Issue 46

Marsha aMbrosius

www.lifeincolour.uk.coM

London’s No’1 Multicultural Entertainment Pocket Guide

IssuE 46|DEc-JaN2012/13

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contents

Contributers Design Publisher DistributionJB Rose sheleene sealy Life in colour London Get Me Exposure& candace Oxley

FeAtureMarsha ambrosius.....p8

MusiCTrey Songs at Jazz Café

CoMeDYQuincy’s Xmas Special

theAtre ‘Feast’ Theatre Royals Nigerian play

sPoKen WorDKat Francois at Theatre Royal Stratford East

CoMMunitYYoung Hackney. Encouraging local youngsters

Regular Features: Diary of a Singer... p. 6 Unsigned and Happening.......... p. 7

Pantomime special p.15

AvAilAble Monthly At A venue neAr you

3www.lifeincolour.uk.comPlease e-mail all listings information to [email protected]. all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the advertis-ers. Life In colour can not take responsibility for any incorrect or misleading claims made. ©2012 Life In colour

Jermaine Riley is experimental, charming and passionate. Life

in Colour talks with Jermaine about his work.

Candace: Would you say you were a triple threat – singer, dancer and a

graphic designer? Which one came first?

Jermaine: Dancing. I was basically in front of the TV screen watching

Michael Jackson, from the age of 3 I’d be at wedding receptions, parties

dancing

Candace: When was the first time you fell in love with music?

Jermaine: “Probably when I went to the Brit school I got into Boyz II Men

a lot, Floetry, Usher and Sisqo.

Candace: How do you approach writing?

Jermaine: Its always been about my real life experiences. I could just be

going somewhere or having a conversation and use that to write a song like

my song ‘Clouds’.

Candace: Are there any artists that your fans would be surprised you listen

to?Jermaine: I’ve got Taylor Swift in my iTunes, One Direction and a guy

called Ben Folds. On ‘Hello Earth’ and ‘My Superspective’, if I didn’t listen

to Ed Sheeren or Lily Allen, I wouldn’t know how to write songs like that.

Candace: On the mixtape 10.11.12, what song would you say you had the

most fun writing/recording and why?

Jermaine: Probably, ‘IEGAF’. It’s got the whole skit at the beginning with

my friend talking. It’s totally different approach to Elle Varna’s version.

Candace: So your Superman image, what about that reflects you and where

did that concept stem from?

Jermaine: The comparison stemmed from the fact that Superman does a

lot of different things very well and I felt I too, have many gifts.

Candace: So on ‘Hello Earth’, what types of themes can your fans expect?

Jermaine: There’s a song on there for everyone. It’s definitely something

you could play from top to bottom, its concise, it doesn’t sound disjointed

and I’m really happy with it.

Candace: And in 5 years time, musically, where do you hope to be?

Jermaine: I’d want to be the Gary Barlow of UK R’n’B - writing massive

tunes for everyone.

www.jermaineriley.com

and follow him on twitter: @jermaineriley.

4

Jermaine Riley is experimental, charming and passionate. Life

in Colour talks with Jermaine about his work.

Candace: Would you say you were a triple threat – singer, dancer and a

graphic designer? Which one came first?

Jermaine: Dancing. I was basically in front of the TV screen watching

Michael Jackson, from the age of 3 I’d be at wedding receptions, parties

dancing

Candace: When was the first time you fell in love with music?

Jermaine: “Probably when I went to the Brit school I got into Boyz II Men

a lot, Floetry, Usher and Sisqo.

Candace: How do you approach writing?

Jermaine: Its always been about my real life experiences. I could just be

going somewhere or having a conversation and use that to write a song like

my song ‘Clouds’.

Candace: Are there any artists that your fans would be surprised you listen

to?Jermaine: I’ve got Taylor Swift in my iTunes, One Direction and a guy

called Ben Folds. On ‘Hello Earth’ and ‘My Superspective’, if I didn’t listen

to Ed Sheeren or Lily Allen, I wouldn’t know how to write songs like that.

