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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!

JASMINE WITH THE CANNON’S AND FRIENDS ON THE CHRISTMAS SLEIGH RIDE!

I know we’re already 2 weeks into 2011 but I only just finished my Christmas adventure which this year was longer than ever!. Why not!? I deserve it! I work damn hard all year and you know what they say- work hard, play as hard. My annual end of year frolic with the cannons (Mariah and Nick) this year began in L.A. mid December we flew out to my cousin Jani’s lair where for a solid week it rained more torrentially than I’ve ever witnessed in the UK. It was heavy, non-stop 24-7 pouring cats and dogs. On December 21st we flew into Utah for Christmas week. As Mrs Cannon is pregnant it was decided that our usual Aspen jaunt would be a little too high altitude wise for the Carey-Cannon twins to breath as the oxygen is so thin up that high -its bad enough for us folks outside the womb!. We’ve been to aspen in the past where friends have been hospitalised by altitude sickness so the idea of the cannon twins somersaulting in Mrs Cannons tummy unable to breath was not pip. Utah on the other hand is just as snowy, magical and surrounded by mountains and canyons so we all jetted off to park city where we enjoyed a really relaxed, picturesque, once in a lifetime vacation.

In most of the UK’s cities we cant even imagine what the snowy hilltops and mountains in Utah look like. They’re breath taking, picture post card images that you think only exist in olde world postcards. We stayed near somewhere called ‘Lambs Canyon’ which if you know about Mariah you know was VERY appropriate.

The Cannons do very traditional Christmas’ with stunning magical mountains, covered with snow glistening like millions of diamonds, homes that look like ginger bread cribs with white sugar frosting perching aside the hills. Winter vacation homes in the snow are all similar with varying levels of extreme fabulosity. All are golden wood structures with numerous pillars and alcoves, high ceilings, a multitude of levels, playrooms that contain pool tables, wii consoles, karaoke machines, cinema rooms, and a number of en suite bedrooms. They also include luxuries like roaring log fires (which I tried to build myself a couple of times but then was banned in case I killed us all with smoke poisoning or worse!) , a giant main Christmas tree in the living room, a second tree in the playroom for dressing on Christmas eve, a big family kitchen where families gather around the island worktop, a hot tub outside overlooking the twinkling lights of the city, and of course a view straight out of a block buster movie. This trip was different to all the rest as the Cannons are pregnant and that put a whole new, calm, blessed spin on festivities. We were excited just to be altogether.

Daily our meals were a group effort led by our Swedish friends Kristen and Josephine so we referred to meal times as ‘Kristens Kitchen’. Bedrooms with 4 poster princess style beds were made extremely good use of, the 4 cannon puppies (JJ, Chacha, Dolomite and Jackie Lambchop) were as ever as cute and rambunctious as ever running around causing pandemonium, playing in the snow. I took them all for a daily walk which in itself was a crazy, fun task as they legged it up and down the hills dragging us into deep 4 foot snow drifts as they sniffed out wild deer. We ventured out very few times to shop in town, which had both a quaint little old worlde town as well as massive fashion malls with 75 store minimum outlets.

At the start of the trip Mariah reminded us of her usual vacation rule where we are requested not to spend 24-7 on our electronic gadgets. Between us there were a lot of Macs, Blackberry’s and IPads so it was a relief that the rule was set. After all who wants to spend such a once in a lifetime moment with all around them being anti social on their texts and e mails all day long. So imagine my delight and joy when one afternoon as she popped out for a quick shop and I sneakily logged onto my Mac,I caught her slipping as she had just tweeted! Now the problem was, did I acknowledge I myself had broken the rule in order to catch her? Her bro Shawn and I decided it would be worth the jokes to out her so we told her off via twitter. She gave as good as she got and cussed us back!. Good times!

The one thing we were allowed to over rule the rule was playing Wii- we tried bowling and other sports but it was the Michael Jackson dance game that had us all sweating, screaming, dancing and singing at the top of our voices for hours! I won 3 games, Nick won 3 games but our friend Rachels daughter , lil 15 year Sade got the highest perfect score! (She is after all a dancer and we’d expect nothing less!) . The workout was pretty crazy up in that high mountain altitude, though and 3 of us went through 12 bottles of water in an hour.

One night we decided that Mrs C needed pampering what with the usual pregnancy aches and pains taking their toll so all the girls pitched in to give her girl time with hand, foot and head massages with hot oil until she fell asleep.

Many nights we jumped into the hot tub (minus Mrs C ) watching the twinkling stars in the ink black sky, minus the usual annual festive flute of champagne for obvious reasons. One particular hot tub moment of hilarity came when 3 of us were in the hot tub trying to persuade Nick to join us. He was of course making the usual ‘’black men don’t do snow in their underwear’ noises.

We also spent our nights after dinner playing games like Balderdash and Catchphrase. I should be used to it but whenever the answer to the clue I’m giving comes up as ‘’Mariah Carey’’ or ‘’Nick Cannon’’ it’s the weirdest. Surreal. Imagine being the answer in a board game?

There was one particular night when I was so angry I could’ve exploded. Throughout our years of friendship we have always had the fun UK VS USA banter. This night was one to remember. My word that I had to have my team guess was ‘’cracker-jack’’. I was able to have my team guess the word ‘Jack’ easily as that’s the name of Mariah’s first most loved dog and the worlds most famous canine after his adventures with Mimi. Then I attempted to describe a Christmas cracker-the type that you pull at the dinner table, which contains paper party hats and gifts. Well, a whole screaming drama occurred as I didn’t realise Americans had no clue what a Christmas cracker was. No one knew what a ‘’paper filled column containing gifts and hats that’s placed at the dinner table’’ was. I was cussed solidly for my efforts and when I looked to my fellow Brit for support to confirm that Christmas crackers existed he abandoned me as he was on opposing team America!. Vex.com.

On Christmas Eve we had our usual Midnight mass -at home this year -with our friend pastor Kase leading the proceedings. It was a warm, traditional, festive ceremony that we all partook in and reminded ourselves about the true meaning of the holiday. The same night we were treated to Mrs C’s special clam linguini with stuffed shells, baked clams, garlic bread, salad and authentic red tomato sauce that was delish!

Our Christmas day Sleigh ride was very calm compared to most years as Mrs C is up the duff ‘’carrying dem babies’’. Usually we hurtle through a crazy, bumpy ride through the forest. This year we were ultra careful to ensure the slope was smooth and bump free. After all we had our own bump to look after and protect LOL!. However we still sang Christmas songs and Mrs C’s new Christmas album (particularly ‘’’Oh Santa’’ at the top of our voices!.

In past years we’ve attempted to reason with Mr C about not waking us at 6am, dressed as Santa to open our gifts. Hilariously, it’s taken us this many years to just accept its going to happen. So at 8am after his wife asked him to let us sleep a little longer, ‘Saint Nick’ woke us traditional style with a cowbell and pounding on doors dressed as Santa.

My gifts included a gigantic bottle of hot pepper sauce packed and presented in my name. It was so heavy to pick up and hold that I’ve had to leave it at the Cannons on their bar area in case anyone should ever request a bloody Mary!

I got the usual necessity gifts too like hats, scarves, and smellies, as well as some lovely trinkets and framed photos but my favourites were a flip camera and a pair of Mariah Carey black quilted chain boots that she designed for the HOME SHOPPING NETWORK that I’ll be rolling around with in 2011.

I particularly look forwards to American style Christmas dinner, which this year was bib lettuce, basil-buttermilk dressing, fresh cranberry sauce, traditional mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, candied yams, mac and cheese, collard greens, corn on the cob, stuffing, buttermilk biscuits, turkey, deep fried turkey, honey baked ham, rib roast, dessert, cherry pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie. Tell me your mouth isn’t watering just reading that.

