editor’s note
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elcome back one and all. Hasn’t three months gone by at an incredible rate? This quarterly lifestyle magazine is certainly taking flight. The interest, response and support to take it to the next level has been fantastic and my team and I would personally like to thank you for this. As you know, the magazine supports individuals between ages 45-65 who have come to a cross-road in their life, and who are asking ‘where do I go from here?’ In the last issue of TurningPoint we focussed on celebrating women and their achievements as this tied in with International Women’s Month as well as Mother’s Day (in the UK). For this issue, my team and I thought it would be apt to dedicate the magazine to the celebration and honouring of men, and as you know the month of June ties in with Father’s Day. I feel truly humbled to have connected with so many beautiful souls, who have either allowed me to interview them, or who have kindly contributed articles. These are men who have not been afraid to be open, honest and to lay themselves bare at times, because from a place of vulnerability is birthed incredible strength. I’m not saying that getting to this level of awareness and consciousness is easy, however, these men show that it is certainly achievable to reach a place in one’s life of contentment, doing what they enjoy and also understanding the importance of authenticity and humility. In this issue I have interviewed several old skool artists. Bagging the Exclusive with Earth, Wind and Fire was like a dream come true. They will be in the UK at the beginning of July. However, my interviews with such artists are not to name drop but more so to find out who is the person behind the artist. Many of these artists have experienced incredible tragedies and challenges, yet still they rise in purpose and on purpose because of their dream, their art and their vision to sing into the lives of others. Artists have shared nuggets of gold because of these
experiences, offering a knowledge and wisdom that have greatly inspired and influenced me as I journey through life, which at times has been incredibly challenging. So my passion in sharing these interviews with you is simply to keep you inspired and empowered to live life large and follow your dreams. Interviewing Chris Jasper from Isley-JasperIsley was like a spiritual trip on the sea shores of Brighton. Chris talked about his music and the inspiration and influence of the divine love he has with his wife. Eddie Levert from The O’Jays talked music, life and love and what it takes to be an artist. I had so much fun with Eddie as we giggled and laughed throughout the interview. The O’Jays will be performing at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 15th July. Chris Amoo from The Real Thing talks about the loss of his brother Eddie Amoo in February and how the remaining member Dave Smith and himself have coped. There are other beautiful (if I may use that word in association with the subject of men!!) and strong articles in the magazine, one by acclaimed author Kwame McPherson which touches on how we can celebrate men’s success. Enrico Thomas, a formidable individual shares openly about his childhood trauma and how he has risen above and beyond using his creative genius. Tony Jazz, TurningPoint’s very own Mr TopHat, entices us in the Fine Dining section to sample the culinary delights of Aqua Kyoto which offers exquisite Japanese cuisine. However, I also talk to Tony from a personal perspective – an interview to look out for. Kenneth Barrett, as always a champion of health and well-being offers another thought-provoking article about health and well-being. Along with Sistahintheraw, with a fabulous take on healthy eating.
And to literally top things off, I’ve discovered a tip-top high end men’s grooming establishment tucked away in South East London. They describe themselves as “Set within a time-honoured environment where men come to cut, groom and style. A cultural hub for guys to socialise, network, unwind or de-stress in a chilled relaxing space. The ultimate male grooming experience,” SmoddySharp is certainly the place to treat your father, son, uncle or grandfather for Father’s Day. There is also a section called Perspectives which will offer articles from people from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. Sometimes you maybe challenged in terms of your outlook and thinking which is a good thing. In this issue Rebecca Weef Smith shares a beautiful perspective about men, suits and her relationship with her father. The essence of TurningPoint is to show you that whatever you choose to do with your life, there is always a turning point where the decision you choose to make brings you into a better, stronger and hopefully and much happier place. Maybe then it will be time to leap into the unknown with a copy of this magazine as your motivational satnav. I thank YOU the readers for your support and constant encouragement. I would also like to introduce Shirley-Ann Hunte, Editorial Executive for the magazine. An incredible woman who has supported the magazine tremendously. We can only go from strength to strength now as the team builds out.