Candace: On the mixtape 10.11.12, what song would you say you had the

most fun writing/recording and why?

Jermaine: Probably, ‘IEGAF’. It’s got the whole skit at the beginning with

my friend talking. It’s totally different approach to Elle Varna’s version.

Candace: So your Superman image, what about that reflects you and where

did that concept stem from?

Jermaine: The comparison stemmed from the fact that Superman does a

lot of different things very well and I felt I too, have many gifts.

Candace: So on ‘Hello Earth’, what types of themes can your fans expect?

Jermaine: There’s a song on there for everyone. It’s definitely something

you could play from top to bottom, its concise, it doesn’t sound disjointed

and I’m really happy with it.

Candace: And in 5 years time, musically, where do you hope to be?

Jermaine: I’d want to be the Gary Barlow of UK R’n’B - writing massive

tunes for everyone.

www.jermaineriley.com

and follow him on twitter: @jermaineriley.

Jermaine RILEy The UlTimaTe GenTleman

5www.lifeincolour.uk.com

My week consists of me rushing around from one venue to

another teaching vocals to students or leading drama workshops. In between that I try to make time to sing, song write and be creative. In many ways, although this is how I pay my bills it is a bit of a distraction from my true love of singing. So one day while I was working with Lizzie at the Albany I bump into the ‘Lover’s Rock Royalty Trio’ Carroll Thompson, Victor Romero Evans and Janet Kay, just before they rehearse their show, ‘Lover’s Rock Monologues’. It was good to see them, we embrace, laugh (‘catch two joke’) and then out of the blue they ask if I could compere their Friday evening show. Now I have done many things but I have never seen myself as someone who could anchor a show. But hey, who am I to turn down such an opportunity, a chance to try my hand at presenting and of course some more income! So as soon as the word yes falls out of my mouth I am immediately terrified, because apparently I have to speak to the audience for 10 minutes before the nights’ events begin. The sleepless nights leading up to the show worsen and my nerves prompt me to write reams and reams of notes about the Lover’s Rock era. Friday evening, I am meant to get to the venue for 6.30pm an hour before the show, you won’t believe it (especially knowing my track record) but I

actually got there at 6pm. Constantly reading my notes and dementedly talking to myself in the toilet mirror, I jump out of my skin when the stage manager calls. So what do I do? Throw caution to the wind and just talk to the expectant crowd and ask them about their raving experience back in the day. You know what? It worked. I even began to feel like Whoopi Goldberg as the people chuckled and laughed along with me. And when the singers sang their last note I got some really nice comments on how well I did. Now, I realise that what I did was not much different from singing because I was sharing and connecting with people, but, the difference was, I had no melody, or tune to carry and protect me, I just had myself. Enlightening! Relieved!

JB ROSE‘Diary of a Singer’

6

Unsigned & HappeningKersha BaileyAn artist finally receiving recognition is Miss Kersha Bailey, singer/songwriter and self taught guitarist has bee noticed in the UK for her undoubted talent.As part of the band Groove Control, Kershas’ style incorporates jazz and is described as an indie/experimental artist, although her music is acoustic and light with lyrics that are raw and weighted.She recently performed at the Shoreditch carnival and Hackney Weekender; her EP ‘Beyond the Stars’ delivers a powerful performance. With many more headline gigs in the pipeline as well new material, I can’t imagine Kersha spiraling anywhere but upwards!www.Facebook.com/KershaBaileyFan. Twitter @Kershabailey