On December 28th we took our last mountain walk with the crazy dog circus and drove back through the canyons to Salt Lake City airport where we jetted back to Los Angeles for New Year. Roll on 2011!.

JASMINE AND ESTELLE.

Happy New Year dear readers! Here we are again! Another January! Another chance to start a new year afresh with positively new beginnings…where will it lead for us all? Only time will tell! I write this from los scandalous otherwise known as LA. I’m relieved it’s sunny because when I flew out here in mid December it rained torrentially for 5 days. Worse than any Indian or Kenyan monsoon that I’ve ever experienced and much worse than a rainy day in London. La in the rain is so grey it’s hard to acknowledge you’re in the sunshine state! Doesn’t the song go? ‘’it never rains in southern California’’

My life is never calm and before even getting through immigration there was drama. The winter solstice, full moon and lunar eclipse on December 21^st came early for me and I aged 10 years in 30 minutes.

My friend had filled in their ESTA form incorrectly so instead of the usual ‘’Welcome back to the USA’’ and a smile, we were hauled off to a side room where my mate was questioned alongside thugs, dodgy looking folk and other undesirables. Luckily after a lot of sweating – honestly I thought we were both going to be deported back to the UK-it was all cleared up and we were waved through. We had had visions of being put into orange prison overall jumpsuits and staying there for days as all UK airports were shut off by snow.

On arrival at my cousin Jani’s crib in the miracle mile area I plonked myself on the sofa and began preparing to unpack. I dragged my new suitcase towards me and colour drained from my face as I noted that whilst it was indeed the same colour and model as my new black case- but it had a label that stated it belonged to a ‘’Mister M Coleman from Northants ,UK’’ instead of Miss Dotiwala. Eek. This is the reason I have always cited for not wanting a black suitcase. Every other case is black. I felt sick with concern that I would be jazzie-no-clothes in a few days when we were going skiing, even worse I felt terribly embarrassed that poor Mr Coleman must be frantic with worry due to silly lil me scooping up his case from the baggage carousel. After the immigration drama however this felt like small fry. Cousin Jani bundled me into her ride, zoomed me back to the virgin desk where a porter informed me the desk was now closed but pointed out a virgin official outside that was on his way home. We sprinted out to the guy who looked at the case I was dragging-Mr Coleman’s- and said ‘’oh yes-I think I have your case in the office’’ and proceeded to take us to the nearby office, open up, take the Coleman case, swap it with mine (which I practically sank to my knees and kissed), and off we were- happy and relived. I love Virgin Atlantic. Honestly-they couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful. And I’ve been saying that for the past 20 years!

LA meanwhile was just pouring cats and dogs, day and night so regular activities like strolling along 3^rd street in Santa Monica or chilling around Venice beach weren’t going to happen. Instead my international designer friend Adam Saaks scooped me up in his very LA trendy Prius and insisted he was taking us to see his surprise. As we drove down Melrose Ave Adam said ‘’look out the window’’ and there stood a huge very swish looking store called….Adam Saaks!. Adam dragged us inside and proceeded to load us up with free stylish goodies and of course cut a tee-shirt onto our bodies-that which he is famous for. We ended the day chowing down on sliders (mini-burgers to you Brits) and fries at the infamous 50’s all American Johnny Rockets diner. Then we settled back down at home to watch the ‘’Christmas in Washington’’ special that Mariah was singing in and felt extremely proud of her especially since she is heavily pregnant with those twins.

The next couple of days were spent in a frantic shopping whirlwind at the grove and the Beverly centre picking up last minute Christmas gifts before the UK’s finest Estelle pinged me to announce she was going to be in town the next day for a gig and we should do dinner. Never one to do things by half I suggested we invite a couple of friends. Boxer Audley Harrison, actor aml ameen, designer adam saaks, girl-about-town/jewellery designer Britney Gastenau, infamous L.A club promoter Shay, and my cousin Jani….dinner was at a very fashionable restaurant called Koi after which we popped into the infamous Chateau Marmont bar for more bellini cocktails before calling it a night. Estelle looked happy and fabulous with her newly tinted red hair and was on full entertainment mode as she had the table roaring with laughter at her anecdotes. Her next album sounds like it’s going to break some serious ground.

AUDLEY HARRISON AND JASMINE.

Audley shared a carrot cake and cuppa tea with me- typical Brits!. Instead of joining us for the whole evening Audley blew us out to….wait for it….go and play darts with his professional English dart players that live up in the Hollywood hills. Apparently he’s a very good aim with that left hand of his. So living out in la Audleys clearly more excited about throwing darts that punches these days. When he’s not doing that he told me he’s having fun replying to haters that cuss him on facebook. He gets a lot of satisfaction putting certain haters back in their places. I’ve known Audley for years, from the early days when he was wayward and spent time courtesy of her majesty’s service, when he was a nightclub security man and watched as he pulled himself up to Olympic fighter level and now he’s living the good life on the west coast with his beautiful wife and daughter. It’s an inspirational story. Hes happy regardless of the hate he gets. A true positive, spiritual thinker. I was laughing at the size of his feet. Hes a big guy but even I have never experienced size 18 feet! I could live in one of his shoes! But living in my own shoes is more than good enough for me as I recall my annual festive Christmas in Utah with Christmas family-all the juice on that next week! Happy New Year!

JASMINE WITH EMANUEL JAL AT HIS VIDEO SHOOT IN LONDON.

Only a couple of days to go until Jesus birthday and I’ve been attempting to cram as much onto my already full to overflowing to-do-list as possible-i’m in the States right now skiing and frolicking in the snowy mountains with my Christmas family-the Carey-Cannons!.But before i left the UK……..

All my employers had Christmas parties and dinners that I had to attend so I plopped out the same frock (there’s still a recession darlings!), to go to the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 buildings. I was exceptionally behaved, worked the room, smiled a lot, listened to all, introduced people, didn’t get drunk, no embarrassing dancing ,didn’t upstage my superiors and so am hopeful about my promotional prospects in 2011 LOL.

Hip hops answer to Rankin, Paul H gave a talk at the Apple store about being a paparazzi in the music world. In the past 2 decades he has photographed every urban act on both sides of the pond and is on every record label and artists speed dial for press and promo shots. A lot of his past work was shown as well as a healthy yet bewildering amount of info about camera equipment and picture/stills copyright laws and so on.

JASMINE WITH KEVIN J, MARTIN JAY, EDDIE KADI AND ITV’S MONIQUE RICHARDS…..AT ALEXANDER AMOSU’S CHRISTMAS PARTY.

Next R&B Ringtones entrepreneur turned luxury goods maker Alexander Amosu threw his Christmas party at Aura nightclub in Mayfair where he exhibited his most expensive suits in the world, his diamond encrusted phones and much more to a very diverse crowd of guests that included business men, wide boys, city slickers, brassy ladies, TrayC and Paige from X Factor , comedians Eddie Kadi and Kevin J, ChoiceFM breakfast DJ and soca king Martin Jay, Chucky Venice , MTV Africa head Alex Akossi and other movers and shakers. Champagne and canapés were served by staff wearing Amosu tee shirts and more than usual networking and business cards were exchanged.

JASMINE WITH ALEXANDER AMOSU AT HIS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT AURA.

MTV BASE comedian and CHOICEFM weekend DJ Kojo threw his Christmas comedy funhouse special at Sound Bar in Leicester square where the A TEAM of UK new skool comedians did their thing to a packed house. The ever funny Baba tunde, white comic that black folk love Kevin j, of course Kojo’s crowd adore him, and then finally Slim had the audience in stitches. Kojo had a musical interlude from singer Cherri V who was very capable and now just awaiting her big break. The night was entertaining from start to finish and I salute kojo for providing a continuous night of fun where young urban comedy fans can safely come and mingle and enjoy the scene in the current climate.

