It's been a while because we've been busy with offline activities, like sorting out British Black Music Month events and hook-ups, co-organising the BTWSC Because... Youth Crime document launch at City Hall last week, and not to mention the poor service we've been enduring from Bulldog Broadband! By the way, if you emailed us at editor@britishblackmusic.com April 5-10 2006, you are welcome to re-email, as a gremlin got into our email system, so nothing got to us!

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO OR SAY?
We always get a few people after one of our events either offering to help/be more involved or have some ideas they want to discuss. We always suggest they email, as our head is somewhere else at the end of organising an event. If you are one of these people, if you're that interested, you know the email address: editor@britishblackmusic.com. That's the same address to hit if you want to do something on BBMM, be it publicity, performance or a talks programme.

JUNE IS BRITISH BLACK MUSIC MONTH EVENTS
Following on from the above item, although we are hoping to work with promoters and organisers who already have, or can put on, suitable events in June to co-brand under British Black Music Month, we are busy firming up a number of BMC-specific events. The full events list, plus publicity and advertising will kick off early May 2006. These cover a free gospel concert, BBM quiz, political and hirsute tinged debates, free legal surgeries, BBM Hour Special club sets, networking session, introduction to music industry bodies, plus we're also linking up with a few trade conferences and festivals. If you want to know how your project can fit int BBMM, then email us on editor@britishblackmusic.com. If you're interested in what's going on - hold on, because once you're on our mailing list, rest assured you'll receive all the info and links in due course.

London Industry Calling
We can reveal one of the events BBMM is linking into is London Calling. It's "a major new exhibition meets a cutting-edge, world-class speaker line-up… plus live music stages, the best parties and showcases, networking, one-to-ones and all at the grand central station of vibrant music scenes - London". So there's no need to go up North to ITC, south to MIDEM, or west to WMC! London's the the place, so for registration and all other info, click image above or www.londoncalling2006.com/about_london_calling.htm. 

BBM/BMC supports this confab. We are particularly interested in getting label owners and other industryites from our sector to consider signing up as exhibitors, etc. Mention you're responding to the BMC info, and you could get a special squeeze! For more info: Black Music Congress supports London Calling.

US Telling Us
If you check out the April 1 2006 issue of Billboard mag (page 41), you will find an Ini Kamoze piece written by yours truly. But more importantly, on the same page is Gail Mitchell's heads-up piece on UK soul/R&B duo Hil St. Soul (HSS). She name-checks UK acts such as Soul II Soul, Floetry, Craig David, and curiously Ms Dynamite, as some of the UK acts that have caused a stir within the US market, before mentioning Corinne Bailey Rae, who's currently doing Stateside shows before the June release of her eponymous album on Capitol, then the piece focuses on HSS. They have a new album out on Shanachie, well ahead of a UK release. Indeed the US indie label's so confident of the chances of 'SOULidified', its second HSS release in the US, it took a full page ad in the April 8 edition of Billboard. We hope domestic release in Blighty isn't too far off.

Still on Stateside runnings, Gail also filed another BBM story on billboard.com on April 7. Here are bits culled from the story: Soul/funk connoisseurs the Brand New Heavies are reuniting with lead singer N'Dea Davenport and former label Delicious Vinyl, Billboard has learned. A new album, 'Get Used To It',  will be released June 27 through Starbucks and traditional music retail outlets. The album was recorded in New York and London; a lead single will drop the first week of May. Following the album's release, look for the Brand New Heavies to roll out a 25-city nationwide tour in July and August. It has been 15 years since the band first invaded the United States with its energetic brand of live R&B/soul and funk. The self-titled debut album -- powered by guitarist Simon Bartholomew, drummer/keyboardist Jan Kinkaid, bassist Andrew Love Levy and Davenport -- sparked a No. 3 R&B hit in 1991 with 'Never Stop'. Subsequent U.S.-issued singles 'Stay This Way' (1991), 'Dream On Dreamer' (1994) and 'Sometimes' (1997) notched top 20 status.