ESTHER AUSTIN Publisher/Editor
A huge thank you also to my son Cameron, Graphic Designer for designing and creating many of the adverts in this magazine
We always like to receive your comments, suggestions or get feedback about TurningPoint email editorial@ estheraustinglobal.com For advertising and graphic design services email: advertising@estheraustinglobal.com
SHIRLEY-ANN HUNTE Editorial Executive
contents
EXCLUSIVE Earth, Wind & Fire ENTERTAINMENT Eddie Levert, The O’Jays Chris Jasper, Isley-Jasper-Isley Chris Omoo, The Real Thing INSPIRATIONAL Enrico Thomas, The New York Subway Artist, From Trauma to Triumph Kwame McPherson, Mens’ Success and Celebrating Them David Mills, The Challenges of Being a Sensitive Man in an Unforgiving World
A COLLAGE OF MEN’S VOICES OF EXPRESSION Anthony Phills Roosevelt Muhammad aka ChampGuard Dr Rehan ul-Haq David Chen EJay SoulGuide FINE DINING Tony Jazz FASHION The Funky Butterfly and Funky Tots Range by Esther Austin
Timothy John-Baptiste, Time4WorldPeace Emmanuel Waldron, Music is His Spice of Life Darryl F. Walker sings Al Jarreau Tony Jazz, Life as a Butler Training Co-Ordinator at the Savoy HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SmoddySharp, Mens High-End Grooming – Is this the 21st Century Man? Sistahintheraw, Begin Your Path to Well-Being
ART AND SOUL Andre Parchment COMPETITION PERSPECTIVES Rebecca Weef Smith A SENSE OF HUMOUR Aunt Gertrude’s Corner – Father’s Day Distress
Kenneth Barrett, If Not You? Who?
FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Earth, Wind and Fire by Jabari Jacobs DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publishers. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. TurningPoint Magazine is owned and published by Esther Austin Global Publishing. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of TurningPoint Magazine Inc. Therefore, TurningPoint Magazine. carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon.
WHO IS MAN? One who is defined through the experiences of his current consciousness who speaks words from the centre of his heart Whether that be the voice of the wounded healer or the voice of stagnant, unexpressed pain Yet the wounded healer can speak from an authority of knowledge where a new wave of consciousness creates a new identity, a new world, a new experience Neither is man defined by the tone of his muscles, and the strut in his walk by empty words spoken because physicality becomes a distraction and a destruction to the sacredness of the human heart and spirit but man’s essence can be captured by the authentic tiembre and tonality of his actions and words Which flourish like music from the mouth of flute where the honoring of his own self, can then extend into the honoring of the lives of others Man is one who seeks truth within his own definition bourne out of a life-time of his own experiences, expectations and perceptions and from those long departed; the ancestral claims on mans’ own destiny and identity Generational threads of a lifetime of memories and experiences, imprinted within his DNA, brandished within the structure of his mind Identified by ancestral and generational activities which, if chosen to, can release, heal and transform, and then he can become the light from which the darkness constantly seeks to destroy OR he can remain the burdened bearer of the defamity of a life time of historical experiences, allowing destruction to reign and destroy his mind and freedom. However, not all souls experience the death of life through the chains of history’s tortured past because he has chosen to liberate his mind, in order to liberate his SOUL However!!! the chains still linger, ready to re-attach themselves to the conscious mind which seeks rest, peace and enlightenment
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June 2018 | 5
6 | June 2018
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
INTERVIEW WITH VERDINE WHITE, EARTH, WIND AND FIRE BY ESTHER AUSTIN
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agging the interview with Verdine White was like eating vegan ice cream with lots of full fat diary chocolate chip cookies on top. I had secured an interview with one of the most legendary bands of our time – Earth, Wind and Fire.
jumped out at me in terms of what they stood for. The first was clarity of what EWF stood for, secondly their connectivity to divine inspiration and thirdly their commitment to inspiring humanity. So I wanted to know what it felt like for Verdine, personally to be a member of EWF?
