The Goddess Issue

EDITION

ISSUE 32, March 2012 www.thisislime.net in association with

MUSIC

events

GALLERY

COMMUNITY

screen

INTERVIEWS

FOOD & DRINK

Sofia Boutella

theatre

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CONTENTS

29

MARCH 2012

04 Events International Women’s Month 08 Food/Drink Reviews and news

45

10 Fashion/Beauty Ozwald Boateng 16 Theatre London’s best cultural plays 18 Music RIP Whitney Houston 24 Gallery Women and Art 27 Clubs Jazzie B 30 Literature and spoken word Dr Maya Angelou 36 Screen Streetdance 2 3D 40 Community Family Matters 45 Comedy Africa’s Cow Foot 46 Breaktime Get your jokes on

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21

Word from the Editor

Wthis is my last issue of the ‘End of an era...’

ow! After two and half years,

magazine I co-founded way back in August 2009, Lime, London’s leading cross-cultural events listings guide. It’s emotional to say the least but I’m moving on to spread my journalism wings.

Thank you to all the amazingly talented journalists who have joined me on this journey – sincerely, you’re a fantastic bunch. I leave you in good hands with our publisher, a true visionary who has big things in store for you all including a brand new website. And on that note, I give you our third annual goddess issue - bulging at the seams with inspirational interviews with leading women. Of course

Team Lime

Editor Sophia A Jackson editor@gotmedialive.co.uk Designer Mialisa Fenty Published By Got Media Limited

Contributors Cassam Looch Semper Azeez-Harris Tricia Wombell Adelaide Damoah Amica Anselm Vernia Mengot

unders: The original team Lime / co-fo Dean Serieux [from L - R] Michelle Adabra, . and Sophia A Jackson in 2009

there’s an abundance of listings from film and music to theatre and art celebrating international women’s month and more.

Nicke Adebowale Gillian Fisher Jennifer Rock Victoria Woode Advertising and sales Dean Serieux dean@gotmedialive.co.uk Events listings info@comelime.com Website Basil Lumsden

Sophia A Jackson xx CONNECT WITH LIME www.comelime.com www.facebook.com/ limemagazine www.twitter.com/ limewithus

Lime: a word used in the Caribbean which means socialising and good times with your friends and family – welcome to Lime Magazine.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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EVENTS

Mar The Ghana Independence Party DJ’s on the Night inc Many Norte [Kiss FM], Ace [BBC1Xtra] and PA’s inc Tribal Man and Mr High Life.

Info: 10pm-5am | The House and Terrace Club, 338 Tunnel Avenue, Greenwich, London SE10 0PF

03

Mar Urban Classic featuring Fazer, Ms Dynamite, Devlin, Skepta and the BBC Symphony Orchestra A meeting of musical cultures, bringing together the BBC Symphony Orchestra with leading artists from the UK’s urban music scene, Ms Dynamite, Fazer, and London MC Skepta. Conducted by Jules Buckley – fresh from his collaboration with Basement Jaxx and the Metropole Orkest, where he is Principal Conductor – the BBC Symphony Orchestra performs brand new arrangements by Jason Yarde and Ayanna Witter-Johnson as well as orchestral pieces (repertoire tbc). These new arrangements feature breakthrough anthems, top hits and exciting new material from the four urban artists, who also collaborate and perform on stage together. The Urban Classic concert will be simultaneously broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 and

I’mPossible at Pearson

and clinical director of London Smiling group; Dr Uchenna Okoye and the first black female consultant orthopaedic consultant; Miss Samantha Tross. Engaged the

On February 8, the trailblazing, second I’mPossible conversation event took place at Pearson’s head offices in London showcasing an array of uber talented and accomplished British women of colour sharing their life stories.

A lively, life-affirming, knowledgeable panel comprising of company secretary and chief legal head of Waitrose and John Lewis; Margaret Caseley-Hayford, actress, singer and now author; Michelle Gayle, Hackney Vicar and chaplain to the speaker of the House of Commons; Rev Rose HudsonWilkin, official dentist on Channel 4’s ’10 Years Samantha Tross Younger’ BBC Radio 1Xtra. Urban Classic forms part of Music Nation – a nationwide weekend of live music events across the UK on 3 & 4 March 2012. Devised and led by the BBC the weekend is the first nationwide countdown event to the London 2012 Festival.

Info: 7.30pm | Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, London | www.barbican. org.uk

The Gaucho International Polo

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Mar Ghana 55th Independence City Party DJ’s on the night inc Big L/A Team; DJ Invisible and Warren Gizzle.

Info: 9pm-4am | The Alchemist, 135-137 Houndsditch, Broadgate, London EC3A 7BX

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Conductor Jules Buckley, members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Ms Dynamite [image credit Mark Allen]

4 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

audience from start to finish with thoughtprovoking quotes, quirky life-stories and warmth that brought everyone in the room closer to their inner selves. Charlene White, ITN news reader and journalist; stepped in for Eastenders actress; Tameka Empson who could not fulfil her role as host due to filming commitments.

Abu Bundu-Kamara, Head of Diversity, for Pearson commented: “Pearson is incredibly proud to support the second I’mPOSSIBLE conversation, which recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and talent of British women of colour.

Info: www.iam-possible. com

Mar The Gaucho International Polo Gaucho will host The Gaucho International Polo at London’s O2 arena, uniting high-octane polo interspersed with live world famous music to produce a unique event

never seen before in Britain. Following the triumphant inaugural year in 2011, Gaucho International Polo has now evolved into the ultimate celebration of Argentina’s sporting and cultural heritage at the O2 arena.

The 2012 event will consist of two international arena polo matches merged with exclusive performances from Grammy award winning band, Bajofondo.

Info: Doors open 5.30pm | Polo matches start 7.15pm with live performances from Bajofondo throughout | Afterparty starts 9.45pm | O2 Arena | www. gauchopolo.com

Follow us on twitter @limewithus for free and discounted tickets to the best events in the city

NEWS

02

International Women’s Month 2012

Women’s Weekender ’s Day

Women’s Weekender Mother

Every Women’s lifestyle

EVENTS

FP in Association with Fairfield Hall

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Saturday 17th March 12-7.00pm Sunday 18th March 1-9.00pm This two day Women’s Expo will showcase all types of International Women’s Lifestyles, hosted by Janelle Oswald (TV fashion presenter).

The two day event will consist of Hair & Fashion shows, Empowerment and massage area, Beauty tips, Jewellery, International designer shoes & handbags, Makeovers, Mother’s Day presents, Live entertainment, Male grooming area representing all nationalities and the chance to meet the celebrities.

ew

en

Th

UTE YOU

Croydon Fairfield Hall ADMISSION FREE www.fairfieldhall.com

ERS SAL

TH THE BRO

Sunday 18th March

Photo: Paul Murphy

Croydon Fairfield Hall Time: 7.30-10.30pm

Tickets: £19.50 £22.50 £25.50 Box Office: 020 86889291 www.fairfieldhall.com

INFO: 07957441101

plus booking fees

INFO: 07957441101

Due to overwhelming public demand the UK’s largest International Women’s month event is back. Now in its’ 16th year, this Mother’s Day celebration event, hosted by Brenda Emmanus (BBC), will have something for all the family. This year the Brothers will pay tribute to the Sisters as some of our top male celebrity comedians, singers and dancers will be honouring you for the evening.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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EVENTS

I find that when I am in a good place my creativity dries up, however when things aren’t going so well that’s when may creative juices flow

Tpoetry alive and in

he spoken word brings

recent years this particular art form has exploded on to the mainstream tour circuit. With many years of riveting performances under her belt Saran Green draws on her multicultural heritage to entertain and captivate her audiences.

This poet has enjoyed playing host to ‘Rum Punch’ a once regular event which saw an eclectic mix of comedy, poetry and music. Although ‘Rum Punch’ is no more, cultural lovers need not despair as there is more to come from Saran Green.

How do you captivate and engage your audience?

You have to gauge your audience; I look at their demographic, their gender, ethnicity and age. I select my material from how I view the audience best.

Do you see any major differences between Jamaican and English audiences in the way they receive you?

I think in the UK people expect a Jamaican to only do Jamaican dialect while in Jamaica they expect me to do standard English pieces which is quite funny.

The

What issues do you talk about and where do your ideas stem from?

I am inspired by my past relationships and on occasion social issues. For the large part it is personal experiences and what I go through myself.

REVIEW

Cotton and Crumbs at The National Wedding Show

Lime event review: National Wedding Show, London Olympia, February 2012 | Words: Victoria Woode The three day exhibition is the biggest wedding show in the country that features over 200 exhibitors showcasing jewellery, decorations, shoes, makeup, honeymoon stalls, venue ideas, wedding cars and of course dresses.

There were hundreds of heavily discounted designer wedding dresses as well as special offers on grooms’ suits! My afternoon was spent receiving style advice and listening to bridal coaching on floral arrangements and 6 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

make up tips from former Britain’s Next Top Model judge Michele Paradise.

I took time out to view the fairy-tale catwalk show featuring the hottest 2012 bridal trends which included; drop waist gowns, romantic style dresses and low back slinky summer styles.

If you’re stumped for wedding ideas and don’t mind semi-eager sales staff you could save yourself thousands of pounds for your big day! The National Wedding show is a must event for all brides to be.

Info: www. nationalweddingshow. co.uk

Were you good at poetry at school?

Yes I did it at university level and quite enjoyed it and did well in it. I found it quite testing.

Do you have a favourite poet?

Yes my favourite poet is Taniya Sonko she is a fairly new artist but definitely someone you should know.

Spending your formative years in Jamaica, there is a tradition of storytelling, do you think that influenced you in any way?

Possibly, my mum inspired me, as I wanted to be an English teacher, she always read to me and my siblings, so we had that influence from a very early age.

Saran Green brings the word to the people

Is it a competitive field?

I don’t think so, it depends, and everyone appreciates the talent because we are all so diverse. It is more inspiring and welcoming as opposed to competitive.

What makes you different to any other poet on the scene? Why do you stand out?

I am quite eclectic in my style I am Jamaican and sometimes what I do is not what people expect. I come at the audience from all different angles.

EVENTS

hanging, we started talking and it went from there.

Poetess WORDS: Jennifer Rock

publication whether it is a DVD or a book, I want to get my message out there. I’ve been putting it off for a while now, it’s time.

Saran Green & Comfort from Rum Punch by Andrea Siegl

Is performance art given the same kudos as other forms of art?

We’re definitely gaining more recognition. I think dancing and acting are somewhat higher up the hierarchy and gain greater respect.

You were the 2005 Farrago International Slam Champion and a finalist in the Spice Festival Slam, in 2008, what do you wish to achieve next?

For me it is some form of

Up until recently you ran an event called ‘Rum Punch’ can you tell us about it?

Rum punch was a monthly event, which I ran with my business partner Comfort who is a spoken word artist and the other half of ‘Partnas in Rhyme’.

We hosted Rum Punch which was a blend of entertainment consisting of poetry & spoken word, with a fusion of singing, comedy and open mic. It had been going for about two years, but for personal reasons we have had to end it.

Why did you both decide to collaborate?

I met Comfort at a show, I was in the audience and we just clicked, started

How do you overcome writers block?

Sometimes I tend to have very long spells of writers block. Luckily I have a number of poems I can draw on when needs be.

I have had it for over a year now. I find that when I am in a good place my creativity dries up, however when things aren’t going so well that’s when may creative juices flow. For me I have no control over it, it’s like being possessed.

Has geographic travel played a role in your poetic life?

Well I would like to gain some form of accreditation in the US, poetry is quite big over there.

Can we ask you for an excerpt from your work?

I bare my feet only… my Milo skin infused in exudes the scents of the Caribbean Woman: nappy roots, bearing fruits of desire I aspire to your greatness. to your boldness...

The best thing about being a woman is...

Having your own sense of self.

Info: www.myspace.com/ sarangreenpoet | www. facebook.com (Group: Stanza’s of Saran Green)

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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Delights by Cynthia created these Torso Cupcakes as part of the 2012 Cake Collection.

These incredible but edible cupcakes will have you hot under the collar and licking your lips for more and are available in rich, dark, sensual chocolate and va-va-voom vanilla and a multitude of frostings to choose from (you can’t get enough of exotic mango, caramel, chocolate or vanilla frostings); topped with a buff torso, lovingly made of glistening hand moulded chocolate. Cake Designer and owner of Delights by Cynthia, Cynthia Akinsanya says: “These cupcakes are definitely pleasing on the eye and a delight to your taste buds.”

Info: www. delightsbycynthia.com | Twitter @DelightsbyC

NEWS

New Restaurant Openings: Mango Tree and Pan Chai in Harrods‫‏‬

Southeast Asian restaurant Pan Chai and Thai restaurant Mango Tree have been selected to open at the world renowned retailer, Harrods, this April. The restaurants’ elegant cuisines, teamed with their luxurious 8 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

22

& 23 Sept The Cake and Bake Show The first ever event dedicated to the world of cakes, breads, and the art of baking. A mix of live demonstrations, celebrity speakers, hands on classes and workshops, hundreds of market stalls, live competitions and more…

Info: Earls Court, London| www. thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk

designs, make them the perfect addition to Harrods’ Food Halls. Both restaurants are operated by restaurateur Eddie Lim, owner of Mango Tree in Belgravia and Malaysian restaurant Awana in Chelsea. Eddie has worked alongside executive chef Ian Pengelley to bring his ideas to life with two authentic menus, which truly reflect their origins.

Info: www.mangotree. org.uk

Lime restaurant review: The Door Words: Nicke Adebowale | Lime rating: 4 stars The Door is a lovely spot in the city near to the Bank of England and makes a great venue for after work dinner and drinks. It has a friendly atmosphere, welcoming vibe and warm and helpful staff along with live music downstairs. Billed as an oyster bar it has a wide selection of these and other seafood on the menu along with a good line in steaks. I started with the pan seared mackerel fillet on focaccia and my plus one had the house salad. The rich salty olive tapenade complimented the mackerel perfectly and though I didn’t get the chance to try the salad but I’m told the bacon and blue cheese produced a great fusion of flavours.

Our waitress suggested the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and it was an

snow didn’t want to miss out but this didn’t deter guests from walking the red carpet to be the first to check out west London’s newest addition.

Info: Chakra, 157-159 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LF | www. chakralondon.com

excellent choice. It took an age to choose a main course as everything looked so appealing but I eventually settled for the grilled cannon of lamb with pumpkin puree. My plus one plumped for the calves liver with veal sweetbreads. The lamb was gorgeous and shared vegetable sides of broccoli, spinach, onion rings and new potatoes created a veritable feast. The calves’ liver was plentiful if not fully appreciated.

Desert didn’t disappoint.

My caramelised banana and Nutella crepe was lovely and my plus one’s chocolate and raspberry pie looked great and I’m told it was delicious. Again there was no sharing. Overall a lovely dinning experience I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Info: The Door Oyster Bar and Grill, 33 Cornhill, London EC3| http:// thedoor-group.com

Follow us on twitter @limewithus for free and discounted tickets to the best events in the city

NEWS

We had a great time at the launch of Indian restaurant, Chakra last month. Guests, which included Gary Lineker, Duncan Bannatyne and Liz McLarnon, tucked into canapés and bowl food from Chakra’s scrumptious, high-end menu. And those in need of pampering were also treated to 15 minute back massages. Even the

Torso Cupcakes

REVIEW

FOOD AND DRINK

Chakra launches in Notting Hill

Lime restaurant review: Mint Leaf Words: Victoria Woode | Lime rating: Mint Leaf Restaurant is a hidden gem of the city. Tucked away in a small cove of Bank, you will find an authentic modern Indian dining experience without any of your usual masala’s and kormas on the menu. For my starter I chose the tandoori duck breast served with chilli chutney. The duck breast was absolutely amazing, juicy, flavoursome and filling. My guest opted for the Aloo Tikki - pan fried potato cakes with tamarind chutney. A serving of crème fraiche complemented the flavours. For my Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

FOOD AND DRINK

cocktails for the meal. One was a rum-based mixture which tasted sublime, and the other was a virgin cocktail which is one of the best I have ever had.

