This is the temporary holding site for BritishBlackmusic.com (BBM) and Black Music Congress (BMC)
Our focus is on the British market. Entry in our competitions is bound by rules at the top of Competitions.

We are currently working on activities for British Black Music Month (BBMM) in June, such as debates, award show show etc. If you'll like your activity within that month to be part of BBMM, contact us: editor@britishblackmusic.com ...

To join the BBM/BMC mailing list, please write to: editor@britishblackmusic.com subject: put me on your mailing list  

THIS HOMEPAGE HAS A MEGA LISTING, SO MAKE TIME TO AT LEAST SCAN THROUGH IT!!! 

STOP PRESS: 'UK Celebration of Urban Music' UPDATE March 22 2005

Please note that for updates and further information, kindly contact the organiser: Mark Anthony, BMA, Tel: 020 8451 3659/079 58 970 401,  ukcelebrationofurbanmusic@yahoo.co.uk  or sweetreggaemusic@hotmail.com.

Thank you for your interest. 

Incidentally, BBM/BMC is planning an award show in June. We'll make an announcement as soon as it's all firmed. Keep checking www.bbm-on.net. Any queries to do with BBM/BMC or British black music: editor@britishblackmusic.com.

BBM/BMC
www.bbm-on.net

HOUSE OF REGGAE takes place every Thursday Night live at PALACE PAVILION Clapton, Hackney, London E5. It bills itself as “The great reggae night out”. Ruff Cutt is the house band.  They’ll be celebrating a tribute to British reggae on March 24 with the likes of Sugar Minott, Carroll Thompson, and Trevor Walters on the bill. £7.50 advance (£10 at the door).  TEL HOTLINE 07887 555 897, ADVANCE TICKETS  0208 986 2993. www.thehouseofreggae.com. BBM/BMC has ten complimentary pairs of tickets for any subscribers who would like to attend on a Thursday in April. To be in with a chance send an email editor@britishblackmusic.com subject line: British reggae with your name and the date in April you’d like to attend by MONDAY 21 March.

DON'T FORGET OUR UPCOMING EVENTS:

GHANA’S 48TH INDEPENDENCE
Ghana As A Trigger For Africa As A Whole! Social and Cultural Celebration & Discussion. Friday 4 March 2005 from 5pm, Khalili Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental & African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, London WC1 (nearest tube: Russell Square or Goodge Street). Solo Music Singer, Africentric Poetry, Anansi Story Telling, Children’s Performances and Presentations/Discussions. There will also be refreshments.07800547878 or Ghana_Students_SOAS@yahoo.co.uk

NO UNIVERSAL COVERMOUNTS?
Universal Music UK will no longer license back catalogue for use on newspaper covermounts from the end of March, suggesting it can damage sales. Two years ago, Five Eight issued the Covermounts Report which seriously questioned the benefits. Since then, the bar has been raised as tabloids offered double CD sets and now triple CD sets. Last year, the MMF argued that covermounts served to devalue catalogue sales. Universal caveat the announcement stating that it will still be involved in selected campaigns to promote new acts. The MMF had stated that covermounts did offer exposure opportunities for new acts and it is interesting how the industry is marking out clear distinctions between catalogue and front-line material on these discs. The dedicated music press (Q, NME, Word, Mixmag etc.) has

traditionally used covermounts to promote new acts, but titles such as The Sun and The Star have recently been running 'hits of the Seventies' or 'best of the Eighties' themed titles … it is unlikely that consensus will ever truly be reached. (Culled from Five Eight fiveeight@fruktmusic.com)

HELPING ELBWO RECOVER
ELBWO (East London Black Women Organisation) which, which has been going for 25 years, had an unfortunate incident in that its Forest Gate center was burnt to the ground last year, presents a star-packed fundraising gala on Saturday March 19 2005 at Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Tickets range from £60 including a champagne reception and VIP bar to £20. ELBWO was where our related voluntary organisation BTWSC was founded.

Artists performing on the night include: Benjamin Zephaniah, Shola Ama, Janet Kay,  3 Non Blondes. The host is Tameka Empson from the ‘3 Non Blondes’ and ‘The Big Life.’

The ELBWO works with disadvantaged children and victims of domestic violence.  They are raising funds to overcome the devastating blow suffered when their newly refurbished community centre was completely destroyed by fire last October.  They spent four years raising the £400,000 to build this vital centre for one of London’s poorest areas.

