Month: March 2011

WEST LONDON GIRLS- JASMINE AND ESTELLE AT THE IVY CLUB.

This weeks been a lot of fun at the BBC where a lot of people are brainstorming for a whole new set of exciting, adventurous new programming, which if green lit, I’m sure you’ll all be gripped to your TV’s. The web might be the new, fun way of digesting content but you cant beat the kudos of being on telly. You just can’t. especially the national broadcaster that’s valued and trusted across the globe.

Estelle flew through town and spent longer than her usual 24 hours here on a whirlwind run. This trip she graced us for a few days for which her nearest and dearest (including me) were happy about. Its not often these days that she has time to hang out,chill,catchup,discuss life,love and the rest.

She always keeps it real whether home or away and this time she celebrated a friends birthday at West London’s Wednesday must reach R&B spot Cherry Jam as well as pass by a few parties that our DJ friends were throwing. I invited her up to the very stush Ivy Club in Covent Garden where its always “a scene”. In various corners you can always discreetly spot a real bonifide celeb quietly grabbing a drink or loudly singing alongside the jazz pianist.

After dinner I attempted to persuade Estelle to join me at Adam Deacons Anuvahood premiere but she was having none of it stating she was off to see her sister and do family stuff. That’s what you call priorities I guess! Stell’s new album has ‘’just been wrapped up and completed- she’s taken her time this time around to make sure its right, so once its out-its right!’’ So look out for that-Estelle’s new music is imminent!

The Ivy Club threw a party in the member’s loft later in the week where celebs and folks like me (ie normal peeps), danced the night away and tasted a variety of amazing canapés and cocktails. I was more fascinated with the guests who included Broadway and West End theatre producer Stephen Byrd, MOBO CEO Kanya King, many reality show stars, big moguls from many industries and young, cool types all in the same room. Some of the conversation I was party to included “I used Stevens jet to fly in from New York as he wasn’t using it-do u want a ride back with me?”, “I feel like the odd one out as everyone on this table has a yacht and an island some place hot except me” and “let’s do tea next week and I’ll introduce you to Boris”. And these were just the mates I turned up with! The thing I love about the ivy Club is that it has a mixture of members from a diverse background but everyone’s a high flier in their respective fields and the networking potential is as great as the fun!

JASMINE WITH SKEPTA.

Next there was much ado about music act Skeptas latest video for his song ‘’All over the house’’. Newspapers and radio stations called me repeatedly to ask for my thoughts on it. Why anyone would really care for my opinion is beyond me. My thoughts I’m sure are similar to most peoples. Well. Where do we begin. Skepta is a very capable lyric artist and his latest album was well received. Clearly he and his camp thought they needed a big noise to draw attention to himself so they made what can only be described as a really, gross, porn video for his song. It features a visually challenged looking couple fornicating all over a house in the most graphic, no holds barred scenes. The video isn’t shot well. It’s confusing. What was he thinking? Is this the limit of his visual creativity? I know it’s not. Don’t those ‘’actors’’ have parents? Credible acts like the Prodigy and Prince made videos that were banned from TV screens because they pushed artistic, or political boundaries and encouraged debate. This pushes nothing aside from the tired old stereotype that all urban music culture is gratuitous and dumbed down for the sake of it. Can do better.

Finally I finished my week by holding a seminar at South Bank University for the women’s Inspirational YOU event which brought back my faith in young, ambitious, talented females that were a joy to talk to and pass on my experiences to. Many of you e-mail me regularly asking for tips and advice-I often give back at events like this. Catch me in Europe at the biggest urban music seminar weekend this weekend at Rotterdam where alongside the European, UK’S and American power players we will be spreading the knowledge of our culture further.

Happy Mothers Day this weekend to all you ladies lucky enough to be mama’s. It’s a blessing. The greatest gift on earth. Cherish mothers everywhere. Without one you wouldn’t be here.

JASMINE WITH RICHARD BLACKWOOD, LETHAL B AND DONAEO.

