Jasmine Dotiwala

JASMINE WITH WIZ KHALIFA

I remember a time when all the TV, print press and radio I worked for encouraged me to keep my content national or international so it was as big as possible and inclusive to allwhether based in London, up north, around Europe or internationally.
Now that wave has turned and with governments and local boroughs all talking in the latest buzz wordspeak which always includes the phrases ”Big Society” and ”local community” its a new day. If I’m totally honest (and aren’t always?), I’ve only ever championed and cared about the goings on in the city that I live in and love. As if my fairy godmother heard and acted upon my subconscious universal outgoing message, I find myself on the brink of a new regular 30 minute TV show that’s made by new, young reporters, solely focusing on London and championing the capital cities stories. Whether big or small, celeb focused or community focused, it’s all about unashamedly putting a microscope on London and highlighting news and events from a real Londoners point of view. Bliss. If you see the LONDON 360 camera crews out there show them some love!.

A night for decisions as I was invited to both the Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg shows on same evening. Decisions, decisions. One a legendary hip-hop icon that I’ve worked with numerous times over the past 2 decades- (in fact it was my CNN interview outside a Los Angeles courthouse after Snoop Doggy Dogs (as he was known then) murder case that helped promote me here in the UK). The other a new young champ to Europe’s shores that had the modern urban generation excited and had breathed new life into the game that I’d not had the opportunity to experience live yet?. Clearly I had to go and watch Khhalifa. Snoop-I decided- had hadenough of my time and attention over the years and I could probably list hiswhole list in order so many times have I watched his live show. I had been to meet Wiz Khalifa earlier in the day and his confident, friendly, articulate manner immediately struck me and I was intrigued to learn more about him and see if he could indeed holds a stage presence the way he could a 1-1 conversation. On entering his room escorted by his record label rep –the legendary Taponeswa Mavunga- I was immediately struck by both his extremely tall, lean height and the strongest ‘’aroma of the West Coast’’ juxtaposed by a haze of smoke. I wasn’t in the room very long but I still stunk of the green stuff when I returned to my Wood Lane desk! I was concerned for his label rep as she’d been in his company all day! He liked my military jacket and was highly Intelligent-considering how much west coast oxygen he was getting through! And so I found myself with my industryfamily down at Shepherds Bush Empire the same night. On arrival it was apparent that this show and artist had high expectations. The venue was packed. Sold out totally and full of a very fresh, hot, young crowd. Our very own superstar Wretch32 was opening up and as many had come to see his set as Khalifas. Wretch tore the house down which even early on was packed to the rafters. After Wretchs set RADIO1Xtra’s Semtex did a short set which had the crowd hyper and excited before the main mans moment. In the audience were loads of notable folks like rapper Sway, KissFMs DJ Manny Norte, female artist Baby Blue and Master Shortie. The main thing that was apparent once Wiz finally hit the stage is that he has immediate and electric stage presence.Able to get the crowd on side from the get go, he danced, bopped, bounced and skanked his way through an hour long set briefly stopped midway through a song to kiss his girl friend side of stage- (Kanyes left over-‘’model’’ Amber Rose). To my old skool ears his sound and stage vibe really reminded me of a beautiful mix of Bone, Thugs and Harmony, Andre 3000 and Kanye. 45 minutes into Khalifas set I heard that Snoop still hadn’t entered his forum stage and that the forum crowd were becoming restless and impatient-clearly I had made the right choice that night`! As Khalifa’s final song-his hit ‘’Black and yellow’’ was nearly done I suggested to my people that it was probably best we sneak out now before it got crowded and we were forced to chat to all and sundry. As we exited the venue to stroll back to our car the stage side door behind suddenly slammedopen and as if in a surreal dream we watched as 2 police, two 02 venue security, Wiz Khalifa and a gigantic security man carrying Amber Rose legged it out of the venue and were bundled into a waiting car ready to speed them off. The irony of the fact that security was protecting and escorting Amber moresafely than the main man was not lost on me. Amber in her tight dress and high stacked heels couldn’t have made the run. But whilst Wiz is connected to her he has ‘’brand Khlaifa’’ locked down on the things every big urban act nowadays needs. Great music. Check. Legions of fans. Check. Stage presence. Check. A celebrity controversial girl friend. Check!.

JASMINE WITH HER OLD COMPADRE-SNOOP DOGG

Across town at The Form I was told by my former assistant-now ITV girl Jennifer Adeeko- that Snoops opening act-Beanie Man was great but that the crowd weren’t happy that Snoop didn’t get onstage until 10.20pm-over an hour late and luckily for him all tardiness issues were forgotten as he was welcomed with nothing but deafening cheers. Sporting his signature 2 long plaits, blacked out sunglasses and dressed in all cream Snoop hit the stage with his 3-man crew including rapper Kurrupt, 3 dancers dressed in Addidas tracksuits and big rope chains reminiscent of Run DMC’s early days, 2 bodyguards either side of stage and what appeared to be a group of ….lets call them….’female fans’ , towards the side of the stage excitedly dancing to the music. Snoop started off with well known, familiar songs like ‘PIMP’ he then went on to ‘The Next Episode’ which had his dancers scantily dressed and provocatively dancing around him. The crowd was going crazy for the ‘Doggfather’. Poor Jennifer was shocked by the amount of swearing but admitted ‘’it felt right’’ LOL. Snoop went on to perform classics like ‘Gin & Juice’, ‘I wanna love you’, ‘Sexual Seduction’ and his most recent song with David Guetta ‘ Wet’ where there was certainly a lot of fist pumping going on in the air! The crowd were jumping in the air, waving their hands from side to side and this energy doubled when he performed House of Pains ‘Jump around’ and the monster of a hit that was ‘Drop it like it’s hot’. Snoop made full use of an onstage throne to chill in once in a while and when referring to why he hasn’t been allowed to come back in the UK in so long, stated ‘’f@@@ the police’’ in a light hearted aside.
In the middle of the concert you got to see a softer side to Snoop where he had a moment of silence for the late Nate Dogg, and also dedicating his time to recite Tupac and Biggie Smalls songs in remembrance. With the echoes of Snoop singing bad boy in true Diddy style, you would never think a couple of decades earlier there was the east coast west coast divide between BIG and Tupac’s crews. There was definitely a satisfaction there of knowing that rappers really can unite. Snoop ended the concert with the timeless classic that is ‘What’s my name’ and with finished the concert exactly an hour after it started, it definitely left you feeling like you wanted more. Some of Snoop’s last words were ‘Keep some weed in your life’ which had the whole building in hysterics. The beauty of the concert was that you can clearly see that Snoop still loves what he does, passionatelyreciting his lyrics and fully involving himself with the dance moves and interacting with the crowd saying how much he loves London, England. (Americans always say London followed by England for some reason). 2 nights later I was invited to watch him on Graham Norton where of course he charmed the socks of everyone. Hip-hops come a long way. It feels good to be mainstream.
Did anyone see the Graham Norton show where Gwyneth Paltrow recently rapped a whole 2 verses of NWA’s Straight Outta Compton? I became an immediate fan. She was good! On the same show Lady Gaga was treated like royalty as if she were bigger than Gwynnie. I could just imagine Gwyneth thinking ‘’my mate Madge is the original Gaga darling!’’.

 

JASMINE WITH GEORGE MICHAEL AND FRIENDS.

Another hectic week as my new staff team of reporters for the MEDIA TRUST’S new LONDON NEWS SHOW-LONDON 360 started work with us this week. White City and Wood Lane have never seen so much talent! As well as getting to know my new team I was honoured to be asked to join a photo shoot and interview for OHTV and Pride magazine showcasing ‘’successful women of colour in media’’. It was an wonderfully fun experience which I will tell you more about in coming weeks. Next I spoke at a creative advisory board where new, young media moguls brainstormed future project ideas. Of course I couldn’t miss the Wiz Khalifa show at Shepherds Bush empire the next day! A couple of nights later I was at the practically impossible to get into IVY CLUB for the ‘’Give us a clue’’ club event. Celeb teams were headed up by celebs but I cant say whom as i’m sworn to the ”Ivy code of confidentiality”.

When the biggest, top of the PR media mavens- Hollywood legend ms Connie Filippello invites you to an event you can rest assured it will be big. Renowned for only accepting the biggest most exclusive clients like Mariah and working regularly alongside legends like Donatella Versace, Meryl Streep, Ursula Andrews, Joan Collins, Jerry Hall and others, Connie is as legendary in the showbiz industry as her clients. She doesn’t put on events in any half measure so when told by her that her client George Michael was having a press conference to announce something it was no shocker that it was to be held in the uber opulent Crush Room at the Royal Opera House.
If there was ever a man that could sing and have an automatic hood pass for his soulful voice and attitude for living life to its realest ,it would be for the legendary Greek originated, British singer , global icon,George with his 30 year career (he doesn’t look old enough!).
On arrival an old fashioned huge pack of paps and hacks, DJ’s, TV reporters, bloggers were pitched up outside and legged it inside to grab the best spots. All the seats and media platforms were totally rammed up and astonishingly whilst the conference start time was stated as 1pm, by 12.45pm the room was full, hushed and eagerly awaiting and seconds later a sudden thunder of shouting and yelling infiltrated our eardrums as in the next room photographers shot off their flashbulbs snapping and clicking away at Georges arrival for a good 6 minutes non stop!.

George bopped in a slick, very well cut suit and tinted shades looking healthier than ever and proceeded to announce he’s going on a tour. Not just any tour. Its called Symphonica; The Orchestral Tour. Always one top push his own boundaries and career he is undertaking an orchestral tour which will see shows take place across the globe including the Royal Opera Houses in London and Paris for charity. On the Parisian date he’s working with Carla Bruni on the charity “Born with HIV”.At the London Opera house it will be in conjunction with his former friend  Elizabeth Taylor’s charity.
He also refreshingly mentioned that he loves that lady Gaga and Riri have brought house/dance back to the forefront and that he is going to be exploring more dance and house music areas as its ‘’always been the gay music of choice.’ About the new material he admitted he will collaborate with many “gay friendly” musicians.
George told the assembled crowd -which included 3AM girls, Capital Radio DJs, Sky News, BBC News and reporters from across the globe that had been globe flown in – that he’s not interested in repeating past successes. He wants to explore orchestral and dance genres. He said he would perform a lot of his own material as well as other fave artists of his that have influenced him. Regards his past duets he revealed that his Aretha Franklin duet was a dream come true for him whilst the Queen duet was amazing and tragic for him due to his personal life issues and what he was going through at the time.
Talking about his troublesome past 12 months with negative press documenting his drug taking and other personal issues he confessed that he hates that every time he let’s himself down, he feels he also let’s young gay men down everywhere. On a positive note though he did add that he’s surprised by how supportive his fans continue to be especially since he’s made so many strong enemies. Considering he’s sold over 100million albums he remains surprisingly humble. Post conference I met new Calvin Klein model Seth and chatted to George Michael’s boy friend-Kenny Goss for a bit…..lovely folks!

