Street Cred Magazine - January 2021

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

JANUARY 2021

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NO T YOUR MUSE Celeste Announces New Album

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Eminem uses song to say sorry to Rihanna for backing Chris Brown

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minem has used a new song to apologise to Rihanna for "siding" with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, who assaulted her in 2009.

Eminem raps on his track Zeus: "And wholeheartedly apologies Rihanna for that song that leaked/ I'm sorry, Rih, it wasn't meant to cause you grief."

He was referring to a decade-old song that leaked in 2019, on which he said "of course I side with Chris Brown".

Zeus appears on Eminem's surprise album Music to be Murdered By Side B. The album, which accompanies January's Music to be Murdered By, has just been release.

At the time the track leaked last year, Eminem's spokesperson said: "This is a leak of something that's over 10 years old. After Eminem recorded it, he scrapped it, and rewrote it."

On his new track, he admitted the original lyric "was wrong of me".

Chris Brown pleaded guilty to the

assault in 2009, receiving five years probation and a community service order.

Eminem and Rihanna have collaborated several times, including on 2010's US number one single Love the Way You Lie, as well as Numb on her 2012 album Unapologetic and The Monster from The Marshall Mathers LP 2 in 2013.

The rapper's new album features collaborations with Dr Dre, Ty Dolla $ign, J Premier and Skylar Gray.

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'Love wins' for Harry and Meghan in first podcast from Spotify THE DUKE and Duchess of Sussex released their first podcast, in which they reflect on 2020 with a string of celebrities and activists for their podcast deal with Spotify.

Hollywood’s Tyler Perry, tennis star Naomi Osaka and singer Sir Elton John feature on the first episode of Archewell Audio.

"No matter what life throws at you guys,” Meghan said, “trust us when we say, love wins".

She explains that they decided to enlist "a few friends and a lot of other folks" who "we admire, and get their thoughts on what they learned from 2020".

Harry and Meghan ask guests to record themselves to avoid what the Duke describes as "the awkward dance of a video chat".

The Phoenix Newspaper - January 2021 - Page 19

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ir Lenny Henry has written a TV drama inspired by his mother's move from Jamaica to England in the 1950s.

The six-part series, titled Three Little Birds - follow three fictional Jamaican women who face racism and other obstacles in the Midlands - is based on the stories his mother Winifred would tell about forging a new life in Britain.

The multi-award winning actor, writer, broadcaster and comedian said it was a "tribute to the giants who came before us and walked cold streets to create new lives".

He explained: "My mother spoke often about how difficult life was back in the day when she first arrived in Britain to begin her new life.

"The stories she told, and indeed the narratives my brothers and sisters beguiled me with over the dinner table, made me think about writing a fictional account of three Caribbean women; all with differing yet complementary attributes - a serious tenacious one, a quick-witted flibbertigibbet and a Christian prude.

"They all get to the UK with one thing on their minds - a new life. Although these are fictional accounts, my mother's narrative will run throughout these stories and hopefully the stories of other

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Sir Lenny writes tV drama inspired by mother, Winifred post-Windrush arrivals will trigger memories, smiles and tears too."

ITV described the series as "life affirming", and former Doctor Who and Years and Years writer Russell T Davies has advised Sir Lenny on the script.

Dudley-born Sir Lenny has previously described his mother's first few months in England in 1957 as "awful", sleeping on her brother's floor and facing frequent racism.

He has also spoken about their complicated relationship, with his mother hitting him with a frying pan and other objects. In his memoir ‘Who Am I, Again?’, which was published last year, he said "she could punch you and knock you through a brick wall".

His mother died in 1998.

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0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Kia sponsors LoL World Champs, DAMWON Gaming

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ia Motors Corporation has announced a multi-year naming sponsorship with DAMWON Gaming, which will begin next year.

DAMWON Gaming, the winner of the 2020 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship, will play under the team name of DWG Kia. The naming sponsorship will see the introduction of new team logos and uniforms, and numerous marketing campaigns between DWG and the Kia brand.

"We will contribute to the revitalisation of e-sports globally and actively communicate with fans through the naming sponsorship with DAMWON Gaming," said Hyugho Kwon, Head of Domestic Sales and Service Division at Kia Motors.

