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BMC's next debate at City University is 'What Can We Do To Build A Black Music Industry?' Saturday January 15 2005, 3-6pm  ...

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STOP PRESS: Black Music Congress hereby announce that in agreement with The Black
Music Council -  the Congress will continue to be referred to as BMC, and the Council as TBMC. (Press Release)

STOP PRESS: The Damilola Taylor Trust fund-raiser has been cancelled. Our source at the Trust advised us to hold off, as there has been a spate of people  misrepresenting themselves as fund-raisers for the Trust. BMC rounded off its first collection to £30, and we'll make an additional contribution of £20 to the Trust (Dec. 17 2004)

STOP PRESS: The responses to 'Urban Voices: Aspire For Peace' CD by Paradise, Urban Voice's Tony Biola, and BBM Newsletter editor Kwaku (Dec. 20 2004)

BMC's next debate/workshop: Black Music Congress debate: What Can We Do To Build A British Black Music Industry? Saturday Jan. 15 2005, 3-6pm

Updated December 3: We’ve had comments on some suspect lines in the Band Aid song. Now Paradise The Prolific has some comments on the Damilola Taylor Trust fund-raising CD BBM/BMC is promoting in order to get more money for the Trust (Note: fund-raising cancelled). There are two dates left in London for the UK Unsigned heats, and we give you the keyword for discounted entry fees! We highlight two different openings for talented female singers. The UK gospel charts is getting closer to reality, the UMA 2005 nominations have started! Who are Seven? please scroll down for updates...BBM/BMC & BTWSC activities Dec 2004-Jan 2005 including those survey questions - we need the feedback! Click to jump to new listings

BBM/BMC and BTWSC upcoming activities (please feel free to forward to contacts likely to be interested, and DO NOT forget to complete Black music in Britain online survey questionnaire):

A: £Free. Welcome to Harlesbridge inter-generational events - that means the whole family are welcome

1.  'Amandla! A Revolution In Four Part Harmony' film show & discussion.

The documentary, which  won the Audience Award and Freedom of Expression Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, explores the role of songs and musicians in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Issues around the role of music in society in a wider context will be discussed. There will be prizes given during the SA themed quiz!

There will also be a celebration of South African music and a short presentation by Kwaku, founder of the Black Music Congress (BMC).

Date & Time: Friday 10th December, 6-9pm. £Free

Guest Speaker: Mr.Cyril Ndaba, South African deputy High Commissioner

Venue: Tavistock Hall, 25 High Street, Harlesden NW10 (Next to KFC)

For more information: www.bbm-on.net/harlesbridge.htm

2. Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair V

This is an opportunity to buy interesting and exciting Christmas presents, and also for local organisations to distribute literature and publicise their activities. If you would like a stall: editor@britishblackmusic.com. 020 8450 5987.

Poets, small acoustic combos, and MCs are welcome to perform, provided lyrics are conscious and non-Parental Advisory! Organisations are also welcome to raise awareness regarding their work.

Date & Time: Saturday, 18th December, 12noon-6pm. £Free

Venue: Tavistock Hall, 25 High Street, Harlesden NW10.

For more information: www.bbm-on.net/black_music_record_fair.htm

B: £Free. Shout out about who you are and what you do!

3.  Black/Urban Music Mapping Exercise

Closing date: Wednesday December 8 2004.

C: £Free. Come share your vision and the way forward towards a sustainable indigenous black music industry

4. Black Music Congress debate: What Can We Do To Build A British Black Music Industry?

One of the decisons made after the last BMC debate, 'British Black Music Is Dead -Discuss', was that we need to create solid infrastructures in order to build a sustainable black music industry in Britain. This debate/workshop aims to focus on steps needed to turn that vision into reality - and what role interested parties can play in that process.

£Free, but it’s advisable to pre-book by emailing editor@britishblackmusic.com. subject: booking to build or use booking form BOOKING FORM

Date & Time: Saturday 15th January, 3-6pm. £Free

Guest Speaker: to be announced later

Venue: City University,. Room U215, City University, Northampton Sq, London EC1.

