Inside THIS MONTH
Fight for justice Is freedom beckoning for the UK’s ‘Forever Prisoners?’ p10
ROUNDUP NEWSPAPER
News, views, stories & videos TOP 10 ONLINE STORIES FOR 2023
1. Avoid Jamaican resorts that ban locals
Jamaicans appeal to Black Brits to research holiday and force change
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Beyond borders How a Hackney teacher empowered Ghanaian pupils p12
3. Outrage over bus fare arrest of mum
Mother had paid her fare but police brand her ‘aggressive’
From shame to justice A daughter’s DNA unveils her father’s terrible crime p20 Rapper’s redemption Rapper meets man who saved his life after a 17-year search p22
4. Protests planned over Ashford mass attack
Five people including three girls aged 10-16 have been arrested
5. Afrobeats under attack as Home Office block stars
Suella Braverman’s department accused of ‘slavery mentality’ after denying dozens of visas to stars
6. Loose Women’s all-Black panel hit with racist remarks Loyal viewers of the daytime programme hit back at online trolls
7. Braverman backs pub owner that hung up golliwog dolls
Turks and Caicos? The ultimate tropical getaway p41
Pub owner boasted his dolls hung like lynching victims
8. Regulator ‘weaponised’ against anti-racist groups Sistah Space boss Ngozi Fulani was cleared of wrongdoing by the Charity Commission
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Remembering Christian Atsu True star on and off the pitch p47
10. ‘Boycott’ Black hair stores Unnamed Black woman filmed being manhandled around hair store
This issue is 48 pages EDITOR Vic Motune E. vic.motune@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
CORPORATE AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Paula Dyke E. paula@thevoicemedia group.co.uk
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paulette Simpson E. paulette.simpson@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Joel Campbell E. joel.campbell@thevoice mediagroup.co.uk
The Voice says Benjamin Zephaniah: Literary revolutionary who transcended all boundaries LAST MONTH, the world bid a sad farewell to Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah, a creative giant whose books, poetry and television broadcasts not only entertained and inspired millions but also won him admiration for providing a voice to marginalised communities. Tributes poured in from around the world, acknowledging the poet as a hero, a revolutionary, and a voice for the oppressed. The impact of his work reached far and wide, across generations and cultural divides. Celebrated for his poetry, Zephaniah’s skill with words went beyond writing great poems. He created anthems that celebrated people’s ability and power to resist injustice and inequality. His vast body of work — which included novels, plays, children’s books, memoirs, and television acting — resonated with millions of people throughout the world. Not only did he have a huge effect on poetry and literature, he served as a catalyst for people to consider thinking about issues from the perspective of people from underrepresented communities and challenging inaccurate mainstream narratives. Despite being born into a working-class family, struggling with dyslexia and leaving school early, his poems found a place in the GCSE English curriculum, breaking down barriers and inspiring generations. Zephaniah eventually became a professor of poetry. The fact that so many academic honours were bestowed on him is a testament to his resilience and determination. He also found success as a musician and an actor, starring in the top-rated show Peaky Blinders. But despite his success he remained a tireless campaigner whose criticisms of the establishment were more than words, they were demands for change. Zephaniah’s rejection of the traditional trappings of recognition such as his decision to reject an OBE awarded to him in 2003, spoke volumes about his principles. He rejected an honour based on the idea of “empire”, and in so doing he became a celebrated figure of protest against the enduring effects of colonialism. Instead, he embraced honours that allowed him to impart knowledge and wisdom, such as becoming a professor of creative writing at Brunel University. In this edition, we pay tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah and publish his last ever interview with Voice journalist Richard Sudan. During the interview, he talked about spirituality, his life’s journey and the impact of his work. Although the sadness that many feel at his passing is profound, his legacy will live on through his words. They are still with us, waiting to encourage or console us and ignite a sense of joy when we need lifting. Rest in Power Benjamin Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah.
