This is the temporary holding site for BritishBlackmusic.com (BBM) and Black Music Congress (BMC)

BMC's next debate at City University is 'What Can We Do To Build A British Black Music Industry?' in January (dtbc) 2005  ... BTWSC/BBM/BMC 'Amandla! A Revolution IN Four Part Harmony'  film show & discussion plus honouring of South African music at Tavistock Hall Friday December 10, 6-9pm at Tavistock Hall ... BBM/BMC Records & Crafts Fair V Saturday December 18, 12-6pm at Tavistock Hall

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

ENDING BMC & THE OTHER BMC CONFUSION
Black Music Congress (BMC) provides a forum for discussion and debate around black music issues. Its debates, which usually take place at City University London, began in May 2002. It has been using the BMC initials ever since.

We have recently been experiencing some confusion as The Black Music Council, which is not related to the Black Music Congress, is also being referred to in the press as BMC.

To resolve this confusion, media practitioners are advised to use BMC in reference to Black Music Congress, and TBMC when referring to The Black Music Council.

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 16 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.

BLACK MUSIC/URBAN MUSIC IN BRITAIN MAPPING EXERCISE
BBM is currently conducting a mapping exercise to find out the who's, what's, where's, when's, and why's of black and urban music provision/activity in its various forms across Britain since 1945 for an academic resource.

A simple questionnaire, which takes no more than five minutes to fill, can be accessed online at www.bbm-on.net/BBM_MAPPING.asp. 

While there are a few incentives, that's not really the reason why we want participation. We'd like respondents to partake because their information would i) be in the resultant directory and ii) help provide a rounded view of black/urban music provision/activity within Britain.

If you are a funder, facilitator, educator, creator, trainer, curator, promoter, or producer, voluntary or community organisation, a touring band, a music project, school's project, library, museum, archive, collector, journalist, media, website, music company; a musician, MC, DJ, producer, manager, music industry accountant or lawyer, or trade body involved with some elements of black/urban music provision; or fan with a depth of black music historical knowledge, including ceased/defunct projects or organisations, then why not fill in our questionnaire. Closing date: Wednesday December 8.

EARLY BIRD WINNERS
We’ve got one free UMA Award ticket for tonight’s (Tuesday Nov. 9) award ceremony, but we must receive your entry by 1pm by email – stick in your phone number (CLOSED - in the event, we gave out two tickets to winners Emmanuel and Son Of Man) Respect to the UMA organisers - it over-run, but it gave profile to many deserving acts. Respect for honouring Beverley Knight with a Lifetime Achievement award. The most fun bit was the audience voting category of new artist - R&B singer Lee Henry walked it, a he got the loudest reaction! No dancers, no props, just sheer vocal talent, and those hiiiiigh notes! Look out for this singer! www.urbanmusicawards.net

Linton Kwesi Johnson ‘Live’ DVDs also up for grabs! Plus mega listing on business, performances, talks, etc…Scroll down now….

BBM/BMC BUSINESS
The response to our one-day music industry workshop and performances on Nov. 6 was just soooo encouraging! (Full report soon) Meanwhile, the calls on Monday, particularly for those who missed it, has made us decide to re-run it, but as a fund-raiser for ELBWO Centre, the black women’s project in Forest Gate which burnt to the ground last month. BTWSC co-ordinator MS Serwah worked there and launched BTWSC from the now non-existent property. This will be our first fee-paying gig, profits go to ELBWO re-development fund.

After hearing about doing it for self and the need to build our own industries, let’s see if people will put their hands in their pockets!. Provisional date and time: Saturday December. 11, 2-9pm – A focused music industry workshop on legal, marketing & PR, performances by up & coming and some known artists, comedians, plus a records & African arts & crafts – good place to get those unusual Christmas gifts, and discover new talent. Like singer E’von, Nu Soul gospel group, rapper Carnage, R&B singer Enrico, conscious reggae singer Son Of Man, and performance poet Tuggstar  – some of the new talent we discovered last Saturday. Our surprise guest artist was Nublues, two of whom performed an unplugged set featuring vox and guitar. Their music mixes hip-hop with blues, as can be found on their album ‘Dreams Of A Blues Man (21 Century Blues). www.nublues.com . Respect to our guest speakers: Joel Laryea, Omni Management; Akosua Annobil-Dodoo, New Nation entertainment columnist/Fire Media PR; Paulette Long, Westbury Music/Music Publishers Assn. director; Darby Etienne, MCPS-PRS copyright manager; Danny Tammuz, Players Posse managing director; Kennedy Mensah, Westbury Music reggae catalogue manager; and John Downie, SABA founder/LSC London East cultural industries sector leader.