V9 ColleCtiVeThis band made up of 4 women and a dude, and the positive messages they convey in all of their songs, V9 Collective, is the new sound of neo soul, period. It’s a family affair ; Tula Lynch (far left), Ruth Lynch (2nd from right) and Sam Lynch are all siblings. Vernetta Lynch (2nd left) is married to Sam Lynch and Semele Meade (centre) and Vernetta Lynch are cousins. Launched in 2009, this soulful movement has a performed in Europe

including Poland and Italy and was awarded the GMA ‘Best Group’ Award 2010 and nominated for ‘Best Gospel Act’ at the 2012 MOBO Awards. Their debut album ‘World to Me’ is available now and can be bought on iTunes and www.cdbaby.com/v9collective www.v9collective.com, Twitter @v9collective

sef KomBoEveryone loves the music but sometimes overlooks the DJ. Specialising in Deep, Afro and Soulful house, DJ Sef Kombo has a way of taking you to a new places asone of the headline DJs at his event, ‘Till Two’, a night dedicated to the umbrella of house music, Sef continues to raise the bar with his intense DJ set.Sef has traveled the world in search of new ways to create music and is currently working on producing his own beats. Renowned for his use of effects, this electronic DJ is one who is about to blow up in the house music scene. www.sefkombo.com, Twitter @SefKombo.

JB ROSE‘Diary of a Singer’

7www.lifeincolour.uk.com

One of the key ambassadors to the evolution of neo soul music in the UK, this marvelously artistic songstress continues to excel.

marsha ambrosius was born to mixed heritage parents a Black British mother and her father from Greece. this has meant that her musical

taste spans across many genres. However, her heart was always drawn towards neo soul and she introduced her particular style to the public

with the debut album called ‘Floetry’ with her talented friend singer/rapper Natalie Stewart. Back in the year 2000 their style was distinctive,

sophisticated and unique which to their credit garnered the duo a great following in the Us as well as the UK.

After successfully signing to DreamWorks Records in 2002, Marsha, the ‘songstress’, and natalie, the ‘Floacist’, debuted their first album

‘Floetic’, which, included classics like ‘say Yes’ and ‘Getting late’. this album highlighted the complimentary differences between them and

displayed their wonderful, unusual sense of musicality.

Having enjoyed great success with their early work the duo then released a live album ‘Floacism’ and followed that with collaborations

with Mos Def. Their 3rd album ‘Flo’Ology’ was another great success as they maintained the soulful thread from their previous albums including

another collaboration with Hip Hop veteran, Common.

Unfortunately, in 2007, this soul dynamo split. Nevertheless, Marsha went on to create a name for herself by continuing to write her

own music after signing to Dr Dre’s aftermaths records, marsha’s impressive songwriting portfolio continues to increase after writing for

Glenn lewis, alicia Keys and the legend michael Jackson. alongside this, marsha has also collaborated with Jamie Foxx, Justin timberlake

and nas. it is clear that marsha’s musical interest spreads widely across different pop, hip-hop and soulful styles and she is actively refining not

only her own vocal skills but her writing too.

Having moved to la, marsha still comes and visits us good ol’ Brits every once in a while. this December she is back to visit her hometown

on Wednesday 19th & 20th December, which I can only imagine is going to be epic!

by Candace Oxely

Marsha aMbrosius8

One of the key ambassadors to the evolution of neo soul music in the UK, this marvelously artistic songstress continues to excel.

marsha ambrosius was born to mixed heritage parents a Black British mother and her father from Greece. this has meant that her musical

taste spans across many genres. However, her heart was always drawn towards neo soul and she introduced her particular style to the public

with the debut album called ‘Floetry’ with her talented friend singer/rapper Natalie Stewart. Back in the year 2000 their style was distinctive,

sophisticated and unique which to their credit garnered the duo a great following in the Us as well as the UK.

After successfully signing to DreamWorks Records in 2002, Marsha, the ‘songstress’, and natalie, the ‘Floacist’, debuted their first album

‘Floetic’, which, included classics like ‘say Yes’ and ‘Getting late’. this album highlighted the complimentary differences between them and

displayed their wonderful, unusual sense of musicality.

Having enjoyed great success with their early work the duo then released a live album ‘Floacism’ and followed that with collaborations

with Mos Def. Their 3rd album ‘Flo’Ology’ was another great success as they maintained the soulful thread from their previous albums including

another collaboration with Hip Hop veteran, Common.