Lenny Henry is a keen supporter of the charity and has urged everyone to come to the gala: “ELBWO does fantastic work in the community with people who really need their support and so please help them recover from this terrible fire.” All proceeds from the event will go towards rebuilding the centre and purchasing resources desperately needed to continue our services to the community. Tickets available from: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford London, E15. 020 8534 7374, theatreroyal@stratfordeast.com

CALLING YOUNG TECHNO-MUSOS
The Fame Academy Bursary is open to any 11-15 year old musician.  Awards can be up to £200 for musical equipment. www.bbc.co.uk/talent.  Also info of the BBC Talent Showcase (no age limits on that one) and that covers various arts disciplines: www.bbc.co.uk/talent/showcase/index.shtml   www.thesoundstation.org.uk/jsp/RMX05_Competition.js

SEARCHING FOR SINGERS
Diligent Music boss songwriter/producer Olu Sola is looking for young (late teens/early 20's) female singers to either to front a pop/R&B project as a solo act or a trio. Most of the material for the first album has been recorded. Good, strong voice, and right attitude required. Contact him for appointment, or book do a live audition on Sunday March 13, 2-6pm at the One-Day Music Industry Workshop & Artist Showcase (Queensbridge Sports & Community Centre, 30 Holly Street, Hackney, E8). To contact Olu: diligentmusic@hotmail.com or 0794 779 2154. 

Daniel Roelink is a breaks producer searching for some female/male vocalists. So if that’s you or you are a promoter with a regular nights that showcase singers and MCs, please pass on this info. Dan is looking for artist for a possible track release working in March: dustred@hotmail.co.uk.

URBAN & BLACK APPEAL RECORDS
The hurricane in the Caribbean and the tsunami in the Ocean are just two tragedies that has had black music artists getting together to record in order to raise funds to help. Sometimes these recordings see the light of day, sometimes they don’t (one recent example is Bluey from Incognito’s The Hope Collective, who recently recorded a track called ‘Give & Let Live’). We know they are some great recordings going back to the ‘90s that have been recorded the British black and urban music sector as fund-raisers. If you control such a recording, whether it has been released or not, get in touch with us, as we may be able to make use of it and raise some money, however belated it may be, for your cause. Please also forward this notice to anyone who controls such a recording:. Kwaku, BBM/BMC 020 8450 5987, editor@britishblackmusic.com.

FREE MUSIC EDUCATION
It’s not only BTWSC/BBM/BMC that provide free education. CM (formerly Community Music) have two programmes they’re currently recruiting for: FREE MUSIC TUTOR TRAINING COURSE: Want To Learn To Teach Music or Be A Community Musician? CM is currently recruiting for its music tutor training course, which provides musicians, producers, vocalists and DJ’s with the skills they need to teach in the community. This course is free & is university accredited.  The second one is Free Music Courses:  Want to produce, perform or teach music? Age 18+? CM is currently recruiting for a number of free accredited part-time/full-time courses in Production, Performance and Music Tutor Training due to begin in September. Contact CM on 02076330550 or email everyone@cmonline.org.uk                                

TASTE THE BLUE NOTE
Jazzmo’thology aims to create the sophisticated atmosphere for those with mature and discerning tastes to eat, drink and listen to jazzy music. Tivoli EventsL Tel./Fax: 020 8801 5999, inquiry@tivolievents.com or www.jazzmothology.com

NOT SO HELLISH RADIO
BMC supporter Helly can be heard on Subaltern Soundz on Open Air [Radio Hell] live each Friday 3-4pm www.pulsefm.co.uk. The project also runs the Imagining Radio workshops at the Vernon Square (5 minutes from Kings Cross) campus of SOAS on Thursdays, 6-9pm.  It is free and open to all
interested in developing freeform and experimental radio programmes. Contact Helly: 10241289@gw.tvu.ac.uk

FRENCH MUSIC?
The London-based French Music Bureau has worked hard in promoting French music in the UK. Former head Marie-Agnes, and the current staff are extremely approachable, open and have a wide definition of French music. It seems to include any music signed or produced by a French company, irrespective of the nationality of the artist. Check out their useful website. Current French acts playing in Blighty can be found below. FMB, Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT, 0207 073 1334. www.french-music.org/uk

VALUE FOR MONEY VIDEOS
“For those of your subscribers who would love to make a promo video but don't have a big budget, I have a friend who is an ex-MTV employee, who is now a freelance film maker, who can help artists/labels make broadcast-quality, relatively cheap videos.  Naturally, as she will be working on such small profit margins, all costs will be payable in advance.  If anyone would like to speak to my friend, tell them to forward their phone number to me and I will get her to call them.” Lindsay Wesker, 
Music Programming Manager, MTV Digital Direct line: 0207 284 6325/07730 128 626, wesker.lindsay@mtvne.com.  

