Month: January 2014

Radio host Kojo sold out the Hackney empire for his show titled The Kojo Show and entertained a packed theatre of people with comedy sandwiched between celeb interviews with Noel Clarke, Derek Chisora, Kanya King and Ricky Norwood aka Eastenders Fat Boy.

KOJO WITH NOEL CLARKE.

But the best guest had to be the newest panellist to Loose Women (and about time too) Jamelia. She wowed the audience with effortless whit by talking motherhood, her new TV role and having to rein in her “ghettoness” for the mid morning viewer. There is something so classy and funny about her, maybe it’s her honesty and lack of show business that makes her so appealing.

KOJO WITH JAMELIA.

She had the audience in stitches when asked why she’d recently turned down nearly every reality TV series under the sun she said: “Kojo you know me, you know what I’m like, and while I’m always myself I can’t risk the public spending 24 hours with me, you’ve seen the Big Brother house, you’ve seen how they don’t wash the chicken? If I was there with them doing that, I just can’t!”

When Kojo asked her how long we’d have to wait till she says the words rass and clart on daytime television she nearly fell of her chair. “Stop it, I have to try extra hard not to do that,” she said, and more seriously was proud to address the gap in the shows previously very white panel. “Its nice to be speaking for a large part of the audience, you know we all watch the show but we haven’t had a voice before, and now through me we do. That is progress.”

KOJO WITH ANGEL.

Next I caught up with the stars of the COMICS UNCHAINED show, which is happening at Hackney Empire on Saturday 8th February (next Saturday!). Three of my fave British comedians headline this incredibly strong line up (which also includes other acts too). Slim, Richard Blackwood and Eddie Kadi lead the way!. What a line up – certainly not one to be missed.
I hit them with my quick-fire round of questions, (which as you can imagine), they took totally seriously- not!

QUESTION 1- this past few months and next year, films themed around black oppression seem to be very popular. We’ve had D’Jano, The Butler, Mandela, 12 years a slave etc- if there were a black oppression movie about YOUR life, who would play you and what would it be called?
RICHARD BLACKWOOD ‘‘a black movie about my life would be called The Road Less Travelled and I would play the Narrator plus the lead!’’
SLIM ‘’ it should have been Michael Jackson – Beat It’’
EDDIE KADI ‘’It would be called “I am so Fresh” It would be about being accepted regardless of my Identity and I would choose John Boyega to play it, as he is young and energetic. And good looking of course! ‘’
GLENDA ‘‘my block buster would be called AGE IS JUST A NUMBER, & it would be played by OPRAH’’.
AXEL ‘’Mine would be called 5 years of comedy…. Unchained. I would obviously be the main character in the movie but I don’t die or get shot at the end’’
A DOT COMEDIAN ‘’Will Smith, because he is one of the homeboys and he can relate to me. I would call it the struggles of adotcomedian’’

EDDIE KADI AND JASMINE TALK COMICS UNCHAINED.

Question 2- CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER 2014- what did you make of the Evander Holyfield gaygate drama?
RICHARD ‘’ I feel Evander dealt with the Gay drama the only way he knew how. It’s a very touchy subject when your dealing with Born again Christians and their views on Gay relationships so I don’t think it should of been aired at all!’’
SLIM ‘’ I can’t knock Evander I’m a boxing man and he is one of the all time greats. You have to be very careful talking about homosexuality as anything you say can be construed negatively by those who wish to do so, but in my opinion each man to his own’’
EDDIE ‘’Unfortunately I have not been keeping an eye on BB…So I can not comment…’’
GLENDA ‘’ Evander said how he felt, like Berni Mac said, I’m saying what you want 2 say,:)’’
AXEL ‘’ To be fair I didn’t see it I only heard about it, so I researched on YouTube…I’m used to hearing older black men talk about homosexuality like that, and he was just voicing his opinions. I got no problem with that, id rather hear him talk about that then him talk about how much of a great boxer he was….KMFT’’
ADOTCOMEDIAN ‘’ Celebrity Big Brother is not my thing; I don’t watch those type of shows. So I’ll will pass’’.

Question 3-CELEB BIG BROTHER 2014- who’s the bigger plonker Dappy or Lee from Blue?
RICHARD ‘’ I know them both so no comment!!’’
SLIM ‘’ Dappy. At least Lee has some swag and doesn’t let horses kick him in his face’’
EDDIE ‘’ All I can say to this is I am a big Dappy Fan! He is entertainment!! Is he a plonker?…Na na naiiiiii!’’
GLENDA ‘’ NOW when I ask the Youngsters about Dappy, the word plonker is not the word they use, starts with D, ends with head, just saying’’
AXEL ‘’ Dappy not because of his ignorant behaviour in the house…but mainly because his name sounds like a new brand of nappies’’
ADOTCOMEDIAN ‘’see above’’

