Live Magazine Vol2 Issue 7 by Livity Ltd

FREE #thevoiceofyouth

summer 2012 vol 2 issue 7

RIOT on the radio

GEMMA CAIRNEY earns her stripes Plus a$ap rocky uk basketball ogs jam skating fast girls kojo

ENTERTAINMENT

04 05 06 08 10 12 13 14 18 20 22 54 56

Ed’s Letter The Crew / Key Playaz BIG ASK + SOMEWHERETO_ Live Loves & Loathes DUMMIES GUIDE TO WORKFARE ourtube FOR AND AGAINST THE OLYMPICS WE LOVE… SPORTS LUXE world in focus: Greece inside job: SFX Artist Gavin MCkenzie Gadgets COOKING WITH LAUREL COLLECTIVE Live Challenge: going green

58 61 62 63 64 65 66

Sound Advice FULLY BOOKED Front Row games CULTURE CLUB dream olympics BEST OF BRITISH: BOXER NATASHA JONaS

Features

words

THE OLMYPICS CHANGED MY LIFE SPRINTER HARRY AIKINES-ARYEETEY COMEDY KING KOJO AT NANDOS MONARCHY TOP TRUMPS BARCLAYS MONEY WORKS A$AP ROCKY BEHIND THE SCENES AT FAST GIRLS ROLLERSKATING UK COVER STORY: GEMMA CAIRNEY BRIXTON TOPCATS FASHION

words

26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 46 50

Photography taken by Christian Newell

Cover shot was taken by the infamous Jendella Hallam. Hattie Stewart (the great) blessed us with the most beautiful Doodle Bomb your eye ever did see. Nice!

Regulars

Ed’s Letter Do you remember what you were doing when London won the Olympics? I was in Trafalgar Square as a young sports ambassador, nervously watching the screen. it was amazing hearing London’s name bellowing out the speakers, thousands of people erupting in huge cheers and hugging strangers because we had won. And there it was; the Olympic spirit right before my eyes, everyone cheering in unison, backing our country because we’d won the right to host the world’s greatest competition. But winning the Olympics wasn’t just about muscles, scores and batons; it was about bringing great change to our country. Regeneration was the buzzword and leaving a legacy for young people was the key to us winning out against the likes of Paris. “We’re doing it for the children.” “Young people are at the heart of it all.” That’s what you would hear on the telly and see in the papers during the bidding campaign. But fast-forward seven years, where do we ﬁt into all of this? Cuts to youth services and opportunities are being made left right and centre, so are the Olympics going to beneﬁt us after all? We spoke to four people who’ve been directly affected. See what they’ve got to say on page 26. There’s so much emphasis on London that it’s been very easy to forget about our other cities and whether or not the Olympics means anything to the people living there. Check out our special Northern For & Against on the Olympics on page 13. One thing that will surely be on everyone’s mind this summer is the anniversary of the riots that shook up the country and our TV screens. We’re all about moving forward here at LIVE and this riot chitchat is getting old, but we thought we’d deal with it before the anniversary hits. Writer Tej caught up with cover star Gemma Cairney on the set of the groundbreaking BBC Three documentary she’s fronting about the rioters and their lives. For the full story, turn to page 42. Oh and by the way, if you ever get bored of watching Usain Bolt break a world record again, try out our very own version of the Olympic games on page 65 ;D

Background image by Jesse Olu

Whatever you do, make sure your summer is one to remember, however you spend it. You don’t need a ticket that cost thousands of pounds to enjoy being around your mates, going to festivals, watching the races on a big screen. If you’re ever stuck for things to do, just visit us online www.live-magazine.co.uk. We’ve got the coolest events on lock, so just enjoy the fact that for once us Brits are going to be known for more than just tea. We’re hosting the Olympics!!!

@CelesteLiveMag

Copyright Livity. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in part or in full without prior written permission from the publisher. Live Magazine endeavours to ensure that all information enclosed is correct and true. All efforts are made to ensure non-copyright images are used and photoghraphers are credited. Prices and details are subject to change. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the writers and not necessarily the publisher or editorial staff.

Live Magazine, Unit 11, Piano House, 9 Brighton Terrace, Brixton, London, SW9 8DJ Tel: 0207 326 5979

LIVEMAGUK Editor

Deputy Features Editor

GadgeTS EDITOR

Production Manager

Online Editor

Fashion Editor

Film Editor

Advertising and Business Development

Art Director

Music Editors

books editor

The Crew

Celeste Houlker, 21 Monique Todd, 19 Andre ZoOm, 20

Senior Designer Louis Harris, 22

Deputy Editor

Iram Sarwar, 20

Deputy online Editor

Kamillah Baiden, 21

EdiTORIAL aSISSTANT Shineze Henry, 16

Features Editor

Zindzi Rocque-Drayton, 22

Eli Anguelova, 16

Fiona Aber-Taurnona, 18 Leanne Joseph, 17 Robbie Wojciechowski, 17 Emma Hitchens, 22

Alex Shickell, 16 Jhenelle White, 20 Aida Gugsa, 16

YouTube editors

politics editor

Omar Shahid, 20

Eve-Yasmine SaoudEaston, 18 Moses Ssebandeke, 21

SportS editor

cover photography

pRODUCTS EDITOR

cover illustration

culture editor

Senior Mentors

Christian Adofo, 23 Fiona Anderson, 21 Edwina Mukasa, 22

Games editor

Jamal Wright, 22

Jendella Hallam, 22 Hattie Stewart, 21

Kay Daylami

Andrea Gamson

Live Mentors

Jason Page Naomi Brown Oyin Akiniyi Callum McGeoch Caspar Llewellyn-Smith Ruth Saxelby Patrick Kingsley Nick Aveling Mark Calderbank Jonnie Craig Zoe Roberts Ian Prior

Emma Warren Steve Yates Ali Raﬁ

Contributors Tosin Omilaju, 22; Tej Adeleye. 22; Margaret Zawedde, 15; Paddy Pender, 16; Pai Takavarash, 22; Sabian Muhammed, 24; Ben Jennings, 15;

Biodun Dosumu, 15; Tegan Pritchard, 15; Anoa Ricketts, 15; Jennifer Cattermole, 15; Shanei Cox, 14; Verity Nelson, 20; Abi Polding, 17; Linda Gyamﬁ, 24; Anu Abodunrin, 20; Finn Grist, 20; Jermaine Ghartey, 20; Josh Correia, 15; Suriya Akhter, 17; Daniel Okotako, 15; Chloe Douglas, 18; Ria Dwyer, 18; Penny Mtshali, 17; Ayman Al-Juzi, 21; Ellen Wilkie, 17; Emine Nectorio, 20; Robbie Cisneros, 20; Stephen Isaac-Wilson, 21; Omari Okwulu, 19; Tom Frodsham, 24; Zena Bland, 21; Raphael Blake, 21; Jack Brennan, 14; Ellie Rumbold, 17; Alex Shickell, 16; Kobbie Kessie, 23; Earl Duncan, 21; Petra Valenti, 23; Ruby Roberts, 21, Naima Alaso, 19; Amran Alaso, 17; Daniel Icha, 20; Saffy Gold, 21; Jeana Povey, 22; Ned Powley, 16; Rasharn McLeod, 20; Natalia Nazimek, 21; Adrian Hall, 20; Natasha Dujon 22; Billy Rowlinson, 18; Natalie Nelson, 15

thanks to The Guardian, Kath Viner, Alan Rusbridger, somewhereto_, Martin Gardner, Molly Portsmouth, Michael Whitaker, Fiona McKellar, Piers Martin, Charlene White, James Emtage

Key Playaz

Fiona aber

LIVE’s new fashion editor has taken the ofﬁce by storm. After getting the job a month ago, the 18-year-old college student is into all things youth and art and has big plans for the fashion section. With bold hopes to inspire young people with art she is also the founder of creative agency Love and Urban Arts, which runs creative workshops for young people. Be sure to check out her ﬁrst fashion shoot in this issue.

tej Adeleye

Having only been at LIVE since January there is nothing this girl can’t do. At her time at LIVE she’s already styled Labrinth for last issue’s cover and album artwork, written for The Guardian, is responsible for LIVE online’s new weekly news roundup and is also the words behind this issue’s cover. The 22-year-old English and American lit graduate has plans to travel and write more. Watch this space.

rapahel blake

Social media whizz Raphael ﬁrst started at LIVE back in 2008 and, after a hiatus, now works on social media and management for the LIVE brand. Never without some sort of social networking device within arm’s reach, he’s making sure that LIVE has a bright future. Having already worked for other large agencies, he hopes to progress in the social media world, developing the networks for brands.

alex shickell

16-year-old Alex is one of the latest editions to the incredible LIVE family. Having found us in February of this year, the tech-savvy teen has quickly become our new Gadgets editor. Currently doing his GCSEs he hopes to go into print journalism after he has ﬁnished studying. We have no doubt that Alex will make an excellent journalist. Make sure you check out his LIVE Challenge in this issue.

jamal wright

Super gamer Jamal has been with us for nine months and is now our Games and Technology editor. Whether it’s Xboxes, PS3s or Wiis, Jamal is the man to speak to. This bright 22-year-old plans to work for Gamespot or Eurogram, so watch out for some Jamal-rated games on the shelf in a few years. But for now make sure you check out his latest previews and reviews in our games section.

REGULARS

Big Ask

Amz and Naima were talking about one of their friends who spends two hours getting her headscarf just right. Shocker! So this issue’s big ask is: how long does it take to get a headscarf looking nice? My mum usually gets my headscarves for me and she normally gets them from local shops. Sometimes I add hair bands and pins. Anything colourful to make it stand out, do you know what I mean? When I’m going to school I do a simple style but if it’s a night out I’ll take my time and do something different. I can spend up to 45 minutes if I want to make it perfect, with straight lines. And if the colours don’t go together I take it off and re-do it again, so it takes long, to be honest.

Naciima, 17

south west London

Mariamah, 17

The shortest time I spend on my headscarf is about 15 minutes but sometimes it takes me half an hour. My mum goes to Dubai and brings them back and sometimes I buy them from Islamic shops. I wear it the same for all occasions – that’s just me. My best advice for beginners is to make sure your scarf is tied up properly and if you’re wearing them slippery ones make sure you wear a small scarf underneath to make it strong and tight.

Mamina, 18

I get my scarves from New Look, H&M, Islamic shops, anywhere really. The main thing is to make sure your line is straight when you’re putting a headscarf on and that you put the pins in the correct place and not in your skull. I follow this woman on YouTube who comes up with new ideas and different headscarf styles each week. Headscarf nightmares? I was walking on the street and one side of my scarf was set alight accidentally. That was embarrassing!

Farihiya, 16

How long does it take me to do my headscarf? For school, 20 minutes, if I’m going out, anything up to an hour. I definitely wear it differently when I’m going to school than when I’m out with friends. My main priority is to make it look nice and that when I’m out and about everyone’s gonna be like wow, oh my gosh! Beginners definitely need to have the basics of the scarf and the lines.

east London

south west London

I didn’t get my headscarf from anywhere special – just shops that have scarves. It took me about 10 minutes to put it on today. I’m not really into adding different things to make it unique. I only started wearing the hijab about two days ago so I don’t really know, but I’m definitely looking at the other girls, and on YouTube for some good inspiration.

Shadia, 15

write... It’s my last somewhereto_ column! It’s been an amazing year. Somewhereto_ unlocked 10 Downing Street for freerunners, boxers and spoken-word artists. They were able to open the doors of Westminster Hall to street dancers. And they found a way to get animation from young artists onto the LED screens of the BT Tower, and set up a showcase with The A-Team at the Eden Project. With youth clubs closing around the country, many young people are without spaces they can use to do the things they love - and that’s where somewhereto_ has stepped in. They are giving young people like you the chance to take control of your own ambitions, your own destiny and find a way to express yourself and your talents. Here’s an amazing statistic: to date, somewhereto_ has unlocked over 300,000 sq ft of space, negotiated 1,661 matches, engaged with thousands of young people and reached millions (with 82% of the young people surveyed recommending somewhereto_ to their friends).

“step up, take responsibility for your lives, sail away from the safe harbour” What somewhereto_ has achieved is a shift in attitudes from adults towards young people and vice versa. I mean, where else will you read that 88% of adults would share their space with young people again? Only way you’ll hear such high numbers of satisfaction is if Jersey Shore or The Only Way Is Essex are involved, trust me! I’m offering two choices: one, you take the red pill and step up, take responsibility for your lives, sail away from the safe harbour. Or two, you take the blue pill and let your fears take hold, denying you a chance to explore your talents. (Gotta love a little Matrix pun). somewhereto_ is ALL about you guys, all about giving you the spaces that allow you to be inspired, allow you to act on your ambitions – however big or small. So, Keep Calm And Find somewhereto_. Peace out! www.somewhereto.com @iamsabian

Photography Daniel Icha Muhammad 20

Words Amran Alaso 17

Words Naima Alaso 19

south west London

Who Stole my Milk?: Exploring Student Homes in London Tuesday 15 May – Sunday 9 September 2012 In the lead-up to London 2012, the Geffrye Museum and students from UCL Institute of Archaeology are investigating how shared and private spaces can generate conﬂict, compromise, friendship and cultural exchange within international student homes in London. Participate in one of our other London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programmes for young people

Creative Workshops

Join artists, ceramicists, animators and cooks for free workshops on the ﬁrst Saturday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm.

Young Volunteer Tours

Join our Young Volunteers team aged 14-24 for a free tour of our exhibition and collection stores. Tours last 45 minutes on the 2nd Saturday and 4th Thursday of the month.

Youth Advisory Panel

Voice your opinion, plan and facilitate events, devise marketing campaigns and work with designers. Meetings take place on the 2nd Monday of each month from 5.00-7.00pm.

Weʼve got lots more on so keep up-to-date at – www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Geffrye’s Young People’s Page on Facebook email Rachael rcrofts@geffrye-museum.org.uk Geffrye Museum, 136 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8EA Telephone 020 7739 9893

LIVEfinalfinal.indd 1

09/05/2012 00:29

regulars

live loves

Unexpected plans  Don’t you just love it when an unexpected, last-minute plan comes together? There’s less hassle and no stress about the times or where to meet and the unplanned day results in a great memory. (JC & TP)

Hugs I don’t like handshakes! I hate the weird gripping of hands, the cowboy pre-duel-style stare, the strange mystique of the silent power struggle surrounding this curious ritual. Why? Are we all freemasons? I hate being sized up, needing to crush fingers just enough to prove your equal standing. But I love a good hug – it’s warm, open, and inviting. (TB)

Skydiving It’s one of the most dangerous sports there is, but who cares! The pure adrenaline rush as you jump out of a plane at 10,000ft more than makes up for the risk of certain death. Wouldn’t you rather go to heaven falling out of the sky than in a wheelchair with tubes up your nose? (BJ)

Exam seasons It’s the only time everyone decides to revise. Kinda funny isn’t it? The worst kids, the ones who say, “I don’t care about school”, start to change their act up. I love it. (BD)

Celebrity gossip Most of us can’t function without it. We shouldn’t, but we’re obsessed! Reading about famous people’s lives, hearing about the recent Twitter wars, is just too entertaining. You can’t lie, right? Just don’t get involved in my business, yeah. (MZ)

Bogie 16

Parks With a lot of the world’s forestry being cut down, these little specks of green live on to provide a little bit of nature to relax our minds for when we return to the concrete world. (BJ)

Words Jennifer Cattermole 15

Words Tegan Pritchard 15

Words Margaret Zawedde 15

Words Ben Jennings 15

Words Teju AbiolaAdeleye, 22

Loud headphones I can’t stand loud music playing through people’s ears. Earphones ic exist so private time with your mus to is possible, not for the person next sit ’t Don . step dub your r hea to you ic beside me on the bus with loud mus blazing through your earphones – it just completely disregards the purpose of technology. (MZ)

Strict teachers I hate teachers who follow the rules. They get paid a salary to teach but seriously...“I don’t want to punish you but it’s my job.” Hush your gums, if you didn’t want to punish us you wouldn’t! I think teachers only become teachers because they want the same amount of holiday as us and some hate kids. (SC)

Words Shanei Cox 14

Overuse of make-up  eWhy are you putting on more mak ed? up when the day has barely start It looks like you’d need a shovel to take it all off. Less is more. (JC & TP)

Chewing with your mouth open You’re trying to keep your food in, not spray it at other people. The sound of it crunching between your teeth can be quieted simply by closing your mouth. Chew like you have a secret. (JC & TP)

Words Biodun Dosumu 15

Try-hard “indie” kids With their Primark biker boots, double-cartilage chain earrings and that mass-produced “vintage” clothes d everyone’s wearing, these kids nee ns mea Indie . hard so g tryin stop to independent, so why all look the if same? Don’t call yourself “indie”, (AR) l! idua indiv isn’t r wea you what

Blackberry Can I live without Blackberry Messenger? YES! Everyone’s addicted to BBM, but not me. People use it too socialise, but then they find it hard to communicate face to face. I wonder why. (BD)

Words Anoa Ricketts 15;

live loathEs

regulars

Dummies Guide to

Work Experience Work experience. It’s a must for getting a job, or so we’re told. But is it really worth it? Can it lead to a real job? It’s not surprising there are so many questions as the law around work experience lacks clarity.

programmes for young jobseekers were introduced, Blue Peter style. Devoid only of a ‘here’s one I made earlier’, the Get Britain Working policy was whipped up and this is what has been deemed workfare.