JASMINE WITH KEVIN J, BABA TUNDE, KOJO AND SLIM……AT KOJO’S CHRISTMAS COMEDY FUN HOUSE.

In order to tick off all on my to-do-list I had actress, presenter and Scary Spice Mel B’s sister Danielle Brown join me for chai tea lattes and Starbucks luxury fruit bread whilst having my hair trimmed at celeb hair salon 3V in Notting Hill ,where we caught up on life and laughed about our old skool beef back in the day when we used to hate each other. I used to be mean about her on my radio slot and she understandably wasn’t best pleased. Now we’ve grown up and are wiser we chortle over those days.

Next to the sports spaceship headquarters of the Adidas inner sanctum in Covent Garden where Paola and Akua-the celeb team guru’s had laid the showroom open to me. It was like a dream come true as I was told ‘’ we have laid out a spread of apparel and shoes in your sizes in the client room for you to pick and choose whatever you’d like’’. I was like Usain Bolt in supermarket sweep as I tried not to dribble over the box fresh smell of new 3 stripe sneakers and slick leisurewear. Adidas have dressed me for years and as most of the flyest stars on the planet rock the brand I’d assumed they handed it out freely. It was a few years ago when I realised this wasn’t true at all. An array of UK and American acts would pass through MTV and compliment me on my exclusive garms and when id tell them to reach out to Adidas I would be told that they’d been rejected as ‘’Adidas are very choosy about whom they actively involve to wear their brand’’. I was staggered. These were pretty big names. Clearly Adidas knew something I didn’t cos they’re no longer around. I should’ve known the brand were ahead of their time when noting their inner clothing labels state ‘’caution-sliding and spinning across floors in this clothing can cause burns’’- clearly the preferred brand for breakdancers lol. Meanwhile I’m currently on the snowy slopes rocking my ‘ Stella McCartney for Adidas ski suits and all in one flight suits with hoity toity fur clad rich madams asking where I found my ‘’delightful attire’’. Go ask somebody!.

Radio 1 DJ Reg Yates threw his weekly Sunday night party fondly called Trading Places where there are usually unannounced guests like CL Rock and Pete Smooth, Idris Elba and other fresh types gracing the scenario. It’s a struggle to energise yourself on a Sunday night but so worth it. Reg is smart-he’s well aware that only die-hard mates venture out for fabulosity on a Sunday school night.

Then it was time to kick frivolity to the kerb and get serious for a moment as my friend and PR expert Rozan Ahmed told me about Emmanuel Jal’s global initiative for peace. To give you some background, Emmanuel comes from Sudan originally, he’s a former child soldier and through quite unbelievable struggle has become as a world renowned recording artist, actor and activist; his latest release being the Warchild LP to accompany the successful documentary. Emmanuel is currently focused on the upcoming referendum in Sudan. As I’m sure you may have heard, the country’s public will soon be deciding as to whether or not Sudan secedes as a nation – as Africa’s largest country, which to many of us is beyond depressing.
The outcome, either way, is likely to result in a full-blown war, and so Jal’s core messages of peace and unity, disseminated through a number of upcoming campaigns and summits will be a focus from now, up until the referendum. Emmanual was in London to spread the message and shoot the video for his single ‘’we want peace’’ and told me “I believe I survived for a reason… to tell my story… to touch lives.”

Emmanuels story is so erratic that he was born on an unknown date in the early 1980s. Imagine that- not knowing your birthday but being responsible for lives being saved as he achieves his initiative. He has a unique style of hip-hop, with its message of peace and reconciliation, born out of his personal experiences.

Emmanuel’s live appearances have included Live 8 and Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert. He’s performed with acts such as Faithless, Alicia Keys, Razorlight, Supergrass and Fat Boy Slim in Europe, and has toured the United States as part of the National Geographic All Roads Film Festival, and appeared at Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive Black Ball 2010 in London.

The video was shot in Kentish town studios and feature many of the UK’s well known faces, so go check it out and support where you can. We might all be celebrating at copious parties with unlimited amounts of festivefun but there are fellow brothers and sisters that need minimal time and effort from us this season. Visit the website www.we-want-peace.com. Its crucial that we focus on prevention….if we knew the haitio disaster was going to happen we’d do everything in our power to stop it-right?. Happy holidays!

JAMINE WITH ‘JAMAICAN SNOWMAN‘-KAT’

So the countdown begins-it’s a week until Jesus birthday!

This week I’ve had to run around doing chore after chore, I’ve been interspersing fabulous and basic. FABULOUS=I’ve been juggling a few different staff parties- trying to appease various bosses when I cant attend every function because they all clash (but the ITV party was definitely the best!). BASIC=my library books had to be returned –oh yes-I STILL belong to the local library. My mum got be interested in books very early on and its always a treat so I buy books I want to keep but I also regularly borrow books-what a luxury!.  FABULOUS=On Monday night I popped into ringtone/luxury goods guru Alexander Amosu’s party, the day before we were at a friends and family Christmas drinks at Paul H-(hip hop photographer of this generation) home, FABULOUS=then we had our girly Christmas dinner at skylon at the royal festival hall- brilliant views, average food. BASIC=

Then I made my 6 month regular dental appointment – good healthy, strong teeth are one of life’s essentials-after all who wants dentures when they hit old age-yuk,not me! FABULOUS=then fresh breathed I ran up to a studio in Kentish town to join music artist Emanuel jal to feature in his video shoot (more on that next week!).

I was most excited about going to see 90’s ladies perform at the 02. First up were girl band SWV  (Sisters with voices) the original line up-  Coko, Le-lee and Taj. They were cool, fly, fresh and had bundles of attitude back in the day with hit after hit so I was not missing the original trio doing their thing. They looked beautiful, sounded as good if not stronger than in their hey day and really rocked the venue. Hundreds of fans looked ecstatic and sang along word for word to hits like ‘Weak, I’m so into you, you’re the one and more’.

The headlining act on the night was one time bad boy artist and former wifey of the Notorious B.I.G-Faith. I must confess when I first heard that Faith was headlining over SWV I did a double take!? After all Faith has a gorgeous voice but SWV had all the hits. Oh well, I was open to the show as SWV had kicked it off so strongly. I had faith but alas it wasn’t enough. Faith doesn’t have immediate hits that spring to mind but has always been an amazing performer. Her vocals sounded strong but her heart just wasn’t into it. Her stage presence and organisation was bad and she continually went off for breaks and blaming her band for putting on the wrong backing track versions and so on. She was disappointing.

I finished the week off by indulging my child side and going to panto at Hackney Empire. Did I really? Oh yes I did!! Former MTV BASE and CHOICEFM host Kat was playing the snowman in Jack and the Beanstalk. Yes you read correctly. There’s a snowman in Jack and the Beanstalk. I haven’t been to a panto for years so didn’t realise there’s the main story as we know it, and then there are the ‘other characters’. I adore the Hackney Empire. So many great shows, talent and memories from watching the stage as a kid at the 291 Club to modern day where I’ve stood on it a few times myself. The cast for the panto were all very well rehearsed and professional. Kat was hilarious as the Jamaican snowman with his patois accent and white afro wig!.The star of the show was undoubtedly the panto dame who had us all roaring. The sets were pretty breath taking for a non-West End theatre but it was the emergence of the giant that was most impressive. A real giant. Huge .ginormous. humungous. There weren’t many men in his costume. Nor did he look mechanically operated. I was fascinated with how they achieved that. The story line was both entertaining and amusing to very young kids as well as the odd adult humour gag chucked in every now and again. If you’re looking for a traditional panto with an urban flavour (the occasional street slanguage phrase and soca track thrown in) then take the family and friends to see this!

