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APRIL
ISSUE: Artistically Sound!
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Contents Charlotte - Atlanta - Oakland - International Essentials: pg 6 INeverworry.com
Urbanity Art: pg 12 Pach Atomz Clara Johnson Art By Abel Simone Frank Michael Jones Tom Foolery Writer’s Block: pg 35 Poetree Publications Literary Corner Poetry by Milikia Tolliver Style and Fashion: pg 42 She Be Lady Blu Niki D Nova Sebastian Threadz
Editor in Chief Carey Digsby
Cali/Intl Editor Jowhari Trahan
Special Correspondent Katherine Waddell
Contributing Writers: Yahsmin Mayaan Binti BoBo CWspeaks Jeremiah Holt
Photo Credits Kaya Greenfield Ziearre Zubar
Music: pg 49 The Love Project Food & Wine Tyme: pg 53 Jeremiah Holt presents Banana Almond, Red Chili Shrub
Are You Following Us? 5/ Urban Tymes Magazine
ESSENTIALS Life & Health
iNEVERWORRY I'm excited to embark on this journey of wellness and growth with you, Thank you. We live in a world masqueraded by individualism where independent movements are often questioned by the masses until the right group of people endorse you, sometimes. We live in a world where vacations are often replaced my midday Internet searches of stock pictures of places where " Paradise" reigns and where an instant share or copy and paste can enlighten your day, brighten your evenings and redefine how you see your life through someone else's experiences. That’s a shallow definition of the world we live in. We also live in a world of seekers, seekers of positive movements, seekers of wellness and Samaritan actions, seekers of persons who everyday strive to be the change they want to see in the world. Seekers who understand that they have the ability to conquer anything through strength and power of thought and positive reinforcement. I've been following the brand of iNEVERWORRY for years! I've followed the movements of Mr. Bedford and his iNEVERWORRY is empowering and designed for growth and strength. iNEVERWORRY has helped me hurdle the "mental stuff" build emotional intelligence and press forward.
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UT: (bows head) Thank you! How are you Sir? DB: I'm doing well, thanks for asking (smiling face with sunglasses) UTCali: I’m so excited to have this moment, the #iNEVERWORRY movement seems to be helping and redirecting people into their purpose driven positions how amazing is it to influence so many?
better, love differently, live to capacity, move the world with thought provoking actions, be fearless and confident and all the other adjectives that define success and healthy thinking what is your goal for iNEVERWORRY? DB: To leave a legacy, 100 years from now I want the people to know I was here Smiling face with Sunglasses
DB: It's fascinating to say the least; there is nothing greater than creating those visceral feelings that inspires someone to look at the world through a different lens.
UTCali: iNEVERWORRY provides emotional intelligence workshops to corporations and organizations, how can companies interested in your workshops contact you?
UTCali: As it's an unselfish action to share successes with others, especially in business as healthy thinking can promote wealth and the market is huge for self-help plans and thought processes, when did this journey begin for you?
DB: ineverworry@yahoo.com http://www.ineverworry.com Cell: 510 590 2025
DB: We breathed life into the brand back in early 1995, it started as a clothing line then evolved into a powerful and innovative training platform in 2012
UTCali: Please tell me about the book, what shall we expect in the world of emotional intelligence through Mr. Bedford and where is it available?
DB: iNeverWorry is a solution-based approach to managing stress and emotions in our everyday lives. There was a time in my life when UTCali: What is emotional intellihaving a lack of control over my gence and how important is it? emotions landed me in a courtroom facing a prison sentence for attemptDB: Simply put, emotional is the ability to manage your emotions and ing to take another man's life. Since then I have been utilizing these stratskillfully respond to the emotions of egies for several years and they other. There are four key components that make this possible; helped me transcend from a convicted felon, to a high ranking manager self-awareness, self-management, in the same probation department social awareness and relationship where I once spent time in custody. management. UTCali: As you live by example, inspire those who aspire to be
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UTCali: I’m certain social media marketing has increased your movement tremendously, how awesome is it to be in public, living your purpose driven life, moving throughout the day and someone introduces themselves to you DB: It never gets old, I love meeting knew people and humbly receiving the conversation and backstory when they share how iNeverWorry has helped them in one way or another. UTCali: Please give us 3 points to redefining our lives as we climb the staircase to emotional intelligence and list where and how we can purchase your books and materials.
