JASMINES JUICE featuring Club Video Music Awards- Uganda!

_jasmine nile
JASMINE ON THE RIVER NILE IN UGANDA!

The harder I work, the luckier I get. Last week I was blessed to have been invited out to Uganda, East Africa, where I was one of 4 judges for the Club Video Music Awards, (the country’s premier annual music awards ceremony), which takes place in Kampala, in September later this year. I was invited by my one time MTV International colleague Jandre Louw, who is doing extremely well out in Africa with his own company and is now a player and leader on their music scene. Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa and it certainly lived up to its precious name.

There were two reasons for my fascination for the trip. One; in the past 5 years, the exodus of British people to Africa for business has been huge. The continent is an untapped industry that’s ready to blow up in media, arts, culture and business, and many are getting on the bandwagon early, to make the most of an opportunity much of the western globe seems to be oblivious to. Even Chinese business out there,are taking over, in droves. The second reason is of course, my late fathers East African connection. He was born and bred in neighboring Kenya, (which I am still to explore), and often-mentioned Uganda in his memories of back home. So to have the opportunity to get so near to my fatherland and experience their rich heritage and culture was a blessing.
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KLM- THE WORST CHOICE TO FLY TO AFRICA.

Every cloud has a silver lining. And every silver lining has a cloud. Our cloud on this trip was flying Dutch airline KLM. The European leg of the trip is akin to many an airline carrier, but once on the African leg it’s a whole different story. The aircraft are old planes in dire need of updating. The staff and air stewardess are in urgent need of a grooming expert. All our crew looked like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards. Perhaps a hairbrush brand like Mason Pearson can lend them a helping hand. Their gate protocol was also unnecessarily unorganized. Huge queues for no apparent reason. Security for baggage at the gate meant that even water bottles bought from departure shops had to be confiscated, and left you parched and thirsty for 2 hours at the gate. A fellow African passenger shared ‘’yes its always this way, they have no respect for African journeys, we are always treated this way, we are used to it’’. Next time I would fly direct via BA!
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JASMINE AT THE CLUB VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS PRESS CONFERENCE WITH FELLOW JUDGES AND MAIN SPONSOR- SAM.

However, that was the only cloud to an otherwise glorious experience. On landing at Entebbe airport, we were greeted on arrival by a protocol agent ,and hurried to our waiting car, which whisked us off to our hotel- the Kampala Protea. A very efficient hotel, in the heart of Kampala’s business district, where the rooms are absolutely huge, and decorated in a unique minimally stylish manner. The staff couldn’t do enough to help in their very welcoming, friendly manner, and it’s the first place we noted, just how softly spoken the Ugandan people are. It’s also the first hint of the influence of the Asian community ,once upon a time in Uganda (before Idi Amin took offense to their presence). Their teas are ‘chai spiced’, and their hotel room service menu’s sport many an Indian nod, from samosa’s to chicken tikka’s.
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JASMINE WITH HER FELLOW JUDGES AT THE 2ND PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THE CLUB VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS ,UGANDA.

3 days of work were followed by two days of pleasure. For three long days, my fellow judges and I were to narrow down hundreds of submitted music videos to just four in each of the 13 categories. Categories included the usual big ones like best male, best female, best video, best newcomer and so on. More technical categories included best cinematography, best special effects, best choreography and more. My fellow judges were manger of Channel O (most widely distributed channel across African households), Leslie ‘’Lee’’ Kasumba, talent and music manager for Trace TV (the no.1 pan African music TV channel) Phillip Nwankwo, and South African film maker and very highly regarded video director Matthew Stonier. The thinking behind having judges that were not connected deeply to the Ugandan music scene was so that there were no bias or unfairness in the initial voting process. Not knowing who was already big in Uganda, meant that we could judge the videos purely on the art of their visuals, as opposed to being swayed by the artist’s personal brand. I was the only international judge, so came with no pre conceptions at all.
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A TYPICAL UGANDAN VIEW-THIS ONE FROM THE AMIN PASHA HOTEL.