"In particular, we are aiming to promote the young and dynamic Kia brand to e-sports fans around the world through this new partnership."

Kia is already engaged in several marketing activities related to e-sports. For example, Kia has been an official partner to the LoL European Championship (LEC) since 2019 and has actively collaborated with Riot Games, who makes LoL. As part of its LEC partner activity, Kia produced the hugely popular music video for the opening of the 2020 LEC season, which featured Kia’s flagship zero-emission e-Niro, and introduced standings for the best players and teams such as ‘Kia Player of the Game’, ‘Kia Split MVP’, and ‘Kia Team of the Season’. Kia has also released promotional videos with prestigious European LoL teams such as Fnatic and Rogue gaming.

LoL is one of the world's most popular online multi-player games, enjoyed by more than 100 million people every month, with 11 leagues running with great success each year.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Rita Ora apologises for breaking lockdown rules

RECORD-BREAKING ‘STREET OUT ON ITS OWN AFTER 60 YEARS

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ith the first episode airing on December 9 1960 hit ITV soap Coronation Street turned 60 as stars past and present took to social media to mark the very special anniversary with cast members flocking to pay tribute to the much-loved soap in a series of touching posts.

Seasons later, people’s love for the show hasn’t waned and the show’s alumni have been sharing throwbacks of their time on the soap and fond memories of their stints on the cobbles to celebrate the show’s 60th anniversary.

Coronation Street, which has been recognised by Guinness World Records ahead of its 60th anniversary has been given an updated certificate, along with its longest-serving cast member William Roache and the programme, which became the world's longest-running TV soap opera in 2010, officially turn 60 yesterday.

Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap's 1960 debut, said it had given him "a lifetime of wonderful memories".

Set in the fictional northern town

RITA ORA said she was "deeply sorry" for breaking English lockdown rules to celebrate her 30th birthday.

The singer says she attended a party at a restaurant in west London during the hight of the lockdown.

"Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I take full responsibility," she wrote in a statement.

Up to 30 people were said to be at the party, although she describes the event as a "small gathering", saying it was a "spur of the moment" decision.

London's Metropolitan Police confirmed officers went to the Casa Cruz restaurant after a report about a potential breach of Covid lockdown regulations.

"I'm deeply sorry for breaking the rules and in turn understand that it puts people at risk," she posted.

"This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgement."

Pubs and restaurants were closed (although they could serve non-alcoholic takeaways), with police having the power to break up groups larger than six and those who ignore officers could be fined £100, doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200.

Kensington and Chelsea Council, which is responsible for issuing Covid fines against businesses in the area, said it was still investigating what happened at Casa Cruz.

of Weatherfield, Coronation Street was originally only intended to run for 13 episodes.

In February this year the show aired its 10,000th, an hour-long edition full of nods to the drama's highly eventful past.

As gripping storylines unfold to mark the massive milestone celebrities who’ve previously starred in the show reflected on episodes gone by.

Pop star and former Street regular, Keith Duffy, for one wrote, ‘Happy 60th Birthday @ coronationstreet I was there for the 50th feels like yesterday ❤️ Super team on and off the screen! #especiallyhairandmskeup.

Current ‘bad boy’ Ian Bartholomew, who plays Geoff Metcalfe, also posted a warm message for the serial drama’s 60th, saying: ‘Happy 60th Birthday to Coronation Street.

And may there be many happy returns.’

One of the younger Corrie stars, Ella Jade Mulvaney, recounted her time growing up playing Amy Barlow on the soap tweeting, ‘Happy 60th Anniversary Corrie!

The last ten years have been a blast, here’s to many more!”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Virtual MOBOs proves enlightening for winners

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fter a two-year break, the MOBO Awards returned with a socially-distant show which was hosted by Maya Jama and Chunkz, and broadcast on YouTube.

Mahalia and Nines both won two awards, with Mahalia taking home Best R&B/Soul and Best Female and Nines winning Best Album and Best Hip Hop act,

with Mahalia saying: "As a young Black artist at the MOBOs, everything it stands for and holds is really special."