Mothers day is fastly approaching so this week I took my mum down to celeb fish spa Anesis in Clapham to have her feet nibbled at by little fish before treating her toes to a wonderful pedicure- it was well worth the squirming ticklish moments I had to endure. I hope you’ve all booked mothers day lunch or something as equally festive to do with mummy this weekend! After all she did spend 9 months bearing pain and discomfort for us, ruined her body for us, gave us her last pennies, spend days and days ironing our school uniforms, years cooking our meals etc etc…(see mum-all that cussing and nagging has sunk the facts in hard! Lol)

During the week I caught Plan B’s show at the 02 arena. He was the biggest selling uk act of last year so I was intrigued to go check him out. The 02 was fuller than ive ever seen it with fans from all walks of society and beginning the performances was beatbox mystro faith sfx who impressed us with a long beatbox segment which incorporated both british and American catchy hit singles that we all recognised and danced along to most astounded by. I mean imagine what he can do with those lips and mouth if he can sing and beatbox simultaneously?

Before long it was time for the main act and as the set revealed itself we could see a stage that had been set into a brilliant original red themed retro cinema nightclub vibe with around 15 Northern soul dancers who were busting all sorts of retro moves spinning and wiggling all over the stage.

Plan b strutted onstage in a slick well-cut suit , I giggled as I realised that his look reminds me of a character out of a guy richie movie.

his older hip hop side came out in his spoken word sections. Especially when he told us about his songs about smoking cigarettes and weed. The great thing about plan b is he is good and lucky enough to sound exactly the same live as he does on record. We were at least 5 songs into his set before seeing any evidence if his past skill-rapping which it has to be said is best kept to plan b. plan a for him is definitely the eighties influenced singing. Although it has to be said a large section of the crowd did know all the words to all his old rap songs too. With the uk tour totally sold out with numerous dates at the countries biggest arenas (02 capacity is around 23,000), I wondered if plan b is the highest grossing uk urban act?. When he went into his intro for his hit single “Praying” , he had the arena up and dancing. After his hit “She said” , the finale saw us all singing along with him to a medley of uptempo motown classic hits and so thr night ended with lots of wedding style drunken dancing!.

After the plan b show we thought we’d stop off at a party before heading home.

The Adidas Y3 team threw a bash at the paramount club on the very top of centre point- a stunningly high building with panoramic 360 degree views. People like idris elba,ozwald boateng,jodie harsh and the like were being very loud and fashionable. The crowd was way too fashionable for me. And you know fashion crowds only like to dance to hard house. One cocktail knocked back and I legged it outta there!

There was much excitement leading up to the film premiere for anuvahood. Written and directed by young actor Adam deacon this was a big deal for young urban brits.
Understandably many thought the film was the 3rd in a trilogy after noel Clarke’s kidulthood, and adulthood. The “hood” may have caused the false presumption. Apparently Adam had approached noel to direct initially but noel had been busy on his own projects so Adam bit the bullet and did it himself. And how well he did! People may have attempted to stir up friction between Adam and noel but both were humble and unified with noel praising and supporting Adam on twitter and Adam shouting out noel in his opening speech at the premier.
We turned up to the premier at Leicester sq world famous empire cinema where there was no long red carpet as usual due to construction works for Olympics 2012 going on. But that didn’t stop the small group of young girls screaming and chasing their favourite acts like chase and status, lethal b, donaeo, richard blackwood,kojo,jocelyn gee, mclean,ace and vis,big narstie, Aggros Santos  Preeya Kalidas  Simon Webbe  Jasmia Robinson  Alison Carroll  Josie Gibson,  John James Parton,  Fe-Nix,  Liz McClaron,  Terror Danjah,  Lee Ryan,  Imogen Thomas,  Ironik,  Bianca Gascoigne , Lucien Laviscourt , jessica Jane Clement,  McClean,  Donaeo , Esmee Denters,  Louisa Lytton,  Professor Green,  Dexter Fletcher,  JME,  Lizzie Cundy and Roll Deep.

