Issue 43

OmarFather OF UK NeO-sOUl

www.liFeiNcOlOUr.UK.cOm

Issue 43|july 2012

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contents

Contributers Design Publisher DistributionjB Rose, justine Chun sheleene sealy life in Colour london Get Me exposureand Mai Mihaimeed

FeAturePaying homeage to true uK talent.....p7

MusiCAngelique Kidjo

CoMeDYThe Greenwich Comedy Festival

theAtreOliver Samuels ‘Who Di Don’

sPoKen WorDSpoken word with Ping Pong

CoMMunitYDV8 Festival

Regular Features: Diary of a Singer... p. 6 Unsigned and Happening.......... p. 5

‘Fast boy’ noel clarke p.4

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

Clarke described directing for the first time as a challenge but also a rewarding experience. But is seems that nothing can stop this father

of two who is the first Black British director to have a red carpet viewing in a west end theatre

and continues to enjoy more accolades such as a BAFTA in the Orange Rising Star Award category.

This year it seems like Clarke won’t be off our screens for a second as he returns from the US after staring in the recent Star Trek Sequel, as well as doing the rounds with his films, ‘Fast Girls’, which is a feel good movie aptly released just before the London Olympics as well as Storage 24. Storage 24’ is described as a sci fi film with scale and ambition where you get to be terrified by aliens and monsters.With so much great films to look forward to Noel Clarke is definitely moving “Fast” and it seems like nothing is going to stop this shining star.

‘Fast Boy’ There’s no sTopping

noel Clarke

He is smart, handsome, ambitious, talented and an on the lips of

everybody who is anybody in film and TV. Born and raised in West London, actor and director Noel Clarke has been performing, directing and writing hit films for a few years now breaking records and blazing a trail for young, British, aspiring actors, writers and directors. After his early acting debut in 1999 in the television comedy-drama ‘Metrosexuality’ Noel had recurring roles as Wyman Norris, in the television series ‘Auf Weidersehan’, and as Mickey Smith in the first two series of the BBC science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. In 2003 he won the Laurence Oliver Award for “Most Promising Newcomer.” In 2005, Clarke began his film-writing career where he wrote and directed the film ‘Kidulthood’, which was released in 2006 and soon became a huge success followed by ‘Adulthood’.

4

Unsigned & HappeningKersHa Baileya sweet, dulcet tone backed by a band with raw organic sounds, kersha Bailey has been garnering attention in the Uk music scene for some time now. The self-taught guitarist first began as a backing singer and has now performed at some of the most celebrated festivals and venues, including last month’s hackney Weekend. Bailey cites a mix of inspiration, from the more obvious Jill scott to the Foo Fighters. her debut album was released earlier this year and is a production of indie soul vocals with dynamic acoustic jazz sounds. www.twitter.com/kershabailey

Joe BlacKYouth worker, football couch, songwriter and labelled as one of the most promising rappers to hail from north london in a minute. starting his rap career originally by spitting bars over speed garage, Joe Black has since evolved in to a self-aware, raw lyricist who uses his life experiences for inspiration and motivation. releasing a string of successful mixtapes that have earned him praise from The

source, The Mixtape awards and MTV, Black’s attitude, talent and passion has forced people to take notice. Check out his most recent mixtape, ‘realionaire’ that features Benny Banks, G money and Young Teflon. www.twitter.com/joeblackuk

Paigey caKeyactor, rapper, singer and dancer, paigey Cakey does it all. Making her screen debut in Joe Cornish’s film, ‘Attack The Block’ in 2011, paige Meade is set to take 2012 by storm. landing a role in ‘The knot’ and popular TV drama ‘Waterloo road’, her talent knows no bounds with her first mixtape also tipped to land in winter 2012. paigey Cakey shows much promise, with a performance style that is quirky and sharp. her witty wordplay recently earned her a spot performing at the hackney Weekend festival, a preview of things to come. www.twitter.com/paigey_cakey