Daytimes were spent viewing hundreds of videos; evenings were spent seeing live music at venues like Cayenne, a Maurice Kirya gig and more. My favourite evening was at The Emin Pasha Hotel, which is Set in Two Acres of Peaceful Park-Like Tropical Gardens. Big Mature Trees, Flowering Shrubs and Scented Vines. We ate a delicious dinner and took over the outdoor poolside house band as they sang, with the men in our group showing off with a bit of karaoke!
As with any judging process, the debating was intense and at times heated. We laughed, acknowledged talent, froze at videos that made us sit up for a multitude of reasons, debated authenticity, accents, quality of filming, originality and more. I noted that most of the videos were in need of Ofcom style compliance rules advise, so that product placement, dangerous and imitable behaviour, smoking, drinking and soft porn during daytime playlists could be avoided. One thing that intrigued me was that it seemed that 99% of all music videos submitted, seemed to come straight from Jamaica, such is the passion of Ugandans brought up on dancehall music. With full patois accents and dancehall dance moves, it was like judging a Caribbean set of acts, as opposed to African. It reminded me of the early UK urban music scene when we imitated American hip-hop videos and accents before finding our own voices. Leslie informed me that in fact, dancehall is deeply entrenched in Ugandan culture. (This means that if you love reggae and dancehall culture then Uganda is the perfect spot for your next vacation as the music and food is very akin to Caribbean).
Another observation was that like many new acts around the world, their videos highlight sexy, scantily dressed girls gyrating wildly and rappers surrounded by their version of material wealth. All understandable, as this is what success looks like from many viewers points of view, I was eager to point out that this isn’t always what playlist managers are looking for though. After all, is it still sexy after your 1000th booty shot? Do we care about rappers that continue to tell us about their material wealth purchases? It was good to note that UK acts played in Uganda included Chip, Tinie, Estelle, Rita Ora, Skepta and L Marshall. #TeamUK!
Considering how young the Ugandan music industry is, I can see that the passion and D.I.Y attitude of the artists and filmmaker’s means that this is a market that will grow rapidly with increased reach of their acts the same way west African artists from Nigeria have broken into international music playlists recently.
The work being done in Uganda to give these acts a platform via the CVMA team is sure to develop, nurture and grow the local music industry to build a lasting legacy. Right now it may seem that only West African music and culture have infiltrated our shores, but after this trip I can confidently state East Africa and Uganda are getting ready for their take over!
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AT THE START OF THE RIVER NILE CRUISE!

My final two days were spent exploring. The range of adventure in Uganda is wide and hair-raising. Activities include game viewing, fishing trips, water fall cruises, silverback gorilla safari treks, white water rafting, African rainforest camping, chimp trekking and swamp walking. So of course I ,chose the sedate activity of cruising down the Nile, with our new Ugandan friend Ambrose, a guide and my friend Jodie.
Day one was spent travelling 2 hours outside of Kampala to the River Nile. The car journey showed the poorer side of the country. Ramshackle corrugated iron huts, wooden roadside stalls, dusty dry hot roads, the toil of the land by both men and women, churches, mosques, kingdom halls, produce and groceries sold at roundabouts, all juxtaposed to make a buzzing, thriving, happy roadside community.
We arrived at the Jinja Nile Resort late afternoon, and enjoyed a drink and pizza in the treetop wooden bar house, overlooking the cross-section of the Nile and Lake Victoria. I felt disappointed by the menu of English breakfast, pizza and beer options mingled with really loud European dance music and Rihanna hits. At a sight this majestic I think tourists would prefer a wider variety of food options- at least a healthy salad to be at one with nature. Music could be authentic to Africa or classical, but European chart remixes really spoilt the nature and wildlife’s ambience. We instead focused to our left, from where we could hear regular screams of jubilation as bungee jumpers threw themselves off the sky-high platform overlooking one of the greatest sights in the world. There were also small cabins and tents scattered around where more hippy style tourists were getting their ‘at one with nature’ groove on. (I had a hilarious moment in the ladies washroom as I struggled to zip up my pants and run out with toilet paper flying around, as a giant flying insect of some sort resembling a huge bumble bee, kept noisily buzzing and circling my head. I managed to keep it together and not sprint outside screaming like a Carry On movie-I didn’t want the locals to laugh at me thinking ‘’mazunga’’-the local name for white/foreign people!)

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THE SOURCE OF THE RIVER NILE.

The sunset Nile cruise was like being in paradise. An experience where you could practically hear David Attenborough describe the fascinating range of squawking, multi coloured birds that inhabited all the trees lining the river. Mini mangroves acted as giant speakers as we sailed past their choir of crickets chirping and wildlife anthems. A variety of exotic water birds like skinny meerkats dipped their necks in and out of the river, surrounding our boat as if giving us nature’s most beautiful escort along the Nile. Randomly scattered troupes of monkeys scurried around in the trees as we filmed them.
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A SHOP. SLAP BANG IN THE CENTRE OF THE NILE. SURROUNDED BY WATER!

Suddenly ,we spotted, slap bang in the centre of the river Nile- a store. Not bankside but dead in the centre!. A craft store that sold tourist knick-knacks. I had to jump out of our boat and explore. Proof that you can shop anywhere these days!.

