Street Cred Magazine - March 2022

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

MARCH 2022

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THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY

ENGLAND RUGBY LEGENDS MIKE TINDALL AND JAMES HASKELL TAKE THEIR PODCAST ON TOUR

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Union J announce eagerly awaited 10th Anniversary reunion show

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ward-Winning, X Factor alumni, Union J have announced their reunion for a very special 10th Anniversary show.

Performing a headline show at the iconic, London Palladium on Saturday 28th May 2022.

All four original members will be coming back together for the first live performance in over six years.

Speaking of their reunion Union J said: “We’re so excited to be back! We can’t wait to be on the stage together as a four again and to be reunited with our wonderful fans.

"The London Palladium

is such an incredible venue and it feels like the perfect return to live shows for us as a group. After the journey we’ve had, we know it’s going to be a night that we’ll remember forever!”

Union J, catapulted into the mainstream, after being handpicked and brought together by boy band mogul Louis Walsh during the ninth series ITV’S The X Factor.

Performing each week, they quickly amassed a loyal fanbase and went on to finish fourth in the competition, and subsequently signed to RCA records, releasing their debut single Carry You just six months later in summer 2013.

Before their disbanding

in 2016, Union J achieved success, with 4 UK Top 10 singles (including 2 No.1 Physical singles) and a debut UK Top 10 album, Winning Best British Breakthrough at the BBC Teen Awards, selling out arena shows, performing to millions on National TV, and making their Hollywood debut as ‘Heartthrobs’ on Kick-Ass 2 performing their standout single Carry You. A decade on, all four original members of Union J are reuniting to celebrate their 10th Anniversary, performing at London’s iconic, illustrious West End Theatre, The London Palladium, on 28th May 2022.

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he sudden death of Jamal Edwards sent waves of sadness around the world as his loss was felt by the stars who he launched - and the countless young people he inspired as a role model for cultural change.

"We all die,” he once tweeted.

“The goal isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will."

15 when he got a camcorder for Christmas, Jamal started filming his friends rapping on the council estate he grew up in west London, before, in 2006, setting up SBTV (his rap name was SmokeyBarz) to upload videos of breakthrough talent to YouTube - at a time when rap and grime was unheard of in the charts.

Creating a platform for underground talent like Dave, Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Lady Leshurr, Jessie J, AJ Tracey, Krept & Konan and Headie One, some of their earliest performances appeared on the channel. By the age of 23, Jamal was a multimillionaire and began channelling his success into helping others - founding grassroots youth charity JE Delve, to run youth clubs in the capital.

"I come from a humble background,” he once said. “It is nice to be comfortable, and be able to buy things for friends and family. But I'm not motivated by the money."

The son of singer and ITV’s Loose Women presenter Brenda

ENTERTAINMENT

JAMAL EDWARDS – HE MADE A CHANGE Edwards – who he described as his “ultimate cheerleader” - he became an ambassador for the Prince's Trust and, in 2014 he was awarded an MBE for his services to music. But he was always remained aloof.

"I always wanted to be the Banksy" he once said. "I wanted no-one to know who I was."

But that mindset would change in 2011, when he featured in a Google Chrome advert. A video previously shared by Edwards in 2020 is out again showing mother, Brenda, waiting for her son to appear in a storefront fashion advert.

Screenwriter Ameir Brown remembers watching a Google Chrome advert featuring Jamal's journey, and how he built up such a huge music platform.

"I just kept watching that advert again and again and again," he says. "It was just a massive inspiration boost for me.

“It made me realise that it takes a lot of self-belief and grinding to get to do what you want to do."

He (Ameir) says having Jamal as a role model helped that.

Also an entrepreneur in residence at Sussex University, Jamal once told students: "No question is ever off limits," as he regularly shared contacts, opportunities and advice.

Like Ameir, social producer, Arlène Dihoulou said she owes a lot of her motivation to Jamal and SBTV. "He definitely played a part in my desire to become a producer", she recalls. "At the time, I didn't know what a producer was.

“I just knew that Jamal made films. These young Black British people were creating a space that was by them, for them for us."

Jamal tweeted a link to what would be one of his final interviews, where he talked about his latest project and how he wanted to give young people the space to explore who they were.

"I just feel like I have to give back", he said at the time. "Be the change you want to see in the world", his tweet went on to say.

And change, for Jamal Edwards’ sake, is coming!

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l Jamal Edwards, left, with Editor and Founder of Street Cred Magazine Mark Dwayne

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Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor in sincere conversation about Indian cinema and football

By Delroy Constantine-Simms

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and Sonia Dixon

ollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor visited Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday (13 February) and delighted thousands of fans with photo opportunities and a live Q&A session at the Jubilee Stage.

Ranbir Kapoor a multi award winning Indian actor is one of the highest-paid actors of Hindi cinema, who’s been featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012.

He is also the co-owner of Indian Super League football team Mumbai City FC. Kapoor rose to prominence in 2009 with his performances in the comingof-age film Wake Up Sid, the romantic comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, and the drama Rocket Singh: Salesman of the

Year.

Shortly before taking to Expo’s global stage, Kapoor, 39, spoke about Indian cinema, his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, and what he planned to do during his short stay in the city.

World Expos are an incredible opportunity to celebrate culture from around the world. What makes India’s movie industry so special and well-loved?

