The Voice Newspaper November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019 ISSUE NO. 1902

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The Powerlist: Britain’s most influential black people

70 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

£500,000 community fund to celebrate Windrush Day 2020

Revealed inside: The Football Black List 2019

Get ready to celebrate black football’s best... to scoop awards, while Ahead of this year’s FBL celebration, we let you know who’s up at the nominees Ashanti George-Faure and Andrew Bontiff provide an in-depth look A word from Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds

TEAM: FBL co-founders Leon, left, and Rodney IT’S THAT time again! We reveal the nominations for this year’s Football Black List on these pages and there’s no doubt that the quality of nominations just gets better.

This year, for the first time, we have a category dominated by women. In administration we have a quintet of women that are leading the way.

A look at all the names reveals that women make up some 50 per cent which indicates that football is not the exclusive bastion of men.

The judges had a real struggle on their hands. Creating the shortlist was demanding, but well worth it – so congratulations to our judges.

But a bigger well done goes to those named on the Football Black List. If you didn’t make it, your time will come.

All that’s left now is to deliver the FBL Celebration on Thursday, November 21.

We can’t wait – it’s going to be another special night!

The judges are...

Leon Mann, FBL Rodney Hinds, FBL Funke Awoderu, The FA Al Bennett, The Premier League Nick Roberts, The EFL Wayne Allison, The LMA Simone Pound, The PFA Troy Townsend, Kick It Out Lianne Sanderson, professional footballer Jordan Jarrett Bryan, broadcaster Michelle Moore, sports consultant Jeanette Kwakye, broadcaster Lincoln Moses MBE, community leader Rayan Wilson, Elite Sports Performance expert

Coaching and management Chris Ramsey MBE, technical director – Queens Park Rangers Chris is the technical director of Queens Park Rangers and most qualified football coach in England. He has a clear passion and commitment to mentoring young coaches from grassroots level to elite level, assisting in their development. Chris uses his tactical nous to assist the QPR first team in their planning throughout the league season and is responsible for the club’s academy.

Colin Omogbehin, Under-23 academy head coach –

Fulham FC the is Colin founder of Junior Elite and an academy coach at Fulham.

He first took up coaching with

CHAMPIONS OF NEW TALENT: Justin Cochrane, left and Michael Johnson are both up for gongs in the coaching and management category

Crystal Palace in the community, with an impressive resume, nurturing the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Nathaniel Clyne and Victor Moses.

He has an exceptional understanding of recruitment in London, heavily involved in trying to find the next generation of talent at Fulham.

Coreen Brown, academy coach Coreen formerly worked closely Arsenal’s with for leadership girls development. She also oversaw the cohort of coaches that work alongside her at the club.

She holds an UEFA ‘A’ license, her dedication to coaching has been acknowledged far and wide, working with England’s national teams as part of the FA’s BAME coach bursary scheme, an essential commitment to develop greater equality of opportunities.

Justin Cochrane, head coach – England under-15 team Justin has gained a reputation for his excellence as a coach, currently working with the England U15 development team.

The former Tottenham youth coach is a role model for aspiring coaches, holding a Masters in Leadership and Management, most recently

completing his Pro License.

Justin is recognised for his innovative approach, boasting exceptional knowledge and understanding of youth football and the England player pathway.

Michael Johnson, national team manager – Guyana National Team Michael enjoyed immense success during his tenure with the

Guyana National side, recently guiding the Golden Jaguars to the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time.

Michael is now involved in the England U21 set-up as part of the FA’s Elite Coach Placement Programme, making waves as a board member of the Sports People’s Think Tank and graduating from the UEFA MIP Master’s course.

Administration Amanda Hudson, director of education – WADA Amanda Hudson is the director of education of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), tasked with overseeing anti-doping policies and testing across the world of sport. A pioneer in her in sport involvement field, her and education spans over 30 years. Amanda’s focus has always been to harness the power of education, currently managing the WADA’s social science grant scheme and education committee.

Joanie Evans, co-president – Federation of Gay Games Joanie has been a long standing contributor to the LGBT community, championing inclusivity in sport, through her work with Hackney Women FC. Having tasted gold at the Sydney 2002 Gay Games, Joanie works tirelessly towards encouraging more people of colour to get involved with the Gay Games.

She received a nomination at the British LGBT Awards in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to LGBT Life’ category.

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MAKING THINGS HAPPEN: Lungi Macebo

Lungi Macebo, chief operating officer – Birmingham City FC Lungi’s role as COO sees her support the board of directors and senior management.

Her efficiency in planning, organising and working collaboratively to influence, design and deliver initiatives, are essential to the accomplishment

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of success for Birmingham City. Lungi, who sits on the board for Women in Football was also named as a NextGen Leader for 2019.

Sarah Ebanja, CEO, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Sarah is currently the CEO of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, a role culminating over 20 years working at a senior level in both local and regional governmental roles.

She has previously worked in the London boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Lew-

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isham and also as a deputy chief executive of the London Development agency.

Vivienne Aiyela, non-executive director – London FA Vivienne is the first black woman to be named as a non-executive director in football in the long and storied history of the FA. Commended for her great contributions to administration, in addition to her passion for gender equality, Vivienne is viewed upon as a pioneer, leading the way for many BAME women striving to work at boardroom level.

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MEN OF EXCELLENCE

“The power of the black vote could easily decide 100 seats at a general election.”

Lord Woolley of Woodford

“Being in a white society, I felt I had to wear different masks otherwise I would not survive.”

Sir Lenny Henry

“My parents said, ‘We have no money to bequeath, so make something of your life’.”

Sir Trevor McDonald

SEE INSIDE FOR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

Inside

ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER

THIS MONTH

MP under fire for ‘gangsters’ video

p4

Party event celebrates link between Ghana and Jamaica p12 Destination Birmingham p33-40

Searching for a holiday? Don’t rule out Aruba p44

The tech entrepreneur who’s living her dream p50 Weatherman Alex Beresford on the value of hard work p54

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Dela Idowu

News, views, stories & videos

How will Brexit affect the Caribbean?

England prove their worth

Spotlight

FORMER TORY MP Rory Stewart was criticised for referring to black men as “minor gangsters”.

In a brief video clip from June, the politician walks through Brick Lane, saying that his social media walkabouts mean “three sort of minor gangsters can come up to me and spend a minute telling me I’m an idiot”.

Labour MP Marsha De Cordova called the comment “baseless negative stereotyping”.

Stewart later apologised on Twitter.

Baroness stands by Grenfell remark

BARONESS LAWRENCE has stood by comments she made about race playing a factor in the response to the Grenfell Tower fire.

The Labour peer has been heavily criticised after she said that there was “no doubt” racism contributed to the Grenfell tragedy.

General secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, described her claims as “untrue and unjust”.

THE 10 MOST POPULAR STORIES ON VOICE-ONLINE.CO.UK 1. There’s nothing wrong with John Barnes 2. Celebrating EastEnders star Rudolph Walker OBE at 80 3. Essex lorry deaths: Diane Abbott calls for safe and legal routes for refugees 4. Queen appoints Nigerian-born engineer as new serjeant at arms 5. Travel doyen Winston ‘Mr P’ Pickersgill passes away in London 6. Doreen Lawrence stands by claims that racism played factor in Grenfell response 7. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer to receive Blue Plaque honour 8. IKEA removes jerk chicken from menu 9. ‘Boris has tried his utmost to wipe Black History Month off face of the map this year’ 10. Boots in row over security tags on afro hair products

The Voice celebrates the achievements of Dela Idowu – Executive Director and Founder of GOLD Gift of Living Donation, or GOLD, is an organisation set up to raise awareness and educate people from the black community about living kidney donation after she came forward as a potential living donor for her brother who had kidney failure.

Dela used her experience as a black living donor to raise awareness of organ donation and help change the way people think about the subject in the African Caribbean community.

With Dela as project lead, GOLD is committed to increasing living donor rates for African and Caribbean patients with end-stage renal disease through home-based education.

The culturally sensitive home visits will be conducted by trained volunteers who are not only from the same communities as the potential recipients but can also share their own experiences with potential donors.

Dela is also the author of More Than a Match, a book that gives a compelling personal account of her family’s struggle to come to terms with kidney failure, dialysis and transplantation.

She is also the co-writer and producer of We Are Family, an educational film about living kidney donation as seen from a black family’s perspective.

She is also the 2014 Pride of Brent Award Winner for her outstanding contribution to the borough of Brent.

Got a story? email us at yourviews@gvmedia.co.uk NEWSPAPER

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NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 3

News

LONG LEGACY: Wailers fans attend the grand unveiling of the NJCT plaque, inset, in London (photos: Des Chisholm, courtesy of BBM/BMC)

HONOURING OUR ICONS Blue plaques celebrate the legacy of reggae heroes Bob Marley and The Wailers

T

WO BLUE plaques highlighting Jamaican musical icons were recently unveiled in London highlighting their contribution to music.

An English Heritage plaque on a house in Chelsea, south-west London, commemorated Bob Marley’s residence there during the reggae superstar’s self-imposed exile in London between 1976 and 1978.

It was unveiled by poet Benjamin Zephaniah and introduced by historian David Olusoga.

The move comes after a drive to uncover more addresses of black figures.

In 2015 English Heritage, which manages more than 400 historic buildings and cultural sites across the country, established a working group to reinvestigate the addresses of noted ethnic minority figures.

It was revealed that of more than 900 blue plaques across London, only four per cent are dedicated to those of black and Asian heritage.

Zephaniah said: “It’s very difficult to say what Bob Marley would have said about

this plaque, but he did once say, ‘Live for yourself, you will live in vain, live for others, and you will live again’, so I’m quite sure he would say that this is for his people and his music.”

Another plaque, dedicated to The Wailers band members Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, was unveiled by the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT) at the former site of Island Records, where the trio’s two 1973 albums, Catch A Fire and Burnin’, were overdubbed and mixed.

PROUD

The NJCT event, at Basing Street, Ladbroke Grove, west London, drew hundreds of reggae fans to the event and was dubbed a “community tribute”.

Dignitaries who spoke included Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Mayor Cllr Will Pascall, Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad and Golborne Ward councillor Pat Mason, who all highlighted the “proud” association of the area with what the mayor described as “the most successful reggae band in the history of music”.

Although Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK George

HONOUR: Jak Beula, left, and plaque consultant Kwaku, right Seth Ramocan could not attend, his statement of support was read by the event’s co-host Isis Imlak.

In it, he said: “I am pleased that three iconic Jamaican musicians, the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley OM, the Honourable Peter Tosh OM and the Honourable Neville O’Riley ‘Bunny Wailer’ Livingston OM, founding members of the internationally renowned Wailers, are being honoured with a blue heritage plaque in London.

“Without a doubt, the global awareness and impact of reggae music is largely due to the mu-

sical creativity and the missionary message of liberation and upliftment promoted by Bob Marley and the Wailers.

“It is therefore a fitting tribute to these pioneers who helped to promote Jamaica’s culture, heritage and language to the world”.

Local musician Niles Hailstones, described by Coad as the “heartbeat of the neighbourhood”, started the proceedings with a libation and a rousing, crowd-supported rendition of Get Up, Stand Up with guitar

by Alexander D Great.

Solomon, AKA Sonny Gra-

ham, who was president of the Operation Friendship youth club in West Kingston, shared some personal memories of his mentee Marley – who was then known in the area as Robbie.

Graham, who encouraged Marley to develop his singing, spoke of some of the difficulties the singer faced, such as “sleeping in a kitchen in Trenchtown”, later to be translated into songs such as Talking Blues.

BritishBlackMusic.com and Black Music Congress founder and consultant on the plaque project, Kwaku, said: “The Wailers’ story is a story of Jamaica, and of Britain. It was as a consequence of this interaction with Britain, particularly of this area (Ladbroke Grove) and Island Records, that they went global.”

Record producer and plaque sponsor Trevor Horn, whose SARM Studios business owns the Basing Street site, unveiled the plaque, which reads: “Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer finished the albums Catch A Fire and Burnin for Chris Blackwell’s Island Records here. Exodus was also recorded here January-April 1977.”

The plaque also pays tribute

to Jill Sinclair, the late managing director of SARM studios, wife of Trevor and mother of SARM executive Aaron Horn.

NJCT founder Jak Beula, who campaigned for a plaque honouring the Wailers’ members individually, said: “This is the 47th Nubian Jak plaque, and it comes 13 years after we unveiled our very first plaque, which marked the central London flat where Bob Marley lived in 1972.”

CEREMONY

The reggae community was represented by the likes of singers Winston Francis, Audrey Scott, Prince Jahkey of The Royals, Errol Reid of China Black, Les McNeil of Tradition, producer/manager Mikey Campbell, producer/songwriter Tony Washington, producer Curtis Lynch, and former Notting Hill Carnival organiser Leslie Palmer.

The ceremony ended with a free, jam-packed club night at nearby Mau Mau Bar, where DJs Eclectic Goddess and Piers Thompson of Portobello Radio, Kwaku BBM, Digital D, Nzinga Soundz and Joey Jay played Wailers tribute sets.

4 |

THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

News Feature

CAN THE CARIBBEAN COPE WITH A NO-DEAL BREXIT? From putting bananas in British supermarkets to keeping Anguilla trading with its closest partner, the EU’s rules and regulations are a crucial part of Caribbean trade – so Lyndon Mukasa asks what happens if the UK has a messy divorce

A

T THE time of The Voice going to print, uncertainty still surrounds whether the UK will leave the EU with a trade deal.

While the consequences of this have been looked at largely from the perspective of the UK, the reality is that if we have a no-deal Brexit there are serious consequences for countries and territories far away from Britain’s shores.

The Caribbean is one region that stands to be affected by Brexit in some form.

In recent months, there have been some changes in the engagement of the Caribbean with the UK, particularly on the issue of trade.

However there are still challenges that persist as the countries make attempts to move forward.

OVERSEAS

The issue confronting the Caribbean will affect two types of states – those that are independent nations and those that are overseas territories.

Both types of states have differing considerations in light of Brexit.

British Overseas Territories, such as the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla, have historically enjoyed a more di-

rect relationship with the EU through the Overseas Association Decision (OAD) which governed matters of aid, trade and migration.

Through the OAD, free movement was guaranteed – but if Brexit goes ahead without a trade deal being secured, British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean will lose their established links to the EU. This consists of losing their access to the single market and an end to assistance through the European Development

CARICOM states must renegotiate an EU deal with no UK help Fund (EDF), as well as the loss of free movement and political access to the EU. For Anguilla, the threat of a no-deal Brexit is particularly problematic.

Historically, Anguilla has enjoyed trade with Saint Martin.

But because Saint Martin is an overseas territory of France, a no-deal Brexit has brought

BIG DECISIONS: The Caricom Secretariat at a recent conference in Guyana

about the unforeseen possibility that Anguilla could be restricted from trade and travel not just with Saint Martin but with other overseas territories such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion and Mayotte.

At present, the UK government has not yet given any clarity on what the future of Anguilla/Saint Martin relations will look like after Brexit.

PROGRESS

For independent CARICOM member states, some progress has been made.

The Department for International Trade announced in May that it had signed an economic partnership agreement with the Caribbean Forum (‘Cariforum’).

This agreement secures the import of agricultural goods such as bananas, rum and sugar to the UK. The agreement is valued at £2.5 billion in trade with countries such as Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

UK Trade Minister George Hollingbery said that the agreement would enable the UK to strengthen its ties to Commonwealth countries after Brexit.

Speaking about the agreement, he said it would “allow businesses to continue trading like they do today after we leave the EU”.

He added: “It will help to support jobs in the UK and throughout the Caribbean as well as ensuring that the British supermarkets’ shelves continue to be stocked with the best Caribbean produce, such as bananas, sugar and rum.”

However, uncertainty still lies ahead.

Despite the positive development in trade relations between CARICOM member states

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and the UK, there is still a risk that, as the UK signs more trade agreements post-Brexit, any preferential advantage would be eroded with time due to competition from other countries with lower production costs and higher production yield in the agricultural products that form such a large part of the Caribbean’s exports.

According to UWE Bristol’s associate professor of politics Dr Peter Clegg, much of the Caribbean still faces significant vulnerability, isolation and a decline in aid flows.

This is compounded by the fact that the UK has not defined what kind of relations it wishes to have with the region after Brexit that can sustain a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

LOBBY

In addition to this, CARICOM member states still have to worry about their relations with the EU. This will consist of confronting the renegotiation of the Cotonou Agreement with the EU – without the UK to lobby in their interests.

So while CARICOM member states have made some medium-term progress on securing trade with the UK, it is imperative that they are able to secure long-term trade that is within their interests with the UK and the EU. Brexit presents an important challenge for the region to navigate the international terrain with little assistance from outside powers.

As time passes, the pressure to operate within these limitations will increase.

In many ways, Brexit is not just a change in Britain’s relationship with the world, it could mark a change in the Caribbean’s relationship with the UK and the EU.

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UNCERTAINTY: There is a risk that the Caribbean will lose out

How will leaving the EU affect black Britain?

ACCORDING TO the Equality Group, up to 52 per cent of black and minority ethnic (BAME) individuals in Britain feel that Brexit will negatively impact their career progression.

Currently, BAME groups are up to three times more likely to be working in insecure employment, such as temporary or zero-hours contract work, which could be subject to instability.

In every region in England, Wales and Scotland, unemployment rates are higher for people from a BAME background.

In terms of average household incomes in 2017, 35 per cent of black households were more likely to have a weekly income of less than £400 before tax and National Insurance was deducted.

Up to 35.7 per cent of all ethnic minorities were more likely to live in poverty, compared to 17.2 per cent of white people.

Also with Brexit comes the possibility that certain employment protections will be reduced, since many protections – particularly in tempo-

rary or zero-hours contracts that have a high representation of BAME individuals – would be reduced, which further exacerbates issues of poverty and financial insecurity.

Even though the 2010 UK Equality Act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace, after Brexit this law could easily be repealed since it is not protected by a constitutional bill of rights.

According to Dr Zubaida Haque of the Runnymede Trust, pictured inset above left, the recently released no-deal impact papers looked at how a possible no-deal could impact different sectors of the British economy.

However, it failed to assess the effect on different sections of the population.

This, according to Haque, is part of a wider problematic attitude towards failing to truly capture what is taking place on the ground, which leaves ethnic minority groups vulnerable to the possible shocks to the economy that Brexit could entail.

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NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE| 5

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22/10/2019 17:27

6 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Exclusive Voice interview

Our hero, Sir Trevor He’s been on the frontline and met some of the world’s most controversial figures – but Sir Trevor McDonald’s long and distinguished career in news has not come without its share of hardship

By Vic Motune

H

E HAS conducted some of the most compelling and highprofile television interviews in recent memory.

The list of people who have faced broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald’s forensic questioning over the course of his long and distinguished career reads like a crash course in modern world history – Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Saddam Hussein, George Bush and Tony Blair, to name just a few.

So it’s no surprise that McDonald, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has been described as “the epitome of a national treasure”.

He is arguably Britain’s most recognisable newsreader, and has won more awards than any other news broadcaster.

A natural storyteller and communicator who became the first sole presenter of ITN’s News at Ten in 1992, he is revered and trusted by millions of television viewers for his ability to combine the gravitas of current affairs with a light touch.

After anchoring ITV News’ live coverage of the 2008 US elections and the historic inauguration as president of Barack Obama, he stepped down from his role at News at Ten. His career has since taken a new turn, presenting documentaries for ITV such as The Mafia and Babes in the Wood.

DISTINGUISHED CAREER: Sir Trevor McDonald as seen in 1970 at the BBC

It’s a career that he reflects on in his new autobiography, An Improbable Life.

But, as the title suggests, it’s one he never imagined he would go on to achieve while growing up in the south of Trinidad.

Born in 1939, the son of Lawson and Geraldine McDonald, he was the bookish one of four children in a poor but happy home.

Despite the family’s lack of wealth, he was brought up to believe in the importance of hard work as a means of achieving social mobility.

I had to produce a 10-minute report every night “My parents used to say ‘we have no money to bequeath to you so you have to make something of your life,” he recalls when I meet with him in south west London.

“There were these constant admonitions to work hard, aim high, because it’s the only way you succeed. I believed that. I drank the Kool Aid, as it were.”

He continues: “You didn’t always know how to describe in any kind of poetic terms what success was, but there was a

smell of failure which was inescapable. My mother in particular also used to point out to me those who hadn’t worked hard and how they had ended up in prison or something.”

INFLUENTIAL

For many of McDonald’s young contemporaries in Trinidad and Tobago, a successful career meant becoming a doctor, lawyer or an engineer.

But as he says in his autobiography, “not for a moment did I contemplate any of those professions”.

In the days before television came to Trinidad, radio was a powerful medium and the role it played in informing and entertaining islanders was hugely influential.

McDonald’s family, like many others in the country, were avid listeners, especially to the BBC World Service.

He knew early on in his life that he wanted to be a radio journalist.

However, this was not an easy proposition.

The island’s most popular station, Radio Trinidad, was inundated with applications from people wanting to become presenters or announcers.

But as well as the fierce competition, another hurdle was that the best broadcasting jobs went to expatriates from the UK, Canada and Australia.

However, the young McDonald was undaunted in his determination to pursue a profession he was passionate about and his resilience, encouraged by his parents, paid off when he was hired by the station.

He says that the job provided the foundations for his later distinguished career.

“I was at a radio station where I was made to do everything. I did some DJing, but I reported on news and sport, including horseracing, of all things, water polo, cricket and football.”

One reporting assignment made him a household name in his homeland.

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TREASURE: Sir Trevor McDonald has been described as a national institution (photo: Nick Gregan) In 1962 he was sent to London to report on Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence Conference.

A delegation from Trinidad and Tobago met with officials from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office at London’s Marlborough House to clear the way for the country to move officially towards full independence from Britain.

The actual date was not set at the conference, but would be determined later.

McDonald was chosen to cover the story over a former politician-turned-journalist and commentator, a decision that was met with some criticism at the station.

It was his first major assignment – but the criticism left him worried that he might not do a

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good job.

“I was nervous as hell, I was terrified,” he recalls.

“I was very young and it was my first big journey to anywhere outside Trinidad and I was preferred for the job ahead of people who were much more experienced than me.”

Arriving at the conference, he was determined to do his best.

But little information was forthcoming. Conference delegates would go into meetings saying very little and then emerge revealing not much more.

The official press statements about the conference also shone little light on how the conference was progressing.

But as McDonald alludes to, success in getting the big stories as a journalist requires not only

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persistence but, sometimes, a little luck.

His stroke of fortune was in meeting Sir Learie (later Lord) Constantine, the renowned West Indies test cricketer turned lawyer and politician.

Constantine, willing to help the fledging young reporter, agreed to share, on a non-attributable basis some details about what was being discussed at the conference.

“I had to produce a 10-minute report every night and there was no possibility of doing that from the official comminiqués from Marlborough House which said the same thing every day – which was that the Trinidad and Tobago delegation met the delegation from the Foreign Office, they had discussions about Trinidad and Tobago moving

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NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 7

Exclusive Voice interview Feature towards independence and they will meet again tomorrow.”

He recalls: “I had to lean on Sir Learie’s good mercy and he was very helpful. Through his help I managed to keep some interest in the audiences back home. But they listened because it was a great moment in the country’s history.”

That is something of an understatement.

His evening reports gave Radio Trinidad record audiences and were closely followed by Trinidadians keen to understand how the future of their island was being shaped.

The impact of McDonald’s work was such that, at a postconference party, Dr Eric Williams, the future prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, quizzed him on where he had got his information from, adding that he’d been told the whole nation had been glued to his reports.

Ever the good journalist, McDonald did not reveal his sources.

His success in London sealed his reputation as a reporter back home and he went on to also work in newspapers and television.

AMBITIOUS

But the ambitious young McDonald wanted more. A longheld desire to leave Trinidad and Tobago and head for new horizons remained undimmed.

And it was a desire that was shared by many of his contemporaries.

In An Improbable Life he tells of how young men in his village, faced with limited opportunities, would sit around and plan their escape to oil-rich Venezuela in search of a fresh start, something he notes that has “stirred the hearts of aspiring migrants in their millions throughout the ages”.

But, for McDonald, who as a schoolboy had loved the works of Dickens, Shakespeare and poets such as Milton, Byron and Tennyson, Britain was the destination he had set his heart on. For him, as for thousands of TAKING RISKS: Among the famous interviews that Sir Trevor conducted was one with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein; centre, with Nelson Mandela; right, on the set of News At Ten

I didn’t want to get a job because I was a black West Indian members of the Windrush Generation who embarked on the journey to Britain in the 1950s and ‘60s, it was the Mother Country.

In Trinidad, to have a relative working in London, regardless of what they did, was a mark of distinction. However, it was his love of BBC World Service broadcasts that sealed his determination to come to Britain.

ECSTATIC

As a 10-year-old he had been fixated by its reports from all over the world after his father bought the first family radio.

So when he received a job offer with the World Service as a producer in one its current affairs departments, he was ecstatic.

“I wanted to be in a bigger pond,” he says. “In the book, I make the point that when you live on a small island like Trinidad you tend to look outwards because there is such a lot out there. I wanted to do broadcasting and the BBC was not a bad place to start! I’d grown up listening to the World Service, hearing the experiences of people who were in places like Moscow, Bombay and Beijing and I thought, ‘this is the life’.”

After coming to London and joining the BBC in 1969, he proved a success.

A job offer with BBC Television soon followed.

However, when he learned the reason for the job offer he was disappointed. The Corporation was under pressure from the newly formed Race Relations Board to hire more black reporters and presenters.

McDonald politely turned the offer down.

“I didn’t want to get a job because I was a black West Indian,” he says. “I wanted to get a job because somebody felt I was reasonably good at what I could do.

“I’ve always felt there was a limit to positive discrimination.

It’s good idea. For example, when South Africa moved from being an apartheid state to a free democracy it was very necessary for them to employ some form of positive discrimination to change what had been systemic for so long. But, generally speaking, I wanted to be seen as someone who was just a good journalist. I didn’t want to be put in a position because I was a black West Indian.”

In 1973, he began his long association with Independent Television News, first as a general reporter, later as a sports correspondent.

But again he refused any attempts to be deployed as ITN’s ‘black reporter’, even though he was certainly the network’s first.

“It was never something I was obsessed about,” he reveals.

“It’s impossible for people not to see me as who I am. I’m a black and West Indian, so why make a fuss about it?

OBVIOUS

“It’s pretty obvious if you see me that that’s what I am – so why do I have to spell it out?”

Nevertheless, during the 1970s and 80s, when there were few black faces on British TV screens, he was regarded as an on-screen trailblazer by Britain’s black community.

He was popular enough to find himself mimicked by comedian Lenny Henry, calling himself ‘Trevor McDoughnut’ and wearing giant glasses while reading spoof bulletins on the children’s programme Tiswas.

Was he aware that he was such a revered figure in the black community?

“I didn’t get very much of a sense of that until now,” he says, smiling.

“I went to a dinner the other evening, which was for cricketer

HONOUR: Sir Trevor McDonald shares a joke with The Queen during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London to mark the work of The Queen’s Trust in October

Sir Clive Lloyd’s 75th birthday.

He told me a story about when I appeared on the screen in his house his kids would kiss the screen because it was the face of someone with whom they identified. Now we don’t look dissimilar, Clive and I, and he once introduced me as his bother. But I feel great about being recognised.

“There were no other black reporters at ITN at the time and I felt proud about doing the job.

I’d always felt it was one I could excel at and that was my desire.”

Although no longer travelling all over the world to report on major stories, his passion for news and current affairs is undiminished.

And one recent story he has followed has resonated with him on a personal level. As he notes, his life journey shares similarities with many members of the Windrush Generation. So he was shocked to learn about the recent Windrush Scandal.

“I write about the men and women who came on the Windrush in the book because I wanted to convey how much we were geared for life in England,” he says.

“It was the Mother Country, the centre of the metropolitan world. People had gone from the West Indies to fight for Britain in the Second World War and they felt they knew the country.”

He continues: “The historian CLR James makes this point very well. We were almost educated for a life outside the West Indies and that meant London because we were made to study Dickens, Shakespeare, Byron and so on.

We were clothed in this Englishness of life.

IMAGE

“So my take on the Windrush Generation is that they came to this country with great, great expectations. They had been given an image of English life which was that this was a country of fairness, of humanity and decency and above all, it was a great parliamentary democracy.

“It was a way of life which was sold to other parts of the world that must be followed.

So to have been treated as they were in the Windrush Scandal was more than a shock to the system.

“Many of us knew more about

English history than we did about West Indian history. So to be dismissed in this way as they were in the Windrush Scandal, the repercussions of which are still going on, has been a great shock and a great scandal.”

McDonald adds: “Quite frankly, I couldn’t understand the reason why it was necessary for the immigration authorities to have behaved in this way. And I question, in a very straightforward way, the use of the term ‘hostile’ in immigration policy.

I couldn’t understand why that word was chosen. Every country has to have an immigration policy, no country can just open its borders. But what about terms such as ‘robust’, ‘thorough’, ‘effective’. Why ‘hostile’? I found that word particularly difficult.”

See the December edition of The Voice for part two of our exclusive interview with Sir Trevor McDonald, in which he reveals his experiences as a correspondent in apartheid South Africa and conducting the first British television interview with Nelson Mandela. An Improbable Life by Sir Trevor McDonald is published

by Weidenfeld & Nicolson and is out now.

8 | THE VOICE

NOVEMBER 2019

News

‘I LOST MY HAIR – BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN I’M UGLY’

STIGMA: Angel ShepherdBascom during her treatment; below, how she looks now

Angel Shepherd-Bascom, 23, is hoping to break down taboos about how cancer treatment affects young people and how they feel about their changing looks

A

2 3 -Y E A R - O L D woman from Surrey is leading an awareness campaign aimed at highlighting the impact on a young person’s body image, confidence and self-esteem that happens due to changes in appearance caused by cancer and its treatment.

Angel Shepherd-Bascom is also hoping that her participation in Teenage Cancer Trust’s #StillMe campaign will help combat some of the taboos around cancer that she feels are prevalent in the black community.

Angel is one of 20 young people across the UK who are raising awareness after their cancer and treatment led to scarring, hair loss, huge weight fluctuations, facial tumours and amputations. They are speaking out about their experiences and offering tips on coping.

For the campaign, gymnastics teacher Angel, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2018 aged 22, is

I started to stress about what it would be like to lose my hair, but actually, weight loss affected my self-image the most opening-up about what it was like to lose her hair and eyelashes and cope with the impact of significant weight loss.

DIFFERENCES

She stars in two inspiring online films for the #StillMe campaign, made by Teenage Cancer Trust with Kohl Kreatives, a charity that helps men and women recreate features using make-up and provides support to people undergoing

chemotherapy, those with visible differences, and also the transgender community.

In the films, Angel, alongside two other young women who have been through cancer, discuss body image and caring for your skin during chemotherapy.

Angel said: “How you look really matters to young people.

When I was told I had cancer – after my first thought of, ‘Will I die?’ – I started to stress about what it would be like to lose my hair.

“But actually, my weight loss was the thing that affected my self-image the most during treatment.

“At one point I only weighed

around 40kg, you could see my shoulder blades, I was nothing but skin and bone.

“I tried to cover it up by wearing baggy clothes, but people would still make comments about how thin I was.

“When I lost my hair, I wore wigs to start with, when I didn’t want people staring. They also helped when I was cold!

“But then I decided to start going out without wigs. It was not easy to adjust to, but I was still me after all. It was selfempowering and allowed me to take control of the situation.

Losing your hair doesn’t mean you’re not pretty any more!”

She added: “As a black woman and somebody who has had

cancer, it’s important to me to be visible and open about what I’ve been through.

TABOO

“I feel like cancer is still a taboo in my community, there’s definitely a stigma, and people hide what they are going through away.

“I hope that other black girls with cancer who see me in this campaign will understand that they are not alone, and that it’s OK to talk about what you’re going through.”

Kate Collins, chief executive officer at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “The ‘ideal’ bodies and looks portrayed on Insta-

gram that many young people aspire to are difficult to live up to at the best of times – and the effects of cancer and treatment on appearance, like hair and weight loss can really add to this pressure.

“People like Angel are sharing their experiences of how they coped, and this will do so much to help other people facing similar issues. We’re really proud and grateful that she is part of our #StillMe campaign.”

