Jasmine Dotiwala

📣 Personal & Professional Announcement 📣

I’m honoured & delighted to be joining the Board of Arts Emergency -an organisation I’ve long admired, who support young people across the country to flourish in creative industries.

I’ve always thrived around young people and their energy to create new things, in new ways, with new rules and the mentoring I’ve done has always taught me as much as I pass forward.

When young people from under-represented backgrounds are stopped from achieving their greatness due to lack of access I have always tried to find a way for them through those locked doors and mentioned them in rooms where they have no access.
So the work that Arts Emergency do is very important for the future of young people in creative industries as well as this countries future economy, landscape and who has the right to be a part of that world.

Dedicated to levelling the playing field – I’m excited for the work ahead with CEO Neil Griffiths and his team, as well as Chair of our Board Perminder Mann , fellow new trustee Binda Patel , fellow trustee Yomi Adegoke and two stellar young people – Chloe Heywood and Sam Oddie.

So many of my connections oversee and advocate for various arts and creative industries.

It would mean the world to me if you took a look at Arts Emergency’s work and see whether you might be interested in getting involved?

Often my TV Production and media work involves discussions around inclusion  diversity and safe spaces in the creative world.

When I mentioned to a friend that I was dying to get my haircut she mentioned a great salon to me in Portobello Road. She said it has a hipster reputation but it’s values and ethics are in line with mine 100% So I had to check it out. 

It’s called Blue Tit @bluetitlondon and with a beautiful synergy – it’s in my fave local haunt of Portobello Road.

I’ve walked past it a million times not being aware of the stellar situation behind the front door! Firstly, it doesn’t look like your typical hair salon.  It’s minimal with Notting hill spirit and energy. Earthy wall tones with an abundance of green plant foliage. This design reflects the organic products they use and their focus on being environmentally friendly.

My pal told me that I’d love this place because everything that their stylists are trained in is to do with inclusion and diversity at it’s heart  (Initially I thought well that’s strange?…I mean with a hair salon how does that work? What does it even mean?) The journalist in me asked a hundred questions and soon found out.

At @BlueTitLondon they’ve trained all their Stylists to work on all hair types, specially textured and afro hair. They want everyone to feel welcome. They also want to eliminate the barriers in salons for textured and afro hair types. To that end they are also the UK’s first Bcopr certified Salon group. 

Firstly they train their stylists in their salon to be totally accessible, sensitive to and supportive various different groups of people and to understand their needs. They have an educator called Mads who trains the stylists in hair industry inclusivity.. 

They are trained in disability awareness. So if you had someone for example who was blind or needed sighted guidance, they would know how to make their customers feel safe and supported both verbally and physically, where to stand, how to touch and guide, as well as how to use language and words to describe hair procedures and looks as well as accommodate their guide dogs. 

The stylists are also trained in race inclusion. For example, you don’t just go to any salon if you know you have a certain hair type. If you have afro hair then you are likely to go to a specialist afro hair salon who specialise in working with black hair.  But at Blue Tit every stylist is trained in basic afro textured and the next step is all their stylists will have enhanced training various different hair textures. 

There’s also an emphasis on hair care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. In fact whilst I had my own hair washed, my neighbour was a young woman with a baby gurgling away happily. 

Speaking of the hair wash area, omg!  It’s the first time in my life that the wash basin has comfortably accommodated by neck and head as I’m only 5,1”(shorter people like me need inclusion awareness too LOL!), and like airport lounges – the chairs are bed loungers. Bliss is the only way I can describe the wash and head massage that my colourist Leanne gave me. 

They are trained in being on alert to various people’s needs and being on an emotional wavelength with each client.

I was intrigued about my area in the salon which had the possibility of being sectioned off with a heavy velvet curtain around us. I was told that this area could be a private and curtained off cubicle section for people who might want to be more discreet for medical (chemotherapy which leads to hair loss),  or religious reasons (removing a scarf in public) .

I have to say I was shocked I didn’t realize so much thought could go into hair industry inclusion. It was brilliant to learn about all these things that can make a big difference to people.  After all, after the pandemic we all and know how much we value both our safe spaces and our hairdressers! 

We don’t just let anyone touch our hair.  It’s the reason we have our favourite hair stylist , the reason we wait months to see our favourite hair salon , and why our hairdressers know our deepest secrets. 

So Blue Tit is somewhere that ensures that everyone is included in a safe space.

I also salute their commitment to being a sustainable and responsible business. They believe great hair should not come at a cost to the environment. 

So alongside their latest collaboration with hair care brand Oway, Blue Tit uses 100% biodegradable towels, EcoHeads, recycles over 90% of its waste and use recycled or upcycled materials wherever possible in all their spaces….,. surely all salons should be doing this in the current climate

All the products in the salon are natural and paraben free. In fact, If you buy products from here, when they run out, you can bring back the empty bottle for a top up and get 15% off. So even the planet loves this place. 

It’s also the first time I’ve experienced Biodegradable reusable towels, which saves energy as you’re not washing big heavy towels daily. Furthermore all their hair treatments are totally natural.

 At the back of the salon there is a cocktail bar full of a huge array of drinks both alcoholic and soft as well as herbal teas! It was too early in the morning to indulge in a cocktail so I had an elderberry water with a thin slice of orange which was lush! 

The stylists all had a sense of fun and are all very warm welcoming and friendly to everyone.

My hair had been looking like a brassy blonde block instead of the textured “I spent the last year on a Brazilian beach” look’ that I wanted.  But the lovely Leanne fixed me up!

My cut was by Charlie who was charming, so much fun, upbeat and asked questions about my hair and needs like no other stylist before. He told me that he’s worked all across London and the part of London where people live, tend to dictate various hairstyles that people request. Charlie tells me that when he worked in Bethnal Green for example, clients would request their favourite K Pop band hair styles, vegan mullets and more lol.  (London is a stereotype of itself now!). 

