Street Cred Magazine - April 2021

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

MARCH 2021

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JOSS IS A

BANGER! THE BRITISH SONGSTRESS THAT BLEW THE JUDGES AWAY

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‘BILLIONAIRE BOY' COMING TO BRUM THIS EASTER

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he bestselling children’s author David Walliams, the award-winning Birmingham Stage Company and Coalition Agency have teamed up for a brand-new COVID-safe Car Park Party production of Billionaire Boy, coming to a site this Easter!

Billionaire Boy started life as a David Walliams novel for children in 2010, published

by HarperCollins Children’s Books. In 2016 it was adapted into a BBC production and has since become a firm Christmas television favourite. It tells the story of Joe Spud, who is twelve years old and the richest boy in the country.

He has his own sports car, £100k a week pocket money and two crocodiles as pets.

But what Joe doesn’t have is a friend. So he decides to leave his posh school and start at the local comprehensive. But things don't go as planned for Joe and life becomes a rollercoaster as he tries to find the one thing money can't buy.

David Walliams said: “I am delighted that families will have the opportunity to see some live theatre again. The show is hilarious and I hope spreads some happiness in these difficult times.”

Car Park Party was launched summer 2020 and quickly became the nation’s favourite family drive in with Horrible Histories ‘Barmy Britain’.

It then helped to save Christmas with the hugely successful Car Park Panto, performing ‘Horrible Christmas’ to forty thousand family members in their cars across 16 wintery towns and cities.

Whilst the UK continues its fight back against the pandemic, children continue to miss out on live arts and so Easter presents the perfect time to bring live theatre to families across the country.

Adapter and director of Billionaire Boy, Neal Foster, said: “It was wonderful to be part of a magical enterprise in 2020 bringing live theatre to families desperate for the joy and connection theatre provides, so we are delighted to be presenting our production of one of David Walliams’ most popular stories which began its national tour in 2019 and was abruptly halted by Covid-19.

The show’s actors are thrilled with the opportunity to return to a new stage with a story that demonstrates the importance of friends and family at this critical time for the world.”

Performance times for Billionaire Boy are 2pm and 5pm.

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Birmingham Hippodrome selects New Young Advocates

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irmingham Hippodrome has selected 16 young people for their new Young Advocates pilot programme.

The new group, all aged 14-22 and from the West Midlands, comprises of; Aadil (aged 18), Amal (aged 15), Annabel (aged 21), Beth (aged 22), Bolu (aged 17), Deborah (age 17), Ellie (aged 18), Harley (aged 16), Harvey (aged 14), Hiba (aged 17), Liam (aged 18), Niamh (aged 17), Noor, (aged 15), Radhika (aged 14), Sanskar (aged 17) and Shreya (aged 14).

Over 300 young people expressed interest and 150 applied to be part of the pilot programme which will initially run until the end of March.

The Young Advocates will receive mentoring, training and skills development to build the group into future leaders as they help shape the future of Birmingham Hippodrome’s work with and for young people.

They will meet for the first time for a special digital live launch event, hosted

by Worcestershire based Creative Communications agency DRPG who are

supporting the programme.

Over the course of the evening they will learn more about the Hippodrome’s work through an exclusive Q&A session with Fiona Allan (Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome) and Chris Sudworth (Director of Artistic Programme of Birmingham Hippodrome). They will also hear more about DRPG’s work from Ruan Sarris (Junior Creative Director at DRPG).

Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome commented: “We are hugely grateful to DRPG for supporting this important programme including hosting the digital launch in their covid-safe studios, training for our Young Advocates and digital expertise to realise the ambitious plans for the programme as we develop these talented young people.

“With this partnership they will host and play a part in mentoring the Young Advocates in digital communications and giving an insight into careers in the creative industries.”

British Independent Film Award Won By Drama Starring Schoolgirls A FILM that cast unknown east London schoolgirls in most of its main roles has been honoured with five prizes at the British Independent Film Awards.

Rocks won best British independent film, and one of its stars, Kosar Ali, 17, was named both best supporting actress and most promising newcomer. It got glowing reviews when it came out last year and is now on Netflix.

Its other winners included D'Angelou Osei Kissiedu, who was just seven when he played little brother Emmanuel.

He was named best supporting actor, with a seven-decade age gap between him and the winner of the best actor award - Sir Anthony Hopkins, 83, who was recognised for playing a man struggling with dementia

in The Father.

To find the young stars of Rocks, director Sarah Gavron and casting director Lucy Pardee auditioned about 1,300 students, most of whom had no acting experience.

The chosen cast then improvised much of the film's dialogue. After the virtual awards ceremony, Ali, who plays Rocks' best friend Sumaya, said that the film had made her understand myself as a person as well as an actor.

She said: "Before this whole experience I never thought I would be who I am today, winning awards and even pursuing this acting career."

Producer Ameenah Ayub Allen said Rocks was a celebration of female filmmaking. "We were making this film that really had a truly independent spirit. She said: “It had a truly independent

methodology".

"When we were filming, we always thought the film was imbued with the spirit of a teenage girl and it is just phenomenal that it has come here and that the spirit of a teenage girl has won best film, with a completely different way of film-making, with all these incredible women."

Bukky Bakray, 18, who plays the title character, was nominated for best actress.

