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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS
SEPTEMBER 2021
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DYLAN DUFFUS
FROM MOVIES TO MUSIC, ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS IN HIS BLOOD
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Foo Fighters Announce 2022 UK Shows
C
urrently returning rock & roll to stages across the U.S., Foo Fighters have announced 4 UK stadium shows for Summer 2022. These must- see shows will no doubt be the concert highlight of next year and will be the band’s first shows in the UK since their headline slot at Reading & Leeds Festival summer 2019. Following the release of their critically acclaimed #1 album, Medicine At Midnight, earlier this year, Foo Fighters made an historic return to the stage at New York’s Madison Square Garden, playing the city’s first full capacity show in more than a year.
More recently, the band has begun a series of sold-out headline dates and a triumphant headline set closing out this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. “We can’t fucking wait to get back to the UK!” Dave Grohl said. “It’s been far too long. Get ready to make up for lost time with some long ass nights of rock & roll.” Kicking off at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on the 25th June 2022, the run includes a date at Birmingham's Villa Park and a return to London Stadium for two huge dates on 30th June and 2nd July. Support for the dates will come from St Vincent, Courtney Barnett, Shame, Hot Milk and Loose Articles.
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Tencent And Netease Shares Down After China Says Online Games Are 'Electronic Drugs'
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New powers sought to stop illegal ticket resales
SHARES IN TWO of China's biggest online gaming firms slipped after a state media outlet called them "electronic drugs". Tencent and NetEase shares fell more than 10% in early Hong Kong trade before regaining some of those losses with investors concerned about Beijing cracking down on firms. In recent months authorities have announced a series of measures to tighten their grip on technology and private education companies. An article published by the staterun Economic Information Daily said many teenagers had become addicted to online gaming and it was having a negative impact on them. The news outlet is affiliated with the official Xinhua news agency. It cited Tencent's hugely popular game Honour of Kings, saying students were playing it for up to eight hours a day, and asked for more curbs on the industry.
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T
he UK's competition watchdog has said ticket resale firms such as Viagogo and StubHub should face tighter rules. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said current laws meant it was not possible to act swiftly and effectively against touts. Another problem came from resellers who speculatively sold tickets they did not own, the regulator said. The CMA has previously acted against both Viagogo and StubHub, which have made changes as a result. In February, a year after Viagogo bought StubHub for $4.1bn (£3.1bn), the regulator told Viagogo to sell all of StubHub's business outside North America to satisfy competition concerns. The CMA's latest intervention comes as big music and sporting events are set to resume in the UK in the next few months after the Covid pandemic, fuelling fans' demand for tickets. While bulk-buying of tickets by professional resellers - who then sell them at inflated prices - may be illegal, swift and effective action by authorities is not possible under the current law, the regulator said.
God Knows Shares His New Single ‘Glory’ GOD KNOWS is one of the founders of Ireland’s most prolific and exciting labels, narolane records. As a collective, narolane’s creative output conveys their ethos with surety, authenticity and unapologetic ambition. God Knows has been patiently waiting for the right time to drop his first release on his own label - and now that time is finally here as he shares his new single ‘Glory’. Featuring the vocal stylings of Senita, this Amapiano track draws on the South African jazz and deep house rhythms that are making waves the world over - and God Knows has long been known for paying homage to great music and great artists in his own innovative way.
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Food & Fine Dining TOM 'TWO TIKKA'S' CRUISE IN BIRMINGHAM FOR M:I7
H
ollywood star Tom Cruise was spotted in a curry house, in Birmingham, where he was spotted ordering the delicious delicacy – twice whilst he was shooting a film in the UK The Top Gun star, in Britain filming Mission: Impossible 7, was seen eating two Tikka Masala dishes at Asha's in Birmingham. The actor, 59, currently in Birmingham filming the next entry in the hit Mission: Impossible franchise looked to take up the opportunity to sample some of the city's culinary delights at the restaurant in the city centre. Following his surprise visit, staff
at the restaurant wrote on a social media post: "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome @tomcruise to Asha's Birmingham. "Tom ordered our famous Chicken Tikka Masala and enjoyed it so much that as soon as he had finished, he ordered it all over again - The greatest compliment.” One of Hollywood’s ‘rarities’ – a big star who always ingratiates themselves wherever they go, he was also spotted in the crowd at some of England's Euro ‘20 matches at Wembley, as well as at the Wimbledon tournament. He was also spotted in the Peak District whilst he was filming a scene for the movie.
