Street Cred Magazine - April 2013 by Street Cred Magazine

THE COSMOPOLITAN CUTTING EDGE ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE

£1 (where sold)

APRIL 2013

R&B COMEBACK EDITION

BACKSTAGE ACCESS AT WEMBLEY

FASHION / TRAVEL / BIG SCREEN / GADGETS / INDEPENDENT ARTS / HEALTH & FITNESS / CARS

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION!

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES Check out Levi Roots Reggae Reggae sauce mogul reading the Phoenix Newspaper

PICK UP THE PHOENIX! ITS A “GOOD NEWS” READ ADVERTISING: 08432891207 - Option 1 NEWSDESK: 08432891207 - Option 2

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

Editor’s Letter

EDITOR Mark Dwayne

Welcome to the one and only Street Cred magazine. We have so much in store for you having new designs and layouts, we have enhanced some features but kept things particular to how you streetcred readers like it. It’s R&B of the 90’s comeback edition as seen on the front cover, Everyone’s idolised 90’s favourite act’s creating a bang and Streetcred having it all right here! From the likes of Blackstreet, to Damage. The list is endless. Considering it’s everyone’s favourite acts of the 90’s we only had one way for it, a traditional Streetcred welcome back. In addition to the cover story we have a 12 page extravaganza so it’s definitely one not to miss as it’s a comeback edition as Streetcred was there backstage at Wembley courtesy of Bliss and AfterHours Enterprise USA A big thank you to Greg Branch Shaw Booker and Robin Carter of the Jodeci team who looked after us at Wembley. We have a variety of things to look out for this edition.

SUB EDITOR Gordy Munro PRODUCTION Tom Cotter tom.cotter@ streetcredmagazine.com PR & FEATURES Evette Fleece FEATURES COORDINATOR Tom Cotter

tom.cotter@ streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT COORDINATOR Liam O’leary

liam.oleary@ streetcredmagazine.com

Don’t forget to make sure you look out for Spotlight features Leo Golden child an Up and coming musician on pages 62-63

CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Bowen South & City College Hereward College

Right that’s about it from me! I’ll give you a chance to see for yourself how incredible we’ve made this edition so you’ll have to find out when reading the magazine! Enjoy a fun read of your favourite mag and let it be your No1 Guide to what’s new and course what we see as the future.

CATCH STREET CRED ON:

Stay safe and enjoy life. Much Love, Mark Dwayne MDG www.facebook.com/MARKDWAYNEFANPAGE

WANT TO ADVERTISE? ADVERTISE

0121 250 3534

Advertising@streetcredmagazine.com

NEWSDESK

EDITOR

0121 250 3534

Editor@streetcredmagazine.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com twitter.com/@streetcred facebook.com/streetcredmag The views expressed in Street Cred magazine are not necessarily the editors opinion so do not try to kill him if you read anything you feel offended by. The magazine is a positive and fun read and is not with the intent to threaten anyone. All images are copyright of their respective rights holders.

STREET CRED MAGAZINE(UK) LIMITED, BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE PARK, BIRMINGHAM. WEST MIDLANDS UNITED KINGDOM TEL:0843 523 0491

CONTENTS PAGE GRIMEY (7-15) Check out the latest in music and celebrity gossip!

FASHION & STYLE (16-32) Looking forward to spring and summer but still being mindful of the recent snow check out our top picks for men and women

BIG SCREEN (33-39) Love films? You’ll love Big Screen! This month we’re previewing Oblivion, The Place Beyond The Pines and the much anticipated Iron Man 3!

GIG GUIDE (40 -43) Want to know whats happening in your city? Head over to the gig guide to find out whos playing where!

Our editor headed out to the R&B Legends of the 90’s Night that took place at Wembley Arena last month! Head on over to check out all the gossip, pictures and information about what went on!

MR & MISS SC (59-61) Two young talents occupy this section this month. A young singer who’s doing very well in a rather large talent competition and a young man with a massive talent of playing steel pans.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT (62-63) Leo Goldenchild is our spotlight this month. With support slots with Union J under his belt

This section features a fantastic remedy for singers and actors this month, ever struggled because of a bad throat? Not anymore!

COVER STORY (51-57)

What scholarship is right for you? We can help you find out!

REGGAE OR NOT? (81) Mishka is our artist featured this month. He’s an incredible talent and one sure to be worth taking note of.

EATING OUT (83)

he is firmly on the rise.

More staying out than eating out this month. The Rotunda in the heart of Birmingham has more to offer than you would expect!

SC PARTIES (64-65)

LIVE EVENTS (84-89)

Swish is moving to Arca Bar and it’s launching on the 12th April so get on down to what

Keep up to date with all the goings on in the Live Music and Performance world with our in depth guide to whats going on in the coming months!

should be a night to remember!

MOTORS (67-71) HEALTH AND FITNESS (44-49)

CAREER & EDUCATION (76-80)

Whats the difference between a LaFerrari Concept and a Mazda MX5, turn to Motors and read what! (As you can expect, it’s a lot!)

GADGETS (72-75) Xbox 720 on the horizon? IT SEEMS SO! Exciting news for all gadget fans. Also music fans, top news regarding Spotify!

TRAVEL (91-98) It’s approaching Summer, (We Hope!) and so a lot of people will be planning summer trips away with friends and most will involve a lot of alcohol consumption and partying! If that sounds like you, we have you covered!

Grimey

R&B at its best!

Grimey

90s -Early 2000s

Grimey

LAURA MVULA

oing by almost unnoticed at this year’s BRITS was a Birmingham singer/songwriter who despite her low profile at the showcase is already heralded to be the next big thing both here and abroad.

the album, ‘Green Garden,’ is getting massive TV and radio play. She’s currently on tour with Jessie Ware and will be performing dates with Paloma Faith in June. It’s just reward for the

Laura Mvula, form Kings Heath, is wowing music critics for her selfpenned debut album; “Sing To The Moon,” which she has just released and with her appearance on The Graham Norton Show recently, her nomination for the Critic’s Choice award has seen her single from

“..from a very early age It was non-stop music in our house..”

25-year-old former Black Voices singer who can’t praise the support of her family enough: “My parents

THE ‘VOICE’ FOR 2013

always encouraged singing in the family and my brother and sister; James and Dionne, were always instrumental from a very early age It Was nonstop music in our house.” Husband, Themba, is no exception, performing as a baritone with Ex Cathedra. Ex CBSO receptionist Laura is “one to watch in 2013,” which means she will be watched and judged on a national level, which is all part of her big dream... of becoming the next big thing.

Grimey

THE SAVIOURS OF THE BIRMINGHAM MUSIC SCENE? QUITE POSSIBLY... Birmingham has always been a fantastic place for musicians and bands. In the past our second city has had some fantastic groups come from within, Black Sabbath, Electric Light Orchestra, UB40, Duran Duran just to name a few and in more recent years the fantastic Editors had success. A lot of the great bands from within you won’t have heard of, you may never hear of them. They’re young, they’re eager and they’re rising fast! They’re gigging the second city venues and gaining fan bases to be proud of. At the pinnacle of this have been Peace. A four piece indie rock band based in the city receiving huge amounts of acclaim and following

the release of their debut full length album“In Love” they are gaining more and more of a following each day. Before this album they on;y had a single EP out, the Delicious EP, which was incredibly well received with the track “California Daze” making into the NME Top 50 Songs of 2012 at number 13! The new album follows suit with incredible tracks like “Lovesick”, “Float Forever” and the debut single “Wraith”. Along with other bands in a similar career situation such as The 1975 and BBC 2013 Sound Winners HAIM (Peace were up for this award) they are successfully bringing the guitar sound back into

the mainstream, something that in recent years has been lacking. To call Peace the best band to come out of Birmingham in recent years would be an injustice to the many other fantastic bands around the city and the rest of the Midlands but to call them the standard bearers for local music in the region is definitely justified! Head to your computer and check out IN LOVE now, you certainly won’t be disappointed and look out for them hitting a tour and many festival dates this summer. Tracks to hear: California Daze, Lovesick. Float Forever

Grimey

advert

Fashion & Style

StreetCred’s FASHION & STYLE This Month: H&M debuts in Paris Fashion Week Mother’s Day gift ideas Credible Gems! Street Style How to look good this spring

Fashion & Style

Hotlist

For her

CREDIBLE GEMS!