That award went to Wunmi Mosaku for refugee horror His House, which had four wins in total.

The Father won three, while psychological horror Saint Maud won two. Actor Riz Ahmed claimed the award for debut screenwriter for Mogul Mowgli, which also won best music, while Ahmed's The Long Goodbye won best short film.

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Joss stone is a banger!

J

oss Stone fooled us all with her incredible vocal talent in The Masked Singer as she excited the audience and panel week after week leaving them speechless.

Nicola Roberts fom Girls Aloud joined panelists Davina McCall, Rita Ora, Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, as a guest panelist for its final show, where she unmasked the singer Ne-Yo who gave an award winning performance.

An average of 8.6m viewers watched the final of The Masked Singer last night, the biggest live TV audience of the year outside of news and sport.

As usual Rita Ora was miles out but somehow cleverly stole the limelight from others with a good ear for awesome talent.

The rest of the panel helped her to guess who was behind the mask every time.

The Masked Singer has also attracted the biggest 16-34 audiences on TV across 2021 so far outside of news programming - with a peak of 1.7million 16-34 viewers last night, a 61% share of viewing.

Joss Stone simply nailed it!

Cool as a cucumber proving

that we Brits do deliver some of the best talent in the world of entertainment.

Apart from our late queen Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone is undoubtably one of the best vocalists in the music industry.

She gave us all goose bumps with her performance of Rise Up

by Andra Day - what else can we say, it was simply magical.

On top of that, Joss did this while being heavily pregnant. Now we know you don’t have to take your clothes off to have a good time.

Ladies, your voice is what we love to hear.

The British public has proved again they have a brilliant ear for great musicians. Keep it coming, bring on the next series!.

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Lunchtime concerts hitting the right note

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ix new dates have been added to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s popular Lunchtime Music series. The free Monday series has been proving a real hit with online audiences missing the live concert experience.

Lasting just under an hour, the filmed concerts are the perfect lunchtime break and are performed by musicians from the Conservatoire (part of Birmingham City University) who are at the very highest level of study and already launching their professional careers.

From the many comments from audience members, it is clear the series is filling a void in people’s lives right now. One said: “These performances are an absolute joy and help me face yet another week in

lockdown”. Another commented: “My heart goes out to all the superb talent at RBC during these times, including those behind the scenes. Thank you to everyone for finding a way to bring this wonderful concert to us!”

As well as being enjoyed by viewers, the concerts are giving students a high quality, professionally filmed performance opportunity and providing a connection with virtual audiences at a time when physical concerts are not possible.

The new dates in February and March continue the existing series and showcase a wealth of talent and variety of music with concerts featuring the harp and saxophone departments; operatic arias; mixed recitals of music for trumpet, bassoon, guitar, flute and piano; and a solo piano recital.

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Icon Film Channel To Launch On Prime ICON FILM Distribution have announce that The Icon Film Channel will be launching as a brandnew streaming service on Amazon Prime in the UK this month.

This fantastic new monthly subscription channel will initially showcase more than 150 of the longstanding distributor’s most exciting, unique and entertaining films all made with a fiercely independent spirit.

Additional titles both catalogue and new, will then be added to the service monthly.

With every film handpicked to deliver a special cinematic experience, often award-winning, frequently critically acclaimed, the channel will showcase titles including Academy Award Nominated

Drive and triple Academy Award nominated features Apocalypto and The Passion of the Christ.

Critically acclaimed additions include Buried, The Butterfly Effect Trilogy, La Vie En Rose and Looking For Eric.

Remastered titles such as Academy Award-winner Gosford Park and double Academy Award nominated Malcolm X are also included, with many being only available to stream in the UK through The Icon Film Channel.

New Zealand Lockdown Challenge Success l Thomas Poole, aged 10, who top scored in his team with

O

a total of 100 miles

ver 500 members and supporters from Camp Hill Rugby Club, in the West Midlands, have completed a mammoth Lockdown 3 Challenge to virtually travel the distance from Solihull, West Midlands, to Eden Park stadium in Auckland, New Zealand - a total of 11,374 miles - by walking, running, cycling or swimming.

The challenge, sponsored by Make UK, saw 11 teams and 242 players from the clubs Mini and Juniors sections (ages 5-19) take part, smashing the six-week target by half, logging a final mileage of 11,940 miles.

The team award went to the under 9s, who recorded an

impressive 1,631 miles between them.

The challenge has proved so popular that it has become a circumnavigation of the globe, taking in Fiji and Samoa before crossing the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans via the USA - a further 14,435 miles.

Russell Beale-Burchell, Minis lead at Camp Hill Rugby Club, commented: “The idea behind the Lockdown Challenge was simply to get members active; we had a disastrous season last year due to flooding, and lockdown has badly affected this season.

We also wanted to keep everyone engaged - it’s been brilliant to see how competitive the young players have been.”

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Champeon unleashes his ‘J’ouvert Powers’ EVEN WITH no physical Carnivals set for 2021, Caribbean entertainer Champeon is paying tribute to the annual festival tradition of J’ouvert with his latest musical release appropriately titled ‘J’ouvert Powers’.