More British Outernational Runnings
Respect to Nate James for managing to contribute to BTWSC’s ‘Because… Youth Crime’ document. He’s recently returned from working the Japanese market, where according to his manager Anthony Hamer-Hidges, “The album has sold 40,000 and ‘Universal’ was a big airplay hit.”  Nate performed on a big festival alongside Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, Eryka Badu, and Damian Marley, as well as doing two headline shows in Tokyo. So there you have it. Please support Nate's bumping soul single 'Prentend' (OneTwo)

More about this story at a later time. For now, suffice to know you heard it hear first: if the term bhangraton does gain currency, you need to know that would be because of pioneering work by leading contemporary Brit-Asian label/management company 2 Point 9's role in taking their acts, such as Jay Sean, Rishi Rich, Veronica, and Juggy D, to Puerto Rico, where they fused their Bollywood/desi beats to local Latin flavours. An album joint album provisionally called ‘Bhangra-ton: The Best Of Both Worlds’ . It is set for release in the summer in the US and 2point9 in the UK.

Easter's Gone But Gospel Continues
Yes, easter may have gone, but that's no reason not to continue to enjoy songs about Jesus and Godly issues. If you're a contemporary gospel music fan, and you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it, perhaps the best compilation ever must be 'The New Sound Of Gospel' (Integrity/SonyBMG). The first, in what hopefully will be an on-going series if enough of you guys actually go out and buy it, has consciously added tracks by British acts. So in addition to well-known American acts like Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Trini-I-tee 5:3, Virture and Israel And The New Breed, the UK is represented by the likes of Ekklesia, Jahaziel, Four Kornerz, Nu Life, Raymond & Co., Seven, Bishop John Francis, and Siani -  the first four of the British acts put on an enjoyable live showcase to launch the album a couple of weeks ago at London's Play Room. We loved Ekklesia, Jahaziel touched our heart with his turnaround song 'My Testimony', Four Kornerz were really cool, and the prayers by Raymond of Raymond & Co. brought the presence of the Lord to the place - and not for the first time, judging by his story of their first gig in the central London venue. There was a young, unsigned singer from South London, whose name escapes me, who is not on the album, but what a great singer! He reminds us of David Peaston! In the audience were Seven's A&R man Paul Kennedy, the manager of Chevelle Franklin, who adds a reggae vibe to the compo, and the very helpful Andrea Meade, wife of London Community Gospel Choir leader Bazil Meade, who was made to sing and say a few words about the development of British gospel.

We want people to go out and buy the album, which is out now, so that the SonyBMG bean counters can green-light further releases. However, if you're too skint or mean, but nevertheless fancy a copy, click to go to our The New Sounds Of Gospel competition. 

Dragons Laden With Cash For Your Business Proposal
Dragon’s Den is BBC 2 very interesting TV programme where inventors and people with business ideas pitch their business proposal to a panel of potential investors known as dragons. It’s not a game – if you can sell your concept or business proposal, they will invest real money in exchange for a negotiable equity in your business. The programme is keen to widen its pool of potential business proposers, so let’s hope some of the BBM subscribers have sure-fire ideas, and more importantly, can effectively sell it to the dragons! Interested? Then contact programme researcher Hannah Cameron on: Hannah.Cameron@bbc.co.uk, 020 857 62749. Don't forget to mention BBM sent you the info.

East's Creative Business Support
Creative Inclusion have put together a new, free business course, especially for small creative businesses that are run by members and owner-managers of the black and ethnic minority communities. It included the following topics: Evaluating business ideas, Understanding legal business requirements, Business networking, Money management, Finding new customers, Using Information Technology effectively in small business. Each student will be given a fundraising strategy that will be specifically adapted for their business. Creative Inclusion will also provide the support to prepare the necessary bids to support the identified strategy. To be eligible, you will either have to live or work in one of the following boroughs: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Lewisham, Greenwich , Bexley, Havering or Barking & Dagenham. Contact SABA on 020 8776 6776 or 020 7377 8545, www.creativeinclusion.org.

Is The Choice Shhh Or Sh**?
Listening to my old mate Dave VJ's afternoon show on Choice FM over the easter holidays, we thought we repeatedly heard a rude word on the Usher track he was playing, so we rang the studio to complain. He said he only plays radio edits. So we're now wondering whether we heard an edited 'shhh' or the unedited 'sh**'.