Friday  December 10, 6-9pm ‘Amandla! A Revolution In Four Part Harmony’ film & discussion on the role of music in society/politics. Input from the South African High Commission. Special South African music feature, etc. £Free. Tavistock Hall, Harlesden.

Saturday Dec. 18, 12noon-6pm Black Music Records  & African Crafts Fair V. www.bbm-on.net/black_music_record_fair.htm 

Email editor@britishblackmusic.com for more info. 

BTWSC is offering free Lemar albums and exclusive Bob Marley T- shirts to 16-19 year olds who successfully complete its free 8-week music business course in Harrow  (Bernays Hall, (next to the Sainsbury's), 25 The Broadway, Stanmore HA7.

Nearest tube station:  Stanmore (Jubilee line).  Bernay's Hall is 7 minutes walk from the station. Alternatively, you can take buses H12, 340 or 142 (it's one stop from Stanmore tube station).

Day and Time:  Every Wednesday from 12noon to 3.00pm.  Topics include copyright, publishing, marketing, music business contracts and income streams. The top student will receive £50 Virgin Records vouchers and a free ticket to a top London gig!

BTWSC is also running a music and media after-school project in Brent for 13-17 year olds: Fridays 4-7pm. £Free. Tavistock Hall, 25 High Street, London NW10 (next to KFC).

Other Listings…..

UNDERGROUND TONIGHT!
The 2nd Annual UMA Awards 2004 takes place tonight Tuesday November 9 at The Barbican, EC1, London. We’ve got one free ticket for an early-bird that call make it. Tell us what UMA stands for. One lucky person will be picked out of correct mails received by 1.30pm today (include phone number, as winner will be given code and instructions as to where to pick up ticket). Compo is now closed.

“The UK’s biggest underground and urban dance music awards ceremony will recognise artists, labels, DJs, producers and all those who have contributed to the UK’s exciting and vibrant underground and urban dance music scene. The UMA represents 100% British home-grown talent, and is the only credible ceremony of its kind bridging the gap between underground and urban dance music. All nominees and winners are voted for by the public and this year’s nominations include Estelle, Wiley, Vybez Cartel, Floetry, Gemma Fox, Slim Dutty, James Callum and Klashnekoff. The night will be hosted by Gary Beadle (Eastenders) and Michelle Gayle, who are joined by co-hosts Victor (Big Brother), Zena (ex Misteeq) and an array of guest presenters from the world of music, TV and film.

After-party Club Aquarium, located 100 yards from Old Street station (exit 3) on the border of Clerkenwell and Hoxton (its also walkable from the Barbican Cantre!!). £15 on the door B4 12pm/more after. For more info, and don’t forget UMA’s Buy British campaign: www.urbanmusicawards.net or for tickets: tickets@urbanmusicawards.net ,0870 744 1798 or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

LINTON LIVE & FREE CANCELLED!
Sorry - concert has been cancelled, but read on for free competition: Don’t miss Linton Kwesi Johnson and the Dennis Bovell Dub Band’s  only UK gig: Sunday Nov. 21. Support by Pama International, with sounds from David Rodigan. Carling Academy,16 Parkfield Street, Islington, London, N1. 7pm. £19/$16.. 020 7288 4000.  0905 020 3999. Ticket Sales: 0800 777 2000 www.ticketweb.co.uk. If you can’t make it, 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 Nov. 29.

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.