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Finally, If you’re suffering from winter blues or struggling through January desperate for payday, spare a thought for those without a home to call their own. Then imagine being young as well as homeless. You could be forgiven for giving up and having no hope. Thankfully one group of young people from One Foot Forward temporary accommodation in Oxford have decided that 2014 is going to be their year. I have spent a few days mentoring and getting to know some of these young people with media interests. So they are voicing their hopes, aspirations and resolutions for this year through song, rap, poetry and blog. Working with local organisation, Brand New Start, they are taking their homeless experience and turning it into positive expression through the Write Start project. And they are not afraid to tell it like it is in front of a live audience – first stop they will be showcasing their talent at Oxford’s largest indoor shopping mall so if you live in the Oxford area keep an eye out for them. It is amazing how creativity can thrive in such a depressing environment. One young resident has been in ‘temporary’ accommodation for almost 5 years. Along with the others on the Write Start project, he is learning top writing tips, working in collaboration with his peers and going to shows and events that inspire creativity. They have the chance to get a qualification at the end of the project and that makes him one of the lucky ones…count your blessings if you have family, friends, a roof over your head and most importantly –feel safe!

JASMINE AND IDRIS AT THE STAN SMITH PARTY.

Adidas threw a party to welcome back the return of the classic Stan Smith trainer at the Truman Gallery in east London. I say the Truman Gallery, but in fact the party was in a shoe box. A giant Adidas Stan Smith shoebox!

THE PARTY WAS HELD IN A GIANT SHOEBOX FULL OF CELEBS!

The Stan Smith shoe has grown to become the best selling shoe of all time with over 40 million pairs sold. That said, despite its design being so simple, the actual story of the Stan Smith isn’t (look it up).

OLYMPIC ATHLETE JEANETTE KWAKYE LOVES STAN SMITH.

When growing American Tennis icon, Stan Smith, began wearing the world’s first leather tennis shoes in 1971, they actually featured the name of a former French tennis player. After two successful seasons, with victories at both the US Open and Davis Cup events in ‘71 and Wimbledon in ’72, the decision was made to officially re-christen the simple white leather silhouette to the Stan Smith and history was written, though even today, French-made editions remain a grail.

GUESTS WERE ABLE TO STAN SMITH THEMSELVES UP WITH AREALLY COOL IPAD APP!

The adidas Stan Smith shoe is one of the most iconic footwear styles in existence. Frequently voted a classic, since taking a break a few seasons ago its status as a shoe and cult icon has only grown. Uniting streetwear with high-end style, the Stan Smith model is one of the few truly unisex silhouettes out there. There are nuances for the experts, but it’s a shoe for everyone. There’s nothing nicer than a fresh pair out of the box, but they look incredible worn in too.

WRETCH AND JAS BANTER ABOUT WRETCHS UBER SMOOTH GENTS OUTFIT!.

As the accredited Best Selling Shoe of All Time, it’s little surprise that there are imitators, but no one has managed to top the ideal of tennis shoe design.

NAUGHTY BOY AND JAS SHUDDER AT BEING SO FAR FROM THEIR WEST LONDON ROOTS.

From high fashion to commercial outlets, imitations of the Stan Smith shoe’s simplicity and design are everywhere, yet no one has managed to top the timeless design to date.
42 years on, the adidas Stan Smith shoe still remains ageless. For all the remixes, restorations, variants, rarities and countries of origin, the Stan Smith shoe is a true Original.

DYNAMO STILL MAKING MAGIC…AT THE STAN SMITH PARTY.

Friends and invitees of Adidas included Idris Elba, Dynamo, Ashley Walters, Wretch32, Kwabs, J2K, Rudimental, Alexis Knox, Asa butterfield, Conor Maynard, Eddie Kadi, Funny tummy, Georgia Lewis Anderson, Princess Belsize dollar, Jacob banks, Jeanette Kwakye, Lucy Rose, Melody maker, Mo Ali, Neptizzle, Georgia Groome, Daley, Jungle and Maverick Sabre.

ASHLEY WALTERS AND HIS WIFE DANIELLE ISAIE PARTY IN CELEBRATION OF STAN SMITH.

JACOB BANKS HAT HAD A FANBASE OF ITS OWN AT THESTAN SMITH PARTY.

The attendees spoke of their love of the classic Stan Smith as well as other topical issues like social media. Is it a platform for good or bad? Our LONDON360 reporters caught up with Idris Elba, star of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, to talk about his experience with social media.

“I’ve seen this pictures or stories of me on social media and I’m like these are so far from the truth and yet you’re getting people commenting like it’s the truth, so there’s the good and the bad, and the bad is like the devil. “Social media is impressive and very important, but the thing about social media though, is it’s not reality. The problem I have with social media is that people forget to talk to people in real life. It’s fine talking on twitter or on a text or on instagram but human contact is the best way to communicate your ideas and that’s what I have a problem with. Ultimately I’m a big fan of social media but I do think that people need to talk to each other more.”