My colour was by Leanne who was chatty, friendly and clearly a huge advocate for inclusion. Both shared how powerful their inclusion sessions had been and why every hair salon in the country should be able to passionately cater to every single member of society.

I only spent three hours at Blue Tit but felt like I’d been on a mini spa break. Yes it is hipster and uber cool – created with the instagram generation in mind – but that made me love it more! I really recommend it.

There’s a Blue Tit in Dalston, Peckham Brixton, Oxford Street and here in Portobello Road.

Even if it’s for a one-off treat it’s worth experiencing what true inclusion means when it’s juxtaposed with values and ethics in the hair styling industry. 10/10!

This past two months have been mega busy with me Series Producing Series 2 of the Channel 4 discussion show UNAPOLOGETIC.

Hosted by digital influencer and presenter Zeze Millz and Radio and TV Broadcaster Yinka Bokinni, the show airs every Wednesday at 11.05pm and dives into a handful of weekly topical conversations which have had the internet and young social media platforms buzzing. (Don’t worry if the show is on too late for you to watch live- due to the usual TV ad-share reasons where advertisers want to book slots with huge ratings which leaves ”specialist content” in graveyard slots…you can-like young digital audiences- watch every show back on ALL4!)

Our two hosts made history by being the first young, black, female lead lineup for a British mainstream TV show and are joined weekly by a panel of three VIC’s (VERY IMPORTANT COMMENTATORS), as well as expert opinion guests with real lived experiences and very strong polarising opinions.

Topics have so far included trending topics like British acting superstar John Boyega stating he ONLY DATES BLACK and whether this is racist?, Whether it’s the era of the sugar baby and sugar daddy?, are Gen Z the least resilient generation?, has diversity in politics made any difference?, the discourse around colour-blind-casting, whether celebrity LGBTQIA+ allies are hypocrites for attending the Qatar World Cup and whether shows like Love Island are bad for us.

The show is a fast turnaround show each week, with young black talent and fast rising influencers and celebrities thrown into the mix.

The North London studio each week is buzzing with 360 camera excitement, selfies and stories being created onset by all the guests as well as the SBTV Digital team and it’s a rollercoaster ride every week! There is always Zeze’s dog Dave running around getting loved on by everyone onsite. There are always boxes of Krispy Kreme donuts gifted by our exec Brenda Edwards. Theres always a buzzing gallery of screens adjacent to an always spinning 360 platform for the various influencers milling around getting mic’ed up for the studio. It’s fun, young and throws all the usual telly status quo rules out of the window.

The backstage crew are a talented fresh mix of young TV Production teams who are fast rising TV stars in their own right working across numerous mainstream TV Series.

The show is CO Exec Produced by the brilliant team at Cardiff Productions led by former BBC Head Honcho ‘s Pat Younge and Maxine Watson. The show is also CO Exec Produced by the stellar SBTV team led by the multi faceted Brenda Edwards, and Isaac Densu.

One week early in the series i glanced across to my right as we were filming and gasped with surprise and delight as I observed a whole set full of black crew! More than I’d ever seen on any set I’ve worked on across the years, and I’ve been in the game over two decades. It was a great feeling to see such a mix of inclusive talent from under represented groups and Channel 4, Cardiff Productions and SBTV are changing the game with this set up.

I also loved working on the show as I got to meet and work with so many of my favourite online personalities who I have been following and fan-girling over for years, like Kelechi Okafor!

Salute Zeze & Yinka and the whole UNAPOLOGETIC TEAM for holding the reins of this show & keeping all the celebs & influencers in check all series.

Topical discussions from a younger than your usual perspective on British TV.

Throwing the usual TV rules out.
Refreshing. Different. Unique!

The Voice Newspaper celebrates its 40 Year Anniversary this month and as part of its alumni, myself and other asian and black writers who were given an opportunity to write early in our careers, were asked to write some words.

Below is my love letter of gratitude to The Voice.

Dear The Voice

Writing a weekly column for you, for over 15 years, has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life, and for that, I want to thank you.

When I was approached in 1999 by Tricia Liverpool and Lee Pinkerton about writing a regular weekly column called Jasmines Juice in The Voice, I was excited, humbled, anxious, and honoured.

As a young student running off to college, I had been religiously running to the newsagents to pick up The Voice weekly to keep up with my favourite writers of colour for many years, so to be asked to also contribute was a joy, shock (and way out of my comfort zone as unlike the rest of the incredible writers, I wasn’t a trained writer) and was embarrassed about my lack of writing skills.

I imagine I’d been asked due to my MTV role, which allowed me access to the biggest music and entertainment names. Sharing my interviews and adventures with them with Voice readers became a unique opportunity to give The Voice exclusives with all the content that didn’t make it onto MTV.

Even though I’ve always had a real job in TV, the first few years of my column in The Voice would end with the line ‘’contrary to belief, Jasmine is not just a ghetto it-girl, but a producer at MTV’’….Voice readers would quote that to me when meeting me out on the street.

I received hundreds of emails each month from across the community but mostly from young girls, students and prisoners who were also inspired by the column to be Entertainment journalists. I would offer them work experience at MTV and many of them went on to work at MTV and are now in senior media positions across the industry. 

I treasured the tips that arrived from all quarters: the community, music stars, actors, athletes, managers, TV execs, politicians, record labels, trident, friends, foes, the lot! I treasured the people who invited me into their homes, lives and minds weekly (or had me forced upon them). I treasured the opportunity to occasionally help change people’s lives by speaking openly and honestly about topics and issues that we often found taboo, but most of all I treasured starting conversations and giving a voice to those who might not otherwise have one and helped push talent wherever I could via my column.