Discover what’s hot this season for him and her

Hotlist 11

Fashion & Style

For him

16 17

20 19

Fashion & Style

ADVERT

www.newlook.com

Fashion & Style

NEW LOOK LAUNCHES PROM COLLECTION

et’s dance! New Look, home of all that’s fast, fun and fabulous in fashion today, is launching a gorgeous PROM DRESS collection online at newlook.com. Channelling inspiration from today’s hottest stars and style-setting celebrities, the collection’s thirty eye-catching designs address every occasion from school dance to red carpet gala. Some seem dramatically simple. But many of these glamorous dresses

are lavished with embroidery or embellishment. Colours include on-trend pastels and hot fashion shades as well as ever-elegant black. Prices range from under £200 (for the most elaborate designs) right down to just £30. And there’s free delivery on all orders over £45. Click here to see the full range. New Look’s very first store opened in Taunton, Somerset, back in 1969. Today, New Look is the UK’s Number 1 womens-

wear and accessories retailer for the under-35s. In addition to its presence on every major UK high street and shopping mall, New Look has evolved into an agenda-setting multichannel retailer with a truly impressive online presence. Now, this gorgeous PROM DRESS collection is the latest online exclusive at newlook. com. So, thanks to New Look, you’re only one click away from your own memorable fashion moment.

Burberry Menswear Collection To Show In London Burberry today announces that it will be moving its menswear show to London after more than ten years of showing in Milan. Following the return of the Burberry womenswear show to London in 2009, the menswear collection will be shown as part of London Collections: Men on 18 June 2013. Burberry has been supporting London Collections: Men since its launch in June 2012, hosting events in celebration of British menswear at the brand’s Knightsbridge stores. “London is the creative heart of Burberry and our global headquarters, so we are incredibly excited to be showing our next men’s collection here. The country’s proud menswear heritage and outstanding contemporary talent give it a unique and powerful energy. It is a wonderful time to be bring-

ing our menswear show home” - Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative OfficerHaving relocated its global headquarters to Horseferry House in London in 2009, Burberry continues to invest in its UK manufacturing, retail and office operations, adding more than 1000 jobs in the country over the past two years. Burberry continues to produce its heritage rainwear at its Castleford facility in Yorkshire, where capacity has doubled since 2011. The iconic gabardine fabric used in the coats’ construction is woven at Burberry’s nearby mill and the brand’s cashmere is woven in Scotland. Since 2011 Burberry has significantly expanded its London store footprint, including opening the Burberry World Live flagship at 121 Regent Street and the brand’s first standalone menswear store in

Knightsbridge in 2012. It will open a second headquarters building adjacent to Horseferry House later in 2013. Burberry is committed to fostering the next generation of creative talent in the UK. Its support includes the establishment in 2012 of the Burberry Design Scholarship with the Royal College of Art in London and Christopher Bailey’s chairmanship of the Fashion Fringe initiative, which supports emerging designers and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Details of the London menswear show venue will be released in the lead up to the show this summer. Burberry, which is headquartered in London, was founded in 1856. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BRBY.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.

Fashion & Style

TRINITY LEEDS TAKES CENTRE STAGE World’s longest designer dress revealed in opening spectacle The world’s longest designer dress was revealed at the centre of a spectacular opening ceremony. Curated by British fashion designer Henry Holland, the event welcomed shoppers into Trinity Leeds - the only major shopping centre to open in the UK this year - for the very first time. Measuring 15 metres high, the equivalent of the height of three double decker buses and 480 square metres wide, the world’s longest designer dress was worn by aerial acrobat and former Cirque Du Soleil principle artist, Colette Morrow. Thousands of shoppers watched on in awe as the larger than life dress

emerged from a giant gift box in the shopping centre’s central atrium. Rising to the top of the beautiful domed roof and filling the space beneath it with layers of silk, Henry Holland’s yellow and pink polka dot creation which is synonymous with his House of Holland fashion label - was embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals which captured the light to create a spectacular show piece. Henry Holland said; “Curating the launch ceremony for Trinity Leeds gave me the opportunity to celebrate fashion in a totally unique way. I was challenged to deliver a spectacular show that would excite Leeds’ shoppers and

propel Trinity Leeds into the fashion spotlight. It has been an immensely rewarding project to work on and it has been great to hear the reaction from the public and see it all come to life on opening day.” David Laycock, Trinity Leeds’ Centre Director, said; “We wanted to create a memorable opening spectacle for the launch of Trinity Leeds - something which celebrated fashion and shopping in a unique way to showcase what Trinity Leeds and the city itself has to offer. After years of hard work, we’re thrilled to be open to the public and can’t wait to offer visitors to Trinity Leeds something new and exciting every time they visit.”

Fashion & Style

...ladies

STEP

into summer

Fashion & Style

3 25

Selby in Cobblestone - £90 26 www.jshoes.com Available from

BRAND ALERT

Fashion & Style

Bootiful Boots

Bootiful Boots has carved out a niche in the fashion world with its stunning, luxe, one-of-a-kind boots. The collection features beautifully embellished high boots and ankle boot, flats and heels, platforms and wedges. Each pair of Bootiful Boots is crafted by hand, with exquisite embroidery on velvet, and fully lined in soft leather, with leather soles and a double wooden heel. Embroidery styles range from a vibrant mix of colours used for floral and exotic prints, to elegant simplicity in black-on-black or grey-on-grey, to bold pops of single colours, such as red, purple and yellow. The collection also includes boots which feature an inset Kilim panel, again in a range of colours.

Tropicana | £110.00

Fleur| £110.00

Pink Panther | £120.00

Rose|£175.00

Marina | £175.00

Eden | £175.00

To see the whole collection, go to www.bootifulboots.com

Fashion & Style

MENs fashion

LIKE ELITE ITALIAN SPORTSWEAR? Diadora tokyo’s New Diadora Tokyo’s will keep you and your feet very happy heading into the spring and suade is still incredibly popular! Make a change from Blazers with these Italian classics!

£50.00 28

Its still cold outside your head and ears know it oh too well!

BOBBLE HATS

Fashion & Style

REAL MEN WEAR WATCHES

SWATCH GHOST SERIES

Accesorise yourself this spring and summer with a new watch

£47.50 BARTS £19.99

DC Beanie £21.99

Topman Beanie £12.00

H&M is proud to announce a new partnership for its summer campaign with global superstar Beyoncé. The entertainer, who kicks off her sold out Mrs. Carter Show World Tour on April 15, will appear in television and print ads featuring pieces from the H&M summer collection. The print and outdoor billboards introduce “Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M”, the idea that all women can be all things: strong, vulnerable, sensual, maternal, fun, flirtatious.

fun and affordable fashion. I really loved the concept we collaborated on to explore the different emotions of women represented by the four elements - fire, water, earth and wind. It was a beautiful shoot on a tropical island. It felt more like making a video than a commercial,” says Beyoncé.

“H&M’s summer campaign starring Beyoncé is an epic fantasy, with glamour, drama and also a sense of paradise. It was amazing to watch The clothing will be available beginher on the shoot make it all look ning May in H&M stores worldwide effortless - a quality that makes her STREET CRED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH such an icon for women around the and online. world. The campaign is the essence “I’ve always liked H&M’s focus on

of Beyoncé, and also the essence of H&M this summer,” says Donald Schneider, Creative Director, H&M. “In the campaign Beyoncé is wearing the key pieces from H&M you need for life in the sun this summer,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design, H&M. The summer campaign features swimwear and beachwear pieces as well as a tie-dye bikini from this summer’s H&M for Water collection. 25% of sales from the H&M for Water collection will be donated to H&M for WaterAid. Since 2002, H&M’s initiative with WaterAid has raised £2,650,000.

BigScreen

Could you...