Young T and Bugsey who were awarded Best Song for Don't Rush, released their mixtape at the start of the year, with plans for tours and other live performances.

"All artists have had to learn how to manoeuvre through it, hopefully next year shows will be

www.streetcredmagazine.com back again," Bugsey.

Aitch, who picked up Best Newcomer, said the event was a good end to a bad year. He said: "It's sick to be recognised for what I'm doing."

In a year like no other, Aitch says time away from touring and performances has had some advantages. "Some things have happened that wouldn't have happened if I was out on the road."

Chunkz won Best Media Personality up against names including Clara Amfo, Mo Gilligan and co-host Maya Jama.

With social-distancing measures in place, it might not have been the best year to host such a big event. But, after the MOBOs were cancelled in 2018 and 2019, founder Kanya King said she "felt like she had to" bring them back.

She said: "Entertainment and activism have always gone hand in hand, and we're using the power of Black culture to empower and uplift people."

This year's ceremony also included a one-off category to retrospectively award the best albums released between September 2017 and August 2019; won by Ella Mai.

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CELESTE IS

R U O Y NO T MUSE

C

eleste has announced details of her hotly anticipated debut album ‘Not Your Muse’ which is set for release on February 26th through Polydor Records.

‘Not Your Muse’ features twelve songs, including nine brand new tracks alongside acclaimed singles ‘Strange’, ‘A Little Love’ and ‘Stop This Flame’ (the theme song to Sky Sports Premiere League).

The album is available on CD, cassette, vinyl (including a white label red vinyl) and deluxe CD. The deluxe version contains additional tracks including early favourites ‘Lately’, ‘Both Sides Of The Moon’ and ‘Father’s Son’ as well as ‘Hear My Voice’.

The announcement completes what has been a remarkable year for 2020’s breakthrough artist, who achieved the double win of BBC Sound of 2020 and the BRITS Rising Star award.

Celeste’s spell-binding

“’Not Your Muse’ is the power I found when I felt powerless...In making this album I have allowed myself to arrive at a place where I feel empowered, fiercely wide-eyed and fulfilled.” performance of ‘Strange’ at The BRITS in February placed her firmly in the global spotlight, winning her a legion of new fans blown away by its raw intimacy.

While the ensuing pandemic put paid to all touring and festival plans, the British-Jamaican soul singer and songwriter released a

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string of captivating songs - the sentiments of which resonate in these uncertain times - including ‘Hear My Voice’ was co-written with Golden Globe-nominated composer Daniel Pemberton and is the focus track of the Netflix film The Trial of the Chicago 7, written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Aaron Sorkin.

‘Hear My Voice’ is tipped as an Oscars contender for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards next year.

New song ‘A Little Love’, which was written and recorded for the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advertising campaign, has been widely praised as a Christmas classic in the making.

She is the first artist to be commissioned to write and perform an original song for the ad, marking another milestone in her unparalleled ascent.

Further accolades were bestowed on Celeste with two big announcements last week; YouTube Music named her as the next talent in their Artist On The Rise series, which celebrates and supports the most exciting new artists in the UK, then Disney Pixar announced that she lends her vocals to the end credit vocal, ‘It’s Alright’, on the Pixar ‘must see’ film, SOUL. With her phenomenal debut album ‘Not Your Muse’ now confirmed for a February release, next year looks set to belong to Celeste too.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - January 2021 - Page 23

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THE NEW LIFESTYLE AWARDS CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND DIVERSITY ONLINE PRESENTATION

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ENTERTAINMENT SWISH MEDIA AWARDS 2020

Dedicated Service Award Neelam Duggal

Best Business And Mindset Coach Avril Grant

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he Swish Media Awards 2020 were sponsored by Crownsway Insurance Brokers Ltd and Town Hall Symphony Hall, celebrating diversity and excellence in Beauty, Fashion, Sports, Arts, and Entertainment and recognised the achievements of emerging businesses in the UK. The virtual awards presentation was an exclusive Live Stream event supported

by THSH and Crownsway Insurance.

These awards recognise that high standards of quality and

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Best Social Media Influencer Theo Johnson

Best Independent Business Chad Lewis

integrity are vital to the success of business as rewarding the innovation delivered by people who are at the cutting edge of their profession.

