Voice Fathers Day Book 2015

XXXXXXXXXXX 00-00, 2012 THE VOICE | 19

LIFE & STYLE

SIR

LENNY HENRY

Comedy capers to Queen’s honours

Daddy cool

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL!

Make dad feel sweet this Sunday with a present from our gift guide

Our fathers

Well-known UK dads on what fatherhood means to them

Top of the pops

Our readers salute their dads with special messages

JUNE 18 - 24, 2015 T H E V O I C E 21

Cover story

MY FAMILY WON’T START CALLING ME ‘SIR’ Comedy hero Lenny Henry says his knighthood won’t earn him any special treatment from his family, but the honour would have made his late mother ‘incredibly pleased’

BY DAVINA HAMILTON

“I

’ve been called ‘Sir’ before,” laughs Lenny Henry, when asked how it feels to be addressed by his new title.

But of this new, official, precursor to his name, the comic says: “Well, nobody’s calling me that yet. I’m not insisting on it like [actor] Ben Kingsley!”

Still, Henry, who confirmed earlier this month that he was to receive a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours, is all too aware of the gravity of this accolade. (Perhaps not least because I kept calling him ‘Sir’ and congratulating him like he was a member of my own family).

Boasting a 40-year career in the entertainment industry – which has seen him work as a comedian, an actor and voiceover talent; launch his own production company Crucial Films; become an active champion for diversity in the arts; and of, course, cofound Comic Relief – the 56year-old recognises that his knighthood may give him some extra clout.

“Do you know what? If it helps to give any traction with things like Comic Relief and diversity-related work, then that’s a good thing,” he says.

“But as far as anything else is concerned… my family’s not gonna start calling me ‘Sir’. ‘Sir, could you take out the garbage, please?’ No, it won’t be anything like that!”

Still, the Dudley-born star says the knighthood news was met with great excitement by his family.

“My family are very proud.

Their response has been overwhelmingly positive and I’ve had a lot of love from all of them. I’m really pleased by that.

I think my mum would have loved it too. My mum would have been incredibly pleased.”

Henry admits that it was thoughts of his mum, Winifred, who died in 1998 that played a part in his decision to accept the award.

Well aware of the contingent of black British personalities who have rejected Queen’s honours (think poet Benjamin Zephaniah, choreographer Jonzi D and Professor Gus John) on the grounds that they represent the ugly legacy of empire and colonialism, Henry says he did seek the opinions of close friends – and consider what his mum would have wanted – before making his decision to accept the honour.

“I talked to my manager about it, as well as friends and colleagues,” he says. “The reason I asked a few people was to get a gauge of what they thought. Nobody said it was a bad idea; everybody said I should accept it.

“They were like, ‘Follow your heart. What would your mum

YES SIR: Lenny Henry in rehearsal for Educating Rita

think?’ I thought, ‘My mum would have loved this!’”

Considering what his Jamaican-born mum might have said of her son’s knighthood, Henry laughed as he imitated his mother.

“She would have said [he puts on a Jamaican accent], ‘You don’t realised how blessed you are. You are a blessed child!’”

Henry says it was also his mother’s passing that inspired him to pursue further education

“Slavery wasn’t abolished in five minutes.

It wasn’t like, ‘Slavery’s finished – great, let’s have lunch, then we’ll abolish something else after lunch’” and complete an English literature degree. It’s a decision that now allows him to fully relate to the stage production, Educating Rita, in which he’s about to star.

But rather than empathising with his character, Frank, who is an Open University professor, it’s the female lead, Rita – played by actress Lashana Lynch – that Henry says he can identify with.

“I think I’ve got more in common with Rita than Frank, because I pursued further education like she did.

“In 1998, when I was doing a television series called Hope and Glory, I decided – with my mum’s passing inspiring me –

to prove to myself that I could do a degree. So I was in the make-up room with all the

make-up ladies, who were all saying, ‘Go on, send off the letter!’ So I did.”

Henry followed up his degree by undertaking an MA course in screenwriting, and then embarked on a PhD, which examines the issue of diversity.