Additionally, The Voice platform gave me an opportunity to try being a columnist, hone my writing skills and be supported by some incredible editors. The editors were incredible in editing down my copy, which was always WAY too long. Sometimes my long-suffering, brilliant editors – Davina and Dionne  – would simply send me back an email that said, ” Jas it needs to be half this length, please resend”. LOL

It didn’t matter where I was in the world or in what time zone, I would deliver my column into The Voice team on time, and they worked all hours and made it happen. I do recall telling Mariah and Jay Z that they had to sail their summer boat into land so I could pick up wi fi so my Voice column could be sent in time! This weekly commitment was important to me. 

The impact of my contribution to The Voice on my own career cannot be understated. The voice gave me – a non-black, woman of colour, a long-term (15 years!) seat at the table of a national newspaper, when no other publication would’ve ever seen any potential in doing so. 

I didn’t take for granted having been offered a seat at the table as a guest of the country’s biggest national black newspaper. I was incredibly fortunate, and the weekly column gave me even more opportunities to cover stories for TV which I wouldn’t have been offered or connected to without the column. 

But more than that, The Voice gave me national visibility, access, and a pipeline into the heart of the black community who in turn reached out to me with hidden stories that I could then amplify on my TV platforms.

For of all this, I always note and pay homage-the black community. You all have a reputation for welcoming everyone and embraced me as a kid growing up in the streets of Southall and Harlesden. You are warm, inviting, non-judgmental cultural leaders and innovators and for that cultural adoption and taking me in your arms I will forever thank you.

Over the years The Voice gave so many new young writers who were black and Asian their first breaks- to shape their critical thinking – and a public facing platform with the most inclusive community I’ve ever been lucky enough to be culturally adopted by, and for that I will be forever indebted to the brand and its team across the years. 

The reason this matters and the impact that this early investment in us had is clear, now that many of us have pipelined into successful careers and many are leading changemakers for inclusion within various industries. We all appreciate the huge opportunity and blessing that we were bestowed. 

It was a pleasure and a privilege to have the space to share with readers every week. I still miss it.

Happy 40th Anniversary to The Voice!

What an incredible night at the annual GRM Daily #GRMGala

GRM Daily is a platform that started in 2009 just after other online music platforms like SBTV and LinkUp TV and to date have over a 5million subscribers on YouTube.

GRM Daily (stands for “Grime and Rap Music”), they were formerly called Grime Daily, and they are a British black/urban music outlet and entertainment platform.

It’s also an outlet celebrating and amplifying UK rap and its various genres, such as UK drill, afroswing, trap, and British hip hop. The platform also serves electronic genres such as UK garage and grime.

GRM Daily produce news, interviews, music videos and other top quality content covering UK rap, drill, grime and popular culture.

The annual GRM Awards-The Rated Awards, and now the annual GRM Gala are two of the most coveted events to be at for young pop culture and black excellence talent. Their cocktails list is my favourite thing as it’s always based around the music, genre and artistic talent.

This years GRM Gala was hosted at Kensington Palace HRP Kensington Palace!

So many people encompassing excellence were in the room, from music stars, actors, social media stars, online content creators, new music acts, legendary old skool UK music acts – it was a great turnout!

There were so many people there, just some of those i spotted and spoke to included actor Daniel Kaluuya, presenter and broadcaster Maya Jama, music manager Kwame Kwaten, George The Poet, presenter and broadcaster ZeZe Mills, musician and author Wretch32, musician and actor Kano, multi-media broadcaster Julie Adenuga,music stars Krept & Konan, 0207 Def Jam UK Co- President Alex Boateng, actor and musician Ashley Walters, A&R at 0207 DefJam Char Grant, musician and producer Shystie, Lethal B, George The Poet, Ivorian Doll, Michael Dappah and so many more.

It was a stunningly affluent room!

Slay In Your Lane authors Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene were regal.

DJ Pretty Hoodh showed me how to work the camera for the must-do whizzy digital tech camera excitement

The evening was full of great music, the MOST superb fashion looks, breathtaking Kensington Palace gardens and green twinkling lit archways, a heaving red carpet, a string quartet, delicious #GRMgala cocktails, a cigar bar all sponsored by Meta and HennessyAu VodkaRed Bull

I loved the string quartet on the outdoor platform facing the Kensington Palace gardens.

Here there were cigar bars, and cocktail barsSo much fun was had by everyone including @MayaJama Julie AdenugaEddie Kadi @KwajoHousing and ZezeMillz People were congratulating each other on all their various achievements this past year

It was all smiles for @kreptplaydirty @konanplaydirty @AmieDibba @yomiadegoke @lizuvie Irene Ttya

The guys looked so dapper in a variety of textured black tie suits, velvet blazers, yacht deck shoes, pastel suits…

Here are some of them including GRM#GRMgala founder @PostyOfficial Daniel Kaluuya @buckotb @femioyeniran and more

Music industry key players like @DjFirestarr Kwame Kwaten and Jade Richardson were chatting, laughing and dancing up a storm.

The string quartet was competing with the dj’s, the chatter and the sparkle from so much gold guest energy…..

The Kensington Palace gardens location is so pretty! All I could do was imagine Princess Diana wandering around here years ago…and now it was hosting the black cultural excellence brand that is the GRM Daily #grmgala

#LoveIsland2022 contestant ( and my pal Tonia Buxton daughter) Antigoni obviously didn’t mind missing the Love Island Final as she was having the time of her life with friends.

TV/radio presenter Snoochie Shy was rocking her white Crocs

The gardens, the food and the fashion at the 2022 GRMDAILY #GRMgala were stunning

One of the bespoke unique elements I love about the GRM events is the beautifully crafted, blown up, stunning photo prints of the cultures key faces, which are always dotted around the venues.

Here are a few images by the professional photographers!

Until 2023 – it’s a wrap!

Congratulations to all who continue to champion, contribute and raise up black excellence!

Thanks for continuing to allow me to be a guest at your table – One Love!

So, onto the 2nd event of July 30th 2022!

