TurningPoint: Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being

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

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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

B

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.

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EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

Esther: And if I may Verdine, how did his death affect or transform your life and the band, if anything?

Verdine: That's a great question, because a lot of other interviewers have asked the same question. Of course, his transition, his passing was huge. It was big, even though we did expect it. In a way it affected the music; it just made us commit even more. Particularly the other guys in the band who didn’t know Maurice so well. Phillip, Ralph and I were really affected by it because we worked with him and we knew him.

But other members and staff who were younger, had the opportunity to find out how big Maurice really was and to recognise what they were involved in on a bigger level.

They understood the band’s success, and were glad to be part of it, but I don’t think they fully recognised Maurice’s impact.

However, we had a wonderful celebration of his life where we performed and I had guest speakers. It’s on Youtube. You can check it out and get a feel for it, it was really beautiful.

Esther: What did it feel like when Maurice initially welcomed you into the band in your formative years and how did you keep yourself grounded in what seemed like a whirlwind journey of music, life, women, celebrity, creativity and status?

Verdine: Well, when I came out, I was eighteen years old. At eighteen you’re wide open. So, it was exciting, but it was hard work because it was the beginning. It wasn’t as it is now, because we’re travelling around the world, playing at big concerts. Keeping grounded, was a lot to do with my respect for Maurice and coming from Chicago that’s what kept me grounded.

So everybody sort of discovered what the band was about.

When I came out to California, it was the beginning of this magnificent journey. So, it’s been an incredible journey when you look at it all.

Esther: I see love, passion, energy, commitment and dedication every time you guys perform. Even in your interviews there’s something of a divine spiritual connection to something greater inside and outside of you all which makes you guys incredibly unique. So, Verdine, what is it about the ethos of Earth Wind & Fire that you are most proud of?

Verdine: That’s a good question, I like your use of the word ‘ethos.’ That’s really great. What I’m really proud of is the fact that people have been affected by Earth, Wind and Fire. When you first start out when the ‘big bang’ happens in your career, when you first break through, you’re the hottest thing because fans love you. Then you cool off, and then you have to re-invent yourself, and then you stabilize and then you do more great work and then you get to the point where you’re a part of everybody’s life; the soundtrack of their lives. People come up and tell you where they were; our music is in movies, it’s on television, it’s in the streets and other artists have been affected by our music. The next thing is it gets to the point that they are thanking you for making music for them.

Photo Courtesy of Diego Donamaria

People come up and tell you where they were; our music is in movies, it’s on television, it’s in the streets and other artists have been affected by our music. The next thing is it gets to the point that they are thanking you for making music for them.

Esther: I believe this is because it’s more than just making 8 | June 2018

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

music; it’s a message that you’re speaking into people’s lives, it’s the way you use words, then the compilation around that, then you’ve got panache, the elaborate dress code and then you’ve got the way you’re energetically performing; so it’s a collaboration of so many different aspects that speak into people’s lives. So how does music make Verdine feel and where do you go when you perform?

Verdine: Well, I get really excited but I feel very humble too. You know what I’m saying? There’s a lot of gratitude for the words that come through us. You know what I mean? We’re fortunate, not because we think we’re better than anyone else or a better band than anybody else, I just think, we were very fortunate that those words came through us. That is not to say we did anything special. You know what I’m saying?

We giggled here, as Verdine seemed to be on a “you know what I’m saying?” high. Maybe he had a bout of tourrets. Maybe it was jet lag or maybe it was a combination of not having his early morning coffee!!

Esther: But not all brothers get on.

Verdine: Yeah, but we do, because on paper, the public think that bands fight all the time, blah blah-blah.

They might have heard about other bands fighting and then apply it to you, but this is not the truth with us. Maurice taught us how to get along well and we respect each other; so we have that going.

Esther: So, what’s one of the craziest experiences you’ve had being part of Earth Wind and Fire? You’ve been going for such a long time and there’s such a plethora of different experiences, but, what was one of the craziest experiences you’ve had?

Verdine: There are so many; you can’t go with just one.

I think most people would say the crazy things were the parties however, it’s just the energy of it all as basically only musicians would be able to relate to what ‘crazy’ really means here because the average person wouldn’t be able to relate in terms of what people might perceive as crazy. Because, sometimes musicians are promoted more for their crazy things, than their music.

Verdine: You know what I’m saying; that is not to say that we did it more special than anyone else. You know what I’m saying.

Esther: What do you for time out Verdine? How do you exhale or are you one of those guys who, because you have such passion and love of music, that the music is what does it for you?

Esther: And how do all of you, Ralph, Phillip and yourself maintain a healthy relationship with each other and then what do you all do when the going gets tough and the tough gets going?

Verdine: Yeah, the music does it all for me, because people say why don’t you travel and see the world. I already do that but the music does it all for me. It is a big part of what is going on with me.

Verdine: We’re like brothers

Esther: Many people thought they had seen it all from

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

June 2018 | 9

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

Photo Courtesy of Jason Bollenbacher

Earth, Wind and Fire in terms of your creative stage expression. You’re going to be back in the UK in July. You will be in Bournemouth on July 3rd, Leeds on 4th July and Manchester on 5th July. What can we expect from such a legendary band, with such humongous creativity, energetic moves, elaborate clothing and a sea of energetic inspiration? That sounds like mouthful doesn’t?

What can we expect from the Earth, Wind and Fire?

Verdine: You’ve just said it all. I was going to say the same thing you just said. You said it all; you stole my lines. If this was a concept and we were going to win money for who had the right answer you would have beat me to it.

[Laughter] Verdine: I had my answers all planned but you’ve said it all.

Esther: I can see it into your mind! So Verdine do you have any new material out?

10 | June 2018

Verdine: We’re thinking about it, but we don’t really have anything out at the moment. The last thing we did was September (Trolls) with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick.

Esther: In winding down, can you leave the audience with something where they’re going to say I need to be at the performances in July?

Verdine: Well, they’re going to feel better when they leave than when they came; they are going to be glad they came because they will have a great night.

Esther: Well Verdine, thank you very much for your time; you can go back to your coffee and orange juice. That should wake you up so that I don’t beat you to your questions next time.

Laughter Verdine: Exactly! Well this was great. Thank you for the interview, I really appreciate it.

Esther: See you in Manchester on 5th July.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

ENTERTAINMENT

INTERVIEW WITH EDDIE LEVERT, SR FROM THE O’JAYS

ENTERTAINMENT

BY ESTHER AUSTIN

T

he O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert (born June 16, 1942), Walter Williams (born August 25, 1943), William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977), Bobby Massey and Bill Isles. The group now consists of three members, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, two original members and Eric Nolan Grant who joined The O’Jay’s in 1995.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

I had the pleasure of interviewing Eddie prior to their performance in the UK at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 15th July 2018.

This was another dream come true. When the interview opportunity finally came through and with 50 minutes to prepare I was almost delirious.

Eddie Levert! The O’Jays! Way to go. I tripped briefly down memory lane reminiscing where I was when I’d heard ‘You’ve Got your Hooks in Me,’ ‘She used To be my Girl,’ and ‘Love Train.’ Ahh, I paused, grinning cheekily to myself, as I actually did remember where I was when I first heard ‘Love Train’ hmm better get down on my knees later to say a wee prayer to the man upstairs. Teenagers will be teenagers!!

Anyway, I staggered to my computer to set up my recording equipment.

Was I having a PMT or hot flush moment? um...No. I WAS INTERVIEWING THE LEGENDARY EDDIE LEVERT FROM THE O’JAYS. An hour after the scheduled time (I realized Eddie was a keen talker, and his interviews were taking longer than the scheduled time. However, I am a very persistent individual when needs be, so I was happy to wait). I finally got through to Eddie. I must have dialled his number over ten times until he finally picked up. I thought the rapture had come and I could barely breathe. It’s good to be persistent.

After a brief introduction, we dived effortlessly into ‘conversation’, already laughing like two hyenas or maybe it was the lack of food and potential starvation that had us both giggling. The butt of the joke was that neither of us had eaten and we were suffering from hunger pangs and so the interview commenced.

Let me say this. You talk about hunger pains. I’ve been trying to eat breakfast for the last two hours and it’s cold. Every now and then I take a little bite but my food is dead. I’m having to sit staring at my food thinking ‘I’d so love to eat this.’

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ENTERTAINMENT

I’m a romantic person. I love art and I love what I do. I take pride in doing what I do. I don’t think you can be in the entertainment world without being transparent, because it comes out in your music and the way you perform it.

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TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

ENTERTAINMENT

We both laughed and I suggested to Eddie that he could cope with the hunger as he was a strong man.

I like you Esther. You’ve got persistence. You’ve got to go for the things that you want. You've got to go get them. You've got to be persistent to the point where people might get angry at you but when you do your job and they see the finished product, then they will respect you.

I then asked my usual customary Esther question “Who was Eddie Levert in a nutshell; a coconut shell; even in a peanut shell?”

“I’m a God-fearing person. I depend only on me to get what I want. When I say that, I’m not being facetious.

Because at the end of the day, it comes down to me putting forth the effort to get what I want, in order to get all the things I need to make it possible for me to get what I want and to do a good job. Also I love being on time. I detest people who are not on time and I speak on them.

I've been dealing with Walter. He’s a late person; he just can't help himself, and we always have conflict. He knows he is a late person. I try to tell him to get up earlier if we have some place to go, but he’ll sleep in until 15 minutes before he’s about to leave. Then he's running around sweating, his blood pressure is high and my blood pressure is up as well.”

Once again more laughter erupted between us. I was now feeling all cosy and giggly. Eddie felt familiar as if I was speaking to an elder or an uncle and I wondered whether I could call this guy ‘Uncle Ed!’ I then gently shifted the conversation back to the question of who was Eddie Levert as I felt there was more he wanted to say. Eddie paused briefly.

I’m a romantic person. I love art and I love what I do. I take pride in doing what I do. I don't think you can be in the entertainment world without being transparent, because it comes out in your music and the way you perform it.

When I practice, I do it as if I am actually performing the song in front of an audience. It's like practice is not practice because for me I'm going to pretend that there's an audience out there and I'm going to practice well. So, whether there are three people out there, a thousand or ten thousand, I'm going to practice and perform well. Then when I do get on stage, it becomes second nature.

So to further answer your question. I love what I do.

Eddie Levert is a people’s person. I want to please, I bathe in people’s praise, not to the point that I become egotistical; but I love them when they tell me, ‘you’re good’ because it only makes me strive to be better the next time. Therefore, I try to keep them saying ‘I don’t slack up’ because you have to earn people telling you that.

By now there was an animated excitement in our conversation. I could feel Eddie’s passion for what TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

he did, and there was the wisdom of an elder in the mix. Eddie struck me as a perfectionist, nothing wrong with that. For me, it was an ‘old skool’ characteristic.

I’d had the pleasure of interviewing a plethora of old skool artists over the past two years and noted they took pride in their craft and were perfectionists. They were all about presentation and delivery and of only the best. They were dedicated to their audience and enjoyed what they did.

I then meandered the conversation to asking Eddie about his long time friendship with the only other original member of The O’Jays, Walter Williams. I wanted to understand what some of the fundamentals were which had held their relationship together for so long and had made The O’Jays so successful.

First of all, we grew up together. We were from the same neighbourhood and sung in the church choir together. We had adventures together before becoming successful. I admire his talent and I hope he admires mine; I think he's one of the best vocalists in the business.

I just love the guy and with love that doesn’t mean you get along all the time, it just means that we can get past our differences. We love our audience; we love doing what we do and we give it our all. I think that’s why we are still together because we still have that same desire; that same tenacity to be great.

There was a sense of nostalgia brewing. The O’Jays had been together for 60 years. A long time, for any band to be together, but still they have the same passion and commitment to their music and fans.

I think the best thing that happened to the O’Jays, that has given us longevity and that has kept us physically in shape was our relationship with Charlie Atkins. Charlie Atkins was a choreographer; he taught us all our dance moves. He taught the Temptations, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips; he is synonymous with these people. So the way he taught was that anytime I heard the music, my feet automatically did what they’d been taught to do.

It's almost like we were programed and that was like exercise; because you work up a sweat. Your heart is pumping, your legs are moving and you're singing.

You try doing all that at the same time and see what happens.

Once again we both went into a hearty giggle like two old friends reminiscing about the good old days and the vision of Eddie doing his two-step, whilst sweating, heart pumping and singing drew further giggles from me.

So you’re singing, you’re dancing and remembering words. The older you get, the harder it gets to do all of that as we also do a lot of up-tempo stuff. So we have a joke now when we come off stage and that’s, ‘I need to get more air; I need to breathe. Can somebody help me to breathe!

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ENTERTAINMENT

By now we were both laughing so hard, I had to pause the interview. It was easy to talk to Eddie because of his ready laughter in between listening to nuggets of gold about an era which was pivotal to many of us growing up in the 60’s, 70’s even 80’s. An era in which music was a philosophy of life and which held poignant and powerful sentiments with messages of love and togetherness or of hope and loss of love. Either way music was the thread that bought people together in a unified jamboree or in silent witness to a situation.

We moved swiftly on to talk about The O’Jay’s upcoming performance at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, on Sunday 15th July. Just one day in the UK? I enquired and I wanted to know what the UK audience could expect from The O’Jays and what were they bringing to London.