To end the week I woke early on Saturday morning to travel into town and to get my overworked bones back into feeling normal again I went to the celebs favourite lady with magic hands- Nuz Shugaa at her Kingly Court salon. I mostly enjoy her treatments not just due to how good they are, not just cos loads of celebs and power players go to her (and I like staring discreetly at them), but cos I try and prize lots of celeb gossip out of her mouth. Alas for my nosy gene she never gives up any info! This time she insisted she give me an Argan chocolate full body spa scrub. She began by making me strip and put on a pair of paper panties. I chortled much as I examined the underwear and settled myself onto the massage bed. She began by firstly applying coconut and walnut cleanser which was massaged thoroughly in upward strokes all over my body (front and back). She explained that she makes all the scrubs herself. Next strawberry and tropical fruits and seeds were rubbed all over me in circular movements-it was all I could do not to lick my own skin so tempting was the aroma. The next step saw Nuz apply salt glow (once again made bespoke by Nuz in her secret organic laboratory) with melting Organic chocolate ,Argan oil and Geranium full of anti oxidants scrubbed all over me. Finally hot cloths were used to remove all my dead skin by her and her assistant so 2 pairs of hands were all over me. Smile. I was pat dry and my body was infused with an Argan oil, African Potato and Green Tea mixture to bring my skin to life. Nuz finished up by massaging me well and buffing me off! I was treated to a champagne flute of organic pink lemonade straight afterwards. At my lunch my companion couldn’t stop commenting on how great my skin smelly-totally worth the early rise!
Now i’m off to pack my suitcase for a very fabulous moment! More juice next week!

JASMINE WITH HER OLD MATES- THE BEASTIE BOYS

Well we’re all finally over the Royal wedding. The Grace Kelly dress will hopefully encourage young ladies nationally to keep it classy. Sister of the bride Pippa was catapulted to instant sex symbol levels as her spray tan and booty fitting dress had males across the land frothing at the mouth. What a fake tan will do eh? Daily pre-wedding,Pippa was in the papers with Kate and no one batted an eyelid. As soon as she was painted brown wearing a dress cut for her body hearts stopped. Um fellas why not try the original brown gal. It doesn’t rub off on your white sheets. Similarly Harry suddenly reached heart throb states as every society chic and hood rat decided she would make a beeline for the only remaining bachelor in the Royal fam. Did anyone else notice he actually bopped up the aisle? Have you seen the pics on the internet of him partying with Puffy and Kanye in the past? My mates have laid a bet that Harry’s wifey will be mixed race or black. And wasn’t his black uniform a lot more dashing than Williams?  I had a sweep-stake on what colour the Queen would wear and I was right with my canary yellow prediction. How unfortunate that Fergie and Andrews daughters Eugenie and Beatrice turned up looking like the ugly sisters. Don’t they have mirrors up in their crib? Did anyone else note that The Mall had all the road bollards and crossing lights removed? Is that so the Royals can use The Mall as an emergency flight runway? Kate was so graceful throughout. How dignified and elegant she was. It was as if she was the Royal supporting William on the big day who looked at times nervous. The balcony kiss was a bit quick for my liking. I would’ve liked him to take her by the back of her head and lipse her up good and proper leaving her breathless a la Brett and Scarlet in Gone with the Wind. Good luck to them both. William’s finally brought the Royals some good PR by getting with what the tabloids keep referring to as a commoner.  By the way, how proud were we to be Brits that day? Hundreds of countries across the planet were airing the whole wedding on numerous channels. A little island like ours sure has a worldwide grip with our events. America may have Hollywood but we have Royalty. We win!.

Clearly there was too much love in the air for the universe that day as a mere 24 hours later the world was gripped as the unbelievable news that the worlds number 1 terrorist Osama Bin Laden had been killed. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Pakistan really say they weren’t aware he was living there? America clearly had no trust in their ‘’ally’’ Pakistan as they weren’t alerting them to their strike. The navy seals buried him at sea? Really? It’s a conspiracy theorists dream! Whatever your thoughts are on the whole sorry saga, remember that our western media feeds us very different facts and viewpoints than the middle east and that we should always keep a balanced view, question everything and accept that we will never know the truth with so much going on behind secret closed doors.

The Olympics are fastly approaching and I for one can’t believe the f@@@ery of this government. How can Londoners be bank rolling the event yet we cant get first dibs or discounted tickets? Cheap, limited view back seats are £20, good seats are £2000. £2000!? Really? Really? How can you justify an event for the all the people of the country that is inclusive to all yet only the rich or corporate companies can afford to attend? What a farce!. Boris Johnson needs to step up and sort this-Londoners are not happy.

I was reunited with my old nemesis-one of the first white groups in rap history-in fact one of the first rap groups period- the Beastie Boys. With their early success they played a huge part in turning DEF JAM into a force to be reckoned with.  Years ago in 1994 whilst I was a presenter on Channel 4’s THE WORD they joined me live from their stadium show in Budapest where we stood on a snowy rooftop to do a live TV link back to the UK. Off air we were chatting away nicely. As soon as we went live, the boys started speaking to me in a non-intelligible gobbledegook. So embarrassing!. I didn’t forgive them for years. Even during my MTV days I repeatedly gave them hell as pay back. They were notorious even back then for giving the media a hard time with their naughty antics in interviews. Luckily they’re a little more chilled now that they’re grown with families and responsibilities. Now they’re back wit their latest album ‘’Hot Sauce Committee Part Two’’-their first hip hop album in 7 years!. Part 1 was supposed to be released in 2009 but never came to light as Beastie Boy Adam ‘’MCA’’ Yauch’s cancer battle intervened. The new music is good no doubt but my nostalgic side craves their old style of hilarious lyricism.  The beats are still dynamic and racy with hard delivered verbals and the music still sounds classic, vintage and relevant , this group has always quite rightly embraced their own sound, so another classic from a group that refuses to fade away-something their fans are happy with.

The Eddie Griffin comedy show , hosted by Harmony Productions at the 02 Brixton Academy was a total sell out with road blocks and endless queues at the venue pre show. Richard Blackwood hosted whilst regular London comic faces Kevin J and Eddie Kadi warmed up the crowd for the first part of the show. Eddie Griffin started off strongly as he was very current with jokes about the Royal Wedding and Osama but his set quickly grew tired as he relied too much on his use of expletives. Years ago a loud American comic screaming the N word and mother f@%&*@£ would have us in stitches cos we just weren’t used to it but now with everything on youtube and American culture being so dominant in our culture this just sounds desperate, old and tired. His material had potential but with his delivery being pretty slow and dragged out with him needing to smoke and drink constantly onstage it was draining. A few people in the audience actually nodded off!. Eddie was once a very talented live comic but like many of his U.S counterparts I think when they come to the UK they expect automatic reverential treatment maybe not realising that we have a very high standard nowadays. In fact I’d go as far as saying that I thought out British warm up acts were stronger in pleasing the crowd. Having said that, the night itself was well organised and a good evening out. The question is now that British audiences know we have a high standard of comedy in our own country can we have our own talent headline a venue the size of Brixton and expect it to sell out?

MOST IMPORTANT FACT; Like any music market-have a hit song with a strong hook,melody and chorus. If u want to make a living and have longevity forget “keeping it real”-Its not selling out. Its selling out arenas!!

A) Think outside of the box.
Chances are whatever you as an artist are doing ,has been done before-the real winners are those with dedication and application when it comes to doing something a little differently. What’s your USP? A unique voice? Lyrical dexterity?live? The hustle?

B) Talent brings talent
if you are a talented artist find others that are better than you creatively and make sure they are part of your “team” .That is video makers/writers/producers/graphic artists. Also don’t be afraid to spread the news that these people are PART of your success. An artist is as strong as the weakest person in his team.

C) Persevere
Many of the UK’s leading artists have been dropped or it hasn’t gone right 1st go.This is now a proud badge-persevere.

D) Be fit
If you are going to be doing this – on the road – etc- eat right and treat your body well-if you get into bad habits early on its hard to shake later on.Even though its hard -make this a priority-it will server u well in the long run. Touring,making videos,all night promo,live shows are taxing on the body and the mind leaving you useless if not staying on the healthy path.

E) Accept that if you are good and different -you will be hated.But don’t be an idiot and fan the flame of hatred.
If there’s hate you’re doing something right.

F) Get to know DJ’s personally.
If it means handwriting your promo CD’s to them do so. Build strong,supportive relationships in the industry.

G) Spot career DJ’s early-very important.
Hit young bloggers with cult followings in the UK like SBTV and Pinboardblog etc.
Familiarize yourself with the UK’s big brand taste-makers like radio1xtra,Choicefm ,Kissfm ,Galaxy,MTV Base ,RWD magazine ,Flava magazine. etc.

H) Be respectful of people-word travels quickly when you do wrong- actually 10 times quicker than when you do right

I) Do not bitch about other artists in petty conversation.
You will be heard- and twitter is a bitch. Stay far from “beef” or negativity -its not cool, its an urban music stereotype. Its a sure fire way of your music staying niche – mainstream support will disappear.- do your promo!

J) Get a f@*&%$£  good lawyer- you’ll  need them early on and throughout your career.

K) Don’t come and see a manager thinking he can fix your sh@*-if you’ve got it – he will come to you.You can however be persistent- that is good in an artist

L) When you tour-hand in your PRS forms and get a good accountant.

M) LISTEN!-Too many artist are great Transmitters and NOT good receivers so be sure to LISTEN!-

N) The UK responds well to artists they see and hear about regularly- be authentic to where you’re from. I.e don’t emulate US artists (accent/style). You’ll never out-American the Americans – do you and the local audience responds well to that because they recognize it.

O) Don’t label yourself R&B/rap – its quite limiting in small markets like Holland and the UK. Its something Dizzee Rascal recognized years ago. It opened him up to festivals and other opportunities to reach as broad an audience as possible.

P) Always treat the press and reporters with respect and help them help you by being helpful , fun and interesting in interviews. If you’re going to be miserable and unhelpful don’t do press. We will dread meeting you and not bother actively promoting you.

Q) Remember the small broadcasters and street teams that helped you on the way up. Don’t shun their interview requests once you’re big. Trust me you’ll be reaching out to them again on your way down.

R) Enjoy the ride! There’s nothing worse than seeing a negative act. Don’t get into showbiz if you don’t like the industry. People will criticize and blow hot and cold on you but if you can last the course and have genuine talent you will make it!

S) If you’re lucky enough to win an award or have a public platform to speak onstage to masses of people, have something engaging/ interesting to say. So many artists show their no-personality having side here which lets them down.

T) Don’t act like a diva with club promoters, doormen, managers and anyone else working with you unless you are Mariah, Whitney, Prince or any of their peers. They’re genuine bonifide superstars-you probably aren’t. A bad rep will not help you in the industry.

U) Respect how important the humble DJ is to your career. DJ’s are the beginning and end for you’re radio, street and airplay. Know how essential they are to the game and YOUR game.

V) If you have no natural style-get a great stylist. Think about your image and don’t be afraid to reinvent it if need be. There are too many industry insiders laughing at acts that are stuck in a time warp and heading to being back at the benefit office as they can’t move ahead. stay current with your image or stay unique.

W) At industry events and awards be aware of the tempting gifting suite. Yes you are allowed to be an over excited grabalious bunny the first few times, after that the insiders are sniggering at your cheapness and if you’re an ex-celeb they’re also laughing at the fact that you were once famous but now you’re milking it.

X) Don’t approach press and demand they promote you when you have no material. If you have a hit the press will run after you. Everyone is not a star. Know your limits. A hit song will get you 15 minutes of fame. Repetition of more hit songs will keep you relevant. Sales of numerous albums and sell out shows will catapult you to star status.