Once inside I found my tickets were in an amazing spot-with all the featured artists and their respective teams. I had Richard blackwood ,jme ,doneo and lethal b sitting immediately behind me so it wasn’t hard to figure out which slanguage inventor was yelling “dench” at regular intervals.
Very recently UK TV has set new rules to allow “product placement”. The act of a high street brand being allowed TV airtime after the TV broadcaster has done a deal with them. Adam took the idea one step further by name checking the sweet brand Fruitella in his scene in Mr Patel’s shop and so every red velvet cinema seat had a packet of Fruitella on it. A lot of the TeamUK acts around me were naughtily stealing them before folks got to their seats and were none the wiser. Take the kids out of school but…

Many young talents from our scene had mini features in the film….comic Eddie Kadi playing the stereotypical African traffic warden, Richard Blackwood playing the teacher, Giggs playing the casual onlooker,Lethal B was a local resident,
As if that wasn’t enough, all our TEAMUK acts had features on the soundtrack. Voices I recognised included Tinie, Dizzee ,Donaeo ,Mz Bratt, , BBK and more.
The movie had a distinct feel of its own. I’d describe it as urban slapstick comedy.

Adams writing was very clever and humorous and his very excitable, extrovert character “K” or “Kenneth” as his mum likes him to be known.  There were many stereotypical hood characters, which were totally OTT in their portrayal so reviewers need to understand and acknowledge that or they might not understand it. I can see why a few glammed up older ladies left a short way into the film. They were probably shocked at the language and aggressive mannerisms of the ghetto youth. But if viewed with a non-serious hat on its brilliant comedy- perhaps occasionally a line or joke may have been repeated a little too often.
One particularly horrific scene will live with me forever. It involved reality wanna celeb Ashlene, tomatoe ketchup and toes. Honestly the grossest image ever. I know Ashlene probably thinks it makes her look as if she doesn’t take her reputation too seriously but if I were part of her team I’d never have let her reinforce it.
The film had a simple slapstick narrative set on an inner city estate (that’s projects to you Americans-not an abundant piece of land owned by lords and ladies). The audience laughed throughout the film as it ridiculed the UK gang culture yobs of today. Hilariously ,kids who are actually like this relate to this cos they act like it themselves will love it, and others who ridicule them will love it as its taking the micky. So everyone loves it and Adam’s in a win-win situation.

By the end of this week no doubt the cast that includes Adam deacon, Ashley Walters, Michael Vu, Jazzie Femi, Linda Robson, Lethal Bizzle, Perry Benson, Richard Blackwood, Miss Jocelyn and Ollie Barbieri will no doubt be automatic celebrities. Some lare visibly seen ong term grafters, others it will seem got here overnight, but make no mistake , these people have been slogging away at their dream for years. Now they can live it!.

JASMINE WITH HER IDOL PIERS MORGAN AT MARIAH AND NICK’S BABY SHOWER!

There might be a recession underway but that hasn’t stopped our community being as proactive as ever. They say in difficult times there is much opportunity for creativity and that is proven when you look around and see just how many people, brands and teams won’t be stopped. Firstly there’s the whole global Charlie sheen saga that’s had us all rolling in laughter. Only a true winner can talk about tiger blood and bad mouth his bosses and get fired, only to be picked up by LIVE NATION for a multi million dollar branding deal. Honestly-it gets to that stage when you age and you wonder what life’s really about. And once you give up the monotony and struggle, life becomes a lot freer.

This past week showing that cant stop wont stop puffy attitude were the ACLT (African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust) who held a social evening full of entertainment to raise funds for the cause showing that when the ethnic community needs to step up they do. They are now well on their way to achieving their £80,000 they are raising to keep the charity going for the next few months.