For more information: www.bbm-on.net/debate_bookingform.htm

Please check www.bbm-on.net for listings and features

To join our mailing list, please email editor@britishblackmusic.com subject line: put me on your mailing list

URBAN UNDERGROUND VIBES
Nominations are open for the UMA Awards 2005, less than a month after the end of the 2004 event! “We are planning next year’s awards ceremony at the moment,” says UMA head honcho Jordan Kensington. “For an awards ceremony in its second year, it was an amazing experience to see the UK music Industry in force. To nominate: nominees@urbanmusicawards.net  www.urbanmusicawards.net. By the way, you can catch the last repeat of this year’s ceremony on Channel U (Sky Channel 467) on Sunday December 5 at 2.30pm. Look out for exclusive live performances by: Klashnekoff, Lethal Bizzle, Kano, Ty, Keisha White, Donae’o and Omar, plus UMA Unsigned winner Lee Henry.  

BBM/BMC'S DAMILOLA'S DONATION APPEAL (CANCELLED - click for explanation)
We've secured several copies of last thursday's Evening Standard’s Metro mag  covermount CD entitled ‘Urban Voices: Aspire For Peace’. It’s a tribute to Damilola Taylor and a fundraiser for his Trust (10p of each sold copy of the newspaper goes to the Trust).  BBM/BMC will make them available at the on-line events - i.e. Welcome To Harlesbridge and debates, where we'd expect all, including the tight-fisted ones, to make reasonable donations, if they want one. The ten-tracker includes offerings from the likes of Lemar, Big Brovaz, Amy Winehouse, Tippa Irie, Iceberg Slimm, Roachford and Shola Ama, Cherelle & Kele Le Roc’s ‘Imagine’, which is not out till early 2005! Respect to Urban Voices for helping put it together. Unlike last year’s effort, this is genre-focused. The CD’s also in aid of an anti-knife crime campaign. That campaign kicked off with a Youth summit on knife violence on Saturday November 27 at the City Hall... (see following piece)

INSPIRING FEEDBACK
BBM/BMC subscriber Paradise, formerly of rap/raga group 57^th Dynasty, had some comments to make about the Damilola Taylor Trust fund-raising ’Urban Voices: Aspire For Peace’ CD we’re promoting. Even though it’s the season for giving, and as we write, Band AID 20 has been selling its single by the truckload, it doesn’t mean charitable products cannot be criticised. (See Band Aid line for comments about that record).

Here’s what Paradise The Prolific says: “This is a quick one in response to the Damilola Taylor tribute CD that you're endorsing. I am personally all for the message and (supposed) meaning of what this tribute is and could have stood for. But in the end, I thought it a con of sorts, as the music (all bar two tracks) had nothing to do with the subject at hand. Most of the tracks were old and throw aways from the labels, as opposed to a concerned and concentrated effort to create inspiring music relating to the subject at hand.

“To add insult to injury, track 8 (‘Round Here’) by Exodus starts, and I quote: "This is London boy, get robbed round here, so I advise you, don't floss round here, something bust round here, __________ _______ soft round here, gats go off round here. Bodies and drugs get shot round here, biggest boys on your ends get popped round here,” etc. And this was all in the spirit of 'aspiring for peace' and in the name and memory of Damilola Taylor!!!!!!!

”Give the track a listen, then you might ask the same questions I had to ask. I know the organiser, Tony, and I just found out that this artist is on his fledgling label. So was this a simple case of opportunism? Why place a song like that on a CD supposed to be aspiring for peace? Maybe it just doesn't matter when you’re using, or hiding under the guise of, big name artists.

”The fact that this is a fundraising project for a damn good cause, is not reason enough for no public airing of dissatisfaction. But behind closed doors, maybe it's time people were held accountable for their public deeds and actions - artists and organisers inclusive. I personally found the CD to be totally uninspiring.

”One Man's Opinion.”