DB: 1.) Always be honest and mindful of how you are feeling throughout the day 2.) Always put some space in between your responses to others 3.) Hold yourself responsible to bring positive energy into any climate you step into UTCali: Thank you again!!! I already feel rejuvenated and revived your positivity is strong much needed, thank for being and living by example and moving the world through your vision!! DB: Much love, thank you so much for creating this platform that gives us an opportunity to share our gifts and talents. Peace!
http://www.ineverworry.com
Photography by J aka Julio 8/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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:BUSINESS
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ARTS
Clara Johnson “I am a self-trained, abstract expressionist and creative muse. My collectors have told me that my unique art work draws them in, around and through its textures and colors; transporting them to distant places. “ I've come to learn the label "abstract expressionist," which suits me and my work perfectly. My goal is to give visual evidence of the creative spirit that is ever-present in myself and the Universe. Nature, beauty, and the subtle nuances that make up our picturesque and perfect spaceship called Earth are what I love. Incorporating colors, textures and the perception of movement allows my viewer to NOT merely look at but INTO, and capture the feeling of going someplace or something "BEAUTIFUL." My work has been shown in galleries and expos throughout the United States. http://www.clarafications .com/home/ 919-827-6747
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ART by ABEL To The Stars Through Perseverance�
Wall art for Dutchess For her new shop Pretty -N- Ink
Next page “Tre Bob”
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Three Goddesses
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ARTS
SIMONE
FRANK Simone Frank was born in Toronto, 1970. When she was three years old, her mother told her to draw the drapes. Her mother meant, of course, to close them. She did. After illustrating the decorative floral drapes, she was given an easel, brushes, a palette and oil paints as a gift. She remains, at heart, a painter. She holds a BAA in Fashion Design – Ryerson University, a Dean’s list Diploma in Graphic Design – George Brown College and a writing certificate – Humber College and has exhibited in the GTA, the Caribbean and Tokyo. She was invited to exhibit her works of art in China. Her publishing history includes but is not limited to: “Aspects of Love,” Life As Human Magazine, August 2014 and Kiss, Triumph, Messenger, Litté Realité, Volume X. No 1, 1998, Sergio Villani. For years her work has revolved around the notions of spirituality, racism, love, joy and harmony. Simone creates works that are inspiring and thought provoking in various mediums. She uses art as a vehicle to inform and to heal.
Lets Save the World, Page Three ink and scratchboard on paper 11"x14" 2004
2014 Spiral Strength brushed steel wire with suction cup base 6"x 11"x6" 2011
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Scribble Head mixed media 8"x1.5"x12" 2014 Harmonica Stevie acrylic on canvas 8"x10" 2011
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http://www.tattedcroc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TattedCroc
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COMING SOON Apr 29th!
The Magazine providing a voice and platform for artists of all genres! 24/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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Michael Jones: Dream Bigger
Left Page: Pencil, Marker, nail polish, crayon, Acrylic, Oil, Gold Leaf, Pages from Smithsonian magazine, 1941 Roanoke times newspaper, Found Foster freeze wrapper, Thor Comic book pages, Tootsie pop wrappers, Spray paint, German newspaper, Smeared(cherry) Tootsie pop chunks on 24x36 on canvas Title: MM Part take Price: Inquiry Within Date created: 11.8.15 Signed, dated, and thumb printed
On his commute to and from work in Southern California, Michael Jones would notice the graffiti sprayed onto the walls and the sides of buildings in the city. The words found in the street art he saw caused him to wonder how that type of art might be used to send more upbeat messages to the community that encountered it every day. What would happen if he tried his hand at making art that encouraged people to “Dream Bigger?” Michael is a self-taught artist who uses paint and discarded materials to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. Reminiscent in style of the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat whose life was plagued by depression and a heroin addiction, Michael’s work instead celebrates how far mankind has advanced and the benefits found in its many achievements.