EVERYONE WAS BUZZING THAT KWABS IS MUSICS HOTBOY TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2014.

CONNOR MAYNARD IS A FAN OF THE STAN SMITH.

Every star had something to say on the issue of social media, proving why it’s the hot topic of the moment. The Jack Petchey Foundation, Media Trust and The Evening Standard’s London Live are holding a panel debate on 3rd February to give one hundred young Londoners a chance to get their voices heard on issues surrounding digital media – does social media voice to young people or just provoke vanity, violence and vulgarity? The event will be chaired by ITV News presenter Charlene White, and attended by a host of media industry experts.

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SYLVESTER STALLONE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM. PHOTO COURTESY Jonathan Darby/PA.

If you’re an eighties child then action hero’s like sly Stallone, arnie and Bruce Willis were who shaped your former years. They epitomized the American dream, Hollywood alpha males and the dream buff body.
Like most stars of their generation they still hold a mystique. They’re not publicly available and never have been. Can you imagine these a list Gods on twitter putting up selfies and weekly gossip mags flogging their latest desperate attempt at a fragrance?

STALLONE AND JONATHAN ROSS. PHOTO COURTESY Jonathan Darby/PA.

They’re untouchable, mysterious and iconic. So when I was invited to spend ‘’an evening with Sylvester Stallone’’ live on stage at the London palladium, I was transported back to the wild kid, excitedly shadow boxing the family in uncontrollable delirium after watching Rocky on telly.

Our host and guide through Mr. Stallone’s verbal career chat for the night was our own Brit legend and encyclopedia on all things showbiz and movies- Mr. Jonathan Ross.
Jonathan has a unique way of treating his guests with humble respect and ribbing them with the occasional teasing banter. He’s on our side but also on theirs and on this night he brought out a humble, adorable side of a living legend that no one was expecting.
After all that’s what Sylvester is. He’s gone from being the meathead action hero, to one of the last truly a list actors that still invoke an intake of breath on sight.

PHOTO COURTESY Jonathan Darby/PA.

Sylvester is more than just a Hollywood star. He’s a writer, producer and director of almost 90 movies and the only actor in history to open a Number One film across five decades. He’s had long career, from the breakthrough Rocky to his latest blockbuster movie franchise, The Expendables. His impending arrival had a whole street in central London buzzing.

The palladium was clearly sold out buzzing with excitement full of acting fans, boxing fans and a scatter of celebrities that included Boy George all spilling out into the street. A mix of suited black tie wearing VIPs and your regular Joe Smho in jeans and hoodie with the ladies all dressed to the nines. When Jonathan Ross introduced Sylvester to the stage they actually cut to a live camera that was following him from his dressing room to the stage, like his boxer character in Rocky making his way to the ring. This proceeded to make us ecstatically wild and I found myself caught up listening to a female shrieking and screaming along with the rest of the audience. The female was I.

He stepped onstage in a sharp crisp shirt, red hanky in his suit blazer pocket and an extremely sharp well cut perfectly fitted suit. He was yacht tanned and looked strong and well for his 67 years.
Jonathan on the other hand, over a decade younger, rocked a midnight blue velvet blazer and bright blue socks and as much as I love him did look unfit, pasty and punchy alongside Sly.

Jonathan guided him gently, treading carefully through the story of his acting life and Sylvester spoke humbly and movingly about his meager start. It was unbelievable that this guy once lived in a hellhole of poverty before making the big time and his recounting of his experience with fame was inspirational. From the now legendary story of how he was so poor he had to sell his dog (which he then bought back for thousands after getting work), and his inner conflict of taking more serious roles as an actor as opposed to the ones that made him famous, he was mesmerizing to watch and listen to.

Sylvester reminisced about his early acting days and how much he sucked

“I tried for a school play called (Sweeney) Todd goes West. I was horrible. My mouth was crooked I had slurred speech. (He suffered nerve damage when he was born, hence the speech problems you hear), I was told not to bother with acting”

PHOTO COURTESY Jonathan Darby/PA.

Yet Sylvester has no regrets following his passion for the big screen. ‘’I’m very very proud to have been able to play one character for life. Rambo was my darkest character. Me and De Niro talk about this all the time’’. (He name checks Robert De Niro numerous times is clearly is a fan that holds him in high regard)

“I was failing in California and needed an opportunity to make it. Just give me a chance I begged everyone and I was writing. No one thought I could write. One night I was watching a fight of Ali. So I got this idea of collecting from a loan shark and I wrote a script. I went to an audition and they said I wasn’t right. I then said something that changed my life. On my way out of the door I turned and desperately pleaded, ” I write a bit too”. They said ‘yeah bring us something one day”. And so I went home and grabbed some scripts and was back 10 minutes later’’.