I think it comes down to culture, heritage, value system, and storytelling. One of the biggest hits of Indian cinema and one of my favourite movies is Amar Akbar Anthony, and it’s the coming together of different cultures, which is loved by so many people. So, I think Indian movies really represent that, the celebration of life, family, the

value system, music and good storytelling.

What are your impressions of Expo 2020 Dubai?

his is my first visit to Expo. In fact, the first time I have ever visited a World Expo, and it’s been amazing so far. Seeing so much culture under one roof is quite exhilarating.

I have visited the India Pavilion and the UAE Pavilion, and just to understand the roots of the nations, their culture and heritage, has been amazing.

and I think what it teaches you is discipline, teamwork, and you also get good exercise in. I try and play [football] at least once or twice a week, and I think you can really relate to the things you learn from a sport into your profession. It really works in a good synergy together, and I think everybody should play a sport.

You are a huge football fan and the co-owner of Mumbai City FC. Beyond health and fitness, what do you think are the other benefits of sport?

I think sport is very important.

Fortunately for me, I’ve been a football player since school,

Birmingham REP Announce A Glimpse Behind The Scenes On Free Open Day BIRMINGHAM REP offered members of the public a chance to take a peek behind the scenes at the city’s only premiere producing theatre with a free Open Day. The full day of activities took the public behind the scenes of Birmingham’s famous theatre, the only large-scale theatre in the city that builds all of its own productions on site from scratch, including huge sets and beautiful costumes.

Artistic Director, Sean Foley and Executive Director, Rachael Thomas said: “We were thrilled to throw open our doors and inviting into their theatre for a day packed full of free activities. The Rep is a theatre for everyone, so all were welcomed.”

The Open Day including short backstage tours led by The Rep’s dedicated volunteers as they took visitors on a look around the fascinating theatre building.

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They learned about The Rep’s long theatrical history and took a peek at backstage spaces usually closed to the public including the huge workshop and paint shop where sets are created from scratch for Rep productions.

The Rep’s Costume Sale allowed visitors a rare chance to riffle through rails of fabulous items and outfits from the theatre’s costume stores. The Rep’s renowned wardrobe department has been making costumes in their current building for 50 years, with many gems discovered. All proceeds raised went toward the Open House Appeal.

All attendees also manage to delve into the rich theatrical history with a variety of fascinating talks hosted by The Rep’s volunteers, plus also had the chance to watch as Young Rep members perform extracts from some of Shakespeare’s most notable works throughout the theatres Foyer spaces.

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Global Superstars Coldplay Rock Expo 2020 Dubai GLOBAL SUPERSTARS Coldplay rocked Al Wasl Plaza with a never-before-seen show at Expo 2020 Dubai, combining an incredible musical experience with a powerful environmental message.

The performance, in support of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet and part of the exciting Infinite Nights Series, thrilled the Al Wasl audience, with thousands more fans watching around the site and the concert streamed online across the globe.

“I hope this isn’t the last time we can play for you here,” Chris Martin said. We’d like to thank [Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai] Reem – ‘The Reem Team’ – for bringing us here and putting on this really cool Expo... There’s all these pavilions teaching us how the world can be better and kinder and cleaner and greener…Thank you for being such a wonderful audience.”

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Grammy nominated Saweetie unveils breezy new single ‘Closer'

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he Grammy-nominated star Saweetie teams with R&B chart-topper H.E.R. for a breezy, sensual new single, ‘Closer’.

The dance-infused track finds the duo serving up playful lines and seductive melodies, reaffirming Saweetie’s penchant for making hits that feel nostalgic, yet uniquely hers.

‘Closer’ is released as Saweetie’s profile is bigger than ever. With over 3.7 billion career streams to date, she has been nominated for two Grammy Awards this year, for Best New Artist and Best Rap Song for ‘Best Friend’, which comes hot on the heels of her being named as Billboard's Women In Music Game Changer. She also hosted this year’s MTV MVAs. In the UK, ‘Best Friend’ became Saweetie biggest hit to date as well as her second Top 40 single after ‘Tap In’. ‘Best Friend’ was propelled by huge radio support which included playlists at Radio

1 (B-list), 1Xtra (A-list) and Kiss.

She also guested on Little Mix’s Top 10 smash ‘Confetti’.

H.E.R.’s breathy, emotive hook is a fitting accompaniment. With a beat designed to soundtrack a dancefloor, and lyrics that call you there, ‘Closer’ is a mesmerizing single that demands to be repeated.

Buckle up and prepare for a wild ride when Saweetie unveils the Hannah Lux Davis directed video.

From her forthcoming debut album, ‘Pretty Bitch Music’, ‘Closer’ only continues Saweetie’s recent streak of dynamic hits, having unloaded ‘Icy Chain’, a glitchy, self-assured song she performed on Saturday Night Live in November.

She’s also built momentum with infectious tracks like ‘Best Friend’ with Doja Cat and ‘Back to the Streets’ with Jhené Aiko, plus recently contributing ‘Get It Girl’ to Issa Rae’s Insecure: Music from the HBO Original Series Season 5.

In 2021 she shared ‘Attitude’,

a confident track that appears on the soundtrack to Halle Berry’s Bruised.

It’s all proof of her knack for club anthems filled with memorable hooks and aspirational images of wealth.

Her undeniable impact has led to plenty of GRAMMY Awards buzz with two nominations: Best Rap Song for ‘Best Friend’ and Best New Artist, making Billboard, Variety, and more nominations prediction lists.