Acrylic, spray paint, smeared dandelion, marker, crayon, glitter, on 11x14 canvas panel Title: Fedora me Price: Inquiry Within Date created: 1.18.16 Signed, dated, and thumb printed
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ARTS 28/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Pach Atomz
Mysterious Traveler
Being Innovative and original is the way I find my solstice, my humility, and my thoughts outside the box. Natural selection is the reason for it. Ever since I started using random materials as parts and base of work, I've found it thamaturgic. As the years went on, the process has become more refined in it's way with me. Taking me from crafting to artisan. Less
Education: Self taught artist, but did study fine arts & journalism at Kent State University.
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Above: Next : Avant SAMO Below: Old Angler Man
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Tom Foolery ARTS
Photos by Kaya Greenfield 32/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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was born Tommy Lee McGee 3rd. Sir Tom Foolery is the character I play in this paradox we call "reality". I am an ecstatic, when it comes to interpreting the world through art and spoken word. Sir Tom Foolery is my voice, reporting on whatever is relevant at the moment. As an artist, the works and concepts I create, I share with you. Hopefully they will challenge, inspire and encourage perspective about what's going on around us.
"THE VOICE" Recently I was awakened from my sleep by a voice who introduced itself as "Myself." So Myself and I began a conversation which ignited this journey. It went something like this: THE VOICE: Hey you, wake up, are you ready? ME: Ready? for what? Who are you? THE VOICE: It's me, Myself! Time for us to build something great, your life! ME: How in the hell do I do that? I have no idea where to start, besides, doesn't life just... Happen? THE VOICE: yeah, life does just happen, but you can design that happening. I want you to take some time and study your past, your talents, passions, experiences, conversations you have had and people you have come across. Your life's building instructions are in each of those
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and you only have to find it and start building! ME: Yeah well, what if I don't want to? THE VOICE: You don't have to, but why wouldn't you want to, besides my ass is on the line too ya know? ME: Yeah, but what if I fail? THE VOICE: That would suck, but I promise you two things. If you decide to start building your life ill never nag you again and id always be proud of you, and when Myself is proud of you...life is a beautiful journey! I decided to create this site for several reasons. I wanted a platform for my passion projects, what I consider the start of my life's work. Also, because I dread the idea of dedicating precious years of my life helping to build some company I didn't believe in. This is my outlet for my thoughts and my projects; I consider this is my playground. As I mature as a man and artist you have an open access pass into my sandbox. Let’s be fools, live life unapologetically and let's change our reality together!
"Create like a god. Command like a king. Work like a slave"- Constantin Brancusi
Tom’s ultimate goal was to get the original painting to Sanders as a gift for everything he has done in his career to speak up for the voiceless. The painting will be delivered to Mr. Sanders the week of April 18th 2016. Many of you might be wondering where the rest of the funds from the prints are going, the money raised will cover the cost of the prints, shipping material, painting material, paying my video Director, and renting a large van to transport the painting to Bernie. Please help spread the word to all fellow Bernie supporters and organizers of the campaign far and wide on social media with the
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#bernthetrumpcard (over 210,000 shares so far). Even if you can't contribute at the moment, please share with friends. Thank you all so very much! Big thanks to Ana Caicedo Macia, Kaya Greenfield, and all involved for the brilliant video work! For more details and funding: https://www.gofundme.com/bernthetrumpcard IMPORTANT! Please send (#bernthetrumpcard) to Luis Calderin's FB messenger at https://www.facebook.com/luis.calderin. He does the great work as Director of Arts & Culture at Bernie Sanders for President. He is the man who can get this in Bernie's hands.