Now that is persistence!
He continued ‘‘in everyone’s live there are three or four crossroads and this was one of mine. So they eventually offered me over 300,000 and I had to go for it. But they put a million clauses in my contract that said they could fire me for being late, being untidy, being rude, if my hair was parted wrong. I did everything right and went for it. ”

Sylvester had the audience roaring with laughter as he reminisced on how badly he reacted to his early fame

‘‘the success affected me. I was horrible. I was an authority on everything. If I could go back I would have punched myself in the face. I was bad!’’.

His arrogance made him write the sequel to Rocky. ‘’I wrote Rocky 2. Everyone on the crew hated my script so bad they all quit. They wanted him to party in the playboy mansion and finally die. I saw him as going on and on. It was a very different early beginning to the film brand that made my name. The original Adrian was a totally different woman, mickey was a racist and a lot of other differences’’.

Sylvester blames Rambo for his perma-tan. ‘’Rambo 3 is the reason; I was so burnt out in the hot sun shooting all day. That’s why I’m permanently red. I’m burnt for life.
I loved that movie. It wasn’t just violence- I showed real atrocities from wars around the world too’’.

We were all roaring with laughter again as he recalled meeting John Travolta shooting the dance classic ‘Staying alive’. ‘’John was trying to eat well. I’d place a plate of fudge on the table. Very soon the fudge was gone. John was dancing and at one point complaining about chaffing. I laughed at him incredulous “You’re chaffing?! In Rocky we were stitching ourselves up in between shoots!”

Expanding on his screen writing Sylvester explained ‘’The hardest thing to me is writing sequels. They’re hard to do if they’re good. I used to be an usher in cinemas though. So I studied films hard. I earned 30 dollars a week as an usher but I learnt how to structure and write a film by watching movies non-stop’’.

PHOTO COURTESY Jonathan Darby/PA.

Jonathon asked Sly to talk about his movie adversaries ‘‘with my enemies I have to make them twice as creative and as aggressive as Rocky’’. (Jonathon pushed on real life adversaries) “I’m not gonna mention Steven Seagal….the guys that do the same movie where they knock everyone out”. LOL great to know even at his great stage in his career he recalls the competitive beef and throws shade when needed!

He continued

‘’With me Bruce and Arnold. We all had our own different way of doing it. Me and Arnold hated each other in a good way. He’s a worthy adversary. We’ve spoken and we both agree that its sensational to have a worthy opponent’’.

His most ambitious project, the action thriller The Expendables, which he wrote, directed and starred in, see’s him hire an all star action cast including Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Eric Roberts, Dolph Lungren and Steve Austin – as well as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Sly revealed that of all the actors he’s brought together it’s our very own Brit Jason Statham that’s his fave. ‘’When he smiles and jokes around he’s great. He might really make it in this business lol!’’.

Sly is very self aware of his luck with films being made at a certain time and the cutthroat industry. ‘’Raging bull would never have been made today. Studios and Hollywood are different. Today it’s a much cheaper budget, like a million a movie!’’ Revealing he always had a thing to play a fit, butch action hero he added ‘’the most iconic fictional charter for me in my early days was Steve Reeves in the Hercules films. He had the most perfect physical specimen ever and I also loved Kirk Douglas!’’

Stallone revealed he had turned down roles he regretted too in films like Coming home, Witness with Harrison ford. Romancing the stone. But all my failures opened up a door for success’’

In the audience Q&A session Teresa from Cheshire asked an average question. If there were “any actors you still want to work with?” Answer; Sean Penn.

Typically eye-rolling question came from Louise from Swansea. “I’m a lady of a certain age and weight. I can’t lose weight. Would you do a fitness DVD? That would inspire me?
Sly looked speechless and confused before stuttering ‘’I tried it once, I did a book called “sly moves”, it bombed!’’

Its easy to forget that although Stallone has established a worldwide recognition as an actor, he is also a writer and director that’s won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Rocky grew to a franchise of five sequels and in 2006 concluded with Rocky Balboa, a critical and audience success which resolutely confirmed both Stallone and Rocky as iconic cultural symbols. In more recent times, Stallone wrote, directed and starred in Rambo, which continued the saga of Vietnam vet John Rambo 25 years after the debut of Rambo: First Blood.

An evening with Stallone was less than two hours long bit the audience could have listened to him for hours. We were captivated, enlightened and entertained. Even though back In 2002 Stallone was honored by the Video Dealers Software Association when he was presented with the “Action Star of the Millennium Award” and Stallone is only the third person in Hollywood history, after Charlie Chaplin and Orson Welles, to receive two Academy Awards nominations for the same film, for Best Original Screenplay & Best Actor, its clear he’s much more than just an actor.

On January 24, he will be seen starring in Grudge Match co-starring with his new best pal Robert DeNiro. “It was great working with Bobby” we laugh a lot together”. I told him ‘I thought you were crap at that scene. I didn’t really believe you”. He replied “I thought u sucked too” lolol

In March, 2014, Rocky the Musical will open at The Winter Garden on Broadway. The musical is based on the original film written by Stallone with music by Stephen Flaherty and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime).