Cadbury Snack! To Recruit Fans As Social Media Influencers For Latest Marketing Campaign
l Tom Cruise outside Asha's in Birmingham with the owners following his meal in the Second City
FOR ANYONE who fancies themself as a social media influencer but don’t have the extravagant lifestyle to help break the internet, well, Cadbury Snack! is on the hunt for fans who are just as ‘wonderfully ordinary’ as its tasty chocolate biscuits, to bring them on board as its latest social ambassadors. Cadbury Snack!’s chocolate biscuits are the perfect uncomplicated tasty treat with just a delicious combination of smooth Cadbury chocolate and scrumptious shortcake. And so, Cadbury is championing everything in life that’s ‘wonderfully ordinary’ by looking for people who are
just that to represent its Snack! biscuits in a new co-created brand campaign. With no mega following needed, just a genuine love for yummy choc biccies and all things effortlessly brilliant, any fan can apply to be a ‘wonderfully ordinary’ influencer and get the chance to create some appetising social media content with a special insta-worthy Cadbury Snack! delivery. What’s more, Cadbury will be sharing some of its favourite Snack! snaps with its millions of followers, giving its ambassadors the chance to feel like real social media superstars.
Deliveroo orders on the up despite lockdown easing FOOD DELIVERY firm Deliveroo say that demand for its services has strengthened despite Covid restrictions easing after seeing orders double to 148.8 million in the first half of this year. The value of its transactions has also doubled - at the same time, it narrowed its pre-tax losses to £104.8m, as against £128.4m a year earlier.
Deliveroo initially listed on the London stock exchange at 390p a share, but the price fell sharply on the opening day of trading, on March 31. Its shares rallied on the news that German rival Delivery Hero had bought a 5% stake in the company worth £284m following it being down 3.3% at 351p. Consumers flocked to order from Deliveroo during the earlier stages
of the pandemic, when restaurants were closed and people switched to home deliveries. The firm said it expected customer behaviour to moderate later in the year, but it remained excited about the opportunity
ahead. Founder and chief executive Will Shu said: "We are seeing strong growth and engagement across our marketplace as lockdowns continue to ease."
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HANGING OUT WITH HIGGINS
MONTHLY COLUMN steve@stevehigginsproductions.com www.stevehigginsproductions.com
PARTNERS FOR YOUTH (USA) ON A MISSION! “
Growing up in today’s environment, our youth face so many complex challenges in life, unlike the days of innocence when the older generation grew up!” So said newly installed Chairman of the Partners For Youth Foundation (PFY) Steve Higgins, as he delivered his address at the induction ceremony of the new PFY board at the picturesque Plantation Preserve Golf & Country Club on Saturday August 14th 2021. Higgins continued, “It is up to us to have the conversations with our Youth, and to bring them to the table to discuss the matters that may challenge them. Our CONFAB of 2020 offered insights in Health & Wellness- including Mental Health, Scholarship opportunities, discussions around Culture and Financial responsibility”. The new chairman stated that
l L-R Chairman Steve Higgins, Commissioner & Fmr. Mayor , Broward County, Dale Holness, Director Dr. Rosemarie Lewis,Vice-chair Eddy Edwards & Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair. the administration will take the mission to the next level, through individual and corporate membership expansion, the establishment of strategic alliances with other youth-centric
organizations, extension of our Scholarship program, launch of quarterly PFY on-line discussion series by the youth among the youth, in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, the launch of
“PFY quarterly Huddle”, where presenters will address topics of critical relevance, such as human trafficking, and the launch of our Annual February Confab in 2022. The newly inducted executive,