A young brother that wont be stopped is Adam Deacon who has followed in the path of people like noel Clarke by writing, appearing in and directing his own film which had its premiere this past week too.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the celebrity facialist Nuz Shugaa’s beauty lounge in London’s Kingley Court where she treated me to her famous red carpet facial. A 2-hour blissful experience. Nuz treats many a celeb, both female and male (it was actually a male celeb friend that recommended her to me!). I’m not a regular facial booker the way I would attend to my feet or hair. Simply because over the years I’ve never really met a beauty therapist that has left me and my skin feeling great. In the past I’ve had clammy cold hands, stinky breath, a hurried service, products that I know I can get myself at home so why pay 10 times extra for the benefit of an impartial stranger doing it? Nuz certainly changed my thinking. Her red carpet facial involved started with a delicate but effective cleanse with organic olive butter, carrot oil, bamboo stem powder and argan oil to lift dead cells after which she adds bespoke pomades to suit each clients needs to exfoliate dull, tired skin. this for me was sugar crystals and pumpkin with pineapple and papaya extract followed by a gentle face peel its like a light acid peel but without the recovery time- the natural enzymes help to brighten the dullest complexion and pigmentation.

After a light extraction marine collagen was used to reduce tiredness around eye contour, then a lip spa scrub and mask is applied followed by a 7 step facial massage with oils and pomades from around the world. This used Omegas 3,6,9, geranium flower, rose oil for brightening collagen and African potato. Then a light masque was applied to infuse the skin (all tailor made), while that was setting I was given a head massage and hand spa by a second therapist. Once the masque was removed my skin was spritzed and toned with serum. Finally moisturizer and sun-block is applied to bring a radiant glow revealed an improved soft, clean radiant younger looking skin.Next I’m booking in to have the Organic Argan Choco body scrub… Divine!!! www.nuzshugaa.com

After all that pampering I was more than ready to trip across the Atlantic to LA for 2 hours- yes really-I was going for a 2 hour function- Mariah Carey’s baby-shower. I spent the last few weeks talking myself down from the trip with the usual logic ‘’its very extravagant for a 2 hour function’’, ‘’you cant really afford to act live a diva swanning constantly across the Atlantic’’, ‘’there are plenty of other festive moments you can share with your mate once the twins arrive’’. Did any of it help keep my ass here? Nope. I only needed the tiniest of persuading and I was on that plane faster than Usain Bolt.

On the Saturday Mariah had a few close girl friends over at her crib where we caught up over plates of her delicious Italian pasta dinner, I tried to feel the twins kicking by holding Mrs C’s belly for a while, we relaxed in the pool and played with the latest additions to the Carey-Cannon household- 2 new female puppies called Jill E. Beans and Sweetie Pie. The significance of the 2 babies that were born merely days earlier was not lost on us all. This is a fertile house!

The following day we made our way up to the uber plush Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills where Mariah’s press and management teams had organised a vision of love LOL! The rooftop overlooking the city had been transformed into a blue and pink themed cosy mirage. Candles everywhere, 2 giant stuffed giraffes and a stuffed zebra, pink and blue cupcakes, balloons, and flowers, a 6 foot long table laden down with gifts from us all and a few from some very famous friends that I spotted, gourmet fast food, cocktails and of course-angel champagne for the guests. Mariah and Nick both had a mix of family members and friends in the place.

I was surprised to see that unlike the baby-showers I’m used to attending ‘’IN ENGLAND’’ (private Cannon joke!), where its just the mum-to-be and her mates lounging around casually in tracksuits playing baby games and opening gifts, this was an all sexes welcome very sophisticated soiree where we all rejoiced in the pending arrival of the 2 new babies and the joy of their excited parents.

Mariah’s tummy is pretty big right now so even though she looked stunning, we insisted she lay back on a plush white chaise lounge (as if she needed convincing!), and her guests took turns in greeting and catching up with her. MC was dressed in a floor length colourful Roberto Cavalli dress with her mermaid like hair cascading down her back. She may be in the most uncomfortable pregnancy months, going through backache and the such but she will always get it together and look her absolute best. Nick wore a 3-piece suit, which reflected the pink and blue theme.