Finally the mains. Fresh Cornish Mussels for me, and Lamb Rump for my guest. Again, there is no skimping on the portions, you will have your fill no matter what. The seafood, across the board, was a fantastic introduction to the restaurant. Lovingly prepared and quickly delivered to the table, the service was faultless on the night. If you want great food, excellent service and a lively place that is already the talk of the town, then you need to be heading in the direction of 52° North.

Info: 52°North Bar & Kitchen | 21-22 Poland Street London W1F 8QG | 020 7287 1661 | www.52north.co.uk

London’s first tobacco cocktail menu

Chelsea speakeasy bar Barts have unveiled the an entire menu of tobacco infused cocktails. These smoker’s delights will provide the ultimate fix without anyone having to venture outside. All the drinks on the Barts Goes up in Smoke menu are made with Perique Tobacco Liqueur, which

is made by artisans from the rarest tobacco in the world: Louisiana Perique.

The liqueur contains all the rich aroma of this tobacco, but in a form that greatly diminishes the health concerns associated with its traditional use.

The drinks served at Barts will have quirky smoke-themed names such as The Cig’nature Cocktail, In Vogue and Holy Smoke.

Info: www.barts-london. com

NEWS

REVIEW REVIEW

Lime restaurant review: 52° North Bar and Kitchen Words: Cassam Looch | Lime rating: If a central London based eatery is what you are after, then we can confirm that the conveniently located new offering 52° North is perfectly situated. The portions, even on the starters are pleasantly on the large side. If you fancy a quick snack or even a hurried meal between meetings, this will do the job. We tried a flavoursome concoction of Chorizo, black pudding and scrambled eggs on one plate and a healthy serving of fried calamari on the other. Both dishes were pleasingly presented and complimented the cleverly crafted menu. If it’s meat or seafood you are after on a particular evening, this is just the ticket. In addition, we were offered two tasty

main I ordered braised lamb and spinach. The Lamb was impeccably cooked and immersed in a creamy spinach sauce. Tasty, nutritious and filling! My guest chose the tandoori broccoli and cauliflower, with side dish of Dal Makhani - black lentils, stewed for 24hrs and infused with butter to create a great texture and taste. For dessert we shared a platter of mini desserts. A good choice whether you’re a chocolate fan or addicted to creamy delights. The menu is definitely worth the price as the quality of food is by no means compromised!

Info: Mint Leaf Lounge, Angel Court, Bank, London EC2R 7HB | www. mintleaflounge.com LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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FASHION/BEAUTY

Trim as you mean to go on WORDS: Jennifer Rock

Lime magazine contributor Jennifer Rock was treated like a true goddess at Hype Coiffure in Brixton, south London.

Iagree that there aren’t am sure many would

enough hours in the day to pamper and indulge your natural tresses. So when I was presented with an opportunity to review Hype Coiffure in Brixton it couldn’t have come at a better time.

A little background here will tell you that my hair is natural and has been in a protective style for over 11 weeks, my own (natural twists) so it comes as no surprise that my hair was now in desperate need of a little TLC. Upon arrival I was greeted by my stylist, Chester Julien and before long I was in consultation about the natural state of my hair. It was a refreshing change to not have to volunteer this information, there was genuine interest

Jennifer Rock gets the Hype Coiffure experience

10 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

and he was also well versed in natural hair, which is always a bonus.

We decided my hair needed hydrating so he applied a purifying shampoo with a mixture of Argan oils and a revitalising masque to replenish my thirsty locs.

Then followed a 20 minute stint under a hooded dryer then a rinse which honestly left my hair feeling clean, not stripped of its natural properties and fully massaged.

After much discussion on how straight I wanted my hair blow-dried (which really was not very straight at all as I am quite anti-heat) he applied a combination of ‘Unique 1 & Mizani Heat Protecting Serum’ whilst I made a huge decision.

A little internalising later, I went ahead with

what always feels like the ’big chop’, where in actuality was maybe an inch or so of split ends. So rather than having a blunt trim, Chester opted to trim into my hair allowing me to have the option of re-twisting without the possibility of said twists unravelling through a blunt cut.

Hype Coiffure was a pleasant experience, I felt looked after and would recommend a visit.

There was no pressure to do anything I wasn’t comfortable with; in fact there was always room for compromise. Read on to find out more about Hype Coiffure.

So what products did you use in my hair and why?

Your hair was in great need of hydration so we needed to put the moisture back in the hair by using a mixture of oil based products, which would compliment each other. I used a purifying shampoo (Mizani) to clarify the hair.

You have a great location here in Brixton, who are your clientele?

We have clients who come from all around, not just

in Brixton. We also have branches in Battersea and Balham.

When are you at your busiest?

I would have to say usually at the beginning and the end of the month. Before the recession you could have predicted peak periods, but it is not so easy now. Christmas and summer holidays are also busy times.

Are you noticing any hair trends? I know that style once sported

by Willow Smith with the shaved side and long bangs seems to be popular.

If I am honest, we were doing those sorts of styles four/ five years ago, now we encourage people to do that style but with a little more length to it so it becomes diverse and is a little different.

People are also adding hair extensions and having the grown out colour look.

Are you noticing that move towards natural hair?

We do have a lot of ‘natural’ clients but we have more people opting

Years ago there were not many good AfricanCaribbean hair salons, but now this is changing and we are one of those salons. Hair care is important to us; we want to see it flourish.

Also everything we use we sell as well for ‘relaxed’ hair. I advise clients that if they are unsure about a relaxer they can always have it texturised and it actually leaves the hair fuller.

Has the salon won any awards?

Yes last year ‘Five the Barber’ who works at the Battersea branch

won an award for best Southern Stylist. The salon also won best Afro Hairdresser of the Year in 2010.

What advice would you give for promoting healthy hair?

Treatments, I can’t stress this enough. But it depends upon the state of your hair, your treatments each visit may differ depending on your hair’s natural state.

Also get your ends trims on a regular basis.

What products do you stand by and what is new on the market?

Well KeraCare have a new natural range also for curly textured hair. Mizani is also quite good with their range.

So finally, why should people visit Hype Coiffure?

It has been established for over 15-years. Years ago there were not many good African-Caribbean hair salons, but now this is changing and we are one of those salons. Hair care is important

to us; we want to see it flourish. Also everything we use we sell as well.

FASHION/BEAUTY

Has the salon seen any celebrity clients pass through its doors?

Yes we’ve had presenters and I once did Iman’s hair, she is quite diva like in person but she was nice.

Finish this sentence – women are great because?

They know what they want I can only bow to that.

INFO: www.hypecoiffure. com Hype Coiffure photo credits: Hair - Chester Julien at Hype Coiffure, Brixton Make up - Marina Photography - Ricky B @ media-image

How long did it take you to get to where you are today?

I trained at ‘Splinters’ for over three years then I moved to Harvey Nichols.

I can do European hair also. It’s all very well to have the qualifications but you really need to have broad experience of doing hair too. My next step is to gain even more education in hair.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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FASHION/BEAUTY

Lime’s Mother’s Day gift-giving recommendations

Elemis: Pro Collagen Hand and Nail Cream Revolutionary Micro-Lattice Technology provides a support system for the skin, the scientific equivalent to a mesh body stocking providing micro-tension over slackening hands. www.timetospa.co.uk Elemis: Pro Collagen Marine Day Cream This powerful anti-ageing cream provides a progressive lifting effect through increased collagen support. www.timetospa.co.uk

NEWS

Body Confidence campaigner Natasha Devon’s advice to young people with issues on their body image

Natasha Devon: The most common issue I have encountered is the innate belief that fitting a certain aesthetic is an automatic ticket to a desired lifestyle. A lot of girls, for example, want to attain all the wealth, popularity, glamour, adoration etc they associate (often somewhat 12 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Elemis: Papaya Enzyme Peel The natural exfoliating fruit enzyme action of Papaya and Pineapple smooth, brighten and clarify the complexion. www. timetospa.co.uk Introducing Premae Skincare range – feel beautiful before you can look beautiful This Mother’s Day why not treat the special lady in your life misguidedly) with being a model and think that taking whatever dangerous risks with their health to get there is a sacrifice worth making. Low self esteem permeates the entire issue. The harsh truth is that if you were two stone lighter, you’d be leading the exact same life, just taking up a bit less space. I believe that the answer lies in inspiring young people to fulfill their potential in other ways, discover what they are really good at and allow them to believe they can achieve in that field. At the same time, I hope that my schools programme is helping by deglamorising eating disorders, extreme thinness etc. I hope by sharing my story young people will see that you cannot look at a size 8, large bosomed, hair extension-sporting, fake tanned, false nailed, designer bag wielding girl and assume that she is happy.

Info: www.bodygossip.org

to the Premae Skincare range? The Premae Vital Nourishment Face Wash contains Indian Ginger Oil which is a phenomenal antiseptic, ideal for sensitive skins including infants and mature skins. The ultimate toner for mature textured skin symptoms. Perfect Petitgrain Oil infused to clarify fine lines and veins whilst sealing the pores

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Mar Kosibah Sample

Sale Kosibah will be showcasing their first sample sale on Thursday 1st March 2012 - 6.30pm-

for a smoother pump skin surface. A pure and natural organic Superior Tonique, with British Cooperative Rose Water. The Triumph Face Balm, which is suitable for mature skins types, contains antioxidant Ethiopian Frankincense Oil, which encourages cell regeneration.

A pure and natural organic soothing balm, with youth enhancing features. www.premaeskincare.com 9pm in conjunction with The Primo Bar Ladies night at The Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge hosted

by Creative Cornucopia.

Prices start from as little as £75 ranging to £600 and all samples are sold as seen.

This is an exclusive night not to be missed - reserve your space in advance.

Info: info@willbaforce.com | 07706 798 721

04

Mar Cut, Colour and

Style Cut, Colour and Style will inspire naturals who want hair with personal style.

Highlights include: - Cuts by Karl Williams, Chic Unique Unisex Hair Salon - Colour and Mini Manicures by Adornment365 - Styling by Bespoke Hairstyles (Hair By M & H) Info: Blackall Studios, 73, Leonard Street, Shoreditch EC2A 4QS | http:// manestreambeauty.com

Follow us on twitter @limewithus for free and discounted tickets to the best events in the city

Arise Magazine Fashion Week, which last year hosted 5,000 guests, 51 designers, 81 models, five musical acts over three days – have announced it will return to Lagos in March 2012, only this time it will feature 77 participants from six continents – including designers as far away as India, the Caribbean, USA, Europe and Africa. The event will end with the spectacular Arise Magazine Fashion Awards where each designer will hope to secure a Golden Ticket to showcase their designs at the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2012 this September.

Info: www.arisemagazine. net

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Mar Redistributing Fashion A unique London fashion event will take place in Notting Hill uniting the bold, the beautiful and the independent of the fashion industry, in aid of The Rugby Portobello Trust and its on-going work to help the youth of the W11 area.

Info: 10am-8pm | Redistributing Fashion, 20th Century Theatre Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA | info@chicandseek. com

Un

til 23 Mar Expand your skills in the art of Braiding Through our passion we educate and equip our clients, whilst alerting them to issues surrounding the industry and creating awareness about the

EVENT OF THE MONTH

10

Mar Brides of Culture’s Free AfricanCaribbean Bridal Exhibition‫‏‬ Brides of Culture (BoC) is back for the fifth instalment of its unique free Bridal Exhibition.

This African-Caribbean wedding exhibition is the only one of its kind in London. Brides of Culture is proud to announce that the award-winning fashion designer Yemi Osunkoya of Kosibah Couture Bridal and Evening Wear will be showcasing his phenomenal designs at the Spring Exhibition.

Also at 1pm and 4pm there will be Wedding Planning Masterclass with Seyi Olusanya, Cedar Events. Founded in 2009, BoC aspires to be the largest AfroCaribbean focused Bridal

management of different hair types.

Because of our commitment to the selfdevelopment of our clients, much of our syllabus is geared around building self-esteem and confidence as we believe strongly in elevating our clients, not only in their plaiting ability but in their personal progression.

Info: www. nurtureacademy.co.uk

01

Apr Mahogany International African Caribbean Bridal Fashion Show The MBFS primarily focuses on the fashion element of getting married from wedding dresses to accessories and includes a small number of exhibitors that cover the other areas of getting married such as photographers, wedding planners, cake makers, makeup artists and so on.

The show will also include

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Exhibition in the UK. Its website provides useful tips, information and advice as well as details of local and regional vendors to meet the wedding needs of a diverse mix of brides and grooms; from across Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia.

Info: 11am-7pm | Crowne Plaza Hotel, London Docklands, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AL | www.bridesofculture.com the world renowned Mahogany Fashion Show, which draws people come back year after year to see to watch this fantastic fashion show. All visitors to the show would receive a goody bag, a show brochure, opportunity to attend any of the seminars (subject to space being available) as well as being able to watch the fashion shows.

Info: Holiday Inn Bloomsbury www. mahoganybrides.com

07

Apr African American Art inspired Fantasy Photo Shoot at the Entrepreneur Designer Market

They have a limited amount of slots available for the photo shoot so it’s essential to book in

advance. There will also be the usual unique craft stalls, jewellery and card making workshops, music and a place for you to chillax. First Saturday of every month, starting from 7th April.

Info: 1-6pm | Hackney Attic, Top floor Hackney Picture House, Mare Street, London E8 1HE | http://photos-at-events. co.uk/?p=800 |

22

FASHION/BEAUTY

-11 Mar Arise Magazine Fashion Week

Apr Fashions Finest Renaissance Fashions Finest Renaissance fashions show are fantastic fashion shows that give all genres of designers to showcase in front of press, buyers, VIP’s, celebrities and invited guests. It is also an evening of fantastic entertainment with music by one of London’s hottest DJ’s Homdiggy and some of the hottest musical talent the UK has to offer.

Info: 6pm-11.30 | Jewel Bar and Lounge, 4-6 Glasshouse Street, London W1B 5DQ | www. fashionsfinest.com

Eau Provocateur - collection of day fragrances

Spring 2012 sees Agent Provocateur introduce a collection of three tantalising day fragrances, which capture all the provocative ingredients from their existing perfumes. This subtle and light selection of daytime fragrances are brought together in three beautifully presented tactile egg shaped bottles each with its own pretty soft shade to signify its distinct personality. The new ‘Eau Provocateur’ Collection from Agent Provocateur is available from 15th April 2012 in selected department stores.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

13

NEWS

06

FASHION/BEAUTY

A man’s story

Bespoke suit designer Ozwald Boateng on screen

Tmaking, A Man’s

welve years in the

Story is a documentary following the highs and lows of internationally renowned designer Ozwald Boateng as he rebuilds himself from the rock bottom of losing his business and divorcing his first wife in 1998, to 2007’s climactic success of the philanthropic African fashion show in Ghana.

14 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Speaking to an extremely dapper looking Boateng in his lavish hotel suite as director Varon Bonicas politely offers tea, the designer admits that after seeing the access all areas film for the first time he couldn’t speak to Bonicas for a couple of weeks.

“It just knocked me for six.

