Issue 39

Whitney houston1963-2012

WWW.lifeincolour.uk.com

Issue 39|march 2012

London’s No’1 multicultural entertainment Pocket Guide

contents

Contributers Design Publisher DistributionJB rose, Nikeasha Grant, sheleene sealy Life in colour London Get me exposureLauren higgins and mai muhammed

FeAtureWhitney houston

1963-2012

MusiCFinley Quaye at the Jazz Cafe

CoMeDYTouch of Class with Felicity Ethnic

theAtreReflection directed by Gbolahan Obiessan

sPoKen WorDSpoken Word Night with Inua Ellams

CoMMunitYUncover at the Albany

Regular Features: Diary of a Singer... p. 5 Unsigned and Happening.......... p. 7

Mother’s Dayspecial p.6 carribean

theatre p.4

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Re-worked with an all-black cast talawa theatre returns with the classic Waiting For godot by samuel Beckett. Two homeless men, Vladimir and Estragon, wait on a bare road with a single tree. Over two days they argue, get bored, clown around, repeat themselves, contemplate death and wait. They are waiting for the one who never comes. They are waiting for Godot.Starring Patrick Robinson of the BBC’s medical drama’s Casualty and The Bill alongside the highly respected Jeffery Kissoon, Talawa Theatre is touring a fantastic version of a classic piece of theatre about two men passing time. A tragic comedy, this 5 strong all male cast is breaking the mould as this is the first all-Black British version of the piece. When questioned about its significance Patrick Robinson says, “it reflects the human condition, we are

For full details of the tour go to, www.talawa.com

WAiting For goDot Directed by ian brown

6-10th March Albany theatre in Deptford. tel: 020 8692 446. www.thealbany.org.uk

always in a state of waiting…you know…for whatever it may be. And it touches us all whatever race, whatever creed.” Kissoon also adds his thoughts about who would come along to this production “The type of people who identify with the black experience would get a lot out of it” and Robinson adds, “Although we’re doing it with an all-black cast, whether we’d done it straight or in this Caribbean style, I think what will be good is that when we go to various venues they won’t realise or think of it as ‘A Samuel Beckett Modern Classic’.

Caribbean Style TheaTre

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TheaTre

JB ROSE‘Diary of a Singer’

So it’s 2012 and already the fact that it’s the month of

February is making me feel pressure to make serious inroads into my singing career before the year runs away with itself. So far my quest to reignite my passion has been positive but not ground breaking. I sang at a posh Black tie do in Dorset to bring in the new year which had me having to learn ‘You Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog’ and Bon Jovi’s, ‘Your Half way There’. Who said that singing rock was easy? The notes I had to reach nearly brought the cats out. But

they loved my performance. And don’t forget my embarrassing gig where I played live and mashed up the set with my clumsy yet ‘sexy’ buffalo hips. So to keep the vibe going, I rang up a photographer friend to take some new pictures and now that Mr Fantastic and I have a few original songs under our belt I thought I’d call a producer friend of mine up to record the songs. Should be easy enough? No. The photographer wants to know my visual concepts, asking me if I have a make-up artists and what’s my budget? What do I wanna look like? Me I guess. But that’s not a good enough answer. So things begin to slow down. A budget? I’m not Rhianna. My producer friend laughed at me when I said I wanted to come record some stuff with her because she’s already booked. Of course, why would I think she could just drop everything for me? So I have to check out my other options, carry on writing and consider whether my look is bling even without the kerching!

