Street Cred Magazine - June 2017

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 13

20 YEARS AS THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT

JUNE 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

A CITY UNITED

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynehost

/streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com For all your quad or vape needs

Open

Editors note

Open

W

ith all the tragedies that is happening all over the world you still have to live with positivity dream believe and achieve.

cheshirevapes

QUADHUT cheshirevapes Open electronic cigarettes electronic cigarettes open cheshirevapes

motors, esc’s, frames, fpv,accessories and spares www.quadhut.com

We can only keep going and do the best while we are here. Streetcred always continues to be the platform for young people to express their talents and we simply help to push dreams. What is your talent? we really want to know the next best thing. Send your stories to info@streetcredmagazine.com

www.cheshirevapes.co.uk www.cheshirevapes.co.uk

CALL US ON - 0121 448 0320

electronic cigarettes

337 slade road, Erdington, West Midlands, B23 7JX

www.cheshirevapes.co.uk

Mark Dwayne and Big Boi

I

was networking with Big Boi. Look out for his new album Boom Universe.

12 Banging tracks for the summer and as you can expect from the Outkast star a wide mix of sounds.

Tracks that stand out for me are Chocolate which is very New York dance and with Snoop Doggy Dog.

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

KYLA BRINGS back 3 BILLBOARD AWARDS TO the UK

Jamaica55 UK Steering Committee Launched

A

s announced by the High Commissioner for Jamaica in the UK, His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, he hosted the joint UK Launch of Jamaica55 celebrations and the Jamaica55 Diaspora Conference at the launch of the ‘Jamaica55 UK Steering Committee’ in London.

The Steering Committee, cochaired by Rudi Page, Business Consultant and member of the Economic Growth Council (EGC) Taskforce and Ms. Janelle Raeburn, Events Planner, coordinates activities with the primary purpose of encouraging 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation Jamaican-UK citizens

to expand on the legacy built by their parents for the upliftment of the Diaspora here and in the Caribbean.

“I was truly delighted to launch the Steering Committee as we seek to further promote Jamaica in the UK, under the national theme, ‘Celebrating Jamaicans at Home and Abroad,’ ” said High Commissioner Ramocan.

He told participants, which included members of the various sub-committees, which have been established that; “our mission is to heighten public awareness of the significant achievements of the Jamaican UK community and its outstanding contribution to the United Kingdom. So this year we

The big Dawg is still at it

W

hen Tim Westwood knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life he certainly tried on becoming he biggest.

Up to this day still packing shows and work rate is one of a kind. If you’re a DJ these days he is the example of goals you need to set.

New Westwood Album OUT NOW Hiphop Club Bangers and also a must see interview by VLAD TV where he goes deep into his career what he has done for hiphop and where he got shot.

K

yla the UK funky house sensation surely has had her life changed when Drake sampled her 2009 hit ‘Do You Mind’ which was and still is a big underground tune.

Drake has stuck with Kyla all the way showing gratitude for helping his single ‘One Dance’ become the highest streamed single ever.

'Drake is helping me pay the rent for my home its truly surreal.'

In May Kyla took home 3 Billboard awards for Best R&B Collaboration, Best R&B Song and Most Streamed Song.

Its absolutely crazy!

will celebrate, collaborate and elevate.”

It was also noted that H.C. Ramocan will also be working with the Jamaican community during the year, in relation to the organisation of a number of core and endorsed events which will showcase Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage and its influence in the UK. The sub-committees comprises of; Jamaicans of various backgrounds and experiences, some of whom are first and second generation Jamaicans.

The Jamaica55 Diaspora Conference will be held from July 23-26, 2017 at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown, Kingston, in Jamaica.

I Want! I Want!

Art & Technology AN ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION NATIONAL PARTNER EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

1 APR – 1 OCT 2017 This exhibition will present the work of contemporary artists working with technology.

birminghammuseums.org.uk @BM_AG Funded by:

/birminghammuseumandartgallery

#ACCNationalPartners City of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery Development Trust

Arts Council Collection is managed by Southbank Centre on behalf of Arts Council England.

Image: Rachel Maclean, Feed Me 2015. Courtesy of the artist, Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London.

Donations welcome

Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

l Credit: Joe Bailey

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Hippo’ Hails Hip-H

I

t was a chance to enjoy the best from national and international artists plus some of the city's finest local talents as the annual free B-Side Hip-Hop Festival returned to the Birmingham Hippodrome for its second year, celebrating all things Hip-Hop. It was a chance for people to immerse themselves in dance and music performances, participate in or watch battles and see graffiti art being created before your eyes – all to the sounds of the festival from live DJs. Hosted by MC and rap artist Juice Aleem and Swedish HipHop Historian Blaoo, the weekend festival kicked off with conversation and a Q&A that explores Birmingham’s independent and vibrant contribution to

global Hip-Hop culture, from its pioneering MCs, rappers, graffiti artists, word poets, producers and b-boy/girls, to the present day issues faced in developing the scene and art-form across the Midlands.