I’m actually quite skilled at getting distance from

WORDS: GILLIAN FISHER

myself, because you learn it as a designer.

Your name’s in a product, so you have a way of detaching yourself from what you create, but there’s a certain intertwined uniqueness about what Varon’s created that I got lost in it.

It took many viewings so I could get a distance to the point where I can talk about it today.”

The film is unflinchingly personal with nothing being off limits, even to the point of beginning and ending with an emotional phone call with his now ex wife Gyunel stating, ‘I bloody regret the day

I f**king met you. I’m sorry, but it’s true.’ In the interview Bonicas defends his decision to include such raw material. “The reason why I started the movie with that is because I wanted people to understand that I had access to Ozwald, that Ozwald was a regular dude. I’m not saying ‘This is Oswald, you’ve got to love him’ it was like, ‘Well this is the guy that I filmed at this point of his life, so let’s see who he is’ so you could unravel it. It’s just honest; it’s an honest look at someone’s life.”

As an audience we’re also present when Boateng

Throughout the interview there is constant banter between Bonicas and Boateng, the two men have obviously become firm friends after spending more than a decade together in the making of a film that was originally meant to take six weeks.

Bonicas laughs, “We met while I was making documentaries at Sky and someone told me about Oswald and they promised me I’d get a film camera in return for making a documentary about him, but I didn’t realise this camera was going to be with me for so long!”

Such close friendship is hugely significant in enabling such challenging moments within Boateng’s life to be documented on film; which within the first twenty minutes of the movie plummets into a series of disastrous events starting with the lights failing during his Autumn/Winter fashion show in Paris and being followed up being informed that his entire collection has been stolen upon his return to London.

When we next see Boateng he is running down the road after the truck that’s towing his car. This would

FASHION/BEAUTY

scrolls through text messages on an old phone and discovers that his wife is having an affair. When questioned about his reaction to the revelation, Boateng says candidly, “I get having an affair, I get that. That’s got to be one of the most common things that happens in all marriages.

Usually it’s because the man does something, so it’s quite nice that it was maybe from my perspective but the point is, ‘How do you deal with that? Do you end it, or do you try to work it out?’”

not be the last time we see Boateng being tested in the film. When asked how he managed to endure through such arduous times he responds that a lot of it is down to spirituality. “Belief’s a big one. I’d say I’m spiritual, ultimately you have to be.

When you have certain things happen, you go, ‘Come on this can’t be happening!’ You won’t cope if you don’t look up to the heavens and go ‘Ha!’ You have to be spiritual.”

We watch that spirituality being stretched to its very limits again in 2007 when Boateng’s fashion show

during the African Summit seems set for inevitable and spectacular failure.

Boateng describes being ‘brought up with an obligation to do something for Ghana’ but with no benefactors committing and his high profile guests cancelling, even his determination seems to fail him when he says, ‘I’m risking everything on it, why would I do that?’ But that determination and vision sees Boateng’s obligation remarkably fulfilled as his creations are strutted down the catwalk in front of a legion of Africa’s presidents and an array of African American stars pledging their support.

There is an extreme confidence to Boateng, as he casually reclines in an armchair in a tweed suit from his own collection; Armani’s description of him having ‘an elegance that comes from within.’ seems thoroughly accurate.

However, despite his charm and the exclusive insight to his life that the film allows us, there is still a sense of distance to this man; throughout

the film even when faced with challenging and often painful obstacles he always remains composed.

Asking each journalist interviewing him “What one thing stuck out for you in the film” his eagerness to understand how he has been received is obvious.

Clearly presentation of himself is vital to Boateng, unsurprising as that attention to detail in his work has gained him clients ranging Gerard Butler to Will Smith.

Patently a man who lives and breathes his work with an unquenchable passion, the rare moments where his repose slips are at the end of his catwalk shows when he dances like whirling dervish on the stage and embraces his children. That relish for what he does and his fulfilment in achieving and sharing it with his loved ones shines through.

A fascinating look at the frenzied, glamorous, inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking life of one man in an immaculately tailored tweed suit.

Info: A Man’s Story is at cinemas from March 9 and on DVD on March 19 | www.ozwaldboateng. co.uk/a-mans-story

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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THEATRE

In association with

Afridiziak Theatre News: for all the latest news, reviews and interviews from the world of AfricanCaribbean theatre. Join our mailing list: info@ afridiziak.com or visit www.afridiziak.com.

/ 2 Mar 01 Collective Artistes presents ZHE: [noun] undefined

07

Mar 2012 - 9 Jun 2012 Moon on a Rainbow Shawl

by Errol John For the teeming populace of Old Mack’s cacophonous yard in Port of Spain, Trinidad, it’s a cheek by jowl existence lived out on a sweltering public stage. Snatches of calypso compete with hymn tunes, drums and street cries as neighbours drink, brawl, pass judgment, make love, look out for each other and crave a better life. But Ephraim is no dreamer and nothing, not even the seductive Rosa, is going to stop him escaping his

Jeffery Kisson in Waiting for Godot [image Richard Hubert Smith

A new play by Chuck Mike created by Antonia Kemi Coker and Tonderai Munyevu This poignant and honest piece of theatre explores the lives of two British Africans living at the crossroads of culture, nationality, gender and sexuality. Journeying from childhood to adulthood and across continents, the play examines the joys and pains of coming to terms with the complexity of our many identities. A humorous, thought provoking and haunting drama, this story is told by the characters whose lives are healed and celebrated through the experience.

Info: Tara Arts Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London SW18 4ES | www.collectiveartistes. co.uk -10 Mar 06 West Yorkshire Playhouse and Talawa Theatre Company

16 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

present Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett A funny, poetic and tragic masterpiece contemplating humanity and friendship, Samuel Beckett’s WAITING FOR GODOT is performed by an all-Black cast in a co-production by West Yorkshire Playhouse and Talawa Theatre Company. Premiering in the Playhouse’s Courtyard theatre before embarking on a national tour, this is the final play to be directed

by Ian Brown as Artistic Director of the Playhouse.

Jeffery Kissoon and Patrick Robinson take the roles of Vladimir and Estragon – two men waiting hopelessly, helplessly, haplessly for the elusive Godot – with Fisayo Akinada, Guy Burgess and Cornell S. John completing the ensemble.

This co-production is the first Waiting for Godot to be produced in the UK with an all-Black British cast.

Vladimir and Estragon

dead-end job for a fresh start in England.

Set as returning troops from the Second World War fill the town with their raucous celebrations, Errol John’s Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, written in 1953, depicts a vibrant, cosmopolitan world that is as harsh as it is filled with colour and warmth. are waiting. Two old men whose compulsion to wait for a visit from the indescribable Godot forces them to pass the time in the only way they can; with and for each other. Stories are told, boots are abandoned, religion is debated, memories of better days are shared, jokes are made,

suicide is contemplated, the fear of being alone is overwhelming – and time passes. Chance meetings happen, arguments take place, thinking occurs, violence is advocated, hats are exchanged, friendship is venerated – and time passes. On a road with a single tree two old friends wait…and pass the time.

Info: 7.30pm | The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London SE8 4AG | www. thealbany.org.uk 9 March 08/Queen Pokou

A new play by Dean Atta with music by Brenda Rattray. A Black Madonna, a West African hero or a Sovereign willing to do anything to reign? A new play based on the life of Ashanti Princess Abla Pokou and her legendary

7 March – 9 June

Moon on a Rainbow Shawl

by Errol John

Port of Spain, Trinidad 1947.

A story of shattered dreams and survival.

Tickets from £12 • Book now Good availability throughout April

020 7452 3000 • nationaltheatre.org.uk For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

til Mar 17 Un The Pitchfork Disney

21 years after it came kicking and screaming into the world, The Pitchfork Disney has come of age...

‘You know why the ghost train is so popular? Because there are no ghosts. Once you know that you can make a fortune.’

Ten years ago something terrible happened to Presley and Haley. Since then they have lived alone in their dead parents’ house.

But one night their safe isolation is shattered by the arrival of Cosmo Disney, who confronts them with the scariest question of all... what exactly happened to their parents.

When it premiered at London’s Bush Theatre in 1991, The Pitchfork Disney caused a sensation. With its barrage of barbaric and magical imagery, its gleaming dark comedy and catastrophic air of violence and sexual tension, audiences were left breathless, intoxicated and, in some cases, fleeing in terror.

Now director Edward Dick - following his critically acclaimed revival of Ridley’s The Fastest Clock in the Universe at Hampstead Theatre

in 2009 - takes on this contemporary classic and reveals that Ridley’s dark and glittering vision looks today more like breathtaking prophecy.

Info: 7.30pm | The Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street Dalston, London E8 3DL | www.arcolatheatre.com

24March Sensual Africa

Sensual Africa is Bawren Tavaziva’s choreographic response to an inspirational trip there. Voyage with his company of outstanding dancers as they salute and pay homage to the fascinating Tumbuka and Chewa Tribes, injecting their own interpretation on the complexities of these intriguing tribes’ movements and music and the distinctiveness of the rituals that boys and girls go through to become men and women.

Info: Bernie Grant Arts Centre | www. berniegrantcentre.co.uk til 1 Apr Un Comedy of Errors Shakespeare’s furiously

25

Apr 2012 - 19 May

2012 Ballet Revolución Ballet Revolución is an explosive fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop from a company of supremely talented Cuban dancers and live musicians. They have already bowled over audiences throughout Australia and now they prepare to cast their Cuban spell on audiences in London for the first time.

paced comedy will be staged in a contemporary world into which walk three prohibited foreigners who see everything for the first time.

Two sets of twins separated at birth collide in the same city without meeting for one crazy day, as multiple mistaken identities lead to confusion on a grand scale. And for no one more so than Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio who, in search of their brothers, arrive in a land entirely foreign to their distant home. A buzzing metropolis, to the outsiders it appears a place of wonderment and terror, where baffling gifts and unexplained hostilities abound.

Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell?

Sleeping or waking? mad or well advised?

Known unto these, and to myself disguised!

Consistently recognised by strangers, the visitors question their very selves as the turmoil escalates.

Meanwhile, Aegeon, father to the Antipholus twins, has

14

Apr 2012 5 May 2012 Soul Sister A new musical inspired by the life and times of Ike and Tina Turner.

Introducing Emi Wokoma as TINA TURNER. Pulsing with heart and soul and featuring classics such as What’s Love Got to Do with It, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and River Deep Mountain High. Soul Sister follows the highs and lows, the passions and heartbreak of Ike and Tina Turner as their careers blossomed and their marriage crumbled.

THEATRE

journey to create a new nation.

Info: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX | www.stratfordcircus.com

been captured searching for his sons and, as an illegal immigrant, is sentenced to death at sunset.

Do you know me, sir? Am I Dromio? Am I your man? Am I myself?

Lenny Henry plays Antipholus of Syracuse.

Info: www.nationaltheatre. org.uk

“..form and content are matched so perfectly that the sighted catch a tiny glimpse of what it must be like to be visually impaired ” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian, on Extant

The outstanding live band will perform popular hits from Shakira, Ricky Martin, Beyoncé and many more, while the phenomenal dancers display their raw athleticism and virtuosity in dance styles from classical ballet to salsa, samba and even martial arts.

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

Arena Th 7-10 March eatre, Wolverhampton - Box office 01902 321 321 Stratford Circus 16 & 17 March - Box office 0844 357 262 5 artsdep - Box offi ot on 3 & 4 April ce 020 8 369 545 4

Tickets from £10 Call 020 7820 3737 or visit www.extant.org.uk

WARNING: Some of the show is in the dark and has moments of sudden special effects. 16 years +.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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MUSIC

JARETH finds her path

Yknow Jareth yet ou might not

but keep your ears tuned for this soulful young lady. She has built a reputation for video in the strangest of places, a taxi and more recently in a lift with a group of bystanders but unusual locations aside she is a top draw talent. Her latest single Pathway with one of the hardest femcees out there Lady Lioness is a dub-step inspired track that demands you sing along.

growing group bringing soulful r&b back do you have any plans to get with that as well?

I am an industry professional, so it makes no sense for me to discriminate against any genre. My vocal will always be soul so I can never run away from that.

I love soul/ r&b music but if that isn’t keeping a roof over my head I will jump that sinking ship.

Ok first things first Jareth love the name what does it mean and is it your real name?

Thanks, Jareth is my actual name you couldn’t make that stuff up could you? I wish it had some kind of relevant connection like that but as far as I know it’s Welsh.

Why is it only now that you are making a push to get your name out there or have you had earlier attempts?

I believe everything happens in good time.

Things are happening and have been happening organically. I think if you ask most artists they will tell you, we try and attempt all the time in every capacity to bring our art.

You are building a reputation for videos in strange places the taxi and now in the lift?

My mate Ashleigh gave me an idea a little while ago to go gate crash a school assembly. I might just do it as well. I don’t know about 18 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

“The main aims of Kosibah is to make the client in front of me look the best they can from their own natural beauty and the tricks of the trade that I can achieve through my dress

you but back in school such an event as assembly acted as extra ‘sleep time’.

So I am sure the students would welcome the twist, I know I would have.

So that voice is very soulful explain the influences for you?

The usual suspects; Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill… the list goes on.

You have stepped into a bit of dub-step if you will with Lioness explain how you got together on that?

The Internet is a big place

and also happens to be my office (twitter). I hand pick all my features, so when I came across ‘ness I knew I wanted her on “Pathway”.

My lovely online PR lady Rachel White made the actual connect and the rest is history.

Any other juicy collabos as well?

Yes and I am going to be annoying and be all cloak and dagger about releasing the names. Not to worry though all will be revealed soon so keep an eye out on my twitter.

There is a small

You are an independent artist but what are your long-term aspirations?

I aspire to continue to be independent. I strive to never sign to a major if I can help it. Major labels are essentially banks these days (very little is in-house anymore), if I don’t need to take out that loan I won’t. Those extra percentages will feed my future babies.

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

We are always underestimated, and secretly I love this as it often means people (the men) are never prepared for what we end up laying on them.

Info: www.myspace.com/ JARETHOFFICIAL

RIP Whitney Houston Wsinger, actress,

hitney Houston,

producer and model died aged just 48 in a hotel suite in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los Angeles. The star was scheduled to perform at a pre-Grammy’s party. At the time of writing the cause of death is unknown.

It’s hard to begin to sum up the impact and enormous success that Houston enjoyed at the height of her career.

Shock and an outpouring of grief quickly spread at the news of her passing.

Huston was born on the August 9, 1963 and she was almost predestined for singing stardom. Her mother, Cissy Houston was a renowned gospel singer and her cousin was the legendary Dionne Warwick, add godmother Aretha Franklin and you get and you get an unmatched musical pedigree.

She started singing aged five with the New Hope Baptist Church choir, and soon moved on to providing backing vocals for acts such as Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls.

She was spotted by

Elegendary blues tta James, the

singer died on January 20th aged 73 after a battle with leukaemia.

She was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25,1938. Her mother, Dorothy Hawkins was just 14 at the time. James started singing at aged five with the St Paul Baptist church choir; she quickly became a popular singing attraction at the church. After years spent in foster

Clive Davis aged 19 in a Manhattan nightclub who practically signed her on the spot.

Her self-titled debut album was released in 1985 to wide critical acclaim, and there began a record breaking run of success. She scored seven consecutive number 1’s on the Hot 100 chart, breaking the record of six held jointly by the Beatles and the Bee Gees.