This next week’s full of festive activities. First on my list is the Ultimate Boogie Nights show at O2 where Sugarhill Gang and Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King are performing and then it’s on to my mate Idris Elba’s (Stringer Bell in The Wire) London Christmas party before I head off to be with my Christmas family.

At this time lets not forget that whilst life is about being the best human being we can be and having fun is essential- life has light and shade and whilst some are laughing others are crying. Many people around us wont be full of Christmas cheer due to their personal circumstances whether they are incarcerated (I see you and read all your letters-thank you!), lost a loved one (I know many of you have recently), and this year will be their first alone without them, financial woes due to redundancies and so on (its affecting us all!), illness with loved ones (always within our circle) , poverty, aged folk and so on. At this time lets show seasonal good will and spirit which has gone down the pan in recent years and do just 1 good deed for another fellow human being that will be grateful for that chat over a cup of tea, a goody bag full of cakes and fruit, a kind letter or phone call or a grocery shop for someone that cant get around easily. I’m off to do the big shop for my dads retirement home and help them put decorations up and will then pop into friends for tea and cake- quality time is worth much more than material gifts so this season give someone yours.

JASMINE WITH PR MAVEN VANESSA AMADI AND ESTELLE

I’ve spent hours this week trying to explain to young people that nothing comes without hard work. So many young people reach out to me for opportunities and expect instant reward and fabulosity. Life doesn’t work like that. I receive e-mails from students that are professional therefore I put them on and give chances where I see them. I also get texts and e mails from randoms that I would never bother replying to. They say things that are unprofessional and over familiar. For example this week. ‘’Whattup Jasmine. I wanna do a job like yours so I need to do work experience with you, can you call me on this number and let me know when I can come to a party with you and see what’s what’’. Hilarious!.

Readers, after my school exams, a levels and university degree I taught dance and aerobics for years whilst juggling my runner job at a TV company where I did gruelling night shifts photocopying, driving, collecting meals and drinks before being the opportunity to prove myself as a floor assistant on a morning TV breakfast show. Thereafter I have done a variety of presenting, producing, directing, scripting editing jobs at a number of TV companies that involve long hard hours of work and constant preparation. The harder I work the more gets offered to me and the luckier I get with my social life being blessed too. Nothing comes easy. All good things do not come to those who wait but to those who work. Excuse my rant but often we can’t believe the slackness we see professionally.

This week when not juggling writing and work commitments, I had a good old laugh at comedian Kojo’s Comedy Fun House as he gave me a table at Sound Bar. Next it was a sumptuous dinner with Adidas head celeb honcho Paola Lucktung, before trekking up to Hackney to see my friend ,one time presenter and dance partner Kat in Jack And The Beanstalk. I ended the week going to a private party thrown by party man about town Tim Wade for his mate Will I Am and the Black Eyed Peas at nightclub Cirque.

My West London sister Estelle flew into town for one night only (as your average superstar diva does), for a show at Hammersmith Apollo with John Legend and The Roots, we had post show dinner at Almada- a restaurant so stush that there’s no sign outside, it looks like a private home in Mayfair and you need a password to get in. I guess this is how the people that move in high circles stay amongst their own dahhlings. Estelle as usual looked classic yet fly in that unique way that only she does and treated her sisters and friends to dinner and some very dangerous looking red shots she fondly called ‘’red snappers’’ that were bourbon and cranberry juice. We debated the usual: music acts, boy friends and fashion before shoving her onto her plane back to her New York home.

After that I had to organise a Sunday afternoon bowling session for 30 people where we took over the lanes and screamed and shouted lots. I had a non-strike game which had me mortified so I blamed it on the 4 year old daughter of a friend that ‘’had been taking my turn’’. Cringe. I hate losing, at anything.

Straight afterwards we attended the comedy roast show at Shepherds Bush Empire where ex Eastenders actor Mohammed George aka Gus the road sweeper was the nights victim. Comedy Roasts feature a panel of comics all lining up one after another to cuss and embarrass their subject. As you can imagine Mohammed was an easy target and whilst I was anticipating chortling at his discomfort-which I did-I actually warmed to him after the show. The comics firing Gus were MTV BASE’ Kojo, BBC impressionist and sketch writer Jason Lewis, Baba Tunde, Kane Brown, female Felicity Ethnic, white comic Kevin J and host Richard Blackwood. Part one of the show saw the comics all do a quick stand up set and part two was when they all went in on Gus. Relative newcomer Kane Brown was up first and in all honesty-not that funny, a little awkward and stilted, next was Baba Tunde who was hilarious as was Jason Lewis who wasn’t just funny but cutting and original too. Jason cussed his fellow comics too which started a whole car crash of bitching between them all. Jason accused Kojo of being a joke stealer, Kojo accused Jason of being a nobody, Jason cussed Richards presenter to music transition, actually EVERYONE cussed Richards music career, and part in a recent theatre show and it doesn’t help that he’s now going to be playing Donkey in the West End musical of Shrek. Baba tunde and Jason were the strongest having the audience rolling in their seats with very well written, original, side splitting material. All in all the comics cussed each other more abusively than they did Gus- shake my head!Truly an amazing night of entertainment!

JASMINE WITH CHANNEL 4 HEAD OF DIVERSITY OONA KING AND REPORTER RAGEH OMAAR

Then it was time for THE ANNUAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY NETWORK AWARDS 2010. It’s the second one ever. Last year was hosted by Alan Carr at Channel 4 headquarters, this weeks was hosted by Gok Wan at the Royal Opera House. Apparently Channel 4 diversity officer Oona King (who was wearing a turquoise Indian salwar kameez on the night) pulled some big strings to get the venue, which was beautiful. The CDN Network is made up of all the major TV broadcasters and for the past 2 years has been looked after by Channel 4 who on this night passed the baton to the BBC who will run the ship for the next couple of years. Gok Wan wasn’t as raw and fresh as Alan last year who had us all rolling with his freestyle political incorrectness. The 3-course dinner was interspersed with the awards, which included most ground-breaking programme (awarded to My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding), breakthrough production talent (awarded to Tamanna Rahman) and company of the year (awarded to Bwark Productions). The dinner menu was simple but fresh and tasty- mint and goats cheese salad, sun blushed tomato stuffed chicken and a rhubarb parfait finished off with coffees.

I caught up with the delightful ITV News presenter Charlene White who looked gorgeous in a classy red dress, T4 presenter Rick Edwards who looked dashing in his whistle and flute, actor Omid Dgalili and presenter Anita Rani presented awards alongside news correspondents Krishnan Guru Murphy and Rageh Omaar. Both these men astound me with their articulate and concise news reporting skills-I was honoured to be in their company.

Lenny Henry also presented an award getting it wrong with his misinformed jokes again. Something about the Royal Opera House having not ever seen so many black faces. He clearly isn’t aware that loads of urban music, break-dance shows and similar events take place there and have been for many years that attract numerous black people. Clearly most of us have moved ahead leaving him stuck in his eighties joke world. Double cringe. The night was extremely inspiring and its heartening to note that there is a huge group of talented people out there in the media whop like me feel very passionately about bringing a diverse group of people into TV that wouldn’t usually have an opportunity to join this world. If you’re looking to get into TV and have found it difficult thus far you might want to look into the Cultural Diversity Network-I cant recommend it enough as a proactive organisation that’s helping change the face of media as I know it.