Leading speakers and performers from across the city and wider international stage were present on the evening including Prit, Nucleo, T-Kid, Poe One, Link, IMD, Bubbles and Sic – Nis among others plus mini performances from Marso’s experimental lab and the ‘7 to Spoke’ winners from 2016, a rolling screening of ‘Girl Power’ exploring the female graffiti experience, plus DJ and Vijay sets

by DJ Mantis and Nucleo.

Award winning choreographer/ Director Mickael Marso Riviere was on hand to direct and curate

l Credit: Joe Bailey

a multidisciplinary research lab project for emerging and semi to professional artists.

While fully accomplished dancer, choreographer and youth worker Ronke Fadare brought her Afroflux Dance Workshop fusing Hip-Hop, Afrikan dance, Contemporary and Capoiera - to bring about a new way of expression through dance.

There was a full weekend of indoor and outdoor live graffiti art and workshops featuring some of the art forms finest, as the Graff Jam welcome Graffittiartist.com and the legendary T – kid from New York plus others with the N9ty Showcase multi-media artist pushing boundaries in graphic design, music and graffiti, highlighting his work as designer of So-Solid Crew’s infamous logo, collaborations with Midlands artists, as well as his own Hip-Hop history and connections to Afrofuturism.

With spoken-word and rap battles testing people’s lyrical wordsmith skills, DJ battles highlighting the true creativity in the art-form, which included the Latifah Stone: Women, Hip-Hop & Afrofuturism DJ Workshop aimed at females of all ages as she detail the varied roles of women in genre.

With the Hipp’ again highlighting Hip-Hop in all its glory it showed that, in generations to come, it will continue being its creative, vibrant and all-embracing art form that it set out to be.

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 17

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Hop

ENTERTAINMENT

Special Offers w! o N e stor n I See

For May Large Range Of Stylish Wigs, Extensions & Hair Care Products l Credit: Joe Bailey

l Credit: Joe Bailey

Quality Branded Skin Care & Beauty Treatments inc Wax & Razors Full Range Of Must Have Accessories inc Dryers, Straighteners, Brushes, Combs, Clips & more....

Plus An Extensive Range For Party Time: Glitter, Makeup, Lashes, Nail Sets, Varnishes

0121 386 5464 - Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm

97 High St, Erdington, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 6SA

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Ariana Grande & Friends One Love Manchester Concert

F

ollowing the mindless tragedy in Manchester, singer Ariana Grande confirmed that she would return to the city to host a special concert to remember the deceased and injured victims of the bomb attack.

The star asked acts including Pharrell Williams, Take That, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Usher, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Niall Horan to perform at the ‘One Love Manchester’ concert at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Multi-award winning giants Black Eyed Peas also joined Ariana’s One Love benefit concert to raise funds for the victims of Manchester terror attack.

The chart-topping group including rappers Will.i.Am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and singer Fergie confirmed their involvement by posting a tweet saying: “One world, one love. Honored to join @ArianaGrande in honoring the victims and their families in Manchester.”

Twenty-two people died in the

attack after Ariana performed at the Manchester Arena with over 100 injured and she offered fans who were at the her show free tickets to the tribute gig.

Alongside the list of worldwide stars pupils from the Manchesterbased Parrs Wood High School choir were also confirmed to be performing.

Following the attack they recorded a cover of Ariana’s song ‘My Everything’ to raise money for victims, the singer herself performing the song with the children from the East Didsbury school.

Immediately after the announcement Grande sent a tweet with details of the gig, with the One Love logo featuring the bunny ears she is known for wearing. Her manager Scooter Braun also tweeted, with the message: “We stand with you.”

She told her 46.4m Twitter followers: “I don’t want to go the rest of the year without being able to see and hold and uplift my fans, the same way they continue to up-

lift me.

“Our response to this violence must be to come closer together, to help each other, to love more, to sing louder and to live more kindly and generously than we did before.

“I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and to have a benefit concert in honour of and to raise money for the victims and their families.”

The Old Trafford venue’s 50,000 capacity meant an instant sell-out with the gig broadcast on BBC One and BBC Radio with proceeds going to the ‘We Love Manchester’ emergency fund, which was set up

by Manchester City Council, in conjunction with the British Red Cross with organisers expecting at least £2m to be raised from the event.

Dancehall King Frankie Paul

A

leading light in reggae music, in general, during the 1980s and 90s and a key figure in Jamaica’s hugely popular dancehall scene, Frankie Paul was a prolific recording artist with dozens of albums to his name and a global profile enhanced by endless touring.