Any organization within the UK, regardless of size, sector or industry, as well as individuals, teams and agencies entered these awards.

All entries went through a rigorous judging process with up to 5 finalists in each category.

The Swish Media Awards VIP presentation is designed to empower individuals and let them know that we are here to support as an independent

media company.

Being Swish is a powerful award and we are here to honour those who have been courageous throughout the 2020 lockdown.

It was a very stylish ceremony hence the name Swish!

The winners announced at the Black Tie Awards Night were:

Best DJ Personality Joe Hunt

Best Eatery And Hospitality

Mellows Bar And Restuarant

Lifetime Achievement Award Dr Dharam Vir Duggal

Best Hair Salon 2020 Klassic Koncept Special Recognition And Community Service Alison Cope

Best Independent Business Chad Lewis

Best Social Media Influencer Theo Johnson

Entreprenuer Of The Year Samantha Golding

Best MUA And Beautician Marcia Blackwood

Woman Of Power Award Dr Saroj Duggal MBE Best Hair Salon

Best Retailer Of The Year

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dedicated Service Award

Woman Of Power Award

Best Business And Mindset Coach

Klassic Concept Dr Dharam Vir Duggal Dr Saroj Duggal MBE

Female Business Excellence Denisha Sawyers

Best Gym And Fitness Mike Hind

Best Comedy Act Smash

Kenneth Grey

Neelam Duggal Avril Grant

Best Fashion And Music Influencer Romeo

Nominations will be open for 2021 in January on www.swishmediauk.com.

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Female Business Excellence Denisha Sawyers

Best DJ Personality Of The Year Joe Hunt

Best Restuarant And Hospitality Mellows Bar And Restuarant

SWISH MEDIA AWARDS 2020

Best Retailer Of The Year Kenneth Grey

Special Recognition And Community Service Award Alison Cope

Entreprenuer Of The Year Samantha Golding

Best Comedy Act Smash

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SWISH MEDIA AWARDS 2020

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R U O Y NO T MUSE

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ENTERTAINMENT

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ock Choir, the largest contemporary choir in the world with 33,000 Members, helped the whole country combat loneliness this Christmas by broadcasting a live and festive Rock Choir singing event from their YouTube channel on Christmas Day morning.

2020 has been a year when Mental Health has been in crisis and now more than ever it needs to be prioritised.

Over half (54%) of UK adults are worried about the mental health of someone they know this Christmas according to a survey published by the Mental Health Foundation and since the new tier 4 announcement a record number of people spent Christmas alone this year as a result of the pandemic and the new tighter restrictions.

Many Rock Choir Members had been reporting high levels of anxiety with the potential of not being able to see their families at Christmas and facing the prospect of being alone.

Rock Choir once again stepped in and on Christmas Day they went live at 9.30am on their YouTube channel for a fun and festive singing session.

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Rock Choir’s Virtual Sing

Everyone was invited to join in, whether they are a Rock Choir Member or not. Rock Choir Leader, Thomas George, led the session and families

and individuals who were on their own, were be able to send messages online with him and connect with other families being kept apart in different households.

THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS! Reach a diverse audience worldwide Postive, Informative and Objective News Inspiring a New Generation Keeping you connected with your community

• locally • nationally • internationally

• monthly in print • weekly newsletter • daily online

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS Citroën Ë-Dispatch Named As 2021 “International Van of the Year” CITROËN Ë-Dispatch has been awarded the prestigious title of 2021 “International Van of The Year".

Its contemporary styling, onboard comfort, dynamic qualities and loading capacity combined with the benefits of the best electrical technology, convinced a panel of 24 independent journalists and magazine editors who specialise in Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs).

The win marks the sixth time that Citroën has been honoured with this highly coveted prize.

IVOTY Jurors Commented “Once again Citroën has demonstrated its expertise when it comes to commercial vehicles alongside with its desire to provide practical solutions to its customers.

“In this period of energy transition, New Citroën Ë-Dispatch has proved itself to be an indispensable work tool for professionals, local authorities, and associations.