For advice from young people involved in the #StillMe campaign about coping with body image issues and to watch the film starring Angel, please visit teenagecancertrust.org/

Rex shows anything’s possible as he signs first album contract aged 81

SAX APPEAL: Rex Martey

A LONG-TERM cancer patient at Guy’s Hospital has signed his first album contract at the age of 81.

Rex Martey, from Sydenham, south London, has performed in pubs and clubs across London for more than 60 years.

He said: “This is a dream come true for me because I have been singing and playing sax for a long time. But my health has been deteriorating for many years and I have been coming to Guy’s as a patient since 1983.”

Rex, born in Ghana, who has prostate cancer, is under the care of Guy’s

renal and urology services and has dialysis three times a week. His condition is currently stable.

He said: “Every treatment has been done! You name it, Guy’s and St Thomas has sorted it out. The care has been brilliant. I have had more health problems than any other person I know and it’s always been sorted.

“I always say to people, if it wasn’t for Guy’s and St Thomas’ I would be dead. Ten years ago my health was deteriorating and I remember saying

@thevoicenewspaper

to a clinician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ that I wanted to get an album out there to show that I have been here. With this album, which is called African Touring Holiday, I truly am realising my dreams.”

Rex has signed a distribution deal for African Touring Holiday with a label called The Animal Farm Music. The album has 10 tracks and one track is dedicated to the nurse who has primarily cared for him at Guy’s Louisa Fleure, pictured inset above left, lead urology clinical

@thevoicenews

voicenews

nurse specialist at Guy’s. Rex added: “One day I was coming home from the hospital and I was thinking about how sweet and how helpful Louisa was, and such a lovely lady. I told my wife that I wanted to write a song about her and she was happy with that. The song is called My Louisa.

A quarter of the sales of African Touring Holiday, which costs £7 per album, will go to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

African Touring Holiday is available on Bandcamp and Amazon, and is available to stream on Spotify.

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE| 9

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10 |

THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Opinion

LABOUR MUST DO MORE B

Efforts must be made to boost black representation, says Lester Holloway

LACK COMMUNITIES are putting their faith in Labour like never before.

But is this support being reflected with black candidates?

All the indications are that Labour is so far failing to reflect their support in terms of wouldbe MPs. Yet it is not too late to improve before a snap election.

A study by the Runnymede Trust earlier this year showed a huge swing towards Labour from African and Caribbean communities at the 2017 general election, after decades of decline in successive elections.

It showed African support running at 82 per cent and Caribbean support at 87 per cent.

Most votes are loaned and need to be rewarded. Labour’s programme of transformative change will make a real difference to the lives of everyday people, but the party also needs to look like its voters.

‘A New Era’ is how The Voice welcomed the breakthrough of the first black MPs in 1987.

The election of Diane Abbott, the late Bernie Grant and Paul Boateng felt like the start of something big, but more than three decades later, black representation is proportionately even further behind the population at large.

BACKWARDS

Let me explain. The real measure of success is the elimination of the gap between the number of MPs of colour and the proportion that should be there if the House of Commons actually reflected society.

If you compare the four black and minority ethnic (BME) MPs in 1987 with the population census at the time (1981) we should have had 35 more MPs of colour back then.

Fast forward to the last elec-

tion, in 2017; the non-white population has grown considerably, along with the number of BME MPs. But when you compare it

Trade unions need to back black candidates who aren’t union veterans with the 2011 population census, we are 39 MPs short. In other words, we have proportionally gone backwards.

Labour has over half (31) of all non-white MPs but that is not nearly enough, given that Labour has often proclaimed itself as the anti-racist party and enjoys overwhelming support from black communities.

Yet while some internal se-

lections have gone to good veteran socialists, too few have gone to people of colour.

As a snap election looms, the party’s ruling National Executive Committee must have a list of black Labour candidates ready to fight winnable seats.

But other changes are needed. Simply having a reserved place on shortlists is not enough; these are seen as token and don’t work.

While all-BME shortlists are currently not allowed, we need to see more shortlists that just happen to be all-BME, as we did in Lewisham East, Chingford and Woodford Green, Brent Central and Ealing Southall. None of these resulted in a legal challenge.

Labour should also invest in an A-list of potential BME candidates chosen by the party in advance, and then slot them into vacancies without a local selection in a proportion

CALL FOR ACTION: Jeremy Corbyn’s party must reflect its support base; left, the cover of The Voice from 1987 celebrating BME MPs

of winnable seats. Also, trade unions need to start backing black candidates who support trade unionism, but who may not necessarily be veterans of the union movement.

That will often mean daring to believe there are socialists outside ‘the pool’ who are just as committed to Corbyn’s vision of radical change. These

measures will go a long way to making Labour’s candidates better reflect its diverse base and the population.

Lester Holloway is a Labour and Momentum member, a former editor of the New Nation newspaper, and also previously worked at the Runnymede Trust and Operation Black Vote.

NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 11

News Feature

‘WE MUST BE HEARD’ T

Registering to vote makes us matter and can provoke real change, says Lord Woolley

O THIS DAY I’ll never forget the conversation I had many years ago with a local politician, whose name I can’t remember, but his words have scarred me like an overseer’s lash.

“Tell your black community,” he said in tone of deep sarcasm, “thank you for never voting.”

“Why would I tell them thank you for not voting?” I eagerly and naively enquired.

Anticipating my response, he quickly pounced: “Because I don’t have to waste a moment of my time going to the estates where you live, and I don’t have to knock on their doors. As far as I’m concerned, they don’t count.”

POWER

On reflection, I’m still unaware if he was a downright racist, or just a brutally honest politician who wanted to tell me the stark reality of British politics – unless you’re voting, you have no skin in the game of politics.

In a democratic society political power is ultimately about the number of votes you can muster.

Our system of ‘first past the post’ means you can win power with a handful of votes, or by just one vote.

The same applies for the fight to lead the country.

If you’re a candidate for Prime Minister and you have one more vote than a rival, the keys to 10 Downing Street are yours.

writing narratives about a crisis within the black community – where black boys are somehow born violent, or that our culture is violent, and only the black community can solve it because we created it – we can move to an understanding of the need for politicians to take a holistic approach to tackling persistent race inequality.

With power, we don’t ask and we don’t beg, we only democratically respectfully demand justice CHANGE If, for example, we recruited and equality of about 50,000 black teachers – the shortage we have right opportunity now – and black boys and That’s the simple mathematics.

But it’s the power game around those numbers that can literally save lives, or open up meaningful opportunities; better education, housing, and meaningful jobs.

But let’s flesh this out a bit.

Imagine the almost daily headlines changed from “local youth stabbed in postcode gang violence”, to “local man becomes Nobel Prize recipient for medical breakthrough discovery”.

In both instances the individuals are black. The difference was the political policy landscape they both inhabited.

Instead of politicians, newspaper editors and opinion formers

girls responded accordingly to these role models who truly believed in them, we could see an increase in the number of students attending top universities.

This would force a policy change on those academic institutions, resulting in a curriculum that was no longer a We s t e r n Eu-

POLITICAL POWER: The black community’s numbers could be instrumental at the ballot box ropean, white supremacist view of world. All of this and so much more becomes achievable because, when we become more involved in the democratic process, when we actively encourage members of our community to register to vote, we better understand political power – where it lies, how it works and how we can access it.

And with that power we make our demands.

We don’t ask, we don’t beg, we democratically, respectfully, demand justice and equality of opportunity.

The only question remains, therefore, as the nation is likely to go to the polls in a few months’ time, is what do we demand of politicians?

How will they tackle some of the pressing issues that face our community?

After 25 years of trying to persuade our communities to

register to vote, the job today is not getting easier.

In fact, in a Brexit-divided Britain, with racism and certain inequalities such as police stop and search on the increase, the work has got harder.

CYNICAL

But the truth is this is not just my challenge, it’s our challenge – and in the weeks ahead we must engage with those who are cynical about political engagement, and tell them we are acting in a way in which those who do not have our best interest at heart want us to behave.

We are locking ourselves out of the only political power game in town.

And before anyone says our numbers are too small to wield power, I would remind them that this government and previous governments have won on

the thinnest of margins. They have had either no parliamentary majority or very little majority. The power of the black vote could easily decide 100 seats at a general election.

Roughly translated, if we so decide, we can have real skin in the political game, which gives us the clout to make our demands.

To have racial justice, to be afforded equality of opportunity we have to have more than the dream of Dr Martin Luther King, pictured inset left, we also have to adopt his plan.

The first step is to register to vote. To get started visit gov.uk/ register-to-vote.

Simon Woolley, Lord Woolley of Woodford, is the director of Operation Black Vote and advises the government on racial disparity.

Diversity among MPs stalls as fewer BAME candidates being selected

PUSH: David Cameron

THE ETHNIC diversity of parliament looks likely to stall as selections of new black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) MPs looks set to go back a decade in the next general election, according to a leading think tank.

New research from British Future has revealed that both Conservative and Labour parties have selected fewer candidates from minority backgrounds.

Both main parties are selecting minority candidates in winnable seats

at less than half the rate seen in the last two elections – meaning that any new MPs, as an overall group, will be less diverse than their colleagues – and much less than the country.

BACKWARDS

Labour appears to have gone backwards on selections to 2005 levels; and the push under David Cameron’s leadership to change the ‘look’ of the Conservative Party by recruiting more

BAME candidates has taken a backseat as well.

Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said: “The diversity of Parliament, while it still lags behind that of our society, has been increasing rapidly in recent elections. But it now looks set to stall.

“Black, Asian and mixed-race candidates are being selected at less than half the rate seen in the last two elections. For the first time, the new in-

takes of Labour and Tory MPs will be less diverse than the parliamentary parties that they join.

“There is still time to turn this around, with candidates yet to be selected in many target seats. In an increasingly diverse Britain, we would expect the rate at which ethnic minority candidates are selected to be rising, not falling. Parties will need to take action if we’re to have a Parliament that looks more like the nation it serves.”

12 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

News

CULTURAL BOND

Close links between Jamaica and Ghana will be celebrated at ‘party with a purpose’

A

J A M A I C A N INSPIRED social event, dubbed a “party with a purpose”, is set to be hosted in Ghana as part of the West African country’s Year of Return campaign.

The event, called PineXGinja (Pine and Ginja), will be held on December 24 in Accra and follows a successful party held in the city last year in the run up to Christmas.

Ghana has designated 2019 as the Year of Return to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States.

The government has run a huge campaign targeting African Americans and black people in the diaspora, to get them to return to the continent to live and work there even if they don’t know their lineage is Ghanaian or consider it as a place they might spend a holiday.

Although there will be a number of high profile social and cultural events as part of the campaign, PineXGinja is the only Jamaican inspired party event approved by the Ghanaian government as part of the Year of Return programme.

Founder Mark Beckford, a Jamaican, who is now based in Washington DC, said bring-

Bringing our cultures together has always been my dream ing the different cultures, Jamaican and Ghanaian, together is an important part of PineXGinja.

He said: “Anyone who has been to Ghana and Jamaica, knows that there is a genetic connection between the two countries. Of course there is the trade, but there is also the strong cultural bonds that tie us in music, in language, in food and in art. At PineXGinja, we’re bringing all of that together to further deepen the connection between the cultures.”

PineXGinja was born after Beckford, who left Jamaica for the first time to start grad school at the University of Illinois, met co-founders Lakeshia Ford, a Jamaican American former student at Spelman College in Georgia, and Ghanaian-American Femi Kayode at an African and Caribbean Student Association party.

In March 2018, 10 years after first meeting, their paths crossed again and they started

talking about the cultural connections between Jamaica and Ghana.

Beckford was now a professor and journalist, Ford owned her own PR and marketing company serving clients in West Africa and the US, and Kayode was an artist and performer.

While in Ghana, they witnessed an organic movement where people of African descent across the world were connecting more, because of technology and travel being cheaper.

CULTURES

The trio decided that it was necessary to create a social event that could pull together both cultures.

They also saw that culturally, the sound of Ghana was being heavily influenced by reggae and dancehall.

Kayode said: “We said that we needed to add our contribution to this history and movement, so why don’t we bring a taste of Jamaica to Ghana in December? This will be a good way for us to show people in Ghana how the bonds have remained strong and haven’t changed.”

After continuous discussions, PineXGinja was born.

The connection continued with Sela Fianyor, a promoter in Accra, and Godfrey Camp-

PARTY TIME: Some of the revellers at last year’s PineXGinja event in Accra, Ghana bell, a realtor in the US, joining the team that brought the idea to life.

Beckford said: “We want this event to be a connection for people to understand that while the roots started in Ghana, it went to Jamaica, blossomed and bloomed and now you can take part of the fruit of that tree directly in Ghana.”

Ford added: “I have been coming to Ghana since 2008 and living here for four years

and I can tell you that this is something Ghana will love.

I think the different backgrounds of the people on our team ensures that we are bringing a fresh but relatable experience to Ghana. I want people to dream. When people step in the doors at PineXGinja, they will be taken into another world.”

However, for Ford, PineXGinja is more than a party, it is part of a movement.

She said: “PineXGinja is what we have always been talking about as people of African descent.

“Encouraging travel to Africa and bringing our cultures and people together has always been my dream.

“The fact that we are able to do this, will change the landscape of how we experience culture in Accra, Ghana and shift how people see Africa.

This is more than a party.”

£500,000 fund for Windrush Day celebrations 2020 launched

COMMUNITIES ACROSS the country can bid for a share of £500,000 funding to celebrate the outstanding contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants to the nation’s social, economic, political and religious life.

The annual Grant Scheme opened on October 17 as communities around the country celebrated Black History Month.

The fund will provide up to £25,000 to local councils, charities and community groups seeking to host events for Windrush Day 2020.

Earlier this year the scheme supported 50 groups across the country as they celebrated the inaugural national Windrush Day with events including educational workshops,

cricket matches, street parties and historical exhibitions. Communities secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “The first national Windrush Day earlier this year saw communities across the country celebrate and honour the lasting impact of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.

BOLDER

“We are opening applications for funding for Windrush Day 2020 to ensure that we continue to commemorate a seminal moment in Britain’s history for generations to come.

He continued: “Windrush Day 2020 promises to be bigger, better and bolder. [Applications are now

HONOURING HISTORY: A slice of £500,000 is available to communities

open] and I encourage communities around the country to get involved.”

Communities minister Lord Younger added: “After the huge success of the first national Windrush

@thevoicenewspaper

Day, I am delighted to confirm that applications for funding for Windrush Day 2020 are now open.

“It is vitally important to keep telling the stories of the courageous Windrush pioneers and their descendants, who have helped to shape our shared history and heritage. We are committed to supporting communities to celebrate their legacy, be it through workshops or music, exhibitions, tournaments or more.”

PROCESS

The grant scheme is overseen by the Windrush Day Advisory Panel made up of community representatives.

Next month, the Ministry of

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voicenews

Housing, Communities and Local Government will be hosting workshops around the country to support groups during the grant application process.

For further information visit gov. uk/government/publications/2020windrush-day-grant.

Bidders Day events will be taking place around the country next month in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Sheffield. Find out more at gov.uk/government/ publications/2020-windrush-daygrant.

To apply, download an application form and return the completed form to windrushdaygrants@cuf.org.uk.

Please include ‘Windrush Day Grant’ in the subject line.

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 13

News feature

Powerlist 2020

WE HAVE THE POWER As the Powerlist 2020 is revealed, we take a look at those named in each category

A POSITIVE EFFECT ON PEOPLE’S LIVES: Clockwise, from main, Ismail Ahmed’s firm has changed how money is transferred; Cambridge has seen an increase in the number of black students enrolling since Stormzy announced his scholarship last year; Pat McGrath has been hailed as the world’s most influential make-up artist

I

SMAIL AHMED, founder and chairman of pioneering digital money transfer company WorldRemit, was named the most influential black person in Britain on the Powerlist 2020, the annual list of the 100 most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in the country.

Ahmed was born and raised in Somaliland during the country’s civil war. He left for the UK in 1988, a journey that took over a month before he arrived in London.

One of his first jobs in this country was picking strawberries.

He also held down several jobs in order to send money to his family back in East Africa.

The challenges that came with sending international payments sowed the seeds of an idea that became WorldRemit.

Today the company employs

700 people across six continents and serves a diverse customer base that spans more than 30 nations from its London headquarters.

Ahmed said: “It is a real priv-

traditional agents. I was determined to find a better way and I set up WorldRemit in 2010 with the mission of making it easier and faster for migrants to send money home.”

The Powerlist is delighted to celebrate these 100 amazing people – Ismail’s story is incredibly powerful ilege and honour to win this award. When I was growing up in Somaliland, I saw how money sent back home by migrants could transform the lives of individuals and entire communities.

“When I came to London to study and started to send money back home, I was frustrated by the inconvenience and cost of transferring money through

He added: “Today World Remit is one of the most global Fintech firms and has attracted diverse and talented teams in London and around the world.

This honour is testament to their hard work and passion for the company’s mission.”

Michael Eboda, Powerlist 2020 publisher said: “The Powerlist is delighted to celebrate these 100 amazing people.

Ismail is a true pioneer whose company is shaking up the remittance industry and positively impacting the lives of people around the world. His story is incredibly powerful and an inspiration to us all.”

He is joined on the list by world renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath, founder of eponymous billion-pound cosmetics line Pat McGrath Labs.

McGrath has been hailed by American Vogue as the most ‘influential make-up artist in the world’.

This year she was among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people alongside Michelle Obama and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Beverley Johnson, hailed as the world’s first black supermodel, described McGrath as a ‘legend’ and ‘creative genius’.

She told Time: “When I started modelling there were no black makeup artists. It was a challenge to look our best. Pat McGrath allows us to be seen.

Her make-up is not just nice make-up – her bold, beautiful colours make a statement. You usually don’t get that with worldrenowned makeup artists.”

Also on the list is acclaimed grime artist Stormzy.

Described as the ‘voice of the people’ Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, began rapping

at the age of 11. He turned to music full-time after working in quality assurance at an oil refinery in Southampton.

After gaining plaudits on the grime scene he later won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards.

He followed this feat by becoming the first unsigned rapper to appear on Later with Jools Holland.

Last year Stormzy announced that he would be funding scholarships for two students a year to attend Cambridge University.

It will fund tuition fees and maintenance grants for up to four years.

Another notable name on the list is the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle.

New entrants on the Powerlist 2020 include model and activist Adwoa Aboah, pictured left, Michael Sherman, Chief l Continued on page 59

14 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Dotun Adebayo

Rate him or hate him - you can’t ignore him!

Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion

GOD SAVE MEGHAN No wonder Prince Harry’s wife draws so much interest in a country so devoid of black royalty

I

T’S BEEN several months now and Meghan Markle is still the talk of the town.

That’s unsurprising, because she’s not only royal – “so royal”, as Tarrus Riley would sing – but she’s also black.

That has not gone unnoticed in a world where there are very few black royals.

The few who have survived are, in the main, so insignificant that they didn’t even get an invite to the coronation of Japan’s new emperor last month.

I mean, it was a 1,000-yearold ceremony to which some of the biggest rogues in the world were invited. But black royals may as well not have existed.

Of course, once upon a time we had more kings and queens in Africa than we knew what to do with. Colonialism very quickly put paid to that.

Our tribal royals were decimated in the great 19th Century ‘scramble’ for Africa and, along with them, 1,000 years of tradition went down the pan.

It was no longer to the longestablished monarchs and deities that we paid homage, but to Queen Victoria, the Empress of all her dominions.

WORTHLESS

It was to her that we pledged allegiance and it was to her line that we were subjugated in our desperate desire to be relevant by clinging on to any long-established institution and the tradition that went with it.

That was how Europe underdeveloped Africa. By enticing us (therefore, by our own volition) to rail against our local royals who were not elected by the people, and whose cowrie shells had become worthless, in favour of some semblance of constitutional rule, at the pinnacle of which was a white monarch wearing a crown of priceless jewels, the provenance of which cannot be definitively established. (How those gems were appropriated from the colonies remains the subject of bitter dispute.)

A few African lands survived with their monarchs intact, whether by stealth or treaty or the sheer indifference of European colonialists.

But which one of us can name even one of them?

Yes, we know that, somehow, the King of Morocco survived the Arab Spring – but south of the Sahara, which one of us can name even one black king or queen? Swaziland, for example, has King Mswati III.

REVERED

He’s not one of these dibbidibbi constitutional monarchs like Her Majesty over here.

He’s a proper old-school absolute rule monarch and has a number of wives to prove it.

Then there’s King Letsie III of Lesotho. He may not have any real power, but he still acts as a symbol of national unity around which his people can rally. He is their link with history and tradition going back centuries.

Going back four decades, there was of course the king of kings in Ethiopia, the Emperor Haile Selassie I, who was a symbol for black people all around the world. Marcus Garvey had predicted his ascension to the throne in his “Look to the East” speech.

It is not surprising that Rastas and many other conscious Africans globally revered the black king of a mighty nation.

He was deposed, of course, in a pique of post-colonial hooliganism that deprived that ancient culture of its figurehead, its greatest institution and its conquering lion that took on the Italian colonialists and beat them back.

But, as Bob Marley insisted: “a fool says in his heart, Rasta your god is dead, but I and I know children... Jah live!”

The Grammy-winning reggae band Black Uhuru went further by celebrating H.I.M. with their tune I Love King Selassie.

Selassie may not be here, but his descendants await that call to resume their rightful place on the throne of Ethiopia. A

NOT A THREAT: Prince Harry’s marriage to Meghan Markle broke a taboo and could lead one day to a black Briton on the throne call which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (who won the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in October) would be wise to consider.

If only for the lucrative tourist market.

inconsequential in national terms. If the great nations of Africa had royals as they once did, albeit before they were carved up and mish-mashed together as they are now, we

Africa has neighbourhood royalty, little more than the guardians of old-time religion You see, democrat or no democrat, we need our own royals to be proud of the rich history that is Africa. Real royals, not just the neighbourhood royals who are little more than the guardians of the old-time religions.

These kings and queens may have been powerful at one point but are nothing more than ceremonial now and are

would also sit at the big table in the room where it matters at the coronation of Japanese emperors, sultans and other royalty around the world, rather than waiting tables at them.

So today, a couple of kings in insignificant constituencies is all Africa has to show for being the birthplace of mankind.

That’s all the entire diaspora as far away as the Caribbean

and North and South America have to show for the hundreds of years of separation.

HEGEMONY

No wonder so many of us are clamouring for Meghan.

Whatever you think of her, she is not only one of a relatively few number of black royals in the world but she is, indeed, by far, the most wellknown and prominent and, I daresay, the only one most people can name without me having to prompt them.

If you accept this, that she is a royal of African descent amongst very few, it does not take a genius to see how important she is and how threatening she might be regarded by the all-white hegemony that defines the British royal family.

Now that Prince Harry has broken down the taboo of a British royal marrying a black person, it is not beyond the realms of probability that Prince George ends up marrying a woman of colour and then a few generations from now a black king/queen is sitting on that throne.

I don’t think that Her Majesty considers this a threat. I maintain HRH does not have a racially prejudiced bone in her body.

I have met her three times now and would have detected any such I am sure. On the contrary, if it was down to Her Majesty I feel there would be more, not less, black in the Union Jack.

Meanwhile, if Meghan is the best we’ve got, let’s embrace it and drink to her health – and God save her.

DOTUN ADEBAYO, BRITAIN’S MOST CELEBRATED BLACK BROADCASTER, IS KNOWN AS THE KING OF THE NIGHTTIME AIRWAVES. ALL VIEWS HERE ARE HIS OWN. LISTEN TO HIM OVERNIGHT ON BBC 5 LIVE FROM 1-5AM SATURDAY MORNINGS - MONDAY MORNINGS & 1AM - 4AM ON BBC RADIO LONDON (WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY MORNINGS). FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER: @dotunadebayo

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16 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Midlands News

NEWS IN BRIEF

MAYOR AT LEGACY CENTRE FOR JOBS FAIR THE MAYOR of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has given his support to the offering of new career opportunities offered at the joint careers roadshow organised and hosted by the Legacy Centre of Excellence (LCoE) in conjunction with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The mayor said: “This wonderful community building is much loved by residents. I am delighted that it has now reopened with lots of new facilities.

“As well as still hosting arts performances, the LCoE now has an education academy to train young people for careers across the region, including in business, finance, and engineering. I believe this is really important as we look to get more people, particularly the younger generation, into work. This is precisely what our Skills Roadshows aim to do, as we help to showcase all the brilliant training and employment opportunities across the region.”

Seven similar roadshows have already taken place across the West Midlands over the past four months, visited by more than 2,000 people.

Further events are planned over the coming months.

EX-NURSE SHOCKED TO RECEIVE TOP HONOUR

SURPRISED: Erma Lewis RETIRED NURSE turned campaigner Erma Lewis admitted to being “surprised” when she was honoured at her annual Jamaican Hospital Appeal Fund ceremony – which she organises to recognise others.

Birmingham-based Erma was lost for words when Seth George Ramocan, the Jamaican High Commissioner, stopped by The H Suite to praise her for her work in raising money and wares to meet medical emergencies across the world.

On receiving a plaque from Ramocan and Paulette Simpson, a senior Jamaica National executive and director at The Voice Media Group, Lewis said: “It was a real surprise because he came just to make the presentation to me.

“He praised the work I had been doing for 21 years and, yes, I felt quite honoured and proud.”

ANTI-RACISM MEETING AFTER CAMPAIGN WIN

POLICE PROBE: Jenny Cooper with Dave Wyatt FRESH FROM campaigning to have West Midlands Police investigate a decade-long history of alleged racial abuse against a Wolverhampton pensioner, the local branch of the national Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) group, is holding its next activists’ meeting.

It will take place at St Chad and St Marks Church, Lime Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0EX on Tuesday, November 5 from 7pm.

SUTR’s Dave Wyatt took Jenny Cooper’s case to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson in the summer, prompting the latter to order the Chief Constable to investigate the force’s dealings with Ms Cooper.

She claims she has suffered physical incapacity, mental anguish and racial abuse stretching back to 2010.

‘STORIES THAT CONNECT US’ IN WRITER’S BOOKS A BIRMINGHAM-BASED artist hopes to celebrate his 48th birthday this month by topping the Amazon book charts.

Kokumo Noxid has released two anthologies, Pipe Dream and Dub Truth, which he hopes his readers will “get a sense of reference, not just to I, but to the stories that connects us”.

He added: “I have been writing and performing for almost 20 years, and I felt it was time to make my work more accessible through print.

“It also serves as documenting I-story, which will be a tangible representation of I existence. I try to capture the everyday life experience, the historical events, which would be left dormant if someone like me don’t continue to highlight them, keeping them at the forefront.

“I hope that readers will be able to insert themselves or their experience in every poem I write.”

WRITER: Kokumo Noxid

by Veron Graham

KEEPING THE WINDRUSH SCANDAL ON THE AGENDA Reverend calls for action from PM Boris Johnson

A

S THE Windrush Movement’s series of award-winning Compensation and Status Meetings continues, its Birmingham-based chair, Reverend Dr Desmond Jaddoo, has written an open letter to Boris Johnson, seeking assurances that the Windrush Scheme “will not be watered down”.

Rev Dr Jaddoo said: “Many of those affected are still under the radar and without a ceasing of the hostile environment, it is deterring many from coming forward despite assurances.

BRISK

“Clearly this needs to be addressed and the hostile environment suspended, especially bearing in mind the amnesty for undocumented migrants which Boris Johnson mentioned during his campaign for the Conservative Party leadership, which led to him becoming prime minister.”

In the letter, he has requested that commitments made to those caught up in the scandal “will not be limited and every effort will continue to be made to remedy this at a brisk pace, with all of the extensions that may be deemed necessary”.

The second of the two requests in the letter concerns undocumented migrants, recalling Johnson’s repeated pledges to assist, referencing the ongoing potential for them to be charged “extortionate fees, with the potential for exploitation”.

The meetings, which have already been held in the likes of Wolverhampton, Birmingham, West Bromwich, Nottingham, Telford and London, will round up the year in Coventry and Solihull, to help build under-

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standing and offer support following the scandal.

The work in Nottingham, spearheaded by Rev Clive Foster’s Pilgrim Church, has been

Many of those affected are still under the radar acknowledged with a BME Network Windrush Award from its city council.

Rev Dr Jaddoo added: “The purpose of these meetings is to ensure that Windrush is kept on the agenda, and that those affected – or those that have difficulty in obtaining British passports despite being resident in the UK prior to 1988 and those born here – also are able to attend in a safe environment and obtain the help they require.

“The Windrush Scandal has actually destroyed families in some cases, [with people] having lost their jobs, homes, families and life, in some cases.

Some have also unjustifiably been deported.

“It must also be noted that this has not only impacted on the West Indian community but also the African and South Asian communities also.”

The Movement’s final Status Meetings will take place between 6-9pm on: l Tuesday, November 12 at the St Peter’s Centre, Charles Street, Coventry, CV1 5NP l Monday, November 18 at the New Testament Church of God, 66 Gilson Way, Kingshurst, Solihull, B37 6JZ.

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CALL FOR ACTION: Rev Clive Foster speaking at a compensation meeting in Nottingham; inset below, Rev Dr Desmond Jaddo, who has written to the Prime Minister

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NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 17

Midlands News

TRIBUTE TO PIONEER MAGISTRATE

B

ELIEVED TO be Britain’s first black magistrate, the late Eric Irons OBE was honoured with a plaque unveiling at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.

After serving in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, Irons became an important local campaigner during the 1950s through the Nottingham and District Trades Council and community and church groups.

He was instrumental in lifting the ban on black people working in transport and was a key figure in helping to heal the city following the 1958 race riots.

Then aged 41, Irons made history in 1962 when he became a magistrate (Justice of the Peace). He was awarded an

OBE 15 years later and continued to serve on the bench in Nottingham until retiring in 1991, after 29 years’ service.

He died in August 2007 and is survived by six children and now 16 grandchildren.

REMARKABLE

A statement released by Irons’ sons read: “This plaque is a wonderful way to secure the legacy of our father, Eric Irons, as a man who devoted his whole life to serving people of all colours, religion, age and the whole community.

“In so doing, not only was he a remarkable role model to his family, but his selfless and courageous work helped to ensure we have a more equitable understanding and tolerant society that benefits us all.

“The family is understandably very proud of him and it is reassuring and comforting to know that Nottingham City is too.

His selfless work helped to ensure a more equitable society “My father received a number of honours throughout his life, including the OBE, Jamaican Badge of Honour, Honorary Degree from Nottingham University, first black Justice of the Peace in Britain. This plaque

would have given him equal pleasure.”

Cllr Chantal Lee, executive assistant for housing at the city council, said: “The commemorative plaque will act as a permanent reminder of Eric’s legacy and the active and important contribution he made.”

Bev Baker, senior curator and archivist at National Justice Museum, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be marking and celebrating the contribution that Eric Irons made to the justice system in Nottingham and his dedication as a campaigner for social justice.

“It’s also fitting that this celebration is taking place in Black History Month, as it is vitally important to champion diversity in our city and diversity within our justice system.”

PERMANENT REMINDER: Top, Councillors Leslie Ayoola, Audrey Dinnall, Chantal Lee, council leader David Mellen and Michael Edwards; inset left, Eric Irons with his OBE

If you have a story for the East or West Midlands, call/text Veron Graham on 07954 572 988, email veronpgraham@gmail.com, or find him on Facebook or LinkedIn

Dalton’s double as campaigner wins awards CAMPAIGNER AND activist Dalton Stephens has scooped two awards in a matter of days: he picked up prizes in the annual Nottingham Awards (NA) in the voluntary sector and then the Most Transformed Life category in the city’s Black Achievers’ Awards.

Stephens has rebounded from a tough upbringing in the St Ann’s area of the city, turning to make positive choices in helping youths avoid the pitfalls that affected him.

Over the past five years, he has toured the city, sharing his story and how he overcame the issues in his life. As a volunteer he has established and developed a successful yearround weekly sport session in a local park, helped to develop relationships between the community and local police and engaged young people through a community recording

studio. Dalton was one of just four people to be nominated.

Now in its eighth year, the NA were created to “celebrate those who have helped to make Nottingham the great city that it is, and each winner has made a lasting contribution. The awards are a way of recognising that achievement and an opportunity to say thank you”.

The Black Achievers’ Awards were founded by former city mayor Merlita Bryan.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners,” said Bryan.

