside the church auditorium
To Advertise
l Mr and Mrs Johnson with both their families
l Newly wedded couple during receptions on wedding day (24th Dec 2016) in Benin attire (Edo state in Nigeria)
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
Page 30
CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT
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JAMAICANS INSPIRED UK
I
Welcome to ‘Camara features’ a new column where I will be spotlighting some of the most amazing charities, organisations and people I have had the privilege of working with. Be a part of my journey and learn and enjoy about being inspired.
n this months’ Spotlight, I would like to introduce you to Jamaicans Inspired UK (JamIn UK). I recently came across the great work that this organisation is doing in building Emergency Homes and was pleasantly surprised to find that I knew the Chair and Founding Member Nathaniel Peat. I had to pick up the phone and ask him if I could run a feature.
Nathaniel, tell us more about JamIn UK?
JamIn UK are focused on assisting individuals and groups to increase their ability to impact the health and vitality of their communities in a positive, sustainable manner through collaboration, education, communication, and cooperation. They do all of this through various projects which can be viewed on the website. JamIn UK are also driven to see the future leaders of tomorrow, who will help Jamaica to rise and have a positive influence on the wider Caribbean community, driving investment back in and boosting trade between the islands and its diaspora.
Tell us more about the Emergency Home Build in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Why did you choose to support this family in particular?
The Jamaican Inspired parish ambassador program selects with GO ministries emergency projects every other month, the need is measured by the team on the ground in Jamaica to find out the most severe cases that need assistance. This one was selected as there are many children involved and are in extreme poverty and a husband that has been murdered
- they were in dire need.
How will you continue to support this family?
With the support of monetary donations, last month, JamIn UK were able to build a one bedroom house for an impoverished family - a mother and her four children: ages 11, 9, 7 and 4. Her husband, the sole provider to the family, was murdered. We knocked the old home down and built directly on the same site that the family lived on in Alligator Pond, St Elizabeth. We have helped to provide this family with a suitable home along with children’s clothes, food items and school material.
How much will it cost to build houses like this?
The total cost for the pop up house is about 350,000 JMD.
The Phoenix – January 2017
The basic materials cost 110,000 JMD. In total, roughly £2880.
Who will oversee the project and funds etc?
JamIn UK will be overseeing the funds and I will be on the ground in Jamaica with JamIn UK. All invoices are available now to be viewed. We are working directly with our partners GO Ministries who we have supported in the build of two other homes. We managed to live stream the build via Periscope and Facebook live, in addition supporting pictures.
Do you hope to build more homes for families like the one mentioned above?
Yes, we have been involved in three builds already and will be doing more pop up homes for
the extremely poor in Jamaica.
How did the family react to their new home?
We ventured out with our partners on the ground Go Ministries over three days, we started early and began to build the house, lay the foundations and start the structure. The family was overwhelmed with happiness the mother Jasmine was emotional and said it was the answer to her prayers. The joy on the children’s faces was amazing as they received their new clothes and ran around with excitement showing each other what they had received. It was truly amazing to see when the structure was up and the children especially when
they ran inside the house and jumped around. Our JamIn UK Ambassador and Festival Queen for St Elizabeth was present and met with the family to encourage the children, the eldest sister and the mother. In total, we had about 50 volunteers on the ground for the build, we had great contributions from ARC manufacturing, Gennex Solar, The Angel Foundation and “Di Window man” who supplied walls, flooring, a bed, clothes solar power and a double glazed window. This is the third house build we have been involved in. There is more work to be put in for the bathroom and kitchen but the main structure is up and in time for Christmas. We have 14 other active projects in Jamaica for the JPAP program and we will be holding a big fundraiser on 23/04/2017 to raise funds for it. We have also launched a new radio station, JamIn JLive Radio, aiming to deliver the best form of cultural information and entertainment to the world through quality broadcasts 24/7 by reputable and skilled presenters from a growing multicultural platform.
