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Newsletter March 11 2006

 

From BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress

editor@britishblackmusic.com

www.bbm-on.net

 

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March 11 2006

British Black Music Month + Out Of Africa club night  March 11+ Records & African Crafts Fair March 18 + Wanna break into TV? + 2-Day music industry overview course + Your Because.. Youth Crime opinions + Beeb’s Fame Academy bursary + Jonzi’s Surgery + Decoding Standard’s Urban Brits + International British Music Week + Dawn Penn’s graphical designs + New Life Awards needs industry support + Southampton Uni’s African Caribbean Christian Fellowship urgently needs MC + Chyna wants healthy UK unsigned acts + Remembering LDH, the upside & downside + Charming Souad Massi’s world music + BlackStreet play UK + London Overground VI + UK Unsigned’s major reggae deal + Free compos by Wednesday March 15: ‘Favela Rising’ film tickets, ‘Kids Reggae Playground’ CDs, ‘School 4 Lovers’ press pass, ‘Tsotsi’ books, ‘Guerrilla Tactics’ CDs!

BRITISH BLACK MUSIC MONTH/BRIT ON THE BILL
 “We are not asking for the impossible, just the possible from every one of us”. See New Nation coverage. Also, see WHAT’S GOOD FOR BRITISH MUSIC IS GOOD FOR BMC below.

 

 

AN AFRICAN DO TONIGHT SATURDAY MARCH 11
Out of Africa is back and kicking off the year with the thunder of African drums at the Spitz. The audience will be taken on a rhythmic journey across a continent by stunning African drumming performances from Buccar Ndow (The Gambia), Thebe Lipere (South Africa), Koko Kanyinda (The Congo), Henri Gao Bi (Ivory Coast), Yaw Asumadu (Ghana) and Ayan The First (Nigeria). The night starts with DJ Ilka and ends with DJ Eric Soul, who will take you through he breadth of African musical styles. The Spitz, 109 Commercial Street, E1 8pm. £7, £5 NUS. www.outofafrica-london.com. 07967 362 551. Venue info: www.spitz.co.uk,020 7247 9747.

AN AFRICAN DO NEXT SATURDAY MARCH 18
In response to the do-it-for-self ethic and indie route espoused at recent Black Music Congress (BMC) meetings, BMC and BTWSC are putting on The Black Music Records & African Crafts Fair VII. This will provide an opportunity for people to network and publicise their organisations or activities; sell records, books, posters, food, clothes, and African crafts and artefacts; participate in an open mic session; hear author Frances Somers Cocks tell the story of her 'Abraham Hannibal' books, based on an African who rose from slavery to became an army general in the Russian army and is the great grandfather of ‘Russia’s Shakespeare’ Alexander Pushkin; plus musical performances by Rob Swift and Snakeyman of TGSMP, and Cameroonian singer-songwriter Coco Mbassi. Saturday March 18 2006, 12-6pm at: Tavistock Hall, 25 High Street, Harlesden, London NW10 next to KFC (Willesden Junction). For more info, to book stall or performance slot : 8450 5987, editor@britishblackmusic.com, www.bbm-on.net/black_music_record_fair.htm. Entry is free.

ANY YOUNG FOLKS WANNA MAKE OR ENTER TV?
If you are a young person interested in entering any part of the Television industry, from acting, presenting, to writing and directing, then you better visit Fair VII (see above item) on Saturday March 18. 
 

WANT A QUICK MUSIC INDUSTRY OVERVIEW?
The BMC allied Connected+ Music & Media Industry course run by our sister organisation BTWSC has its presentation and showcase during Fair VII. You are welcome to come and find out more from tutors and students. For those in employment or who missed this last round of freeness, we're happy to run a 2-Day music industry overview course for a nominal charge. We've had a few people pre-book, but for it to run, we need at least a dozen people willing to put their hands in their pockets to pay for useful industry knowledge. If you're interested, then email editor@britishblackmusic.com. Subject line: I Wanna Enrol On 2-Day Course.