l L-R Chairman Steve Higgins, Director Dr. Rosemarie Lewis, The Hon. Jacqueline Powell, Judge of the 17th Judicial District of Florida,Vice Chair Eddy Edwards which also included Eddy Edwards (vice chair) and Dr Rose Adamson Lewis, was sworn in by the Honorable Jacqueline Powell, Judge of the 17th Judicial District of Florida. Other members of the Board include Secretary- Noelle Baldwin, Treasurer- Clinton DaCosta, Jermaine Smith, Abigail Thompson (UK) and Colin Waite. The Consul General of Jamaica to the Southeast USA, Oliver Mair brought greetings, while Commissioner and former Mayor of Broward County Dale Holness, addressed the gathering, pledging support for the 501c3 entity and its new board. Apologies were sent by the Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul. Vice Chair Eddy Edwards gave a history of the Foundation, which was founded by Anthony (Tony) Baker, Marcia Rigg-Baker, June Minto and Michael Rigg. ABI STARTIME was a pre-cursor to PFY and included a charm and dance school, centered on Tony’s passion for the arts and our youth. After Tony’s death, the PFY was activated as a 501c3 entity, through which the legendary Miss Jamaica Florida
Pageant was annually staged (for over 25 years). This was not a beauty pageant, but one in which contestants performed a song, a dance, a skit – multiple forms of Creative Expressions. They were given relevant themes to research and present to the public and to show excellence though interviews, poise, substance, and presence. For over two decades, the PFY has been awarding the Anthony Baker & Marcia RiggBaker scholarships annually to a young lady pursuing the arts, the most recent being 2021. The PFY induction was attended by Southeast USA Diaspora representative Dr. Allan Cunningham, S.E. USA Youth Diaspora Representative Amaya Lewis and representatives of various organizations, which share a passion for our youth. Reverend Gerald Gallimore Jr. gave the invocation and Master Matthew Higgins treated the audience with a superb rendition of “God Bless America”. Log onto www. partnersforyouthfoundation.com for more information
PASSIONATE ABOUT
‘JAMAICANIZM’! EVERY AUGUST, all Jamaicans form all walks of life, throughout the Diaspora, pause to reflect on our beloved country and celebrate the excitement of the anniversary of independence. We hold church services praying for our “JamRock”, have numerous parties with much hype, listen to the SAME festival songs throughout the decades, banquets for the Stoosh among us is a must, and a focus on all that contributes to the Jamaican spirit! A fun-loving people who are passionate about our ‘Jamaicanizm’. This year -an Olympic year with much at stake, there were more ‘Watch parties’, verandah conversations, ‘drink-ups’, bets and prognostications as to which of our athletes would earn Gold, Silver or Bronze in the Women’s 100M. Others didn’t seem to
care, as long as we taught the world to count “1-2-3” …Get it? Either way, we continue to bask in the accomplishments and showmanship of our current legend and fastest Man alive, Usain Bolt. But what of our Institutions, reverence for our sacred symbols, documenting our own history ourselves, passing on our legacy to our next generations? This column has mentioned the NDTC, (Professor Rex Nettleford), The Jamaican Folk Singers, (Dr Olive Lewin), L’Acadco Dancers (Dr. L’Antoinette Stines) – and many more! This column is happy to mention ‘Artivist’ Charles “Mark Phi” Smart. Charles innocently embarked upon a plan to paint a portrait of Marcus Garvey – Jamaica’s first
National Hero. While doing research on his subject, Charles became immersed with interest and childlike excitement, peering over at other national heroes, and decided to expand his Artistry into ‘Artivistry’, and to explore the impact of ALL National Heroes on Jamaica! It struck this young artist, that for the sacrifice and contribution made to Jamaica, these old, black and white, drab, unexciting portraits of Jamaica’s National Heroes, did them no justice. Welcome to the “Jamaica Heroes Modernized Project”- A Legacy endeavor which has taken wings and rocket boosters with a throng of support from Jamaica’s foremost scholars, cultural icons, stalwarts, historians, musicians, anthropologists, activists, ‘waggonists’ – everyone!