NASDIR & BLUESY POP
Rapper Nas and his blues muso father Olu Dara  have joined musical forces on the blues-hip-hop ‘Bridging The Gap’, which is beginning to make noise on radio. It comes Nas’ upcoming ‘Street Disciple’. The song comes at a point where Nas said he finally has peace in his life. “Working with my pops is the greatest thing I have ever done,” Nas told AllHipHop.com. “It’s at a place in my life where everything is beautiful. This song (‘Bridging the Gap’) song is important for a father/son relationship, because there is a big lack of that in the Black community and the music family.” (culled from www.streethop.com)

B3 MOVIE & TING
B3 Media’s Beats, Bytes etc festival which we opened with the Oct. 9 presentation of South African movie ‘Amandla!’, ends with the showing of ‘Dancehall Queen’, Don Letts and Rick Elgood. It’s part of the Change Clothes & Go exhibition at the V&A, CROMWELL ROAD, KENSINGTON
on Sunday 14 Nov. 14, 2pm. www.b3media.net

MORE KUSH MOVIES
UK presentation of ‘Ray’ (15), the biopic of soul brother Ray Charles takes place thursday Nov. It stars Jamie Foxx, Lorenz Tate, Clifton Powell, Kerry Washington, Bokeem Woodbine, Regina King & Aunjanue Ellis. The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Place, London, WC2.

020 7494 3654 (booking fee applies). host: Cyril Nri (tbc). For further info, after-party, etc: Kush Films 07961 977 749, pr@kushfilms.com

COURTNEY TWICE A DAY
Jazz innovator Courtney Pine hits the London stage for the first time since his last show in Feb. There’ll be two ‘Devotion’ gigs on the same day, Nov. 20, starting 7.30pm and 10.30pm. Tabernacle, Powis Square, W11. 0207 565 7800. (Underground: Ladbroke Grove/Westbourne Park). Those in Cambridge can catch him Saturday Nov. 13 at The Junction. He also plays The Sands, Gainsborough Friday Dec. 17. For more info and merchandise: www.courtney-pine.com

MORE FIRE INNA UK
Fire Media is currently working on a project set to drop in 2005. Called ‘UK Black’, look out for a host of top UK acts, including Omar, Terri Walker, Estelle, Klashnekoff, Tubby T, Swiss, Shola Ama, Bl4ze, Don-E, Slim Dutty, Joint Squad, Cassius Henry, JD, Taz, UK Worries collaborating with new, lesser known names. It’s a movement set up to unite all the talented black music makers is the UK. The catalyst of the project will be a mix compilation CD that's currently in the making at a south London studio. It's unique because instead of these artists contributing an old track, they're actually making fresh material to feature on the tunes together (e.g. Omar, Estelle, Tubby T and Taz on one track - imagine that!). The CD is being put together by Afreex of Chewatribe Productions (www.chewatribe.com).

The CD will be free and released as a covermount on the Jan./Feb. edition of Tense magazine. It will also be distributed via competitions and giveaways. Also, because of the great link with Afreex, ‘UK Black’ will also be released in America alongside one of the biggest mix-CDs that's distributed there - Corner Stone. The release of the CD will also be accompanied by merchandise, like T-shirts, wrist bands and hats that will represent the ‘UK Black’ movement - so look out for them and support the cause. 

OVERGROUND VISION
After the success of Overground I, Triple Vision is proud to present Overground II. Attended by a mixture of record label executives, DJs, radio personnel, producers, journalists, artists and film crews, Overground I united key mainstream and underground music honchos, whilst providing a platform for Britain’s unsung musical heroes. 

For those of you that missed I, here’s the philosophy behind the night: “We all know there are countless talented acts on the UK’s urban music scene. But when and how will they get the recognition they deserve? Some UK acts have broken the mould and have brought the sound of the British underground to the mainstream (Dizzee, Miss Dynamite, So Solid Crew). But what about the equally talented plethora of British artistes struggling to follow suit? These acts should be getting support from the currently-frameless entertainment scene that they buy into year after year, and likewise receive the national recognition they genuinely deserve. With help from the relevant sources, e.g. the UK music industry and media, their fight to the top need not be so hard.” 

Triple Vision aims to redress the balance by presenting a showcase featuring 10 British acts from a range of genres that they believe should be the UK’s top ten chart stars. The event will also bring together the people that support and believe in these artists, while also introducing the talents to an audience not yet familiar with their sound.

Performing artists: Karl Hinds (hip-hop), Lain Grey (soul band), Swiss (hip-hop/garage), Chucki Starr (roots reggae), Roll Deep (grime), RDB (bhangra), UK Worries (dancehall), Japlin (soul), Perry Morgan (R&B), and Diamond Stone (R&B). Hosted by: Akosua Annobil-Dodoo. DJ: Frisky (De Ja Vu Fm) & Turnamuffin (Wide). Wednesday Nov. 17. Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2. Doors open 7pm, first act on 9.30pm.