“Under National Minimum Wage law, companies are supposed to pay you if you do work,” says The Guardian’s Shiv Malik, co-author of Jilted Generation: How Britain Has Bankrupted Its Youth. “According to the government’s own lawyers, they feel that most internships and work experience placements break this law and companies should be paying. By law, companies can only operate such schemes if the benefit is going to you. The exceptions are those who are in full-time education and volunteers are not entitled to the minimum wage.”

But many unemployed youth felt forced into work that was unpaid, irrelevant and offered no hope of full-time employment. Not doing it, though, meant losing Jobseekers Allowance. The scheme riled up young people enough for them to protest, occupying stores, notably the Tesco in Westminster, across from Parliament. Big companies (Sainsbury’s, Waterstones) withdrew, leading to swift amendments so people wouldn’t have benefit stopped if they pulled out early.

So now you’re clued up on the law. There’s more. With many of you going off to do placements this summer, we’re giving you the lowdown on work experience to make things less cloudy. Work Experience v Internships Some people use the terms ‘internship’ and ‘work experience’ interchangeably. Shiv Malik breaks it down. “Work experience is the generic term for ‘learning about work in the work place’. An internship is supposed to be a more structured placement usually lasting for over a month and in the past these were almost always paid. In practice people use the word ’internship‘ all the time to make placements sound far grander than they really are.”

Words Tosin Omilaju 22

Workfare Last year, youth unemployment hit record levels with over one million 16-24-year-olds out of work. The government had to look on the ball with a plan of action and hey presto, a range of employment

This didn’t come early enough, however, to prevent 22-year-old Cait Reilly taking the government to court, claiming their back-to-work scheme was forced labour under the Human Rights Act. Despite already working regularly as a museum volunteer, she said she was compelled to stack shelves for three weeks at Poundland unpaid or lose benefits. But at least the Coalition appears to recognise that work experience is important in getting young people into work. According to a report from the British Chambers of Commerce last year, 75% of employers think Generation Y (that’s what they call us ‘80s/‘90s babies) lacks employability. Apparently, we lack basic skills and professionalism. The great thing about work experience is that it helps to give you on-the-job training. “Work experience is hugely valuable because it gives you an insight to an industry,” says Dillon Khan, music journalist and author of The Intern, a novel about work experience in the music industry. “It gives confidence to get into that professional world and what it is like. You

regulars

Work experience is big news, but it’s also confusing news. Tosin Omilaju helps to blow away the clouds get to know how to engage with adults, what the rules are.” Encountering the reality of a particular job can also help you make informed career decisions, says Khan. “There are certain jobs that after you get a taste you leave knowing that particular profession isn’t for you and you try the next one.” OK, I hear you say, it’s all well and good, but can it lead to a job? Yes, says Tobi Oredein, a recent intern-turned-journalist at TV Times. “When I finished university, every internship I did I went in wanting a job. Funnily, the one I actually got was the one I didn’t have that instinct for, but when I got there, I loved it.” Tobi worked hard to make a lasting impression, which brought results. “I was myself, really positive and wasn’t just sitting there playing with the mouse, but eager to work. They invited me back to intern at Christmas – in 15 years they had never had interns over Christmas as it’s too hectic. Shortly after that I was offered a job.” As intern, you’re at the bottom of the pyramid so there are things you’re expected to do, but it’s vital to get the most out of it. “Be proactive,” advises Dillon Khan. “Don’t go in and be reactive. Ensure you do the work they expect, but speak to people and share ideas.” That’s not all. One more rule that could give you that edge: “Make tea!” says Tobi. “I know everyone says don’t do it but you should. And if the people you’re working with are nice they’ll make you tea, too.” But it’s not all tea-making for nice people. The lack of legislation means the many loopholes leave interns unclear about their rights. Lauren Briggs, a 22-year-old fashion communication student, wants

to combat this. She recently launched The Internship Project, a campaign aimed at improving the system across all industries. “Before I began my first internship, I believed that because they’re doing me a favour, I shouldn’t expect anything further from them,” she says. “But now, I’ve recognised the massive problem unpaid internships cause and believe all work should be remunerated. “I’ve been in touch with one intern who worked in a well-known fashion press office which was truly exploitative. Interns had to ask to leave to go home, even though their agreed hours were 9am-6pm. They were often forced to work until at least 9pm, sometimes into the early hours of the next morning, unpaid.” With so much unpaid work, long periods interning are a serious drain on your bank! This can leave even the keenest disillusioned. “In 2011, I interned for a long time at a magazine and they never paid me. Not even expenses,” shares Tobi. “You can only work free for so long. When you’re interning somewhere for a year and you don’t get anything, not even a travel card for a week, it’s really demoralising.” So what’s the solution? “The minimum wage needs to be introduced to all internships across all industries” says Lauren. “This would improve social mobility by making internships more accessible and fairer.” For the moment, the law hasn’t changed but work experience is necessary. Make sure you know the reasons, so you can make the most of it. If you do it right you’ll leave with new skills, a professional network and – who knows? – maybe a job.

regulars

ourtube

in association with

for people who like to stay ahead of the fashion pack and just need a few tips on the latest trends, Youtube has lots of different videos on the bestselling fashionable clothes. Here are a few to get you started

Threads TV

FashionBomb TV

Threads TV presents you with the coolest and latest clothing that people like to wear around London. Their slogan is “What’s Hot, And What’s Not” and they have video clips of them going around in an open community talking to the public to find out what sort of clothing they like. The crew do a great job of marrying music, celebrities and fashion together, bringing the underground fashion scene to mainstream. (SC)

Fashion Bomb brings you daily news and stories about fashion and celebrities. They give you the latest information on what your favourite celebs are wearing and also a lot of fashion tips that get you looking your best. Alongside their channel, they have the perfect website for those who are looking for a new look and those that want to know what goes on in the world of the famous and glamorous. (SC)

YOUTUBE CHANNEL OF THE ISSUE

Sorted

Don’t know the difference between a spoon and spatula? Sort it out with SORTED food. With 8 million views and 90,000 subscribers, these guys take cooking to a new level of fun

what is it? SORTED is a cooking channel with young people in mind, teaching you how to make quick, simple and tasty food. They cater for everyone’s tastes all at the same time while putting a smile on your face.

why is it so popular? Not only are the recipes chosen by young people/viewers’ requests, but they have some great kitchen banter and the tutorials are simple enough for even the worst cooks to be able to understand. The food always ends up looking amazing, and they’ve got a load of recipes designed with a student budget in mind.

Men’s fashion is just as important as women’s! Men are looking good and showing off the best their wardrobe has to offer and Brighterman TV is probably helping them to do this. This show documents fashion street style with a mix of prep, urban and edgy. There’s something for all men out there. Brighterman’s YouTube channel is where to go for trends, learn how to stand out and find the best accessories. From new styles to sunglasses, wallets and folding handkerchiefs, this place has it all, so take some notes. (VN)

Words Abi Polding 17

Bringing cute fashion to your computer, this YouTube channel is where you can find helpful and personal hints on fashion, beauty secrets, dos and don’ts and lessons on how to customise your simple wardrobe items. This is definitely a fashion channel worth following to keep up with the urban fashionista. Watch her vlogs for giveaways and interesting videos on piercings and tattoos! Are you inspired by Rihanna’s make-up or confused as to what brush is best for foundation? Beautycrush has the answers. (VN)

Words Shanei Cox 14

Brighterman TV

Words Verity Nelson 20

Beautycrush

top videos to check There’s hundreds of videos covering all kinds of food, but particular favourites are the Piri Piri Chicken and Baked Cheesecake. One of their most popular videos, Chocolate Cake In A Mug, shows you how to make a cake in a microwave in five minutes!

how’s the future looking? They have two books already available to buy, a deal with creative kitchenware brand Lakeland, and are gaining a set of dedicated subscribers. Having collaborated with top YouTubers like Alex Day (nerimon), Charlie McDonnell (charlieissocoollike) and Jenna Marbles (jennamarbles) and cooked live at VidCon (a massive annual YouTube gathering) in California last year, their popularity is set to grow even more. (AP)

Make sure you subscribe to our Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/livemaguk

regulars

for My friends might be surprised to know this, but I love it when the Olympics come round. I’m all for anything that gives us an excuse to be unashamedly patriotic. The World Cup, the Oscars, the Eurovision Song Contest.... But with the Olympics, especially as this time it’s on home turf, it’s even more competitive and exciting. In a time of recession, job losses and bad news about our economy, why not be positive and simply enjoy the spectacle? I’m not a particularly sporty person (I can barely run down the road without needing a sit-down and a Kit Kat) but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy watching and supporting Team GB. OK, it’s not exactly cheap to host (billions of pounds, if we’re honest), but it’s mostly privately funded, with the National Lottery chipping in a lot, too. But think of the money it will MAKE. And it won’t just benefit London. Yes, it’s taking place there but when the government invests in

London, it gets a better rate of return in terms of tax than anywhere else in Britain. So this investment will produce an annual tax take for the chancellor, which will be used to support spending in the North as well as other parts of the UK. So everywhere will benefit. Even here in Manchester we’ll be getting a taste of the action, without the hassle of dealing with London’s overcrowded Tube and overpriced food. Old Trafford will be hosting football matches, and worldwide athletes have been training in the city’s velodrome in the run-up to the Games. I remember in 2008 the hysteria when Team GB came back from Beijing after the best success we’ve had in decades, and how much the papers commented on how well we had done. Can’t it be like that again? I know I’m going to be flying my old Union Jack this summer. Will you? (TF)

For & Against:

Sport For All?

As the capital gears up for the Games, Live looks north to discover whether it’s a cause for national celebration or just a London thing

against They’ve been marketing this summer as one that will bring the whole country back together, one to renew faith in glorious old Britannia, what with the Queen’s Jubilee and, more importantly, the London Olympics. There’s the problem: these are the London Olympics, not the UK ones. For northerners, or anyone outside Londin, they seem more alienating than inspiring.

Illustration Andre Zoom 20

Words Ellen Wilkie 17

Words Tom Frodsham 24

London will have a roaring trade throughout the summer with the inevitable boost from the tourists. And while those gullible foreigners spend £30 a time on Union Jack-emblazoned tat, Sunderland shopkeepers will struggle to make that in a day. That’s because their superiors, the corporate decision-makers (all based, of course, in London), thought it a charming display of national pride to merchandise all their stores with Olympic memorabilia, not just those in the capital. I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally have no desire to feed myself from a London 2012 lunchbox, and I certainly

don’t want to be faced with the abrasive London 2012 colour scheme every time I enter a retail environment. London has been gifted a nice spruce-up for the Games as well, with all these new stadiums and things. Hell, you get a whole new village for the occasion! I just hope that you give a thought to the other half as you strut through these fresh palaces of glass and metal. Not only are our residences less shiny and more modest, but they also house hordes of disadvantaged people who deserve and require these cash injections a lot more than the streets of London. In all fairness, Stratford was quite fine before the £5.3 billion regeneration came along. The streets of Sunderland? Not so much. Of course, we will be watching (we won’t have an option: what else is going to be on telly?) but it’ll be through screens rather than in person. You could hold these Olympics in Australia again and we northerners would feel just as uninvolved. (EW)

www.live-magazine.co.uk

Regulars

Henry Holland for Le Spec £80

www.eyerespect.com

Jack & Jones T-shirt £10

Sunglasses will always be a summer essential but they just got a whole lot trendier.

www.jackjones.com

You might not hit the waves this summer, but at least you’ve got the t-shirt.

Topman Acid Washed Shorts £30 www.topman.com

Stone washed jeans shorts can be sporty; it all depends on how you wear it.

We Love...

Internaçionale Crop Top

in stores nationwide £7.99 Wear it cropped or layered the choice is yours.

The Dark Side Our sporty look can take you from chilling in the day to partying at night

River Island Knicker Shorts £18

www.riverisland.com

We love short shorts! Even though they look like something to wear to bed, it’s still cool!

Air Jordans £130

office creepers £32

Be ahead of the game and walk proudly in your new Jordans.

Stand out on the ﬁeld with these colour explosion creepers.

store.nike.com/en_gb/

www.OFFICE.co.uk

Eastpak £90

www.eastpak.com

Words Fiona Aber 18

Words Celeste Houlker 21

Words Fiona Anderson 21

The return of the backpack just got a stylish upgrade with the added leather panels.

call to action

needs you! LIVE is calling on talented individuals across the UK to get involved with the magazine, website and YouTube channel. We want to hear your opinion, so tell us what’s happening in your area

Are you aged14-24 and passionate about journalism, photography, film-making, illustration or web content creation? Fancy interviewing celebrities, blogging, reviewing, fashion styling and making your ideas come alive while making friends and future professional contacts? You can by getting in touch

To join LIVE, Londoners should come down to our induction, held in our Brixton ofﬁce every Wednesday at 4pm. If you live in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, get in touch on:

Tel: 0207 326 5979 Or send us an email: live@live-magazine.co.uk LIVE is a youth lifestyle media brand working across Britain and covering music, culture, real life, politics, fashion, sport and technology. We spot trends before they become mainstream. We dig deep into serious issues, and deal with them in a way that makes sense to our readers. We are the #voiceofyouth. We work with industry professionals, who provide mentoring and support at every step of the content creation process at our Brixton ofﬁce. Our mentors are ex-editors and regular contributors to the Guardian, Observer, Dazed and Confused and Word Magazine and include well-respected experts from a broad range of print, online and broadcast.

So what are you waiting for? Email us at live@live-magazine.co.uk

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

A PEOPLE’S Revolution The Co-operative has been switching things up since they started in 1844, and they’re still doing it right now. Tej Adeleye finds out how If we were to say ‘The Co-operative’, you might think of their ‘good with food’ slogan or distinctive blue and white logo. Some will also know they provide financial services, pharmaceuticals (for reals) and that they’re the ‘number one funeral services provider’. They are good for more than just food. So much so that the UN General Assembly has made 2012 the year to recognise this revolutionary, internationally applied business model. This is the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, with the theme ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’. Co-operatives are enterprisesowned by their members, which make a profit and largely gives it back to, you guessed it, their members. Co-operatives can be anything from bike shops to bookshops, farms to football clubs or film academies. But why should any of you give a possum’s pinkie about all of this? For a start, in times of austerity, any business focused on giving back to its members, or allocating funds for education and grassroots projects nationally and internationally, seems utterly radical. Log onto their Community Map website (www.co-operative.coop/ communitymap), type in your postcode, you’ll find that within a few miles, The Co-operative will have funded at least one grassroots project. It’s a unique business model because it’s not owned by grasping shareholders, but by members. They receive a share of the profits based on the success of the organisation.

Fiona Aber 18

Words Teju AbiolaAdeleye, 22

The Co-operative has a rich history spanning over 160 years. It was set up by a group of young men who had a vision for a new business model of fairness and equality. That inspirational inception is now being retold by the Co-operative British Youth Film Academy (BYFA) in their new film The Rochdale Pioneers (see the picture above) about the Co-operative’s roots, a remake of the 1944 film Men Of Rochdale. Back in 1844, the nation was in the grip of a recession most of us today would find unimaginable: one that was, in the

words of BYFA director Kevin Atkinson, “wildly different”. The poor had next to no money and private shopkeepers overpriced goods, but also adulterated them to make more profit for less, mixing oatmeal with sand, flour with chalk. It was unethical and dishonest. So the Rochdale Pioneers did something about it. “This is the story of a group of young people who want to change their lot in life, for their friends, their families, their communities,” says co-director John Montegrande. “But it was also about bringing change in a bigger way. This was made manifest in them opening a shop with decent produce at decent prices.” Did these young men give up? Heck naw! They scrimped, saved clubbed together a little bit of money and took a rickety barrow along the rocky hills between Rochdale and Manchester, by foot, to get good, wholesome food for their store. They were laughed at, private owners were hell-bent on sabotage; but in no time at all, their visitors’ book was logged with records of people from across the world who’d heard about their revolutionary new business model. Fast forward to 2012, the co-operative movement now has 1 billion members worldwide, with a focus on fair trade and giving back to their members. It is still changing lives here and across the world. And so the revolution continues. The Co-operative is responsible for over 10,000 community projects that benefit the lives of young people in the UK. If you would like to become a part of this revolution, membership is open to over-16s for just £1. Based on your level of interaction with The Co-operative (ie how much you spend with them), you will be eligible for a share of profits. Members can actually make decisions on how the business is run, and can even be elected on to the board.

INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE Young people seem to be the target of blame more than ever at the moment. So it’s great to know at least one organisation has youth at heart. The Cooperative’s Inspiring Young People programme aims to champion the new generation, passing on ideas, skills and training. Through a variety of methods – coaching, working towards qualiﬁcations, volunteering and even tackling climate change – their programmes have so far managed to beneﬁt 330,000 young people across the UK. But they’re not resting there, with plans to push total participation above the million mark by 2014. This is all a part of their new Ethical Plan, which they hope will encourage a cultural shift in the way young people are perceived and therefore treated in the UK. This is just the beginning for The Co-operative with their ideas set to make a real change for young people all around the UK.

British Youth Film Academy

If you’re a budding film director but not exactly ready for Central Film School then The British Youth Film Academy is a programme you may want to get involved with. While others are trying to find things to do for the summer you could be getting stuck in, learning about production, post-production, lighting and sound among other things. The goal is to help create a full-length feature film for public display (the BYFA’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar premiered at the 2011 Raindance Film Festival). The summer camps are open to all people aged 14-25 with an interest in films, regardless of how much they know, where they’ve come from or what experience they may have. With past mentors including Todd Carty (EastEnders) and Pauline Quirke (Birds Of A Feather), the young people are given the opportunity to gain insight into the world of film through the eyes of the professionals.

StreetGames

Everyone likes to have a kick about with their friends in their spare time, but have you ever thought of doing all that while gaining a qualification out of it? Since 2007 The Co-operative has worked alongside the national sports charity StreetGames to help young people develop skills and qualifications so that they can teach others in their community in return. It’s all part of the idea that sport should be fun and open to all, regardless of circumstance. Since the beginning of their partnership the young volunteers have achieved over 2,900 qualifications and accreditations. As well as helping the community and giving young people the chance to be active, the programme also encourages us to grow in confidence and build leadership skills. Young volunteers have used the opportunity to go into further education and training, supporting the driving force behind The Co-operative’s Inspiring Young People programmes.

Green Schools Revolution

As soon as you mention being green, young people think it’s all about giving things up – less electricity, less private transport, less fun. But the Green Schools Revolution is all about providing different experiences and resources for young people to learn about sustainability issues while creating engaging ways to inform them of the many issues we face. The aim is that not only will young people be well informed, but they’ll also be properly involved. With activities such as free farm trips to see how food is grown, and a free Green Schools Revolution App, the programme is created to stimulate and educate, making green activities a whole lot more exciting. To download The Co-operative’s free app, search online at the App Store for Green Schools Revolution: The Game.

Join the revolution by checking out www.Jointherevolution.coop

regulars

World In Focus

Seems it’s always on the brink of collapse, but Greece has a long and incredible history. Omar Shahid sifts the myths and legends

DEMOCRACY DEM

11.4 million

noilliM 4.11

ACY

Modern western government has its formal origins in Ancient Greece – and the city of Athens established what is generally held to be the ﬁrst democracy in 507 BC.

The population of Greece, or in its conventional long form, the Hellenic Republic.

Greece was ruled by the Ottoman Empire for centuries, from the 15th century until the beginning of the 19th century.

Alexander (The Great)

One of history’s most successful commanders was born in Ancient Greece. He was a king and created empires throughout what was then the known world. He was also a student of Aristotle, one of the founders of Western philosophy.

EUFC 2004

The Olympics returned to Greece in 2004, the same year they were shock winners of the European Football Championship. Greece has competed at every Olympic Games since they ofﬁcially began, one of only four countries to have done so.

The Olympic Games began over 2,700 years ago, probably around 776 BC, as part of a religious festival. They inspired the modern Olympics, which began in 1896 and was initially hosted by Greece.

Greek mythology is the body of myths concerning gods, heroes and the world. The oldest known Greek literary sources are Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey focusing on the Trojan War. Odyssey,

ce e e r G

Philosphyia Illustration Earl Duncan 21

Words Omar Shahid 20

Ancient Greek philosophy, which inﬂuenced much of Western thought, began in the sixth century BCE. Philosophy (from the Greek word philosophia) means love or wisdom. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle are regarded as the founders of Western thought.

The current economic crisis has seen Greece crippled with debt. There has been widespread, often violent protest as a result, causing the collapse of the government.

tribes

Fashion Tribes From South Africa to Shoreditch High Street, these are the top fashion tribes making a statement

Kim k Wannabe Beach waves

Smarteez

What’s a Kim Kardashian wannabe without long locks? NOTHING. The smell of overheated curlers and crispy ends are tell-tale signs of a Kim-K-W.

retro specs

Respect the retro specs! Circle, square and rectangle lenses frame the faces of the cool. The quirkier the brand is, the better it is to wear.

the “it” bag

The “never leave the house without it” accessory. From Armani to Primani, as long as it’s big and can ﬁt a huge case of make-up, it’s good.

backpack

Even the Smarteez know wearing a backpack is the in-thing right now. Catch them rolling as a gang, double strapped up and everything.

platform shoes

These shoes were made for posing and, erm, a bit of limp walking, too. Spot a Kim-K-W by the way she shufﬂes along the high street.

printed top

Funky prints and loud colours set Smarteez apart from other subcultures. Bear in mind these people are not for consumption.

Throwback Chick

Gentleman Vibe

Piercings

Bow tie

If they have pierced dimples and hanging earlobes, plus a tattoo somewhere visible on their hands, you’re looking at a throwback chick.

They don’t need to be invited to a dinner party to wear one of these; a true gentlemen wears them even when he is sleeping.

Chinos

Denim Jacket

An instant style update. They are trousers with integrity for the suave, smart and, more often than not, incredibly sexy man.

It was big in the ‘90s and frankly has not gone away since. The denim jacket is a throwback wardrobe staple.

Brogues

Patterned Pants

They can’t leave the house without them. In fact they are the only pair of shoes they own in every colour combination possible.

Colouring Louis Harris 22

Illustrations Saffy Gold 21

Words Tej Adeleye 22

Words Anu Abodunrin 20

Words Celeste Houlker 21

The only time you can look mismatched and still fashionable is when you’re at an underground rave wearing these.

1 19

Regulars

INSIDE JOB

Gavin McKenzie

Gavin McKenzie, 28, is a British special effects artist who has worked on such films as Casino Royale, V for Vendetta and the new Disney flick, John Carter. We asked him what it takes to be part of the film world

How did you become a special effects artist? I did work experience with a place called Useful Companies. I worked there all told for about six years after finishing college, becoming a runner and then, eventually, a technician. It was a lot of hard work and very long hours, but I was just really excited to be working in a film studio. I couldn’t believe how much went into making a film.

shooting in December 2009 and finished in June 2010. It’s the biggest film that London has ever produced.

So what does go into making a film? Every time something is shot, the cameras need to be reset. Each take on set takes at least 45 minutes. Some shots can be easily done, but some really big shots, which involve a lot of special effects and extras, can take a long time. I didn’t realise the lengthy process and when I got into compositing [the job of combining visual elements from separate sources and making them look like they’re part of the same scene], I realised it was exactly the same thing. Basically, a lot of work.

What qualifications do you need to be able to pursue a job like yours? The steps that I took are the same as everyone else: I did a course at Escape Studios in compositing. It was an extensive course, where they teach you the aspects of what compositing is as well as teaching you the right software – in my case Nuke. We had video cameras that we were allowed to use, but also they encouraged us to hire our own cameras because when you are first trying to get a job, whether starting out or experienced, you are showing them what you are able to do. Even if you have a bit of paper with a list of the films that you have worked on, until they see what you have done, it’s hard to get a job, so that’s why it’s good that they encouraged us to do our own work.

Photography Andre ZoOm 20

Words Verity Nelson 22

What was it like working on John Carter? Carter was quite a special film. I was lucky enough to work on the shoot of the film as well as on the post-production, so it’s the only film I have ever worked on all the way through from start to finish. I worked for six months doing facial capture on set for the actors who were going to be the CG actors, such as Willem Defoe. I finished and I had about six months in between finishing the shooting to starting the compositing, and in that entire time, visual effects were also being done. So altogether the film took four years to make. I started

What made you want to be a special effects artist? I still remember the first time I went to the cinema after making a film and I saw my name. It reminded me of going to the cinema and wondering if I could ever work in films.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to work on films? Continue going to the cinema! I remember going with my parents and friends when I was younger and it’s definitely important that people continue to do that. You need to see a lot of films.

WIN the chance to present on MTV You could win an amazing week with the MTV News team – and even get to present your own links on air. We’ve created an online studio with MTV where you can present what’s hot in showbiz, whether it’s a world exclusive on Rihanna or the goss on Lady Gaga. Just record a link and share it for your chance to win.

youarethestar.com Competition runs 16 April to 10 June 2012. Over 15s only. See full terms and conditions at youarethestar.com

1397-21 Freederm YATS Live Mag 275x210.indd 1

23/04/2012 14:28

Regulars

Tech Talk

Gadgets

to celebrate the first sighting of the sun (just), live juices up on the latest in affordable solar-powered gadgetry Solar-Powered Clip-on fan Amazon, £4.99

You know that sinking feeling when the batteries in your mini-fan are running out? Well, although it may ruin the look of your snapback a little (OK, a lot), this literally ‘cool’ piece of tech will clip onto your hat etc, lasting all summer and beyond.

Gelert Solar-Powered Shower Amazon, £4.49

Hi everyone! I’m Alex your new Gadgets editor here at LIVE and if you like free internet I’ve got some good news for you…

Spare yourself the Hobson’s choice between being caked in mud or freezing to death in a cold shower at this summer’s festivals with this clever bit of kit that will provide a 20-litre warm shower when left in the sun for around three hours.

It’s been almost a year since Boris Johnson said he wanted a Wi-Fi hotspot at “every lamp post and every bus stop” in London in time for the Olympics. It’s been a slow start but it seems the wheels of Wi-Fi for London have ﬁnally started turning.

Logitech L750 Wireless Solar-Powered Keyboard PC World, £50

Hate wires, but love saving energy? Combine your passions with this stylish solar-powered keyboard that provides the best of both worlds.

Shortly after a deal was struck with Virgin Media for Wi-Fi on the Underground, internet giants The Cloud announced their own arrangement with London Overground. As part of this, passengers in 56 stations from West Hampstead to East Croydon will have access to an hour of free internet. But the obvious downside is that it won’t be ready for the Olympics, and, like the Underground scheme, the Wi-Fi will be time-limited and available only in stations. Surprisingly most Londoners are against the scheme as they are worried it will lead to more thefts.

Words Alex Shickell 16

Another problem with this is that commuters seem to be infected with ‘Tube Mentality’, where they lose all social skills and resort to grunting from behind their iPhones. Thankfully the Overground has remained a talk-friendly zone. I just hope this new scheme doesn’t lead to friends next to me e-mailing using the free Wi-Fi instead of speaking to me – God knows we have enough cavemen in the tunnels of the Tube already.

Voltaic Converter Solar Backpack Amazon, £159

Finally it seems the age of carrying millions of charger cables around is coming to an end. With this bag from the big solar energy company, Voltaic, you can charge your stuff on the go with minimum cable confusion.

APP attack Angry Birds Space Free, App store and Google Play The timeless Angry Birds saga is back with a bang with this outer-space version of the game, featuring reworked physics and new birds to match the new scenery, providing, as always, hours of fun.

we cast our eye over the most happening new apps for your phones and tablets

Draw Something £0.69, App Store and Google Play Unleash your creative side and bamboozle your friends with the most popular social drawing and guessing game in the App Store – over 100 million drawings created and counting.

Camera Zoom FX £1.79, Google Play This award-winning camera app is trending this month, having received rave reviews because of its comprehensive yet simple options. It can now claim to be “the best camera app for Android”.

blog, view, comment, debate, share, tweet, attend, act,

create

www.live-magazine.cO.UK youtube.com/livemaguk @livemaguk

i n a s s o c i at i o n w i t h s o m e w h e r e t o _

t s e

r o f

n I g

e h T

in a R

ic n

n a kd

a e r

What happens when man and nature truly mix it up? You get street dance crew, The A-Team, setting the ‘nature trail’ ablaze with somewhereto_ in the Garden of Eden Flipping, popping and spinning their hats and bodies, the super group (and 2012 finalists on Sky 1’s hit show ‘Got To Dance’) performed to a lucky crowd and held an exclusive dance masterclass for local budding young street-dancers in Cornwall’s Eden Project; the world’s largest indoor rainforest unlocked as a showstopping space by somewhereto_. The venue’s Mediterranean Biome and Citrus Grove backdrop never looked so animated.

What challenges do you face finding free dance space? There are many challenges, and it has been difficult. We’ve gone to the extremes of dancing outside shop windows – any kind of reflection helps us. At the same time we don’t dwell on the negative and we pretty much work with what we have. Money is the main issue though, as renting out a studio for the whole day costs a fortune. Rob Anker

And for aspiring street dancer Betsy Dunlop (18, from Newquay in Cornwall), who took part in the day, it was an experience she’ll never forget: “I think a project like somewhereto_ is really important for dancers like me who need to access space to practise. I just can’t believe we’ve had the chance to dance with The A-Team in the Eden Project!”

After the Eden Project, what other high profile spaces do you have in mind? I would love to dance on Easter Island outside those big heads, or in Vegas. In the UK I would love to dance inside Wembley Stadium, that would be pretty awesome, or the new Olympic Stadium in East London. Gavin Vincent

Find out more at www.somewhereto.com/eden-project

Where’s the most interesting space you’ve ever danced? The most interesting space I’ve ever danced is on The Great Wall Of China. I don’t think anyone can top that. Gavin Vincent

Q&A-Team: What does dancing mean to you? Dancing means absolutely everything for us. It is our lifestyle, our way of life, and we just live it and breathe it. A majority of us survive this way and it has become our job. When something you love doing becomes your job, life is nothing but great. We all pretty much feel we have found our calling. Matt Macadangdang

Why is it important that young people have spaces to do the things they love? It is very important because we cannot limit their creativity. Especially for young people who have the wildest imaginations. The previous generations are set in their traditions, whereas the new generation tend to be more open and have the new freshest ideas. When they know they can go crazy on things, the possibilities are endless. Mark Calape

challenge somewhereto_ to find a space and fulfil your vision www.somewhereto.com @somewhereto_

hannah, 23, yorkshire Interested in: Visual arts, illustration Hannah used exhibition space at the Leeds Corn Exchange to showcase her art work to a wider audience. As a result she was connected to a network of different people, found new audiences and inspiration for her work.

d e id u g s a h _ o t e r e “somewh he perfect me to find t wcase my space to shohave helped me work. They ings, set up an set up meet t the Leeds Corn exhibition a d helped me Exchange anhibition’s launch with the ex event.”

Visit www.somewhereto.com to find out more.

You can look for space yourself, become a volunteer or just sign up to receive more information. Young people using somewhereto_ all over the UK have found spaces to sing, act, exhibit their work, debate, model, write, play football, produce musical theatre, cook and much more. somewhereto_ has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

F E AT U R E S

PASS THE BATON

ernest

billy

Ernest Opoku, 22, was moved to a new flat after his family home was knocked down as part of the Olympic regeneration.

Billy Rowlinson, 18, is from Greenwich. He is a freelance photographer who is IOC accredited, which means he’s got a press pass for the Olympics.

Photography Kobe Kessie 22

Words Verity Nelson 20

“I lived in Canning Town but the area is being renovated so I now live in East Ham. I got moved to a better area, so I benefited because I didn’t like where I was living before. It’ll help me because I was living in a block and now I’m in my own place. It’s changed my life because I have learnt how to live independently. I think twice when doing things!”

“I made a picture of a BMX bike jump in mid air for an Olympic competition to capture the spirit of the games. Three months later I got the call and I thought it was a scam! I flew to Singapore and took part in shooting the Youth Olympics. I’m excited about this because it’ll help set up my career. On 24 July I’ll be running between Kingston and Ealing as a torchbearer, and I get to keep the torch, too.” o

F E AT U R E S

TON

The Olympic countdown is underway, but Londoners are having mixed feelings. Meet the people directly affected by the games, for whom life is unlikely to be the same again

kiran

joe

Kiran Kaur, 20, is a London Ambassador for the Paralympics and an Olympic Reporter.

Joe Wilson, 23, is from Haringey. He’s been selected as an Olympic Games Maker and will be working at the Games.

“The Olympics have affected my life in such a positive way. I have gained a number of opportunities from it, including working for the Olympic Broadcast Scheme for the entire duration of the Games. Also by representing my city by acting as a London Ambassador during the Paralympic Games. Aside from this, I have grown up in East London, so to see the Olympics transform my local area for the better is amazing.”

“Just coming out of university, this will help me to decide what type of career I want to have. The Olympics is massive and hopefully this job will look good on my CV and give me the opportunity to get invaluable practical experience on planning and teamwork. It has given me a plan and a focus for the summer. I don’t know about life changing, but I do think it will be more significant than some Londoners realise.”