Paradise, Executive Project Co-ordinator, The Good Samaritan Music Project

As Paradise acknowledges at the end of his note, that’s one man’s opinion. And he’s certainly entitled to it. Whilst it would be nice for tracks to be new, I would imagine for pragmatic reasons, artists or labels are not always in a position to get tracks together for what can be short turnarounds. Also, I would imagine most people would prefer a majority of tracks they already know – the evidence is in the compilation charts. Apart from Tony’s label’s two new tracks, there’s also Shola Ama, Channelle & Kele Le Roc’s ‘Imagine’, which is yet to be released as a single.

Whether content of charity compilations should be thematic is a debatable point. One can argue that it could get boring having a dozen tracks all saying stop the street crime, for example. However, it does not make sense including a song that goes against the ethos of the compilation. I have listened to the Exodus track several times, and I have come to the conclusion that it seems to straddle between glorifying and reflecting the dark tales. It would however have been prudent for the compiler to have not used that track. Indeed, since Exodus is on the compiler’s label, they lost an opportunity to have their artist unequivocally make a song that underscored the ‘Aspire For Peace’ theme. I like Paradise – he’s supported our BTWSC projects since day one. But to say the CD was uninspirational is a bit of an exaggeration. Andraya Triana sounds quite interesting, Lemar, most soulful, as is Roachford (- ed).

TALENTED LIFE WANTED
Simone Jemmott is the presenter of The Saturday Slumber on Life FM, Saturdays 10am-12noon (goes out online on www.lifefm.org.uk, which is also broadcasting on-air across north-west London via a RSL on 101.4FM until Dec. 12). She would like to showcase local Brent and London talent - DJs, producers, singers, songwriters, writers, poets, artists – simply any creative person. Send info, demos, etc for radio and DNA Local Talent. show to: Life FM, Unit 3, Stonebridge Precinct, Hillside, Stonebridge, London NW10 8LT, simone@lifefm.org.uk. www.lifefm.org.uk, 

DIAMOND DIVAS
The 'Diamond Girls' are seeking a lead Diva! ..Beyonce meets Diana Ross meets Tina Turner meets Toni Braxton meets, eh, herself, with just a hint of Aretha Franklin! Got the picture. 19-26, talent, image and charisma essential. Mandy L. Want,  077 21035 077.

GOSPEL HIT PARADE
Gospel singer-songwriter Freddie Kofi is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for his long campaign to see an official UK Gospel Music Chart. A dedicated website will be up and running from Monday December 13. 

”It is also my pleasure to inform you that we have now secured two dates in which to bring artists from the north and south together,” states Kofi. “This will consolidate our historic move to form the first 'Official' UK Gospel Music Chart in conjunction with the Official Charts Company (Top of the Pops, Top 40 etc.). These meetings will be held on the 8th and 15th of January 2005, in London and Birmingham, respectively.

”It is important for me to stress to all of my colleagues who have access to artists (songwriters, singers, musicians) via databases, to inform these artists of the importance of registering their details on the ukgospelmusicchart.com website. This is essential, as without artists' details, it will be impossible to begin a recognised chart. I trust I have your cooperation on this matter. Paul Clifford, Chart Operations Manager, has agreed to attend the London meeting and has suggested sending a representative to the Birmingham meeting to endorse our first steps in forming the Official UK Gospel Music Chart.

Factual information on implementing and sustaining an officially recognised music chart:
1) Minimum of 15 chart-registered shops (comprising of specialist Christian bookstores and mainstream outlets.) Each chart registered shop must have an E.P.O.S system installed.
2) Combined weekly sales of 100 units between all artists.
3) Healthy rotation of artists in a position to release material (150-200 artists)
4) The word 'official' can only be used as a prefix to the UK Gospel Music Chart, once we have fulfilled the minimum requirements of the Chart Operation Standards and Criteria. 
5) Network of DJ's/ radio announcers and radio stations, committed to promoting the Official UK Gospel Music Chart and new releases. This can also extend to television programmes and networks.