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JANUARY 2024 THE VOICE
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Benjamin Zephaniah 1958-2023 December 1985
The poet dubbed “The people’s laureate” also found success as a playwright. He was a recipient of the BBC Young Playwright’s Award
May 1989
In 1989, Benjamin was nominated for Oxford Professor of Poetry. He went on to receive numerous honorary doctorates from several English universities
His legacy will live on
MILLIONS of people across the world were saddened by the June 1983 passing of Dr Benjamin Benjamin Zephaniah’s debut album Rasta featured the first Obadiah Iqbal Zephaniah recording by The Wailers since the last month. death of Bob Marley, as well as a A brilliant performance poet tribute to political prisoner Nelson Mandela who went on to become who also championed the South Africa’s president Black community, his books and poetry touched the lives The big interview of people across the world. FEBRUARY 2022 THE VOICE | 3
Zephaniah: ‘This government is turning into a dictatorship’ The celebrated poet talks politics, mental health and spirituality. By Richard Sudan
T
HERE’S no doubt Benjamin Zephaniah is one of the most loved and respected poets in the country with a career spanning decades. You probably read his work in school, or saw him speaking up for social justice at countless protests. In recent years, he became a professor at Brunel University, teaching writing poetry for performance. Flick on the TV and you might catch him on Netflix’s Peaky Blinders or on Sky’s spoken word platform Life and Rhymes. When asked to reflect on the last year or so, in typical Benjamin fashion he begins by talking about others, not himself. “To the people struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s easy to feel isolated. We must be more socially and politically aware and invest in mental health services. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You should fix the roof when the sun is shining,” he said. “So many people and my friends were suffering with mental health issues, and the people supporting them were often struggling themselves too. It was nice to see people clapping for the NHS, but people were really suffering. I realised I’m one of the lucky ones” If Benjamin is fortuitous, his success as a poet over the years is certainly not down to luck. He has remained consistent, always using his platform to speak about injustice racial and social issues culminating in the remarkable feat of
To those people who are struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help seeing his Life and Rhymes poetry show, platformed on Sky TV. Not only that, but the show won a Bafta. “It’s great to see there is an appetite for poetry out there. I’m really not into prizes, but some of the stuff on TV now is not just show business. Winning the award shows that people are deeper than that” As ever, though, Benjamin is less philosophical and damning in his critique of politics, something which affects us all, whether we want to be ‘political’ or not.
ADDICTS
“The government has apparently announced a ‘War on Drugs’. But it’s macho posturing, appealing to people who think all drug addicts are horrible people and what we need to do is fight them. Actually, we need to treat them, listen to them. It’s a medical condition. “And this policing bill – it’s an attack on our civil liberties. It’s our basic right to be able to protest, and the government wants to take that away from us. The government is divorced from people, but worried about people. They want to control them and tell them what to do. Going down this road ends up in a dictatorship.” Both Benjamin and I are Windrush descendants. Like so many, he knows the
STAR: Benjamin on stage (photo: David Corio/Redferns)
path the new borders bill could take us down. “The idea that you can take away my passport and nationality is terrifying. You can’t make people stateless. It really shows you how ruthless these people are. The bill is appeasing people who are scared of foreigners.” Speaking up against the lies and racism used to attack foreigners is something Benjamin is known for, passionately having often defended immigrants on the BBC’s Question Time. “They want to blame foreigners for all the problems, as if the border is sacred. One thing this country needs and has always needed is an exchange of people coming in and out, free to move – it keeps us going. The bill is appealing to the lowest in our society” We shift gears from talking about leadership, or lack of it, in UK politics to a figure who was undoubtedly the epitome of leadership – Desmond Tutu, who recently passed. “For a high-ranking Christian, Desmond Tutu made clear that Christianity is not just about sitting down and blessing people that are good Christians. He talked about, and advocated, for all people’s rights, not just black people. Hearing a man of his stature speak like that was very inspiring.” Beyond leadership, it’s clear Benjamin also views Tutu as something of a trailblazer, especially when institutions like the Church and others are often accused of being out of touch from the communities who support them. Tutu “Desmond showed us that Christianity can remain relevant in the world, if we care about all people. That’s a wonderful legacy and example to leave behind.” One of the things that some religious leaders stand accused of is promoting falsehoods around COVID and the public health crisis it exposed. “An idea, sometimes pushed
February 2022
WORDS OF WISDOM: Respected poet Benjamin Zephaniah (photo: Getty Images) by spiritual or natural people and people of faiths, is that science is bad. If not for science you wouldn’t get on a plane and have technology. It’s improved our lives. “Back in the day, science was done with white men in white coats who were remote, but now we have black and educated people in science who have our interest at heart. It doesn’t mean they are perfect, but with science you do the research and tests and put the findings out there to be challenged. That’s a good thing.” No doubt too, that while social media is often invaluable, in the midst of the pandemic there’s been a downside. “Certain things can hold us back if we let them. Simply going to social media for your news and falling into the echo
chamber of people that agree with you, is one of them. Do the research and think for yourselves.