ROARING SHOWCASE
Music Industry UK Urban Artist Showcase for signed and un-signed artists held every 2-3 months taking place Thursday 25th March @ Oh Art!! Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green London E2.  Featuring 10 fresh and dynamic artists from the genres of R&B, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz, House & Garage, Drum & Bass and Funk.  Tickets are £7 in advance. Doors open 7pm, Showtime 7.30pm.  The RoaR Showcase 'After Party' will be held at The Embassy.  For more info and tickets telephone 07944 152 430 / 07961 583 076.  To perform submit a demo (including a biography and photo of artist / act) to – Twylyte c/o The RoaR Showcase, P O Box 44215 London E3 5WE.  www.twylyte.co.uk

WHAT NEXT SHOWCASE
The What Next...!!! Showcase is a celebration of opportunities in the creative industry, and a recognition of the contribution made to British culture by excluded communities. The show will be headlined by Nina Sky, along with UK’s V2-signed Nathan and ITV's X Factor's Voice With Soul. Performances will cover R&B, gospel, reggae and even rock. This event will also be the launch of a new internet broadcasting channel bmetv.net. Sunday April 10, starts at 7pm: the Hackney Empire. Tickets are £10, £11.50, & £12.50.

UK UNSIGNED Grand Finals will be at the Hackney Empire on Sunday August 7. There will be a matinee show from 2-5pm for the children’s categories. The main show will be from 7.30-11pm. By the way, performers on BTWSC/BBM/BMC workshops & showcases: if you want to enter the UK Unsigned competition: just say BTWSC and you’ll not have to pay the registration fee”! UK UNSIGNED: 0207 377 8545, or Danny Gayle on 07904 108 725. john.downie@saba.org.uk

URBAN MUSIC AWARDS 2005
Voting has started for UMA 2005 – remember the UMA's are nominated by and voted for by the public. "The UMA's were born out of the need to recognise artist, labels, producers, DJ's and major players from our largely ignored UK urban and underground dance music scenes,” says UMA founder Jordan Kensington. “One of our greatest aims is to promote UK urban music to the world to show music lovers worldwide that the UK urban music is different, accessible, marketable, and credible." nominees@urbanmusicawards.net www.urbanmusicawards.net.

INVINCIBLE RECRUITMENT
Diamond Media Group, which is part of Invincible Magazine, Invincible Radio, Invincible TV and Invincible Records, is recruiting the following staff: Advertising Sales Staff (full time), Web designer  (full time/part time), Journalists (part-time opportunities available for brand new magazine Contacts UK), TV Presenters (temp staff for Invincible TV & 2005 DVD documentaries), Radio presenters/Entertainment News Reporters (for Invincible online radio), Artist Managers (for Invincible Records), Street Teams ( DJ’s, music fans). Put the job description on the  ‘subject’ space and email: jobs@invinciblemag.com  and book your own appointment ASAP! www.invinciblemag.com

INCREDIBLE WEB-BASED TV
Like some London bus routes, you wait a long time, then you have more than one bus arrive at the same time. We’re talking black, ethnic minority, urban based online TV stations here. This month, bmetv.net launches with programming covering music, the arts, socio and community based issues (you can check its impressive online beta testing at www.bmetv.net). Next month Invincible launches the first ever online interactive TV Channel: www.invincibletv.com. It will broadcast (80% UK music videos) live online to a worldwide audience. There are going to be two channels on Invincible TV: ' Fashion Online TV', and ' Video Vault', which will cover archived films, music events, artists, celebrity interviews, etc. Invincible TV, c/o  Channel Manager, Unit 107, 203 Mare Studios, London E8

SOUNDTRACKS FOR SKATERS
“I am looking to source some music for an urban skate video that is to be shot in London over the next two months. I am looking for four hip-hop songs and four Prodigy-ish 'hard dance' songs. There would be a chance of the video being broadcast nationally as wehave some of the UK’s top skaters involved.” If you’ve got songs that fit the bill, contact: Martin Dale, martin@london.com.