“It filled my heart with pride to see our black people being recognised for being the best they can, also to everyone who was nominated, and to all the nominators.

“Thanks to Mr Lennie James for accepting our invitation to attend, the sponsors and my

The full list of winners from the Black Achievers’ Awards 2019:

POSITIVE CHOICES: Dalton Stephens, right, at the Nottingham Awards ceremony team. Thank you all for your help in making this year’s Black Achievers Awards an enjoyable event.”

l Black Businesswoman: Faith Gakanje l Black Businessman: Dorian Miller l Most Transformed Life: Dalton Stephens l Outstanding Parent: Adejoke Rotowa l Rising Star: Joan Gothoni l Learning and Skills: Tony Palmer l Lifetime Achievers: Rose Thompson l Music, Art and Culture: Donna Briscoe-Green l Community Volunteer: Abdullie Jah

18 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

by Abigail Reid

Northern News

FINAL SALUTE FOR WAR HERO OSWALD DIXON

Community packs funeral for 100-year-old RAF veteran with no known relatives THE FUNERAL HE DESERVED: Main, left, Audrey Parris turned up to the veteran’s funeral to pay respects; left, Oswald Dixon celebrating his 100th birthday in April this year

T

H E AFRICAN Caribbean community from Manchester to London turned up in force for the funeral of an ex-serviceman who had no known relatives.

An appeal was made for people to attend the funeral of Jamaican-born Oswald Dixon, who served with the RAF in the Second World War. But staff were overwhelmed when hundreds arrived to pay

their respects to the centenarian, whose civilian life remains shrouded in mystery.

Having turned 100 in April, Oswald was the oldest resident at Broughton House, a care home for Salford and Greater Manchester’s Veterans, where he had lived since 2015.

He died peacefully there on September 25 and with no knowledge of any surviving family members, staff feared that there would be few there

to salute the hero. But what ensued was a glorious tribute to the ex-serviceman. Draped in a Union Flag and RAF Ensign, his coffin was carried into the chapel by serving members of 34 Squadron RAF Regiment and RAF Cadets who formed a guard of honour.

Broughton House historian Owen Hammond said: “Seventy-five years ago our country was fighting for its life... After five years of war the resourc-

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es of our small islands were stretched to the limit, especially the pool of fit, young men of military age.

GENTLE

“To help us, over five and a half thousand young men from Jamaica came to our aid and volunteered for service in the Royal Air Force. Oswald was one of those brave young men.

“We can only imagine what was going through his mind at the time because he never talked about his war service.”

RAF records reveal that Oswald enlisted in Kingston, Jamaica in November 1944 and trained as a flight mechanic.

He continued to serve in the RAF until 1949, after which he remained in the UK. In 2015 he was living in Pendleton in Salford, but with the deterioration of his health and a period of time spent in hospital, he was taken under the wing of the care home.

“With his gentle, unassuming personality, wicked sense of humour and impeccable manners, he soon became a darling of the staff and lived there for the rest of his life in dignity and with respect,” added Owen.

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The service was attended by representatives from the RAF and the West Indian Association of Service Personnel; the Honorary Consul Wade Lyn from the Jamaican High Commission, who read a tribute on behalf of the High Commissioner; members of the Jamaica Society Manchester; the Ministry of Defence; Salford Council; the police and fire services; Broughton House residents and staff; and the ceremonial mayor of Salford, Cllr Charlie McIntyre.

But it was the arrival of large numbers from the African Caribbean community throughout Manchester that ensured he had a fitting Caribbean farewell.

When gospel singer Keneva O’Connor sang Amazing Grace the crowd joined in. And those listening to the service via speakers outside sang as heartily as those within.

Chief executive of Broughton House Chris Lindsay said after the funeral: “Oswald was a real gentleman who was well-mannered, polite and one of the few centenarians left who served our country during World War Two. “He had no family that we

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were aware of and Broughton House felt it appropriate to ensure that he received the best send-off possible.

“The military and veteran community, the people of Greater Manchester and those who travelled from further afield in such bad weather have helped Broughton House ensure that we have given this great man a funeral that he truly deserved.

GENTLE

“We raised a glass of Jamaican rum to him at our private wake.”

Audrey Parris, of Old Trafford, didn’t know Oswald but thought it was important to attend after reading of the appeal: “For us from the West Indies, funerals are a big part of our lives. To know that a fellow West Indian from the island of Jamaica died with no family around meant that it was imperative that I was here.

“Oswald was one of many trailblazers and because of people like him it allowed me and my generation and generations to come to live our best life in England.”

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NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 19

Northern News

AUNTY LYDIA ON COURSE TO HELP NIGERIAN CHILDREN One woman’s effort to help abandoned youth

A

F TER A life-threatening operation, a grandmother from Manchester found her calling in helping abandoned children in Nigeria.

The charity she founded now celebrates its 10th year and Aunty Lydia, as she is affectionately called, has fulfilled her dream of opening a purpose-built home for the children who are left to die.

Moved by reports on a Nigerian news channel of children being seriously harmed or killed due to accusations of sorcery, Lydia Ina, from Fallowfield in Manchester, who was born in Nigeria, went on her first mercy mission to Calabar in 2009.

“I was shocked when I watched the documentary about children living in Akwa Ibom state,” Lydia recalls.

“They called them ‘witchcraft children’. They set them alight.

They buried some alive. They cut their bodies. Their parents were told that they were evil and they should get rid of them.

“I felt sick and shed tears at what was happening. The government had intervened and taken the children away but I decided I had to help them.”

It was at that point that Lydia made the drastic decision to sell many of her belongings, including her car and sofas, to buy items that she could ship to Nigeria and help the children.

“They took me to where they put those children. There were 50 of them, sleeping on mattresses on the floor of a big hall,” she said. “Some still had nails in their heads and scars over their body. I was shaking.

I helped to bathe the children and wash their clothes then I went back to the bungalow that I own and cooked food for them. The children were calling me mummy and begging to come home with me.”

MOTHER

With little help available from the government, Lydia took five of them away to live at her three-bedroom bungalow, selling more of her possessions to pay the two staff that she hired.

Returning to Manchester with a heavy heart, Lydia set up the Gapolunya Foundation, which was registered in 2012.

Gapolunya is the name of Lydia’s late mother, who was known as ‘mother of the nation’ because of the contributions she

SELECTED: Ekua Bayunu (front left) with attendees and Cllr Amna Abdul

GIVE THEM A GOOD FUTURE: Some of the children with Aunty Lydia (left, in sunglasses) and visitors to the children’s home where the important work takes place in Nigeria made to the community. Lydia’s efforts are now supported by a team of trustees and it is a real community venture. In addition to an annual fundraising dinner dance, members of the Manchester community leave donations of clothing and in Nigeria the locals bring similar items as well as food.

But it was this year that the charity finally helped Lydia to achieve her dream of building an orphanage.

The new building is a home for nine children and 16 more

are housed with local families with financial support from the charity. All of the children, aged seven to 17, have their school fees paid. There is also a farming project on the land to support subsistence.

HAPPY

Lydia, a former foster carer, has looked after nearly 300 children during the 23 years she served with Manchester City Council.

Now, at 78, Lydia isn’t letting up.

“I just want them to be happy

and have the same expectations as other children, so I will work until I drop,” she said.

“I want them to have a secure future and to feel that they belong to society. They were so scared, they were on the streets with nothing to eat and didn’t know where they would end up.

“They now have a home, education and medical treatment.

This will hopefully give them a good future and they could be the presidents of tomorrow.”

To donate, please visit gapolunyafoundation.org.

A PROJECT set up to increase the number of African heritage Labour councillors in Manchester is celebrating its first success at local council.

The Pipeline Project was established by Marcia Hutchinson MBE, chair of Manchester Labour Women’s Network and provides training, advice and support to anyone who wants to learn more about becoming a councillor.

In September, Moss Side resident Ekua Bayunu was hailed as the first Pipeline member selected as a Manchester council candidate.

Ekua attended the very first project set up at the beginning of 2018.

The second project began in September and the eight participants meet on the first Saturday of the month (excluding August and December) at the Chuck Gallery.

Training sessions aim to boost diversity in children’s book industry THE HUGE lack of diversity within the UK publishing sector is being addressed by a new project set up by BookTrust.

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. Each year they reach 3.9 million children with books, resources and support to help develop a love of reading. BookTrust Represents, a three-year initiative, was launched in August to support authors and illustrators of colour and promote their work through events in bookshops, festivals and schools.

Last month, aspiring children’s writers and illustrators gathered together at Mind the Gap Theatre in Bradford for free training, advice and a sneak peek behind the scenes from some of the leading authors and agents in the children’s publishing world.

Jill Coleman, director of children’s books at BookTrust said: “These events are just the start for BookTrust Represents. There is a host of untapped emerging talent out there that we want to help harness and grow.

“These training and mentoring sessions will give them a much-needed insight into the industry and a taster of the in-depth workshops we will be offering over the next two years.”

CONFIDENCE

Attendees were given advice on how to get into the industry, working with agents, the ins and outs of publishing, how to run school visits, tips on confidence building, growing an audience and public profile, how to acquire funding and what you should be charging for your time.

ASPIRING AUTHORS: Attendees alongside event organisers and leaders The sessions offered a taster of the Soundar, New Writing North, Society free training and workshops Book- of Authors and other industry experts.

According to BookTrust, the scheme Trust will run in 2020 for less experiis necessary because despite the fact enced authors and illustrators.

Workshops were led by the award- that 32 per cent of school-aged chilwinning author of Orangeboy, Patrice dren are from a black, Asian or miLawrence, author and speaker Chitra nority ethnic group, over the past 11

years, fewer than two per cent of all authors and illustrators of children’s books published in the UK were British people of colour. BookTrust aims to increase this to 10 per cent by 2022.

Manchester-based author Carrol Nelson, who attended the training, produced her children’s book earlier this year with an independent publisher. Her book, Dolly May and the Magical Enchanted Garden, is set in Mount Olive, Jamaica.

“I found the day very beneficial because I’m new to the publishing industry. It was a great insight into how the industry works. The information we received was invaluable to help me to write my next book,” said Carrol.

Further information about the scheme can be found at booktrust.org. uk/booktrustrepresents.

20 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

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NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 21

Letters

VIEW FROM

FOOTBALL’S BLIND EYE TO ABUSE

NEWSPAPER

Windrush Generation members still suffering despite celebrations

PEOPLE ALL over the country will celebrate Windrush Day 2020.

The event, launched last year, is aimed at being a formal recognition of the contribution made by Caribbean migrants to Britain.

The news that communities across the UK can bid for a share of £500,000 funding to celebrate the outstanding contribution of the Windrush Generation to the nation’s social, economic, political and religious life is welcome news.

Their legacy will continue to be celebrated.

But we must also remember the impact on those who are continuing to suffer as a result of the scandal.

The Windrush Generation have played a hugely influential role in Britain over the last 71 years, contributing to public and cultural life in so many ways.

It’s a point that legendary broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald makes in our exclusive interview with him in this month’s edition.

As he notes, generations of Caribbean people were almost educated for a life outside the West Indies.

LESS SELF-HATRED

Re: Akala talks about black history at the Best of Africa Awards EVERY TIME this man speaks I stop and listen. He makes sense all the time.

We need to get rid of the self-hate that was planted in us in order to grow and achieve as a people.

We still have a long way to go.

Hilton_songela29, via Instagram

OUR CULTURE IS FINE

Re: Akala talks about black

h t on m e f h t Letter o

They learned about Dickens, Shakespeare, Byron and were clothed in what he called an “Englishness of life”.

They came to this country with great expectations.

So, for him, it was a great shock that the Windrush Generation were treated in the way they were.

Many had been living in Britain legally, but have either lost jobs, been denied NHS care or have been deported because they have been unable to prove their British citizenship.

The Windrush Generation have played a hugely influential role in Britain over the last 71 years.

It is really only because of the recent scandal that the role played by this group of people has begun to dawn on Britain’s collective consciousness.

In the wake of the Windrush Day celebrations we must be united as a community in holding politicians who are responsible for sorting out the mess to account.

We must refuse to be silent in the face of injustices suffered by the Windrush Generation.

history at the Best of Africa Awards WE ARE a new people. Even in Africa you have different tribes and clans.

He kinda leaves out how West Africans contributed to the social prejudice and stigma towards Caribbean people, particularly Jamaicans, as drug-taking, uneducated lazy thugs.

It was Caribbean people honouring their ancestors and partial heritage that made being African, Africa itself and even listening to Afrobeats socially acceptable.

The only thing that bars African Caribbean people from doing well in schools in larger

Re: Football: Should England walk off over racist abuse?

IT IS THE 21st Century. We have had to put up with the tired old lame excuse that it is just part of the game for too long.

Racism exists throughout society and is rightly challenged but the football authorities just turn a blind eye and pretend it does not exist.

The penalties issued to clubs and countries, particularly in Europe, are pathetic and just encourage more abuse.

Until a proper stand is taken it will continue and get worse. If there is more abuse in Bulgaria, the England players should not need

to walk off – the football authorities should kick Bulgaria out of the tournament until they prove they can control themselves.

MONEY

But this will never happen because the racism runs deep and there is money involved.

An alternative would be to use VAR on the crowd.

At the first sign of racist abuse, a free kick should be awarded. That would hurt the team and supporters.

This would also hurt teams where supporters hurl racist abuse at their own players.

Dirk, via voice-online.co.uk ancestors to the level of an animal!

Think about it, and speak out – email these councils.

Rosa Hacketts, via voice-online.co.uk

GET ON WITH THE JOB

REBRAND: Historian Colin Grant says Black History Month should keep its focus numbers is economics within the Caribbean and prejudice within the schooling system in the UK. The University of The West Indies is the fifth best performing university on the planet, the Caribbean community in the US are doing great economically.

We are wise and intelligent people and our culture is fine and doesn’t need any integration. I love Akala but I disagree with him on this one.

Esmediamarketing, via Instagram

PROTECTING CULTURE

Re: Concerns grow over attempts to ‘rebrand’ Black History Month YEAH, THEY rebranded Black History Month much like the same way they rebranded our

Re: Football: Should England walk off over racist abuse?

NO. I know all are humans so feel the hurt, but they are professionals, love their work and are there to do a job.

The two situations are different.

However, there are certain employer and employee responsibilities.

So, their employer should deal with this situation so their employees are working within a pleasant enough working

CONTROL: England’s Euro 2020 qualifying match was paused because of racism in the crowd in Sofia, Bulgaria condition. Therefore, please, team, don’t mix the two and those who love to see you play are deprived of that happiness.

Remember the 7+ billion people on this planet will not all like you, that is fact.

Get on with the job at hand, leave ‘the oppression behind’ and seek positive people around you, that will bring out the best in you.

You are good. You know it.

Be the best you can be.

Also while precious energy is taken up in cruelty by the ‘small minority’ you are using precious energy to bring happiness to millions. The two do not compare.

Carry on regardless!

SPONSORED BY

TAKING OFFENCE

Re: There’s nothing wrong with John Barnes (via voiceonline.co.uk CARTOON IMAGES of black men with overly huge red lips were created to mock and belittle blacks and have them Leila Simms, feel they were inferior to whites via voice-online.co.uk (literal racism).

We still deal with these issues today – bleaching is still an issue, self-hate (ahem) is still an issue.

The swastika comparison isn’t a worthy one regardless, go around wearing one now saying you still interpret it as a sign of peace and see where it gets you; we can’t change the past.

Both symbols and images you’ve compared represent arguably the two worst atrocities in mankind, should be ashamed of yourself for telling people to simply not take offence.

NOTHING WRONG: Sporting legend John Barnes wrote for The Voice to clear up misconstrued comments about racism

Spesh, via voice-online.co.uk

22 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

International News

MEDICINAL MARIJUANA: WILL THE REST OF THE CARIBBEAN BUY IN? As Jamaica moves towards getting a slice of global profits, will the rest of the region come to agree on a way forward?

By Debbie Ransome

C

ALL IT HERB, weed, ganja or whatever you like: once-outlawed cannabis now supports a global medical industry worth US $150billion (£116.4bn) – and the Caribbean wants a share of the spoils.

Jamaica has been making great strides in that direction, but now other countries in the region are looking to make the most of the growing opportunities.

However, there is concern in some quarters that the region is not speaking with one voice on the issue. Some politicians have warned that without greater co-operation between islands, the Caribbean could blow its chances.

It’s all a long way from the 1970s, when reggae star Peter Tosh, pictured inset right, urged governments around the world to embrace marijuana. Tosh said: “Legalise it and I will advertise it.”

Sadly, he didn’t live to see the day, but now medical cannabis is used to treat a range of illnesses including pain, inflammation and epileptic seizures. Recreational use of the drug is also being increasingly tolerated in various parts of the world, as legal changes have incorporated decriminalisation of marijuana use.

Personal use When Jamaica announced its move into the global medical cannabis market, it also decriminalised the use of small amounts of ganja, with possession of two ounces or less of the weed downgraded to a petty offence.

A Jamaican household is also now allowed to grow up to five cannabis plants for personal and religious use, acknowledging Rastafar-

ians’ veneration of the plant.

At the start of October, Jamaica’s Agriculture Minister, Audley Shaw, announced that the country would be partnering with the Harvard International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute (HIPI) in the United States on initiatives to improve Jamaica’s competitiveness in the global cannabis industry.

From September 30 to October 2, Jamaica hosted a CanEx Jamaica Business Conference and Expo, bringing together cannabis industry experts from the US, Canada, South and Central America, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean.

Others to follow Since Jamaica passed its 2015 Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act, 44 medical cannabis production licences have been issued, with another 11 pending.

The island exported medical marijuana-extracted oil for the first time in September 2018 and has attracted partnerships with players in the Canadian and US medical cannabis industries.

Meanwhile, other parts of the Caribbean have been taking note.

Antigua & Barbuda announced the membership of its Medicinal Cannabis Authority in April this year. The panel of senior health, research, substance abuse, police, pharmacy, agriculture and religious officials has power over regulation and control of every stage of the medical cannabis industry and has been receiving applications.

St Kitts & Nevis set up a National Marijuana Commission and said in July that it planned a phased approach to getting into the medical cannabis industry.

In Barbados, a parlia-

WORTH IT: Medicinal marijuana is a multi-million dollar industry mentary Joint Select Committee has been hearing views on the Medicinal Cannabis Industry Bill (2019), introduced to

We may lose out on one of the most lucrative exports parliament in August. Health experts, legal consultants and religious groups have been making their views known on the country’s move into the industry.

Cannabis investment advisory website Grizzle said that Barbados was looking at ensuring that Barbadians own at least 30 per cent of future medical cannabis production companies on the island.

Co-operation?

In July of this year, St Vincent & the Grenadines approved more than 30 licences for cultivation, development and export of medical marijuana products.

The country’s Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) said

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that the new licence holders included local farmers’ cooperatives, other local farmers, some Rastafarian agricultural groups and 10 companies with directors from the wider Caribbean, North America, Europe and Africa.

Trinidad & Tobago has announced a possible interest in the industry and said in September that it had a package of legislation ready. Dominica and Grenada are also looking at the whole issue of decriminalisation and the medical cannabis industry.

In September, St Vincent expressed concerns that the move into the medical cannabis industry had not been a coordinated Caribbean approach.

“So many of our regional initiatives have failed because we pit one small island developing state against another and collectively, we devalue our shared value proposition,” St Vincent and the Grenadines Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar, pictured inset below left, told the CanEx Conference in September.

“My fear is that, if Caribbean leaders don’t get the cannabis strategy right, we may end up losing out on one of the most lucrative exports in our region’s history – more lucrative than bananas, tobacco, cotton or sugar cane,” the minister added.

Former BBC Caribbean Service Head Debbie Ransome currently runs the website caribbeanintelligence.com.

@thevoicenews

THE WORLD AT A GLANCE Green Bond launched to support new projects JAMAICA HAS announced plans to launch the Caribbean’s first ever Green Bond – raising financing on the stock market for climate-friendly projects.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness told the Green Climate Fund Private Investment for Climate Conference: “For us, climate change spells disaster. But if we embrace the challenge, it can also provide an opportunity.”

Trump salutes African Americans DONALD TRUMP hailed the role that African Americans played in building the country.

He was speaking at a youth leadership summit for black Republicans at the White House.

Trump said African-Americans are beginning to get credit for their contribution to the national fabric.

He said: “African Americans built this nation. You built this nation. You know, you’re just starting to get real credit for that. We all built it. But you were such a massive part of it.”

‘Share food to save cash,’ says chair CURRENT CARICOM chair St Lucia has suggested that the Caribbean should consider a shared food import substitution programme to save money.

St Lucia’s Agriculture Minister, Ezechiel Joseph, said: ”We have to embrace the technology and begin to make the necessary changes if we are going to reduce our food import bill.

We also need a regional approach in creating and implementing policies.”

Analysts estimate that the Caribbean’s food import bill is expected to reach US$8-10 billion by 2020.

both her Ugandan and American passports.

Having started travelling at the age of six, Nabongo, who is now 34, made history last month when she arrived in the last country on her list, Seychelles.

Dr Minnis’ shanty town plea after hurricanes BAHAMAS PRIME Minister Hubert Minnis has said that his country will eradicate shanty towns following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. He said that the Bahamas would also tackle illegal migration “in a humane manner”.

Dr Minnis said in parliament: “I serve notice to all those who are illegal that they can leave voluntarily or they will be forced to leave.”

Buhari’s warning against fake news NIGERIA’S FIRST Lady, Aisha Buhari has warned against the rise of fake news in the country.

Buhari, who had been on vacation in the United Kingdom for two months, returned to the country, at a time when a video was circulating on social media, purportedly showing that she had been denied access to the presidential residence.

While she confirmed the authenticity of the video, which showed her complaining about huge deployments of security, and asking unidentified people to leave the palace, she clarified that it was an old video.

Jessica becomes first to travel all countries UGANDA’S JESSICA Nabongo has become the first black woman to visit all 195 countries in the world.

Nabongo, whose Ugandan parents emigrated to the United States, was born in Detroit, Michigan and uses

New calls for African Caribbean union THERE HAVE been renewed calls for a summit of leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union (AU).

The latest call comes from St Kitts and Nevis Foreign Minister Mark Brantley, who said that he had raised the issue with Rwandan officials at the last UN General Assembly meeting.

The idea of a CARICOM/ AU Summit in the next year was raised during the summer by CARICOM’s chair, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet of St Lucia.

voicenews

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019 THE VOICE | 23

International News

TRINIDAD TO HONOUR CIVIL RIGHTS HERO KWAME TURE Authorities in Port of Spain consider renaming a street, writes Amandla Thomas Johnson

A

PLAN to rename a Port of Spain street in honour of Kwame Ture would be a “fitting tribute” to the black power icon, his family said.

Ture’s son Bokar told Sunday Newsday he is “excited” that authorities in the Trinidadian capital are considering the move and said that despite his father living abroad for most of his life, he always “carried his Trini identity with him”.

His intervention comes shortly after Kenyan novelist Ngugi wa Thiong’o told an audience at the recent Carifesta XIV that the country ought to honour its heroes and build “monuments to our glory”, adding to growing calls for public spaces to

better reflect the heritage and values of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) as an independent nation.

There was debate on social media in early August after it was reported that deputy mayor of Port of Spain Hillan Morean had said the city corporation was considering a request from the Emancipation Support Committee to rename Oxford Street after Ture, who was born Stokely Carmichael.

Speaking from Paris, 38-yearold Bokar, the elder of Ture’s two sons, said: “I’m excited.

I think it will only be fitting given the huge impact Kwame Ture had not only on the civil rights movement in America, but also around the world as a leading Pan-Africanist.

“A lot of countries have retaken ownership of their streets and made it something that reflects the local reality.

“TT needs to honour its own heroes. We’ve been independent for many years now.”

DARING

Born in 1941 and raised by his grandmother in a house on Belmont’s Oxford Street, Carmichael left Trinidad to join his parents in Harlem aged 11.

By the time he enrolled to study philosophy at Howard University in Washington DC in 1960, the civil rights movement was in full swing. He became one of the Freedom Riders – the daring young activists who rode segregated buses.

Dashing, witty and charismatic, he would rise to become a major civil rights leader, second only to his friend and mentor Dr Martin Luther King.

His call for black power in 1966 reverberated globally.

When TT had its black power revolution in 1970, fearful authorities banned him from returning home.

As part of a global tour in 1967, he spoke alongside Fidel Castro in Cuba, dined with Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam and debated with Kwame Nkrumah, who lived in exile in Conakry, Guinea. He was just 26.

At the invitation of Guinea President Sékou Touré and Nkrumah, he relocated to Conakry in 1969 with his wife at

PLANNED HONOUR: Above and below, Kwame Ture, born Stokley Carmichael, is revered as a hero of the civil rights fight the time, South African singer Miriam Makeba, later changing his name to honour his two revolutionary heroes.

For the next 30 years he would remain a Pan-Africanist of global standing, the latest in a series of such figures from TT, including Henry Sylvester Williams, CLR James, George Padmore and Claudia Jones.

He died in 1998.

24 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

News

‘I CAN’T WAIT TO GET STUCK INTO MY ROLE’

Ugbana Oyet says he’s excited to begin his new job as serjeant at arms

By Alannah Francis

A

NIGERIAN-BORN chartered engineer on a mission to make parliament carbon-neutral by 2050 has been named as the new serjeant at arms.

Ugbana Oyet, 43, was appointed to the role following the retirement of Mohammed Kamal El-Hajji in the summer.

Oyet told The Voice that when he was informed that he had been appointed to take up the role, he was “shaking with excitement”.

“I was actually shaking with excitement but civil servants don’t get excited, they should be calm and collected,” Oyet said, laughing.

“It is an exciting role. To have the honour and the privilege to be able to serve and support in this really modern environment with [the] Internet, with Twitter [and] with extension rebellion, but also with the dignity and the traditions that come with this place,” he added.

As serjeant at arms, Oyet will be responsible for ensuring order in the Commons.

The Speaker can call on the serjeant at arms to escort people out of the chamber.

The ceremonial part of Oyet’s

I will do my best to enhance morale and improve the excellent service new position will make him even more visible as the carrier of the House of Commons mace during the Speaker’s procession, and into the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament.

In the context of the current political climate and the looming Brexit deadline, the serjeant at arms will face unprecedented challenges. But Oyet is confident that he and his team can handle them.

“I’m a real people person and love working closely with MPs, staff and members of the public, so I will do my best to enhance morale and improve the excellent service already provided by the serjeant’s office,” he said.

“At the prorogation it was very unusual, unprecedented scenes in the house. I guess as the serjeant at arms, part of my thinking, part of approach is to be proactive about those things.”

RARING TO GO: Ugbana Oyet says it is a great honour to serve in his new role

Oyet said that one of the ways he would work to ensure members adhere to the conventions of the House would be to send gentle – or firm when necessary – reminders of expected behaviour via letters or meetings.

BRILLIANT

Already well known to many members of the House through his role as parliament’s principal electrical engineer and programme director for the estatewide engineering infrastructure and resilience (EWEIR) programme, Oyet also has the full support of the man he will be working closely with.

John Bercow, ex-speaker of the House of Commons, told The Voice: “He’s a brilliant man. I’ve known him for years.

He is softly spoken but steely, bright, personable, used to making big decisions and leading on often complex projects.

“He’s got a terrifically diverse skill set and I happen also to know that he’s very popular in the House.

“So my strong sense is that as well as being the right appointment, it will be a popular appointment.”

Bercow, who announced he will be stepping down as speaker and as an MP on October 31, the day Britain had been due to leave the European Union,

added that he has always been impressed by Oyet’s ability, attitude and approach to others.

Oyet said: “It is a great honour to serve in such a historic role, which combines the needs and challenges of the modern era, while also maintaining the dignity and essential traditions that have helped parliament endure.”

In addition to his ceremonial role, Oyet will run a team of 70 staff, covering the serjeant’s office, the access team, the doorkeepers and business resilience.

As programme director for

EWEIR, Oyet’s main role has been to make the parliamentary estate more energy efficient and carbon neutral by 2050.

RECORD

In 2018 he reduced the cost of providing emergency electrical power to the estate from £1million to £275,000 a year.

A chartered engineer and fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Oyet has a strong track record of delivering multi-billion pound projects, from a £1.8bn village complex and gated community

in Abu Dhabi – in time for the first Grand Prix there in 2009 – to a new city in Saudi Arabia including a power station and desalination plant worth tens of billions of pounds.

Born in Nigeria, Oyet moved to the UK with his family in 1991 and was at school in Chichester when he met Claire, his childhood sweetheart who later became his wife.

The couple have four children – three sons and a daughter aged between 14 and 23.

There are more black blood donors – but there’s still a long way to go RECENTLY RELEASED figures have shown that black people in London are responding to the urgent need for donors.

Over the past year, 11 per cent more black people have started donating blood in Greater London at donor centres in Edgware, Tooting and the West End, and mobile donation sessions are held in community venues such as church halls.

NHS Blood and Transplant is now urging more black people in London to register as blood donors and save lives because the overall shortage of donors remains.

Among those supporting the ap-

peal is Lloyd Simmonds, aged 60, from South Hampstead.

He has been hailed as one of London’s most prolific black blood donors donating 132 times. Each donation can save up to three lives so Lloyd has helped up to 396 people.

A former detective now working as a coroner’s officer, Simmonds, pictured inset right, started donating in 1976, at a session in the city of London. He now donates at Edgware Donor Centre.

Simmonds said: “The donor centres

are like donating in luxury compared to when I started donating in places like school halls.

“You have got special seats and everything else, and the environment is really comfortable.

“It’s really interesting to get the text message saying where the blood has gone.”

He added: “I am aware there is a shortage of black donors, particularly to help people with sickle cell disease.

“I know some people are reticent and there is some fear of the needle

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and giving blood. But by donating you can save a life. Plain and simple.

You can give somebody else the opportunity you have got.”

HARDER

People from the same ethnic background are more likely to have the same blood types. However the shortage of black blood donors makes it harder to find the best matched blood for black patients.

Nationally, new NHSBT figures show that the number of black blood donors has grown over the past three years in response to urgent appeals in

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voicenews

recent years but the situation is still very serious – NHS Blood and Transplant still needs 40,000 new black donors nationally.

The red blood cells of sickle cell patients form into a sickle or crescent moon shape.

These deformed cells can block blood vessels, causing agonising pain, and creating a risk of organ damage, stroke, and death.

If you are interested in becoming a blood donor you can register and book an appointment by calling 0300 123 23 23, downloading the GiveBloodNHS app, or visiting blood.co.uk.

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You must be registered if you want to vote in elections.

Make sure everyone in your household is registered to vote.

NO VOTE, NO SAY. 1 Respond to the household 2

form which has been sent to you.

If any new people need to register they must also complete an individual application at

3

If all the details on the household form are correct no further action is needed.

gov.uk/register-to-vote

or return the paper form.

• If you have completed all parts of the registration process you do not need to register again • If you are not sure you are registered call

020 7926 2254 • Elections can be called at any time.

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26 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Education

STORMZY’S STUDENT EFFECT NOT TOO BIG FOR YOUR BOOTS: Stormzy has encouraged more black students to apply for Cambridge – and that’s exactly what’s happened

London rapper is hailed for helping rise in number of black undergraduates enrolling at Cambridge after launching scholarship

By Alannah Francis

T

HE SO-CALLED ‘Stormzy effect’ has been heralded as one of the reasons that Cambridge University has welcomed a record number of black British undergraduates.

At the beginning of the academic year, a total of 91 black students were admitted to Cambridge, an almost 50 per cent rise from 2018-19.

The intake means the total number of black undergraduates at the university has risen to more than 200 for the first time.

Grime artist Stormzy, who recently featured on the cover of Time magazine, announced a scholarship for black British students in August 2018.

The scholarship covers the

This is amazing – this isn’t because of me alone

tion leader by Time magazine, said: “This is amazing – there’s no way that this is because of me alone. Big up Cambridge African-Caribbean Society (ACS) for the incredible work they do they would [have] played a massive part in this.

And big up to Cambridge Uni for their continued efforts.”

tuition fees and living costs of two students for up to four years of an undergraduate course.

Cambridge University said since the launch of Stormzy’s scholarship it has seen an increase in the number of black students engaging with its outreach activities and enquiring about its courses.