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WITH MY WOODEN BOAT WITH 3 ROWING MEN..”ANYTHING JOANNA CAN DO…”

I had just watched the Joanna Lumley TV series ‘’Joanna Lumley on the Nile’’ before heading out to Uganda, and had noted that at the end of her series,she had bought a wooden boat with a man rowing and released it at the source of the Nile and watched it float gently along. I bought a small wooden boat with 3 African men rowing. (one upmanship on the Nile Lol!) Anything Joanna Lumley can do, I can do three times better I reasoned. Our guide suggested releasing it at the crossroads of the Nile and Lake Victoria, near a bird island where the current was much calmer. I agreed with glee. We set off as I prayed and blessed the wooden boat, thanking an unnamed higher spirit for allowing me this amazing adventure. I placed the boat ceremoniously into the river, with all watching, and it immediately flopped onto its side. It floated though. Not the way I had romantically envisioned it may one day reach Egypt ,but it floated. Oh how we laughed! (Never take on Joanna Lumley!).
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MY LITTLE BOAT COULDN’T QUITE STAY UPRIGHT LOL!

En route back home to Kampala, Ambrose suggested we stop off at the Mabira Rainforest Lodge off the main highway between Kampala and Jinja. He had described it as a dwelling like a village in the forest. Not expecting much ,we peered with trepidation into the dark night ,as our van took us deeper into a dark, quiet, wild forest. Suddenly, once again, we were surprised to find a majestic surprise!. A huge, colonial style tree house hotel -restaurant -bar, which was quiet, tranquil and akin to an oasis in the centre of wilderness. The formal waitress served us from an adventurous menu. We stayed safe Brits and tried the cream of beetroot soup and pots of spiced tea as we talked into the night. As the whole venue is open air it’s very easy to watch the endless parade of butterflies, birds, monkeys, etc., pass by. The forest itself is gorgeous: lush and dense and packed with all of the creatures you’d want to see. A magical end to a magical day.
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AT NIGHT IN THE RAINFOREST HOTEL.

The next day we had been invited to the very opulent Serena Kampala Hotel to sample their spa and Sunday brunch. After a tour that showed us just why this hotel is said to be the best in the city (with its bar that stays open until the last guest is ready to leave, U shaped bedroom suites, a pool that’s straight out of a tropical holiday brochure and the biggest and best gym/dance studio I’ve ever seen in any hotel globally), I enjoyed a deep tissue massage. The spa is a lush Moroccan themed oasis that’s tranquil and up to date with the latest treatments, which are sold, at extremely reasonable rates. Each spa room is named after a flower like lavender, lilac, mimosa, rose. I was led to my private room aptly named jasmine. My masseuse Hanifa, really had the strongest most inquisitive hands I’d ever experienced. The heated pillow was out of this world too. Every single muscle in my body was given its due and proper attention leaving me a blissful, jellylike splodge on the heated massage table at the end.
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JASMINE WITH HER FRIEND JODIE, POOLSIDE AT THE SERENA KAMPALA HOTEL.

The brunch was as decadent as its surroundings with fresh cuts of lamb, fish, beef, a turkey roast and the most delicately, tender spiced minute steak. Brunch was accompanied by a band, which performed soothing African covers and made the whole experience just perfect. Guests seemed a mix of high-end families, movers and shakers as well as businessmen and loved up couples. The classic location for a vacation or business!. For now, Uganda remains a best kept secret for western vacationers. But I predict, not for much longer!

JASMINE’S JUICE featuring Shakka album launch and the return of Ladies Talk Series 2! (where Richard Blackwood shares some earth shattering news)

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SHAKKA PERFORMING AT THE TABERNACLE.

I was invited by ThisIsWired in partnership with Raymond Weil, to new up and coming music act SHAKKAs – The Tribe EP Launch at West London’s The Tabernacle,
You can tell when an act will be huge by the potential number of music industry heads that turn out to witness their talent early on. This one shows that Shakka is very much in demand with A&R’s representing from Island, Atlantic, EMI, Universal Publishing and Eagle I Publishing.
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SHAKKA KEPT HIS AUDIENCE ENRAPTURED AT HIS EP LAUNCH!

Having recently released his debut single Sooner Or Later, a serendipitous ode to his own ascension as an artist, Shakka is ready to release his first official body of work as he steps out to headline the launch of his EP. Past collaborations include Wretch 32, Basement Jaxx, Angel and Tanya Lacey so we expected some special guest appearances on the night. The high-impact, multi-talented McNasty (as seen on this year’s BGT) provided main support on the night, and Kiss FM’s DJ Melvin played throughout the night too!