BECAUSE WE'VE GOT OPINIONS ON YOUTH CRIME
At the BTWSC Because... Youth Crime workshop last year, some forms of music were highlighted as influences of youth crime. So we've asked youth mentors, music industry personnel and recording artists to respond in no more than 100 words telling us their views on the causes of youth crime. If you care to add your contribution, you've got till Monday March 20 to do so. The contributions are being put into a document to be launched at Ken Livingstone's manor - City Hall, on Tuesday April 11, 3-5.30pm. The family-friendly, edu-tainment event will consist of quizzes, musical performances, including 13 year old singer-songwriter Demi, a few contributors reading their work, plus very short speeches by a few elected representatives. Entry is free, but by invitation. For more info or to RSVP: Ms serwah 020 8450 5987 or click info@btwsc.com, subject line: Because... Launch.

BEEB’S FAME MONEY FOR YOU
A BBC Fame Academy Bursary rep at the last BMC debate told us about this pot of money for aspiring musicians. It was set up with the money raised from the public’s telephone voting during the TV series. Each year a number of schemes are run that give away educational bursaries and instrument and equipment awards. Last year an ‘Urban’ music award was made to deserving young musos. 
Entries close 12th May 2006. If you are not eligible to enter the Instrument and Equipment Awards come back to the New Talent website later in the year when the 2006 Education Bursary Scheme will be open. www.bbc.co.uk/newtalent/music/fameacademybursary/  

HIP HOPPING THE ROYAL WAY ON MONDAY
UK conscious rap group
The Royal Priesthood will perform selected tracks from their new album ‘Built To Last’ at the Pop Bar, 14 Soho St, near Tottenham Court Road, on Monday March 13, 8pm. Their album sampler currently doing the rounds include a remix of the powerful ‘Stop The Violence’. £4 before 9pm, £5 otherwise. www.wildatpop.com. 

JONZI D’S POGO SURGERY
The Surgery opens this Friday March 17 at Lilian Baylis Theatre. Host Jonzi D and turntablist DJ Pogo command this hip-hop theatre performance, which includes freestyle improvisation and jamming. 8pm. £5 at door: Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (Angel tube). info@jonzi-d.co.uk.

DECODING THE BRITS
Following on from our coverage of the Brit Awards 2006, we thought we’d share the following excerpt from The Evening Standard Feb. 16 2006 coverage with you: “And yet the weaknesses remain, chiefly in what is euphemistically called British urban act. Reality TV’s Lemar edged past the fast-sinking trio of Craig David, Dizzee Rascal and Ms Dynamite, plus untested Kano. British urban music desperately needs a rethink.”

If you can tell us in less than 100 words what the above paragraph from John Aizlewood’s Brit Awards 2006 commentary entitled ‘Night The Star Quality Had To Be Imported’ means, we’ve got prizes for the best three, which break it down for ordinary folks – it can be humorous, it can be serious – it’s your call, let’s have it by Wednesday March 15: editor@britishblackmusic.com.  Subject line: decoding British urban. Don't forget to include your postal address.

BRITISH MUSIC INDUSTRY DIRECTION
UK music industry trade Music Week’s online presence, www.musicweek.com has now made its directory available free to use. Non-subscribers can now easily post their listings on the recently re-jigged website:  http://www.musicweekdirectory.com.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR BRITISH MUSIC IS GOOD FOR BMC
We’ve had British Music campaigns in the US, and the idea of a British Music Embassy to crack the US was mooted a few years ago. Now, another push is in the air: plans are afoot for the British Government to support the latest attempt through its UK Trade & Investment department. “All our research shows the industry wants help in America, even though other markets are opening up,” says an insider. Already, British acts on iTunes pop-ips on Billboard.com sport a ‘Live From Britain’ logo.

But the US isn’t the only market the Brits have set their sights upon. After launching its Brits stand at MIDEM a few months ago, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is launching ‘British Music Week’ in Berlin from May19-26. It is aimed at raising British music’s profile within the German market (the 3rd or 4th largest market, depending on whose statistics you use). BPI chairman Peter Jamieson said, “British Music Week is designed to focus the attention of both the media and the public on the whole range of exciting music coming from the UK.” Yes, but what kind of music? Hopefully not all arctic and no monkeys for grime, jazz, reggae or drum & bass. Reason enough for you to do your bit to make our British Black Music Month campaign work. As Hugh Francis said at the last BMC debate: “what’s good for the British black music Industry is good for Britain!”