In 1992 Houston made a move to the silver screen and starred in her first film ‘The Bodyguard’. Despite a mixed response from critics the film was a huge hit grossing over $400 million dollars worldwide. Houston remained a steady draw at the box office. The success of the film was almost dwarfed by the soundtrack. It sold 44 million worldwide and produced the mega hit ‘I Will Always Love You’. It was a record breaking number 1 on both sides of the Atlantic. It stayed in the billboard top 100 for 20 consecutive weeks.

She married r&b singer Bobby Brown in 1992 after a three year courtship and care, Dorothy came back and took 12 year old Etta to the Fillmore district in San Francisco.

It was there that James started listening to doo-wop and at age 14 she formed a girl group called Creolettes.

Musician Johnny Otis signed the girls (with James forging mothers’ signature on the consent form) and they record ‘Roll with Me Henry’.

The song re-titled ‘Dance with Me, Henry’ (to avoid censorship) was a number 1 hit on the r&b chart, James was just 15.

year later had her only child Bobbi Kristina. In her own words Houston described the union as “the princess marries the bad boy”.

Whether he was to blame or not Houston’s personal life stared to spiral downwards around this time. Erratic behaviour and shaky vocal performances increased over the years and even after divorcing Brown in 2007 and admitting to the years of rumoured drug abuse things did not improve.

Her music output continued with 2009’s well received release ‘I Look To You’. But her physical appearance and live vocal performances continued to decline.

with Chess records where she was marketed as the ‘Queen of Soul’ and recorded many of her most iconic songs. She had a

Whitney Houston is survived by her mother, two brothers and her daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Mariah Carey, Nelly Furtudo, Britney Spears, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Mary J Blige, Leona Lewis and Beyoncé to name but a few have all acknowledged Whitney Houston as an influence.

Whitney Houston’s funeral was held on February 18 at her hometown in Newark, New Jersey. The emotional service was a private string of hits including ‘All I Could Do Was Cry’, ‘If I Can’t Have You’, ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ and of course her signature song ‘At Last’. A cover of 20 year old Glenn Miller song, James turned it into the must cover for any female singer who dares call herself a diva. Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion and Beyoncé have done memorable versions.

By the late 1960’s James was addicted to heroin.

She slipped into a criminal lifestyle and had done several stints in prison and rehab. James continued to use drugs and it wasn’t until a stay at the Betty Ford clinic in 1988 that James seemed to find lasting sobriety.

In her later years James still knew how to court controversy.

She took it as personal slight when US President Barack Obama asked Beyoncé to perform ‘At Last’ at his inauguration ball. She later

RIP Etta James In 1959 she signed

affair but streamed live on the Internet. It was a star studded yet beautiful ‘home going’ which included performances from Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and R Kelly and tributes from Kevin Costner and Tyler Perry.

MUSIC

WORDS: NICKE ADEBOWALE

dismissed her comments as a joke but at the time James said ‘I can’t stand Beyoncé’.

This was particularly unfortunate as Beyoncé had portrayed Etta in the 2008 film ‘Cadillac Records’, a fictional account of the rise and fall of Chess records.

Even when offering an apology for her remarks James remained steadfast in her view that she ‘would have sung it better’. As much as I admire Beyoncé as a singer I can’t help but agree. Etta James continued to tour until 2010 when diagnosed with dementia and leukaemia she was forced to stop due to her failing health.

Sales of her albums increased by almost 400% following her death. Proof if it were needed that her legacy will continue for many generations to come.

Etta James is survived by her husband of 42 years Artis Mills and her two sons Donto and Sametto.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

19

05

Mar Dot Rotten

bushempire.co.uk

EVENT OF THE MONTH

MUSIC

23

BBC Sound Of 2012 tip Dot Rotten is breaking out from the grime scene, producing himself entirely and opting against featuring other artists. Whilst his set up single Keep It On A Low was added to Radio 1’s In New Music We Trust playlist, his new single ‘Are You Not Entertained’ (out 5th March, Mercury Records) looks set to announce the savvy 22 year-old to the wider listening audience.

Info: Koko, London | http://itsdotrotten.com/

09

Mar Juwon Ogungbe Album Launch

Carmen Souza

Equator’s Women of the World Festival

March 2012 sees the launch of Equator’s brand-new WOW Women of the World Festival, promoting international women performers, musicians, literature and art.

Women of the World Festival Director Priti Paintal says “Our Festival is about promoting women from around the world and highlighting the diversity of communities in this country. As a musician

12 The Panel: Distinguished broadcasters, journalists and musicians including Jumoke Fashola, Nana Ocran and Hans Peter Kuenzler evaluate and celebrate Juwon Ogungbe’s career and issues and elements in contemporary music, with each other and the audience, in open discussion.

Info: 7pm | The Africa Centre, 38 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JT | www. juwonogungbe.co.uk | www.africacentre.org.uk 20 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Mar Lloyd This March sees Lloyd hit the UK in a short and exclusive limited tour.

Info: 7pm | Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG

15

/16 Mar Rizzle Kicks Combining an old school hip-hop sound

and composer myself I am acutely aware that the equation between men and women in the arts is not yet equal and hope this annual festival will help somewhat towards re-dressing this balance.”

The festival kicks off at Rich Mix, London and will be staged on Thursday 15th, 22nd, 29th March at 7.30pm, featuring an eclectic mix of talented females from around the world, led by journalist Eve Pollard, songstress Carmen Souza, Najma Akhtar and DJ Ritu.

There will also be a host of other exciting events as part of Equator’s WOW - Women of the World Festival at other venues in the UK to coincide with March being International Womens’ Month and Womens’ History Month. This includes WOW Orchestra on March 30th, 7pm at Christchurch Spitalfields.

Info: www.wowwomenoftheworld.com with a forward thinking pop mentality, Harley Alexander-Sule and Jordan Stephens are two of the most exciting teenage talents to emerge from 2011.

Info: www. o2shepherds

-25 Mar JLS – 4th Dimension Arena Tour Pop sensations JLS return all guns blazing with a brand new arena tour.

Info: www.theo2.co.uk

26

-27 Mar Drake

Grammy nominated superstar, and without question one of the most interesting rap artists to emerge in years, Drake, follows his first UK Top 10 single, “Take Care” feat.

Rihanna, with the news that he is bringing his live show to the UK for dates in the spring 2012.

Info: www.theo2.co.uk

11

Apr Snoop Dogg plus guests Global icon and legendary hip hop superstar, Snoop Dogg comes to West London for a special show.

Don’t miss your chance to see the skinny kingpin from Long Beach perform classic hits from his longstanding career as Tha Doggfather of Hip Hop. Info: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London

16

Apr Emeli Sande Having written for everyone from Susan Boyle to Leona Lewis, Emeli Sande finally broke through in her own right with a pair of mega-hits, Heaven and Read All About It. Info: www.o2shepherds bushempire.co.uk

Lloyd For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

lovers, will be spreading a decade of love on its return for an epic tenth year to its cultural home in the East End. A musical extravaganza beyond belief. Headliners include Holly Johnson, Hot Chip Friendly Fires, Kelis and Azealia Banks.

Info: www.lovebox.net

-28 Apr Dwele + DJ Paul Aaaron

MUSIC

25

23 Dwele is a spontaneous and organic creator who weaves a storyline from the songs he selects and sequences for the album.

Info: 7pm | Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG

09

May Wretch 32 Notching up an impressive list of fans such as Adele, Nicki Minaj and Liam Gallagher, ‘The Metaphor Man’ has lived up to the hype.

Info: www. o2shepherdsbushempire. co.uk

18

/20-22 May Jay Z and Kanye West - Watch the Throne European Tour After the phenomenal success of their chart topping album Watch the Throne, a 35 date sold out, critically acclaimed US tour and hot

Emeli Sande

Jay Z and Kanye West Watch the Throne tour

on the heels of their huge success at the 2012 Grammy Awards, winning the award for ‘Best Rap Performance’ (for their track ‘Otis’), the duo’s collaboration ‘The Throne’ will embark upon a European tour that will visit arenas in the UK, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, Germany and Ireland.

Info: O2 Arena, London | www. livenation. co.uk

19

May Keith Sweat and Kut Klose Info: www.theo2. co.uk/ indigo2

15

-17 Jun Lovebox The festival destination for London’s music, fashion and art

19

May Jesse Boykins III Jesse Boykins III has a timeless sound. He shares a point of view that crosses all genres, generations and cultures.

Every note and each word in all his recorded works, to his live performance is skillfully crafted evoking emotions that can move any listener across the world to examine and acknowledge those feelings within themselves.

Info: 7pm | Jazz Café, 5 Parkway, London NW1 7PG

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

-24 Jun 2012 Olympic Games: Radio 1 Hackney Weekend Tinie Tempah has been added to the bill for the BBC’s biggest ever free live music event which is part of the Olympic celebrations. He will join Leona Lewis and Plan B along with over 100 UK and international artists, bands and DJs performing in front of 100,000 music fans over two days.

Info: www. london2012.com

17

Jul Madonna 2012 World Tour Madonna is having a huge party and everyone’s invited. The shows will include arenas, stadiums and special outdoor sites including the Plains of Abraham in Quebec and a return visit to South America and Australia where she has not performed in 20 years. The tour will stop in 26 European cities including London, Edinburgh, Paris, Milan and Berlin.

Info: Hyde Park, London | www. livenation.co.uk

Kelis will be at Lovebox 2012

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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MUSIC

Feed your ears with this

month’s new music releases Out now: Bright Lights

by Tinchy Stryder ft.

Pixie Lott Tinchy Stryder has teamed up with Pixie Lott on his brand new track, Bright Lights.

This is the third single to be taken from his fourth full length album out later this year.

Out 19 Mar: Are You Entertained by Dot Rotten

Out 5 Mar: Mirrors by Lil Wayne ft. Bruno Mars Multiple Grammywinning, multiplatinum hip-hop star Lil Wayne joins forces with fellow US superstar Bruno Mars for his new Young Money/Cash Money single, Mirrors.

Out 19 Mar: Not a Saint by Lethal Bizzle ft Donae’o

One to watch: Smiler

latest mixtape ‘All I Know’ also out now. The mixtape also features further guests in the shape of Crafty and Bigz.

Info: www.smilermusic. com

Set to establish himself as one of this year’s most vital new talents, south London rapper Smiler released his first single ‘Delorean’ as a free download last month.

The track features on his 22 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Dot Rotten is back with ‘Are You Not Entertained?’, his first release in 2012, the year he promises to deliver.

Bizzle’s back with a banging release, Not A Saint sees Donaeo and Bizzle team up again

One to watch: Benny Banks Just signed to 679 Records (Plan B & The Streets) 2012 has already got off to a flying start for the young

after the smash hit, Go Hard. This track is about a wild night out, I’m hoping it causes riots on the dance floor like Pow – Lethal http://www. pamelatylerthompson. com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/02/21307Clipart-Illustration-OfThe-Sun-Shining-BrightlyOver-Rolling-WavesIn-The-Ocean-SunraysBeaming-Out-In-The-Sky. jpg Bizzle.

Out 26 Mar: The Wait [remix] by L Marshall ft Sincere and Sneakbo You may not be familiar with the name L Marshall, but with two top five singles behind him, you’ve definitely heard his music.

As a writer, L created Loick Essien’s number two smash How We Roll and is also the vocalist on Wretch 32’s number five hit Traktor. Now L Marshall is ready to take centre stage.

Out 19 Mar: Starships

by Nicki Minaj

Out 2 Apr: Level up by Sway Sway returns in style with his new single Level Up which combines Flux Pavilion’s speakers and dubstep production with his usual lyrical wordplay. Kelsey McHugh joins Sway with her soulful vocals on the hook.

US Superstar Nicki Minaj, releases her new single “Starships” which was produced by multiple Grammy-winning producer, musician, and songwriter, RedOne.

charismatic rapper Benny Banks. His single Bada Bing is out now.

Info: www.bennybanks. com One to Watch: X Project Sierra Leonean / Nigerian music group X Project, the group behind hit singles Lori le, Ayemi and Tumba Dance are back. The successful band who have had a number of award nominations have

been busy regrouping and prepping their next move. Formerly a trio – Slez, Saal, and Majeed, Majeed [Nigerian] has left the group, leaving Saal and Slez(Sierra Leonean).

Everyone wants to know if X Project can rise again from the dust of oblivion. Check out their comeback single Black Diamond produced

by Silva Stone Beats and directed

by Godfather on YouTube to judge for yourself.

MUSIC WORDS: Semper Azeez-Harris

De NoLa Soul this is First Served.

Dbig draw from the

e La Soul remain a

hip-hop world and their debut album 3 Feet Rising (1989) introduced their unique style and set the benchmark for their later projects.

Throughout their careers spanning seven albums, the trio have always been noted for their maverick nuances and propensity for adopting different aka’s throughout that time. So it comes as no surprise that two members of the group have acquired their younger alter egos; Deen D Whitter (Vincent Mason aka Maseo) and Jacob ‘Pop’ Life (Kelvin Mercer aka Posdonous). They are the figures in a concept album called First Served made with the masterful abilities of past DMC champions Chokolate and Khalid.

In a brilliant little café where they serve the meanest cocktails Deen D Whittier and Jacob ‘Pop’ Life indeed came to life in all their apparent youthful glory and you know what, it was only once where Maseo and Posdnuos (albeit accidentally) appeared before they retreated and let their alter egos take over.

So Deen, who came up with the concept and when was it conceived?

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: It

was conceived when we realised we had a connection. It was one of those things where me and Pop were together since we were young and we used to just rhyme and chill with each other. We accidentally stumbled into Chokalate and Khalid and we all started listening to music and we realised that we could work together and form a team.

That’s a long stumble from Queens to France was it on the Channel Tunnel or something?

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: We had the opportunity to go abroad and meet some people we had connections with and we did some shows and we happened to be walking down the street free-styling and these two dudes approached and introduced themselves as producers.

Is there any room for that old skool flavour which seems to be prevalent on First Served in this day?

Jacob ‘Pop’ Life: I think as long as we are bringing something a little different then it’s cool. We are not trying to make a new wheel we are just trying to bring a wheel with better traction.

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: The

thing is we respect people like Fabolous, Drake and all those other folks but what we do is what we do.

Actually Common has been beefing with Drake and people are saying he is just “hating” because he is old, what would De La Soul say do you think?

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: Drake is an artist doing what he does. People might have said that De La Soul sold out when they first came with 3 Feet and Rising (1989). You have to respect whether it is a Drake or Soulja Boy. If De La Soul had listened to what people thought was hot there would never have been De La Soul.

Would you say First Served caters more to old fans or is better suited to a new crowd? Or does it include something for everyone?

Jacob ‘Pop’ Life: It is for anyone that loves good music. It could be a person who loved original hip-hop to people that love jazz or rock. It is heavy lyrics over heavy music.

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: The thing with the First Serve hip-hop is it does not lend to a particularly genre. It involves two spirits, beats

and rhymes and that is what it is.

The notes say that First Served is the soundtrack to a film that is yet to be written.

Give me the synopsis of First Served the movie.

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: Young dudes who aspire to be the biggest thing in hip-hop through their exploration of music and culture but in time they come to realise that success comes with a lot of prices to pay and sometimes the price can be at the price of friends and family.

So what’s the difference between success and having a heaving bank balance?

Jacob: Well you can be successful and broke as s’@t! There are a lot of drug dealers around our way who nobody knows but they have way more than us so we just trying to make First Serve a massive movement.

And lastly what do you know about when De La Soul might make a comeback?

Deen ‘D’ Whittier: Who knows but I heard they might have an album but De La Soul are always going to be around.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

23

GALLERY

In celebration of Lime’s third annual Goddess issue; Adelaide Damoah discusses her three favourite female artists of all time.