Artists representing in the venue for Shakka were Wretch 32, Daley, Angel, Basement Jaxx and Kelly Le Roc (who looked stunning in a figure hugging dress and heels…). It was a hot Friday night and the venue was buzzing. On arrival, people were eating and drinking in the courtyard as well as the packed bar. The gig kicked off at 9pm to a sold out audience. A solo drummer graced the stage as he gave us his rendition of some of the hottest tracks right now. Shakka, who entered the stage to rapturous applause, swiftly followed this. The crowd was mainly 20 something and very hip… an eclectic mix of hipsters and the ladies were out in force! The eclectic crowd greeted the dapperly dressed Shakka who wore a bright orange blazer and jeans. “Go Lady” was the first track and the crowd –impressively-knew all the words! Actually they knew the words to every song. He has a strong fan base who hang on to his every word.
Another track, ‘On This Thing’ – was a definite anthem with the crowd merrily singing along. ‘Take our time’ is a slower, which saw the ladies swooning. But then the guys were also catered to when Shakka performed ‘Strength of an Ox’. During his set, the ever-humble Shakka thanked the crowd and told us he was so amazed that they have sold out and to be in his own neighbourhood made it very special for the whole audience. Just as the night felt like it couldn’t get any better…enter chart topper Wretch32 – the crowd went wild as Wretch and Shakka hugged and began to perform their chart-topping duet ‘Black Out’.
Shakka’s next single to be released from the EP is ‘Spin’ which already has early support and has been spot played every day this week on Radio 1. The TEAMUK unity is still going strong, and long may it live on!

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LADIES TALK, JASMINE WITH HER FELLOW PANELISTS; JACQI JOSEPH, JACKIE MICHAEL AND LISA BENT, LISTS JAQCI JOSEPH, JAC, HOST ANGIE LE MAR AND GUEST RICHARD BLACKWOOD!

The all female star line up hosted by Angie Le Mar called Ladies Talk is back for another series!
Ladies talk series 2 is back on Vox Africa on SKY 218. Originally with a panel of 5 ladies including myself, this series see the panel open up and more pre-recorded tips by each panelist.
As well as being broadcast in the UK, it also transmits in another 20 English speaking and 20 French speaking countries across the globe including Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzinia, Kenya Nigeria, Sierra Leone ,Zimbabwe, Benin, Lesotho and Gambia. (So I might not be a star here, but I may be in Uganda).

Its not just the front of camera line uo that work hard to put shows like this on air. The key, powerful influencers and decision makers like Rodney Borde-Kuofie, MD Vox Africa TV Network helps. He explained his support of Ladies Talk. ‘’After the success of Season 1, LT returns bigger and better with a new set, more great guests, fantastic new additions to the studio panel as well as young roving reporter, Remel London engaging the public on the streets of London. Season 2 also features other new elements such as Men’s Talk. The introduction of Men Talk will appeal to men, who will see their perspective incorporated into a unique womens show that now aims to appeal to a broader audience. Like season 1, season 2 is a first on UK television. Where the UK BME community can be heard and seen giving it’s opinion on mainstream news, current affairs and entertainment, as well as looking at items that have a particular resonance with our audience’’.

Producer and star of the show, writer, actor and director Angie le mar added ‘’ Ladies Talk is back bigger and better, we’ve all worked hard on the show, and have been truly committed to creating a platform that we can be proud of, a show that our audience look forward to seeing, and guests enjoy being a part of. This year we have comeback a lot slicker, we have also introduced a few sections, a roving reporter and a special section for men, ‘Men’s Talk’ so no one is left out.”

The first show in the new series saw June Sarpong return to UK TV to tell us about her new endeavors and share her thoughts on Nelson Mandala. ‘” It’s not often you are in the presence of greatness, we throw that word around, other people are good… Nelson Mandela is great- HE EVEN COMMENTED ON MY SHOES!”’’.
The second show saw an interview with gang member turned author Robyn Travis who has a book published about his stories and what he learnt from life on the road. We also spoke to actor and presenter Richard Blackwood who is still working in the west end in theatre and starting to write his one man show which he will bring to the public in early 2014. Richard also shared his reasons for being an ambassador for prostrate cancer awareness. By a strange timing of fate he revealed that when the charity asked him to help spread the word about testicular cancer as its highest amongst black men, his dear mother had only just recently also been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. In a strong but heart breaking tale Richard shared his experiences on having been tested for it live on terrestrial TV and more. If you want to catch the whole show where we also discusses our usual array of topics-which this week included ‘’why aren’t black men and women getting married?’’ ‘‘Does your name define you’’ and more stay tuned!

JASMINE’S JUICE featuring London’s latest influencer’s and power players in business, music and fashion!!