F E AT U R E S

It’s A Block Party

Daaamn, Sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is FAST! “The intensity is quite high,” he tells Finn Grist and Jermaine Ghartey

Surrounded by journalists, film crews and PR people, 23-year-old sprinter Harry Aikines-Ayreetey looks as comfortable as he does on the track as he sits waiting to do his first interview of the day. His impressive CV boasts gold medals for the 100m and 200m at the World Youth Championships, as well as winning BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and the IAAF’s Rising Star of the Year back in 2005. Today, he has just come from a hard training session but is still bubbling with energy, his massive grin visible from across the room. This friendly demeanour means he is not intimidating, despite his size, as we sit down to talk to about being a young athlete, his ambitions for London 2012 and the future. When did you first decide you wanted to be a sprinter? I was 15 when I won my first national title. Knowing I was the best in the country made me think I could go on and do better. Then Nike came along started sending me a bit of kit, people started recognising me, and that made me realise how special what I was doing was. What was your reaction when London won the right to host the Olympics this summer? Well I was 16 at the time, and I reacted the same to everyone else: that will be fun to go and watch. But later on that year things got a bit more serious and I won the World Youth Championships, which made me the fastest 16-year-old in the world. Every moment since then is just about making sure I’m at the games.

Words Jermaine Ghartey 20

Words Finn Grist 20

How is the preparation for 2012 going and do you feel a podium spot is a realistic ambition given the success of people like Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell? I’m doing a lot of intense work, the intensity’s quite high. But last year I got third in my semi-final at the World Championships, missing out on the final by one place, so I want to go and do better and make sure I reach that final. It will be so hard to medal, but anything can happen. My aim is to run sub-10, so if I get close to that or under that, anything’s possible. No one expected me to finish where I finished at the World Champs, no one thought I’d beat certain characters that I did.

Is it hard to keep coming back after so many injuries? Don’t get me wrong, you have a little tear-jerk moment and you do question your ability, but I’ve got a great team around me and I’m glad to be a part of the Nike family. I’m 23 now, I’ve been silly in the past, playing FIFA too long, sat in a games chair when I shouldn’t, the odd night out. I’ve made my mistakes and now I’m smarter and wiser. I will be Olympic champion at some point in my life. Drugs are a prominent issue in athletics and one recent culprit was Dwain Chambers. How do you feel about his return and would you feel comfortable competing with him? It is what it is. I’m not one of the people that make decisions about these things. Whether I want him to run or not doesn’t really matter. My aim is to win the trials; if he’s there I’ll beat him, if he’s not I’m still going to win the trials. What other sports do you enjoy watching or playing? I haven’t played any other sports for a while. I’m not allowed to! If I turned around to my coach and said I’d hurt myself playing football he wouldn’t be too happy. One of the new features they’re bringing in for 2012 is the new false start rule. It means immediate disqualification. But is there a chance this rule will be misused? Yeah, I’ve been in a race where a guy is twitching massively next to me and I’ve moved and got disqualified. It’s one of the worst feelings ever because you’ve done all this hard work, you’ve come ready to go and then you’re walking home. But you can’t let other people mess you up. Have you ever been to Ghana and can you understand the Ghanaian languages? Last time was 2003, I was 13. It was good fun, I wish I could go back but the timings never work because of the sport. I can understand the language, but I can’t speak it, because I feel a bit silly trying. What advice would you give to kids starting out in this sport? Just to enjoy it. You start it for a reason, and you carry on for one reason, because you enjoy it. When you hit those lows, you remember why you do the sport. [I do it] because I enjoy it and that’s why I’m going to keep doing it as long as I can. #makeitcount

competition

WIN

0 0 £5 it! of k

inspired by a teammate, captain or coach? LiveMagUK has teamed up with Milk It For All It’s Worth to ﬁnd local sporting heroes. Nominate someone who deserves to win this epic prize for their local sports team, dance troupe or maybe even a gymnastics group. Someone who gets you and your friends inspired and, most importantly, active. Just tell us why they deserve to win!

enter now: facebook.com/milkitGB Follow on Twitter, share and like! @LiveMagUK @milkItGB

#MilkItHero CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH AID FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE DAIRY COUNCIL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND, THE DAIRY COUNCIL FOR IRELAND, AND THE DAIRY COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND AND WALES.

4. For more Ts&Cs go to www.live-magazine.co.uk

words

Terms & Conditions1. Winners will be chosen at random from a shortlist selected by representatives of Live Magazine and Milk It GB. 3. Winners will receive a £500 voucher for their team or group’s kit or uniforms. 3. Competition closes June 28th. All entries received before then will be counted, submissions after that date will not be included.

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H N A N D O S

Live Meets Kojo At Nando’s

We’ve done three Nando’s Hot Heroes lunches and lucky winners have met Flawless, P Money and SB.TV. This time 15-year-old Zee and her friends and fam chomped chicken with top comedian Kojo

It’s a sunny Tuesday afternoon in springtime and let’s face it, most people were doing the normal stuff: coming home from school, playing a bit of Xbox or catching up on science homework. This was definitely not the case in Nando’s Stratford, where 15-year-old Zee was sitting next to MTV star and top comedian Kojo, while he showed her pictures of himself with Mariah Carey on his phone. The lucky winner of this issue’s Nando’s Hot Heroes was Zee, who was chosen by the judging panel due to her kind deeds – helping her mum, who suffers from arthritis. “I told my life story but I didn’t think I was a hero for it because it’s become a norm to my life,” she said, sipping on her refill drink. Despite the fact that taking care of her mum has changed her lifestyle, she’s determined to carry on. “What motivates me is what I call love. Love for my mum, love for my family. That’s my main motivation.” Zee and friends lapping up the food and the fun with Kojo at Nando’s Stratford

Kojo, Zee and the nine other guests got the chance to have a free three-course meal at Nando’s, in celebration of Zee’s hard work, but most importantly to have a good laugh with our special guest, Kojo. Once the eating began, Kojo shared his experiences of learning from failure when a show went wrong, as well how it’s worth making the most of school. Even if you think you hate it, it might be the happiest time of your life. On a more serious note, Kojo talked about the ways in which he tries to motivate young people. “Sometimes I can sit in a room and talk to a whole bunch of kids,” he said, after the meal. “They can listen to what I have to say and leave, but if they see what you’re doing then they can feel like they can do it as well, and I think actions do speak louder than words”.

Photography Monique Todd 19

Words Eli Anguelova 15

The meal was followed by something even more fascinating – a chicken quiz! This was a game that consisted of a number of chicken facts that required Kojo and Zee to face each other off in a

“as long as young people are being honest, positive and confident in what they’re doing, that speaks louder than anything”

battle in order to see who knows most about chickens. Not only was Zee regarded as a hero due to her kindness, but her kudos shot even higher when she beat Kojo at the quiz, and she basked in all the glory she deserved. The quiz, presented by LIVE’s YouTube presenter Eve-Yasmine, contained killer questions, such as “can chickens fly?”, which ensured that the guests not only had a good time, but also learned a few new interesting facts about their food. “Sometimes,” says Zee thoughtfully, “there’s a negative attitude towards young people which can be changed by rewarding more people for their good deeds.” She’s right. Very often youths are associated with issues like violence, aggression and irresponsibility, which discourages young people being ambitious since the achievements of the majority are overshadowed by the negativity of the minority. That fixed belief leads our generation to think that there’s no point in contributing to their community, because their efforts would be ignored. Competitions like Nando’s Hot Heroes not only wipes off this false perception, but also encourages more youths to contribute positively to their local community, whether it’s a small act of kindness such as helping out a friend or something bigger, like Zee’s commitment to her mum. By highlighting the outstanding achievements of our generation, we’re not only making sure they get rewarded but also motivating other people to follow in their footsteps instead of giving into the mood of disapproval which is often directed at us.

watch kojo entertain zee and friends at our online channel, youtube.com/ livemaguk

Kojo had one final piece of advice as the Nando’s staff came to clear away the empty plates. “The best thing you can always do is just be a good person,” he said. “I think that as long as young people are being honest, positive and confident in what they’re doing, that speaks louder than anything.”

www.live-magazine.co.uk

F E AT U R E S

r o ya l T o p T r u m p s THE QUEEN

Nicki Minaj: Queen of rap

Entertainment Value: Holds slap-up soirées for prime diplomats and famous faces. Our main tourist attraction, but the only public entertainment she really provides now are a few speeches – and her husband, of course. 5/10

Entertainment Value: The Queen may have the Pope on speed-dial but she can’t pull moves like Minaj. The rapper boasts a possessed alter ego, banned videos and a Barbie obsession. The Queen has... a Christmas speech. 9/10

Influence: What does she do? After all, politicians make the law. But fair’s fair: she has stuck with us for 60 years, heads 16 sovereign states and gives us extra bank holidays when her grandkids marry. 10/10

Influence: Riding high with her theatrical flow and eccentric style. She is the first female on MTV’s Hottest MC list, inspiring girls like YouTube sensation eight-year-old Sophia Grace. 7/10

Fashion: Known for her coatdresses, elegant corsages and fancy hats. Can her style be beaten? Definitely. But we can’t forget what she’s worn over the years, even if they’re now museum exhibits, and not even Mr T can match her bling. 10/10

Fashion: The Lady Gaga of hip hop, her style is unconventional, OTT, Barbie-based and incredibly annoying! Her unpredictable clothing is unbearable. Brave, yes, but ultimately an overdressed/underdressed fashion disaster! 3/10

Wow Factor: Though she runs the country effortlessly (with deceitful PMs and servants on hand), her lack of glamour brings her down a peg. But she is our second longest-running Queen. Girl power! 7/10

Wow Factor: The Queen of Rap has us all dancing to her Super Bass, with her OTT lyrics and crazy faces. And who among us doesn’t wish we could have a Moment for Life with Drake. 8/10

Score: 32/40

Entertainment Value: The soulful songstress has broken world records with a voice that leaves you blubbing like a baby. 21 has surpassed Thriller in the UK and sold over 17 million copies worldwide, suggesting a few entertained followers. 9/10 Influence: She is the voice of breakups with Someone Like You having millions sobbing along. With the six Grammy awards she won this year, she’s definitely made it. 8/10 Fashion: She’s beautiful, but her fashion doesn’t match her voice. Her stylist Barbara Tfank dresses her like she’s going to a funeral. Wanna see some colour mate! She’s only 24. 4/10 Wow Factor: She’s set fire to music charts around the world, winning countless awards for her tear-jerking tunes. The Queen of Pop wins her title for soul-wrenching album, 21. 10/10

Words Margaret Zawedde 15

Words Omari Okwulu 19

Words Fiona Anderson 21

Score: 31/40

Kate Moss: Queen of fashion Entertainment Value: Moss may have chiselled cheekbones to die for, but she has always been more scandalous than entertaining. Now that she’s found marital bliss though, she is plain boring. 5/10 Influence: Fashion heavyweight at 38, she’s been the face of brands like Dior and Rimmel London since the ‘90s. We want her clothes even if we can’t pull them off like she can. 7/10 Fashion: The supermodel that makes big fashion statements. Stepping out in the latest trends first, like those amazing high-waisted Ghost jeans. Maybe her and the Queen could do some trading? 9/10 Wow Factor: Scouted at 14, Moss caught the attention of top fashion players for her ‘anti-supermodel’ look. Having catwalked for the likes of Gucci and Chanel, her elongated frame and perfect pout are inimitable. 7/10 Score: 28/40

Words Tosin Omilaju 21

Adele: Queen of pop

Score: 27/40

F E AT U R E S

For the Queen’s diamond jubilee We have created some special Top Trumps cards, just like the ones you had when you were a kid. Who is most worthy of their title? Shuffle, play, and see who wins

JK Rowling: Queen of fiction Entertainment Value: While Rowling is no Death Eater-fighting graduate of Hogwarts, her imaginary world full of pubescent wizards battling evil in between classes managed to get an entire generation reading again. 10/10 Influence: Sold over 400 million books and has the world hooked on Potter, making it the bestselling series in history and leaving JK richer than the Queen – until she gave millions of her money away. 8/10 Fashion: Floor-length snakeskin print dresses, six-inch Differa heels and Oscar de le Renta gowns; J.K. knows how to impress. But her clothes need to be less inspired by her stories. This isn’t Hogwarts! 7/10 Wow Factor: She cast a spell on the literary world with boy wizard Harry Potter. Her books inspired movies and even a theme park. What other magic tricks is she hiding? 9/10

Helen Mirren: Queen of the big screen Entertainment Value: The multi-award-winning actress has been entertaining us for over 45 years. With more than 25 major accolades, Mirren plays the Queen better than the monarch herself. 7/10 Influence: One of the most respected actresses and Hollywood royalty. As Jane Tennyson in Prime Suspect she practically invented the tough female cop archetype. 6/10 Fashion: Known for wearing Dolce & Gabbana (old people have swag, too) instead of Debenhams designers like Jasper Conran. There’s nobody better to inspire the Queen than her own double act. 10/10 Wow Factor: Ms Mirren’s ability to flawlessly pull off any role has scooped some heavy-duty parts, including Elizabeths I and II. One could say that is a right royal achievement. 10/10 Score: 33/40

Score: 34/40

So we have a winner

Michelle Obama: Queen of America Entertainment Value: She certainly knows how to entertain young people, even risking the robot to get them exercising. But a president’s wife can only be so entertaining before losing her husband his bid for re-election! 6/10 Influence: She’s got America eating healthily with her ‘Let’s Move’ campaign. Being First Lady of the world’s superpower is no small feat. You know what they say, “Behind every great man…” 9/10 Fashion: She’s statuesque, gorgeous, simple yet beautiful and can rock anything (see her in the new Jason Wu collection). She ain’t no fashion disaster, but a Chicago girl with some major flow. 10/10 Wow Factor: A working-class girl who made it to Harvard and the White House, she oozes style and class. Her beautifully crafted outfits and elegance make her the first First Lady with swagger. 10/10

The Queen of America

has trumped our Queens and left dear old Liz in fourth place (if only she were a little bit more entertaining). Michelle O has us gripped with her swagtastic style and charitable nature. She was closely followed by the spellbinding JK Rowling. Surprisingly left at the bottom of the pack is La Minaj. Bet she never thought she’d be the parred card.

Score: 35/40

i n a s s o c i at i o n w i t h b a r c l ay s m o n e y s k i l l s x

MONEY

TALK

You’ve already learned how to plan and budget. This time around it’s all about spending your money wisely when choosing products. Here are some top tiPS to get you started

shopping for

products We all love to shop: whether it’s food, clothes or the latest gadget, it can be such a buzz to buy a new product. This doesn’t mean that everything we buy is a wise choice. When shopping, take time to compare prices and make sure you choose a product that meets your needs and budget: remember it’s best value, not always best price. Shop around and compare products. Don’t rush into a decision you might regret. Ask yourself about the consequences and implications of purchasing. Buying something on impulse might leave you penniless. And if something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Understand what you’re purchasing. When it comes to phone contracts or broadband packages think about how the product benefits you. Always read the small print, it’s vital to know if the ‘amazing’ deal you’ve found won’t charge you extra in six months. Be careful with freebies. Surprise surprise, they’re not always free! Although it’s great to have a little extra thrown into the deal, be sure it’s something that you want and that it doesn’t come with hidden catches.

Barclays is back with the third in the series of our guides to keep you money savvy

it’s value, not price

Our personal lives revolve so much around our phones, internet and entertainment. Here is our advice on getting the most bang for your buck when buying these products.

Mobile Phones Buying a mobile can sometimes be confusing because there are so many deals. Shop around and, again, beware of a free gift. A ‘free’ laptop with a mobile phone deal can cost you far more in the long run. TVs and Gadgets If investing in a TV, computer or camera, shop around. Be especially careful when it comes to TV packages. Some channel subscriptions are cheap for three months but rocket up in price for the rest of the contract. Work out how much something will cost you overall. Remember: value not price! Broadband Get a package that suits your needs. Think hard about the bandwidth you’re likely to use and the data allowance you’ll require. In a house full of students with essays due, research to be done and videos to watch, you don’t want to go over your limit. Bank Accounts Your current and savings accounts are important, so make sure you choose the right one. Think about what you want from your bank and how you want to manage your money. And, of course, don’t forget to check their overdraft rates, in case you need one.

words you need to know

THE Credit Lowdown The best way to buy anything is usually to pay in full when you buy if possible. But there are credit options, whether that’s a storecard, a credit card, a loan or methods like HP where you pay in instalments. All of these are going to cost you! Here’s what you need to know. Loans: Remember this isn’t free cash and it has to be paid back. Weigh up the pros and cons and always know how much you’re paying back. A £1,000 personal loan, where you pay back £15 a month, looks amazing, but do you really want to pay £200 for the privilege? Loans are very competitive, so shop around to get the best interest rate. Pay it back on time. Warning! Take out a loan only when’s it’s necessary and not for small items or when you’re strapped for cash. Overdraft: Banks accounts often come with an overdraft. But don’t make the mistake of thinking of it as a cost-free option, as they generally charge interest. And if you must go overdrawn, take extra care not to exceed your authorised limit – that’s when things can get really expensive.