As soon as we arrived American idol star and music impresario Randy Jackson and artist manager Chris Lighty were holding court, its always fabulous to catch up with BET Television head Stephen Hill (he was once an MTV bod like moi). Multi media maven for TV, Radio and internet B Scott was looking ultra fabulous, New York’s not to be messed with publicist Marvet Britto was bubbly and excited. Actress Phylicia Rashard (The Cosy Show) was adorable whilst catching up with us all,but I was most excited to spot in a corner, by himself, looking a little lost- Nick’s work colleague and my idol Piers Morgan!. I love this man! As if it couldn’t be more perfect I am halfway through reading his latest book-I’ve read them all. They’re hilarious! He started as a showbiz columnist like me (at THE SUN) many years ago and graduated to THE MIRROR editor and has always been a wildly fun, opinionated, totally real person that’s taken risks-some that have paid off-others that have seen him fired from his position but like a true winner gets up bigger and better. After his MIRROR humiliation-where he was never proven guilty but used as a scapegoat-he hosted a British talk show and now has gone onto being part of Americas number 1 entertainment show ‘’Americas Got Talent’’ as well as taking over from Larry King with his own chat show. That’s gangsta!. I had someone introduce us. Piers looked as if he couldn’t have been more relieved to talk to someone and was really very lovely and conversational. He notoriously says he loves flattery and trust me he wouldn’t have been disappointed in my chat. I was shamelessly happy to meet a man I’ve admired for years. When I finally thought I should probably be polite and leave him alone it took all my will power not to jump up and down with excitement!

I returned to check on my girl and ensure she was good and hung out with the 2 grandmas’ to be for a while. Both Mariah and Nicks mothers were in attendance looking lovely and graceful, Mariah’s in blue, Nicks in pinky peach.

As the night wore down to a close, the Cannon’s took the mic to thank their guests and make little, cute speeches about impending parenthood, next video and film director Brett Ratner took the mic and made a really funny speech after which we were all handed a goody-bag full of very festive Mariahisms to take home. A great moment to cherish for life. Now those twins just need to hurry and arrive when they’re ready cos auntie Jasmine has a list of things to teach them- including the thesis of rainbows, butterflies and swimming in the ocean as well as the fact that I will be reading stories to them all night long! Their English accent is gonna be pipper than their mom’s!

JASMINE WITH MUSIC INDUSTRY MOGUL KEVIN LILES AND TREY SONGZ. (PHOTO CREDIT ; MR GORGEOUS).

So I’ve just spent the weekend in LA for Mariah’s baby shower. I actually flew across the Atlantic for the grand total of 2 hours. Air miles are a godsend. But airport taxes and fee’s are ridiculous! More on that lovely experience next time!

Just before I flew out there were numerous functions happening across London city. First up mister grown and lyrically gifted, Lupe Fiasco was in town to tell us all about his new album. A small group of journalists, DJ, bloggers and fans were invited to hear the new music and meet him. He talked about the new material as we sipped cocktails and it sounded like his current fan base might be joined by a whole new set of fans if the new material is anything to go by.

JASMINE WITH LUPE FIASCO.

I need some laughs in my laugh during this grey, wet March so am setting my TV to ensure I don’t miss any of the American DANCING ON ICE show where this season celebs Wendy Williams, Lil Romeo and Kendra are competing for votes. I can just see the TV gold getting higher than high ratings.

One thing that the current doom and gloom around society seems to have birthed is a need to give back to the community. The weather mostly sucks, taxes have gone up, and we’re paying through the nose for everything. You can’t sneeze without a tax being charged so we’re all tightening our belts. Cars are being down graded, suddenly shopping at Waitrose is no longer an option, baked potatoes and pasta are appearing more and more at dinner tables as we try and save precious pennies and luxury goods are being discarded in preference for long term collateral like property. Desperation and frustration often lead to young people behaving badly and other youth are keen to show a good positive role model.

Last week whilst in town for his music tour Usher extended some pro-social love by visiting LONDON’S BRUNSWICK CLUB as he brought his NEW LOOK FOUNDATION to London to host a workshop. Usher was attending to talk to young teenagers to teach them to use their creative Talents to Become Leaders In Their Communities. The day saw usher over seeing team-building, speakers and classroom break-out sessions where students learn how to tackle community problems, the basic skill-set of becoming leaders and how to create a service project in their community.