The night will also give attendees the opportunity to see a preview of the exclusive photo collection, People Station. The book of photographs, produced by Liz Johnson-Artur and Sarah Bentley documenting Britain¹s usually faceless pirate radio scene. Fire Media: director@firemediauk.com

WOMEN’S SOLIDARITY
Moyo wa Taifa (Pan Afrikan Women's Solidarity Network) warmly invites you to a Solidarity forum in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the infamous 1884 Berlin Conference on the scramble for Africa. The Land and Agrarian Question in Zimbabwe by Professor Sam Moyo, founder and excutive director, Afrikan Institute for Agrarian Studies (AIAS) Harare, Zimbabwe. Wednesday Nov. 10, 7pm at The Ethiopian Social Centre

211 Clapham Road, London SW9. Admission £5/£3 (opposite NatWest Bank, left hand corner of Stockwell Tube, Victoria Line, between Iclassic Cafe Bar Restaurant & London Tutorial College). There will be a reception for Prof Moyo after the discussion. 07903 678 302. afrikansolidarity@yahoo.co.uk

IMAGINATIVE SISTERS
UK soulstresses Shola Ama, Kele Le Roc and Chanelle have joined forces to record a cover of Lennon’s ‘Imagine, which drops Nov. 15 on 6060 Records. It’s in aid of cancer research. Out 07957 639 862.

MOBO GARAGE CLOSED
It wasn’t so long ago MOBO head honcho Kanya King told us that they’d include a UK Garage category, which was duly done. But this year, it was jettisoned in place of 'Best Ringtone'. Wonder what the likes of Wiley, who attended this year’s do, feel about this. Meanwhile, Brit-soulster extraordinaire  Beverley Knight is said to have snubbed this year’s MOBO ceremony in protest at the failure of the awards to recognise (more?) British talent.

FIDGIT SOULSTERS
Fidgit claim they are “never knowingly under souled”. Keeping with the old school hip-hop, funk, soul and superheavyweight disco, check out: Friday Nov. 12 - Matt Tarr – Above The Clouds boss, Undercover (magazine) reporter, owner of Disque Records in Camden and all round nice guy, makes his long anticipated return to Fidgit. Expect plenty of underground soul, funky hip hop and heavyweight disco, alongside the very lovely Miss Rachel Walker from Warner Music! Friday Nov. 19 - Another Fidgit regular makes his return. Martin Brew was the first ever guest we booked and he never fails to get the party started. Up in Manchester he is a folk hero having been resident DJ clubs such as The Hacienda, Friends & Family as well as a regular guest at The Electric Chair. Brew is also one half of the production duo known as J Walk, they’re currently taking some time off and Martin has just completed his first solo LP for Fat City Recordings. Friday Nov. 26 - Representing one of the world’s major players on the music scene, Justin Dixon has been making regular appearances at Fidgit for the last year or so. Playing a fresh selection of feel good hip hop, international soul and down and dirty disco, Justin knows how to keep the people on their feet!

Resident DJs: Hoop, Mr Ben, Lil’ Gav, Nippa and Starling. Fidgit: every Friday @ Plan B, 418 Brixton Road, London, SW9. 9pm til 4am. Free before 9pm, £5 after 10pm, £7 after 11pm. www.fidgitmusic.co.uk

TROJAN EXPLOSION
Friday Nov. 26. The Salmon & Compass, 58 Penton St, Islington N1, (Corner of Chapel Mkt & Penton St - Angel Tube).  8pm-am. £FREE til 9pm then £3. £5 after 11pm. Music Policy: a rough & rugged mix of Classic Reggae, scorchin' Ska, Cool Rocksteady, Old-Skool-Dancehall, Raw Roots, Jamdown Funk & Heavyweight Dub!!! Guest Selectors: Alan McKay (Cool Down ounds) & Tim "Bilko" Wells (Nude). Residents: Mistah Brown & Tim P.

PRINCE’S CHARITY
It looks like the Prince’s Trust will produce the Urban Music Festival in 2005. But in the meantime, the charity has announced a £5 million enterprise initiative for UK’s deprived areas. Working in partnership with The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, it plans to make enterprise work in the UK's most deprived areas. The initiative aims to help 16-18 year olds who leave school with no qualifications and face a 'poverty of opportunity' in areas of high unemployment.

