Issue 1 by Live East Magazine

LONDON’S FINEST YOUTH RUN PUBLICATION

FREE

AUTUMN 2009

T! S A E E IV L IN O J D N A Y SA e.co.uk, 020 7326 5979 HAVE YeaOstU@R live-magazin

ISSUE ONE

FEATURING: JIMMY SCREECH RAGS TO RICHES THE OLYMPICS NDON WHAT’S ON IN EAST LO AN DUMMIES GUIDE TO IR N TEHRAN TO TINSELTOW

contents REGULARS 01 Ed’s Letter + Big Ask / 02 Key Playaz + Big Ups / 03 What’s On In East / 05 Newsflash / 06 Live Loves + Live Loathes / 18 Dummies Guide To… Iran / 22 What’s In Your Bag + Skinted&Minted / 23 Street Style + Fashion Forecast / 26 Sound Advice / 27 Culture Club / 28 Books + Poetry / 30 Short Story / 32 Live Advice

featureS FOR AND AGAINST THE OLYMPICS The Olympics are coming to East London. But what are we saying about it?

ARE YOU WHAT YOU WEAR? Muslim dress for women is in the news all the time. So we asked four of our writers for their opinion.

JIM’LL SCREECH IT Jimmy Screech Live gets some quality time with the South London bashment don.

Illustration Haroon Anwar 18

RAGS TO RICHES How do you make it in grime – and avoid being called a sell-out? Live’s Zainab P finds out.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

FROM TEHRAN TO TINSELTOWN The ‘Iranian Angelina Jolie’ tells all about Biology degrees, the Iron Man premiere and life in LA.

Live East wants to encourage debate and creativity within young people in a way they are comfortable with. This could be from talking at our workshops, taking pictures for the magazine to designing pages

BIG ASK… Name: Mohammed Ahsan Habib Aged: 19 East London is unique because: I’ve only been here in Whitechapel for a month but I have found it a vibrant area. There are lots of people here from Bangladesh, like me.

Words Sian Anderson 18

Words / Pictures Raziya Gulam 22

Name: Casper Bucknal Aged: 20 East London is unique because: We haven’t enough open spaces back home in Algeria, like we do in London. We like the parks, it is very pretty and there are places for us to rest – it is calm not aggressive.

Happy reading… Live East xx

Descending on the unsuspecting people of Whitechapel, Raziya asked the urban wayfarers what they thought makes east London unique in this vibrant corner of the city.

Name: Norman Kahn Aged: 26 East London is unique because: I came here 18 days ago from Bangladesh and I can’t adjust to the weather – it is unique because there are many local people – Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi. East London is different because the streets are less busy but businesses are more busy than other places in London.

Name: Rachel Roberts & Dan Jack Aged: 18 East London is unique because: It is pretty diverse with both vintage and Indian shops, it’s shady down at one end of Brick Lane (Aldgate East) and alive down the other with loads of bars and markets on saturday.

At age 15 Osman Ahmed also known as our fashion Guru is to Live East what Grace Coddington is to Anna Wintour – the backbone of everything fashion without the tyranny. He has introduced high fashion to Live East in everything from “Street Style” to “Skinted or Minted”. This cutting edge visionary, who claims to be Nigella Lawson’s long lost son has smelt the grandeur of Anna Wintour and answered fanmail for Kate Moss. Live East’s resident Fashion Editor also finds time to intern at Kerry Taylor Auctions. He is our very own LC. Osman can be found in our Live offices talking all things Vogue and filling us all in on the greatest history of fashion and magazines. Wanna know what outfit Gwyneth Paltrow was wearing last weekend? Well here’s your guy!

Acting Art Director Jelani Decosta Best, 20 Photographic Editor Charlene Namukasa,19 Fashion Editor Osman Ahmed,15 Music Editor Zainab Patel,16 Political Editor Attia Iqtadar,17 News Editor Christelle Tassdasse, 18 Books Editor Anita Opoku, 17 Design &Photography team Chenai Tankundwa,15 Charlene Namukasa,19 Corrine Burton, 21

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

ZA IN AB

EN E AR L

M AN

Live Magazine has been running in London for the last eight years. At Live we believe all young people, regardless of their background or age, should feel free to exercise the right to discuss issues or concerns that matter to them. So we’ve decided to bring a you a new magazine in the form that is; Live East. We promise to provide you with an open, non-judgmental and safe environment where you can eat cake, drink tea, contribute to the magazine and discuss what matters to you! (although hold out on the tea one, we haven’t got an in office kettle yet!)

and art illustrations. But before we get you into that have a look at this issue and see for yourself! This issue is packed full of juicy articles. We tell you what our fantastic contributors at Live East love... and what they loath, along with articles on Islamic Dress Codes, a dummies guide to Iran, a fantastic piece on Reggae artist Jimmy Screech and an introduction to Grime music in which our Music’s Ed defines the word “sellout.” Regular magazine pages such a music, culture, what’s on in east London, poetry, books and our agony aunt are also stuffed in. So get munching your way through to the mag quicker than you would your sunday dinner!!!

Hey readers,

KEY PLAYAZ

BIG UPS

ED’S LETTER

After a long reign in Live South our incredible Creative Director and Jelani Erskine’s protege has had an integral part to play now in East. Everything from photography to design, interviews to editing is Charlene’s thing! A dedicated team player who is able to sing under pressure and on time no matter what the weather. Where would we be without Charlene? She puts the Li into Live East. Charlene has been part of the Live team for a while and continues to impress us with her dedication and skills as well as being a great friend to the rest of the Live contributors. If you’ve commissioned an article don’t miss your deadline with Charlene! She will hunt you down for missing atricles... In the nicest way possible – obviously.

Zainab is without a doubt Live’s very own Grime connisseur. If ever you want to know what’s happening on Logan Sama’s Kiss 100 show she’s your girl! Quite shy and quiet at first but give her a mixtape and some lyrics and she’ll tell you what’s what! Even though she’s not the tallest of people our very own walking talking music fanatic is a very large self confessed party girl. She takes her studies very seriously making time for English and Science as part of her education. She’s just started her first year in college as well as just starting out in Live. She’s feisty in debate though, as you’ll find out during an article about underground music where she waxes her lyrical knowledge on the ‘Rags to Riches’ music feature.

Contributors Haroon Anwar, 18; Karn Kachiko,19; Deni Toma,20; Rebecca Need Menear, 19; Therryi Brown, 18; Mata Chan, 19; Hosanna Keflom, 17; Ollie Lister, 21; Irene Amadi, 16; Suliet Oladokun, 20; Damilola Olufemi, 17; Abdou Cisse, 18; Musa Mohammad, 17; Mikaela Spiteri; Tope Kazzim, 15; Samara Straker, 18; Nicole Robinson Gordon, 16; Laura Black, 18; Sami Pontin, 14; Jacqueline Owusu-Boakye, 16; Celeste Morton, 16; Tyrone Oliver George, 17; Oushka Duncan, 21; Alborz Bozorgi, 16; Raziya Gulam, 22; Ralph Hardy, 18; Shizel Wilson, 19; Jennifer Ampen, 17; Zainab Ahmed, 15; Jemilla RussellClough, 21; Urban Articulate, 18.