Responding to the news on Twitter, Stormzy, who has been named as a next genera-

INITIATIVE

Another initiative that has been cited as a factor in the increase in black Cambridge undergraduates is the series of films presented by YouTuber and Cambridge graduate Courtney Daniella.

Senior pro-vice-chancellor for education, professor Graham Virgo, said: “The university has worked hard to get the message out that it is

a welcoming place for students regardless of their ethnicity.

This record rise in the number of black students is a credit to their hard work and ability.

“We have not lowered entry standards.”

Virgo added: “It is also a credit to the hard work put in by admissions staff across the university and colleges in running various outreach ac-

tivities, and the positive campaigns run by our student societies and external partners.

We have achieved this without any reduction in offer levels or provision of preferential treatment.”

Wanipa Ndhlovu, president of ACS, welcomed the figures.

She said: “This is really good news and is a testament to the hard work that ACS, as well as

the university, has been putting in to break down perceptions.

“It should send out a signal to other black students that they can find their place at Cambridge and succeed.

“I hope this will be seen as encouraging to any black student who may have been told Cambridge isn’t the place for them.”

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 27

Education

PAY BLOW FOR BAME ACADEMICS

Research reveals black, Asian and minority ethnic staff at UK universities are paid considerably less than their white counterparts and less likely to hold most senior positions

R

ESEARCH BY the University and College Union (UCU) has found that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) academic staff at UK universities are paid less than their white counterparts. They are also considerably less likely to hold the most senior jobs.

The data demonstrated a pay gap of nine per cent for BAME staff, compared with their white colleagues, and a 14 per cent gap for black staff.

Slow progress In addition, the research revealed that 84 per cent of academic staff in UK higher education and 93 per cent of university professors were white.

White academic staff take home an average of just over £49,000 a year, while black academic staff average just over £42,000.

The UCU research, based on analysis of the 2017-18 Higher Education Statistics Agency

It is a shocking reality that – in 2019 – BAME talent is not nurtured

staff record, confirmed that British universities continued to make slow progress promoting black and other minority ethnic staff to senior positions and ensure pay equality.

The lack of BAME academic staff, particularly in senior roles, is seen as a major problem by many BAME students.

UCAS figures reveal that, as of September 12, 33,730 black UK students had been accepted on to degree courses at British universities and colleges, meaning black students made

up 7.9 per cent of acceptances across the country in total.

This isn’t just an issue in academia but also in business as 59 per cent of the BAME workforce aspire to be on the board, but only two per cent make it.

While improvements are being made to promote BAME equality at university and beyond, people of ethnic minorities are still faced with additional challenges when securing a board-level job.

Lack of representation Half of respondents to the UCU survey said they had no professional role models of their ethnic profile within the UK’s professional landscape – unsurprising given that the FTSE recently noted that there are less than 100 ethnic minority directors across all upper-echelon professionals in the UK’s largest 100 companies.

This suggests the relative absence of professional role models for the BAME com-

CONCERN: Above, the lack of diversity among BAME academic staff is seen as a major issue; left, research has found that BAME academics are paid less than their white counterparts

munity is a key contributor to the underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in managerial positions across the UK workforce.

Hephzi Pemberton, founder of the Equality Group, said: “Our research indicates that young BAME students have significant levels of professional aspiration, supported by an educational infrastructure,

that should, in theory, enable them to excel within their chosen professional careers.

“This is, however, far from the reality when assessing the UK’s BAME representation at senior management, board and director level.

“It is a shocking reality that in 2019, the workplace does not nurture or support BAME talent in a manner that reflects

the undeniable aspirations prominent in this community.

As a society of business leaders, decision-makers, professionals and commentators, we have an obligation to ensure that intention is met with action to ensure the UK’s workforce – in its entirety – has access to a democratised career ladder that promotes inclusion for all at every level.”

‘Inspirational’ Alleyne takes up new role as master of Jesus College FORMER BBC trustee and media executive Sonita Alleyne OBE has taken up her post as master of Jesus College, Cambridge University.

Alleyne, pictured inset right, who started her job earlier this month, became the 42nd master and the first black woman to lead Jesus College since its foundation in 1496.

Alleyne succeeded professor Ian White, who was appointed vicechancellor of the University of Bath earlier this year.

Speaking after the announcement of her election, Alleyne said: “It is an honour to be elected to lead Jesus College and I’m looking forward to becoming part of such an energetic and innovative community. Having met many fellows, students and staff in recent weeks, I was struck by the

positive and forward-looking ethos shared across the college.

“In addition to the outstanding education, the cross-disciplinary work and evident passion for arts, culture and sport I have seen at Jesus is impressive. Supporting the work of the college to widen access and participation to all that it offers promises to be incredibly rewarding. I left Cambridge 30 years ago, but it never left me. I am delighted to be returning.”

Brought up in east London, Alleyne studied for her undergraduate degree in philosophy at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

A career in radio followed, including founding production com-

pany Somethin’ Else which she led as chief executive from 1991 until 2009.

She also brings a wealth of governance experience to her new role. Appointed by the mayor of London to the Board of the London Legacy Development Corporation in 2012, she is part of the drive to promote and deliver regeneration in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding areas.

In her five-year tenure as a BBC Trustee, she championed diversity and inclusivity to represent all communities of the UK; and as part of the national media skills body Skillset, she helped to shape and implement

widening access and participation work around the radio broadcasting industry.

Her current non-executive posts include chair of the British Board of Film Classification, director of the Cultural Capital Fund, governor of the Museum of London and member of the Skills for Londoners Business Partnership Members Group – advising the Mayor of London on improving skills provision to meet the capital’s needs.

Previous board roles include the National Employment Panel, BBC Trust, London Skills and Employment Board, chair of the Radio Sector Skills Council, non-executive director of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and member of the Court of Governors

at the University of the Arts London.

Professor Mary Laven, who led the college’s search committee, said: “We are thrilled by the election of Sonita Alleyne, who will be an inspirational master. She brings to the college a wealth of experience and an enduring commitment to helping young people fulfil their potential.”

Professor James Clackson, Jesus College vice-master, said: “Sonita Alleyne has innovative leadership skills and a wide-ranging expertise across education, culture, media and business. She is an outstanding choice to steer Jesus College through the challenges of the coming decade.”

Look out for the December edition of The Voice to read an exclusive interview with Sonita Alleyne.

28 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Business & Money

TECH-ING A STEP FORWARD US organisation aiming to boost black female technology entrepreneurs launches in London

By Alannah Francis

F

OLLOWING ITS huge success in the US, Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) has expanded to support female black tech founders in the UK. The network, established by three black female founders – Lauren Washington, Regina Gwynn and Esosa Ighodaro – in the US in 2017, has grown to become the largest membership conference for black women who own tech businesses. In the US, the organisation has 10 chapters across the country and selected London as the location as its first international chapter.

Its mission to educate, promote and secure funding for black women in the tech industry will be led by Rene Germain and Ebi Ajayi, founders of Driverse, a tech company

described as the world’s first workplace review site for under-represented communities.

Speaking at the chapter launch held at JP Morgan, Washington told The Voice why London was chosen.

“I think outside of the States at least, we view London as one of the big tech hubs and there are so many incredible companies that are building and growing here and we know there’s also a large black population here as well that we wanted to come and nourish.”

She added: “As an organisation, we have actually seen a lot of people come over from London to our conference each year. We have been in contact with some of the founders here, some of the different groups and some of the people who are really trying to build up the ecosystem, so it made a lot of sense for us that this

would be the first place for us.”

One of the biggest challenges black women founders face is securing funding and investment. Figures show that around just less than one per cent of venture capitalist funding in the US is awarded to black women building their own businesses.

FOCUSED

Turning the tide on this issue and helping black women navigate this process is a key element of BWTT’s work.

One woman who can attest to the effectiveness of BWTT’s events is Shoobs.com founder Louise Broni-Mensah.

Broni-Mensah told The Voice about the necessity of networks and events that are specifically focused on uplifting black women business owners and providing an environment for them to pitch to

TALKING TECH: From left, Tia Counts and Sophia G Stock of JP Morgan, Shoobs founder Louise BroniMensah and Black Women Talk Tech co-founder Lauren Washington (photo: Precious Mayowa Agbabiaka)

interested investors.

“Often what’s hard is, as a black founder, when you’re going to some of these events you might be just one of a few in that room, but the fact that there’s now events that are specifically targeted at black founders, you’re already in a room where you feel comfortable.

“There’s other black founders that are going through the same things that you are, that look like you and also the in-

vestors that are coming there want to talk to you because they know this event is about reaching out, connecting, perhaps investing in black founders. So any kind of barriers or friction that you may feel normally at a traditional networking event are removed when it’s specifically targeted at people that look like you.”

A considerable amount of Broni-Mensah’s investment has come from the US. While London has lagged

behind, Broni-Mensah is encouraged by new initiatives, such as BWTT London, that are recognising that under-represented groups need tailored support.

Washington said: “We’re open to everyone joining.

Our content is made for black women without a doubt, but you’re definitely welcome to join the events otherwise.”

To find out more about BWTT London and join the network, visit blackwomentalktech.com.

NOVEMBER 2019

FARAI MUVUTI: THE MAN ON A MISSION TO HELP AFRICA

THE VOICE | 29

Business & Money ALL CHANGE: Farai Muvuti, also pictured inset delivering a speech, says he wants to leave a legacy for his daughter

After years spent as a successful musician, record label owner and PR and marketing guru, the Zimbabwe-born entrepreneur is now focusing on rebuilding his homeland

By Tidi Kwidini

T

HERE ARE musicians who are happy to just focus on developing their careers as artists and wait for the royalty cheques to come in once they are successful.

There are others, however – Jay-Z and 50 Cent being notable examples – who also apply their creativity in another direction and become entrepreneurs.

One such person is UK-based Zimbabwean entrepreneur Farai Muvuti.

Once a successful musician in the southern African country as lead singer of the popular Farai and The Forest Dawn (FFD), he swapped his mic and acoustic guitar and partnered up with his brother to launch a network recruitment company in London that turned over approximately £250,000 in its first 12 months and has continued to grow.

Muvuti moved to the UK in 2005 after his mother died, which he says was one of the hardest things he has gone through.

He was apprehensive about the prospect of moving abroad.

He recalls: “I had a record deal with a local Zimbabwe label as a songwriter before

I moved. I suppose what made the transition difficult was leaving my friends and some of my family behind.

“The feeling of not having the love and support of my immediate family was frightening.

“Thankfully, one of my aunts became the support system I needed and she made settling in the UK much easier.”

Pursuing music was something that he had always wanted to do. To fulfil his ultimate dream, he dedicated most of his time to writing and making music, starting his own label called Deep Afrik with close friend Eric Dyson.

“Eric and I shared a similar vision,” he says. “Our objective was to avoid the traditional route to music success.

We wanted to make m u s i c witho u t the

constraints of a powerful label telling us what to do. I guess even when I started my own label, I was still a bit of a rebel. We felt that if we controlled the creative process then we were more than capable of controlling the route of marketing and distribution through utilising the multiple tech tools that were at our disposal.”

RECRUITED

Muvuti then launched the Forest Dawn, with him at the helm and they recruited four other members who played a number of instruments.

Dyson remained in the background and focused on music and visual production.

The band went from no gigs at all to having gigs every week.

In 2014, the band won the London-based Be On The Scene battle of the bands competition and went on to release several singles, including Beautiful and Til Death Do Us Part.

When their presence on the music scene started to grow, they set up a PR and marketing team to help them create a strong brand.

However, after dabbling in music for 10 years, playing at various festivals and featuring on BBC Introducing, Muvuti decided he was ready to pursue other projects.

“Music will always be my first love, but I felt that it was time to start building a sustainable empire. I want to leave a legacy for my daughter and I felt that music wasn’t going to do that any more.”

Muvuti therefore partnered

with his older brother, who worked as an operations director for the State of Jersey Healthcare Provider and formed Timeflex Recruitment.

However, the brothers had differing visions of how the company should grow and Muvuti sold part of his stake in the company as it was putting

were closed. “Feenix Group is my biggest project to date without a partner,” he says.

“The company oversees investment portfolios in recruitment, venture capital in emerging markets, IT, real estate (both commercial and residency) and green energy.

“The two main portfo-

My parents’ viewpoints have swayed me towards egalitarianism and this plays a key role in initiatives a strain on their relationship.

“I love Timeflex but I loved my brother even more, and I hated that we were fighting over the most trivial things,” he recalls.

“I had to reflect, re-evaluate and let go because my relationship with him was far more important than my need to be seen and heard in the boardroom.”

Shortly after leaving Timeflex, Muvuti decided to start another venture on his own and launched investment firm Feenix Group, which focuses on two major areas – recruitment in a range of areas and investment consultancy in Southern Africa, specifically South Africa and Zimbabwe.

But Muvuti says the biggest challenge when he started Feenix was the lack of financial resources but passion was key to unlocking the doors that

lios are part of a 20-year project that is working towards rebuilding Africa. Part of that will be investing in small to medium sized enterprises and growing their presence within Africa and Europe.”

Feenix is focusing on agriculture as a short term vision.

Muvuti is also looking to venture into the telecom sector in the long-term, with the view of using the current model he has created in different spaces in Africa, measured against sectoral Return of Investment.

“Understanding the markets we want to go into is imperative, but also studying the history, strategies, human psychology, economics and global affairs of each sector is important to broadening our approach to the spaces we want to infiltrate.”

“Our unique selling point

(USP) is good returns on capital expenditure at a low consultancy cost. This is supported by our love for technology and has enabled us to automate our activities, which we scale up and down based on the market demand.”

“We are looking at a wide range of initiatives as a company but our fundamental principal when entering new markets is to intrinsically understand where the issues are, how we can best maximise the limited resources we have and how we can ensure a high return.”

INFLUENCE

Muvuti says it is the individual teachings and influence on his life which have moulded him into the man he has become today.

“My parents carried a strong sense of Pan-Africanism which has greatly influenced my desire for knowledge of all matters relating to racial equality. My mum looked at Pan-Africanism from a feminist standpoint which, equally, made me adore her strength and independence.

“On the other hand, my dad looked at Pan-Africanism from an economic empowerment base and this has only deepened my love of politics.

“Their viewpoints have, over the years, swayed me towards egalitarianism and this plays a key role in the community initiatives I am a part of.”

30 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Advertorial

Nehemiah Housing Charity Gala to assist National Caribbean Monument Charity Group needs to raise thousands at event to salute war efforts

W

EST MIDLANDS-BASED housing association Nehemiah Housing is hosting a charity gala dinner on November 8 to raise funds for The National Caribbean Monument Charity (TNCMC).

The upcoming fundraising dinner for TNCMC is being held

by Nehemiah Housing as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations and aims to raise £3,000 for the charity.

“We’ve achieved so much during the past 30 years that it only feels right to celebrate in style – we have 30 planned events for this year that range from tea parties through to a church thanksgiving service

and this fundraising dinner,” said Llewellyn Graham, chief executive of Nehemiah Housing.

“We want to show our support for The National Caribbean Monument Charity, a charity dedicated to remembering the vast sacrifices Caribbean military personnel have made over the centuries – and one way we can do this is by hosting a great fundraising dinner.”

TNCMC upholds the memory of all Caribbean military personnel who contributed during the First World War, Second World War and other conflicts, and strives to create a legacy for today’s and future generations.

Graham added: “Not everyone is aware of the massive contribution and difference the British West Indies Regiment made to Britain during the world wars.

“During the First World War, an estimated 15,600 men of the British West Indies Regiment

served with the Allied forces.

Jamaica contributed two-thirds of these volunteers, with the remaining third coming from countries including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bahamas, St Lucia, and St Vincent.

“In total, 81 medals for bravery were won by these volunteers and 49 men were mentioned in despatches.

“And that’s not all – during the Second World War, some 16,000 West Indians signed up to volunteer for service alongside the British, with more than 100 women volunteering also and mainly choosing to join the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.”

The motto of the charity TNCMC is “separated by water, bonded by culture” to highlight the togetherness felt by Caribbean people wherever they are.

Earlier this year, the charity launched a £500,000 appeal to create a lasting monument to all the Caribbean military personnel who have served the UK, which will join more than 380

other monuments at the National National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

“TNCMC is hugely important for all of us, and their appeal to create a monument is about more than just a structure, it’s about creating a legacy – making sure this important part of history is not overlooked,” adds Graham.

“Our fundraising dinner for TNCMC is being held on Friday, November 8, close to Remembrance Sunday.

“This poignant date was chosen to highlight all the contributions Caribbean military per-

sonnel have made in support of Britain during the past centuries – and we want to make this event the massive success it deserves to be.

“You can buy tickets for the charity gala dinner and support the event in other ways, too. So please do all you can to show your support for this fantastic charity and to ensure it raises as much money as possible on the night.”

You can buy tickets or pledge support on eventbrite.co.uk.

To find out more about Nehemiah Housing, visit nehemiah. co.uk.

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE| 31

Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme Extended deadline. Applications for compensation now open until 1 January 2022.

Lambeth Council has set up a Redress Scheme for people who, as children, were abused or feared abuse at a Lambeth Children’s Home and/or Shirley Oaks Primary School.

There are two types of compensation payment available: n

Harm’s Way Payment

n

Individual Redress Payment

To find out more about the Scheme, eligibility and to make a claim, visit lambeth.gov.uk/redress or email redress@lambeth.gov.uk

Below is a list of children’s homes that were run by Lambeth or its predecessor authority (and which subsequently transferred to Lambeth), either within or outside of their area, that provided accommodation for children in care.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

Shirley Oaks Almond House Hostel Angell Road Calais Street Chestnut Road / Robson Road Chevington House Cumberlow Lodge Garrads Road Gresham Place Highland Road Ingleton House Ivy House / Warham Road Knowle Close Lancester Avenue Lancaster Road Leigham Court Road Lorn Road

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

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33.

Monkton Street Mount Villas Nottingham Road Rathmell Drive Rectory Grove / Elaine Claire House Samuel House South Vale Southwood Southwood Discharge Hostel St Saviours Stephany House Stockwell Park The Elms Thornwick Nursery Tivoli Road Woodvale

The homes were open from the 1930s to the 1980s and 1990s.

101486 redress scheme new ad.indd 1

18/10/2019 16:49

32 | THE VOICE November, 2019

Destination Birmingham

By Veron Graham

RICH IN DIVERSITY

D

espite claims from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester, with a total population that exceeded 1.1million people, according to the 2011 Census, Birmingham is firmly positioned as the second most populous city in England and the UK. Birmingham is also one of Europe’s biggest cities, housing its population across over 80 square miles who all contribute to the city’s historically rich diversity.

Believed to be more ethnically diverse than London, according to World Population Review, just 58 per cent of its population is described as white, meaning the prediction that the Second City would become Britain’s first minority majority city in the UK by 2020 is still within reach.

Black people make up nearly 9 per cent of the ‘Brummie’ population, with the remainder including South Asians (27 per cent) and Chinese (1 per cent).

The city’s black population comprises 4.4 per cent Caribbe-

ans, 2.6 per cent Africans and 1.7 per cent ‘other blacks.’

Comparison to the 2001 figures shows the direction of population change: when 70 per cent of the people of Birmingham were white, 19.5 per cent Asian, 6 per cent black and 0.5 per cent Chinese.

ECONOMIC

The non-white population rose dramatically during the downfall of Britain’s imperialistic period, which was followed by the economic devastation brought on by two world wars. The members of its already drained Empire nations became natural candidates for economic migration to the major industrial centres; like London, Liverpool, Bristol and the Black Country as well as Birmingham. Beginning in earnest in the 1920s and peaking in the 1960s, Birmingham became the home to an increasing number of new arrivals from the Asian sub-continent, Africa and the

Caribbean commonly taking work in factories, hospitals and on public transport.

By the time the immigration laws were tightened in the mid-1970s, due in part to the assertions of infamous local Tory MP Enoch Powell, tens of thousands of new arrivals from the renamed British Commonwealth had settled in the city.

Minority communities typically gathered in the north of the city – areas like Aston, Erdington, Newtown, Winson Green and Handsworth, bordering on the fringe Black Country towns like Smethwick, West Bromwich and Warley, into Dudley and Wolverhampton.

From its earliest days, Birmingham has been a centre for international trade and business. Known as the ‘workplace of the world’ shortly after it was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book in the 12th Century, ‘Bernham’ as it was first called attracted an influx of traders and entrepreneurs who were tempted by its close proximity to iron

and coalfields and transportation through its canal network.

With its subsequent population growth and development of a diversity of industries, plus the rise of local 18th century visionaries like James Watts (inventor of the steam engine) and Matthew Boulton (first user of gas lighting) firmly established Birmingham as ‘The City of a Thousand Trades’ as the Industrial Revolution took centre stage.

Birmingham has undergone major re-development over the last decade and a half, with the rebuilding of its iconic Bull Ring Shopping Centre and Library of Birmingham. It is also the home of the largest branch of Primark in Europe, which recently joined the likes of Selfridges as an international retailer making its home in the city’s centre. Set to benefit from the UK’s ground breaking but controversial HS2 (high speed rail) service, scheduled to open in 2026, Birmingham’s position among Europe’s most iconic venues is secure.

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November, 2019

THE VOICE | 33

Destination Birmingham YVONNE MOSQUITO REMAINS PASSIONATE ABOUT BLACK EMPOWERMENT

W

POWER DUO: Deputy Lord Mayor – Cllr Yvonne Mosquito and her consort, husband Winston

ith over 20 years of public service under her belt, Birmingham’s ground-breaking Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, remains on a mission to encourage the empowerment of black communities in Birmingham and beyond.

While continuing to follow her hectic schedule of events, launches and special guest appearances, the second citizen in the second city, remains as vocal a commentator on the changing socio-political climate as ever.

“As a community we need economic strength and to build our connections with Africa and the Caribbean. We are living in an increasingly hostile environment: just look at the treatment given to Meghan Markle and MP Diane Abbott, for example. Diane is the most trolled politician in the UK – she receives more negative messages on social media than all the rest of the MPs combined. She is constantly being attacked by the mainstream media.

“We are seeing the re-emergence of the far right, not just in the US, but in Europe and on our own doorstep.

So many of the systems in the UK are not working for us – just look at the continued high level of expulsions of our young people from schools and presence in alternative educational provision.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS

“When I first became a councillor in 1996, we saw similarly high numbers of school leavers with no qualifications, so it wasn’t surprising to see the explosion in gang and anti-social behaviour that followed.

“We need to know how to build our own base and support systems so we do not have to rely on others but be able to self-determine. Look at the example set by (American actor/ writer/ director) Tyler Perry: he was rejected

by Hollywood, but he kept on and now has his own studios.”

In that vein, the Deputy Lord Mayor is proud to see the emergence of her daughters’ (Amelia and Alicia Mosquito) “unashamedly Christian” business, Omega Funeral Services Ltd. Based in the Nechells area of the city, and on the verge of opening additional prem-

ises in Kingstanding and West Bromwich in the neighbouring Sandwell district, Omega has completed 35 burials, including the funeral of the sisters’ grandfather, aiming to provide quality but affordable services and stop the incidence of overcharging that their mother speaks against passionately.

“I have come across too many examples of our people getting ripped off and been given a poor service at the most critical of times. I am so proud of my daughters, as I am of all of those who are leveraging education, which is critical to help us build an economic infrastructure.

“We are seeing young people achieving, but not in enough numbers. It is important that they can grasp the importance of striving despite the opposition they will experience on their way to working towards their goals.”

Her comment about achieving despite opposition formed the perfect segway to questioning whether being appointed Lord Mayor in May 2018 was vindication for the controversy in which she lost her post as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner less than three years before.

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34 | THE VOICE November, 2019

Destination Birmingham

WHAT WERE THE REASONS BEHIND LAUNCHING YOUR PRODUCT?

N

ylah the brand, was inspired by Nylah my daughter, and my desire to ensure that she felt included, in a world, that often celebrated a standard of beauty, not inclusive of afro textured hair.

I wanted my daughter to know, from her earliest memory, that she, with her lovely brown skin, soft kinky hair and pronounced African features, was also, the very definition of OWNER: Kameese Davis beautiful.

DESPERATELY

In my family, feeling intrinsically beautiful during childhood was something that four (perhaps more) generations of women had not truly experienced, and I desperately wanted to end this cycle. I did not want my daughter to undergo the damaging (both physical and psychological) processes of trying to conform and adhere to society’s, linear and limited standards of beauty.

However choosing a product that would work with my daughter’s hair and promote its beauty presented two distinctive challenges. The first be-

ing that my daughter’s eczema meant that she was highly sensitive to a lot of ingredient’s.

This left me struggling to find something that was suitable for her sensitive scalp and skin.

Many of the shampoos and conditioning products available in the UK were not hypoallergenic and had no scientific function in terms of the way the formulation worked.

Conversely the haircare products traditionally marketed towards women with Afro textured were designed to alter the curl pattern of Afro hair types and contained harsh ingredients including, harsh sulphate and parabens which not

A BOOK THAT REPRESENTS US

only served to further damage an already fragile hair type.

They also contained ingredients linked to many health concerns and woud aggravate her skin.

I needed a high performance product that would bridge the gap in the market between good science and home made natural hair care, was gentle enough for my daughter’s sensitive skin and delivered amazing results.

EXPERTISE

It was at this point, in 2013 that I decided that I would create a shampoo and conditioner product- and in that decision, Nylah the brand was formed.

We spent several years researching, creating and carefully refining our formulations, combining scientific expertise of our cosmetic scientist and tricologist with the plant based knowledge of our aroma theopist (and my nan) to ensure that our products are pure, safe and highly beneficial. Each of our ingredients has been carefully selected for their ability to protect, repair and nourish Afro hair.

Available from Amazon or from Marcia Publishing House myabooks Email - myabookcollection@outlook.com Tel: 075 2338 4182

Touched by an Angel by Val Ltd My name is Val Smith and my business is based in Manchester. I have links in Birmingham and London and attend events there and in other areas of the country.

I originally started by making wedding and party favours then started to frame small prints. Over the years I have been asked to supply bigger and more prints and so my search for beautiful art and frames began.

I am also a ‘crafter’ and love sewing and making and decorating items such as candles.

We sell crafts, cards, framed prints and unique hand-crafted gifts to add that special touch to your home, We can also supply personalised items and favours to enhance your special occasion

Contact Val Smith on: 07598 859 472 Email: touchedbyanangelbyval@gmail.com Facebook: Touched By An Angel by Val Instagram: Touched_by_an_angel_by_val

November, 2019

THE VOICE | 35

Destination Birmingham

t s e b r u o Be y

BIRMINGHAM 2019 PRESTIGE AWARDS Josiah - Winner Hair Treatment Specialist of the Year

Josiah Dawkins aka ‘Josiah the barber’ is a professional barber who is known internationally.

A proven master at his craft, Josiah has an eye for detail and a huge passion for what he does. Paying close attention to detail Josiah the barber has ‘ACED’ barbering and is taking the industry to another level.

Contact now for an appointment www.josiahthebarber.com @josiahthebarber (insta) Email Info@josiahthebarber.com 075 0335 0772 Ace Barbers ltd, 325 Aston Lane, Birmingham B6 6QR

Using his passion to

change lives!

AN ACE BARBER Barbering is an art, which takes hard work, dedication

I

N AN age of overnight sensations and social media-driven success, Josiah Dawkins, CEO and managing director of Birmingham’s Ace Barbers, puts his achievements down to “hard work, dedication, consistency and passion” that took him from being a secondary school pupil with an interest in barbering to the owner of a thriving business with an international clientele.

The 34-year-old Brummie points to his recently receiving a coveted Hair Treatment Specialist of the Year prize from the Livewire Prestige Awards, having not even entered it, as testimony to the merits of conducting his business, serving customers of African and European heritage, in a tried and trusted way.

“I hadn’t heard of Livewire before they contacted me to ask if I would like to be put forward for an award.

“After a few weeks, I found out that I had actually won! I was surprised and shocked! It was a certified award so I am glad I went through for it.

SERVICES

“It felt good because it’s easy in business to feel like you’re working hard but not getting anywhere.

That’s obviously not the case because they saw me. Hopefully it’s the first of many to come.”

Josiah speaks fondly of his early days when he combined his final years at school with working in barber shops on the weekends and even

during his study leave and the like.

“I remember when I opened my first shop. I was working from 9am-7.30pm Monday to Sunday. I couldn’t afford to turn customers away. Gradually things built up, just through word of mouth, me moving around, offering my services also in London.

“There were times when I would go from hotel to hotel, early mornings and late night cutting hair.”

With further questioning it turns out the hair Josiah was cutting was growing on some famous heads, belonging to the likes of football stars Raheem Sterling, Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino.

He’s been clocking up the frequent air miles too – stopping off in sev-

eral European venues to cut hair and deliver his hair unit services, which includes providing specialised treatment to help men who are losing their hair.

PASSION

Josiah’s next steps include broadening his base by setting up a provision in London to provide both barbering and hair unit services, also continuing to teach, passing on his skills to enable his mentees to reach his level of skill and exceed it.

He continued: “For me, barbering is an art, which takes hard work, dedication, consistency and passion.

If you are doing something 24/7 that you enjoy, at some point you will get the recognition.”

36 | THE VOICE November, 2019

Destination Birmingham

PAMELA’S JOURNEY IN BUSINESS COULD TAKE HER INTO POLITICS

S

adly Birmingham entrepreneur and activist Pamela Liburd was bereaved of her mother Desiree 20 years ago, but her memory is kept alive as the thriving hair and beauty business was named after her. Desiree Studios offers a wide roster of services including hairdressing, piercing, waxing and tinting.

Pamela told The Voice: “Mum was very popular, many people knew her so with the studios we are calling her name all the time.”

DECISION

The business was the pearl that emerged from a time of struggle and indecision in the life of Pamela, 37, a native of the Castle Vale area of Birmingham. She said: “I was working in construction, as a purchaser, when the recession hit about 10 years ago. I wasn’t sure what to do next.

The choice was narrowed to working in education/ community or hair and beauty. ‘Everyone needs to keep looking good,’ I told myself and so the decision was made.”

Starting off with a market stall in the Sutton area in the north of Birmingham, Desiree Studios has since

Pamela Liburd

y da to e a us g r ll ran ou Ca ar l t to hoo sc

K I N G SOL OM ON

Education Excellence & Character Development

King Solomon International Business School is Birmingham’s first all-through (4-19) Christian free school . The school specialises in International Business and Entrepreneurship. We are part of the prestigious Woodard Family of Christian Schools and cater for all children regardless of their faith.

At King Solomon our students are taught a broad and balanced curriculum.

Our Reception aged students follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum and our students in Years 1-11 follow the National Curriculum. In addition to the Core and Foundation subjects of the National Curriculum, our students are also taught at least one Modern Foreign Language as part of our commitment to prepare them to become global citizens.

Contact us to arrange a school tour

King Solomon: › Has an international business and enterprise focus › Has strong discipline › Has a strong character development programme › Newly refurbished school building and new sports hall To apply on-line for September 2020 at: www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions

King Solomon International Business School Adam St, Aston Birmingham B7 4AA

The school website: www.kingsolomonibs.com Call us: 0121 357 1905 - Email us: admin@kingsolomonibs.com Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingsolomonibschool

FUTURE

“I don’t’ know what it was, but I’m glad we got it! I have a background in leadership and entrepreneurship through my family. My dad is a builder with a property management business and so having him in the industry and working with him on it, gives me a certain level of assurance and security for my future.”

Pamela, who is married and a 2006 graduate of Derby University where

she earned an events management and media degree, remains busy on several fronts. Alongside Desiree Studios and the property management business, she is also involved in a number of community concerns.

PHILANTHROPIC

She is a trustee at Compass Support, the community arm of the Castle Vale Housing Association, which provides a range of health and welfare support for those in need.

Alongside that she has recently volunteered to support the West Midlands Police and Crime Commission’s Building Blocks youth and community project, feeling that her various philanthropic activities benefits her business too and could be the beginning of a political career.

“I am always doing stuff! I keep my ear to the ground, speaking to clients and keeping an eye on emerging trends. I often find myself giving advice to clients in the studios! It’s a natural thing for me to do and we all need advice and guidance in life. I’m also working towards a qualification in adult education and public speaking and I would not be surprised if I ended up in politics.”