“We’re doing two hours and bringing in lots of good songs. However, we've changed our show slightly because we’re also bringing in some of the older stuff and we’ve got to do our staples such as ‘Love Train’, ’Back Stabbers,’ ‘For the Love of Money,’ ‘She used to be my Girl.’

I'm going to say this to the people over in the UK. I've never quite felt we've been able to reach them, because there's people that go over there and play at Wembley Stadium. I've never been to Wembley Stadium. Tina Turner comes over and they jump at her; maybe I need to be a woman but that's not going to happen.

The British public have never really gravitated to us as they might do to other artists. I just wonder what is it we're not doing to make people come and buy our tickets. I believe we can sell out a venue, and have a great wonderful night.”

I could feel Eddie’s slight perplexity about this, but assured him that there was a big fan base in the UK for The O’Jays, and that we could talk about this later.

I needed to approach my next question to Eddie with an element of thoughtful sensitivity. I wanted to touch briefly on his two sons who he lost two years within each other. Gerald who died in 2006 and Sean who died in 2008. I explained that I had watched them on YouTube performing together and felt such a strong bond between them. There was an energy of love and passion when they sang. Therefore, I wanted to understand what were some of the fundamental basics he felt, as a father, had kept them together in harmony.

We were able to take the father/son thing and make it translate through our stage act because first and foremost we were father and son. The greatest thing I gave them was love. When we were on stage together, I had admiration for them and I hope they had the same for me because it was like this is my son I'm singing with and I love this man; and we're doing what we're doing together which was so great.

Our relationship was really incredible because I was able to talk to them as we were in the same business. I was 14 | June 2018

able to give them information and relate to them things I was going through that was maybe difficult for me. So when we got on stage and it may seem phony, it was a love thing. We enjoyed being together; and that was the icing on the cake. To be able to go out there and sing on stage together and people liked us and we got paid doing what we loved.

I was touched by this statement, and thought it quite profound. I now wanted to understand how he had coped with their deaths, especially since they’d had such a strong bond. Where do you put that type of pain? How do you still get up and perform when you’ve lost two incredibly loving and important people within two years of each other.

Esther, I remember we talked about this. This is what was so phenomenal about my sons and me. We talked about what we would need to do if anything happened to either one of us. I always thought I would be the one who wouldn’t be here, however we agreed that we could not fall apart if anything happened because there were other people who depended on us to hold it together.

Those conversations; those moments we spent together talking it out and saying this is what you must do, I think that's what helped me get through losing both sons along with my faith. I promised to do what I have to do and to hold up to it because I'm not going to disappoint my sons wherever they are. If they're looking down on me, I'm going to do what we said we were going to do.

It was nearly time to end the interview and a thought struck me. I felt their track ‘Family Reunion” really encapsulated the bond and love that Eddie once had with his sons as well as the ethos The O’Jay’s stood for.

Eddie was very much a family man and a heart man.

I then enquired about the third band member, Eric Nolan Grant who joined The O’Jays in 1995. Both Eddie and Walter had obviously managed to build a strong relationship and bond with Eric and I wanted to know why they had chosen Eric to be part of the band and what was about him that stood out.

Eric was actually a friend of my son Gerald. When Gerald was with the group ‘Levert,’ Eric would come and stay with us. Another singer called Nate Best, was with us for only a year, so when he left, Gerald asked us to give Eric a try. Eric had been a fan of ours for years and was someone we knew. He was in a group that Walter was managing at one time or the other and he’d been around a long time. So we decided we’d give him a chance. Also he's an on- time person which I love.

He is not a troublemaker; he's someone who is easy to love. He's just a nice person and does his job and he doesn’t do drugs or drink. He's into being an O’Jay and he's into his own stuff and showbiz as well because he does his own thing. We allow him to do his ‘Eric Nolan Grant’ thing; he makes records on his own. I think that's a great thing but he's a great person above and beyond TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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that; that's why we're able to look as cohesive as we do when we are on the stage together.

Finally I asked Eddie to give me a rendition of one of his tracks and to ‘slip my name in there, somewhere.’

Eddie laughed his usual raucous laugh and gave a rendition of ‘You got your Hooks in me.’

‘”I just can't understand for the life of me What I see in you Yet every time you talk of leavin' me I get so shook up, I don't know what to do.

Oh, baby, I guess the UK you've got your hooks in me”

However, he inserted ‘the UK’ into it rather than my name. When I berated him, I was told, show up on 15th July and we will go live and slip your name in it then.

I will certainly be holding Eddie to ransom with his promise, because I will be there on 15th July front row waving my British Flag, My Barbadian Flag and my Peace Flag with the words “Say my name, Say my name” scrawled on each one.

Audio Interview can be listened to at: http://estheraustinglobal.com/podcast/eddielevert-from-the-ojays-at-the-drury-lane-theatre-15th-july-2018/ “The O'Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET's Life Time Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame. Today, the songs of The O’Jays are still being used in many movies, commercials and TV shows. “For The Love of Money” continues to be the theme song for “The Apprentice.” Excerpt From the O’Jays website.

The O’Jays will be performing at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 15th July 2018.

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June 2018 | 15

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INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF THE ‘LURV KINGS’ CHRIS JASPER

BY ESTHER AUSTIN

16 | June 2018

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I

had the privilege of interviewing Chris Jasper once again, formerly from The Isley Brothers and who has been a successful solo artist in his own right for many many years. If you remember tracks such as ‘Caravan of Love,’ ‘Harvest for the World’ etc then you know Chris.

The purpose of this interview was to find out whether Chris had any new material out and generally to snoop inside that heart full of lurv to find out ‘what keeps humanity happy in their love life?’ So who is this guy and what has he been up to?.

Chris: I’m a musician of many years. People have followed me with The Isley Brothers and later on with Isley-Jasper-Isley’s Caravan of Love which was the big song from that era. I've been a composer from a young age. I studied music from the age of 7 and I've continued to write music even now.

I remembered from our last conversation at the end of last year that Chris had a couple of singles coming out: “I Love you” and “That's what Love can do.” When Chris sang about love, I felt his intent and passion behind the sentiments strongly and I was curious to know where all this good ‘lurvin’ was coming from.

Chris: I’ve been blessed to have been married to a wonderful woman for over 35 years. A lot of that passion in the lyrics comes from my relationship with her and of course, I have lyrics that are spiritual in nature too. I do have a good connection with our Lord and that's a big part of who I am too.

It was a sentimental moment, reminiscent of a scene from the movie ‘Gone with the Wind’ and for me it was heart-warming to know that somewhere out there, amidst the superficial and surface relationships that society often portrayed as normal, romance and the honouring of true love were still alive. My curiosity was peaked and I now wanted to know how Chris kept this type of love alive and fresh. How did he keep the spark, passion and authenticity of love in his relationship going?

Chris: It’s all so natural for us because when we first met, we had a connection. Once you have that spiritual connection, it really doesn't go away. It’s something that’s a very pleasant and easy thing to do. I feel that the best connection is one where it feels natural and feels like you've known each other forever, so therefore it's very easy to maintain.

I could feel goose bumps of hope trickle though me. Not only hope for myself to manifest such a connection, which I’d actually done last October, so I truly understood where Chris was coming from but also hope for humanity in a world where, as mentioned before, superficiality, status and acquiring things are what sell. I surmised therefore that his wife had been a great influence with his music and asked him whether some of the tracks he’d created had been influenced by this special connection between them. Chris laughed at this moment saying that practically every ballad he’d produced since 1983 had been influenced

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

by this soul connection.

I then meandered the conversation to ask Chris about his new single “The Love that you Give.” An enticing melodic ballad which drew me into a banquet of that legendary background Isley Brothers sound.

Chris: It’s about expressing that true love between two people. I like to write lyrics from a positive perspective, because, there's a lot of negativity in songs. I like to write things that will uplift a person; give them hope and a positive outlook on life; because I feel if you go into any situation with a positive viewpoint, you're more likely to get a good result from it. Even in the songs, I have messages that will uplift or maybe give answers to issues. In this ballad it is about true love and really expressing that to the person that you love.

I was enjoying this interview very much. So much so I felt as if wanted to curl up all cosy with my dog in front of a warm fire with a glass of bubbly (sparkling water) and listen to some ‘Caravan of Love.’ I am a romantic at heart so leave me be. Many of you may question why not curl up with ‘yo man’ if you allude to having found ‘the one.’ Well at this moment he’s at work, ok! (smile) I felt that Chris’ message of being able to express love to a significant other was something a lot of people struggled to do. Therefore, I wanted to know how relevant Chris felt his style of music was today with all the changes in the music industry and also how did he feel people perceived love.

Chris: I think what’s happening in the industry is that a few big major companies are pushing a certain genre of music. That's what you hear a lot of. But I find what people are missing, and they tell me this, is good soul music; music that has good lyrics and melodies. They want to hear it and that's something I've been doing all my life, soul and R&B music.

That's something that when you have a good style of music, it never goes away; people still want to hear it.

Even those who've not been raised on it, when they do hear it, they say, “Hey! I like that, that's good.”

That’s one thing we have to continue to do. It’s to preserve the things that we've established in this music business, because good music never goes away. I still love a lot of the music I grew up on.

Always busy in the studio, I wanted to nosey on down to find out whether Chris had any new material coming out again and also when was he going to pay us Brits a visit? Chris laughed stating “as soon as I get an invite” and my mind promptly went into action to think how I could help make this happen. Well, after all, dreams do come true don’t they peeps, and this gal dreams big.

Chris: From an early age, I’ve been a composer.

I’ve always been interested in writing music and when you do something for so long, it never goes away. I wrote all of that Isley Brothers and IsleyJasper-Isley stuff. After that dis-banded I just kept June 2018 | 17

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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

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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

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lost two members along the way. So rather than bring somebody else in because then it's not The Real Thing, no matter which way you want to look at it, we decided to carry on as a duo and take it in a slightly different direction. So in other words, instead of trying to be a duo who are trying to carry on the tradition of three or four, we decided that we we’re going to take it in a slightly different direction and make it suitable for two. We can still hold our heads up and say we are the original ‘Real Thing’ minus two members.

Esther: You said you’ve taken things in a slightly different direction. What does that direction feel like? What's the mood of The Real Thing because of that new directions Chris?

Chris: What we’ve had to do is make it comfortable for Dave and I to perform the songs that Eddie and I wrote for three people. So if you take ‘Children of the Ghetto’ that was always written with a high voice in mind. It has been covered by some of the great high vocalists i.e. Philip Bailey from Earth Wind and Fire, Mary J. Blige and not forgetting my brother Eddie, and the original lead vocalist Ray. What I decided to do was to experiment taking it down in a low voice and taking it in a slightly different direction vocally and that's what we've done. I would like you to hear it, so I will send you the link and then it will give you a really good idea of the direction the 20 | June 2018

whole thing is going.

Esther: Dave has been with you guys since day one, how has he taken this whole situation?

Chris: Badly. He has taken it as bad as I’ve taken it, because, basically we were like brothers. I’ve always had to do 99% of the lead vocals. Then of course, Eddie did ‘Children of the Ghetto. Basically, what Dave’s had to do is come forward, because, when you're three or four you’ve got your lead singer and 3 backing vocals. We’ve no longer got backing vocals, now we’ve got two lead vocalists.

So basically, Dave has had to come to the forefront more and assume responsibility for rapping, because as you know Eddie absolutely loved to rap. Dave has always taken care of the visual ideas and things like that. So basically, we’ve turned it more suitable for two people, without having to necessarily think ‘I miss that voice.’

Of course, we miss his voice but you do it in such a way that is comfortable for you and the audience.

There are things that you have to do that maybe, you wouldn’t have had to do before. For instance, to give you an idea, before, I was on lead I’d be out front and David and Eddie would be working the audience from each side. Now we don’t have that luxury so now no matter what I’m doing, Dave has to work the audience.

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We just wanted to carry on ‘The Real Thing’ as we think people still want to hear our songs luckily. I was the lead voice on the songs and they will still get that anyway so basically we want our audience to be comfortable and still have the same vibe as when there were three of us.

Esther: So my next question is have you performed since February?

Chris: We have.

Esther: And what did that feel like?

Chris: Fantastic! Authentic! Fantastic! I can only be honest; we made it comfortable for ourselves to be able to perform. It's a mindset that comes to you when you’ve been singing together all those years.

Dave and I are comfortable with each other so that was okay. Basically Eddie was with us on stage and will always be. There were a lot of ideas that

Eddie’s ideas so basically, I will look at them and see which ones can be re-developed. So, creatively, I'm going to be working on them; that’s the first thing.

The second thing is we've got a documentary that’s being done on the ‘The Real Thing.’

It's going to be a pretty hard hitting one, not a frivolous one. We've got to change the ending of the documentary because of Eddie’s passing but the documentary will be announced at the end of this year and it’s going to really give people an insight into why The Real Thing came together and why we were able to stay together for so long and all those little things that basically made us what we are.

I also want to talk about a live DVD that we've got out. And that will give you an idea on a slightly different take of ‘Children of the Ghetto’. You will hear what we’re doing with it now to what it was and it’s live.

I know what Eddie would have wanted me to do. I know what he wouldn’t want me to do. He would have wanted me to carry on and he would have wanted me to develop the band the way I saw it going and he is with me every step of the way. This comes from knowing somebody intimately.

Eddie and I had worked on which I will continue to develop. So it does feel weird, but we came back on the road in April. We did that because, if I said let’s leave it until we’re ready, we’d never be ready.

It's been going extremely well; and the audience have been great and we’ve been getting on down.