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JAS AND ALEX GRAN A SUSHI LUNCH.
Had an extended sushi lunch with African businessman and entrepreneur of all things blingtastic and fab- Alexander Amosu. Alex won’t touch it if it doesn’t sound mister big Willie style. He started off, twenty years ago, by inventing the R&B ringtone mobile phone company. Then went to spend his millions on making gold plated IPads, macs and cell phones as well as the most expensive suit in the world made with real gold threads, all sold in Harrods. He’s got the midas touch- everything he touches really does turn to gold! Then he appeared on African Nigerian version of Dragons Den as a judge, next he bought the African rights to the Sunseeker Yacht business, as well as starting a joint venture with Warner Music to bring in African music acts from the African continent and now is looking to add more to that impressive list, but I am forced to secrecy until his permission to disclose.

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JASMINE WITH SINGER TERRI WALKER AND MISHA B’S MANAGER CHARLENE GRANT.
Had an evening out with my mate, singer Terri Walker. I invited her to join me at the Urban Development showcase night at Cargo in East London, where young music hopefuls were performing their work. Urban collective are an organization that stand at the crossroads where new underground talent meets the music industry. Across their 13-year-old history, artists they’ve helped and worked with are now household names. Amongst the funders and ambassadors for the evening we also hung out with Misha B’s manager Charlene Grant.
Founded in 2007 by Labrinth, his sister ShezAr and led by Shola Ama, more recently the Urban Development Vocal Collective (UDVC) have performed for the BBC Radio 1 Hackney Weekend. Over the last four years the UD Vocal Collective has provided vocals for Wretch 32, Bashy and Omar and performed at festivals such as Rise, Paradise Gardens and Lovebox as well as Urban Development’s flagship events Re:Definition and Industry Takeover. Honing song writing and vocal skills, the UD Vocal Collective project develops industry knowledge and creates shows that raise the bar for live performance.
On arrival we were welcomed by UD boss Pamela McCormick, who introduced us to her guests, and told us a little about the evening. The young performers didn’t disappoint, in fact they were bold, confident and very vocally gifted. They performed their own written material, much of which I could quite easily see charting. They were professional and after a mini showcase to VIP guests, they performed a longer live show on the main stage to a very enthusiastic audience.
Speaking to some of the young music acts I was told ‘’UDVC is a group of inspiration. It’s a collective of voices that come together and create things that are unique and fill a room when you hear them. There isn’t anything or anyone similar to UDVC, which makes us really unique. When you’re around everyone else and on a high from the music, you can bounce of each other, which creates an incredible vibe whether rehearsing, performing or creating new songs.”
Another young vocalist told us ‘‘we come together once a week for three hours in the evening. If we’ve had a performance in the last week, we’d look back on it and evaluate it. What we thought went well, what could be improved etc. If not, we write songs as a collective and practice effective vocal warm up and techniques. We also have workshops with artists who come in and help us. In the past year, we’ve performed at a lot of corporate events and in 2012 we were invited to perform for the Deputy Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street. Performing at BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend and opening the entire festival was probably one of my and the groups highlights. It’s most certainly one of, if not the biggest thing we’ve ever done. We’ve collaborated with a number of artists including Jay Norton, Maverick Sabre, Devlin & Wretch 32.” Now I’m hoping that Terri will get involved and help mentor urban developments talented youth. No pressure Terri. Just do it.

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JASMINE WITH STYLIST TO THE STARS -RICHARD SHOYEMI
Finally I caught up with stylist to the stars Richard Shoyemi. I first noticed Richard years ago at social parties where id be thinking ‘’who is that big, very flamboyant man??’’ finally I was informed he was a new stylist on the scene and was working with a number of music acts.
Richard is now a staple on London’s flossy circuit where he can be seen in many music stars entourage backstage at TV and radio studios, model shoots for vogue and more. I wanted to share his very inspiring story with you all as I know there are numerous budding fashionistas amongst my readers.