His rich tone and impressive vocal range put him in the vanguard of a revolution that essentially ditched roots reggae’s interest in social, political or religious matters, turning instead to more down-to-earth or downright topics and alluring but uncomplicated love songs.

Born almost blind, he was dubbed 'The Jamaican Stevie Wonder' and it was after meeting the Motown legend that Wonder urged him to be a singer.

Paul’s first single ‘African Princess’ was released in 1980, when he was only 15.

He became a global star with hits like ‘Worries In the Dance,’ ‘Pass the Ku Shung Peng,’ ‘Tidal Wave,’ ‘Cassanova’ and ‘Sarah.’

Writing on Twitter, DJ David Rodigan‫‏‬, said; "His incomparable voice and songs are his legacy."

Singer Lonesome said; “He will be sadly missed by us all – family, friends, colleagues and thousands of fans around the world.”

Dogged by ill health in his later years, he was 51 when he passed.

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 29

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

C

onsistently, for 50 years, hundreds of thousands of revelers have pounded the streets of the West Yorkshire city – all to make sure that they were there, at the oldest carnival still in existence in Europe.

The West Indian Carnival in Leeds remains the staple diet for the heady August Bank Holiday celebration of music, food and culture which, as always, will culminate in its usual kaleidoscope of colour, thumping beats and the world of smiles and laughter as it parades through Chapeltown and Harehills before taking over Potternewton Park in the city.

It will prove to be deserved validation for its founding father, Arthur France, who thought-up the idea for a carnival after being homesick for his native home of St Kitts and Nevis, in the Caribbean back in 1967.

50 years on and even more people – from further afield internationally – are converging onto Leeds with France, head of the organising committee, saying: "When you come to carnival it is electric, so many things going on, beautiful costumes, beautiful colours, beautiful music, so we’re looking forward to you joining us for what will be our biggest and best celebrations yet as we look forward 50 golden years of Leeds’ West Indian Carnival."

The first in the UK to incorporate the three essential elements of authentic West Indian carnival – costumes, music and a masquerade procession, again it will mark the city’s validation of its cultural cohesion when it comes to outdoor celebrations for all – making this Europe’s longest running Caribbean carnival parade ever.

Tinashe’s New Album Coming Soon

50 Up for Europe’s Longest Running Carnival - Leeds

Celebrated for her dynamic live performance abilities, innovative production and songwriting skill Tinashe has carved a path for herself as a true triple-threat popstar.

Her debut album, Aquarious received a tidal wave of acclaim, landing on every critic’s year-end best-of lists.

The album included the #1, multi-platinum single “2 On” featuring ScHoolboy Q and viral single “All Hands On Deck”.

A celebrated and sought-after songwriter, Tinashe has collaborated with the likes of Nick Jonas, Future, Chance The Rapper, Snakehips, A$AP Rocky, Calvin Harris, Charli XCX, Travis Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Usher, Kid Ink and more.

The new album is on its way, and it is going to make some noise when it arrives!

Affordable Luxury Finishing Touches Y ou all know the feeling, finding that perfect accessory to go with your outfit, and turning that price tag over only to have a mini-heart attack.

But if you’re looking for a touch of luxury to go with that fantastic outfit for that special occasion, without those little heart attacks, then look no further.

Finishing Touches Elegant Costume Jewellery offers stunning jewellery and accessories but at the fraction of the cost you would expect to pay.

Owner Sundeep Samra laughs “When I tell people the price of the piece of jewellery they want, they do a double take and ask me again!”

For just under a year, Sundeep has been cultivating a collection of pieces that aren’t just on trend at the moment, but are timeless pieces that will work with any outfit, for any occasion.

Exhibiting at Wedding Fayres and most recently the Clothes Show, Sundeep has had the faceto-face reactions to her collection of beautiful jewellery.

“I always joke that I can add a

few pounds to the price if they really want me to!”

“We offer great quality items at an affordable price, and people keep coming back to us again

and again.”

As part of the expansion of her business, Sundeep is looking to branch out into jewellery parties.

“Get a group of your girlfriends around, I’ll bring a couple of bottles of wine and a selection of jewellery and accessories and you’ll spend the night trying out all the different pieces!”

If you’re interested in a Jewellery Party, make sure you get in touch with Sundeep on 07868 174 806 or email her at info@ftjewellery.co.uk

Sundeep will be bringing her wares to the Birmingham Fashion Festival for 2 days at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham on the 24th and 25th, and the Zee Birmingham and Sandwell Mela in Victoria Park, Smethwick on the 1st and 2nd of July, so make sure you get out to see her at one of these events.

Elegant Costume Jewellery

Beautiful Jewellery & Accessories at Affordable Prices Necklace Sets • Pendants • Bracelets Bangles • Earrings • Rings • Maang Tikka Passa • Hair Pins • Clutch Bags And much much more.