In addition to partnerships with McDonald’s, MAC, Crocs, and more, Saweetie won a 2021 MTV VMA for Art Direction on ‘Best Friend’, 2021 BET Hip-Hop Award for ‘Hustler of the Year’ and was nominated for an American Music Award and a People’s Choice Award. With ‘Closer’ at her back and her debut album, ‘Pretty Bitch Music’, on the way, Saweetie is in a prime position to make 2022 her best year yet.

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FOOD

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Food & Fine Dining MAKING MOTHER'S DAY A SPECIAL ONE Y

ou have a chance to treat your special Maman to homemade, beautifully fragrant, beauty essentials for a spa-at-home experience by upcycling your empty Bonne Maman jars.

A gift set containing luxurious 'Pomegranate Rose Sugar Body Scrub', 'Eucalyptus Fresh Mint Foot Soak' and 'Coconut Lemongrass lip balm' that are simple to make and housed in Bonne Maman Compote, Conserve and Mini jars. Add a personal touch by tying a thoughtful note to your Mum around the top and present in a gift bag. Joyeuse Fête des Mères…

Every Mum would be delighted by a delicious breakfast in bed. Put together a breakfast tray of golden croissants, warm sourdough or sweet muffins with Bonne Maman Conserves and new Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. For an extra special Mother's Day treat, a glass of champagne never goes a miss!

Bake with love and try these scrumptious Thumbprint Shortcakes using new Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. Stack together, tie together with a ribbon and present in a gift box with a jar of Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. For an alternative to chocolate, these Zesty Lemon, Thyme & Mirabelle Mini cakes filled with luscious spring-time flavours make a sweet, thoughtful and absolutely delicious Mother's Day Gift. Tie with a ribbon, attach a gift tag et violà!

Head Chef At Fine Dining Pushkar Announced As Finalist At The Asian & Oriental Chef Awards THE HEAD CHEF at Birmingham's fine dining Indian Restaurant, Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining has been announced as a finalist at the Asian & Oriental Chef Awards.

Pushkar’s Head Chef, Vinod Singh has been announced as a finalist and will be invited to a live final cook-off event, to be held at Pillars Kitchen, at the University of West London, in late February.

The Asian & Oriental Chef Awards are open to the countries professional chefs across all Asian and Oriental cuisines, nominations were invited from members of the public, restaurant critics, food journalists, bloggers and restaurateurs.

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the UK’s 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants and takeaways, eight shortlisted chefs will be invited to compete at a cook-off, in Ealing, before a panel of independent judges.

Scores will be determined on criteria of innovation, technical skill, nutrition hygiene, creativity

and flavours.

Winners will be announced on the day and presented at a dinner being held at the Cholmondeley Room & Terrace, overlooking the River Thames, in early March.

This is all following on from Pushkar’s recent success of being crowned Best Indian Restaurant in the West Midlands at the British Curry Awards.

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Shoot Festival Announces Line-Up For 2022

Pioneering National Open Youth Orchestra announces debut performances & world premiere

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he National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) has announced its first ever series of concerts taking place across the UK from April to June 2022.

The series includes: ● First performances of a ground-breaking national youth orchestra where talented young disabled and non-disabled musicians play together ● Live premiere of ‘What Fear We Then?’ by Alexander Campkin, cocommissioned with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra ● Accessible and electronic instruments such as the Clarion, LinnStrument and Seaboard RISE alongside more familiar acoustic instruments ● Double-headliner concert with BSO Resound at Lighthouse, Poole The National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) is a world first; an ambitious orchestra launched in September 2018 to give some of the UK’s most talented young disabled musicians a progression route.

It promotes musical excellence, supporting 11-25 year-old disabled and non-disabled musicians to rehearse and perform together as members of a pioneering inclusive ensemble.

Some of the National Open Youth Orchestra musicians play acoustic instruments; others, electronic instruments like the Clarion, which can be played with any movement of the body.

NOYO collaborates with cuttingedge composers to create exciting new music for a diverse range of musicians and instruments.

Across this new concert series, audiences will enter a captivating musical universe where the familiar merges with the unknown across a broad

SHOOT FESTIVAL returns this year with a mix of commissioned pieces and showcases of the best of Coventry’s arts scene.

The festival’s ‘In Bloom’ features artists from past editions who have been commissioned to create new work across a range of disciplines including performance, sound and visual art.

There will also be a programme introducing local artists to celebrate the richly diverse arts scene of Coventry City of Culture – young and old.

In Bloom features Gamble - theatre/live art show about online gambling addiction by Hannah Walker and Rosa Postlethwaite, as well as Protests, Hymns and Caskets by lanaire Aderemi, which

ranging contemporary classical programme.

In four separate concerts, over twenty of the UK’s most talented young disabled and non-disabled musicians will take to the stage together for the first time as NOYO, playing exciting new music inspired by the diversity of the orchestra.

NOYO will present a beautiful new work, ‘What Fear We Then?’

by Alexander Campkin, cocommissioned with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

Commenting on the collaboration with NOYO, Alexander Campkin says: “It took me on a journey of discovery - a journey of questioning myself and my own background.

“I've used my own personal journey to depict the story of this piece. I started playing the viola when I was a child, but then when I was 17, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Suddenly I was told, no, you can't play anymore because you have this disability.

“I didn't tell anyone I’d been diagnosed with MS. It was a secret that put an extra barrier. I was hiding for almost 20 years. And it was only a couple of years ago that I was open and suddenly the world felt a bit easier.