ADOPT with Birmingham? Birmingham's Black and Mixed Heritage children are waiting longer than other children to find adoptive homes. Find out more by popping in for an informal chat between 10.30am and 2.30pm on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th December to the Afro Caribbean Millenium Centre, 339 Dudley Road (New Style Radio Station)

Text ADOPT 31 to 63333 or

% 0121 303 7575 www.birmingham.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

BigScreen

Gig

London

uide

THE

DEVLIN - 30th April – Koko London With his second album ‘A Moving Picture’ released in February the young London rapper has received wide spread acclaim especially due to his top 40 single ‘Watchtower’ featuring Ed Sheeran and a large chunk of the Bob Dylan track ‘All Along The Watchtower.”

What’s on?

ONE REPUBLIC – 24th April – 02 Shepherds Bush Empire “One Republic return on a UK tour in promotion of their brand new third album entitled ‘Native’. The American group spent almost a year on this latest instalment and claimed it had to be the best thing they’ve ever done and certainly weren’t rushing it.

IMAGINE DRAGONS – 11th April – The Forum London Las Vegas alternative rockers Imagine Dragons will be performing at the London Forum in April as part of their UK tour in support of their fantastic album Night Visions. Gaining international acclaim they are beggining to hit the big time.”

PINK – 24th 25th 27th 28th April – 02 Arena London “Pink begins a four date stay at the 02 Arena in London this April for her ‘The Truth About Love’ tour. Expect to hear the smash hit singles ‘Blow Me One Last Kiss’, ‘Try’ and the brand new incredible single ‘Just Give Me A Reason’ PHOENIX – 22nd April THE VACCINES - 2nd May – FRANK TURNER – 25th from the album as well as her – 02 Shepherds Bush 02 Arena London April – The Forum London massive array of hit singles from “The incredible Vaccines are “Tape Deck Heart, the Empire her previous albums. This will “French indie rock band back in London in May for a fourth album from singer most definitely be a show full of Phoenix return to the UK at show at the 02 Arena. 2012 songwriter Frank Turner, will hits and set to be fantastic. Her love of dance and overall perforthe end of April to play the was an incredible year for the be released on the 22nd of mance makes her an incredible Shepherds Bush in London. band as they saw the release April and three days later you woman to watch on stage and ex- With cult classic tracks of their second album ‘Come can find him at the Forum pect acrobatics and jaw dropping like 1901 and Lisztomania of Age’ as the follow up to their in London in support of this stunts to fill out the show.”

from their 2009 album.

fantastic debut.

latest album.

Birmingham BEYONCE 26-27th April Birmingham LG Arena Queen B is coming to Birmingham! These shows are sure to sell out with tickets flying out so you may need to tout it but who wouldn’t want to when you have the chance to see Beyonce. The ‘Mrs Carter’ Tour is the prequel tour to her

upcoming, and as yet untitled, fifth solo album so expect new material merged in with the classics she is most renowned for. It’s guarenteed to be a once in a lifetime show so ensure you don’t miss out, she doesn’t do many over here!

THE BIG REUNION - 12th May LG Arena Re-live your 90’s music favorites as 5ive, 911, Atomic Kitten, Liberty X, Honeyz, Blue and B*Witched all perform at one gig for one night in Birmingham during May. Showing everyone why they were so popular in their heyday expect a synergy of classic pop for your youth. This tour has also been part of an ITV documentary about the bands so be sure to catch up!

ALT-J - 5th may 02 Academy Bham SO SOLID CREW - 20th April The Institute Birmingham Mercury winners Alt-J return to “So Solid Crew return on tour this year… Birmingham on the 2nd May to I repeat, So Solid Crew are on tour this bring their award winning album ‘An year. With only three members remain- Awesome Wave’ to the stage. With one of the most unique sounds on ing in the form of Romeo, Megaman and Lisa Maffia the trio return to the live the live scene today they’re definitely a band to latch onto and see whilst scene to perform their classic singles such as 21 Seconds.” you can because these guys’ gigs sell out FAST.

PEACE - 27th April 02 Academy 2 Bham Following on from their stint opening up this years NME Award tour Birmingham local boys Peace are out on tour in support of their brand new debut album ‘In Love’ featuring incredible single Wraith and other songs that fans of the band will recognize from their acclaimed EP Delicious. One of the best new young bands and rising fast they are one to see live.

RUSSELL PETERS - 14th April LG Arena Birmingham Canadian comedian Russell Peters takes the LG Arena this month to do a stand up performance that will sure to have you laughing for hours. With his fantastic observational comedy technique and killer punch-lines Peters is definitely a gig to get down to if you love your comedy!

WILEY, SKEPTA & JME 19th April The Institute Birmingham Wiley heads out on tour this month with Grime artist brothers Skepta and JME for a number of dates across the country. Featuring classic tracks from Wiley and the others this is sure to be a grime show to remember.

Gig guide

Manchester

JIMMY CARR - 12th April 02 Apollo Manchester King of comedy Jimmy Carr will take to the stage at the 02 Apollo for his current tour Jimmy Carr: Gagging Order. Expect a myriad of one liners, stories and unacceptable jokes that will be typical Carr.

FOR THE LOVE OF MRS BROWN 9-13th April Manchester Arena The fourth play in the Mrs Brown series of live plays takes up its five date residency up at the Manchester Arena this April. Fans of the series and the TV show will know exactly what to expect.

EMELI SANDE - 2nd April 02 Apollo Manchester

MCFLY - 3rd May Apollo Manchester

Emeli Sande takes her hugely successful tour to Manchester where you can expect to hear tracks from her best-selling 2012 album ‘Our Version of Events’. Having had a fantastic couple of years the singer is on top form and worth seeing whilst she’s working at her peak. With a new album surely in the pipeline it may also be a fantastic opportunity to hear whet she has in store for the future which will no doubt be more smash hit albums and singles.

Pop rock sensations McFly continue their greatest hits tour with numerous dates around the country including this one at the start of May in Manchester. They will also be playing new material from their upcoming sixth studio album which is due to be out this summer. This is the perfect gig for any McFly fan which will have the boys showing audiences what they do best! CHRIS RAMSEY - 13th April The Lowry Theatre Manchester Young comedian Chris Ramsey brings his Geordie take on comedy down to Manchester this April at the Lowry Theatre. With many people recognising him from the popular BBC comedy sitcom Hebburn, his fantastic performances have been well received nationwide and he is certainly not one to miss.

Health & Fitness

vocalzone Comes TO the rescue

Vocalzone Come To The Rescue of Rihanna

Vocalzone is a leading throat pastille that helps alleviate throat irritation caused by too much singing, speaking, shouting and smoking. It has been busy this week serving the needs of it’s celebrity fans. An emergency order came in for 50 packs of Vocalzone which happened to be for Rihanna which was despatched to her on the 26th march 2013. This is the second time this brand has came to her rescue after an emergency courier dash during her last tour. This product is so popular with the celebrities. It is the only product of it’s kind to treat sore throats and tonsillitis without even numbing the throat. Vocalzine is available from their website www.Vocalzone.com. vocalzone throat pastilles retail for £3.99 for 24 pastilles.

This specific product has featured in many individuals pockets for emergency’s especially Sir Tom Jones who proudly said “I want the word to get out that Vocalzone are the best throat pastilles in the world” Tom Jones has been using Vocalzone for over 40 years, He flashed the brand and the packaging during the BBC The voice and we suspect they will be tucked into his pocket during series 2 of the voice. Check out the celebrity endorsements!

Health & Fitness

Deodorant vs Antiperspirant It is a common misconception that antiperspirants and deodorants are the same thing. Antiperspirants stop you sweating, Deodorants stop you smelling. It’s a common misunderstanding considering half of the population of the United Kingdom don’t actually know the difference. Aluminium ions form a temporary blockage in the sweat ducts, stopping the flow of sweat to the skin’s surface. YOU NEED PRODUCTS THAT - Have powerful antibacterial action and prevent smell by absorbing odour molecules - Prebiotics - Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide supports the skin’s own good natural bacterial flora and keeps the ‘bad’ odour-creating bacteria in check - Zinc ricinoleate is a salt that comes from ricinoleic acid, which itself is extracted from natural castor oil. Zinc ricinoleate works just like a sponge by absorbing smells. - Aloe Vera has excellent skin care properties. Aloe Vera soothes, protects, rebuilds and regulates the acid balance in the skin whilst reducing oxidative stress, great for preventing degeneration of the skin.