Wangechi Mutu 2003

Nancy Spero. Segment of -Torture of Women 1976.

AWE inspiring

female artists

Wpatriarchal society

WORDS: Adelaide Damoah

e live in a

that is a fact. That the art world is a man’s world is also a fact. However, since the 60s, corresponding with the so-called second rise of the feminist movement, the feminist art movement has brought more visibility to women within art history and art practice. The effects of the Feminist art movement can still be felt today with female artists to empower themselves by unapologetically visually representing the female experience through their work. Here are three of my favourite female artists of all time.

24 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Renee Cox Renee Cox, a Jamaican American mixed media artist is described in her biography as one of the most “controversial AfricanAmerican artists working today.” Born in 1960 in Jamaica, Cox uses her own body to critique what she sees as an inherently sexist and racist society while simultaneously celebrating what it means to be a black woman. Unafraid to confront sexist and racist stereotypes, Cox for me embodies everything that I would like to be in her confrontational social commentary. One of her most controversial series of works to date entitled “Flipping

the Script,” involved Cox’s reinterpretations of religious art with

contemporary black figures. The most controversial of the photographs in a series entitled “Yo Mama’s Last Supper” was shown at the Brooklyn Museum in New York in 2001.

Renee Cox. Your Mamma’s Last Supper 1996. Copyright Renee Cox.

Cox reinterpreted Da Vinci’s Last Supper as a photograph a nude Cox as Jesus Christ in the centre, with black disciples all around her, apart from Judas, who was depicted as a white man. When New

Nancy Spero (19262009) Nancy Spero was an American visual artist and activist whose career lasted for 50 years. According to the Michigan Chapter of the Women’s Caucus for Art’s, Official Blog, when discussing the sexism evident in the art world, Spero once said, “I’ve always sought to express a tension in form and meaning in order to achieve a veracity.

I have come to the conclusion that the art world has to join us, women artists, not we join it. When women are in leadership roles and gain rewards and recognition, then perhaps ‘we’ (women and men) can all work together in art world actions.”

The PBS series Art21 (Art in the 21st Century) website describes Spero’s work as follows: “... an unapologetic statement against the pervasive abuse of power, Western privilege, and male dominance.”

Spero’s work was mostly executed on paper and in large public installations worldwide. Using women as protagonists,

Spero’s work focused on reinforcing her principles of equality and tolerance by drawing on historical events as well as contemporary news for inspiration including the extermination of Jews in the Holocaust, the torture of women in Nicaragua and the atrocities of the Vietnam War. Embarrassingly for me, I only became aware of Nancy Spero some time in 2004 when I was making the decision to become an artist. My research lead me to two of her most memorable works for me personally, Torture in Chile (1974) and the long scroll, Torture of Women (1976, 20 inches x 125 feet). Both depicted the horror and brutality inflicted on women using real oral accounts of torture taken from Amnesty International reports – the works represented previously invisible histories of real women and wove them with real events happening at that time. Spero died of heart Failure in 2009 at the age of 83.

Wangechi Mutu Born in 1972 in Kenya, Wangechi Mutu is a new favourite artist of mine.

Mutu currently lives and works in New York. In her bio published on the Saatchi Gallery website, Mutu observes, “Females carry the marks, language and nuances of their culture more than the male. Anything that is desired or despised is always placed on the female body.”

I couldn’t agree with her

more. Mutu intuitively expresses this opinion by piecing together painted surfaces with contemporary magazine images and found objects to create beautiful and intricate works which reference fashion, African politics cultural history and colonial identity. Essence magazines feature “10 Female Artists You Should Know About,” referred to her work as work which explores female sexuality and the myths surrounding African women as “wild and exotic.” Time Out New York described her work as “Divine and Decadent.” The piece that speaks the most to me by far is “Complete Prolapsus of the Uterus” 2004- Glitter, ink collage on found medical illustration paper . . . . Here, I have presented scant details of just three awe inspiring female artists who influence me personally.

There are thousands of female artists making relevant (but unrecognised) contributions to art history through their work. I sincerely hope that one day, preferably during my life time, I wake up to find that the art world has morphed into something for talented artists of all backgrounds and races, that truly represents what Nancy Spero imagined when she said, “When women are in leadership roles and gain rewards and recognition, then perhaps ‘we’ (women and men) can all work together in art world actions.”

GALLERY

York Mayor Rude Guiliani called for such works “not to be shown in a museum that regularly received public funding”, her response was as follows: “I have the right to reinterpret the Last Supper as Leonardo Da Vinci created the Last Supper with people who look like him. The hoopla and the fury are because I am a black woman. It’s about me having nothing to hide.”

(From www.reneecox.org) Challenging inspirational and unreservedly unapologetic. Love her.

Info: www.damoaharts. com

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

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31 GALLERY

Mar – 9 Sept Beautiful Games

As the London 2012 Olympic Games approaches an exhibition about the science behind sport. How many hours of training does it take to win a gold medal? Will a shark skin swimming suit really make you swim faster? And where would you draw the line between fair play and downright cheating? Beautiful Games is a family-friendly exhibition created by Museums Sheffield in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University which answers these questions and many more.

Info: V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road London E2 9PA | www. museumofchildhood.org.uk

Un

til 15 Apr Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam‫‏‬

Hajj: journey to the heart of Islam will be the first major exhibition dedicated to the Hajj; the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is central to the Muslim faith. The exhibition will examine the significance of the Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, exploring its importance for Muslims and looking at how this spiritual journey has evolved throughout 26 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

09

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

Mar – 26 May Getty Images Gallery presents: Marilyn Marilyn is a collection of imagery and memorabilia to commemorate 50 years since the untimely death of Marilyn Monroe. Showcased in London for the first time, the exhibition will feature a number of original dresses and costumes worn by the Hollywood icon, alongside unique and iconic photographs. Marilyn will include imagery from Monroe’s early years as an aspiring actress through to her rise to international stardom.

Accompanying the photographs will be original film costumes and dresses from the legendary collection of David Gainsborough Roberts, owner of one of the largest collections of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia in the world. Original video will also be shown ensuring Marilyn offers an unrivalled glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most famous stars.

Info: Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle

history. It will bring together a wealth of objects from a number of different collections including important historic pieces as well as new contemporary art works which reveal the enduring impact of Hajj across the globe and across the centuries. The exhibition which has been organised in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Public Library Riyadh will examine three key strands: the pilgrim’s journey with an emphasis on the major routes used across time (from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East); the Hajj today, its associated rituals and what the experience means to the pilgrim; and Mecca, the destination of Hajj, its origins and importance.

Info: British Museum Great Russell Street London WC1B 3DG |www.britishmuseum.org/

27

Apr – 20 May Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition The Sony World Photography Awards

UNITED STATES - MARCH 01- Photo of Marilyn Monroe [Photo by Michael Ochs Archives-Getty Images]

Street London W1W 8DX | www. gettyimagesgallery.com

Exhibition presents the best of over 112,000 entries into the 2012 competition, from professionals to students from 171 countries across the globe. Set in the stunning Embankment Galleries, the exhibition offers visitors an extraordinary range of contemporary photography covering a wide range of subjects from photojournalism and documentary to fashion, nature, architecture and sport.

Info: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA | www.worldphoto. org

Un

til 15 Aug Migrations: Journeys into British Art Artists from the 50s and 60s who moved to the UK from the commonwealth, conceptual artists who considered themselves ‘stateless’ global citizens rather than tied any one place, and groups such as the Black Audio Film Collective, whose work sought to unearth the

possibilities of being both ‘Black’ and ‘British’ in the 1980s, will show how British art has, directly or indirectly, come to reflect a much wider international stage over time. The exhibition will feature recent work by contemporary artists who use the moving image as a versatile tool for both documenting and questioning reality, including Zineb Sedira’s 14 screen installation Floating Coffins 2009 and Steve McQueen’s Static 2009, which probes ideas of freedom and migration through the potent symbol of the Statue of Liberty.

Info: Tate Britain, Level 2 Galleries, Millbank, London SW1 | www.tate. org.uk

For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

REVIEW

02

, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mar Love | Hate House/ Techno/ DnB/ Dubstep/Garage - cutting edge of anything goes.

Info: 10pm-6am, Egg London, 200 York Way, Kings Cross, London, N7 9AX | www.egglondon.net

09

REVIEW

Mar *NEW* Launch: Squash and Biscuits Squash and Biscuits is a new club night that will be held on the second Friday of every month. Expect to hear garage, hip hop, grime, dubstep – good times and Lime club review: Archer Street | Words: Ronke Lawal | Lime rating: Archer Street is a hidden gem on the outskirts of London’s vibrant Soho.

Its interior was warm and comforting and our host was pleasant and welcoming. My friend and I walked into what appeared to be a classy “hotel-bar” on an 80s music night. I found that the

like VIPs throughout the evening, explaining that it would be quiet due to London Fashion Week but that we would still have fun. I am glad I was with a friend who is able to relax and have fun no matter what the situation and so we did, the music provided

by DJ Stef Manni was good at mixing and clearly loved his art. I enjoyed my evening at Low aside from the curt guest list minion it’s a good place to go to mix with Oligarchs and billionaires, I was not as relaxed as I have been in other members only clubs and thus would probably not join but I’d recommend a visit if only to meet the lovely Beatrice and experience the well designed bathroom facilities.

Info: Low Members Club, 91 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6JB | www. lowmembersclub.com

WIN ETITION

COMP

TICKETS

03

Mar Win tickets to Groove Odyssey presents House Legends Groove Odyssey launches its first in a series of parties for 2012, with a night dedicated to the original House Legends.

Line Up: Kenny Dope Gonzalez -Exclusive 4hr set + Live PA from India DJ’s CJ Mackintosh (classic house set), Sean McCabe, Bobby & Steve Zoo Room 2: 80’S Soul, Disco & Boogie with Jazzie B (2hour set) plus Paul Morrissey, Soul Master T, Mischivious, Sammy Confunksion DJ Funkos and G Man Room 3: Hosted By Housefm.net with

CLUB NIGHT OF THE MONTH

Mar HEADPHONES 15 AND HANDBAGS –

RAISING FUNDS FOR BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER Guest DJ’s: Lynda Phoenix (Broadcite); Cyndi (Hands on Music/United80); Josey Rebelle (Rinse FM); Sistah Stroke (Freak Freely); DJ Brenda Russell; Sophia SoFIREsoFINE (Soul In The Algarve) delve

bass lines.

Info: 10pm – 5am | Rhythm Factory, 16-18 Whitechapel

music though fun (homage being paid to some classics including the late great Whitney Houston) was not quite suitable for the environment in which I found myself in. We then heard singing, my friend

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

CULBS

Lime club review: Low Members Club Words: Ronke Lawal | Lime rating: My experience of Low started off on a “Low”, the host/guest list person inadvertently slammed the door in our faces, upon re-opening the door asked whose guest list we were on, I stated my contact’s name and my name, he hardly looked and mumbled something about not seeing anyone with that name having a guest list. I then had to do what I deem to be unacceptable and show him the email confirmation and upon seeing the email he stamped our hands and let us in. We were led down to the basement club where the decor was as one would expect and the Bellini’s were easy to digest. The Club “Ambassador”, a young lady called Beatrice made us feel welcome and

into their Funk/Disco/ Dubstep/Motown/Soul/ Rare Groove/House/ Hip Hop collections to keep you in good spirits all evening. Plus PA’s from UK talent Shea Soul (Dave Lee/Phil Asher) and Miracle.

Info: East Village Club, 89 Great Easter Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A | http://www.justgiving. com/marciadavinylmc Road, London E1 1EW | http://squashandbiscuits. tumblr.com/ and I had not noticed a Karaoke screen but it turned out that the bar staff and servers could actually sing and would break into impromptu singing sessions. Do not get me wrong it was fun but it just did not feel right, I felt as though the atmosphere was somehow manufactured and for some reason nothing felt at ease.

It was an anomaly of sorts; the cocktails were lovely

DJ’s Clemy Riley, Ted Lawrence, Joel S and Panther, DJ Leo, Steve Harrington and Lady T. Info: 10pm-7am | Proud 2, The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX | www.grooveodyssey.com Lime magazine has five pairs of tickets to giveaway plus a USB stick of vintage Groove Odyssey tunes. To enter, email competition@ comelime.com with ‘Groove’ in the subject header. Please include your full name and contact number.

05

Apr Back to 95 11th Birthday Party Special Guest: the original US godfather of the New Jersey garage sound, Todd Edwards + exclusive live show from Barbara Tucker (NYC). Main Room: Old Skool Classics with Todd Edwards, Matt Jam Lamont, Norris The Boss Windross, Mike Ruff Cut LLoyd, Ramsey & Fen, DJ Listener & Chris Lavish.

Info: 10pm-6am | Proud 02 @ The 02, Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, SE10 0DX | www. theticketsellers.co.uk (my favourite being Latin Splash), the light and decor were soothing and yet we had somewhat garish 80s melodies blaring from the DJ’s jukebox. I like Archer Street, it’s inoffensive and unpretentious but it’s missing that sparkle that would make me want to make it a regular haunt.

Info: Archer Street 3-4 Archer Street Soho, London W1D 7A | www. archerstreet.co.uk

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

27

CLUBS

SOUL BROTHER Words: Jennifer Rock

Lime caught up with legendary DJ Jazzie B. Aof the British neo-

s a founding father

soul movement of the late 1980’s, Jazzie B is respected as a music innovator.

Along with his funky r&b outfit, Soul II Soul fused an eclectic beat with a soulful message. Recognised and made an OBE for his contribution to sound, this British icon certainly keeps it moving.

The name Jazzie B stood out a lot for the era, how did the name come about?

It was a school name because I had a reggae sound system at the time.

It was either a completely weird punk/rock name or Jazzie B so I went with it.

Do you feel your music became part of a wider movement where black people became more visible and there was almost a trend towards being ‘proud black British’?

I don’t think so; the whole concept of Soul II Soul is that we just wanted to be

28 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

the biggest sound system in the world. So by releasing records we recognised that our opposition would have to play them.

Were you surprised at the level of success you achieved in the US? There is even a Soul II Soul day.

Yes, we came up through the era of the 1990’s when the music business was quite segregated. In terms of America, prior to that we had residency in New York at a club called ‘The Mars’, so we were pretty busy on the East Coast in terms of djing and being a part of the club scene. The biggest cross over was basically black America pre the descent, understood that black people existed, and fortunately for Soul II Soul many Americans thought it was a US band so we became very exposed.

A lot of people remember the parody of Soul II Soul on the Real McCoy – did you enjoy it?

Yes I’ve got Eddie Nestor right in front of me in the studio, he was a part of the Real McCoy and we talk about that a lot. I think we have it on tape somewhere, I’m not sure if it is on our website.

music and digging through archives of vinyl and cassettes I have acquired over the years. In the past year I’ve spent time editing music from great artists so I am really lucky to be in this position.

Where do your musical influences come from?

Reggae music, people like Dr Pablo, Studio One and a lot of rockers stuff because we were playing these people in our latter school days. We moved from playing a lot of Jamaican reggae to more English reggae and tried to establish that whole idea of being inclusive as opposed to exclusive.

Are you involved in activities outside of the music scene, politically, socially or otherwise?

Yes I do lots of stuff in the community with kids.

You’ve been in the music business for over 30 years, it must be flattering to still be doing what you love.

You make me sound old!!! (laughs) I guess I’m blessed, when I’m in England I dedicate my Friday nights to my radio show on BBC London which has been phenomenal. I love playing

Describe your sound and how it has evolved?

Our sound is a happy face for a thumping bass for a loving race.

For readers who haven’t heard your Radio Show on BBC London – tell us about it.