Hopefully, we still give our audiences the same vibes that they are used to.

Esther: What's great about talking to you and also when I interviewed Eddie is that there's this real philosophical sense of wisdom. You're down to earth; practical and that comes through strongly and for me these are real nuggets of gold and I'm hearing aspects of Eddie as I talk to you which makes this this conversation really edifying.

So Chris, in terms of moving forward now, you've explained the process you’re going through in terms of grieving and what it felt like to put yourselves back together. What have you got coming up now?

Chris: On a recording level. Eddie and I were working on quite a lot of material before he passed; because, what we used to do is to get all our ideas and play them to each other and bounce them off each other.

The ideas that turned us on we’d say, let’s develop these. I’m in the process of going through a lot of TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

So it gives you a really good idea on how we’re taking it live as well.

Esther: It’s interesting because as you mentioned going through a catalogue of ideas that Eddie had worked on; I get a sense that this is going to be quite cathartic for you. It’s going to bring up quite a lot of different emotions.

Chris: I’m dreading it. At the weekend we’re going to see the trailer of our documentary. So, basically, that is going to be very difficult, but it’s a celebration and I’m going to do it. Basically, we break down all the time; we break down on stage; it is normal now.

Esther: That's beautiful because from a man's perspective you’re allowing yourself to be vulnerable but you’re also being authentic and yet it's a process and time of celebration; so there's a mix and a myriad of emotions constantly going through you.

This all reminds me of when I interviewed Eddie; he was such a livewire.

[Laughter] Chris: He used to drive us along. You know sometimes when someone passes on, you have regrets, I regret I did this or that but I can’t once think this about myself and Eddie. We used to have our ding dongs but never anything that lasted because it was always an end to a means. If I had an idea and he didn’t June 2018 | 21

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agree with it, and we’d argue about it, we’d always be able to reach a compromise I know that's why we were together from the first moment I stepped into music business until Eddie stepped down. That is why we were together that long.

Esther: Chris, if you were to choose one or two of your songs which would be a celebration of Eddie, what would that track be?

Chris: ‘Children of the Ghetto’ and ‘Raining Through My Sunshine.’

Esther: I love both tracks especially ‘Raining Through my Sunshine.”

Chris: I know what Eddie would have wanted me to do.

I know what he wouldn’t want me to do. He would have wanted me to carry on and he would have

22 | June 2018

wanted me to develop the band the way I saw it going and he is with me every step of the way. This comes from knowing somebody intimately.

Eddie always knew what we were thinking; we used to know everything about each other. So I know exactly what he would want me to do at this point in time and that's why we decided not to go with bringing in another singer.

So, my advice to anybody who wants to step out of their comfort zone is you’ve got to feel comfortable with what you are doing.

And number two, you've got to be in the right frame of mind, because you cannot make people happy if you are not happy yourself.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

June 2018 | 23

INSPIRATIONAL SECTION

INSPIRATIONAL SECTION

24 | June 2018

ENRICO MIGUEL THOMAS – THE NEW YORK SUBWAY ARTIST FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH

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caught up with this formidable young man who has made a name for himself, turning what was initially a traumatic childhood experience into a powerfully magical healing art form, touching and inspiring lives, whilst embracing the belly of creativity in one of the most divinely inspired and powerful ways. I had the privilege of interviewing Enrico about four years ago and I am pleased to say I am still inspired by his continued stance and message of triumph over adversity. So here he tells his story.

Enrico Miguel Thomas is a fighter, plain and simple. How else do you go through being in a coma at 3 yrs of age to starring in a national TV commercial for Sharpie and graduating from the Ivy League Pratt Institute!

The New York Subway Artist description was given to me by the news anchor Rossana Scotto of Fox 5 television from TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

INSPIRATIONAL SECTION

the Good Day New York TV segment about the drawings and paintings I did in the subways of New York City. I wasn't always able to afford drawing paper from an art store so I used subway maps instead and discovered that the map background collaborated very well with my draughtmanship!

The inspiration behind my work is always the process but also my love and fascination with architecture and urban spaces! The task of depicting a space through the tradition of draughtsmanship/classical drawing is not an easy journey but a completed beautiful work of art is always worth it!

My inspiration is both a virtue and a vice. Creating is a wonderful experience, being able to witness a painting emerge from a single drafted line on a fresh canvas to a finished work of art. The rough part is when the relentless force of creativity takes hold of the artist and you simply cannot put down the brush. Meals are skipped and your body aches but I still push on because I absolutely have to see the completed work!

Listening to the self is important but unconditional love is even more vital for self acceptance and conscious choices.

Ending up in coma for two weeks and surviving third degree burns on over 60% of my body, when I was a child, and having three reconstructive surgeries, has taught me to keep trying in life but also to accept myself unconditionally and to do things when I'm really ready and not because of social conventions or expectations!

A recent illustration by Enrico for the following book: http:// www.tensegritypress.com/ Inspiring Video of Enrico: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BGGlJdPbfAE

Listening to the self is important but unconditional love is even more vital for self acceptance and conscious choices. I also like to think of myself as one of the Xmen because they are super heroes whose health was compromised in some way when they were human, but they also have strengths (super powers) in other areas that compensate for the loss. I am embarking on an acting career and have been training vigorously in martial arts with Sensei Tyler Tracy, a student of Moses Powell, and with the City Wing Tsun Athletic Association in New York.

I have been there more than a year now and have used my tenacity and relentless drive from having survived so much, to train as hard as I can. I also had the opportunity to model http:// www.willychavarria. com/fuck-hate/lm for Willy Chaverria despite the surgical scars on my face and make my acting debut here https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hdwPL1YoLL4&t=39s When I receive an accolade/award, etc. it is truly a wonderful feeling.

For example I just had a very large city scape painting installed in the lobby of Parc East Apartments https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hdwPL1YoLL4&t=39s and everytime I see it I feel like I matter in the world but mostly that I contributed something to society. We don't know how much time we have to work with our talents to let our lights shine.

If I can offer any kind of advice to other trauma survivors it would be to listen to yourself but to also seek the joy in life and trust that you are okay. TRUST YOURSELF and be thankful for how far you have come.

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June 2018 | 25

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. . .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

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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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My openness stems from a heartfelt desire to be transparent and authentic. However, in a world full of people hiding behind masks, pretending to be anything other than their authentic selves, this has made me susceptible to attack from individuals who thrive on the manipulation and abuse of others. Always wanting to see the best in others, I've been far too willing to put my trust into the hands of people who have subsequently led me astray, stabbed me in the back, or otherwise taken advantage of my trusting nature. I must add that in every case without exception I ignored intuitive warnings about these individuals and have learned important lessons about self-trust and personal boundaries.

Drawing strong, healthy boundaries is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of unconditional love.

Taking appropriate action when someone breaches our boundaries is a matter of self-respect, which I now understand to be the very basis of and prerequisite for unconditional love.

By far my biggest challenge as a conscious and sensitive man has been figuring out how to actually function within the parameters of the existing society. It was during seven challenging years as a school maths teacher that I began to awaken to the scale of the conditioned insanity that seems to pervade every area 28 | June 2018

of society, from education to health to the media to governmental decision-making. Despite being a passionate and conscientious teacher, I became increasingly frustrated with the system around me, in particular its unwillingness to cater for my innovative, outside-the-box teaching approaches. My choice to prioritise the quality of my interactions with students over the quality of my paperwork resulted in relentless pressure being piled on me by senior managers with boxes to tick in order to justify their positions within the hierarchy. Through these painful experiences it became clear that there was no place for me within the school system (or any of society's hierarchical institutions).

In 2007 I made a decision to “unplug from the matrix” and to embrace Mahatma Gandhi's advice to “be the change you wish to see in the world.” I knew that I could only teach a different way through the power and clarity of my personal example. This meant turning my back on societal norms and expectations – including working a job, striving to make money, settling down and owning property – and focusing instead on following my passion and excitement, whilst simultaneously facing and healing my shadow self.

It has taken ten years of dedicated inner healing work TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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to process all the fear, emotional pain, limiting beliefs and ancestral baggage hiding in the shadows of my unconscious awareness. The resistance I have faced from people who feel threatened by or concerned about my “alternative” lifestyle has been especially challenging for me. During 2015 I went through a particularly rough “dark night of the soul”.

Riddled with self-doubt and suicidal thoughts, my shortlived West End acting career came crashing to a halt and my coaching business folded. Everywhere I turned I seemed to be hitting closed doors. I could not see how I was of any value to the world, but my inner voice assured me I had the strength to pull through and that these circumstances presented an opportunity to dig deep and learn more about my true nature.

Self-nurture became the order of the day. I sat with myself for almost six months, accepting every negative thought and dark emotion that surfaced. I quite literally “accepted” my way back to health, happiness and wholeness! That may sound counter-intuitive at first, but I learned through this process that acceptance opens the door to change.

Our pain needs to be seen, welcomed, acknowledged and validated, not ignored, denied, suppressed or judged.

Through this process of radical self-acceptance, I cleaned up all the unconscious confusion obscuring my view of myself and discovered that I AM LOVE itself! In hindsight, losing everything I had worked so hard for was a blessing in disguise.

I have shifted from focusing on what I want in life to being open and receptive to what life wants to express through me. Guided by my intuition, I've been on some extraordinary adventures since 2007, including a visit to a horse ranch in the Canadian Rockies, which subsequently inspired the creation of an international healing retreat centre; discovering a radical alternative school in the USA where I volunteered for six months; relaunching my professional singing career on the Chicago cabaret scene; recording an American Songbook album with Paloma Faith's pianist; originating the role of Francis Davey in the world premiere of a musical adaptation of Jamaica Inn; and co-founding a nature-based learning space for children in Bedfordshire.

I have broken through my chrysalis and emerged as the butterfly I always dreamed I could become. I'm excited, now, to support others who are ready to break through their own chrysalises and to join me inside the Garden of Trust.

David Mills is a visionary, education innovator, self-empowerment coach, singer and actor. He is author of the forthcoming book, THE EDUSPIRE PARADIGM: A blueprint for life and education outside the box. David currently lives on a small farm in Hertfordshire. He can be contacted via his website at www.SilentLifeCoach.com.

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TIMOTHY JOHNBAPTISTE CHAMPIONING WORLDPEACE

Who is Timothy John-Baptiste?

Timothy is a humanitarian and a person who encourages peace with individuals and communities What were some of the influencers or concerns that galvanised you to set up T4WP? During a personal development training course in 2010, my coach influenced me to set up Time 4 World Peace.

I was empowered to reach out and make a positive difference in my community. Initially I was concerned that nobody would listen but Dan uttered these words “If you want world peace then go out there and make it happen.”

What exactly is T4WP? Time 4 World Peace is an initiative that encourages individuals to take peaceful actions at 4 o’clock each day or the 4th day of each month. With 7.5 billion parts TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

to the peace puzzle we ask individual’s to focus on their part. Every action contributes to the world becoming a more peaceful place. We all must contribute a little Time 4 World Peace.

From your prospective and the work that you do, what are some of the issues that create dysfunction, resentment, and other issues which impact on people seeking to make peace with each other?

Homes and communities have broken down in many ways and we have diluted our core values. Many families are without a dad, and mum has to play both roles. Peer pressure is prevalent with our youth and many don’t have the relevant tools to resolve issues which often results with extreme aggression for minor incidence.

Peace unfortunately is rarely taught and is often pushed to the depths of people’s minds.

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Can you share briefly two stories where an individual’s life was changed because of your campaign?

(1) A Year 7 female student stopped me in the school reception and said “Sir, I thought about you and T4WP over the weekend.” I asked why and she stated that the family held a party and her cousin stole her handbag.

Curiously I asked “What happened next?” The young lady responded that she recalled our conversation in the Exclusion Unit about making peace with others and she contacted her cousin at 4 o’clock to forgive her for what she had done and they were now both at peace.

(2) Overhearing a young man explaining to the shopkeeper that he had been seriously stabbed by six youths I had a brief conversation with him about my work leaving him a T4WP business card.

Then one day whilst in the waiting area at Lewisham Hospital, London, my phone alarmed at 4 o’clock as usual. I raised my head to the skies and wondered if others were thinking about peace at that moment.

Seconds later a figure walked past the waiting area then reappeared in front of me. The young man said “You don’t remember me do you?” then quickly raised four fingers to which I responded “Peace young man.” We had met eighteen months earlier at the Catford store.

He had kept my business card on his bedside cabinet which reminded him about making peace at 4 o’clock.

Very excitedly he said that my short conversation had saved his life as he was fully intent on seeking revenge on the six youths who stabbed him. He explained that he now had a four month baby girl and had started a job 4 months ago.

Who have been some of the heroes or sheros who have motivated you to do what you do?

My heroes are Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi and the Obama family.

What do you do when the going gets tough and the tough get going?

I ask God and the Universe for guidance and simply focus on the great many good things that have occurred on my journey.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated because my work is for our children and I truly believe that it can make a difference.

Contact Details: tim@time4worldpeace.org

How do the younger generation react to your campaign, especially in light of what has been happening in the UK over the past months?

Initially I felt that the message wasn’t getting through, then I realised that they were making peace with their peers, teachers, families and members of the community. The students encouraged me to share my workshops and programmes further afield as I have made a profound impact in their lives.

What is it that you love about what you do?