5www.lifeincolour.uk.com

BRITAINS GOT TALENTOld SchOOl & New SchOOl

6

So, I’m watching ‘The Good Wife’ on More 4 and flossing my

teeth at the same time and one of my silver filled teeth feels alarming wobbly. Jelly babies and fruit pastilles have done their wickedness to me over the years and left every tooth in the back of my mouth with a filling not to mention extremely sensitive. If I so much as look at anything sweet! Whoah! I continue what I’m doing. Dam! The whole tooth falls out of my head! Boy, it wouldn’t be so bad because it’s near the back of my mouth but I’m one of those girls with a massive grin and a laugh that makes me throw my head back like a rich socialite. I knew I was in trouble. Who can afford a dentist right night now and to put in a whole tooth! How much would that cost? Worst still, I’ve got a gig Saturday night for a wedding. Do people really want to be serenaded by Fagin? So I

contemplate canceling and getting one of my friends to stand in for me. Elisha? Senab? But ultimately am I that vain? So, when there is a joke I cover my mouth like a shy teenager. But it was getting ridiculous and one day my friend Paulette made me laugh. I roared and flung my head back without doing the now obligatory cover up. She saw the gap and looked shocked, making a horrified face because we were out trying to impress some music people to produce some songs for me. That’s it. No gig! I am determined. The day looms ahead and one by one I learn that all my mates are working that night. However, Paulette is firm with me and of course she’s right. Her advice, “the audience won’t see my mouth, don’t be too grinny, grinny and never cancel gigs”. As I said, she was right and as I thought the show was fine. Mountain out of a molehill? No. It’s my prerogative.

JB ROSE‘Diary of a Singer’

Discussing Cheryl Cole’s now somewhat infamous performance at the Queen’s Jubilee, where she warbled her way through the entire song while looking like she was trying not to topple over into the crowd, got us to thinking here at life in Colour about the state of music at present. is this really what it takes nowadays? A pretty face, decent figure and before you know it you’re selling out Wembley arena. These days’ musicians seem to be getting caught up in their image, forget song writing, you can pay people for that, why practice your falsettos and fermatas when there’s auto tune? not to mention the endless number of angry MC’s cropping up with nothing but bad beef to spit about. Don’t get us wrong, not everything we listen to has to be deep, a decent beat you can vibe to is sometimes enough, but all we want is a little integrity with it.

We decided to pay homage to two Uk musicians we feel put in the work, have raw talent, soul and a true appreciation of musicology.

....ConTinUeD

BRITAINS GOT TALENTOld SchOOl & New SchOOl


JB ROSE‘Diary of a Singer’

Despite the title, omar’s impact on music extends internationally, an acclaimed soul-singer, song writer and musician; he

first came to prominence over a decade-and-a-half ago. Truly a member of the old-school; Omar learnt his craft classically

playing the piano, the trumpet and went on to become a principle percussionist of the kent Youth orchestra and later

graduated from the guildhall school of Music.

he began a promising career with his early-90’s international hit “There’s nothing like This”, peaking in the Uk Top 20

charts and remaining on top of the rnB and dance charts for several weeks. What followed was a fruitful and successful

career, and while omar didn’t achieve pop stardom, he chose to never compromise his artistic credibility for the fame.

Because of this, fellow acclaimed artists like erykah Badu, india arie, gilles peterson, angie peterson, and even his biggest

idol Stevie Wonder are personal fans who even name him as an influence.

Despite the lack of chart success, omar has built an army of devoted fans across the world, loyal to him and his music to

date. Last month he received much deserved official recognition for his services to Music with an MBE awarded by the

Queen. This singer remains humble and undiscouraged, continuing to defy genres with his high-quality music.

often recognized as one of the most lyrically sophisticated, innovative and politically conscious hip hop artists in the

Uk, akala is an intellectual cool breeze in the claustrophobic atmosphere of roadman grime that often alienates.