Livity and Live friends and family Leila Khalifa; Kate Harwood; Emma Production-Russell; Rina Modi; Chantelle Fiddy and all at Livity Towers, Brighton Terrace; Marcus Graziani; Andy Carver, Emily Blackshaw; Antonia Dixie; Steve Cameron; Assam Ali; Community Links; Marcus Duran; Arman Ali; Mushfique Uddin; Ian Kershaw; Jonathan Allen; Faiza Tayab; Monique Wallace @ Island Records; Charlee Brown @ Vision Music; Jade Richardson; Natasha, Fusion and Patricia @ Urban Development; Rachel Bee @ Iluvlive; Vijay @ Cavell Street; Michelle Hanson; MAP Music; Jimmy Screech; Nazanin Boniadi; Rich Mix; Faizal at Think Store; Stuart Cameron and the Newham Summer School; Ideas Store; Fiyaz@Faith Matters; A-Star PR; Elle Moss@ Drew Creative; Phil Long and all at YMAGazine.

Senior Editorial Mentor Amy Hanson Design Mentor Mark Calderbank Peer Mentor Sian Anderson,18 Live Mentors Adrian Valencia; Tom Rowsell; Luke Beresford; Johnny Garelick; Hayley Joyes; Rahul Verma, Emma Warren.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication maybe reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publishers. The views expressed in Live East are those of respective contributors and are not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff. The magazine welcomes new contributors but can assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photgraphs or illustrations. © 2009 Live Futures

Great Balls of Fire Fish Tank

This is the new film from writer and director Andrea Arnold which stars newcomer Katie Jarvis. The film has already had success, having won the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Fish Tank is about Mia, a volatile 15-year-old, who is always in trouble. She has been excluded from school and made an outcast by her friends. One hot summer’s day her mother brings home a mysterious stranger called Connor who promises to change everything and bring love into all their lives. Stuck for something to do? Head down to Rich Mix with your mates throughout October to see this. richmix.org.uk

Art Attack

On Saturday 21 November at 6pm, The Whitechapel Gallery will be showcasing UK artists and writers. This is to look at the materialisation of art and writing through new work and artists. The event is hosted by Maria Fusco (Book Works) and structured around issue three of The Happy Hypocrite. A special Book Works publication is available on the day, so if you’re into writing and art this would be right up your street. Learn from the professionals and have fun at the same time. It’s free too. Which is always a plus. whitechapelgallery.org

Voted London’s best fireworks display by Capital FM, this year the skies above Tower Hamlets will come alive once again in Victoria Park. On 7 November, wrap yourself up and find a good spot between 7.30 and 8.15pm and wait for the show to start. Best of all, it’s absolutely freeeee. Victoria Park, Grove Road, E3

Somali Week

Get your fix of Somali music, art and culture as part of Black History Month, as the Somali Festival 2009 hits east London. Get yourself down to Oxford House in Bethnal Green and you could hear a day of poetry or take part in a young person’s debate about citizenship chaired by the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and involving young Somali artists Warsan Shire and Abdi Bahdoon. Somali Week Festival 2009, 23rd – 30th October, London, E2 6HG kayd.org

Live East

In case you didn’t work it out by now, our doors are open for all writers, designers, editors, photographers, illustrators or even distributors. If you want to get involved in something positive and creative in east London, we’re waiting for your call. Don’t be shy – anyone 22 and under can apply, and you don’t need any prior experience. Our expert mentors will help you get going and find out what it’s like to work in the media. Live East Magazine, 134 Cavell Street, E1 Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am – 7pm. Call: 020 7326 5979 Email: east@live-magazine.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN EAST LONDON Sean Kingston Live at the 02

I Belong to Newham

Urban Development

Words Irene Amadi 16

Ladies Unplugged Presents Ms Dynamite, Shola Ama, Yolanda Brown and guests to put on an ear jiggling performance at Stratford Circus. The ladies will be putting on an amazing show combined with emcees, singing and saxophone playing from MOBO award winning Yolanda Brown. Funky House singer Katy B will also be making an appearance to hold up the flag for our amazing UK Funky team. The show will be hosted by Fusion and tickets are only £8 in advance. Urban Development are known for putting out the best events in east London but don’t worry lads, just cause the ladies are performing doesn’t mean you can’t get down there and shake a leg too. urbandevelopment.co.uk

Words Urban Articulate 18

Words Amanda Pumpuni 15

Words Christelle Dasse 18

Words Sian Anderson 18

Catch the Halloween vibe with some East End ghost stories at the first exhibition to explore the Jack the Ripper murders. Get ready to be freaked out on the 29 October until the 2 November at 6pm where there will be a special guided Jack the Ripper walk. Booking is essential – it’ll cost you £7 – so get into the Museum in Docklands soon. Warning! This is not for the faint hearted. museumindocklands.org.uk

Words Alborz Bozorgi 16

Jack the Ripper

I Belong To Newham celebrates 300 years of Black and Asian people in the east area with an exhibition featuring images of the different faces and backgrounds of local people. From 31 October at Stratford Town Hall it will commence as part of Newham’s Black History Month celebrations, which also includes film screenings, board game workshops and your chance to trace your family tree. And if that’s not good enough, the I Belong To Newham Exhibition is entirely free! newham.gov.uk

Jamaican born American artist Sean Kingston is famous for his number one hit ‘Beautiful Girl.’ He is putting on a show at the famous Indigo 02 Aren a. He will be accompanied by a live band and performing some of his hit including his most recent ‘Fire Burning.’ This is a good chance to get out there with your mates and have some fun to Kingston’s Reggae Reggae sound. The best part abou t this is that it’s cheap, close and chee rful for both boys and girls. His album is out now too so get your hands on that to ensure on the 18th November you’ ll be able to sing along to every single track! the02.co.uk/indigo2

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

Adventures In Anti-Cool

Hip hop theatre comes to east London’s Half Moon Theatre for three performances in one evening for just £5… if you can take it. It’s a full-on multimedia experience with VJs, rappers, high drama and music from one of Britain’s hottest new composers. It’s hosted by KnoLove Productions who will give you the chance to text back the performers afterwards and tell them what you thought. halfmoon.org.uk

Healthy and happy

York Hall Leisure Centre, just down the road on Old Ford Rd in Bethnal Green, now have free women and girls only swim sessions. Perfect for anyone who wants to keep fit and do things correctly! Monday 12.30 - 1.30 (main pool and teaching pool) Tuesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm (main pool) Wednesday 12.30pm - 1.30pm (main pool and teaching pool) You’ll need membership, which costs £2.80 or £1.15 concs. gll.org 020 8980 2243

NEWSFLASH

LIVE LOVES >>>

Live digests and regurgitate’s the world’s news… Having a giraffe?