CRITICALLY
“Thinking critically doesn’t mean just listening to the people you agree with. You must go further. I would prefer to have questions that can’t be answered, than answers that can’t be questioned.” When I first met Benjamin more than a decade ago, we talked about the need for black and minority ethnic political representation. It’s improved. But it’s also clear that we need the right representation in politics. “It’s been painted with black and brown faces but many of them maintain the status quo.
The system’s failed. The political parties of this country have made me a revolutionary. It’s their fault, they’ve shown me how impotent they are. “I want to be put out of a job as a radical poet and be a Rasta comedian, but I have so much work to do first. I am pleased, though, when I see so many young people now rallying around issues, because there’s a lot more awareness now, and hope. We need that.” There’s an anecdote I can’t fit into this article, but I’ll say this, having known Benjamin for a few years. You’re as likely to see him by himself chatting to a homeless person in Leicester Square, as you are on Peaky Blinders. He’s the people’s poet. He’s one of our best. He cares. Give him his flowers while he’s still here.
The acclaimed writer was never one to shy away from criticising government policies if he felt they were unjust as he did in this February 2022 interview with Voice journalist Richard Sudan
He was passionate about the need to create a fairer and more equal world for everyone. His legacy will live on in those who were inspired by him. Here we pay tribute to Benjamin’s amazing life and achievements through the pages of The Voice over the years.
February 1998
In February 1998, the acclaimed poet sat down with Voice journalist Tony Snow to talk about his life, work and forthcoming novel
December 2003
In December 2003, the poet famously turned down an OBE from the Queen saying that the honour reminded him of the slavery associated with the British Empire. His action prompted criticism from the then-Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality Sir Trevor Phillips. Here, in this Voice article, he responds to Phillips
November 1999
In November 1999, a ward at St Bernard’s hospital in west London was named after Benjamin in recognition of his work
10 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2024
News Feature
Victim says it’s time to free the ‘forever prisoners’ Psychological damage of those effectively serving a life sentence, without being given life, is unacceptable. By Richard Sudan
I
N 2007, Andrew Morris was convicted of five charges after a domestic incident that he regrets, but in which nobody was physically harmed. He would have expected to get a maximum tariff of five years but ended up serving 12 long years in prison before being eventually released in 2019 — and he says he would still be behind bars if he had not challenged the system. “When I got the sentence nobody was able to explain to me exactly what it meant, be that probation, lawyers, or prison staff,” he told The Voice. “It took me about three years to wrap my head around it. There were times when I wanted to end my life because I thought I would never get out of prison.” The psychological damage of those effectively serving a life sentence, without actually having been given life, is palpable. Many of those locked up with no date for freedom in sight, and some have died behind bars having given up hope. Now that is set to change. Hundreds of offenders released on licence but who could be recalled to prison at any time, are to have their sentences removed as part of new plans by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). Controversial imprisonment for public protection sentences (IPP) were first introduced in 2007 under then Home Secretary David Blunkett as a means of protecting the public from dangerous offenders. The measures were scrapped in 2012 after ministers agreed that indeterminate sentences were unjust. Blunkett has since admitted he ‘got it wrong’. Offenders sentenced prior to 2012, however, remained behind bars, while those released on indefinite licence faced the ever-present possibility of being