Make sure you know what you’re signing up to before you buy any product. Check Barclays Money Skills website for more information. APR or Annual Percentage Rate. This tells you the total cost of borrowing, while taking into account any interest or charges you pay and when the payments are due. The higher the APR the more money you’re paying. This is to help when comparing products. Hire Purchase (HP). This is where you pay in instalments. Cars and TVs are often bought like this and you don’t actually own the product until all the instalments have been paid. Credit Rating. When you start applying for credit, lenders will want to check if you can afford to repay the money you are borrowing. Make sure your credit rating is good by always paying back loans or credit cards on time. Interest Rates. This is the percentage that is paid on savings or loans. It’s simple: a savings account offering 6% would give you a better return than one offering 3%.

Payday Loans: They offer you money in advance of payday, supposedly for life’s minor emergencies. But they charge excessive interest, sometimes as high as 2,689%. And no, that’s not a typo. Store cards: They look handy – and they often come with a sweetener, such as instant money off when you sign up – but these are just like any other credit card and they’re likely to have very high interest rates. It might be an instant win but if you don’t have the money, why get into debt? They’re unlikely to be of any beneﬁt unless you can pay off the monthly bill. Catalogues: Buying things from catalogues might seem easy; after all, you can usually purchase things on account or pay for your items in instalments. But with any form of credit, it won’t be such a bargain in the long run if you don’t pay on time. If you default, the amount you owe will go up because of the interest charged, and you could eventually end up in court. It goes without saying that this does not look good on your credit rating! Credit Cards: Your ﬁrst credit card might feel like an amazing route into free cash. It isn’t! You need to be very organised and make sure you pay off your balance each month, otherwise you’ll end up paying interest. Most cards charge around 16-20% APR.

REMINDER Barclays Money Skills website has loads of great content on all the areas we’ve covered. If you’re unsure of any terms we’ve used, head over to the jargon buster on the BARCLAYS money skills site. barclaysmoneyskills.com/ jargonbuster

Head to www.barclaysmoneyskills.com for more info, including: • How does interest work? • What is credit? • Buy now, pay later • Buying a mobile phone • How to avoid scams

Photography Petra Valenti 23

Words Monique Todd 19

A$AP

Rocky

Lounging in the Sony offices on his first trip to the UK, lapping up chicken and chips, A$AP Rocky and his droogs are as happy as kings. Live’s Online Editor, Monique Todd, is welcomed into the world of Internet royalty A$AP is a prophet amongst the studded tie-dyed Tumblr addicts. In the midst of half-naked women, Obey snapbacks and random internet memes, you’ll see frequent references to that ‘pretty motherf**ker’ A$AP Rocky. The Harlem native spills smoke with every lyric, painting a coarse reality of inner-city drugs and sex, abandoning the bling mentality championed in the early noughties. ‘Wassup’ exchanges those garish prophecies for a heavy dose of realness. “Superstars are made everyday and they die everyday. I want to be known as an iconic ﬁgure, for being a pioneer, building legacies, having longevity. I want to be dead and have people’s grandchildren’s grandchildren speak upon us and bring us up because they’re inspired by what we did,” he says. It seems A$AP coined his own iconic status from the get-go. FLACKO, one of his various acronyms translates as ‘forever legendary as cool kids observe’. The internet governs its land with a sort of ‘hype and whiplash’ policy, the seatbelt of any YouTube phenomenon left well and truly unsecured. Whether A$AP’s neck will receive a killing is uncertain. Of course, our appreciation for unrefrained grinding means that we welcome Rocky with open arms. A$AP Yams (a member of the A$AP mob) dispels a telling truth: “A lot of people don’t know, but [the single] Peso was recorded in a closet. Most of the album was done in basements and closets.” The question remains though, are these stars built to last and does it even matter? The outskirts of the web are littered with orphaned video stars, a testament to our short-lived loyalty. One thing is guaranteed, Rocky is having fun, enjoying industry perks like a kid in a room full of purple skittles. This is the A$AP life. He is the archetype of the internet era; a world that moves faster than you can comprehend. He did, after all, bag a three-mill deal after two songs. His debut album, ﬁttingly titled LongLiveA$AP, will drop in July, a test of whether the internet king will retain his throne… and swag.

See more of a$ap at youtube.com/livemaguk

film

Fast Runnings

On your marks for a new female-centric film about four sprinters’ quest to win the Women’s Relay. Live’s Jhenelle and Celeste track them down

way that very few films have done before, showing that they can be just as tough and determined as their male counterparts. Take Shania Andrews: as played by Lenora, she is an orphaned, but unstoppable lady, whose athletic talent blows her competitors out the water, despite their advantages in professional training.

The woman sat in a wheelchair doesn’t look like someone pretending to be a world-class sprinter. Nursing her ankle, injured as a result of the vigorous training programme she’s been put through, Lenora Crichlow is enthusiastic nonetheless about the experience of playing one of four hopefuls. “It was quite tough,” she says (no kidding!). “But also very enlightening and inspiring and I learnt a lot.”

Lenora, though, is nothing like the character she plays in the film. Shania is a lone wolf who finds it hard to work with her team, while Leonora is friendly and magnetic. She says, “I enjoyed shooting the scenes with the actresses that made up the leading team. It was just a lot of fun when we all got together and played off each other and kept each other going. Those were my favourite scenes.”

Lenora, previously best known for BBC3’s Being Human, stars as Shania Andrews, the heroine and a character she clearly relishes playing. “She’s very brave, very feisty, determined, stubborn and strong. She’s the underdog of the story,” she reflects.

“I think the men get all the glory, especially in British sprinting, but we’ve got a lot of superstars who are women. It’s the right film at the right time”

Fast Girls is the inspiring and stylish movie debut of director Regan Hall, co-written with Noel Clarke and featuring Lorraine Burroughs, Lashana Lynch and Lily James as Lenora’s running mates. Set in south London, it’s an emotionally charged movie full of suspense and action, showing the driven nature of four different girls, all charging towards their common goal – winning gold for Team GB.

Words Jhenelle White 20

Words Celeste Houlker 21

It seems amazing to think that just a few metres away is the massive indoor track and training centre, all part of the facilities at Lea Valley Athletics Centre in north-east London, where this groundbreaking film is being made. Fast Girls highlights and celebrates sportswomen in a

Picking my lunch from the catering truck and awaiting my turn to go onset to see the action firsthand, I almost feel like one of the crew. As I pass screens and partitions used to block the scene being shot, everything is hectic movement. The myriad of people and props make it almost impossible not to be in someone’s way, but stillness takes over the room once the camera starts rolling. It’s an emotional

film

Training With Jeanette

Award-winning Olympic athlete, Jeanette Kwakye, talks to Jhenelle about training the Fast Girls for their sporting screen debut Describe the training regime the girls had to go through. I started working with Lily and Lenora in October 2011; we did not have much time as they were due to start filming six weeks later. My strategy was to make them think and act like athletes and get them as physically fit as possible, so they could get into sprinter’s shapes and movements. It was a tough task, but they were great. scene; and I get to watch as Shania gets her leg looked over by the physiotherapist, on whom she has a crush. And while all this is going on real members of the real athletics club are jumping real hurdles somewhere in the distance. It’s night before I know it. For the next scene bright lights are set up to make it appear like day. The film’s co-writer, Noel Clarke, is onset playing Tommy, the team’s coach. An athletics fan from a young age, he describes Fast Girls as “Rocky with running”. He also points out, “It will be one of the first films in the UK with a mixed-race lead”. Before the day wraps up, I catch up with director Regan Hall, whose handsome smile personifies his outgoing, passionate attitude to directing. “I think the men 100m sprinters get all the glory,” he says. “But in British sprinting, we’ve got a lot of superstars who are women. It’s the right film at the right time. “With the Olympics coming up it’ll get everybody in the right frame of mind. Certainly it was wonderful seeing the actual fast girls relay team winning gold medals just a couple of months ago, so I’m hoping that after watching Fast Girls everyone will be cheering on the real Olympics team when they go on the Olympics relay track.” Many would say that women are underrepresented in film, and ones with an all-female, multidimensional leading cast are few and far between. Perhaps when people catch sight of Fast Girls, the rest of the film industry will be running to catch up. Fast Girls will be released in June 2012.

What was the most drastic change for the girls? Diet: they had to eat smaller meals, but more frequently. This is the hardest thing, even for elite athletes. Poor Lily was dying for a Sunday roast, but she was disciplined and even started to enjoy her protein shakes. How strict were you? Very. I was aware they had to look like athletes on camera so we couldn’t joke too much. They had to maximise every session. Did you catch them having sneaky cigarettes or cream cakes? Ha! No I didn’t. They actually lead great lifestyles, so it was easy. Also it’s their profession to get into character – it’s all just part of the process. Would any of them make it alongside you in the UK relay team? I think Lenora’s banter would be great for team morale and Lily’s determination would be great, too. All they would need is the 20odd years’ experience that we all have and they would be fine. So 2032 Olympics, maybe. Do you have any tips for people wanting to get in shape for summer? 1. Set goals. A lot of people join a gym without any idea of what they want to do. 2. Keep that special dress or pair of jeans out that you want to fit into as a constant reminder. 3. Make yourself a great playlist; music is a massive mood changer and motivator.

f e at u r e s

From rollerdiscos to tearing up shopping centres, skaters are suddenly everywhere. Zena Bland wheels and comes again

The Skate Esc

Blue Square is the place local skaters worship when the sun is out, when it transforms from normal park into a skater’s domain. As the sun beats down it begins to buzz and The Johns invade the tarmac. Blue Square, located in the centre of a small park in Deptford, is home to The Johns, a young skate crew established last summer, consisting of up to 20 skaters, mainly guys. On the outskirts sit the teenage girls, gossiping more than skating, and a DJ, who is surrounded by four females as he plays summertime tunes through his battery-powered speakers and laptop. Sitting nearby are the uniformed schoolboys, an attentive audience as the skaters roll by. They look on with jaws hanging low, desperate to feel their own thrill of skating. There are many settings for rollerskating: formal and informal, legal and illicit. Blue Square is somewhere inbetween, a freestyle space for skaters that lets them do their thing without clattering into shoppers or annoying security guards. The Johns like it here, but they like playing fast and loose, too. “We like to hold on to the back of buses because we can get to places quickly and the bus drivers never let us on bus with our skates,” says Cary, a tall, longhaired 19-year-old who formed the skate gang 18 months ago. As you might imagine from such a cavalier attitude to danger, The Johns are never out of trouble; they skate through Lewisham Shopping Centre just to get the attention of the security guards so that they can be chased. The way they tell it, it’s not just about free access to skating, it’s about being free. It’s not without risks, admits Cary. “We were coming back from New Cross, we were holding on to the back of a bus, the police saw us and followed us. We managed to lose them by skating through an alleyway.”

Photography Billy Rowlinson 18

Words Zena Bland 21

Although authority is the main target here, skaters also keep a careful eye on friends and rivals. “There is a competitive element

to skating,” admits Tori, a skater and skate designer. “It is wanting to be the best, the best jam skater, the best speed skater or the best side surfer. Skaters want to get to a certain level and they want to maintain it. They’re skaters who other skaters want to be equal to – or better than. It all boils down to self-worth.” Another skater, Jason, adds, “Usually new skaters have the competitive element, but there are some groups who just roll for fun or self-improvement and try to avoid the politics of it all.”

“they look on, jaws low, desperate for the thrill” Skaters range from eight to 50-plus and you can distinguish the level of experience by looking at their skates. Newbies often wear Ventro Pro Turbo, made from hard black plastic with removable padded liner. The next level up is Bauer hockey skates, which are purchased as ice skates, then converted. They’re more stylish, much more comfortable and easier to get in and out of. Top of the range are Riedell figure skates; these are classy heeled boots on wheels with sophisticated leather finish and interior ankle padding. Someone skating in Riedells should be able to put on a show. But many experienced skaters love Ventro Pro Turbos because they’re easily customised and painted. Skating entails routine dancing or freestyles, commonly known as ‘jam skating’. There are a series of moves: Crazy Legs, Cross Under, Grape Vine, Windmill and Weaving. A creative combination of these can be the margin between new and old-school skaters. Londoners can see these moves on show at Wheels In Motion (known as WIM), a weekly event at Renaissance Rooms, Vauxhall. Music is very important for skaters, fuelling their energetic routines

f e at u r e s

ready to roll: skate fan, nailah How long have you been skating? It’s going to be two years in July.

How did you get involved?

Through my friend Remi. I liked the look of it, so I started skating with him for company.

You said you had no intentions of taking skating seriously. what changed?

Because of the enjoyment I was getting. Once I got my own skates I realised it was more than just rolling around.

scape

and keeping them whizzing around the rink. “Music helps with balance, it helps me move with rhythm,” says one young fan. WIM takes place to a soundtrack of funky house, R’n’B, afrobeats, bashment, soca, slow jams, garage, rap, grime and jungle. “It’s important because I can express my feelings when I’m happy, sad, confused,” says young skater Shanika. “I like all sorts, but my favourite is slow jams; I’m in my element.” At 11pm the speed skating starts. Beginners leave the floor to the more experienced skaters and the DJs slam on the jungle. Every skater loves this because the speed kickstarts an adrenaline rush and they transform into super-fast beings. Standing behind the barriers during a speed skate, you feel a gush of wind coming as the skaters zoom by. Behind the camera lens all that can be captured are blurs of colour. At Renaissance Rooms skating is very controlled: everyone has to move in one direction at the same time, unlike Blue Square where the skaters roll wherever they please. Many argue that skating in the Renaissance Rooms is less fun because they can’t partake in any games. One says, “The Renaissance Rooms are too small, there’s not much space, it gets overcrowded with people who cannot skate and drink and do not watch where they’re skating.” Standing in Blue Square, with no walls to confine the skaters, you can easily see why some prefer it here. Bulldog – a variation of the old playground game British Bulldog – is a favourite. The task is to get from one end to the other without being caught and tackled by whoever is IT. Played on wheels, the high speed and sudden changes of direction make it very hazardous. One boy, trying to escape, trips over and lands on his arm. He gets up, examines the cuts and grazes and limps off looking unhappy. These skaters have no protective gear other than the clothes on their skin. At Blue Square everybody is responsible for looking after themselves. That’s the way they like it.

where did you skate Before you discovered the Renaissance Rooms? I skated a lot at the O2 Roller Disco, which featured ‘Games On Skates’.

What do you have to say about yourself as a skater?

I’m a confident speed skater. Jam skating is enjoyable but I have to master the tricks first.

What do you like at Blue Square? Learning new things and practising.

What about the Renaissance Rooms?

It’s small but it’s like a rave on skates. The skaters there tend to show off more.

Why do you prefer skating at Blue Square?

Blue Square is convenient because it’s free, close to where I live, with more space and fewer restrictions. I like the vibe, the people are more friendly.

AT 27, GEMMA CAIRNEY IS GETTING SERIOUS: PROMOTED TO RADIO 1, SHE’S ALSO MAKING A BBC THREE DOCUMENTARY THAT GIVEs FACE AND CHARACTER TO LAST SUMMER’S RIOTS. TEJ ADELEYE REPORTS. Pic: Jendella Hallam “Glamorous, right?” Gemma Cairney apparently couldn’t be happier being pelted by the rain. She’s filming at a Covent Garden restaurant, where Gemma is interviewing someone who was arrested during last summer’s riots for her forthcoming BBC Three documentary. I offer to get some umbrellas as there’s only one between the five of us – me, her, the show’s producer, the cameraman/director and, crucially, his camera. “I don’t care about getting wet, just hold it over the lens!” the cameraman says. Gemma declines “Aww no, that’s kind, but I’m gonna go raggo on this one, tee-hee!” The four of us get wet.

Hair and make-up: Molly Portsmouth; Stylist: Fiona Aber

Gemma laughs constantly. The “tee-hee”, with its dancing lilts, being the most infectious of her various chuckles, followed by a crazed cackle that reminds me of my gossiping Nigerian aunts. She walks through the streets, filming her entry into the restaurant and an intro for viewers explaining who she’s about to see and why, all the while trying to look as nonchalant as possible in the pouring rain. There’s a determined strut to her walk and it’s easy to see how she got here. A rising star of television and radio, Gemma recently moved up from 1Xtra to Radio 1, landing a prime slot hosting the weekend breakfast show, a promotion that functions as part of the BBC’s drive to attract younger listeners. Ms Cairney is being tipped by popular consensus as a “face”, an ambassador, of sorts, for youth culture. She’s crammed into the tiny restaurant kitchen with the interviewee, while the staff bustle around them. The young man she speaks to over the din of smashing dishes, clashing cutlery and yelled orders, has had an awful year: he was wrongly arrested during the riots, he waited months for his trial before being acquitted and, in the meantime, suffered a family bereavement and dropped off his college course. Gemma, though, is a master of communication – she’s sensitive to his tendency to shut down when he feels uneasy, particularly with anything relating to the police. He worries about what they might do. He regards everyone with the utmost suspicion. When he sees me, his body tenses, his face screws, his eyes narrow. But he softens around Gemma, who uses humour, encouragement and patience to tease answers out of him. In her non-judgemental way, she lets him articulate his own account of what happened last August – and where he goes next.