Y) Big name managers will try and scoop you up once you arrive at a high level. Only jump ship and betray your early managers if you still have great lawyers who will ensure you’re not signing your life away. Many an act has fallen here.

Z) Keep your mind alert to learning new things about your own industry and career. Once you stop enjoying get in another lane. Life’s too short not to wake up everyday doing something you love!

FINAL THOUGHT- Don’t get caught up romanticizing the life of a rock star to pump up your dreams. If you even recognized 1% of the pace of what would metaphorically be basic training in boot camp- the weaklings and posers will fall first and only the ones with true character and humility will even have the opportunity to try and fail at doing this insane business-its tough!.

GOOD LUCK , FATE, NETWORKING, MELODY MAKING, LYRIC WRITING AND TIMING!

JASMINE WITH LOICK ESSIEN

The Easter bank holiday fortnight was full of fun stuff like the ACLT celebrity football event at Brentford Football Club, a friends indian wedding in the biggest sikh temple in Southall, the Royal Wedding, girl friends birthday lunches, dinner parties and my guy telling me I couldn’t cook meat for a non fish eating friend on Good Friday or there would be World War 3 in our crib LOL

Before all that though it was fabulous business as usual. I’d been hearing the name of young 20 year old, former model, now male musician Loick Essien for a while now. His names french and pronounced ”low-eek”. A couple of years Bashy had told me about him.
Loick’s apparently someone who won’t let a chance encounter go to waste – so when a mutual friend introduced him to British rap star Bashy, the result was Loick appearing on the iconic track Black Boys. On the set for the Bashy video, he met Chipmunk, and the two made a track called Beast; and at the video shoot for that song, Loick met Dappy from N-Dubz, who appears on the second single from Identity, the Stargate-produced Stuttering. So the boys got talent, and game for hustling himself forwards through life. I’d heard him feature on a few different tracks for a variety of tracks by the teamuk stable so when I  was sent an invitation to see him perform at his own showcase at the lovely Cuckoo Club in Central london my curiosity led me there in good time even though it clashed with Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson’s performance just up the road. Luckily it seems that their respective teams talked and Loick was due to be onstage at 6.30 whilst Jennifer agreed to come onstage at her event at 8pm. The Cuckoo Club was nice and full of a very non-urban industry crowd sipping wine and networking all in our summer dresses excited anticipating Loick’s set. Loick came onstage at 7pm , introduced himself looking very slick in boot brogues, skinny jeans, a grey t shirt ,black satin lined blazer and the biggest grin ever. He told us he would be performing 4 songs-some from his album ”Identity”, he did so and all were beautifully melodic and vocally very strong. The songs were mainstream commercial and very catchy- genuinely great for a Radio 1 Playlist. He had the confidence of a seasoned performer and the ease physically onstage that I haven’t seen from a relatively new performer for a long time. His media training team need to encourage him to stop saying ”so” after all his sentences-which is just a nerves habit that they can easily kick him out of. Also his 3rd track ”Now”was a very difficult vocally challenging track that had lyrical gymnastics all through it making me think he has definitely been influenced by great singers of our time like Mariah and Jodeci. There were moments I held my breath as it seemed his breathing control may give way but by the end he proved he definitely has what it takes to be big in the game. Funnily enough before introducing ” Now  ” he said the next song was to show that he could actually sing which confused us all because trust me, by the end of his first verse in his very first song that was already very apparent.
Whilst watching him sing I noticed his hands bear tattoos on his fingers: “RAGZ2” on his right hand, “RICHES” on his left. Loick said afterwards “I wanna remember where I come from, and where I want to be,those were the rags days.”   Those tattooed fingers are just the beginning – Loick reveals he plans to get “sleeves”, tattoos that will eventually cover both his arms, depicting “a poor man’s world and a rich man’s world.” His body may still be a work in progress; but his album Identity proves that as an artist, Loick Essien is the finished article. West London lad Loick spoke very articulately to me and to his audience and I have no doubt that he is one to watch on the next to blow from the new, young DIY teamuk crew.

JASMINE WITH KEISHA BUCHANAN AND 3AM MIRROR GIRL SARAH TETTAH

As soon as I planted my good bye kisses on various industry cheeks at the cuckoo club, my mate and I slipped out of our heels and into our flat ballet pumps to sprint across leicester square to the uber cool IVY CLUB where in the VIP rooftop loft area they had a bar full of heaving people all eager to see grammy songstress Jennnifer Hudson sing songs from her new album ”I remember me” . Silver platters of mini hors d’oeuvres -beef tartar and quail scotch eggs were going around, as were cucumber apple martinis and other delectable beverages. Once up in there it was clear that for the second time that night the invited crowd were not your average,expected urban industry set of people that I’d expect to see at these functions usually. The room was full of A Listers from a variety of fields, global companies, music labels, actors, TV hosts, models and more. Paloma faith was doing her usual British Dita Von Teese impression in big hat and floral frock. Noisettes lead female Shingai Shoniwa was dressed like an old skool church marm in a long purple skirt and twee hat. Ex Sugababe Keisha and mirror 3AM girl Sarah Tetteh stood alongside me looked as if we’d come as a girl band in our matching coral orange outfits-you could certainly tell that summer had arrived!. Tara palmer-tomkinson arrived with her nose still looking a slight bit dodgy after all the wear and tear its had. Lisa Snowdon had al the paparazzi snapping away and designer Julien MacDonald held court in the corner. Jennifer finally came onstage when the room was hot, heaving and happy from mingling and drinking. She was rocking a long silky straight weave and wearing a horizontal stripy blue and brown dress that showed off her legs to their full and showed how svelte she was after her healthy eating , fitness regime and no doubt also the tragedy that befell her family a couple of years ago. J Hud  was accompanied by a couple of backing vocalists and a pianist and sang her heart out showing she’s lost none of her belting , powerhouse vocals that first came to light in the Dreamgirls where she blew Beyonce out of the water. She sang song after song that had us all pretty mesmerised by her lyrical dexterity and emotion and had us all eating out of her hand such was the special vibe of this intimate moment. A truly amazing night full of great musicians and shows once again why whilst i’m always TEAMUK, I’m such a lover of our capital city- unashamed and proud-LONDON RULES!

JASMINE WITH EVERYWHERE & NOWHERE DIRECTOR MINAJ HUDA.

This week’s been like a Craig David 7 day story for me.
Monday I went to a private film screening of ”Everywhere & Nowhere”. Tuesday it was the IVY MEMBERS COMMITTEE dinner at tres sophisticated Mayfair restaurant Scotts, Wednesday I started at the Cuckoo Club to see Loiekk Essiens showcase before legging it across Leicester Square to watch Jennifer Hudson perform at the Ivy Club, Thursday it was dinner with my parents, Friday another dinner party chez Dotiwala. Saturday MOBO CEO Kanya King took me rowing along the serpentine-and yes-she rowed! Sunday was all about chilling out.
”’Everywhere & Nowhere” kicked off the week correctly- its in cinemas across the UK from May 6th. A new British youth culture film, it would be easy to lazily call it an Asian Kidulthood /Adulthood but its much more than that. It does,its true, focus on a group of young Asian boys and their British experiences of feeling like they’re from ”everywhere and nowhere” and the trials of friendship, family and career within the Indian culture. It’s both real and gritty and unashamedly raw without the usual comedy element that many Indian actors and scriptwriters insist on including to entertain our native English audience.
The lead character –Ash, played by a very intense, gripping actor James Floyd– is a man torn between two worlds, that of his family and friends and the other, of his dreams. This is a  drama centered on a British Asian torn between honoring his family traditions and his love for Djing. Its his story set across London with it’s fast paced nightlife and run ins with the law all caught on camera from the Director of Kidulthood Minaj Huda. My parents are from Kenya and India so I could relate to many of the issues set out in the movie. I felt sad for the old,ignorant beliefs that were highlighted within the film that the older generation of Asians carry. It felt good to observe that we all share the same issues but made me realise how sad the olde worlde with its ignorant values was. If only we could take the best from the old and modern worlds for harmonious unity. Everywhere & Nowhere has a gripping storyline and fun moments and is a beautiful, emotional, touching look at young British Asians. Director Minaj has done a great job with his first big outing and like Noel Clarke before him will no doubt set a fast pace in his own lane in the near future.
Aside from James Floyd, boy band Blue member Simon Webbe plays a DJ that dates Ash’s sister and their story focuses on the issues of a black man dating an Asian woman. A true dynamo onscreen is Adam Deacon.

JASMINE WITH ACTING TALENT ADAM DEACON.

Adam has made his mark recently with his movie ”Anuvahood” which had young brits laughing all the way to the bank of Deacon. Adam has an onscreen energy that is mesmerizing and whilst he’s usually cast in a number of BBC and mainstream TV shows as the hype road-man , he is capable of playing much more. In ”Everywhere & Nowhere” Adam shines as Ash’s Bangladeshi mate but shows a real variation in his character. Its clear that in the next few months Adam is going to blow up in the same way as his peers Aml Ameen and Idris Elba (now both in Hollywood). He’s busy having just had a UK hit movie out,is starring in 2 films this year and writing more comedy. As well as ”E&N” , Adam is starring in ”Weighed in”-with legend Bob Hoskins where he plays a cockney, eighties print worker with no street slang in his character.

Adams had a busy life.Brought up in Hackney he reveals he didn’t have the best childhood. He was in a hostel at 16 before being given the opportunity to attend The Anna Scher school – a community-based theatre school in Islington.He admits he was  the class joker that didn’t always do his school work but he did connect with drama and music. The great thing about that school was it was open to everyone reminisces adam. He had his name on the 2 year waiting list and when he went to look around the school saw photos on the walls of who had been there which really inspired him.
His teacher ,Miss solomon from Stoke Newington School told him about the summer school waiting list which cost 80 quid so Adam did loads of odd jobs to raise 80 pounds as a 12 year old and went!. He recalls casting directors from soaps like Eastenders watching the classes but they were there so often they got used to them and just carried on. He recalls his first film was called “Face”. He had one line in it which was eventually cut out. So he learns a valuable lesson early on. He continued his auditions and secured so many small jobs. He wants to shout out Anna Scher as ”she had the rowdiest kids and put them on, now Anna’s not a part of the school any longer the real talents gone too. She’s teaching from a church now. I cant believe I invited her to my ”Anuvahood premier and she came! I wouldn’t be here today without her”.