“It's so inspiring seeing NOYO work around any barriers that musicians might have to be able to realise their artistic visions.”

The afternoon’s music will be a joyful celebration of diversity as a creative force that can push the boundaries of classical and contemporary music in exciting new directions.

NOYO harpist, Holli, who is in her third year with the orchestra, says: “I like the word influential to describe NOYO."

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recounts Nigeria’s feminist movement who overthrew colonial taxation in 1947 - its important and legacy.

The Sound: In Bloom is presented in partnership with The Tin Music & Arts – highlighting local saxophonist Koyesax, folk music duo Rosso and Mahendra Patel, with his band Elephant in the Room, who have been assembled especially for Shoot Festival 2022.

Michael Snodgrass (aka Snod) is the in the Visual Art strand, presented in partnership with Coventry Artspace, with his new exhibition ‘Moments of Broken Promises’.

Shoot Festival has given seven opportunities to local emerging producers, who will each work with the senior team to produce a specific strand of the festival.

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St. Croix to host musical fiesta

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t. Croix was the place to be over President’s Day weekend with live music taking centre stage amidst a stellar line-up of top local and regional artistes.

“So long I ain’t see you,” crooned Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull as he announced that ‘Fête.Vibe.Soca’ was to be headlined by Trinidad and Tobago soca sensation Nadia Batson and her all-female band, well known for hit songs including “So Long” and “Catching Feelings”.

The outdoor action took place at the Frederiksted Pier and featured Virgin Islands star performers Cool Session Brass, Pumpa, VIO International and DJ Big Kyat. The Division of Festivals offered support to an independently produced reggae concert, featuring the U.S. Virgin Islands’ own Pressure Busspipe and Jamaican Dexta Daps, at the Frederiksted Pier, offering patrons a star-studded weekend of

entertainment.

The capacity-controlled soca event only accommodated vaccinated attendees, who had to provide a verifiable vaccination card to enter. USVI Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said the event was part of the Territory’s “Vaccinate to Party Safe” initiative.

“We have been a leader in

the Caribbean throughout the pandemic, not only in terms of tourism arrivals and spending, but also with regard to protecting lives and livelihoods,” he said.

The Commissioner urged Virgin Islanders to keep their guards up throughout the holiday weekend, especially given the infectious nature of the COVID-19 omicron variant.

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RUGBY STARS JAM HASKELL AND MIKE TINDALL TO TACKLE LIFE ON THE ROAD WITH DEBUT TOUR FOR HIT PODCAST

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ngland rugby heroes James Haskell and Mike Tindall are taking to the road with their podcast – The Good, The Bad And The Rugby.

The live tour is the first ever outing for the hit podcast which, since launching in summer 2020, has grown to become the UK’s top sporting podcast, with more than 3million listeners and 20million-plus viewers online.

Joining James and Mike will be their podcast co-host former Sky Sports’ rugby presenter Alex Payne.

The trio will take to the stage to recreate the trademark banter they have on air, as The Good (Alex), The Bad (James) And The Rugby (Mike), share tales from on and off the pitch for what promises to be a night filled with surprises and laughter.

Announcing the tour, Mike said: “Since launching the podcast, we’ve become even closer, through the stories we’ve shared and the stories our guests have shared.

"Now we can’t wait to get on the road, with more tales from our rugby lives, and to meet our listeners – and maybe hear a few stories from them.”

James added: “We have so much fun creating each episode of The Good, The Bad And The Rugby, getting stuck into a whole range of topics for 90 minutes.

Mike and I have enjoyed touring life with England – and now we’ve got our own tour… It’s going to be great!”

And Alex said: “It’s a pleasure to bring James and Mike to the

table each week, when we sit and put the world to rights – and what better way to celebrate that, than by taking it out on tour?”

The Good, The Bad And The Rugby – LIVE promises to recreate the magic of the podcast’s weekly episodes, which feature rugby chat as well as wider sporting and pop-culture talking points.

Ben Hatton, Director of Theatre Touring for promoters Cuffe and Taylor, said: “The Good, The Bad And The Rugby podcast was a must-listen hit for sports fans in 2020, and with season two currently making a similar impact, we are excited to launch this tour which will take James, Mike and Alex out on the road with their fans across the country.”

HOW DID THE PODCAST ORIGINALLY COME ABOUT – AND WHY YOU, MIKE AND ALEX?

J: I knew Mike from our England days, and we both knew Alex through his work with Sky and we came together to work on JOE Media’s House of Rugby podcast. Our chemistry just worked really well, so we took it from there for the new podcast.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE PODCAST?

J: All the live shows have been pretty special. Interacting with the audience while also chatting to our guests is a great thing to do. We’ve got well over 10million downloads, we have

an average listener time of an hour and 20 minutes – which is pretty much unheard of, so we’re clearly getting it right.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE RUGBY – AND HOW WILL IT TRANSLATE TO THE LIVE SHOW?

M: The best thing about the pod and what we enjoy most is that we never know where it will go.

The live shows are often the best ones, and that’s what we hope will translate into the tour– getting sneaky guests in and the unpredictability will be great.

Of course, Hask’ has been on his own stand-up tour so I’m expecting him to bring a lot to the table. Hopefully we’ll never do the same show twice!

WHO WILL BE THE MOST ENTERTAINING / SHOCKING / REVEALING ON THE TOUR?