POETS ON BEEB 4
Bespoken Word is a very good slot on BBC Radio 4 which highlights contemporary poets. If you miss a show, you can check out archived material. We’ve heard some good stuff on the website. There’s only two weeks left. Look out for contributions from Gee, Zena Edwards, shortMAN (onroommail@hotmail.com) and Muna Hussein. Thursdays 11-11.30pm. Tune into 92-95FM or 198LW or via the internet from at: www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/bespokenword.shtml

TWANGING ACROSS UK
Blak Twang is coming back with his second Wall Of Sound album. To support the ‘Rotton Club’ albyum and ‘GCSE’ single, he’s touring the UK in March. Dates include:  Urban Music Festival at Earl’s Court on April 17, plus Monday 7 March ­ Liverpool, Carling Academy; Tuesday 15 March ­ London, Underworld; Friday 25 March ­ Brighton, Gloucester; Saturday 26 March ­ London,  Forum;
Saturday 16 April ­ Nottingham, Stealth. http://www.wallofsound.net

WHICH BRITISH MUSIC?
Watch out for TV production company Tiger Aspect, which is preparing a Channel Four documentary on British identity and multiculturalism. It’s presented by a man called Hardeep Singh Kohli. On that note, we hear the The Queen has launched ‘The Queen’s Medal For Music’, which is “designed to raise the profile of British music and to reward individuals who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation". It will be awarded to a musician who has had a real impact on music in Britain. That musician could be of any nationality, working in any genre of music from classical to rap. We’ll know on Nov. 22. (culled from UnLimited Media daily@cmumusicnetwork.co.uk.)  At the launch at Buckingham Palace, Gerri Halliwell was famously late, and there was not much of a British black music representation – does Dame Shirley Bassey count? Artists present included Phil Collins, Brian May and MOR-jazzer Jamie Callum. “It’s a really positive event for British music. It’s a very artist-centred event,” enthused BPI executive chairman Peter Jamieson. “The Queen has made it quite clear she wants to see the people involved in creating British music.” Let’s make sure that seriously includes British black music.

OUT OF AFRICA AGAIN
The Culture Chronis ­‘Afri-Lectric’ Remix Session featuring Marque Gilmore, DJ Mickey Smith, DJ Eric Soul (Afrogroov) and special guest Nigerian singer-songwriter D’banj. Catch D’banj’s first video (‘Ton-go-lo’), DJ Abass (Ben TV, Sky channel 184, Wednesdays, 8-10pm), Saturday, March 5. The Spitz, London. 7pm­-1am. £7, £5 NUS. The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, London E1. 020 7392 9032/7247 9747. mail@spitz.co.uk   www.spitz.co.uk; Out Of Africa: 07967 362 551, info@outofafrica-london.com, www.outofafrica-london.com;  D’banj contact: Ilka Schlockermann, ilka@dbanj.com, www.dbanj.4t.com

AFRICA ON YOUR STREET
Check out writer-producer-rapper JJC’s African hip-hop column on BBC Radio 3’s very useful microsite AFRICA ON YOUR STREET website where you can find out about the African music scene in the UK and beyond.  A number of on-line hosts offer tips on gigs, clips of their favourite CDs, news and gossip: www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/africaonyourstreet/jjc.shtml

AFRICAN A-GO-GO ACROSS LONDON
African music and culture is all the rage across UK right now. The biggest event is the muti-media experience known as Africa 05 and Africa Remix taking place across the South Bank.

FREE AFRICAN & WORLDLY MUSIC
Into new music by African, Asian, Caribbean, and Chinese musicians? If yes, you must be one of those with an eclectic taste. So please note the following dates of the moving Freeness club in March: Newcastle @ The Foundation, 9, Leeds @ The Wardrobe, 16, Ipswich @ The Curve Bar, 23, Nottingham @ The Bomb, 30. Don’t be a passive punter - take along your demoes on CD on the night, and network with local musicians, and media and industry bods. Freeness is a collaboration between artist Chris Ofili, CDR and Blacktronica  www.freeness.co.uk.

The 3rd LONDON AFRICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place at the South Bank from 8 March until 16 April. It is part of AFRICA REMIX, a major season of visual and performing arts, featuring artists, musicians and performers from across the continent and the Diaspora, and a major highlight of the London-wide celebration AFRICA 05.
The 3rd London African Music Festival  -
http://africaremix.org.uk/main/series/94.html?section=contemporary&file=index
Africa Remix - www.africaremix.org.uk
Africa 05 - www.bbc.co.uk/bbcafrica/africa05/index.shtml
Claude Deppa Group/JJC & 419 Squad on 10 March -
http://africaremix.org.uk/main/events/115881.html?section=contemporary&file=index&d=10&m=3&y=2005 

Joyful Noise presents Claude Deppa Group with guest vocalists Rachel Magoola, Paulina Oduro & Ayinke Martins, plus exclusive support by JJC & 419 Squad with full live band. Thursday March 10, 7.45 pm. Queen Elizabeth Hall (Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1; nearest tube Waterloo). Three African divas, Rachel Magoola, Paulina Oduro and Ayinke Martins, join forces with South African trumpeter Claude Deppa and his 7-piece band for this unique project. Each singer writes lyrics in her own language to music on Claude Deppa's CD “Toi Toi” (Jika Records). Together they present an African musical project that embraces their many shared cultural history.