Unfortunately, in 2007, this soul dynamo split. Nevertheless, Marsha went on to create a name for herself by continuing to write her

own music after signing to Dr Dre’s aftermaths records, marsha’s impressive songwriting portfolio continues to increase after writing for

Glenn lewis, alicia Keys and the legend michael Jackson. alongside this, marsha has also collaborated with Jamie Foxx, Justin timberlake

and nas. it is clear that marsha’s musical interest spreads widely across different pop, hip-hop and soulful styles and she is actively refining not

only her own vocal skills but her writing too.

Having moved to la, marsha still comes and visits us good ol’ Brits every once in a while. this December she is back to visit her hometown

on Wednesday 19th & 20th December, which I can only imagine is going to be epic!

by Candace Oxely

Marsha aMbrosius

Keep The Faith Presents...

marsHa amBrOsiUs19th & 20th Decemberislington town Hall£22.50 + booking fee

www.seetickets.comShow starts at 7pm

Win free tickets to see Marsha on the20th Dec Just email your details to [email protected] First come first serve

9www.lifeincolour.uk.com

6th The Jazz ambassadors This synchronised seven continue to wow crowds with their charisma and smooth jazz compositions. a well deserved early weekend treat. Tickets: £10 Doors: 7pmThe Hideaway. sW16 www.hideawaylive.co.uk 020 8835 7070

20th DappyHaving had great success with the trio, this is Dappy’s second gig alone. They’ll be ‘No Regrets’. Tickets: £18.50 Doors: 7pmHammersmith apollo. W6 www.hammersmithapollo.com 0844 249 1000

21st- 22nd London community Gospel choirThis renowned uK choir never fails to treat us at christmaas ready to bring you right into the spirit. Tickets: £22.50 Doors: 7pm.The Jazz café. NW1 Venues.meanfiddler.com/jazz-cafe 020 7485 6834

JAnuArY

5th‘Go Jazz’ featuring Yolanda Brown, Empirical & special guestWith both the 4th year anniversary of the Go Jazz concerts and MOBO awards threading through these acts, this collection of artists stages uK jazz talent. Doors 7pm. Tickets £31.25

The Jazz café. NW1 www.venues.meanfiddler.com/jazz-cafe 020 7485 6834 20thKendrick Lamar“g.o.o.d kid, m.a.a.d c.i.t.y” is said to be the album which is bought life back into hip hop. Tickets go fast, book now. Tickets: £34. Doors open at 7pmIndig02. sE10 ticketmaster.com/events 0844 856 0202 25th-26th IncognitoThe return of Incognito (15 albums later) is one that nicely brings in the New Year. With global success this is a show not to be missed! Doors 7pmThe Jazz café. NW1 venues.meanfiddler.com/jazz-café 020 7485 6834

27thusherHaving varied between R’n’B, Hip Hop and more recently dance music, this urban sensation plays the uK The 02 arena. sE10 the02.co.uk 0844 856 0202

30th – 31stTrey songsOn the release of his latest album ‘chapter V’, Trey stops in London to woo us once again. £35Doors open at 7pmHammersmith apollo. hammersmithapollo.com 0844 249 1000

19thMarsha ambrosiusBig hair, big voice and proud to be British. Marsha ambrosius is a delightful lead up to christmas. Tickets: £24.75 Doors: 7pm. Islington Town Hall. N1, www.allgigs.co.uk, 0115 959 7908

10

Music

1st Kings and Queens of comedy and Lovers Rocka perfect combination! Whether you could do with a laugh or just a reminder of how good music used to be. a night is one not to be missed!showtime 8pm. Fee: £23The catford Broadway Theatre, sE6 www.Broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com 020 8690 0002