A few days later current heart throb music star Trey Songz got together with music channel BET, the Damilola Taylor Trust and Mayor Boris Johnson to hold an evening at Boris’ offices at City Hall. It was an inspirational evening of youth engagement where young people from the Damilola Taylor group performed short pieces of song and spoken word as Trey Songz watched alongside his record label boss Kevin Liles. Former MTV BASE and CHOICEFM host Kat hosted the evening in his incomparable style and had us all laughing at his antics. To start Boris welcomed us all and admitted he had no clue who Trey Songz was until minutes earlier but that he was happy to extend his hospitality at City Hall and thanked everyone for attending. Next BET head honcho Michael Armstrong said a few words about the importance of the evening and bringing the entertainment side and youth together in real life before trey stood up. A few young people performed- a 15-year-old girl who sang an Ella Fitzgerald track particularly stood out and had us all mesmerized. As soon as Trey had entered the round amphitheater arena the girls in the audience had started buzzing, whispering and giggling with their phones and cameras held up high. When Trey stood up they screamed in high-pitched squeals to our amusement until he requested they calm down. Trey spoke briefly about his background and upbringing and the fact that he came from a single parent family and that his mum had sacrificed so much to put him on the road to education and fame. Thereafter Trey took questions from the young people on the floor where they asked his opinions on negativity in songs and videos and youth effect on world governments. Trey told us that governments now had no choice but to listen to youth after the numerous uprisings across the globe where young people had made their voices heard.

The same night I legged it across London back to West London to the Notting Hill Arts Club where Radio1Xtra were throwing a private soiree for industry heads to come and watch some of their favourite up and coming artists like Yasmin, Aggro, Maverick Sabre, Ed Sheeran, Skepta and Lethal B perform. The night saw 1Xtra DJ’s like Trevor Nelson, Twin B, Semtex, Westwood and others introduce the acts onstage and a good TEAMUK vibe was celebrated by all. Playlist overseer Austin Daboh ensured things ran smoothly with his friendly, warm manner. Post show myself and lethal b found ourselves across the street at KFC. I of course made a palaver about the fact that I wasn’t here to eat it but merely accompanying a friend LOL.

JASMINE WITH JAMAL EDWARDS.

Young people are most definitely making their mark on society; one such young man is 20-year-old Jamal Edwards. I first came to hear of Jamal via a friend at MTV. He was her nephew. She told me he wanted some advice and work experience about his media project. A few months later I kept hearing a buzz about a blog called SBTV, which showcased young British signed and unsigned rappers and singers. It focused on getting artists to make a freestyle of 64 bars for his website, in turn generating numerous hits online. Jamal told me it began when he received a camera for Christmas at 15 years old and started filming around his West London estate, then he went to a D12 gig by hassling their manager and asking for a quick interview with the group. thereafter he started his online site -SBTV a year ago because ‘’ There wasn’t any online platforms that showed people spitting so I just filled a gap . The freestyle bars (F64’s) came about cos all MC’s were recycling bars. Also I wasn’t able to get DVDs cos I was young so I provided it for free to my peers online and small acts started the buzz before bigger acts wanted to be a part of it too’’. SBTV hasn’t had Jamal’s full attention in recent weeks but he revealed that it’s re-launching on April 8^th.

This fortnight, proving that the world is ever changing and corporations are looking at new ways of doing things, Jamal signed a sub print deal with SONY for his ‘’little media project’’ making him the youngest media mogul that I’ve ever heard of.  Called ‘’Just Jam Records’’. Jamal is now able to sign acts and is actively looking for them now. He told me ’’after I made my friend Ed Sheeran’s video things started really happening for me –Ed’s recently been signed to Atlantic- and this also brought me to Sony Music’s attention. I’ve filmed quite a lot of up and coming people’’. Jamal revealed how he grabbed P Diddy and Nicki Minaj on the same day here last month. Diddy was sick and was canceling press but innovative Jamal and his team caught Diddy on his way out. He excitedly added ‘’It was the same with Nicki which was mad as I went up to her and asked if I could follow her around. Its all new and exciting to me right now that I can actually help sign and build a platform for new artists’’. You go-young media mogul!