Initial objectives include • Creating a film series (10 episodes) conveying a comprehensive story of the Heroes- in chronological order; the state of play at that time, the things that drove them to action and the impact of their action. • modernizing our Heroes’ images with vibrant, colorful, Caribbean colors in order to give more dignity and prominence to them, placing them in a position of high esteem to be revered by all • Delving into the history of the Heroes from a Cultural
perspective, involving every genre of Jamaican Music • Making this information available to the youngsters in places where they are • Creating a Digital landscape with our own narrative that is reflective of who we are. This project will inform about Maroons, Jerk, our Garden culture, the Taino, African and colonial influences, symbols tied to Adinkra (Mayan), the story behind the passion of a Jamaican …and much more! It will focus on Jamaica’s modern-day heroes –like Miss Lou or Bob Marley- reminding
us that heroism continues in Jamaica and that what we do now will impact those of future generations. This cultural preservation project will energize the hearts and minds of our people, inspiring more national pride and interest from our younger generations across the globe! FOR MORE, LINK on www.Jamaicanationalheroes. com or on Facebook bit.ly/3y6bdmK or Instagram at Jamaica National Heroes. Alternatively email jhm@jamaicanationalheroes. com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Indie Developer Gives Away $6 Million Worth of Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition
G
ambrinous, the Dublin based indie developer, is giving away over 300,000 copies of turn-based dungeon crawler Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition to everyone who owns the original game on Steam. When the new game launches on PC this November, all Steam versions of the original Guild of Dungeoneering will be upgraded to the Ultimate Edition free of charge. Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition is a completely rebuilt and remastered version of the award-winning indie card
battler Guild o f Dungeoneering, bringing new quests, monsters, classes, weapons and loot - plus all the original’s DLC - together into one supreme package. The award-winning original is a turn-based dungeon crawler with a twist - instead of controlling the
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DROPTOP RECO UNRULY VIDEO FEATURING POP
a s a w s i h T A
shout out to Birminghams own Drop Top Record label who showcased the Unruly Popcaan video shoot at a secret location in Birmingham. Thousands turned out for a mega headphone Brunch party that
went on to the early hours of the morning. This was a one of a kind video shoot with food stalls, media and all round entertainment A great networking opportunity of celebrities in film and music,
faces like Dylan Duffus, Stylo G, and Lady Leshurr were in attendance. Music on the night was supplied by the legendary Immortal Sound. Words and photos by Mark Dwayne
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ORDS SHOOT PCAAN
! k c o l b d a ro
Birmingham Comedy Festival Returns
A
fter a year online, Birmingham Comedy Festival is back in the room for
2021. Running from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 October 2021, the popular arts festival features over 40 shows, from big name acts, to emerging newcomers. Highlights include the return of the fast-talking comedianturned-actor Russell Brand (Oct 3, Symphony Hall), as well as appearances from Strictly semifinalist Chris Ramsey (Oct 10, Town Hall) and the Tailenders crew (Oct 1, Symphony Hall). They’re joined by Jenny Eclair (Oct 10, The Old Rep) who marks turning 60, Dane Baptiste (Oct 10, The Glee Club), social star Max Fosh (Oct 3, The Glee Club), Phoenix Nights’ psychic Clinton Baptiste (Oct 7, Town Hall), Rachel Fairburn (Oct 8, The Glee Club) and South African comic Loyiso Gola (Oct
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1, The Glee Club). Elsewhere, new stage production When You Fall Down (Sep 30-Oct 3, Old Joint Stock) explores the story of silent comic Buster Keaton, while Howerd’s End (Oct 6-10, Old Joint Stock) reveals the hidden life of postwar British comedian Frankie Howerd. The festival also features some of the best acts from across the region, including former Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award winners Josh Pugh and Celya AB, plus Mary Flanigan, Danny Clives, Good Kids and Eric Rushton (who won the prestigious Leicester Comedy Festival
Comedian Of The Year Award in 2020). A spokesperson for Birmingham Comedy Festival said: “We’re so excited to be back. The response to last year’s online festival was fantastic, and we’re hoping to continue with a few digital activities, but you just can’t beat seeing comedy with a roaring audience – the laughter’s infectious."