It combines the best of the Dispatch’s key features with all the benefits of an electric motor resulting in greater convenience, comfort, freedom of movement and reduced running costs.”

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MK Dons and Suzuki extend association

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his new commitment extends the Football Club’s long-standing relationship with Suzuki GB, who first became title partners back in 2014.

The Suzuki logo will remain adorned the Dons’ first-team playing shirt and replica kits through to an eighth season, while there will continue to be extensive Suzuki branding around Stadium MK. What’s more, Suzuki has maintained their investment into MK Dons’ community initiatives, providing support for the Women’s team as well as the many inclusion and disability activities run by the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust.

MK Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman said: “This is fantastic news for MK Dons and the Milton Keynes community.

Suzuki have been terrific in their support of MK Dons throughout their time as Title Partners, but particularly during this extremely difficult period, and they have demonstrated their commitment to the Football Club by agreeing this new deal at this time.

“Not only will it be fantastic to see the globally recognised Suzuki logo remain on the first-

team shirts, but I’m also thrilled that they will be able to continue their excellent work in the community alongside the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust.

“Suzuki are a credit to this city and we’re extremely proud to have this association with them.

It’s a privilege for us to work alongside a company who are at

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the top of their game, who care so much about our Football Club and our city.”

Nobuo Suyama, Managing Director of Suzuki GB PLC, said: “Our long-established sponsorship of MK Dons has proved a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.

Continuing as Title sponsor

provides a solid foundation on which to further our relationship with the club and maintain the support of the renowned and invaluable work of MK Dons in the surrounding community.

Suzuki has been based in Milton Keynes for over 15 years and we are proud to be part of the area’s successful commercial sector.`

We are delighted to announce our further sponsorship with MK Dons; as well as reaching out to people outside our business, we also see it as a great way of building pride and engagement with our head office staff, many of whom live in and around the city.”

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ŠKODA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS OF HISTORY

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his December, ŠKODA AUTO can look back on 125 years of history. This makes the Czech company one of the longest established car manufacturers in the world still in operation.

The international success story began shortly before Christmas 1895 when Václav Laurin and Václav Klement founded a workshop for the repair and manufacture of bicycles in Mladá Boleslav.

Later they also produced motorbikes and automobiles, released from 1925 under the ŠKODA brand.

Exactly 125 years ago – shortly before Christmas 1895 – the mechanic Václav Laurin and the bookseller Václav Klement laid the foundation stone for the present-day ŠKODA AUTO. The two founders were united by their passion for cycling. They wanted to offer their customers

bicycles built from the best materials available, while still being affordable.

In their small workshop three people were employed to make bicycles driven by foot or hand.

One year later, 21 employees were making five different models of bikes, which bore the name SLAVIA. The range was soon expanded to include bicycles for children, tandem bicycles, two-wheelers with chain or shaft drive, and tricycles

Motorpoint opens new store in time for Christmas MOTORPOINT is set open its new store in Stockton-onTees this Friday – just in time for Christmas.

The UK’s leading independent car retailer has

been busy transforming the former Jennings Ford dealership on Yarm Road, two minutes from Preston Farm, as part of its ongoing nationwide expansion programme.

MOTORS

Electric Vehicle Charge Points ‘Lack Accessibility’ A NEW survey of electric vehicle (EV) drivers has found issues around accessibility for disabled users.

Zap-Map, the UK’s leading EV mapping service, polled 2,200 EV drivers on their experiences of using Britain’s charging network.

The survey has been running for four years and is seen as the go-to guide for tracking EV driver behaviour and charging patterns for the electric vehicle industry.

For the first time, and partnering with Motability, the national disability charity, this year’s survey asked respondents if they considered themselves to have a disability, and about the challenges they face while charging their electric vehicles.

The results found that one-third of disabled people surveyed had difficulties locating a suitable charger that could meet their needs, with one in seven noting their very specific challenges with the weight of charging cables.

for transporting goods or people.

The company owes its rapid growth to the vision and entrepreneurial talent of Václav Klement. He succeeded in winning large orders both on the domestic market and in industrialised countries such as Germany and Great Britain.

The outstanding qualities of the motorised two-wheelers from Mladá Boleslav were also confirmed by their success in demanding racing events.