So without further ado, I launched into conversation with Verdine White, brother of the late Maurice White who had been the mastermind behind the band, with my customary blurb about who was he in a coconut shell, a nutmeg shell or a peanut shell. It was early in the morning for Verdine and sleep was still in his voice, but that question ‘woke’ him a little.
Verdine: That’s a great question; I love that. It’s part of my daily life; my daily commitment to my life and it is part of what I do and who I am.
Verdine White: Wow! That’s a good question. Well, I’m just a normal, regular guy and all that good stuff. The interview was starting to warm up, slowly. Every few seconds, I found myself doing a silent high five at the computer screen and a ‘triumph fist.’ This was a telephone interview, so I assumed no-one was looking, right? I mentioned to Verdine that I had been an avid fan of Earth, Wind and Fire for years; however, during my research for this interview, I had listened to some of their past interviews and three things strongly
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
Verdine’s answer was short, sweet and succinct. Maybe it was the early morning call and sleep was still beckoning him, but I determined to push on. I surmised coffee was a well needed requirement here. Esther: Maurice was the father of Earth, Wind and Fire. He was instrumental in so many ways, and on so many levels. However, what to you were some of his signature personal qualities that made him who he was, which then translated into the essence of Earth, Wind and Fire? Verdine: I think it was his total commitment to his work; his discipline and the way he carried himself. I think those were the qualities that he has and had and which he laid on all of us. June 2018 | 7
ENTERTAINMENT
But I always understand that my gifts come from God and I’m very humbled from that standpoint. . . . . .never be quite as big as you think you are because God is everything and that really puts me in the right place to realise where my gifts come from. writing, because, that is what I do and I really enjoy it. I enjoy putting new pieces of music together and putting a message in there; maybe a spiritual message of love, because we need love in our lives. A lot of people always tell me, “Hey, I like how you said that, as I’d like to say that to my wife.” It's good to get that kind of feedback. I just love music. I'm going to have an album coming out this summer. I think that's the part of the music business that I enjoy the most - doing the music. My next question was about artists Chris had worked with i.e Will Smith, Fantasia, Snoop Dogg, Jay-z, Jaheim etc. I wanted to know out of all these artists which were the ones he’d had a great spiritual connection with and even a great jamming session. Chris: So many people would stand out in their own way; Whitney Houston did a cover of “For the Love of you.” I wrote a song for Chaka Khan for her CK album “Make it Last.” I really wanted to work with Marvin Gaye, but unfortunately I never got a chance to. We talked about it but it was unfortunate what happened to him. However, I just like to write music and right now I'm working with my son on a project. I'm really happy about that because there's nothing like working with family. He's got his own personal style i.e partly RnB and maybe a little bit of hip-hop, with some Soul in it. He’s finishing Law School now which allows him more time on his project. Now feeling very loved up and inspired I felt I’d had my dose of yumminess to last me for the week and it was a pleasant feeling to bring the interview to a penultimate close. My next question to Chris was to ask him to share his thoughts to individuals who are thinking about taking a leap of faith to step out of their comfort zones. Chris: I would say, don’t have just faith, have some background knowledge in whatever field you're trying to go into, because some people, I find, jump into things too fast. They don't have the knowledge of the business they go into. They're excited which
is good but having the knowledge is important as well. You should research what it is you are going into and see how you measure up with those who have already been successful, because then you can give yourself an honest assessment. I think, that's the thing that gets in many people's way their excitement but they’re not really prepared especially and from a legal standpoint too. My last question was focused on the awards The Isley Brothers had received. They had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had received many other accolades. For Chris to have been in an industry for so long doing what he loved and enjoyed, whilst touching lives, I wanted to find out what it felt like to receive accolades and how he handled that process. Chris: Sometimes it doesn’t feel real; because, like I said, I’m always interested in the music and how it turns out. If it turned out good then, I'm happy. If anything else comes out from me producing music, like an award or some kind of a recognition, that's good too. But I always understand that my gifts come from God and I'm very humbled from that standpoint. I know that he's working with me and that puts me in the right place because a lot of people get carried away with themselves, which for me, is not a good thing, because you can never be quite as big as you think you are because God is everything and that really puts me in the right place to realise where my gifts come from. I’d now like to say a big thank you to my audience, who, over the years have supported and appreciated what I've done. I think that means the most to me; because any composer, any writer wants his work to be enjoyed and so I thank everyone for that; everyone who's ever liked any song that I have done. I really appreciate that because that’s what matters to me.