Vision to inspire

I N T E R N A T I ON A L B U SI N E SS SCH OOL

Come and see for yourself what we can offer!

taken residence in a 72 square metre complex in Pamela’s native Castle Vale, comprising two treatment rooms, two hair stations and three nail bars. Initially, Pamela didn’t work in the studios but business is such that she has had to take on a second employee and join in herself.

The premises, owned by Pioneer Group (formerly Castle Vale Housing Association), was the subject of bids from a number of start-up and emerging businesses who saw that area of north west Birmingham as a prime location to move into. However, there was something about Pamela’s bid that enabled her to top the list of those that tendered for the space and emerge successful.

Dr. Byfield’s list of accomplishments over the past 25 years spans the full gamut of education and enterprise leading to her being described in the Power List as an “education entrepreneur.”

In the educational arena, she is known both nationally and internationally for being the founder of Excell3, which seeks to raise the academic and social aspirations of children and young people especially from the inner cities.

She is also the author of “Black Boys Can Make It” the book and learning resource that followed has been externally accredited and is now used in secondary schools and universities nationally.

Dr. Byfield’s vision to inspire academic excellence in others and business acumen has resulted in the establishment of King Solomon International Business School, which opened its

doors in September 2015. King Solomon is Birmingham`s First Christian Free School and the only free school in the country offering an International Business specialism. The school has the capacity to cater for over 1200 students.

Having obtained her PhD. at Oxford University she has used her extensive contacts to establish numerous outreach programmes for inner cities that has resulted in numerous young people studying at the prestigious university as well as pupils from King Solomon International Business School participating in development days.

Where enterprise is concerned, at the age of 29 she was appointed managing director of Coventry Women’s Business Development Agency which then Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt described as the “most successful enterprise agency for women in the UK.”

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kingsolomonibs

@thevoicenewspaper @thevoicenewspaper

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voicenews voicenewspaper

www.voice-online.co.uk www.voice-online.co.uk

November, 2019

THE VOICE | 37

Destination Birmingham

SUNRISE BAKERY ROLLING IN THE DOUGH

N

BOSS MAN: Errol Drummond

d n a l a n i g i r O e h T Still The Best Sunrise Bakery Ask for it by name

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80 King St, Southall UB2 4DD • Phone: 020 8574 2811

ineteen sixty-six was a landmark year for English football but a lesser known fact was that it was one for business too. It was the year when two ambitious new arrivals from the Caribbean, with dreams of a brighter future, rented a small lock-up at the back of a row of shops in Bearwood Road.

This brave move positioned Herman Drummond and William Lamont to start making and supplying a range of breads and cakes, launching Sunrise Bakery as one of the first black-owned businesses in Birmingham. Just a year after its launch, the duo became a trio, and with the addition of deliveryman/ salesman, affectionately known as ‘Mr Hogarth,’ who helped the start-up break new ground by expanding its distribution from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley, into the East Midlands city of Leicester.

DEMOGRAPHIC

The rest as they say is history and today Sunrise Bakery makes and supplies close to two million loaves to England and much of the remaining UK, especially where there are larger populations of people who were born in Africa or the Caribbean or their descendants.

Standing as a beacon of hope in those early days, Sunrise brought a sense of community, enabling a displaced people to enjoy the tastes of “back home” in those difficult early days of the 1960s and 70s. By 1980, Sunrise had expanded enough to warrant the purchase of its current site, and the addition of Lamont’s sons, Tony and Patrick, into the business.

“I joined three years afterwards,” Errol Drummond, 65, the current CEO told The Voice. “The three of us built a plan to move the business to the next level. Our youth and energy gave us the impetus to expand our distribution to include London, Bristol, Manchester and other major cities with a sufficiently large black demographic.

“When I worked with the Midlands Electricity

Board, I was seconded to the Middle East and worked with a group of young Jamaicans in Kuwait. We formed something like a new Jamaican Embassy out there! I remembered how hard it was to get some decent hardough bread!

It was memories like this that gave us the determination to spread our distribution.”

By the close of the decade, Sunrise had a presence of the shelves of most of the major national supermarkets. “We had a change of outlook as we recognised the changing shopping habits of our customers” he said.

“Many were no longer doing the bulk of their shopping in corner shops. To remain competitive or even just to ensure we survived, we had to ensure our products were being sold where they were shopping.

“In those days, Asda and Morrison’s were not national, they were only in the north, but we could see the rapid growth emerging and got onboard.”

Now a decade since the Lamont brothers left the business, Errol is determined to serve as inspiration to others who may wish to follow Sunrise’s hallowed path. “I would love to see greater connection between the younger generation and the Caribbean. So many people of other backgrounds are buying up parts of Jamaica because they recognise the opportunities it provides,” he said.

INSPIRE

To illustrate the enduring attraction of Caribbean food and its potential to spread into newer markets, Errol recalled scenes in Glasgow in 2014 where he was working during the Commonwealth Games. “There was every kind of food available but the longest ones were for Caribbean food! I felt so proud.

“I am so proud to see that more Caribbean takeaways are opening up all the time. It’s good to hear that a new one (Jamaya) has won the Solihull Business of the Year Award. I want Sunrise to continue to inspire Caribbean businesses because our food has not yet cracked the mass market.”

38 | THE VOICE November, 2019

Destination Birmingham

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

B

IRMINGHAM HAS been named as the city to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games the most expensive sports event to be held in Britain since the London Olympics.

The city’s was the only bid submitted to the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) by the deadline of September 20, after it was chosen ahead of Liverpool as Britain’s candidate.

Birmingham mayor Andy Street described the announcement as a “fantastic Christmas present for our region”.

Then Prime Minister Theresa May also congratulated the city, tweeting: “Congratulations to #Birmingham, hosts of @ thecgf in 2022. Well done Karen Bradley and @andy4wm who worked so hard to make it hap- DIGGING DEEP: Construction work has begun pen. A great city for what I’m sure will be an excellent tournaGames to Birmingham will help be a real positive for all of us ment. #CommonwealthSport.” boost the profile of a city which with a connection with this part should not just be recognised on of the world.” a national scale, but deserves to Birmingham native Sir Lenny be a name that resonates around Construction work in preparaHenry, also shared his thoughts the world. tion for the 2022 Commonfollowing the announcement “The city already boasts much wealth Games has begun, which that the city will host the Com- of the infrastructure needed to will see the Birmingham conmonwealth Games in 2022: put on an event of this size and stituency of Perry Barr undergo “Bringing the Commonwealth scale, and to host the Games will significant changes which will

RECOGNISED

reside for the summer tournament.

Members of the local community including pupils from the nearby Arena Academy were joined by dignitaries from the Games Partners – the organisations that have joined forces to deliver the Games – as well as Team England athletes to mark the occasion.

DEVELOPMENT

eventually relive the desperate housing crisis in the surrounding areas.

The development was marked by a ceremony at the site – formerly Birmingham City University’s campus which, on completion, will be the Commonwealth Games Village, where more than 6,000 athletes and officials will

The construction work for this residential element of the village is due for completion in early 2022. The Games Village will provide development of onsite training and engagement, facility for 1,000 preemployment training places for opportunities to work on construction sites, 100 apprenticeships, 400 jobs plus 30 paid summer intern, six-week placements.

After the Games, the development will be converted into more than 1,400 homes, the first phase of a long-term regeneration plan for Perry Barr and surrounding areas that will provide 5,000 homes – required as the city’s population is forecast to increase by 150,000 in the period covering 2011-2031.

The Perry Barr constituency is home to 107,000 people,

with almost half hailing from African, Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi backgrounds.

The regenerative potential of the Games is highlighted by official statistics which show 37 per cent of Perry Barr’s population live within areas that have been ranked within 20 per cent of the most deprived in England.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform an area of Birmingham that has long-needed investment,” said Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

“I am hugely proud that the biggest sporting event in the city’s history will act as a catalyst for the development of a new high-quality residential neighbourhood.

TRAINING

“This project is also offering a great boost to the local economy and the skills sector, opening up a whole host of career and training opportunities for those working on the site over the next few years.”

Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Mims Davies MP, said: “This is about more than just new buildings.”

The Commonwealth Games will take place from July 27– August 7, 2022.

THE DEEP JAMAICAN BAR AND GRILL Deep Jamaican Bar & Grill (Deep Caribbean Experience) is an authentic Jamaican restaurant located in the heart of Birmingham city centre, minutes from all the main attractions and major motorways. These include the M5, M6 and the M42. There is limited parking space outside of the restaurant itself and several car parks 200 yards away. We specialise in authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine from our sizzling starters to our spicy mains and our mouth-watering deserts. With soothing background music and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere you will certainly feel as though you are in the Caribbean itself.

Since opening in March 2008, our restaurant has been a phenomenal success. With our original style of Jamaican cuisine, served from either our á la Carte menu or our ‘ eat as much as you can’ buffet (served on Saturdays and Sundays), proving a great success with our diners. We are an amalgamation of friendly, efficient staff, excellent service and signature dishes.

Our aim is to please all customers that enjoy delving into the Jamaican tasteful experience, so come and join in the deep Jamaican experience.

Contact us on: T:0121 622 3332 • E: Info@thedeepexperience.com • W: thedeepexperience.com @thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

voicenewspaper

www.voice-online.co.uk

November, 2019

THE VOICE | 39

Destination Birmingham

ESTABLISHED SINCE 1999, WE ARE IMPORTERS, WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS IN FINE CARIBBEAN PRODUCE. A leading brand that is reliable, Competitive and fair trader among Bristol Caribbean Community.

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DIGICE SIM CA L RD AVAILA S BLE

Island Delight have been bringing the well-loved Jamaican street food to the UK from its home in Birmingham since 1988.

Island Delight patties were born thanks its founder missing his favourite snack from home. Wade Lyn, the founder and inventor of Island Delight moved to the UK from Jamaica and felt obliged to bring the authentic flavours of the Caribbean to his new home.

“Growing up in the Caribbean patties were a staple for all of the family.

We would eat patties as a snack at lunch time or as a main meal in the evening. When I came over to the UK as a teenager I was surprised to find how difficult it was to buy a pattie, and a bag of chips just wasn’t the same. Later on I decided I wanted to help bring the vibrant Caribbean tastes and flavours I grew up with to the British market.”

Mr Wade Lyn CBE Here at Island Delight we think there is an increased demand for ‘World Foods’. It is now easier than ever to get a variety of flavours right on your doorstep with Birmingham being very ethnically diverse.

The patties come in different varieties including salt fish, vegetable, lamb beef and chicken, in either short crust or flaky pastry containing a traditional herb and spice sauce including the signature Scotch Bonnet chilli for an authentic Jamaican taste. Perfect as a snack or as part of a main meal.

Our head chef, who has 32 years patty making experience, has recently reduced the fat content which allows for a crispy, flaky pastry even when microwaved. Ultimately improving the taste and texture of our Patties. At the end of 2018 Island Delight rebranded our packaging, giving it a vibrant feel along with uniformed colours for the different varieties. This year Island Delight has launched an exciting marketing programme incorporating social media as well as other high profile avenues such as pitch side advertising during Championship football matches.

The patties are available at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op, as well as many independent stores.

40 | THE VOICE November, 2019

Destination Birmingham

Visit us at: MyBookbasket, Legacy Centre (formerly The Drum) 144 Potters Lane, B6 4UU. Tel: 07592345276 | 0121 3596641 contact@mybookbasket.com Cultural books for children & adults | Black Greeting Cards Gifts & Artworks | African clothing | Cultural Jewellery & Accessories | Natural Skin & Haircare | Organic foods Healing Herbs | Plant-based house house hold Cleaners Natural Toiletries | Storytime | Workshops | Bookclub

QUALITY SERVICE: Diamond Travel founder Beverly Lindsay, OBE, OD, DL

DIAMOND TRAVEL: A JEWEL IN BIRMINGHAM

‘

EXCELLENCE in services makes us a cut above the rest’ – this is the slogan of Diamond Travel and it’s certainly a quality which has made this independent business sparkle for the over 32 years.

As one of only a handful of independent travel agents in Birmingham, Diamond Travel is an appointed agent for major airlines operating in the Caribbean which offers a professional and truly personal “customer oriented” service.

Diamond Travel’s success and achievements have been built by its team of loyal staff members, some of whom have over 20 years service with the business. The team are highly knowledgeable, experienced and are committed to satisfying all your travel needs.

ACHIEVEMENTS

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Despite its success, Diamond Travel agent founder and CEO, Beverly Lindsay remains modest about her Edgbaston-based business achievements and explains.

“We have a very loyal customer base, not just in Birmingham but throughout the country.

“We continue to offer a personal service, which can in@thevoicenews clude everything from flexibil-

ity with holiday payments and instalments, to helping with visa applications. Many of our customers would not be happy booking their holiday via the internet without any support. We call Diamond Travel a family business because our customers are more than just clients to us.

WONDERFUL

The shop at 178 Dudley Road is a buzzing hive of activity where the phone rings constantly and customers new and old congregate, talking excitedly about their next trip.

Ms Lindsay, who has been recognised with an OBE in England and an OD honour in Jamaica for services to business and to the community in Birmingham, smiles as she says: “I am never complacent. It’s a challenge everyday, but I want to thank God and all the people who have supported me this far.

“There is a saying - if you only have one prayer left, let it be thank you and that is my way of appreciating all the support I have had.”

“I tell my staff – treat the younger customers like your brother or sister and the older ones like you would your parents. Respect is so important and that is why we have kept our customers down the generations.

“The babies who used to travel with their parents are now coming in as adults to book holidays with us. We have Apart from running Diamond a wonderful customer base here and we receive such loyal sup- Travel, Ms Lindsay is also acport, particularly from the local tive in the community. She is currently the Vice Lord-Lieuchurch communities.”

Diamond Travel is known tenant of the West Midlands, throughout the industry as Chairman of the Association a Caribbean specialist, but it of Jamaican Nationals in Biralso offers a worldwide service, mingham, past president of the from the entire Caribbean and Rotary Club of Birmingham as well as a School Governor for beyond.

King Edwards VI Handsworth Other facets of the business include a wide range of cruises Wood Girl’s Academy. She has across the world, freight for- also been awarded honorary warding, worldwide money doctorates from Aston Univertransfer and Digicel mobile top sity and Birmingham City Univoicenewspaper versity. up. www.voice-online.co.uk

AWARDED

Lifestyle A Frank discussion about acne p46

Krept & Konan speak through music p56

BOSS IN BUSINESS

Louise Broni-Mensah speaks to Lifestyle about how she hopes she can help inspire black women in a male-dominated world

Sir Lenny Henry: ‘I owe thanks to my mum’ p60

42 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

ROLL UP... IT’S A CIRCUS LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN

From aerial acrobatics to operatic arias, these diverse performances have it all

BY JEROME CONWAY

C

IRCUS CIRCUS Circus is a fantastic festival of live art, spoken word, jazz, opera and circus throughout this month.

Produced by Certain Blacks – who have presented festivals and events in London over the past five years – diverse performance and music is programmed as a creative voice, encompassing multiple genres and artists who genuinely have something unusual, and often collaborative, to offer.

Circus Circus Circus features live artist Brian Lobel, jazz maestro Rowland Sutherland, hip-hop theatre and voice artists Muti Musafiri and Marv Radio, theatre maker and artist Jamal Harewood, Upswing Aerial Circus and more.

Artists developed the circus performance during a residency at 101 Creation Space situated at Greenham Common, the former military airfield now dedicated to arts development.

Performances take place at Rich Mix, home of previous Certain Blacks festivals and London’s historic Hoxton Hall.

“Circus Circus Circus features artists that make work outside

of the realms of the norm,” says Certain Blacks’ artistic director Clive Lyttle.

“The circus is more than a form of performance, it’s a way of challenging what can be done.

“This festival includes hiphop artists performing circus, opera singers as never seen before and music which breaks boundaries to provide two weeks of events that you may not find under a big top.”

The festival will also partner with Upswing Aerial Circus, the company formed by Victoria Amedume. Upswing presents a mixed bill finale of new work from Symoné, Joana Dias and Out Of Order, amongst other artists.

PROGRAMME:

Thursday, November 7 — Hip Hop Palace at Rich Mix (7.30pm): True values of hip-hop are all too often hijacked by consumer culture, becoming synonymous with bling lifestyle and connotations detracting from core hiphop art forms. This multi-faceted performance night celebrates the empowerment of minorities, unity and collective fun with classic elements, including dance, beatboxing and spoken word.

Join dance artist Muti Musafiri and beatboxer, sound artist and

Challenging your ideas of performance

By Clive Lyttle CERTAIN BLACKS is an arts development organisation formed in 2015 to support the work of diverse artists. Circus Circus Circus is our new festival.

It aims to showcase the different and exciting work from a variety of performers, artists and musicians.

The circus is a place where you can see performance challenging what we, as humans, think can be performed.

The traditional circus was formed over 250 years ago and showcased traditional turns such as jugglers, clowns, fire and aerial artists.

It was a place to come together and wonder at what people could achieve. To celebrate this, our festival looks at what can be created in 2019 and will present the best in jazz, hip hop, spoken word, opera and, of course, circus.

This dynamic line-up presents work that has been developed with the support of Certain Blacks and Upswing, a black-led circus organisation. To book, go to certainblacks.com.

theatre maker Marv Radio for this one-off night of hip-hop innovation. £10/£12 Friday, November 8 — 24 Italian Songs and Arias at Rich Mix (8.30pm): Live artist, theatre maker and writer Brian Lobel brings 24 Italian Songs and Arias to Circus Circus Circus looking at failure, loss and family. A recital, an opera, a gathering for (and by) those whose best isn’t always enough.

Featuring soprano GwenethAnn Rand (4.48 Psychosis: Royal Opera House, Aida: English National Opera) who failed to win at Cardiff Singer of the World, 24 Italian Arias also failed to win the Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award – hence the exploration of this theme.

The night celebrates world class opera performers and the power of the voice via live arias that are so close you could almost touch them. £12/£15 Saturday, November 9 — Rowland Sutherland and London Art Collective at Rich Mix (8pm): Esteemed jazz flautist, musical arranger and composer Rowland Sutherland presents the London Art Collective, his signature project focusing on spatial, galactic and spiritual jazz.

Drawing influence from the likes of Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, Alice Coltrane and Joe Henderson, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy Sutherland’s versatility and compositions in an intimate space. Players within London Art Collective include Rowland Sutherland, Orphy Robinson, Pat Thomas, Rachel Musson, Ansuman Biswas, Alec Dankworth and Mark Sanders amongst others. £12/£15 Thursday, November 21 — Jamal Harewood’s Word at Rich Mix (7.30pm): Jamal Harewood, inset, is an artist who creates temporary communities through audience-led participatory events that focus on

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CREATIVE VOICES: Esteemed flautist Rowland Sutherland will be performing in Circus Circus Circus, as will beatboxer and sound artist DJ Marv Radio, pictured below right with Muti Musafiri ideas of identity and race – Word explores our everyday use of language, both conscious and unconscious.

Having graduated from the University of Chichester with an MA in Performance (Theatre), Jamal is now an associate artist at Camden People’s Theatre. £12/£15 Friday, November 22 — Artist showcase at Hoxton Hall (7.30pm): The festival’s finale sees circus performance created with festival partner Victoria Amedume of Upswing Aerial Circus.

This night of new work utilises Hoxton Hall’s atmospheric space and includes Out of Order, Symoné & Joana Dias and

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more to provide an evening of circus beyond the norm.

Expect rollerskates, Chinese pole work and feats via aerial silks woven into stories of birth, race, gender and the cabaret at the end of the world. £12/£15 Certain Blacks Present: Circus Circus Circus will take

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place from November 7-22, at both Rich Mix (35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch, London, E1 6LA) and Hoxton Hall (130 Hoxton St, London, 6SH).

Prices range from £10 to £15 For more information or to book, please go to: certainblacks.com

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 43

Lifestyle

BEYOND THE NORM: Upswing Aerial Circus will bring the festival to a close with incredible feats

Reclaiming hip-hop: ‘One of the most misunderstood cultures in history’

BY MARV RADIO HIP-HOP IS one of the most misunderstood and disrespected cultures in history.

It has a long legacy, one stemming from Afrikan roots, modelled from griot storyteller-musicians from West Afrika as well as freeform jazz, funk and soul.

The whole culture is based on the precepts of peace, love, unity and having fun, and emerged from troubled New York neighbourhoods where community elders were tired of seeing the endless slaying of young blacks and latinxs.

The block parties brought the community together in celebration and saw rival gangs solving disputes through dance battles, the environments being reimagined through graffiti, DJs reinventing funk into the drum-heavy breakbeats and MCs who would control the party, address the public and make sure that everyone was having fun while being educated.

The spiritual significance of hip-hop is often lost to the uninitiated, but the culture was all about the circle, the cypher and the bridging and sharing of communities.

MC actually stands for “Master of Ceremony”, a nod to the ritual and communion that birthed civilisation from the heart of Afrika.

SURVIVAL

A displaced populace whose history, languages and land had been stolen from them suddenly returned back to the art of ritual, seeing royalty emerging from the rubbles of the broken society they had been forced to inhabit.

It was all going so well, with afrocentric poetry that told stories of the diaspora and their struggle for survival, moving through the world and catching the ears and hearts of youths worldwide.

Unfortunately, as most readers will know, hip-hop was infiltrated and corrupted by big business and now is often used to spread negative stereotypes of the black experience and an obsession of misogyny, crime, drugs,

gangs and violence – the very thing the artform was created to transcend.

At Hip Hop Palace, we say that this phase is over and we have had enough of the attack on our culture.

We have been reduced from kings and queens, warriors and sages to Bs and Ns, hoes and thugs.

By weaving together the artforms of dance, rap, circus, graffiti and turntablism, we took Underbelly Southbank by storm on April 26, with heart-centred, world-class performances that reminded our audience that they too are royalty.

We don’t think of royalty as some elite concept of separation and control of resources, but as the birthright of sovereign people.

We now bring our show to Rich Mix on November 7 as part of Certain

Black’s Circus Circus Circus festival, merging the exciting worlds of dance, beatbox, burlesque, circus and music, hosted by The Jester Kings: Marv Radio and Mutsolace.

The night will be a rags-to-riches story with a difference, reminding us that the riches have been with us the

entire time and the illusion of hip-hop being a low brow, low society culture is over.

Join us in celebrating hip-hop as the most exciting and unique cultural phenomenon of the last century.

Let’s take the throne and reclaim our royalty.

44 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Travel

Picture-perfect

ISLAND CAPITAL: Vibrant Oranjestad has colourful buildings, restaurants and shops

Aruba is an ideal destination for foodies, art-lovers and those just seeking peace and quiet

BY LEAH SINCLAIR

CREATIVE SPACE: San Nicolas is the place to go for those who are looking for an art and culture fix

“D

O YOU know why we call Aruba ‘one happy island’?” This is the question I was asked while sitting in a traditional Aruban restaurant in the middle of a vibrant neighbourhood of the capital Oranjestad.

While I racked my brains trying to find a mildly impressive answer, my host for the evening said: “It is because we have 96 nationalities, various cultures and we all get along. There’s no racism in Aruba.”

Quite a bold statement to imply any country is absolved of the global epidemic that is racism, but I did understand his point of view.

Aruba is quite literally a cultural melting pot, with blend of influences including Dutch, Spanish and most recently, American. Americans frequent-

ly come over to the island, setting up properties to stay in on holiday in the summer and then rent out when they head home.

The island gets two million tourists a year – with 40 per cent of those being American, showing their importance to the Aruban economy, which is re-

flected on the island. While in Aruba, you may occasionally drive past a Wendy’s or a Hard Rock Cafe – but if you look close enough, you’ll find the traditional local spots for food, entertainment and everything in between.

I guess a part of being “one happy island” is appealing to

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everyone. And the diversity you find in Aruba can largely be attributed to its history.

The natives speak a minimum of four languages – Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish and English.

The island was initially inhabited by Arawak Caquetío Amerindians, before being invaded by the Spain in 1499 and later

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the Netherlands, who seized Aruba from Spain in 1636.

This colonial past means that Aruba is made up of various influences which impact their food, tourism, education and much more, making it an intriguing island to visit.

Food Food in Aruba is reflected by the island life. You can get a mixture of cuisines, varying from Cuban, Italian, Aruban and Dutch – and seafood, lots and lots of seafood.

During my trip, we made a pit stop at Local Store, a sports bar in Noord.

The bar attracts locals and tourists alike as they intermingle while sipping the signature Aruba Balashi beer and munching on everything from popcorn shrimp and buffalo wings to funchi – an Antillean staple which is to die for.

Other great local spots include Shoco Shake, where you can get your selection of fresh juices from papaya to mango,

to Huchada which has a wide selection of empanadas and other fried breakfast options.

The majority of my time in Aruba was spent consuming lots of seafood, much to my pleasure.

Red snapper, plantain and shrimp at Zeerovers made for the perfect meal as we sat along the dock and drank more balashi beer than my body would like to admit.

At Papiamento, my seafood dreams were equally fulfilled as I ate delicious Caribbean shrimp and rock lobster stewed in an Aruban style chowder with coconut milk, whilst sitting in a cosy local garden set-up around the pool.

For the meat eaters looking for a more traditional experience, The Old Cunucu House restaurant is a go-to spot.

The restaurant, based in Noord, is an original Aruban house known for its native hospitality. I dined on the popular goat stew with white rice, veg and plantain, which instantly

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NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 45

Travel reminded me of the dishes I’m familiar with back home.

For a more luxe meat-eating experience, Papillon provides the perfect atmosphere.

The French restaurant with a Caribbean twist is beautifully lit and perfect for lovers or friends.

I ordered the filet mignon medium-well, which was perfectly succulent and indulged in crème brûlée for dessert.

Superb.

If you have limited time in Aruba and want to get a gist of what the island has to offer, I’d highly recommend their food tour.

The Fusion of the World Food Tour takes you on a culinary journey through the island’s most popular cuisines, stopping off at The Old Fisherman for traditional Aruban starters, The West Deck for Jamaican appetisers, The Dutch Pancakehouse for some Dutch treats, Cuba’s Cookin’ for their mojitos and Italy In The World for a little desert washed down with prosecco.

The two-and-a-half-hour walking food tour is definitely worth the price at $79pp (£61).

Things to do Unlike much of the Caribbean, Aruba has a dry climate and a desert-like landscape, filled with

“Street art left me not wanting to put my camera down”

cactus, lizards, iguanas and the occasional Colombian boa constrictor (which I unfortunately didn’t see).

To get an idea of Aruba’s landscape, a visit to Arikok National Park will certainly do the trick.

The natural area is located in the north-eastern part of Aruba and still makes up 18 per cent of the total land area.

Walking around the national park in 32-degree heat is no easy feat, but it makes for a beautiful and intriguing experience as you explore the flora, fauna, geology and historical remains of the island.

If you’re less interested in hiking and more inclined to chill along the beachfront, then Eagle Beach is definitely the place to go.

Located opposite the Amsterdam Manor Hotel, sugary white sand and crystal clear waters is a sight to behold as you get great value and tranquillity all in one. Equally, a relaxing yacht

ride on the Monforte III will allow you to explore the island by sea, while enjoying a free lunch and an open bar.

For a little art and culture, head on down to San Nicolas and get a glimpse of their stunning street art.

I did a mural tour courtesy of ArtisA art gallery – the home of all things creative in Aruba’s art district.

During my visit, a guide took me through the vibrant street art plastered across shops, homes and public spaces, that left me never wanting to put my camera down.

For fellow creatives, a visit to San Nicolas is a must, as the passion for art and how it benefits their community is clearly displayed at every turn.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Aruba definitely provides the perfect opportunity to relax by the beach, take in the art and culture, hike your way through nature and indulge in some nighttime activities.

Looking for flights and a place to stay in Aruba? Visit klm.com/ home/nl/en for their affordable Amsterdam-Aruba flights and book accommodation at the colonial style 4* Amsterdam Manor hotel amsterdammanor.com/

BACK TO NATURE: Eagle Beach is a perfect place to relax; below, Arikok National Park has a wide array of flora and fauna

46 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Health and wellbeing

You’re spot on!

Entrepreneur Kyle Frank talks about his quest to cure acne

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

H

E’S BEEN on a mission, and through his efforts Kyle Frank has arrived at the conclusion that the answers to our skin problems are all around us – we’re literally walking right past them.

Concocting natural remedies for issues affecting our skin is all the rage at the moment, but for Frank it was a personal journey, which has led him to creating a natural, organic and vegan skincare range specially developed for those who suffer from acne.

In 2013 a study by Bhate & Williams concluded that acne affects eight in 10 individuals aged between 11 and 30. The most common age group is between 14-19.

However in rare cases acne can continue into adulthood and affects five per cent of women and one per cent of men.

Acne is deemed an external skin condition. But a study by the British Skin Foundation in 2012 highlighted the emotional and psychological effects of acne. These include depression and lowered self-esteem and confidence that can impact sufferers’ work and social life.

Having battled with cystic acne for five years, the chemicals in conventional acne treatments left Frank’s sensitive skin feeling dry and irritated.

He decided to study acne by travelling to different parts of the world, reading antiquated literature and doing his own research.

While learning about business from the Prince’s Trust

“A family in Bali taught me about natural ingredients – different to western culture”

enterprise course, Frank, 23, launched his own brand – Frank’s Remedies – in his third year of university, after many years of developing ideas that resulted in creating and formulating products that cleared his five-year struggle with cystic acne.

Lifestyle: Most people just accept the decision of the doctors, accept there probably isn’t another way to combat their skin issues, but you didn’t – why not?

Kyle Frank: Essentially the creams and oils they were giving me were making my skin and appearance a lot worse as well as taking a toll on my body.

They got to a stage where they referred me to dermatologists, which was the last stage of trying to clear the acne.

I had to sign declaration forms because there were a lot of side effects and there were regular blood tests as well.

When I was taking the medication it basically dries out your whole body – including your synovial fluid, which is the fluid that allows your joints to move.

After taking that for a month I felt like a tin man. I couldn’t go to the gym or play basketball or do anything at all because it was actually painful to move.

So I always believed there was a natural solution for anything, any type of disease or skin ailment, so I went on my

own journey of trying to create my own products really to try and find better understanding.

TOP ETHICAL BRAND: Frank’s Remedies has been applauded by magazines for its unique and innovative approach to acne; inset below, before and after photos show the efficacy of the products

LS: What were some of the interesting places you travelled to on your journey and what did you learn along the way?

KF: While I was travelling I got to stay with a family in Bali and they taught me about making products from natural, raw ingredients.

They also taught me a different interpretation to what western culture believes, where everything is dietary or hormonal, that things can be connected to stress or repressed emotions.

They taught me about things like ho leaf and rose quartz which can be used to heal the body and mind holistically.

There was also aloe vera, which has been known to calm and heal the skin as well as other effective ingredients.

LS: This journey began in your teens, a difficult time for anyone, but especially those dealing with skin issues such as what you faced. Did you find there was a lack of support out there for you and people like you?

KF: There was hardly any support because at the time I got acne it was quite late in my teens – most of my friends already had clear skin and had been through it years before.

I’d go to pharmacists and other professionals and they would never really know what acne was and they would say I would have to wait and that left me thinking there has to be another route to understanding this.

LS: Did you ever have plans to run you own business? What did you aspire to be when you were a young boy growing up in south London?

KF: I’m from Streatham and wanted to be a judge when I was younger, something about the way they banged the hammer down appealed to me.

I went to university like most people, really, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and this seems like my calling. I was studying applied psychology and sociology and was going to look into being a psychiatrist with a view of going into teaching or therapy and I started looking into

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this when I was in my third year of uni and was on the Prince’s Trust enterprise course, too.

LS: Natural and organic remedies are quite in vogue at the moment, so how do you plan to separate your product from the pseudo-repair alternatives that present themselves as just as effective as your own?

KF: I think most other products try to fit everything, to help with eczema, to help with acne and more. In reality I don’t think it 100 per cent does that.

My products are particularly for acne and its after effects.

@thevoicenews

Sometimes people, where their spots have gone down, can continue to have the spots and blemishes for years, so I think it’s great to have that all in one range. I also think that me being a part of the brand and being quite lucky to have documented images from my past is a thing people can relate to.

LS: Elle magazine featured your product as a ‘top ethical brand’, as well as Vegan Life magazine loving the efficacy of Frank’s Remedies; the recognition must make you feel particularly good.

What’s to come?

voicenews

KF: It’s nice to recognised so early after my launch. I’m creating more products to complete the range, I’m focusing more on the scars and blemishes side.