ZEST HAS GONE GREEN
Independent music publishing group and record label Zest will buy reggae label and music publisher Greensleeves for £3.25m, its first acquisition since Zest was listed on AIM in March 2005. Greensleves is one of UK’s major reggae specialist labels, having grown steadily from a record shop in west London into a major player with offices in the US.

DAWN WON’T SAY NO TO GREAT SLEEVE DESIGN
‘No No No’ reggae singing sensation Dawn Penn is in the process of bringing out a self-released album (the promo cuts we’ve heard sound tough!) She’s looking for a bright young designer to give the cover sleeve great sparkle. No amateurs or time wasters, please. Contact dawnpenn2003@yahoo.co.uk subject line: BBM Designer.

NO, NOT THAT CHICO!
Whilst our X-Factor showman Chico basks in the glory of a British pop chart-topper, his Jamaican reggae namesake has a new recording presently building up steam in Jamaica. The song is entitled ‘Bad Out  Deh’ and is a combination with dancehall deejay Alozade and Kiprich on Richard ‘Shams’ Browne’s re-release of the ‘Baddis’. Meanwhile, Chico’s video for the song ‘Hey Sexy Now’ with Universal France’s recording artist Lord Kossity (see G Mag Feb/March 2006, p.12 for feature article) has also been airing in the HYPE TV Countdown, available through DIRECT TV. Info provided by newsletter@rudegal.com

MAT FINDS SANCTUARY ELSEWHERE
Beyonce’s father and manager Mathew Knowles, has extricated his Music World Entertainment and Music World Music Record Label from Sanctuary. The once ever-growing, vertically integrated multi-media conglomerate set him up as head of Sanctuary Urban, which allegedly did not help sanctuary’s recent financial woes. Knowles’ cash cow is the Beyonce/Destiny’s Child franchise.

NLA ARTIST & LABEL SHOW NLA SOME LOVE
Media trainers and operators of Lifefm.org.uk Bang Edutainment will launch the New Life Awards (NLA) Friday April 28 at the new Stowe Centre, Harrow Road, London W10. The NLA aims to recognise and reward young people in and around Paddington for their commitment, hard work and participation in youth clubs and activities. The award ceremony is open to young people between the ages of 13 – 21 living within the SRB5 area.  These areas include Queens Park, Westbourne and Harrow Road Wards. The promoters are throwing a call out to artists and labels to show support. Contact: event coordinator Kay Oduneye, kay@lifefm.org.uk, 020 7575 3152, 07775976759. 

CONSCIOUS MC URGENTLY REQUIRED DOWN CRAIG’S MANOR
The Secretary of the African Caribbean Christian Fellowship of the Southampton University, Miss Starla Yarde, needs a professional gift of the gabber urgently! “We are hosting our annual cultural night on March 18th. Our Master of Ceremonies cannot make an appearance on the night, and we were wondering whether your  organisation has MCs of African or Caribbean origin, or whether you can give us the contacts of anyone you are affiliated with.” We can’t, but if you know of a professional MC who can help, mail sdy104@soton.ac.uk.

HEALTHY CHYNA MUSICAL DIET
Extrovert singer Chyna also a 2 hour radio programme dedicated to her quest of looking for unsigned artists to feature every Friday 9-11pm on playvybz.com. “As well  as playing the artist’s music, I will have each week a health practitioner to
 talk about health and lifestyle with the artist. If there are any unsigned
 artists that may be interested in coming on my program, please forward them
 my number,” says Chyna. 07877 822423, chyna@chynagordon.com, www.chynawhyne.com.