Rights and wrongs

Earlier this summer, 13 Sudanese women were arrested in Khartoum including Lubna Hussein, a journalist. Their crime was wearing trousers in public, and 10 of them were publicly humiliated, flogged and fined. Hussein made the decision to stand for her rights and for future generations, and said: ‘I will not pay a penny’. Now women’s rights should be explored closely in other countries in Africa, and themes like female circumcision can also be looked at.

East London’s banks may soon be giving customers a chance to withdraw their money using cash machine’s where text is written in cockney rhyming slang. Are they having a laugh? In school we are taught to talk ‘proper’, yet they are now promoting slang at cash points. Although cockney rhyming slang was born and bred in the east end, how many people in east London actually know it? On a brighter note, if people know that they don’t have a lot of ‘bread’ (which is money) in their account, then they can have a little laugh to take their mind off of the fact they are, to put it lightly, broke!

Charity Shops

What better way to beat the crunch than to head to Oxfam, Barnados, or the vintage spots in Brick Lane and grab yourself a genuine bargain. From designer threads that you can buy for the price of a Happy Meal to unique accessories that aren’t faceless high street scraps.

Fanzines

East London

Children in need

Police used bulldozers and flamethrowers to destroy the shanty-town. It looks as if these politicians have forgotten about the fact that everyone has human rights. The French government has treated them like worthless animals.

House Parties

Open Mic

D.I.Y. Jewellery

In September 2009, the refugee camp based in Calais, France also known as the ‘Jungle’ was raided by more than 600 police. Now 278 people are being held, including 132 identified as children. One of the main reasons people leave conflict countries is in the hope for a better life in EU countries and a bright future for their children. Many of the refugees are now on the run in different part of Calais in despair trying to get to Britain.

Outrageous actions like these show that the EU has failed to provide safety for migrants. What will happen to those poor children?

Chrystelle Dasse, 18

The East End Walk of Fame

TUBE RAGE

EGYPT UNCOVERED

The East End Walk of Fame Who needs the Hollywood Boulevard when you can just walk down Bow? You don’t need Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, The Simpsons or Michael Jackson when you have Frank Whipple! That’s right! 101year-old Frank Whipple, who is Tower Hamlets’ oldest resident will be the first person to join the East End Walk of Fame which is being launched soon. You might think I’m joking but I’m not! The East End Walk of Fame is part of an 18 month campaign being launched by the Tower Hamlets council called “Tower Hamlets Together” which is going to place anyone interesting (or just old) on to the Walk of Fame. Expect your grannies to be on the list soon! Alborz Bozorgi, 16

The first train has been tested on the new eastern section of London Overground, from New Cross Gate to Dalston Junction. This part of London Overground was formerly part of the East London Line, which was closed in 2007 to begin work on making it part of London Overground. The trains were only running at ten miles per hour, so engineers could check that the new tracks that have been built will work correctly. More testing will take place over the coming months, with trains running at faster speeds. The full section of the line, running from Dalston Junction to West Croydon, won’t be open until the spring of next year. Until then, my journey into university will take me double the amount of time. Urban Articulate, 18

Egypt, one of the world’s biggest Muslim countries, has made a suprise move by vowing to ban full face veils. Egypt’s top cleric, Sheikh Mohamed Tantawi is calling for this move, saying the niqab has nothing to do with Islam. The police have instructions to prohibit women entering educational insisuitions wearing the garment. This move is part of an increasing trend of countries looking to ban women from covering themselves from head to toe. In 2004, France banned the use of headscarves in schools across the country. Now it is reported that they are seeking the means to ban the burqa, along with Italy. Both countries feel that their security is at threat if they allow people to cover themselves from head to foot. Urban Articulate, 18

Words Irene Amadi 16

Words Urban Articulate 18

Words Amanda Pumpuni 15

Words Alborz Bozorgi 16

Words Christelle Dasse 18

Words Sian Anderson 18

(Check out ‘Are You What You Wear?’ on page15, for different viewpoints on the female Muslim dress)

Often free, often fun, always memorable. House parties are the best. You can drop where you stand and sleep, without having to drag your sorry hide home in the vicious winter rain. But remember to party safe!

The best thing since sleepovers, anybody can create a fanzine, all you need is some friends, some creativity, and some pens. That’s about it. Write about your loves, likes, lusts, and loathes. I guarantee it will get somebody’s attention. What are you waiting for?

Bring out your inner musician and caress the mic in true Speech Debelle style. Or if you prefer to go hard, you can assault the audience with a Lethal Bizzle style vocal attack. Go on, you only live once and a bit of creativity never hurt anybody.

An area of London with unravalled diversity. From the edges of Essex to the outskirts of Old Street, not to mention your very own Live East magazine nestled in Whitechapel, close enough to Brick Lane should your Curry Craving reach it’s peak.

Belts into bracelets, flowers doubling as corsages, dice as charms, or you can turn your grandmas pearls into a chic bohemian head band. Should you fancy a cheeky nibble, wear Gummi Bears as charm bracelets, or some jellified bling!

<<< LIVE LOATHES

Watching TV

Loud Music in public

Being Broke

Pyjamas in Public

No Chivalry

Kanye West

Big Brother? More like big bother. X Factor? You only watch for the talentless hacks, don’t lie. Television is fast become a form of swine flu as a social pariah, take a walk with friends instead, listen to some music, or simply work on your figure!

Unless you’re sleepwalking, these are the no-no’s to end all no-nos. It’s about as clever as bringing your salon-fresh weave to the pool. It doesn’t make you look edgy, it makes you look like you could do with some sleeping pills.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

Almost as bad as spitting in somebody’s eye. You don’t want their saliva in your face, do you? Nor do we want noise pollution in our ears. Not everybody wants to hear Giggs ‘Talk the ‘Ardest’ on the bus after a stressful day, and we thought Crazy Frog ringtones were bad.

She’s not fat, she’s pregnant. So get off your youthful keister and let her sit down. Seen a woman with a child? Help her to get that unwieldy pram off of the bus. A bit of social grace goes a long way, whether you smile, wave, or say hey, most Londoners won’t bite.

Here at Live, we hate being broke, regardless of when, but you have to admit, there’s a little bit of extra pain when you’re broke during a recession. Like wearing your birthday suit in Antarctica, it’s not a good look. Try to earn some extra P by selling your useless junk on eBay.

Bad sportsmanship, bad music, bad hairstyle. After the Justice music video debacle, you think old West would learn? But no, instead, teen Taylor Swift is a victim of your ego. Kan-ye keep your mouth shut? We don’t think so, how could you be so ‘heartless’?

