Monday, 3 September 2012
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Monday, 4 June 2012
Britain Smitten. By Richard Bamford
With all the current enforced and somewhat false patriotism and celebration centred around bigging up one privileged family, and my lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming Olympics, I started to question what it is that I do feel proud about the United Kingdom and to call myself British. Clearly, the English language is something to be proud of; it’s beautiful intricacies and word weaving are pretty much the envy of the world. Sure, French sounds sexy and never would the ol’ rocket science cliché be more befitting for the notion of a westerner learning Mandarin. English, though, when used properly, can evoke every emotion and stir the senses in one sentence. Shifting selections of punctuation and pauses can completely change its meaning. I love all forms of communication and languages, but English is something special for me. The thing is, I don’t have to live here to appreciate the language, so what else? Here’s five things that instantly sprang to mind:
:
1.) The multiculteralism:
It’s been a long time since the Vickings were here and even longer since the prehistoric Grimaldi African wandered our land. Britain has slow cooked into a rich caserole of many different races, cultures and creeds. When not mared by igorant, racist idiots, it keeps our society fresh, exciting and extraordinary. Let’s not forget the humble curry being the most preferred dish to one and all.
2.) The music:
British music has long been admired, copied and constantly changing.
I think this has been hugely influenced by the fusion of different people and backgrounds.
There’s too many different genres and pigeon-holes to point out, but, Britain is the birthplace of Drum and Bass, Dubstep and Grime, Broken Beat, Lovers Rock, Indie, Folk and Punk.
I’m constantly impressed in its creativity, development and Britishness.
3.) Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, London, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Swansea, Belfast, other major cities are available:
I lived in London for most of my life, but I have visited all the other major cities in the UK. Each one has its own history, architechture, fashion and multiple scenes and styles therein. Live and direct culture is to be had and enjoyed and, considering this island’s minute size, the array of experiences are vast.
4.) The labour loved working class angel that is, The National Health Service:
Slowly being crushed by the government and people who take this for granted. It’s the only true classless system in the United Kingdom. It cannot be prejudiced or snobby. It’s the envy or the world and is something everyone should treasure and look after.
5.) Stiff upper lipped positivness about the Weather:
A bit of a controvertial one, but stick with me on this: Everyone moans about the rain…and contratry to what the government and water companies will have you believe, it does rain a lot. Other parts of the world aren’t gifted with drinking water, healthy crops, lavish countryside and constant supply of food. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine and the summer….when it’s not raining; it puts a smile on the face and an amount of the sun’s rays are actually good for us. Something has to be said for the seasons and I’ve grown to have a fondness for each of them; my favourite two probably being the Spring and the Autumn; mostly because of the huge difference in the season preceeding them and the contrasting colours and temperatures.
Yep, lots to be indignant about over here, but, the bits that are good are very good and do give me a sense of pride. I decided not to mention our various inventions of sporting activities partly because I don’t know much about them but mostly because every other corner of the world seem to whoop our arses at them these days.
My conclusion is, be proud, love nurture and cherish things that are worth it; things that you can freely and eloquently talk about. If you’re unsure, question everything; if you’re positively ecstatic, express it; share it!
Monday, 28 May 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012
DEFINITION OF DISCO
In November
1975, a breakthrough single and voice emerged that would change a genre and who
in the words of Quincy Jones would become ‘…the heartbeat and soundtrack of a
decade’. The single was ‘Love to Love you baby’ the creation of Giorgio
Moroder, Pete Bellotte and the lady who would go on to be crowned the ‘Queen of
Disco’ Donna Summer (born Ladonna Gaines).
Like many
musical greats before and since, her career and life were not without
controversy, even losing fans, particularly amongst the gay community, for her
comments regarding AIDS (which she later denied). Summer also had a well-documented
struggle with depression, anxiety and at one time prescription drugs, of which
she found salvation in Christianity.
There is no mistaking that she was truly a one
off, who did things in her own way and according to Pete Waterman in “Donna
time”. Refusing to remain in her “Queen of Disco” box, she was unafraid to
experiment and diversify her sound, earning her a string of awards including
the first African American women to be nominated for an MTV video award (1984)
and first black artist to win a Grammy in the rock category (1980), she would
go on to win five Grammys in total - proving without a doubt her reach and
influence spanned far beyond the world of sequins and glitter balls.
Since news broke of her tragic loss against her secret
battle with cancer, tributes from the great and the good of music have flooded
in. Gloria Estefan beautifully encapsulated the sentiment of all who morn her by
proclaiming, “Few singers have impacted music and the world like Donna Summer!
It’s the end of an era…”
Just as her family celebrate ‘her extraordinary life and
her continued legacy’ so will the world and music fraternity. Donna Summer defined an era and a genre, her
influence and records remains as Elton John put it, “…as good today as they
ever did” and for that, she was, is and will always remain the very definition
of disco.