SA Literary Works WRITER’S BLOCK
Publications available from
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Poetree Publications (Pty) Ltd, South Africa Hardcopies can be ordered from poetflow@live.com
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1. The Undelivered Score: Letters from a poet’s heart – by Selome ‘Flow’ Wellington ISBN 978-0-9870230-0-1 ASIN: B00757JO4E http://www.amazon.com/THEUNDELIVERED-SCORE-Letterspoets-ebook/dp/B00757JO4E THE UNDELIVERED SCORE is a small collection of original poetry written by Selome Poet-Flo’w Wellington, a young South African artist passionate about relaying stories about people and how they relate to life experiences. The verses are articulate and eloquently arranged to give an account of issues society frowns upon or those which people are generally reluctant to discuss. 2. Uni-Verse-Al: Anthology of modern-day sonnets and verse ISBN 978-0-9870230-1-8 ASIN: B00CGIBIRI http://www.amazon.com/Uni-Verse-Al-Anthology-modernday-sonnets-verse-ebook/dp/B00CGIBIRI It goes without saying, the poems published in this book not only give the readers a glimpse into the lives and minds of young South African poets (not forgetting Diana from the U.S.A and special inclusion of 70-year old Felicity-Ann McInnes), but share a more personal side of each poet’s perception about how they view this era, their thoughts on issues that affect today’s youth, and also their love for expression. 3. Breaking Rules in Poetry – by Phumlani Mhlanga (English and Zulu) ISBN 978-0-9870230-2-5 ASIN: B00B9XMWEO http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Rules-Poetry-PhumlaniMhlanga-ebook/dp/B00B9XMWEO I once read that “our thoughts are bigger than our minds, that our minds cannot bear the thought of it”. I think this best introduces the foundation of this collection. These poems are a labour of love, a share value to the solitary reader, and perhaps an attempt to intimately connect with the individual reader and offer some sort of introspection.
4. Never Give Up: Healing Words From a Poet – by Haroldene B. Tshienda ISBN 978-0-9870230-3-2 ASIN: B00S35A6PS http://www.amazon.com/Never-Give-Up-Healing-wordsebook/dp/B00S35A6PS Haroldene presents an honest account of her experiences and life-lessons through original poetry and prose. This book is as authentic as she is in her love for God and the passion she has for encouraging others through her writing. Each piece is as unedited as possible so that the read-
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er is able to relate on a more personal and conversational level. 5. Beweeg Berg: My lewe, my storms, my geluk (Mountain Move: My life, my storms, my joy) – by Ricardo Korkee (Afrikaans) ISBN 978-0-9870230-4-9 ASIN: B010SVP3QQ http://www.amazon.com/BeweegBerg-Mountain-Move-Stormsebook/dp/B010SVP3QQ The debut poetry collection by Ricardo Korkee is an honest account of personal experiences, heartache, joys, dedications and aspirations, and achievements in beautifully written Afrikaans poetry. 6. The Eastern Cape Book Festival Poetry Journal V1 ISBN 978-0-9870230-5-6 The ECBF Poetry Journal Volume 1 consists of original poetry and prose in multiple languages, collected between 2014 and 2015 after the first EC Book Festival (hosted in September 2014). The anthology is made up of amateur and seasoned poets from around the Eastern Cape and South Africa, with many of the poets publishing for the first time in this journal. It is the aim of the ECBF to provide a medium for young writers around the country to make a valuable contribution to South African literature and ultimately, redefine South African literature. COMING SOON: Salt Water – Raphael d’Abdon Seaweed Sky – Dr Sarah Godsell
Literary Treasures Check out the latest reads, courtesy of Kisha Green’s DivaBooks!