Pick your fashion jewellery and accessories from the comfort of your own home when you visit the Finishing Touches web store select from a large selection of fashion jewellery and accessories, with new lines added daily, delivered direct to your door and all items come gift boxed.

Finishing Touches are looking for representatives in all areas if you are interested then please contact me on the number bellow or email me.

Call Sundeep on 07868 174 806 or email info@ftjewellery.co.uk

www.ftjewellery.co.uk Find us and like us on

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

D

esi Moves - the award-winning youth programme celebrating streetwise South Asian sounds and styles - is back this summer as part of UTSAV: the Year of South Asian Culture.

How do young Brummies of South Asian descent feel about the way their city is depicted in the national media?

How can they respond creatively when ex-EDL frontman Tommy Robinson and others make a film about the ‘Islamification of Birmingham’ in Sparkbrook? How do they feel about Brexit? About the opportunity to be creative in Birmingham?

Desi Moves launched with two Q&A’s featuring Birmingham’s top Grime artists; Dapz On The Map and Jaykae in Aston and Sparkbrook.

Dapz On The Map gave a surprise performance of a track from his new EP, ‘Champion Champion’. BBC-playlisted Jaykae discussed his online public debate with Tommy Robinson, and when he took all his fans out for a Nandos meal after a gig.

Desi Moves is now moving into a season of no-cost mu-

Young People Get Creative With The Best Of South Asian Culture

sic-based creative training programmes, pop-up events, exhibitions, and hands-on creative making opportunities exploring where South Asian culture meets the street. Dozens of young people have already signed up to free music workshops at the Lighthouse in Aston & Concorde in Sparkbrook until the end of June, just in time for live performances at the Birmingham Mela on July 1st and 2nd.

Desi Moves is being documented by local photographer Saffiyah Khan forming the basis of a unique new touring exhibition.

Punch CEO, Ammo Talwar MBE said, “Birmingham is home to many vibrant South Asian communities, and one thing that brings the youth together is our music. In the last ten years, London has proved it is the home of Grime. Desi Moveswill prove that Birmingham is the capital of Desi.

We’ve heard the sound of London E3; this year it’s the turn of Birmingham B20.

Making great music and art and with all the city’s communities is our response to the EDL and other haters.”

I

f you’re looking for a massive Glasonbury-eque experience, but with the promise of guaranteed sun, then look no further than Lisbon this sumer.

Some of the best-selling artists from around the world will join local favourites to take centre stage at a series of eclectic festas and festivals in the city.

Regardless if your favourite genre is reggae, jazz, rock or pop, you can catch top artists including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sean Paul, Depeche Mode and the Foo Fighters, you’re looking at an unforgettable summer of music.

June is one of the best months to visit Lisbon, as throughout the month, the city pays tribute to its patron saint, Santo António, during the Festas de Lisboa.

A wide variety of music concerts, street entertainment, fado music performances and traditional folk dancing will be taking place at some the oldest neighbourhoods of the city (including Mouraria, Alfama and Bairro Alto), whose streets will be beautifully decorated with flower garlands and tinsel.

There will also be an unmissable parade during the evening of 12th

Guaranteed Music and Sunshine at Lisbon's Summer of Festivals June, which gathers crowds along Avenida de Liberdade.

Since it first opened in 1995, Super Bock Super Rock has been attracting some of the biggest names in the rock music industry to Lisbon.

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Future and Deftones will be headline acts at the festival this summer from 13th – 15th July.

Super Bock Super Rock is located in Lisbon’s ultra-modern neighbourhood Parque das Nações, just a ten-minute drive

from the airport.

Jazz em Agosto has been paying tribute to jazz and its multiple identities since 1984.

A total of 14 performances make up this year’s events programme from 28th July – 6th August all of them with one common factor: the mix of jazz with other music genres.

Attendees can expect jazz embracing rap, hip hop and electro sounds at performances from saxophonist Steve Lehman, trumpeter Dave Douglas and others.

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 31

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Naughty Boy & 1D Zayn TWITTER war

Global Superstars Headlining F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2017

T

wo of the world’s most iconic musical acts will perform two incredible backto-back concerts at the 2017 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, on Saturday evening, June 24, with one of the defining voices of her generation, Nicole Scherzinger, taking to the Main Stage at Baku City Circuit (BCC) during the midpoint of the second successive F1 race weekend to be hosted in Baku.

She will then be followed by none other than one of the most successful groups in music history, The Black Eyed Peas, to deliver a stunning night of worldclass music and entertainment at Formula 1’s newest street circuit.

Nicole, one of the world’s most celebrated artists, will take to the stage first in Baku after the Qualifying session has ended on track.

The Grammy-nominated triple threat has scored #1 singles on both sides of the Atlantic, selling 37 million singles worldwide

- 16 million records as a solo artist and a staggering 54 million albums as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, making them one of the best-selling girl groups ever.