After our amazing first half of the Day at the Lux Afrique Polo , we travelled across the country nearly 100 miles, to get to another fabulous party

….. it’s often described as the media party of -well -I would say the year….. but it’s every two years….. and it’s the fab party hosted by my two first ever genius bosses in television – the bosses of Planet 24 – who created genius TV like the Big Breakfast, The Word, Survivor and more….and has a guest list of media folk, a sprinkle of politicians, actors, arts talent, family, friends and neighbours!

A beautiful farm all in the country , with fields for camping, fields covered with bands and dancing people.

Fields filled with giant haystacks and a fairground with carousel, bumper cars, big wheels , ghost train, karaoke, ferris wheels, ice cream vans and a hot air balloon!

Other fields with karaoke…. outdoor areas with swimming pools, indoor areas with swimming pool and pizza oven, limitless good and drinks catering and a hot air balloon and just lovely friendly people!

We hung out having fun until 3am – at 2am we were still on the dodgems – and then camped in their field before breakfast was served on the lawn at 9am.

We stayed overnight and camped with silk pillows, cashmere blankets and we had breakfast on the lawn this morning with yoga stretches and stunning views of hills and fields dotted around with giant Bale’s of hay….(so we also had some hay rolling fun)…..before we drove back home 100miles to London… what an incredible weekend

A magical day surrounded by wonderful, talented, generous people.

It was just incredible -🔥🎶👏🐴💃🎬🎂🍾📸

This past weekend three of my favourite annual events all happened in the same 72 hour period!

1- Lux Afrique Polo

2- Charlie and Waheed’s summer country home party

3 – The GRM gala

My squad and I packed up the cars with our favourite pillows, blankets, wet wipes and emergency croissants for a 200 mile #GirlsTrip 

—————————–

Firstly it was the annual #LuxAfriquePolo where we were be treated to two polo matches, black opera, carnival dancers, drummers, camels, super cars, summer cocktails, african music, food and fashion!

#LuxAfriquePolo is created by my friend Alexander Amousu. We met when we were kids. Me on MTV/ ChoiceFM, and he had created the R&B Ringtones brand.

Then over the years when I was at MTV, he created excitement by manufacturing gold threaded suits, gold plated phones and tablets and more. He is the king of luxury energy, events and vision! For all his consistent vision, entrepreneurial spirit and putting so much African culture on the British map, I think he deserves an honour – MBE incoming surely!?

My fave- the author and presenter Yomi Adegoke – won the best dressed competition in hot pink!

He’s created his Lux Afrique Polo event over the past 5 years and it’s grown to be a coveted event every summer, bringing together crowds who are celebrating black cultural excellence with mouth watering food, delectable cocktails and more.

The one thing that every event planner now values is numerous photo opportunity spots across the location and Lux Afrique is no different.

The live performances were hosted by my friend, former tap dance partner (when we were kids at the Stratford Theatre Royal), and TV presenter (one of my presenters at MTV Base) – Kat Boyce!

Also in the platinum area was Michael Pussey- otherwise also known as DJ CK Flash and the man who founded the Peckham BMX Club which has nurtured and developed world class Olympians like Kye White.

Performers included Singer Shola Ama and my favourite – Pegasus Opera Company.

For almost thirty years, Pegasus Opera Company has been the home for singers, composers, instrumentalists and directors predominantly, but not exclusively, from diverse African and Asian heritage.

Established in South London and grown from solid and credible roots, they still work out of their home in Brixton. The Company has held true to their founder Lloyd Newton’s credo of ‘harmony in diversity’. They have inspired many to love opera; and they celebrate the music of rich African, Asian and Caribbean diasporas whilst weaving into the fabric of the British performing arts, using creativity to challenge and advocate for positive change.

The food at #LuxAfriquePolo was mouth watering!

– 4 super talented chefs cooking up an African infused culinary storm for the platinum VIP guests 

BIG UP Victor Okunowo, Elody Kolden, Vivian John, and Louis Ashok!

The Ferraris, camels, helicopters, ponies galloping, stunning black women in high end unique African fashion, bespoke cocktails and a great atmosphere continued well into the evening, but we had to leave at 4pm to make an 80 mile ride for the second event of the day – Charlie and Waheeds (my first TV bosses), country summer party.

I remember when black and brown people used to leave their cultural identities at the door, but now we all joyously embrace our various global backgrounds, cultures and traditions. In that spirit, many guests wore traditional African outfits and the effect was a spectacular community of colour, energy and spirit!

Good Morning Britain producer Funmi Olutoye- who was once upon a time a trainee, training in TV Production with me at Media Trust looked glamorous!

Congratulations Alex, on another year of bringing people together proudly showcasing heritage, culture and unity!

#LuxAfriquePolo #african #polo @luxafriquepolo @alexamousu @luxafriquepolo

A few months ago I gave evidence to @DCMS and the @LordsCommsCom about the BBC Funding and Licence Fee. You can read the full report here.

I told you a few weeks ago that I was honoured to be invited to speak at the Oxford Union in one of their historic debates this term. I was asked to speak on the Proposition motion:
”This House Believes Stormzy Is More Relevant than Boris”

The Oxford Union was founded by a group of students in 1823 to protest against the University’s restrictive rules surrounding the discussion of religion and politics. To this day, the Union remains a place where students can make their voices heard by debating the most important and topical issues against the leading figures of the day. Throughout their history, they have played host to world leaders from US Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Carter and Clinton, Sir Winston Churchill, iconic figures like Albert Einstein, Malcolm X, the Dalai Lama & Mother Teresa, musical stars from Sir Elton John to Shakira and now….me 😂 .

From Tupac to Dave, rap music has amplified the voices of disadvantaged groups on an unprecedented scale. Similarly, politicians have a significant role in advocating the interests of their constituents in Parliament through debates and Select Committees. Rap has embedded itself into the popular culture of society and made people feel not just heard, but seen, in a way they weren’t before. In turn, this has heightened the significance of cultural relevance in identity – working to challenge the status quo through creativity.

The debate was kicked off by the two students speakers Rosie and Lucas.