7thstreatham comedy cluba laid back treat on this first Friday of the week. come and enjoy a night of established uK comedians accompanied by a marvelous meal.Doors 6pm £10The Hideaway, sW16 www.hideawaylive.co.uk, 020 8835 7070

15th – 16th Decaladdinella and the 8 Dwarfs Described as three pantos in one, this comedic take on snow White is sure to having you chuckling all the way to christmas. 7pm start. £5

stratford circus, E15www.stratford-circus.com0844 357 2625

23rdQuincy’s christmas special showEnding the year on a bright note, Quincy hosts a night of non-stop laughs with some of his favourite comedians. showtime: 8pm. Fee: £15stratford circus, E15 www.stratford-circus.com0844 357 2625

19THKOJO’s cOMEDY FuNHOusE MTV BasE aND cHOIcE FMs very own Kojo hits the Hackney Empire stage; your ticket and tissues is all you need! showtime: 8pm. Tickets £15.50Hackney Empire, E8 www.hacneyempire.co.uk020 8985 2424

11www.lifeincolour.uk.com

coMeDy

1st But I cd only whisper a stimulating story journeying between the emotions of being a Black Vietnam veteran in a White america. showtime: 8pm, Fee: £15arcola Theatre, E8www.arcolatheatre.com

1st - 8thI stand correctedThis collaboration between Mojisola adebayo and Mamela Nyamza challenges sexual relationships of a couple from different continents. showtime: 7.45pm. Fee: £14The Ovalhouse Theatre, sE11 www.ovalhouse.com 020 7582 7680

1st – 8thGolgathaconspirators Kitchen presents a production revolving around the importance of family, destiny and identity. a cultured and thought provoking play.showtime: 7.30pmTickets start from £10Tristan Bates Theatre, Wc2H, [email protected] 7240 6283

5thchristmas with the Rat Packa sweet serenade of blues and swing to sway you into the christmas spirit because who wouldn’t want to spend

christmas with the Rat Pack?show 8pm £25.50Fairfield Halls, cR9, [email protected] 0844 482 8008

15th cinderellaa classic pantomime to bring the family together this christmas. With a humorous twist, who doesn’t love finding a prince charming? Tickets: £10catford Broadway Theatre, sE6 020 8690 0002

www.broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com

JAnuArY

25th Feast a time travel from 1700’s Nigeria to modern day London; three sisters divide and journey through life testing their identity and independence. showtime: 7.30pm Fee: £19.50Royal court Theatre, sW1 www.royalcourttheatre.com020 7565 5000

30 JanTango Fire – Flames of DesireEnding the first month of a new year with a sway, sadlers Wells hosts a night full of argentinean heat - you’ll need some water in the interval! shows 7.30pm £15The Peacock Theatre, Wc2 www.sadlerswells.com,0844 412 4300

12

theAtre

5th Geoff stevens Tribute Nighta night dedicated to the wonderful words of the late Geoff stevens read by friends and associates of the writer. Doors 8pm. FreeThe southbank centre, sE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk0207 960 4200

6thPenned in the Margins – Where Rockets Burn Through“I like poetry but I’m bored of going to the same types of open mic nights” you say – well this should fit the bill! This preview is a collective of poets and writers after having written a sci-fi anthology. Doors 7.30pm FreeToynbee studios, E1 [email protected], 020 7650 2350

9th Roundhouse Poetry collective showcaseaimed at all ages, this afternoon treat brings together a range of young poets and spoken word artists speaking on a variety of topics. Doors open 3pm. Free admissionThe Roundhouse, NW1. www.roundhouse.org.uk 0844 482 8008

9th – 10th Bigga Fish street Team Presents #Push From the streets to the stage, a night packed with spoken word, Mc’ing, rapping and much more. Doors 4pm. £4.50Rich Mix, E1, www. biggafish.com 0207 729 9944

18th Lumen PoetryJohn Mole, the Mc for the evening invites you to drop in to this poetry session to get your artistic juices flowing. Doors 6.30pm £4/£5Waterstones Wc1 www.poetrylondon.co.uk