“Who knows if I’ll ever finish the bloody thing,” he says of the PhD he started a few years ago.

“But it’s about diversity in the British film and television industry, in relation to sports films.

“Sports films are usually a metaphor about life; they’re very uplifting and I think they’re a perfect place for diversity.

“So I often wonder why sports films don’t feature BAME [Black Asian Minority Ethnic] protagonists more often – it’s always about the coach.

“If you look at American sports films, it doesn’t matter who it’s about.

Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan, any of those guys – but the star of the film is always Harrison Ford or Brad Pitt or Golide Hawn or Kurt Russell or Clint Eastwood or one of them guys!

“It’s never the black person or the Asian person – they’re always the subject, but never the lead. So my PhD is about that.

“As I started to think about it and write about it and read all the academic articles, I realised that there was a serious imbal-

ance there. I wondered if there was something I could do to at least approach a redress.”

With recent years seeing the entertainer publicly championing the drive to get more black and ethnic minority talents in the British film and television industries, he pondered when asked why he decided to become a diversity spokesman.

“I don’t know. Like that line from Hope and Glory, ‘If not now, when? If not me, who?’ It just made sense.

“If you’re always going to red carpet events and looking around… you only have to look around at things like BAFTA or the Olivier Awards to see how non-diverse our industry is. It’s not rocket science.”

What would Henry say to the cynics who think his knighthood might drive him to align himself with the ‘establishment’ and ditch the diversity campaigning?

“That would be a ridiculous thing to say,” he exclaims. “If people are saying that, they clearly don’t know anything about me. We’re at the beginning of a very long journey.

“Slavery wasn’t abolished in five minutes. It wasn’t like, ‘Slavery’s finished – great, let’s have lunch, then we’ll abolish something else after lunch.’ It took a long time!”

Telling him of the positive response Voice readers have given to news of his knighthood, Henry was humbled.

“Thank you,” he says. “This [knighthood] is really for everybody who’s done something towards diversity and Comic Relief. I’ll accept it on behalf of everybody who’s given their money or time to help with these issues.”

Educating Rita is at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester from June 18 - July 25. For more information, visit www.cft.org.uk

THE VOICE POLL Does Lenny Henry deserve his knighthood?

Absolutely, he’s contributed so much to the British entertainment scene

76% No, he hasn’t done enough to deserve a knighthood

24%

22 T H E V O I C E JUNE 18 - 24, 2015

Father’s Day: June 21

DAD (

Father's Day is looming (June 21) and thoughts have turned to finding the perfect pair of socks, aftershave or torch... But fear not! We know dads can be tricky to buy for, so step away from the boring mug and tie, and check out our round-up of gifts even the pickiest dad is sure to love.

)

Compiled by Rykesha Hudson

To (

[Music Lovers]

Turntable, £76, QVC

House of Marley in-ear headphones, £19.99, Thehouseofmarley.co.uk

Drumstick pens, £4.99, Findmeagift.co.uk Portable speakers, £49.95, Bassbuds.co.uk

Beats by Dr Dre, £169, Currys PC World

[Big Kids]

Mini table tennis, £10, Debenhams Home arcade, £1,195, Libertygames.co.uk Gamers’ beanbag, £74.99, BeanBagBazaar.co.uk

Mini drone, £84.99, Currys PC World

Domin blacko o box set, £6 rchidin teriors 2, .co.uk

Batman egg cup and toast cutter, £7.99, findmeagift.co.uk

Star Wars Lightsaber ower charger, £24.99 Thefowndry.com

Acce Fireb ntuate g a ox.c om me, £19 .99,

JUNE 18 - 24, 2015 T H E V O I C E 22

Father’s Day: June 21

with love

[Gadget Addicts]

Vintage book iPhone case, £50, Case Hut

Sony smartwatch, £189.99, Sonymobile.com

Vir tua lr £29 eality h .95 , Re eads d5 et,

Canon camera, £89.98, QVC Mug, £3, Morrisons y, trilog ight o.uk n K k .c Dar mazon A £15,