My team- for the Proposition were myself, Mr Montgomery and Nelson Abbey.

The Opposition were Jonathan Ilan , Inaya Iman and Sheldon Thomas.
Before the debate students had been asked to vote in a pre speaker poll in which they has decided Stormzy was NOT more relevant than Boris.

After my team and I spoke, they changed their minds and we won by four votes!

Take a look at the video and let me know what you thought.

(I’d have loved to have spoken slower and engaged more with the audience but I had a time limit – which I overran and had SO MUCH material!)

Enjoy!

I’m going to be speaking at an exciting media festival in mid July.

A line-up of inspiring TV and film industry trailblazers are set to take to the stage in Soho on Thursday 14 July to lead honest discussions about inclusion, diversity, talent and mental health in film and TV and challenge the status quo.
Building on the success of its monthly networking meetups, Soho Media Club has launched a one-day programme with inspiring panels, fireside chats, workshops and career meetups, as well as networking opportunities, including a Festival Party.

Fully Focused Productions, Co-founders Nick Bedu & Teddy Nygh share their story at the BE YOU Festival in Soho on 14 July. Moderated by me, this is one session not to miss 👊🏽

Fully Focused Productions | Million Youth Media (MYM YouTube) is the UK’s leading youth-driven and youth-focused production company creating award-winning, high impact content for and with a youth audience and was founded in 2010 to give young people from underrepresented backgrounds opportunities to learn vital new skills and make films, while actively searching for solutions around issues they deem most important.

Teddy & Nick will be sharing how they developed such a brilliant ethos, what they’ve achieved thus far and what’s next.

Click here to book your spot.

 If you’d like to join the day, then I can offer you the discount code Speaker20 to get a 20% discount off the ticket price! You can book at the website www.sohomediaclub.com/beyou
With the discount, it’s £80 for the entire day including sessions, networking, food, drinks, a comedy act and of course the Festival Party where former Earth, Wind & Fire band member Mo Pleasure is doing a set! 

I’m also speaking on another panel later in the day.

Holistic Diversity:

Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams MBE, Editor, Newsroom Diversity, Reuters; Bella Lambourne, HR & Operations Director, Banijay and Jasmine Dotiwala, TV producer, director, reporter, discuss how to design a culture of inclusivity, equity and belonging which runs through the fabric of an organisation.

“Soho Media Club meet-ups have attracted a wide and diverse audience from all parts of the industry, at all levels – from students and runners, to directors, producers, editors, commissioners, CEOs and company owners. It made us realise that people in TV and film want to widen their connections, share their stories and there’s a real momentum to change things for the better. The time is right for the Be You Festival to help move the dial and celebrate the TV industry in all its diversity,” said Jaisica Lapsiwala, co-founder, Soho Media Club.

Featured speakers include:
● Ursula Macfarlane, award-winning director and executive producer, known for Untouchable, a documentary looking at the rise and fall of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and who has just directed the soon to be released documentary on Anna Nicole Smith.

● Teddy Nygh and Nick Bedu co-founders of Fully Focused, the UK’s leading youth-driven and youth-focused production company, will talk to me about creating award-winning, high impact content for and with a youth audience, including the recently launched BBC3 sitcom PRU about a pupil referral unit.

● Coky Giedroyc, award-winning TV and film director, (TV series Save Me, Harlots; feature films How To Build a Girl, upcoming Take That musical Greatest Days) and an active mentor of young women in the film industry.

● Jessica Swale, Olivier award-winning playwright, screenwriter and director (TV drama Ten Percent for Amazon, feature films Summerland, starring Gemma Arterton, and upcoming Persuasion, starring Sarah Snook). Jessica is involved in Time Up UK and the 50:50 campaign, actively campaigning for greater equality across theatre and film.

● Jules Hussey, founder, Brazen Productions, award-winning film producer (You Don’t Know Me for BBC/ Netflix, Catherine the Great for Sky/HBO) and disability campaigner who is working on the much-anticipated BBC A-Word spin-off Ralph and Katie, directed by and starring disabled talent.

● Ace Ruele, motion capture actor, Creature Bionics, one of the UK’s leading actors within the motion capture/VFX industry who has done work in titles such as The Legend of Tarzan (film), Planets Of The Apes Vr (video game), The Inpatient (video game), Daymare 1988 (video game), The Matrix Resurrection (film), and two Marvel film titles – Eternals and Antman Quantunmania.

Panel sessions include:
Holistic Diversity: Joyce Adeluwoye-Adams MBE, Editor, Newsroom Diversity, Reuters; Bella Lambourne, HR & Operations Director, Banijay and Jasmine Dotiwala, TV producer, director, reporter, discuss how to design a culture of inclusivity, equity and belonging which runs through the fabric of an organisation.

Diversity in Post: Leslie Gaston-Bird, sound mixer, Mix Messiah Productions, Balvinder Singh Sanghera, founder, Run VT and Vanessa Taylor, film & TV colourist, share their personal career journeys and shake out the hidden truths about making it as a minority in post.

Accessible Tech: Sarah Cox, founder, Neutral Human , HaZ Dulull, co-founder, HaZimation, Rhys Hancock, co-founder & MD, Metavision talk about the need for more inclusive technology, what changes need to be made and how the future of tech can be inclusive and accessible.

Mental Health: Brian Hill, BAFTA-winning director; award winner Anne Morrison, creative director, Factual Programmes, NEVISION and Dr. Lindsay Ip, child and adult clinical psychologist, discuss bullying in our industry and how you can combat mental health issues in film and TV.

There will also be the Festival Party to look forward to, which will take place at Zero One. It will feature Morris “Mo” Joseph Pleasure, Former Earth, Wind and Fire, whose professional career spans the world of American R&B and pop, through his work with Ray Charles, George Duke, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Mary J Blige, Natalie Cole, David Foster and Bette Midler to name a few.