To end the evening, the London Palladium inducted him live on stage into their newly created Palladium Hall of Fame – a room with panel of photos celebrating the greatest artists to appear on the stage. A photo was taken backstage before the show by Press Association photographer Jonathan Brady, and Stallone will go into the wall panel of American superstars, including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Bob Hope.

Bishu Chakraborty, Managing Director of Really Useful Theatre Group said: “I have never ever seen a Palladium reception like the one Mr Stallone received tonight. The entire theatre were on their feet cheering and screaming as he arrived onstage. It was an unforgettable sound.”

Hollywood Mr Fixit, Rocco Buonvino, who produced the event with his partner Joe Ricotta, said: “Mr Stallone was totally blown away by the reception he received in London tonight. He wasn’t expecting that reception. He was funny, revealing and he even sang a bit! The night was a total triumph. After presenting Al Pacino and now Sylvester Stallone both on stage at the world-famous London Palladium, I have more Hollywood superstars waiting in the wings to get up close and personal with their UK fans. Watch this space!”

As Mr Stallone left the Palladium for a private jet from Luton airport to Los Angeles, his people carrier was chased down the street by over 100 screaming fans. As it reached a red light by Liberty’s, the vehicle was surrounded by a mob who started chanting “Rocky!” “Rocky!” “Rocky!” for several minutes before the light turned green and he could make his getaway.

This was one night Stallone finished smiling, slick suited, smoothly, without breaking a sweat.

JASMINE WITH ALESHA DIXON.

Always great to start the New Year with a positive talent that I’ve admired for over a decade. Miss Alesha Dixon was first introduced to me by my then boyfriend. She and I were dating two best friends from the same UK boy band. She told me she was in a band and they were trying to get signed. The band was Mis Teeq and years down the line they made it. She was always the sweetest most real person. No front, no issues or airs and graces. I liked her.

JASMINE WITH MIS TEEQ

Years on we worked together whilst I was at MTV. She was always the utmost professional and welcoming celeb. Never did I see her change. Totally down to earth and a right laugh. A lady that straddles the old skool manners and good upbringing with the street savvy know-how of being a mic spitter and taking on the boys at their own game.

JASMINE WITH ALESHA

Back then you were in two camps. Either you love her for her husky take no prisoners voice battering the mic at London’s garage raves (that’s me!), or you thought ‘’oh there’s that pretty girl with her voice on the mic again-. She was so hot that Pharrll Williams called to make her the lead girl on his video ‘’she wants to move’’ that was one in the eye for Harvey. She went from one of the cutest guys in UK music to the uber talented man god Pharrell!

ALESHA AND JASMINE

The domineering men in the game didn’t faze Alesha. She and her band mates never showed the public if there was any backstage tension between them, she was innocently openly in love with her next boyfriend Harvey whom she married. Things turned ugly there but after the national scandal they both moved on to happier lives.

JASMINE WITH MIS TEEQ

I recall Alesha confiding in me about whether or not she should take the strictly come dancing role years ago. She feared the public wouldn’t take her music career seriously after it. Years down the line her courage paid off. Now she’s not just a chart music game, she’s a household name. She embodies qualities every young lady should aspire to. She’s classy, understated and knows herself.

I went down to St Martin’s lane hotel to congratulate her on her debut fragrance launch. Its her first dabble into the perfume world. When asked why she wanted to go down the fragrance path, Alesha said “Every girl loves perfume, and as a business woman it’s about expanding my brand and trying new ventures.”

She told me

‘’Today I launched my first fragrance Rose Quartz! I’m very excited, as I have been working on it for quite some time. I took my first meeting on it back in 2009! It was important to create a fragrance that I genuinely loved and I wanted to get it right. It is inspired by my love of crystals and their healing properties. Rose Quartz is the stone that promotes positive energy, self worth and love. I hope all women will love It as much as I do’’ She explained: ‘It’s a floral symphony with opening notes of bergamot, grapefruit, geranium and magnolia throughout’’

She hinted that her next fragrance will be named after her daughter Azura Sienna. ‘’’It’s called the crystal collection because if you come to my house it’s full of crystals. I have a crystal bible in my bedroom. My Mum is a bit of a hippy! She collects crystals – they all have healing properties and I wanted the fragrance to mirror this. ‘I wanted the packing and bottle to be heavyweight and beautiful I am surprised you can’t smell it now I’ve got 100ml’s on me! There’s nothing worse than buying a perfume that you are scared to use’’.

Alesha wore a House of Holland dress with Sophia Webster shoes and was so pleased with the launch ‘’the launch was lovely! I Left Azura with her daddy today, it was my first day back at work, I was a little nervous leaving her but it all worked out fine’’.