Sunday March 27: London African Music Festival 2005: African Guitar Masters at Purcell Room. From 3:00pm. Price: £12.50 all tickets. - A trio comprising some of the greatest guitarists in African music - South African Lucky Ranku, Ghanaian Kari Bannerman and Sierra Leonian Abdul Tee-Jay, whose musical legacy covers township jive, hi-life, Soukous, Afrobeat and blues.

Rapper MC Solaar and Ty are at Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday March 8, 7.30pm. £!8.50-£22.50. South African crossover star Yvonne Chaka Chaka together with her full South African band play Queen Elizabeth Hall on Sunday March 20, 7.45pm £17.50-£22. www.africaremix.org.uk/

POET LIKE A PHOENIX
Hard working performance poet launches his new album ‘Like A Phoenix’ with an exciting evening of poetry and spoken word performances aided by special invited guests.  The Poetry Cafe, 22 Betterton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2. Thursday March 31. 8pm.  £3.50/£2.50. info@phenzology.com www.phenzology.com/live.

DANCING DANCEHALLERS
JA dancehall artist Ricky Nice is looking for dancers to perform in his London recorded video for ‘Fix Up’ on March 29. info@rickynice.co.uk www.rickynice.co.uk

SHOTMAN EXPRESS
V.O.I.C.Express. Monday March 7// time: 7:30pm-2:00am // venue: dogstar, 389 coldharbour lane, brixton // theme: black&blue all male open mic // feature: UK Unsigned Final Heat // donations: £1 hearts to Africa. www.heartstoafrica.org.uk// stalls: merchandise and goods available for purchance on the night // musik: firstlove from 11:30pm-2:00am // £10 for the best themed dresser. 020 8406 0357 | email: info@adlibmag.com | email: trevor@adlibmag.com

MTVING ACROSS AFRICA
MTV has launched its hundredth station - in Africa - bringing it into more homes than any other channel.

INDIE COMPO ALBUM SOURCING
‘UK Independent’ is CD compilation featuring indie UK labels and artists. The Album will be mixed and hosted by an already established UK artist. It’s to help push the independent industry forward.  Giving credit to the companies who have made first-class UK music with limited resources and also to get each featured label recognized over different regions in the UK as well as worldwide.  Most importantly to secure a percentage of the profit from album sales to re-invest back into their company. Submissions must be in by Friday April 1 2005. Artistquik Ltd, Attn ‘’UK Independent’’, PO BOX 37867, London SE23. 020 8291 5214

INDIES GIVEN DOWNLOAD CATCH-UP
BPI has delayed inclusion of download formats in the Official Singles Chart set for March 20 launch date postponed till April 17 in order to give indie labels and retailers a bit of an even playing field.

"I am very pleased we have secured is delay on behalf of independents. We have to try and establish a realistic 'level playing field' of opportunity. It's all about market access.  We are working with everyone involved to try and prioritise potential hit singles and ensure they are available for download,” says BPI chairman Peter Jamieson.

The second BPI seminar on Getting Your Music Online can be viewed at www.bpi.co.uk/news/press/news_content_file_895.shtml. It features representatives from OCC, research agency TNS, digital consultancy Frukt and chart metadata collector CatCo.

By the way, the BPI’s subscription formula has changed to enable more independent labels to take advantage of its services. Under the new model, indies now pay a flat £50 fee plus 5% of PPL income. It’s easy to join – find out how here 

FEEL LEEE’S SOUL
The voice that propelled Imagination into a super disco and R&B act can now be heard caressing jazz compositions on his new album ‘Feel My Soul’ (Candid). We are talking about Leee John. We can still remember hearing those phat, deep drum machine kick drum that underpinned ‘Body Talk’ at the old Blue Bird record shop, which was a stone’s throw from their R&B label off Edgware Road!