REMEMBERING LYNDEN & NEED TO BE POSITIVE
The late Brit-soul talent that was Lynden David Hall was celebrated at a packed club night arranged at the Tiesto Club in London’s West End last Tuesday to celebrate his life. Organised quickly and quietly, mostly via text and email links, friends and fans of LDH were in force, and also generously made their donations to the cancer charity ACLT (www.aclt.org, 020 8667). LDH’s former Cooltempo/EMI A&Rer Trevor Nelson was on the decks. When he dropped LDH’s biggest record ‘Sexy Cinderella’, things didn’t go crazy. It seemed most people preferred to reflect quietly. Among the American stuff, Trevor dropped UK classics such as Paul Johnson’s ‘If We Lose Our Way’, Mica Paris & Omar’s ‘Should Have Known Better’. The place was buzzing with Boogie Bunchers, DJ Big Ted, Andrew and brother/manager Stephen Roachford, Ruby Turner, plus loads of journalists.

On the upside concert promoter Raye Cosbert was down with the BOB campaign, because he proactively puts Brits on his bills. The downside was talking to someone who’s handled the marketing of ‘urban’ artists for all the majors. “It was likely knocking my head against a brick wall,” reflected this marketing person, sadly adding, “People just don’t want to buy British.” This defeatist comment sparked off this mantra: “We are not asking for the impossible, just the possible from every one of us”. 

ALI FARKA TOURE RIP
Earlier this week, we heard the sad news of the passing of Malian Grammy-winning blues-imbued guitarist-singer Ali Farka Toure. He was an impressive live performer! RIP.

SOUAD WORLD
We enjoyed Algerian singer-songwriter Souad Massi’s short acoustic set at the London’s Darbucka bar, where this year’s BBC Radio 3 World Music Award winners were announced. The Wrasse Records signed artist won the Middle East & North Africa category – click to find out more. We look forward to a longer set from her at the winners’ concert at London’s Brixton Academy April 7.

TEDDY BOY BACK ON THE BLACK STREET
Teddy Riley’s BLACKstreet are coming on a European tour dubbed ‘No Diggity Reunion Tour’. Dates include Newcastle City Hall on 3 May.  “Teddy Riley’s second and must prolific band BLACKstreet are set to remind their fans of the pop success they had in the 1990s with chart-topping hits such as ‘No Diggity’ and smooth ballads like ‘Don’t Leave Me’ when they perform past hits, and songs from their forthcoming album to be released later this year.” 7pm. £23.50 plus booking fee. VIP’s Limited 07949 101657.

MURDAH MUSIC RELEASED INNA USA
Reggae star Ini Kamoze’s curiously titled double CD retrospective collection of newly re-recorded versions of his back catalogue ‘Debut’ (9 Sound Click) is released Stateside this week. The track most people will be gunning for is ‘World A Reggae (Out In The Street They Call It Murder)’, which was used to great effect on Damian Marley’s ‘Welcome To Jamrock’. It in turn got used on a ‘live’ version collabo on Alicia Keys’ ‘Unplugged’ (J/Arista), and the Bob Marley & The Wailers’ mashup ‘
Stand Up Jamrock’. For more: www.inikamoze.com.  

EDUCATING MUSIC TUTORS
Fancy a free, part-time Music Tutor Training course at The London Metropolitan University that leads to a Certificate in Higher Education, which is the first year of a degree? There’s one run by CM which provides graduate level training for professional musicians of all styles with or without formal qualifications, and can lead to new training and employment opportunities. Completers find new employment in music projects, colleges, schools and community settings. Gawain Hewitt, CM, 020 7633 0550. www.cmonline.org.uk.

MEDIA TRAINING
If
you’re young and live in North or East London and you want to find out more about a media/journalism course, contact DV8 on 020 8509 6070, email ian@dv8training.co.uk or check the website for more information: www.dv8training.co.uk 

LONDON OVERGROUND
London showcase spot Overground VI takes place on Wednesday 22 March at Cargo, 83 Riverton Street, Shoreditch, London EC2. Doors open 7pm, first act on 9.30pm. Lineup includes Keisha White (R&B), Tippa Irie (bashment), Danielle Senior & Blemish (R&B/hip-hop), Glideascope (classical/reggae), SAS (hip-hop), Carl Ramsey feat. Demon (rap/UKG), Wan-Cee (hip-hop), Jim Screechy (bashment), Ozzie B (UKG), and Contrast (R&B). For further information contact
Akosua 07930 188 724, Orantes 07745 396 832.