The 'Enterprise Works' pilots will complement existing statutory and voluntary services, and work with businesses with social objectives to get young people back into education, employment or training.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, said: "Our research reveals that while disadvantaged young people have the same aims and aspirations as their peers, these ambitions quickly dissipate as they face a lack of options to get the job or training they want. With more than one million young people not in education, employment or training, we need to create new ways of supporting young people who leave school with no qualifications and few opportunities to secure work."

Back to the UMF, this is what the charity’s head honcho Carol Homden says: “The aim of the Urban Music Festival is to promote the positive aspects of urban culture and encourage young people, who might otherwise become disengaged, to move into genuine and legitimate urban-related careers and access support and programmes run by The Prince's Trust.” www.princes-trust.org.uk

TO THE CLUB, PARKER
Sang Thang! Nov. 29, 7.45pm: Parker Place (51 Parker St, Holborn WC2 opposite Holborn Station): Delia Gawthorne is the guest vocalist with a live trio. £5.

OUT OF AFRICA
Friday Nov. 12: Ocean, Hackney.  A circus of African music styles - mixing it all up to bring you a fusion of African and European beats featuring - Weird MC & band (Africa’s first lady of Afro-beat hip-hop), Badejo Arts (International African dance troupe), Yanju (Afro-techno pioneer) and the seriously talented DJs Dudu Sarr (Afrotronic) and Eric Soul (Afrogroov). Ocean, 270 Mare Street, Hackney, E8. 8pm - 2am (LIVE show 10pm prompt). £12.50 adv, £15 on the door Ocean box office - 0845 070 1571. www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.outofafrica-london.com/flyer-nov04.pdf

GOOD MIND MUSIC
Marvia  providence is blowing up with her reggae-gospel tune ‘Hear My Cry O Lord’. Even the media hounded Elephantman has tuned conscious with his frenetic ragga-gospeller take on the tune, known as ‘Burn Bad Mind’. Marvia will be performing a concert at Bridge Park Complex in Stonebridge, Brentfield Harrow Road NW10. Nov. 14, 6-11pm. She’s got the likes of award-winning UK gospel acts Siani, Raymond & Co, Four Kornerz supporting her. MC: Tony Rich. 07778 945 065.

SAINTLY GWEN
Gwen McCrae is another secular R&B artist who’s gone (back) into the church. Her Stateside new album is ‘ I’m Not Worried’ on  LewMar Records

DUTTY NIGHT
Slim Dutty is the featured artist in Da Marvel Lounge on Wednesday Nov. 10 PLAN-B 418 BRIXTON ROAD LONDON SW9 ₤5/₤3. Hopefully the Harlesbridge rapper would have won some UMA gongs!

NATE’S VIDEO
Nate James’ US lensed video for his impressive R&B/soulster  ‘Set The Tone’ can be viewed via: www.ethandirector.com/nate.html

ESTELLE’S ROOTS
British R&B and hip-hop girl of the moment Estelle has just returned from a visit to South Africa. She supports The Roots’s UK tour: 23^rd November Glasgow Academy; 24^th November Nottingham Rock City; 25^th Manchester Academy; 26^th Bristol Academy; 27^th London Brixton Academy. www.estellemusic.com

LOVERS CELEBRATE SILVER
Two Queens of Lovers Rock - Janet Kay (‘Silly Games’) and Carroll Thompson (‘Hopelessly In Love’) will be performing some of their greatest hits over their twenty-five year career by taking you on a musical journey down memory lane, with special guest appearances which promises to be a night not to be missed. Nov. 26. £20. Ocean.  www.ocean.org.uk/index.cfm?id=showEvent&Activity_ID=748

VIBES CORNER
Vibist/singer Roy Ayers takes up residency in London’s Jazz Café Nov. 12-18. 8pm. He’s got another spanking rare groove/soul/jazz album out ‘Mahogany Vibe’ (BBE/Rapster).

ANOTHER UK HOMEGROWN WEEKENDER
“1Xtra announces its third annual Homegrown Weekend, a non-stop 54 hour broadcast celebrating all the UK street music scene has to offer from 7.00pm Friday Nov. 12 to 1.00am Monday Nov. 15. 1Xtra’s DJs Ras Kwame (a recent BMC panellist), Rodney P & Skitz, Twin B & Jenna G, Letitia SD, Dev & Reg, Semtex, Hot Sound and Cameo amongst others, will all be broadcasting special ‘Homegrown’ shows from Hip Hop, UKG, Drum & Bass to RnB, Dancehall and Soulful House.

