Click for info about  Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair III  on Saturday July 31 2004    

Thanks to panellist Carroll Thompson and the lively and impassioned audience who helped make the 'Women' debate one of the best. There was a lot more time to cover various issues. It seems like the British female artist does no wrong, as all the examples of artists with questionable styles were American! 

After our second Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair, which took place March 20, we are taking a well-earned break before our next off-line activity, which is the Is it black music or urban music? debate on Saturday May 22 2004, 3-6pm. Judging by the early bookings, it looks set to be one of our biggest debates yet. To book: click  black or urban?

Talking about urban music - the Princess Trust plans raising its profile among young people by launching the The Prince's Trust Urban Music Festival on May 8-9 at Earl's Court, London. It is headlined by Jay-Z, with Alicia Keys, plus several UK acts including Big Brovaz, Roachford, Blak Twang, Amy Winehouse, Keisha White, Lemar, Jamelia, and Dizzie Rascal. Although it may be a coup to get Jay-Z out of retirement, is he one of rap's "greatest lyricists" as the press release claims, and indeed, can we stage a successful black music ceremony without relying on the Americans to take centre stage? If the Prince's Trust needs an American to headline its black music, what is it saying to its many black potential entrepreneurs? Homegrown is not good enough? www.princes-trust.org.uk/umf/event.asp 

Talking about urban, following on the Geoff Schumann sacking from Choice FM - you can see the response from Graham Bryce, the Capital Radio head honcho overseeing Choice (and XFM). That response is a reply to Merrick Hart of PurehArt's pointed letter to Bryce. Incidentally Capital is looking for a head of music from its number one station for urban music. See back pages of the March 20 2004 issue of Music Week for the specs and send off that CV!

PEACEFUL WEEKEND

The second annual Peace on the Streets weekend is back on Choice  96.9 and 107.1. this weekend, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st March 2004. The issue iof gun crime will be discussed through the weekend. At least we are getting some thoughtful talks in between the music.

HERITAGE MUSIC

Merrick Hart of PurehArt Heritage Education Services is behind the committee co-ordinating the 200^th anniversary of Britain’s Abolition Of Slave Trade (BAST) Bill (1807). Its activities include the British Music Trade & Industry seminar. The BAST Promotional Heritage Education Talk will be held on: Thursday March 25 2004, 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2AA. Nearest tube: London Bridge Station.

UK LIVE

Lemar impressed us greatly with his March 4 concert at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It place was packef like I have never seen it since that last Beverley Knight concert. It’s not surprising Lemar’s ‘Dedicated’ album’s gone platinum-plus. His audience was very mixed. You had many white people, and the age ranged from the young to middle aged-plus. More importantly most were genuine fans, as they could sing along to all the songs. ‘50/50’ to me was Lemar’s more assured performance. Lemar will be on a UK tour starting on May 30 at Bournemouth BIC and ending June 20 at Portsmouth Guildhall. www.lemar-online.com/lemar/

Sat on a panel on March 10 at Hackney’s Community College that judged the best rap which highlighted the issues around NO Smoking Day. Some were of the performers were good, but didn’t concentrate on the issue at hand. One artist who concentrated on the topic, to the extent of reciting the No Smoking helpline phone number, had to start three times. It wasn’t until he sat on the floor, echoing the image on Dizzie Rascal’s album cover, that he finally got the work finished. But it was worth it. He exuded an air of determination, which was what got him through the competition. The host was Lyrikal, an impressive and conscious beat boxer and rapper.

OPENED MIKE
Following the success of ‘Hearing Voices: Ancestral Echoes’ during Black History Month, Dimela Yekwai is staging a series of four successive Friday evening events in the Studio on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th May.  This is a series of poetry and stories (a variation of artists and focus each week), where everyone will be welcomed to a friendly, nurturing environment, sharing black culture and experiences, words, sounds and movements. Everyone is encouraged to come and participate. Mind Soundz productions directed by Dimela Yekwai. Tickets: £4.50 (Concessions £3.50). Cowan Studio Theatre - Kenneth More Theatre Complex, Oakfield Road, Ilford opposite the Town Hall and the Ilford Central Library. Box Office: 020 8553 4466. Dimela@poetic.com

NEW AFRICAN

Uncle Sam’s African programme on Choice FM moves from March 27 to Saturdays 10pm-midnite. You can catch it live on www.choicefm.com, or check out Uncle’s weekly playlist at http://www.unclesamofafrica.com/Playlists.htm.

GINUWINE ONE NIGHT

R&B star Ginuwine plays announces a 'one off' London date on April
15 @ Shepherds Bush Empire. Ticket Prices:-  £22.50.

SISTER CARROLL & CO.

Singer-songwriter Carroll Thompson, who was a panellist at our recent Women debate, may not be performing in the ‘In Celebration Of My Sisters’, but she’s still very much in the background acting as the musical director. March 26-27, 7pm at the Royal Festival Hall on 26 & 27 March. For booking information: http://www.rfh.org.uk/main/events/91684.html?section=contemporary&file

GOOD LABEL

Hot rapper/producer Kanye West has a record label called Very Good.

1XTRA HIP HOP WEEKENDER
We forgot to mention in the last State address that its 1xtra's second ‘Hip Hop Weekend’ this weekend from 7pm March 19th till March 22nd. The 59 hour broadcast will include the channels usual DJ line-ups featuring live events, battles, interviews, turntablism, documentaries and some of the biggest named DJs and MCs passing through the studios. Listen out for guest shows from The Scratch Perverts, Awesome 2, Est’elle, Pharoah Monch, Fatman Scoop and Kanye West. Check out the full weekend schedule online.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra (culled from State Address  state@izm.co.uk.)

LIGALI CALLING

Ligali, the organisation which challenges misrepresentation of black people in the media, is calling upon conscious African-Britons to meet on Monday March 22 at The Market Bar, London, EC3N 2HT at 7pm. You are welcome to drop by and find out more about the organisation in an informal and friendly setting. www.ligali.org  

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