P £1 erso 6.9 n 9, alis Fin ed dm ha ea mm gif t.c er, o.u k

T-shirt, £19.99, Shop.peppapigworld.co.uk

[Sports Enthusiasts]

Golf umbrella, £24, Fulton Drumstick lolly cyclist jersey, £40, swizzels.scimitarshop.co.uk

Football table, £375, Libertygames.co.uk

Flask, £20, Dorothyandtheodore.com

e, £4, t guid Cricke rks.co.uk o Thew

Big wheel scooter, £89.99, Argos

Number 8 ball lighter, £23.90, Zippo.co.uk

Tablet, £119, Amazon.co.uk

Coffee maker, £49.99, Swan-brand.co.uk

Tablet holder, £24.99, ibeani.co.uk

All prices correct at the time of going to print, delivery charges may apply

[£20 & Under]

24 T H E V O I C E JUNE 18 - 24, 2015

Father’s Day: June 21

WHAT FATHERHOOD MEANS TO ME Five UK personalities tell Davina Hamilton why being a dad is so special

Daddy Ernie, Vibes FM reggae DJ Pictured with sons Andrez (left) and Ryan and granddaughter Heaven “Being a Daddy makes me very proud; I’m proud to have two wonderful men as my sons.”

Eddie Nestor, BBC broadcaster and comedian Pictured with sons Kai (left) and Jadon “My kids cost a fortune and stop me from being spontaneous.

They have completely destroyed my street cred and a lie-in is impossible; but I love my boys. They're like a mirror and because I want only good for them, I have to be better. My life, my joy.”

Quincy, comedian, DJ and presenter Pictured with sons Kadeem (left) and Kieran “Fatherhood to me means legacy, as this is what I would like to leave my children. It means support through the good times and bad, especially the bad as that’s when they need us most.

“Me and my children have a bet that by the time they reach 25, they won’t be able to push more weights than me. If that day comes, I’ll put up the gym bag and draw for the slippers.”

Rudi Lickwood, comedian Pictured with (l-r) daughter Serena, grandson Tianno, and daughters Jamelia and Riann “Dad is: The face you look for when seeking approval, even though you hit a few bum notes playing the recorder in the school play. The man who helps you with your homework and gets it all wrong.

“The cab driver, who never gets a tip for getting you to ballet and gymnastics classes. The person who shows you how a woman should be treated and loved, as demonstrated by the expression of contentment written on mum’s face.

“The cash point machine, who does all he can to ensure goals are achievable. A fountain of knowledge, who lets you learn from his mistakes. The emotional pillow you cry on after a frustrating day.

“For me, fatherhood was the day I transformed from being a boy to a man. No longer would the decisions I make be one of self-gratification; my behaviour would now shape the morals and principles of my three daughters. I love being a stay at home father for my children and wouldn't change a thing. ‘Bout time women started bring in the bacon, ain’t that right? Eh eh, wifey, put down de Dutch pot – no need for any violence!”

J-Rock, rapper from MOBO Award-winning group Big Brovaz Pictured with (l-r) fiancée Shenise and sons Khayleb-Gianni, Richard-Michael and John-Paul Jr “My dad was my hero when I was growing up; I always said I wanted to be just like him. He always gave us good advice and guided us all towards our dreams.

“There were times when I didn’t understand why my dad did all these things for us, sometimes working menial jobs far beneath his usual posts in order to make ends meet. But when I became a father myself, I understood fully why any real father would make such sacrifices.

“A real father is the glue that holds the family together. He is the person you go to for security, safety, strength and sensibility. When I say ‘real father’, it has nothing to do with biology! Stepfathers who play a good role in a child’s life should be recognised and commended also. I practice every day, trying to be as good a father as my dad is.

“My dad is now a great grandfather three times over and I think of all the titles he has held in life, this one suits him best. Happy Father’s Day to all the real dads out there.”

THE VOICE POLL What is a father’s most valuable role?