I love the feeling of being connected with others at 4 o’clock each day which is our “PEACE TIME” 32 | June 2018

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EMMANUEL WALDRON, MUSIC IS HIS SPICE OF LIFE

E

mmanuel is an award-winning solo-pianist, accompanist and session musician with a string of accolades behind him. However, he is one of the most down-to-earth people you can ever meet. A man of humility, wisdom and purpose. I knew of Emmanuel from way back when we used to go to Church and there was always something about him that was unique.

When he sat at the piano at church everything came to life. There was a magic in the way he played and yet just watching him as he delivered his art, I could see divine inspiration oozing from him. So it was a real privilege to catch up with someone I consider to be a messenger of peace, love and wisdom.

most kids back then, going to school you had to learn how to survive. When I was 6, I learned the piano, not by choice I have to add. My Dad had a friend who was a piano teacher and they struck a deal for me to begin lessons because my Dad really wanted me to play in church. To be totally honest, I absolutely hated it. I had no interest at all in learning the piano, to be disciplined or to learn this skill-set in this particular way. All the other boys my age most times, were outside playing but I had to stay in and practice. So I lost out a little bit then. But I look back on it now, as a grown adult and it was actually the best decision for me.

Esther: Who is Emmanuel in a nutshell, a coconut shell or a peanut shell?

I don't think my Dad would have known how much his decision to make me learn the piano would have impacted my life and that of my family, in a positive way. So, I'm forever grateful to him for making and taking that decision.

Emmanuel: Basically, I'm a musician. I'm a pianist who grew up in a rough part of London, called Hackney back in the 70s and 80s. It wasn't a great area. Like TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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Esther: Emmanuel, you've done some pretty amazing stuff. You're an award-winning pianist who’s played for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness, The Duke Of Edinburgh. You've got so many accolades behind you and also, you were musical director for the musical Simply Heaven, which won several awards and you were nominated for Outstanding Musical at the Laurence Olivier Awards in 2005. From where you've come from to where you are now and all the accolades in between, Emmanuel, how does that make you feel about your life at this moment in time? How do you receive all these accolades? Because you strike me as being a very humble person.

Emmanuel: To be totally honest, the way I think about life, I'm always grateful for every day. Every day I wake up, I'm able to live, I'm able to be, I'm able to do. For me, my ethos is basically just continue to be the best I can be. Yes, I've got accolades, those that you have mentioned already. There are others as well. I was fortunate enough to play for the world's first X Factor winner, Steve Brookstein and that was in 2004, amongst other things. To be honest, accolades are great and I think it shows respect to what I have achieved and the hard work that I've put in, in the years since I started until present day.

However, for me, there's always something higher to aim for rather than just accolades. I think for me, it's kind of using what I have as a gift and inspiring people with it. Showing people, actually, if I can do this, you can do this and I don't just necessarily mean playing the piano. It could be something that they're passionate about and we all have a passion in some way or another, something that we've wanted to do or wished to do or sort of daydreamed about doing and I always encourage people to go for the thing that they're passionate for.

I currently live in Norway where I’ve set up a musical school in the town. I have several students, of different ages and abilities. But especially with the students who can already play to some degree I always work with them on their confidence and their belief in what they have. I think it’s always important in life to be confident in who you are and in what you do and in how you do it. It doesn't mean you won't fail. It doesn't mean to say you won't get things wrong, but it's to be confident not to allow things to hold you down and to learn and to grow from those things. This is important in whatever people choose to do in life. For me, it's always the mentality of what I'm about that helps push me in the things that I go for and the things that I achieve.

Even though I have accolades, that's not something I sit back and dwell too much on. I think that they were stepping stones back then to higher places I'm reaching to. For me, it's more about continually pushing myself and challenging myself to be the best that I can be and the level that I'm at, I'm never 34 | June 2018

satisfied. I'm always thinking "Aim higher." But when you get to that higher level, there's always still another higher level attain to.

Esther: You’ve mentioned several times about ‘that place that you're aspiring to.’ Do you think you will ever reach that place? or find that place and what is that place? Or maybe that's just terminology for your continual growth and stepping up to becoming better as a human being, within your skill set. So what is that place that you're aiming for?

Emmanuel: I think the place I'm aiming for always shifts and that shift could be in direction, in a skill set, in the mentality in what I do. It's not necessarily a place, like a physical place where I would actually stop and that's it. For me, it's always the consciousness in my head and in my heart of just continually doing. As long as I can breathe, as long as I have strength, as long as I can think, as long as I can see, use my hands, etc. For me, there's a purpose in being who I am and what I do.

I'm always mindful of using the time that I have and doing the thing that's in my heart and I love music.

I love creating music. I love to play music. I love to be spontaneous and challenge myself with, how can I take an idea and utilize it as best as I can. I'm always up for a challenge in that regard. I think it's through the years that I've had of having to learn to be disciplined in learning the piano and getting to the present stage that I'm at, that I understand the gift and I understand what it is that I have a lot more.

I just want to maximize the potential and usage of what I have as much as I can. I don't want to put a time frame or a limit as to how long or how great or how wide, or how deep, etcetera. For me, it's just to utilize it to the maximum.

Esther: So Emmanuel, what do you do for downtime or for fun time? Where do you go to exhale? Or do you embody your music within your life?

Emmanuel: I know I'm blessed to do what I do and I think music is just an extension of me and of my character. So, music actually plays a part of my downtime as well. Sometimes I'll just hop on the piano or keyboard and I'll play and go wherever the music and that moment takes me. Sometimes I’ll go out with my family and play football or we'll go for a drive or something of leisure but for me, I try and enjoy the simple things in life.

I think it's so important just to be able to stand and listen to silence. And I'm fortunate where I am, I can actually do that. I love that. I love just being able to listen to the silence and the peace. Just to be inspired by that, just to think right, just to maximize who I am and really just be the best that I can be.

Whether I'm working, whether I'm having downtime, for me, it's just to make the most of life.

Esther: Beautiful sentiments Emmanuel. So therefore, in TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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terms of your latest album, how do you pronounce that? Because I'm not even going to try.

Emmanuel: It's a bit of a tongue twister. It's pronounced ‘Chaordicism’ (Kay-Ord-Ik-Izm). It's not the easiest and you're not the first to ask. I got the name from a US Senator, who in the 1980s coined the term chaordic and basically what it meant was the blend of chaos and order.

This is basically an oxymoron because of how opposite the words are. Of course, it talks about the system of how they work together. For me, when I put the album together, I looked at certain things I'd seen, for example, on the news, things I'd seen going on where I live, other countries that I've been to. So it's just been basically experiences and things that I've seen that I felt I needed to speak out on.

That’s how the album and arrangements for the songs came about. It's a very diverse album. So there’s a little bit of 80s funk, a hip-hoppy kind of vibe, a little bit of romance, and there’s an Irish folk vibe in there as well. There’s also a purposely dysfunctional arrangement of the title track Kayordikizm, which I've made at certain points very still and very calm and then at other points, a bit crazy and a little bit elaborate. But that's all a very deliberate ploy. It's a play on the word itself because it sounds very complicated but I've deliberately made alot of the melodic phrasing in alot of the tracks very simple so that it can be accessible and not only just for people who are strictly into Jazz.

So I've tried to make it as broad as possible in that regards.

emmanuelwaldron.com. The album is also available on all the major online digital stores ie Apple, Tidal, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music.

I'm really excited to be releasing this album. It's almost been 2 years in the making. I came up with a lot of the arrangements a couple of years ago and was fortunate enough to fly to London and record it last year Summer. This is the biggest project I've done out of all the five albums so far. Before I had a standard quartet, base drums and a saxophone and vocals as well. This time around, I've also got a guitarist and a violinist who is amazing, a guy called Benet McLean. I've also got two vocalists who are amazing as well, singing on the vocal tracks. I happened to cover the Sting classic ‘Fragile.’ So, for any listeners who are into Sting, you can check that out. I released that in March as a single. So that's available on Spotify and again, on all the other major outlets but that will, of course, be on the album too.

Esther: Will you be performing from your album while you're over here?

Emmanuel: I won't be on my immediate visit to London, but I am in the process of getting some dates in place. If people want to keep up with what I do they can follow me on social media outlets i.e Instagram, Twitter, my Facebook page under ‘Emmanuel Waldron.’ My Facebook page is Emmanuel Waldron Music. This Autumn and into next year, I'm looking at doing a lot of traveling and concerts.

Again, I'm really excited about getting this album out and hoping that people will get the concepts and be able to appreciate the great music on it.

The album came out on Friday 18th May 2018, so CDs will be available from my website

www.emmanuelwaldron.com Social Media Platforms www.emmanuelwaldron.com www.instagram.com/emmanuelwaldron www.twitter.com/emmanuelwaldron www.facebook.com/emmanuel.waldron.music

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DARRYL F WALKER SINGS “AL JARREAU”

D

arryl F Walker is a US Singer/Saxophonist/ Percussionist/Songwriter/Recording Artist, and it was a real pleasure to catch up with him many years down the line. Darryl has one of those voices that makes me buckle at the knees, elbows and anywhere else where there may be a ‘weak link’ and I’m not one to buckle easily. Mista six pack could walk past me now, with a hearty grin nicely sculptured side burns and look like Adonis himself, and I wouldn’t flinch. However, there is something about this artist’s voice, his ethos, the melt of his lyrics – the whole of his musical ambience that makes a grown woman like me want to weep.

Anyway, after asking my usual question about shells and nuts etc Darryl F. Walker decided that he was a crab shell and through bouts of laughter our conversation ensued.

Darryl: Darryl F. Walker is a guy who is passionately involved in the music business; someone who enjoys touching people through the gift of song and one who is very grateful for the gift of song.

Esther: And what is the gift of song, Darryl?

don't play a musical instrument, so I think by virtue of that, they somehow feel disconnected. I've noticed at Jazz concerts, if an act comes on that is primarily instrumental and the audience is not so much focused in that direction; they tend to lose interest because they’re getting bored. It doesn't matter how brilliant the musician is, the fact is that they can’t relate to what’s happening.

Esther: So, by popular demand Darryl F. Walker “Sings Al Jarreau.” Why Al Jarreau?

Darryl: When I was in the military in Germany, I became very interested in what Al Jarreau was doing because he was performing in Europe a bit and I’d been following him since I was a teenager and the opportunity came for me to get a huge collection of his music. Then I started getting into it; both as a fan and as an artist. When I got into it as an artist, I realized that this was something I would like to do someday, to sing and write songs like this or even to cover some of his material.

Darryl: The meaning of the gift of song means the ability to sing, read, write, collaborate and perform live in the studio. All manner of my involvement with music.

And that's a dream that has come to fruition.

Unfortunately, he was called home to God but then I thought, I've always admired this man, who has been one hell of a mentor as a vocalist for me.

Esther: When did you realize that music was in your blood, soul and DNA?

There are a handful of other artists like Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson people with stunning vocal abilities in clarity and quality. Jeffrey Osborne is another one. I could go on and on, but the greats have influenced me and I have been singing some of those songs in different situations over the years so I decided to go ahead and put together an eleven piece band that will be dedicated to the proposition of delivering my favourite Al Jarreau songs. It has been well received at six shows and they have all been sell out shows. The band I have is amazing and I do a cross section of his material. Some is his older stuff; some of his more recognizable stuff and some the Jazz songs, like ‘Sophisticated Lady.’ My bass player plays an upright bass on that; the drummer takes on his brushes instead of stakes and there’s the piano player. It becomes really intense jazz wise.

People love it and the thing I've noticed is they've been ‘listening audiences’ coming to these shows.

Darryl: Immediately when I was about 4 years old but apparently I have been singing since the age of two.

I don’t remember that far back, but according to family members, the first song I sang was ‘Alfie’ a Jazz tune which was on the radio at the time and I haven’t looked back since.

Esther: I've been talking to you on and off for maybe four to five years now, and you've gone from strength to strength. How do you think people see you? Each artist I feel creates an identity around who they are; around their gift; their art; their skill. Barry White symbolized a certain type of voice, feel and music, Jill Scott, Luther Van Dross, Michael Jackson etc. So what does Darryl F. Walker symbolize to people?

Darryl: Some call me a Jazz Singer and some call me a Soul Singer; however I do all of that. I guess it depends on who you speak to. People look at me first as a vocalist; they enjoy my saxophone playing as well, but they really identify with the voice because most people though they enjoy instrumental music, would much rather identify or relate to something more along the lines of what they might be able to do themselves. Most people 36 | June 2018

It’s not the side party in the background with raucous people, it has been quiet; and we have been fortunate enough to have had standing ovations after these performances to sell out crowds. So I’m looking forward to taking it to the Mediterranean Supper Club, here in San Diego on Father's Day June 17. I'll also be taking it to the Laguna Festival of Arts, in the Laguna Beach, California. There’s a nice brand TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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new, multi-million dollar venue, which are having some of the best acts around so a chance came to do that twice this summer; so I’m happy about that.

Esther: Well done! And what was it like to sing with an 11 piece band. That must’ve been quite an experience?

Darryl: It’s amazing. I usually perform with a 5 or 6 piece band, I usually add another horn player, maybe trumpet or something like that, to augment what I’m doing, when I’m not singing, I’m playing. With that I still have another instrumentalist to help out with the load and to give a different voice. But the 11 piece idea, I have it that way, because, this music of Al Jarreau is not properly represented with minimal configuration of musicians. It should really have, in my case, I have three background singers’ females and three horn players - trumpet and baritone sax and a tenor sax that sometimes play alto sax and flute as well. And then in the rhythm section is keyboard bass, upright bass and guitar and drums.