The venues are as follows. London: L.I.C.C (The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity), St. Peters, Vere Street,  London W1. Jan. 8, 10am-4pm ; Birmingham: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Ashton, Birmingham, B6. Jan. 15, 10am-4pm. www.ukgospelmusicchart.com Kofi@littlegiant.co.uk  07788115571

YOUNG POP/R&B SINGER WANTED
Writer-producer Olu Sola is looking for a young female singer, aged between late-teens to early ‘20s to front a female pop/R&B recording project he’s putting together. Material and most of the recording is already in place. The project can be a solo or trio. Singers must be committed, have good voices, and free of any recording contractual obligations. If interested, contact Olu: 0794 779 2154, info@justgreatmusic.com.

SEVEN HEAVENLY GATES
Award-winning Brit R&B-gospel group Seven look set to blow up in 2005 with their second single ‘Looking For Love’ (P2). Great voices, interesting, uplifting vocals, and banging beats – especially the Steve Anthony hip-hop remix!

LAST STAND FOR LONDON’S UNSIGNED
There are just a couple of opportunities left for Londoners to enter the UK UNSIGNED heats on home ground. One of the biggest, and nationwide talent showcases – it covers vocalists, dancers, MCs, DJs, fashion, film, poetry, gospel, reggae, and, yes – rock – will have its finals at Hackney Empire on Sunday July 24 2005 before loads of industry bods. Last year, American R&B group ATL were special guests at the finals.

But before the finals, Londoners can enter heats on Sunday December 12, at Stanley Halls, 12 South Norwood Hill, London, SE25, and Sunday December 19, The Market Bar, 2 Crutched Friars, City of London, EC1. Both shows start at 7pm, with sound checks between 5-6pm.

Winners from the vast number of go through to the semi-finals in June. Then they pick the UK's top 5 acts in each category for the Grand Finals in July. There are £5000 worth of prizes and production opportunities, as well as the fantastic opportunity to perform in one of London's best performance venues in front of the whole recording industry. Past contestants include Katie Melua and FYA. If you would like to be a part of the success of UK UNSIGNED then register to enter the heats. If you say “BTWSC”, you get a lovely discount on registration fee!  Not only have we had three BTWSC/BBM/BMC connected artists win their heats, a Welcome To Harlesbridge supporter, Errol Baptiste, has also won his poetry heats. You can catch the politico-tipped poet live at Fair V on Dec. 18. For UK UNSIGNED info: 0208 696 7003, 0207 377 8545. www.gigsonline.co.uk  or www.ukunsigned.net

NEXT BMC DEBATE: WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The next BritishBlackMusic.com organised Black Music Congress debate, entitled ‘What Can We Do To Build A British Black Music Industry’, takes place Saturday January 15 2005 (tbc), 3-6pm. It’s been organised in response to feedback to the ‘British Black Music Is Dead’ debate, which took place last October.

Participants declared British black music and infant, that needs nurturing and development. However, the consensus was that there was no British black music industry to speak of. Britain is a good consumer base for black music, most of which comes in from abroad, but it has little infrastructure to develop and market home-grown artists and music. The debate in January hopes to find pointers towards the way forward for building a British black music industry.

WELCOME TO HARLESBRIDGE INTER-GENERATIONAL SESSIONS
The next Welcome To Harlesbridge sessions: i) Friday December 10, 6-9pm ‘Amandla! A Revolution In Four Part Harmony’ film show & discussion on the role of music during the apartheid years, and society in general. Celebration of South African music. Special guest: The deputy South African high commissioner to the UK. ii) Saturday December 18, 12-6pm ‘Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair V’. Come to buy pre-Christmas bargains & presents, pitch up a stall, or take up the mic to sing or say some, so long as it’s non-Parental Advisory! £Free entry. Tavistock Hall, 25 High St, Harlesden, London NW10 (next to KFC).