Motorpoint, which has a network of stores throughout England, Scotland and Wales, including a long-established branch in Birtley, County Durham, will finally welcome customers through the door from Friday, December 18 following a multi-millionpound investment in the fiveacre site.

Motorpoint Stockton-onTees, which in a previous life was also a former Cooperative Wholesale jam factory, will stock up to 500 low mileage, nearly new cars and light commercial vehicles from 30 different manufacturers’, most of which are under three years old and with less than 30,000 miles.

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Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - January 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

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THSH RELEASE BRAND-NEW TRACK FROM GRIME MC DAPZ ON THE MAP

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l Dapz On The Map

irmingham born, multi-talented artist, Dapz On The Map has written a brandnew track for the music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall titled “Stay Safe”.

The Grime MC’s brand-new song scores a video showcasing the digital broadcasts which have been shared from the iconic Birmingham venues during the pandemic.

As concerts are cancelled and postponed to 2021 as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, Town Hall Symphony Hall has continued to bring live music to the people of Birmingham and beyond. Digital broadcasts from Town Hall and

Symphony Hall have amassed over a quarter of a million views since they began in April.

Dapz OTM's songs touch on various issues, both personal and political and he often talks of the struggle he's faced as an aspiring artist attempting to balance being both a father and a musician.

Soft-spoken yet intense in his passion for words and music, Dapz new track ‘Stay Safe’ includes lyrics such as “heard of the bounce back scheme might apply for a bounce back loan, can’t get furlough” and “places of worship are closed but they’ve got a 10pm curfew for pubs”.

Dapz OTM has had a steady rise up the ranks in the urban UK music scene with including

national radio play with his music being playlisted on BBC Radio 1xtra, and other specialist stations such as Rinse FM. He made his debut appearance in the festival scene performing at the Great Escape Festival, before going on to do other major festivals. Dapz supported the likes of Kano and Skepta on tour before going on to selling out his 1st headline show at the O2 Academy Birmingham.

Nick Reed, Chief Executive for the music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall said: “The future of Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall, and our future as the music charity responsible for them, looks very different from the plans we began

the year with.

“Over the last few years we have evolved into an organisation that earns more than 90% of its turnover from our trading activities and this supports every aspect of what we do, from presenting international superstars on our stages to supporting emerging talent and creating first musical experiences for children in local schools.

“The digital performances and activities we have continued and will continue to deliver - in these desperate times have been made possible with the support of Town Hall and Symphony Hall’s audiences.”

The accompanying video highlights many of the broadcasts from the music charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall, including performances from artists such as Lady Sanity, Casey Bailey, Tom Aspaul, Xhosa Cole and Mark Kingswood.

Highlights also include broadcasts from cultural partners, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Symphony Hall’s resident orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

To hear Dapz On The Map’s ‘Stay Safe’, find Town Hall and Symphony Hall on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.

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INTRODUCING BIG DAVE’S TREE OF LIFE

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he idea of Big Dave’s Tree Of Life is that if your world has been blown apart and turned upside down due to Cirus The Virus, this whirlwind global pandemic that looks like it can change its own direction at any time.

That we have to be flexible and adapt to these changes also. We need to be able to grow our own trees not in the ground but in our minds.

So we can plant new roots and help to grow the shoots of new beginnings to be able to grow in different ways.

That will be able to reach out to enable us all to reset our life’s expectations and in some cases rebuild the very foundations that we need not only to survive but to thrive.

This is the greatest challenge that most of us will ever face simply acknowledging that we are strong enough to reach our goals and grow just like the mighty Tree of Life. The main things that will help us to succeed are around our Physical & Mental health in the form of Wellbeing and Mindfulness.

Our Adaptability to be able to fit in with new surroundings and new ways to approach tasks. Our Flexibility to be able to recognise changes of situations and circumstances and to move in different directions to compensate for these and steer a new pathway if required. To give us a feeling of hope and with the Hope an Opportunity to deliver to our life’s goals and to nurture and feed the Tree Of Life.

But to achieve this we have to have Fortitude, Grit, Determination and a Desire to succeed and an Inner Strength to deliver and to be able to take life’s punches no matter whatever is thrown at us.