The Trinidad & Tobago-born, South Carolina-based Champeon, real name Ronnel Ramirez, describes his new track as the musical vehicle for transporting J’ouvert lovers back to that fun, energetic state of spiritual euphoria which is usually experienced when partaking in the early morning pre-Carnival ritual.

J’ouvert Powers which features pulsating bass lines and percussions alongside eerie synthesizer melodies and electronic effects was written by Champeon and produced by Jelani Harris of Studio 23 Music Group Studio.

To deliver the J’ouvert effect Champeon channelled his Caribbean roots to deliver the song’s infectious lyrics with influence from Trinbagonian

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Rapso artistes and Grenadian Jab Jab performers.

He shared: “I created a song that reminds people that no matter where in the world we are, J’ouvert as well as fetes and mas help us to celebrate life. To me the history of this tradition should always be a significant part of the Carnival culture.

“As a Trini, the spirit of J’ouvert runs in my blood and to me it is the best part of the season. It was always a huge part of me growing up, so now as an adult and as an artiste I can express my love for it musically.”

For Champeon, the goal is to have this ‘dutty mas ditty’ in rotation for years to come for fans of the festival to enjoy whether in their homes, cars, on the radio, at virtual fetes or eventually during in-person events in the post-Covid era.

Regardless, Champeon plans to continuously release and perform various genres of music and aspires to try his hand at professional event hosting in the near future.

ALL ABOUT DOGS PAWS AT THE PALACE 2021

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ll About Dogs is bringing its biggest ever show to Blenheim Palace this summer (3-4 July 2021).

The UK's largest and fastest growing festival devoted to dogs and their owners is bringing its unique brand of family-friendly canine fun and games to the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Packed with everything dogrelated, Paws at the Palace includes arena displays, dog training experts, have-a-go activities, breed clubs and loads of fun competitions where visitors' dogs can win a rosette.

Among the show's highlights will be K9 Aqua Sports, scent work for dogs, hurdles and lure racing, obedience classes, trick training and special appearances

by canine stars the Watermill Wolves, who have featured in everything from Vikings and Penny Dreadful to Ripper Street and Horrible Histories.

From fun dog show classes for everything from the cutest pup and favourite rescue to best fancy dress and waggiest tail, to talent shows for gifted pooches, Paws at the Palace will be a joyous celebration of man's best friend.

World class arena displays showcase the extraordinary skills and bonds of both the dogs and their handlers and there's the chance to chat with renowned dog experts at the Village Green.

There will also be a huge range of products on offer and dogbrands represented, with around 150 exhibitors selling everything from leads, pet food and treats, diet and health advice, toys, health

supplements, coats, grooming products, photography and much more.

'Meet the Breeds' sessions provide a fascinating insight into the individual characteristics, requirements and personalities of different breeds and there will be a host of rescue centres, owners, charities and clubs on hand to answer questions.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy 'walkies' in the stunning surroundings of Blenheim's 'Capability' Brown landscaped grounds and gardens, home to amazing backdrops including the finest view in England.

For the first time this year, All About Dogs is also running special dog first aid courses offering potentially life-saving advice including canine CPR.

Bollywood star Shahid Mallya sings Pune To Goa film’s romantic song

THE UPCOMING Bollywood film Pune To Goa which marks the debut of the young director Amol Bhagat and produced by Adityaraje Marathe Production and Morya Production House Pune.

It is a nice cocktail of several genres like comedy, romantic, action, suspense and thriller.

In it a romantic song has been sung by the popular singer Shahid Mallya. Mai Raat Bhar

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Tumhe Pyar Du Romantic song Enjoy Shahid Mallya and giving best wishes to the all pune to goa film team .this song music director is given by sanmeet waghmare arrangement by amogh inamdar lyrics write by Santosh khadse (rapper bros).

The makers of the film comprise Adityaraje Marathe ,Prahlad Taware and co produce by nava nisarag Production (Kishor Kharat).

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Tru Powell to join Birmingham Hippodrome board

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i r m i n g h a m Hippodrome Theatre Trust (BHTT) has announced the appointment of Tru Powell to its Board of Directors. Deputy Chair of BHTT and Chair of the BHTT Nominations Committee, Ann Tonks said: “I am delighted that we have appointed such a standout, highly accomplished individual who will strengthen the skills on our board.

“Tru is a successful entrepreneur with great experience in events planning, marketing and communication who will bring

further commercial acumen to our business. His work with young people in the arts is exemplary and we are very excited to have him joining our Board. Tru brings with him great energy and enthusiasm.”

He is the Founder & Managing Director of The Alternative Events & Wedding Company, an event management company that specialises in coordinating high quality corporate, youth events and weddings.

In addition, Tru is also the Director of the UK’s first kids’ salon, Kandy Girl and the Creative & Events Director for

Aston Performing Arts Academy, a community interest organisation that exists to empower young people through performing and creative arts. Since the organisation’s inception in 2004, the company has impacted the lives of thousands of young people in the Midlands.

Speaking of his appointment he said: “I am really excited to have joined the Hippodrome board.

I am even more excited at the prospect of championing the arts and contributing to the mission of making the Hippodrome inclusive and accessible for all.

I am hoping to bring my wealth of knowledge in enterprise, the arts and marketing to this role to compliment the board’s existing skills and expertise.”