BTWSC/BBM/BMC UNSIGNED WINNERS
The benefits for those that attended the BTWSC/BBM/BMC organised one day music business course and performance session at Forest gate on November was not just the knowledge gained, contacts made, and the great atmosphere which had guest speakers staying long after they had finished their class – big respect to New Nation showbiz columnist and PRer Akosua Annobil-Dodoo, DJ and Players Posse MD Danny Tammuz, Club promoter and manager Joel Laryea, PRS-MCPS Alliance copyright manager Darby Etienne, Westbury Music and MPA director Paulette Young, and Westbury Music reggae catalogue manager and journalist Kennedy Mensah, and SABA/UK Unsigned boss John Downie – there was also the perk of attendees not having to pay an entry fee in order to enter the UK Unsigned heats.

We had great results from our performers at the UK Unsigned heats. R&B singer Enrico was a winner, who has a chance to show his talent before an EMI rep. R&B singer E’Von was also a winner, as was Son Of Man, who won the songwriter with instrument accompaniment category at the Hackney event with the song ‘When Night Comes’. All the three artists go to the semi-finals in June 2005. The finals will be held at The Hackney Empire in July 2005, where there will be £5,000 worth of prizes. BBM/BMC wish them all the best! Past UK Unsigned contestants include chart-topper Kate Melua.  There are several categories covering different genres and ages, and the heats take place all over the UK right into 2005. Entry fee is £7 for solo, £12 for duo or groups. However until January 31 2005, if you put down BTWSC/BBM/BMC on your form, you’ll pay NOTHING! Good reason to phone or surf the website for an entry form: 020 869 7003, or 0207 377 8545, www.gigsonline.co.uk.  

DJS AID
AIDS awareness is not confined to just Dec. 1. The UK DJ community are doing their bit for AIDS awareness by playing a massive session on Monday Dec. 20, 8pm-6am with all proceeds going to the Band Aid Charitable Trust, courtesy of DJ mag, Eukatech Recordings, and fee waivers by the DJs. The big DJ list includes the likes of Colin Dale, Lottie, and Rocky. The Egg, 200 York Way, Kings Cross, London N7. www.eukatechrecords.com, djaid@eukatechrecords.com
tel: 020 7240 8060.

SEEING THE URBAN & UNDERGROUND SCENE
The 2004 UMA Awards, which happened a couple of weeks ago can be seen on Channel U (Sky Channel 467) on Wednesday Dec. 1 @ 8.00pm; Friday Dec. 3 @ 11.00am, and Sunday Dec. 5 @ 2.30pm. Look out for exclusive live performances by: Klashnekoff, Lethal Bizzle, Kano, Ty, Keisha White, Donae’o and Omar, plus the UK unsigned talent finalists, of whom winner Lee Henry  most impressed with his vocal talent.

MEDICINE AMPLIFIED
For some of the best in progressive soul, funk, Latin, Afro and classic grooves, check out Amplified’s monthly session at Medicine. It takes place on the first Thursday of the month. Next is Dec. 2 and Dec. 30. Free B4 9pm, £4 thereafter. Medicine Bar, 89 Great Eastern St, London EC1 (Old Street tube). www.amplified-online.co.uk/events.php.

BAND AID LYRICISM
BBM subscriber Jennifer of Ethnic Media sent us an email of comments on the Band Aid song ‘Do They Know Its Christmas Time’. One of the points concerns the line Ms Dynamite and Beverley Knight sing. The wife took issue with it the moment she read the lyrics on the BBC website.

Whilst we don’t want to put a dampener on people buying the record set to top the charts on Sunday, here are parts of the comments worth thinking about: Now don’t get me wrong, I think Sir Bob and some of his crew have their heart in the right place (…others just went to Air Studios and used it as part of their pr agenda). But people, have you peeped the lyrics!?! It implies that Africa’s issues are due to natural circumstances i.e. no rain, climate etc, but no mention how the continent has been raped by capitalist design of these same resources by others, and left high and dry. (Pan African News Agency in 2002 reported Africa paid $21.9 billion in external debt,  while official development assistance (ODA) to the region was $22.2 billion…do the math)

Jamelia has been quoted as saying “There's no egos at all - everyone's realising we're doing such a fantastic thing”…I say, but sista have you actually digested the lyrics that you are singing?

Will Young & Jamelia:
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime (it’s Africa…not Greenland!)