When I got the sentence nobody was able to explain to me what it meant recalled to prison for potentially non-criminal behaviour. Now, according to the MOJ, new changes to the Victims and Prisoner Bill mean that offenders will be able to apply to the Parole Board to have sentences terminated three years after being released, rather than 10. As the move will apply retrospectively, it means that around 1,800 prisoners will automatically have their sentences removed once the legislation takes effect. “(Justice Secretary) Alex Chalk is to be somewhat commended because he’s gone further than any of his predecessors with the exception of Ken Clarke who essentially got them taken off the statute books in 2012. But I don’t think it goes far enough,” said Morris, left, reacting to the news. “There are people right now — and I was talking to one of them last night who was recalled 16 months ago. There was no further offence. He didn’t go to court or anything like that, and he’ll now be kicked back into the realms of obscurity because he’ll have to potentially wait the full five years as opposed to his initial release which was in 2016 which would have meant he’s coming up now to having his license removed.” Morris himself could also technically be recalled despite the fact he formerly worked for the
TIME FOR ACTION: Campaigners say prisoners and their families are having to endure the ongoing effects of a system that was acknowledged many years ago as being deeply flawed; below, former Home Secretary David Blunkett (main photo: Getty Images) MOJ, a situation which for many would highlight the absurdity of IPP sentencing. Despite employing him, the IPP measures meant he was also seen by the MOJ as a potential threat to public safety. If and when IPP prisoners, described by some campaigners as ‘forever prisoners’, are released on licence, Morris believes many are at the mercy of a system in which the odds are often stacked against them. The threat of recall to prison remains a constant threat and looming possibility. “People in our situation, just having an allegation against you, generates an arrest even if there’s no further charge,” he said. “If you come up against a suspicious probation officer, you could find yourself back in the system even if that probation officer later thinks they made a mistake. Once you’re back, you have to then go through the system and back to the Parole Board.” Morris, like many other human rights campaigners and family members of those with an IPP sentence, is mindful of the long-term impact of the system.
If released, the threat of a potential return to prison can become a form of psychological torture for those fortunate enough to be released. Human rights campaigners argue that the current system effectively punishes prisoners twice for crimes committed which can have a devastating impact, not just on them but their families. Morris was able to fight his case and eventually secure a release date which otherwise might have been years later. Other prisoners, who have
been less able to campaign for a definite release and advocate for their rights, remain vulnerable. “It’s like walking on eggshells in a minefield,” said Morris. “It’s so precarious. If I’m driving down the road and I see police, for a second my heart flutters and I think have I done anything wrong? I know I haven’t. It’s so easy for a probation officer to believe the accuser but not the accused.” Following news of the changes to IPP prisoner sentences, the parliamentary Justice Committee
said in statement that although the move was welcome it did not go far enough. In a September 2022 report, the committee described IPP sentences as “irredeemably flawed”. There is also a growing awareness that the move disproportionately affects people from Black and minority ethnic communities. Statistics published in June 2022 found that of the almost 1,500 men and women prisoners in the UK serving sentences with no end date, 22 per cent were recorded as being non-white. Morris says he will continue to raise awareness about the issue in the hope that further progress can be made. For him, it is unacceptable that prisoners and their families are having to endure the ongoing effects of a system acknowledged many years ago as deeply flawed. “I’m amazed that a lawyer somewhere hasn’t created some kind of class action, if that’s what you call it, in this country, of all IPP prisoners who have been suffering, to create a test case that says ‘hang on a minute, this can’t be right’.”