Link to The Love you Give: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8k7ASfYk8g www.chrisjasper.com 18 | June 2018
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
ENTERTAINMENT
CHRIS AMOO, FROM THE REAL THING TALKS ABOUT LOSS, INSPIRATION AND CHANGE
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here are times in everyone’s life when we go through some sort of life changing event. What and how we choose to experience that is a personal journey. I have been privileged to interview what I call Old Skool artists. These are artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s who greatly inspired and influenced our lives. Today many of these artists are still going and for me it’s an honor to get an insight into what they are doing with their lives now, but more profoundly, to hear of some of their challenges and tragedies and how they are able to pick themselves up, to get on stage and perform, with so much happening in the background. Therefore, it was a real honor to interview Chris Amoo from the Real Thing about life after the loss of his late brother, the dynamo, Eddie Amoo, who died in February this year. The interview was insightful, full of wisdom and certainly inspired my thinking about how I dealt with life. Chris: Chris is the lead singer of ‘the Real Thing.’ We've been together for nearly 40 years; I’m one of the original members of the band. Esther: First and foremost, I'd like offer condolences for the loss of your brother, Eddie, in February. How did
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
this impact on yourselves, not only as individuals, because you were brothers, but also on the band because you guys have been together for such a long time. When I interviewed Eddie last year, he still had a pride and enthusiasm, because, he was part of his big brother’s band. Chris: Eddie, was probably the most important thing in my life; especially from a group and business perspective. This is all Dave and I have ever known, which is each other. Dave and I had never experienced another band; we’ve not experienced anything outside of The Real Thing and Eddie’s passing had a profound effect on us. It's like chopping off your right arm. Esther: So, how have you managed Chris? I know that's probably a silly question. Chris: No, it’s not a silly question; it’s a very important question to me. We could've gone out and brought in another singer and carried on. The way Dave and I looked at it, we've always been The Real Thing, and we’ve June 2018 | 19
INSPIRATIONAL SECTION
. . .taking this triumph to empower the youth, encouraging them to be as victorious and showing them to overcome in order to attain their own success. The answer: They are all successful men whether CEO’s, international speakers, businessmen or entrepreneurs. But in today’s world, male and female dynamics are changing. Since the Suffragette’s inception and challenging of the inequality status quo in the late 19th Century, the movement towards equality between the sexes has never taken on a greater emphasis than it has now. And yet, rebalancing the imbalance that has existed for centuries did not mean demoting the role of positive males within that dynamic.
MEN, SUCCESS AND CELEBRATING THEM BY KWAME MCPHERSON
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hat do Aliko Dangote, Robert Smith, Patrice Motsepe and Mohammed Ibrahim, all have in common? How about Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Ken Chenault, Don Thompson, Jamal Edwards, Allan Okoh, Mac Attram or Pa Joof?