M: Probably James for all of those! But let’s think strategically… I think ‘shocking’ will be Alex, in a more ‘surprising’ sense as we saw a different side to the smooth professional, groomed Alex when we went to Japan so we could get a repeat performance.

‘Revealing’ will be James, he’s always one for oversharing, and not always the things you want to hear either. And that leaves me for ‘entertaining’; that works.

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new series of free creative sessions created by and for young people was launched at Birmingham Hippodrome, with the first sessions having already taken place.

The Young Community Drop In Sessions have been developed

by Birmingham Hippodrome’s Young Advocates. The Young Advocates programme launched in January 2021 with a group of young people aged 14-22 who are working with the Hippodrome to shape the future of the venue’s participation work for young people.

The sessions include a range of creative drop-in workshops including Writing, Spoken Word and Performance with Amerah Saleh, a Zine making workshop with Louisa Robbin, Acting and Improvising with Corey Weekes, Street and Hip-Hop Dance with Steady from Flawless, Gaming for Wellbeing with Mikayla Sinead and Open Mic sessions.

Sophia Griffin, Head of Community & Talent Development at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “Our Young Advocates have worked hard to develop thoughtful sessions that offer a great range of creative outlets for young people,

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R

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Birmingham Hippodrome Launch Free Creative Sessions For Young People

alongside spaces to relax and feel safe.

The Young Community Drop In Sessions will give young people the opportunity to try something new, or join something they already love with new people. The sessions are open to people of all levels and abilities and our Young Advocates are available to support anyone who would like a buddy

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on the day, or a chat in advance to find out more about the sessions.”

The first Young Community Drop In Sessions takes place every last Wednesday of the month from 5.30pm – 7.30pm, starting from Wednesday 30 March. All sessions are free and suitable for ages 14 plus, with no need to prebook, simply turn up on the day.

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three years of Shifting The Dial Culminates In day of activities at the REP

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he Shifting the Dial Partnership will be taking over Birmingham Rep with a day of activity to mark the culmination of three years of discussion, workshop, performance and action to support young Black men's mental health resilience and address inequalities On 25 Mar, Fix It: The Celebration will take place in spaces across The Rep with a host of events that look back on the Shifting the Dial project, reviewing the impact the project has made to the young men who have been part of the last three years and celebrating the end of the Lottery funded project in its current form.

Samina Beckford, Project Producer for Shifting the Dial said: “Over the course of the past three years, we have been able to lead the way in addressing some of the key issues that are affecting, and truly matter, to young Black men in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

"This special event will celebrate the launch of the Centre for Mental Healths evaluation report of Shifting the Dial and its impact.

“This three-year long project may be reaching its end, but it is certainly not the end for this

kind of systems change work. It is also not the end for The Rep’s work in this field as projects such as Lightpost Theatre Company go from strength to strength.

"We know that the multi-agency approach to shifting the dial for young Black men works and has pathed the way for more targeted work of this kind.”

The day will feature keynote speakers from the likes of First Class Foundation, Birmingham Rep, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, talking through their experiences with the project and beyond.

A number of panel discussions will also feature the young Black men who have benefitted from the project, discussing how their lives have been impacted by Shifting the Dial and its output.

Lightpost Theatre Company will also collaborate with South Africa’s award-winning Isango Ensemble with performances at The Rep from Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 May. Colliding the ensemble approaches of the two companies, this unique production invites intergenerational AfricanCaribbean participants from Birmingham and the West Midlands to explore Isango’s Ubuntu theatre making: multilingual, musical, human, spectacular.

3rd Edition ‘Reunion’ To Bring All Together For Nothing But The Music

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ll minds are firmly fixed on Bank Holiday as the Powerhouse Reunion Party celebrates sets the holiday season off in style.

The Players Bar, on Birmingham’s prominent Broad Street, plays host for the return of some of the greatest Jazz, Funk, Broken Beats, Deep House, Soulful Rhythm, and Classic Disco vibes for young and old to gather as one and pay homage to a mindset, that was – and still is – ‘All About the Music!’

Sunday April 17 will see Colin Curtis, Kenny B, Chris Reid, Bruce Q, Georgie B Groove Association, Em Cee, Kim Tavare, Andy Ward, Sean McCabe, Neil Pinnock, Lord Byron and Robbie J packing a special night, full of special music – for very special music lovers.

To mark the 3rd in a – so far – trilogy of ‘Powerhouse All-Dayer

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Reunions’, this one promises to see the club’s three rooms packed to the rafters with hard core music lovers “Chumping at the Bits” – just as they did before.

Tony ‘Frenchie’ Quaile, who got the ‘Reunion’ ball rolling, with the first edition – in 2019 – this is further indication that the need, and want, of all true music lovers is a true reflection of why this Bank Holiday’s already muchtalked-about set is being eagerly waited for.

“The first Powerhouse Reunion was all about progression and opening doors for new people.

And it was great to give people what they always wanted.

“As for the second ‘Reunion’; well – it was Christmas and the cry for more was just too overwhelming to ignore”.

With ‘Episode 3’ days away, then – as it ever was – will be “All about the Music!”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bring The Party To Birmingham FORMED IN 2006, their unique take on dub music and their prolific output has seen them constantly tour for nearly 14 years across the UK and Europe, turning them into festival favourites, regularly playing to crowds of 10k+.