Sport Aston

The Doug Ellis Woodcock Sports Centre

Open to the Community

All these facilities are open to the public. Memberships are available for the Sport Aston Gym or pay per booking for everything else.

► ► ► ►

100+ station Gym Pool Sauna & Steam Fitness Classes

Tel: 0121 204 4623 Email: sportsenquiries@aston.ac.uk Web: www.aston.ac.uk/sport

► ► ► ►

3G Football Pitches Badminton Yoga Classes Squash

Health & Fitness

Stub It Out! For the CHILDREN

Almost a third of the British Dental Health Foundation said they would stop smoking due to the effects it has on children. More than 26% said the danger of developing mouth cancer would be the reason they quit, while less than 19% said the risk of lung cancer. Children are often exposed to second-hand smoke in the home and particularly cars. Public Health Minister Anne Soubry has already called for smoking to be banned in cars carrying children on “child welfare” grounds. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of second-hand smoke and exposure increases the risk of cot death, glue ear, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Tobacco use is a major killer worldwide, and Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, hopes the one in three smokers in the UK that want to quit do so sooner rather than later. The research is clear-cut - smoking in any environment is harmful to you and those around you. Around one in six adults in the UK still smoke, and if they are doing so around their children it could have a catastrophic effect on their future health. Children see their parents as role models. If they are smoking, children are more likely to take up the habit. By stubbing out cigarettes now, not only will you stop damaging your body, you will stop damaging those around you. Tobacco use is still the leading cause of mouth cancer, a disease that claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. it is vital people take the warnings about smoking on board and swap their fags for swag. 11% of people would stop smoking due to graphic advertising, although preventable oral health problems such as stained teeth and gum disease 7% had less of an effect. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque and for gum disease to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers. The best way to ensure you keep your mouth as healthy as possible is to quit smoking.

YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE is also available online

Access STREET CRED on your Tablet, PC and Mac

TO ADVERTISE WITH US

CALL: 0843 523 0491 (Option 1)

www.streetcredmagazine.com

r&B

Cover Story

comeback DRU HILL ¦ BLACKSTREET ¦ SWV ¦ DAMAGE ¦ CHANGING FACES ¦ JODECI BRINGING YOU WORLD EXCLUSIVE BACKSTAGE ACCESS FROM THEIR WEMBLEY SHOW COURTESY OF BLISS & AFTER HOURS ENTERPRISE USA Words by Mark Dwayne

Cover Story

BACKSTAGE Check out what went on behind the scene of the R&B Superstar show.

Jodeci & Dru Hill

Sisqo

Rishi Rich

Blackstreet 52

SWV

Cover Story

Tyson Beckford

Teddy Riley

New member of Dru Hill

Shoes Blackstreet wore on stage 53

Cover Story

MEANWHILE... Check out what went on behind the scene of the R&B Superstar show.

Cover Story

Andre from Damage

Mark Dwayne & Coree

SHOWTIME! Check out what went on behind the scene of the R&B Superstar show.

BE WITTY

he time has surely come for the return of R&B. Yes this clearly shows there is a massive market for old skool veterans and history in the making as never before have we seen stars who are now unsigned sell out the Wembley Arena. R&B Superstars 90’s group edition was a celebration and a half. For so long we have been punished with the artists of R&B music genre turning into dance acts which has not been tasteful at all to us connosuir and sure many of you would agree. When it was announced that platinum superstars Dru Hill Blackstreet Jodeci Damage SWV Changing Faces were to do a special 90’s group edition concert at the Wembley Arena it was sure to be a sell out and attract lovers of the music young and old.

This was a good excuse to party and even in the terrible snow it sure wasn’t stopping twelve thousand people. It definitely didn’t stop us at Streetcred that’s for sure, especially as American group Bliss and after hours enterprise USA were able to accommodate us with Access All Area passes where we could meet greet the stars.

Cover Story

I wont lie, I have been quite depressed at the type of R&B that’s been pushed by media and record companies and I like many others have done ‘PLEASE STOP R&B ARTISTS DOING DANCE campaigns on Facebook as they really have been killing the soul and what record labels would say is that the music sells and its what the masses want. Er no don’t think so at all, how the hell do they come to that conclusion when stars like Beyonce do concerts and she is filling out arena’s and stadiums. Keep the music alive I say and give the people what they want. Yes, The R&B superstars concert was definitely a great surprise for 2013 and something we just had to attend and as many Streetcred readers know is that we were a part of the 90’s movement pushing this music and the first to interview these successful artists. The anticipation to see these groups was very high, we all wanted to feel and get the magic we felt in the 90’s and to be honest really didn’t care what the stars look like it is all about celebrating the music and a big respect to the promoters who came with this concept. If you’re into

PERFORM! More Amazing Shots Of The Incredible Live Performances Happening

Cover Story

The New Blackstreet Stole The Show!

Cover Story

R&B you really are into the music and nothing else. 90’s was a special time for this music as the headline groups really changed the face of music forever. Twelve thousand people filled out the Wembley Arena and what you ask was it worth the wait? You really couldn’t complain could you with arguably the greatest rnb groups on stage. Our first performance was by the UK’s very own Damage who did an amazing comeback show performing hits Rumours and Ghetto Romance. The reception from the crowd was the best I had seen for them and its probably because we haven’t heard from them for so long. Let me tell you their show was spot on and was good to see the boys in good shape. Sadly we didn’t have Coree and Ras join Jade Andre and Noel but defo Damage were back and hope that this is the beginning of great things to come. Up next signed by R Kelly and produced by Devonte Swing was the beautiful Changing Faces who also had an

amazing reception performing slow jam classics ‘Foolin Around’ & ‘Stroke You Up’ Some lucky dude from the audience joined them on stage and got the wine and grind of his life. Again reception from the twelve thousand plus arena was huge and usually changing faces would be a warm up act for big artists and clubs in the 90’s so it was good to see that they could rock an arena with everyone knowing all the words to their songs...trust me this concert was for people that really knew and loved their R&B. SWV, well you know how these ladies sing and let me

say wow they still have it. Songs performed were ‘Weak’ ‘Right There’ ‘Rain On Me’ ‘I’m So Into You’ and many more and if that wasn’t enough the ladies brought on their friend/ superstar model Tyson Beckford who has featured in Britney Spears Toxic video and Toni Braxton’s ‘Breathe Again’ The man flew from states just to support them. You can just imagine the levels of screams from the ladies in the crowd when he joined SWV on Stage. So far the show was hot and money well spent, remember these acts are doing minimum 20 minute sets with live bands so your really getting a show. Next up was Dru

SWV

Hill but really should have been Sisqo as all eyes were on him but his fellow band mates did a grand job, they performed all the hits ‘How Deep Is Your Love’ ‘In My Bed’ original and JD So So Def Remix to name but a few. . Dru Hill was probably the best performance visually but really Sisqo is bigger than the group in my eye. The crowd enjoyed their songs but waited for sisqo to do some of his own solo joints which was a bit disappointing but yes it was about Dru Hill not Sisqo just that us fans wanted more. Ha. Now personally the next act I had to see as they have some of the biggest songs in R&B and bring back special memories to me. I was curious to see how this would go down being as the only original member was Teddy Riley the founder of the group. I actually didn’t think that they would get away with not having Chauncy and Dave Hollister and thought the crowd would be upset but it seemed they was happy that Teddy Riley was still there but I guarantee if he wasn’t there I couldn’t see their show being a success at all and people would have definitely said they got ripped off. If it was solely new members it would have been seen as a tribute band and it could have been anyone from London singing Blackstreet songs on stage. So how did Teddy get away with this? They all come on stage with white space suits and helmets and in robotic knight rider sounding voice the new bands where introduced to