I’m working on a survival kit, which is going to have five miniature versions of the first products I created.

So it’s a person’s first go-to product if they are having acne issues and I have a helpline on there so any issues that they are having, we can talk.

Check out franksremedies. com for more.

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 47

Lifestyle

Cleaning crystals

CLEANSING RITUAL: Charlene Godfrey’s Aura Kits are designed to help you relax – but you need to make sure those crystals are often cleansed to make full use of their restorative powers

There are plenty of simple ways to cleanse your crystals and ensure their energies are recharged

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

W

HEN WAS the last time you cleaned your healing crystals?

Do you even use crystals?

Crystals not only give out abundant healing and protective energies of their own, but they also absorb energies – making it an important ritual to regularly cleanse and recharge them.

Charlene Godfrey, founder of Aura Kits, a monthly subscription box that promotes wellbe-

“When you take care of your crystals they will work for you”

ing, mindfulness and self-care, told Lifestyle that cleansing and recharging your crystals was of the utmost importance in order to increase your chances of alignment and peace within.

“I strongly believe in regular self-care routines and have seen for myself the benefits that come from taking care of

ourselves from an energetic perspective, incorporating relaxation, mindful practices and a positive outlook,” she said.

For those searching for ways to ensure their crystals are working at optimum level, Godfrey suggests a few tips: • Under the light of a full moon: Place your crystals either outside or on a windowsill under the moonlight and leave overnight.

• In natural/spring water: Immerse your crystals in the water and leave for the day or night to cleanse.

• Inside of a bowl of rock salt: Fill a bowl with rock salt and

push your crystals inside of the salt until they are completely covered and leave for a day, or at least a few hours.

• With the smoke of sage: During smudging you can use this time to give your crystals a cleanse. While your sage smudge stick burns, hold each crystal individually over the smoke, allowing the smoke to engulf the crystal for a few minutes.

• In soil: you can bury your crystals in the dirt, outside, overnight and dig them back up in the morning (don’t bury them too deep, of course, or forget where your put them).

“Whichever way you choose, your crystals will be cleansed and recharged ready for you to work with again, carry around or wear,” Godfrey enthused.

UNWIND

She added: “How frequently you use your crystals or wear them will change how often you will need to use these techniques.

“Remember when you take care of your crystals they will work for you, for your highest good.”

Godfrey says her Aura Kits cater for those with fast-paced lives who need to unwind at the end of a hard-working day.

“Cleanse, heal and balance your energy using smudge sticks, incense, candles, Himalayan pink salts, healing crystals, relaxation tracks and with quick, easy-to-follow information and guidance in meditation, salt baths, positive visualisation, and affirmations,” Godfrey added.

“Each kit is put together and wrapped beautifully for a gifting experience that goes beyond just the products that are inside!”

If they sound like a great Christmas gift to you, check out aurakits.co.uk for more info.

48 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Advertorial

Lifestyle

LONDON FASHION CENTRE London Fashion Centre in Fonthill Road Fashion Village is the go-to spot for all your needs

T

HE LONDON Fashion Centre in Fonthill Road Fashion Village, at the heart of Finsbury Park in the London Borough of Islington, is unlike any other shopping district you have visited before.

It is lined with independent fashion retail boutiques and wholesalers where you will find an incredible range of products that reflect London’s status as a hotbed of fashion creativity and cultural diversity.

OCCASION

For those who know about the Fonthill Road Fashion Village, every occasion, from weddings and proms to milestone birthdays and festive parties, offers an opportunity to uncover West End quality products at unbelievable prices.

For those not in the know, Fonthill Road Fashion Village remains London’s best kept fashion secret.

This look book has been developed by the Fonthill Road Fashion Village traders, with support from Islington Council, to share the magic of the area

with shoppers in London and beyond who love to find high quality bargains or unique fashion pieces that you can’t find in high street chains.

We brought together council officers, volunteer models from

HOTSPOT: Whatever your style, Fonthill Road Fashion Village has you covered

“You will find an incredible range of products that reflect London” the community, fantastic traders from the Fonthill Road Fashion Village and an incredible creative team led by Courtney Mitchell to put together a showcase of what you will find in the Fonthill Road Fashion Village.

Visit Fonthill Road Fashion Village today – London’s best kept fashion secret.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am - 6pm

Unsure on how to get here? Let us help you out...

WHETHER you are coming from home or work, central London, outer London or outside of London, Fonthill Road Fashion Village is very conveniently located for a visit by public transport.

By bike There are bike racks located across Fonthill Road Fashion Village making it easy to lock

your bicycle while you browse.

By bus London bus routes 4, 19, 29, 106, 153, 210, 236, 253, 254, 259, W3, W7 all stop in Finsbury Park connecting Fonthill Road Fashion Village to London.

able around the Fonthill Road Fashion Village as well as a 50-space car park on Goodwin street. Check online for parking prices.

By car There is on street parking avail-

By Tube Finsbury park London Underground and national rail station is located right next to Fonthill Road Fashion Village. The Lon-

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@thevoicenews

don Underground station is served by the Victoria line and the Piccadilly line.

By rail Finsbury Park national rail station is served by the Cambridge to Kings Cross service, the Peterborough to Kings Cross service and the Letch- worth Garden City to Kings Cross service.

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www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

Advertorial

THE VOICE | 49

Lifestyle

IS READY FOR CHRISTMAS A S THE London Fashion Centre celebrates its 25th birthday, during November and December we will be offering a 20 per cent discount in all participating shops within the centre.

Within the London Fashion Centre you will find designer wedding dresses, evening and prom dresses, menswear and hats that can be designed in advance to match your brief – or just turn up on the day!

DECADENT

There’s also men’s and boyswear, African wear – in fact, it’s a one stop centre for everything!

Decadent designs at great prices – where else would you go to pick up that little number for the Christmas or New Year’s Eve party? Just don’t forget to bring the voucher here with you!

Happy holidays to all our wonderful customers – we hope to see you all soon.

You can get in touch with The London Fashion Centre on 020 7263 0458.

GET 20% OFF!*

It’s our birthday, but you get the presents as the London Fashion Centre celebrates its 25th birthday this Christmas.

Over the months of November and December 2019 bring this voucher for up to 20% discount! *Get 20% off in participating stores only. You must bring this voucher in order to receive discount. Valid only during November and December.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: You’re sure to be suited and booted for the festive season with a trip to London Fashion Centre this November and December, whether you’re after something for yourself, your other half or your kids

50 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Business

Louise is living the dream Entrepreneur and Shoobs.com founder Louise Broni-Mensah shows you can do it all...

BY ALANNAH FRANCIS

I

T’S BEEN eight years since Louise Broni-Mensah launched Shoobs. com. At the time, it was the only black entertainment event ticketing site in the UK. Almost a decade later it remains in a lane of its own – as does its founder.

From the outset, it may not have appeared that Broni-Mensah, the eldest of four children born to Ghanaian parents both working in finance, was always destined to be the CEO and founder of an entertainment company, but upon meeting her and discovering how perseverance has steered her journey, it’s no wonder.

An experience relatable to many black British African children, Broni-Mensah’s parents wanted her to pursue an academic subject at university, not her passion of music and entertainment.

“I was raised in Edmonton, north London, and growing up my parents very much instilled in me how important education was, as well as success.”

As a self-confessed maths lover, she wasn’t against doing a degree her parents would be happy with but her ambitious spirit meant she found a way to devote time to music and events throughout her studies.

“I studied mathematical economics at the university of Birmingham, but while I was there I was always involved in music and events and so I actually worked for the radio station Burn FM. I was a breakfast DJ and a drivetime DJ and then I also started working for Sony music.”

Broni-Mensah’s role with Sony, inspired by the careers of P Diddy and the like, saw her promote artists and events on campus. But she left this behind once she graduated.

Her mum was a trader and following in her footsteps, Broni-Mensah went into investment banking.

O n c e she’d bought a house, car, saved up,

ON TO A GOOD THING: Louise Broni-Mensah initially struggled to get funding for her venture, but eventually got it with the help of YCombinator

and pleased her parents, BroniMensah set out to pursue her passion. While managing a hip hop artist she became acutely aware of the poor promotion of black music events and the lack of a one-stop place to discover them. Tired of managing guestlists and receiving flyers on WhatsApp, Broni-Mensah had a brainwave.

“I recognised there wasn’t this one-stop destination for people to one, discover the events, and two, also to buy tickets for them and so that was really the kind of catalyst or I guess what they call the ‘lightbulb’ moment.”

VIABILITY

With hindsight it seems a sure success, but it took a while for Broni-Mensah to be completely convinced of the viability of the company.

“I kind of saw it being a problem in our community but to be honest I didn’t know if it could be a fully-fledged business.”

It soon became apparent that it wasn’t just Broni-Mensah and her friends who were desperate for a site like Shoobs, the company started making money on its first day – a rare feat – and soon the number of users rocketed. The significant organic growth convinced the then investment banker to leave her finance job to manage Shoobs full-time.

She toyed with names for the site before deciding on Shoobs – a slang term for party.

A move partly motivated by a desire to boldly state that this was a site that celebrated black culture and her commitment to authenticity.

“I thought, ‘This is about urban events,’ and the whole reason that I wanted to start the website is because I was frustrated that this culture, which for me represented the culture of London – the culture of the environment – felt

like it was always hidden. These are urban, black music, black culture events and I want this to be at the forefront and I want there to be a place that is professional, that is slick for this community.”

And it’s become just that. Shoobs has provided a platform for promoters of black music and cultural events with popular podcast 3ShotsOfTequila’s live show, festival Afro Nation among recent listings. It’s also the go-to for events with an unapologetic diaspora focus such as Independence Day celebrations and Notting Hill Carnival after parties. The name has also acted as a conversation starter with those unfamiliar with the term.

For the 37-year-old it also ties in with her mission to take black British culture global, which has so far seen Shoobs launch in the US. While Broni-Mensah has reached great heights, it hasn’t been smooth sailing.

Initially she struggled to get a bank to come on board as

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a payment service provider, a necessary element for an e-commerce business like Shoobs.

Securing investment was also a struggle – not because her company wasn’t promising and proving its worth, but because she was a black woman.

Her experience is one widely shared by black female found-

challenges, none have been insurmountable.

Broni-Mensah has achieved what some thought impossible, becoming the first black woman to be accepted on to the highly competitive YCombinator accelerator programme in Silicon Valley. Its alumni include Airbnb and Dropbox.

“For me, it was the first time

“I think it’s important that people see that there are so many opportunities for us” ers. Around just two per cent of venture capitalist funding goes to women and the figures are even lower for black women – less than one per cent.

“I would sometimes walk in with even better sort of business statistics, traction than some of my male counterparts but they would walk in and get a better response and get the cheques, get the money and it kind of made no sense to me.”

But while there have been

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that made me realise, ‘Wow I’m on to something here, because some of the most brilliant minds, people that I have a lot of respect for in this whole industry have looked at my business and essentially validated it’.”

Since she made history with her YCombinator success, Broni-Mensah says around 20 black women have gone on to be accepted into the programme.

Not satisfied with just being

voicenews

the first, she wants to bring others through as well.

“I think what’s really important is the visibility, a platform for people to kind of like have the opportunity to promote what they’re doing to shout about what they’re doing and for others to engage with that.”

She’d love to see more black role models in business but says this can only come if the black people support one another.

“That might be support with our hard earned cash, that might be me going to your shop, me buying that product, me logging on to that website, whatever it may be, actually actively supporting in an economic way that helps to create wealth for our community.”

“I’m excited to be part of that change,” she added.

“That’s why I like to share my story now and I like to give advice to people because I think it’s important that people see that there are so many opportunities for us as a people.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 51

Young Voices

Vision of the future Whether he’s interviewing A-list stars on the red carpet, making robots or encouraging other kids to turn their hands to technology, Callum Daniel is full of promise

BY RODNEY HINDS

Y

OUNG ROBOTICIST Callum Daniel is proving to be a sure one to watch.

Billed as a kid genius – a title from which Callum shies away – his message to other children is: “Technology plays a major part in our future and we should all learn some aspect of it and, in particular, robotics.”

What most don’t know is that he is a pretty regular child who loves computer games, athletics and hanging out with his friends.

He has inspired many since he started coding and is now on a mission to introduce 1,000 children to robotics.

It’s a large mission, but it doesn’t seem unachievable, based on what he’s done so far.

The visionary Callum seeks to partner with other tech providers and community organisations to provide free sessions for 1,000 children.

Callum told Young Voices: “Not everyone can afford to pay for extra classes or travel to specific locations.

“It would be great to support 1,000 children with their first ex-

perience in robotics or tech. It could be a career choice they’ve never thought about.

“Those willing to fund, partner or volunteer should contact info@icoderobots.com.”

Things have not slowed down

“I’m confident we will get the help we need to pull this off and make a massive impact on the children” for Callum, who has been featured on the BBC, ITV and multiple publications globally after being aged just eight when he founded iCodeRobots, based at Loughborough University London.

He has branched out as a host of Lego videos and a red carpet presenter, interviewing A-listers such as Will Smith, Pharrell Williams, Guy Ritchie, Hans Zimmer and many more.

The young tech expert was also recently featured in a short film project with director Ashley Chin.

Extraordinarily, the tech wizz is currently pitching a dual book and animation deal about a kid w h o codes ro-

VISIONARY: Callum Daniel is one of the next generation’s tech pioneers, but he also interviews stars such as Will Smith, inset below; The Voice covered his robotics venture in 2017, inset far left (main image: Creative Soul Photography; hair by: Damez Mobile Barbers) bots, which is generating significant interest in Hollywood and publishers within the UK. With hidden talents in music and film, Callum has recently been surrounded by film and music industry execs.

They have also labelled him “a 360 artist”, a term coined by Stefan AD Wade, whom Callum met at a Google-run event featuring the actor John Boyega in conversation with Femi Oguns MBE.

At the time, Stefan worked as co-producer at Boyega’s production company, UpperRoom, and as on-set assistant of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which will be released next month.

Alongside his 1,000 kids campaign and the book deal, Callum and Stefan are merging the world of music and animation to bring to life his dream of becoming a cartoon character, inset left.

“I’m so excited to launch my ‘1,000 Robotic Kids’ campaign,” he said.

“Although it’s a big project, I’m confident that we will get the help we need to pull it off, so that we can make a massive impact on the children in the local communities.

52 | THE VOICE

NOVEMBER 2019

Young Voices

Full STEAM ahead for the next generation

BY RODNEY HINDS

S

TUDENTS FROM across the UK, more than 300 volunteers and many organisations came together to educate, inspire and encourage the next generation of science, tech, engineering, arts, and maths (STEAM) talent – and 70 per cent of the attendees come from a BAME background.

The Your Future Your Ambition (YFYA) STEAM initiative for those aged seven to 23 took place at the Emirates Stadium in October.

Some 31 companies, 28 activities and more than 1,000 young people gathered at Arsenal FC’s home to learn about STEM careers.

The annual event has been recognised by former Prime Minister Theresa May, who awarded founder Rashada Harry with a Point of Light Award for the success of YFYA’s annual event.

Recent reports show that there is an annual shortfall of

40,000 STEM-skilled workers and yet the BAME community is still underrepresented in STEM industries across the board.

The annual YFYA event at the Emirates Stadium aims to bridge the diversity gap in STEM subjects.

The event was founded back in 2011 to encourage diversity and inclusion in the STEM industries and is led by Harry and a small team of valued volunteers.

At the annual event, young people who aspire to have future careers in maths, science and computing are invited to take part in activities, live science demonstrations, and education workshops.

Since its launch in 2011, nearly 5,000 students have attended the event and met leading professionals working in these specialisms.

Over 620 of these students have signed up for ongoing mentoring and work experience opportunities with major companies in the tech industry.

Harry has been recognised for her commitment to diversity, named as a Top 30 Future Lead-

er 2017 by the Financial Times and was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in philosophy from London Metropolitan University for her contribution to encouraging diversity in STEM. She has also been listed in the EM360 Tech Top 10 Influential BAME tech leaders list 2019.

INSPIRING

Harry told Young Voices: “I have to say thanks for all the support from the sponsors.

“This year has been a landmark for us for numerous reasons, but for one in particular.

“We have evolved from STEM to STEAM to also include the arts and what that brings to the industry.

“We’ve asked more organisations to join us on our journey in educating, inspiring and encouraging the next generation.

“From beginning to end we have extended the activities we have put on.

“There has been excellent opportunities and activities and how fantastic it was to see a diverse group of young people sharing their journey.

“We asked everybody to be a role model or mentor and to make sure that they imparted their advice on the young people, it was all well received.

“I have to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication to the team that help put the event together.

“The event is about creating that link between what young people are studying at school and how that can see that route to progression into great careers within our respective organisations.

“YFYA was born of the premise that we want to educate, inspire. We want to make sure that they have opportunities and see the people behind these brands who make things happen.”

BOFFINS: Young people having fun at the The Your Future Your Ambition at Emirates Stadium; YFYA founder Rashada Harry (third left) and some of the event’s participants

Why is having an inclusive environment so important to you?

“Diversity is being asked to the party; Inclusion is being invited to dance”.

This quote from Verna Myers, author and VP, Inclusion Strategy at Netflix, particularly resonates with me as I have been in situations, over the course of my career, where I am the only person of colour in a meeting or at a site.

Having an inclusive environment helps all our colleagues always feel included, confident in development discussions, career goals, and get the support they need to perform at their best.

EMBRACING Diversity at GSK In the context of Black History Month, GSK’s Omar Ahmed shares his experience as an employee and how it motivated him to create the GSK EMBRACE Employee Resource Group (ERG) to help attract, retain and develop Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees, and encourage colleagues to be more comfortable talking about race in the workplace.

What does success for EMBRACE look like?

GSK

GSK is a science led global healthcare company employing over 100,000 people in over 150 countries. GSK has 3 global businesses that research, develop and manufacture innovative pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and consumer healthcare products.

Its goal is to be one of the world’s most innovative, best performing and trusted healthcare companies.

GSK’s values and expectations are at the heart of everything it does and helps define its culture - so that together it can deliver extraordinary things for its patients and consumers and make GSK a brilliant place to work.

Everyone at GSK is focused on three priorities - Innovation, Performance and Trust. Diversity and inclusion are high on the agenda at GSK and there are 13 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that facilitate this.

At the close of UK Black History Month, GSK shares information about its BAME Employee Resource group EMBRACE, and how they are supporting the journey to be an inclusive employer of choice.

ment efforts such as sponsoring GSK’s participation in events like Your Future Your Ambition; to inspire young people (7 - 23 years) from disadvantaged background to pursue STEM careers, and recently invited Sandra Kerr OBE, Race Director at BITC, to deliver her talk “Let’s Talk about Race” to highlight BAME challenges in the workplace. EMBRACE maintains connections externally with similar groups from other companies through The Network of Networks (TNON) BAME / Multicultural chapter).

EMBRACE founder - Omar Ahmed: Leading the way for EMBRACE

What made you want to join GSK?

Embrace

EMBRACE is an ERG that is employee-led and focused on Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) diversity. EMBRACE’s high-level vision is to support GSK in becoming racially, ethnically and culturally diverse at every level. launched in November 2017, they have members in ten countries, across four continents and are growing.

The current focus for EMBRACE is on senior leader engagement, culture, talent and development, and highlighting GSK opportunities to improve BAME employee recruitment, progression and retention.

EMBRACE also supports outreach and community engage-

product introductions, de-risking and cost saving initiatives at a major GSK Oral Health site.

I am also the co-lead of our EMBRACE Employee resource group and sit on and sits on the Global Ethnicity council, working alongside employees, Senior business leader and Executive board members to create an environment where people of BAME background, based on values & performance, succeed at the most senior levels of the business, as they deliver against GSK’s strategic priorities. A platform for cross-company collaboration with network leaders from over 60 organisations, across FTSE companies, to share challenges and best practice.

Could you tell us more about your role at GSK?

I am a Product Transfer and New Product Introduction Manager in Consumer Healthcare Supply Chain, leading and managing new

I joined GSK because I believe in ‘why’ we do what we do. We are dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. Having grown up in East Africa, I personally understand the impact diseases have on families, and at times the difference between life and death is the ability to access the required medicine.

I suffered from malaria as a child and I was blessed to have a family that had the means to provide the necessary treatment. I wanted to work for a company that is making a positive impact to life.

EMBRACE is in its formative years, success is providing a forum and environment for education and engagement to enable open and honest conversation around challenges faced by individuals from a BAME background, having clear actionable steps on how GSK can have representation at all levels, and be an inclusive employer of choice.

What motivated you to start an Employee Resource Group?

I created EMBRACE to educate and drive visibility, awareness and promote understanding of the challenges faced by people like me, who identify as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic.

“EMBRACE’s goal is to partner across GSK to create a diverse, inclusive and comfortable environment that empowers BAME employees to reach their full potential, be their authentic selves and contribute fully to delivery of GSK’s Innovation, Performance and Trust strategic priorities.”

How can GSK employees join EMBRACE? Once you secure a role and start working at GSK, if you are based in the UK you can join the EMBRACE and other ERGs on day 1.

EMBRACE is open to all employees of all ethnicities, there are a lot of opportunities for everyone to get involved.

How can I join GSK?

GSK has opportunities available, whatever stage you are at in your career journey. Whether a school leaver, undergraduate, graduate or experienced individual have a look at GSK’s career pages to find out more.

CAREERS | INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT GRADUATE PROGRAMME | WORK EXPERIENCE https://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/apprenticeships/ https://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/undergraduates/ https://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/graduates/ https://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/

54 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Television

‘My parents taught me to work hard’

After a stint of reading autocues, ITV weatherman Alex Beresford is now firmly where he belongs – in front of the camera

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

T

V PRESENTER Alex Beresford is one of the most familiar faces on ITV Weather he’s also a living example of forging your own luck and taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

The 39-year-old Bristolian has had quite a year and is probably even more well known now than at any point in his ascent. For those who aren’t aware, he’s been in the mix for over 15 years – and it all started with the a job at the old Kiss FM. “[In] August 2004 I stepped through the doors of ITV in Bristol. They say you make your own luck, and, well – I was just a bit lucky with timing I guess,” Beresford explains to Lifestyle.

FRIENDLY

“To take it back a bit before I joined ITV I was working for a radio station called Vibe 101, which is now Kiss FM, and I was just doing all of the street team stuff, having a good time.

“I had not long finished university, I didn’t want to get a proper job and wanted to take a bit of time out.

“While I was there, I got friendly with someone that read the news for Vibe 101. One day they got a phone call from a friend of theirs who worked at ITV saying they needed someone to read the autocue, just freelance a couple of afternoons a week.”

He adds: “I called the lady at ITV and we just hit it off over the phone. The next thing I knew I was told to come in the next day so she could talk me through it.

“I asked her about the interview and she said it was OK, she had a good feeling about me, I’d be fine and she thought I’d be right for the job.”

Reading autocue projected Beresford on to this journey.

“I always say to kids that it’s really important to work hard when you’re young – it sets the foundation” He’d always had a desire to be on screen. At university he’d studied English Studies and Performance Arts, but even that was as a fallback in case he didn’t get where he wanted to in media.

“I started doing the autocue, which I grew to love, but I always had a burning desire to be on the other side of the autocue. I always knew I wanted to be a presenter, I always knew I wanted to be on camera before I got to ITV. So when I got to ITV I thought I need to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Offering to do work experience and extra hours with the production company in the same building as ITV and generally making himself available in order to ‘learn as much’ as he could didn’t go unnoticed.

“Luckily, the series producer of one of the programmes that ITV were making took a shine to me and thanked me for volunteering. I knew I wasn’t going to get paid on the shoots but I was going to learn – and that made it worth doing.

“At the end of series she gave me a craft cameraman for half an hour, and said, ‘Go and shoot your

showreel’. I was like, ‘Wow, thanks’. I scripted it and she basically helped me put my first showreel together. She even got one of her editors to edit it for me.

“One funny thing was when the editor was putting my showreel together he said, ‘Yeah, it’s OK, but it’s not great.’ I was like, ‘Wow, he cut me down’. I’ll never forget that day.”

PAUSED

Six months after sneaking the finished showreel DVD into the office of the top boss, Beresford got a tap on the shoulder.

“As I walked into the boss’s office my face was paused on her TV screen. She asked me what my DVD was all about and I explained that I wanted to be a TV presenter.

“I told her I wanted to find out who the right people were to know before I made my move and this is me making my move. She said she really respected the way that I had done things and told me there was something coming up in a few months’ time that she would like me to consider applying for.

“I waited another six months and it was the weather job, starting off regionally.”

Beresford says doing the weather allowed him to do something that was ‘fun while having a serious element to it’.

A man of substance and still with his feet on the ground, Beresford says being a role model to young people up and down the country fills him with the biggest sense of achievement.

“Obviously I am really aware of my position and

@thevoicenewspaper

BIG BREAK: Alex Beresford handed a showreel into a top TV boss before being told to apply for a role; inset right, with The Voice’s Joel Campbell I am really grateful for everything that has happened so far in my career. I know that I have worked a lot.

“I always say to kids – because I go into a lot of schools up and down the country – that it’s really important to work hard when you’re young.

“It’s a really short time in your life but it really does set the foundation for the future.

There’s probably people in any room that witnessed their parents waking up and going to work to do jobs they just don’t want to do because they need to earn some money.

“I always say that you spend more time at work than you do with your family, so why don’t you do something you really enjoy if you’re going to be away from your family?

“For me, getting up and going to work everyday isn’t work.

I don’t ever get that feeling in the morning where I am trying to find excuses for not going in, like a lot of people do.”

Inspired by his English mother and Guyanese father, Beresford says he learned to develop a work ethic during his teens.

“My parents have been the biggest support in my network. I was quite lucky in that I felt I had a bit of balance. Bless my mum because she used to just say, ‘Whatever you do, don’t com-

@thevoicenews

mit crime and don’t do drugs’.

My dad was the one who would push me and say I had to try and do this or that, so I never felt I could disappoint them.

“I guess watching my dad get up everyday for work at half past five in the morning was an example to me. He taught me things without evening expressing them verbally.

HUSTLE

“At the age if 14 I went and got my first Saturday job working in a sports shop just for a couple of hours, just because I wanted to hustle. I just knew that going to work was what you did.

“My dad has retired now but he was an engineer for British Aerospace.”

Recognised pretty much where ever he goes, Beresford, says: “The love I get shown is probably the best bit. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by people coming up to you, young people coming up to me telling me they watch me and bigging me up, telling me to keep doing what I’m doing.

“The love from the community is great, especially because I am still in the community, where I live people still see me.

“There’s no one in Bristol who can say they haven’t seen Alex for years because he’s off doing his TV thing. I’m still accessible.

voicenews

“That’s important to me because I love my culture and I want to be around it as much as possible.”

He’s the face and voice of Channel 4’s popular returning series World’s Weirdest Weather and Britain’s Most Extreme Weather and some of his career highlights include reaching the semi-finals of Dancing on Ice and being flown out to America by Channel 4 straight after an EF5 Tornado hit Oklahoma back in 2013 to make a fast turnaround documentary, Super Tornado.

“I’m lucky to have been doing this for quite a long time, what I would say was quite a long time – I joined ITV in 2004. I feel blessed, but there is still more to do,” he says.

“I’d like my own show one day, a talk show, I like talking to people. One day I feel that is something that I will do. God willing.

“If there was only one thing I would be remembered for I’d like it to be for being real.

“For being the person that helped people, that’s really important to me because there are a lot of people that just do them. If I wanted to I could just do me but for me it’s not about that. I get a lot of joy from helping other people.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 55

Entertainment

Television

ASHLEY’S AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME – WITH DRAKE’S HELP

The star of Top Boy talks about the showʼs Netflix revival and crafting a truly authentic story

BY ALANNAH FRANCIS

T

O P BOY is still the talk of the town, weeks after its third season debuted on Netflix. And with the streaming platform’s global reach, it’s not just Brits who have watched and loved the latest iteration of the series.

With a super-sized budget – thanks to Drake, who came on board as a producer and pushed for the series to get back on our screens – some were fearing that the show would “go Hollywood”, but fans and critics agree the series has stuck to its roots.

This authenticity is something that Ashley Walters, who plays one of the show’s leads, told The Voice he was extremely committed to.

REFLECTED

“These stories that you’re telling are real stories to a lot of people and I feel like you have to make sure you honour those stories first,” said Walters.

“I think the people that come from that world, that experience that life, live that lifestyle, for them to see themselves reflected in the show accurately, I think that’s really important for me.”

When Walters refers to real stories, he means it.

Writer Ronan Bennett (inset above) listened to people for whom the storylines featured in Top Boy are very much a reality as part of his process of crafting material for the show.

Season three builds on Top Boy’s foundation of addressing issues beyond the drugs and gun/knife violence.

Through the different char-

acters’ experiences, a light is shone on immigration struggles and the hostile environment, racism and racist violence, the pressure on young people left alone to raise their siblings, and the difficulty of navigating fractured family relationships, to name but a few.

While the 37-year-old is adamant that Top Boy should be respectful of the people and communities it portrays, he is also aware of the pressure for it to do more than that.

“You want the audience to have the best experience as well, it’s really hard to balance that – authenticity – with entertainment at times, but I think we managed to, we got a really nice balance in this,” he said.

Walters reprises his role as Dushane in the hit series, which follows the lives of two east London drug dealers.

Six years on since Top Boy was last on our screens, Dushane and Sully (played by Kane Robinson, aka Kano) are down on their luck, the former returning to London and the streets from Jamaica in an attempt to save his family – and himself – from an incarcerated but powerful dealer; and the latter recently released from prison and struggling to find his feet.

The pair’s friendship onscreen is rocky. Their different temperaments and ideas on how to approach the challenges they face and conflicting outlooks on the correct way to get to the top cause friction throughout.

Walters jokes that on set they can’t stand each other – before telling the truth about their relationship.

“We’re cool, we’re cool... me and Kane have kind of two dif-

BEST EXPERIENCE: Ashley Walters spoke about the new series of Top Boy, which was produced by Drake, below with Walters ferent ways of approaching our work,” he said.

“Kane’s quite method with his acting, so actually, on set we don’t speak a lot unless we’re in scenes, but outside of work we talk pretty much every day.”

As well as being a major player with his role as Dushane, Walters is also involved with shaping Top Boy behind the scenes.

“There’s times on set where me and Kane were like ‘nah, we ain’t saying that, we’re changing it to this, we’re doing that’ or whatever,” Walters said during a talk at Netflix and NTS’s Top Boy Academy in September (inset below left).

“There’s a lot of scenes in there that wasn’t actually written by Ronan, you know, the structure of them was written by me and Kane – improvised,” he added.

One of the new characters introduced in Top Boy season three is Shelly, a single mother, carer and Dushane’s love in-

terest, played by Little Simz.

The poor representation of black love in British productions gives added significance to Shelly and Dushane’s relationship, beyond what it means for the storyline.

Walters’ intervention in creative decisions extends to his own projects, where he has pushed for this kind of progression.

BEAUTIFUL

“Dushane and Shelly... I think it’s a really beautiful relationship,” Walters said. “And I did in Bulletproof push for the lady playing my wife [Arjana Pike, played by Lashana Lynch] to be black but that’s because I felt that there was a conscious decision to go lighter or white all the time and I didn’t see why it couldn’t be anything different.”

Prior to our interview, Walters had spent an hour at Bennett’s home talking through what his character might be up to in the next season.

A continuation is yet to be

publicly confirmed by Netflix, but it’s clear from their admissions and expressions that the creative team would love for this to be the beginning of a new journey for Top Boy. In the meantime, Walters will be kept busy by the return of the crime comedy-drama Bul-

letproof, having just finished the second season.There’s also his family, as a father-of-eight, and his music, with So Solid Crew celebrating their 21st anniversary next year when he’ll take to the stage with the rest of the crew for a special one-off performance at O2 Kentish Forum.

56 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Music

A MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC Krept & Konan have had enough of haters, and they’ve found the best form of revenge: even more great tunes on their new album

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

T

HE LAST six years have seen Krept & Konan embark on the type of ascent that would have parents gushing with

most pride.

Theirs is a success story that is the stuff of dreams.

The rap duo release their second album tomorrow (November 1), but despite being on the upward curve, the two are determined to prove themselves all over again.

ATTACKED

The project is entitled Revenge Is Sweet, and features guest appearances from Stormzy, Wizkid, Tory Lanez, Headie One and more.