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Usually the un-sung heroines in our lives, tirelessly supporting us in order that we are

happy, warm and fed; is it just the 18th March that we should hold up as the day to appreciate the person who endured all that pain to bring us into the world? now don’t get me wrong, in this world of good and bad not all mums get it right all the time and that can often be down to their own childhood experiences. But on the whole most women who have endured their body morphing into a huge stretch marked lump (the unlucky ones) the love is immediate, the love is un-conditional, the love is there. then follow the years of worry. Worrying about getting the right school, the company your child keeps, their health, ‘are you eating right?’ was always chanted at me. Waiting up at night till the front door opens, even though your child is a fully-grown 25 year old. I often think about my stroppy teens, sitting around the house while mum did the housework and then expecting to get my freshly cooked dinner even though mum had worked a full day. she like many, cherished and took care of all of us kids as if her life depended on it. so if you are lucky to still have your mum and whether she is a strong disciplinarian or a hippy, laid back type and everything in between let us salute them; but not just on one day but through-out the year.

Big up Hard Working Mothers

6

British actress from the US hit TV series Without a Trace Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Singer and rapper Ms Dyna-mite has a little boy called Shavaar

Singer and TV Personality Jamelia with daughters

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Unsigned HappeningDivAgeeKHer name is Vula, his name, Ben. Together they are DivaGeek. Ben and Vulastarted working together in 2005 and have worked with various artists and bands across many genres. DivaGeek is classified as electric soul but create songs that range

from hip hop, to R&B and Soul. They combine unique beats and rhythms to make truly one of a kind music. With Vula on vocals and Ben on drums, guitar, and more their album is upbeat and fun. www.divageekmusik.com/homeblog, www.facebook.com/pages/DivaGeek

Mr ADAggioA violinist/composer/performer, Adaggio performs as a soloist on popular music from R&B, hip hop, soul, pop and reggae. A classically trained musician he has been playing since age 7, but started playing more popular music at 18. He has played in Dubai at Glastonbury as well as London Fashion Week and has been a solo violinist for Grammy winner Estelle and performed with Macy Gray and The Game to name but a few. Influences include Mozart, Bob Marley, Tupac and Michael Jackson. www.youtube.com/user/officialAdaggio.

XPloDerHailing from the East London’s Grime scene, 2012 is blowing up for Xploder having just won the MOBO Uk Unsung act for London which will see him tour alongside other exciting new acts. Citing artists including Dizzee Rascal, Coldplay, Jay Z, Ludicris and UB40 as his influences he has already seen support from BBC 1Xtra,

Radio 1 Kiss and Choice for his previous two releases and is the ambassador for the ‘I Am Awards’ which aim to offer unsigned artists a self-releasing platform to share their music. Don’t miss him on the MOBO tour. www.twitter.com/xploderuk www.myspace.com/lyricalxploder www.youtube.com/user/xploder1

Whitney Houston became a worldwide household name, with vocals that

soared with every song she sang. Born 9th August 1963 in New Jersey to parents Russell Jr and Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston was the youngest of three siblings and always possessed a love of music. Much of her teenage years were spent performing at New York nightclubs alongside and in church with her mother. Through Cissy’s guidance many record deals were rejected as she strictly ensured Whitney’s graduation from high school. However, in 1983,

Clive Davis of Arista Records heard Whitney sing thus beginning her phenomenal recording career. “Hold Me”, a duet with Teddy Pendergrass was her first single in 1984.

Seven albums later, after 6 world tours, having performed live for four televised concerts, a Hollywood blockbuster in tow, the BBC declared that Whitney, “is one of the most celebrated female acts of all time, selling 170 million records worldwide and scoring 11 US and 4 UK number one hits”. With six Grammy awards, 30 billboard awards, and 22 American music

We Miss you WhitneyThe world is grieving over the passing of Whitney Houston and here in Britain we are no less stricken.

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awards, “Houston was the most awarded female artist of all time” (Guinness World Records).

Houston paved the way for other Black and female artists on both sides of the Atlantic. British Soul Singer Beverly Knight ßcommented that, “few come along and change everything with just the power of their voice,” reflecting on hearing the inspiration of Whitney’s natural combination of gospel and pop. The New York Times stated, “Houston was a major catalyst for

a movement within black music.” Artist from all cultural backgrounds consider Houston to be a huge

musical influence. Whitney died 11th February 2012 at the age of 48. Her memory lives on as if she never departed and will continue to touch our

hearts through her music. As Tony Bennett said to Clive Davis when Houston was first signed, “You finally found the greatest singer I’ve ever heard in my life.” Thirty years later, we couldn’t agree more! We love and miss you Whitney!