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Six Appeal… Sextet Of Iconic And Rare Lotus Esprit Head For Auction ORIGINAL ONLINE classic car auctioneer, The Market, has secured a collection of six highly-desirable and rare, limitededition Lotus Esprits – instantly recognisable through their cult status – for sale. Heading up the charge is a jawdropping 1978 Esprit S2 ‘JPS Edition’ sporting its unmistakable black and gold livery. Guided at between £75,000 to £100,000, this head-turning model has a mere 13,600 miles on the clock, has had just four previous owners and is considered one of the best, low mileage examples of its type. Not to be outdone is an unbelievably rare 1981 Esprit Turbo Essex S3, also complete with its own distinct paintwork, this time in iconic blue and red Essex petroleum colours. Tristan Judge, director, The Market, said: “To have secured just one of these limited edition Lotus Esprits for sale would have been fantastic but to be able to offer all six from the same private collection is unbelievable.
Nissan Worker Saves Life On Way To Work
MOTORING ROYALTY TO STAR AT BLENHEIM PALACE
T
hanks to its peerless combination of competition success, beauty and rarity, the Ferrari 250 GTO has become the jewel in the crown of any collection. Seeing one up close is always a thrill for any enthusiast, but during this year’s Salon Privé Week there will be two of these iconic machines on display at Blenheim Palace. Introduced in 1962, the GTO was the ultimate development of Ferrari’s 250 GT Berlinetta
series, which stretched back to 1956 and helped to lay the foundation of the Ferrari legend. The 250 GT Berlinettas dominated motorsport’s GT class and were particularly successful in the Tour de France, winning this most gruelling of events no fewer than nine years in a row. The two GTOs that will be gracing Salon Privé Week have both got exceptional histories. Chassis number 3767GT was the first of two GTOs to be owned by renowned British
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privateer David Piper. Finished in his distinctive shade of green, 3767GT made its competition debut at Brands Hatch in August 1962, and the following month Piper – along with his good friend Dan Margulies – took it to fourth place in the Tour de France. Joining it at Salon Privé will be chassis 4399GT, which was supplied new in 1963 to the famous Maranello Concessionaires equipe of Colonel Ronnie Hoare. It won its first two races – at
Goodwood and Silverstone – with Mike Parkes at the wheel, and in August 1963 it was driven to victory in the Tourist Trophy by Graham Hill, the reigning Formula One World Champion. With a programme that includes Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles on Friday, the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton on Saturday, and Sunday’s Classic and Supercar event, all the elements are in place for another unmissable Salon Privé Week.
A FACTORY worker has been hailed a hero after he delivered lifesaving CPR to an elderly cyclist who went into cardiac arrest. Karl Harrison has been praised after he leaped into action when a 76-year-old man collapsed while riding his bike on Washington Road near the Nissan Sunderland Plant. Karl, who received his first aid training as part of his Quality Assurance job at Nissan from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), saw the pensioner collapse as he drove into work. Recognising that the cyclist had gone into cardiac arrest, Karl immediately began to perform chest compressions while a colleague called 999. Paramedics and police arrived on scene a short time later and, with the assistance of a defibrillator, the medical professionals were able to revive the patient. He was taken to hospital where he is described as being in a stable condition. Emergency services say Karl’s intervention almost certainly saved the man’s life.