In 2014 Tru was recognised as one of Birmingham’s most inspirational young leaders and in 2018 was crowned Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year – Marketing and Communications.

In 2019 he was also named the Greater Birmingham Future Face of Entrepreneurship as well as winning the prestigious Great British Entrepreneur Award from Natwest.

Chair of BHTT, Glenn Howells, said: “On behalf of the board here at the Hippodrome we are thrilled to announce that Tru Powell is joining us a Trustee.

His experience and track record as a ground-breaking, creative entrepreneur will be a great addition to the Hippodrome in exploring new ways to realise the opportunities that are beginning to emerge as we enter the next stage of our development as a regional cultural hub for performing arts.”

l Tru Powell

World’s First .com Radio Station For Entrepreneurs And Emerging Musicians BUSINESS LIVE GLOBAL and Spectrum Elite together with Elite Live Group have launched the first .com radio station. Billed as ‘Where Music Meets Business’ the station will broadcast to entrepreneurs, business leaders and business owners whilst introducing them to emerging and unsigned musical talent.

The idea is the brainchild of Victoria Beale, Founder and CEO of Business Live Global together with Suzanne Letting an influencer, presenter, musician and speaker.

Commenting on Elite Live Radio Victoria said: “Suzanne and I had the idea for a radio station focussed purely on entrepreneurs and unsigned

l Victoria Beale, Founder & CEO of Business Live Global

musical talent back in July 2020 whilst on the train back from London after interviewing celebrity sculptor Guy Portelli.

“It was too great an opportunity to miss, with the rise of the internet and significantly improved technology that’s now in just about everyone’s home we found that it could be done online, hence the world’s first .com radio station targeted at entrepreneurs, business leaders and emerging musicians.”

With an official launch at an online event - co-sponsored

by Tweebaa, Elite Live Group and Kylie Anderson – Victoria continues: “We’re always open to receiving new music submissions from non-signed artists with full details of how to upload music made available.

“This is genuinely ground breaking and I’m thrilled to see my vision come into fruition!”

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Introducing Chef Kano

E M A THE G Continued from Front Page

With queues down the street for his takeaway offerings, and a VIP Guest list for his in-home Private Dining featuring the likes of rapper Mist, Chef Kano is a man on a mission.

Born in Nechells, Birmingham, Chef Kano, real name Kane Blake, had a passion for cooking from a very early age. “I used to help mum in the kitchen when I was young, and I was always making things for myself too.”

Attending Nechells Primary Schools and Hodge Hill Secondary, it wasn’t until Chef Kano was accepted for a course at UCB Birmingham, which is, in his own words “the best culinary chef college in the UK.” That his journey truly began.

Kano completed a Professional Level 3 Diploma Cookery Course, learning everything about the industry, from the restaurant side and fine dining, to basic and advanced chef skills in the kitchen, as well as placements in his third year.

“I picked up on the skills and knowledge that I needed at college, they drilled into your head the French Culinary skills and the top Kitchen tricks you need to know.

When the now 24 year old graduated from UCB, Kano became an Agency Chef, going between top hotels, restaurants, horse racing tracks and football stadiums, cooking for royalty and celebrities as well as in mass catering for events.

“I’ve worked for lots of hotels in Birmingham including Hotel Malmaison, Radisson, Moor Hall and I got the opportunity to go to Germany to work for two weeks in a mass catering kitchen for 6,000 people which was an amazing experience.”

It was after a few years of this that Kano started to get bored of the Fine Dining side of the culinary scene. “I always wanted to do comfort food, like the American kind of style, but with my own twist on it, including the level of presentation and attention to detail I’m known for,” reminisced

Chef Kano.

“I started to do some things in my kitchen and start recording it on my phone for social media, at which point everyone was messaging me like ‘Oh my god, you should start doing something proper, we would come for this if you did it’ which really made me think I could actually do it.”

“JointsTV came about because I would always say ‘Welcome to Joints’ or ‘Welcome to Joints TV’ at the beginning of my videos, and the name just stuck!”

In June 2017, JointsTV was born, and from there his followers started growing. From creating popup events at friends shops, as well as some temporary setups across the country, Kano would religiously create new menus week in week out to tantalise and entice his viewers.

Putting out the menu and the location of where he’d be set up the next day was an ingenious marketing strategy which has paid dividends for him, judging by the queues outside

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R E G N E CHA waiting for him every day he’s cooking.

Since the start of the pandemic, which saw many restaurants and takeaways shut, Kano has been thriving through his in-home Fine Dining experiences. “I basically bring the restaurant to peoples houses and cook the meals in their house while they sit back and enjoy!” explained Chef Kano.

“I cook for rappers and celebrities and other VIP clients, everything from starters to desserts and cocktails.” For groups of 10+, or intimate His&Hers style dining, Chef Kano helps decide on the perfect menu for the occasion, adds his own little twists, and gives them the meal of their lives.

“I cooked for a couple on Valentines Day, where the guy was going to propose to her. Thankfully she said yes, otherwise that could’ve been a very awkward end to the evening!”

Chef Kano is currently a resident chef at Jam N Vibez on Slade Road,

Birmingham a couple of days a week, and has become known for the premium quality food with that added care and attention, with queues for his food snaking down the road, socially distanced of course.