Watch COVER DRIVE MAKE THEIR MACARONI PIE on our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/livemaguk

43 49

He hates the police, hates stop and search, hates what he feels are the reduced opportunities for young people, including the mounting costs they face with university, travel and general living. He is so disillusioned he wants to return to his native Congo. Gemma’s personable manner breaks through the barriers he erects around himself – which is handy, as he grows impatient with endless retakes and requests to expand on certain points. After saying goodbye, the camera captures him rolling his eyes. They re-shoot, Gemma squeezing in one last bit of banter and playfully punching him on the arm. “I’m sooo hungry,” she drawls. Her voice is warm and coaxing, a rich infusion of sultry honey and coarseness. But it’s not just her voice: her energy is warm, inviting and open. As we make our way to a table, she casually drags her beige blanket scarf along the ﬂoor. Relaxing over our starter of nachos, Gemma beams – she is “really, really happy” at this stage in her career, as well she might be. Born in Birmingham, she lived in London until she was 11, when she moved to Horsham in Sussex. By her own admission she spent her childhood being ”too inquisitive for my own good, and doing everything too early. I fell in love aged 12, for goodness sakes!”

letting it drop sloppily on the table. “I meet a lot of people who say ‘I’d love to work in radio, I’d love to do what you do,’” she says. “But I’m still a yoot, I still make massive mistakes; I’m always late, I still go out and get drunk, my bedroom is still a mess.” Her career really began to take ﬂight after she completed a radio course at the Point Blank Music College in East London. She’s since moved on to presenting television, starring as a style expert in Channel 4‘s ultra-fashionable Frock Me show with Henry Holland and Alexa Chung. She began presenting at Radio 1Xtra under the wing of the veteran Trevor Nelson, which she describes as a “whirlwind of laughter and a musical education. Trev continues to teach me loads and I love him.”

“Trying to understand the riots is like a really horrible, crazy tapestry or A big knot to unpick”

Gemma is a graduate of the infamous BRIT School, which has spawned the likes of Adele and Katy B. Despite the cynical reﬂex that this is a fast track to fame, she’s hustled hard to get to where she is.

Did she ever think she’d end up on Radio 1? “Nope! There was never really a game plan.” Beneath her mad cackling, the jokes, the at times stagey persona she gives off, there’s a really level-headed, tuned-in person, ready to learn and be challenged.

She actually began her media journey at LIVE (“such an optimistic place, I was buzzing the whole time I was there”) working on a fashion shoot as a stylist, a role she developed with the likes of Florence and the Machine and the Pigeon Detectives. “But I realised it wasn’t for me” she explains, wiping sauce from the side of her face,

“People need to action what they want,” she says, “rather than just moaning about it, being lazy, being afraid, sitting around being scared that what you have to say isn’t important. Don’t be afraid to look stupid.

44 4

“I did the Free Speech (BBC Three’s version of Question Time), I was on the panel and I was terriﬁed! They had my head on a screen, this big (she stretches her arms out wide) and ‘text yes or no if you agree with Gemma, #YesGemma, #NoGemma’. I don’t feel like an intellectual, I just say what I feel, like when I’m down the pub with my mates. Sometimes I feel, like, what the hell am I doing here? But I said yes [to the show] because discussion is healthy, learning and having it out is good, and if I look like a fool, then that’s ﬁne. ‘#NoGemma’? Cool. We shouldn’t just leave it to the people we class as clever, like the people who write for the Guardian. Yes we can read that, but I can guarantee that when I was 15 I wouldn’t have been.” En route to Tottenham, where the riots began, Gemma is engaged in deep conversation with a stranger who’s just recognised her, a DJ from Rinse FM. He’s a bit shy, but Gemma’s naturally inquisitive, easygoing nature puts him at ease and they’re soon engrossed in radio talk. He asks about her transition, congratulating her on her rise. This helps to allay a concern I’ve been having all day. How well would Gemma, with her BRIT School background, relate to people in Tottenham? Her sphere of youth culture is so removed from this, how would young people who aren’t from the Alexa Chung/Company magazine cultural circuit receive her?

“I’ve been low: on my own, no credit on my phone, no telly, crying my eyes out and realising that no one could hear” She’s always wanted to do “serious projects… it was a natural thing to do, meeting people, investigating, finding out about interesting things in a selfish way”. There’s a huge pause, but she’s not one for focusing on ifs and buts. Gemma feels like she has just as much of a stake in this as the next person. She develops real bonds with the people she’s been filming for the past five months. She and her cameraman, Simon, fume at the financial and personal problems one of their interviewees admits to. It’s clearly hard not get too attached. We’re filming on the steps of Tottenham Hale police station now with a community leader giving a blow-by-blow account of the riots. Again, he points to the police, who he feels are ill trained and ill equipped to handle community issues. He’s eloquent, passionate and happy to talk – unlike the earlier interviewee – so Gemma gives him free rein to vent. For him, the riots were a chance for everyone to “put their two-pence piece in”, a vortex of voices competing to express their different grievances. In the café she questions him further. “For anyone watching this doc, who’s never experienced stop and search, how can you prove that this issue was a factor in the riots?” she asks. She‘s exploring the complex “why” terrain, just as we all have. Like everyone else she was “scared” and “confused, especially when there’s relentless coverage of angry kids, and quick-fire questioning of these kids with a bandana around their faces, and these rubbish stock responses. ‘I’m really angry, innit.’ Who were those people? And hopefully that’s what we are scratching the surface of… I hope, I hope!” A young man, who’s been loitering outside the station, starts talking to Gemma. I asked him what he spoke to her about. ‘She’s beautiful, innit, I wanted to ask her out.’ Oh boy. He also feels targeted by the ‘racism’ he sees as inherent in the police. His pessimism is jarring, he’d accepted certain things were just fixed. Later, Gemma talks about young people and “youth culture”, the influence of the media and the issues facing young people today. We laugh at the impact of characters such as Kevin and Perry in perpetuating the cultural stereotype of young people as almost subhuman. To Gemma young people are “fascinating, interesting sparky, talented… fizzing more than ever before with diversity, individualism and ideas”. Rather, being young is “being confused… I

feel a sense of optimism is something not to be dismissed. “If you actually look at those few days of the riots as an example, a lot of it was a massive terrifying excitement and this type of tenacity that can’t really be f**ked with. It was really awful and scary, and I don’t condone it, but this sense of rhythm and passion is inherent in being a young person. She returns to these remarks later, clarifying, “When you’re young, you don’t always think about how your actions affect people or the consequences on your future, you run with the moment. I only wish all of the above had been used in the right way. Violence and aggression is never the answer, lives are now ruined.” After the riots she wondered about the absence of young people on Newsnight and Question Time, but insists we all have a role to play in how young people are portrayed. “I’m playing devil’s advocate here – you’ve got a responsibility as a consumer [of media].” But what about kids who are 14 or 15, I argue, recalling a Charlie Sloth seminar I’d attended where a kid said he’d considered dropping out of school because of the attitudes expressed by the artists he features. She seems genuinely shocked. “What is that going to give you as a human being? I can do what I can to try not be part of a huge machine that is making kids drop out of school. I do get sad when I hear young people and they are obsessed with money and fame.” We speak at length about how this generation is constantly labelled as disaffected. Gemma is disaffected by this disaffection; she can’t understand why people do not choose to see beyond the problems. I tell her about her Casanova from Tottenham and about his overwhelming pessimism.

“Were the riots a youth revolution? No way. Speak, don’t set things on fire” “Where has that come from? I’ve felt really low before, I mean really, really low, not had any money. I’ve been in a flat with nobody else, no credit on my phone, no telly, crying my eyes out and realising that no one could hear it so what’s the point, right? I felt like what the hell is gonna happen in my future. But then you wake up the next day and hopefully there is someone that you know that will give you some level of optimism, or you read something, or you see something, or you look out of your window and you see a family, I dunno, base-level stuff. The more we keep saying, ‘There’s nothing for you, this is s**t, this is crap, and everything is gonna cost you so much money…’ the more it’s gonna look grey on a sunny day.” For Gemma life is about being more receptive to the world, finding your passion and running for it with your “fingers crossed”. You just need to get on with it, as she repeatedly says. Through her positive, perhaps a little rose-coloured perspective, she still feels hope for most of the people she met, sensing their experiences have scared them into changing their lifestyles. “I understand the frustration, but [trying to understand the riots] is like a really horrible crazy tapestry or big knot you need to unpick, but the main through line is that [none of those I spoke to] respects the police. Were the riots a youth revolution? No way. Speak, don’t set things on fire.” Most of all, though, she believes in young people’s potential. She has faith in the human condition, she believes in the power of her own voice. To paraphrase the great poet Walt Whitman, she celebrates herself and she sings herself – and she encourages us all to do the same.

Gemma Cairney is fronting a documentary for BBC Three about the riots, due to air in early July

455

i n a s s o c i at i o n w i t h t h e

w o r l d b a s k e t b a l l f e s t i va l 3 0 / 6 / 1 2

holding court

the nike world basketball festival is coming to brixton – and you can’t ball in brixton without celebrating the topcats They call him the Godfather. Jimmy Rogers is founder, owner and general manager of Brixton Topcats, perhaps the most famous basketball club in the country. It all started when Rogers, who was born in Wales in 1939 and raised in an orphanage in Liverpool, chose to make Brixton, south London his home. Against a backdrop of the riot-torn early ‘80s, Jimmy was determined to do something positive for the community. And so the Topcats were born, using Brixton Recreation Centre as their training base, an arrangement that persists ‘til this day. Jimmy regards basketball as more than just a game – it’s a slice of life. “It’s teamwork, relying on your teammates, and we always say to them if you’re unreliable on the ﬂoor, you’ll be unreliable off it – that is the pattern.”

Jimmy Rogers: I wanted to run a team in Brixton and in those days it was quite unusual. There were no other teams in London, let alone a place like Brixton, which had just been hit by riots. At ﬁrst we couldn’t think of a name, but then this 10-year-old girl said Top Cats, from the cartoon where these cats ran rings around the police, which was great. But our philosophy is all about hard work and application.

Equipped with a name – suggested by a young schoolgirl, based on the cooler-than-cool cartoon hero of the time – and a pool of talented players, they set about building an enviable reputation. Soon the great and the good came calling, including Prince Charles, Lennox Lewis, R Kelly and Ian Wright, as well as basketball superstars Michael Jordan, Robert Horry and Allen Iverson. They came to see this brilliant team that doesn’t even have its own court and still has to make way for a badminton team after every training session. The Topcats also have a women’s team, producing such stars as Andrea Congreaves, and they encourage their players to pursue an education and other interests. “It’s about more than just the basketball,” says Jimmy. “We have two QCs, barristers, doctors, solicitors, journalists, even Marsha Ambrosius, singer with the Grammy-nominated Floetry.”

Words Robbie Cisneros 20

Words Christian Adofo 23

But of course, what they are really about is basketball – and they’ve produced some of the biggest names in the business, including Luol Deng, who is currently playing for Chicago Bulls in the NBA and expected to be the main man for the British Olympic squad. Over the next few pages, Jimmy and the Chairman of the Topcats, Andy Powlesland, take us through some of the many highlights of their hoop dreams – and how they have become a reality.

JR: I met Michael Jordan when he was just becoming big and told him about what we were doing in Brixton. He said, “I’ve never been to England, I’d like to come over.” Then Nike signed him and said, “You’ve got to go to Europe and tour around the world.” Michael replied, “I wanna go to Brixton!”

JR: Basketball is about relying on your teammates. And ﬁtness: that and conditioning are obviously important. A lot of parents think once a week is enough, but if you wanna make it to the highest level, it’s nearly 24/7. Am I a Coach Carter type? That’s what they said!

JR: I’ve seen small players who are so skilled it’s ridiculous. One of these guys is the most capped player in the history of the game in England. Ronald Baker (front row second from the right) is a great player and he coaches for us now down here in Brixton.

For the latest updates on the world basketball festival go to www.facebook.com/theLSB

i n a s s o c i at i o n w i t h t h e

w o r l d b a s k e t b a l l f e s t i va l 3 0 / 6 / 1 2

JR: This was our very ﬁrst women’s team and this girl [centre] is now coaching in the States. She’s 6’7”, her name is Felicia. That was in the ‘80s and you can look at the hairstyles from the Soul Glo era. There is a long way to go for women’s sport in this country and I’d like to think we have tried to be as prominent as anybody.

AP: This is our current senior men’s team that won the oldest cup in British basketball, the National Cup – that’s basketball’s version of the FA Cup – in 2011. It was the only trophy we hadn’t won and we’ve got the whole set in our cabinet now.

JR: We’ve never had a kid in trouble and that’s one of our

best achievements...probably because they’re too bloody tired! (laughs)

JR: When Luol Deng was ﬁrst coming to train he turned up late so I gave him a 20lb weighted jacket to wear. He was 11. He turned the punishment into something positive and ran home from training wearing it. He had a vision and thought ‘I’m gonna do it’. Now of course he’s the ﬁrst British player to make the NBA All Star team.

for tickets, info and to find out how to get involved in the world basketball festival, go to www.facebook.com/theLSB

Paper texture created by lassekorsgaard. Nice.

AP: You can see I’ve worn the jacket too much and the arms have gone a bit pink. Some of the medals are so old they’ve got water damage on them. I’m lucky to have lived my passion. There are lots of headaches, but many parents will worship Jimmy as most kids get a degree and job after going through our programme.

AP: When Michael Jordan ﬁrst got signed by Nike, that was when they constituted the Air Jordan stuff, so he came bearing gifts. No one had heard of Air Jordans then and he was only 22 or 23. He was wearing the original black and red Jordan Ones and we all got a pair. Had I known, I would’ve kept them in a box and said “Michael gave me these”. But we all wore them to death! [laughs]] They were FREE SHOES! Remember, at the time, he was a big deal but not yet a global phenomenon.

WBF_275x210_Press.LogoDEV.3.indd 1

10/05/2012 10:07

his is england

Alani wears American Apparel shirt, £45; shorts, £20; hoodie, £40; ASOS brogues, £45; Kennett watch, £260

british heritage hits the city

Claudia wears Rokit pussy bow blouse, £25; hat, £25; American Apparel riding pants, £64; ASOS shoes, £65; Fossil bag £198; watch £95

Alani wears Crooks and Castles T-shirt, £29.99; Marshall Artist trousers, £80; ASOS brogues, £45; ODF Clothing glasses; £24.99, Fossil watch, £135; Vintage hat, £15 Claudia wears Crooks and Castles T-shirt, £39.99; American Apparel leggings, £30; New Look shoes, £24.99; ODF Clothing glasses; £24.99

Alani wears Duffer polo, £35; shorts, £45; ASOS brogues, £45 Claudia wears Duffer polo, £35; shorts, £40; New Look brogues, £44.99

Creative Director: Fiona Aber Project Manager: Celeste Houlker Photographer: Paul Akin Stylist: Crystal Straker Assistant Stylist: Anu Abodunrin Hair & Make-Up: Patricia Odje from PBelleBeauty Models: Claudia Ornelas & Alani Adenle Behind the Scenes Photography: Margaret Zawedde & Eli Anguelova

regulars

cooking with laurel collective The four-piece Bajan pop band are bringing some much-needed sunshine into the charts with their Caribbean party rhythms. Now they prove they can master the kitchen as well as the studio

It’s a grey and surprisingly chilly spring morning in an unknown North London location. As we scamper for a perfect spot to cook away from preying wardens and animals wanting to do a Goldielocks, it soon dawns on me that the thought of clearing away the morning fog by getting a band to cook me a fry-up is an enticing prospect. After all, London-based leftﬁeld pop outﬁt Laurel Collective regularly rustle up brekkie for up to a thousand festivalgoers at In The Woods, the festival they curate. 2012 will see Laurel Collective release their long-awaited debut LP Heartbeat Underground, boasting the early experimentalism of Mystery Jets (Sunshine Buddy), spirit of a sugar-coated R&B slow jam fused with shoegaze (Window) and hypnotic highlife riffs (Fax of Death). It’s a welcome antithesis to the Logic and Fruity Loops production archetype and LC have received regular airplay from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens. Co-lead vocalist Bob immediately reminds me of Cadet Zed McGlunk from Police Academy minus the high-pitched squeals of his alter-ego and all-black uniform, while guitarist Olly has the housewives’ favourite look about him and I genuinely think he would give a homeless person a Radox bath and some fresh garms… that’s how nice he is. The duo are joined by Taz, Bob’s mate from Japan, who’s a dab hand at cooking Laurel Collective’s signature spesh, okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake born in the land of the rising sun.