Cover Story

the crowd as each member was named they took off their helmets and girls screamed with appreciation, obviously happy with how they looked then after introduction they bust straight into slick dance routines and sang the blackstreet classics very well. The twelve thousand plus crowd was sold on the new Blackstreet and blown away keeping us all singing for a good forty minutes to all their hits featuring ‘Joy’ ‘Before I Let Go’ ‘You Blow My Mind’ ‘Fix’ ‘No Diggity’ ‘Lets Stay In Love’ and Teddy even dropped the classic Rumpshaker which surprised and had the arena rocking. So yes, Blackstreet was good but me personally really wanted to see the original members but Teddy being the face saved it. Now they say save the best till last and the next group was quite arguably the one that most wanted to see. Yes you got it Jodeci, now I will keep it real, they haven’t exactly got a good reputation for comeback performances but this was the big opportunity to show us that they

still have the magic that captured us in the 90’s. Myself being a fan wont totally rip into them but I will admit it wasn’t their greatest performance for many reasons but us hard Jodeci fans will always show love for them as we know they have some great things in the pipeline that the world better be ready for and trust me we need Jodeci. So all in all The Show:R&B superstars 90’s Group edition at Wembley Arena was an amazing experience and anyone that attended would agree that it was pure quality and apparently many more are to come where they will be doing the solo stars edition. Hopefully that will be Joe Ginuwine Ashanti Bobby Valentino Brandy Monica Usher Mark Morrison Craig David Marques Houston etc that’s the rumour going round that the promoters are keeping to the 90’s theme. One thing for sure is that this concert has helped put R&B on the map once again and shown the power of

Spotlight

the music.

Changing Faces produced by R Kelly

This event for me was a dream come true as I got to meet the stars backstage sing with Sisqo and have a wine with Changing Faces. Ha I saw a lot backstage trust me and Tyson Beckford probably could have all of SWV if he wanted too as they were all over him. Sisqo really wanted to see his competition on the night which was Blackstreet, he almost didnt take pics as he just wanted to see how well the band performed. I had a good time chilling with KCI of Jodeci and Sisqo backstage and I just had to get that pic of them together because as you know KCI is Sisqo’s idol..what an exclusive and was good to hear 12 thousand people say they didn’t want to hear Nikki Minaj when comedian KoJo asked as a joke if they want to hear it. Yes Old skool was wanted this evening and we want more!

Well done Photos by Max Marriott - Words by Mark Dwayne

SC Parties

SOUL ACOUSTIC — A national tour featuring the UK’s finest soul artists, all performing exclusive acoustic sessions. 6th Inverness 9th London 11th Birmingham

TOUR JUNE 2013

TERRI WALKER

SHAKKA

7th Liverpool 12th Cardiff 14th Nottingham

For more information on the tour call 0121 224 7444, visit www.punch-records.co.uk or follow us on twitter @punchrecords

CALL ME UNIQUE

SHEA

KOF

SHEZAR

MOTORS

Motors

Rev up that engine!

Motors

V LaFerrari Hybrid

LaFerrari Hybrid is the newest collection from Ferrari and the Italian’s have already claimed it’s their most ultimate car to date. Having a whopping 963 horse power engine, you can understand why Ferrari have classed this to be their ‘Super-car’ It’s the first time Ferrari has introduced a Hybrid model reaching up to 62 Miles per hour within less than 3 seconds. It makes this model the fastest model ever made by Ferrari to date. There are already talks of future hybrids that will run solely on electric power some of or all of the time.

If someone wanted to know the difference between the LaFerrari and the Mazda MX-5 the list would be long and near endless. It would include the likes of the speed, horse power, engine and the pricing. We decided to put these two vehicles together because of the

Motors

S Mazda MX-5 The Mazda MX-5 is an incredible vehicle and another excellent model from the long running Mazda range. Having already been rated one of the best Vehicle’s created by Mazda various reviews have all claimed it to be an 8 out of 10 car. The amazing drive and smooth elegance provide prospects for all lovers of vehicles. It isn’t exactly the cheapest but compared to the LaFerrai it is cheap. Mazda contains a beautiful décor and impressive styling and another incredible model from the Mazda range. standing in society the brands have, how everyone loves a Ferrari and everyone loves Mazda’s. The Mazda MX-5 is famously known for being a creative, speedy and nippy sports car which is in no way a family hatchback, yet neither is the LaFerrari Hybrid. The two vehicles are outstanding in their classes, yet if I was going by price range it would have to be the Mazda MX-5.

Motors

GADGETS

Gadget SPOTIFY IMPROVES ITS FREE SERVICE

potify has removed its five song cap and is allowing unlimited free music on its

service. This is fantastic news for all of you who have resisted the urges to pay ten pounds a month previously to get unlimited access and who have just dealt with the annoyance of being unable to listen to a song again after five times without signing up. So now they’ve allowed this unlimited access for free what is the appeal of the subscriber version? Well, the adverts are highly likely to remain between tracks and you still won’t be able to stream music on your mobile or tablet without coughing up the tenner. The free and unlimited offer is a very smart move from the company with other services such as Pandora and Deezer taking chunks out of Spotify’s market. It has also been rumoured that music powerhouse Apple are going to be launching their own music streaming service which will no doubt be a major rival to Spotify and others.

Whether or not this service will be free and unlimited is a matter for when it is released but

with Apple loving any chance to grab money I wouldn’t be surprised if it works in a similar way to the old Spotify and counts its successes name alone.

Gadgets

AMAZON SET TO LAUNCH KINDLE PHONE?

The Amazon Kindle has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. From being the top selling (and best) eReader available in recent years it moved into the world of Tablets with its Kindle Fire which was very well received and has recently had a new model announced and brought out in the form of the HD 8.9. With all this in mind it is no surprise that rumours are going around that Amazon are

set to launch a Kindle phone to continue being a competitor with the likes of Apple and Samsung. It is reported that it will be 4.7 inch smartphone and likely to be based on the Android operating system. Rumours suggest that it could be as cheap as $100-200 in the United States so if that becomes true it could be a very cheap smartphone choice for us across the pond similar to the new Nokia phones announced as mentioned last issue. Most specifications as well as any form of release date are still just speculation and remain a mystery but as more information is brought to the forefront I will be sure to keep you all informed.

FACEBOOK TAKES ON SKYPE

Facebook is offering its users free phone calls to all their Facebook friends via their mobile phone app and its release is meant to be imminent so it could be live as you read this. With millions of users using Facebook each day and with most people having all their friends on the service it could be a fantastic and useful addition to the overall service. As long as you’re connected over a Wi-Fi connection you will be able to call these friends for absolutely no charge and if your friend or family member doesn’t have the Facebook App on their phones you can leave a voicemail that they can pick up from their regular Facebook account. This is a particular function that Skype doesn’t offer and with Facebook having the monopoly in form of numbers

using their network it will leave others like Skype and Voxer worrying about their services. Early demonstrations have shown how simple the new addition will work too, merely clicking the “i” button in a conversation and tapping ‘Free Call’, simples. The update was distributed toward the end of March so if not already available hold tight for it to arrive. Unfortunately though it is only going to be available on IOS devices to start with so all Google Android users and other operating systems will have to wait a little longer for it to arrive. With the growing popularity of these other systems though I doubt it will be long before they are available.

Gadgets

XBOX 720 UPDATE

ince Sony officially announced the PS4 back in February fans of the Microsoft Xbox console have been desperate to get a view of the latest offering, the 720. All that has been leaked is a small tweeted image supposedly showing what the new logo will look like. This green logo has been met with differing opinions with some claiming it keeps with Xbox’s green theme with others saying that it is nothing like what Microsoft would create. As Sony unveiled the PS4 without actually unveiling the console fans are desperate for the new Xbox to be revealed to the world, especially considering rumours that it will be launched as early as May or June. I would expect April to offer some form of unveil maybe in a similar way to Sony’s conference. Show off what the product is capable of without

actually showing the device. With the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo happening in Los Angeles in June it is thought that this could be the event for the launch. Following suit with the PlayStation 4 it is rumoured that the new Microsoft offering will do away with disks completely and only offer install only games as companies push forward a new era of complete online gaming. The annoying thing for gamers is this means the console will be in no way backwards compatible and some may not like suggestions that the console will be continuously connected to the World Wide Web and never being off. Let’s hope these coming months offer something in the form of visuals of the new product and not a Sonyesque unveil without actually showing anyone anything…

Careers & Education

The Money Advice Service has published their Business Plan for 2013/14. The plan outlines the Service’s vision to help people make the most of their money, working in partnership with other organisations who share the same ambition. In the year ahead, the Service will continue to provide advice on the whole range of money issues faced by everyone across the UK, young or old, but will focus particularly on those people in greatest financial need. The Service’s primary focus in the year ahead will be on helping more people in managing their debt more effectively, saving regularly, saving for retirement, and putting in place protection for their assets and their dependants. The money Advice claims to achieve over 480,000 of these outcomes in 2013/14.