With 7 studio albums to date, 2021 saw the release of their Down to Earth LP including their hit Honey with Hollie Cook which received huge support at BBC 6 Music They are held up as stalwarts of the UK dub/ ska/reggae music scene, working with Brad Ellis (Nextmen), Fat Freddy's Drop, Prince Fatty, Hollie Cook, Lady Chann, Horseman, Joe Dukie, Shapeshifter, Mongos Hifi and are consistently championed by David Rodigan and most of his contemporaries at Radio 1.

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra showcases the best of UK music at Expo 2020 Dubai National Day

By Delroy Constantine-Simms

P

and Sonia Dixon

opular UK songs were given the symphonic treatment at Expo 2020 Dubai when the iconic Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra took to the Jubilee Stage.

Led by conductor Matthew Freeman, the 78 musicians and singers worked their way through hits by artists such as the Beatles, Adele, Sam Smith, The Verve and Coldplay – the last of whom will themselves be playing at Expo 2020 Dubai on 15 February.

The second half of the show was dedicated to iconic band Queen, opening with We Will Rock You, and going on to reimagine favourites from Under Pressure to Another Ones Bites the Dust, in a perfect end to the UK’s Expo 2020 Dubai National Day.

Florence + the Machine drops surprise new track ‘King’ A MEDITATION ON womanhood, family, femininity and the subverting of expectations that makes a personal manifesto in transcending gender-defined roles into a cast-iron, crowdsearing festival-uniting call to arms in which she declares: “I am no mother, I am no bride - I am king”.

Being a woman artist, and one who performs provides its own conflict as to how to thrive and continue along the same path that male artists whose stars keep ascending, whose path to success is unimpeded by biology.

In her mid-30s, these are

the contradictions Florence is grappling with.

“As an artist, I never actually thought about my gender that much. I just got on with it. I was as good as the men and I just went out there and matched them every time.

"But now, thinking about being a woman in my 30s and the future… I suddenly feel this tearing of my identity and my desires.

"That to be a performer, but also to want a family might not be as simple for me as it is for my male counterparts.

I had modelled myself almost exclusively on male performers, and for the first

time I felt a wall come down between me and my idols as I have to make decisions they did not.”

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Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2022

ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS Whispers Auction Boosts Funds For Rolls-Royce's House Charity ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars has boosted its fundraising efforts on behalf of its House Charity for this year through a private auction held through Whispers, the marque's exclusive private-members club, between 20th - 23rd December.

Participants used the Whispers app to place sealed bids for an original painting by emerging contemporary British artist Laurence M White, commissioned for the opening of Rolls-Royce's flagship London premises on Berkeley Street, Mayfair, in September 2021.

The painting, in acrylic on canvas, shows a dynamic front view of Cullinan, the marque’s superluxury SUV. White, who is self-taught, has quickly gained an international reputation for his vibrant portraits of successful, influential people, including entrepreneurs, artists, sports stars and entertainers, who help shape the world we see today.

Long standing patron and good friend of the brand, Graham Dacre, CBE, purchased the artwork.

A cheque for £10,000 – the winning bid – was subsequently presented to Chestnut Tree House, which provides specialist palliative care and support for around 300 children aged 0-19 with life-shortening conditions and their families at its hospice in Arundel, just a short distance from the Home of Rolls-Royce, and in their own homes.

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A TRIO OF AWARDS FOR THE CONTINENTAL GT

B

entley’s sectordefining Continental GT grand tourer has started 2022 by attaining three significant awards, including “Car of the Year” and “Best Car” in three major markets.

Robb Report has awarded the Continental GT “Car of the Year”, for the third time since the introduction of the car in the USA

in 2004.

The judging panel was made up of 178 readers as well as Robb Report's automotive editorial staff who evaluate the competing cars in five categories - looks, performance, luxury and comfort, utility, and intangible tiebreakers such as “wow-factor” and collectability.

At the conclusion of the twopart test, held in Napa, California

and Boca Raton, Florida, the Bentley Continental GT Speed topped the field of ten vehicles to win Car of the Year.

Robb Report judges praise the GT Speed on its high level of performance and luxury, claiming it as “a quantum leap from the original” identifying that: “The four-wheel steering is what made all the difference in the world,” and “This car sparks joy at every

turn and every press of the gas pedal.”

In the United Kingdom, the Continental GT V8 was praised

by WhatCar? and was bestowed Best High-End Coupé at the Car of the Year Awards 2022.

Summarised by WhatCar?, “the Continental GT’s combination of pace, pampering and presence simply can’t be matched. Could there be a more decadent way to

get around - we seriously doubt it.”

In Germany, the Continental GT was crowned with the luxury class category in Auto Motor und Sport’s long standing ‘Best Cars’ awards. Over 100,000 readers voted over 12 different categories and across a total of 386 models to decide the final outcome.

Great Cars And Leading Specialists Confirmed For Salon Privé London

SALON PRIVÉ LONDON is set to make its debut from 2123 April 2022 at Royal Hospital Chelsea, and the brand-new fixture promises to be one of the UK’s most exclusive motoring garden parties.

At the heart of the event is the unique Concours de Vente, a groundbreaking concept that will feature 60 of the finest automotive classics – all of which will be for sale.

The cars will be entered by the most respected specialist dealers from across the UK and continental Europe, with Salon Privé London offering a rare opportunity for them to showcase a selection of their most significant consignments in one place.

The first 10 dealers to be

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confirmed are Fiskens, Classic Motor Hub, Howard Wise Cars, Furlonger Specialist Cars, Dylan Miles, RS Williams, Graeme Hunt, Richards of England, Vintage Bentley and Hofmann’s.