JANUARY 2024
EAP
THE VOICE | 11
ADVERTORIAL
Employment Advocacy Project
IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE! If we are to change things in this world it’s important, that we all can, and do play a part in influencing the decisions made by politicians on our behalf. We can do this by ensuring that we are registered to vote at all elections (local and national), join a political party (or even set up your own if you can’t find one to join whose manifesto you like), and join a trade union. Quite simply you can’t complain if you’re unhappy with decisions that others make that impact on you if you’re not involved.
What’s stopping you from getting involved? You have two choices, register to Vote for both local elections and the general election or don’t register to vote. In the democratic process, the power of your voice is directly tied to your active participation. Failure to register to vote means relinquishing your influence over crucial decisions, such as the selection of your local councillor or Member of Parliament (MP), who serves as your elected representative in Westminster. Once these representatives are elected, your ability to shape their decisions hinges on your proactive engagement. Make your concerns and views known to them, as your impact on the political landscape depends on your informed participation. Dissatisfaction with decisions made by local councillors or MPs can be addressed at the next election. Your vote has the potential to usher in change by supporting alternative candidates. We strongly advocate for civic engagement by encouraging individuals to join political parties and actively participate in the political process.
Consider taking a step further by contemplating candidacy for councillorship or parliamentary representation in upcoming local or general elections, which are slated for no later than January 2025. For those in the workforce or self-employed, joining a trade union is a recommended avenue for advocacy. Active involvement in a trade union can amplify your collective voice, ensuring that your interests are championed within your respective industry. The essence of democracy lies in active participation, and each individual has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance.
Find the right union for you. When a group of workers act and speak together, their employer has to listen, that’s how unions make things better at work. So why not find out which union is the right one for you? get a group of mates together in your workplace and join a union. More than 5.5 million people are in a union – including nurses, checkout assistants, lorry drivers to airline pilots. Unions help workers get together, stop people from being treated unfairly, and get a better deal from their employers.
Isn’t it time you joined a union? Things to note:
• Some unions may have restrictions on who can join. This is usually because they repre sent people in specialist jobs.
• Generally, unions can’t help people with a problem that happened before they joined the union.
• To help you decide which trade union to join visit: www.tuc.org.uk
At the Employment and Advocacy Project, (based in Wakefield but working UK-wide) our vision encompasses a world where each individual is empowered to lead a life marked by personal choices, encompassing the freedom to determine their family dynamics, lifestyle, gender, and sexuality. We envision a society where people can live without the spectre of fear, oppression, torture, or poverty, with access to essential services such as free healthcare, welfare support, pensions, and education. Our commitment extends to ensuring equal employment opportunities, affordable housing, the right to join trade unions and political parties, and the freedom to embrace or reject religious beliefs. Above all, we strive for a society free from social class distinctions and discrimination, where individuals can own property and pursue their aspirations without hindrance. Please feel free to contact us if you require any free information or assistance to help you register to vote, join a political party, or join a trade union.
• You have a legal right to join a union.
It’s illegal for an employer to disadvantage you because you are a union member.