“Everyone loves my gourmet burger with the Hennessey wings, I started that blueprint in Birmingham, and now a lot of people have taken it and copied it. Because I change the menu every week it’s always different and fresh.

“One week it’ll be salmon, tempura prawns, or lobster mac & cheese, and another it’ll be all different types of wings, lamb chops, tenderstem broccoli, cheesecakes and mocktails.

It intrigues people how I can change the menu every week!”

It’s not just in Birmingham that Chef Kano is in huge demand, recently Manchester has been his adopted home for extended periods.

“Manchester is kinda hot for me right now, I’ve been there the last few weekends and for 5 days the

week before that. I’m starting to think I should open up a shop there because they’re loving me.”

The pandemic has made Chef Kano very cautious about his next steps, and for now, he’s just having fun with the private dining and takeaway offerings in the city. “Right now, I’m just a young chef having fun and a great time enjoying what I do.”

“It won’t be long before you see a dedicated Joints establishment, although where it will be based is a different question.”

You can find Chef Kano on Instagram at instagram.com/_jointstv_ although we’ll warn you advance, make sure you’ve eaten, else you’ll get very hungry, very quickly!

Chef Kano.

Remember the name, because this one is changing the game.

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Line-up of Hollywood’s greatest set for new Amazon Original series

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cademy Awardwinning actors Morgan Freeman, Anne Hathaway and Helen Mirren, Emmy Award-winning actor Uzo Aduba, Nicole Beharie, Anthony Mackie, Dan Stevens and Constance Wu will star in the new Amazon Original dramatic anthology series Solos, from executive producer and showrunner David Weil (Hunters).

Solos will launch later in 2021 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

"I am beyond thrilled to be bringing Solos to life alongside this group of artists who I so deeply admire. I created this piece with a desire to capture stories about connection, hope and the

search for that common hum of humanity that binds us all.

“I’m immensely grateful to Jennifer Salke and my incredible partners at Amazon for their unwavering support and collaboration on this special project,” said Weil.

Solos is a dramatic and thought-provoking sevenpart anthology series that explores the deeper meaning of human connection, as explored through the lens of the individual.

Solos will tell unique character-driven stories – each from a different perspective and moment in time – that illuminate that even during our most seemingly isolated moments, in the most disparate of circumstances, we are all connected through the human experience.

Amazon Studios’ Solos is executive produced by Weil, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Laura Lancaster with Pixie Wespiser serving as a producer. Taylor-Johnson will be directing two episodes and Weil will be making his directorial debut. Additional directors include Zach Braff and Tiffany Johnson.

Celeste Announces First Headline UK Tour Celeste has announced details of her first headline UK tour.

The ascending soul star, who released her debut album ‘Not Your Muse’ to high acclaim, will perform six headline shows in spring 2022, culminating at London’s Roundhouse on April 21st.

The tour news follows the announcement of her first London shows since December 2019.

The five dates, which will take place at Union Chapel in July this year, sold out in less than 4 minutes.

Despite the ensuing pandemic putting paid to all touring and festival plans, including a sold-out show at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire and a tour with Michael Kiwanuka, Celeste continued her remarkable rise throughout 2020.

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African stars up for Kids Choice Awards T

he nominees for annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards are out, and several African stars – both renowned and rising – are in the running for honours at the 34th ceremony that will be held virtually on March 13.

The awards celebrate fan favourite stars in film, television, music, sports and more, and this year’s edition is hosted by actor and comedian Kenan Thompson, himself a past winner of an award.

“Jerusalema” hit-maker Master KG of South Africa is up for the Favourite Global Music Star Award. He will have to shrug off competition from BTS, Sebastian Yatra, Savannah Clarke, David Guetta and Taylor Swift.

In the Favourite African Star category, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi (South Africa) will vie for

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honours against Thuso Mbedu (acting, South Africa), Siya Kolisi (rugby, South Africa), Sheebah (music, Uganda), Sadio Mane (football, Senegal) and Mo Salah (football, Egypt).

In the Favourite African Social Star category, South African celeb Bonang Matheba is up against comedienne Emannuella (Nigeria), Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids, social media comedy group Ikorodu Bois, magician Wian Van De Burg, and Kenyan social media ribcracker Elisa Majimbo.

To bring colour to this year’s virtual ceremony, the show will feature live and interactive fan walls that bring celebrities and families at home to the “main stage”, while a lucky family will be chosen to present an award.

Ahmed, Coel & Mulligan among Independent Spirit Awards nominees BRITISH ACTORS Riz Ahmed, Michaela Coel and Carey Mulligan were among the nominees for this year's Independent Spirit Awards.

The awards honour the best in independent film; and often indicate who could win an Oscar.

Ahmed was nominated in the male lead category for his portrayal of a heavy metal drummer struggling with losing his hearing in Sound Of Metal.

He is nominated in the same category as the late Chadwick Boseman for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

The drama, about a blues singer, is up against First Cow and Minari for the best feature gong, as well as Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Nomadland.

Rapper And Producer Master P And Son Romeo To Launch New Supercar Brand RAPPER, actor and record producer, Percy ‘Master P’ Miller and his son Romeo are partnering with designer Richard Patterson to launch a new automotive brand called Trion SuperCars.