Born kingslee Daley, he took his name akala from the Buddhist, a term meaning ‘immovable’ and he is proving to be

just that. growing up in north london, akala was a straight-a student but often felt discouraged and sidelined by the

school system, he set out on an extensive journey of self-education, evident in his lyrics that address racism, inequality,

imperialism and often challenge the establishment. as a result, his music rarely receives the airplay on mainstream media

that his outstanding talent deserves. Despite this, akala has a substantial global fan base all seeking the same truths as him,

and has earned much critical acclaim throughout his career, even beating kanye West for the Best hip-hop artist MoBo

award in 2006 for his first album ‘It’s Not a Rumor’. Akala is a rapper with a message, adopting the motto, ‘knowledge is

power’, he runs the hip hop shakespeare Company, which engages young people in appreciating literature. his life work

is to forge a new British Cultural renaissance that challenges the clichés and stereotypes that consume hip hop, a true

musical pioneer in progress.

It’s a shame these two outstanding artists remain predominantly underground when they should be headlining events, rather than the increasingly manufactured music-bots churned out by some record labels as money making machines. But on the bright-side theirs and many others with determination and passion presence gives us hope that musicians will return to grassroots and music will bloom once more.

THe faTHer of BriTisH Neo-soul - omar lye fooK

HiP-HoP’s sHaKesPeare – aKala

8

Despite the title, omar’s impact on music extends internationally, an acclaimed soul-singer, song writer and musician; he

first came to prominence over a decade-and-a-half ago. Truly a member of the old-school; Omar learnt his craft classically

playing the piano, the trumpet and went on to become a principle percussionist of the kent Youth orchestra and later

graduated from the guildhall school of Music.

he began a promising career with his early-90’s international hit “There’s nothing like This”, peaking in the Uk Top 20

charts and remaining on top of the rnB and dance charts for several weeks. What followed was a fruitful and successful

career, and while omar didn’t achieve pop stardom, he chose to never compromise his artistic credibility for the fame.

Because of this, fellow acclaimed artists like erykah Badu, india arie, gilles peterson, angie peterson, and even his biggest

idol Stevie Wonder are personal fans who even name him as an influence.

Despite the lack of chart success, omar has built an army of devoted fans across the world, loyal to him and his music to

date. Last month he received much deserved official recognition for his services to Music with an MBE awarded by the

Queen. This singer remains humble and undiscouraged, continuing to defy genres with his high-quality music.

often recognized as one of the most lyrically sophisticated, innovative and politically conscious hip hop artists in the

Uk, akala is an intellectual cool breeze in the claustrophobic atmosphere of roadman grime that often alienates.

Born kingslee Daley, he took his name akala from the Buddhist, a term meaning ‘immovable’ and he is proving to be

just that. growing up in north london, akala was a straight-a student but often felt discouraged and sidelined by the

school system, he set out on an extensive journey of self-education, evident in his lyrics that address racism, inequality,

imperialism and often challenge the establishment. as a result, his music rarely receives the airplay on mainstream media

that his outstanding talent deserves. Despite this, akala has a substantial global fan base all seeking the same truths as him,

and has earned much critical acclaim throughout his career, even beating kanye West for the Best hip-hop artist MoBo

award in 2006 for his first album ‘It’s Not a Rumor’. Akala is a rapper with a message, adopting the motto, ‘knowledge is

power’, he runs the hip hop shakespeare Company, which engages young people in appreciating literature. his life work

is to forge a new British Cultural renaissance that challenges the clichés and stereotypes that consume hip hop, a true

musical pioneer in progress.

It’s a shame these two outstanding artists remain predominantly underground when they should be headlining events, rather than the increasingly manufactured music-bots churned out by some record labels as money making machines. But on the bright-side theirs and many others with determination and passion presence gives us hope that musicians will return to grassroots and music will bloom once more.