Real Live
Real, comprising of singer Louise Pollock and instrumentalist Winston Rollinsare a British act with a strong live R&B feel. They released their debut album 'Give Me A Reason' (Smooch) last year (there are a few collectors items on account of some being pressed with some bonnie tunes!). However, they've decided to re-release the album and its title track as a single this month. They're supporting it with a few choice live dates, including London's Borderline May 12 and Ascot's Jagz May 19. Support.

Restoration Continues
Restoration 2006 takes place April 28-29. It’s an out-reach ministry “aimed at bring a positive message to the oppressed people of London and the world through music and arts … each event is live, active and interactive with a multiplicity of talent, ranging from MC’s, singers, dancers, poets and an X Factor style open mic competition, where the winner will win an exclusive recording deal with an independent UK urban gospel label”. Acts include Nicky Brown, GK Real, and the Ruach Youth Choir. For more info: Urbanmmedia2@aol.com, 020 8141 5337, 020 8177 3384.

The Unsigned Wanted
UK Unsigned hits Birmingham on Saturday April 29 at The Theatre, The Custard Factory, Gibb St, B’ham, 7-11pm. UK UNSIGNED now has Reggae, Soca, Gospel, and Afro Beats categories. The Reggae winner will perform as a special guest at the Tastees Talent Showcase in Kingston Jamaica in December. Jet Star will record the Reggae winner and the winners of other categories, subject to their approval. Also, Gigsonline and GMQex will be offering an internet based record contract to the winners of UK UNSIGNED vocal categories. The 8th heat of the season in Central London takes place on Monday May 22 at Nightclub Rococo, in London’s Leicester Square. If you wish to enter heat, or just attend party at the end: If you wish to enter the UK UNSIGNED heat or just come down to network and party then this is the event you need to attend, call SABA on 020 7377 8545 or 020 8776 6776. Tickets are £7 in advance or £10 on the door: Talent contest entry costs £7 for Under 12's, £10 per Solo act and £15 per Group or Duo: call Tina Bennett on 020 7377 8545 or 07958 301 387, or email tina.bennett@saba.org.uk. The grand final takes place at Royal Albert Hall in October.

Affordable, thoughtful African movies
African Foundation For Development (AFFORD) & Screenstation plan to raise awareness and understanding of African development particularly among the youth through the Africa Mine festival of African films and training, where young people can develop their own production skills. “We are screening different African films as part of the festival to show the diversity of African culture and life to young UK-based Africans, and to provoke a discussion after the screening about the issues and challenges facing Africa”. For some reasoning and exposure to 60s and 70s, Nollywood films such as ‘Osufia’, and documentaries such as ‘Tsosti’, you’ll need to check out the Tuesday weekly screenings at the Peckham Multiplex over 10 weeks, beginning April 25th. The screenings will start at 7.00pm. Reasoning panels can include a director, producer, actor, or celebrities with a passion for Africa. O20 75873900, www.afford-uk.org.

Ligali's Onto Anti-African Pronouncements
Ligali is an independent, socio-politically conscious voluntary organisation  that aims to "challenge the misrepresentation of African people and culture in the British media. Our remit is to actively campaign for cultural, economic, political and social justice on behalf of the African community." One of its founders is former record producer and label boss Toyin Agbetu. BMC supports the aims of Ligali. We advise you to check their impressive website: www.ligali.org, subscribe to their e-newsletter, and support the media and N-word campaigns. Read Toyin's diary on taking issue with a Tim Westwood BBC Radio 1 broadcast littered with use of the N-word and an alleged incitement to kill African (Ligali does not use the term black to describe Negro people), then watch his efforts to make a racist incident complaint at the police station. It was a long and frustrating experience, but Toyin was cool and determined, and finally succeeded in officially lodging his complaint. As much as they try, Ligali can not monitor all broadcasts, so if you want to help the cause, if you hear what you deem to be racist or anti-African language or incitement to kill Africans (even if it's made another African, albeit a misguided one), note the time, station ID, and any information regarding the presenter or show, then do the leg work to your nearest police station. Please be calm, no matter what hoops you face. Just make your points in a civil and articulate manner. Also email Ligali, as the only way to test the law is for the authorities to be aware there are more than a few isolated complaints. mail@ligali.org, www.ligali.org.