What a summer of amazing events with music festivals, media panels, all day immersive festivals in arts, theatre, ballet, film, comedy, art, poetry, parkour and more!

If like me you love the arts, then the UK is the best place in the world!

Get involved!

I hosted the Parliamentary Screening of the film HOSTILE by writer, director and producer Sonita Gale.

The film is a powerful, emotional journey through a handful of people negatively impacted by the governments hostile migration policy.
We hear from people whose lives have been ruined by bad policy.

The voices and presence of the families impacted were devastating, and a reminder that they represent thousands more migrants with similar stories of trauma, upheaval and injustice, who are still awaiting compensation.
Since the governments hostile policy started 21 people have died before receiving justice.

Natalie Branes mother Paulette Wilson went to school in this country, and ironically, also worked for a short while as a chef in the House of Commons. Her courage to speak up in 2017 encouraged others to speak up too. But like Natalies mother Paulette, over 20 others have passed away before they could get justice – and over 14,000 people are still awaiting compensation so having their story told in the HOSTILE film whilst sitting in the very same halls and rooms where MP’s could have spoken for Natalie’s mother made it all the more poignant.             

It was good to see a turnout of MP’s and politicians in the audience who stayed to make comments during the panel. After decades of hostile immigration policies, Britain has reached crisis point. MP’s in attendance discussed what could be done to support migrants during this cost of living crisis.

I especially liked the points that Jeremy Corbyn made about supporting young people to know their rights and engage more politically so they can ensure things like this never happen again.

Let’s not let the stories of those affected by the Governments hostile policy fade away. They still need us to keep their experiences put there and to get justice.
Films that make a difference are going to form our history for future generations.

Congratulations again Sonita Gale for fighting to bring their stories to film festivals and the education system for a wider audience.

My dad always used to say ‘if you have a voice and platform then say something worth saying’. Sonita’s film says it all. Catch HOSTILE as a cinema or film festival near you this year whilst it’s on it’s tour!

I was honoured to be invited to speak at the Oxford Union in one of their historic debates this term. I was asked to speak on the Proposition motion:
”This House Believes Stormzy Is More Relevant than Boris”

The Oxford Union was founded by a group of students in 1823 to protest against the University’s restrictive rules surrounding the discussion of religion and politics. To this day, the Union remains a place where students can make their voices heard by debating the most important and topical issues against the leading figures of the day. Throughout their history, they have played host to world leaders from US Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Carter and Clinton, Sir Winston Churchill, iconic figures like Albert Einstein, Malcolm X, the Dalai Lama & Mother Teresa, musical stars from Sir Elton John to Shakira and now….me 😂 .

From Tupac to Dave, rap music has amplified the voices of disadvantaged groups on an unprecedented scale. Similarly, politicians have a significant role in advocating the interests of their constituents in Parliament through debates and Select Committees. Rap has embedded itself into the popular culture of society and made people feel not just heard, but seen, in a way they weren’t before. In turn, this has heightened the significance of cultural relevance in identity – working to challenge the status quo through creativity.

It’s proliferation has catapulted artists such as Stormzy into the core of popular culture. But despite 8.4 million people listening to Stormzy’s Spotify each month, it is Whitehall and the political establishment that legislate on real-world issues – from roads and schools, to taxes and civil liberties. Nonetheless, whilst they may not have a seat in the House of Commons or a mandate from the ballot box, is the implicit influence of a cultural icon more relevant than that of our politicians? Is Stormzy, ultimately, more relevant than Boris Johnson? We were about to see what the students in the hallowed halls where Boris Johnson once studied himself thought.

We arrived at Oxford University where a lovely young woman called Kyoka was introduced as my talent chaperone for the evening.

We were offered drinks in the main bar where the BORIS BLUE and DARK AND STORMZY cocktails were on offer.

After this it was a quick change into our black tie outfits for formal drinks in the Gladstone Room, followed by a formal dinner where I was lucky to have been seated to the right of the Oxford Union President Michael Akolade Ayodeji – a lovely young man who hosted the dinner and the toasts.

After this, it suddenly became serious as we were hurried into the library for a few formal photos and briefed on the rules around the debate and signed off those always scary release forms to allow them to film us ( from every angle to capture our facial expressions as the opposition team attempted to roast us.

The debate was kicked off by the two students speakers Rosie and Lucas.

My team- for the Proposition were myself, Mr Montgomery and Nelson Abbey.

The Opposition were Jonathan Ilan , Inaya Iman and Sheldon Thomas.

Before the debate students had been asked to vote in a pre speaker poll in which they has decided Stormzy was NOT more relevant than Boris.

After my team and I spoke, they changed their minds and we won by four votes!

Post debate, we were invited for drinks and fun again in the VIP members bar which was great fun as we celebrated our win!

What an honour it was to join in the debate and continue this fine tradition.

The video of the full debate will be on the Oxford Union YouTube page soon and I’ll be sure to share it!

Thanks for having me!

In April 2022, the Zoroastrian Community Global Magazine PARSIANA featured a profile piece about Jasmine covering her career, faith, community and more.

Thanks to Parinaz Gandhi and her team for the interview and magazine founders Veera and Jehangir Patel for creating an international platform for Parsi Zoroastrians to stay connected.

It was a powerful end to the week leading a masterclass on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Digital Content for Channel 4 and the National Film and TV School

Thanks to the runners, researchers, producers, directors & CEO’s in the room for spending so much of your valuable time with me to improve the creativity in your teams via the lens of DEI.

I really enjoyed speaking to Cultural Analyst Gabriel Noble Hello!WeAreSocial for their report for Wattpad which explores British Gen Z attitudes towards diversity, representation & equality in media & advertising.

Wattpad is a positive, diverse & impactful place marketers can engage with millions of Gen Zs.

Take a look at the full report which went live in February 2022 here

The report creators asked, Gen Z answered.

With diversity and representation at the core of Wattpad and their community of storytellers, they’re proud to present All Tomorrow’s Stories, their latest report in collaboration with We Are Social UK. 