Outside of her work in the entertainment industry, the X Factor judge is an Ambassador for UNICEF and a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

She will be followed by one of the best-selling, most popular and most innovative groups of all time - The Black Eyed Peas – who will deliver one of their spectacular live shows to close out the night.

In an era of an ever-changing music industry they have transformed themselves from a beloved backpack rap troop from the West Coast Underground into fully-fledged, massive global superstars whose music can be heard in any country around the world.

They’ve created albums that are more innovative than the last; which has translated into

each new album being more popular than the last. And in following this pattern, they have released their sixth full-length album, ‘The Beginning.’

It follows on the heels of 2009’s ‘The E.N.D.,’ the group’s most popular and creative album to date – and one that reaffirmed their singular status as global music icons.

‘The E.N.D.’ sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and entered the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #1, yielding 5 Top 10 singles (the first album to do so in 20 years), spent an entire year in the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and earned the group 3 new Grammy Awards, for a total of six Grammy Awards they’ve won.

In all, they’ve sold 29 million records worldwide (plus over 30-million digital tracks).

They’ve sold over 3-million tickets and headlined over 300 different tour dates in 29 different countries.

Speaking after both acts were confirmed, BCC Executive Dir-

ector, Arif Rahimov, said: “It is hard to fully express just how delighted and honoured we are to welcome two of the most successful global music acts of all time to Baku.

Both The Black Eyed Peas and Nicole Scherzinger have proven themselves time and again to belong to that very elite group of performers who transcend ordinary expectations of what an artist can and shouldB17_A5_flyer.pdf be.

1 “Music and Formula 1 have

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

always managed to fit together seamlessly with both industries committed to pushing creative boundaries. Today’s announcement continues this great tradition. The Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix will be truly unmissable.”

The second successive Formula 1 race to be staged on the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital city is scheduled to take place on the weekend of June, 23-25.

12/05/2017

09:21

DJ Naughty Boy broke his silence following a Twitter war between himself and former One Direction heartthrob, Zayn Malik.

A segment of his music video for ‘No Type,’ which features Krept and Konan, appeared online, to which Zayn blamed Naughty Boy for releasing. Lashing out at the music producer, he posted; “@NaughtyBoyMusic you fat joke stop pretending we’re friends no one knows you. ~ Zayn Malik” “Someone learned how to upload a video… maybe now he should learn how to use logic ha you ain’t s**t but a faker. ~ Zayn Malik” Record producer and songwriter, Naughty Boy responded by saying, “I can deal with what he said, but he knows the hate I’ve had to endure for him is the bit that upset me,” he explained.

“Three months ago he was calling me his best friend at the Asian Awards so it’s a bit sad. Krept called him and explained that I had nothing to do with [the music video leak].”

“He has got a new manager and sometimes things get interfered with,” he added.

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Agony Aunt

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

review

wORDS by antony brown

A Rose Between Thorns

l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal

T

here is a lot going on in my life, with moving house, starting my own business, finalising on my final year at university and now my girlfriend has said she is pregnant on top of it all.

I’m happy in myself, even through my stress levels feel like they’re skyrocketing every day.

I’m concerned that I am starting to lose grip on everything and that one by one the balls I am juggling will start falling down around my ears.

Do you have any advice how to keep everything in the air?

Roger, Bristol Thank you for your email Roger. I must admit I am a bit troubled by your message.

You sound like you are taking on too much at once, and that is not healthy for anyone!

I would suggest that you cut back on things that you can cut back on, and slow down your plans as much as possible.

Can your business venture wait until your University course is concluded? Can you put down some of the balls you are juggling for now?

If you feel things slipping away from you and it starts to become too much then I implore you to seek help!

H

ow should I explain to my parents that I don’t want an arranged marriage?

They have only just started talking about it but I have a boyfriend that they don’t know about and that I love.

Jot, Bradford Before things get out of hand, you need to speak with your parents. They may have just assumed that this is what you wish and without saying anything until now have gone ahead with it!

Talk to them ASAP! Don’t forget you can contact me by emailing your queries in to rose@thephoenixnewspaper. com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Alien: Covenant

B

ound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, members of the colony ship known as “Covenant” discover what they think to be an uncharted paradise, capable of sustaining life, with the perfect conditions for their colonisation mission.

When a small team is sent to the surface for reconnaissance, they soon come to realise that this beautiful world is actually a dark and dangerous place that houses a hostile extra-terrestrial life form that forces the crew into a deadly fight for survival.

In 2012, Ridley Scott made his grand return to the science-fiction genre for the first time since directing Blade Runner (1982) in order to helm Prometheus; a film that would tell an original story, while also acting as a prequel to Ridley Scott’s very own Alien (1979), one of the greatest science-fiction films of all time.