“She has left an incredible

soundtrack over the past three decades.”

Kanya King, MOBO fOunder.

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2nd

abimaro and the Freeabimaro and the Free is a soulful folk trio £6 -£8 7:30pm.The albany. se8. www.thealbany.org.uk 020 8692 444623th

soundcrash reggae soundclash Three of London’s most influential sounds representing all types of music from new-school roots to dubstep.£9.50 -£12.50 scala. N1 www.soundcrashmusic.com 08444 771 00023rd-25th JLsX Factor winners aston, marvin. Ortise and JB sing their hits.02 arena se10. 0844 856 0202 www.seatwave.com/the-o2-arena-tickets

24th

Finley Quaye award-winning Finley Quaye returns to the Jazz café. raised in a family of musicians, Quaye has an appreciation for Jazz. £17.50. 7pmJazz cafe. NW1. venues.meanfiddler.com 08444 847 251425th

syleena JohnsonKnown for her album “chapter 5: underrated”, critically acclaimed for her musicianship enjoy her live. Jazz cafe. NW1. www.venues.meanfiddler.com 08444 847 251429th

OFWGKTaall male music group performing live at the O2 academy. £17.50. O2 academy Brixton. sW9. www.o2academybrixton.co.uk 020 7771 3000

26th-27th

DraKecanadian born Dake hit songs include ‘every Girl,’‘Best I ever had,’ and ‘money to Blow.’02 arena se10. 0844 856 0202 www.seatwave.com/the-o2-arena-tickets

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MUsIc

3rd-4th

me, my Wife, and her Next Door a Jamaican hit comedy presented by harmony Productions with charles Tomlin, Lavern archer£17.50. 8pm Broadway Theatre. se6. broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com 020 8690 0002

7th

The Funny side… all New Variety is key at this weekly Wednesday event. To start a well-known comedian opens the show followed by emerging acts featuring various musicians and sketch acts. £8. 8pm. cafe Koha. Wc2N. www.thefunnyside.info 0844 478 0404

9th

Piccadilly comedy clubFeaturing shazia mirza, chris Norton Walker, and mike Belgrave. £10-£15. 8:15pm The comedy Pub. sW1Y. 0844 248 5050

17th

I’m every Woman: The ultimate mother’s Day celebration This mother’s day showcase is hosted by Felicity ethnic featuring

multi-award winning comedian slim, Glenda Jackson, a fashion show by Dma models, and more. £22. 8pm. Broadway Theatre se6. broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com 020 8690 0002

18th

TOuch OF cLassThe real mccoyl, Kevin J, Felicity ethnicand performances by Janet K, silly Games, Don campbell and more. £22.50-£25. 7:15pmhackney empire. e8www.hackneyempire.co.uk . 020 8985 2424

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coMeDY

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1st-17th

The Pitchfork Disneya story about a brother and a sister that have been living in their dead parent’s house for 10 years, suddenly one night, cosmo Disney arrives and changes everything. £17.50 - 22.50 arcola Theatre. e8. www.arcolatheatre.com

6th-10th

Waiting for Godot Featuring an all-black British cast two men waiting share stories, jokes argues. a wonderful story of two friends just trying to pass the time. £8. 7:30pm, The albany se8 www.thealbany.org.uk 0208 692 4446

8th-9th

Queen Pokou by Dean attaa play based on the life of ashanti Princess, abla Pokou, and her extraordinary journey to create a new world. £6-£9 stratford circus. e15. www.stratford-circus.com 0844 357 2625

8th-10th

Be Good revolutionaries In this production the audience enters the world of a rebel leader’s family. Directed by Georgina sowerby and Jon Lee you are invited to enter a world of mystery and secret. 8pm. £5Ovalhouse Theatre.se11.www.ovalhouse.com 020 7582 7680