To provide financial security 14% To pass on wisdom and experience 0% To protect 29% To nurture and love 57%

JUNE 18 - 24, 2015 T H E V O I C E 25

Father’s Day: June 21

TOP OF THE POPS Life & Style readers salute their dads with a selection of lovely messages To: Paul Johnson Wishing the greatest father/grandfather a truly special Father's Day. Paul 'Fastlane' Johnson, you’re amazing and we love you for always being you and being our superman.

Lots of love from Chandler & Roman... 831.

To: Mark Thomas Happy Father's day, daddy. You are the most fantastic and cool daddy ever. We are so blessed to have you. You make us happy and always make us laugh.

Thank you, daddy. We love you so much. Hugs and kisses, Jeriah, Izrae & Azarah xxx

To: James Gregory Dad, happy Father’s Day. Thank you for everything you have done for us. I love you so much and I am very proud of you, and the work Fathers Against Violence does to help young people. You are my inspiration and I treasure every moment.

Love forever, Alanis.

To: Basil Morris To our wonderful dad, thank you for all the love and care you show, both as a father and grandfather.

For all the dinners you cook, the school runs you’ve done and the endless cartoons you watch and music you play to entertain your grandkids, we’re so grateful.

Wishing you a wonderful Father’s Day. Lots of love from Davina and Sophie. xXx

To: Jason Nestor You're such a great daddy to baby Jae. Happy Father’s Day! From Rykesha.

To: George Beason From Simone: My dad is so special and dear to me. He’s always been my role model and my inspiration throughout my life. He always has a word of encouragement or wisdom. He has made me the person I am today and for that, I’m grateful. To the best dad in the world, happy Father’s Day. All my love.

From Melissa: My dad is one of a kind and a father to many. As a Bishop, he has a knack of being a magnet to those who haven’t got dads and he has the ability to love them like his own. To people, he’s a pastor and a teacher, but to me, he’s simply an amazing man who I’m honoured to call ‘Bro Laj’ – my precious dad.

To: Tony Amadi Happy Fathers Day, Daddy! This unique day is a celebration of you as a father and your first year as a grandfather! As I reflect on what you mean to me as a Dad, I remember how you always taught me to never back down and pick myself up each time I fall – thank you for that.

The only thing that baffles me is how and why you support Liverpool and we all support the greatest team in the league – ARSENAL! Love you Daddy! From Vannessa.

To: Blaise Tchoula Wishing the most wonderful man in my life a happy Father’s Day! You are amazing and I pray you have a wonderful day! Lots of love, your daughter, Chanel.

To: Malachi Talabi Happy first Father's Day to my wonderful husband, Malachi. Life was great when it was just me and you, now it's 100 times better with the addition of our little princess.

Thank you for being a wonderful husband and a loving and attentive father. We both love you and appreciate the role you play in our lives. Happy Fathers Day! Lots of love from Mildred and Tatiana. xx

Wishing all you wonderful dads a very happy Father’s Day!

To: Fitzroy Thompson My dad Fitzroy is my hero. He raised me to be a strong and productive young lady and always worked hard himself to provide for his family. He recently got baptised which was a powerful and proud moment. I’m honoured to have him as my father. Love you dad, from Shona. x

To: Andrew Boreland Happy 1st Father's Day, dada!

Love always, Mayah xxx

To: Linkwe Molandeli Happy Father’s Day to my lovely father. Love you daddy, from Joyce.

To: Colin Berry I’d like to wish Colin Berry a very Happy Father’s Day. You are not told enough how much we appreciate you, and everything you do.

You work tirelessly for us everyday, you are a great dad and in the boys’ words: "We love you to infinity and beyond – forever." From J and boys Jaden, Ethan and Joel. x

To: Brian Berry To dad, hope you have a wonderful time on Father's Day, love from Natey. xx To dad, happy Father's Day, hope you have a lovely day, love Rhi Rhi. xx

26 T H E V O I C E JUNE 18 - 24, 2015

Father’s Day: June 21

LOVE IN MANY LANGUAGES 10 different ways to salute dad this Father’s Day

Meda ase – Thank you, dad – a t a a t e Webal Twi (Ghana) d a d , u o y k n a Th anda) Lugandan (Ug