Along with live and pre-recorded interviews from interesting locals to international sports personalities, musicians, diplomats and celebrities - Jlive Radio puts the spotlight on local & international entertainment,
news and events which brings the world within an earshot of all listeners. Also, Jamaicans Inspired UK have teamed up with UK Unsigned and SABA to run a national competition in order to connect the younger diaspora back to Jamaica through music. This project is working in conjunction with the JPAP project in partnership with the JCDC and intends to provide an outlet for some of Jamaica’s undiscovered talent to learn develop their skills within strategies that will help to reconnect them back to their roots and assist them in generating future income for themselves. The competition itself is to write and perform a “Song for Jamaica”. The winner will have an expense covered trip to Jamaica during the Independence Celebrations where they will have the opportunity to perform their song. Contestants’ Prizes: 1. A Chance To Perform In Jamaica in 2017 2. The JamIn UK / UK UNSIGNED Reggae Trophy 3. Music Video produced by Youth Digital Network 4. Recording Opportunities with Creative Inclusion Recordings 5. Profile on our Digital TV & Broadcasting Network Nathaniel Peat and Jamaicans Inspired UK would like to give a special thanks to Christine Giscombe, Kareena Bennett JPAP, the JamIn executive board, The Jamaican High Commission, Victoria Mutual and other supporters. Thank you Nathaniel for allowing me to cover the great work Jamaicans Inspired UK is doing! If you would like more information or would like to support the Emergency Home Builds for families in dire need - please contact JamIn UK. www.jamaicans-inspired.com info@jamaicans-inspired.com Wishing you all a New Year filled with Joy and Peace! I look forward to bringing you more stories about great people doing great things. Speak soon! Love, Cx
Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.youtube.com/camaraofficial www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon
Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)
The Phoenix – January 2017
World's first baby born using DNA of 3 people C-sections affecting human evolution
A
study has found that human evolution is being shaped by the number of women giving birth by caesarean section. Researchers estimate that between 3% and 6% of births worldwide are obstructed because the mother's pelvis is too small for the head or shoulders. Although the caesarean section is thought to date from ancient times, it is only in the modern era that its use has mushroomed. Its use stateside increased from less than 5% of births in the 1970s to more than a quarter for most of the last 30 years, according to the US National Library of Medicine. NHS figures show similar rates for the UK. The increased use of the c-sections means all that is changing because women with hips of any size can now give birth to babies of any size. The study, by a team from Austria and the US, used a ‘mathematical model’ to show that increased use of caesareans had accounted for an increase in the size of babies relative to women's pelvic canals. They call this "fetopelvic disproportion." The paper written by the team, led by Philipp Mitteroecker, said: "Using a simple mathematical model, we show that weak directional selection for a large neonate, a narrow pelvic canal, or both is sufficient to account for the considerable incidence of fetopelvic disproportion. Based on this model, we predict that the regular use of caesarean sections throughout the last decades has led to an evolutionary increase of fetopelvic disproportion rates by 10 to 20%." The team admits there may be other factors at work. For example, a change in diet over the generations could also be partly responsible for the mismatch between unborn baby size and pelvis width.
T
l Dr. John Zhang he world’s first baby has been born from a new procedure that combines the DNA of three people. The new born, appearing healthy after the groundbreaking operation led by John Zhang, at the New Hope Fertility Center in New York, in the US, following a controversial procedure of mitochondrial transfer. While many experts welcomed news of the birth, some raised concerns that the doctors had left the US to perform the procedure beyond the reach of any regulatory framework and without publishing details of the treatment. The process was legalised in the UK in 2015 but so far no other country has introduced laws to permit the technique. The treatment is aimed at parents who have a high risk of passing on debilitating and even fatal genetic diseases to their children.
The US team created five embryos but only one developed normally. This was implanted into the mother and the baby was born nine months later. It is not the first child to be born with DNA from three people. In
the 1990s, fertility doctors tried to boost the quality of women’s eggs by injecting cytoplasm, the cellular material that contains mitochondria, from healthy donor
Five Herbs for Coughs and Colds
W
ith over 200 different viruses, the common cold the rhinovirus, coronavirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are generally self-limiting and will clear up within 2 weeks but people often want support in managing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, or a fever. A number of herbs can be used to help manage these symptoms including; Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) – which decreased the chances of developing a cold by
58% and reduced the duration of the cold by 1.4 days; Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) - has wide culinary use in cordials, wines and desserts but its medicinal use is for relieving cold symptoms including catarrh and fevers. It is also used for hay fever due to its anti-catarrhal action; Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) traditionally used for respiratory system conditions including coughs, it is rich in essential oils, particularly thymol, which has an expectorant action, expelling mucus from the lungs and relieving congestion; Andrographis (Andrographis pan-
eggs. The procedure led to several babies being born with DNA from the parents plus the healthy donor. Some of the children developed genetic disorders and the procedure was banned. Speaking about the latest case, Dusko Ilic, a stem cell scientist at King’s College London, said: “Without much ado, it appears the first mitochondrial donation baby was born three months ago. “This was an ice-breaker. The baby is reportedly healthy. Hopefully, this will tame the more zealous critics, accelerate the field, and we will witness soon the birth of the first mitochondrial donation baby in the UK.” Doug Turnbull, a neurology professor at Newcastle University who pioneered mitochondrial transfer in the UK, said the technique offered hope to mothers who carried mitochondrial DNA mutations. iculata) is widely used in China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, for treating sore throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections. Studies show a significant reduction in symptoms such as sore throat, tiredness, muscular aches and malaise compared to a placebo. Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a number of anti-viral compounds which are readily released from the lungs and respiratory tract, hence its particular affinity for coughs and colds. Its sulphur compounds, most notably allicin, have been well studied and fresh garlic has been shown to kill rhinovirus type 2, one of the viruses responsible for the common cold. Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, lactation or with other drugs and medical herbalists tailor herbal prescriptions and diet and lifestyle advice, to meet the needs of individuals. When using herbs, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the UK's leading professional body representing herbal medicine practitioners, recommends seeking the advice of a qualified medical herbalist.