Instead, we should seek to elevate them together. Within this media-driven, image-focused environment in which we presently live, there has also been a rise in the negative perceptions of men, and this as a result of the behaviour of the few. The views and attack of sorts, sought to demean and place the responsibility of the minority onto the majority of the good many is totally unfair. And so, with these pressures and even whilst we celebrate the great feats and achievements by the phenomenal men listed above, how about we begin to herald those who may never have the light of success shone upon them or be recognised for the sterling work they do within their own home, community, city, society and nation. Those who go quietly about their business, working day-in, dayout providing for their families, raising their children, being great fathers, supportive partners or husbands. Those men who focus on doing what is right. Those men who were not the sportsmen or entertainers we would see daily on our televisions, phones or laptops but were the ones who gave so much more, in their own little way. They may never have attended college or university, be literate or numerate, yet still they had the ability to manoeuvre and be a positive stalwart within their own realm and to those around them. It could be said that in every sphere of everyday society, there was reason to celebrate men and adulate them in their success; taking this triumph to empower the youth, encouraging them to be as victorious and showing them to overcome in order to attain their own success.
Kwame MA McPherson Author, Content Organiser, Book and Publishing Mentor, and Trainer www.kwamemcpherson.com © Kwame MA McPherson, April 2018 26 | June 2018
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
INSPIRATIONAL SECTION
THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A SENSITIVE MAN IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD BY DAVID MILLS
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delivered my first public speech at a coaching conference in 2008. I remember fighting through tears as I talked about the detrimental effects of psychiatric labels on the self-esteem of children whom I had personally supported. My emotionally charged presentation received a warm round of applause. However, I was approached shortly afterwards by a man in his mid-forties who took it upon himself to inform me that “You shouldn't cry in front of your audience, it's a sign of weakness. You need to 'man up' and control your emotions next time.” I share the above anecdote as an example of one of the biggest challenges I have faced as a highly sensitive man. The opinion espoused by the aforementioned individual is representative of a shallow, immature and harmful – yet sadly pervasive – view of masculinity. Expressing emotion as it arises is healthy and natural for all of us, regardless of gender. But we live in a society that programmes men to deny, hide and suppress their feelings and emotions.
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
I have come to view my emotional vulnerability as one of my greatest strengths and gifts to the world. This was highlighted on a separate occasion when I read a heart-warming story to a class of teenagers about a boy saved from suicide by an act of kindness from his father. My voice broke and tears streamed down my cheeks as I reached the poignant finale of this story. A boy called Ben – the archetypal class clown, diagnosed with ADHD, and with whom I'd been struggling to connect with all year – was noticeably affected by my display of emotion and expressed his delight at hearing the story. Witnessing a fully grown man behaving in this way appeared to be the exact “medicine” that Ben needed; it opened something up within him, resulting in an immediate positive shift in our relationship. I am convinced that the lack of emotional availability of adult male role models in society contributes to the behavioural traits associated with this label. In any case, if being a “real” man means suppressing my emotions in public, I'd rather not be a real man; I'd prefer to be a liberated and awakened one.
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INSPIRATIONAL SECTION
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ony Jazz, TurningPoint’s very own Mr TopHat writes the Fine Dining Section of the magazine. A true gentleman who is an eclectic mix of eccentricity, poise, old-fashioned standards, a fabulous sense of humour and a strong sense of who he is. He is a man who is articulate and strives for authenticity in everything he does. Therefore, it was a pleasure to have him on the other side of the table for this issue, to talk to him about his work, his craft. A man who knows what he wants and who knows how to inspire and transform lives because of his passion, pride and love for community and humanity. Never one to turn a blind eye to the needs of others, Tony is one of those people who is a diamond amongst thorns.