If you check out www. soul2soul.co.uk, you’ll see a rundown of the type of music I play, it is an eclectic mix of all the stuff that I like. In a funny way it’s quite personal. Lots of different people listen to the show, it’s not just an older demographic.

What would you class as your proudest achievement?

My queen being my wife and my children.

How is the tour going?

We recently got back from China and Japan for a break and to take care of my other commitments. Then we’re off to New Zealand and Australia.

Your daughter Jessye B is an aspiring model on the E4 reality show ‘Dirty Sexy Things’, are you happy she has followed you into the public’s eye?

The children do what they do, I’m just happy she’s happy. All the experiences that she’ll get will help her in the future.

Who has signed to your label Soul II Soul Recordings and who should we be looking out for?

At the moment it is mainly compilations of stuff. The two acts that you should be looking out for this year are ‘The Chancellor’ and ‘Emma Louise Soul’.

Women are fabulous because…

Men are from Venus and women are from Mars.

Women are the salt of the earth, they reproduce and the children grow so here we are. I have a lot of respect for women and of course I love my dear old mum.

CULBS

Describe the experience of picking up an OBE in 2008.

It was a proud moment for the family; it didn’t really sink in until the day before.

I had to get ready for it and my friend who is a stylist decided that he was going to make me something to wear; he made me and my son the same outfit. It was a little bit like getting married and going into the unknown. It got to me on the day being amongst so many of my peers, it was very intense.

Info: www.soul2soul.co.uk Don’t miss Jazzie B at Groove Odyssey presents House Legends on March 3, 2012; Proud 2, The O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX; www. grooveodyssey.com Catch Jazzie B every Friday on BBC London Radio 94. | 9 8-10pm

A happy face for a thumping bass for a loving race

What will you be working on next?

Always my djing. I have a show at the O2 in London coming up on Saturday March 3rd 2012.

LIME LIME MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2012 2012 29

Dr Maya Words: SOPHIA A JACKSON

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

Angelou And still she rises An exclusive interview with one of the world’s most inspirational women.

Wstart when offered here does one

the opportunity to speak with a living legend? Dr Maya Angelou, 83, born Marguerite Johnson, is one of the most inspirational women of our time.

Through her poetry and literature Dr Angelou paints pictures with words more vivid than reality. She inspires and empowers, and for that reason BET Honors celebrated her accomplishments with the Literary Arts Award.

To receive from your own people has a different edge to it - to know that BET recognises, I’m an African-American and an artist who has reached a certain level of excellence, this sort of sincere praise is wonderful 30 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

The 2012 BET Honors was hosted by Gabrielle Union and the show celebrates the outstanding achievements of legends in music, literature, entertainment, media, service and education. The special pays honors to renowned poet/author Maya Angelou (Literary Arts), internationally acclaimed musician Stevie Wonder (Musical Arts), Grammyaward winning songstress Mariah Carey (Entertainer), influential filmmaker Spike Lee (Media), the heroic Tuskegee Airmen (Service) and inspirational coach and mentor Beverly Kearney (Education).

The show’s starstudded lineup includes performances by Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly

Rowland, Queen Latifah, Willow Smith, Jill Scott, Ledisi, Cicely Tyson, Raekwon, Common, and BET Music Matters artist Luke James with appearances and participation by First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, Jill Scott, India.

Arie and John Singleton.

The show was held at the historic Warner Theatre on Saturday, January 14 in Washington, D.C. Proceeds from this year’s BET Honors private ticket sales will be given to Metro TeenAIDS. Metro TeenAIDS, a longtime partner of BET, is a community health organization dedicated to supporting young people in the fight against HIV/ AIDS, through education, support, and advocacy.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today it’s such an honour to have a conversation with you. I would like to congratulate you on your BET Honor for Literary Arts. What does this mean to you?

It’s wonderful, exciting, and marvellous to get any recognition that is sincere and positive. However to receive from your own people has a different edge to it - to know that

presents Dr US First Lady Michelle Obama r Hono her BET

BET recognises, I’m an African-American and an artist who has reached a certain level of excellence, this sort of sincere praise is wonderful. It liberates and encourages one to go further and to do those things, better.

So are you working on anything new?

[Laughs] Miss Jackson, I have 32 books but yes, I’m working on one just now, it’s called Mum and Me about the impact that my mum had on me. I come from a humble beginning to being Maya Angelou, my mum had such an impact on my life. I hope that mothers and fathers will see ways they can influence their offspring for the better.

Your BET Honor was presented by Michelle Obama, did you ever think you would see a black president in your lifetime?

No and Mrs Obama, is a grand lady and a woman with such grace. I was over the moon when I heard that she would be the person presenting

Maya Angelou with

the honor to me, she spent quite a few minutes saying how my work has influenced her and her husband over the last 20 years. It was a great delight.

You were upset with Common’s inclusion of the ‘n’ word on the song The Dreamer on his latest album featuring an extract from your poem. How are things between you two now?

Well I wish that word wasn’t there – people don’t understand how bad and negative that word is.

But they will. I was never angry with Common but I was disappointed.

So many people find you a source of inspiration. Who do you see when you look in the mirror?

I see a woman who has been trying a long time and achieving quite a bit and I don’t know for how much longer.

Out of your many achievements what is the one thing that brings you the happiest memory?

Being mother to my son, Guy Johnson and my wonderful grandson and being a great grandmother and my wonderful daughter in law – their kindness and intelligence makes me glad to who I am.

How do you spend your spare time?

I don’t have much spare time. I try to write every day. I love music and I’m trying to compose a little music. I have two cookbooks and I also love to cook. All I know is that at the end of the day I’m tired.

What would you like your legacy to the world to be?

I would like it to be that I was an honest, respectful and courteous Christian, which is an ongoing thing.

It’s not something you achieve and then move on, it’s something you work on all day and all night and do your best to forgive yourself.

Where did you find the strength to deal with

some of your most painful experiences?

I know that too will pass – no matter what it is I know it will pass, whether it’s good or bad. I’m grateful to know that no matter how bad the experience is; the sun does come in the morning.

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

Do you have any regrets or wish that you had done anything differently?

I keep my regrets between myself and my God and try not to repeat them.

Finally, what are your tips on happiness and contentment?

I would encourage a person to first look at people in their family or someone they’ve read about and find their own heroes and sheroes. Find somebody you can look up to maybe they are dead, anyone you thank God for that they existed, and that they can lift you up.

Privately thank them for being; you don’t have to say it to them. And don’t blame your parents – you can also take responsibility for the time you take up and the space you occupy in this world. [Dr Angelou asks me to explain what the difference is between a positive person and a negative person is. I say, ‘a positive person sees the good in all situations and negative person focuses on the bad’ and Dr Angelou says… ‘Correct’] The difference between a pessimist and an optimist is that the optimist sees the donut and the pessimist sees the hole. [Laughs] Info: www.bet.com | Interview printed courtesy of Afridiziak Theatre News: www.afridiziak. com/theatrenews LIME MAGAZINE 2012

31

03

A Poem by Georgina Ramsay To My Mother

As a child I thought you were superwoman, For it seemed to be the only explanation, How else were you able to drop everything just for me, Without a moment’s hesitation?

And who else could give a lifetime of love, Then want nothing to return the favour, Except perhaps the promise, To be on my best behaviour.

It’s you who is there to pick up the pieces When I am in trouble or things go wrong You carry my burdens on your shoulders instead, And still manage to stay strong.

No question has ever been too big No victory will ever be too small, Countless nights you have spent with me, You’ve listened to them all.

So, when you asked what I wanted to be, What I answered - it still remains true “I want to be like superwoman, Because mum, I want to be like you” So now I am older, ask me again who I want to be, what I want to do, My answer will be the same, mum You’re still my superwoman, And I’ll forever love you.

NEWS

Caine Prize 2012 judging panel announced The judges of this year’s Caine Prize for African Writing have been announced. The panel will be chaired by author and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature Bernardine Evaristo. Joining her are award-winning cultural journalist Maya Jaggi, Zimbabwean poet, songwriter and writer 32 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Chirikure Chirikure, Associate Professor at Georgetown University Samantha Pinto, and the award-winning CNN television correspondent Nima Elbagir. This year 122 qualifying stories have been submitted to the judges from 14 African countries. The judges will meet in early May to decide on the shortlisted stories, which will be announced shortly thereafter. The winning story will be announced at a dinner at the Bodleian Library

Get together with book lovers to swap books, and meet authors and writers, who will be talking about their books and what inspires them. The programme includes Colin Grant, Alex Wheatle, Dreda Say Mitchell, Bim Adewunmi and Sonja Lewis. Bring a book to swap: whether you loved it and want others to know that joy; or hated it but cannot bring yourself to bin it, bring it along and swap it. You are bound to find an exciting read to replace it. Come along and join in even if you don’t have a book to swap.

Any leftover books will be donated to charity. Black Book Swap is free but as places are limited, so best to reserve a place, email: blackbookswap[at]gmail. com.

Info: 1-5pm | Cottons Caribbean Restaurant, 70 Exmouth Market, ECI www.triciablackbooknews.com in Oxford on Monday 2 July. Last year the Caine Prize, described as Africa’s leading literary award, was won by Zimbabwean writer NoViolet Bulawayo.

Chair of judges Hisham Matar said at the time “The language of ‘Hitting Budapest’ crackles. This is a story with moral power and weight; it has the artistry to refrain from moral commentary.

NoViolet Bulawayo is a writer who takes delight in language.”

Info: www.caineprize.com

Ou

t now I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella [synopsis] When Poppy loses her engagement ring and her mobile all in the same disastrous evening, it seems the obvious solution to make use of a phone she finds, by chance, abandoned in a hotel bin. But inevitably her life becomes entangled with the real owner of the phone, a high-flying businessman called Sam who becomes increasingly irritated when Poppy can’t resist meddling in his affairs…

Info: www. sophiekinsella.co.uk

Chirikure Chirikure is a judge at this year’s Caine Prize 2012 [image credit HIVOS]

For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

NEWS

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

Mar Black Book Swap

15

Mar Gladys Famoriyo Academy Presents: The Author Delusion - How To Become A Successful Author FREE Live Seminar Are you keen to write a book for business or personal purposes? Would you like to succeed as an author? Or perhaps you can relate to the following:

them with nothing, while providing comfortable live for millions elsewhere. The disrupted family existence, as her mother has to work all hours and becomes increasingly distant. A disappointed Grandfather who has changed religion in order to create a structure, and a Grandmother who as she sticks to the old traditions is the cultural heart of the family. The ending, with the uplifting message that life goes on, surprised me.

Overall, I found Blessing limiting as a guide to what was happening and would have loved to view the issues through the eyes of the lovingly described adults in the book.

Info: Tricia Wombell blogs at Black Book News | www.tricia-blackbooknews.com

direction on how to overcome them.

Info: 6-7.30pm | The Women’s Library, London Metropolitan University | www.facebook.com/ gladysfamoriyoacademy

15

Mar Commonwealth Lecture 2012: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

- I want to learn some key insights into what it takes to write a good book - I am keen to avoid costly mistakes ‘green’ authors make - I want to learn powerful secrets to producing a great book to increase my The Commonwealth chances of sales and profit Foundation is honoured - I want to discover to announce that the blocks that plague 1000s 15th Commonwealth of aspiring authors from Lecture will be delivered becoming published

by Chimamanda Ngozi authors with some Adichie. In the magnificent Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

setting of the Guildhall in the heart of the City of London, Chimamanda will be speaking on the 2012 Commonwealth Theme: ‘Connecting Cultures’. Born in Nigeria, Chimamanda is the author of two novels, Half of a Yellow Sun, which won the Orange Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and Purple Hibiscus, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and the Hurston/ Wright Legacy Award. Her most recent book was The Thing Around Your Neck, a collection of stories, which was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa. She is the recipient of a 2008 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.

She was named one of the twenty most important fiction writers today under 40 years old by The New Yorker. ‘Connecting Cultures’ celebrates the diverse mix of people across the Commonwealth united with shared values and vision. Together, these 54 nations represent over two billion people of different faiths and ethnicities, where cultural expression is an essential means of identity and exchange. Booking essential: e.dcosta@ commonwealth.int

Info: 6.30pm | Guildhall, Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HH | www. commonwealthfoundation. org

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

REVIEW

Lime book review: Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christie Watson| Published by Quercus Words: Tricia Wombell | Lime rating: Christie Watson’s Tiny Sunbirds Far Away won the Costa Prize First Novel award in January. As someone who is not from Nigeria, I believe that she’s immersed herself into the spirit of the place and tells an honest, if over long story. Twelve-year old Blessing, is uprooted from a sheltered big city life in middle class Lagos, to a tough hand to mouth existence in the Niger Delta, following her father’s adultery. Everything is seen through the wide-eyed gaze of the youngster.

This includes, the oil industry that ruins local communities leaving

26

Mar Black Reading Group

The final book in the group’s classics season of reads is Chinua Achebe’s, Things Fall Apart.

Info: 3pm | Fifth floor, Waterstone’s, Piccadilly | www.triciablackbooknews.com

30

Jun Black Reading Group: The Caine Prize for African Writing special event The Black Reading Group will host an event for the shortlisted authors of The Caine Prize for African Writing. More information to follow soon.

Info: www.triciablackbooknews.com LIME MAGAZINE 2012

33

Margaret

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

WORDS: TRICIA WOMBELL

MEET

BUSBY

Mis a co-founder argaret Busby

of the publishers Allison and Busby, which began in 1967. It is still an independent publishing company. Margaret is one of the most eminent people in the UK’s publishing community. And she is also now a broadcaster and reviewer. This year she will be supporting and encouraging new and established writers through her involvement in the following literature prizes.

First, she is the Chair of the Commonwealth Book Prize, the short list will be announced in April 2012 and the winner announced in May 2012. And later in the year Margaret will also be judging the SI Leeds Literary Prize, which is a brand new award for unpublished fiction (30,000 words) by black and Asian women writers and is supported by the independent publishers, Peepal Tree Press.

Tell us a little about Allison and Busby.

Although Allison & Busby still exists as an independent publisher, I have had no formal involvement with it for quite a while, so can’t comment on their current publishing policy. The style and content of the list now is obviously very different from what it was originally, since the people involved with choosing the books are different, with differing interests, politics, etc.

When we started the 34 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

company it was to do the sort of publishing we did not think was being done at that time; in the first place, it was certainly an unusual thing for a small publisher to start up, and our approach was also something of a departure from what was then happening. The A&B list featured both new writers and established authors, in a mixture of poetry, fiction, non-fiction (particularly political) and children’s books. We brought back into print many titles we thought were important as well as discovering, nurturing and making successful new writers.

Someone once paid what I consider a high compliment about the A&B list of those days: “You never knew what Allison & Busby would publish next, but you knew it was going to be interesting.”

Which book are you most proud of publishing?

Most of them, for one reason or another. The very first novel we published – which had been rejected by publishers on both sides of the Atlantic – was Sam Greenlee’s The Spook Who Sat By the Door (a subversive political

thriller, the first book by an African American). We made it into a success, with extracts in The Observer, translation rights sold round the world, etc, and it was made into a film that has achieved cult status.

It was good to be able to bring back into print important writers who had been neglected for years.

For example, most of work of CLR James was out of print in this country when I began to republish his work in the 1970s. In terms of other significant black writers, we published George Lamming, Roy Heath, Buchi Emecheta, etc.

Which of your published works would you liked to have seen do better than it did?

Sometimes there has been the occasional book that has been so well reviewed everywhere that people think they already know everything about it and don’t bother to buy it…

You are judging the exciting new SI Leeds Literary Prize (a new award for unpublished fiction by Black and Asian women). What inspires you most about this literary initiative?