So then there's me up front but I would like to have more; I'd like to integrate a percussion player. I also play percussion, but again, I can’t do everything.

Darryl: Singing and playing percussion and saxophone doesn't work in this instance because, I'm doing things as authentically as possible which means, I have to do all the scat solos pretty much the way Al Jarreau did them. I have to deliver the songs with what I believe should be a high dose of authenticity and integrity. The songs need not be deconstructed and redone. It must be ordered the way he did them. They are very difficult songs; obviously you need to present them properly. That is why I have eleven pieces; I know that’s a long answer but that’s the reason for eleven piece band.

Esther: You are obviously incredibly passionate about music because I've also noticed that you've become an advocate of a critical legislative effort which supports creators and professionals. Tell us a bit more about that.

Darryl: The point of being an advocate of this legislative effort that is happening here in America and hopefully abroad as well is, with the advent of all of the computer and digital offerings in terms of how people can access and acquire and purchase music. The legislation in this country was written in the 1800s and essentially companies like Spotify, Pandora or any subscription service of the like, have found a loophole that allows them to make billions of dollars while paying songwriters, who created that intellectual property, point zero-zero- four - one cents per stream. This is less than a penny and it's forced some of my colleagues out of the business because they can no longer make a living and that's a huge slap in the face for people who have spent their resources their time, energy, emotions and skill to create music, so it should not be allowed to be procured for free; and just up for grabs.

People struggle through college and clubs paying their dues and working for next to nothing to get into this world and then when they're in it and making their creative material, it's then absconded by these people taking and doing what they want to with it and we're left with no recourse and no way to make a living. Thank goodness, I have the ability to do a show, put a band together, create a show, and execute it. But when you're writing and creating, there is an expectation that is not really a realistic one; let's just use arbitrary figures you spent twenty thousand dollars putting together and recording an EP for instance six songs, not even a full album. You spent that money; now you have to spend another budget to promote it. Then another budget to keep it in rotation on radio stations. By the end of it, you're in fifty to sixty thousand dollars.

Should there then be the expectation to gain through royalties of the materials you created? That you spent money to put out on the market? I’d say yes. It shouldn’t be an unrealistic expectation? No, we shouldn’t be engaging in overcharging, but at the same time, for that investment in that amount of

No, I don’t regret doing what I did. I should have done it a long time ago; but after twenty three years of doing what I needed to do I realized I needed to do what I wanted to do. That was my main driver. Also it was for my family, and to honor the gifts I was given.

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time, you should be allowed to recoup what makes sense in order to make a living.

That is what that effort is all about. It brings about an awareness of the cause and brings you to the tables of politicians and law makers, because this legislation needs to come into the new age. It only covers sheet music; it doesn’t cover anything digital which is the problem we are having now. Artists have been ripped off and we have no recourse; so through the Recording Academy, which I am a member; we have been working with our local politicians and the ones on Capitol Hill to make changes which are long overdue. Smokey Robinson recently was on CNN in a segment where he was before a panel of these very people expressing his gratitude about the changes they made to royalties being paid to artists that recorded things after 1972.

These changes are way overdue, but I’m glad that people are recognizing the need to modernize the whole system.

Esther: Great work. It always takes for one person to stand up to make a point in hand. So, Darryl, this journey you've been on - I remember speaking to you many years ago and you said that you had stepped out of the ‘9 to 5’ to follow your dream and passion and I guess the next question therefore is, after all this time, have you ever regretted making that decision to step out and do your own thing?

And has it been easy?

Darryl: [Laughs] Oh! That's a brilliant question. It’s not been easy. It’s been more than a leap of faith, more like a blind leap of faith. I don’t regret doing what I did, but there are times, when cash flow is not what it needs to be and part of this is because of what we discussed about legislation. The other part is that you have to get out there and create the opportunities and network; be professional; be on-time; honor your brand, look the part; know your material; deliver a stellar performance; get out there with the crowd and be accessible and let people know you care about them and that you appreciate their patronage and their giving of their time and resources.

Darryl: You know, it’s funny you mention that. I’m working with a Song Writer, Engineer/Producer, DJ called Paris Cesvette over in the UK. We released a song called, “Need you in my Life” and the short title is ‘In my Life.”

The album went to number one and is called ‘Celestial’ and she featured Will Downing, myself and Junior and other notable vocalists. It’s a great project. I’m currently working on taking my single ‘Hold Me’ and I’m going to re-sing the vocals to fit a nice mix that she and Luis Rivera Producer/Engineer put together and we’re going to put a dance version of ‘Hold me’ out in the UK as well. So, it will be my second entry into the UK. The first one I mentioned was listed with the BBC so that’s nice.

Esther: Brilliant. I will keep tracking you to see what you're doing and keep supporting you because I love music and I'm always interested in hearing the stories, messages and voices of artists. This also helps to inspire others who think it’s easy but hearing your messages and your stories, it's like this is the reality of what it is, but also, these are the opportunities and rewards that come from that journey as well. Thank you so much Darryl and all the best.

You can find out more about Darryl Walker at: www.dfwalker.com https://www.facebook.com/dwalkervocalman

No, I don’t regret doing what I did. I should have done it a long time ago; but after twenty three years of doing what I needed to do I realized I needed to do what I wanted to do. That was my main driver.

Also it was for my family, and to honor the gifts I was given. I wasn’t honoring any of them. I was in a good career in management, I loved aircraft, however, I was done with whole industry, the politics, stress, the responsibility and decided to focus on what I loved.

Esther: Brilliant! That’s what I want to hear, that’s a beautiful ending.! So Darryl, where can people get hold of you if they want to hear more about your music and when are you coming to the UK? TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

June 2018 | 39

40 | June 2018

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

INSPIRATIONAL SECTION

T

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

INSPIRATIONAL SECTION

we must always find a solution. The new position is demanding and so I was delighted to play a much needed role in the training of new Butlers attending our famous academy into this unique career.

So going back a bit, why did you choose this as a profession?

To be honest it seems like the profession chose me and then it became a natural progression. I started in hospitality in 1990 in Manchester at the Four Seasons Hotel as a Morning Room Service Waiter. However, from a very young age my late farther Orville Holder along with my dear mum would take us to five star hotels such as the Cafe Royale. They would be attending the annual Banquet of the Rosicrucian Order of which there were dedicated members at the time.

These Banquets back in the early 70s were lavish affairs where guests wore evening gowns and bow ties. It was only later in life that I realised that this had a lasting effect on me. I was also raised rather well-groomed and cultural although coming from humble backgrounds, we were schooled into the arts, classical music from an early age and my parents even got me a private tutor once when we lived in Barbados for a brief stint. This lady was an old West Indian Governess, Mrs Farnum who has since passed on but she was the first to school me in the areas of etiquette, table manners and correct pronunciation. All of which became a valuable asset to my present career.

What were some of the challenges you faced as you worked your way up?

I faced many challenges, Esther, some from within and many from without. Lack of confidence when I first started in the business, being shy and often too quiet, all this had to change in those days to survive. Racism and every (isms) were in this industry at that time. However, I persevered because I AM that sort of person. The more you tell me I can’t do something the more I want to do it. I also had a great command of the English language so this was one of the many talents I used which often got me recognised by my peers and guests alike. I am also a hard worker and put in extra time self-teaching myself things that sometimes managers at the time refused to share. It was tough but I wouldn’t change this experience for anything. I learned a lot about myself and human behaviour in general.

Please share some key people who inspired and influenced you in your decision to get into this profession.

My Parents and particularly my oldest brothers all had a hand in my life. However, there was a young man who took a lot of time training me in the food and beverage area called Ian Flyoud when I first came to London.

Etiquette, Cigar Care and Fine Dining just to mention a few. I started in Food & Beverage many years ago and became a Banqueting Manager in a five star property in Knightsbridge in 1995. However, I gained my Butler’s qualifications from The Savoy Butler Academy at West Minister University sponsored by Buckingham Palace. I gained a Distinction in 2012.

What are some of the personal attributes required in your role? And why do you feel these are important for your role but also life in general.

One must be a very self-discipline person, organised and with a good eye for detail. All these are good attributes to have both in your business and personal life.

You are a very dedicated, knowledgeable individual when it comes to your job and you take your craft incredibly seriously, why do you feel having this type of attitude is important?

A good Butler’s presence should never be felt but his absence always noted. One should always have a strong confident knowledge of his or her craft so that the principal that you are assigned to can put their full trust and confidence in you, knowing that whatever they may ask you can do. In this line of work dedication and discretion are always of the upmost importance.

What is your take on being in service to others Tony?

Why are you passionate about what you do?

To really serve others you need to have lots of patience.

There are many benefits to serving others and if you are passionate about what you do it will never feel like work.

However, I always make it a point to highlight to people that although I am there to serve them I am not there to worship them.

I know you have a wonderful passion for community and people, how do you feel you can inspire young people into the industry?

I have organised a few charity workshops specifically aimed at inspiring young people. One of these is my workshop “How to Dress for Success!” and “Etiquette Training.” This workshop is designed to enhance their chances in today’s corporate world and to prepare them not just on how to present themselves at interview stage but throughout their career and personal life. I also take much pleasure in training many of the new upcoming young Butlers coming through the various academies today.

To find out more about Tony’s workshops and training contact: Email: tonyjazziam@gmail.com

What are the qualifications and skills required to become a Butler?

There are many Butler Academy schools around the world but the best are in England where the origins of The English Butler started. These academies specialise in intense areas such as Wine Knowledge, Valeting, 42 | June 2018

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

MENS HIGH-END GROOMING – IS THIS THE 21ST CENTURY MAN? TURNINGPOINT CAUGHT UP WITH SMODDYSHARP OF LONDON

B

ased in the heart of South London, Forest Hill to be precise, SmoddySharp is a man’s grooming haven.

I had the pleasure of spending time at the establishment on Dartmouth Road, (umm not to have anything done, as I am of the female gender, just to talk to the owners) and from the first point of contact, over the phone to book my appointment, to entering the premises of SmoddySharp, there was an air of excellence, professionalism and panache with an ambience of nurture, nurture, nurture.

The name Smoddysharp, it was explained, has personal meaning to both the owners who had lost their fathers around the same time.

“My Dad was definitely a ‘Smoddy’ (one of the owners) Rohan explained. Both our fathers were well-dressed, well established men in their own rights. A Jamaican term for someone like this would be a Smoddy (spelling would vary) but a Smoddy nonetheless!

Smoddysharp was founded in the Winter of 2017 and is a place where men come to cut, groom and style in a time-honoured environment. It’s ethos is based around Service, Style and Relaxation.

From my initial experience upon arrival, to being shown around, I’ve been tempted to grow a beard and short side-burns just to have the chance to experience their grooming and well-being services, while the mellow vibes of Soul, Jazz or a twinkle of RnB play in the background. Everything is delivered in the precision of excellence and a pride which exuded from both the owners.

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SmoddySharp seeks to ‘re-define the norm’ to prove that pampering can extend to men and that many men do desire to experience what is often called guilty pleasures such as massages, facials or even to get their nails and feet tended to.

Smoddysharp’s success and sudden notoriety has shown that men are now claiming the freedom to take time out for themselves. Because they’re recognizing that they too are worth it!

Gentlemen, the weather is warming up. It’s now time to take off the white socks and croc sandals (a real embarrassing fashion faux-pas by my standards) and it’s time to bare beautifully pedicured feet and toe-nails courtesy of Smoddysharp

based in South East London which is also available for private events.

SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: • Relaxation and Well-being Services including Manicure & Pedicure, Waxing, Threading, Facials, a range of Massages; • Barbering Services including Haircutting and styling for all hair types, Hot Towel Shave, Beard Design, Face steams etc; and • Made to Measure suit services for business suits, weddings formal and casual styles.

The ladies call it nurturing and delighting in a dose of self love, Smoddysharp says to men simply ‘Your health is Your wealth! They too want to look good, smell good and walk tall.

You may not have the pecs or six pack to define you, but you will certainly feel like a million dollars after a treatment of some kind at Smoddysharp.

A recent video went viral on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp; created by CKflashmbe aka Michael Pussey who let the proverbial cat-out-of-the-bag with the unveiling of this hidden gem called Smoddysharp of London, the first of its kind in the UK! The video shows CK and guests enjoying the delights of (and not limited to) massage, manicure and pedicure and the highly-recommended, hot towel shave.

Grinning like Cheshire cats, the guys are seen enjoying fine cognacs and eating fruit to the backdrop of smooth jazz.

Smoddysharp is classed as gentlemen's man-cave where men from all walks of life have been liberated and brought together in a chilled-out and relaxed social networking hub. Men who once previously graced salon windows looking on sheepishly wishing it was them having a pampering experience, as the only guy in can now experience the same in a sophisticated man-cave

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To top it all, Lads and Gents (ahh I bet you thought there was a mis-spelling here – Ladies this is not the place for you – so its Lads and Gents for this article) YES they also have a bar!!!

As an accompaniment to the grooming services on offer, Smoddysharp boasts a few shelves of quality spirits, craft beers and the finest coffees, including Jamaica Blue Mountain. No expense has been spared in creating this stylish time-honoured haven for men who can come to cut, groom, relax and style.

Men, why not book some well-deserved time off NOW and indulge yourself.

Ladies, it’s a perfect gift for that special someone in your life, be it your husband, partner, father uncle!