Talking to Lifestyle about what was fuelling the endeavour, Konan explained where the south Londoners were at this stage of their careers.

“You know what, the title (for the album) came together because this is our fourth project but second official album with the label and we’ve been going through a lot of ups and downs,” he said.

“I feel like we had so much success at a point when we first came in and I feel like now, we just feel attacked on the social media and not really ap-

preciated for the things we’re doing.”

He added: “There are people coming out of the woodwork trying to get clout off you and saying things to try and assassinate your character trying to tear us down, so it was like, we’re just going to do the music, we’re not going to entertain

“When you listen to this album, you know exactly how we are feeling and all of our ups and downs” any of it, we’re just going to do music and that’s our revenge basically.

“So when we sat down and was working out what we call the album, we we’re like, ‘Payback’? No. ‘Vengeance’? No. And we were like, what else is there? There’s a name that will title this soundtrack to how we’re feeling right now, and Revenge Is Sweet was it.”

Krept said: “We believe success is out best form of revenge because this is why everyone is mad in the first place, so we’re going to give you even more

reasons to be mad, and we’ll keep striving and keep thriving and keep doing positive things.”

He added: “When you listen to this album you know exactly how we’re feeling, what space we’re in, things that have happened, our ups and downs, you can listen to the album and know where we are.”

The rise and rise of Krept & Konan has seen the two achieve monumental things in the industry since dropping the Young Kingz mixtape in 2013, which shot into the top 20 of the official UK album charts, earning them an entry into the Guinness World Records for the highest-charting UK album by an unsigned act, and it’s difficult for them to pin down one standout moment in that time which blew their minds.

CRAZY

Konan said: “It’s been up and up for us since then (Young Kingz) and there have been a few points since then that I can point to where I’ve said, ‘Wow, this is a bit crazy’.

“When we won the MOBO Awards as independent artists, that was a moment for us.

“We [were] up against Sam Smith and we were the only rappers at the time at the MOBOs and for us, we’d come straight from the streets and then we’re up on the stage performing with Naughty Boy, which was a great opportunity and then to win it and bring all of the mandem on

BIG THINGS: Krept & Konan aren’t slowing down after setting world records and playing huge shows the stage, I could barely talk at the time. If you watch back the footage I was so shocked so I feel that was a standout moment.

“There was a time in New York when we were with French Montana doing Don’t Waste My Time in the Revolt building, Diddy was on the phone telling French he rated us and wanted

Kida Kudz lays it all down in online Voice interview

BY JOEL CAMPBELL HEAD TO voice-online.co.uk to read about Kida Kudz’s decision to connect with Disturbing London, how becoming a father has changed him and linking up with Wiley for his track Bounce.

Produced by Guiltybeatz, the collaboration came to be after Kida reached out to Wiley and sent him the track in its early stages. Wiley loved it and sent his verse back the next day.

Kida’s unique style and

unquestionable prowess sets him apart and puts him in a lane of his own, truly making him one of the most exciting prospects coming out of the UK. His previous releases – which include Snack with Ms Banks and Lingo with Jevon and Diggy Simmons – have received over seven million streams across platforms.

Since breaking out on to the scene with the viral hit Issa Vibe, Kida, pictured left, has sold out a headline show internationally, in Lagos, supported the UK’s NSG on tour and has fast been gathering a global audience and fan base.

@thevoicenewspaper

@thevoicenews

to meet but he was in LA at the time, that was another moment for us.

“Then to moving on to recording with Rick Ross and being in the studio with him, it’s being a crazy period.

“Then we did Freak of the Week, then we dropped the album, which went top 10.

“At that time there was no streaming, so fans were literally going out and buying it, so it was crazy for us.”

Krept said: “For me, because it was like a summary of our journey, the Alexandra Palace show stands out as one of the big things. When you do that, we’re doing songs from Young Kingz up until now. On that journey we started at Islington Academy and then we moved up to Shepherds Bush and the Forum.

“So Alexandra Palace is a proper representation of where we have got. For us, it’s never happened quickly – we’ve had to do the small venues and then we’ve got bigger and bigger.

“Alexandra Palace felt like the culmination.”

On reflection, Konan said the whole of 2015 was probably the best period he had experienced

voicenews

in the last six years – but what is next for the two?

With a headline nationwide UK tour kicking off on November 23 at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, were they nervous or was it business as usual?

AMAZING

Konan enthused: “You just want to sell it out, to be fair.

“Not even on a financial level, but you just want to have the room packed and everybody in the vibe when you’re performing.

“You want to see the place going upside down so that the crowd go home and say that show was amazing.

“When you’re in that mode it’s like nothing else matters. When you’re on the stage and you see everyone spitting your lyrics back, nothing else matters.

“When you see people pulling their phones out, smiling and just enjoying themselves, nothing else matters. I feel like we live for that.

“For Alexandra Palace I was bit nervous but I feel like that was more about the flying entrance, apart from that, it’s routine.”

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

This is Brukout!

THE VOICE | 57

by Seani B

‘It’s for the fans’ Etana says she’s excited to be releasing new music – and to see how women are treated

A

S THE nights draw in and the temperature drops, the temptation to sit comfortably at home and listen to a slew of new releases increases.

Quality music always soothes the soul, and this month’s guest’s music does exactly that.

Etana has consistently brought her brand of good music to her adoring audience and fresh from her 2019 Grammy nomination she ends the year with the release of a new EP Dimensions.

Eight new tracks, with the emphasis on broadening the horizons of her fan base, please the already converted and will attract new listeners – a highly sought after skill in 2019.

There is definitely a mature happy sound that resonates throughout the EP and I wondered where that stemmed from.

“I feel I did a lot of reggae all the way up on the five albums I have already released,” she tells me.

“I have ventured with other genres on some songs previously, but this time I felt like I wanted to express the sounds I had in me and that some people say I shouldn’t do because I must stick to the roots. There’s so much in me – I feel I can go from reggae to R’n’B to jazz – the only think I feel I can’t do all the way is hip hop because my accent comes in and out so strongly!”

The first single, Rock My Body, was released as a taster of things to come and has been warmly received by fans.

“They seem to like it – the feedback has been positive.

They kept asking me why there was such a wait until the full EP was released,” she says.

“They have waited nearly a year for new music and just want it now, no matter how it comes!

“They enjoy the different sounds, and they knew I had it in me, even though I had never delivered it as a complete package until now.”

I wondered if the Grammy nomination – which was an in-

credible achievement – had changed her writing and recording process.

“No, not at all. To be honest when I put Reggae Forever out I wasn’t thinking about the Grammys as such, so it was as surprising to me as everyone else. I was told that one of the reasons I was considered was because I did things differently, such as touring,” she says.

“There were many music fans in America who didn’t know who I was and we worked hard to correct that and the work didn’t go unnoticed. I learnt a lot from the whole thing and I was thankful for the entire experience.

“I never aimed for it when I put the album out and I don’t think I will ever make a record and expect to be nominated. I just put it out as I know my fans look forward to receiving the music I have made.”

DEDICATED: Etana says her loyal fanbase has been asking her to release new music – and that’s exactly what she’s done

PURITY

I love the purity of her last statement. She isn’t looking for the bells, whistles and adulation that an so often be short lived in this business, and instead is seeking a more meaningful and deeper connection which her audience.

That level of comfort also shines through on this piece of work, which even includes a song which celebrates marijuana. We haven’t seen this side of Etana before.

“I was having a rough day, family drama and doing lots of work. As I put the bag down to board a plane, the thought that ‘I need a long draw to ease the pressure’ came to my head.

So when I landed on the other side I w e n t to the studio straight away and recorded it. For me it relaxes me and it helps me to unwind – when the

pressure gets on top it is definitely a solution.”

2020 is shaping up to be the year of the female in reggae and dancehall, and many of the artists breaking through are independent, strong women – and that’s something that Etana has rep-

resented for many years and a situation she is pleased about.

because the new generation of producers are moving that way

“Producers just want to get music done – how it should have been” “I wonder how all those producers who automatically thought that a female artist should have sex with them before being given the opportunity to voice records are feeling now,

– they just want to work and get the music done, which is how it should always have been,” she says defiantly.

So what does she want her loyal audience and the new-

comers to take away from this eight-track set?

“I would like them to experience the fun loving, playful part of me – they probably don’t see that part very often except when I am on stage.

ALIVE

“One thing I don’t do well is be hypocritical – I say it how I feel it.

Sometimes it isn’t a good thing, but it just is what it is, I’m not going to try to be something I am not.”

This record shows that this part is alive and well. Go experience it.

58 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Books

Magic, pain and pleasure We give you our pick of top titles to get stuck into this winter...

The Underground Railroad Records Written by William Still As a conductor for the Underground Railroad – the covert resistance network created to aid and protect slaves seeking freedom – William Still helped as many as 800 people escape enslavement.

He also meticulously collected the letters, biographical sketches, arrival memos, and ransom notes of the escapees.

Spiritual Antenna Written by Shirley Blackwood Spiritual Antenna rallies readers around everyday themes such as love, grief and anger, emotions that we all grapple with and seek support for.

But to who, or where can we turn when we face such life changes? This new book

by Shirley Blackwood aims to help us to tap into these emotions and find comfort when in pain.

The Underground Railroad Records is an archive of primary documents that trace the narrative arc of the greatest, most successful campaign of civil disobedience in American history.

The Frequency of Magic Written by Anthony Joseph

Diverse in tone and multi-leveled, The Frequency of Magic beautifully combines the gritty realism of village life, with the

speculative imagination of a mythic landscape.

The novel follows the life of Raphael, a butcher in rural Trinidad, who despite many distractions, continues to create the novel that he’s been writing for 41 years.

Pain Passes but the Beauty Remains Forever, Written by Janelle Victry Pamphile As a motivational speaker, Janelle inspires youth and adults across the nation to never give up and to not let the past limit their incredible future.

Janelle shares a message of courage, hope and perseverance to help others find the strength to never give up. She speaks from a passionate soul.

She believes that music is one of the purest ways to touch and communicate with the hearts of the audience. She is proof that you don’t have to let adversity hold you down in life; you have a fascinating and inspiring destiny awaiting you.

NOVEMBER 2019

News feature

Powerlist 2020 Continued from page 13 Strategy and Transformation office for BT and premiership footballer Raheem Sterling.

Produced in partnership with J.P. Morgan, the Powerlist, now in its 13th year, honours men and women across a wide range of industries including business, science, technology and the arts.

Entrants were judged on their “ability to change lives and alter events, as demonstrated over a protracted period of time and in a positive manner”.

The list was unveiled at a

Each and every one who made the list are shining examples of excellence in their fields special event in London earlier this month (October 25) hosted by TV presenter Brenda Emmanus.

Tia Counts, Head of Advancing Black Leaders for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), J.P. Morgan said: “J.P. Morgan is proud to support the Powerlist in its 13th year. We believe it gives the winners a fantastic platform to affect further positive change by being role models for all young people helping to strengthen the community and promote a culture of inclusion. Heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of the men and women who made the Powerlist Top 10 for 2020, who are shining examples of excellence in each of their respective fields.”

This year the Powerlist announced multinational professional services network PwC have come on board as firsttime sponsors.

Powerlist 2020 Top 10 1. Ismail Ahmed – founder and chairman, WorldRemit 2. Pat McGrath, MBE - Make-up artist and founder Pat McGrath Labs 3. Michael Sherman - Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, BT 4. Jacky Wright - Chief Digital Officer Microsoft 5. Stormzy - Grime Artist 6. Edward Enninful, OBE

- Editor-in-Chief British Vogue 7. Ebele Okobi - Public Policy Director, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, Facebook 8. Paulette Rowe - Global Head, Payments and Financial Services, Facebook 9. Lynette YiadomBoakye - Artist 10. Richard Iferenta Partner, KPMG

Arts, fashion and design Adwoa Aboah – supermodel, activist and founder, Gurls Talk Chi-Chi Nwanoku OBE – founder, Chineke!

Foundation Duro Olowu – Fashion Designer Dr Shirley J Thompson OBE – composer, conductor and reader in music, University of Westminster Isaac Julien CBE – artist and filmmaker Lemn Sissay MBE – Poet, Author, Broadcaster Matthew Morgan – Founder, Afropunk Festival Valerie Brandes – Founder & CEO, Jacaranda Books

MENTION: Lemn Sisay

Business, corporate, financiers and entrepreneurs

MAKING WAVES: Sharon White

Alan Smith – Global Head of Risk Strategy and Chief of Staff, Global Risk, HSBC Arunma Oteh – Academic Scholar, University of Oxford Bukola Adisa – Head of Framework and Design, Barclays Camille Drummond – Vice President, Global Business Services, BP Eric Collins – CEO and Founding Member, Im-

pact X Capital Partners Gary Stewart – Director, Telefonica Open Future & Wayra UK Jason Black – Co-founder of Crep Protect and Co-Owner of Crepe and Cones Lindelwe Lesley Ndlovu – CEO, AXA Africa Specialty Risks, Lloyd’s of London Netsai Mangwende – Head of Finance for Great Britain, Willis Towers

Watson Pamela Hutchinson – Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg Patricia Lewis – Managing Director & Head of European Loans and Special Situations Sales, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Sandra Wallace – UK Managing Partner, DLA Piper Sharon White – Chair-

man, John Lewis Partnership Tavaziva Madzinga – CEO, Swiss Re (UK and Ireland) Tevin Tobun – Founder and CEO, GV Group (Gate Ventures) Wol Kolade – Managing Partner, Livingbridge Yvonne Ike – Managing Director and Head of Sub Saharan Africa region, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

ternational Editor of China Global Television Network Digital Mo Abudu – CEO/ Executive Chair, Ebonylife TV Naomie Harris OBE – Actor Paulette Simpson – Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Jamaica National Bank; Executive Director, The Voice Media Group

Reggie Yates – Broadcaster Reni Eddo-Lodge – Journalist, Author Simon Frederick – Artist, Photographer, Director Sir Lenny Henry – Actor, Writer, Campaigner Vanessa Kingori MBE – Publisher, British Vogue Yolisa Phahle – CEO, General Entertainment, Naspers Ltd

Media, publishing and entertainment Ade Adepitan MBE – TV presenter and Paralympic wheelchair basketball player Afua Hirsh – Journalist, Author, Broadcaster Akala – Educator, Rapper, Poet, Activist Anne Mensah – Vicepresident of Content UK, Netflix Amma Asante MBE – Writer, Director

Politics, law and religion

LISTED: David Lammy MP

MENTION: Richard Iferenta

THE VOICE | 59

Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE David Lammy MP Dr Sandie Okoro Grace Ononiwu CBE Joshua Siaw MBE Kathryn Nwajiaku Martin Forde QC Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin Segun Osuntokun

Charlene White – ITN News Anchor David Olusoga – Historian; Joint Creative Director of Uplands Television Ltd Femi Oguns MBE – Founder and CEO of Identity Theatre School Gary Younge –

Public, third sector and education Beverley De Gale & Orin Lewis Dr Cheron Byfield Dr Dayo Olukoshi OBE Dr Margaret Casely Hayford CBE Marvin Rees Meghan Duchess of Sussex Nira Chamberlain Professor Funmi Olonisakin Lord Woolley Sonita Alleyne OBE

GOOD DEEDS: The Duchess of Sussex

Journalist; Author Idris Elba OBE – Actor John Boyega – Actor Kanya King CBE – CEO/ Founder, MOBO Lorna Clarke – Head of Production, BBC (Radio 2 & 6music) Marcus Ryder – Chief In-

Science, medicine and engineering

Sports

Technology

Anthony Joshua OBE Dina Asher Smith Eniola Aluko Lewis Hamilton MBE Luol Deng Nicola Adams OBE Raheem Sterling

NOD: Dame Donna Kinnair Dame Donna Kinnair Dr Emeka Okaro Dr Ian Nnatu Dr Joy Odili Dr Martin Griffiths Dr Samantha Tross Dr Sylvia Bartley Prof. Laura Serrant OBE Prof. Jacqueline Dunkley Bent OBE

ROLE IN SOCIETY: Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE

ROLE MODEL: Nicola Adams OBE is recognised

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE Baroness Oona King Ije Nwokorie Marieme Jamme Martin Ijaha CBE Nneka Abulokwe OBE

60 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Lifestyle

Leaving the mask behind

As he looks back on a stellar career, Lenny Henry says he can finally embrace who he is

BY JOEL CAMPBELL

I

“

REALLY felt my mum’s story when I was writing this book and I really wanted to honour that – her story is important, our story is important and we need an outlet for that, we need a platform for telling our stories.”

There’s no doubt that the aforementioned quote from Sir Lenny Henry comes from the heart, it’s one line from our 47-minute chat which resonated with this journalist the most.

The interview had a habit of returning to Henry’s mum. Her influence is stamped all over the development of his career in ways many won’t have grasped but will be enlightened by in his autobiography Who Am I, Again?

CHAMELEON

From “code-switching”, the art of blending language and flitting from Black Country ‘spake’ to quintessential Jamaican patois, to his love of Caribbean dishes the likes of which he never did manage to master, it’s clear that Violet Henry was the matriarchal architect responsible for the hard-wiring that has served to propel her son on to a stellar career.

“So the book is me going, ‘Here’s my mum’s story, I’ll write about it as carefully and as sensitively as I can’,” Henry said.

“I sought out my families’ help with telling the story properly, and there was some discomfort, because they call it ‘chatting your business outa door’. Nobody wants to do that.

“But in the end, I’m 61 and if I don’t tell it now, I am going to be dead soon and I haven’t told the story. And stories need to be told, because stories are what teach us how to move forward in life.”

One of the more interesting examples of Henry moving his life forward is his decision to no longer play the role of chameleon, blending in and making himself palatable for whichever crowd he was around at the time.

In his autobiography, he says: “The one phantom thread running through the forest of my story is, ‘Who am I?’ or, ‘Who should I be for the people around

me?’ Who do they expect me to be? Son? Pal? Comedian? And so each time a new Lenny was needed, I jumped.”

Asked when he decided to be 100 per cent himself, he said: “You know what it’s like as a black person, I felt being in a predominantly white society, I felt I had to wear different masks at different times, otherwise I would not survive.”

He added: “I had to be happy-go-lucky, I had to fix up my face and try and look tough, I had to be jokey guy, I had to be matey. There were lots of differ-

“Stories need to be told, because stories are what teach us how to move forward in life”

ent types of Len, and I had to learn how to switch between them.

“It felt like I was trying to please everybody and I think with maturity, that necessity lessens over time because you start to go, ‘Actually, if people don’t take me as I am they’re not my real friend’, and I found that the people I have made proper friendships with when I was 16 or 17, they are still there.

“Anybody who was just around [for] the free drinks or me picking up the tab, the laughs and the jokes, all of those guys have fallen by the wayside and my real friends are my real friends, so I don’t have to wear that mask any more. I can be who I am.

“It’s recent (since dropping the mask).

Probably in my 40s, you just get a sense of some people are just here because they want

to hang out with you, they want to go clubbing or partying with you, and when all of that stuff runs out or when you have a tough time, they are nowhere to be seen.

“They say ‘never hang out with anybody that is a negative influence on you’, and I think that’s right. You don’t want to be with those guys that just want to drain you – you want to have people who energise you, so I started to lean towards those people rather than the other people.”

Who Am I, Again? centres on the early years of Henry’s ascent: his climb from obscurity, through racism-laden jaunts up and down the country, refining his craft as a stand-up comedian and cementing his legacy as one of this nation’s best to ever do it.

THIS IS ME: Lenny Henry says he no longer changes to suit other people (photos: Jack Lawson McDonald)

ETHIC

He concedes it wasn’t easy ‘dredging’ up the past and in fact, he’d have preferred to leave a lot of what he unearthed right where he found it.

He said: “It was really difficult, writing is hard and I live in admiration for those who can write a book a year. Tony Morrison, Terry McMillian, James Baldwin, those people who treat writing as their craft and they really work at it, because to sit and write a book is no mean feat.”

He added: “Because I have such a busy schedule, the writing had to become a major part of the schedule, so it would say; ‘Lenny writing from 10 until 4’, or ‘Lenny writing from 12 until 6’.

“Don’t get me wrong, you’re not writing all of the time, there is a lot of looking out of the window thinking and making notes and going on Google, calling up family and friends and asking if they remember going to a specific restaurant and so on.

There was a lot of that but actually the graft of it was something that I grew to love.”

Henry got his work ethic from – you guessed it – his mum.

“The elders are really important. If you’re lucky to have your mum and dad, grandparents, talk to them about what they went through to get here,” he said. “Because it’s a prope r tale, it’s

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an epic tale, as epic as Homer, as epic as Helen of Troy.

“The way people were working on farm or laying bricks or cooking or making dresses back home and the way they got their act together and came to this country or whatever country they chose to navigate towards and start life anew and raise their family, sending for their family, sending barrels back home full of clothes, radios and shoes, sustaining life forces, that’s no mean feat with hardly any money.”

“My mum was the most significant person in my life,” he added. “I love my mum. I pay her tribute and I pay her homage in the book with respect and love because she is why I am here.”

Sir Lenny Henry’s autobiography Who Am I, Again? published by Faber, £20, is out now

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Catch Sir Lenny on tour THE LEGENDARY Sir Lenny Henry is embarking on a UK tour this autumn.

Following the publication of his memoir, Henry will travel the length, breadth and width of the country with An Evening with Lenny Henry – Who Am I, Again?.

In part one of the show, Henry will take the audience through a jam session of stories both funny and sad – triggered when writing his memoir – from growing up in the Black Country, puberty, school, friendship, family secrets and unashamed racism.

With his mother’s mantra of “H’integration” echoing in his ears, Henry will recount setting out on his roller coaster

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ride of a career – but at every stage wondering: Am I good enough? Is this what they want?

In part two, Henry will be interviewed by author, co-writer and friend Jon Canter, for further insights into his life and career, followed by questions from the audience.

Come and enjoy these honest and tender stories, told with a glorious sense of humour and help Henry figure out Who Am I, Again?

An Evening With Lenny Henry tours the UK until November 29. For venues and tickets: lennyhenry ontour.net

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MEDICAL STUDENT who was left a coma after in a potentially fatal viral infection has graduated as one of the top students in her year, ning a prestigious also prize for achievemen winRochelle Smith’s dream of becoming ts. nearly ended a doctor after acute encephalitis she was struck down with , a viral infection which left her in the brain in a weeks and in hospitalcoma for two and a half for a further two months.

TALENTED Rochelle, from Epsom in Surrey, towards a degree was working in of the West Indies medicine at The University (UWI) after choosing in the Caribbean to study so she could be grandparents who live in Jamaica. closer to her Following her illness the talented to learn how to student had walk, she was determined speak and read again. But to realise her coming a doctor dream of beand After sitting her has recently graduated. finals she was month with a awarded last special prize from being one of The UWI for the four best performers in final exam. the She told The Voice: “I see myself as person but other a regular people looking at me strength through, for example, how may find my illness.

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THOUSANDS OF lesbian, gay, sexual, transgender bi- biggest festival for LGBTQ people and queer (LGBTQ) people the crucial role of colour gathered of colour. black and brown at Hackney’s Although awaiting people played Haggerston Park brown stripes. in the famous a final fi UK Black Pride for at the time And the main Stone- saw last of going to pressgure wall uprising 50 years stage performance This year markedweek. ago. ganisers said that orKwan, NEO, and s from Jason the event’s the attendance first year at the headliner MNEK. at STRIPES east London venue this year’s event was in Phyll Opoku-Gyim after several excess of 10,000 beating successful years Speakers included er and executive ah, co-foundlast year’s attendLambeth. in ance record Glenroy Murdirector of UK ray of Jamaican of 7,500.

Black Pride said advocacy group UK Black Pride ahead of the event: The theme for FLAG, and J- “We are so is now Europe’s energised was #WhenWeR this year’s event an behind Amber Hikes, the womdiversity, historical by Hackney’s ise, a reminder of flag which the eight stripe rainbow a welcoming place significance as also includes for people from black and such a broad range of diasporas.”

OFFICIATE: Uriah Rennie is the only black referee in the history of the Premier League

Lack of representation among

CLEAR CEILING: Reuben Simon of Ref Support UK is trying to help bring more black referees to football

officials in Premier League

highlighted as season starts

By Liam Kenny black official following in his illustri- another BAME referee for many ous footsteps.

ITH THE controversial years. And here we are, despite the Video Assistant Referees FA’s commitment, there CONVINCED is a clear ceil(VAR) initiative newly ing for black refs.”

Now Reuben Simon, a former introduced to the Premier senior FA referee League, focus has been on match of- Black, Asian and ambassador for Read the full story – page 35 and minority ethnic ficials in the opening weeks.

(BAME) officials at Ref But where are the black Support UK, referees has claimed that and officials? when Rennie retired he was convinced that Sheffield-born Uriah Rennie there would first and only black referee is the not be another top-flight black referee to have for some time. officiated in the Premier League.

Simon told the Voice He retired the best part of Sport: of a ago and there is no indicationdecade “I could see what was going on, I for a knew after Rennie we wouldn’t see

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What’s on & where

DAYS OUT

A Christmas Carol Scrooge’s Parlour, Immersive Olivier Award-winning producers Hartshorn Hook Productions team up with Flavourology, the innovative team who made their name creating immersive dining experiences with Gingerline, to create a heart-warming, footstomping immersive production and veritable Christmas feast. Created by writer Alexander Wright and director Tom Bellerby and starring Alexander Barclay as Scrooge and Jack Witham as Marley, this will be the ninth year this festive classic will be presented.

November 27 – January 5 Tuesday – Saturday, 7.15pm, 1pm matinees on Saturdays; 6pm performance on Sundays Immersive LDN, 56 Davies St, Mayfair, London, W1K 5HR 020 7836 8463 £65.50-£71.50 (including two course meal) The Winter Carnival from John Lewis & Partners Experience the wonder of John Lewis & Partners’ rooftop, one of London’s largest roof gardens, as it’s transformed into a Winter Carnival this festive season.

Tucked away high above the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, guests will be enchanted by the Americana makeover, set with the perfect Instamoments, from fairground horses to waltzer panels and bumper cars to pose in, to brightly coloured smart lights powered by Philips Hue. Until January 5 Monday – Saturday, 12pm – 10pm (last orders at 8pm) John Lewis & Partners, 300 Oxford St, London, W1C 1DX johnlewis.com/ourservices/roof-garden Free Natural History Museum Ice Rink Returning for 2019, it’s the perfect festive day out in a simply stunning setting. The Natural

History Museum Ice Rink welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, with more than 200,000 people from around the world putting on their skates and getting on the ice last year alone.

This year the sparkling rink, located along South Kensington’s twinkling tree-lined streets will be topped off with a spectacular sparkling 30ft Christmas tree.

Until January 12 Check the website for daily session times Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD 0844 847 1576 nhmskating.com From £8.80 for children, £12.65 for adults, £36.90 for family (handling fees may apply)

MUSIC An Evening with Whitney BASE Hologram, the leading live event producer of cutting edge holographic live entertainment tours and attractions worldwide, has announced – in partnership with the estate of renowned songstress and legendary performer Whitney Houston – the UK dates of the upcoming hologram touring production. This is the only production authorised by the Whitney Houston estate, and features the chance to hear her renditions of classic hits I Will Always Love You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) and Higher Love.

February 27, 2020 to March 10, 2020 M&S Bank Arena 2 Arena – Liverpool; Apollo – Manchester; First Direct Arena – Leeds; SEC Armadillo – Glasgow; P&J Arena – Aberdeen; Bord Gais Theatre – Dublin; Arena – Birmingham; Bournemouth International

by Stephen Sondheim.

Suggested by memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. Original production by David Merrick and Leland Hayward. Entire production originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

November 30 – January 25, 2020 Old Bank St, Manchester, M2 7PE 0161 833 9833 royalexchange.co.uk Standard tickets from £19

WINTER WONDERLAND: John Lewis & Partners have transformed their rooftop garden

Centre – Bournemouth; 10pm – 4am Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff; 6 O’Meara Street, Brighton Centre – Brighton; London, England, SE1 1TE Royal Concert Hall – supadupaflylove.com/ Nottingham; Hammersmith events Apollo – London Check venue ticketline.co.uk From £45 - £65, up to THEATRE £70 in London Jools Holland autumn/ winter tour Piano superstar and Hootenanny host Jools Holland, below left, is touring once again with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on an annual excursion around the UK. Joining them will be the supremely talented Ruby Turner, with her breath-taking gospel, soul and rhythm and blues vocals; Louise Marshall, with her beautiful soul and jazz tones; as well as original Squeeze member and powerhouse Gilson Lavis on drums.

UK dates up to December 22 Venues all across the UK, check the website for details joolsholland.com/ tourdates.htm Various, up to £62

‘Master Harold’… And The Boys Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard’s semi-autobiographical and blistering masterwork explores the nature of friendship, and the ways people are capable of hurting even those they love. Roy Alexander Weise (Nine Night) directs Lucian Msamati (Amadeus) and Hammed Animashaun (Barber Shop Chronicles) as Sam and Willie.

Until December 17 Various The National Theatre, Upper Ground, Lambeth, London, SE1 9PX nationaltheatre.org.uk Various – check the venue

skating combined with jaw dropping acrobatic feats defy the imagination.

March 6-8, 2020 TBC FlyDSA Arena, Broughton Ln, Sheffield, S9 2DF cirquedusoleil.com/ crystal £33 to £156

Gypsy – A Royal Exchange Theatre production Broadway is back in Manchester with this wild production of the magnificent Gypsy.

Directed by Jo Davies, and with a songbook bursting with classics (Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Some People, Rose’s Turn), Gypsy is theatre’s ultimate celebration of the grime, graft and glamour of show business – and the power of the mother-daughter bond.

Book by Arthur Laurents.

Music by Jule Styne. Lyrics

Ballet Black: Triple Bill Celebrating their 18th year, there’s always excitement when Ballet Black take to the stage.

Their popular programme contrasts dramatic and inventive storytelling in a lively showcase of modern ballets. Led by artistic director Cassa Pancho – recent recipient of the Freedom of the City of London for her contribution to diversity in ballet – the company celebrates dancers of black and Asian descent.

November 6 – 9 7.45pm Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN stratfordeast.com/ whats-on/all-shows/ ballet-black-triple-bill £10 – £39

Rags – The Musical Following the critically acclaimed season at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester earlier this year, Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Joseph Houston and William Whelton for Hope Mill Theatre are delighted to announce the transfer of their production of Stephen Schwartz’s Rags – The Musical to Park Theatre, London, for a limited season (inset below left).

With a ravishing score

Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal Supa Dupa Fly @ Cirque du Soleil is gliding Omeara x 1st Sat into the UK with its coolest monthly Voted London’s best music arena show yet – Crystal.

This one-of-a-kind venue and late night spot arena show blends circus in the Time Out ‘Love arts and the world of ice London’ awards. Jonezy, skating in a stunning new Matchstick (Kiss) and crew bring the vibes to our production that will take favourite London venue … the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen November 2 playground where stunning

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NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 63

Queens of Sheba Queens of Sheba is an award-winning play by Jessica L Hagan and adapted for the stage by Nouveau Riché artistic director and co-founder Ryan Calais Cameron.

Loosely based on the DSRKT nightspot incident of 2015, it tells the hilarious, moving and uplifting stories of four passionate black women battling everyday misogynoir – where sexism meets racism.

This new co-production with Omnibus Theatre will be touring across the UK visiting 10 venues, supported by Arts Council England. Queens of Sheba was first performed in March 2018 to a soldout standing ovation at Camden People’s Theatre. The play also won the Untapped Award 2018 and went on to win the coveted Edinburgh Stage Award 2018.

November 13 - 16 Contact venue Helen Martin Studio, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL 024 7652 4524 warwickartscentre.co.uk £9

by the songwriters of Wicked and Annie and the bookwriter of Fiddler On The Roof, this is a sweeping saga of America’s immigrant past.

January 9 to February 8, 2020 Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Thurs and Sat 3pm Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3JP 020 7870 6876 parktheatre.co.uk From £18.50

Back to the Future – The Musical Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and the creators of the film Back To The Future, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, are delighted to announce Tony Award winner Roger Bart, as Dr Emmett Brown in the world premiere of Back to the Future – The Musical, which will open at the Manchester Opera House for a strictly limited 12week season, prior to transferring to the West End. February 20 – May 17, 2020 6pm – 7pm Opera House

T O CH P

NEWSP APER

OICE

EXHIBITIONS Modern Panic X – A Decade of Panic For the past decade, this annual exhibition has spearheaded and given a voice to artists whose work does not fit traditional galleries.