He grew up in the areas of Shoreditch, Hoxton, Hackney. As a child he attended youth club where they did fashion workshops where they would be taught to make basic fashion. He used to live in Adidas tracksuits as he was influenced my Missy Elliott’s line. His dress sense has since become extremely flamboyant and fabulous. Even on the hot summers day that he meets rapper Eve and myself for lunch, he claims he is ‘’understated’’ in black trilby, black leather and studs. (Once at a D&G party I saw him in an Asian sari, drummer hat and metallic gold booty shorts with guests like Solange and Queen Latifah all asking ‘’who’s that?!).
As a teenager Richard impressed, went to London College of fashion at aged 16 and entered a competition, won and consequently went onto GMTV. He wanted to get his fashion designs out more, and thought he might be able to get his brand out easier if he styled. Next thing he networks for all he’s worth and Sony Music called him to style for a group called ‘Big Bruvas’ ,and ever since then the rest is history. He now dresses American acts like Nicki Minaj, Macy Gray, Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell and Eve as well as British acts like Alesha Dixon, Sabrina Washington, Preeya Kalidas, Shystie and more.
He’s had loads of great moments where his acts have looked just drop dead stunning on red carpets and beyond, but I wanted to know the horror stories.
His worst moment he can recall to date involved Nicki Minaj- WHO HE ABSOLUTELY ADORES SO WAS MORTIFIED AT THIS MOMENT. He was meant to travel to Australia with her but asked for the 24-hour flight to be upgraded. Richard recalled ‘’there’s no way I could do a 24 hour flight in economy-look how big I am!, the record label couldnt foot the bill so after agreeing it with Nicki, I sent my assistant which they were happy with. Unbelievably, my assistant missed her flight and so all shit hit the fan. I knew Nicki wouldn’t be happy and I felt awful. However Nicki understood that I should’ve had a better flight. Finally she agreed I could style her via skype so that’s how we worked it on the night. It went on for a week. That was hard but we are both professionals and I had to make it work’’
Richard says ‘’people have a perception of me which I often try to unsteady, to me my fashion is effortless but to others looks very put together’’
You have to see Richards home to appreciate his fashion extends well beyond his clothes. His furniture is breath taking. Stand out looks include a Swarovski table, which he put together with gold specks and a huge black mannequin covered in blinging gold jewelry. So its not surprising that he is currently in talks to do business with some major Bollywood people for which he is traveling to Mumbai very soon. Go forth and make the world more opulent Richard. May the force of Anna Wintour be with you!

JASMINE’S JUICE featuring EVE! The 1st lady of rap 2000! Can she reclaim her crown in 2013?

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JASMINE WITH EVE AT THEIR ALFRESCO LUNCH 2013!
Every big rap clique these days has their token 1st lady. Whether its So Solids Lisa Maffia or Cash Money’s Nicki Minaj. Back in the day Foxy Brown was aligned with Jay Z and Rah Digga with Busta. Some ladies fell off, and lets be real, others weren’t as sharp as their male counter parts or couldn’t take the pace. Ruff Ryders were a force to be reckoned with as honcho DMX blew up charts, cars and clubs with his hard hitting hits. His 1st lady Eve, was just as strong with her songs like ‘who’s that girl’, ‘let me blow your mind’ and ‘gangsta loving’’. Like many she had her fame early, fast and furious. After taking a decades break she’s flown back onto the scene this year with her new album ‘Liplock’’. Eve invited me to catch up, and so I took her for an al fresco lunch in Ladbroke grove.
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JASMINE AND EVE 10 YEARS AGO MAKING AN EPK FOR UNIVERSAL MUSIC!

After welcoming her back, I reminded her that the last time we had been together ,was when we made her EPK for Universal 10 years ago. We laughed at the memories.
It’s been sooo long since we’ve had a female MC return to the scene with no gimmicks-just flow. Eve explained that ‘‘my TV show took up 4 years of my life so had a break from music. A few Years back I had a whole album ready to go with my single ‘’tambourine’’ but it got shelved’’ by my then record label and then it took me a few years to get free from the record label, which was mentally exhausting. I did my own thing for a while and even put out a dub step record with Benga-I kept it moving’’

This time around it must feel like being a new act coming back to a totally revived, switched up scene. She agreed ‘’Yes there was no big social media when I first came out. I forget to instagram cos I’m always in the moment. My fans get mad with me cos I don’t tweet enough, I have to remind myself to do it, if I had the choice I wouldn’t do it, I prefer to stay private. I’m excited though, everything’s different and new and it’s exciting! I’m exploring again. No one could’ve predicted the growth of the hip-hop monster’’.

We laughed about our memories of her one time boss DMX and his obsession with remote control toys and eccentricities. I explained to Eve that Wiley was a similarly eccentric but genius UK character, . Eve admitted she doesn’t talk or even see DMX anymore. ‘’We did shows last year but this solo album had to me just me. I will always be ruff ryders for life but this had to be my journey’’