JASMINE WITH CHUCK D AND FLAVA FLAV

Okay don’t panic but its nearly that time of year where nuff money must get spent, gifts must be pondered, bought and wrapped, more layers must be worn, and excitement must be planned to within an inch of our lives! I’m exhausted just thinking about it! This weeks been full of scripting, writing columns, cooking for dinner parties and kicking orange autumn leaves around outside. I know, I’m a sucker and most appreciative for the wonders that surround us daily that god has bestowed on us. And I am totally sober writing this too!. Its true. I love life!

I did have some fun moments though- work is just something I do in between fun- one of these fun moments including a private invitation and audience with the legends that are Public Enemy! Chuck D and Flava Flav held a very intimate gathering of family and friends in Shoreditch in an underground basement where they talked to us about their current lives, the past and then finished by performing all their hits to us! It was surreal and a once in a lifetime experience. I wasn’t a huge public enemy fan at school as my then boyfriend played them 24-7 and quoted lines at me in his very hardcore pro black manner. But now years later I TOTALLY appreciated their intellect and songs. Twins Sarah and Sally from BLAG magazine had organised the night after doing the bands publicity for the past 12 years- they’re also known for throwing parties and DJ’ing for acts like Lupe Fiasco, Red Hot Chili Peppers and James Brown to DJing for Pharrell and Nigo and N*E*R*D to name a few. Clearly the BLAG mag twins and Public Enemy are the best of mates apparent by the warm banter between them all on the night. Sarah told me that on this short trip they ‘’ thought it would be fun to tackle it completely differently, no press releases, no junkets, just getting a great group of people in one room for a memorable experience – to meet P.E, hear all about them directly with a Q&A and a secret performance’’. Guests included press, radio, TV, DJs, UK talent, influencers and the idea was to give people an experience they’d want to talk about afterwards and we did!. Its also very clear that Chuck and Flav love to meet people! They spoke to us first with chuck leading in his charismatic manner whilst Flav as usual provided the perfect sidekick with his extrovert crazy self.

Chuck said the early years of hip-hop were memorable because ‘’We were happy to be travelling the globe- we were amazed that fans just turned up’’. Chuck added that he was pleased so many media had attended the evening as ‘‘its Journalists job to report about real hip-hop as well as new stuff’’.
Chuck revealed ‘’There’s a standard in this hip-hop game we continue to represent and we’re gonna show people in Africa this month what its about when we go out to Nigeria for the MAMAs- MTV AFRICA MUSIC AWARDS’’. Chuck and Flav reiterated that they didn’t believe in needing passports to travel across the planet as the earth belonged to us all and that border controls and ‘’ Governments split people up-cultures bring people together’’. Speaking about young people, hip-hop and entertainment now as to compared back in the day chuck stated ‘’
These days drugs liquor and alcohol are the stars of the show cos the audience can’t rely on the talent onstage to be entertaining anymore so they have to rely on those extras to ensure they have a good time’’. I couldn’t believe he said that as that’s what I ALWAYS say! .

Regarding reality shows chuck insisted Flav couldn’t be put in the same category for his ‘’Flava of love’’ show as your average reality star because ‘’Flava flav has a real background and talent. I don’t know what the hell Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian do except just be’’. Flav spoke on wanting to get back home ASAP now as he’d been on the road a while and ‘’needs sun as he’s getting lighter!’’.

Chuck also stated his thoughts on expanding ones mind ‘‘unless you travel and leave your block you won’t move forwards’’.

Chuck added that he alone has filled 3 passports from his travel. Unlike many of the younger acts these days chuck understands the equal importance that press and media play in an acts career ‘’ We gotta come back with good music to please you the DJ and journo’’. Well noted sir-well noted!.

Chuck also revealed “I’m the only one in the collective that doesn’t play a musical instrument-i can’t even play the state lottery, on the other hand Flav plays 15 instruments-keys ,drums, piano, trombone, French horn, cello, tuba and more!’’. Flav smiled humbly but added ‘’but I don’t know how to read music, I play by ear’’.

Not threatened by new younger artists Chuck confirmed ‘’There’s a certain language you use to reach the adults and different lingo to reach the kids so we don’t try to emulate the new acts. Rhyming now is so elementary with 30 year olds rhyming like a 12 year old’’.
When pushed though the boys didn’t comment on names just exchanged knowing looks. We could all guess the acts they were referring to.

When someone asked why years ago Public Enemy expanded the DJ, mic and turntables set to include a live band instead of keeping the rap art form raw chuck defended his moves explaining ‘’we chose to add live instruments cos it became very limiting- just a raw mic was punk like but we needed to move on and couldn’t have done that without instruments’’. Chuck recalled that when he suggested that the act include live music Flava Flav was suspicious and unenthusiastic recalling ‘’Flav was the same, he asked me ” what u bringing these band motherf****** around for!”  Chuck recalls meeting Flav in the studio for the first time years ago recalling “he had a black geri curl, I said you can’t smoke in here!’’.  Flav laughed  “I’m grateful for a lot that chucks father taught me, my crew are best in the world, I wouldn’t trade them for anything’’. Then Flav took over with his excitable self telling us at length about ALL his other current and hypothetical new projects like “La Flav spirits” with a variety of flavours like cherry, berry ,olive ,sweet tea, bubble gum and more. I also have La Flav cognac ,also Chateau La Flav wine, also a couple of movies, and I’ve just finished doing voice overs for an American cartoon “Yahoo and friends”
, and I have a new Flava Flav cartoon, I’m also launching a line of Flava sharkskin wear…….’’. At this point we wrapped it up and let the legendary twosome perform their greatest hits for us during which they sounded as fresh and exactly as they did years ago on wax-it was breath taking! Then as we clutched at them for photos, shout outs and more they managed vto escape for their gig the same night at the 02 where they proved to me beyond a doubt that whilst I have the utmost respect and champion all the new young British acts that are doing so well right now, they really cant be tested against the live presence and articulate skills that the old skool acts that week showed me. The manic, passionate energy and vibe of Red and Meth, the untouchable intellect of KRS-1, then finished up with the iconic hits of Public Enemy. It was no competition. Old skool wins!.

JASMINE WITH MARY J BLIGE

Wow it’s a month until Christmas and I really need to get it together! I’ve only bought 3 gifts so far and they’re silly stocking fillers for my godson, Nick Cannon and my mum!

Aside from that its been about reflecting on lovely things in life like being happy for my girl Mariah and her hubby Nick on their impending new spring arrival, attending friends wedding vow renewals, girly cook-offs and slumber parties, sleep overs and watching my cousin from Orange County, LA play international tennis at the 02! (The Dotiwala genes- they run globally!). Its any wonder that I’ve managed to get any work done.

The week began with a run of real hip hop shows in London by Redman, Methodman, KRS-1 and Public Enemy and even though you already know I respect the new skool of young music acts immensely, having been reminded of the old skool talent, lyrical skills and articulation I have to say……old skool really does out shine the new skool acts. The level of articulation, subject matter and stage presence can’t be touched. Young uns-You can’t know and respect hip-hop and R&B music now if you don’t know about the past history. Some acts actually don’t know who the Isley Brothers or Mobb Deep are and they think So Solid Crew are old skool LOL.