Adam has that incongruous look about him that has him looking anything from Asian , Middle Eastern,European, African-in fact he could be from anywhere. But he tells me he’s half Egyptian and half white English.  At ages12-13 he did Eastenders/ The Bill/ Spooks/ Goodness Gracious Me/ London’s Burning and more, but says that actor and director Noel Clarke putting him in Kidulthood was his first big break as was his part in the Ali G movie. About Kidulthood Adam gushes ‘”it was the realest script I’ve seen, I met Noel, we did some improvisation, I stood out. I had the slang and realism. I got called back to act with Noel. Noel told me i had the part. That’s where i met Aml, Femi and other actors. Now we’re a strong team of British brothers that are in my world. This is the beginning of something big!”.
A few years after acting in Kidulthood Adam wrote his own film titled ”Anuvahood” which he says taught him a lot about the industry about politics and the business. He was disappointed in that side . ”We were told if you work,train and act you get paid. Now I realise the talent and acting is only 5 percent of the whole job, the business is a major part too”..
You may have also seen Adam in ”Shank” directed by Mo Ali. Adam reveals that apart from himself and music star Bashy none of the other cast were from that underground world. So altogether they edited the dialogue alongside Mo but didn’t receive any extra credit or extra income for this so he thought ”I’m going to do my own thing”.
With Anuvahood he says he wrote a film that he thought British kids wanted. ”The culture has stereotypes that you can laugh at. I had some hectic organization to get through. With the music side all the music acts on the soundtrack supported it. Dizzee gave is music for much less than it would’ve been worth. There was a whole, exciting, unified teamuk feel to the project.
Adam is clearly taking his own DIY route as he’s not getting the breaks he wants or deserves. He concludes that he wants to do a few comedy films and a would love to make a documentary on grime godfather Wiley. ”Wiley is someone I’ve admired for years. Seeing him and his career showed me how to manage and reinvent my career even without mainstream support. Its shown me its ok to be the underdog”.
Adam laughs as he see’s that with Anuvahood now mainstream media have been proven so wrong. ” The scene is big enuff for the mainstream to understand it. I naively assumed that reviewers would do their research. Anuvahood is a spoof and parody of the world. A reviewer for film site IMBD wrote that whilst she was too old to understand my movie- she wrote that she didn’t have to get it as her son got it and loved it. My biggest problem was critics dismissing a whole section of community.  Some said that I shouldn’t ever be allowed to direct again as it was apparently homophobic and racist. Theres nothing in there that isn’t in Little Britain!”.My film was Number 1 in London-i’m proud!”. And with that Adam completes his rant , bids me farewell and tells me he’ll see me again-in the big time! Love that confidence!

JASMINE WITH AML AMEEN AND KAMARA BACCHUS.

So London’s in full swing for fabulosity this month. This week alone has seen me swapping heels and kisses at numerous events. First musician Loick Essien invited me to his showcase tat the cuckoo club where he performed for an industry crowd.  Straight after he finished it was a sprint across Leicester square to the uber cool IVY PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB where American songstress with stronger than strong pipes-Jennifer Hudson put on a private performance in the rooftop VIP lounge just for the club members. The next day I had a good old media family reunion with my old MTV News team where we reminisced about the good ole days as you do. I also managed to fit in time to cook for 2 dinner parties round at our place. I rate my life by the number of dinner parties I have. If I’m in dinner party mode it’s a barometer of positive happiness in my mental frame. Until someone spills red wine on my carpet or gets drunk and attempts to vomit on said carpet. Then the Dotiwala dragon emerges quicker than Usain Bolt on a pattie dash when he’s peckish.

One thing that does leave me proud to be a Londoner is the pure ambition and guerilla soldier attitude that new talent is coming with. The work of MEDIATRUST and their numerous projects that help young people across the nation has caught my attention this week. MEDIA TRUST’S corporate members include BBC, ITV, CHANNEL 4, SKY and more. As well as supporting numerous media projectswhere people are empowered to make their voices heard via media; they actively recruit, teach and champion new, young talent from marginalized and diversecommunities across the country. As well as currently looking for new peoplefrom 18-25 to join their new LONDON NEWS REPORTING team, this week they re-launched for the second year their huge COLUMN IDOL 2011 competition in conjunction with THE SUN newspaper to find undiscovered raw talent aged 18-25. Column Idol see’s young people who enjoy writing and want to have a chance to see their work printed in THE SUN explain what they would like to write about and why they deserve the chance to have their work printed. They will be mentored by some of newspaper’s top journalists. Six entrants will be shortlisted and judged by a panel including Editor Dominic Mohan. The winner will receive the prize of having their column printed. The hunt is being supported by songwriter Jessie J and and England and Arsenal star Theo Walcott, who has written a popular series of children’s books.
JESSIE J’s distinctive style and evocative lyrics have helped her become an almostovernight chart star. Jessie, 22, told us it’s a great opportunity foraspiring young writers. She said: “This is a fantastic chance for anyone who likes writing and has an opinion.” “Young people are always saying that they want to be heard, and this is an opportunity for them to step up and do it! You don’t have to be academic to write passionately about something. You can’t be a writer and feel like you have to follow a script – Column Idol is all about doing it YOUR WAY, which is what makes this competition so special.”  Entering a competition in the country’s biggest newspaper is a daunting prospect, but Jessie urges you not to be put off. I would say to young people reading this – take opportunities when they come, because life doesn’t hand it out. When I was younger, I never entered anything to win. I entered to learn. I would audition for things knowing that, even if I didn’t get it, the people there would remember me in future for a better-suited part’’. So Voice readers- get entering and when you’re up there running things in the print press world remember I put you on!

Someone else who embodies all I’m excited about this week is British/Hollywood actor Aml Ameen and actress Kamara Bacchus. Aml will be a familiar face to most of you. He was a long-term copper on THE BILL, played lead parts in films like Kidulthood and more andlast year was snapped up by Hollywood producers to star in new drama HARRYSLAW. He moved to L.A but proving his passion for the UK, he continued his drama academy ASA- Actors Studio Alliance, -for young,marginalized youth in Camden. This week Aml had a screening at BAFTA where hundreds of people were treated to a screening of his 3 short films. To start the night Aml was introduced onstage by his class tutor and mentor who spoke about Aml as a passionate young manwith a dream. Hence Aml’s production company is called AmeenDreamEnt. Aml explained ‘’ everyone that knows me knows I’m a big dreamer. I go through stuff and I get disappointed but I keep going for it and I try things all the time and dreams can come true’’.
Aml explained that we would be viewing 3 short films, a music video by his brother-musician Mike Ameen , and a set of hilarious outtakes.
The first film THE PICK UP was made after a student-badgered Aml to look at his script and finally convinced Aml to make it. It’s about 2 guys (Aml and actor Najan Ward) trying to pick up two girls in a club. It’s a hilarious and well-shot story about their scam and its ultimate consequence. The second film SPECIAL DELIVERY was written and starred in by actress Kamara Bacchus and was a beautiful piece of visual film. Like a silent movie it was poetic and innocent about a postal delivery girl and a relationship she strikes up with a resident and the audience raved about it at the end. The final film and the main draw for the night was DRINK, DRUGS & KFC written and directed by Aml. It was a very funny, well written, street drama about a group of boys and their innocent,fun, adolescent good times, trials and tribulations.
Aml explained at the post screening Q&A session that was about ‘‘the brotherhood and young men being in love, hopeful and innocent. He wanted tomake timeless beautiful classic pieces that inspired and entertained’’. He said he was inspired by a lot of good old and modern day films and that he wanted to make stories that were different to the norm about our scene and culture and not just repeat the same stereotypes about ethnicpeople that had become popular recently. He gave props to his friends Adam deacon and Noel Clarke and added that he too was ‘’throwing his dice as a film maker into the pot’’ and that there was room for everyone.
Aml wanted to thank his cast and crew fortolerating him and giving him the opportunity as a first time director and for their unwavering humble attitude throughout,  ‘’my tip for success is If you want to be great surround yourself with world-class people’’.
There followed lots of congratulations from the audience which included actors Cyril Nri (The Bill), Johnny Gill (Harry’s Law), Adam Deacon, Femi Oynerion, Jimmy Ackingbola (Holby City), Gugu Mbatha-Raw, William Gaminara (star of Silent Witness), Arinze Kene (Connor in Eastenders), Chucky Venice and Jason Barret, the night left us all feeling positive, empowered and proud of Aml as a trail blazer and community champion!.

JASMINE WITH DAMIEN ”JUNIOR GONG” MARLEY”

All roads led to Wembley Arena last week for the much-anticipated concert seeing 2 musical brothers come together again. after last years Nas and Damien Marley joint onstage show people had heard this was a once in a lifetime event and a slow moving cavalcade of cars crawled up to Wembley on a balmy spring night. As if the main acts weren’t a big enough draw we were informed also that the inimitable Erykah Badu would be the opening act so we were ampted. Well promoter Hanif had one more surprise for the crowd- Spragga Benz was the first act on. Could this line-up be any better.

Once we actually managed to navigate the extra long queues outside we noted that Wembley arena was totally rammed up with fans and a great party atmosphere.

JASMINE AND GOD’S SON NAS.

Spragga and Erykah did their thing throwing out all their classic hits and setting off the night correctly then the crowd went nuts as bobs son Damien entered the arena and his locks were swinging wildly non stop throughout his set. But much of the crowd were as impressed by the man waving the huge flag throughout the show. we were fascinated by his arm strength and couldn’t stop watching as he mesmerised us all. Even female boxer Lesley sackey who was in the crowd was speechless with awe. Nas and Damien rocked the crowd in such a positive, old skool , fun way that it brought back faith in modern music showing it could be both hot and positive in this day and age when much of it often leaves a lot of musicality to be desired.

Then designers Dolce &Gabbana had one of their classic bond street parties where this time there was a twist. Unlike the usual celeb infested, champagne swilling, pretty food platters being the be all and end all, this night involved the D&G windows being dressed by fashion bloggers and was called a ‘’dress me up party’’. Celebrating the revamp of the window displays at Dolce & Gabbana’s London flagship store. The company had tasked a number of bloggers including Sasha Wilkins, Bip Ling and Carrie Harwood to refresh the windows. DJ Jon Jo spun during the night, who played a mixture of house, dance pop and RNB.  The guests drank Dolce&Gabbana Martini gold-doesn’t that just sound tres extravagant? . celebs I spotted included Alexandra Burke, Rox, Simon Webbe, Sunday Girl, Henry Conway, Pixie Geldof, Leah Weller, Natt Weller, Toby Kebbell, Keisha Buchanan, Devlin, Will Poulter, Leo Gregory, Katy B, Mary Charteris, Olivia Grant, Peaches Geldof, Nick Grimshaw, Naomie Harris, Daisy Dares You, Professor Green, Polly Brown, Suki Waterhouse, Rob Knighton, DJ Shane McPherson, Ashley Walters, Jasmine Guinness, Adam Deacon, Hofit Golan, Isaac Ferry, Tara Ferry and Portia Freeman.

There was a tea area located at the back of the store for guests to sit down and shill out, the bloggers were active in the windows re vamping the mannequins, guests went crazy dancing to Rihanna’s What’s My Name track and Madonna’s Like A Prayer track. On the Menu was a SICILIAN ROTISSERIE which included Potato croquettes, Rice croquettes stuffed with various meats and cheese, Fritters of codfish and “Panella” chick peas flour fritters. Guests were from all walks of life and looked totally outrageous, with people from all different cultures but all involved in some kind of thought of fashion. If you had any concerns about deciding what to wear on a night like this before leaving home all was in safe hands as this definitely wasn’t one of those nights to worry about what you were wearing or feel anyhow uncomfortable. From People dressed to the hilt galore in designer such as D&G to LV and Christian Louboutins to name just a few to your normal day-to-day wear of t-shirts, jeans with kicks or sneakers. Continuous hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and champagne were at arms reach through the night which meant that every sensory function was satisfied from hunger, thirst, audio and visual entertainment via the life action dressing fashion bloggers – a great, progressive, unique night-kudos D&G and their celeb fashion team Chandni and Ruth.