The Plan Service’s ambitions to help children and young people to become more financially savvy, and explains how it will focus on two key groups: firstly children under seven years old and their parents; and secondly young people aged 16 to 18 who are moving from school into adulthood. Responding to its consultation, which received over 30 written responses from stakeholders across the financial services industry, not-for-profit sectors and government, the Service’s Business Plan for 2013/14 includes an additional emphasis on budgeting. During the year ahead, it will encourage more people to make a budget and review their money matters. To track this specific outcome it has set a target of 400,000 completions of its Budget Planner tool.

Career & Education

YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE is also available online TO CONTACT US Email:

Newsdesk@streetcredmagazine.com Editor@streetcredmagazine.com Advertising@streetcredmagazine.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Six A-Level students from Pimlico Academy presenting their development strategy their strategy was critiqued by a panel of senior staff from Land Securities, Pimlico Academy and PLP Architecture at the Land Securities’ Victoria Marketing Suite.”This project was successful on so many levels; it provided new skills to local young people, which we hope will help them in their future careers, gave us the opportunity to engage with an age group which is notoriously difficult to reach and further established Land Securities as a partner in the Victoria community. Working with Land Securities on a collaborative project based around the re-development of Victoria has been an exciting and insightful experience for the students, Creating

a plan for the re-development of Victoria Circle including a profile of the local area, a master plan outlining building type and use of public space, a business model with financial forecasting and a sustainability appraisal has developed the students’ analysis, creativity, critical thinking and business nous. Presenting their plan to a panel of senior Land Securities and Pimlico Academy staff has developed their independence and confidence. Participating in the project has been both enjoyable and educational and Pimlico Academy are very grateful for the time and commitment that Land Securities have volunteered to the students. Philip Barron, Land Securities Corporate Responsibility Coordinator

Career & Education

A SCHOLARSHIP FOR EVERYONE

THE SCHOLARSHIP HUB’S The Scholarship Hub, a new online portal of scholarships, grants and bursaries, has compiled its Top Ten scholarships and bursaries for wannabe UK university students and undergraduates wishing to study at universities in the UK. The Hub’s comprehensive database is the first of its kind solely for UK undergraduates and means students no longer have to visit each institution’s website to find out about scholarships, grants and bursaries to help them through their studies. Students are being priced out of university and unfortunately many are unaware about the wide range of funding available,” said Karen Kennard, founder of The Scholarship Hub. The Scholarship Hub aims to demystify student funding, making it accessible and simple to understand so students can make informed decisions Need a Carrot to Continue your Studies? The Vegetarian Charity will provide a one off award of up to £500 for a vegetarian student in financial need. Sing for your Supper. Budding singers could be eligible for up to £3,000 a year to study at Exeter University, as provided by the Exeter Cathedral Choral Scholarship Programme. Live Above the Shop? The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust offers bursaries of up to £3,000 a year to UK students who are the son or daughter, spouse, widow or widower of a Commercial Traveller, Chemist or Grocer and are in need of financial support. Engineering the Best Future. The Society of Merchant Venturers will offer up to £3,000 over two years for a student with an “enthusiasm for engineering” who lives in Bristol and is at a Bristol based education institution. A Hole in One. For top golfers with a guideline handicap of +1 or better for men and 3 or better for women, or have been identified by the national governing body and offered a place in their national squad, funding is available with a Royal & Ancient Golf Scholarship of up to £5,000 in a one payment at 12 UK universities. An Eye for Business: An Asidua Scholarship Programme offers students up to £25,000 throughout the course of their degree, including paid summer and year out placements with the leading IT software company, at universities in the UK including Aston, Birmingham, Coventry and Warwick in the West Midlands and Queens and University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. Get More Than a ‘Desmond Tutu’ – The Desmond Tutu Scholarship at Kings College, University of London, is worth up to £8,000 per year for up to three years and is for students in financial need, who can also prove a commitment to improving the lives of people in developing nations. 1. A Light Bulb Moment? A novel way of paying off a year’s worth of university fees has been thought up by IdeasTap. Arts or music students, who have embarked on their degree, can bid with ideas on what they would offer to IdeasTap’s network in exchange for the money. It could be an idea or a service. The winner will receive a £9,000 lump sum paid directly to the Student Loans Company as well as four runners-up who receive a £500 lump sum.

REGGAE OR NOT? HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST IN THE REGGAE SCENE

MISHKA

Birth Name: Alexander Mishka Frith Nationality: Bermudian Genre: Reggae Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Musician

lexander Mishka Frith was born in Bermuda and raised in the Caribbean. He’s always been a traveller and a sailor by heart whose lyrics, melodies and grooves are a reflection of the roots and culture in which he grew up. Mishka has a unique style of music having an unusual tone of voice within his music, Mishka’s music has the heart of the Caribbean. The music he creates contains a mixture of mellow acoustic ballads, love, heavy roots reggae and Social justice and consciousness.

Grab your copy of the latest EP ‘Ocean is my Poison’ from Itunes Now! With his music it gives you a sense of escapism, you have to hear it for yourself and experience the experience as he makes others feel the need to change the world. Mishka had a crazy journey regarding his music career from an independent singer songwriter, then signed to big record labels like Creation records and Sony. Through the bright lights of Hollywood working with Matthew McConaughey and his Jk Livin (Just Keep Livin) label he is finally right back home, where he is able to bring out his best ability’s in the islands creating his own brand of music, having full

control of his songs and his life. Mishka has released four albums to date including the eponymous “Mishka” in 1999, One Tree in 2005, Above the Bones in 2009 and Talk About in 2010. All of Mishka’s discography has received critical acclaim around the world. In 2009 he released a special digital only collection of acoustic songs titled “Guy with a guitar”. This let to iTunes naming the release the best singer-Songwriter collection of the year.

Could you...

Text ADOPT 31 to 63333 or

% 0121 303 7575 www.birmingham.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

Eating Out

ONE BED,ONE NIGHT: THE ROTUNDA Staying Cool, offer 26 rooms in the iconic Rotunda for you to book and stay in. On the face of it, it seems like a great place to stay the night, but are they any good?

open. The view at night is an attraction in itself. I found myself gazing at the snow-topped buildings and the snaking orange lights, observing the unceasing activity of the city.

What’s on offer. £140 a night, 4 Star, sleeps 1-2. I stayed in the “Mini” on the dizzying heights of the 19th floor. There are other rooms which are larger: the Clubman, the Maxi, and the spacious Roadster Penthouse on the top floor with its own open air balcony.

Features

Stepping inside the Rotunda was almost an intimidating experience. A vast, sparsely inhabited lobby welcomes you and leads you to the central core of the building, which features multicoloured, motion detecting lights on each floor. Just by walking to the room is was clear its a unique place to stay.

Wow, that view The “Mini” itself is very stylish, with the décor paying homage to the sixites heritage of the Rotunda itself. The thing that grabs my attention first though is the stunning views of Birmingham. Four floor-to-ceiling windows provide sumptuous panoramic views, and they even slide completely

The added extras included free of charge in the wedge shaped room are certainly impressive. Unlike many hotels, where you are eager to leave before you have even unpacked, this is more like a home away from home. The rooms include a glorious array of gadgets; an Apple iMac, Sky TV, a Sony soundsystem, a king-size memory foam mattress, free wifi and a very well furnished PoggenPohl kitchen (which I was informed is a really posh German brand). The kitchen even had an electric juicer and oranges, alongside a whole host of other complementary items.

Who stays there? The location of the Rotunda is a real strong point of the rooms. Its impossible to miss the cylindrical tower, and as it’s on the doorstep of the Bullring its essentially next door to the heartbeat of the city. Its no surprise then that it finds itself very popular with the international tourist market.