Alesha is now the embodiment of yummy mummy and MILF all in one but whilst she may be a totally classy lady her perfume is not overpriced and expensive. It is priced at £25.00 for 50ml and will be available to buy from leading fragrance outlets from March 2014.

JASMINE AND JANELLE (PIC PAUL H)

Rounded off the week at ITV Studios for the Brit Awards nominations announcement. All the usual young whippersnapper suspects were out in full force in their trendy print t-shirts and beanie hats and heels. Great to see the Brits panel looking forwards at the future youth in music instead of backwards at majority oldies as they usually do. Whilst David Bowie was acknowledged, the rest were fresh and futuristic. Bastille and disclosure are unique and very un pop star like. There are nominations for other new artists including Rudimental, London Grammar, Laura Mvula, John Newman and Naughty Boy. The balance between UK urban and the rest seems genuinely fair in comparison to previous years when British urban based acts have been over looked, but with Laura Mvula, Rudimental and Naughty Boy getting nominations, the Brits and the UK music industry is a much healthier place than it was a decade ago. (I was particular cuffed that a favourite Janelle Monae was nominated!)
I was most excited about a new category that they announced- British video. Lets see if that encourages video directors to pull their finger out and persuade record label video commissioners to be a bit more experimental and creative than the usual booty twerking nonsense they’ve been spoon feeding our youth for the past decade.
Jessie J told me she was happy that so many styles of different music were being acknowledged and that soul was making a comeback. Rudimental said they had put in over 7 years of hard work before this point of recognistion. Favourite past Brit performances included Jarvis Cockers bum moment and Lady Gagas recent madness. The artists going this year said they’d start thinking of what rebellious stuff they could do to grab the publics attention….like throw M&M sweeties at each other! lol
This years show takes place at the O2 in London on Wednesday 19 February. Ellie Goulding has been announced as the latest live act to perform on the night, joining Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Rudimental. Goulding won the Brits critics’ choice award back in 2010, a prize that this year will be awarded to singer Sam Smith. (I told you about him in my pre Christmas predictions!).
FINAL NOTE- my take on the Celebrity Big Brother Evander Holyfield gaygate drama is a Voltaire quote I live by ‘’ ‘I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.’

ALICIA KEYS- TOOK THE CHEQUE!

So we ended the year with positive vibes, congratulating those that had made a mark on society and their field of business. But it’s the New Year and time for some real talk. Here is the Dotiwala NOT the New Years Honours list.

I am all about the hustle, making paper, getting caked, call it what you will. But you’ve got to be able to do it honorably or your reputation suffers and people stop respecting your moves.

Given the “any revenue is good revenue” mantra adapted by the music biz in the wake of the digital revolution, that is, make money by any means necessary; the product placement monster is now on steroids! It’s always been about being all about the Benjamin’s in hip-hop but have we gone too far? For people whose definition of success is directly related to their assets you can never go too far. They’ll travel to Timbuktu for their free lunch- not recalling that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. These days it’s all about blowing money fast (Rick Ross), straight cash and buko money (French Montana).

I recall at every company I’ve ever worked at that we have long sessions with corporate lawyers telling us not to ever accept payola or gifts worth over £200 from external clients, as that’s when we would be hauled over a furnace and given our marching orders. But no such rules nowadays for celebs and products.

People and extra curricular partnerships will always exist. Head of not very huge company decides to approach a very famous celeb with a huge cant say no offer to be their brand ambassador. There are so many good successful stories. Adidas and David Beckham, Beyonce (and every other female star) and L O’real, Puffy and Ciroc vodka, Pepsi and Nike in the movie back to the future, Manolo Blahnik and Sex and the City, Beyonce with Pepsi, Taylor Swift for diet coke, the list goes on and on.

Rihannas partnership with River Island works as all the clothes actually do look like they were designed by Riri (or her stylist-no matter), her fans buy into it as the River Island mannequins look like her. Also we believe Lady Gaga and diet coke go together-just look at how skinny this chic is now!

The biggest success story of recent years which made every music manager look up and have their head spin around 360 degrees was the now blueprint deal of rapper 50 Cent’s deal with Vitamin Water manufacturer Glaceau. In the early 2000s, Vitamin Water was attempting to break out beyond the health food market. Fitness buff 50 Cent, then the hottest rapper in the world, had been seen drinking the vitamin water and paying for it regularly himself, so the company approached him for a plug. Thanks to the foresight of his late manager, Chris Lighty, instead of a hired spokesman, 50 became a full creative partner with a signature flavor — Formula 50 — and a minority share of the company. With his involvement, the drink took off, and when Coca-Cola acquired Glaceau for $4.1 billion, 50 saw his personal portfolio swell by a reported $100 million. Now that’s a real believe deal.