Photography Jendella Hallam 22

48 54

Words Christian Adofo 23

So what would be in the band’s own version of the snack? “It’d be an English breakfast version which is basically the pancake as it is but with sausage, eggs and bacon, with baked beans.” Bob suggests using roast beef, which immediately receives a disapproving screwface from Taz.

regulars

Dench!

Following that incendiary pause in pancake proceedings, I query Laurel Collective with the ready-salted equivalent of questions: how did you come up with the name? “There are two sides to it really,” explains Bob. “The first is that we basically played music in our drummer Charlie’s garden under a laurel tree...” Olly swiftly interjects and says the garden is more like a gateway to a less enchanting Narnia bereft of stone-mason witches. “And the Collective bit stemmed from where we had a loose collaboration of musicians and there was like nine of us.” The band have whittled down to five, like every boyband in the ‘90s before one does a runner for the wonga. Anticipatory and assured in the present, the band recall nervous tales of their early gigs. “I was actually properly shaking in my first ever performances,” Olly says. “I was so nervous that my leg started to twitch into spasms.” Bob, however, had another intoxicating method to quell his acute unease. “I just used to get drunk, really drunk for the first five gigs until the band told me off, so I’ve calmed down a bit now.” The task of simultaneously chattering away and cracking eggs onehanded becomes a bit much for Olly who goes back to perfecting the art of okonomiyaki with Taz, who somehow manages to cook despite sustaining a deep cut to his right hand early on. After carefully flipping over the pancake on the bubbling pan of hot oil and making it look ever so slightly like charcoal, Bob tries to save the situation. “You guys like burnt food? It’s VERY good for you.”

“i used to be so nervous that my leg started to twitch into spasms”

PEAK!

The seafood-inspired topping of fresh prawns, mussels, cabbage, bean sprouts, fried egg, mayo, bonito ﬂakes and seaweed with a heavy helping of okonoriyaki sauce doesn’t look edible even for Scooby Doo. Yet, I tuck into a slice and my dormant tastebuds erupt like a bottle of Diet Coke with some Mentos dropped in. Wow!

Watch LAUREL COLLECTIVE DISH UP OKONOMIYAKI IN THE WOODS ON our Youtube channel www.youtube.com/livemaguk

49 55

regulars

live challenge

Green Is The Colour

Turning off lights. Staying off XBox. Salad (and some salami). This issue’s challenge? To live the eco life for a week On Monday morning I walked to the bus stop, full of optimism about going green for a week and looking forward to the challenge ahead. Twenty minutes later, when I was still standing at the bus stop, getting soaked, it didn’t seem like such a good idea anymore. I had a week to make my lifestyle more planet-friendly. Research told me this meant recycling, saving electricity, taking public transport and eating strange green leafy things that, when put together, are apparently called ‘salad’. My family aren’t the greenest gang in town, as conﬁrmed when my dad mockingly asked if I’d be writing my article on paper, an idea I quickly pulled the plug on (pun intended).

Photography Louis Harris 21

Words Alex Shickell 16

So, instead of my mum taking a detour on her way to work and dropping me off at the train station, I got up 20 minutes early to catch a bus. I blamed myself for not taking an umbrella (although I had saved electricity by not googling the weather forecast) and instead passed the time laughing at how ridiculous the drought poster across the road looked in the pouring rain. Using public transport to help reduce

regulars

emissions would be my routine for the rest of the week; easy as I usually take a train, tube and bus in my hour-long journey home. Next on my list was eating green. I was surprised during my research that the UN has found livestock generates more greenhouse gas emissions than all the cars, trucks, trains, ships and planes in the world combined. Apparently just one meat-free meal per week for everyone is equivalent to taking millions of cars off the roads. Most mornings I managed to go meat-free by eating porridge, but I was twice tempted by the force of salami. But I still had my school dinners to fall back on. Eating the vegetarian option in this case was simple – it just meant choosing the green-coloured mush instead of the brown and adding some recently deceased lettuce leaves to the mix. In terms of saving the world at home, the hassle of forcing my family into vegetarianism for a week seemed a bit much, so I just ate whatever was being cooked, with extra vegetables. One of the words that most people will instantly associate with the green life is ‘saving’, whether it’s electricity or water. The first few days of my challenge were spent compulsively turning electrical items off around the house. I’d unplug the toaster after using it and turn off lights, until eventually I developed a kind of Green Reflex (patent pending) where, for example, instead of turning on my laptop and going on Facebook, an invisible force would stop my hand and return it to my pen. This saved electricity, but also time, because I wasn’t distracted by a chain of videos involving singing dogs. At night I unplugged my laptop from the wall because, as I had learned, “if it has a light on, it is using power”, although I found this a bit of a chore. I also managed to go the whole week without going near my Xbox. I did some obvious green acts, such as saving water by taking a shorter shower, but during my research I was caught by surprise by something I probably should have known. Normal plastic bottles

are made from crude oil, the resource that is running out at an incredible rate and caused so much damage in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. So for the duration of the challenge I decided to keep refilling a bottle with tap water, which I put in the recycling bin at the end of the week, with a small sense of revenge against the water companies.

“I developed a kind of green reflex, compulsively turning off the toaster and unplugging my laptop from the wall. An invisible hand kept me off facebook” The day I am writing this is, coincidentally, Earth Day. Much has changed in the world since the US introduced this annual celebration 42 years ago. Environmental protection agencies have been established and laws have been introduced, protecting air and water supplies, as well as endangered species of animals and plants. The problem is that although awareness of environmental issues is higher than ever, trying to save the planet just isn’t cool and, until climate change ushers in a new Ice Age, probably never will be. Going green isn’t something I would want to do again permanently, but I now know that it isn’t just about compulsively turning off lights everywhere you go, but understanding the ideal behind wanting to make a change. Because if enough people get behind something then it can go from an issue that most people think is someone else’s problem to a matter of burning importance for populations and governments everywhere.

Music

Sound Advice

= essential music = Good Stuff = Worth a listen = I’ll Pass = Meh...

Albums

Laurel Collective

Heartbeat Underground LP

Take a small sprig of early Mystery Jets, add a healthy teaspoon of LCD Soundsystem and an array of cultured condiments and you’ll find a spectrum of sounds sponsored by London-based leftfield pop band Laurel Collective. Their long-awaited debut LP is built on a bed of marauding moments (Cheap) and pensive reverie (Sunshine Buddy), which nonchalantly tread between the digital and analogue. Heartbeat Underground serves as the aspirational antithesis to hipster cretins who say guitar music has reached its nadir in the popular realm. (CA)

Marina And The Diamonds

Electro Heart

Imagine if PJ Harvey went electro, sprinkle rainbows and glitter into the mix and you get Marina And The Diamonds. Despite this winning-sounding combination, her first album flopped, possibly crowded out by Florence And The Machine. New album Electro Heart leaves little to the imagination about Marina and her relationships. The album starts with the power kick of Bubblegum Bitch, before flowing into emotional tracks such as Power And Control. This is a wonderful infusion of emotional-pop-electro that shows Marina is comfortable in her skin, musically and vocally. (JP)

Press Play

Hot Chip

In Our Heads

Every British summer needs a soundtrack, and Hot Chip’s fifth studio album, In Our Heads, is sure to be the record we all remember 2012 for. Where One Life Stand combined a selection of autotuned vocals, and punchy synths, In Our Heads feels more sophisticated than previous efforts. While it’s got the sound we’ve all come to expect from Hot Chip, it’s the four-to-the-floor kick of leadsingle Flutes that’s a highlight. In Our Heads is the record I’ve always wanted Hot Chip to make, it’s all out vibes and ‘80s renaissance. It’s a gem of record to complement a truly Olympic year. (RW)

Sam Sparro

Return To Paradise

Combining dancefloor soul, retro pop funk and 21st-century disco, Sam Sparro’s return to the spotlight is a statement. The second album from the Australian artist sees a carefree approach to modern music. With songs that show his lyrical growth coupled with discoball imagery, the full LP is a fun twist on your average pop album. With songs such as We Could Fly making you dance under the rose-tinted spotlight and Wish I Never Met You demonstrating his story-telling abilities, this is an album that separates Sparro from the pack, but perfectly blends into your record collection of great pop hits. (LJ)

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s the Olympics. So we switched things up and asked US boy band Mindless Behaviour some sport questions instead What are your secret sporting talents? Ray Ray: I can play basketball real good. What sports do you wish you were good at? Ray Ray: Hey, I wish I was good at checkers. Roc Royal: Basketball. What sport will you never understand how to play? Ray Ray: I will never understand how to play checkers. Princeton: Um… racketball, because it even sounds

complicated. Roc Royal: I can never understand how to play a sport. I always try. But if you’re asking I will have to say rugby.

Who’s your favourite sports personality and why? Ray Ray: Kobe Bryant because he has a great work ethic. Roc Royal: Chris Paul. He’s really dope, and he plays fair. Prodigy: Michael Phelps, just because he’s a great swimmer.

Princeton: It has to be Kobe Bryant because his swag on

Words Ned Powley 16

Words Jeana Povey 22

Words Eliie Rumbold 17

Words Christian Adofo 23

Words Robbie Wojciechowsk i 17

Words Leanne Joseph 16

the court is crazy!

Music

Four To Watch Last Japan Dubstep is a dirty word. Not only because it has Skrillex-fuelled connotations, but also a habit of vacuuming all other kinds of bass music into it. With luck, Last Japan’s going to change all that. The alter-ego of Marco Giuliani, the young producer has an insatiable desire to create. He makes music that throws heavily percussive beats in with minimal electronic ﬂickers; at times it resembles a 2-step version of Four Tet. With numerous releases already under his belt and more on the way, it’s clear that Last Japan is playing by his own rules. (NP)

Jakwob After putting his own bass ﬂavour on charttopping hits for Ellie Goulding and Jessie J, Lincoln-raised dubstep newcomer Jakwob is set to cause a rave riot within you. Using pulsating electro elements, bass-heavy fundamentals and even an Indian sample from his Scottish-Indian background, DJ/producer Jakwob is about to bridge club and commercial worlds. Currently in the studio with the likes of Kano, Mic Righteous and Mr Hudson, his album is set to break ground, but with so many talented and opinionated artists, who makes the deciding call? “If they’re in my studio I always say we’re just going to do it my way but it depends on who they are,” he laughs. “Some of them can get kind of aggressive.” Nevertheless with Jakwob on the ones and twos, there is no doubt that the sound will be nothing but epic. (LJ)

Rachel Sermanni She may appear to be your average female singer-songwriter, but Rachel Sermanni is cut from a darker cloth. Often performing with just an acoustic guitar, the 20-year-old Scottish songstress sings about despair and unrequited love: “I’m often inspired by dreams, I like the darker side of reality,” she says. With lofty vocals not too dissimilar to Joni Mitchell, her voice contains a lingering ambiguity. Signed to Mumford and Sons’ label, Rachel self-produced her debut EP Black Currents, now available to buy. Her lyrics are undeniably compelling, and upon listening create an impression that Rachel could just as easily be some omniscient, wise, old fortuneteller. But alas, no, and thankfully so: for I see big things ahead for this one. (ER)

Class Warfare

Songs symptomatic of the real spirit of summer are hard to come by, but 18-year-old, California-based producer Class Warfare gets it bang on. “Whatever I’m listening to at the moment has a huge influence on the sound,” he says, while conjuring up the names of Wild Nothing and Toro Y Moi as inspirations. “Younger producers are more willing to experiment and take chances with music”. Lead track Memory is blushed more with the oriental than Californian sunshine and there’s a flavour of warmth to every note that passes your ears. “I would love to find someone who sings,” says Warfare of his future plans. Words aside, this kid’s future resonates absolute vibes. (RW)

I n A s s o c i at i o n w i t h u n d e r c o v e r

BOOK CLUB

Books Editor Aida Gugsa speaks to five Live bookworms about peter cocks’ latest novel, body blow, in the second meeting of our book club. The explosive Sequel to Long Reach finds our hero recovering from a near-fatal shooting. Eddie is now undertaking an unexpected trip to the notorious costa del sol where he Puts his life on the line, gathering vital intelligence on the dangerous Kelly Firm.

Josh He’s got post-traumatic stress Aida Let’s start with the main

character, Eddie. What did you think of him?

disorder, he’s been shot in the stomach, his girlfriend’s gone off somewhere. but he still has that sense of humour and is able to get himself back in the game.

Margaret He’s affected by being

Meet the author

shot but he’s a daredevil and he wants to get back to work. He’s a very strong character.

danieL

He’s agitated. He gets a lot of ﬂashbacks. He’s different to Donnie, who tries to get out of the game, to live a simple life in Spain, but he gets dragged back into the drug world. The book really makes you feel like it’s a tangled world out there and it’s hard to leave, whether you’re a drug dealer or an investigator. Eddie has no choice but to go undercover. Would you do the same to gather vital intelligence against drug war gangs?

danieL

The biggest mistake Eddie made was joining intelligence. What made it worse was that it was his uncle who suggested it. I loved all the undercover stuff in the book.

Suriya

After being shot and being captured I would keep myself to myself!

Josh Such a lot happened in the ﬁrst

book, a load more happens in this book! You know that as a character, he would not be able to give it up. You really believe that he needs all this action.

OK, so there are loads of strong characters in this book, but who’s your favourite?

Margaret The psychiatrist Dr Reeta

because she tried to help Eddie - until Eddie started being attracted to her. Very unprofessional!

JOSH: Anna, because her relationship

with Eddie reminded me of Batman and Catwoman. Anna always keeps her cool.

The VERDICTS! so what star rating would our readers give this issue’s book club read? over to you...

we caught up with the writer of Body Blow, man from the marshes, peter cocks

If you had to be any character in Body Blow who would you be and why? I’m not sure I’d like to be any of them, they all have a pretty rough time in different ways. If I really had to pick one, I’d be Eddie’s mum and stay at home with a nice cup of tea!

As a child did you crave adventure? Yes, I lived near the marshes on the Thames where Dickens set Great Expectations. There were disused forts and buried tanks. That was a great place for adventure. In my early twenties, I joined a group of performance artists in New York and spent the next three years touring the world as a “Living Painting”.

Do you use places where you’ve travelled as setting for any of your books? Yes, you can invent places, but you can’t capture the details you get by visiting. I went to Morocco to research the Triskellion series I was writing with Mark Billingham (as Will Peterson). I found all sorts of exotic details, including boxing monkeys and bronze age caves. For Body Blow, I spent a few days on the Costa del Sol. Almost all the details are real, including the boiled octopus.

Did you always want to be an author? It crept up on me. I started writing sketches for TV, which developed into writing for animation and drama. When the things I was writing became too ambitious, I started writing them as novels.

Josh Daniel Suriya Margaret

What advice have you got for future authors? Read…and then write! Set a realistic daily target. I aim for 1,000 words a day, but you can start with less and build up.

Words Daniel Okotako 15

Words Josh Correia 15

Words Suriyah Akther 17

Words Aida Gugsa 17

Words Margaret Zawedde 15

head over to www.undercoverreads.com to watch the trailer

E n t e r ta i n m e n t

Fully Booked

= Just Read It!! = Good Stuff = Worth a Read = I’ll Pass = Meh...