It was a full American run as the queen of hip-hop soul Mary J Blige then arrived for her UK dates too. I’ve seen her perform from the early days (since that legendary gig where the London crowd booed her offstage) and this time around her personal fitness trainer Mark Jenkins called and asked me if I wanted a work out. Every time Mark’s in town he reaches out and we have an army boot camp-like training session in Hyde Park where I try not to throw up after he’s put me through my paces. You can see he’s in Mary’s life when you watch her onstage. Her body is ripped and when she moves her grace and strength is apparent for all to see. There were so many hits! The 02 Arena was packed from top to bottom, Jay Z and Beyonce were in the house and Mary was belting out hit after hit and running the show like a ragga dance. Verse, chorus, NEXT!. I spend a lot of time in the gym myself and consider myself fitter than most but Mark has me doing sessions that take me right out of my comfort zone and freak out all my comfort senses. He had me doing special awareness exercises with hoops, medicine balls, and an array of equipment I’ve never seen before in my life! Mark explained that when his acts like P Diddy, D’Angelo and Mary are onstage they need to focus on the audience and their music and so special awareness and stamina are paramount which is why we never see Mary looking hesitant or meek as she struts her stuff nightly to packed stadiums. Mark credits Mary for his marriage and kids. He met his wife when he first began working on Mary’s tour over a decade ago after he’s spilt up with his then girl friend. He stood stage side one night and got really sad thinking about her as Mary sang one of her classic love ballads. Apparently Mark was looking woeful when his wife to be walked by asking ‘’what’s wrong?’’. Mark apparently said ‘’I’ve just split up with my girl, all I want to do is get laid, and Mary keeps singing these love songs depressing the hell out of me!’’. Clearly his wife to be scarpered after calling him a pig. 3 weeks later they got together and married in Vegas. Mary kept her eye on the couple and couldn’t be happier for Mark that its lasted long term. For that Mark stated he was forever indebted to his boss-the Queen of hip hop soul.

JASMINE WITH MARK JENKINS AND GOLDIE.

The next day after singing ourselves hoarse at the show alongside Mary’s dulcet tones, I invited Mark to lunch with myself and drum&bass legend Goldie. Goldie was just out of Strictly Come Dancing and back on his daily early morning bikram regime. We hadn’t caught up since he got married last Christmas and so we met at a great Japanese spot where Goldie ordered 2 massive beef lunches, another for me, and Mark had a salad LOL. I have known Goldie for 20 years after he used to date a girl fiend of mine. My earliest memory of him is from a flat in Shepherds Bush where he made us all dinner and burnt the rice! Back then he was an out of control, crazy, wild, creative type. With his roots in graffiti art, break dancing, making music and much much more he used to bounce across from the states and back to the UK and eventually channelled his talents and became known as nineties drum  & bass king Goldie which led to worldwide tours and even a role in a James Bond movie!  These days his energy is more spiritual, he’s a father and husband and juggles TV shows, live music events and his art is exhibited at art galleries. That’s what you call getting back on the straight and narrow and turning your life around positively. Currently he’s working on a BBC TV show with the royal family and his new mate Prince Harry!

So it’s true what they say about life- you’re always connected to everyone else on the globe via the six degrees of separation theory- where everyone is connected to anyone else via 6 steps. So I guess I could state that I am linked to a Royal. Step back and curtsey as I make my grand entrance at Will and Kate’s impending nuptials!!

JASMINE WITH TQ

My cashmere sweaters from Uni Glo (I only wish they were from Prada), have been attached to my skin since the beginning of October so now that the weather has stepped up the chill factor a few notches its all I can do to stop myself walking out of my crib with a hot water bottle!. Luckily there’s been a lot of work and multitasking keeping me warm on my toes and there have also been some hot events to balance out the ‘all work – no play’ fear factor.
Hip-hop godfather Russell Simmons was in town this week to host a charity event that raised a cool million pounds for his cause. The lovely Michelle Williams attended alongside a lot of very wealthy folk. Just being in the room made me realise that there really is a lot of money available and up for grabs if you know how to pitch correctly for it.
Michelle also invited me to the massive NFL American football game at Wembley stadium on a brisk Sunday afternoon where she was singing the national American anthem to kick off the game. She sang beautifully in that strong, grounded voice she has been blessed with and it was also a once in a lifetime experience for me to attend. At MTV I never got involved much with our NFL programming and when Trevor nelson would get very excited about it I would quite happily let the males in the production team take over producing the shows. The game was immediately fun for me with its huge razzmatazz of fireworks, marching drum bands, trumpets, cheerleaders, floating helium balloons and much flag waving on behalf of the san Francisco 49’s!. However having said that ,once this grand introduction and fanfare was over it was the most boring game ever. The action takes place for a few seconds at a time before stopping in a repetitive stop-start manner. For 3 hours!. My mate and I soon put our access all areas vip passes to good use by taking a wander around the stadium which took us into every nook and cranny you can imagine. The photo room, press room, bobby Moore dinner suite, players tunnel and even….the staff canteen. That was hilarious. Clearly not dressed as staff or looking like staff we strolled through as 100’s of pairs of enquiring eyes followed us. The security guards even assumed incorrectly that my mate was a footballer and gave us a personal escort around the venue! I knew we had pushed it though when we found ourselves pitch side standing right alongside the players bench. We attempted to look like personal trainers and physiotherapists but within minutes an official caught on and politely informed us that we shouldn’t really be so up close. We laughed , apologised and returned to our seats with our £10 fish and chips and enjoyed the rest of the game-all 20 minutes that were remaining.

Next I popped into the D&G store for their joint party with INSTYLE magazine which was attended my lots of fashion peeps, models and Dizzee Rascal and Alexandra Burke amongst others. The next day I returned to the D&G celebrity closet to join VIP stylists to the stars Ruth and Chandni for a posh afternoon tea which we were having at the uber posh Wolesley Hotel. As I arrived ROC Nation sweetie Alexis Jordan was just finishing her fitting for a gorgeous gold mini Alice in wonderland style dolly frock that she was going to rock to switch on the regent street Christmas lights that evening.

Finally I met up with former ‘’Westside’’ hit maker, LA based TQ who happened to be in the UK for a few days to shoot a video for a brand new exciting music deal he’s just signed. I recalled interviewing TQ at the height of his ‘Westside’’ fame about 10 years ago in the main front window set of the then sonymusic building in great Marlborough street. He corrected me and revealed it was way back in 1998! And that on his current uk trip it was trip number 33! His hit had us hearing his voice on the radio 24 hours a day both on urban and mainstream radio and then just as if dynamo the magician had waved his magic hand over him, he disappeared. Totally. So when he approached me to have a catch up I was intrigued. Who wouldn’t be!
TQ explained that his hit had been so big that it kept charting at different times in various countries all across the globe and so he  was travelling constantly to perform it for months and months as its success was a rolling stone. He admitted that he certainly made some money from that song and continues to do so till this day.
TQ revealed ‘’When I first started I was just a song writer for different bands like n sync etc and travelled around the world on business. Sony my publishing company and after so many of my songs were hits for other acts they asked me to record as an artist in my own right. Even though I was content being just a songwriter they made a great offer that I felt I couldn’t refuse. I’ve always been into business. With ‘’Westside’’ I sold 50 000 copies around the world. I was financially secure and selling on my own. Then I signed to a big label and performed in a lot of different territories. When I parted ways with the label I continued making music and since then my fans bought my music directly from me’’.
TQ has been putting out his work silently and contently making a living via his own website- proof that not every act needs a major record label to back them. However with his new album-his 7th ,He has a new type of deal with Bauer Media who run KissFM, 4 Music, Kerrang and many other music brands. He’s the 1st act that Bauer have signed! .His new single is released via bauer on Jan 10th which is why he’s been spending a lot more time here in the UK. Every time he’s in London town he stays in east London-he tells me he likes the eastside as he has friends down that way as well as a property he’s bought for himself as his UK base.
With his new material TQ admits he ‘’ wants to break the genre as people keep labelling me rap and R&B, I listen to music now and I don’t even wanna be connected to R&B music right now’’. With that strong statement I pushed him for an explanation.
TQ expanded ‘’One of my biggest problems is people don’t write their own music and therefore I don’t respect them. If I wanna listen to an artist. I like Anthony Hamilton and artists from the nineties.Most people don’t wanna be put in a bracket. It’s all about breaking the mould’’.
TQ himself hopes to break that mould with his new album “I am legend” which for now is just a working title. TQ revealed that he worked a lot with a uk producer called ‘steel bangles’. He elaborated ‘’A friend picked me up and introduced me to him. I had only come here to shoot video for a couple days. But after we met musically it was a great relationship and so I stayed longer to work with him on my new material’’.
TQ’s first single is a toss at the moment between 2 of his new tracks ” I wish” and “no better love”.He says ‘’No better love’’ is a club joint whilst ‘’I wish’’ is a break from the norm- a positive song about the future and freedom of speech’’.
The new album is full of touching concepts like defiance. He added ‘’there’s a lot of heartache from where I come from. My message is keep on fighting’’.
The video that TQ popped over here to shoot is called “Oh oh” and it’s the 1st of his 3 single dealand features artist Danielle Senior who is the second artist that Bauer have signed. He describes the track as ‘’a duet, a dance record. Pop and club orientated, its a catchy joint. The video is a simple performance video’’. Describing the video concept TQ said ‘’the vibe of the song is that we are in a club with our significant others catching each others eyes-its just a flirty video’’.
As we were speaking a very excited young woman interrupted us and happily requested to take a photo with TQ.i laughed. TQ smiled and stated ‘’Everything I do is cos of the fans. I have the same fans from 10 years ago. I’m trying to make stuff for them. In fact the fans out here suggested I do collaborations with Wiley,  D Double O, Preeya Kalidas, and others so my new stuff is a great UK – USA remix.
With that TQ hopped back onto a plane to return to his homeland where no doubt he had a lot of business to catch up with in his companies which he runs which include a marketing company, a Car company , a Mobile phone company and a company that makes and sells blunt wraps.  Not merely about the cash TQ also has a charity, which he founded in 2000 which aids youth from inner cities to go to college.
A good chat with a man who clearly has a very solid, unfazed by fame, head on his shoulders.