THe faTHer of BriTisH Neo-soul - omar lye fooK

HiP-HoP’s sHaKesPeare – aKala


10th-18th english Pocket Opera – Ring Around the WorldTo celebrate the london 2012 Olympics, english Pocket Opera will be creating, performing and recording the biggest children’s opera ever known with 216 schools – one for every Olympic nation. £12/£10Broadway Theatre. IG11 7ls. www.thebroadwaybarking.com 020 8507 5610

14thPopchoir – Big summer Concert 2012£14,50Fairfield Halls Croydon. CR9 1DG. www.fairfield.co.uk 0208688 9291

14th- 15th The Impressions “the soul of Curtis Mayfield”The Impressions, one of the most important vocal groups in the history of soul music and torchbearers of Chicago soul, are celebrating their comeback. £30,25jazz Café. NW1 7PG. [email protected] 0844 847 2514

18thOumou sangare & Bela Fleckstar banjo placer Bela Fleck and

legendary African singer Oumou sangare perform together. From £10south Bank Centre. se1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk020 7960 4200

22ndWomen, Inspiration & leadershipjoin Grammy award-winning Beninese

singer-songwriter and activist Angelique Kidjo south Bank Centre. se1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk +44 (0)20 7960 4200

23rdVocal ensemble of AfricaPianist and vocalist juwon Ogungbe presents something new from Africa with six fingers from five countries and a four-piece band. south Bank Centre. se1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk020 7960 4200

26thAngelique KidjoAngelique Kidjo, the Benise singer, is back in london following the release of 2012’s live album spirit Rising. south Bank Centre. se1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200

15TH BeyOND GOlDBeyond Gold is a musical production using gospel music, drama and dance to tell the real and inspiring stories of Olympians. From £25Broadway Theatre. se6 4Ru. www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 020 8690 0002

10

Music

1st sunday Comedy Clubeach show features at least five acts, with a star headliner such as Richard Blackwood, Kane Brown, slim, Curtis Walker and many other top names! Fee: £10The Hideaway. sW16 2eD. www.hideawaylive.co.uk 020 8835 7070 5th Quincy’s Comedy loungeGet to grips with some new, hilarious, gritty laughs from Quincy. Fee: £10/£7stratford Circus. e15 1BX. www.stratford-circus.com 0844 357 2625

5thCrack Comedy ClubCrack Comedy Club brings the best stand-up comics to london and beyond every Thursday. Fee: £12/£10/£6The Hideaway. sW16 2eD. www.hideawaylive.co.uk 020 8835 7070

8thsexfactorA saucy show for adults of al ages with music from Dj elayne. Comedy from slim, Kane Brown, Axel and many more.Broadway studio Theatre se6. 020 8690 0002, wwwbroadwaytheatre.org.uk

15thspecial P’s Comedy Worldjoin special P for a night of raucus humor as he is joined onstage by jocelyn Gee and Def jam star Tony Woods. Fee: £15/£12.50Broadway Theatre. IG11 7ls. www.thebroadwaybarking.com 020 8507 5607 19th Greenwich Comedy Festival – Big TopReginald D. Hunter headlines this all-star bill featuring cabaret mash-up merchants Frisky & Mannish, and much more. Old Royal Naval College. se10 9lW. www.ornc.org

13THGReeNWICH COMeDy FesTIVAl – BIG TOPKicking off this 2012 Greenwich Comedy Festival in style is feel-good comedy master stephen K Amos. Old Royal Naval College. se10 9lW. www.ornc.org


coMeDy

Folllow us at:@lifeincolourmag

2ndAlmedia FestivalA kaleidoscope of theatre for the culturally curious This Festival presents some of the most exciting theatre companies from around the country. From 2nd - 28th of julyAlmedia Theatre. N1. www.almeida.co.uk/festival-2012. 0207 359 4404

6th-7th Armen Tigranian: ANOusH An Armenian folk opera based on Hovhaness Toumanian’s epic poem, which vividly portrays village life at the start of the 20th century. £10-25The Tabernacle. W11 www.tabernaclew11.com 020 7221 9700