After these 2 fabulous bits of entertaining fabulosity you know the universe balanced up my work-play karma by giving me two subsequent weekends of work. The first week saw me driving through the madness of the central London TUC marches to get to south bank university where I was sitting on a panel for the regular INSPIRATIONAL YOU quarterly motivational conference.  The MOTIVATIONAL YOU team alongside founder Sonia Meggie, provide workshops, seminars, exhibitors’ stands and networking opportunities. I’d heard about this event in the past and was finally happy to get involved speaking to ambitious young women and young people where they can connect with industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Giving back to the community regularly like this makes me feel better when I cant afford to give regularly to charity. After all, quality time and attention is really what young people need. The event was buzzing and full of energised people when I arrived. I saw in on a journalism panel and then entered the main arena for my panel, which was most fun as my fellow panellists were a TV presenter and actress. The youngsters in the audience asked a multitude of interesting questions that gave me faith that our future was in good hands.

JASMINE with ANDREW DAVIES, BLACK THE RIPPER, CHARLIE SLOTH and SWAY CALLOWAY.

The following weekend I got the blessing from my mother to miss Mothers Day and fly to Rotterdam for the largest international urban music conference NEW SKOOL RULES where I was sitting and speaking on 2 panels over the weekend. I joined a strong industry team from the UK which included radio 1xtra dj and artist Charlie sloth, island records A&R man ben scars, flava magazine editor and founder annika allen and Leonard foster, Andrew davis former myspace don now freelance international advisor to international brands and more. Established delegates had been flown in from all over the world including from the USA MTV VJ and radio host Sway Calloway, Grammy winning song writer Bryan Michael Cox, and current hot producer Drumma Boy. Over a 3 day period there were a lot of panels, workshops , showcases (including the UKs very own black the ripper , R.I.O, and R.T.I ) and master classes in everything one could ever hope to know learn to make it in the music industry. Whilst the day time saw learning and networking opportunities, the evening held club events where yet more showcases from established and new acts took place. It was a great experience and definitely an event with aot of future potential . but for now I think it has a long way to go. It seems that the Netherlands government pay a substantial amount of money to throw the event- 80,000 euros in funding with the overall project costing more than 150,000 euro’s so a lot of passionate people behind the scenes making it work. And the locations and panellists are incredible, so it seems very disheartening that even though in total there were 976 people attending from 31 countries, each panel that i witnessed individually only held around 20-30 maximum young people. A total change from the urban music seminars I’ve been used to attending in the uk in the past where there are thousands of eager attendees. I heard that NEW SKOOL RULES attendees have to pay 150 euros to attend for the weekend, which seemed unfair to people struggling to get into the game. Lets bring it to London and make it free to attend and take this to the heights it deserves to be.

JASMINE WITH OK NIGERIA’S ALEXANDER AMOSU.

I know we laugh at celebs who we say would go to the opening of an envelope well this week I pipped that. I went to the opening of a shed. The ‘shed’ in question was a café called THE SHED opened up by my mate (one time nemesis), spice sister Danielle Brown- actress and sister of Mel B and one weeknight the café was officially opened with a bang!

THE SHED is in Fulham Road so a very nice area with a football club just up the road so footballers and wags should be frequenting regularly.

We arrived to find paparazzi outside and wondered who they might be after. Once inside it was clear they were after tabloid celebs Peter Andre and his girl friend Elen Rivas. Reality TV and real life car crash Kerry Katona arrived with her DANCING ON ICE partner Dan Whiston, and the only way is Essex slacker Amy Childs who people were eager to get snapped with Peter Andre cos apparently she looks like Jordan. She doesn’t.

Peter Andre and Kerry Katona laughed a lot all night. Kerry wore a leopard print cat suit which wasn’t very flattering on her figure but her hair did look classy in its chopped short wedge style. Other guests included self-professed model Nicola McLean and her footballer husband Tom Williams, Chico, Zilli the chef, André from former boy band Damage and his wife Wendy.

Danielle was wearing a Forever Unique black prom dress and handing out goody bags which contained coffee, fancy herbal teas, jammy dodger necklace, red velvet cupcake, an easy read book, crisps and a free voucher for Venture Portrait Company,

Looking at the blackboard price list full of cakes, cupcakes and toasted bagels, I was impressed to note a sit-in cappuccino is only a reasonable £1.85 unlike the usual £3 quid stings I have to pay for at Starbucks and its peers. Free Wi-Fi and a child friendly atmosphere made me wish I had kids and lived in Fulham just to frequent the Shed.

The intimate venue was packed, decorated with neon green ceiling lights, loads of Babika Vodka was served, as well as espresso martini’s and strawberry cocktails, the DJ was playing old skool rare grooves and soulful house, there was a massive cake (red green and gold), in ‘’The Shed’’ colours, with an edible Danielle on top.

The night finished around midnight with extremely strong coffees so no one had sore heads the next morning.

A lot was made in the press the next day about the act that sister Mel B wasn’t there. Big deal. She lives in LA, is pregnant and apparently relations between Mel and the rest of the brown family based in the UK have been strained for a while now. So no one really expected or needed her to turn up frankly.

Danielle had called all her close friends and family and a great evening was had by all.  OK Magazine actually did a full feature on it showing that maybe envelope openings could actually be the next big thing LOL!

Speaking of OK! Magazine, the world’s biggest celebrity lifestyle is set to launch in Nigeria this year.  The magazine, which will be published in Nigeria and printed in the United Kingdom, will be distributed on newsstands in Nigeria and readers throughout the world can subscribe to the magazine.

OK! Magazine Nigeria will be owned and operated by famed serial entrepreneur Alexander Amosu. (The same guy I met around 2 decades ago at Earls Court Exhibition Centre who told me he was making a company selling R&B ring tones) he’s come a long way!

The magazine will be a monthly publication and content will be 60% Nigerian celebrities on a global scale, whilst just 20% of the 60% will be local Nigerian celebrities in Nigeria. The remaining 40% is divided into 30% African American celebrities such as Will Smith and Oprah and the remaining 10% will be the usual celebrities we love to read about such as Paris Hilton and David Beckham.

Alexander told me : “Nigeria’s probably one of the most vibrant, affluent countries in Africa, a nation with this juxtaposition of poverty and immense wealth; a style leader for Africa that continues to shine despite hardships and negativity that try to mar its progress.  I’m honoured to bring OK! Magazine to Nigeria and I am convinced that the publication will enjoy great success.”
He told me about the endless opportunities for OK! Magazine Nigeria which will enjoy sharing news of the world’s fast growing entertainment industry, from Nollywood stars, to the plethora of singing talent currently coming out of the country.
He exclaimed: “Worldwide there is love for what comes out of Nigeria; from the movies to the music.  What better way to showcase this positivity and share it with the rest of the world.”  I recall when Alexander signed the deal last September and has been quietly working to launch ok magazine in Nigeria later this year. It launches in June in Lagos for the first time. It’s the very first time OK has launched in an African country. Alexander is the chairman, and the over seerer, and is putting together a reality show from May to June to find the editor of OK Nigeria. There will be a series of TV tasks and the lucky winner will crowned editor of OK Nigeria. The OK brand is in 19 countries around the world but this is its first foray into the African continent.

A man making new in-roads daily-are you inspired? Still happy to sit back and let others have the glory and shine? If this story doesn’t inspire you nothing will!.

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

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

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

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

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

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

JASMINE WITH SKEPTA.

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

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

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

JASMINE WITH RICHARD BLACKWOOD, LETHAL B AND DONAEO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JASMINE WITH LUPE FIASCO.

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

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

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

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

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

JASMINE WITH JAMAL EDWARDS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JASMINE WITH WRETCH32 AT THE WARNER MUSIC-ADIDAS PARTY.

So the frantic social whirl seems to have calmed down somewhat and I for one-am thankful. Don’t get me wrong, the grey days and wet, cold nights have no doubt been jollied up by the constant soirees but it was all getting a little out of hand swinging my 90-1- business pleasure balance all out of kilter.

Last week began with the stress of Valentines Day which for once I sat back and did nothing about and let the other half take up all the strain bless him. He came through nicely.

Then after that late night it was straight onto the next one with the biggest music show in the British calendar with the Brit awards.Once the usual routine of waxing, plucking, threading, hair, makeup (and some self tan lotion cos I am so pale this February) was completed, it was all go!.

For the first year ever the Brits had moved venue from Earls Court to the o2 arena. Getting to the 02 at the best of times for a gig is a nightmare but for awards where thousands more people are all attending is a living nightmare. I mean you cant take the tube in a posh frock and heels all done up to the nines can you!? So braving the roads is usually the only other option, except this year Warner Music and Adidas had come together to throw a party on the river embankment as part of their fabulosity and they took guests from embankment pier on their boat to the 02 in the afternoon, guests enjoyed the show and then were ferried guests back on the same boat where party goers walked off the boat around 11pm and straight into their party-that’s what you call brilliant!

On the Warner boat en route were movers and players including singers James Blunt and Katherine Jenkins as well as tabloid showbiz editor Dan Wooten noting it all down for his gossip column!. Most guests were knocking back vodkas at 3pm when boarding the boat , its no wonder that by 11pm many were swaying without the help of the boat!

As usual backstage at the O2 there were numerous rumours about what was to come at the show. As most people know rumours about the impending events add to the excitement of all live events and these are regularly encouraged by show organisers.

I can’t confirm or deny the other rumour that states that only those acts willing to turn up and perform get chosen as winners. Especially in this very strict TV day where OFCOM rules are adhered to very strictly.

Rumours doing the rounds were that Take That were going to be naked in their performance, Peter Andre and Jordan were going to have a massive stand off after he had her banned from attending, Tinie Tempah would duet with Rihanna, Jessie J would bring out Jay Z as a surprise guest, Lewis Hamilton would present an award with Madonna and so on. As came to light, none were true LOL.

What did happen though was the press were running around chasing their own tails in hysterics trying to talk to Cheryl Cole, no one could believe that Cee Lo arrived in a basic tracksuit but then it became clear that after his Grammy performance a mere 48 hours earlier where he had dressed in the most OTT carnival like get up surrounded by the Muppets he just wanted to keep it simple for the Brits (and clearly on the grand scale of things the Grammy’s pips the Brits!). Dizzee walked around his new label signing-singer Pepper most of the night trying to get her as much press as possible. They were numerous wag wannabees everywhere, literally hundreds of them waiting to pounce on Lewis Hamilton-luckily his security is sharper than my tongue. You know life’s gone too far when we are now happy to bring in the real wags and their wannabees are looked at like scum.

Most celebs and guests that in previous years that may have turned up their noses as UK street sounds and MC’s were all passionately quoting Tinie Tempah as the act they most wanted to see-(oh how times have changed!), he looked sharp and slick in his Dolce and Gabbana suit and didn’t let us down with the now clichéd hip hop uniform of oversized nonsense that his lesser successful peers still insist on wearing. My biggest concern was that Tinie wouldn’t get done over like Craig David a few years ago where Craig was nominated for loads of awards but won none, making loser Craig the main story-even Bono offered his award to Craig that year!.