SHABBA LIVELY & CONSCIOUS
We received a very upbeat and conscious cover of Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself’ by Shabba Ranks by email. It sounds very old school – no digital driven rhythms, so we aren’t sure if it’s new or vintage material. Just the kind of stuff to get his name back into the frame. If you wanna hear it: Hcfrec@aol.com

OUR HISTORY ON BBC
100 Black Men of London have been lobbying BBC for the last three years for them to show more black history on terrestrial TV. Using the Mary Seacole story once showed on BBC's now defunct history digital channel, BBC have finally agreed to show this and several other black history films and programmes regularly on BBC 2 starting March 7. The battle is still half won - the 11.20p.m. timing means younger viewers won't be able to see it, so the campaign continues – a) we need to ensure there is a good viewing audience for the programmes and b) we need more people to continue to pressurise the Beeb to show more black history and at more accessible hours. For more information on this campaign: info@100bmol.org.uk.

MORE TALENT OPPORTUNITIES
Want to perform with over 100-plus hungry artists? Then check out Cypha (Nu-Mcs) at Cargo 83 Rivington St EC2 on Sunday March 13. “It’s the only opportunity to express the true essence of rap and positive music in the UK. Nu-MCs only showcase innovative, conscious and high quality performers. We actively encourage women, under represented ethnic groups and disabled performers. All genres and styles of urban artists are welcome.” £3 for artists before 8pm. £5 Members £8 Non. Performers include Carl Mackintosh (Loose Ends), Jack Jones (SE14/8), Karl Hinds, Funky DL, Wordsmith (S.O.N Records) Genesis Elijah and many more. For more information, membership or submit your demos contact:

Ian Solomon-Kawall (KMT). 158 Middleton Rd Morden Surrey SM4 6RW+ 44 020 8648 4700, kmt@postmaster.co.uk www.membership@nu-mcs.com. Or listen to my show my radio show  “Diver-City” on Genesis Radio 91.6 FM 6-8pm every Friday for updates.

DIVERSIFIED PUBLISHED
Diversity In Publishing panel attempts to answer the question: Do large publishing houses have too much power and too little responsibility? Is publishing a business, acting only under the constraints of business law with no ethical or moral case to answer? Why is diversity an issue - and does it matter? Panellists include: Verna Wilkins, managing director and founder of Tamarind Books; Joy Francis chair () is a journalist, writer and founding-director of The Creative Collective; Joanna Prior, Penguin Group publicity and marketing director. March 8, 6.30 - 8.30pm. Contact info@diversityinpublishing.com to register your desire to attend. Venue: Penguin Books, 10th Floor Meeting Room, The Strand. Entry by pre-booking only.

ROCKY OR JAZZY MUSOS REQUIRED
“I'm looking for musicians. I particularly need a great guitarist (acoustic & electric) and Seal, Roachford, Kravitz influenced musicians ... I'm also a jazz singer on the side (www.jazzband.ukhot.com), so if you know of any shows coming up where there are good musicians and a slot for singers, please let me know,” rocky, funky, jazzy singer-songwriter Ryez. hi@ryez.co.uk

BRITISH MUSIC OVER THERE
MTV2 and BBC Radio 1 will showcase new British music at SXSW 2005, which takes place in Austin, Texas, March 16-20.

THE REAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BACKGROUND
Nubiart has articles on the origins of Black History Month in Britain on he Every Generation site at: www.everygeneration.co.uk and the Nurture. Success site at: http://groups.msn.com/NurtureSuccess/originsofblackhistorymonthuk.msnw. For more info on Nubiart: Kubara Zamani, 07811 494 969, afrikanquest@a2zafrica.com.

TRIBAL CULTURE
“We’re hosting the African leg of THE CULTURE CHRONIC'S TRIBAL BROADCAST FESTIVAL 2005, headed by the doyens of jazz-club fusion MARQUE GILMORE and DJ MICKEY SMITH, with other luminaries that include sax virtuoso STEVE WILLIAMSON, African dance pioneer NII TAGOE, Nigerian jazz-head OLALEKAN BABALOLA and spoken word from THE BEYONDER. The night also welcomes solo artist D'BANJ and continues with DJs spinning African beats that are setting dancehalls around the world alight with kwaito, soukous, Afrobeat hip-hop, highlife and much much more.” Saturday March 5, 7pm - 1am. £7, £5 NUS. The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, E1. www.tribalbroadcast.com, www.drumfm.com, www.hatch-uk.com/outofafrica/outofafrica/flyer.htm

MASSIVE TROJAN OFFERING
Perhaps one of the most important reggae chronicles is about to drop. Trojan Records releases ‘This Is Reggae Music - The Golden Era 1960-1975’ on May 16. The deluxe 4-CD boxset takes a comprehensive look into the early days of Jamaican music during the golden period of 1960-1975. Starting with early Ska recordings from 1960 and concluding with Burning Spear's ‘Marcus Garvey’ from 1975, this set charts the golden period of reggae music with such legendary artists as Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Perry and Jimmy Cliff.