They said…

”Gathering insights from over 1,000 Gen Z Wattpadders, eight in-depth reader and writer interviews, and commentary from media industry expert Jasmine Dotiwala, the report explores British Gen Z perspectives towards diversity, representation and equality in media, and discusses how brands can action representation in more meaningful and accurate ways”. 

The full report is a fascinating, impactful read- take a look and let me know what you think.

I’m feeling positive about the progression around the inclusion of musicians from underrepresented backgrounds since 2016 when we formed the Equality and Justice Group at The BPI / Brits.

In 2016 I reported on The Brits being unrepresentative of the music listening habits and culture trends of the UK audience in a report for Channel 4 News called #BritsSoWhite

Every year since then things have changed to reflect UK music in ways that weren’t being fairly before.
The overhaul of the Brits voting academy led to a very different set of real, reflective nominations of this countrys’ listening habits on radio, in clubs, in the charts and online streaming.

Each year since our committee formed there have been changes behind and in front of the scenes.
Nothing can be perfect but it can always be better. We continue to create change in inclusion in music and media so that it reflects society fairly. There are still so many underrepresented groups not having their voices heard in the music industry. These groups transcend class, race, ability, gender, sexuality, age and more.
I’m so proud of all the change for positive representation that we all continue to strive for.

Congratulations to all the nominees and all the winners at this years show 🎵🎶

It takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes to pull off brilliance annually and showcasing the best musicians of the year

Well done to those gaffers, set designers, lighting Sparks, floor managers, producers, directors, camera crew, script writers, gallery ops,riggers, catering, security, PR and marketing teams, paparazzi waiting in the cold all evening to get those shots for global media.

Inclusion and equity can be a smooth process if everyone in leadership positions and the whole team is invested in positive change. And the BPI team have shown that they are.

Change isn’t easy. Change isn’t fast. But once it starts it proves that it’s the best for business’ bottom line, reputation and social inclusion across the board.

Congratulations to everyone at the BPI and record labels across the country for being unafraid of uncomfortable conversations and instead, relishing the idea of being a part of positive change. 

I’m hosting the #DigitalCultureAwards on January 20 2022!

Arts Council England and the Digital Culture Network are two platforms that I feel passionately about as they support organisations across the UK with creative recognition. Arts Council England are excited to present the first Digital Culture Awards – celebrating digital and tech innovation in arts and culture.

Check out all the shortlisted nominees here.

Arts Council England received over 400 entries and all the brilliant Judges have narrowed those down to a Shortlist of just 29. We’ll be announcing the Winners at this virtual event on 20 January 2022, and we all hope you’ll join us to celebrate all the inspiring work that so many UK wide orgs have accomplished in the past 2 years.

The event will be hosted by me and will feature appearances from our Judges and other inspiring guests, including Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of MOBO group and Darren Henley OBE, CEO of Arts Council England.

Who are the speakers?

Our expert Judges talking about their category and announcing the Winners:

• Digital Storytelling: Tom Burton – Head of Interactive, BBC Studios
• Digital Inclusion: Andrew Miller MBE – Cultural Consultant, Broadcaster and Disability Champion
• Data Driven: Rishi Coupland – Head of Research and Insight, BFI
• Income Generation: Liam Darbon – Head of Omnichannel Trading, Tate
• Content Creation & Distribution: Derek Richards – Head of Broadcast & Digital, The Roundhouse and Sarah Fortescue – Head of Distribution, The Space
• Being Social: Adam Koszary – Head of Digital, The Audience Agency
• Emerging Digital Leader: Hilary Carty CCMI – Executive Director, Clore Leadership
• Digital Trailblazer: Katz Kiely – CEO, Beep

Learn more about them here.

Who is shortlisted for an Award?

Check out the Shortlisted projects on our website. Whilst there you can also review the brilliant projects which were included in the Longlist for each category.

What are the Digital Culture Awards?

Since 2019, the Digital Culture Network has worked with over 1100 organisations and individuals and we never cease to be inspired by the innovation and agility our sector displays. This has never been more apparent than over the past 18 months, where organisations have embraced digital technology to reach and engage audiences in the most innovative and creative ways and at an incredible pace, demonstrating the real opportunities that digital can offer to support our sector as we move forward.

So, to celebrate your dedication and creativity, we asked for submissions which outlined the very best in digital transformation, digital engagement and use of technology in arts and culture in England. We took entries from across 8 categories including digital storytelling, digital inclusion, income generation and emerging digital leader and engaged a host of amazing experts as Judges to shortlist across 2 rounds. The Winners in 6 categories will be chose by our Judges, but our two publicly voted categories – Digital Inclusion and Digital Storytelling – will be decided by you!

Public voting is open until 12pm (midday) on Friday 14 January – vote now!

On November 18th I joined more than 700 artists, managers and music industry professionals at the Bloomsbury Big Top for the 2021 Artist & Manager Awards in association with SoundCloud.

Co-founded by the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) and the Music Managers Forum (MMF), the event was crowned by a final-hour appearance from Elton John and David Furnish to pick up their prestigious Artist & Manager Partnership Award, sponsored by PPL and I was sat at a fab table full of music industry acts and bigwigs courtesy of Music Mangers Forum General Manager Anneliese Harmon.

Marking an incredible lifetime of achievements in music, the joint award put special focus on Elton and David’s recent successes, including the award-winning 2019 biopic Rocketman, the best-selling memoir Me and this year’s number one single Cold Heart (Pnau Remix) (with Dua Lipa) and album The Lockdown Sessions. Attendees also celebrated the couple’s generous advocacy and charity work, particularly through the Elton John AIDS Foundation, their championing of young upcoming artists and their vocal role in demanding solutions to post-Brexit touring of Europe.  

Elton and David’s award was presented by Rina Sawayama, who was also revealed as 2021’s Breakthrough Artist (sponsored by Spotify). 