Unfortunately, many fans seemed to be left with a bad taste in their mouths, feeling that Prometheus was too much of a departure from what an Alien movie

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

June 03 The Smyths: Strangeways Here We Come Tour 03 The Americas & The Jackrobins 08 The Wedding Present: Playing “George Best” 10 Novana - A Tribute to Nirvana 10 The Original Burning Flames 14 Bat Sabbath: Cancer Bats performing a full Black Sabbath set 21 Kiefer Sutherland: Not Enough Whiskey In Europe 2017 21 The xx 23 Korn Again & Stiff Bizkit 24 Aramantus 25 Road Trip 26 Dead Kennedys

“should be”.

However, that was the whole point - Prometheus wasn't meant to be an Alien movie, but more a companion piece that expanded upon the universe established way back in 1979.

Despite the mixed reception, one thing was certain; Ridley Scott has more stories he wants to tell within the universe he created all those years ago, and that is an exciting prospect for all Alien fans.

With Alien: Covenant, Scott has made somewhat of a hybrid, which is equal parts Prometheus and Alien, which is also something that ties in beautifully with certain story elements involving the parasitical alien life form.

One cannot help but think Scott may have felt forced to make a movie closer to Alien after the criticism he received for Prometheus, and its difficult not to imagine what Covenant may have been in a world full of people who loved Prometheus; but thats a discussion for some other time.

For those of you who did love Prometheus, fear not! Ridley Scott has not abandoned it, not by

a long shot.

Do not let the title fool you Alien: Covenant is very much a sequel to Prometheus, and features some excellent call backs and expansions on the questions left unanswered, all while exploring a dark and grungy new world.

The locations and sets on display in Alien: Covenant are breathtaking, and Ridley Scott, along with his long-time cinematographer Dariusz Wolski, capture everything beautifully.

Whether you like the movie or not, you cannot deny that Covenant is exquisite to look at.

Even the horrific violence that comes in to play later in the movie has something of a gruesome majesty to it.

A ballet of blood. Ridley Scott was made for science-fiction.

Michael Fassbender returns as David, the synthetic android from Prometheus, while also playing the resident android of the Covenant ship, Walter.

That’s right - you get double Fassbender for the price of one ticket. That alone is worth your money.

There is also an excellent sup-

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

O2 INSTITUTE

June 02 Into The Ark 03 Emma Blackery 10 Olly Murs Tribute 14 Tom Green’s European Comedy Road Trip 2017 16 DUB FX 17 Hunter & The Bear 19 Mark Lanegan Band 22 The Maccabees 23 Mr Eazi’s Life Is Eazi UK Tour 26 Tom Clarke from The Enemy 28 Flogging Molly 29 Pauper Kings 30 Cabbage 30 Popcaan

NEC

June 02-04 UK Games Expo 03-04 Collectormania 24 Film & Comic Con Birmingham 08-09 CEF LIVE

porting cast in Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup and a perfectly cast, against-type Danny McBride, who really gets to flex his acting muscle and show that he can be a lot more than the crude, loud-mouth comic relief.

All of the main cast deliver excellent performances, but Fassbender in-particular is exquisite, and the scenes between David and Walter are nothing short of mesmerising.

Unfortunately, the rest of the cast are faceless, interchangeable drones who we never really get to know or care about.

They are literally there to be the first ones to be killed and none of it really matters much to the audience.

Covenant could have benefited from an extra scene or two, showing the crew interact with one another and highlighting the close relationships many of them share so that, when things start going wrong, the audience actually care.

This is something that was done remarkably well in both Alien and Aliens, but its an element that seems lost in Covenant, and its

June 01-03 Micky Flanagan 09 Nashville 17-18 Trampoline & Tumbling Regional Finals & NDP 27-28 Ricky Gervais

GENTING ARENA l Elton John comes to the Genting Arena on the 7th June!

15-18 BBC Gardeners’ World Live 15-18 BBC Good Food Show 23-24 The Autism Show 24-26 BRITISH DRIFT GP Round 2 24-23 Aug Dinosaurs In The Wild 30-02 July The Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts Show

June 01-04 Take That 07 Elton John 28 Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

June 02 Leo Sayer (TH) 03 The Salvation Army presents Symphony Sounds 2017 (SH) 04 Aurora Orchestra performs Brahms Symphony No 1 from Memory (SH)

difficult not to miss it.

However, one of the main issues with Alien: Covenant (and Prometheus), and perhaps this is just a personal one, is that the further this particular universe is explored, and the more certain things are explained, the less frightening it all becomes.

Part of what made Alien (1979) so effective was that we had no idea what was going on.

We experience everything from the point of view of the crew and we know as much as they do. We find the eggs. We see our friends die.

We come face to face with a savage and seemingly unbeatable creature.

Part of what made Aliens (1986) so effective was taking everything we discovered in the first movie, and multiplying it.

We know how terrifying and dangerous one Xenomorph can be, so they throw hundreds of them at us.