It will be interesting to see what is being written before it gets filtered through the usual publishing channels.

What do you enjoy most about reviewing books?

The chance to read and enjoy new talent - and get paid for it…though not very much!

What don’t you like about reviewing books?

Much as I love reading good “black books”, I wish that I were also asked to review books outside that perceived “expertise” of being black! I hope the assumption is not that I am so narrow-minded as to have no interest in a broad range of writing and topics. I endorse what Toni Morrison once said: “I really think the range of emotions and perceptions I have had access to as a black person and a female person are greater than those of people who are neither . . . My world did not shrink because I was a black female writer. It just got bigger.”

Toni Morrison is always an inspiration, for her ability to challenge the imagination and make language new

LITERATURE/SPOKEN WORD

What are you looking forward to reading for your own enjoyment, after you have finished judging the Commonwealth Book and the SI Literary prizes?

No doubt by then I will have had a surfeit of fiction, so possibly some poetry, perhaps by one of the exciting South African poets on the scene at the moment, e.g. Phillippa Yaa de Villiers Which writers inspire you?

Toni Morrison is always an inspiration, for her ability to challenge the imagination and make language new; and I also relate to the fact that she used to be an editor in a publishing house and in that capacity helped a lot of other black writers break through.

What’s so fabulous about being a woman?

Every woman/goddess should realise that it’s amazing what you can do when you don’t care who takes the credit.

Tricia Wombell blogs at Black Book News, www.tricia-blackbooknews.com

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

35

SCREEN

Sofia

WORDS: CASSAM LOOCH

Boutella

ABoutella is already lgerian born Sofia

well-known as a dancer having starred in some of the biggest advertising campaigns and music videos of recent years.

You’ve almost certainly seen her moves opposite the likes of Ne-Yo, Madonna, Rihanna and many more. Now she headlines her first major feature film, with ‘Streetdance 2’ hitting the screens later this month, and we caught up with Sofia to find out more.

Could you tell us a bit about your background?

I was born in Algeria and I started ballet when I was 5.

I then went on to rhythmic gymnastics when I moved to France at the age of 10, which lasted until I was 18. In the mean time I did modern jazz and continued with ballet. At 16 I started hip-hop. I started acting at 18 when I was cast in Le Defi with Blanca Li. Afterwards I studied for two years in Paris. I then continued dancing more with Nike and Madonna on two of her world tours.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I focused on 36 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

I love any movies that are inspiring and tell the truth about history, humanity or people. I also love movies that allow the audience to be able to relate to the characters acting and for the past five years have been studying at “ACT”.

You obviously have fantastic dancing skills, but have you trained in acting as well?

Yes I have, I trained in Los Angeles at ACT, “Actor’s Circle Theatre”. I also studied the Stella Adler Method with Arthur Mendoza.

What was the most difficult thing about acting for the screen?

I would say the most difficult thing was to spend all day (10 hours) in my Latin heels. Other than that I loved every moment of it!

What do you think of Street dancing films in general, and what did you think about the first ‘Streetdance’ film?

I love the “old dance movies” like the The Red Shoes, West Side Story and The Band Wagon. I felt that the new wave of dance movies were not considering the story lines as much as the dancing, which left the characters with great dance moves but sometimes poor substance, interest and thickness in their story lines. I do now understand how it can affect and inspire the younger generations and that is what’s important!

I think the story lines of dance movies are getting better with time; I enjoy them.

Does filming in 3D make things more difficult, and what are the differences from regular 2D filming?

I didn’t feel a difference.

The 3D team were very discreet, we only had to

do two or three isolated movements for them to capture.

Your character in the film uses classical dances like the Tango with more modern styles. Is this something you are comfortable with?

Yes, it’s always good to expand our minds and create fusions! I think that getting inspired by many different things allows us to move towards the right artistic direction, and stretch our instruments.

The choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega did an amazing job at making that fusion come alive.

There are a number of other dancers in your crew in the movie, did you know any of them beforehand? And did you teach one another any new techniques?

Yes I knew most of them from the dance community.

Unfortunately we didn’t have much time to teach one another because we already had to work really hard on what needed to be done for the movie. We were focused on the movie and story and the specific

SCREEN dance each one portrayed in the film.

The world of competitive dance seems quite different to that of films and adverts. Do you miss entering the competitions and going up against other dancers?

No, but I think about it as something that I adored and cherished and I did it with all my heart. It belongs in my past; I feel that I have grown and I now feel excited by different things.

It did help me grow as a person, as an artist and I will always have love for it.

Were you ever worried about leading a big project like this?

No I was excited and I still am.

Who are your acting heroes, and what sort of films do you enjoy watching the most?

I love Meryl Streep, Sir Laurence Olivier, Jodie Foster, Dustin Hoffman, Daniel Day Lewis, Morgan Freeman, Marlon Brando, Helena Bonham Carter. I can go on and on about actors I look up to but these are some of my favourites.

I love any movies that are inspiring and tell the truth about history, humanity or people. I also love movies that allow the audience to be able to relate to the characters. I love creative movies, as well as good comedies.

This issue of Lime Magazine is dedicated to the women of the world. What’s so fabulous about being a woman in your world?

There is a saying that I have heard since I was little; “Paradise is underneath Women’s feet”. But yet I grew up wishing I were a boy, I was a real tomboy, completely denying my femininity.

After having experienced life a bit more, watched my mother and her courage, the women in my family, my girlfriends and the incredible inspirational women I’ve worked with, I changed my mind and realised the blessing it is to be a woman. Today, without any doubt, I believe that paradise is underneath women’s feet!

Finally, what was most challenging? Street dancing in high heels, or kissing Falk on screen?

Definitely dancing in heels all day long. Repeating the same choreography in them was pretty painful. I finally had to use this cold spray to numb my painful toes but not the moves! ;) ‘Streetdance 2 (3D)’ is released nationwide by Vertigo Films on 30 March

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

37

05 SCREEN

-17 Mar Legacy Media Institute Filmmaker’s Workshop

Tim Reid (sitcom Sister Sister) the award winning and acclaimed AfricanAmerican Actor, Writer and Director will launch his inaugural LMI Workshop in London in March.

Info: BFI Southbank | www. legacymediainstitute.org

Ou

t 9 Mar Ozwald Boateng: A Man’s Story

Stephen Lawrence- Time for Justice Screening

Princess Anne Theatre, 195 Piccadilly W1J 9LN | http://stephenlawrence. org.uk/ | http:// stephenlawrence. eventbrite.co.uk/?ebtv=C

17

Mar BFI Southbank African Odysseys: The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide To Success‫‏‬

15

-18 Mar Women of Colour Arts and Film Festival [WOCAF], Atlanta, US

A Man’s Story is a fulllength documentary film covering the last 12 years of Ozwald Boateng’s life.

Capturing the journey and evolution of Ozwald Boateng as a man as well as a designer.

Info: www.ozwaldboateng. co.uk/a-mans-story

10

Mar In aid of the charity, The Stephen Lawrence Trust, we are holding a special screening of the recent Panorama special, Stephen Lawrence: A Time For Justice.

The screenings in aid of Stephen Lawrence trust and will be followed by a Q&A with Doreen Lawrence, Stuart Lawrence (His brother), Imran Khan (the family Solicitor) and Mark Daly (BBC journalist) and will be chaired by Rageh Omaar.

Info: 6pm | BAFTA, The

38 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

The Women of Color Arts & Film (WOCAF) is gearing up for its 7th annual festival. The only one of its kind in the Southeast, Women of Color Arts and Film Festival (WOCAF) is a multi-discipline event that includes film screenings, a visual art exhibition and a music showcase – all celebrating women of colour artists and media makers. “The immense growth of the festival confirms a need for a platform that celebrates women of colour and their creativity. We are growing every year and are continuously impressed by the array of independent films out there that have a woman of colour in a key creative position whether it is behind, or in front of the camera” states Festival Director Mojisola Sonoiki of Iyalode Productions.

Info: www.wocaf.org

Tim Reid will speak as part of the BFI Southbank African Odyssey’s event this month

As part of Tim Reid’s Legacy Media Institute programme, Nadia Denton introduces her book The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide to Success – a guide that outlines funding, marketing and distribution opportunities for filmmakers. Nadia Denton – former director of the BFM International Film Festival – will take questions and be joined by special guests in this interactive morning session. The event will be hosted by Lisa Bent.

Info: 11 am | BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1| www.bfi.org.uk

17

Mar BFI Southbank African Odysseys: Mark of the Hawk

Filmed in 1957 just two years after Rosa Parks bus boycott. This is a blockbuster film with two of the biggest black stars of that decade Eartha Kitt and Sidney Poitier. Mightier than all the forces on earth is an idea whose time has come. In this case it’s African liberation. Poitier is rising nationalist leader Obam, who struggles for his people’s freedom in the face of bloodthirsty colonials, disorganised Africans and a hot-headed brother. Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church, its preachiness and opposition to ‘godless communism’ fail to conceal the timeliness of its message. A rare and un-missable curiosity, shot in Technicolor. Introduced by actor Tim Reid, with a short from his Legacy Media Institute Info: 2-5pm | BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road SE1| www.bfi.org.uk

23

Mar – 1 Apr The 26th BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival

Offering a varied programme of feature films, special events, shorts, archive classics, experimental and erotic works, the Festival is one of the longest-running celebrations of queer creativity in the UK. Info: www.bfi.org.uk/llgff

For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

SCREEN

Lime movie review: Contraband | Lime Rating: Release date: March 16th | words: Cassam Looch

Lime movie review: A Man’s Story – Ozwald Boateng | Lime rating: Cinema release: 9 March | DVD release 19 March | Words: Victoria Woode ‘A Man’s Story’ is a documentary filmed over 12 years of fashion designer Ozwald Boateng’s professional career and personal life.

No moments were too

intimate to be shared with his fans. The story begins in 1998, when Boateng’s life took a personal downhill spiral, although after each downfall he somehow manages to bounce back! Directed

by Varon Bonicas, ‘A Man’s Story’ shows one of Britain’s most influential designers’ journey around the world as his fashion career grew from strength to strength throughout the early 2000’s. His boutique tailoring resulted in a large celebrity following from the likes of Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, and many more.

Within no time he was on billboards all over LA and stared in his own reality series ‘House of Boateng’.

There are many highpoints of Ozwald Boateng’s career including working for Givenchy in Paris as a creative director, the opening of his re-designed store in Savile Row in 2007 and the unbelievably successful fashion show finale that closed London fashion week in 2010. A Man’s Story’ is a wonderful insight into the work and life of Ozwald Boateng, a fashion extraordinaire.

LIME’S MARCH

FILM reVIEWS

Lime move review: StreetDance 2 3D | Lime rating: Released: 30 March | Words: Havana Wellings-Longmore StreetDance 2 is a sequel but do not panic, viewers can and should see this movie before renting or downloading the first one, as it features the most electrifying salsa

routines I have ever seen.

StreetDance 2 follows the format of the first movie; dancers from very different dancing styles coming together to battle it out ‘Street’ style. As expected of this genre, the plot is simple. Europe’s best dance crew is Invincible and their street dance style of B-boying and acrobatics is unbeatable on the underground scene.

Ash (Falk Hentschel) is a solo B-boy who believes he has what it takes to beat them, and ends on falling on his face. Ash vows to put together a dance crew of his own out of Europe’s best solo street dancers to beat Invincible at their next clash in Paris. Along with his manager Eddie (George Sampson), and Eva (Sofia Boutella) a salsa dancer living in Paris, Ash choreographs a fusion

of B-boying and Salsa to win the final battle. As Ash and Eva learn each other’s respective styles not only do they find the passion and power behind the dance moves they find romance. Sofia Boutella was breath-taking as the sassy salsa dancer and is definitely a star on the rise.

The dance scenes are wonderfully choreographed helped by the very talented dancers.

The 3D aspects of the movie are wasted, as it is more of a ploy to help the cinema sales, as you really want this film on DVD so you can rewind the dance scenes. That said StreetDance 2 is in no way a wasted trip to the cinema.

I guarantee you’ll leave wanting to find a dance class, nightclub or even your own dance crew….

A remake based on an Icelandic thriller, this latest Mark Wahlberg vehicle is actually a surprisingly sophisticated effort with a handful of great performances and a real sense of exhilaration. Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) has turned his back on his smuggling past, and is trying to earn an honest living. His reckless brotherin-law however forces him back into the murky world of border-crossing drug runs. With ruthless thug Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi) threatening Chris’ wife (Kate Beckinsale), best friend Sebastian (Ben Foster) offers to step in and help with the dangerous mission to Panama. Can Chris make it back with the loot, and who can he trust with his most prized possessions. The set-up might lead you to believe there will be action and shoot outs a plenty, but for the majority of the film there is actually something more cleverly crafted at play. There is a botched heist in the middle of the film, something for the adrenaline junkies to enjoy, but there are also some tense scenes, which will have you on the edge of your seat. Some of the twists are a tad obvious, but overall this is a smart and intelligent thriller that is worth investigating.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

39

CLUBS FAMILY MATTERS

Adoption changes lives

A

doption changes lives.

Not just for the child, but also for the adopter. It gives people the chance to start a new family or to extend their existing one.

In Ealing there are currently around 40 children waiting for an adoptive family and they come from many different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. As you have probably heard in the media, black and mixed race children often wait longer than their white peers to be adopted.

Jamika, who we are featuring on the next page, is one of the children that really needs a family of her own. Like all children that need adopting she has had a difficult start to her early life and has experienced a lot of loss.

Sadly her mother died and she is not able to be placed with her older siblings as she really needs the chance to get out of the care system and find a family to claim her for their own.

Although Jamika has 40 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

treats its children.”

had a tough start, she has been with the same foster carer since she came into care.

She has experienced a very caring and stable environment which has helped her development and given her the ability to attach to other people.

Although Jamika won’t be living with her sisters, hopefully we will find an adopter who will help them to all keep in contact.

Her sisters are both lovely girls and will be staying with very committed foster carers who will support any contact, so hopefully the girls will be able to keep their family ties over the years.

Getting children like Jamika adopted as

soon as possible is very important so they can just get on with their lives with their new families. The more people that come forward the less time the children will have to wait.

Many people rule themselves out believing they can’t adopt because maybe they are too old or too young or aren’t married, but adopters like all parents are all sorts of people.

The most important things are that you have the patience, energy and determination to transform a child’s life.

Adopting a child is a wonderful thing to do.

As Nelson Mandela said “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than in which it

As an adopter you may be a first-time parent or you may like to add to your existing family.

Perhaps your children have grown up and your house is feeling a bit empty. It’s not true you can’t adopt if you are over 40, in fact we’d welcome your parenting experience.

Anyone thinking about adopting will naturally have lots of questions to ask and we hold information sessions every month to provide you with the answers and give you the opportunity to meet parents who have adopted. Although the idea of adopting can feel daunting, once you have gone through the process you will feel ready and prepared to make the commitment.

If this is something you’ve been thinking about just give us a call to get the ball rolling.

You’ve got nothing to lose. Freephone 0800 731 6550, email fosteradopt@ealing. gov.uk

CULBS FAMILY MATTERS

‘Delightful and bubbly’

Jamika J

amika is a delightful, bubbly girl of Jamaican heritage and is just turning three.

She is an alert child; full of giggles and loves to interact with people.

She enjoys playing with musical and colourful toys and at the moment her favourite toy is Minnie Mouse. Jamika is a ‘girly girl’ and loves one to one attention.