Howard Wise is set to showcase a 1972 Dino 246 GT in the Concours de Vente.

This exceptional survivor has had only one owner from new, is all matching-numbers, and retains its original seats, carpets, ‘mouse-hair’ dashboard, headlining, door cards, tool kit, and Radiomobile 8-Track.

It’s presented in the rare combination of Bianco with black seats and red carpets, and has recently received a light, sympathetic restoration.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2022 - Page 29

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ASTON MARTIN COMMITMENT CELEBRATES NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2022

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ston Martin has reiterated its commitment to supporting and developing the next generation of British talent and skills with the company today launching a drive to recruit over 40 early career positions at its Gaydon and St Athan sites.

Announced during National Apprenticeship Week 2022, the ultra-luxury British manufacturer is inviting applications from high calibre individuals ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the world’s most desirable brands.

The company is offering opportunities to 18 apprentices, 20 graduates and 10 paid interns, in positions across the business.

Applications for apprentices and graduates are open from today until 28 February, with candidates undertaking various assessments before places

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are offered in early Summer 2022.

For the people who make the grade, early career placements at Aston Martin can set them on the fast track to success via the company’s employee development process. Applications for the internships will open in the Spring.

Tobias Moers, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “It is vital that we invest in the future of our business and the skills and people we will require to accelerate it.

"We are immensely proud of our apprenticeship and graduate schemes and are delighted to be recruiting the next generation of Aston Martin employees.

"It is an exciting time to join Aston Martin as we embark on our journey to be the world’s most desirable, ultraluxury British brand and I look forward to working with the successful applicants.”

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MOTORS

Fantastic Result at MCN London Motorcycle Show SILVERSTONE Auctions are celebrating a new World Record after a fantastic sale at the Carol Nash MCN Motorcycle Show London After a successful 2021, particularly in their final sale of the year at the NEC Classic Car Show, Silverstone Auctions have had a strong start to 2022.

120 Motorcycles went under the hammer at the auction on 12th February making a total £767,000 in sales and a 75% sales rate. Amongst the classic Motorcycles on offer were some rare and historically significant machines including a 1927 Triumph Works TT Racing Motorcycle 489cc, believed to be one of 6 factory racers entered by Triumph in the Isle of Man TT races in 1927, which sold for £41,625, and a superbly presented 1936 Brough Superior SS80 982cc which sold for £61,875.

A World Record was obtained in the sale of a 1978 Honda CB400F 400cc, which fetched the highest price ever for one of these motorcycles at auction. The stunning motorcycle, superbly presented in gleaming Parakeet Yellow was purchased in 1978 as a spare-parts donor bike when Honda announced the end of the 400/4 but remained 100% complete, in ‘as new’ condition and showing just one mile on the clock.

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

VIRAL BUSKING SENSATION AND TIK TOK STAR SHARES HER OFFICIAL DEBUT SINGLE BUSKING HER way to superstardom, 23-year-old Liv Harland enjoyed a huge and unconventional breakthrough year in 2021.

Her busking performances have shown her ability to create emotionally engaging memorable IRL moments with people from all walks of life.

Remarkably, several of those moments have gone viral on a huge scale, resulting in over 1.5 million followers and 28 million likes on TikTok alone.

Her livestreams often attract an audience big enough to fill London’s O2, and she achieved three of TikTok’s Top 10 live moments of 2021 - making her the only female artist on the list.

She is making a similar impact at YouTube, most notably with a video of her halting a song to help a homeless man.

That moment of kindness resulted in Liv joining the good karma club, as the clip was greeted by a phenomenal public reaction and is now approaching 45 million views.

Now Liv Harland steps from the retail centre to the radio waves as she shares her official debut single ‘Letters’, which is out now via frtyfve

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LONG AWAITED UK TOUR O FOR MULTI-PLATINUM BAND BARENAKED LADIES Barenaked Ladies announce long awaited UK tour

ver the course of 33 years, the beloved quartet has sold 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits such as 'If I Had $1,000,000', 'One Week', 'Pinch Me', and The Big Bang Theory Theme.

Widely acknowledged as one of the best live acts on the planet, BNL has hosted a cruise, had its own ice cream flavour, amassed eight JUNO Awards, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

As Ed Robertson, Jim Creeggan, Tyler Stewart and Kevin Hearn put it on ‘Good Life,’ "Wasn't easy but it turned out alright/Wouldn't trade it for another...You don't wanna miss this mutha."

In August 2021, the band released their 16th studio album Detour de Force with 14 newly minted tracks to great reviews and also teamed up with the legendary Tim Burgess for an esteemed Listening Party for the album for fans both old and new.

Detour de Force is BNL’s most broad-reaching and diverse album to date -- fusing the distinct writing voices of Robertson, Hearn, and Creeggan into a cohesive work.

Tyler Stewart adds: "This is some of our strongest material in 30 years, easily. I think it stands up there with our best albums. It hangs with ‘Gordon,’ or it hangs with ‘Maroon.’”

BNL wasn't dormant as the world shut down but the pause brought a fresh perspective to where the band wanted Detour de Force to go.

"The pandemic really affected the album in an interesting way."

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2022 - Page 31

ENTERTAINMENT

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Jamaica Detective Series ‘Get Millie Black’ lands series order at HBO and UK’s Channel 4

T

he Man Booker Prize-winning author behind ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’, has landed a series order from HBO and the UK’s Channel 4 for ‘Get Millie Black’, a crime drama set in Jamaica.