Music industry stalwart Steve Stoute, recently named Ad Age’s 2013 executive of the year, jumped ship from Interscope as head of urban music in 2004 to found the Translation advertising agency, which was instrumental in bringing Justin Timberlake to Bud Light beer and many other music stars to mainstream brands.
Suddenly failed A&R men worldwide decided they would all do a Steve Stoute and act as a conduit between celebrities and brands. (Basically pimp out their music mates for 20% commission). Don’t let anyone tell you its all business. Real business managers see their act and a brand that elevates their client and enhances their reputation. A pimp manager reads that brand XYZ has millions and will spin any angle to make their client fit. Forcing a square into a circular hole.

There have been some messy examples. MTV signing up ambassadors that don’t necessarily support the pro-social cause but want more MTV exposure.
Similarly, there are horrible examples like Alicia Keys, for example, who raised some eyebrows and had us all roaring with ‘’she took the cheque’’ laughter when she was announced as ‘’creative directorship at Blackberry’’. We laughed harder a few weeks later when a post on her personal Twitter account was marked “sent from my iPhone.” (She claims she was hacked)

Dan Charnas, author of “The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop,” says

‘’when has Alicia Keys ever had the aesthetic to be a creative director of anything except an album? “It’s a title that makes the artist feel better about any misgivings they have about whoring themselves out to a company. But the fact of the matter is, if it’s a good combination, if it’s organic, then there’s nothing whorish about it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it, especially in this environment.”

Similarly when James Bond actor Daniel Craig started lyricizing positively about Heineken we all sat up and dropped our shaken not stirred martinis in disbelief. More eyebrows were raised when world sprint champ Usain Bolt paired up with Richard Bransons Virgin brand, the fastest man on earth married to the slowest internet provider online. He took the cheque. You gotta admire their balls.

My personal shudder factor goes into overdrive at gifting rooms at awards shows. Basically, a huge room backstage where minor celebs sprint to be gifted free stuff. Usually lingerie, drinks, mobile phones and sports brands. You’ll never find a bonafide superstar in these rooms as they either have things gifted discreetly or can buy it for themselves with no shame of prostituting themselves out to brands who pray they will tweet about them. I was at a gifting room this year when a c list DJ on a small radio station was grabbing stuff for his mums, wife’s and sisters Christmas presents. Cheap or clever?

NAUGHTY BOY KEEPS IT REAL AND BUYS HIS OWN CHICKEN.

Naughty Boy told me this year he didn’t want a Nandos black card as he could afford to buy all the chicken in the world and still sleep at night knowing he hadn’t pimped himself out. A slap in the face to the teamUK lads all tweeting about their Nandos black cards.

Celebs will take the cheque for doing no work at all. A simple tweet can earn thousands. Snoop Dogg gave props on Twitter to an ad for the Toyota Sienna minivan. Actress Tori Spelling linked to a website for rental cars. And reality TV star Khloe Kardashian gushed about the brand of jeans that accentuates the famous Kardashian behind. “Want to know how Old Navy makes your butt look scary good? Ask a Kardahian,” Khloe tweeted. Cringe!
A tweet from Khloe Kardashian Odom costs about $8,000, and one from singer Ray J is about $2,300, according to prices listed by social media marketer Izea.

Most intelligent clued up punters can probably tell when they are being sold fake product placement. If they don’t, they deserve the crap they’re buying.

VARIETY tells us that Steve Angello, one-third of the recently-disbanded Swedish House Mafia, wasted little time after the supergroup’s spring farewell tour to begin setting up his solo-career brand deals. Before even revealing album-release dates or touring plans, he went public with a partnership with Kraft, (foods) for which he will help promote a new energy drink dubbed MiO, designing a signature flavor and debuting new music on the company’s platform. He says without the ability to be creatively involved with the product and the marketing campaign, it wouldn’t have made sense.

“It’s just hard to find big brands like Kraft foods that are willing to be creative,” he says. “I’ve been approached in the past by big brands to do something weird that wouldn’t fit me. “If a cell phone brand came to me and asked, ‘do you want to be involved?’ I’d say ‘sure, but can I change the phones?’ … I don’t think you could really just put a product in my hand just for cash.”

Not all stars agree. This past fortnight a whole host of superstars from John Travolta, Faye Dunaway, Jerry Hall, Lindsay Lohan, Queen Latifah, Jermaine Dupri, Diana Ross and more all turned up to a young South Asian Princes New Years Eve party at The Dorchester. Can you imagine being so desperate to surround yourself with celebrities that you pay them all to simply turn up? And I’m not talking expenses; they’re receiving between £100,000 and over a million depending on what they’re prepared to do. Turn up/ turn up/sit on his table/ turn up/sing. Also, how desperate for a pay cheque do these celebs have to be to accept as opposed to spending this special time of year with their own nearest and dearest? Says a lot about what money can buy. Yes it can buy you celebs but not happiness!