Eve has put out her new music on her own label ‘’From the rib’’ which I guessed must be a gift and a curse? ‘‘Yes of course, I grew up on a major label, there are pro’s and con’s. What’s better on a label is that u have a machine that are pushing constantly for the song and video, when you’re solo your teams reach is smaller so that’s a risk and a frustration. I am very lucky with my teams right now and I’ll keep working my ass off’’. Impressively Eve is a fierce rapper not afraid to make a few musical left turns. Her new music highlights sounds as diverse as west coast bangers, afrobeats and dance music. She jumps ‘’now that I’m staying here in the UK I wanna work with more British acts and producers, I really need to do my homework on who’s hot’’. I told her Wiley and Naughty Boy should most definitely be on her research list.
With her new album Liplock, Eve has collaborated with a few old skool names. ‘‘My only preconceived notion before making the album was a mix of my past and present, I listen to hip-hop, afro, dance and you can see that on this album. My Missy, Snoop and Swiss collabs came out of friendships. Also with Game, I know him personally, and knew he’d be down with the record. The remix to ‘’Bad bad’’ used Pusha T on the remix , and is dope, Dawn Richards I didn’t really know but my PR dude made me love her and so I went with that ,but there are some newer acts from the new generation that are still wary of working with me as they don’t know if I’m going to be big again and that’s cool too’’.
Eve has also mentioned that she’d love to work with Andre 3000 and Lauryn Hill but with all Lauryn’s tax and money drama’s I assume this wont be happening any time soon. Eve shrugs ‘’money problems happen to all of us, it happened to me, you gotta watch the people that’s watching your money, artists do need to have this education early on in their career. I learnt to attend the board meetings, I used to hate them and be bored, now I go over every bit of paperwork they send me. Even though I trust my teams now, I always go over all my paperwork’’

However, we also discussed how business and fame dramas don’t just affect long-term legends; even newbies to the game get caught up, hello Justin Bieber! ‘‘He’s young, 19 and smoking some weed, that’s what he should be doing, he’s a kid’’ Eve laughed adding ‘’don’t do drugs kids!’’ but on a serious note Eve does think that one hit wonders on the internet can be a lazy way of making it to the top ‘’ There are so many more 1 hit wonders today than there ever were back then due to internet YouTube stars, in my day you had to do the hard slog, tour, gain respect, do the underground/street kind of thing, young artists miss out on their coming up here’’
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EVE AT HER 1ST EVER GUMBALL RALLY WHERE SHE MET HER NOW PARTNER-GUMBALL BOSS!

Eve now lives in the UK with her boyfriend who runs the infamous Gumball Car Rally. Comparing life in the UK vs USA? ‘’I still feel like a tourist in the UK and see something new daily. In the USA people recognize me easier so its not as easy for me to disappear. I know my American peeps are wrong about British food, the food is here if you know where to find it. The Sunday roasts and sticky toffee pudding is to die for!. I don’t cook myself though, I can do breakfast, my boyfriend gets excited when I finally get in the kitchen lol’’

Going into detail about her she got together with her English gent and issues with cross culture relationships she revealed ‘’Puma had asked me to do Gumball, I met my guy there, I’m all about experiences. With me and my guy it wasn’t planned, I was trying not to be in a relationship, Gumball was my way of escaping my last relationship. He and I met on the rd carpet, the rest of that week we were like ‘’hi’’. When we first got together it was like weird, id never dated a white guy, he had never dated black, we would just stare at each other. Now we’re planning a vacation for me and his 4 kids. The vibe between us is perfect; the problems only come from other ignorant people who are insecure. But I think I’m opening up conversations in the states about positive interracial dating. I thought cos he runs gumball he would be a player but he is such a committed family man, I need that stability. It’s a nice dynamic. I don’t believe in soul mates. I just go with feelings and emotions. He’s my go-to person, best friend and homie. My test for couples? if you can drive for hours together on a road trip and assemble Ikea furniture with no drama, then you’re good!
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JASMINE WITH EVE AND STYLIST TO THE STARS RICHARD SHOYEMI!
On that good note, we both looked up to find stylist to the stars Richard Shoyemi waiting for us with fresh raw fruit juices. Richard himself is a London based young black man really making moves with his very high profile clientele. I’ll be telling you all about him- next week!

JASMINE’S JUICE featuring PREEYA BIRTHDAY DINNER, NOEL CLARKE’S LATEST FILM SET, UK KINGS OF COMEDY!

PREEYA KALIDAS BIRTHDAY DINNER
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PREEYA TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT HER BIRTHDAY DINNER AT RETRO FEAST!
Actress and musician Preeya Kalidas hit me on Friday morning with a last minute.com invitation to her birthday dinner that night at retro feast in old Burlington street. It’s a pop up restaurant that used to be the celeb filled, drug fuelled, and tabloid haunt of yesteryear-called Embassy.
I rocked up punctually at 8pm as requested knowing Preeya is a great timekeeper and always 5 minutes early to anything I’ve ever invited her to. Arriving at the bar I was happy to spot our mutual friend Celena Cherry- lead singer of girl band The Honeyz. Also in the vicinity were singer Nate James, who would post dinner double up as DJ Nate James!. Other music peeps in the house included singer songwriter Celetia and performer Royston. Arriving together were PR lady Vanessa Amadi and her client/friend- Sugababe lead singer-Keisha Buchanan. Preeya arrived wearing a sexy short, backless red dress and 100inch vertiginous platform stilettos. She was smiling from ear to ear as the paparazzi outside snapped away at her. I noted that Preeya and Celena were both rocking red frocks and just as I was about to point it out to Celena she asked me ‘’why aren’t you wearing red? Preeya requested it’’. Huh? My text said nothing about red garms. Just as I was cussing Preeya for forgetting to tell me and simultaneously calling my other half to ask whether he’d bring one of my red numbers up when he arrived, I noted that the guests weren’t all adhering to that request and stuck to my cream ensemble. For a minute I had felt like the wedding guest who had turned up wearing white to insult the bride!
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WITH ACTRESS KAREN, BIRTHDAY LADY PREEYA AND HONEYZ LEAD LADY CELENA CHERRY!