FOR We all know the 2012 Olympics have been brought to our very own town of Stratford, but what do we think about it? Four Live-ers go head to head on the issue and give us their thoughts…

I’m sure that there are plenty of arguments to be made against the Olympics coming to London but personally, I believe that there are far more pros than cons. Now let’s be sensible. Stratford is an area that I’ve been familiar with all my life and the improvements in the area are plain to see. Casting my mind back just a few years to the graffitied bins and bus stops, the littered pavements and the state of some of the ageing buildings makes it all too easy to appreciate the streets being cleaned up, the old structures refurbished and new ones being built altogether. Amongst these new buildings are countless blocks of swanky apartments that not only look impressive but will also help the struggling first time buyers and people needing to rent that we all read about so often these days. The tourists that will be drawn to east London aren’t to be forgotten. Everyone knows that where there are tourists, there is money to be made and the influx of people during the games will surely generate a heftier sum than usual for the smaller shops and hotels in the area. If being sensible can’t bring you round to my way of thinking, let’s try being completely and utterly shallow. The new Westfield shopping centre being built will obviously create new jobs (thousands of them, actually) but, hello, who doesn’t want the continent’s largest retail outlet on their doorstep? And if you would really have me believe that the prospect of this alone doesn’t leave you smiling, imagine being able to hop on the train to Paris any time you like! If having read this, you’re still not pro-Olympics, I ask you this: wouldn’t it be nice to rub shoulders with gorgeous, toned athletes when you’re out at Morrisons? Laura Black, 18,

In summer 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London as we host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sporting events, and the cultural festivals that accompany them, will be an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike: the greatest show on earth in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities. But the impact doesn’t stop in 2012. The legacy of hosting the Games, and the difference this will make to the lives of people across London and the UK with the amount of money and care going into east London, will last long after the sound of cheering has faded. After the Games the Olympic park will remain open to the public with music festivals and events being held on the parkland. Also, Westfield Stratford, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer will become popular city-wide shopping destinations. Most of the park will continue to be developed sector by sector. These sectors are: Stratford Village, Hackney Wick East, Old Ford, Stratford Waterfront, Olympic Quarter and Pudding Mill. The areas listed above will not only bring together the four boroughs of Hackney, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and Newham. The park will create a rich vibrant new patch of modern city. When completed the park will boast 15,000 new and affordable, yet high quality homes, a secondary school that will educate the majority of 11 to 16-year-olds in the area and a huge new media college and university. Tens of thousands of new jobs will vanquish unemployment in the area. Britain but also (mainly) east London and the host boroughs will definitely be changed for the better. The urban depravation that presently exists in east London will be a thing of the past in the shining pinnacle of culture and ideal living of the Olympic park and the surrounding areas. In the words of Barack Obama, ‘Investing in change is flawed, but investing in people and neighbourhoods is a great thing.’

Tina Adur, 14, Romford “The Olympics are definitely a good thing. There have already been changes in my area, like festivals in the town centre supporting the event. I think after the Olympics they could expand development by hiring out the venues to companies.”

Yashmin, 14, Stratford “To be honest I’m not a major fan of the Olympics and I believe too much money has been spent on an event that only lasts for a short while. The £9.6 billion could have better been spent on housing, employment and overall regeneraton of the area. What will happen to Stratford once the Olympics are through?”

Rabiah, 14, Plaistow “I think the 2012 Olympic games will be a good thing; it means more money is being spent on the area which can go towards education, activities and events. Although I haven’t seen much change in the area yet.”

THE OLYMPICS Illustration Jelani Erskine 19

Words Nicole RobinsonGordon 16

Words Zainab Ahmed 15

Sami Pontin, 14

Words Sami Pontin 14

Words Laura Black 16

FOR & AGAINST

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

AGAINST The Olympics is a time when thousands of people from all across the world will travel to London; where massive and marvellous venues will be built for the sports to take place; where billions of pounds are being injected in order to not only please spectators but also to regenerate the area. These are just a few things the Olympic committee have almost hypnotised society into believing. These games will be a complete waste of both money and time. The government said that the Millennium Dome would be a great structure that would hold many events once built – but it was a complete waste. These games could push the economy into an even bigger crisis. Are you willing to take that risk? Another problem is overcrowding and transport. If you look at how packed and stuffy most of our buses and tubes are now, imagine how they’ll be in 2012 when there’ll be around six million bus journeys, three million tube journeys and 1.8 million rail journeys being taken. It’s going to cost £9.4 billion: where will they be getting all this money? Some is coming from sponsors like Adidas and Lloyds TSB, but it still won’t be enough so some money might come from an increase in taxes, which affects us all. There’s bound to more crime and pollution, and though it’ll create jobs at first, what will happen to all those people when the games have finished? Mass unemployment. I think that the government are just bracing us all for a big fall after the games, when lots of us will have to claim benefits. Hundreds of buildings will be demolished for venues that might not even be available for pubic use after the games. One of the most common things people say is that it’ll ‘regenerate’ the area. Really? So far all the changes are happening in Stratford, while areas like Plaistow and East Ham aren’t getting anything. These areas need investment to clean up the streets and give young people things to do near where they live. The Olympics will be a time when people’s lifestyles will be drastically affected. Not everyone will be able to do certain things or go to certain places as much as they would like to. These games will be a mistake and I am against them.   Zainab Ahmed, 15

As Britain showcased its talent at the closing show of the Beijing Olympics a mixture of anticipation and exhilaration riddled through my body; I couldn’t shake the feeling that London 2012 is being held under false pretenses. As you scour through the enthralling facts of London 2012 you may be forgiven for believing it holds many benefits for the country; but there is one central factor of society which is being disregarded: the youth of Britain. A significant number of people believe the Olympic park will be a haven of trees, trust and tranquility; but rather it will encourage corruption and crime on the cramped streets of London. Take the Westfield shopping park. A large proportion of families in east London are either on benefits or minimum wage. How will expensive designer garments create help poorer people in areas like Newham? The games will only affect east London negatively. Newham, which has been described on TV “as one of the poorest boroughs in Britain”, needs to have money invested in improved youth facilities to enhance the deprived area. And although the Olympic work force is supposedly 200,000 strong, once the games are over it will create a vacuum of unemployment in the construction industry. It is a lot of money to spend on a fortnight of nationalistic pride! Some think the games will give the youths of east London new opportunities but facts show the games are preventing aspiring sports stars from fulfilling their ambitions. Olympic money could have gone to local basketball courts, tennis courts and playing fields. The government has used the excuse of giving the youths of Newham a chance when really they are being overlooked. The main aim is to show off the newly regenerated and resourceful Britain. Throughout history the games have been a burden for host countries. Australia and Athens are still repaying their debts: the bill for the Athens Olympics was estimated at £6bn (more than double their original budget) and the citizens of Montreal are still paying for the stadium built in 1976. With a recession that no-one was anticipating, it’s the tax payers who, ultimately, will be left to foot the bill. What we need to think about is the youth of London who will be most affected by the changes. Will materialistic buildings really create sustainable development for our community?