ANGELIC ANSWER?
Author
Ray Shell’s behind www.angel22.tv, which promises to be the portal promoting all forms of music from Blighty’s rap, Brit-R&B, to nu-punk from unsigned acts!

UK UNSIGNED UNITED INTERNATIONALLY
Now in its 6th year, talent show franchise UK Unsigned has now gone international, as this year’s prizes include opportunities to perform in Jamaica. The winner in the reggae category will perform as a special guest at the Tastees Talent Showcase in Kingston Jamaica in December. Support also comes from Jet Star, which will record the winner, whilst Gigsonline will be offering an internet based record contract to the winners of UK Unsigned vocal categories.
New categories for 2006 include Soca, gospel and Afrobeat. To take part: 0208 776 6776, 0207 377 8545 or visit www.gigsonline.co.uk.

THE OLD LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Look out for a double CD retrospective compo of hits, essential, rare and side project tracks from one of Britain's best jazz-funk groups, Light Of The World. 'Anthology: Addicted To Funk' (EMI) is an essential buy for any Brit-funk fan, especially as CD2 includes tracks from side projects such as Incognito, The Team, Jaye Williams, Gee Bello, plus Beggaer & Co's 'Somebody Help Me Out' and Spandau Ballet's 'Chant No. 1'!

ICA Music & Club nights: March - April 2006
Sat 11 Mar, 6pm–2am Roots and Shoots Live: James Yorkston; Sweet Billy Pilgrim; Hush the Many; Rosewood Green  + Roots and Shoots DJs … Pilgrim will be available to buy exclusively on the night and through the ICA Bookshop. £10, £9 Concs, £8 ICA Members  … Fri 17 Mar, 8pm–2am Sweet Charity Musical philanthropists Sue Ryder and Dr Bernardo host … £6, £5 Concs, Free ICA Members (before 10pm) … Thur 23 Mar, 7.30pm–2am XFM Flo-Motion presents … Stimulus 03:06 Live: Nathan Fake (Border Community); Jacen Solo (Ai); ADJ & Pathic; Clatterbox; Flint Kids DJs: Andrea Parker (Touchin’ Bass); Nick Luscombe (XFM Flo-Motion); Sheikh Ahmed (Failme.net) … Sat 25 Mar, 9pm–2am Batmacumba: Secuestro Express special … £5, £4 Concs, Free to ICA Members (before 10pm) … Thurs 27 Apr, 8pm Fingathing and Friends £10, £9 Concs, £8 ICA Members Theatre, Standing. ICA, The Mall, London SW1. Tickets & Information: 020 7930 3647, www.ica.org.uk.  

THE AFROREGGAE PROJECTS
We thoroughly enjoyed Brazilian favela (slum) musical group AfroReggae at the Barbican. The drummers were great. The musical tapestry they wove was enough to keep one’s interest. Only complaint was the four letter words in press cuttings used in the visual projection. Earlier, the Black Police Association had convened a meeting in which the Brazilian police and others spoke about how relationships between the favela dwellers and the sometimes very brutal Brazilian police was being re-built. AfroReggae is a collective that uses music to heal their favelas.

Meanwhile, ICA Projects is showing the multi-award-winning documentary ‘Favela Rising’, which is also on national distribution.  The explosive documentary is about Rio de Janeiro’s most violent favela, and the revolutionary vision of one man, who uses hip-hop music and Afro-Brazilian dance to rally his community against oppressive drug armies and corrupt police. Anderson Sa is a former drug-trafficker turned revolutionary in the Vigário Geral favela, Rio de Janeiro’s most feared slum. Haunted by the murders of his family and many of his friends, Anderson decided he must act to counter the violence and tragedy in his community.  He forms the grassroots AfroReggae cultural group with other young men and women in his community as a powerful means to bring together and inspire his peers.  They borrow instruments and teach themselves how to play.

We can offer one free pair of tickets to watch the film at the ICA on Thursday March 16, 6.30.  To be in with a chance to win these tickets, just answer this question: What does favela mean? Email: editor@britishblackmusic.com. Subject line: AfroReggae. Entries must reach us by Wednesday March 15, and must include your phone number(s).  ICA, The Mall, London SW1. Tickets & Box Office info: 020 7939 3647, www.ica.org.uk.