JASMINE, NATE WALKA AND ALESHA DIXON

November in London town saw a lot of music activity from established superstar music acts, as well as old skool artists with nothing to prove, alongside newbies with absolutely everything to prove.
To kick start things one of the coolest female act of all time- En Vogue- graced the indigo venue at the 02 Arena. I put aside all my old bitter memories of ex boy friends dribbling and gushing over dawn from the band and trying to make myself wear the tiniest little black dress and highest vertiginous heels to try and emulate the girls back in the 90”s and stepped into the arena full of excitement for anticipation of singing ‘’oohh my first mistake was….i wanted too much time’’. The original line up-the ladies looked as slick and sexy as ever.
The band lit up the stage with great memories of music. It was a straight 9 out of 10 show. For it to have been a 10 there would have needed to be another group like SWV or Brown Stone as a supporting act or clashing each other like a clash of the titans.
En Vogues Interaction with the crowd was excellent, getting the audience involved with every part of their performance speaking and asking the crowd questions they had the crowd jumping, dancing and waving their hands.
Their vocals were as strong as ever and nothing seemed to have thinned or weakened their voices from the 1990’s –it was as if nothing had changed. Hell no!-it was the same wonderful goose-bumping voices that first broke onto the scene all those years ago, singing all the greatest oldies. The audience really responded well with a great atmosphere within the O2 with all ages of people singing along from all different backgrounds whites, blacks, men, women, gays and heterosexual.
Anyone attending would have said it was money well spent as people left the arena still singing aloud. My mates mum said they were just as good as when she first watch
them nearly 20 years ago! It really was a must see concert!.

Next up I was invited by Melissa from G-Mag to attend ‘The salute to The Wailers’ show about Jamaica’s first super group. At Hammersmith Apollo the crowd outside was so sparse I wondered if we had the right date. We queued for a while and even though it was cold outside it was even colder inside the venue. I kid you not. It was freezing!. The crowd that had gathered might have wanted to take their coats off and dance to the music that they were clearly enjoying but there was no chance of that as the Apollo stayed freezing cold all night with not even an apology or acknowledgement from the stage of the audiences discomfort. Is it any wonder that music acts are all choosing to perform at the 02- once upon a time West London ruled with Wembley, Shepherds Bush and Hammersmith-that is a distant memory now.
The show itself plodded. It was billed as the reggae event of the year.  The band and backing singers were going through the motions. The show used a different singer every few tracks to represent a different era but they had no presence-on and off as if rehearsing or doing a walk through. The experience was sold as a vibrant story but it really wasn’t. The tracks weren’t all introduced and when the narrator did come onstage he was barely intelligible and he should’ve been on a lot more and directed us through the story. Whilst the die-hard reggae fans made the best of it in the cold and sang along it really was a poor attempt at a big show and I have in my time been to some amazing reggae concerts and alas this had all the potential of being one.

Finally songwriter to the stars, American Nate Walka who has won a Grammy Award for writing for  Jamie Foxx amongst others held a listening party for his latest music at Molton House in the bond street area. No expense had been spared as both Nibbles and champagne were being passed around all night. Unfortunately I wanted a soft drink or water and neither were available-only champagne-how ironic-and they say there’s a recession?!.
Nate has also written tracks for Alesha Dixon who was also in the house looking lovely and truly letting her hair down. She laughed, joked, drank and had a great time all night as well as hosted the evening for her friend Nate.
A lot of the London inner urban circle from all walks of life attended and for a practically unheard of artist it was a very impressive turn out. Comedian Kojo and I wanted DJ for the night Manny Norte to play ‘’Westside’’ by TQ as TQ was sitting alongside our table. Industry folk like radio1xtra DJs, singer Cherri V, Jamal Edwards founder of SBTV, Nadine Scott from Michelle Williams management team, the flavour magazine team and many ,many more underground uber cool faces were in the house.
Nate finally turned up fashionably late and after Alesha introduced him he jumped on the decks and talked us through a very fast version of his new mix tape. It was a surprising listen as after his hit songs for other acts we expected catchy, soulful, melodic hooks, instead we had a quite heavily rap based mix-tape with various influences which was just as catchy but unexpected. Nates just been signed to an indie label called Versatile so a lot of acts coming up were in the house, hopefully hoping they could grab a hit song from him. Look out for him!

JASMINE WITH THE LEGENDS BILLY OCEAN AND RADIO1XTRA DJ MISTAJAM!