Web: www.smoddysharp.com Email: smoddysharp@gmail.com Instagram, Twitter, Facebook @smoddysharp

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

HEALTHY EATING – BEGIN YOUR PATH TO WELL-BEING

BY SISTAHINTHERAW

“Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up” ROCKY BALBOA

D

id you know that men are more likely to smoke, eat too much salt and red meat, eat too little fruit and vegetables and drink alcohol to dangerous levels? (Men’s Health Forum).

Additionally, if you are of African, Caribbean or Asian decent and you live in the UK, you're more likely than people from other cultures to have certain health conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high cholesterol and prostate cancer. Yet on a global level, there are also vast inequalities in men’s health, particularly those between men in different regions and countries.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

Happily though, it’s not all doom and gloom, there are lots of ways for you to take control of your wellbeing and live a long and happy life. Prevention is a crucial approach to your health and wellbeing and the important thing to remember, is that you need to take a holistic approach, which means looking after your diet, your body and mind also via healthy eating, regular exercise and a positive mindset, these are your keys to better health.

HOW TO APPROACH HEALTHY EATING In terms of your diet, men have different nutritional needs than women, and your nutritional requirements June 2018 | 45

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

satisfying and that add extra nutritional benefits is a must.

A filling smoothie can be very satisfying; nut butter and banana on seeded toast, or avocado and tomato on toast can give you an added healthy boost you need.

When it comes to your lunch don’t hold back, opt for a huge salad (which you make before and pack yourself), with sweet potato or squash, spicy quinoa and lashings of interesting vegetables, including sea veggies. You could also add a hummus or other type of paste. A kick ass dressing is going to make the difference to your salads deliciousness and to your enjoyment of it, so get your blender out and make up a batch of your favorite dressing or sauce to keep in the fridge, it’s as easy as that.

Try out this easy hummus recipe, which keeps well in the fridge. https://www.sistahintheraw.com/raw-soul-foodfood/2017/8/8/raw-hummus If you crave an afternoon snack, forget the crisps and chose some spicy seeds and nuts, or avocado on seeded crackers instead.

will vary according to your age, level of activeness and your stature or size. It’s important to be mindful about what you eat and drink, by choosing healthy options which consists of plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your daily routine.

It’s best to have a healthy breakfast that includes protein and plant proteins are best for your body. A proteinrich breakfast is important if you go to the gym in the morning to help repair muscle tissue. You could try nuts, beans or vegetables that are high in protein, like almonds, chia seeds and chickpeas. Deliciously creative recipe ideas that take a few minutes (or even prepare some ingredients the night before and leave them in your fridge) could include recipes like chickpea pancakes, with steamed veggies and avocado/sauce, a quick vegetable bean hash, chickpea breakfast bowl, coconut cream protein shakes, vanilla almond butter protein granola or lentil broccoli breakfast cutlets.

(Recipes can be found on the Internet) Breakfast bowls are all the rage at the moment and all you need to do is add a diverse array of food, using colour, textures and flavours in a bowl, with a nice dressing or sauce, so that the way it looks and smells, makes you want to eat it then and there! Change it up everyday and you’ll never get bored! In fact, you could apply this approach to all your healthy meals.

A mid-morning snack is vital for some people to help keep energy levels up, so choosing snacks that are 46 | June 2018

For dinner, it’s important not to consume too much at this meal, so as to overload your body, to enable it to carry out it’s over night work of replenishing and repair. Make half your plate a salad and then add some seasoned beans, Cajun kelp noodles, quinoa or brown rice. Remember, it doesn’t have to be boring either, just use your imagination, get a recipe book or download one of the thousands of free recipe eBooks that are waiting for you online.

Hydration is as important for keeping your body as food.

Try to significantly reduce your intake of stimulants like coffee and increase the amount of filtered water, herbal teas and fresh green juices you drink. Herbal teas are available in various combinations and flavours and can help with your transition into drinking more water. Think of green juices like a nutrition infusion, they will help to increase your energy levels, as well as feeding your body at a cellular level with great nutrition.

Download my free juicing eBook here: https://www. sistahintheraw.com/downloads-resourses/ The thing to remember is to lay off fried and processed food, reduce your consumption of salt, meat and dairy as much as possible and watch your meal portion size in the evenings. When you’re ready, take your healthy eating to the next level and incorporate things like a meatless Monday, a self-care Sunday, and a wheat-free Wednesday etc. and see what happens. A step-by-step approach to self-management of your lifestyle, will allow you to pace yourself and increase your awareness of what your true needs are.

A positive mindset will support your efforts to improve your eating habits, get excited about all that changing your lifestyle has to offer you. Shift your focus. Instead of giving your energy and attention to any fear or worry, place your focus instead on where you want to get to, what you’re aiming to achieve and what your next steps TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

could be. If you're not clear about where you want to progress to with your wellbeing and healthy eating goals, don't worry, make it a priority to spend some time figuring that out - explore and enjoy it!

WHAT IF I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE A HEALTH ISSUE? If you believe that you have a health issue, don’t wait, get advice as soon as possible, it’s your right to do so. If you’re feeling nervous about attending a health consultation with a health practitioner, take a friend with you, or chat with a sympathetic friend or family member, or seek advice from a health mentor or coach, to help you to get prepared.

It’s also a good idea to book up and attend regular NHS health check-ups and screening. All men over the age of 50 in the UK can get information about the PSA test and discuss having a free test with their GP

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

as part of a scheme called the prostate cancer risk management programme. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ Prostatehealth/Pages/psa-test.aspx FOR MORE HEALTHY EATING STUFF: Want more support and to find out about healthy eating and lifestyle choices?

Check out my website Sistahintheraw.com Sistahintheraw is a raw food nutrition and lifestyle expert, Interfaith Minister and Spiritual Counsellor. She offers online healthy eating programmes, classes and workshops, one to one mentoring and private chef services.

Written by ©Sistahintheraw - Anita McKenzie

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

IF NOT YOU, WHO?

BY KENNETH BARRETT

QUESTION: IF YOU’RE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HEALTH, WHO IS? In recent weeks a particular health crisis in the UK National Health Service has illustrated to me some of the reasons for the continued rise in poor health, chronic diseases and early deaths in the UK particularly but holds for most other industrialised nations.

Back in 2009 there was an upgrade to an NHS computer system responsible for patient records, a software bug resulted in invitations for breast screening appointments not being sent out to hundreds of women between the ages of 68 and 71. Press headlines screamed “Up to 270 women may have died after England breast cancer screening failures.” Understandably there was a big furore with politicians and the medical profession falling over themselves to avoid blame and fix the problem.

I feel for the loved ones who may have lost someone due to this error, but my take on this is that emphasis has been only on early detection as if the cancer has been caused by the absence of screening. Whereas in truth the risks of getting cancer can be reduced greatly by some simple life style changes. I know that is a controversial thing to say but there are a few things that back up my theory. The WHO states that 30% - 50% of Cancers are preventable .

48 | June 2018

Thousands of years ago Chronic diseases such as Cancer, Heart Disease and Diabetes were rare. Okay there were plagues, famine and disease but most have been eradicated in Western societies. Chronic disease rates are increasing year on year and the World Health Organisation and the Centre For Disease Control predict that by the year 2020 3 out of 4 Britons will die from heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

Our bodies, which have evolved over millions of years haven’t changed much. We were created to exist in harmony with nature, drawing from nature optimal nutrition from our food and drink, and physical activities to maintain the body in a heathy state, healing and repairing renewing as may be required. So what has changed? Almost everything come to think of it! Our internal and external environments have changed.

We are having to exist with lower levels of nutrients in our foods, higher level of toxins in our food, air, water and water, lower levels of activities to help the body assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste and toxins. In addition higher levels of stress contribute to our toxic load.

What I’m saying that it is highly possible that the 270 women who may have perished may still be with us if they had the knowledge and encouragement to reduce their risk factors. Encouragement and support TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

is important because it is one thing knowing what you should or shouldn’t be doing; it is another to change habits and lifestyle.

Take responsibility for your own health. If you don’t who will? The medical profession will do their utmost to repair our broken or diseased bodies, but it is our job to not get broken in the first place.

I have highlighted the problem, now let me propose some solutions.

First and foremost, get educated, become the master of your body. There is so much information out there that there, you just need to take the time to commit to your own well-being.

You also need to look at your personal care products such as shampoos, conditioners, skin creams, washing powders etc, the majority of which contain harmful petrochemicals. Check out the EWG guide to safe cosmetics.

If you need any further information on how to obtain effective whole food organic supplements, clean household and personal care products, please contact me. I’ll do my best to help.

Ken Barrett Email: myoptimalhealthuk@gmail.com http://kennethbarrett.neolifeshop.com

The education will no doubt suggest dietary changes.

Eliminate processed foods, bad fats, vegetable oils, table salt and refined sugar. Choose organically grown or fed where possible. Cook from scratch where possible.

Supplement your diet with high quality whole food supplements. Never take synthetic supplements.

Next on the list will be exercise, it is key but don’t make a big thing of it. Surprisingly little is required to make a difference. Just be consistent, a little but often.

Next but often overlooked, remove toxins from your environment. The home is now more toxic than the outdoors, with the use of highly toxic cleaning products, such as spay cleaners, washing powders etc. Open your windows, let the bad air out and the good air in.

Check out the EWG for more information on keeping your home environment safe.

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June 2018 | 49

STAY STRONG AFRICAN BROTHER My Dearest Brother, I admire you for your strength as a strong Black Man for facing challenging tasks which can often surpass You stand tall in your power and powerful in your stride maintaining your position as an African Man with pride I know you’ve had to wear your armour often standing in warrior mode contending with numerous battles and sometimes going it alone I’ve seen you in your sadness seen you in your pain you sometimes struggle in silence but never in vain You love with sincerity, nurture with clarity and stand for conviction of community and family

Your goals have been far and often never in sight but you, as a Brother, carry on regardless to achieve what is right With these words I say STAY STRONG STAY TRUE AFRICAN BROTHER Written by Eureka Aba-Nourbese ©2018

50 | June 2018

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

A COLLAGE OF MEN’S EXPRESSION AND VOICES

F

or this section of the magazine, we wanted to capture briefly the voices of a few men about their f expression, building a fluid, collage of brief yet powerful experiences and words of wisdom.

We hope you will enjoy catching the sentiments of each message and hopefully in some way you will find a thread of inspiration to galvanise you into your own greatness and to fulfil a dream or do something that you love.

Anthony Phills LINES OF INSPIRATION: Success comes from realizing your dreams. Anthony Phills’ life is the greatest example of a visionary. His successes are varied – he is an author, visual storyteller, full stack and UI/UX designer, photographer, design evangelist, inventor and serial entrepreneur. The pundits told him to focus his creativity. He didn’t listen.

We are the grateful recipients of his steadfast perseverance.

QUOTE: “Life is constantly under development. Your attempts are a necessary evolution in the process of achieving success.” Anthony Phills PROFESSION: Renaissance Man (author, visual storyteller, full stack and UI/UX designer, developer, photographer, design evangelist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur)

Anthony Phills Your Visual Storyteller USA http:phills.com/home http://phills.com TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

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THE WORTH OF MAN BY CHAMPGUARD The Worth of Man is more valuable than the largest amount of US Dollars and Pounds that a person can imagine, because he's GOD Made and not Man Made. Listen, man is righteous and lawful by nature, because he's the image and likeness of GOD. Yes, once Man knows and understands consciously that he has the Power within him to do great things without limitations, there are no excuses to unleash the Greatness within him.

The mind of Man produces War, Peace, Good, Bad,

Love, Hate, Truths and Lies. Why War, Bad, Hate and Lies? Because, man has been genetically and environmentally programmed to go through life unaware of being a bully who uses War to create and solve problems and in order to be respected, he must be bad and hate people without a just cause and tell lies to be highly recognized and feel important. It's very important for Man not to allow outside negative forces to convert him, that’s why Man should always guard his Mind as if his life depends on it, even though Man is not perfect, he must strive and thrive to perfect his imperfections.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ROOSEVELT MUHAMMAD AKA CHAMPGUARD Self-Awareness Author USA Contact: champguard74@gmail.com Instagram: @ChampGuard

DR REHAN ul-HAQ TALKS COMPASSION AND HUMANITY

DAVID CHEN JAMAICA

Dr Rehan ul-Haq is an Infrastructure and Housing Entrepreneur and, variously, an Alliances and Strategy Author, University Academic and former Corporate Banker. https://www. linkedin.com/in/ rehanulhaq/

David Chen is a Jamaican who has got a serious passion for our culture. When I say ‘our culture’ I'm mixed race as we put it, Jamaican/ Chinese but I tend to flow with the Jamaican side. I'm one who is passionate about my culture.

“I think meaningful compassion in action is an excellent way to live a worthwhile life.

At the core of this is trusting and believing in our ability to learn what we need to learn for the contexts we are in or wish to progress to. I am passionate about learning from books and people, and using ideas to enhance human lives. To relax I listen to music from Jazz to Classical Violin and I enjoy how music brings people together and creates greater understanding between us Earth Cousins’.

PERSONAL QUOTE: “Meaningful compassion in action is an excellent way to live a worthwhile life.”

DR REHAN UL-HAQ UK 52 | June 2018

WHAT IS IT ABOUT CULTURE THAT YOU'RE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT? Being born in Jamaica and having traveled extensively, my career path led me into Travel and Tourism. This actually gave me a great deal of diversity. Diversity in a certain sense whereby I came away from the stigma of seeing people from their facial values whereby I actually explored them from within.