Illustration Jelani Erskine 19

Words Nicole RobinsonGordon 16

Words Zainab Ahmed 15

Words Sami Pontin 14

Words Laura Black 16

YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU Want to see your work in the pages of Live East? Do you think there are issues we should be covering?

We need writers, photographers, illustrators and graphic designers aged between 14 and 22 to join our team in our Whitechapel office. Contact us on 020 7326 7979 from 10am Tuesday to Thursday. It’s your mag – get involved. east@live-magazine.co.uk

Nicole Robinson-Gordon. 16

Michael Ayodabo, 15, Dagenham “I think the Olympics are a good thing because it means more sports like football coming into the area and more opportunities for the young people. Provided the venues and sports facilities are open to the public I’m sure the Olympics will be a good thing.”

ARE YOU ? BEHIND THE VEIL

Photographuy/ Design Charlene Namukasa 19

Words Attia Iqtadar 17

Words Celestine Morton 16

Words Raziya Gulam 22

Words Mata Chan 18

Muslim dress for women has filled the pages of countless newspapers in recent months. But with stories of floggings for women wearing trousers in Africa, or veils being banned in France, how do young women in east London feel about what’s expected of them? Four Live East writers give us their view.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

Islam is a religion that has sometimes been misinterpreted by people who may not know about it and has, at times, been shown in a negative way by the media and represented as a religion of violence through biased news reports of a small Islamic minority. So what do people actually think about Islam? What do people see behind the eyes of the woman completely covered in a burkah or hijab? Is the hijab a symbol of fear or modesty and devotion? Not every Muslim wears it but it is actually mentioned in the Qur’an to be modest: “Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity.” I’ve been wearing the hijab for six months now and I found that it helps you to get rid of all the negative thoughts that you get from watching TV or the media. Things like ‘to make it in life you have to be skinny’. I find that by covering your body you discover your love for your body whatever size it is. You may be brainwashed or peer pressured into thinking along the lines of “I have to lose my virginity because girls in school have all done it” but by wearing the hijab you learn to keep your modesty and it gives you strength and protection against peer pressure.

The hijab like all religious clothing may be banned in schools in France but in England, there’s undoubtably a high population of Muslim women covering themselves. I decided to wear hijab because I felt as a practicing Muslim it is necessary to follow your religion as much as you can. It has been a decision I haven’t regretted. I have considered wearing the Burkha but due to the fact that I am a reporter I find it hard to cover my face as I have to speak and socialise with people a lot, so it isn’t really practical for me, but later in my life I would really love to wear it. The Bhurka covers you completely from head to toe, hiding you from unnecessary gazes. I think there are many things that have been misinterpreted by people who follow the Qur’an. There are many reasons why women cover up but another is the notion that Muslim husbands oppress their wives by forcing them to cover up. When a Muslim woman marries she is given gifts and money called Maher. In Islam, women are to be cherished. Mata Chan, 18

WHO WEARS THE TROUSERS?

EAST MEETS WEST

The other day I was going to Whitechapel with a very fashionable Muslim friend. I got my favourite outfit ready: little black skirt, tights, black t-shirt. I was really looking forward to the day ahead, and happy with my outfit – stylish and comfortable for our day out. I heard that Whitechapel is a predominantly Muslim area, and it got me wondering whether people would take kindly to me wearing a short skirt, even when worn with black tights? I am 16-years-old and a second-generation left wing atheist from a white British/Argentinian family. My first feeling was anger. Why should other people care what I wear? This is London; this is the 21st century. Why should anyone fret about a skirt? And how do Muslim women feel having to live with strict dress codes? Over the past 2 years of GCSE Religious Studies, I was taught that the Qur’an instructs Muslim women to dress modestly to not attract unwanted gazes from men, as some people think that an immodestly dressed female can be a catalyst for men to be tempted. It also says that everyone is as equal as the tooth of a comb, not only in the ummah (community of Islam), but worldwide. In England, Muslim women can wear the hijab, niqqab and/or burqa, but some choose more western clothes, depending on which school of thought they belong to. I’ve heard that the niqab has been worn for centuries by desert dwelling Arabs, to protect their eyes from sandstorms. The Muslims adopted the hijab as a modest form of dress, which was then worn by female Arab Christians.

HEELS OR HIJABS

“Are you Muslim?” people have asked. “Yes”, I always reply, firmly. “So why dont you wear a scarf?” I’m told I don’t ‘look’ Muslim... whatever that means, anyway. I don’t don a hijab and I dress modernly but trying not to draw attention to myself, which is vehemently frowned upon in Islam. My parents brought me up with Muslim/eastern values, and I try to learn as much as I can on my own, so I feel educated enough to talk about them. I see the hijab as being an extension of religion; something to take on (without wanting to make it sound like a chore) when you feel ready to, if ever. That is, when I don’t feel hypocritical for wearing something so clearly religious on the outside for the wrong reasons. I have immense respect for girls who do wear the hijab, as I know it’s a huge step not to be taken lightly, but at the same time, it’s not something I judge people by. I’ve seen many times that wearing a hijab doesn’t automatically make you religious, just as showing hair doesn’t mean you’re a ‘non-believer’. Family plays a huge role to a girl like me, who isn’t accustomed to religion always being number one in my life.

If you’re cushioned by a family who hold strict Islamic principles close to their heart, then you’re more likely to be influenced by it. But my family have emphasised culture and entwined it with Islam, which I don’t think is outright wrong... it just makes you see your religion from another perspective. Whether or not I’ll get to the point where I’ll be wearing the hijab isn’t something I can forsee. At the moment, I know I’m fairly consumed in western ideals, and I can’t see how wearing a hijab would make me a pious Muslim straight away. For me, working from the inside out is what I’d want to do. Like most young Muslims, I’m trying to find the balance between the liberal ways I’ve become used to, and the belief that I could be doing more. Atita Iqtadar, 17

It’s the 21st century and the United Kingdom is a free country – men and women should be equal. I think if a Muslim woman should be able to freely choose to wear what she pleases, just like an atheist, a Christian, a Jew or a Buddhist. You can look modest without having to cover your entire body, and Muslim communities shouldn’t make non-Muslims to conform to their cultural norms – it’s a free world, you should be able to enjoy it.

The outward presence of the hijab can incite judgement based on outward appearance or inform first impressions prior to even conversing. I don’t wear one because of all these factors but also because as someone who has largely been around people who don’t wear the hijab I have not adopted the hijab myself. Although I have a great deal of respect for those that practice the hijab I don’t believe that the hijab makes me more or less religious. Raziya Gulam, 22

Purged of its essential religious context the hijab has been the focus of prohibition in Europe. The hijab took centre stage after Jack Straw’s comment on the niqab. In France, the burqa has been banned in public schools since 2004 and in the Belgian city of Maaseik, the niqab is banned. The hijab is a symbolic expression of values.