Harnessing Hip-Hop Street Knowledge
The Hip-Hop Generation UK collective have some wonderfully themed programmes running iat their south London HQ right up into June. Dubbed ‘21st Century knowledge for the streetz!!’, it takes place every Sunday 3-6pm. Sessions include April 30 - Russell Simmons And The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network(HSAN); May 7 – Hip-Hop Generation UK (HHGUK): Mission Statement.; May 14 - Hyper-ghettoization; May 21 - Rethinking Gangsta., May 28 - The Colonization Of Hip Hop, June 4 – ‘Bling: The Psychology Of Mass Consumption’, June 11 - Change The Game!’, June 18 - Ras Baraka: The Hip-Hop Mayor, and June 25 - The Political Economy Of Hip Hop And Black Music. HHGUK Headquarters, 44-46 Offley Road, Brixton, SW9 (Oval or Brixton tube stn).  0207 735 6836, D Mckoy on 07838 387 711 or Anthony Thomas 07886 516 175.

Katie's Educational Journey
Jazzy-tipped Katie Melua released a new single, the jazzy-bluesy ‘Spider’s Web’ (Dramatico), this week. Also, as part of her role as a Save The Children education ambassador, Britain’s biggest selling female singer will be donating Europe-wide proceeds from the physical and digital sales of her new single to the charity. Of particular and personal interest to Katie is the right of all children around the world to receive an education and in 2005 she travelled with Save the Children to eastern Sri Lanka to meet children affected by the tsunami and saw first hand how donations were being used for a two-year project, helping young survivors of the devastating Asian tsunami.  In 2007 Katie will be travelling to Beijing to raise funds for Save The Children by cycling along the Great Wall of China (hopefully with the delightful ‘Nine Million Bicycles (In Beijing)’ playing continuously – ed)

Friday Night's Alright For Laughter & Clubbing
Friday Night Live & Friday Night Kiss is “the biggest weekly showcase ever to come to South London. With performances from top comedians, and bringing together some of the best known names in British music, alongside magicians, dance troops and guest speakers too, which will provide a long overdue source of entertainment for the urban demographic”. This newly started Friday night entertainment experience takes place as follows a) Live (comedy): 7-10pm and b) Kiss (clubbing/party): 10pm-3am at the “palatial Caesars in Streatham”, 156-160 Streathan Hill, London SW2. Prices vary from £6-£10, to £35 for VIP. (BBM/BMC will soon be announcing a deal for its subscribers). events@daremedia.co.uk, 07949 282 213, www.daremedia.co.uk.

Love Music, Hate Racism? Gigs From Tonight And Beyond
Pressure group Love Music Hate Racism (LMHR) have a few music projects lined up from today, through May, and a BMC connected event in early June. LMHR have a couple of gigs tonight Friday April 21 a) LMHR presents stars of the UK R&B and garage music scene: Big Brovaz, Pied Piper, Nu-MCs, KMT. "Racism comes from ignorance, and when we educate people, hopefully we will eliminate racism. Music is our way of educating people to see beyond the colour," says Big Brovaz’s Randy. 9pm – 2am, Club Rise, Queensgate Centre, Grays, Essex, and b) LMHR’s monthly night brings you The Boyfriends, Lupen Crook, Kites and top DJs The Dolly Rockers. £5. 8pm - 2am. G-lounge, 18 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 (1 minute from Camden Town tube). They have a £4 cheaplist for LMHR supporters who arrive before 9.30pm. Simply email your name to lmhrguestlist@googlemail.com,

Saturday April 29 Trafalgar Square, Central London: event is a mixture of speakers, and music by the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Roll Deep, Babyshambles, Lethal Bizzle, Boy Kill Boy, Kray Twinz and The Paddingtons along with Donna Walker & David Okoro (Anthony Walker Foundation and family), and more. Volunteers required: LMHR website.