1st-10th

a Few man FridaysProsper is an ex-rasta lost in London, trying to make sense of his dog-filled dreams. a story that unearths an inglorious episode of British history, and explores the fantasies of the powerful, set against the dreams of the powerless.riverside studio. W10 www.riversidestudios.co.uk 0208 237 1111

30th-31st

reflection By rianna mitchell henry and directed by Gbolahan Obisessan this is a play reading written by a 17 year for the royal court Young Writers Festival. 6pm £8 royal court Theatre. sW1www.royalcourttheatre.com 0207 565 5000

8-13, 20-25, 30-31The cOmeDY OF errOrsFeaturing Lenny henry, one of the biggest names in african-caribbean comedy, as antipholus. £12-£45. National Theatre. se1. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ 020 7452 3000

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tHeAtRe

8th

Tongue Fuan International woman’s day special featuringJan Blake, anna Freeman, and Bridget minamoreall performing to improvised accompanimentsfrom the Tongue Fu band. £5-£7 8pm. richmix. e1. www.richmix.org.uk 020 7613 7498

15th

The Jam: a cultural compoteenjoy a night of live music, stand-up, poetry performances, and more. £5. 7:30pm Toynbee studios. e1 www.artsadmin.co.uk 020 7650 2350

27th

Open mic Night: Downstairs at the King’s headFeaturing simon Brodkin aka Lee Nelson as a headliner and mc Tom Deacon. FreeDownstairs at the King’s head. N8. www.timeout.com/london

28th spoken Word NightLine up includes legendary artists Inua ellams,Polar Bear and Kate Tempest. Free starts 10.15pmroyal court Theatre sW1 0207 565 5000 www.royalcourttheatre.com

28th

JaWDaNcea splurge of spoken word and poetry presented by apples & snakes. Free. 7:30pmrichmix. e1. www.richmix.org.uk 020 7613 7498.

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2nd

Ghana 49th Independence Dance come celebrate Ghana’s independence as hip hop artists mzbel, castro, sidney perform live, fashion, competition for best traditional outfit takes place. 10pm-6am. Free stratford rex music arena. e15. http://www.ghanauk.co.uk 0870 609 2339

10th

Dancemania 2012come enjoy a night of vibrant dance styles from street dance, hip-hop, break-dance, to street jazz.Plus a-Pex Dance crew from Britain’s Got Talent 2011. £10.50-£13. 7pm.The Grove Theatre. Lu5. www.grovetheatre.co.uk 01582 60 20 80

17th

Dance: make Your move Watch secondary, elementary, and special schools, colleges, dance, and youth groups perform to raiseawareness for the red cross. £8.50 (£6.50 concs). 6pm.The albany. se8. www.thealbany.org.uk

24th

Blueprint east London Dance presents Dance currents in partnership with London Youth Dance and sadler Wells. London’s best upcoming talents. £9/£5. 8pm. stratford circus. e15. www.stratford-circus.com 0844 357 2625

26th

Occupation, Protest, riot: Documenting social unrest Documenting social unrest for future generations. The museum is featuring a collection to showcase contemporary

events.£5-£6 Booking required museum of London. ec2Y. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

27th-28th

mother africa / modern Women exhibition exhibition of contemporary african art featuring paintings by charles Nkomo, Njogu Touray and Godfrey Banadda. 4-7pm. Frameless Gallery, ec1r. www.framelessgallery.com 079 7497 6736

30th

uncovera music event that promises to be entertaining,with emerging artists 13-19 yearsThe albany se8 www.thealbany.org.uk 0208 692 4446

2th-4th

reaL FOOD marKeT sample fresh food, get unique gift ideas, and buy delicious treats from across the uK. 12-6pm. Free. southbank centre square. se1 020 7960 4200.www.southbankcentre.co.uk

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