Love Books? love to write? Go To spinebreakers.co.uk Now Is The Time For Running Michael Williams (The Random House Group)

Deo and his brother Innocents are forced to run for their lives while their village is being destroyed by soldiers. This heart-throbbing, gut-kicking read explores the brothers’ struggle though poverty and prejudice as they travel to South Africa to save themeselves. Williams has written a book that tells the story of a village suffering from famine, but is afﬂicted due to political unrest. The only thing that keeps Deo motivated is his ambition to become a footballer. These kinds of reads are always emotional, but still enjoyable. You can visualise exactly what has happened and how each character feels. (AG)

The Western Lit Survival Kit: How to read the classics without fear

Sandra Newman (Penguin)

“May the deil in her ass ram a huge prick o brass”… I don’t know what that means either. Thankfully a literary bible is here to the rescue. Equipped with annotations and explanations to guide you, each chapter of this survival kit offers a bite-sized literary lesson on everyone from Shakespeare to Tolstoy. With a BlackBerry on one side and an iPod on the other, it might be hard to imagine a dusty copy of War And Peace appearing next to your cup of tea! (The Hunger Games just about made it). But if all else fails, at least you’ll learn new words to make you sound brainier than you actually are. (MT)

Slide Jill Hathaway (HarperCollins)

Ever wanted to slip into a person’s mind and see the world through their eyes? Well Jill Hathaway’s Slide is a heartbreaking, deathly novel about a young girl called Vee who discovers that her narcolepsy (sleeping disorder), has turned into something much more mysterious, sliding into other people’s heads. Vee calls her disorder a curse but when two cheerleaders in her sister’s year die mysteriously, she ﬁnds that she is using her ‘curse’ to unravel sticky situations. Despite its predictable, disappointing ending and minimized motives, Slide contains issues that the reader could most deﬁnitely relate to like death and other teenage issues. (MZ)

The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind Meg Medina (Candlewick Press)

Words Daniel Okotako 15

Words Monique Todd 19

Words Chloe Douglas 18

Words Margaret Zawedde 15

Words Aida Gugsa 17

Sonia Ocampo has a curse, within her town of Tres Montes she is the equivalent to a God. Until a sudden loss causes Sonia to rethink her purpose in life. Rebelling against the pressures of a martyr, Sonia escapes her protective father’s clutches and ﬁnds sanctuary, as an employee of the wealthy Masóns of Casa Masón. Charming Umberto, takes an interest in Sonia whilst his aunt, Katerina, seemingly despises her. Sonia’s tale of tragedy, romance and self-discovery is a whirlwind of highs and lows. It takes a while to get really engrossed in the novel. However, I found the heritage element very refreshing and unique. (CD)

Live Classic Audacity of hope: Reclaiming the American Dream Barack Obama (Canongate)

It’s a measure of the excitement Barack Obama generates that he was able to command an advance of $1.9m for The Audacity of Hope. His second book outlines his political philosophy more than two years before he became President. Subtitled Reclaiming The American Dream, this book helped establish Obama as a major player in US politics. Obama is comfortable talking not just about politics, but also faith, a controversial issue among British politicians, and how it shapes his ideals. Barack’s Republican opponents questioned his ideologies during the elections, portraying him as a Muslim, a foreigner and a dangerous Marxist, but with Audacity Of Hope he made it clear where he stood. Despite my personal misgivings about American imperialism, this book gives remarkable insight into America and the man who leads it. (DO)

E n t e r ta i n m e n t

Front Row

= Just Watch It! = Good Stuff = Worth a view = I’ll Pass = Meh...

Reviews of what’s coming and what’s already here

Review

Casa 17deJunemi2012padre Armando Alvarez (Will Ferrell) is a clumsy Mexican rancher who works on his father’s ranch. When the ranch suffers financial difficulty, his youngest brother, Raul, a successful businessman, returns home with his fiancée, Sonia. Although his arrival means the ranch can be saved, it sparks its own set of troubles. The comedy, in Spanish with English subtitles, is a parody of Mexican cinema. This movie is not for everyone, with both funny and dull moments. It might take a specific kind of humour to get this one. At times it’s weird and quite outlandish, but somehow it all seems to work. (EN)

Review

SALUTE

Ill6 June Manors 2012

Ben Drew, aka Plan B, makes his directorial debut with this musical comedy tale about, Aaron (Riz Ahmed) and Ed (Ed Skrein), who fail to establish their name as one to be feared in the drug underworld. Their backstories – generally being the punch bag for a family member – are told through grime. They’re cocky and careless and prove to be a goldmine of information for local police. The film believes your past can’t be an excuse for your future, but as we only see a one-dimensional stereotype, it becomes predictable and lacks emotion. Still, it is original and entertaining storytelling. (PT)

Live Classic

DVD Review

13 July, 2012

Salute is a documentary film about an iconic moment in history. In 1968 two American 200m sprinters, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gave the Black Power salute on the Olympic podium. It was a time of racial and political turmoil; Martin Luther King had recently been assassinated and there’d been riots in American cities. As a result of their protest, both men were expelled from the Olympic village and suspended by the American Olympic committee. This film, directed by the nephew of Peter Norman, the third man on the podium that day, gives a first-person account. It’s a must-see documentary. (NN)

Hard Boiled Sweets OUT NOW

A dark crime film set in Southend, with lots of violence and double crossing. Each character is assigned their own sweet name; the mob boss Jimmy is known as the Mint Imperial, a pimp called Gerry labours under the Lime Chocolate and tart-with-aheart Porsche is the Sherbet Lemon. They’re all trying to steal a suitcase full of money that’ll be in town for the night, and they’ll kill or betray anyone in their way. Hard Boiled Sweets also has great cinematography that makes the Essex seaside look “reem”. Clever and funny at times, Hard Boiled Sweets is a good watch and I promise you won’t see that ending coming. (JW)

The Reptile

horror film. Not manic, but a subtle endeavour with scares and mysteries in all the right places. The Reptile, along with The Plague of Zombies (1966), has been restored and released on DVD and Blu-Ray. Highly recommended for fans of horror looking for something alternative.

Words Natalie Nelson 15

Words Pai Takavarasha 22

Did You Know: The actress Jacqueline Pearce who plays Anna wasn’t a fan of the reptile make-up as she suffers from claustrophobia. She was so freaked out she refused to wear “creature” make-up again. (JW)

Words Emine Nectorio 20

Words Jhenelle White 20

In The Reptile, newlyweds Harry and Valerie move to a cottage in a small village in the country. The cottage belonged to Harry’s now deceased brother Charles, who died of a strange affliction that seems to be randomly killing members of the town. As the mystery of the deaths unravel, the truth lies with the reclusive Doctor Franklyn and his daughter, Anna. Released nearly 50 years ago, The Reptile is surprisingly unpredictable and suspenseful. The effects were minimal, but effective. The story is unusual, different from the horror films we’re used to today. It felt like watching a truly classic

More Film Reviews, Interviews and Previews online www.live-magazine.co.uk

On Game home games

E n t e r ta i n m e n t

the hardware hails from the east, but gaming is an untold british success story, reports Jamal Wright All eyes are fixed on the growing gaming community, as it is now just as important as TV and film, being one of the fastest-growing and highestearning industries worldwide. The question is, how is the British gaming industry shaping up for the future? With all the gaming hype coming from abroad, it is easy to forget how many great games are created here. “Britain has produced some of the finest games ever made,” says Keith Stuart, The Guardian’s games correspondent. But if I were to ask someone about a good game made here, I think most would struggle. This just isn’t right. Britain does make great games.” Keith reminisces over 30 years of Great British titles, “eighties legends like Knight Lore and Manic Miner, through the ‘90s with Tomb Raider and Colin McRae Rally.”

Rocksteady, based in North London. Dark Knight was a massive hit for them, too. “I’ve been to game design studios all over the world, and it’s rare to go somewhere that doesn’t have at least a couple of expat UK staff. The UK remains a major power in this business,” says Keith.

Development studio Rare is a shining example of how long Britain has been making great games for. If you owned a Nintendo 64, chances are you know and love a game that Rare made. It is behind such hits as Diddy Kong Racing and a game many rate as the best ﬁrst-person shooter, 007 Goldeneye.

“the UK remains a major power in this business” Not just old gems are made here; the critically acclaimed Batman Arkham series is comes from a small studio called

These games are an example of gaming excellence in Britain. “You always see English creatives in other countries because there is a lack of support here. The government needs to work out how to teach great computer science and maths,” says Christian Donlan of Vice. With tax laws changing to beneﬁt the gaming industry we can only hope more British developers show the world that we can not only put on a great Olympic Games, but that we make great video games as well.

GamePreviews

Release date: April 24 Age: 18+ Platform: Xbox 360, PS3 Prototype 2 is set in New York City and follows the nowinfected Heller as he seeks revenge, utilising his newly acquired powers to hunt down all those that he blames for his family’s death. The franchise follows Heller on his quest to destroy the Blacklight virus and Mercer, who he blames for the death of his family during the outbreak of the virus. (FG)

Starhawk

Release date: May 11 Age: 16+ Platform: PS3 Engage in epic 32-player online battles or team up with friends to protect your claim against waves of AI opponents in both online and ofﬂine co-op modes. Starhawk lets you battle with new weapons, maps, modes and even new alien mechanic robots. This new gaming experience for 2012 is the next step up from Modern Warfare 3. (JB)

Words Rasharn McLeod 20

Words Finn Grist 20

Words Jamal Wright 22

Beenox’s most amazing game yet. Amazing Spider-man returns to the fray with a free-roam style of exploring and multiple side missions to accomplish. Taking heed from the movie, the game focuses on an Oscorp executive working with Michael Morbius. If you’re a web-slinging fanatic striving to pull off amazing combos, this is not a game to miss. (RM)

Prototype 2

Words Jermaine Ghartey 20

Release date:June 26 Age: 3+ Platform: Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, DS, 3DS

Words Jack Brennan 14

The Amazing Spider-Man

London 2012™ - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games Release date: June Age: 3+ Platform: PS3, X360,

Hone your Olympic skills and compete for your nation with the new ofﬁcial Olympic game. Out in June, the game features new sports, new events and new game-play models. London 2012 brings the world’s ultimate sporting event to life, letting you compete against friends and family. (JG)

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

culture club

Been there. seen it. done it.

Who is she? The British playwright and television writer of Bengali origin. Why do we care? Starting out as a care worker at a women’s refuge, Tanika began writing for BBC radio dramas and television series such as EastEnders and The Bill. She eventually progressed into writing plays and, with productions at the Young Vic, National Theatre and the RSC in a career that has spanned over 20 years, it’s a move that’s paid off. Why should we look out for her? Tackling themes such as knife crime (Talking To Byron), racial tensions (White Boy), and presenting re-imaginations of classics (Great Expectations), Mrs Gupta doesn’t like being pigeonholed: “I don’t like being seen as an Asian writer, as if that’s the only thing I can do. You don’t hear Tom Stoppard being referred to as a Czech writer or Harold Pinter as a Jewish writer.” What’s Next? Inspired by Mujra dancers and modern British-Asian identity, Wah! Wah! Girls is Tanika’s vibrant new musical, running from May 24June 24 at the Peacock Theatre. Described as a “sparkling British-Asian musical” and “East London meets Bollywood”, it underlines her stature as one of theatre’s game-changers. (EM)

Date: July 12-Aug 15 Admission: FREE As you all know, the event of the year is zooming up on us, so to get in the mood for the Olympics and Paralympics, 12 British artists have been selected to exhibit their poster designs for the upcoming global events. This celebratory once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will be held at Tate Britain, featuring iconic artists such as Bridget Riley, Tracey Emin, Martin Creed and Gary Hume as part of the Cultural Olympiad. (CD)

Bass Festival @ venues across Birmingham Date: throughout June Admission: Varies Love heavy beats and soulful melodies? Bass Festival is back this June. With Jamaica as its theme – this year marks the 50th anniversary of the island’s independence – the festival will showcase talent from urban artists across the city. Performers and producers are invited to put forward ideas. Past events have included a grime theatre performance, a young black designers fashion show and a hip hop legends photographic exhibition. (ND)

Words Natasha Dujon 22

Olympic and Paralympic Posters @ TATE BRITAIN

BIRMInGHAM LIVERPOOL MANCHESTER

Words Edwina Mukasa 22

LONDON

Words Chloe Douglas 18

© London 2012 The London 2012 Festival website, www.london2012.com/festival, has full information on how people can find out how to buy the limited edition prints, £7 posters and a free exhibition of the Olympic and Paralympic Posters at Tate Britain during the London 2012 Festival next summer

profile: Tanika Gupta

Column of Cloud, Wirral Waters, Merseyside, Date: Until 2013 Admission: FREE This extraordinary, unique piece of land art (or sky art) is the brainchild of visionary Anthony McCall. He’s created a ‘column of cloud’ that is visible from Merseyside all the way to Bangor, Wales. It is has been estimated at 20 metres (65ft) in diameter and goes as high as several kilometres. McCall’s piece, supported by the Arts Council and part of the Cultural Olympiad, will have your jaw practically on the ground in amazement. (CD)

Urban Moves, Greater Manchester Date: JULY 27-29 Admission: FREE As part of Big Dance 2012, Manchester’s biggest outdoor dance festival is promoting all styles of dance. Sponsored by Dance Initiative Greater Manchester, international and local acts will perform in unexpected areas throughout the jam-packed festival. These exciting family-friendly shows are open to all and you’ll be able to both watch and participate in the amazing events, while getting ready for the games. (CD)

dream games

Alternative Olympics

Let the world go wobbly as we enter a parallel universe of street sports in our dream Olympics

Shoreditch Stuck In The Mud For this game, you’ll need a trendy DJ, an empty danceﬂoor and ankle-wearing hipsters standing still until the freshest tune hyped by blogs/social networking sites becomes old (the tune must be made in the club). When it drops, you must make them come unstuck from the danceﬂoor.

The Disposable Deed Catch an OAP or young mum struggling with copious amounts of shopping after their weekly shop. It’s your goal to take their bags and place ‘em on your hands and arms like a moving scarecrow. Carry the bags to the desired location and then see how many members of the public you can help in a single day.

Evening Eavesdropper People on public transport are always trying to read the paper over someone’s shoulder instead of grabbing their own free copy. Game: who can read the most articles without being caught by their fellow passenger? Winner: the one who recites the most words.

Bus Me A Seat Take a couple of your friends and get on a bus from the starting destination. Sit separately on the upper deck, with an empty seat next to you, and do your utmost to prevent other passengers from sitting next to you. The winner of the game is the last person with the adjacent seat still vacant on a busy vehicle.

Street Slang-Off Rudeboys and rahs meet in a spelling bee-style tournament. Medals are based on whether battle terms are legitimate according to Urbandictionary.com. Ofﬁcial adjudicator is Adam Deacon.

Illustration Natalia Nazimek 21

Words Christian Adofo 23

Smart-Social Smartphone users hold onto their gadgets for as long as possible, looking at their screens regardless of who is talking to them or what they’re doing. The victor is the being who cotches in their noncommunicative coma for the longest.

Balloon Bulldog Get a load of water balloons and a mass of mandem and galdem. Following the same premise as British Bulldog, run from one end of a pitch to another without getting soaked. The winner will be the driest lone ranger in the wet, wet west.

The Dead Poets Reality You and your friends must each recite from memory a popular piece of poetry from a renowned wordsmith in public, a la charades. The winner is the person who has a member of the public correctly guess the name of the poet. Note: rappers are not allowed.

Scotch Bonnet Screwface The poise and concentration of a beefeater outside the Tower of London are needed here. You and your opponent must eat an equal amount of scotch bonnets before you attempt to outstare one another. The winner is the one who remains zombie-like regardless of the tears streaming down their cheeks like water down Niagara Falls.

regulars Rotunda It’s where I started boxing and where I’ve stayed boxing. No other gym could have kept me going for so long. This is where the person I am today was born. The atmosphere and support I get there is just phenomenal. People play a big part in why this place is important to me. Although boxing is an individual sport, the atmosphere at the Rotunda has a team spirit – it lifts you.

Liverpool All of Liverpool! It’s where I was born and bred and where I’ve had good times and bad. Living there has made me the person I am today. People in Liverpool are always behind me; they always give me good press. They’re my people. It’s my city.

My Nan’s House

O F BRIT T S i BE

. BEST OF B

rit

RITish . B F O

BEST OF BRITISH

Photography by Ell Brown

It’s the centre of everything and a huge part of my life. I was brought up there as part of a big family. My nan was like another mother. She’s the most caring and generous person I know; she always stays positive and is a great cook. She makes a place special. I guess, in a sense, she is the place.

lightweight Boxer Olympic Natasha Jonas is representing Britain at the World Championships in China and is a hopeful for London 2012. Though she started out as a footballer and came to boxing by accident, this Liverpool fan is already a four-time ABAE national champion and two-time EU Championship Gold medallist. She tells us about the six places that are special to her and how people make places.

ish . BES T

Sheffield

St Ambrose Barlow High School, Swinton

Photographhy Adrian Hall 20

Words Paddy Pender 16

I have a connection with this school in Salford as I come here regularly as a Sky Sports Living for Sport Ambassador. It’s important to me because of the response from the students to what we’re trying to do for their self-esteem, self-confidence and health. Kath, one of the teachers, is brilliant – really open to ideas and great with the kids. It’s difficult to separate out people from places – they’re so interconnected.

These days I train in Sheffield so I spend a lot of my time there. It’s my home away from home. I feel really comfortable there because of the people – not just the other elite athletes but also the staff and the people who use the gym. The atmosphere there is so good it sometimes feels like I’m in Liverpool!

London 2012 The place and the event. It’s the place I’ve been travelling to throughout my career. It’s my goal and for athletes it’s our home ground, it’s where we all want to be. I loved being part of the test event and am excited about being there this summer.

Natasha Jonas is supporting Sky Sports Living for Sport, a free schools initiative. Get involved at: www.skysports.com/livingforsport

email: contact@the-challenge.org // phone: 0330 111 0101 (free from contract mobiles) or 0207 921 4404 // text: 07624 809964

LONDON // MIDLANDS // NORTHWEST The Challenge Network Limited is registered in England and Wales, no. 6845451 // Registered charity no. 1129239

“A

FEEL-GOOD SUMMER HIT” MARK ADAMS, SUNDAY MIRROR

HHHH

HHHHH

HHHH

GLAMOUR

MIZZ

TEEN NOW

SUNDAY MIRROR

JOIN THE ULTIMATE RACE AT FACEBOOK.COM/FASTGIRLS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO THE PREMIERE AND SUMMER FESTIVALS!