Plus, the Bigger Than Hip-Hop tour, which hits Bristol, Leeds and Liverpool, comes to London’s The Coronet on 28  New Kent Road, SE1 on May 4. It's headlined by Dead Prez. The Bigger Than Hip Hop tour also features Rodney P, MC D, Blak Twang, plus DJs 279, Fabio, Nicky Blackmarket, Skitz, Kane, etc. £12. Tickets are available via Unite Against Fascism on 020 7833 4916, and www.clubtickets.co.uk or by calling 0870 246 2050. For LMHR info: info@lovemusichateracism,  www.lovemusichateracism.com.

Teatro's Inspired & Fresh Soul
A mature, over 21s vintage soul club called Soul Inspired has just begun every Friday 10pm-3am at Teatro, 93-107 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1. Resident DJs bringing you that old school Wonder, Gaye, Brown, Byrd, Ayres, Chic, Khan, Stone, Scott, Musiq and Legend 70s, 80s, 90s and Noughties soul, funk and neo classic soul. DJs include Ronnie Herel, and Steve Wren. Rachael B’s the promoter. £10 (BBM will be arranging some freebies soon-ish). play@impactventures.co.uk, 0208 671 2161, or text: 07939 593 718.

Another club aimed at an older clientele is the Players Posse promoted monthly Saturday nighter So Fresh - So Fly: “An elegant party night, for fun loving professionals, with some of London’s finest DJs playing the best in: R&B, Hip-hop, dancehall, funky house, soul classics & more!” £10 before 12.30am. Waterfront, South Quay Plaza, 187 Marsh Wall, Docklands, London, E14. 10pm - 3am, May 13 and June 10. DJs are The Players Posse, Smooth Connection.Co.Uk, and Da Ill Kidz. Info@theplayersposse.com, 07949 131 996.

Grizzle & Drive Time Special Radio
Grizzle is a Tuesday, fortnightly adventure focused on fresh and unsigned UK break beat, and spoken word artists. Tune in 9pm April 25 and forthnightly.thereafter. info@zero-k.demon.co.uk, www.akrasi.com/grizzle, PO Box 37271, London, SW11 5WZ.

The Drive Time Special show on Ice Cold 97.1 FM, hosted by DJ Fat Suzie and MC Lady Nixs every Monday 4-6pm, is searching for genuine UK talent for the show. So If your are a producer, singer, rapper/MC, or musically blessed, and keen to showcase your talent, this may be the show for you. Send your quality demos (MP3 files with no explicit lyrics) to; infocentre2005@yahoo.co.uk.

Me Still Concerned
Another artist with a new record out this week is Me 1, with the 'Still Concerned' EP (Frenemy). Also known as Eric Martin, he is a maverick, eclectic singer, rapper, and songwriter. Those with longer memories may remember a Technotronic connection, whilst those with long memories and catholic tastes will fondly remember his eclectic debut album 'As Far As I'm Concerned' (island) in 2000. The EP features bluesy, folky, alternative hip-hoppy tinged songs worth discovering by those with open minds. Think of Michael Franti of Spearhead, and it will give you a better picture. It includes 'Introducing Her', which is blessed with the sweet, soulful vocals of the late Lynden David Hall - I do recall they were supposed to set up a record label together. The poppy, hip-hoppy 'Sometimes' is another track to look out for.

Squeezing Money Out Of Online Music
If you are interested in the business of online music, perhaps how to make money on the net, then you need to attend the second 'Squeeze The Most From The Web session next Tuesday April 25, 6.30-9pm at The Strongroom in London's Shoreditch. £15. For more info: www.musictank.co.uk/events_buzz_building.htm.


Rising Rocker
Catch the rocking sister Ryez and her band do a 30 minute set at 9pm on April 26 at 10 Goldburne Rd, Notting Hill W10 ((Westbourne Park tube stn). £5.50 I in advance/£6.00 on the door. www.ticketweb.co.uk. For more on Ryez, www.ryez.co.uk.