Its ethos embodies how art should elicit a response, cause a reaction and be transformative, by challenging audiences with its disruptive energy, through a variety of mediums; including fine art, sculpture, photography, live art, film and artist talks.

November 8 – 17 Manchester, 3 Quay Street, side and the magical help 11am – 7pm Manchester, M3 3HP of her Fairy Godmother, will Truman Brewery, 0844 871 3018 Cinderella make it to the From £19.55 ball and back again before Hanbury Street, London From £5 midnight?

Cinderella: The Starring Ian Waite from Reflection: Conway Pantomime Strictly Come Dancing, Photography Group Worthing Theatres and CBBC presenter Naomi Exhibition Paul Holman Associates Wilkinson and Mark Read The Conway have announced their from the boyband A1. fantastic annual family November 29 – January Photography Group, led by photographer pantomime Cinderella, 5, 2020 Grace Gelder, presents playing at the Pavilion 10,15am, 2pm, Reflection; an exhibition Theatre, Worthing.

6.30pm of work (inset above left) Poor downtrodden Pavilion Theatre, Marine inspired by and connected Cinderella lives a life of Parade, Worthing, BN11 with the local area around misery, bullied and bossed 3PX Conway Hall, personal around by her divaliscious 020 7870 6876 projects and moments on step-sisters. But with her worthingtheatres.co.uk the journey of Brexit. best friend Buttons by her From £12

Until November 30 9am – 9pm 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL 020 7405 1818 Free

identify themselves as a movement, built around an ongoing series of fluctuating and ephemeral interventions within the fields of fashion, music and art (inset below).

Honey-Suckle Company: Until January 12 Omnibus Tuesday – Sunday, Omnibus is the first 12pm – 9pm survey of the work of ICA – The Mall, Berlin collective HoneySt. James’s, Suckle Company, bringing London, together key moments SW1Y 5AH of the group’s 25-year ica.art history. Founded in 1994, £5 Honey-Suckle Company

64 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Motoring

by Rodney Hinds

S60: A smooth operator Volvo’s latest offering is simply a joy to drive, designed with comfort and control in mind Car: Volvo S60 T5 R-Design Edition automatic Price range: £38,285 – £56,105

SOMETHING SPECIAL: With modern technology and a classic, typically Volvo-looking façade, the new S60 is elegant, comfortable and a real asset to the Swedish manufacturer’s portfolio

L

ET ME cut to the chase; Volvo have built something special with the new elegant S60.

Both the exterior and interior give you reasons to drool and the drive is one of note.

So what exactly is the inside story?

As in other modern Volvos, the dashboard of the S60 is dominated by a 9.0in tabletstyle touchscreen that has allowed the designers to slash the number of buttons and create a minimalist ambience.

Not that the absence of buttons is all good news.

While the idea of a screen that lets you swipe, pinch and

 

scroll – like you do with an iPad – is good in theory, in reality it means you really have to concentrate on simple tasks like changing the radio station or tapping an address into the sat nav.

CRYSTAL

Some of the icons are small and the screen doesn’t always react that quickly to prods.

Still, at least the screen is crystal clear and there are plenty of features, including standard sat nav and a DAB radio.

In my range-topping RDesign Edition trim I also got Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

With good seats, a widely adjustable driving position, clear dials and a vertical touchscreen

supportive seat that adjusts electrically and has adjustable lumbar support as stand-

The imposing S60 has a decent-sized boot and plenty of space in the back – and that’s the same in the front.

“Volvo is among the top STORAGE brands when it comes to There’s also plenty of storage dotted around, including driver assistance and two cupholders below a lidded crash-mitigation technology” cubby between the front seats. that’s relatively easy to navigate, it’s all good in the grand scheme of things – but the touchscreen is home to too many functions for my liking.

The S60’s driving position is tough to fault, thanks largely to the comfortable and

ard. So it looks good, works well and reacts quickly.

Handling is secure, reassuring and never exciting, but always capable and pretty relaxing, with a relaxed steering ratio but positive steering weight and feel and self-centring.

The door pockets are a decent size, too.

The R-Design is seriously well equipped, with 19in alloys, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a driver head-up display, climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, rainsensing wipers and automatic headlights.

You could say that the Volvo is a truly safe bet.

As well as the physical strength of its cars, Volvo is also among the top brands when it comes to driver assistance and crashmitigation technology. Volvo’s Pilot Assist system is one of the most advanced on offer.

It seamlessly combines lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to follow the car ahead while remaining within a marked lane on the road.

Every model has autonomous emergency braking as standard, as well as all the usual mandatory features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control and tyre pressure warnings.

The S60 is comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support and plenty of room for company in the back of the vehicle While Volvo embraces new technology in its latest offering, some features in its touchscreen can be hard to navigate

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NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 65

Soul Stirrings

by Marcia Dixon

‘A LIFE IS FULFILLED BY SURRENDERING TO GOD’ Leading Christian musician Noel Robinson releases a new album on the theme of surrendering his will, his purpose and his desires – all to better serve the Lord

N

OEL ROBINSON, a leading figure in the UK Christian music scene, has been busy spreading the word about his new album, a collection of 11 songs that reflect his life, journey and faith.

I Surrender is his second album for Integrity Music, the largest worship label in the world, and his sixth album in total.

It sees him fusing the gospel sounds of his musical roots with worship styles and singing songs that give insight into the struggles believers experience living a life surrendered to God.

DESIRES

Noel explained: “I wanted to sing about surrendering my will, purpose and desires.

“It’s a hard place to be and a hard thing to do because it’s natural for us to want to be in control, but a church that’s surrendered to God fulfils its purpose.

“A life is fulfilled by surrendering to God.” Noel can look back on a life that has served the church across the world, as well as playing a pivotal role in Christian music.

When asked what role he believes he’s played over the years, Noel replied: “That’s a difficult question to answer.

“I can only go by what people have said to me and art-

It’s a life that exceeded expectations and I’m sure it will continue ists I’ve met during the past 20odd years who’ve been impacted by something I’ve said, what I do and how I’ve done it.

“I get the opportunity to embrace the fathering aspect of me, where a lot of young artists have come to me to ask me how I’ve achieved what I’ve done.

I’ve been able to speak into the lives of artists my age, as well as younger artists.”

Noel has been playing music for a long time.

His father was a musician and he grew up in the church. By age 13, he played double bass for his school and won a couple of competitions.

He was also active in his church, the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) in Harlesden, where he played guitar in the church band and the choir.

By his 20s, Noel was a renowned lead guitarist and was appointed as COGOP’s National Director of Music and Communication.

Noel was one of the first UK gospel artists to form his own worship ensemble, one of the first artists from Britain’s black Pentecostal church movement to record a worship album, the first

black British worship artist to be signed by Integrity Music and is among that small group of black Christian artists who work fulltime.

His gifting has taken him to numerous countries, including Barbados, Greece, America, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Norway and he’s worked with some of the world’s leading ministries, including Morris Cerullo, KICC and Ruach Ministries.

Although Noel’s career in the UK Christian music scene stretches back to the 1990s, he finds ways to input into the lives of younger artists and the wider church, through the annual worship conference he founded 10 years ago called the The Renewal, and an annual retreat which now attracts more than 250 people.

CHARITY

He is also regularly invited to serve as a producer on album projects and has co-written numerous songs, including the charity single Somebody Please, which raised money for victims of the Haiti earthquake, and he has song-writing credits on the new release from Junior Garr.

Noel shared: “I look back on a life led in surrender to the Lord.

I wasn’t always sure where He would lead me, but on reflection He’s taken me on a long, exciting, enjoyable, inspiring journey which has enabled me to share my gift and lead and teach others in the process.

“It’s a life that has exceeded my expectations and I’m sure will continue to.”

The next few months are going to be busy ones.

Noel plans to tour with other artists and will fulfil invitations to perform – including one from Brazil.

“My prayer is for revival for Europe and I believe that God is going to use worship music to carry the revelation of who He is,” he said.

Visit noelrobinson.com for more details.

PIVOTAL ROLE: Christian musician Noel Robinson, also inset far left, has worked with leading figures such as gospel stars Ron Kenoly, above, and Kirk Franklin, left

Thought for the month “If you want to be taken seriously, be consistent.”

— Anonymous

66 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

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Sport

Boxing’s bang for your buck

THRILL FACTOR: Anthony Joshua was defeated

by Andy Ruiz Jr earlier this year in one of the biggest upsets in the modern era

Analysis shows that cost of each key moment in matches is far less than other events – including the Super Bowl

B

OXING CAN now officially be revealed as the most exciting sport, with new research revealing the true entertainment value behind some of the world’s most popular sporting events.

Results show that the average world heavyweight title fight is more than twice as exciting for fans than a World Cup football final and is one of the best sports in terms of value for money – costing just £2.68 per key moment in each fight.

The Sports Excitement Scorecard looks at 10 selected sports and their five most recent major finals to conclusively decide which sport is really the most exciting.

The in-depth analysis compared the rate of ‘key moments’ within each final and the cost of each ‘key moment’ (based on average ticket prices for each event) to offer an ultimate Excitement Score for each.

And it’s boxing, with every ‘power punch’, jab and knockdown from Anthony Joshua’s last five title clashes counted, that emerges with the highest score. With one of those key moments happening on average every 10 seconds of a fight,

fans are truly kept on the edge of their seats.

Boxing also scores highly in terms of the cost per moment.

The average ticket price for Joshua’s shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. was £436, but with an average of 177 key fight moments during the bout, punters were rewarded with a return of £2.67 per key moment – considerably cheaper than fans attending events such as the Super Bowl.

EXPENSIVE

American Football, by contrast, is one of the worst-performing sports across both metrics. At £3,382 for a ticket to Super Bowl LII it is already an expensive event, but the match between LA Rams and New England Patriots was rated as one of the most boring in history.

With just 16 points scored and 34 key moments throughout, the price was a whopping £98 per key moment, making it the worst value major sporting event in recent times.

With an average excitement score of just 26, boxing is officially 300 per cent more exciting than American Football, with the former boasting an

excitement score of 79 over the last five major heavyweight title fights.

Football meanwhile, measured over the last five World Cup finals, is less than 50 per cent as exciting as boxing with just 75 key moments averaged per match (compared to

177 key moments in the ring).

Basketball’s end-to-end nature means that a point is scored on average every 15 seconds, while there is an action point every eight seconds – making it the busiest event of all.

However, the overall score is slightly affected by an average

ticket price of £1,334 for the NBA finals decider.

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‘We need to be doing far more if we’re going to rid football of racism’

By Troy Townsend I’M DISAPPOINTED and disgusted but in no way surprised by the racist behaviour we saw in Bulgaria.

You can’t be shocked by racism in football anymore. It’s the norm. It’s ingrained in our favourite sport.

It was a matter of when, not if, a game would finally be stopped because of racism, whether it was in this country or on foreign shores.

The current UEFA protocols – that I presume are meant to protect players from any continued abuse – have left me perplexed. I ask: do they really want to stamp racism out of the beautiful game?

Zero tolerance is not displaying a

banner. It is not a photo opportunity.

It’s not a stadium announcement.

The contempt shown by one man holding up a ‘No Respect’ hoodie shows you how much impact they have.

It was essentially two fingers thrown up to UEFA, and what they currently have in place to try and deal with this?

What is a partial stadium closure?

I’ll tell you what it means. It means the perpetrators get to sit in a different seat or another section of the ground.

Everyone is now demanding

stronger action, but who are we demanding that from? An organisation that stutters and bumbles its way through every time the issue of racism arises? It’s time for stronger action. That includes tournament expulsions and points deductions.

There is much more work needed from UEFA. They have to shake off this lazy attitude every time racism lands at their door.

England manager Gareth Southgate, left, said, rightly, his players have become “hardened” to racial abuse because of experiences in their own country. And let’s not for one minute forget the very same abuse continues to flourish in England.

We shouldn’t let what happened in Bulgaria last

@thevoicenewspaper

month distract from what needs to be done back home. It could just as easily have happened in England.

Yes, it could. Maybe in a different shape or form, but it could.

At Kick It Out we receive reports of discrimination from all levels of the English game week in, week out. It’s happening everywhere, from your local Sunday league pitches to the Premier League.

We need to face up to our own responsibilities in dealing with racism.

And we all have a duty.

Nobody should ever have to encounter abuse and just ‘get on with it’. That’s why the three-step protocol exists. So, either use it or don’t question players if they take matters into their own hands because you have failed to protect them. To

@thevoicenews

voicenews

quote Southgate, the protocol offers “clarity and protection” to players.

But it doesn’t when it’s only partly enforced. The burden should not be on players and managers to remove themselves from the pitch. They should be able to trust the officials to do their jobs properly. If UEFA officials had done that, we may have seen the match abandoned.

So when people ask me, ‘Does the halting of Bulgaria v England represent progress?’, I say, ‘They just teased us into thinking they were doing the right thing. And that just isn’t cutting it anymore.’

Troy Townsend is the head of development at Kick It Out and was recently named on Progress 1000: London’s most influential people 2019 sports list.

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

THE VOICE | 69

Sport

The secret star who gives British athletes inside track For three decades, Lorna Dwyer has been instrumental in helping the best of UK track and field talent behind the scenes – and fighting for increased diversity cation, they’re not worried about track and field.

“So when an athlete turns up late for their flight, for example, and my colleagues are saying he or she is always late, I’m able to say, hang on, before that athlete made his way to the airport his father probably said to make sure you’ve done this, that and the other.

“So I can relate to it and they look up to me and at least they have someone who understands it.”

By Joel Campbell

I

T’S OFF season – a time to relax and reflect where track and field athletes are concerned, but they’re the lucky ones.

And that’s because people like Lorna Dwyer are working hard to ensure the next season flows as smoothly as the last.

It’s been this way for some 30 years, meaning that Dwyer is now part of the fabric of British Athletics.

You may know the stars of track of field, but there are few who know about the names and faces that are integral to the running of UK Athletics as well as Dwyer – but what, exactly, does she do?

The Voice of Sport tracked her down in order to find out.

EXCEL

“Yes, I’ve been involved with athletics for 30 years,” she says, with a big smile etched across her face.

“I’ve always been interested in sports. My family played netball, badminton and basketball, so I have always been around that circle and within school I always enjoyed athletics. I wasn’t academic, I wasn’t top in English and maths, but I did excel at athletics and sports in general.”

That love for sport saw her leave school with only one thing on her mind.

She recalled: “My friends would buy magazines full of pop stars and I was always buying Athletics Weekly because I was interested in the Linford Christies and the Colin Jacksons, those guys were my inspirations.

“So that was it, really, it started with the love of athletics. When I left school I said to my mum that I didn’t want to go to university.

“My sisters went to university and they got their degrees as doctors, social workers and my mum said ‘fine, it’s not for everybody’, but I wasn’t going to stop in the house not doing anything – I had to find work.”

For most, hunting for a career would mean heading to the job centre, but for Dwyer, things

INCLUSION

INTEGRAL: Lorna Dwyer is key to the success of UK athletes took a different turn. “I bought Athletics Weekly every week looking out for job adverts and then one day there was an advert for a receptionist at British Athletics, picking up the phone.

“I went for the interview and waited for the response. When it came it said, ‘unfortunately you have not been successful – however, we’d like you to join the organisation in setting up the office’, and I was like, yeah!”

Working as part of a tightknit team of four meant wearing multiple hats but it wasn’t long before Dwyer found her niche.

“They could see that my character or my skills were more in leadership or organisation, so I set up the office and helped them to recruit staff,” she said.

The role morphed into one with a lot more responsibility over the years.

She enthused: “As well as answering the phones, we still had to send Great Britain teams abroad to Italy, to Germany, and that was my role basically, getting a group of athletes, that were selected to represent Great Britain, and making sure everything was done for them.”

The latter part of the 1990s were a period of intense restructuring, she added: “We didn’t even know what we were doing”.

“We were walking into the unknown and as months went on we started recruiting other staff and finding our feet. I look back and I see people like Cherry Alexander and I remember when she came for her interview, and look where she is today, which is very good.

“I’ve worked with a lot of the top brass that have come through the doors.”

Elaborating on what Dwyer does behind the scenes and how integral her role is within the organisation, she said: “One of the roles that we do is ensuring our athletes are safe before they go out to an international competition.

“A couple of months before they go I would go and have a site visit.

“I’ll ensure safety is high up on the agenda, make sure that Great Britain has the best hotel, make sure we’re not too far from the track, make sure the transportation is good and I am also a glorified babysitter.

“Basically all we want the athletes to do it focus on performing, and that’s what we do.

“I do look after the athletes, because that could be my sister, it could be my niece or nephew.

“I know what we as West Indies parents are like – you must go to school and get your edu-

Dear to Dwyer’s heart, as well as athlete welfare, is the composition of the people that work for British Athletics.

Bringing about greater diversity and inclusion is high up on her to-do list.

She enthused: “I’ve been in positions when I’ve been in rooms and on panels and there is no diversity. No one in there can identify with how I am feeling.

“And for me, I think it’s very, very important. One, to be a role model, and two, to have this understanding.”

Hailing the work that former track and field star Donna

Fraser is doing to in her role as equalities and diversity lead, where she is addressing the lack of diversity within certain elements of the sport, Dwyer said: “Recently I have become an ED&I (equality, diversity and inclusion) advocate, which I believe is very important. It’s going to be another role that we’re going to put out there.

“I had an experience at the World Championships in 2017, where I was one of the team managers and I was going to the technical information centre, which is where we were going to look at some video footage from an appeal we were going to make.

“The gentleman who was doing the accreditation looked at me and said I couldn’t come in. I said ‘pardon’, he repeated what he said, adding that in there was for team managers.

“I laughed and said, ‘sorry, you mean you want to see my accreditation?’ I showed him my pass and couldn’t deal with him how I wanted to at the time because I had a job to do. It hit me later, though, that it was 2017 and it was still happening.”

She added: “I think that now Donna Fraser has come on board and she’s the equalities

LONG SERVICE: Dwyer, left, and with Dina Asher-Smith, right

and diversity lead at the moment, she is bringing about that awareness that we need to have greater representation across the board.”

Looking forward, Dwyer won’t be involved with track and field in this country for another 30 years, but she is clear on what she’d like to impart in terms of her continued contribution.

She said: “I find myself saying that’s the last Olympics I am going to do. At London, I said it.

Rio came, I said it. I just don’t know (when I’ll call it a day). For me, I want to pass on my knowledge to those coming into the sport.

“I think it’s important to have that diversity, from team managers, physios, doctors, people on the board, it’s important because we are a diverse sport and we need that representation, we definitely need it.

“If my little bit that I have done for 30 years, if that can make a difference, then so be it.

“I would like to see more diversity in management from the top to the bottom, the bottom to the top. That’s what I would like to see.”

You can find the full interview at voice-online.co.uk.

70 | THE VOICE NOVEMBER 2019

Get ready to celebrate black football’s best...

Ahead of this year’s FBL celebration, we let you know who’s up to scoop awards, while Ashanti George-Faure and Andrew Bontiff provide an in-depth look at the nominees A word from Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds

TEAM: FBL co-founders Leon, left, and Rodney IT’S THAT time again! We reveal the nominations for this year’s Football Black List on these pages and there’s no doubt that the quality of nominations just gets better.

This year, for the first time, we have a category dominated by women. In administration we have a quintet of women that are leading the way.

A look at all the names reveals that women make up some 50 per cent which indicates that football is not the exclusive bastion of men.

The judges had a real struggle on their hands. Creating the shortlist was demanding, but well worth it – so congratulations to our judges.

But a bigger well done goes to those named on the Football Black List. If you didn’t make it, your time will come.

All that’s left now is to deliver the FBL Celebration on Thursday, November 21.

We can’t wait – it’s going to be another special night!

The judges are...

Leon Mann, FBL Rodney Hinds, FBL Funke Awoderu, The FA Al Bennett, The Premier League Nick Roberts, The EFL Wayne Allison, The LMA Simone Pound, The PFA Troy Townsend, Kick It Out Lianne Sanderson, professional footballer Jordan Jarrett Bryan, broadcaster Michelle Moore, sports consultant Jeanette Kwakye, broadcaster Lincoln Moses MBE, community leader Rayan Wilson, Elite Sports Performance expert

Coaching and management Chris Ramsey MBE, technical director – Queens Park Rangers Chris is the technical director of Queens Park Rangers and most qualified football coach in England. He has a clear passion and commitment to mentoring young coaches from grassroots level to elite level, assisting in their development. Chris uses his tactical nous to assist the QPR first team in their planning throughout the league season and is responsible for the club’s academy.

Colin Omogbehin, Under-23 academy head coach – Fulham FC Colin is the founder of Junior Elite and an academy coach at Fulham.

He first took up coaching with

Crystal Palace in the community, with an impressive resume, nurturing the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Nathaniel Clyne and Victor Moses.

He has an exceptional understanding of recruitment in London, heavily involved in trying to find the next generation of talent at Fulham.

Coreen Brown, academy coach Coreen formerly worked closely with Arsenal’s leadership for girls development. She also oversaw the cohort of coaches that work alongside her at the club.

She holds an UEFA ‘A’ license, her dedication to coaching has been acknowledged far and wide, working with England’s national teams as part of the FA’s BAME coach bursary scheme, an essential commitment to develop greater equality of opportunities.

CHAMPIONS OF NEW TALENT: Justin Cochrane, left and Michael Johnson are both up for gongs in the coaching and management category

Justin Cochrane, head coach – England under-15 team Justin has gained a reputation for his excellence as a coach, currently working with the England U15 development team.

The former Tottenham youth coach is a role model for aspiring coaches, holding a Masters in Leadership and Management, most recently

completing his Pro License.

Justin is recognised for his innovative approach, boasting exceptional knowledge and understanding of youth football and the England player pathway.

MAKING THINGS HAPPEN: Lungi Macebo

of success for Birmingham City. Lungi, who sits on the board for Women in Football was also named as a NextGen Leader for 2019.

Michael Johnson, national team manager – Guyana National Team Michael enjoyed immense success during his tenure with the

Guyana National side, recently guiding the Golden Jaguars to the finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time.

Michael is now involved in the England U21 set-up as part of the FA’s Elite Coach Placement Programme, making waves as a board member of the Sports People’s Think Tank and graduating from the UEFA MIP Master’s course.

Administration Amanda Hudson, director of education – WADA Amanda Hudson is the director of education of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA), tasked with overseeing anti-doping policies and testing across the world of sport. A pioneer in her field, her involvement in sport and education spans over 30 years. Amanda’s focus has always been to harness the power of education, currently managing the WADA’s social science grant scheme and education committee.

Joanie Evans, co-president – Federation of Gay Games Joanie has been a long standing contributor to the LGBT community, championing inclusivity in sport, through her work with Hackney Women FC. Having tasted gold at the Sydney 2002 Gay Games, Joanie works tirelessly towards encouraging more people of colour to get involved with the Gay Games.

She received a nomination at the British LGBT Awards in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to LGBT Life’ category.

@thevoicenewspaper

Lungi Macebo, chief operating officer – Birmingham City FC Lungi’s role as COO sees her support the board of directors and senior management.

Her efficiency in planning, organising and working collaboratively to influence, design and deliver initiatives, are essential to the accomplishment

@thevoicenews

Sarah Ebanja, CEO, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Sarah is currently the CEO of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, a role culminating over 20 years working at a senior level in both local and regional governmental roles.

She has previously worked in the London boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Lew-

voicenews

isham and also as a deputy chief executive of the London Development agency.

Vivienne Aiyela, non-executive director – London FA Vivienne is the first black woman to be named as a non-executive director in football in the long and storied history of the FA. Commended for her great contributions to administration, in addition to her passion for gender equality, Vivienne is viewed upon as a pioneer, leading the way for many BAME women striving to work at boardroom level.

www.voice-online.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2019

Commercial Dominique Delvaille, women brand director – Nike Dominique’s senior role at Nike, positions her as one of the most influential females working across football. Her role entails help guide the Nike brand’s direction in Women’s game.

Donna Bartley, senior associate – Morgan Sports Law Donna is a senior commercial litigator who specialises in dispute resolution, regularly representing high profile players. She is one of the only black female private practice lawyers within the sports industry.

Ellen Chiwenga, football match agent Ellen is a FIFA match agent, FA intermediary and Women In Football member, whose proficiency

Media spanning over two decades, has earned global success.

Ellen’s sheer dedication to her profession has enabled her to facilitate some of football’s most influential deals.

Tobi Alabi, founder – Heart 4 More Foundation and football agent Tobi has grown to become one of football’s most prominent young leaders.

Having been forced to retire at the age of 19, due to a suffering a cardiac arrest, Tobi opened the Heart4More Foundation in February 2014, which has grown into a respectable sustainable charity.

GavinLee Ellison, head of global operations – Concave Football GavinLee’s role as sees him head up a number of aspects of the sportswear brand’s business.

The former Blackpool player has made great waves in an industry at the heart of product development and sports innovation.

Adrian Kajumba, football reporter – Daily Mail Adrian is one of few black football reporters working for a national daily newspaper. A familiar and popular face in the press box, Adrian’s graft and astuteness has seen him maintain an invaluable rapport with some of the football’s top talents.

Joel Beya, co-founder – CheekySport Joel is the co-founder and creative force behind CheekySport, one of the most high-impact figures in social media. Known for their colourful and engaging content, CheekySport can be seen working regularly with the England football team and several leading brands.

Felicia Pennant, editor – SEASON zine Felicia Pennant is the editor of SEASON zine and she

Community and grassroots Bobby Kasanga, founder – Hackney Wick FC Bobby Kasanga is the founder of London’s most notable community club. The club works tirelessly towards transforming the lives of many at-risk young individuals within the community. Since his release from prison, Bobby has been a driving force and a true inspiration to youth, using football to create an environments for safe participation.

Francesca Brown, founder – Goals4Girls Francesca is the Founder and CEO of Goals4Girls, a community organisation in east London. The initiative works towards improving the life opportunities of young women from marginalised communities. Under Francesca’s leadership, the pro-

gramme sent participants to attend the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Dr. Mark Prince, founder – Kiyan Prince Foundation Dr. Mark Prince is the founder of the Kiyan Prince Foundation, named in honour of his son.

This foundation uses football as a mechanism to combat knife crime and other forms of youth violence. Queen Park Rangers, re-named their stadium the ‘Kiyan Prince Foundation’ stadium for the 20192020 season, a fitting tribute to the family. His tremendous work ethic has seen the foundation continue to flourish.

Michael Wallace, co-founder – KickOff@3 Michael is a serving police officer and cofounder of KickOff@3. He

works in youth engagement and is passionate about supporting youth and community initiatives. Michael displays a credible understanding on how important connection and relationships are with vulnerable young people, using football as a method to allow young people to enhance their life prospects.

Iqraa Ismail, founder – NUR Women’s Football Club Iqraa started up her own women’s football club aged 19. NUR Women’s Football Academy focusses on BAME girls, to ensure they have a safe space to showcase their talent and play alongside individuals of a similar cultural background.

Iqraa has been recognised for her exceptional drive, commitment and generosity that allows this initiative to thrive in an underprivileged part of north London.

THE VOICE | 71

Practitioners has witnessed an incredible year, from writing for Vogue to delivering several events for Women in Football. Felicia’s work standouts for showcasing women of colour.

Clinton Forde, founder – Rootz TV Through his work with Rootz TV, Clinton has shone a much-needed light on grassroots football. The charismatic cameraman focuses on untold tales within the game, in particular from the perspective of the BAME community.

Anne-Marie Batson, freelance sports broadcaster and journalist Not only is her passion for sport infectious, Anne-Marie has continued to rise as one of sports most trusted voices, particularly for covering Women’s football for BBC Five Live Sport. Anne-Marie can also be seen hosting events, working extensively with GiveMeSportWomen, ABN radio and The Voice newspaper.

Akil Howson, assistant referee – EFL Akil is the highest ranking BAME official working in the football league, most notably officiating as assistant referee in the EFL Championship. He has also been active in community-led projects in local Leicestershire.

Dr. John Iga, head of performance services – Huddersfield Town Responsible for the sports science and medical department for all Huddersfield Town teams, Dr. Iga is undeniably one of the club’s heroes. He was previously Head of Academy Science and Medical at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Head of Sport Science for the FA. David Rainford, club support manager - Premier League David has

committed his working life to educating and developing young people within the game. A great role-model, David’s much valued role provides support and guidance to several academies.

Jehmeil Lemonius, sports campaign manager – Stonewall Jehmeil was the face of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. He has spoken courageously to the national and international press about his experiences of homophobia in football. His talents as coach sees him as a strong advocate for LGBT inclusion in sport.

Lorna Falconer, head of football operations – Brentford Lorna helps to oversee and implement Brentford’s transfer policy.

In her current role, she also helps to nurture the club’s academy and was instrumental in the club’s strong transfer window this summer.

Cyrille Regis players Anita Asante, footballer – Chelsea FC Women Anita sits proudly as one of the most decorated players in English football.

Her accolades for club and country however, mirror the tremendous role she has played off the pitch, speaking eloquently on the perceptions surrounding women of colour working both in sport and in wider society.

Danny Rose, footballer and mental health advocate – Tottenham Hotspur The Tottenham Hotspur and England defender has spoken bravely about the effects of depression and mental health. His openness and honesty has inspired those within the football community to address mental health issues. Rose featured in the BBC documentary A

Royal Team Talk: Tackling Mental Health, alongside HRH the Duke of Cambridge.

Eni Aluko, footballer – Juventus FC Women Eni recently published an inspirational memoir titled They Don’t Teach This. The multi-talented figure plays a vital role in her efforts against discrimination. Eni has enjoyed a glittering playing career, with over 100 caps for the Lionesses. The Juventus forward was appointed UN Women UK ambassador with a focus on promoting gender empowerment and has been recognised as a strong advocate inspiring women.

Raheem Sterling, footballer, Manchester City and England Raheem has played an instrumental role in

highlighting the issues around racism in football.

His heartfelt posts on social media, criticising the media treatment of young black players compared to their white counterparts, have caused unprecedented mass attention in the modern era.

The England star has also raised awareness of the ACLT charity, who provided tremendous support to the late Damary Dawkins.

Sadio Mane, footballer – Liverpool FC Sadio is a phenomenal star, but it is his work in his native Senegal that is most notable.

His generosity includes currently financing the building of a school in Bambali.

This follows his previous contributions including helping to build a hospital, mosque and football stadium in the town. He has also fronted a campaign to help the fight of HIV in Malawi.

NOVEMBER 2019 | THE VOICE

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A BRIGHT FUTURE

POWERING FORWARD: England had a mightily impressive Rugby World Cup campaign this year, assisted by the efforts of, from left, Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Kyle Sinckler

As England prove their worth at this year’s Rugby World Cup, it’s fair to say that any bid for further glory is in safe hands thanks to a few stars...

By Rodney Hinds

E

NGLAND’S RUGBY future is in good hands, with the likes of Mako Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Kyle Sinckler representing a glorious future.

Eddie Jones’ team went into the World Cup final on November 2 as slight favourites against South Africa.

The rugby world was still pul-

sating after England’s stunning semi-final success against world champions New Zealand.

The All Blacks had not lost a World Cup game in 12 years and had won 15 of the past 16 games between the two nations.

England’s tournament success has been built around a young squad who believed that it was their time to conquer the world.

The world champions were left shell-shocked by a revved up England side.

ensured that the All Blacks lost their first World Cup fixture in over a decade.

“We wanted them to understand that we were ready for the fight” Itoje was immense while Sam Underhill and Tom Curry backed him to the hilt.

Itoje delivered the performance of his life as England

Like Itoje pre-match, Vunipola was determined to slay the legend that is New Zealand. “We wanted to make sure that they understood that we would be

ready for the fight,” he admitted.

In the quarter-final win over Australia, Kyle Sinckler came to the fore and immediately praised his mother.

Sinckler’s mum brought the England international up on her own on a south London housing estate and took him to local club Battersea Ironsides at the age of eight.

“It’s been a long journey for me and her. A long, long journey.

It’s good to see my mum out here, I’ve done her proud.”

All of England’s rugby players have had a mother of all tournaments and have done the entire nation proud!