Patterson, a former Tesla designer, has already created the Nemesis RR, and is the founder of the first Blackowned supercar manufacturer in the U.S. In a statement, the entrepreneur and former basketball player said: "Richard Patterson is a genius. He has created the blueprint for the next era of supercars.

“It's time for us to change the narrative for our culture by offering economic empowerment with this partnership.

“This is history. We have come a long way to be a part of innovative technology, manufacturing and producing our own automobiles."

Trion SuperCars is being engineered by Patterson, who served as the developer of the Tesla Model S design from scratch. He is also the designer of the landing gear on the Boeing 777 and the folding seat system in the Dodge minivan.

The new auto company is another addition to Miller's long list of businesses including his record label, his apparel lines, his cereal brand, as well as his professional wrestling league.

Miller's son, Romeo, and business partner James Lindsay are also joining the company that promises to produce highend, luxury sports cars.

He commented: "In addition to the high-end line of models, we will be producing a line of affordable luxury vehicles.

With the advanced technology that Trion has developed, we are poised to bring this unique product to the mass market."

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

New Classic Car Visitor Attraction to Open in Derbyshire A BRAND-NEW classic car visitor attraction is set to open in Derbyshire later this year. Great British Car Journey will open in summer 2021.

The announcement follows the signing of a lease on the former Wire Works site in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

The site, which is located just off the A6 in between Derby and Matlock, is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment ahead of Great British Car Journey opening.

Originally due to open in 2020, plans for the attraction had to be shelved following serious health issues with two of its founders.

Now back to full health, Great British Car Journey is out of the garage, back on the road and all set to open later this year with even more cars joining the original line up.

Located beside the River Derwent and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, more than 150 classic British cars which were at the forefront of a global transport revolution, will be exhibited at the new familyfriendly attraction.

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Phantom Tempus

R

o l ls-Royce Phantom, the marque’s pinnacle product, which resides at the apex of the luxury world, has today become the subject of an exclusive and rare collection, the Phantom Tempus Collection.

This arresting new iteration of Phantom is inspired by Time – how it passes, and how it can be made seemingly to stand still.

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The Collection is strictly limited to just 20 examples, all of which have already been allocated to clients.

The design of the Phantom Tempus Collection encompasses various aesthetic and intellectual themes relating to time and the cosmos.

A key component is a rare astronomical phenomenon, the pulsar, unknown until 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space (the nearest yet discovered is 280 light

years, or 1,680 trillion miles, from Earth).

These very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.

In Phantom Tempus, this remarkable force of nature is rendered as a centrepiece in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery, creating the

unique and beautiful Pulsar Headliner.

“The events of the past year have caused many people, not least our clients, to re-evaluate their sense of, and relationship with Time,” explains Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, “At a moment in history when so much in life seems ephemeral, our patrons are seeking solace in the unique timelessness, longevity and permanence offered by a

Rolls-Royce motor car.

“It is thus the perfect moment for Phantom Tempus Collection – a magnificent incarnation of our pinnacle product, inspired by a mysterious celestial phenomenon and Time, which Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in human history, defined as a persistent illusion.”

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T.50S NIKI LAUDA EDITION

G

ordon Murray Automotive has unveiled its T.50s Niki Lauda track-focused supercar for the first time.

Developed in parallel with the T.50, the most driver-centric supercar ever built, the T.50s Niki Lauda has been conceived, designed and engineered to offer the ultimate ontrack driving experience.

Like the T.50, the T.50s Niki Lauda has been designed and engineered without compromise, but with an even more extreme specification.

It weighs just 852kg and will be powered by a substantially redesigned version of the T.50’s Cosworth-engineered 3.9-litre V12, producing 725bhp, revving to 12,100rpm and going through a newly-designed Xtrac six-speed paddle-shift gearbox.

Advanced aerodynamics, aided by a 400mm rear-mounted fan, will produce up to 1500kg of downforce for optimum track performance.

Just 25 T.50s Niki Laudas will be made, costing £3.1m (before taxes).

Production will start in January 2023 at Gordon Murray Automotive’s manufacturing centre in Dunsfold, Surrey, UK, after the run of 100 T.50 supercars is completed.

MOTORS

Virtual Bespoke Configuration: The New Bentley Mulliner Visualiser With the introduction of the Bentley Mulliner Visualiser, it is now easier for customers to work with their retailer remotely to fulfil their personal commissioning requirements.

The Bentley Mulliner Visualiser is a digital application that allows customers to view images of bespoke hide, veneer and stitching options tailored by them – and ultimately to envision their own bespoke Bentley.

Working with the retailer or Bentley’s own Mulliner designers, customers are able to configure up to three different colours to create their own interior design.

The digital application guides the customer, via their retailer, through the process and produces images of the final design in real time, providing feedback and confidence that their personalised design matches their vision and is part of the same on-screen experience.

l Laurence & Prime Minister David Cameron

PEUGEOT ROARS INTO 2021 PEUGEOT has launched a new logo and brand identity in only the 11th update to its iconic lion emblem since 1850.

Created by the Peugeot Design Lab and featuring a roaring lion’s head inside a coat of arms, the new design is part of Peugeot’s latest brand identity developed around the concept of ‘time’ and living in the moment.

The new visual language reflects Peugeot’s bold electrification strategy and its desire to enhance the ownership experience through pioneering new technologies.