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Caged Bird Milikia Tolliver I can say a few too many times that I lost faith. Inspired, you inspired a little girl from the Bay Area to write whatever she thought would make her feel better about herself. Not that she lacked self-esteem, but she lacked the drive to chase her dreams. You, Ms. Maya Angelou you are the reason I the caged bird sings. Pain, you see Pain and I are well acquainted since my first breath. From the RSV to the unlimited blood test, the doctors trying to help me remember to breathe. My brother’s death, my father’s incarceration, and my mother’s depression. You were there as if you were my friend. You hit me hard, watched me fall, I’d rise, and you’d try to take me out again. You’re the reason I’m hurting so bad, you’re the reason I am skeptical of anything good. You’re the reason I rather hide in the shadows. I rather write than verbally express my sorrows. Poetry, through poetry and wise words you showed me I can maintain and fix my hurt. You healed wounds no doctor could sew shut. Ms Maya Angelou, you are the reason I the caged bird sings. -Milikia Above is a poem dedicated to the late Ms Maya Angelou. Her words carried me through some of the hardest times in my life. I am sincerely thankful; I hope to touch someone else the same way. 39/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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WWW.ELIAHSOUL.COM
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Style and Fashion 42/ Urban Tymes Magazine
She Lady Blue Photographer: Ziearre Zubar 43/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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Tenika Blue aka Lady Blue a Global Brand Goddess with over 15 years in the entertainment and fashion industry. This innovative woman has made a name for herself by developing her passions and talents.
world music, supporting her community and spending time with family & friends.
Current Projects Include Mass Media and Publication’s such as editorial release of “Muse” by Mickalene Thomas a world renowned artist and curator. As a result of working with Thomas, Blue will be exhibited in the Newly Renovated An Emcee/Host, Full Figure Model, Make San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts Up Artist, Nail Care Specialist and 2016. In reference to her acting career, she Wellness Advocate. Lady Blue is will be featured in the Tracie Collins recognized throughout communities as a Presents ‘The V Monologues, A Black public figure, from the front lines of Woman’s Interpretation” scheduled hit the community/youth advocacy to rocking stages and earning recognition from a wide theater in Atlanta, GA . August 2016. Blue has also teamed up with KMBA (Kiss My variety of audiences. With a natural ability to move crowds, her charismatic personali- Black Arts) which is an artist collective for ty, engages audience no matter the age of social justice art, branding, economics and equity. the attendees. Her endeavors have landed gigs from the San Francisco Mayor’s In the words of Blue… BMagic Back to School Give Away, Oakland’s Art & Soul Festival, Silence the “Being in the modeling and entertainment Violence National Day Events, Teen industry, It’s not just about being a pretty Summits, Juneteenth Celebrations, face it’s about having an attitude that atFashion, Jewelry & Hair Shows, also tracts positive people and experiences to featuring on BET’s 106&Park with female hip hop recording artist Queen Deelah and you. Be brilliant, be brave, be bold and the ultimate goal is to believe in yourself …. the list goes on. Another passion closest to Blue’s heart is working with youth and young adults inspiring and motivating them, so she volunteers by co-facilitating a support group called the “New Beginnings Sister Circle” for a intergenerational sisterhood at United Roots Arts & Media Center Oakland CA. She also works in San Francisco with Sisters United going into the young women’s unit at the juvenile hall building relationships and helping the girls conceiving a new world view and a greater appreciation for self. Lady Blue’s mission is to do some acting, host radio and TV as well as fulfill a long time dream of being a motivational speaker. Up close and personal, Blue is a proud mother of her first born son. She enjoys long walks in the California Sun, dancing to
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Your destined to do great things so encourage your dreams and not your fears, keep pressing forward against all odds. That’s the mindset of a winner.” For booking please email: africablue2008@gmail.com Please visit the attached link to see more of her work. http://youtu.be/NnkfOlz0St8 Face book: ShebeLady Blue Instagram:SHEBELADYBLUE Twitter:@LAfricaBlue Designer: Sebastian Threadz