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BENTLEY AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH DIGITAL WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
W
ith COVID-19 continuing to limit the opportunity for traditional “hands-on” work experience, Bentley Motors is embracing digital alternatives and is successfully partnering with social mobility charity Speakers for Schools to deliver a range of virtual work experiences for over 500 young people. The work experience opportunities, which are available to students across the UK with an interest in STEM topics, focus on a range of areas from Engineering to Digital. The opportunities are being supported by colleagues from Bentley’s diversity and inclusion networks, as part of its Early Careers outreach programme which aims to encourage more girls and students from ethnic minorities to consider careers in
the automotive industry. During the most recent work experience session on digital skills, colleagues from Bentley challenged the students to design their “car of the future”. The winning design was submitted by Year 13 student, Yen Li from Torquay Girls Grammar School. The team at Bentley Motors were particularly impressed by Yen’s innovative approach, inventive design and ability to work quickly and with attention to detail. Tom Russell, Bentley’s Early Careers Manager, explains: “The advantage of our virtual work experience programme is that although we are based in Crewe, Cheshire, with the help of Speakers for Schools, we’ve been able to extend opportunities to students from across the country. “Early Careers outreach is a key part of our diversity and
MOTORS
Turbo Technics Turns 40 With Celebration At Donington TURBO TECHNICS, the renowned UKbased specialist turbocharger engineering company, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in style with a track event and a display of some of the countless performance road and competition vehicles it has created over the years. This will be held in conjunction with the Time Attack round at Donington Park, Bank Holiday Monday, August 30, 2021. All owners of Turbo Technics enhanced vehicles are invited to apply to attend the celebration with their cars, which will be displayed in a central paddock. Participants will enjoy free entry and the chance to drive their car on the circuit, as well as receive mementos of the day - prizes will be awarded for the best presented and most authentic cars. In addition, the company’s 600bhp Ford Focus will compete in the meeting’s Club Pro class in the hands of Turbo Technics’ Founder and Managing Director, Geoff Kershaw.
inclusion programme as we aim to highlight the huge range of opportunities within our sector to an increasingly wider range of people – with the goals of filling our future talent pipelines with more diverse candidates in the long-term. “Yen’s engagement with our Insight programme – and her winning car design - is a fantastic example of how we’ve been able to connect with a student who may not have previously considered Bentley, but who has the potential to excel in our industry.” Yen Li, aged 18, from Torquay, Devon, said: “I would never have found work experience with Bentley Motors without Speakers for Schools and I really enjoyed learning about the business. The car design challenge was exciting and I am delighted to have won and to receive the 3D model.”
Volkswagen To Sponsor Its First Ever UK Pride Event VOLKSWAGEN is very pleased to announce its support of the Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2021 – its first ever partnership with a Pride event in the UK. The brand will be sponsoring the festival’s Community Tent and Sensory Area, with the project managed by We Drive Proud UK –Volkswagen Group UK’s Employee Network Group (ENG) for colleagues both in the LGBTQ+ community, and those wishing to support LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the
workplace. Volkswagen chose Milton Keynes Pride Festival as the brand’s nearest Pride to the company’s headquarters, with the event benefitting the local community through providing a safe space for local LGBTQ+ people, as well as contributing to local projects ranging from educational development programmes, to youth groups, and Q:Alliance, a local LGBTQ+ charity. The event takes place on 11 September in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes.
The brand’s sponsorship of Milton Keynes Pride Festival covers the Community Tent and Sensory Area – two spaces where families can enjoy themselves while being a part of Pride.
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Now Is Not The Time For Silence: Namywa on broadcasting her powerful musical response to racism from Symphony Hall, a B:Music Venue
T
he Birmingham artist and songwriter was commissioned by B:Music last summer as part of a dedicated music project that is amplifying the voices of Black Birmingham musicians in order to create opportunities for their experiences of racial inequality to be heard The Black Lives Matter protests which took place following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis were one of the defining images of 2020. In towns and cities across the globe, millions of people marched in support of the ongoing fight for justice and racial equality, as well as challenging discrimination in all of its forms. In Birmingham, 4000 protesters gathered peacefully in Centenary Square in June 2020 for a notable demonstration which drew public praise from the West Midlands Police. Aiming to further the global conversation about tackling racism, B:Music launched ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’: a project for Black Birmingham musicians to address the theme of racism, both individual and systemic, through music. Among the eight artists to have been commissioned so far is Namywa, who performed her spine-tingling ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ set in
Symphony Hall in August 2020. Her recorded performance of the piece was broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, sharing the musician’s important and affecting message across the world. We caught up with Namywa to reflect on her experience of being part of ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, as well as learning about what the future holds for the rising Birmingham musician.