The new Peugeot logo features an all-new take on the iconic Peugeot lion, with a roaring lion’s head inside a new Peugeot coat of arms.

The emblem has been created to acknowledge Peugeot’s evolution as a brand, its innovative and successful model line-up and its continuing transition to electrification, having committed to offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2025.

The new look will be accompanied by an international campaign and

new-look website, as well as a new lifestyle collection of clothing and accessories later this year.

The new logo also showcases Peugeot as a timeless brand, celebrating its more than 210year history, while also looking to the future, towards new technologies and innovations provided by the new Stellantis partnership.

The logo has been designed to last and will feature proudly across all new models, starting with the all-new Peugeot 308, which will make its world premiere later this year.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Universal Music Joins K-Pop Livestreaming Platform UNIVERSAL Music Group has said it will join a livestreaming platform set up by K-pop's major record labels.

As the world's biggest music label - represents superstars such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Lady Gag, it said it would invest in the platform launched last year by Big Hit Entertainment, the company behind K-pop superstars BTS. YG, the record label representing Blackpink, is also investing in the platform called VenewLive.

Big Hit set up VenewLive as part of a joint venture called KBYK Live. Following the investment, a statement by the record labels said VenewLive now has with ambitions on a global scale.

South Korean - K-pop music has grown massively in popularity on a global scale. Last year BTS became the first K-pop band to have a number one on the US Billboard charts.

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Exhibition set to celebrate the influence of 2-Tone

M

embers of the public are being asked to contribute to a major exhibition on the 2-Tone era of music.

An event, at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry from 14 May, is the first major exhibition about the scene in the UK, say organisers.

The style started in Coventry

in the 70s with the name coming from the 2-Tone record label founded by Jerry Dammers of The Specials in 1979. The exhibition will explore 2-Tone's influences and social impact.

Fans are being asked to share photos and their experiences.

Curator Martin Roberts described the style as "a great aspect of Coventry culture that has gone all over the world". Groups

that were part of the label The Specials, The Selecter and other ska-influenced bands such as Madness, The Beat and The Bodysnatchers - will be showcased at the exhibition.

Pauline Black, from The Selecter, said that said social cohesion was difficult in the 1970s and the bands were "ahead of their time" in talking about multiculturalism. She added:

"There's a new generation who appreciate the music."

Cultural and creative director of the museum, Francis Ranford, added: "We are incredibly excited to celebrate the 2-Tone phenomenon through this blockbuster exhibition. The support we have received so far from band members, fans and industry experts has been incredible - however we would still like more contributions from fans."

Organisers say that the display will also look at the scene's philosophical and political impact at the time and the continuing influence it has had on music and fashion. Fashion items and memorabilia already donated include a 2-Tone suit, Roddy Radiation's pork pie hat, a Fred Perry polo shirt and a Harrington jacket.

The exhibition will run until September and culminate in an "immersive 2-Tone experience celebrating the energy and legendary sound of the bands' performances".

Prime Video announces new ‘All or Nothing’ AMAZON Prime Video and Italian giants Juventus Football Club today announced a brand new Italian Amazon Original exclusive behindthe-scenes docu-series, ‘All or Nothing: Juventus’, following the team through the current 2020/21 season.

The new Amazon Original series will launch exclusively on Prime Video this year in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

It will take viewers on a behind the scenes journey with the illustrious, iconic football club during a pivotal season and follow all of the key events, including the arrival of Andrea Pirlo as the club’s new Head Coach and will focus on the unique aspects of the Club Bianconero “white and black” - and its identity; deeply-rooted in Italian culture and history, though always looking to the future.

‘All or Nothing: Juventus’ will unpack the level of perseverance, the effort and the dedication needed to compete at the very highest level, granting fans close-up access to the players, the staff and the management.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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TIME TO ADAPT

The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2021 - Page 31

BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE

MADE BIRMINGHAM I

IN

Mind, Body & Soul

Amazing Crystals C

I

n all the time I have physically trained which has been most of my adult life from bodybuilding to power lifting to my incredible world strength records.

In all that time of intense training I am very lucky that I have never needed any gym or training equipment at home as I have always been welcomed at a good hardcore gym (The Fitness Factory) in Birmingham.

Then all of a sudden it was like cutting off one of my limbs in a major earthquake moment, I had to think what am I going to do without access to all the equipment and weights.

I need to maintain my strength and conditioning, which has become a huge part of my life.

As it is a major part of my multi award winning work with children and young

people around combating issues of negative pathways.

So I was in a dilemma and had to think how I could adapt to this major change in my life.

So the first thing I tried was training in the house, this proved very difficult to achieve so I then decided to spring clean my garage to create the necessary space I required for my training.

After a major throw out of unwanted clutter I had a safe space large enough to train in.

So now I had to think what equipment was easily available and how I could adapt to using this in my workout routines and was heavy enough.

I needed to find a way to compensate for the weight plates, bars and dumbells that I usually lift and luckily in my garden I had two heavy concrete planters, so after cleaning them out and filing them with cement and

attaching two harnesses to them this went some way to my needs but was still not heavy enough so I added six house bricks on to the top of each planters.

Then I was able to thread a large crowbar and together these formed my barbell, which gave me something heavy to lift.