Monday, 7 May 2012
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Saturday, 18 February 2012
THE REAL DEAL SA IN THE UK ROUND UP
In January we had our ‘The Real Deal Afro Round Up’ celebrating all things African from ACON (Africa Cup of Nations) to Afrobeats. Having headed down to Roundhouse Rising 2012 Un-convention last weekend (11 February 2102) and in particular catching panel discussions on ‘Politicised Hip Hop’, ‘Female Voices’ and of course ‘The Rise of African Music’, in the words of Amadou and Mariam’s Manager, Mark Antoinne Moreau, “The next wave of music is coming from Africa”.
In seemed only fitting that I would celebrate my not so little corner of Africa whose music ‘has always been different and unique’ (Black Coffee), by catching up with South Africa’s legendary house Dj and producer Black Coffee who is on the UK leg of his European tour, that sees him visit Portugal, Greece, Paris before heading back to home to South Africa.
Birmingham Ballroom was treated to a ‘great selection of Soulful, Deep and Tribal house’ last night, which is enough to get me in an Ibiza kind of a mood. If you are in Manchester tonight and a bit of Black Coffee is exactly your flavour, then you have another chance to catch him.
Continuing our South African theme in our recommendations for this weekend, if you have not already, then it’s you last chance to see what has been described as ‘a pulsating musical celebration of South African song and dance’. Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni’s UMOJA has been lighting up London’s West End since the end of January in its third popular run here, and has been seen by over four million people worldwide.Said to have been created, ‘as a way of a reminding a new generation of South Africans of their heritage’, UMOJA, meaning ‘togetherness’ in Zulu, has won critical plaudits and collected multiple awards for it’s the potent rhythms of tribal music to the joy of gospel and the pounding energy of contemporary kwaito. UMOJA unites 30 singers, dancers, drummers, marimba players and musicians, who represent the best of South Africa’s young performers.
UMOJA
Peacock Theatre WC2
Final dates: Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 February 2012
Performances: 7.30pm, Sat & Sun mats at 2.30pm
Tickets: £15 - £42
Ticket Office: 0844 412 4322 www.sadlerswells.com
As a multi-talent lot at Just Elemental Music towers, as well as interviewing House music legends such as Black Coffee, I have spent the week teaching young people magazine journalism, radio and aspiring artists about the importance of PR and reputation management. So in the spirit of celebrating our little JEMs this half term, the Southbank Centre are hosting their ImagineChildren’s Festival which runs (11 – 26 February 2012) which included on 15 February a sold out performance and world premiere of Mandela Tales, a beautiful new production for children, devised, directed and produced by ground-breaking composer Shirley J. Thompson.Thompson’s Mandela Tales is inspired by the book Nelson Mandela's Favourite African Folk Tales and encapsulates the sheer magic of storytelling, imagination and creativity. Featuring a number of compelling stories from across a variety of regions and traditions across Africa, and told through the power of original live music and dance.
Friday, 20 January 2012
THE REAL DEAL AFRO ROUND UP
Nothing says weekend like a football terrace, team chants and in the case of our
A little nearer to home, the weekend kicked off with none other than the 'Fresh prince of Hackney' aka Choice FM's Kojo's return to his stand up and East London roots by taking to the Empire's stage for two nights (20-21 January 2012) of his signature comic capers and the recording of his 'Live N Kicking' DVD. Earlier in the week Kojo spoke to MTV in this heart warming and frank interview ahead of his shows: KOJO'S MTV 'LIVE N KICKING' INTERVIEW | MTV UKAs you would expect, J.E.M's very own African Princess and first lady was of course there sipping on a complementary fruit cocktail (minus the alcohol naturally) in the VIP alongside the likes of striker Carlton Cole, songstress Jamelia, actor Ricky Norwood (Eastender's Fatboy), Blue's Simon Webbe and ITN's Charlene White but to name a few. Even being papped on arrival, for what was also the comedian’s birthday celebration. We can't wait to see the snaps which will be coming to J.E.M very soon
Each Sunday to wrap up the weekend here at J.E.M, our very own Rich B brings us his very own Just Elemental Music Radio Show. As a multi talented lot, we are no strangers to the airwaves with our very own Tooty often found chatting to the likes of Kath Melandri on BBC London 94.9 and the occasional Colourful Radio stint in her eclectic arts, ents and culture round ups.
It therefore makes perfect sense that our Afro round up would end with great radio in the form of an exciting documentary charting 'The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats' which is fast dominating Dj sets and sweeping across UK club dance floors.
Produced by friend of J.E.M and BBC Radio 1 & 1's Bernard P Achampong and presented by 1xtra's DJ Edu, the doc promises to take us on a journey across Africa with contributions from Afrobeats artists including Nigerian superstar signed to Kanye West's GOOD label D'Banj (pictured) and South African House Music legend Black Coffee, to personal insights from UK homegrown African talent such as Sway, Estelle and Tinchy Stryder.
Tune in and get your tweets at the ready at 21:00hrs TONIGHT for 'The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats'. Twitter hashtag: #theriseofafrobeats
The Rise and Rise of Afrobeats
Sunday 22nd January 2012
2100 - 2200 hours (GMT)
BBC RADIO 1Xtra (www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra)
Presenter: DJ Edu
Producer: Bernard P Achampong
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
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