The WarnerMedia-owned premium network and the British public broadcaster are co-producing the six-part series.

‘Get Millie Black’ marks the first television series from Marlon James, who wrote Black Leopard, Red Wolf and The Book of Night Women.

He will

write and exec-produce, with filming starting in the UK and Jamaica this year.

“My mother was one of the first policewomen in Jamaica to make detective,” Jamaicaborn James said. “Storytelling has always struck me first and foremost as a mystery to be solved—which I’m sure I got from her.”

Winning the Man Booker Prize in 2015, for ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’, a novel which centres on an attempt to assassinate Bob Marley, Marlon was the first Jamaican to win the Prize.

After studying English at the

University of the West Indies, he worked in advertising as a copywriter.

His first novel was rejected 78 times, and he thought he had destroyed every copy of it, until he met novelist Kaylie Jones at a writing workshop and she insisted on seeing it.

She showed it to her publisher and his career was launched.

The book, John Crow's Devil, was published in 2005.

His fourth novel, ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’, the first of a fantasy trilogy, was published in 2019.

Maya Lane shares the official video for her debut single ‘Still The Same’ EQUALLY AS influenced by inspirational current artists such as Kacey Musgraves and HAIM as she is by the timeless sounds of Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell, 18-year-old newcomer Maya Lane possesses a talent for songwriting that’s rarely heard from such a young artist.

Maya shares the official video for her debut single ‘Still The Same’ as she builds towards the release of her debut EP later this year.

Effortlessly merging folky harmonies with a sharp pop focus; ‘Still The Same’ is a big introduction from the younger Londoner.

Her exquisite vocal is equal parts tender, nostalgic, vulnerable and yet strikingly confident, as her storytelling lyrics narrate the heartbreak of seeing a relationship unexpectedly unravel.

THEATRE TOURS RETURN AT THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE IN STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

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he Royal Shakespeare Company’s popular Theatre Tours in Stratford-upon-Avon will resume from Saturday 30 April with a new 1-hour guided tour which, when possible, will include first-time public access to the Company’s newly developed Costume Workshop, the largest in-house costumemaking department of any British theatre.

Led by the RSC’s experienced team of tour guides, the newly launched Theatre Tour will invite audiences to explore the public and backstage areas of the building, and find out more about the unique history of the RSC and its buildings in Stratford. The

guides will also bring the tours to life with new and engaging stories about one of the most famous theatre companies in the world.

The RSC’s iconic Tower will also reopen from Tuesday 15 March. Standing 36 metres tall, and with views across Warwickshire, entrance to the Tower will be free, and prebooking is not required. It will be open daily, closing at 4pm.

Kevin Wright, RSC Head of Commercial Development, said: “We are delighted to be offering public theatre tours again, after a hiatus of over two years. We have taken this time to refresh the tours, so that, when possible, they will include a visit to our

new Costume Workshop, giving people a glimpse into the work of the largest in-house costumemaking department of any British theatre.

“The guides will also have lots of new stories to tell about the RSC’s rich history, celebrating the diversity of our productions and the people who have worked here. We are also very pleased, once again, to offer everyone the chance to visit the top of our Tower with its spectacular views.”

Theatre tours will run daily, normally with four tours a day, apart from on matinee days when there will be two, and on Sundays when there will be three.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

George Cosby Shares His New Single ‘Lonely Heartbeats’ GEORGE COSBY poetically explores the varied fortunes of romance through a widescreen lens. Applying a modern pop elegance to this everlasting emotion enamoured an expanding fanbase with his debut EP ‘We Stand Alone’.

Its title track was B-listed at Radio 2, while further airplay for the project came from BBC Introducing, Jo Whiley at Radio 2 and Laura Whitmore at Radio 5. Now George celebrates Valentine’s Day by sharing ‘Lonely Heartbeats’, his first single of 2022.

Extending his evocative examination of relationships with a heartrending arrangement, the velvet baritone of his voice narrates a ‘will they?/won’t they?’ story. It’s a classically engaging plot for a romcom, but it’s also an experience that’s indelibly a part of so many of our lives - and one that leads to a rush of excitement and anticipation, but also fear and anxiety.

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DJ Black Coffee gives UAE party people a musical high at Expo 2020 Dubai

By Delroy Constantine-Simms sensational set that transported

G

and Sonia Dixon

rammy-nominated South African DJ, producer and songwriter Black Coffee ensured the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) Arena was the place to be with a

party-goers to Ibiza.

Black Coffee – real name Nkosinathi Innocent Sizwe Maphumulo – followed opening sets by Frederick Stone and Paul Svenson with a constant backbeat of synths and drums to compel the crowd to carry on dancing through until morning light.

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The artist, from South Africa, has become the country’s most globally celebrated electronic musician, playing to capacity crowds at enormous stadiums, DJing everywhere from underground institutions such as Panorama Bar in Berlin to gigantic festivals l i k e U l t r a i n

Miami, and working with R&B megastars Drake and Alicia Keys.

Showcasing his trademark tough deep-house style, the dynamic DJ played songs from his extensive back catalogue, with fans going wild for his latest tunes, which included Reflections – a Black Coffee

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remix of a song by Themba, featuring Thoko. With more than three million followers on Instagram and more than 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with a career that has spanned more than two decades, Black Coffee is one of Africa’s best-known DJs.