Photographuy/ Design Charlene Namukasa 19

Words Attia Iqtadar 17

Words Celestine Morton 16

Words Raziya Gulam 22

Most importantly, however, the hijab represents the expression of choice and the freedom and right to practice ones religious belief. The presence of the hijab in society demonstrates a unified and diverse social landscape. In spite of this unfortunately the practice of the hijab by women has, recently, been seen in a controversial light. The politicisation of the hijab, once a symbol of colonial resistance, holding on to one’s native culture (and again today in the post-colonial period) is now regarded as a failure of integration and male dominance.

The presence of the hijab in society is the expression of one’s inner belief and self – it should be appreciated on these grounds. Banning the hijab contradicts civil liberties and restrictions on private life. The fundamental nature of a liberal democracy (a political system where majority and minority interests are respected) ought to grant the right of all persons to dress in accordance with their religious beliefs. The essence of the hijab is the implementation of one’s free will – regarded as such the hijab loses much of the contentiousness surrounding it.

So, is the burkha oppressive? I don’t think so – most women that wear the hijab feel a strong sense of empowerment as it forces people to judge them based on the content of their character and intellect. The practice of wearing or not wearing a hijab is the exercise of choice.

Celeste Morton, 16

Words Mata Chan 18

The hijab to me represents one who has reached a strong sense of spirituality within Islam; I feel that as a Muslim I have not yet reached that level of righteousness. The hijab carries with it a responsibility to behave in a certain way knowing that your actions will be judged by Muslims and non-Muslims alike based on the overt expression of your religious identity. It is a responsibility that carries the weight of knowing that your actions, positive or negative could be construed to represent all Muslims. In some cases paradoxically hijab wearers negotiate this with dressing in a way that can be seen as attracting the male gaze for example strategically placing the hijab so that the fringe is exposed to make a fashion statement or wearing makeup.

When prohibiting or enforcing the hijab we need to consider the encroachment of such choices and rights.

I think that it is a false assumption to regard the hijab as oppressive. In assuming that a hijab wearing woman is powerless, people may subsequently behave towards her is as if she is powerless.This assumption can lead to a hijab wearer being treated accordingly, confining her to peripheral role where she has no voice as her voice will not be heard. Labels of oppression by feminists and non-feminists alike have been associated with the hijab.

I felt outrage and sadness at the recent story of Lubna Hussein, the Sudanese journalist who faced a public flogging for wearing trousers. A Muslim friend of mine from sixth form wears her headscarf with skinny jeans – why is she not being flogged in public? When Muslims face judgements, Allah will judge their faith and piety.

What does it mean to wear the hijab? And what does it entail? Two questions that can generate massive responses as well as spark up fierce debate. The hijab has been interpreted by some as a statement of women’s oppression yet for others it is quite the contrary. It is the ultimate manifestation of female liberation. So what does it mean to me, someone who is a Muslim but does not wear the hijab.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

“

INTERVIEW

For black artists it was even harder ‘cause there was a big pop band explosion and if you weren’t part of that then you were nowhere,

At 27-years-old, artist Jimmy Screech has a lot to dish out (and I’m not talking rice and peas). His Jamaican upbringing makes him who he is, personally and musically. Screech, no relation to the character in Save By The Bell, was brought up by two women who spoke only patois to him as he grew up, "that's what keeps my music going: culture. You should never forget where your parents and grandparents are from." With his comical, mellow, stance he gave the Live East-ers an opening to hear about his musical upbringing, hidden musical genres and coming in contact with sound systems during his yesteryears at Notting Hill Carnival.

South east Londoner Jimmy Screech, born Jason Bradshaw, has adopted a name for himself within the UK Reggae scene with the likes of fellow artists Roots Manuva, The Nextmen and Ghost Face Killa. Screech is quite evidently sailing through the music industry, but will his Bashment sounding ship sway the country, or will he be left out in the wind?

Design Jelani Erskine 19

Pictures Charlene Namukasa 19

Words Sian Anderson 18

Words Ralph Hardy 19

Jim’ll Screech It

Screech's first experience on the mic, aged 15, wasn't easy. "I first performed when I was 15, other singers and emcees were just staring at me, like they were thinking 'make a mistake, make a mistake', it was really daunting". That didn't hold the Metallica fan back: "A lot of people were patting me on the back after and saying 'you know what man, it's a hard business but if you want to do it, you've got the skills', and that support made those first steps easier for me." Jimmy Screech has been around for long enough to know what the industry was like before artists could promote themselves online. Now, the internet is making it easier for artists to promote their music due to few record labels wanting to give you money. "For black artists it was even harder 'cause there was a big pop band explosion and it you weren't part of that then you were nowhere," he says. "And thank social networking sites, because I certainly wouldn't be around today if things hadn't changed." Blame Pop Idol and X-Factor, Screech? We do.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

Knowing the break through into the world of music is hard and growing up in an area headlined in the news for high crime rates every five minutes could not have been easy. The temptation to go out and cause trouble must have been tenfold. "Trouble is only found when people are around it." Screech chuckles. "My friends were people I'd known since primary school so if they come to you with a problem and ask if you're coming with them to sort it out, you don't know what to do." He admits. This is where people have those life changing choices. Do they go down the bad route for friends or do they steer clear of trouble and try to make something of themselves? "My advice would be for parents to lock kids in the house, better yet, give them a studio." The competition of UK Reggae is immense at the moment, there's Natty and Avilee in the spotlight too. The UK Reggae fan base is fast growing and expanding in this new generation of music. "My ultimate goal is to try and do something like the Up and Smoke Tour in America, that had artists like Eminem and Snoop Dogg on stage but the UK music is something monumental, I'd love to do something with Bashy or maybe Sway, I think if we did, everyone would be talking about it for the next five years, you know what I'm saying?" asks Screech. It seems as though Screech, who describes himself as crazy, hard working and creative, has got the perfect attitude to music, the right kind of support from other artists and a star stage name. All the right ingredients for a superstar.

Taking it back to his roots Screech tells us how and why he ended up losing his government name. "My real name is a very boring name," he kids. "But basically, in Jamaica to 'jim screech' something is to do something on a sly and when I was working as an engineer and making music I would do my work early so I could sneak off to studio and after a while people realised ‘cause they started hearing my music in the dance. After that whenever they saw me they'd call out in a Jamaican accent 'ya jim screeching again?' and after a while the name just stuck to the point where even my boss would call me it." Engineering was always Screech's plan B in case music didn't work out. "It's a bit mundane, or whatever, but it payed the bills and it's a job. Having a plan B is one of the most important things as a musician, you'll be lucky if you're Jay Z or someone whose been around for more than ten years but there is about 50 to 100 people who won't be." Before Jimmy Screech left the building he gave us some very wise and final words of advice; "I studied media and engineering, then I did an apprenticeship scheme and worked in East London... You've got to be educated, you've got to have discipline and your mind has to be active!"