With Prometheus and Alien: Covenant asking bigger questions and slowly exploring the origins of these creatures, one can’t help but feel that it takes some of their mystique away and makes them less frightening.

When Darth Vader removes his helmet at the end of Return of the Jedi and you discover he's nothing more than a sad, lonely, broken old man, suddenly, you aren't afraid of him anymore and this is something that appears to be happening in these new instalments.

Ridley Scott is retroactively making his universe less frightening. More interesting and thought-provoking, sure, but less frightening nonetheless.

Though, this isn’t necessarily a criticism as Scott is merely taking the franchise in its next, logical step, and the final thirty minutes of Covenant are absolutely fantastic and it has a doozy of an ending that promises big things if we get another sequel.

It may have it’s issues, but Alien: Covenant sits comfortably as the third best movie in the franchise.

It takes everything that worked about Prometheus - the big questions about creation and the purpose of life - combines it with the visceral horror of Alien, adds a sprinkle of the fast and furious action of Aliens and the resulting movie is an uneven, but thoroughly enjoyable experience.

06 An Evening with Arundhati Roy (TH) 08 Schubert’s Unfinished (SH) 10 Jimmy Carr (SH) 13 KRAFTWERK 3D (SH) 15 Sons of Pitches - SOPTV (SH) 17 The Best of Bond (SH) 18 Kevin & Karen Dance - The Live Tour 2017 (SH) 19 Christopher Park in Recital (TH) 19 Idina Menzel (SH) 23 Space Spectacular: Star Wars & Beyond (SH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

June 04 Vintage Trouble (SR) 13 Kings X (SR) 15 Mierce’s Marks (AG) 16 Live, Loud & Local (SR) 18 Country Nights (BP) 29 HerStory Live (AG)

The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017 - Page 33

T

he Ferrari Museum of Maranello has opened its new exhibition spaces and two exhibitions - "Under the Skin" and "Infinite Red" - in the presence of President and CEO of Ferrari Sergio Marchionne, Vice President Piero Ferrari, Director of the London Design Museum Deyan Sudjic and Mayor of Maranello Massimiliano Morini.

The Ferrari Museums enjoyed a record year in 2016 with more than 478,000 visitors, of whom 344,000 came to Maranello.

So also in order to cope with a growing public, the Museum's spaces have been extended by more than 600 square metres to a total of 4,100 square metres, creating a new wing that connects to the existing structure by means of a great continuous glass facade, and a new museum itinerary.

In addition, a multifunctional space of about 300 square metres has been built, which can host up to 250 people for events, conventions and educational activities.

The refreshments area and the Ferrari Store are also completely new.

Two new exhibitions, "Under the Skin" and "Infinite Red", celebrate Ferrari on its 70th anniversary.

The former recalls the founder and the evolution of the company's innovation and style, while the latter covers the company's history through its models.

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Evolution of Ferrari

A

2018 Models set to Hit Showrooms Worldwide

W

ith the seasonal auto shows in preparation, many of the 2018 models are set to arrive in dealerships – locally, nationally and worldwide.

The car industry is an anomaly as it doesn't follow the regular calendar - models labeled 2018 can arrive anytime after 2017 starts, which means that some 2018 models will be all-new, whilst others will be redesigns of existing vehicles.

There are plenty of models to chew on as automakers plan to revamp significant mainstream models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Odyssey, while offering up some tasty all-new entries like the Kia Stinger sport sedan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV. So the coming array of auto shows will enable consumers to explore and experience what’s ‘new’ for the motor industry’s own coming year.

Late Easter Blamed for Drop in UK Car Figures

late Easter was to blame for the drop in the number of cars made in the UK according to the UK's industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

A fall of almost a fifth in April with 122,116 cars built - an 18% fall - compared with the same month last year. Strikes at three BMW plants in the UK - in a row over pensions - also affected the figures.

That said, the SMMT did state

MOTORING

that the underlying picture remained "strong," with output up 1% for the year to date. 593,796 cars were made in the first four months of the year - the highest number for the period since 2000.

Overseas buyers have helped to lift the market, with demand up 3.5%, which has helped to offset a 7% drop in demand from the UK. SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: "The significant fall in car production is due to the later Easter bank holiday week-

end meaning a reduced number of active production days.

However, car manufacturing in the UK remains in good health especially with new models due to be going into UK production very soon.

To sustain future growth and investment into our industry and supply chain, the government has to safeguard the conditions that have made us globally competitive, keeping us open and trading and delivering an ambitious industrial strategy."

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2017

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Nego True

Welcome to my column where I feature some of the most Welcome to my column where Iand feature some of the most special Charities, Organisations People I have come across. special Charities, Organisations andbeing People I have come across.

Be a part of my journey and enjoy inspired...

Be a part of my journey and enjoy being inspired...