Other artists recognised on the night included Little Simz (Artist of the Year, sponsored by Amazon Music), Mogwai (Pioneer) and BICEP, who shared their award for Innovation (sponsored by TikTok) with their management team at This Is Music. 

Three award categories for music management were collected by female winners, with Amy Morgan (September Management) receiving Manager of the Year (sponsored by YouTube Music) for her incredible record-breaking work with Glass Animals, and Grace Ladoja MBE (Metallic Inc) receiving the Entrepreneur Award in recognition of her bridge-building between music scenes in the UK and Nigeria.

Kayleigh Thorpe (Little Runaway Management) was revealed as the 2021 Breakthrough Manager for her astonishing work with Gerry Cinnamon. 

The FAC and MMF also celebrated some highly significant industry successes, with The Black Music Coalition receiving their richly deserved award as Industry Champions from Alex Boateng (Co-President 0207 Def Jam), Joe Kentish (President, Warner Records UK) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK). Karma Artists, also celebrating their 10th anniversary, were a highly popular choice as Writer / Producer Manager, while YMU Music Group were presented with the Team Achievement Award by Kurupt FM’s Chabuddy G for their range of groundbreaking inclusion initiatives, including a Mental Health and Well-Being programme for clients and staff. 

Featuring show-stopping performances from Wes Nelson & Hardy Caprio, The Anchoress and Lucy McWilliams, the Artist & Manager Awards was presented by Capital FM’s Roman Kemp and featured a red carpet reception courtesy of luxury boutique jewellery studio A Jewellers.  

Commenting after the Awards, Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive, Music Managers Forum and David Martin, CEO, Featured Artists Coalition said: 

“Coming together again with friends and colleagues feels such a hugely positive and symbolic step forward. Tonight’s Awards was about celebrating music, talent, innovation and camaraderie across the artist and management community – whether that’s individuals at the start of their careers, survivors and legends, or those still standing after decades.” 

The full list of winners were:

Artist & Manager Award 2021 in association with SoundCloud:

• Artist & Manager Partnership (sponsored by PPL): ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH (ROCKET ENTERTAINMENT
• Artist of the Year (sponsored by Amazon Music): LITTLE SIMZ
• Manager of the Year (sponsored by YouTube Music): AMY MORGAN (SEPTEMBER MANAGEMENT)
• Breakthrough Artist (sponsored by Spotify): RINA SAWAYAMA
• Breakthrough Manager: KAYLEIGH THORPE (LITTLE RUNAWAY MANAGEMENT)
• Entrepreneur: GRACE LADOJA MBE (METALLIC INC)
• Pioneer: MOGWAI  
• Innovation (Sponsored by TikTok): BICEP and THIS IS MUSIC
• Industry Champions: THE BLACK MUSIC COALITION
• Writer / Producer Manager: KARMA ARTISTS
• Team Achievement: YMU MUSIC GROUP 

Jasmine was delighted to be in conversation between Nadia Khan for a PPL session for women aspiring to be on boards, looking at obstacles women in the workplace face, from the gender pay gap to how we tackle systemic bias.

This session was a continuation of the Board Development Programme on which PPL collaborates with Women in CTRL.

This will took place online on 30 November 

Let’s face it, networking is an essential part of our jobs in television. Connecting with people, sharing ideas and exchanging experiences – it all makes for a happier, fairer and more diverse creative industry. 

We talk about networking but do we prioritise it? Does it come naturally to you or are you a bit intimidated? Is it time for you to reach out? 

On November 16th Jasmine sat on the Royal Television Society panel sharing hacks about networking.

Meet 3 of the best in the business – brilliant networkers whose work relies on their ability to build relationships across the industry.

Jasmine Dotiwala, Warner Brothers’ Andrew Zein and Simone Pennant of The TV Collective will be sharing their insights and anecdotes, giving you some dos and don’ts, and telling us how they managed to keep their networks alive in these last months of Covid-19.

You’ll also have the chance to network with your co-attendees in break out rooms at the end of the session. 

Hosted by Daisy Church, Media Trust. 

Access: This event will be closed-captioned. Should you have any particular access needs beyond this which we can reasonably accommodate please email kwhittaker@rts.org.uk

Panel

Andrew Zein – Andrew’s role at Warner Bros as SVP Creative, Format Development & Sales has him responsible Creative oversight of the development and production of programming and the exploitation of all forms of content within the WB International Television Production division (24 production companies, across 14 different countries.) He is also responsible for driving creative development within international production, steering the business to develop locally created properties into global formats and fostering co-developments across the group.

Prior to joining Warner Bros, he was Managing Director of Tiger Aspect Productions, one of the UK’s leading independent television producers, for 13 years.

Jasmine Dotiwala – Jasmine has over 25 years of experience as a Head of department, manager, broadcaster, producer, director and columnist at brands like Netflix UK, Media Trust, Channel 4 News, MTV and more. In 2020 she moved into a role working with the Netflix UK Editorial & Publishing team. She continues to support Media Trust programmes.

In addition, Jasmine continues to report on ground-breaking arts and culture stories for Channel 4 news and Sky News. She also appears as a regular panel guest on Jeremy Vine on 5.

Simone Pennant MBE – Simone Pennant MBE established The TV Collective (TVC) over 10 years ago. TVC, is a networking resource that coaches, champions and connects TV professionals with a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background to paid opportunities in the industry and to each other. Last year, Simone through TVC worked with Channel 5 and successfully diversified its supplier base, and as a result, the broadcaster is now working with nine new production companies led by people from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds. 

More recently, she hosted a series of networking events which aimed to build better relationships between BBC Two commissioners and senior producers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Simone is currently collaborating with Channel 4 on their 2020 accelerator programme, where ten Indies have been matched with Commissioning Heads of Department for unscripted genres to work together towards a commission.  

She is a member of Bafta, and a juror for both the RTS and Broadcast Awards. In 2018 was awarded an MBE for her services to the Media industry.