You were commissioned by B:Music last summer to compose a musical response on the theme of racism. What was it like contributing to ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, especially during such a historic time?
“It was amazing. It felt like it was right for me, as I had that song in me and the piece itself wasn't hard to write. "Once I'd written it to an instrumental, I thought about what an honour it was to play Symphony Hall at that time, so I wanted to do a completely different live set-up. "I started working with some strings and piano and decided not to have a backing vocalist, which is new for me. I felt like I could get the emotion I wanted to express with the music, and it was a good creative opportunity for me.”
What has the response to your musical piece been like?
“Among my family it sparked conversation about identity, who we were and what I was saying at that time and what it meant. That was a beautiful thing. "I had a conversation with myself being like: ‘From this point onwards, it's about doing rather than saying what we're doing.' I've always stood by that, but I felt like my musical response enabled that message to come out.”
Have you been able to perform the piece live anywhere else since its Symphony Hall debut?
“In September I did a show in Digbeth, and when I played that song live the reaction was pindrop silence. It was crazy. I’ve received a lot of feedback from people saying I need to get the song recorded, which is what I've done: it's going on my debut EP.”
B:Music are also supporting you through a leadership course run by The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). What do you hope to gain from this?
“The ILM course was perfect timing for me. I need to learn more about how to lead, as well as other things, like policies,
that I maybe wouldn't have thought about in the first instance. It’s been a good challenge [personally], as I’m combining it with my own creative process with music and overseeing my organisation Girl Grind UK.”
What can you tell us about Girl Grind UK?
“I set it up to support Black, Asian and ethnic minority women and girls in the West Midlands in order to create opportunities for personal and professional development. Our company isn't limited to just the arts, and that's what I think is different about it. "It’s all about what it means to be ‘on your grind’, which doesn't have to be in the typical creative limelight – it might be in tech or science, for example. I want to apply to the Arts Council to become a National Portfolio Organisation in the next two years. "In 10 years’ time, I want Girl Grind UK to be an epicentre. I think it's doable if the right doors are open, and if I've got the right mindset and vision to lead.”
How important is it to keep supporting young musicians and creatives in Birmingham and the West Midlands as live music returns?
“It's pretty essential. Looking
at m y o w n journey, if I didn't have the venues and the opportunity to meet people, it would've n e v e r happened. The physical space is superimportant, and for [venues] to just be open, accessible and create spaces for people to come and share music is really important. "In order to develop, you need the opportunity to perform your music to be able to figure out your identity and what kind of
artist you want to be. It's important that there's a space that's forgiving to be able to do that in.”
You can watch Namywa’s ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ performance on B:Music’s YouTube page. Namywa will perform a free gig in the transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue on Saturday 25 September. Book online at bmusic.co.uk
END OF AN ERA
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fter nearly 50-years Lozells Fashion is set to close its doors for a final time, bringing to an end decades of being at the forefront of ladies highend dresses and gowns – that has been worn far and wide, by women with that discerning level of class. Owned and run by Sahain Kajah and her husband Mohammed Ashraf Kajah, it is – thus, soon nolonger be - a ‘beaming light’ that has stood out, above and beyond, all that has been before it. Situated on Lozells Road, in the Birmingham district that bares its name, it has remained the “go-to” boutique for women of the highest of tastes – for the longest of times. And, with its end ever near, it is
bound to leave a massive void for those who were always looking for that something ‘different’ and ‘unique.’ The first Asian shop to open on Lozells Road, provids women with some of the best-designed gowns outside of London. But, now, with times forever-changing, for Pakistan-born Sahain and Mohammed, it’s now all about enjoying their lives together – to the “full.” “All stuff here is/was exclusively from London’s West End,” Sahain says, “before we then went straight to the manufacturers – and cut-out the ‘middle-man’. “We would always spend a day or so sourcing our dresses before we then were able to get them from Leicester on a more regular basis.