Birmingham’s Heritage The Rotunda For a while I have been quite curious of the function of the Rotunda, it’s a building I seem to walk by all the time on the way to New Street station and yet I really was not sure what was inside. Loved and hated, no matter how you judge the aesthetic of the building, the Rotunda is embossed with the history of Birmingham. A versatile building it housed a variety of different functions of both business and pleasure.. The resemblance to stacked coins is convenient considering that it was also a Lloyd’s bank, complete with safes and vaults. The iconic building deserves our respect, and much love should go the associates who saved the rotunda from the brink of inhalation in the 90s, for we now have a new chapter for the extraordinary building Saved from demolition, it was given a grade 2 listing in 2000. it remained empty for a few years until Urban Splash approached the owners in 2004. Working with Glenn Howells architects, they redeveloped the rotunda in a way that paid homage to its history.

Mr & Miss SC 18-years-ol and he’s already licking up the biggest of storms in the music industry. Jamani Stewart is current, creative and, in his own way, almost quite unique in his field. A highly skilled steel pan player – he’s been at it for most of his life – he’s already played at some of the biggest festivals and carnivals to date. And with a heavily played EP and album already out, you can see why he’s Mr. Street Cred for this edition. A steel pan player since the age of 5, he recently returned from the Trinidad & Tobago Carnival where the Birmingham-born star promoted his new album, “Next Chapter,” a follow-up to his debut EP: “Party With Mighty Jamma, you can see where his Jamani” – released on his 13th musical stock comes from: birthday. “Growing up in my household was a caHis performance’s were so well recophony of calypso, soca and reggae. ceived he perform with leading Steel It was inevitable that I would follow my orchestra, Curepe Sherzandoe as father’s footsteps. After all, it’s he who they competed for the National Pano- taught me everything I know about the rama Steelband competition. steel pan,” he says. The youngest steel pan player to By the age of seven, he was already release an album, he’s breaking doing live performances. Since leaving grounds where others haven’t school he has visited many a school before. doing workshops, and parting his For the young Jamani to be so esknowledge onto a new generation, dotablished, so quickly, shouldn’t come ing his bit to keep the steel pan alive. as a surprise though. The son of the With a deep passion for Rap, he’s international legend that is The married the two genres to create:

MR STREET CRED

‘Caribbean Hip Hop,’ a subtle hybrid geared to bring his generation into his instrument. A passionate musician and a proud son, Jamani is looking to set up his own business where he can share his musical talents with other young people, to help motivate them and giving them a chance to travel and meet different people. Regularly visiting schools, prisons and hospitals, a role-model to his peers and a master of his art, that’s why Jamani Stewart is this month’s Mr. Street Cred.

Mr & Miss SC

MISS STREET CRED Mrs StreetCred Presents: Darshae McKenzie Darshae McKenzie from Birmingham has made it to the Regional Finals of TeenStar. She caught the judge’s eye and now is a likely contender running to compete for a place in the national final within the 02 in London. Teenstar is a brand new competition for teens and pre-teens. Searching for the UK’s best young singer/songwriters, rappers, and vocalists from a variety of different genre’s who have the option to either sing a cover or an original song. Thousands of hopefuls entered nationwide and hundreds of those waited patiently to audition on the day for their turn to impress the judges. Those who made it through the audition stage’s will now take part in the regional head to head battle round battling alongside the best talent within and around their area. From early on Darshae released she wanted to do nothing else but sing, she wanted to stand on stage and perform to thousands of people screaming her name, just like her inspiration, Beyonce. “The first time I ever saw her live it made me realise it was something I really wanted to do. After seeing her perform when I was in year 5”. She made it clear that she wants to be a star and her mum encouraged her that teenstar would be a good idea to approach “My mum, encouraged me to take up something like teenstar as it would be a good opportunity I couldn’t refuse. I just love to sing so I wanted to showcase it by entering”. Darshae is in the 13-15 category in the singing category and we wish her the best of luck within the next round. We finally asked Darshae how she felt being this months Mrs street cred “Exciting, I think it’s a great thing for me to be apart of and I thank Street Cred Team for letting me have this opportunity” Sending the best of luck From The whole of the Street Cred Team!

Live Events

ANGEL HEADLINE SHOW To celebrate the upcoming release of his much anticipated debut album ‘About Time’, the UK’s new R&B Pop prince Angel has just announced a special headline show at Under The Bridge on April 15th. This follows on from recent electrifying performances supporting Trey Songz and One Direction (both of whom personally requested Angel for their London shows) and his sold out headline Scala date late last year. This upcoming special gig at Under The Bridge will see Angel accompanied by his full band.

MAGIC SUMMER LIVE Bryan Adams & Jamiroquai to headline the Magic Summer Live 2013 Also Appearing James Morrison, Joss Stone, Squeeze, Level 42, Soul II soul, The Overtones, Kim Wilde Having many individuals who are popular in the music industry by their incredible musical backgrounds without a doubt this will be unquestionably a great festival and one definitely not to miss! Tickets are on sale now!

REEF 2013 TOUR Saturday 16th November The Institute Birmingham Monday 18th November The Ritz Manchester Wednesday 20th November KOKO London REEF’s 2013 tour follows the success of their PledgeMusic campaign and last year’s all-encompassing box set which included the group’s complete recorded works across 9 CDs and 1 DVD featuring demos, B-sides, live tracks, un-heard and un-released material as well as music videos and TV appearances.

Live Events

FESTIVAL 2013 It’s most definitely going to be one not to miss, having miss Queen of R&B herself miss Beyonce headlining this festival you know 100% that it’ll be a festival that unforgettable. Having incredible artists that spell out over the 2 day extravaganza, from Jessie J to Little mix. To list is endless and it’s going to be literally an unbelievable event. The acts are phenomenal you can see why they’re beloved around the nation. V Festival is the most talked about festival of 2013 considering miss beyonce will be headlining. V Festival is one not to miss!

Live Events

THE ROLLING STONES AT HYDE PARK The Legendary ultimate rock icons the rolling stones have announced that they are returning to the main stage to London’s Hype park this summer on 6th July as part of Barclaycard presents British summer time Hyde park. It’s such a big thing for the music industry as it’s going to be 44 years to the day since the stones first played at Hype Park. Support comes from the likes of The Vaccines, The Temper trap, Gary Clark Jr, and King Charles plus Palma Violets.

IBIZA & MALLORCA ROCKS!

Ibiza And Mallorca Rocks have announced more acts to perform with the likes of Bastille, Tinie Tempah, Chase And Status, and the other tribe all set to perform, Already joining those that have already confirmed are Jake Bugg, Rizzle Kicks, The Vaccines, Example, Ellie Goulding, Dizzee Rascal, Foals, Palma Violets, Jagwar Ma & Redlight. Tickets and hotel packages are available now at www. ibizarocks.com & www.mallorcarocks.com Gig Tickets Priced at €40 EUR plus booking fee.

WIRELESS ANNOUNCE MORE ACTS Yahoo! Wireless Festival have revealed more acts that have announced to perform at the festival. These acts join Justin Timberlake and Jay Z at the world première of their legends of the summer tour at Yahoo! Wireless festival on 14th July. The added acts are the following; Jessie Ware, Katy B, Magnetic Man, 2 Chainz, Porter Robinson, Angel and Daley, have all been added to the bill which already boasts A tribe called quest, Nas, A$AP Rocky and Rizzle Kicks.

TRAVEL LOGBOOK

THIS ISSUE:

4 TOP DESTINATIONS

EURO BOAT TRIPS 91

travel logbook...