Ms Dynamite & Beverley Knight:
Where nothing ever grows (lies that today’s youth could believe)
No rain nor rivers flow (not totally true, and also not all ecological – a large part is due to man-made actions, and politics – ed)

CHOICE BRITISH CUTS?

Last summer, we were struck by the banner over the Choice FM stage at the Respect Festival, which read: British Urban Music. Unfortunately, an apparent shooting by the stage led to the closing down of the station’s sound system before we had a chance to find out how much of the music played was British. We wrote to Choice MD Graham Bryce to explain what the banner meant, as listening to the station, we found no particular shift towards a predominantly British content.

Bryce’s reply started thus: As you may know Capital Radio Group acquired Choice FM in March of this year and I took over as MD. We are in the middle of putting together a plan for the future development of Choice FM into one of the leading radio stations in London - where it deserves to be, as music of black origin deserves to have a better, bigger more exciting station for London. As part of this plan we wish to extensively help support, promote and showcase British Urban Music. We are in the middle of putting together a major initiative, which we will announce in the next few months to support this aim. (Click for whole letter)

That initiative turns out to be Choice UK Cuts, which launched a showcase yesterday (Nov. 30) at London’s Tantra. We know from comments we get at the BMC debates, that many people have issues with Choice’s programming policy. So we feel it necessary to reproduce the Choice UK Cuts press release in full, for you to make up your mind. Is it a good shift in policy? Is it too little too late? Is it to be commended. Here’s the info to make informed decisions:

 “Choice UK Cuts is an on and off air initiative that has been devised by Choice FM to increase the exposure given to all up and coming British R&B and hip-hop acts, and as part of this on going commitment to British urban music the first Choice UK Cuts event will be held on Tuesday 30^th November at Tantra.

“Urban music is a genre that has traditionally been dominated by US acts, and this exciting initiative launched by Choice FM recognises the need for a greater emphasis to be placed on the music being produced right here in the UK.  The event will kick off at 6.30pm and acts including UK female rapper Estelle will be performing for the invited music and media industry guests. 

“Choice UK Cuts was initially established on air by Choice FM’s DJ Masterstepz, who dedicates 30 minutes of his popular evening show (8 – 10pm) to only playing new music from UK talent.   As a further progression of this on air support Choice FM recently launched a show entirely dedicated to UK urban music and the ‘UK Cuts’ show is presented by UK rapper Phoebe One every Saturday from 10pm – 12pm.

“Off air Choice FM has increased the number of PA spots given to British acts at their popular events, including the Under 18s Junior Jams and the Choice FM Birthday and Christmas parties.  The launch of Choice UK Cuts on November 30^th at Tantra is the first ever Choice FM event solely dedicated to emerging UK talent and guests can expect innovative performances from acts such as Zena and Ch 4’s Chancers as well as un-seen new talent including Kano and Kaper MC.  Combined with this UK activity Choice FM have plans to help new UK artists get their first break overseas too by running showcases at events like the Miami Winter Music Conference and Midem.”

Commenting on the new initiative, Choice FM MD Graham Bryce says: “The UK urban music scene has never been more vibrant, and as the UK’s leading urban music station we feel now is the right time to launch a major initiative to support up and coming UK urban acts.  Choice FM wants to provide the opportunity for the UK urban music market to grow and flourish in much the same way as Xfm has been instrumental in supporting and fuelling the recent growth of UK guitar music”.