The next day I noted a few urban blogs dissing the show as boring and crap and I shook my head. If only you knew how many of us have fought for the UK street sound to be accepted as equal at shows like the Brits that in the past may have had on an act out of token gesture. Now we aren’t gatecrashers at the party but have a bonifide invite that’s representative of the charts. They can’t deny us anymore. Acts influenced by the UK streets like Plan B, Tinie, and Jessie J’s presence really upped the urban credibility and keep the doors open for the next wave is snapping on its heels ready to come through.

A lot of pressure was put on star of the moment Rihanna’s performance expecting her to shock with spectacle or nudity-neither which accompanied her very able set.

Funniest moment of the night for me was when Tinie went up to collect an award and insisted that his collaborator for ‘’pass out’’ Labrynth come onstage and called out for him for a good 30 seconds before realising he was probably on the loo when called for. The panic and hysteria to keep the very strictly timed show moving in the directors gallery would’ve been fun to observe.

The panic that the ITV team were in when Tinie kept the country on panic clock watch for lab was hysterical, the directors gallery must’ve been going nuts! Wonder if lab was on the loo at that point LOL

Overheard when Plan B was onstage ‘’Who needs Eminem when we have Plan B LOL!’’. Showing British patriotism was Rihanna in her union jack ring but then came her American solidarity as she delayed her flight out of London so that she could see the final set- Cee Lo’s performance.

Post show we went to the Universal Music party first which was at the newly reopened, uber posh Savoy Hotel where champagne, monkey shoulder cocktails and nibbles were being passed around freely on silver platters. Keeping to its grand tradition they also had a corner for tea and cakes which I intended to make the most of a tea at the Savoy would normally come in at around 50 quid!. The vibe here was very suited and posh frocked with the emphasis on talking as opposed to dancing as the music was low like background music-presumably so as not to disturb the hotel guests.

JASMINE AND DIONNE BROMFIELD AT THE UNIVERSAL MUSIC PARTY-SAVOY HOTEL.

At the Universal party were Jessie J winding her waist to the low playing ragga, eccentric manager of N Dubz Jonathan Shalit, Amy Winhouses god daughter fellow singer Dionne Bromfield, a lot of indie bands, young, pretty hottie Alexis Jordan, Universal big wigs like Matt Voss, Lee Ellen-Newman, Helena McGeough, Darcus, Trenton, Robert Pascoe, Shyamala and the Justin Beiber crew, MTV talent heads Albert Schilcher and Bianca Acca, Radio 1Xtra playlist don Austin, former Eastenders actress Preeya Kalidas, choreographer extraordinaire Aiysha and a lot of older, mature folks. It had me thinking; this is probably why universal run things musically-their staff force is an army of very experienced, seasoned minds mixed with few very young soldiers that keep them in touch. The mix of experience and new flavour is an easy win win.

JASMINE WITH YASMIN AT THE WARNER MUSIC-ADIDAS PARTY.

After an hour mingling with the sophisticated at the Universal bash we went literally a few meters up the road where Warner and Adidas were holding their bash on the embankment at a very grand, swanky mansion that looked very imposing. Set on 3 floors the Warner-Adidas party was popping the way I like it. My mate wasn’t as impressed stating ‘’uh you’ve just dragged me from Beverley hills to Brixton!’’. ‘’That’s right I said-cos Brixtons where its really really real and at!’’. This party had more of a street swag vibe to it with our peers like Warner music’s Taponeswa, Adidas celeb team head honcho Paola Lucktung, Yasmin,  Twin B, song writer to the stars Wayne Hector, hip-hop photographer Paul H, the SBTV Crew headed up by young power player Jamal Edwards, MTV Base/BBC comedy star Jason Lewis, the Addictive girls, Plan B, Chipmunk, Wretch32, Kano and the ‘’real street scene’. The DJ played such an amazing set that we were all on the dance floor until the party done at 3.30am. Wretch, Kano , Jason Lewis and Preeya were jamming hard!. My feet in my Chrissie Lou’s were burning. No really burning. All the way out the door I was clinging to peeps muttered ‘’ouch, ouch, ouch’’ at every step I took. A great night for all British music currently doing their thing. Stand up UK-be proud- you’ve arrived!.

One of the UK’s finest comics-Slim with Jasmine.

This week has been a full on 360 social swirl of soirees which began last Saturday with my Jay Z night at my crib brought on as my godson who has been a Jay fan for years had never-(shock, horror)-seen Jay Z’s classic Madison square garden show-Fade to Black. It’s a great classic moment in hip hop with Jay on top form and so my peers and I dedicated a night to Jigga where we had to all wear something Hova related, only eat Jay inspired food and have a group viewing session of the classic show!

Valentines Day was of course full of love-no different than any other day in the Dotiwala calendar!.

Then it was full on panic for wardrobe, make up, hair and preparation for shoots at this years Brits whereafter we attended the Warner music party hosted by Max Lusardi and Adidas.

But even before all that it was full days of work followed by my resolution to play as hard in the evenings.

We began with legendary UK comedian Slim’s one man show at the Hackney Empire. This venue has housed many a comic and this weekend Slim was the main man onstage. The foyer was a buzz with celebs and film crews bigging up slim before the night even began. Steady on I thought, he hasn’t done his turn yet! I spotted in the audience Eastenders legend Rudolph Walker who’s always at these events always supporting the young talent, actor Adam Deacon, Wil Johnson, Jimmy Akingbola, Angelica Bell and her hubby Michael Underwood, singer Janet Kaye, Carroll Thompson, Victor Romero Evans, Josie D’Arby, Tameka Epsom, Judith Jacob, ChoiceFM’s breakfast hero Martin Jay , Curtis Walker, actor Chucky Venice, Kiss100FM dj’ss Manny Norte, Ricky and Melvin who were in the front row next to me

Eddie Nestor and Robbie Gee hosted the first night very proficiently with Kat taking care of day 2.

As soon as we were seated my guest passed me a bag of KFC smuggled in from next door. ‘’take the guy out of the hood…’’. As the warm up comics came on comic actress Jocylyn Gee turned up at my seat to squeeze past and get to hers late. We jostled and laughed before I looked at my mate’s face which was furious. It turned out in her bouncing frenzy Jocylen had managed to spill most of her glass of white wine on my mates new Ralph Lauren tracksuit. I made the right sympathetic noises and muttered something about dry cleaners and we sat back to enjoy the show.

Slim stands out amongst the very visible urban comics that dominate today’s scene not just with his very relaxed, natural story telling ability and mimicking skills, but also as his material sounds original, unique and is always new. He talked about family scenarios and his outlook on kids these days which the audience roaring in laughter. Slims final joke had every man in the audience and many of us women too- crossing our legs as he recalled in the funniest way ever how he broke his penis whilst having sex. When his UK tour comes around to your neck of the woods this is a night you wont want to miss. Post show a few of us got debating over a glass of vino as you do. The debate was raging before I had 3 sips of plonk. Whilst all agreed that Slim was great we were debating whether the London urban comedy scene was getting boring with its same old themed jokes about Africans, Indians, Chinese, west Indians, parents versus kids, and white families compared to black families. My friend was stating that a white comic couldn’t stand up onstage in front of a white crowd and tell black versus white culture jokes without getting into a lot of trouble and questioned why this was okay in our scene?. It had us all thinking. I wait and watch before casting my own opinion. Watch this space.

Jasmine with director/writer Che Walker and Soul legend Omar.

To end the week one grey February night I met singer Terri Walker and we drove up to Belsize Park in north London to The Stag pub where we wolfed down a sumptuous dinner with red wine before popping upstairs to the pub theatre space which saw a very diverse, cool , north London crowd all rammed in to see UK soul legend Omar Lyefook do his thing.

Omar was the star of a one man theatrical music show called ‘’Lovesong’’ , a 45 minute monologue about a musician that tours ropey old English clubs around the uk pondering about his past and present lost love and his adventures therein. His liaisons with groupies and dramas with promoters all interspersed with short snippets of many of his past and present hits that fitted into the narrative story beautifully.

Part of the English touring theatre, already performed at Edinburgh and other major British cities it’s a must see moment. Written by the very talented ward winner writer/director Che Walker-it was a very witty, emotional, beautifully scribed script that had us visualising the action easily. Parts were tragic, others hilarious but overall it was very entertaining and marked another side of the singer that we haven’t seen before. Perhaps we will see him on our screens soon!. Proof that theres life after the main gig finishes if you choose to be smart enough to find it!

JASMINE ATTEMPTS TO BECOME THE 4TH MEMBER OF RUFF DIAMONDZ….(L-R…TIKA, TROY, CHRONZ)

PHOTO- JRFOTOGRAPHY

I’m surprised I’m actually able to put fingers to keyboard in order to pen this column as professional boxer and celeb trainer Lesley Sackey took my girl friends and I through a super fun, super efficient boxing session this past weekend that had ME feeling like the champ SHE is LOL.

The same night it was British comedian Slim’s sold out one man stand up show ‘’Slim in Wonderland’’ at the Hackney Empire which was, as expected packed to the rafters. Joining our man onstage were Kat, Eddie Nestor, Robbie Gee, Kevin J, Felicity Ethnic, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Axel the entertainer and more. Seen in the audience doubling up with laughter were Ashley Walters, Harvey, Rudolph Walker and more on that next time!.

As well as strictly fun there was business thrown in as I attended the first ever Ivy Club committee dinner with London’s uber impresario and business genius Richard Caring and other movers and taste makers.the Ivy Club looks like it will be THE place for the music and media new skool this coming year.

I was also lucky enough to be invited to British soul pioneer Omar’s one-man musical theatre show in Belsize Park which I attended with singer Terri Walker. Such a whirlwind of a February-more on all those to come!

But first it was off to Camden’s Koko where my old MTV family were holding their annual BRAND NEW music experience over 2 days. I attended on the first night where I was really keen to see the line up which was a new girl band that has everyone buzzing called Ruff Daimondz, female powerhouse Jessie J and star in the hood and charts -Tinchy Stryder.

I had been invited to watch Ruff Diamondz rehearse for the show and it was nothing short of a full on entertaining, impressive party.

The diverse trio is made up of 3 young girls with cheeky attitude. One black, one white, one brown-they embody the very diverse mix of your average group of friends on this country’s streets.

Firstly there’s short haired Troy who mostly takes leads vocals and is the uber professional, always upbeat ready to go one with a cute face that homes huge almond eyes with a velvet toned voice-the extrovert onstage. When the bands 5 dancers have numerous run through’s of their routines and the other band members are taking a break, she’ll sing live alongside them to keep them in rhythm.

Next is Caucasian ‘’Chronz’’ short for ‘‘Chronicles’’. She’s very Pixie like and embraces her grime peers with a staccato flow and London endz accent- a female that looks dainty and bambi like but has a strong, rough flow that can ride with the males in the scene.

The holy trinity is completed by honey coloured ‘’Tika’’ who encompasses the long haired exotic caramel home girl that rides the beat vocally and physically in a way that makes u want to get up and jam with her. A very cleverly put together act that will relate to many a youngster. They remind me visually of a modern day British TLC. They sound like nothing before with vocal harmonies that are precisely tutored by their manager Carla and a UK street sound that’s catchy with melodies that repeat constantly in your head.

Their circumference team is strong too. DJ Smasherelly is a seasoned pro who’s worked alongside the best of the rest- Estelle to name but one. Their choreographer is a well-known mover that’s been on the scene for a minute too. All their chips seem to be in the right place.