Every woman and girl around the area came here for the latest fashion.” It proved to be the basis of a fruitful career, but it was far from her original plans: “I came here originally to continue teaching. I have a Degree in Science and another in Education – with which I taught in Christian Missionaries in Pakistan and around the world. “I came here to further my teaching career but found I would have had to study again – the same I did in Pakistan - to do so. So, I took up my love of fashion and business and opened Lozells Fashion. Always supportive, my husband, though, wanted me to have career in pharmacy - but fashion was always my love. "I was here during the burning
of Lozells Road. I feel no one burned my shop because so many local women had deposits on their chosen outfits!" With a regular, ever-growing foot-fall, plus people from Gloucester and Coventry, together with staff and parents – and students – from local schools and businesses (who often had to phone-in to make appointments) the boutique remained a thriving “go-to” for many: “We got a great affinity with people near and far. They loved here, and we really loved them. “But it’s now time to ease down and enjoy a life in the sun. after nearly 50-years, it’s time for a change of pace. It’s time to enjoy the sun!
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
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ENTERTAINMENT
BIRMINGHAM STAR DYLAN DUFFUS JUST KEEPS INNOVATING
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hen it comes to exciting gritty street movies from Birmingham this is the man that comes to mind. Actor and director Dylan Duffus has an outstanding CV, every film that has his involvement creates a buzz like no other. The Birmingham actor is very in tune to what is current and does gang related movies that has the message as he says 'This is not the route to go and this is why', including movies such as 1 Day, The Intent, One Mile Away & Line Of Duty. It is amazing how this once underground rapper has now become a national star in film. He is also a true entreprenuer and involved in clothing, liquor brand Kamo Vodka and a brand new bar named Channel 7 in partnership with long time friend and mentor Sirus. Dylan creates trends and excitement and always likes to represent Birmingham. His next film Trappin features the likes of rap star Abbra Caddabra. Look out for full feature interview on the new Street Cred Podcast!
King G Mall
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021
ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
Caribbean Reggae Fever highlighting city of true “multi” Culture
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ll ages were welcomed as the Caribbean Reggae Fever brought to the centre of Coventry city. With an array of live music event featuring bands, solo artists, DJ sets, food and stalls from local vendors staged in this outdoor event, produced by Coventry City of Culture in collaboration with Coventry Caribbean Association and Arawak Community Trust, it brought together an exciting celebration of traditional Caribbean culture, lifestyle, food and music to Millennium Place - outside the Coventry Transport Museum. Open for everyone, it provided an opportunity for newer generations and other cultures to share and experience some Caribbean traditions and experiences, and for the older generation – especially the Windrush Generation - to enjoy and showcase those traditions. With the Coventry twinned with the Jamaican capital city of Kingston, and the two cities sharing a great history - with the
vast majority of the Windrush Generation who moved from the Caribbean, to the West Midlands city, the Caribbean Reggae Fever - supported by funding from National Lottery Community Fund – was the perfect showcase to shine a light on people dressed in traditional carnival costumes as dancers - accompanied by calypso and soca music which
was provided by steel bans and live off-street entertainers. With DJ Mikey Dee at the helm, reggae artist Wayne Wonder & Band headlined the event with Tippa Irie, Peter Hunningale, Coventry’s own DJ Katt, plus V Rocket, Lucy Tennyson, Sandra Cross and the Daddy Woody Band amongst those who also topped the bill on the day.
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For organiser, S h e r r i l Donaldson, it was a comingtogether of hard, relentless work and dedication - whilst, for the city of Coventry, it was just another reminder of why they are the UK’s City of “multi” Culture.
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