JASMINE with (front) BLAK TWANG AND RODNEY P, (back) ROSES GABOUR, ROOTS MANUVA AND SWAY.

The cream of British hip-hop pioneers all got together at Camden’s jazz café to perform for a charity event raising awareness of Autism. On the line up were Banana Klan Sound System ft. Roots Manuva, Blak Twang, Skinnyman, Klashnekoff, Rodney P & Skitz, MC D, Mr. Ti2bs, DJ Big Ted, DJ’S Alex & Alec Twin B (Radio 1/1Xtra) and a full house of supportive fans. It was the second charity event of its kind the never seen before line-up showcased brand new material alongside hip hop classics from Roots Manuva, Blak Twang, Skinnyman, Klashnekoff, Rodney P and MC D. The night was hosted by Rapscallion and Rodney P and one of the acts on the bill- MC D actually wrote a track titled ‘Autistic’ for the ZAN charity event, which celebrated the ‘difference not indifference’ of Autism and dispelled important misconceptions. In the packed house alongside me upstairs were the legendary artist, presenter and DJ Normski, Charlie Sloth, rapper Sway and his crew, Black the Ripper, song writer roses gabour, one time MC now artist manager JP and as usual where there’s hip-hop you will find hiphop visual capturer paul h.

As is often the case with events like these, its when a family member or close friend is diagnosed with something that people want to bring awareness and support to it and so it came to be that the charity -Zain’s Autism Network (ZAN) -was founded in 2006 by Matt Robinson father of four and film maker whose eldest son Zain has ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). ZAN raises funds for charities who are involved with Zain’s ongoing therapy and treatment.

Back in 2001 Matt Robinson’s love of hip-hop inspired him to make a documentary about the then UK hip hop scene. While filming, Matt developed friendships with some of the artists he interviewed such as Rodney P & Skitz, Skinny Man and MC D. Fortunately for Matt these artists embraced the opportunity to support him and his family’s cause and are wholeheartedly spearheading the second ZAN charity event. Matt expresses his overwhelming appreciation saying: “stepping up to support this cause is a great reflection of how the UK hip hop community, truly care about such important and wide reaching issues”

All the acts were given about 20 minutes to do their thing in which they performed their classics as well as new material but it was Tony Rotten aka Black Twang who got a little emotional onstage as he told us that he has a child that is mildly affected by autism. Tony then tore the house down as he told us ‘’tonight will go down in history as one of the most positive things that we ever did as a scene and a movement in the UK. It was truly emotional, but I believe most people will leave the Jazz cafe inspired tonight. I’m just glad I was able to contribute towards such a brilliant occasion and we were able to achieve what we set out to do.’ His peer Rodney P added ‘’You know when you get talking with people and it seems everyone you mention Autism to has someone they know or someone in their family that has Autism – it’s something that has affected my family so this is a great cause that I believe in.

Clearly the night was an eye opener for many including myself, and whilst we were blown away by the acts onstage and their passion for the charity, the artists themselves were blown away by the night themselves. They were in awe of each other and so proud to be on the same bill together – this event was been deep on some many levels: Hip Hop, and the old skool coming together like never before – the cause and how affected the artists and other people are by Autism – the night was so popular that there is now talk of them touring it to major uk cities. .

Next up, the now regular Comedy Roast at West London’s Shepherds Bush Empire was sold out and rammed from tip to bottom. This night was to ‘’roast’’ actor and comedian Robbie Gee. I have to admit I underestimated how many Robbie fans there would be. As I arrived the venue was heaving inside with plenty more struggling to get in the door-it was totally sold out! From his days on legendary TV black comedy show Desmond’s and many an internationally acclaimed movie like snatch and many more the anticipation before the night began was huge. The first half was hosted by old skool comic Curtis walker who was actually much funnier than I recall him being in the past.

Each of the roasters-(comics that were going to cuss Robbie)-did a quick set in the first half. They consisted of Annette, Special P, Kane Brown, Little Man, and Robbie’s long time partner in comedy- Eddie Nestor.