ADDRESS: 13 Upper York Street, Wakefield, WFI 3LQ
EMAIL: employmentandadvocacyproject@gmail.com
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Sadé Thomas
Join the debate online voice-online.co.uk/opinion
The Gospel Truth
Faith in Labour: Shining a light on Black church UK’s major opposition is hoping to strengthen its relationship with the Black community in a bid to build a better Britain
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HROUGHOUT ITS history, we have seen time and time again how the Black church has helped to shape society for the better. Through activism or providing various methods of social welfare for society’s most vulnerable, the Black church has been a pillar of strength and support for many communities. With this in mind, Darrell Redmond, newly recruited as the National Organiser for ‘Faith in Labour’, speaks to The Voice about the significance of the Black church in the UK and Labour’s work to strengthen its relationships with the Black church to better support their surrounding communities. Sadé: Congratulations on your appointment as the National Organiser for Faith In Labour. Considering it is a brand new post, can you tell us a bit more about the work you are doing? DR: Thank you, Sadé. The role will involve engaging with Black Majority Churches (BMCs) across the country to raise the profile of using their power to vote and increase engagement in civil society through community-based programmes and services. To maximise this engagement, I will also collaborate with organisations that are a voice for BMCs, including the National Church Leaders Forum (NCLF), the Council for Black Churches, and the Faith In Action group in the West Midlands. A key outcome for me will be ensuring that young African and Caribbean heritage people who couldn’t vote in 2019,
CATCHY CHORUS: Deitrick Haddon keeps us all hopeful (photo Getty Images)
and who now form part of a group of around four million young people who are now 18 or over, are registered to use their vote in the 2024 elections. Obviously my aim is that they will register to vote for Labour, but I do not take that for granted. Sadé: What part do you think Black Majority Churches play in our society? DR: For decades, I have seen so many community services that have made a significant contribution to society. For example, training and skills, housing, day care, supporting inmates and ex-offenders to reduce recidivism rates is just a fraction of that contribution. I do, however, still believe there are more skills and expertise that BMCs can contribute, and if this contribution is to become even more strategic
Track of the month: Deitrick Haddon’s One Day MY TOP tune of the month has to be Deitrick Haddon’s latest release, One Day. The track begins with a bagpipe sound and immediately commands the listener’s attention. The catchy chorus reminds us to keep hopeful, despite the challenges that we face in the world and to keep
it has to be on a joined-up national scale. Sadé: Have you personally been positively influenced by BMCs? DR: The short answer is yes,
TAKING CONTROL: Darrell Redmond is the new National Organiser for ‘Faith in Labour’
our focus on God who has a redemptive plan for all of creation. While the musicality clearly displays the excellence typically found in Gospel music, the instrument of Deitrick Haddon’s vocals are a masterclass and confirm his place as one of Gospel’s finest singers of our time.
definitely! I owe any professional success to the BMC. My father and mother took me to a BMC from when I was two months old. As a junior, I have fond memories of attending youth camps, concerts, and conventions at the Brighton Conference Centre. If I remember rightly, I was even given the opportunity to sing at Brighton as a 12-yearold! I gained my baseline skills for public speaking, leading, managing, and resilience through the BMC. Sadé: Why is it important for political leaders to work with BMCs? DR: BMCs are a component for the positive lens to the Black community. They are not perfect, but they are an excellent demonstration of
The song treats us with impressive backing vocals adding to the single’s anthem sound leaving listeners dancing, uplifted and encouraged. Listen to Deitrick Haddon’s One Day on all streaming platforms and digital stores.
Black contribution to British society. Among its members, you will find doctors, lawyers, accountants, strategic thinkers, barristers, bankers, teachers, school leaders, media leaders, directors, musical talent, the list goes on and on. Political leaders have an opportunity to develop reform and renewal for communities through the strategic engagement and contributions of BMCs in a way never adopted by corporate Britain. From my conversations with forums that are a voice for this community, it is clear that the BMCs see themselves as contributors to designing policy, not just being consulted on what has already been agreed.
Sadé: How can Black church leaders get involved? DR: Firstly, all Black leaders have a role to play in ensuring its members are using their voice to vote. If you preach the Bible, you will see that at its core there is politics, whether it’s Joseph in the Old Testament as a deputy prime minister or Herod as a ruler. Secondly, I can see the merit in coherent support for the organisations that are a voice for BMCs, and this may include funding them where they have clear objectives and a vision for a wider Britain. For more information on Faith in Labour and how to engage with their work, visit https://goodfaith. org.uk/
JANUARY 2023
THE VOICE | 31
44 | THE VOICE JANUARY 2024
Lifestyle
Are you up for the fight? Don’t let your exercise routine suffer this winter. Here are some great ways to keep moving through the colder months. By Joel Campbell
BIG HIT: Boxing is great for boosting your heart health and improving balance (photo: Getty Images)
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O, IT’S that time of year again where we assess our state of fitness and set new goals to achieve new highs. Yes, we’re going to procrastinate. Yes, we’re going to have good weeks and bad weeks but we won’t beat ourselves up, we’ll find the balance and in the process find consistency.