Baba mi – My dad

Zuva ranababa – Day of the fathers Shona (Zimbabwe)

Yoruba (Nigeria )

Mi love mi poopa – I love my dad Jamaican Patois

Amesegin alehu yen e abate – Thank y ou, dad Amharic ( Ethiopia)

Merci papa – Thank you, dad French

– a r o b a b ba i n e w d e a W d , t s e b e h t e r a You Swahili Te quiero papa – I love you, dad Spanish

Grazie di tutto papà Thanks for everything, dad Italian

27 T H E V O I C E JUNE 18 - 24, 2015

FAMOUS FATHERS In honour of Father’s Day, we profile a selection of doting dads who love nothing more than to flash their families on the red carpet 1

2

MARVIN HUMES

KANYE WEST Who: US rapper and designer Partner: Reality star Kim Kardashian Mini me: Two-year-old daughter North West and second arrival due later this year

6

Who: US singer Partner: The mother of his first child is model Nia Guzman Mini me: One-year-old daughter, Royalty

7

8

Who: US music producer Partner: US singer Alicia Keys Mini me: The pair are parents to sons Egypt and Genesis.

Swizz has three children from previous relationships

Who: US rapper and actor Partner: Eudoxie Bridges, his wife of six months Mini me: Cadence Gaelle, his first child with Eudoxie, was born two weeks ago. He has two other daughters.

Eldest, Karma, is pictured

CHRIS BROWN

Who: Former JLS member turned DJ Partner: The Saturdays singer, Rochelle Humes Mini me: Three-year-old daughter Alaia-Mai

SWIZZ BEATZ

LUDACRIS

3

ASHLEY WALTERS Who: UK rapper and actor Partner: Actress Danielle Walters Mini me: The pair are parents to nine-month-old Amaiya Love. He has five children from previous relationships

11

12

13

FABRICE MUAMBA

JADE JONES

WIZ KHALIFA

Who: Singer turned chef Partner: Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton Mini me: The couple have two sons, Beau Lee Jones, born in 2007, and Tate Lee, born in 2011

Who: US rapper Partner: Estranged wife, model Amber Rose Mini me: Sebastian Taylor Thomaz was born in 2013

Who: Former footballer Partner: Entrepreneur wife Shauna Muamba Mini me: The couple has two sons, Joshua, 6, and twoyear-old Matthew

16

RICHARD BLACKWOOD Who: UK actor Richard Blackwood Mini me: Richard has a 14year-old son, Keaun

17

THEO WALCOTT Who: Arsenal forward Partner: Wife Melanie Walcott Mini me: The couple have a one-year-old son, Findlay

4

JB GILL Who: Former member of UK boyband, JLS Partner: Dancer wife Chloe Mini me: The couple welcomed their first child, a son called Ace, in June last year

5

JAY Z Who: Hip-hop mogul Partner: Singer Beyoncé Knowles Mini me: The pair’s daughter Blue Ivy was born in 2012

9

10

NICK CANNON

RAHEEM STERLING

Who: Comedian and media entrepreneur Partner: Ex-wife Mariah Carey Mini me: Twins Monroe and Moroccan were born in April 2011

Who: Liverpool star Partner: Ex-girlfriend Melissa Clarke Mini me: Melody Rose was born in 2012

14

15

USHER

BOW WOW

Who: US singer Partner: Ex-wife, stylist Tameka Raymond Mini me: He has two sons, seven-year-old Usher Raymond V and Naviyd Ely Raymond, 6

Who: US rapper and actor Partner: Ex-girlfriend Joie Chavis Mini me: Four-year-old daughter, Shai

18

19

20

LEBRON JAMES

TYGA

Who: Basketball star for the Cleveland Cavaliers Partner: Wife Savannah Mini me: The couple have three children: LeBron Jr, Bryce Maximus and ninemonth-old Zhuri James

Who: US rapper Partner: Ex-girlfriend, model and entrepreneur Blac Chyna Mini me: Two-year-old son, King Cairo

OMARION Who: US singer Partner: Model, Apryl Jones Mini me: 10-month-old son, Megaa Omari