Sebastian Threadz A Bay Area native, Lynn B is creating a niche for the curvy woman with an outgoing, unapologetic and fabulous lifestyle. Ms. B has the ability to incorporate design elements from the 1920s and beyond into her better contemporary Pret-a-Porter “Ready to Wear” collections that are timeless yet on trend. With degrees in business management and apparel design she clearly understands the relevance of providing a quality product targeted to a specific customer to meet their fashion and style needs. That knowledge and experience enabled Sebastian Threadz to be launched. Lynn has several years of experience as a Designer and Technical Designer for a mass market retailer as well as a Design Instructor for a Bay Area art university. The first major Sebastian Threadz’ collection debuted in 2013 during New York Fashion Week. The success of those 2 shows encouraged her to create the Bay Area’s first Sultry Sunday Showcase where the holiday collection was presented and well received. 2016 promises to be an exciting year for the brand which will include a 5 piece Resort Wear collection. Additionally, ST will continue to partner with magazines, showcase via runway shows, stage plays and increase their commissioned couture client base. Lynn has turned her love of textures, simple silhouettes and luxurious fabrications into quality looks for voluptuous vixens’ sizes 16-28. She is able to capture and highlight the nuances of a woman’s curvaceous body that make her feel confident, sexy and alluring. The Sebastian Threadz woman is an uninhibited voluptuous vixen that flaunts her curves unapologetically without regret. SebastianThreadz.bigcartel.com SebastianThreadz - (FB, YouTube, InstaGram, Twitter, Periscope) Studio – (925) 788-5454 45/ Urban Tymes Magazine
Designer Niki D Nova
yle and Fashion
Look: Multi Color Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress Designer: Niki D Nova Photographer: Ziearre Zubar
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Having discovered a love of fashion as a young child, fashion designer, Niki d'Vine's love of women’s wear - ranging from Bridal and Formal Wear, to chic and versatile ready-to-wear pieces - was passed down through her lineage. The selftaught d’Vine accredits her natural talent to her grandmother who sewed and loved watching the couture shows early on Saturday mornings on the E! channel; and counts a maternal aunt amongst her early fashion influences. “When we were about eight or nine years old, she would have my sister and me over to help her organize her studio. We were volunteers in her fashion house, which was actually a house that she rented to store and showcase luxurious fabrics, jewelry, baubles and furs. Even at that young age, and it was pure heaven!” Niki is currently directing Wear Niki, a versatile ready-to-wear arm of the brand, Undress, the newly introduced, sultry undergarment collection, and a highly anticipated contemporary label, to be released in Autumn 2016. On a mission to become the highest reflection of herself, Niki d’Vine is a woman on the rise. For more information about Niki and her fashion brand, visit her on Facebook at Niki D Nova Collection, on Instagram @wear_niki or shop online at Etsy.com/shop/NikiDNova.
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MUSIC
Melodies of Movement Kamilah Mahasin and Saidah Denise talk truth, love, and sustainability.
Words by Yahsmin Mayaan Binti BoBo photo credit instagram @
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It isn’t everyday that you find yourself in the presence of vocalists who give you a pure adrenaline rush. I’ve been to a lot of shows, either sitting amid a crowd, or peeking from behind a curtain backstage. These performances don’t always resonate with me. However, I recently attended a ladies only event in Oakland marketed as, "Crown Jewel." The name itself is powerfully unique and the duo definitely embodies the meaning. The show was orchestrated and hosted by Kamilah Mahasin Shuaibe, a lovely songwriter from the Bay Area. She teamed up with another songstress from New York named Saidah Denise. Together, they did much more than rock the crowd- they catalyzed change.
lim woman singing "real music.” Kamilah is big on authenticity and artists finding their path and their passions. No wonder Nina Simone was her creative muse as she came into her identity. Kamilah believes wholeheartedly that every song must have emotional content so a connection is forged with its listener. In that way, Saidah’s spirit and narrative was loud and clear. Kamilah then tracked her down relentlessly online, until she was able to book her performance at an upcoming conference.