So, culture is really on a powerful level of how I see people individually. So Egyptian, Arabs, Turkish, wherever it is, I've got a love for people, food, and places.

DAVID, THIS ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE LOOKS AT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MEN. AS YOU KNOW ACHIEVEMENTS MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. FOR YOU, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS A MAN? This may come across differently to some, whereby some may actually engage in it. I, as a Jamaican, left Jamaica to go to the UK. Personally, I did not want to leave Jamaica but you know what? One of my greatest dream or my main dream was to own my own home; to have my own roof over my own head.

Not being selfish, but as a father, as a man, in this case, I've actually witnessed many people like myself or many males like TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

myself who have actually left Jamaica, went abroad to come back home and many found it difficult to return back home. This was because they may have either squandered their time and/or finances or they may have faced other challenges. So, my achievement is that as a father, I can say "Yes I did it.” I went away. I came back home. I didn't get myself in any trouble. I didn't do anything negative, so to speak. I can actually stand on my own and say that I can actually give my children a home, so to speak.

DO YOU THINK SOME OF YOUR THOUGHT PROCESSES STEM FROM EITHER YOUR UPBRINGING FROM BEING IN JAMAICA OR BY YOUR EXTENSIVE TRAVELS? Parenting is very, very important. I give a lot of the glory to my mother. I'm almost 50 years old and I’m getting to know my father now. But extensive traveling is also very, very important in order to understand yourself. I was actually born in the Caribbean. I went away to understand international life and international culture.

But coming back home is also grounding. I would say coming back to your roots is very important and for all males in the UK, I encourage you to go back home to your parents, native land if it's not the UK to understand their culture. I'm actually focusing a lot on culture here.

BRILLIANT AND DAVID, WHAT DO YOU DO IN JAMAICA TO HELP SPREAD CULTURE? ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY PROJECTS YOURSELF? I don't want to blow my own trumpet but I'm a Jamaican Travel Specialist by the Jamaica Tourist

EJAY SOULGUIDE I was born and I live in Hackney, North London. For many years it has been a privilege to help transform people’s lives.

It is incredibly rewarding to witness personal transformation of others.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

Board. I received that quite a few years ago. I’m also an Ambassador for Human Rights, well, I say Cultural Rights.

In my sense, that's just my way of thinking. People who understand Jamaican culture will understand what I mean by that, and I am an Ambassador for Peace.

So I get myself involved in many organizations, individuals, entrepreneurs and with those who have a vision. It doesn't matter how small they are. I tend to try to support those who are not as fortunate as I am. I will more sit in the background on many things, to be honest. So, I don't really do interviews but because I know you, I give you that respect. Outside of that, it's all about supporting each other. And it gives me that passion to see people grow and thrive with their own dreams and vision. Just like what I had. My dream was to own homes and properties.

FANTASTIC AND ONE LAST QUESTION DAVID, DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE OR SAYING TO END WITH? “Wow. I had the blues because I had no shoes until I saw a man on the street who had no feet.”

David, thank you so, so much for your brief but impactful message of hope.

Thank you. Bless you, Sis and keep up the great job and I wish you all the best.

David is giving away a fabulous complimentary offer for TWO PEOPLE for TWO DAYS; stay at a beautiful property in Jamaica.

Take a Look in the ‘Giveaway’ section. https://www.facebook.com/caribbeandavidchen

My name is Ejay SOULGUIDE loving life, living life, loving what I do because I change and transform people’s lives.

Change your life right now.

PERSONAL QUOTE: "The Divine In Me Embraces The Divine In You" Ejay SoulGuide CONTACT DETAILS: 07936 727 928 www.hspracticec.co.uk Insta: @Holistic Spiritual Practice Facebook: hspractice

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Aqua Kyoto Restaurant Review

FINE DINING

By Tony Jazz, Our Very Own Mr TopHat

A

high-octane rooftop restaurant, Aqua Kyoto offers exquisite Japanese cuisine.

The River Thames is a river that flows through Southern England, most notably through London. This natural iconic feature of this great city flows from West to East as it meanders across the Thames Valley as it’s known. This can also be used as a backdrop to symbolise the vast range of cultural diversity that London now has to offer in its culinary cuisine. The range of restaurants and professional chefs alike are attracted to this metropolis where eastern pallets meet western fine dining. Aqua Kyoto is a high octane rooftop restaurant situated on the 5th Floor, 240 Regent Street, at the entrance of 30 Argyll Street. Set within the iconic Dickins & Jones building Aqua Kyoto is a 2-minute walk from Oxford Circus Tube Station.

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Aqua Kyoto presents its patrons with the most exquisite and extensive contemporary Japanese cuisine. One may choose from the three course signature dishes made with the finest ingredients, all skillfully prepared by its chefs in a sunken open plan viewed kitchen. This all adds to the ambience and excitement of what you’re about to experience. Head Chef, Paul Greenings, is the Master at this helm.

He brings with him his own unique innovative style and creative dishes such as the imaginatively presented central sushi bar and sumibiyaki charcoal grill ("Hibachi" is a Japanese word for the charcoal grill.) You will find it both in Japanese and Korean restaurants. A hot trend in Japan at the moment is "sumibiyaki", the "sumi" being the charcoal. You will notice less smoke with the sumibiyaki versus other charcoal. Paul Greenings ( A Native New Zealander ) has worked at Aqua for over four years since its opening and has trained under many great chefs such as Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffman and Pierre Gagnaire to name a few. Despite his previous background, to follow in his father’s footsteps becoming a marine biologist, he soon developed his own passion as a chef.

However, this hasn’t prevented him mixing both his first love of science and that of food. He views his kitchen as some sort of experimental laboratory which always keeps them at the cutting edge of new concepts.

The Terrace Rooftop Bar is an oasis in the summer giving some of most amazing views across London’s skyline, as dazzling as its cocktail menu. Choose from the range of both Japanese and Spanish themed cocktails created by a team of sophisticated bar staff. I ordered the Jasmine of the Valley which consisted of (Belvedere Vodka, Passoa, Kummel, Yuzu, Jasmine Tea, Egg) this was brought over by the Bar Manager with a welcoming smile. Over the weekends there is also a resident DJ playing, if you really wish to experience a summer party atmosphere, but I would advise booking in advance as this is quite a popular venue at this time of year.

Apart from its lovely oriental dark decor and wall to floor windows with stunning views over many of London’s famous landmarks, Aqua has become very popular for its renowned Bottomless Champagne Brunch menu. At just £65 per head, one can just kick back on a hot lazy summer day and sample a combination of salmon and tuna sashimi rolls or avocados wrapped in mango paper, washed down by bottomless glasses of Venue Cliquot Champagne. This restaurant has made its name as one of the best to visit whilst in London and I believe we will be hearing much more from this perfectly matched East meets West fine dining experience hidden in the heart of this great city.

TONY JACKSON Lifestyle Manager/ Professional Butlers to the Rich and Famous www.butlersofmayfairevents.co.uk 56 | June 2018

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

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FASHION

I

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

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FASHION

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FASHION

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FASHION

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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

ART & SOUL

SELF PORTRAIT Music Man, what has the blackness of night done?

What should have killed, somehow made you strong To the yellow sunlight you rise like a buried seed, a phoenix burning flame red Igniting thoughts floating in the head, sailing on ocean view blue, what a beautiful hue!

The same colour that decorated the skies where the sparrows and eagles fly A place you strive to be - with life's visions view, light and free.

Music Man, you write on pages pure and white, lying below horizontal dancing lines Void, yet welcoming to be inked and penciled.

Go ahead Music Man! Write a number one song for the world to sing along, Strum those naked guitar strings, and expose your emotions Flood the world with music, and drown their hurtful pain Melodic magical strings I can hear, but cannot see I went searching for your harmonic sounds, but you found me.

I

was born in Jamaica by the beaches of White House in the Parish of Westmoreland. I studied Art and Graphics at St. Elizabeth Technical High School in Jamaica, English and Mathematics at Darlington College located in Catterick Garrison where I was trained as a British Soldier. The rest of my education comes from reading and learning from other people with substance.

I am married with two lovely children aged three and five and my dream is to become a professional songwriter, author and the next influential "artist/painter."

There is a passion that lies within my heart for my family which is the same for all humanity and that is to love without dissimulation and fight for rights and freedom, help to provide shelter, education and a daily meal for others just as my immediate family if possible. I want to advocate for women’s rights and equal opportunity using my writing and paintings as a tool, empowering youths to believe in themselves and not to settle for mediocrity.

When I sit down to paint, with the images that I have painted so far, each piece brings a different feeling depending on the time, place and what the painting is about. Whilst some paintings would normally require sketching first on canvas to give a sense of direction,

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So, before I paint any of my pictures the thought process is very profound. It takes me to another place where I see and imagine things, then communicate with brushes, canvas and paints to bring imagination to life.

others come naturally with the hand waving brush and paints like a wand to create magic. However, one thing that doesn’t change is my zeal factor.

So, before I paint any of my pictures the thought process is very profound. It takes me to another place where I see and imagine things, then communicate with brushes, canvas and paints to bring imagination to life.

I started painting in art class secondary school in Jamaica. The classroom was filled with young creatives who were making money while they were still learning.

Financially I was struggling to pay for my next bus fare, so to survive through school I had to learn art not only for the love of it but also through necessity.

Unsurprisingly however, it did not take long before my true passion for art and the love of painting manifested.

This has since over shadowed the element of necessity and hence my hesitation in selling my pieces, so each time one of my paintings are sold I feel as if the owners take away a piece of me.

Three of my paintings that were selected as favourites

by Esther for this magazine were the following so I will explain what they mean to me and their story

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ART & SOUL

"BLIND VISION POSSIBLE DREAMS" will be the title of my first book that I’m currently writing. It depicts an eagle surrendering to a butterfly soaring away with the eagle in the sunset. This shows strength in fragility, abilities without limitations, taking a hold of fears and conquering them. I am that butterfly that has gone through the metamorphosis stages of growth and development from creeping and walking now learning how to fly.

The next piece that was selected is called “HANNAH AND JEREMIAH” The doctors gave up on my wife having children but I told her that we would and that she should stop doubting and believe that all things are possible. Six years into our marriage Hannah and Jeremiah came. The painting of them represent a second birth where life emerges from a barren place.

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ART & SOUL

Then there is the painting “Nostalgia� which is a self portrait I did while serving in the British Army in Iraq 2006. The journey of remembrance floods the senses and I could almost smell the pelagic scent of Caribbean waters and the taste the freshness of fruit from a fertile land. I heard voices of loved ones from a strange land and missed the place where my heart was, a place I called home.

When I met Esther of TurningPoint Magazine she told me that she felt I had a beautiful humble spirit and asked me what kept me focussed, humble and passionate about what I do? Well, life to me is a lesson learning from present and past mishaps, losing my business, and my car where I almost ended up sleeping on the streets.

But through adversaries came opportunities, that was my blind vision and I couldn't see that I was being shaped to be a better and stronger person at the time While I was on the frontline in Iraq, British and American soldiers were losing limbs and lives. I made a promise to God that if he brought me back safe to England I would never complain but learn to humble myself and be grateful. Keeping such a promise means allowing God to be at the helm that bares not only the fruit of humbleness but of focus and passion.

My inspiration and joy comes from the place in my dreams where I see art and hear new songs which I write and paint. So my inspiration comes from a higher power and people with ambition and aspirations who

are working honestly towards their accomplishments.

Ironically, I am also inspired by my failures for they are components for my future success. My joy and happiness comes from within me, so whatever I've lost externally or whatever is said to dampen my spirit simply can't take that joy away.

My intent for my paintings is that I want to bring inspiration to others through my paintings and I also want it to be mind provoking, evoking thoughts and imagination.

The bedrock of being a family man and having a successful family life for me is this. Family for me is priority, a real man first learns to take care of home and his responsibilities. I believe the mould needs to be broken where children, especially young men, grow up without a male figure and the mother struggles to raise a man. The foundation to a successful family life is reciprocity, freedom and love.

If you are at the cross-roads of your life at this moment and are feeling lost and stagnant this is what I would like to share with you. First love yourself and try to discover what is your purpose. Secondly find your passion, thirdly find a conducive environment that will help you to grow and develop around like minded people with the experience and know-how which can give you a sense of direction.

By Andre Parchment Artist Instagram: @andreparchment

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COMPETITION

GREAT GIVEAWAYS AND PRIZES

To be in for the chance to win one of the following prizes please answer the following questions. Names will go into a hat and the lucky winners will be notified via email by Friday 22nd June 2017.

All answers are in the magazine. Supply your name, email address and send your answers to: turningpoint@estheraustinglobal.com TurningPoint would like to keep your details on record for future mailouts. If you would like to remain on our mailing list please state in your email.

•

What date will The Ojays be performing in London?

•

What is the name of the album from which Darryl F Walker is giving away his EP?

•

Which legendary band will be performing in Manchester on 5th July?

•

Tony Jazz is offering a Bespoke Tour of where?

COMPETITION

**Tickets to see Café Society Swing will be offered before the 22nd June 2018

70 | June 2018

TWO TICKETS TO SEE Cafe Society Swing at Theatre Royal Stratford East This acclaimed show tells the true story of Cafe Society - the first racially integrated jazz club in New York.