Page 31
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Support Column
Cysters Cervical Health Awareness Month - January
H
appy New Year Cysters! We hope you have had a nice break over Christmas and a beautiful start to the New Year. This month is Cervical Health Awareness month. So, ladies, do YOU know where your cervix is? Surprisingly only 1 in 7 women know where their cervix is and women over 65 have the worst knowledge of female of anatomy. So how do we combat this? Cysters believe the key is education! So, there are some facts about the Cervix. • Cervix is Latin for the “neck of the womb.” • As the Latin names suggests the Cervix is located at the top of vagina, connecting the neck of the womb to the vagina. • Your cervix is around 2 inches long. • The Cervix can squeeze... and stretch! It can hold a growing baby in the womb as well as stretch to as far as 10cms wide to allow the baby to come out for birth. Also, known as dilating. • The cervix is essentially the door to the outside world during pregnancy! • The cervix is also the “plug” to your body allowing you to menstruate regularly. • The cervix is the first line of defence against sexually transmitted infections. • No two women’s cervixes are the same, so we urge you to speak to your doctor if you feel something is wrong there. • The cervix can and will change. During your cycle the cervix will change shape and move up and down, becoming soft or firm. • 1 in 5000 women suffer with Rokitansky Syndrome. This is where a woman does not have a cervix or a womb.
They may still have their ovaries, can may be able to have children if their eggs can be taken and fertilised and implanted in another woman (surrogacy) • Cervical Cancer – can affect any women, but usually occurs between the ages of 30 – 45. • Nearly all cervical cancers are caused to HPV, which is a common sexually transmitted infection. Most women will have HPV in their lifetime which will clear up by itself. • A cervical screening (also known as a smear tests) can help prevent cervical cancer ultimately saving thousand of lives each year. As Cysters are committed to reducing the social stigma attached with Women’s Gynaecological Health, we have started a weekly #CystersChat – Every Tuesday from 7 to 8pm via our Twitter page @cystersbham. We will be talking about gynaecological health this month and in particular Cervical health. Get involved in the conversation and be part of our Cysters Chat Community. Remember, whatever gynaecological problem you are going through, you ARE beautiful and you are still a woman. <3 Love Neelam x www.cysters.co.uk Twitter: @cystersbham Facebook: Cysters Birmingham
Page 32
AZUZA STREET - CIVIC RECEPTION FOR THE LORD MAYOR
The Phoenix – January 2017
Lord Mayor at Civic R
T
he Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Carl Rice was honoured last month at a Civic Reception held at the Nishkam Centre. Following a drinks reception and networking opportunity at the Centre, attendees were treated to talks from a number of leaders and faith leaders from across the city, Amrick Singh Ubhi, Centre Director of the Nishkam Centre began proceedings stating “We are truly honoured to have such esteemed dignitaries, friends and guests here. “Tonight is about faith communities coming together, partners, spiritual and civic partners coming together.” Dignitaries included Deputy Lieutenant Clive Stone, The High Sheriff of the West Midlands Dr Keith Bradshaw, and the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham. Amrick continued “We are here today to give praise and wish well for our Lord Mayor, and to pray that his tenure is a successful one.” Following music by Beant Singh and Gurpreeet Singh, there was a Sikh Prayer by Sewa Singh Mandla OBE, before William Ozanne from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, spoke about Civic Responsibilities.