“In this journey and in deciding that art is going to be my life, I had to map out how to use this craft,” Kamilah shared. It seems the map led her to the collaboration of a lifetime. Kamilah’s resume is quite extensive. The short list details Between songs, there was a lot of talk about her work with Remarkable Current and The Raidentity, culture, and, love. Each track was pref- dio Blue after she started this creative career in aced with a story behind the story and process theater. She sees herself as storyteller, poet, by which most songs are written. Not necessari- actress and performer seeking to produce “qually in the context of relationships and definitely ity work.” not disclosing details, but they spoke in a language every woman undoubtedly understands. Saidah’s story has truly piqued my interest too. She was raised Jehovah’s Witness and later From heartbreak to healing, home life to artist converted to Islam. When it comes to her musilife, these performers intended to connect with everyone on a much more profound level. And, cal roots, her father wasn’t classically trained it worked. You could feel the spark in the room. but was instead, self-taught. He played several instruments. It appears though, that his daughIt was that energy and the circulation of that en- ter needs only one- her voice. Saidah worked ergy that propelled my conversation with both with US based Hip Hop group Medina and sees Kamilah and Saidah, as they embark on a jour- the sharing of music as “giving da’wah in creney they name “The Love Project.” “We want to ative ways.” Da’wah is the Arabic term for an raise the frequency and create a space where invitation to faith. we can love each other,” Saidah said when explaining the intention behind this endeavor. She The Love Project as an organization is still in its developmental phase. Herein lies the irony: as sees music as the ultimate connection and a these two incredibly inspiring women lay the unifying force Muslims need, and especially foundation and open dimensions, they are too, Muslim women. But their sights are set on a developing on personal and spiritual levels. The global audience- listeners from all nations and walks of life. The two are also aiming to release music is merely “the soundtrack” to the endeavor itself. Kamilah and Saidah hope to create and “high caliber music” which is precisely what I share space for women of all disciplines. This heard on that extraordinary evening. will be a place where bonds are built, women Although Kamilah and Saidah are solo acts, this are acknowledged and celebrated. As supportcollaboration signifies a new beginning for them ers of women in the arts, ultimately they want to both. It’s a bi-coastal effort that began five years foster both identity and community. ago in a virtual capacity. As Saidah remembers it, she bought a CD of Kamilah’s and the admiration was instant. Kamilah, on the other hand, cites Saidah as the first time she heard a Mus-
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will not idealize the balance and pursuit, it will help artists to realize the empowerment within. After performing unreleased material, Saidah said she received a great response and that “people gravitated.” That’s exactly how I’d describe my own feeling while in their presence- a gravitational pull. It was hard to remain seated, to keep my composure. Not merely because it’s rhythmic but because of its content. It was all original and illuminated the authenticity Kamilah routinely refers to. “Women have forgotten their passions,” Kamilah said plainly. I couldn’t agree more. As a wife, mother, writer- I find it painfully difficult to strike a balance. So, we talked about this at length. In a way, I wanted to see if I could uncover the sincere secret on how to do it all. Truthfully though, we all concurred that we cannot do it all. Kamilah argued that we shouldn’t do it all. Creative pursuits require compromises. The Love Project
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Saidah added her insights on discipline and scheduling. She seems very methodical about how to compartmentalize art and her personal life. Saidah is married, keeps a 9 to 5, and reserves studio time for Saturdays. Family day is always Sunday in her household, “My first community is my home.” At many points in this riveting conversation, Kamilah touched on the need for finding (and keeping) camaraderie with women- the like minded and with artists. Alongside Saidah, and in the foundation of The Love Project, she plans to do just that. Sustainability is finally within reach.
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The Banana Almond, Red Chili Shrub Mixologist and Business Owner Jeremiah Holt is always in the “lab” creating delicious and intriguing drinks for his clients! Recently he shared with the world his latest creation using The Perfect Purée’s Banana Puree. An amazing brand for any bartender or mixologist. Jeremiah’s recipe is ideal as a Spring/Summer drink for your guests! ● 1 oz. DaVinci Almond-flavored Italian Soda Syrup ● 2 oz. The Perfect Purée Banana Puree, thawed ● 1 oz. rice wine vinegar ● 1/4 tsp. crushed red chili flakes (optional) ● 1.5 oz. Bacardi Oakheart Rum ● cup of ice
Method: Combine the vinegar, chili flakes and syrup. Add the Banana Purée and mix well. Allow to chill this “shrub mixture” in a closed container for at least four hours to allow the flavors to marry. Add 1 oz. of the shrub mixture with the rum and shake with ice then strain into a cocktail glass. Enjoy!
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(360) 281-9866
www.justrightcocktails.com 54/ Urban Tymes Magazine
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