Boxing
So, you want to boost your heart health, initiate weight loss, boost whole-body strength, improve your balance and lower blood pressure? Boxing is a good sport to get all of this done. Check out your local gyms for alternative classes that focus on the art of pugilism as the underscoring workout to achieve all of the aforementioned. Don’t like getting hit? You don’t have to spar. There are many heavy bags out there just waiting for you to unleash the beast within. They don’t complain and will be hanging around for you to impart indentations all over them week after week.
Banded workouts
If the idea of boxing just doesn’t do it for you, try incorporating banded workouts into your daily routine. Some of the benefits include: • Same muscle activity, less chance of injury.
• Greater muscle stimulus • Stabilisation/core activation • Improved strength & athletic performance. • Inexpensive. • Ideal for rehabilitation. • Stretching & mobility.
Keep on running
Lifestyle Editor Joel Campbell has been using Skechers for the last 12 months and they have been a breath of fresh air. Below are some variations that you can get your hands on in order to get you started on your running or walking journey. Skechers Max Cushioning Elite™ design for exceptional comfort and support (£110). Go the distance in longlasting support and lightweight comfort wearing Skechers GO RUN Pure 4™ Arch Fit®
(£115). Move in lightweight supportive comfort, pictured, with Skechers GO RUN Ride 11™ (£135). Have A Fast Day™ wearing Skechers GO RUN 7.0™. This lace-up performance
trainer with visible technology is the seventh generation in the Skechers GO RUN® series of running shoes (£100). If you don’t like running on your own, check out your local parkrun event to find like-minded folk. It’s been a fantastic 19 years of parkrun – from a group of people running around Bushy Park in London, pictured right, to more than 2,200 weekly events across 22 countries.
Where ‘Litness meets Fitness’
POPULAR: A recent Beats & Bands event in London’s West End
FOR THOSE who like classes and group activities, Beats & Bands is one of the most innovative community focused fitness engagement experiences currently available. The brainchild of fitness instructor Gina Obeng aka Just Geen, Beats & Bands was founded in 2021, with a view to encouraging Obeng’s peers to enjoy a fun filled banded workout by moving to the beat of the music. Speaking ahead of her hugely successful 2023 event at the Outernet in London’s West End, which attracted 1,000 fitness enthusiasts, Obeng detailed her thinking behind creating an atmosphere that has become the standout feature. “I feel like what I have mastered over the years is understanding how our community likes to workout,”
she said. She told Lifestyle: “No one genuinely wants to feel like they are doing a workout, no one wants to feel like it’s hard work, if that makes sense. So I have kinda just packaged it in a way where you don’t realise what you are actually doing.” This January sees Obeng back at the Outernet for another Beats & Bands experience. She enthused: “If you’re looking for something outside of the box in regards to keeping active and getting fit and feeling like they are actually having a workout, this is definitely something they should add into their routine. “I feel like it’s a great social event as well, in terms of doing something with your friends. I feel like you can link up with your friends, have fun and
burn some calories. It’s a completely different experience to what a lot of people are used to, so why not start the year a bit different?” Taking place on January 28, Obeng said the last event saw tickets sell out prior, so those who want to attend shouldn’t rest on their laurels. “Get your tickets today, no, get your tickets yesterday. If you want to encourage anyone to get active and live an active lifestyle in the new year, I feel like this is a great entry level into doing it,” she said. “There will be four events this year. We’re staying tight lipped on which acts will be performing at the events. I feel like that worked well last time. People loved the acts we did have, but we didn’t announce them prior. You will have to come and see.”
JANUARY 2024 THE VOICE
This is Brukout!
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by Seani B
Who’s making a splash in 2024?
NOT TO BE MISSED:
City Splash Festival will feature Capleton, Beenie Man and Shenseea among others
Could we be seeing a return of ‘Dancehall Culture’ over the next 12 months?