“The Homegrown Weekend is inspired by the ‘100% Homegrown’ show hosted by Ras Kwame on Sundays at 5.00 to 7.00pm. The show has a highly-acclaimed music policy of playing only UK talent and talking to key industry figures. ‘100% Homegrown’ has supported a wide spectrum of artists, from fully established acts such as Dizzee Rascal, to those still trying to get their demo heard on the regular ‘Homegrown Cuts’ slot. Last year's Homegrown Weekend included live performances from Terra Firma featuring Klashnekoff, Ty, So Solid plus Blackout and F.Y.A.

This year will see Rodney P & Skitz kick off the Homegrown Weekend with a live broadcast from Ocean Rooms, Brighton on Friday 12^th November alongside special guests Taskforce and UK DMC champ and 1Xtra new recruit DJ Blakey , the after-party will see them joined by Ninjatune’s DJ Food.

Other weekend highlights include 'The UK Takeover Part 2', broadcast live from The Ballroom, Nottingham on Saturday 13th November. The night will be hosted by 1Xtra's Ace & Invisible and will include some of UK hip hop's hottest names like Skinnyman, Estelle, Klashnekoff, Jehst, Blak Twang and more.

Also Ras Kwame will bring listeners a special edition of '100% Homegrown' which will be a live debate with some of the UK music industry's big names on the state of UK music today. On the night, Terri Walker will join Ras for a live performance. Other artists featuring across the weekend will be Roni Size, JD, Omar, Kano, Sway Da Saffo, Rishi Rich, Sun Cycle and more.

Ras Kwame said “Homegrown Weekend is all about bigging up the UK’s talent, we’ve had some great performances packed full of vibe, rammed with the very best artists, heavyweight newcomers and better known acts. This year is going to be even bigger and better”

Willber Willberforce, 1Xtra programmes editor added “1Xtra is committed to playing the best UK street music and we are going across the country to find it. We’re delighted that the Homegrown Weekend has become a major feature in the UK music calendar”

Listen live to 1Xtra via DAB Radio, by logging on-line and via Digital Cable on Channels Sky Digital 887, Telewest & Broadband 907, NTL Digital 859 and Freeview 71. www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra

HARAMBE’S BROKEN ANGEL
Funk-based band Harambe’s side-project, Broken Angel, will be celebrating the release of their eponymous album with a party/gig at Parker Place, 51 Parker St, Holborn, London, WC2B 5PU, on Friday Nov. 12, from 10pm. £5.50. Copies of the album will be available before and after the band's performance. Support from 27Groove. The night will be rounded off with an all-star jam session, featuring special guest Neil Conti (ex-Prefab Sprout) - all musicians/singers welcome to join in, so bring your axes! www.ticketweb.co.uk www.brokenangel.co.uk
 
LIQUID STATE
Liquid State Festival  event takes place Nov. 17(hip-hop, R&B, funk)-18 (Rock & Roll, funk). It’s from the organisers who brought hot new talent to this year’s UMF (more hot talent to come in 2005, they assure us!). The festival showcases new bands, labels and producers. Sound, Leicester Sq, W1. Prizes include free studio time, compo album from best of the best, etc. chey@liquid-state.net or www.karmadownload.com

CULTURE THING
Jah Shaka hosts a 7" revival vinyl record auction  Thursday Nov. 18. 7pm-2am. £5. There are over 450 titles of collectors tunes to be auctioned live on the day. Some of Shaka’s collection will be auctioned by Jah Shaka,  so come and enjoy the atmosphere and pick up a tune that will enhance your record collection. All bids in person only - no net bidding. The Dome (Boston Arms), Original Dub Club, Dartmouth Park Hill, London N19, Opposite Tufnell Park Tube Station. 07973 759 029, www.jahshakasound.com. Next Shaka dance: Dec. 10 at The Rocket. Holloway Rd, N7. 10pm-6am. £13
 
WINNING CORNER
The brilliant sibling gospel act Four Kornez won a deserving best newcomer best group gong at last week’s GEM Awards in Birmingham. The ‘Clap Clap’ boys really impressed us with their support gig at Paris’ Jazz café concert! Four Kornerz member Daniel says, “Picking up this award is a real blessing it just rounds off the hard work we’ve put in this year. We thank God and everyone who voted!” Lead singer Deji comments: “No one could have predicted 11 months ago when we started this journey with UB1 Music that we’d be holding a prestigious award as the GEMs. It’s feels wonderful and we are forever indebted to all the people that voted and support us.”