A fortnight ago I laid the first series of my ITV music show ONE NIGHT STAND to rest (its on air from this month!), and legged it down to bond street to the D&G store to get fitted for a fabulous frock for the MOBO Awards. Ruth in the D&G celeb styling team ushered me into the inner sanctum of the VVIP closet where Angela – fitter to all the stars including kylie and Madonna- pinned me into a beautiful, structured black frock. Usually I wear something sassy and sexy to the MOBO Awards as I usually attend as a red carpet presenter or a guest. However this year I was on team Mobo booking celeb presenters so I decided I should be more formal and elegant. I figured there would be enough skimpy nakedness going on without me adding to the mutton lamb mixture.
I had also decided to treat myself to a couple of classic shoes from designer Christian Louboutin. I often get fancy frocks sent to me by designers to wear to public functions and a couple of shoes that would go with all were much needed.
My designer mate Anneliese- born and bred in new York, now a Londoner, wont let anything beneath a Stella McCartney shoe touch her hallowed foot took me to the Mayfair Chrissy Lou store where a lovely guy called Claude helped us with our purchase of 2 pairs of décolleté classic 4 inch stilettos. I bought one black pair and one nude pair and even though I gulped hard as I handed over my credit card I reassured myself the shoes would be worn for years to come and therefore a good purchase.
The next morning the D&G courier dropped off my form-fitting frock, I threw a few garments into a case and off I went to jump on the Virgin Mobo train to Liverpool with the rest of the team. Scripts and running orders continued to change on the hour as artists were booked, unbooked, and so on all the way to the Mersey!.
The next day was full of rehearsals where 100 camera crew and riggers ran around laying down cables and setting up their shots, lighting was being fixed in place with stage hands running up and down the rope ladders hundreds of feet into the sky, microphones were being tested, event organisers ensuring the table cloths are the correct colour and size, stage hands were hastily building the stage, backstage dressing rooms were being labelled with artist names, the kitchens began grinding out menus and recipes and talent began arriving and rehearsing their sets. Mobo hosts Alesha Dixon and Reg Yates were working on their scripts with myself and producer Shurwin throwing in the odd unhelpful cheeky comment here and there.
I actually find the preparation for celeb functions more entertaining than the show itself. There are always so many issues that the general public never hear about. Certain acts have hissy fits about getting on the train which is a 2-hour easy journey and insist on a private car which is a horrible 4-5 hour traffic nightmare. Talent insist they bring not a couple of guests but try to force 10 extra people upon the organisers. Imagine if we said yes to every star requesting 10 guests? There would be no tables for the public to buy!. Artists argue over who has the flashest transport arrival on the red carpet, artists calling me every hour to ask which table they’re on, whether it’s a good table and who they’re sitting with, Issues between presenters who didn’t want to go on with who they were partnered up with, who has the biggest dressing room, they insist they have a car to drive them 50 meters to the after-party even though the walk would take half the time over a private path that only they would have use of. Oh the dramas, they’re fascinating!.
The great observations are witnessing acts like Roll Deep just being so happy and proud to be performing at the show, Alesha and Reg having so much fun rehearsing, the screamers who are hired to scream up the red carpet arrive looking so excited-the best thing Mobo ever did was to take the show out of London. The regions are just so much more welcoming, happy and have a positive attitude to the event.
The rehearsals went on all day the day before the show and the whole morning of the day of the show. Mark Ronson’s a nice early riser so was first onsite to run through with Wiley. Lets just say with Wiley being the temperamental genius that he is, that Mark had to change songs and ideas a few times before all was agreed upon. Next up was mister professional Tinie Tempah followed by hostess Alesha. Roll Deep came thereafter and ensured to practise their giant swing entrance properly , next it was sweetie Tinchy Stryder with his featured acts Professor Green, Giggs, Devlin and Tinie Tempah.(this was my favourite perfoamnce of the night, not to everyone’s taste but as a pure hip-hop fan I appreciated the rawness of a group of talented MC’s and their onstage dynamic)  Heartthrob Nelly came next and finally it was the mischievous ones N Dubz. On show day dancers Peridot were up first followed by JLS and their surprise collaborator Travis followed by now international superstar Jay Sean.
After all the guest presenters had arrived and settled in for their dress rehearsal I managed to slip into the make up room to have my hair and make up done by the lovely Abbey Rose who turned me around in 45 minutes flat from bedraggled to elegant. Next to me in the make up chair was former Eastenders actress and singer Preeya Kalidas who had 2 ladies working her hair, make up and sequinned henna tattoo look. We discussed dresses and exchanged gossip before being joined by DJ Max from Radio1Xtra. With an hour to go before show start we all grabbed a plate of whatever food was left over and legged it to our positions.
One of the busiest rooms backstage was the gifting suite where artists could go and grab an abundance of freebie goodies including DJ Hero games and Money clothing. There was also a talent retreat where acts could get massages, facials and mani-pedis except most were so busy getting their show look together that I didn’t see anyone taking advantage of it all day.
The show went without a hitch- only Peter Andre was unable to attend due to illness and Nelly’s dancers should’ve been naked and painted gold but BBC banned it so had to wear black leotards instead.
The only things I can reveal that you might not have seen on TV are…and you need to guess here,….which act sent the runners out 4 times to get the “right brand of orange juice, I only drink oringina NOT tropicana!!!”.  Which acts have the worst rep in the industry for being the biggest freebie liggers and exit every event with armfuls of bags and did the same here?. Which male artist had on loads of make up on and kept going back to the makeup room for more powder?. Which artist threw a hissy fit cos they didn’t have their own dressing room and made MOBO pay for a hotel room next door? Which artist refused to walk 50 yards to the official party and had to be driven there?. Which artists didn’t want their dancers looking better than them and so instructed their make up be changed?.  Which act onstage kissed at least 200 ladies during the show?-that award goes to mister Billy Ocean. Which artist’s secret wife was with him backstage looking stunningly gorgeous? I wasn’t impressed by the N Dubz security issues at the Mobo table with a guy called UK Warrior or something who was after Tulisa or some nonsense. Apparently he’s been sending her inappropriate images and messages recently and kept trying to get near the bands table leading to a band affiliate allegedly whacking him over the head with a bottle, leading to 2 of them getting thrown out of the building etc etc. Mad beef. Kiddie time. It was interesting to note that whilst once upon a time the arena would’ve gone nuts for American rapstar Nelly, in this show he seemed like an understatement where the audience took the opportunity to visit the toilet!. Remember years ago the MOBO Awards were accused of being too Americanised with not enough attention on the British acts? Well that’s a total 360 turnaround in 2010 . Its what we wanted 15 years ago and we were ecstatic with the representation. Now we just need to get our talent to use their time onstage to say something rock n roll and worthy so their 15 minutes of fame is remembered.
Post show we all went across to the PanAm building for the official MOBO party where Mobo hosts and acts mingled as Steve Sutherland played a great mixture of 90’s classics. I danced with Billy Ocean and ate enough of the free nibbles and drinks going past on silver trays including butternut squash risotto, fish ‘n’ chips, ceaser salad, fruit kebabs and chocolate covered strawberries. After dancing up a storm with Preeya, Alesha, Reg and Kojo we went to check out Reg Yates TRADING PLACES party at the Blue Bar which wasn’t as plush a venue but was heaving with artists and music industry. We had a good catch-up with everyone here and then Trevor Nelson suggested we check out the Hilton hotel party. So across the road we went to see loads of people standing outside the Hilton Hotel alongside a lot of police. My mate being cheeky and noting they weren’t allowing anyone else in told the police we were staying there and that they better let us in immediately. We were let inside where a huge party was just apparently coming to an end. It wasn’t a cool industry crowd, more wannabees wags and wannabee balers. We were ready to get out. Music manager to the stars Kwame Kwaten said ‘’lets get out of here, my instinct tells me something’s about to kick off’’. Instead of trying to escape down the now overcrowded stairs we tried the lift. Just as we were about to enter the lift a group of Caucasian guys ran in pushing one of their gang into the lift chased closely followed by a group of black youths aiming bottles at their heads. As we rushed in the opposite direction I said to my mate ‘’hold on, I can’t run all the way out in 4 inch Chrissy Lou shoes-let me slip into my ballet pumps’’. Flat shoes on and Chrissie Lou’s in my handbag we ran out, along to the taxi rank, jumped in a cab and got safely back to our Hope Street boutique Hotel. As we shook our heads at young boys drunken foolishness and I unpacked my handbag the colour drained from my face as I noted that I only had 1 shoe in my bag. The other must’ve dropped out mid escape!
I was gutted. 1 pair of Christian Louboutin shoes bought 24 hours earlier, worn once for 5 hours and gone. What a night. Cinderella’s spirit lived with me as all around me started mocking me calling me ‘’Jaserella’’. Clearly God didn’t want me to have them. I can always save for another. If anyone finds a black patent size 3 decollette shoe though I’ll reward them well for its safe return!.