Another Sister Popping Out On Stage
Another sister Poppy Seed, should be dropping her poetry and music at her 'Coming Through'  album party launch on May 12 at Spitz, 109 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1. 7pm-1am. £12.  Celloman will also launch his 'Sharptown' album. www.celloman.co.uk.

Purely Social Clubbing
On Sunday May 7 the PURE Social team will be launching a monthly event at  London’s Digress called PURE::Live.   "PURE::Live will be a night of musical entertainment from some of the most skilled vocalists and sought after musicians from across London and the UK. Beyond being limited to one genre, this event will appeal to serious lovers of real live music!” New artists and musicians wishing to appear on the PURE stage should contact Hysha on hysha@puresocial.co.uk, 07931376289 or 07967830736, so we can advise them of future audition dates. Digress, City Point, 1 Ropemaker St, Moorgate, EC2. 6-11.30pm. £7/£10. Live music features Don-e and Jahaziel.

Popworld Promotes Internet Quest
C4 music show Popworld is currently running an internet talent quest called Popworld Promotes, which encourages artists to upload their music for listeners to vote on. The winning act will receive a Popworld Promotes live gig at London's Hard Rock Café, as well as promotional support and an appearance on the TV show. Says Popworld boss Simon Fuller: "Popworld Promotes will help discover unique, raw talent that might not otherwise get noticed." www.popworldpromotes.com.

Gliding Into Our Musical Consciousness
We tipped dance/reggae/classico fusionist Glideascope last year when his ‘Audio Cinematography' (Akara/Jet Star) album sampler came our way. Now that album is ready for commercial release June 12. The London-based artist/producer interestingly mixes dub, reggae, classical music, Indian/ African, trip-hop, chill-out and cinematic soundscapes. In his most eclectic music. The reggae-tinged single 'Big Big Disgrace'  is out May)29. It features a Jamaican MC as well as the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra!  The album also has a political message, such as 'War On Error' (featuring George Bush) and 'Stop the War (Bring Peace). You can listen to clips and find out more here.

Fresh Old American Hip-Hop Fest
Fresh Fest 2006 at Brixton Academy will be a night of classic hip-hop celebration on April 29. Expect to see old school names like Big Daddy Kane, Roxanne Shante, Kurtis Blow, Biz Markey, etc. Initially created in 1984, Fresh Fest was one of the biggest and most successful hip-hop tours in the US. The original tour featured Run DMC, Whodini, Nice & Smooth, LL Cool J, Kurtis Blow, Newcleus and the Fat Boys. However, in 2006, Britain has some credible old school artists of its own – for names, listen to ‘UK Hip-Hop’ on Blade’s ‘Guerrilla Tactics’ (691 Influential/Baby J) for a sample, as Blade name-checks those that came before him. Looking at the accompanying flyer which has all these American names and in small type ‘Plus UK Support’, is why we set up the Brit On The Bill initiative – we need to get British profiles on these gigs and accompanying publicity! Choice FM's 279 and Kiss FM DJ Shortee Blitz will be on decks duty. Tickets are £25 from the Academy b/o on 0870 771 2000, the usual hip-hop record stores, and websites such as www.stargreen.com, www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.wyldpytch.com, www.dealreal.co.uk, www.uptownrecords.com.

On Road Cuts
Here is the top 10 of the Official UK Hot On Road Top Twenty for March 2006
1. Brown Eyes - Kano
2. Playground - Fund'mental '03
3. Little Derek - Sway
4. Never Wanna Say - Soundbwoy ft E.C.
5. Let Me Take You Away - Sadie
6. The Weakness In Me - Keisha White
7. Cry - Swiss
8. Gangster - Wiley New
9. Unbelievable - Craig David feat Sway 
10. Put Your Records On - Corrine Bailey Rae/They Can't Take Me Away - Nathan

The Harder The Stage Version

Lovers Rock Sisters Back Again
Lovers rock pioneers Janet Kay & Carroll Thompson collaborate once again at London's Jazz Cafe on Friday May 5..

020 8534 6955. www.jazzcafe.co.uk.

From Black Music Congress

April 21 2006

Kwaku
Editor
editor@britishblackmusic.com
www.bbm-on.net

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