A BLACK PERSPECTIVE?
A Black Perspective in Community and Youth Work conference looking at issues such as Social inclusion and work with Connexions; and Crime and disorder strategies, e.g. the impact of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBO’s), takes place Saturday Nov. 27, 9am-5pm at MANDEC, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH. 0161 275 6260.  Conference facilitator: Daniel Nkrumah, Co-ordinator: Sue Pollitt, 0161 275 3292.

BRIDGING THE UK MUSIC GAP?
DJ KMT can be heard every Friday on Genesis 91.6 FM from 6-10pm (GMT). His show, Divercity, explores UK black influenced music such as hip-hop, R&B, ragga, hence the name Divercity It covers topics to do with the business and the art itself.  Each week a new artist makes an appearance for an interview, gets involved in discussions on topics related to the show, and to promote their products and create greater awareness for their works and shows.  Divercity and KMT are passionate about supporting UK’s national talent. kmt@postmaster.co.uk www.nu-kmt.com 

LONG DIRECTOR
With over eighteen years experience in the music industry, Paulette Long has become the first black person to join the board of directors at the Music Publishers Association (MPA) in its 123 Year history.  Set up in 1881 the MPA represents the interests of music publishers and the composers and writers signed to them to government, the music industry, the media and the public.

Sarah Faulder, Chief Executive of the MPA is said to be “delighted” with the appointment of Long, who has enjoyed a long career as an artist manager and music publisher.  She said: “Her enthusiasm for the role together with her valuable expertise in reggae and urban music will undoubtedly make her a great asset for the Board and the membership at large.  I very much look forward to working with her.”  Ms Long, a champion of the black music scene, is a director of Westbury Music. www.westburymusic.net

AFTERGLOW
AfterGlow Blu presents ACOUSTIC "MUSIC WORTHY OF YOUR EARS" back to basics featuring a line-up of some the best in high quality artists and musicians: Fola (soulrockfolk) & Marcia Escoffrey(insightful soul) & special guest: Eshe Escoffrey(inspirational singer & songwriter). Thursday Nov. 18. 7.30pm – midnight. £7. ANDA DE BRIDGE, 42 - 44 Kingsland Road. Near Liverpool St Station, Old St & Shoreditch underground.

LEVERT STILL GOING STRONG
At a time when many vintage R&/soul acts have lost their major record deals, it’s encouraging to see that Atlantic is still keeping faith with Gerald Levert, who drops ‘Do I Speak For The World?’ album Nov. 29.

SOUL NETWORK
Soul Network is Back at Market Bar 2 Crutched Friers, EC2N, on SATURDAY Nov. 27 for a pre-Christmas party. The Music will be a blend of 70s, 80s, 90s Soul, Funk, RareGroove & Club Classics, with a touch of Quality New Stuff. £8. 020 8682 1996. 07976 328 786. www.soulnetwork.co.uk
 
CARIBBEAN WONAN POETRY
Esther Austin is project leader for Caribbean Woman - Focus in the Community, and a poet. You can buy her new comedy book ‘Laugh At Life With Me From A Little Bajan’s Perspective’ directly, or order via www.Amazon.co.uk. £5. caribwomanuk@yahoo.co.uk  www.caribbeanwoman.co.uk. Here’s a flavour of her uplifting poem ‘I Too Have A Dream’

I TOO HAVE A DREAM by Esther Austin

I have a dream

not that one day we will be free

in the context of our physical wellbeing

nor in the freedom of speech nor in the freedom

to walk the streets without fear

but I have a dream that one-day

we will all  be able to set our minds free

from the toxins that leak into our minds

 that society dictates should be

from the negativity of life's unhappy souls

from parasites who refuse to grow, who refuse to pray

who refuse to enjoy life day by day

I have a dream that one-day we will all be free

to explore, to embrace the talents and skills

which lie ready like a seed

to be watered with the petals of a dream

enabling us all to rise up  like a tidal wave

to cultivate an existence of success and achievement

BBM/BMC Newsletter Nov. 9 2004 from www.bbm-on.net

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