She is achieving well

we would love it if there was someone who could take both girls. If you are interested in both girls we can provide you with information about Mia, who again is a child who has settled well with her foster carer, who describes her as a “delight”.

in all areas of her development.

Jamika attends playgroup and a toddler drama group where she likes playing with other children.

Jamika shares an affectionate bond with her 6-year-old sister Mia. Our focus is on getting Jamika adopted but in an ideal world

We haven’t got a set idea about what type of family Jamika should live in as long as they could meet her needs and make that commitment.

Background: Jamika came into care in August 2009 due to concerns around neglect. Her birth mother who has now sadly passed away

was diagnosed with a mental illness. Full information on the family would be made available to anyone adopting Jamika.

Contact: Although Jamika doesn’t have anyone in her family who she can live with, it would be good if she could keep in contact with her maternal aunt and her two older siblings.

For more information please call us on our Freephone number 0800 731 6550, email fosteradopt@ealing.gov. uk or contact Husena Dalal at dalalh@ealing. gov.uk, 0208 825 6117 or 0208 825 5241.

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

41

COMMUNITY

Mar Shaping the future: Race and racism in the 21st century Is there an elephant in the room? If we live in a post-racial society, why do certain ethnic groups continue to experience disadvantage?

This seminar, planned to follow the retrial into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, will debate these questions and seek to identify solutions to persistent and emerging inequalities faced

by BAME children, young people and their communities.

Info: 4-7pm | Voluntary Action Islington, 200a Pentonville Road, London N1 9JP | www.rota.org.uk

01

Mar Free business workshop: Developing your business passion into success This event is designed for small business owners who need help in turning their passion and vision for their business into a reality. There’s no doubt that if you are already running your own business then you started out with a passion and belief in what you do. However, as many business owners find, that alone doesn’t always lead to the success they dreamed of. Lack of focus, confusion about which direction to take, coupled with a few unexpected knocks along the way are just some of the reasons for this.

Info: 10am – 12pm | Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, London N5 1PF | www. inspiringfutures.biz

04

Mar Black Students’ Campaign presents the 2012 Black Women’s Conference Speakers include: • Shaista Gohir MBE, Global Campaign Strategist at Oxfam • Betty Makoni, Founder and Director of Girl Child

42 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Network • Tamsila Tauqir MBE, Director at Safra Project • Zena Edwards, writer and performance poet and many others to be confirmed.

Workshops will also be held for black women in order to empower them to seek equal representation within their relative communities and in particular their student unions!

Info: 10:30am to 4:30 pm | University of London Union Malet Street, London WC1E 7HY

08

Mar Women’s New World with Dr Shere Hite - International Women’s Day season 2012 Young women from schools and universities across London will be given the opportunity to learn from one of the most radical and controversial feminists of her time in a series of events to mark International Women’s Day 2012.

Info: 1-3pm | Kings College London, New Hunts House, Guys Campus, Lecture Theatre 2, London SE1 1UL

08

Mar My Time to Shine Performance Workshops Have lifestyle and confidence issues stifled your dreams of becoming a performing artist? Does the stage keep calling to you?

Passion Arts Entertainment presents the My Time to Shine Workshops and Showcase to help you answer that calling! They run ten-week programmes, training people who have, for whatever reason, never given themselves the opportunity they deserve to make their passion come

Urgent appeal: Tebbs Second Chances 2012

Tebbs Second Chances are hoping you will continue your generous support by donating stationery but instead of October they are aiming to complete this year’s project by in April.

They need Stationery for a Sierra Leonean school, e.g. chalk, blackboard dusters and for the

children. Tebbs Second Chances are asking 100 people to donate just £10 each or contact Karen at Kids Corner directly on tel: 01702 545 154; email: karen@kidscorner.me.uk; www.kidscorner.me.uk/ index.php to purchase a stationery pack. Each pack contains all the essential items that a child would need for an entire school year and only cost £2.

Info: www.tebbssc.com

My Time To Shine

to life.

Info: 7pm | Cable Street Dance Studios, 566 Cable Street, E1W 3HB | mytimetoshine3@gmail. com

08

Mar Women in Enterprise: Achieving Success and Growing Your Business The Islington Chamber of Commerce and Camden Women’s Forum present this insightful and

empowering networking evening with 2 formidable UK Business leaders.

Learn how they achieved success and what it took to grow their businesses and develop their professional careers. Keynote speakers: Lara Morgan and Tanya Wheway.

Info: 6-9pm | City Business Library, Guildhall – entrance 3, Aldermanbury, London EC2V 7HH | info@ islingtonchamber.org.uk

For free tickets/info to the hottest events, sign up to our newsletter: subscribers@comelime.com

NEWS

01

Mar Black women and Breast cancer

29

Mar Better than Good Talk Series The first of a programme of events in 2012 with Figure Black Adornment Movement.

Info: Veranda Restaurant, Acre Lane, Brixton | betterthangoodart@yahoo. co.uk

COMMUNITY

10

31

Black women develop breast cancer two decades earlier than white women, the first UK study looking at the differences suggests. The study, published online in the British Journal of Cancer, involved 102 black British women and 191 white women diagnosed with breast cancer at Homerton University Hospital in Hackney, East London, between 1994 and 2005.

Researchers, based at the Institute of Cancer and Cancer Research UK clinical centre at Barts and the London, also found that survival was poorer among black women with smaller tumours. This presentation on 10 March aims to empower women with information to help defeat breast cancer.

Previously delivered at the Science museum it will cover: * The reality of risk rates for black women; how white women skew the risk indicators * 5 steps you can take to reduce your risk , * How not breast feeding can increase your risk * What food and lifestyles increase liability * The signs that ensure early detection.

Info: For address details contact 07958 671 267 | 07956 337 391 | thinktank_27@yahoo.com

Mar A Woman’s Worth Seminar The Sunday Essiett Company is hosting a seminar on March 31st that is not to be missed.

The seminar is based on young women,and will focus on the TRUE worth of a woman and not what society is trying to dictate. There will be guest speakers, motivational speeches and moving stories.

Info: 2.30-4.30pm | Copleston Centre, Copleston Road, London SE15 4AN | claire@ thesundayessiettcompany. com

Daniel De-Gale Zumbathon 2012

Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris after four rounds of voting.

The successful bid was headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe. Info: www.london2012.com

15

Sept 2nd Ugandan UK Convention 2012 The theme of this year’s convention is ‘Aspiring for sustainable prosperity‘.

The event promises to be the largest Diaspora-led

conference and will bring together the Diaspora, intellectuals, policymakers and business and industry leaders to confer on issues pertaining to the promotion and exchange of information, research and expertise in order to achieve sustainable prosperity for every Ugandan.

Info: Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, London E1 0HX | www. ugandanconventionuk.org

29

Apr Daniel De-Gale Zumbathon ACLT will be holding their annual Daniel De-Gale Zumbathon. Get into shape for the summer and sign up to take part.

Applications can be downloaded via www.aclt. org. Adults £15, Children (under 16) £10 with all proceeds raised going to the ACLT. Info: 2-4pm | Crystal Palace National Sports Arena, Ledrington, Crystal Palace, London, SE19 2BB | www.aclt.org | 020 8240 4480

27

Jul – 12 Aug 2012 Olympic Games London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948. London was selected as the host city on 6 July 2005 during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating

Are we friends? Like us and get free tickets to the best shows across the captial. www.facebook.com/limemagazine

ale Daniel De-G ® Zumbathon12 Sunday 29th April 20 2.00pm - 4.00pm

ever y Make count move

Venue: Crystal Palace National Sports Arena, Ledrington Road, Crystal Palace, London SE19 2BB

Adults £15, Children (under 16) £10.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE ACLT For Registration Forms please email info@aclt.org or call 020 8240 4480 Alternatively visit www.aclt.org to download the Zumbathon® application form. Thank You

LIME MAGAZINE 2012

43

COMMUNITY

Ronke Lawal

Rthe position as a

In business you have to do what you say you are able to do and if you can’t do it find someone who can

Words: Vernia Mengot

onke currently holds

vibrant chamber and runs her own business; RSL management that was set up in 2004. A truly positive and inspirational lady, Ronke’s main ethos is integrity and flexibility. Growing up in Hackney, east London her life now is far from the deprived childhood she once had. After some risky adventures and life changing decisions she has made her mark in business.

Talk to me about how important education was for you, growing up?

It was the base and foundation of my life. We grew up in a council estate.

Being of Nigerian origin, it was always education; the path was already set.

I think it comes down to discipline and my parents keeping us focused.

How did your interests develop in a career involving marketing management and business?

I’ve always loved business from an early age. I remember writing down a list of what I wanted to accomplish. When I was younger I used to make friendship bracelets and sell them. In school, business enterprise isn’t taught. You have to have that installed inside yourself, there wasn’t anyone in my family who said take that risk. I was

44 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

Ronke Lawal IS a profound business woman who heads the Islington Chamber of Commerce she talks to us about her growing business ventures, challenging career journey and why it’s so fabulous being a woman

offered a management position for a health and fitness company, it was a completely different sector; all about sales. But I still had that burning desire.

I became friends with a lady who had a business plan involving beauty. I used my education and my common sense. That was my first client. So I quit my job and started my business from scratch with no funding, just savings and in a couple of months I got another big, big client.

The work thing didn’t work for me so I created a job myself.

In 2005 you became a Business Partner for The Simone Williams fashion label, tell us about that experience for you...

We grew up on the same estate. We lost touch when she went to a different secondary school. We hadn’t seen each other for 10 years. When I came back from university, we met up and she bought her portfolio. I saw she was so talented, then I thought let me see what I can do to help. I offered to invest and put money into her business if we could become partners. It was an interesting industry to

work in.

Throughout your career journey, what has been your biggest challenge?

The big challenge was overcoming my own insecurity; my own self belief. I limited my own growth. The obvious would be limited finance and not knowing where to go. Trying to build my business based on me was quite challenging.

In 2011 you were appointed the nonexecutive director of The Hoxton Apprentice, a Charity Restaurant, what does that involve?

I’m on the board of directors; it’s close to my heart, as it’s in Hackney where I grew up. And the ethos is to help people who are struggling or deemed as hopeless. The charity gives them hope.

You were also presented with an award for ‘Inspiring Leadership’ at the Fifth Annual Precious Awards. How amazing does that feel?

That was based around the work at the Chamber of Commerce and my business. It was a complete and utter shock. I was

humbled to be honoured in that way, everyone was so pleased and I’m forever grateful.

Your current job sees you as CEO of the Islington Chamber of Commerce. It sounds like a very demanding role, it could even be seen as a male dominated area to work in, how do you do it?

It literally was six months until they closed it. I almost gave myself a job.

It has been amazing. The majority are men and they are white European.

I don’t fit the profile, but overall I try not to let it bother me. A lot of people underestimated my role there. It doesn’t matter where you come from you can still do the best.

What’s so fabulous about being a woman?

There is something so gentle about women, something gentle in our core. You’ll always find something within women that we can relate to and were prettier than men.

[Laughs] Info: www. rslmanagementservices. co.uk | Twitter: @ronkelawal @rslmanagement

- 17 Mar Nathan Caton: Get Rich or Die Cryin’

18

Mar Touch of Class

An evening of laughs from the award-winning comedian Nathan Caton, as seen and heard on Mock the Week, ITV’s FHM Stand-Up Hero and BBC4, tackles everything from race to school yard jokes in a hilarious show that will leave you in no doubt why Caton regarded as one of the hottest rising stars on the scene with a glittering career ahead.

Info: 9.15pm | Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE | www. sohotheatre.com

Affinity Arts Entertainment returns with the exclusive Mother’s Day special of the UK’s, Touch of Class.

On this night we celebrate the mothers of the planet, our sisters, grandmothers, aunts, daughters and of course mothers. Once again we fuse together the best in musical talent with the UK’s finest

comedians to give you an action packed non-stop night of entertainment.

Comedy from Mr Fraser, Kevin J, Slim, Felicity Ethnic and Kane Brown.

Live Performances from Janet Kay, Don Campbell, General Levy and more…

For one night only the popular V.I.P booths come with a Complimentary bottle of champagne and assorted cup cakes to add that Touch Of Class.

Info: 7.15pm | Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ | www. hackneyempire.co.uk

ourselves?

Info: 9.30pm | Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE | www. sohotheatre.com

01

-14 Apr Ava Vidal: Goes Dutch Ava Vidal returns to Soho Theatre with her brand new show Ava Vidal Goes Dutch. In this show she questions the ideas of community and responsibility. How much should we share? Would the world be a better place if we all were self sufficient and just took care of

-12 May Hannibal Buress Cool, confident and intelligent, American comedian Hannibal Buress generates laughs with his minimalist delivery, absurdist logic and hyperexaggerated anecdotes.

Don’t miss this brilliant show from the former 30 Rock writer and favourite at Edinburgh, Montreal and Melbourne Comedy Festivals.

Info: 7.45pm | Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE | www. sohotheatre.com

mystical world of Africa.

All with genuine humour: laughs and entertainment guaranteed by this comedy show. The night is a fundraiser for the Maambena Festival (Sierra

Leone) ; and all box office profit proceeds to the Festival.

Info: 8.30pm – 11.30pm | Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA. www.richmix.org

11

COMEDY

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17

Mar The Ultimate Mother’s Day Celebration This special Mother’s Day showcase is hosted by the Queen of Comedy Felicity Ethnic and features some of the biggest and best comedians in the UK today: Slim; Glenda Jaxson; Kane Brown; Special P; Ms London and Axel The Entertainer. There will be a Special Mother’s Day tribute by the Queen of Lovers Rock, Janet Kay and fashion show by the DMA Models.

Info: 8pm | Catford Broadway Theatre, London SE6 | www. broadwaytheatre.org.uk/

08

Apr Africa’s Cow Foot - fundraiser The best African storytellers will be taking you into the magical, vibrant, colourful and

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LIME MAGAZINE 2012

45

BREAKTIME

SUDOKU WORDSEARCH TEST YOUR BRAIN ON THESE

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

EASIER

Birds Find and circle all of the birds that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell an additional bird.

HARDER

JOKES MOTHER-IN-LAW FUNNIES I know a mother-in-law who sleeps in her spectacles, the better to see her son-in-law suffer in her dreams.

– Attributed to Ernest Coquelin However much you dislike you mother-inlaw you must not set fire to her.

– Ernest Wild

BLACKBIRD

FINCH

PARROT

BUDGIE

FLAMINGO

PELICAN

CANARY

GOOSE

PIGEON

CARDINAL

HAWK

RAVEN

CHICKEN

HERON

ROBIN

CRANE

JAY

SEAGULL

CROW

MAGPIE

SPARROW

DODO

MARTIN

SWAN

DOVE

MOCKINGBIRD

TURKEY

Does it really surprise anyone that Motherin-Law’s Day occurs less than one week before Halloween?

DUCK

MYNA

VULTURE

EAGLE

OSTRICH

WOODPECKER

My mother-in-law was bitten by a dog yesterday. How is she now ? She’s fine. But, the dog died.

EMU

OWL

WREN

FALCON

PARAKEET

46 LIME MAGAZINE 2012

THE BALLET REVOLUCIÓN COMPANY AND BB PROMOTION GMBH PRESENT

BALLET WITH ATTITUDE

DIRECT FROM CUBA

WITH THE BALLET REVOLUCIÓN LIVE BAND PERFORMING HITS BY

BEYONCÉ SHAKIRA RICKY MARTIN J-LO ENRIQUE IGLESIAS USHER PRINCE

SCAN FOR CUBA TRIP COMPETITION!

WED 25 APRIL - SAT 19 MAY