It’s been a long time since we had a female group in the urban pop scene. They’re nothing like the Eternals / Honeyz/ All Saints/ of yesteryear. Their appeal will be much younger than that of Mis-Teeq yet not as girly.

I smiled as I was watching them clearly embracing the UK lingo. I have always abhorred grammatical incorrect street slanguage but when Ruff Diamondz chanted “when we say all right you say STILL, alright STILL, alright STILL” I was caught up like a 15 year old singing along ‘’stilllll’’. The sign of a good act that draws you in whether you like it or not!.

They have balls too. As the dancers back flip around them manager Carla says “mind u don’t hit Troy”. Quick as a pistol Troy pipes up “or we’ll sue you” and whispers and laughs with me ‘’I’ve always wanted to say that”!.

The band ran through track after track including ‘’Life Changes’’( a Perfect anthem mix of rapping and harmonious singing), ‘’I just hate it babe’’ (very TLC meets Jade), a cover of Travis’ Billionaire tweaked with their own lyrics that go ‘’ I wanna be on the cover of Heat magazine stepping next to N Dubz and Mclean’’ and ‘’Allright still’’ with the energy going through the roof starting with that infamous Wu Tang introduction. And when their boss-president of Polydor Records-Ferdi walked in the performance level goes up several notches.

At the MTV show they kicked off proceedings very strongly and had the audience cheering and actively joining in each track with excitement-a great choice for the new talent line up.

The industry heads standing in the VIP with me from the worlds of fashion and music were most impressed with many muttering about them being the next big thing.

Next up was female of the moment Jessie J who deserves all the press columns she’s been getting. Her onstage performance was flawless. And it takes a lot for me to say that. Her sharp black bob framed her strong ready to get it eyes. She rocked a body leotard and tights with huge stars and leopard print vertiginous heels. She looks striking, her movement was mesmerizing and her vocals were on another level. She stalked around the stage raising the temperature and when ‘’do it like a dude’’ happened the place erupted!. Her fans were die-hard. That’s truly remarkable for a relatively new act at this early stage in her career.

After Jessie j it seemed as if half the audience left before Tinchy Stryders set. But Tinchy did his thing running through hit after hit in his now regular baggy jeans, hoodie and sunglasses uniform. He’s not the most energetic, talkative artist onstage but his numbers and chart positions don’t lie and he performed a very able set bringing out his ‘’Takeover’’ peers Giggs, Devlin and Professor Green-who the crowd when nuts for. Alas, the communication between audience and stage stagnated just before this encore as it seemed that Tinchys set was over and as most of the audience started to leave he returned with N-Dubz Dappy to duet on the hit ‘’number 1’’- an awkward moment that was just about salvaged. Probably through no fault of his own. In my experience things like this are blamed on poor backstage team management and communication.

All in all though a really strong night for British new music and refreshingly all with an urban pop edge unlike the BRAND NEW shows of old that were more indie pop based. Good job team MTV!.

P DIDDY AND JASMINE.

There was much ado about something when a new celebrity spa opened in Clapham right on the Common. Called Anesis and looking very swish with its slick black lacquered interiors the spa boasts London’s first fish pedicure spa. On route to the fish pedi. I wasn’t sure I wanted to get involved with the fish nibbling away at me. In fact, the mere thought of it freaked me out…issues of hygiene, bacteria, eating flesh ..bleugh. I had to restrain myself and keep it together. So it was on one wet January evening that a gaggle of paparazzi were gathered outside and as we arrived they were frantically snapping away at guests that included half of The Only Way is Essex cast, ex Atomic Kitten Liz McLarnon, Scott Henshall, Pooja Shah, Kerry Katona, Danielle Brown, Bianca Gascoigne, an ex So Solid Crew boss lady-Lisa Maffia, an ex Mis-Teeq lady -Su-Elise Nash, an ex Blue boyband member-Antony Costa …. Flutes of champagne and nibbles were passed around and a few brave souls even stuck their feet into the neon lit blue fish tanks and had a social with a Fish pedi

2 days later on a Saturday morning I went back for a couple’s fish pedi. How romantic I thought. We’ll sup champagne and look into each others eyes as mini piranha ate our dead skin off our hooves. Readers- it was a drama. We slipped our boots and socks off, were wiped down by the spa assistants to ensure our feet were clean and fresh and then sat back and gently eased our feet into the warm water. Well, I nearly caused mass hysteria with my screams. The fish were faster than Usain Bolt getting to my feet and manically nibbled away. Assuming I’d get used to it in a few seconds I attempted to relax but my mind and vocal chords weren’t communicating with each other and hysterical half screams/half giggles were erupting like crazy from my mouth. My boyfriend was horrified and embarrassed and tried to calm me down. The spa goers around us smiled sympathetically and told me not to worry-they’d all had a varying degree of hysteria on their first attempts too. The 2 black women opposite me insisted it was better than a regular pedi as the hard skin didn’t grow back as fast or as thickly. I actually swapped tanks as my guy’s fish didn’t seem as frenzied as mine and thereafter I was less embarrassing. We were finished off with a happy ending of a lovely nail polish and massage and I have to say my foot bottom does feel softer than ever and hasn’t grown back yet. Maybe those little bottom scavengers really eat away to depths of skin that your average foot buffer cant!. Anesis spa I may see you again- and not just for the wag and footballer entertainment that I witnessed whilst in there!

Then the next big hysteria in London town came the few days that both Puffy and Nicki Minaj came to town. I’ve worked with Puffy for 15 years and to us old skool folk he’ll always be Puff as opposed to his public modern day moniker-Diddy!

Puffy was holding a listening party for his latest musical offering LAST TRAIN TO PARIS as the wonderfully plush Piccadilly based Pigalle Club. I scooped up a carload of mates including MOBO founder Kanya King and as we arrived we observed endless queues that had formed around the block-both sides. You know Puff loves to panic the city!. Numerous media hacks ,DJ’s , groupies and artists were all lined up patiently. Luckily we were spotted by the eagle eyed ladies of OUTSIDE PR who ushered us in quickly. The club had been split into 2 levels, VIP were supposedly upstairs but honestly once we were all in, it was clear that every invited guest present were totally on equal importance levels and a VIP area really wasn’t needed. Particularly as there was no distinction between those of us upstairs or downstairs.

In fact-ironically it was Puffy who used to be legendary for his wild parties particularly as he insisted he never had a VIP section in his jams as all his guests were important. In this way the guests were more focused on partying instead of their noses being put out of joint attempted to be seen in the VIP. Well this event was different. Kiss100fm DJ Manny Norte threw down bad boy classic after classic-both commercial and exclusive- the party had every ingredient for it to pop off, a great venue, great music, great atmosphere, free drinks but still it was different to back in the day as the crowd nowadays practically expects Biggie Smalls to materialise in a mirage in front of them before they break out into any excitement or a smile!

Hip hop photographer to global ,artists Paul H was snapping away grabbing great moments like Puff just chilling by himself in the VIP next to us. Unlike days of old when he would’ve been surrounded by hangers on, entourage and model girls, he was grown and sat quietly with his Bad Boy stalwart Harve Pierre observing the crowd before he made his way downstairs to the stage.

Enjoying the ambience with us upstairs were rock chic Courtney Love, actor Ashley Walters, presenter Alan Carr, producer Dready, Kanya King, presenter Brenda Emmanues, models, musicians Omar and Don-E, the Dolce and Gabbana celeb team Chandni and Ruth, DJ Ironik and his boys and many other movers and shakers.

Downstairs were numerous footballers and wags including Ashley Cole and his current chic of choice, Skepta, Chipmunk, Smiler, Tinchy, Tim Westwood, Nelly Hooper,1Xtra DJ Sarah Jane, comedian/DJ Kojo, tabloid newspaper editors, and bloggers with cameras held high.

As soon as Puff hit the stage with his act ,the noise levels were high and he found it difficult to even speak as the groupies were screaming so much. Chipmunk joined Puff onstage from the beginning and a few people were muttering mean things about him looking like Puffs groupie which was uncalled for.

Skepta and Tinchy joined Puff onstage when they were name checked by the man. Kanya and I were just looking at the stage thinking how everyone’s blood sweat and tears to get to this position over the years ,where Puff was constantly bigging up TeamUK was a big moment and totally worth it.

Speaking about what had influenced Diddy Dirty Money puff cited UK acts like Loose Ends and Soul to Soul which was a nice touch and the UK love didn’t stop there as he kept bigging up TeamUK and the crew that were onstage with him including Chippy, Tinchy, Skepta, Smiler, Wretch32 and a few extra hangers on that amused us all.

Hilariously as I was watching Puff perform onstage, his twitter was tweeting away- proof that he has a tweeter.

The music from Puffs album sounded very strong, proving he’s still got his finger on the pulse-albeit the European and British pulse-but at least unlike some of his contemporaries he gives credit where its due.

Unfortunately Puff tried to rock the party the way we used to but the crowd just stood there stupidly ogling him with their cameras held up- he didn’t understand that the younger generation never learnt to dance with their stiff selves.

Puffy did a good job keeping the guests entertained even though he had flu. Occasionally he even looked a little bored-he had been doing promotion all day and this crowd wasn’t helping him by constantly holding up cameras in his face. Maybe if they had the VIP downstairs who would’ve partied and kept the bloggers and groupies upstairs to film us the dynamic may have been different LOL.

For a listening party however the excitement and vibe was very high and it was an impressive session to hear the music narrated and performed by the man himself. Becky Fatemi founder of Rokstone Entertainment and her team have been organising Puffs events for years. She’s so good he actually flies her out to do his birthday parties too! Now that’s a long-standing, trusted, professional relationship!.

Hilariously after I got home I noted that a few hating tweeters had bad mouthed the event citing it as a bad party etc. How had they so tragically missed the point that this was merely a listening session- not billed as a party, and as a listening session more than fulfilled its function. Oh well -never mind- some professionals have been in the game longer and understood the night as what it was meant to be. A great moment for music!.

JASMINE WITH SUPER PRODUCER/ ARTIST DREADY-ORIGINALLY FROM BIRMINGHAM UK, THEN LONDON, NOW GLOBAL.

The past week has seen me interviewing video directors, taking in a soiree at the Pigalle Club for Puff Daddys new music, dining with the Dolce and Gabbana team, watching new film screenings and getting my very first fish pedicure! The fish pedicure was at new celeb spa anesis in Clapham- I might have been there in body but my mind is still so jet lagged it was on LA time.

Out in LA one afternoon I asked my Brit mate who had never visited before what they wanted to see. Imagining they would state sights like City Walk, Universal Studios, Venice Beach, Melrose, House of Blues etc, I waited with bated breath. He said Compton and Roscoe’s Chicken House!!. Well I was as you can imagine not impressed. After dragging them around the main sights-which I think you should always do when arriving at a new city to get a feel of its history- I got a message from my friend fellow Brit music producer and artist Dready. Dready was in LA on business. He’s usually based between London, New York and L.A.  But don’t get his glam travels twisted-he’s born and bred in Birmingham. He agreed to fulfil our mates Roscoe’s ambition and so it came to be that we had a big group lunch at Roscoe’s. It was the worst thing we could’ve done. The food gave us bellyache and wasn’t even as good as KFC. I recall the days it used to taste fresher. Of course chicken accompanied by collard greens, waffles and corn bred is delicious. Alas they were all tasty except the chicken. That’s what happens with mass produced fast food success. The main seller gets over looked and eventually a Nandos comes along and takes all your business!