Using other items that you would not normally associate with being used as training equipment , I managed to put Big Dave’s Training Garage together using various items i.e. a piece of solid lead for bicep curls and some car wheel inner tubes and was able to use these as resistance bands and a couple of car batteries as dumbells.

Utilising these items that I found tucked away I was able to adapt to my new surroundings.

Luckily the garage had some large support beams so

I was able to tie and loop two harnesses around the beam which held a scaffold bar so I could do chin up exercises in my garage.

Now Big Dave’s Training Garage has been adapted and being used for my heavy duty training regimes.

So the moral of this story, if you want and need something badly enough, you will find a way to make it happen through perseverance and adaptability.

All of our lives have been impacted in a sideways direction and we have all had to think, what am I going to do to get through this epic change in our lives, to be able to adapt to new situations and changes around us.

Big Dave says “If we chose to stand still we go nowhere and if we chose to adapt we move forward. Let us all move forward together”.

Stay Safe, Stay Strong, Stay Fit And Spread The Love

RYSTALS have been around in the Earth for billions of years and humans have been reaping the benefits of their many uses.

We are drawn to crystals for various reasons and our ancestors would use them in healing rituals, for divination, burial rites and the ancient Egyptians used the beautiful Crystal Lapis Lazuli for blue cosmetics.

Each and every crystal has a different, individual purpose, whether it’s to heal your body, mind or spirit, in meditation, adorn your home or as a beautiful piece of jewellery for you to wear.

There is a crystal out there to benefit everyone.

I have advised many people over the years to carry a crystal with them to help them overcome an issue they may be struggling with.

Keeping the chosen crystal close to you allows that crystal to work with you more intensely.

The three most commonly known crystals are clear quartz, amethyst and rose quartz.

Clear quartz is a master healer crystal and is very popular as it has numerous benefits.

Amethyst goes from lilac to purple in colour and is excellent for relieving stress, fear, anxiety etc .

Rose quartz is pink in colour and opens the heart to encourage self-love, friendship, inner calmness and peace.

Crystals are readily available to purchase in shops and on line .

They will need cleansing as soon as you buy them, as they will be carrying the energy of everyone who has touched them.

There are various ways of cleansing a crystal, but make sure it’s not detrimental to the

crystal as some are extremely fragile and can damage easily.

You can place your crystals outside when there’s a full moon or in the sunshine to cleanse, charge and rejuvenate them.

Also cleansing under running water, with salt, sound or smudging with a smudge stick.

Any of these methods will clear and prepare your crystals ready to work with you.

Have fun and enjoy your crystal journey.

This months Oracle card is ‘Transformation’ from the Goddess Guidance Oracle by Doreen Virtue.

This card is very apt at the moment, as we have been and still are going through times of transformation whether it be on a personal level, career /work, relationships, moving home etc.

As humans we tend not to like change, we like to stay the same in our comfort zones.

But change is necessary.

It is something we should all be thankful for now.

We need things to drastically change so that we can all move forward and come together once more .

We need people and people need us ...

Celebrate these changes, embrace the new opportunities that are coming your way .

A new era is beginning for us all.

The ‘Butterfly Maiden’ is a Springtime Goddess which is the time of the year we are entering .

If you’re feeling stuck or finding it difficult to move forward , then call upon this beautiful goddess to help you .

Ruth G Soul Butterfly

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Star of Six - The Musical launches Hippodrome’s Digital MasterclasseS

T

his week, star of SIX – The Musical in London’s West End, Birmingham’s very own Alexia McIntosh, launched Birmingham Hippodrome’s Digital Masterclasses with the first of 25 online workshops for young people aged 7-25.

The series of live digital workshops are designed especially for young people to access leading insight from industry experts all from the comfort of their own homes.

Alexia McIntosh said; “It was an honour to be the first to lead one of Birmingham Hippodrome’s Digital Masterclasses with my fellow brilliant Brummies.

“It’s always inspiring to see the young, raw talent of my hometown and it was a real pleasure getting to know the young people taking part and help them on their journey in the arts. Birmingham Hippodrome are doing a fantastic job in engaging young people in a time

where access to the arts is limited by ongoing restrictions.”

Upcoming workshops include a dance and movement workshop with Hairspray star Lauren Stroud, a Writing for Musical Theatre workshop with Artistic Director of Fat Rascal Theatre and writer of Fringe hit, Unfortunate – The Untold

Story of Ursula the Seawitch, Robyn Grant and a Spoken Word Workshop with leading artists from Apples and Snakes.

Other workshops will be based around musical theatre blockbusters such as We Will Rock You and Sister Act plus Alexia McIntosh will return for a Six – The Musical workshop on

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19 February.

Robyn Grant said; “After working and collaborating with Birmingham Hippodrome on a number of projects, I can’t wait to once again work with this city’s exceptionally talented young people.

“I’m excited to share some musical theatre magic with those attending these exclusive online masterclasses from Birmingham Hippodrome.”

Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome added; “Our latest series of digital masterclasses continues Birmingham Hippodrome’s ongoing commitment to enabling easy access to the arts for young people and the employment of freelance artists and practitioners.

“These workshops provide a brilliant opportunity to access guidance and techniques from industry experts.”

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