JAnuArY

8thPoetry unpluggedEvery Tuesday, Poetry unplugged invites new poets/writers/spoken wordsmiths to enjoy new company and debut new work. Doors 6pm Free admissionThe Poetry café, Wc2Hwww.poetrysociety.org.uk

4TH WORD 4 WORDKat Francois host a great night of spoken word in the bar Theatre Royal stratford East E15.www.stratfordeast.com 0208 534 0310

13www.lifeincolour.uk.com

sPoKen WorD

1 Decunsigned India – The Great British BhangraThis evening assembles a group of some of the most talented classical Indian musicians. show 7.30pm £10southbank centre, sE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk 0207 960 4200

1st Dec – 9th Decart of change: New Directions from chinaThis exhibition is for all who are interested in challenging and gripping art installations. starts 10am. £10southbank centre, sE1 www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200

1st Dec – 13th JanEverything Was Moving – Photography from 60s and 70sIt’s always nice to sometimes reflect back on the revolution of things and this photography exhibition just does that. £6Barbican centre, Ec2Y. www.barbican.org.uk 020 7638 8891

1st Dec – 15th JanYoung Hackneya mass selection of activities from the arts to sports an simply chilling. Young Hackney is an organization that encourages young people to just be themselves!check out www.younghackney.org for all the info.

7TH DEcTOMORROWs WaRRIORs aNNuaL sHOWcasEThis showcase brings together some talented budding musicians who have a passion for jazz and blues composition. The showcase is over 2 days so be sure to attend both parts!starts at 1pmFree admissionsouthbank centre, sE10207 960 4200www.southbankcentre.co.uk

14

coMMunity

1st DeC – 5th Janmother GooseMeet Mother Goose, where dreams come true, but not always as you wished for. Magic, surprises and fun for the whole family.Milfield arts Centre N8. Tel: 020 8807 6680 www.forms.enfield.gov.uk/peo/show_events_list.asp

1-19th JanJaCK anD the BeanstalKGrab a handful of magic beans and venture into a world of magic, wonder, and angry giants! Tickets: £14-£20Theatre Royal Stratford East E15 Tel: 0208 534 0310 www. stratfordeast.com

1st DeC – 2nD JanCinDerellaIn association with Arc Theatre the evil step family get their come-uppance and the girl get’s her princeBarking Theatre 1G11 020 850 5607 www.thebroadwaybarking.com/event/cinderella

7th DeC -6th JanJaCK & the BeanstalKWith Laila Morse (Eastenders) and Sid Sloane (CBeebies) this will be a GIANT of a pantomime packed with Fe Fi Fo Fun!Fairfield Hall Croydon www.fairfield.co.uk 0208 688 9291

15th- 6th JanCinDerella-Paul holman assoCiatesTo celebrate the Broadway’s 80th anniversary they are staging the most popular pantomime of them all. The cast includes Floella Benjamin as Fairy GodmotherCatford Theatre SE6. www. broadwaytheatre.ticketsolve.com Tel: 020 8690 0002 1st – 16th JanDiCK WhittinGtonA rags to riches tale for all you Pantomime fans. Featuruing Kat B as King Rat, Rina Fatania as Fairy Bowbells.Hackney Empire E8 www.hackneyempire.co.uk 020 8985 2424

finally life in Colour

reCommenDs…

One MOnkey DOn’t DrOp nO ShOweclipse theatre present their hilariously

outrageous play about how hard we try to hide who we really are. the Cosby Show meets

restoration Comedyticket prices: £14-£22 16th Jan -9th February‘Nothing short of hilarious’ the Guardian‘A wonderfully zestful play, wackily intelligent and very funny’ whatsonstage‘Ramps up the feel-good factor and has the audience splitting their sides’ the

Stage

tricycle theatre nW6 020 7328 1000

www.tricycle.co.uk

PANTOMIMESPEACIAL!!

15www.lifeincolour.uk.com

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