So my NOT the New Year Honours List awards go to all the celebs picking up cash for a short term financial fix, but that have sold their souls and reputations down the line and to all the brands paying them big bucks- congratulations- you just threw your hard earned cash down the pan! 2014 is a year to honestly value yourself and your brands better. A pay off in 2014 wont help you sleep at night when you’re broke and a laughing stock in 2015.
Me? Bitter? Yes a little.

JASMINE ON A GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT OUT- WITH (L-R) DIANE LEPART-INVESTMENT FUND MANAGER, KANYA KING-MOBO CEO, JODIE DALMEA-PR, COUNCILLOR CLAUDIA WEBBE.

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great holiday period? I ended the year with a relaxed one for once. It had been a hectic year and I needed to step back and reflect. I think the number of black oppression films I viewed just before Christmas also added to my sombre mood. It was a strange year as the movies about racial conscious came thick and fast. The film world is seeing a Black Film Renaissance but why did all the films have to be so depressing? I know these stories have to be told but like the same complaint we make on TV, don’t we have any feel good films to balance this stuff out?
First The Help, D’Jango , Mandela, then The Butler,. We complain that there aren’t enough roles for black actors then a whole bunch of films come along with roles for black thespians, yet they’re all depressing. It’s a lose -lose situation right here!

Whilst The Help was horrific, D’Jango was tragic it had humorous moments and was sold as a cowboy comedy in part. Mandela was a serious autobiographical tale told well against a background of apartheid. The Butler was based on a real story but it was a watchable story of sentiment. In 2014 we can expect the biopics about Martin Luther King and James Brown, so expect more sweetening up of real stories right there.

However, 12years a Slave, which is out to the UK public this month, is something you need to be mentally and emotionally prepared for. I was invited by my friend MOBO CEO Kanya King to go to a private early screening in December.

The film is the extraordinary story of a free man torn from his family in New York in 1841 and enslaved in the South. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.

12 years is even being tipped to become the first film by a black director to win the Oscar for best picture at the Academy Awards in March.

The reason I think thismovie has touched audiences most with its realistic portrayal of slavery isbecause a pair of Britons finally brought the true horror and real take on this comprehensive take on America’s scarred heritage to the country’s silver screens. The other films add comedy and sentiment to the American story of slavery whilst the British filmmakers really don’t mess about.

The movie had all the press and celebs at Cineworld in Haymarket in tears. There were audible gasps andsobs all the way through the film screening just before Christmas. Its great that the younger generations who may not have watched Roots in its hey day can view this and take in just how recent slavery was. It took place during my own great grandparents era so not that far removed from today. No wonder communities still have deep psychological issues with society! After the film screening the director and lead man did a Q&A session with the audiencewhere they told of their experience making the film and how they wanted it to be a true reflection of a horrific historical period. One thing that struck me was a quote by director Steve McQueen. He said ‘’tragic and terrible things happen on beautiful days all the time’’ one persons great sunny day is another’s day of devastation’’

In making this film, black British director Steve McQueen, and lead man -actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, have shed light on unresolved tensions in a nation where African-Americans remain disproportionately poor, badly educated and locked behind bars, even as they are led by their first black president. It has made Americas sit up and question much. Will it do the same in the UK this month?

SIR CLIFF RICHARD!

From black oppression to white pop legend. I was fortunate to hear my mums fave childhood crush- Sir Cliff Richard- talk to The Wireless, Age UK’s radio station where he was fascinating to listen to but things that he said that stood out to me included him praising upcoming musicians but worries about how they are treated. He said: “When you think about it, even the losers on X-Factor are good. I mean, they’re really good singers these days. “When you think of One Direction, five of them, they all lost. None of them won X-Factor and they’re the biggest boy band in the World at the moment.”

Cliff is in that league of diverse music acts like Dolly Parton and Cher whom the black community love to love and play proudly at home. However, he expressed some concern about how bands are supported, “I don’t think the new groups and young singers have the same support system. Today you can have a number one, if your next record’s not number one sometimes they won’t re-sign. It’s because they don’t have the same faith in the artists that my producer and manager Norrie Paramour and Peter Gormley had.”

He also expressed his amazement at his latest album, his 100th album, saying, “I cannot believe how this could happen to me. I look back and think I didn’t have all those lessons and classes and stuff. I had nothing to fall back on. I mean this is ludicrous. And if people don’t understand why, join the queue, I’m at the head of the queue; I have no idea why.” that floored me!? his 100th album? Can you imagine? At aged 73 this man has just released his 100th album!.

Asked about whether he is thinking of retiring, Sir Cliff said, “Here I am at 73, and I’m not sure that retire is really in my vocabulary, but what I want to do sometimes is just stop. And so therefore in the future I might try and figure out how I can just stop.” But fans of the musician should not panic as he went on to say, “And then start whenever I want to again.”
Just hearing his get up and go attitude to life makes me feel like a sloth! I need to keep up with Cliff in 2014!