With extensive liner notes by Grammy Award winning music historian, Colin Escott, revealing how the advent of ska in 1960 was the beginning of a fifteen year period of great Jamaican music, this set is the perfect introduction to all that is reggae.  The extensive 90-track set includes the best British and Jamaican hits as well as several great rarities, and is the only box set that examines in detail the music from Jamaica's golden period of 1960-1975. www.trojanrecords.com  

PRINCE’S SECOND URBAN ENCOUNTER
We had some issues with the focus of American acts at last year’s UMF (see www.bbm-on.net/PrinceT_Letter.htm).  So it’s nice to see, for now until those inevitable American artists are announced, UMF 2005 is focusing on UK talent. The Prince's Trust has announced the first artists who will perform at the 2005 Nokia Urban Music Festival with The Prince's Trust.

Saturday 16 April
Craig David – Returning to reclaim his crown as the prince of UK urban music
Estelle – Prince’s Trust Ambassador and the urban success story of 2004
Mitchell Brothers – First signing to The Streets' label, The Beats, producing ‘very British music’
Blak Twang – Internationally renowned rapper taking the UK rap scene around the globe
Jamie Scott – Blue-eyed neo-soul boy from the heart of Surrey

Sunday 17 April
Jay Sean – Redefining the urban music rule book with his RnB-Asian fusion
Terri Walker – Red hot soul diva from North London, nominated for Mercury Music Prize
Kano – Leading light in the UK grime scene and tipped as 2005’s One to Watch
Keisha White - Teenage sensation causing a storm with her alluring and sassy style
Sway - With influences from Hip Hop and Grime his conscious yet humorous outlook is blowing up new ground.
Kevin Mark Trail - 24-year-old MC, soul/reggae singer has collaborated with The Streets and Nitin Sawhney

The initial line-up focuses on UK talent. Look out for further announcements of the hottest UK and US urban acts in the coming weeks.

Along with MCs, Bboys and DJs, interactive zones and workshops the Festival will once again be the UK's biggest annual celebration of urban culture. Both days will be featuring some sensational live acts so book your tickets now. www.princes-trust.org.uk/umf/

BRITISH BLACK MUSIC LIST 2001 (See what people thought were the essential British records in our 2001 poll. We'll soon announce details of how to nominate records for the 2005 List).

GHANA’S 48TH INDEPENDENCE
Ghana As A Trigger For Africa As A Whole! Social and Cultural Celebration & Discussion. Friday 4 March 2005 from 5pm, Khalili Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental & African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, London WC1 (nearest tube: Russell Square or Goodge Street). Solo Music Singer, Africentric Poetry, Anansi Story Telling, Children’s Performances and Presentations/Discussions. There will also be refreshments.07800547878 or Ghana_Students_SOAS@yahoo.co.uk

NO UNIVERSAL COVERMOUNTS?
Universal Music UK will no longer license back catalogue for use on newspaper covermounts from the end of March, suggesting it can damage sales. Two years ago, Five Eight issued the Covermounts Report which seriously questioned the benefits. Since then, the bar has been raised as tabloids offered double CD sets and now triple CD sets. Last year, the MMF argued that covermounts served to devalue catalogue sales. Universal caveat the announcement stating that it will still be involved in selected campaigns to promote new acts. The MMF had stated that covermounts did offer exposure opportunities for new acts and it is interesting how the industry is marking out clear distinctions between catalogue and front-line material on these discs. The dedicated music press (Q, NME, Word, Mixmag etc.) has

traditionally used covermounts to promote new acts, but titles such as The Sun and The Star have recently been running 'hits of the Seventies' or 'best of the Eighties' themed titles … it is unlikely that consensus will ever truly be reached. (Culled from Five Eight fiveeight@fruktmusic.com)

HELPING ELBWO RECOVER
ELBWO (East London Black Women Organisation) which, which has been going for 25 years, had an unfortunate incident in that its Forest Gate center was burnt to the ground last year, presents a star-packed fundraising gala on Saturday March 19 2005 at Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Tickets range from £60 including a champagne reception and VIP bar to £20. ELBWO was where our related voluntary organisation BTWSC was founded.

Artists performing on the night include: Benjamin Zephaniah, Shola Ama, Janet Kay,  3 Non Blondes. The host is Tameka Empson from the ‘3 Non Blondes’ and ‘The Big Life.’