2021 is the start of a new decade and I am sure we are all pleased to see the back end of 2020 and the annusoribilus of a catastrophic year that has touched us all. But with the start of a new decade comes the opportunity of new beginnings and with that new hope. Hope Springs Eternal and with the newness we can lay down fresh roots for the Tree Of Life.

Wishing you all a Positive New Year Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Stay Together in 2021

BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

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MADE BIRMINGHAM IN

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The Phoenix Newspaper - January 2021 - Page 31

Mind, Body & Soul

Welcome to 2021...

A BRAND new year with great new beginnings. A year where anything is possible and everything is within your reach.

Make positive thinking your mantra.

To help keep me in a positive mindset, I like to pull a daily Oracle Card from one of the many decks I own.

Oracle cards are very upbeat in their readings. They give me daily inspiration and Insight when needed into a particular situation.

As we are beginning a new journey into the unknown , I have pulled a card for all of us .

The Oracle card is from Denise Linn Gateway .

Letting Go...

This is very apt for the time of year.

This card signifies the need to let go of what no longer serves us and to start afresh. Think about what you no longer

need or want in your life.

What or who is holding you back?

What can you do to improve the situation?

Life has to have its ups and downs the Yin and Yang, but don’t dwell on the ‘down’ bits.

De-clutter and make room for the newness that will replace the old - just like the old year that we’ve just said ‘Good Riddance’ to.

Start afresh and go with the flow, enjoy what life has to offer believe in yourself and what you can achieve when you allow yourself to.

You Are Amazing

I hope this card reading helps you on your journey and I will be doing a regular monthly card pull for us to keep us inspired.

Enjoy what’s about to unfold.

Ruth G Soul Butterfly

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ENTERTAINMENT

Ballet dancers show support for Lopes Gomes after racism claims BLACK and mixed heritage ballet dancers have shown support for Chloé Lopes Gomes, after she shared her experiences of racism within the industry.

The French performer is the first Black female dancer at Berlin's principal ballet company Staatsballett. She accused the institution of racial harassment, claiming she was told she did not fit in because of her skin colour. The company responded by saying her allegation "deeply moves us".

An internal investigation into discrimination and racism in the company is now under way, a statement has confirmed.

Marcelino Sambe, the second Black male to be a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, posted on Instagram that he was "moved" to read about "horrible experiences" she has suffered in "this often anachronistic world or ballet. I'm so proud of you for sharing your story" wrote Sambe. "It takes strength to tell the truth."

"I hope that by you sharing your experiences, future dancers won't have to go through the same."

www.streetcredmagazine.com

CYBERPUNK 2077 PULLED BY SONY

W

ith Sony p u l l i n g Cyberpunk 2077, one of the year's most-anticipated games, from the PlayStation store and offering refunds to all players, the unprecedented move followed complaints that the game has been riddled with bugs and glitches, and is prone to crashes.

The game’s developers, CD Projekt Red, offered refunds for the game with the company also committing to releasing patches to improve the game.

It was unclear when Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) planned to return the game to the PlayStation Store.

The company said: “SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, therefore we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk

2077 via PlayStation Store”.

Some users reported being unable to request the refund, even after the announcement - something Sony said it was working "to get up and running as soon as possible".

It can still be bought on Xbox and PCs - and gamers who do not want be reimbursed for their PlayStation copies can still play the game and receive updates.

In Cyberpunk 2077, players live in a criminal world where they can pay to upgrade their bodies with technology. The action role-playing game was originally "announced" in 2012, but then re-announced in 2018 and then showcased with huge fanfare - and an appearance by Keanu Reeves - in June 2019.

A statement on the company’s website said: “They won’t make the game on last-gen look like its

To advertise

running on a high-spec PC or next-gen console, but it will be closer to that experience than it is now.” It also encouraged users to use refund systems on the Sony and Xbox stores if they were unhappy.

It is not clear if the removal of the game from the PlayStation store means that Sony has decided the game is "faulty" under its rules.

Microsoft says that while it considers all sales final, "we understand there may be extenuating circumstances" and it considers several factors for refund requests.

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