We took our seats at the long dinner table and wolfed down the tasty food laid on by Retro Feast. Most of us had crab on toast to begin and steak to follow. Awkward moment when the waiter held aloft starters with a confused look and 2 of us shouted out ‘’we both have crabs! ‘LOL
All was washed down with their in-house cocktails and house wine. Then dessert was courtesy of Preeya’s friend Greg, who runs a healthy protein ice cream brand called WheyHey. (Only particular eater Preeya would have a healthy ice cream option lol!)
Post dinner all were up and out of their chairs dancing until the early hours to old skool R&B whilst the paparazzi peeked through the dark night sky still getting shots of Preeya winding sexily up and down surrounded by all her mates. Happy birthday lady!

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ON NOEL CLARKE’S LATEST FILM SET FOR THE ANOMALY WITH NOEL AND FRIENDS!
NOEL CLARKE FILM SET – THE ANOMALY!

One hot afternoon actor director and friend noel Clarke invited myself and a group of friends down to his latest film set in east London for his new movie Sci Fi thriller, The ANOMALY. I finally found the studio in the depths of the east end world, where a film crew who had all been intensely hard at work since 6am that morning, to get those all important shots, were still looking intense and passionate, huddled around TV playback monitors. Noel had insisted we come on the Thursday. I soon found out why. One actress said ‘’ooh you should’ve come yesterday-we did all the naked scenes and all the actors were running around with just tiny g strings on’’!!!. I smiled at noel and accused him of holding out on us all. Oh how we laughed!. Noels right hand on the film- Phil- showed us around the sets and studios when the cameras weren’t rolling and it was truly fascinating to see all the intricate work and cost that goes into every few seconds of a film. Working in TV, we film fast and air fast. Film needs a lot more patience, something I don’t have much of. Noel was particularly fascinating to watch as he multitasked like a champion both directing his cast as well as himself. His fellow actor Ian Somerhalder (‘Damon’ from vampire diaries), was intense in his scenes with noel and it looks like the final cut will be a great piece of work especially watching the off-screen camaraderie between ian and noel bantering all day long.
The screenplay by Simon Lewis, follows the travails of a traumatized ex-soldier who wakes up in the back of a van, alongside a kidnapped boy, only to know he has less than ten minutes of consciousness to work out why and how he got there. On set I witness high intensity action, a bit of sexy time and a huge aircraft ready for action. Next week they all fly to New York to continue filming. Noel continues to graft hard and break down those barriers. Salute mister Clarke!
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WITH KING HOST OF COMEDY SHOWS- KOJO!
UK KINGS OF COMEDY

Finally I attended the Hackney Empire for the UK KINGS OF COMEDY show at the weekend, when my former presenter Kojo, who was hosting the weekend, invited me. The show was back-to-back laughs with the best of the best! Kicked off by Eddie Kadi, followed by my fave UK comic Slim, the line up was completed by Richard Blackwood. All the comedians had fresh, very current jokes about everyday topics. Subjects covered included Tulisa, the Woolwich tragedy, all cultural nationalities, relationships, government and so much more. Sitting right in front of me in the stalls were actresses Jocelyn gee and Tameka Epsom. Also in the house were Charlene White, Music star Angel, actor Freddie Kruger, R&B group Fundamental,
You have to hand it to the UK urban comedy circuit. Bigger and better than it’s ever been, with sold out venues all across the country, this scene has gone from pretty good in the nineties, to slick, professional and a sustainable business in 2013. These teams put on regular shows with the type of punctuality and professionalism I don’t recall from back in the day. The new #TEAMUK COMEDIANS are really killing it. Whether they are on mainstream TV doesn’t even matter any more. The black pound is being taken and kept in the community whilst the corporate broadcasters are making repeated reality fodder with no ratings. Hilarious. On every level. Especially these talented artists bank accounts!