PROFILING OF TURNING POINT’S
MR TOPHAT, TONY JAZZ LIFE AS A BUTLER TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR AT THE SAVOY
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
Tony this is a real privilege. Can you share in a nutshell, coconut shell or peanut shell who is Tony Jackson? Thank you Esther, it’s an honour to be here with you and to share my humble experiences with your readers. In a nutshell I AM THAT I AM is the best way to say about myself. I am getting to know my uniqueness and part of my place and purpose. This may sound very straight but it took many years of pain, searching and going within to find it. I have been blessed with many talents but one is to serve people in many walks of life and I do it with a passion of empathy and a desire to strive for excellence. Tony, tell me about the profession you are in. You were promoted recently in April 2018 to Butler Training Coordinator what did that feel like for you? To be a Professional Butler at the highest end of this scale takes many years of training and dedication. The role is a very varied one and calls for a multi skilled personality. On an average day you could be getting the residence ready to greet, meet and escort a King, Prince or President and the next minute trying to source a particular private jet for a group of celebrities. This role is really for a person who loves to think on their feet and in this profession we never say “no” to our guests, June 2018 | 41
FASHION
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love this quote by Yves Saint Laurent because for me, this helps to restore faith in the magic of creativity, expression and individuality. My fashion range which was launched last year and endorsed by the legendary band Sister Sledge and is aptly called Funky Butterfly with a girls toddler range called “Funky Tots.” Both ranges are for the woman and the girl child YVES SAINT LAURENT who seek freedom in everything they do. The ranges are for those who already understand and know their uniqueness and individuality and who have learned to dance, literally with life. For the woman who does not conform and never will, for the universal soul who experiences everything, who is not afraid to embraces it all whilst still remaining grounded in who she is. Hmm. DEMOCRACY.
FASHION
Fashions fade, style is eternal.
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I’ve loved putting this range together as much as I have loved wearing my own creativity and where I keep expanding on it, along with my customary Dr Martens. I love to explore and express through what I wear and how I wear it. Never one to follow trends of social dictates, my soul literally draws to me what I need to wear and then my body breathes life into that expression of form. From a teenager I have always been stopped for how I dress, that innate knowing of wearing me has always been strong. The times when I have worked in a 9-5 and enslaved my soul with suits and the like, I always felt a discord of sorts as I craved freedom within the confines of many spaces. Everyday, to this day I get stopped and asked or complimented for what I wear. So therefore it seemed the right thing to create my own fashion range. I am also a Personal Stylist and it is always a joy to design something for a client specifically around their own character and lifestyle. INDIVIDUALITY.
My grand-daughter too is a free spirit, of which I have modelled some of the designs from the adult range. She has a lightness of spirit and an unsated curiosity. I love her in the below harem pants and waistcoat which can be worn both ways, as she stands strong, and cute. TODDLER SUFFRAGETE?? Her expression in the pink dress is that of wonder and amazement, yet there is a hint of cheekiness, as if to say “you can’t really see me can you.” It was a pleasure to take an image with her, two souls apart in physical years but held together by the threads of a deep soul connection, which we therefore have expressed through our clothing. The brown harem pants and long waistcoat from the adult range is bold and strong, embracing the body’s contours and form, whilst still keeping things hidden, if you get what I mean. Sexy is not always about exposing it all – short, tight fitted with heels – lets get creative with sexy. One can create a potpourri of imagination into the mind of oneself and others which certainly can bring about that WOW factor and add accessories in ways maybe where they should not be worn, and yes you certainly can create that WOW factor. If you notice the dresses are wide and long yet they create a curiosity within the mind and a subtle playful sassynes. Colours are bright and bold, statements of the happiness of the soul, and then a touch of humour and boldness is added by wearing Dr Martens. Statement Wearing Peeps, Statement Wearing. A new website is being created for this range, however in the meantime, do visit: http://estheraustinglobal.com/fashionrange/ Tiny Tots model: Mia Bella Austin-Buah, Funky Butterfly Adult Range: Esther Austin
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
FASHION
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
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FASHION
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TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
ART AND SOUL
ART AND SOUL
ANDRE PARCHMENT – AUTHENTIC WISDOM OF SELF
TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING
THROUGH ART By Andre Parchment June 2018 | 65