H
APPY NEW YEAR and blessings to you for the next 12 months that are about to follow. Every January I like to look forward and predict how the world of Caribbean music will shape up and how we can build upon what was a good year in 2023. Musically, Teejay and Byron Messiah scored two big goals with Drift and Talibans, but there were so many new names that were thrown into an already congested dancehall space. Rajah Wild, Malie Don and Najeerii are just a few of the names that also created a buzz with hit songs that stacked impressive streaming numbers.
PABLO YG
I’m keeping a close eye on Pablo YG, the “Bad Juvi” as he titles himself. He was introduced to me in February last year by Kingstonbased selector Boom Boom. During a freestyle in the garrison community of Grants Pen, he effortlessly impressed me with flows and lyrics far beyond his 18year old age. As I gazed on with a huge smile, Boom Boom looked on like a proud uncle. A few days later he showed up at another session in Kingston,
even more eager to impress while standing toe to toe with Jahvillani, Chi Ching and Voicemail. This time I tested him with an assortment of riddims from different eras to see if he could be tripped up by classics riddims like The Answer from the 1980s. Again, he passed the test with a straight A+! Recording songs is a whole different discipline to freestyles though, and he showed on his debut mixtape Bad Juvi that this is a skill that he has also honed. Richer and Richer was one of the standout tracks form the set that became a street hit immediately
views. This resulted in Jada Kingdom serving up on the remix. Just recently named as “Hot for 2024” by 1Xtra, this very laid back artist better get ready for a year that I think will see his name make major moves.
RETURN OF THE RIDDIM
Finally… are we seeing a return to what I believe firmly believe is “Dancehall Culture”? The naming of riddims (Instrumentals) has sadly been missing from the music as more artists moved to towards recording singles and
shying away from being one of 20 artists on one instrumental. From memory I can fill this column with names of legendary riddims like Punnany, Showtime and Anger Management that created so many hits for so many of our favourite artists. We picked the song that we liked on our favourite beat and it worked. The riddim of the last year was Zimi and Frank White’s Big Bunx riddim, that seemed like everyone of worth had a song on. Rajah Wild was the lead song, but Roze Don, Kraff, Valiant and many more scored big on this
riddim. Then to close the year producer Rvssian revisited his 2009 classic Go Go riddim that created a viral moment of many artists submitting unauthorised version of their songs to him. This is the kind of excitement I remember when riddim like Bruk Out from Dave Kelly was released – everyone wanted a piece of the heat.
WE OUTSIDE
With the announcement of so many shows for 2024, I hope you have been saving those pennies if you’re a live music fan.
SKEETE
Another name to keep on your radar is much closer to home and hails from the city of Nottingham. Skeete should be called Stealth because you don’t hear people talk much about him, but his streaming numbers say otherwise, they are not to be played with. Late last year he dropped his EP Vibes Don’t Lie, that I didn’t see get any radio support, but he got support from his diehard female fanbase for his sexually charged dancehall soaked in RnB vibes which sent his Tek Buddy song up to 2.5 million
BIG HIT:
Byron Messiah was among those to create a buzz in 2023 with Talibans
I cannot wait for the return of City Splash with their headliner Capleton. It’s been 14 years since he’s performed in the UK and I cannot wait to see him light up the Brockwell Park stage in South London alongside Beenie Man, Shenseea and Busy Signal. Reggae Land was something that I missed last year, but the reviews definitely put this in the list of must attend. I don’t think any of us need convincing with a line up consisting of Tarrus Riley, Morgan Heritage, UB40 and Burning Spear. At the close of the year I was onboard the annual Welcome to Jamrock Cruise and this is when the captain of the ship, Damian Marley, told me of his show in August alongside Steel Pulse, Romain Virgo and Grammywinning Kabaka Pyramid. Something tells me that this is just phase one of that line up. And if you have been saving those pennies and feel to stretch the pocket that little bit extra, then maybe is the time for you to look at the ninth Jamrock Cruise. Take my word for it, they never miss! All in all, I am so looking to another trip around the sun to have some fun with music that comes from the West Indies.