Kane Brown who I’ve seen a few times before on a variety of other bills has come on leaps and bounds and his confidence and delivery were spot on.

A female comic from Birmingham called Annette was painfully unfunny. Her shtick sounded like a written in stone set that was awkwardly unfunny and had the audience restless until they finally started heckling her. She stood her ground though and persevered through it. ‘‘Perhaps Birmingham humour doesn’t translate down here?’’ I defended her ,but all around me the crowd hated it.

Next a singer called Dele came strutting on – most of the audience weren’t sure whether this singer was a part of the comedy part of the show as he was hencher than 50 Cent and then when he sang this little, high pitched shriek emerged. He was vocally very adept but still seemed a little comical with his very Jodeci wannabee moves.

American comic Will E Robo was only onstage briefly but totally stole the show with his a class impressions as usual, he cussed Welsh accents, ridiculed dele-as we knew he would- his set really stood out with the audience on a whole new energy with him, American comics just really are on another level with their delivery and content.

Part 2 was the part we were all waiting for….the Robbie roast. Richard Blackwood was hosting this part and was actually very impressive with his quick comebacks and constantly on point cusses-good job Rich!.

The roasters are supposed to come up and diss each other as well as main subject Robbie.

Robbie entered the stage wearing a well cut suit alongside incongruous huge furry hat and huge, giant furry animal paw slippers, he was chewing gum hard and sipping brandy straight from the bottle and poured each roaster some and kept the ghetto side real by pouring a splash on the floor too.

Annette and Special P weren’t really experienced enough to get the roast going in that no holds barred way we’re used to. (Get Jason Lewis back!) Annette tried to rely on her femininity and was particularly vulgar making the audience squirm unimpressed as opposed to laugh.  But Kane stepped up the standards. Most of the comics cusses were predictable, especially when it came to Annette’s visually challenged looks and her wigs kept getting flack, with one comic- Kane- actually ripping it off her head and flinging it into the crowd. Clearly having expected it, Annette had brought a whole bag full of wigs and calmly popped another onto her very embarrassed head.

During the first couple of comics Robbie gee kept an absolutely expressionless, straight poker face, but when Kane brown likened his head shape to his apparently adjoined twin, Robbie couldn’t help skin teeth and bust out laughing. The final roast of the night was left to Robbie’s mate Eddie who stepped up the show to a 5 star cuss moment, as he told Lil Man to stop buying his clothes at Primark, told Kane he was gay for looking at other men’s privates, told us he had love for Richard Blackwood and helped him go collecting cash when he went bankrupt, and then he went in for the kill by telling us that you could tell where Robbie gee was in his life by the baby mama he was with in each year, he stuck in the sword deeper by revealing that Robbie once gave baby mama number 2 cast off clothes from baby mama number ones child. Lord! The crowd went wild and it was a wrap. Finally Robbie himself took to the stage to comment on each of the roasters. He showed why he’s a legend with quick wit as he literally tore every apart and had the whole audience on all 4 levels ceiling to floor laughing their asses off. A great night on a very professional level!

Once upon a time events like this were usually badly organised but organiser ALPO has with his comedy roasts changed this perception and the slickness of the night with its very professional backstage crews, huge video screens, props , set and lighting is to be applauded. Bring on the next one soon! People I’d love to see roasted are; Audley Harrison, Mel B, Wiley, Alexandra Burke, Dane Bowers, Tim Westwood, Dizzee Rascal, Reggie Yates, and Lethal B.

JASMINE with her girls and LESLEY SACKEY (far left) at the Boxing Boutique. www.theboxingboutique.com

I finished the week with a healthy session with female boxer Lesley Sackey at her newly set up Boxing Boutique in the City right next to Shoreditch House with a group of my girl friends. Lesley put us through our paces with a brisk warm up, taught us how to throw a ranch of punches and ended with a stretch session that had us all pumped up and ready to take on the world. A really good idea for groups of friends or one on one session if you’re looking to get fighting fit for the summer!