Jimmy Screech’s new single ‘Jamaica/fly away’ was released on sep 7th. It also features on his new album ‘Remedy.’

IRAN IES .. DUMMID E TO. GU

There are certain regions in the news which keep cropping up, and Iran is one of them. But the politics of such regions can fly by our heads, using terms you can only understand by trawling through Wikipedia pages and reading every report. So here’s your dummies guide to Iran – the definitive answer to all the questions which stop you from reading on, and to get you up to speed!

Design/ Illustration Chenai Tankundwa 15

Words Attia Iqtadar 17

THE BASICS Iran is located in the Middle East, and borders Armenia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and Pakistan. With a population of over 70 million, Iran is seen as central point of the Middle East, due to both its geographic location, and its huge reserves of petroleum and natural gas. It also has significant agricultural, trade, and manufacturing sectors. In Iran, the dominant language is Farsi, but a minority of people also speak Azeri, Arabic, Armenian and Kurdish. The official religion of Iran is Islam, with 90% of the population following Shi’a Islam (upon which the system is based), 8% being Sunni Muslim, and the remaining 2% are non-Muslim religious minorities, amongst which are a significant Baha’i and Christian community. Most notably, though, Iran has the highest population of Jewish people in the Middle east, after Israel.

WHAT IS SHI’A ISLAM? It’s important to understand the basics of the interpretation of a religion which dominates Iran. Some say you cannot truly understand the governance of Iran without understanding the history of its people, or the religion. Shi’ism is a denomination, or sect of Islam. In the early days of Islam, after the death of the Muslim’s final prophet Muhammed (PBUH)*, there were many disputes over who had the right to rule the community. Most people were split into two groups; those who believed that Ali, who was Muhammed’s (pbuh) son-in-law and cousin, should rule (known as Shi’a), and those who believed that Abu-Bakr, who was the Prophet’s (pbuh) father-In-law and first convert to Islam should rule (known as Sunni). The two groups are very similar in the way their religion is practiced, as the differences that exist are mostly political, not spiritual. Both read from the same Qur’an and follow the five pillars of Islam, which are the fundamentals of the religion. Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shi’a Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, whilst large minority communities exist in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon. It’s worth noting that many Muslims don’t even define themselves as one or the other – instead referring to themselves

Design Corrine Burton 21

As a Muslim of Iranian ancestry, who just so happens to be a girl, I was fascinated by the images of women taking to the streets and protesting, with placards reading ‘Where is my vote?’. Relating to the youth of a country half way across the world from where I was, connected by the Twitter/YouTube revolution, I found just how similar young people are, irrespective of culture. How is it that we all want the same things, regardless of the country we were born in? Those things being justice, our own version of democracy, and ultimately... freedom.

as simply ‘Muslim’. In Iran, however, Shi’ism makes up the basis of the complex political system, as Ayatollahs (a high ranking title in Shi’a Islam given to experts in Islamic studies) are the point of call for all sections of debate regarding the Qur’an, offering their own informed interpretation after years of study. THE PAST Today, Iran is the product of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. This is where the Iranian people overthrew the monarchy, and a referendum (a vote on a certain issue) was held. This referendum made Iran an Islamic Republic, and approved a new constitution (which is a system for government that set out how the country will be run). The constitution appointed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who was the leader of the revolution, as the supreme leader of the country. Before his death in 1989, He made it clear that he wanted Ayatollah Ali Khameini to be his successor, and he’s been the Supreme Leader ever since, with his greatest challenge so far being the 2009 protests over the elections… but we’ll get to those later.

After the revolution, one of the most notable conflicts related to the country, if not related to global politics as a whole, was the Iran-Iraq conflict. This lasted from 1980 to 1989, and left 1 to 1.5 million people dead. The reason for the conflict was mostly Arab-Persian tension. Iran had just been taken over by Ayatollah Khomeini, and his Shi’a dominated theocracy. Iraq, on the other hand was ruled by Sadaam Hussein’s Ba’aath Party, which was Sunni dominated. This is contrary to the fact that Iraq’s population is around 60-65% Shi’a. Iraq brought military weapons from the Soviet Union and France, whilst gaining intelligence information and non-military aid from the USA. Iran, on the other hand, was relatively isolated in the world community, and only gained formal support from Libya and Syria. The country had to resort to purchasing any weapons it could from the black market. THE PRESENT Iran had its presidential elections in June, which are held every four years by a democratic vote. This year, the two main candidates were Mir-Hossein Mousavi, head of the Independent Reformists party, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of the Alliance of Builders party. With two thirds of the votes counted, Ahmadinejad was declared the winner with 66% of the votes. But people disputed this. Millions of young voters didn’t believe the result – and demanded a recount or a revote. Street protests ensued, which have drawn the largest crowds since the Iranian Revolution witnessed and the youth rebelled. Both the current president and Iran’s Spiritual Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have insisted there was no election fraud and have demanded an end to the protests.

Some laws in Iran are considered outdated, such as Article 102, where women who appear on streets and in public without the hijab will be condemned to 74 strokes of the lash. Although Iran is a country governed by Islamic Law, its modern youth (which comprises not only Muslims, and makes up a significant underground scene of music, art, and fashion) may not wish to conform. These people aren’t represented, and though they have a loud voice, they are a minority. Iran is made up of deeply religious communtities which pride traditional values. Iranian hollywood actress Nazanin Boniadi gave her view, saying, “When you repress a society, and keep them down, there will be a boiling point when people are going to say...’enough is enough’. So many women are taking to the streets too, which I’m really proud of.” THE FUTURE People say they can predict Iran’s future, but nobody predicted the revolt against the elections, or even the revolution. What epitomises the views of most Iranians is an emphasis on rights. They have the right to the people’s president, not a fixed election. Whaever the people of Iran want, should go, and people should be able to express their views without fear. Surely the international community should express their approval of democracy in Iran, but this is an issue that Iran needs to organise internally. Iran is a country of rich culture and history, and I think the West’s idea of democracy may not coincide with the East’s, but if June’s protest is anything to go by… change is due again. What do you think, have your say email east@live-magazine.co.uk and join the debate.