The ELBWO works with disadvantaged children and victims of domestic violence.  They are raising funds to overcome the devastating blow suffered when their newly refurbished community centre was completely destroyed by fire last October.  They spent four years raising the £400,000 to build this vital centre for one of London’s poorest areas.

Lenny Henry is a keen supporter of the charity and has urged everyone to come to the gala: “ELBWO does fantastic work in the community with people who really need their support and so please help them recover from this terrible fire.” All proceeds from the event will go towards rebuilding the centre and purchasing resources desperately needed to continue our services to the community. Tickets available from: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford London, E15. 020 8534 7374, theatreroyal@stratfordeast.com

CALLING YOUNG TECHNO-MUSOS
The Fame Academy Bursary is open to any 11-15 year old musician.  Awards can be up to £200 for musical equipment. www.bbc.co.uk/talent.  Also info of the BBC Talent Showcase (no age limits on that one) and that covers various arts disciplines: www.bbc.co.uk/talent/showcase/index.shtml   www.thesoundstation.org.uk/jsp/RMX05_Competition.js

SEARCHING FOR SINGERS
Diligent Music boss songwriter/producer Olu Sola is looking for young (late teens/early 20's) female singers to either to front a pop/R&B project as a solo act or a trio. Most of the material for the first album has been recorded. Good, strong voice, and right attitude required. Contact him for appointment, or book do a live audition on Sunday March 13, 2-6pm at the One-Day Music Industry Workshop & Artist Showcase (Queensbridge Sports & Community Centre, 30 Holly Street, Hackney, E8). To contact Olu: diligentmusic@hotmail.com or 0794 779 2154. 

Daniel Roelink is a breaks producer searching for some female/male vocalists. So if that’s you or you are a promoter with a regular nights that showcase singers and MCs, please pass on this info. Dan is looking for artist for a possible track release working in March: dustred@hotmail.co.uk.

URBAN & BLACK APPEAL RECORDS
The hurricane in the Caribbean and the tsunami in the Ocean are just two tragedies that has had black music artists getting together to record in order to raise funds to help. Sometimes these recordings see the light of day, sometimes they don’t (one recent example is Bluey from Incognito’s The Hope Collective, who recently recorded a track called ‘Give & Let Live’). We know they are some great recordings going back to the ‘90s that have been recorded the British black and urban music sector as fund-raisers. If you control such a recording, whether it has been released or not, get in touch with us, as we may be able to make use of it and raise some money, however belated it may be, for your cause. Please also forward this notice to anyone who controls such a recording:. Kwaku, BBM/BMC 020 8450 5987, editor@britishblackmusic.com.

FREE MUSIC EDUCATION
It’s not only BTWSC/BBM/BMC that provide free education. CM (formerly Community Music) have two programmes they’re currently recruiting for: FREE MUSIC TUTOR TRAINING COURSE: Want To Learn To Teach Music or Be A Community Musician? CM is currently recruiting for its music tutor training course, which provides musicians, producers, vocalists and DJ’s with the skills they need to teach in the community. This course is free & is university accredited.  The second one is Free Music Courses:  Want to produce, perform or teach music? Age 18+? CM is currently recruiting for a number of free accredited part-time/full-time courses in Production, Performance and Music Tutor Training due to begin in September. Contact CM on 02076330550 or email everyone@cmonline.org.uk                                

TASTE THE BLUE NOTE
Jazzmo’thology aims to create the sophisticated atmosphere for those with mature and discerning tastes to eat, drink and listen to jazzy music. Tivoli EventsL Tel./Fax: 020 8801 5999, inquiry@tivolievents.com or www.jazzmothology.com

NOT SO HELLISH RADIO
BMC supporter Helly can be heard on Subaltern Soundz on Open Air [Radio Hell] live each Friday 3-4pm www.pulsefm.co.uk. The project also runs the Imagining Radio workshops at the Vernon Square (5 minutes from Kings Cross) campus of SOAS on Thursdays, 6-9pm.  It is free and open to all
interested in developing freeform and experimental radio programmes. Contact Helly: 10241289@gw.tvu.ac.uk

FRENCH MUSIC?
The London-based French Music Bureau has worked hard in promoting French music in the UK. Former head Marie-Agnes, and the current staff are extremely approachable, open and have a wide definition of French music. It seems to include any music signed or produced by a French company, irrespective of the nationality of the artist. Check out their useful website. Current French acts playing in Blighty can be found below. FMB, Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DT, 0207 073 1334. www.french-music.org/uk