I

n this months’ Spotlight, I would like to introduce you to someone I met a long time ago, hailed straight from my home Borough, Waltham Forest in London. Recently featured in Huffington Post as an artist of Zimbabwean descent, meet the witty and humble - Nego True.

Our telephone conversation began with Nego catching the W15 bus, setting out for a busy day.

foresight, I guess I was lucky blessed.

Are you working on any projects at the moment?

“No Crowns” my EP which will be released this year. I am also working on another tour – an International Tour.

What are some of your most memorable projects to date?

Who is Nego True?

Spoken word artist, music artist, speaker and newly established Author.

Can you remember when we first met?

I think we met before we officially met (laughs). We went to the same primary school, we also went to a young people’s Christian music events night called Connect Café in 2008.

We both lost our friend Cj in 2009 and in 2012 we recorded a Sing For Tomorrow remix by Sneakbo and two years later worked on a song called Where’s Ty? for another friend who was also killed.

Most recently, we performed at Leyton Carnival in Waltham Forest!

How long have you been writing and performing?

I started writing in 2012 and started releasing in 2012. I began writing about the things happening in my family and in the area that I live in.

One day, I went to a park with

my girlfriend at the time, we jumped over the gates as it was late, I ended up disappearing and found myself sitting down writing.

I wrote my first poem entitled RIP CJ. The next day I went to CJ’s memorial and his mum asked me to speak, I said no at first but I had to read the poem.

I was surprised by the reaction, people could relate to the poem and they appreciated it. That’s where it all started.

It was almost like I became a voice for the people around me.

I remember the reaction to one of my personal favourites - The Breakup Poem, thinking people might assume I was soft but I had gangster guys approach me

saying how much the song made them miss their ex - over 30,000 people had seen the video.

I also remember the time I was chilling with some friends, my boy had a camera and said drop a bar so I said ‘ite cool, I started doing my thing and my other friend started doing his thing.

I made a twitter account and someone tweeted me saying, “you’re so inspirational” (laughs) they sent me a link to a video of myself, it had 2000 views – that was a shock.

There are certain people that I am actually trying to speak to through my music.

When we are growing up we are all friends, then we split and end up in different areas – it’s a message for everyone, not just for my area but London and worldwide.

What did you do before/during your career of music?

I had a bunch of jobs when I left school and I knew how I

wanted to live my life. I went to University in Kingston to study Business and Finance.

The year I finished, was the year I started making music and creating videos.

I went on to a graduate job in finance but I gave myself an ultimatum - if I can make as much money with music as I can with Finance, I will give up Finance.

I was able to do so.

I learnt about complacency. I achieved my goal and didn’t do much after that, so I ended up struggling financially.

I had to push again.

My family couldn’t see the longevity in music at first. My mum came around when she was at work and a c o l league of hers said, “listen to this, my favourite song at the moment” it was my song on the radio!

She came home and was so happy. I later put on my first solo show and my dad sat front row – he gave me “the nod” and I knew he was proud of me. I think I have

My book When Words Speak is the most memorable thing to date. Everyone has loved it so far.

A lot of girls say it has helped them understand the mind-set of men and their emotions which is something we struggle with at times. I have sold just over 3,000 copies to date.

Oh, another great memory, I used to sit and work on my phone all night long, I would sit up at 3am posting and sending videos, I didn’t have a laptop at the time but it had to be done (laughs) - good times.

Have you faced any struggles over the years?

Yes, personal struggles, trying to keep up with the standards that I have set for myself. I have

to remind myself that I don’t need to recreate my material.

I have over 100 poems in my phone, work with what you’ve got – it’s yours and it’s original.

Also, financial struggles, trying to make everything with the little you have.

It’s hard to stick to budgets and there’s hardly anyone who has done it before, there is no textbook to follow so you have to create your own pathway.

I look forward to, God willing, soon having the money to pay another young person full time to run projects and promote works.

What are the things most important to you?

God and family before everything. Keeping my morals and not letting things around me change me.

Expression is important to me.

Supporting positive movements is also important to me.

I would like to be able to retire soon, travel and support meaningful movements - like Black Lives Matter.

Is there anybody who you would like to thank?

Camara. (we laugh) Leyton, my original fan base – so much love. Ed Sheeran is another person who is able to paint his life in a crazy way, his songs are inspirational.

Oh, and RnB. RnB music inspires me, it is just like poetry (we laugh again).

I would like to say a huge thank you to Nego (Nego True) for taking the time to speak with me amongst his many pressing projects.

Keep an eye out for a new visual project he is working on with Barnardos, supporting the creation of mentors for children in foster care.

Also, grab a copy of his book When Words Speak via his website.

You can find Nego True online at…

Bookings@NegoTrue.com Twitter/Instagram @NegoTrue Facebook NegoTrueOfficial

Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)