Travel

MAGALUF BOOZE CRUISE

If you want to experience intense drinking games and massively impressive scenery, a Magaluf party booze cruise is where it’s at. Have the time to celebrate a birthday in style and even if it’s not your birthday yet you love a good party then why not!.Tickets go on sale approximately 1 hour before the boat sets sail and you will be told to meet at an allocated meeting point, although all would be explained on your ticket. You’ll have the opportunity to embrace the sun, sea and heavy loads of alcohol. Magaluf has always been famous for it’s sun, sea and the amount of

alcohol consumed. Embrace the quality of magaluf the beautiful place the breathtak-

ing scenery and who can forget the magnificent and impressive feel to the summer vibe. You even have a chance to have a after party that night you will be given a few hours to go home and freshen up, as you probably will be wet and wobbly from the boat party, you will go back to the meeting place where they will show the photo’s and video clips they took onboard that day and have a little bar crawl after. It’s one not to miss believe me! If you are looking for a holiday that has outrageous fun and outstanding memories then this is where it’s at! Booze cruise, it’s in the name!!

The Thames isn’t the first place you’d think of for a party... but you know what, it just could be!You’ll have a way to celebrate and party in style and have a great way to celebrate your birthday, anniversary, re-union, or just an excuse to let your hair down to have a party, it’s an ideal way to celebrate and have fun. You not only get to see the sights around London, like the London eye, big Ben etc. you have the excellence to party in style. What ever your ideal boat themed party this is the one for you as it’s in the heart of the UK. What better way to make a

party unforgettable as you see the beauty of the Thames the breathtaking landmarks and bridges. You’ll even have the have the option of being able to hire their DJ’s/entertainers or if you don’t want to you can bring your own. It’s all up to you! That is of course if you have a DJ of your own to bring! The variety of different types of drinks they have on offer are the following wine and champagne list to choose from. Having the London surroundings around you there isn’t a shadow of doubt that you’ll feel the excellence about the phenomenal London boat party.

With school Prom season just around the corner and summer formals beginning to happen (Once the sun decides it’s going to be summer - ED) it is a great idea for young people to take advantage of making you stand out from all the other groups of people you know.

travel logbook...

Travel

Check out the official website to see all the cruises that happen on the Thames catering to all kinds of people and ages, there is certain to be one for you.

Be honest, you had never thought of having a party on the River Thames had you?

RIVER THAMES PARTY TOUR

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION! AD

Check out retail magnate, Theo Paphitis reading the Phoenix Newspaper

PICK UP THE PHOENIX! ITS A “GOOD NEWS” READ ADVERTISING: 08432891207 - Option 1 NEWSDESK: 08432891207 - Option 2

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

travel logbook...

Travel

LAS VAGAS- NEVADA

Without a shadow of a doubt Las Vegas has always been famous for night life and for the quote everyone can’t get enough of, ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’. There are many things to do within and around Vegas and if you love The location is considered as a dream holiday due to its feature to gamble then why not head to a famous casino. If your one to be rein the blockbuster hit Film “The laxing then stare out at the sunset Hangover”. or on the views, the entertainment After the success from the movie it caused a major increase in popularity. Ve- never ends in Vegas. It’s considered gas is the city famous for its casinos and its to be the city with the bright lights outrageous night life. If you are looking for a that everyone loves because of it’s night life holiday Vegas is the ultimate one. endless amounts of entertainment. Yet just to be clear you have to be 21 to drink the alcohol due to the US laws. The beauty around the Vegas strip is spectacular and so magnificent you’ll be amazed at how beautiful the city is. From the Views to the buildings everything is incredible. Entertainment:10/10 Scenery: 8/10 Night Life: 10/10

LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT?

PLACE TO STAY? WE’VE GOT IT!

Aria Hotel Deluxe King rooms at the Aria Hotel is the ultimate stay and makes you feel like you have your own celebrity status and as if you’re living and staying in pure luxury. For the room you’ll be having one touch in room integrated technology, you get a 42-inch LCD HD television that also lets you connect straight to your laptop, Hot tub and Shower. The list is endless. The view from where you will be staying is captivating you’ll be speechless. Everything you could ever want and need and more to make your stay perfect for you. Look up the hotel and be amazed by that as well.

travel logbook...

Travel

CANCUN-MEXICO After the well-known British reality show ‘Geordie Shore’ recently appeared on our screens at Cancun Mexico it has encouraged many individuals to hit the location ever since for a party holiday. It’s a place where sun, sea and parties come to mind. If you want an ideal party destination then I believe it’ll be Cancun. The Location is just beautiful and everything about it is magnificent, surrounding this is probably the most ideal destination for everyone to enjoy. I say that because you’ve got the heat, beach and music. What more could you want? The surroundings of Mexico shows how it is such a beautiful country and everyone will communicate with you, even though it may be broken English, showing how friendly the country genuinely is. Entertainment: 8/10 scenery: 8/10 Night Life: 10/10

PLACE TO STAY? WE’VE GOT IT! Temptation Resort spa

Temptation Resort spa Cancun is the place we have recommended for staying. The reason behind this is because how can you go to a party holiday and experience a good relaxing sleep after a good night out. You’ll experience the beautiful delicate things that this resort

has to offer from peaceful spa’s to staying in luxury bedroom suites. It’s an incredible stay. The hotel offers a gym where you can keep up to shape with your summer body. Everyone at the hotel gets a complimentary breakfast each morning.

The list is endless with entertainment. From varieties of different clubs, bars and restaurants within and around the hotel there are many places to recommend. Cancun literally has everything to fit everyone’s needs. Experience a boat party within

Cancun as it’ll take you around Mexico’s most beautiful parts that you wouldn’t have thought was there whilst having a laugh in the sun with your friends. It’s a great holiday destination I’d definitely recommended

LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT?

Travel

SPAIN-IBIZA! Ibiza has always been famous for its outstanding night you need and want in a place like Ibiza from a great party

PLACE TO STAY? WE’VE GOT IT! Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista The Hotel Rural Can Pujolet it’s absolutely beautiful and you can see the view of the ocean, a breathtaking opportunity to witness a sunset that captivates everyone’s mood and makes everyone relaxed. It’s a beautiful place to stay as regardless of if you’re going to Ibiza for a party destination you would still be staying somewhere nice and beautiful looking. Seeing this building you wouldn’t even want to leave it’s that incredible.

lifestyle night out to enjoying the sunset on the beach. Scenery: 8/10 Entertainment: 9/10 Night Life: 8/10

LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT?

travel logbook...

life, everyone remembers the iconic movie ‘Kevin and Perry go large’ and ever since the country hasn’t stopped seeing increasingly more population of British tourists. It has some beautiful scenery that would leave you speechless, it’s phenomenal. You’ve literally got everything

From experiencing different night life to boat tours there are endless amounts of entertainment you can experience with a holiday like Ibiza. It’s impressive how everyone is so friendly and will make sure you have a good time because that’s what type of place it is. From going on a boat party to a foam party, regardless what type of entertainment you are looking for it will be your ideal holiday. It contains loads of fun things to do and an excellent get away destination.

travel logbook...

Travel

GREECE-ZANTE Zante is a magnificent place. You’ve got incredible scenic views, stunning weather and for one of the best party break destinations there is. Zante is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. We wanted to reflect where’s the right destinations to go for your needs to be worshipped. Having increasing populations of British tourists going there in the summer you can understand why. Everything is cheap, so you wouldn’t need to worry about spending a heap load of your bank balance.

Entertainment: 7/10 Scenery: 10/10 Night life: 9/10

PLACE TO STAY? WE’VE GOT IT!

We picked out somewhere nice and affordable at the same time. It’s stunning, it’s the Alykana’s Village and you get everything you could possibly desire within the facilities.Around the complex you have 3 swimming pools, one includes a pool bar & sunbeds are available at a small charge. You have entertainment at the hotel from quizzes to professional shows. Zante isn’t just a location specifically for one age as it caters to everyone’s needs. You will always have free Wi-Fi whenever you need it. If you are looking for a party holiday you’ll be staying just 200m to the resort centre and 50m to the nearest bars and restaurants so you would be able to enjoy a little more. Be aware as you’re so near to the resort centre the sound might get a little loud and for that reason I probably wouldn’t recommend children for this holiday.

LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT?

For Entertainment you’ve literally got everything within Zante as everything is in reach. You can go on a boat party whilst exploring the incredible scenery Zante has to offer. If you’re looking for night life then of course it’s outstanding, but if you are looking for a romantic quiet destination I wouldn’t say it’s exactly what you’re looking for. It’s an excellent experience and I would highly recommend this holiday without a shadow of doubt.