Opening in December 1938, the club was one of the first American venues to treat the great black artists of the era with dignity and respect and was the launch pad for legendary jazz stars Billie Holiday Lena Horne, Sarah Vaughan and many more.

Full of swinging jazz, blues, gospel and bebop, Cafe Society Swing follows the venue’s struggles and triumphs to its eventual demise in America’s ‘Red Scare’ of the late 1940s.

WRITTEN BY ALEX WEBB Directed by Christian Durham Saturday 9th – to 16th June 2018 http://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/cafe-society-swing

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

COMPETITION

DEAR ESTHER,

Personal Invitation for One

We would like to donate a Private Bespoke Tour of Burlington Arcade & Bond Street as a prize gift on behalf of Turning Point Magazine’s celebration of Men June issue. The Tour is a personal tour of this historic area with narration from Mr Jackson who gives an insight into the exclusive history of the buildings, area and characters of its period. The Tour will last up to two hours maximum and will conclude with a set menu late lunch of a prestigious restaurant of our choice which will be included. The tour availability will commence from the date of notification of the winner to a period of not more than six consecutive months after that as to which it would be invalid.

by Butlers Of Mayfair Bespoke Events & Consultancy Ltd Tony Jackson

We would like to request to share the copyrights of any images with Turning Point Magazine along with the consent of the prize winner to use his/her image in our own social media/ on websites and promotional material.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for this unique collaboration and look forward to working on this exciting Project.

Kind Regards Tony Jackson Mobile +447958445717 Email: tonyjazziam@gmail.com www.butlersofmayfairevents.co.uk

Darryl Walker’s EP “Hold Me” from which, the title track (“Hold Me”) held the number one position on TheMothFM.com “Top Ten” Smooth Jazz chart in the UK for a record fourteen weeks! https://www.youtube.com/ playlist?list=PLUrD5u35kJFpSZ-CXaBlgo65ptadaRXzm OR http://www.mosesmediainc.com/iaps/walker/walkerweb.html DIRECT LINK TO EP WILL BE SENT TO THE WINNING PERSON One lucky winner will be emailed link to a copy of the EP, Hold Me from Darryl TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

June 2018 | 71

COMPETITION

EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY

BY DAVID CHEN

A FABULOUS COMPLIMENTARY TWO DAY STAY IN JAMAICA FOR TWO PEOPLE. Paradise View is a property with a difference, simple setting for the Creative Minds, those like me, who have a Passion for Nature or the COUNTRY LIFE with A Beach, one I call ALL Inclusive In the Community.

The perfect short break, weekend retreat, film location, romantic getaway or day out for friends, with grounds with a view for family special occasions; Paradise View offers a full inclusive-in-the-community package.

SPECIFIC DETAILS AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE WINNER.

HOLIDAY LET ADVERT BARBADOS ONLY HOLIDAY LETTINGS (BOHL) RETURN Are you looking for: •

Cost-effective holiday accommodation on a beautiful tropical island?

•

A place with easy access to local amenities and one not far from the famous ‘De-Action Surfers Club’ a surfers paradise on the stunning Silver Sands beach?

•

Are you looking for a place that is home from home?

Further information here: https://barbadosonly.co.uk/st_rental/austin-villa/

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PERSPECTIVES

PERSPECTIVE

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WHY I LOVE A MAN IN A SUIT

BY REBECCA WEEK SMITH

T

his is a new section to the magazine, a space dedicated to discovering, debating, discussing life from different perspectives culturally, traditionally and any other way the perspective of life maybe dissected and looked at. The intention for this section is to open dialogue, and to share the voices of humanity, to learn and to build, to nurture each other’s mindset and to add a diversity of life to our own perspective of live.

Rebecca Weef Smith spent many years working in the fashion industry before retraining as a psychodynamic counsellor.

Never one to follow rules Rebecca has had an eclectic work-life; she has an MA in Creative Entrepreneurship and MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and has combined the many sides of her careers

to form Wearing Wellbeing, a platform for discussing the positive psychology of fashion.

Rebecca is the Editor of Goldie Magazine, a quarterly print publication which shares the stories, and celebrates the style, of life after 40.

I am five years old and I can hear Daddy singing in the bathroom as he shaves; I am laying out his work clothes for the day. As I write this it sounds weird, odd that such a young child would want to do this task or that a father would be happy to be dressed by his young daughter. My Daddy’s shirts for the office were always pristine, white and crisp, with a wonderful Sunday-smell of just ironed; his suits were classic dark grey or navy wool – I don’t recall him having a black work suit, only his funeral one – his ties gave me the opportunity to TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

PERSPECTIVE

really go to town. So many beautiful shades and patterns, this being the seventies most of them were wide and ostentatious, a symbol of flamboyance in his otherwise sober daily work-wear. My Daddy liked his socks matching his ties. He loved bright colours – turquoise, orange, lime green – he had that Mediterranean complexion that could take strong clear tones. And he liked the perfectly pressed and starched handkerchiefs, which I bought for him in boxes at Christmas, with a ‘J’ embroidered in the corner.

I was always careful to create a perfect crease free selection of garments for him to see when he had finished his bathing; I loved the approval I received each morning as he complimented me on that day’s selection. I was his adoring audience, admiringly mirroring his need for female endorsement; I needed him to acknowledge my uneasy sense of where I fitted in to our unusual household. My mother was the only one I knew who had a career, others Mummies worked, but not like mine; no one else’s Daddy took them to school, or collected them from the child-minder. No one else got to choose their Daddy’s ties; we had something exceptional; I was his Dresser, a privileged role that made me feel very special.

My father’s leisure wear was equally as carefully thought through: Harris Tweed jackets with sludgy olive green trousers, Viyella shirts and knitted ties winter weekend favourites. He had a battered beaten up sheepskin which was worn with his chunky patterned sweaters and chino-style slacks; weekend shoes were often brown whereas his highly polished weekday shoes were never anything but black.

It was during our family holidays that he really let his sartorial-wildside come to the fore.

I thought he was so dashing when he removed his boring black jacket to put on the purple one, that moment heralded ‘Rebecca’ time - he was home for the evening and could easily be persuaded to dance with me.

I was seven when we went shopping for his cruise collection summer wardrobe.

He had a pale green linen lounge suit which he matched with a slightly lighter shade short sleeved shirt and tonal striped tie. Of course being ‘at sea’ meant a navy striped tee shirt, blazer and linen trousers. Then there were wide-leg-knee-length shorts worn with terry-towelling polo shirts – tangerine, baby blue and apple – finished with deck shoes.

The pride of place in that collection however was his cream belted linen-effect safari suit with short sleeves. He was most impressed by its travelling credentials; it never creased. I think that suit bought out his reckless side; he would chuck it on the floor rather than hang it up, as was his usual considered way with clothes. That suit meant that he could let go of the office, with its rules and boundaries, and throw caution to the wind.

My father loved to wear a dinner suit, summer or winter, which he liked to accessorise with flashy bow ties, he also loved a smoking jacket, his was purple, but being the seventies was made of quilted nylon rather than velvet. I thought he was so dashing when he removed his boring black jacket to put on the purple one, that moment heralded ‘Rebecca’ time - he was home for the evening and could easily be persuaded to dance with me. For my tenth birthday party he donned his dinner suit with his purple-velvet-bowtie to act as a waiter for the afternoon, making my friends ‘mocktails’

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with bright-glacé-cherries, and dancing with us all to his much-loved big band tunes.

Daddy was quite a Dandy in his suburban-boymade-good way, a working class lad from east London who dragged himself into a middlemanagement-white-collar position. With a mortgage, a beautiful wife, holidays abroad and an extensive wardrobe he was able to act out all the roles he had aspired to as a boy.

During my twenties I worked for a menswear label in London. I was the youngest girl on a team of traditional men. Men who felt that I was unsuitable for a managerial role which meant I told them what to do. I was not liked.

I didn’t much care. My bossy five year old self came in to full force. Although I wasn’t on the shop floor, the suit-department soon realised that if they had a wavering customer I could talk them into buying many more clothes than they ever intended to purchase. My father taught me well.

As I am writing this I am wearing my father’s Johnsons Cashmere scarf and his grey cashmere sleeveless cardigan. I acquired them after his death, along with a few shirts and a pair of cufflinks. I was quite angry with my father for years; he was a complicated man, cross, as was many of his generation who fought in the Second World War. His fondness for Whisky didn’t help his temper or mental health. My father loved women, often inappropriately. I once overheard two women from his workplace discussing the fact that you would never get in a lift with him on your own.

He was always attentive to how my mother dressed; he was full of compliments, always ready to flatter any female in a pretty frock. He loved Christmas with the chance to dress up even more than usual, and saw girls in party frocks much like a box of Quality Street from which he could take his pick. When he lost his sight towards the end of his life I felt there was some sort of retribution for his improperly focused gaze in his younger days.

Now I am no longer angry with him, I can wear his cardigan with fondness and I can acknowledge the influence he has had on my love for a man in a suit. But that’s another story… rebecca@goldiemediagroup.co.uk www.goldiemediagroup.co.uk

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PERSPECTIVE

A SENSE OF HUMOUR

AUNT GETRUDE’S CORNER – FATHER’S DAY DISTRESS

W

ell, Father’s Day is around the corner and what are you all stealthily preparing to buy daddy, Papa, or father dearest?

It’s a bit like Christmas, having these celebratory days.

You’ve just given roses and a bottle of Baileys to mother dearest and then it’s time to get ready for Father’s day and all the while everyone’s trying to be secretive about what presents to get, what to cook and where to take daddy for brunch or tea.

I remember those stealthy secretive questioning processes when growing up around these ‘celebratory days especially when I used to work the 9-5 where for the most part of the year, no-one gave a puss in boots interest about me. However, at Christmas everyone wanted to ‘parteee’ and ‘eat out’ so that we could all cosy up together and ‘talk’ like long lost friends. Hmm ...talking and gossiping are two different things. Then as Monday morning would come around, everyone would be huddled around mince pies and cups of black coffee, nursing hang-overs and gossiping about who slept with whom and with what!! Another traditional celebratory practice.

TURNINGPOINT: YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR WELL-BEING

Even around my birthday (which I often liked to keep quiet about) there was the usual obligatory giggle then wink, wink “so Esther what’s your favourite colour?” The rainbow, I’d reply. That would dampen the mood in the room somewhat and I would be deemed un-cooperative. How many flipping times were they going to ask the same question year in year out.

Therefore, Father’s Day was similarly distressing for me.

I’ve always resented having to conform or subscribe to something because of society’s commercial ploy and badgering. I was never one to conform to traditional or societal trends and dictates, and I still don’t. My stance often didn’t bode well with my loving Christian family who loved to participate in all the festivities. However, this was a good thing for them, as both my parents had lost their parents at a young age, so the excitement of the preparation for such events and the cultural aspect was more than just novelty and I had to respect them for that. Also my parents wanted us to have experiences they never always had. However, my stance was still that if I wanted to eat Turkey and Stuffing on Valentines Day then I would.

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PERSPECTIVE

So, growing up, Father’s day was one of those dreaded long day excursions for us, where our resentment to buy my father something full of sentimental meanderings really pressed our rebellious vex button. Our father was an incredibly strict Christian man who, as he claimed, was always 99.9 per cent right. We had as much freedom back then as a hamster in a brick cage. Our freedom stemmed between the front door and our bedroom. There were always arguments as well, as us three sisters, in full suffragette mode, felt the need daily to defend whatever little rights we had. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my father in my own way as I am sure my sisters did.

I remember having to go with my sisters to choose a card for our father and this process taking a long time because every card we picked had long essays and sentiments of love and teary eyed reminiscence from ... being born at sunrise and being grateful to ones father for cutting the umbilical cord to supporting mother with washing our bibs as she breast-fed us yaddah, yaddah, yaddah. My sisters and I would go through Father’s day cards with looks of derision on our faces with an “I ain’t buying that.”

We’d try not to throw a hissy fit in the shop, in case the Police were called, and then we’d end up having to face our father and his belt called “Bertie the Bottom Beater.”

So to cut what seems to be a very laboured take on Father’s Day short, we’d end up buying the card with the least words. We’d also buy something such as a pair of socks to keep our mother quiet from giving us the evil eye. The socks would have to be from Marks and Spencers’ or BHS. Good quality socks and not from the market. Even if they had an M&S tag on them - M&S

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could be the acronym for ‘Market & Traders ‘ or ‘Mobs & Tricksters’ - sub-standard items of footwear, not for our father, never! However, I must say he usually did smile when he received his presents and the like, well for a brief period and I do believe he was truly grateful. I had to recognize that he was actually being the best version of himself that he chose to present.

Like I said before we loved our father in our own different ways. We were not tight or didn’t want to spend our money, it was just that we did not understand that level of sentimentality. Then once Father’s Day was over, in despair we’d think, we’d have to navigate Mother’s Day next, and that was distressing in itself with a capital D. But love them or loathe them, depending on the relationship you had or have, Father’s Day should be a day of celebration as men generally have a hard time in society. I guess this depends from which side of the coin you are coming from and the experiences had. However, I would like to offer blessings to all you fabulous fathers out there, in whatever capacity you are a dad or father.

I also believe in keeping it real. Not every father relationship is healthy, so with the money you would’ve spend on his good self, why not treat YOURSELF. On that note, read my article on Smoddysharp, and book a pamper and groom. Based in South London, and for men only you can get a pedicure, manicure, full grooming, massage and more.

Blessings to all

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