I’ve always been fascinated watching music producers make beats in the studio so imagine my excitement when a few nights later I got an exciting text from Dready informing me that he was in the studio with his team that night (which included his friend Busta Rhymes) and I could visit if I was free. Well readers, as I’ve always said, when given an opportunity to watch genius at work I’m always free. So in the dead of the night  (nocturnal music folk) we cruised down to one of L.A’s most successful studios (highlighted by the multitude of plaques on the walls) and chilled for a couple of hours watching Dready at work.

As soon as we arrived though we were bombarded by the now expected USA VS UK banter between the Brits and the Yanks. Them cussing our society, us cussing theirs even though we all know its mutual love society in reality.

Dreadys been in America for a few years now where he moved to after about 10 years in London where he moved after his earlier brummy days. As the old adage goes he trekked to London to find his fortune in the music game. He hooked up with South London music pioneers So solid crew in 2002 and joined the group as a producer where he worked on groups tracks (mostly on their 2^nd album) as well as more specifically for both group front acts Lisa Maffia and Asher D otherwise known as Ashley Walters.

Lisa recalls those early days like this ‘’Not only is he like a brother to me cos he helped create my album, he was the craziest and most dramatic out of all of us, his energy was nuts and on a Sunday morning he was the energiser when we needed to be hyped up- the best!’’.

Dready recalls those So Solid days as his first experience with any public acknowledgment and publicly.

Since then he’s worked with many UK acts like Ms Dynmite, Jay Sean, Lemar. Then when the ROC family came to town Dready had the fortune to work with Beenie Seagal and Memphis Bleak. The constant graft paid off and next female MC Rah Digga came knocking at his door. He worked at length with her and it was she who intro him to her conglomerate head honcho- Trevor Tahiem Smith Junior otherwise known as Busta Rhymes in 2005 in Yew york  Now its well known that he’s an essential part of Busta’s camp with he and Busta regularly shouting each others praises on twitter and so on .

Dready has been around the world a few times now, first with his old pal Jay Sean who he worked with back in the day and now Busta who he says he connects well with because ‘’ our Ideas are real creative together- whether we’re in Miami or Europe I know what he likes, a straight hardcore head nod effect with a club feel’’. Dready reminisces about his old music partner Jay Sean as he recalls ‘’I remember doing shows with Jay where there were 3000 people. It was in Dubai with 30000 people on the beach. In India he’s an absolute superstar. I still see Jay and we get drunk together in hotel bars. I did a Sean Paul duet with Jay Sean!’’. Explaining why Jay has made it big in the USA Dready says ‘’Even though the USA are late on some entertainment, as long as it makes money they’ll eventually get into it’’.

Asked why the States was important for him to work in he explains ‘’ I had done a lot of projects in the UK-I’d worked with everyone I wanted to- and had chart hits at home. It was time to conquer the USA’’.

Dreadys also kept himself diverse by spreading his talent around and also worked alongside Jeezy and Noreaga. Just recently he did Llyod Banks  ” any girl” and was particularly ampt about that as he has wanted to work with G Unit for a minute now, He’s also just made a new Chipmunk track that sounded amazing to my ears and had the whole studio bouncing their heads mad bouncy. He keeps Busta ahead of the UK sound by playing him British music and dub step on their tour bus although he does confide ‘’Its about making good music. I get some ridiculous UK acts requests. They demand 16 bars for “my mix tape” by Busta as if its really that easy-its professional business!’’.

Currently Dready has beats on leaked songs “Clear the air” with Shabba ,Mavado and Akon. His own first official song on a new album is called “How yo really want it”  He’s got his feet in all the right doors as he’s also now working heavily with Dr Dre’s new female solo vocalist Nikki Grier signed to Aftermath who was also in the studio alongside us and played us some of her music which sounds very strong.

I wondered whether being on the west coast whether Dready had to get into the ‘’west coast music beat’’ by indulging in the ‘’aroma of the west coast?’’. He laughed and chided me ‘’no Jazz! I’ve never smoked-ever!’’.

Now that he’s an international player his ambitions that are left include ‘’opening a performing arts school back home and saving enough money to send his son to private school’’. What a player. Putting Birmingham on the map with ambition and such positive energy as this, can anything stop him?  Lets hope not.

JASMINE WITH NEW HARRYS LAW STAR AML AMEEN….(BACKGROUND CHOICE AML’S)

So after Christmas in Utah with the Cannon’s (Mariah and Nick) we flew back to LA where we stayed in the Cannons guest room which Mrs C had also turned into a little home recording studio. To see her vocal booth customised with pink initials and butterflies and note her song writing pads in the room was breath taking as I acknowledged that this was a sacred space where hit upon hit was written. Awakening daily to look out across the Bel Air Hills and at the stunning LA view is a sight to behold. Certainly an inspiration to do as well as you can in life and make the most of every moment. Mrs C is truly in domestic mode as she cooked a variety of Italian specialities for our dinner daily. And when I say cooked I mean totally fresh from scratch. No cook-in sauces for this lady as she chops, peels and crushes herb after herb and patiently enjoys her ‘’cooking with Mrs Cannon’’ moment.

It was now only a couple of days before New Years Eve but we managed to fit in a fair amount of fun before the clock struck 12. I enjoyed a couple of moments in the Cannons hot tub overlooking the twinkling lights of the city, we visited our favourite LA shopping area-The Grove- again, we rented a car to get us around and had much fun keeping up with the crazy LA traffic and mad drivers as we missed exit after exit on the notorious 405 freeway-so called cos you can be stuck on it for 4 or 5 hours!

One night the boyfriend took me on a surprise drive up through the winding hills as I wondered where we were going. After a while he stopped and muttered ‘’damn its not even lit up-why not!’’ in frustration. I looked around and noticed we were right underneath the infamous Hollywood sign, which I could just make out in the dark blue night. Even I was traumatised. How many movies have you seen the statuesque, towering letters spelling out the movie industries most sexy location brightly lit up at night?. In my trauma i tweeted to enquire whether this was a one off? Had there been a problem paying the electric bill? , I was speedily (don’t you juts love twitter-your online concierge!) informed that ‘’its only ever lit up in movies Jas cos a film crew lights it up’’. Well, I was flabbergasted. Talk about years of false advertising and myth!. I wanted to start up a petition there and then to have the Hollywood sign permanently lit up at night. How amazing would this be for the millions of annual tourists?.

We also took in Venice Beach. I love watching the muscle men on Muscle Beach do their thing. its old fashioned, fun and free! The one thing that has changed from yesteryear though is the number of hip-hop outfits and crews that have taken up residence there and hustler their CD’s to unsuspecting tourists. Nowadays they even hand you Dre Beats headphones to hear their same ole same ole west coast tinged vocals. Oh how we laughed. if it wasn’t boys peddling their mix tapes it was dance crews taking over the street entertainment with their unison dance routines and theatrical banter. Those Step Up movies have a lot to answer for. Oh well. At least the kids have a side hustle that’s legal!

Finally New Years Eve was upon us and after I called and wished my UK folk a great night with a prosperous year ahead, I settled down to help Mr C and the crew prepare the party room for the 40 or so guests that were expected that night. Mr C was checking his decks whilst we arranged party hats, poppers, beads, top hats and balloons strategically around the room to make it look as festive as Mrs C would expect.

This year the party was a very small, intimate gathering of close family and friends. Debbie Allen- the amazing dancer/actress from the legendary FAME series, who is also good friends with Mariah- made a seafood gumbo and we all indulged in that and a feast of soul food. The bar was overseen by Mrs C who ensured that all her guests had a drink to hand. Everyone danced and were merry and at midnight it was ridiculously festive with confetti bombs and hugs and kisses all round. A lovely L.A New Years Eve start to 2011.

The next few days saw me visiting Debbie Allen’s performing arts school in Crenshaw which was most impressive. A stand out venue in the hood where numerous youngsters attend to do ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and more. Huge new studios, locker rooms and facilities that were clearly upkept beautifully and adorned with Ms Allens achievements. I salute you lady- very impressive!.

I also spent a long girly 2-hour catch up session in Mrs C’s pool with her as she exercised and we discussed everything under the sun from music, life, love, family, and nappies! Yes- nappies-or diapers as the Americans call them- were a topic that was intriguing. I even saw a shooting star!

One afternoon my mate asked me to open my ‘’tunnel vision-ed mind’’ and join him at LA GUN CLUB. Well you can imagine the hostile rejection I put up. I have always loathed guns and never seen where there could be fun attached to their use. Especially after all the youth on youth gun crime back home that I witness. I was informed that like archery and bowling, to many in the world it was merely another sport skill and I should try it at least once before writing it off. So I did. It was exhilarating and I was surprisingly very good at it considering I’d never even held a gun before. Clearly the shooters along the shooting range were there to test their accuracy skills. But it still wasn’t my idea of fun. Every time a shot went off I jumped out of my skin-even with the eye and ear protectors on. Empty bullet shells were flying all around and I couldn’t believe that I, as a regular Joe Schmo could walk off the street and be trusted to hold and use a firearm of my choice without any previous experience or training. Hilariously my target was riddled with bullet holes whilst my mates was barely hit. At least he now knows not to mess with me. I tried it once. it was an experience. I wont be doing it again.

DINNER WITH FRIENDS INC ACTORS AML AMEEN AND PREEYA KALIDAS.

My final bit of LA fun was organising a dinner with some Brits before I flew home. I reached out to actor Aml Ameen who used to star in THE BILL and movies like KIDULTHOOD. He moved to LA last year with his lady to star in a new Hollywood series called Harry’s Law. He suggested our Brit dinner should be held at Brazilian food eatery Bosanova. I also invited former Eastenders actress and singer Preeya Kalidas  who just happened to be out there and former MTV diva Janet Shaw. We spent a hilarious evening comparing stories and Aml filled us in on his TV series. Weekly drama Harry’s Law began airing in the USA from January 17^th on NBC from 10pm and is the new David E Kelley show. (He made Alley McBeal and Boston Legal too!) It also stars Oscar and Golden Globe winner Kathy Bates alongside our Brit boy Aml!. Whilst in LA I was really proud to read In recent press junkets Kathy said this about our boy… “I’m really taken with this young man, Aml Ameen who’s from the UK who comes over. He plays Malcolm and he’s a wonderful young actor. And we’ve had a lot of terrific scenes together and I’ve enjoyed so much the chemistry between the two of us’’. So Aml looks likely to be a household name stateside within weeks!. We had much fun over dinner breaking down his American accent which to American ears sounds flawless!.

It seems that Aml is not the only talent in his family- whilst he’s carving a career out in Hollywood his brother Mikel Ameen is building up a big following this side of the pond with his music and acting too. His captivating debut E.P album ‘’Gift Rap’’ includes 13 tracks bursting with originality ,charisma & content. With half the tracks produced by Mikel himself clearly creativity runs strong in the Ameen family genes!
Look out for the west end launch of AmeenDream Entertainment in April in the UK( where 3 short films will be screened- The Pick Up, Special Delivery, and Drinks Drugs and KFC (All Directed and Produced by Aml Ameen). On that proud TEAMUK note I jetted off to catch up with yet another Brit doing big things Stateside-more in next weeks juice!