7thBartenderThis must see comedy will leave you intoxicated with laughter with Wayne Rollins, Cherry Boe, Dj Maestro and more. £17,50Broadway Theatre. Catford, se6. www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 020 8690 0002 5th-7thA Murder is AnnouncedMurder mystery lovers will enjoy this entertaining play. Doors 7pm. £13-£15Fairfield Halls Croydon. Park lane, Croydon, surrey CR9 1DG

www.fairfield.co.uk, 020 8688 9291

9th-14thlovers Rock MonologuesThe story of a music genre that defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s, which hugely impacted on British Pop Culture. Fee: £20-£22The Tricycle Theatre. NW6 www.tricycle.co.uk 020 7328 1000

15th Beyond GoldBeyond Gold is a musical production using gospel music, drama and dance to tell the real and inspiring stories of Olympians. From £25Broadway Theatre. se6 4Ru. www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 020 8690 0002

26th-28thFAMe – The Musicaljoin the students from New york’s legendry school of Performing Arts as they climb the ladder to their ultimate goal – Fame! £12/£8,50

28TH - 29THWHO A DI DONsomething BIG to celebrate jamaica’s 50th anniversary – Oliver samuels returns to the Broadway in the first play he has written. From £25Broadway Theatre. Catford, london, se6 4Ruwww.broadwaytheatre.org.uk 020 8690 0002

12

theAtre

1stWord from AfricaWord from Africa is the finale event of the festival and a celebration of the spoken, sun and written word, through poetry, song and storytelling. southbank Centre. se1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 420

3rdlondon literature Festival 2012In an unforgettable weekend of spoken word performance, don’t miss shake the Dust, the biggest uK youth poetry slam. Goes on until 12th julysouthbank Centre. se1.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200

3rd Word sound PowerReadings to the world class music of senegal’s. Fee: £15/£12.50/£10Prince of sound Baaba Maal. se1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200

5thshake the dust with saul Williams Ft. Kate TempestOne of the most influential voices on the spoken word scene joined by the uK’s own Kate Tempest. Fee: £12/£10 southbank Centre. se1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200

26thRadio King Presents: RKO Poetry“RKO Poetry” which features the collaboration soulful, spoken word, poetry and acoustic music atmosphere merging Poetry, spoken word and music. Fee: £3Picture House. W1F 9RD. www.picturehouses.co.uk 13thspoken Word with Ping PongOnce again, Roundhouse associate poetry collective elephant, pushes the boundaries of performance, this time in collaboration with Ping! Free. The Roundhouse. NW1 8eH. www.roundhouse.org.uk 0844 482 8008

6TH 100% PROOFlemn sissay, first poet commissioned to write for the 2012 Olympics, joined by uK’s top spoken word artists.

Fee: £8 southbank Centre. se1. www.southbankcentre.co.uk 020 7960 4200


sPoKen WorD

1st-14thsaturday shedsaturday shed is a great opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills using Chickenshed’s proven teaching methods and unique performance style. Fee: £6Venue: Toynbee studios. e1 6AB. www.offwestend.com

3rdAfrican Writers’ eveningAuthor-journalists jose eduardo Agualusa and Dinaw Mengestu explore, in readings and discussionFee: £8southbank Centre. se1.www.southbankcentre.co.uk020 7960 4200

3rd-4th Africa Fashion WeekAfrica Fashion Week london (AFWl) is a collaborative fashion exhibition, highlighting the industry’s premier African prints and designers. Open to designers of all nationalities, who are inspired by Africa in their designs.spitalfields Market Hall. www.africafashionweeklondon.com

4th Homegrown: The Rhythm of PerformanceTake part in drop in workshops in theatre and music led by the uK’s leading artists. £4Venue: Toynbee studios. e1 6AB. www.offwestend.com

7thI AM DV8I AM DV8 is a collaborative project that brings together the best creative talent from DV8 Training. The festival takes place twice a year at stratford Circus east london.

Fee: £8/£6 Venue: stratford Circus. e15 1BX. www.stratford-circus.com. 0844 357 2625

14

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