SOUTHPORT MINISTRY  
“Southport Weekender is back for another Southport Sessions. From funk 45's to the cutting edge of soulful house, Southport will be delivering the ultimate in quality music from the worlds finest innovative DJ talent:” Basement Boys, Teddy Douglas & DJ Spen, Ultra Nate (live), Neil Pierce, Victor Rosado, Paul Trouble Anderson (Boogie set), Unabombers Chi, Gavin, and Dan. (QDOS). Saturday December 4. 11pm - 7am, Ministry Of Sound, 103 Gaunt St, london SE1. £12 in advance (more on door, £8 NUS). Ticket Web: 08700 600 100, www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.southportweekender.co.uk, www.ministryofsound.com

BLACK MUSIC BUSINESS  
You know that the Black Music Congress’ next debate at City University on Jan. 5, 3-6pm is entitled ‘What Can We Do To Build A Black Music Industry?’ (www.bbm-on.net/debate_bookingform.htm). Well, often during these debate the issue of the need for music business education and knowledge is voiced. We’ve been running music business courses for youths and adults at grassroots level and for organisations via BTWSC (www.btwsc.com). Best students on the BTWSC music business courses are given scholarships to go on the City University’s Continuing Education Department’s Cultural Industries courses. One of those courses is The Business Of Black Music. It’s a good and worthwhile course. BBM/BMC recommends it.

It starts on Monday 10 January 2005, 6.30pm-8.30pm for ten weeks. It costs £190 – please start saving, if you must, so that you can register and get some useful knowledge to help your career move. It leads to a Cultural Industries Certificate, which can be a pathway into higher education such as the University Of Westminster music business graduate or post-graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes:  
Students will be able to
• identify the key historical and current issues pertinent to the business of black music in the UK
• compare the business histories of other music genres with black music.
• identify the black music market and  develop marketing strategies
• identify key issues in relation to the value chain and their importance  to the development of the business of black music www.city.ac.uk/conted/cfa/cultind/music/ce2312.html

RAI STAR LIVE  
Khaled supports the release of his invigorating rai-fusion album ‘Ya-Rahi’ with a concert at Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday December 5. www.wrasserecords.com.

LIPPY CHEEK
TV presenter June Sarpong tried unsuccessfully to trade-mark ‘Lippy Lady’, for a cosmetic range! Girl, whatever you call your lipsticks, you know the ladies will be buying it to make their lips stand out like yours.

JERV BROTHERS
Songwriter-producer Steve Jervier is back in circulation with two cuts on Lemar’s new album ‘Time To Grow’. TV producer Terry Jervis is launching animation series ‘Tropical Island’ online and offline. www.tropicalisland.co.uk. tropicalislandtv@aol.com.

SAWNEY PUNCHING SYMPHONIA  
Genre-blending musician-composer Nitin Sawney will be performing with the Britten Symphonia on Saturday November 27 some of his own work, including a new piece – ‘The Classroom’. There'll also be some Arvo Part, some gems from the Indian composer A R Rahman, and two new age/musique concrete composer Steve Reich’s pieces, including the ‘Clapping Music’. A unique classical/contemporary/Asian/fusion crossover extravaganza not to miss if you’re down Birmingham way. Call Symphony Hall on 0121 780 3333.

Still up Birmingham way, the Punch music project is seeking glamorous extras, dancers, models and actors to be part of an Asian film shoot in Birmingham on Sunday November 28. The film stars Vincent Ibrahim, father from the ‘Kumars At Number 42’). Extras are needed for a nightclub scene so glamour and style is a must! 07984 411677, dancingprincess_999@hotmail.com. There is no fee, but free food on the day and free entrance to DV8’s Saathi night!

RAYMOND’S SUPPORT
Raymond of award-winning R&B gospel group Raymond & Co. informed us at the Underground Music Music Awards where they won the gospel gong, that Will Young had personally invited then for a support slot of the pop star’s current arena tour. Surprised, we asked why? “He just wanted a gospel act. Our name came up, so he went and bought our CD, then called to ask for us,” says Raymond. You can catch the unlikely bill on Saturday Nov 27 Birmingham NEC, 28th Nov Wembley Arena, 29th Nov Wembley Arena, 1st Dec Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, 2nd Dec Glasgow SECC, 3rd Dec Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, 5th Dec Manchester Evening News Arena, 6th Dec Birminham NEC, 7th Dec Nottingham Arena, 8th Dec Brighton Centre, 10th Dec Cardiff International Arena,11th Dec Cardiff International Arena,13th Dec Belfast Odyssey, 15th Dec Dublin Point, 17th Dec Glasgow SECC, 20th Dec Brighton Centre, 21st Dec Wembley Arena, 22nd Dec Birmingham NEC. www.raymondandco.net