KIDS REGGAE PLAYGROUND
World music label Putumayo has been slowly building up compilation albums aimed at the youth. The latest is ‘Putumayo Kids Presents Reggae Playground’. It’s a delightful set of reggae and ska sourced from Jamaica (Judy Mowatt), Hawaii (Marty Dread), Indonesia (Tony Q Rastafara), Cuba (Johnny Dread), Morocco (Mousta Largo) and Brazil (Kal Dos Santos).  the multi-lingual liner notes are handy. It includes Toots & The Maytals’ classic ‘Take Me Home Country Road’, Rita Marley’s bubbly, Rasta-primed ‘Harambe’, and the tough and charming Wailers-esque ‘Ying Yang’ recorded in the Reunion Islands by 13 year old Jessica. We’ve got a couple of copies to give away. You’re in with a chance if you correctly tell us where was Rita Marley born? Email: editor@britishblackmusic.com. Subject line: Putumayo Freebie. Entries must reach us by Wednesday March 15, and must include your postal address.

SCHOOL 4 LOVERS REVIEWER
Fancy a press pass to write a theatre review? The Good Samaritan Music Project’s producer Charlie Parker and rapper Paradise are involved in the hipOpera ‘
School 4 Lovers’, a “fresh adaptation of Mozart’s opera ‘Così Fan Tutte’. 18th century opera is fired up with the energy of 21st century hip-hop to create a new cultural fusion. Orchestras deliver raw beats. MCs vie with sopranos. Opera battles with hip hop for centre stage”. If you can get to the Glyndebourne opera house in Lewes near Brighton, on March 17 or 18 at 7.30pm and write a review for BBM, we can get you a press pass. All you have to do is send email: editor@britishblackmusic.com. Subject line: I Fancy Writing A Review. Entries must reach us by Wednesday March 15, and must include your phone number(s). 

READING DEEPER INTO TSOTSI
The South African film industry is talking about a renaissance as its films start making an impact in Western markets. Leader of the pack is ‘Tsotsi’ (Xhosa for thug or criminal), which goes on general release Friday March 17. The film revolves around Tsotsi, a criminal who carjacks a car only to later find out that there's a baby in the car! The film goes on to show how he and those around him cope with having this unexpected baby among their midst. 

The film's director Gavin Hood deliberately used non-professional actor for the key roles, and by all accounts, it was a wise decision. The film's based on South African playwright Athol Fugard's one and only novel. The tough criminal life of Tsotsi notwithstanding, the story's essentially about redemption, says the author. "I think at a very young age I had this rock bottom faith, which has never deserted me, that no human being is beyond redemption," espouses Fugard. He did not read his novel, which was originally published in the '80s to a very poor reception, until only after the recent interest generated in the re-published book due to the film. 

We've got two copies of the Canongate-published book. To be in with a chance to win a copy, answer this question: what does tsotsi mean in the South African Xhosa language? Email: editor@britishblackmusoc.com. Entries must reach us by Wednesday March 15, and must include your postal address.

UK HIP-HOP'S GUERRILLA TACTICS
We're feeling most of "UK's hardest working rapper" Blade's new album 'Guerilla Tactics' (691 Influential/Baby J). It's very musical and lyrical, bar the odd four letter word. The single 'It's Your Time' got the Sureplayer accolade in my old DJ mag R&B column. Lately, I've been playing the turntablist 'DJ' and historic, reminescising, name-checking 'UK Hip-Hop' back to back on my Wednesday 2-4pm pro-British black music and talks show Mixed Bag Show/businessofmusic on Lifefm.org.uk. I may have one, two, three or even six copies of this superb UK hip-hop album to give away to the lucky ones who can tell us the name of the London area from which Blade's 691 label comes from.
Email: editor@britishblackmusic.com, subject line: I believe in redemption. Entries must reach us by Wednesday March 15, and must include your postal address.

Kwaku
BBM editor

March 11 2006

From BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress
editor@britishblackmusic.com

www.bbm-on.net

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

 

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