LIGALI FILM FESTIVAL
After Friday November 26’s film session, the next Ligali.org film shows will be on Friday/Saturday February 19/20 2005 during the global African History Month. So if you’re into exploring the political, cultural and social diversity of African peoples through a evening of short films, documentaries, and discussions through the eyes of homegrown talent from an African British perspective, lock that date down in your new diaries now! Chats Palace, 42-44 Brooksbys Walk, Homerton, London E9. (www.ligali.org)  

SANCTIFIED MUSIC
Talking about Four Kornerz and 29^th Chapter, you can catch them live, along R&B girl group Siani at The UK Urban Vibe 5 – London’s biggest sanctified music show at Ealing Christian Centre, 268 Northfield Ave, Ealing, W5 (Northfields tube, buses E2, E3). Tickets are £6.00 in advance or £8.00 at the door. 020 8840 7508. 29^th Chapter recently dropped a solid sophomore album ‘Full Time’ (29^th Chapter) – a little birdie informs me that there’s a particular industry interest from across the pond! (www.29thchapter.org.uk).  Four Kornerz impressed me at their last Jazz Café gig. They made noise with their first single ‘Clap Clap’ (UB1 Music), so expect even more noise with sophomore single out next year. The sibling group will perform at this year's Black Beauty WAHL Hair Awards 2004 on Sunday November 28 at the Hilton London Metropole. Later that evening, they’ll also head to east London to film a segment for TV program No Bling TV. The recording is for a gospel special, which includes Siani, Diamond Stone, and UK rapper Jahaziel, who features on the Steve Anthony remix of ‘Clap Clap’. (www.fourkornez.com)

LINTON LIVE DVD TO BE WON!
So you're disappointed Linton Kwesi Johnson and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band’s  only UK gig this month was cancelled? Well,  we’ve got three copies of LKJ’s ‘LKJ Live In Paris’ (LKJ Records) DVD for you to hear and see him and the band going through their paces recounting issues highlighted in works such as ‘Sonny’s Lettah’, ‘Reggae Fi Peach’, and ‘Dread Beat An Blood’ before an appreciative audience who helped LKJ commemorate his twenty-fifth anniversary as a recording artist! To cop a free copy, just tell us the name of LKJ’s band leader and bassist. Answer to editor@britishblackmusic.com subject: LKJ Live! by December 9.

LKJ has a poetry reading as part of Wasafiri's Writing Across Worlds Tour on Thursday Dec. 2 alongside novelists Andrea Levy and Shyama Perera, and host Margaret Busby. Museum of London, London Wall, London EC2. Box Office tel. 0870 444 3852.

BIG DADDY  
Beyonce's dad apparently dislikes his daughter’s boyfriend Jay-Z. Matthew Knowles, who manages his daughter and Destiny’s Child, and is also head of Sanctury’s urban department, has some serious words for British artists: 'I'm looking for British artists who actually sound British and are proud of being British. You all have a lot of very deep issues that you all must fix internally. You're obsessed with trying to make it in the States and trying to sound American. People shouldn't be ashamed of being British or sounding British. Being ashamed of being a Brit is like me going "I don't like being black and I want to be white". It's utterly ridiculous.' Hmmm, perhaps he’ll get his A&Rers to take a listen to British contemporary gospellers Four Kornerz and The 29^th Chapter. They’ve respectively got the R&B and rap thing locked down. You can hear them perform at EEC.

CONSCIOUS R&B & RAP  
Former 57^th Dynasty 57^th Dynasty rapper Paradise is focused on bringing some positivity to the rap game with his The Good Samaritan Music Project. Made up of rappers and singers, he’s recently recruited some young female singers for the collective that aim their conscious and socio-questioning rhymes not just at the usual outlets, but deep into the community via schools and community centres, etc. Check them out on Saturday December 18, some time between 2-5pm at the Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair V. (www.tgsmp.com/home.html)