In a country where 60% of the population is under 30, it’s no wonder why some of the youth are frustrated at a system in which their rights and decisions aren’t taken into account. The protests were violent and many people were removed by force, as Police and a paramilitary group called the Basij attempted to stop rioting by using batons, pepper spray, sticks, and firearms, in some cases. The Iranian government has confirmed the deaths of 36 people during the protests, but supporters of Mousavi claim that in reality, twice as many died in the three months following the elections. Neda Agha-Soltan, an Iranian woman who was on her way to a protest in Tehran, stopped her Peugeot 206 in the road after the car’s air conditioner stopped working, and continued to make her way to the protest on foot. It was on this journey that she was shot, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Her death was filmed and posted on YouTube, and Neda became an emblem for the Iranian youth, for lost votes and revolution.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

economic climate she has come across struggles. “It takes a lot of funding, and with the economic problems the world is having it’s hard to get any governments to get behind you,” she explains. Since then she has gone on to work on projects in her motherland, Iran.

choices,” she remembers. Nazanin wanted to be an actress from her early teens, but little did she realise she would end up with an honours degree in biology. However, she informs me, whilst she was playing Dr. Amira Ahmed on the American soap drama, General Hospital, her degree did actually help. “When you’re in a hospital setting, a biology degree definitely comes into use,” she says.

Nazanin Boniadi is one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising starlets, following appearances in blockbusters such as Iron Man and Charlie Wilson’s War; she has been hailed as the “Iranian Angelina Jolie”. Her work with Amnesty International has proven her to be a brainy beauty with, doubtlessly, heaps of acting talent, which has propelled her on to the big screen. However, the journey to stardom hasn’t always been peppered with glamour for Nazanin.

Nazanin Boniadi was born in Tehran at the height of the Islamic Revolution, and her parents, faithless in the government, left for London to give Nazanin the opportunity of a good education and liberal future. Little did they know she would one day end up brushing shoulders with the Hollywood elite, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hanks and Amy Adams. Having gained a scholarship at a prestigious London private school, she concentrated on getting top grades in the sciences to please her parents and eventually ended up graduating from the University of California with a degree in Biology. But, dissatisfied with her lack of passion for the subject she spent years studying, she took a drastic career change that put her on the path to fame. As she took time out of her training at Royal Acadamy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), Osman Ahmed caught up with her to find out more about her incredible journey…

Design Jelani Erskine 19

Words Osman Ahmed 15

As her petite frame sits down almost every head in the room turns towards Nazanin. Her skin has a radiant olive glow and her hair is immaculately blow dried, a far cry from her frizzy monobrow days. She’s dressed in a casual Anthropology vest, Current Elliot skinny jeans and a cute pair of Lanvin shoes, she sips her drink and begins to talk about her days at school. “I was nerdy, I knew I had to be a doctor and I was good at the sciences because I tried so hard”. As with many parents, Nazanin’s wanted her to tread an academic career path. “We’re kind of taught that you have to be something academic like a doctor or lawyer or engineer and if you’re not, you’re not good enough”, she says. But Nazanin’s passion for the arts is something that could never be hidden behind an office desk or surgeon’s apron. “I may be delusional, but I think that through writing and creating a film we can change the world!” Her plans to escape the direction her parents had planned began when she selected her GCSE options: “I remember thinking maybe I could fit in art and media studies and those would be my GCSE

“

Nevertheless, when Nazanin informs me she was the first Middle-Eastern to be nominated for an NAACP award (National Alliance for the Advancement of Coloured People), I was not surprised – there’s an almost distinctive freshness to her, an edge that seems unfamiliar in today’s Hollywood stars. She was nominated for her role on the American soap, General Hospital; where she was the first Middle-Eastern contract player in American soap history, “I needed to show my agent, my manager and everyone around me that this could be done, that a Middle-Eastern girl can get an open ethnicity role”. However, even her amazing success in such a short time is not enough to please her father. “My dad’s like; nobody in England knows who you are, I don’t care if you’re famous in America!’” she laughs. But she insists her relationship with him has improved after being practically destroyed when she began acting. ‘You’re never gonna make it, you’re already in your mid-20s’, was his advice to me. “He practically disowned me for the first year of my acting career.” The NAACP was founded during the civil rights movement. It strived to liberate ethnic minorities, “It was for my acting, but it was nice to be acknowledged by a group who have really shaped the civil rights movement,” she says, but the flattery doesn’t stop there for her. I soon learn that she was hand-picked by Mike Nichols, the director of Charlie Wilson’s War (and Nazanin’s favourite director), to play an Afghan refugee in the Hollywood blockbuster. Whilst filming she met Amy Adams, the most “un-Hollywood” person she’s met and Tom Hanks, who she describes as “a little untouchable, super friendly, funny, charming and definitely handsome.” Nazanin started working with Amnesty International as soon as she started acting. “When I started acting, the bigger the platform got, the more people I could reach”, she says. She worked with them on improving international human rights and to securing the IVAWA bill (international violence against women act). However, with the current

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

“

It’s evident that Nazanin’s transition from the geeky schoolgirl to glamorous actress seems like something out of ‘The Princess Diaries’; “I think I’ve actually gotten more confident and outspoken, I was never like this, I used to be quite shy and in the corner with no self-confidence”, she tells me. Admittedly I found it hard to believe that Nazanin was once so straight laced, her charismatic voice and knack for story-telling gives off imagery of years of performance and recital.

Unless it’s coming from the heart you can’t sustain it. Once the façade crumbles all of a sudden you’re in rehab and don’t know how to handle your nine adopted babies.

Whilst trying to break into Hollywood, she started her own jewellery company to help pay the bills. She would design the jewellery and, ironically, focus on getting a celebrity to wear them at a red-carpet event. “My whole livelihood came from getting that celebrity on the red carpet wearing my jewellery”, she tells me. Little did she know that she would soon be wearing the jewellery she designed to red carpet events, which she thinks is “bizarre!” As we all know acting is a tough industry to become successful in, and according to Nazanin those who become actors for the glitz and glamour are foolish. “Unless it’s coming from the heart you can’t sustain it. Once the façade crumbles all of a sudden you’re in rehab and don’t know how to handle your nine adopted babies.” Nazanin often turns down the luxuries of Hollywood, “I’m not pretentious. Occasionally I take advantage of it, but only when I’m going to an awards show or film premiere,” she says. “The British Iron Man premiere was crazy! I walked down the carpet just before Gwyneth (Paltrow), and I’m thinking, right, nobody knows who I am, this will be quick, and then one person shouted “Nazanin” and then the person next to him said “Nancy, Natalie!” and it just went down a chain of names beginning with ‘N’”. Away from the extravagant parties and premieres, balancing her career and Amnesty work is hard for Nazanin. She came back to London from Los Angeles (where she currently resides in Newport Beach) this summer to take part in the RADA summer school programme to improve her acting skills. When asked if she ever feels pressured by the plastic LA body image she tells me that “the pressure is always there, especially when you go to auditions and there are girls with big breasts and perfect hair, but really good actors aren’t necessarily the most beautiful or perfect people in the world”. In fact in her opinion it’s probably more difficult for those who are very good-looking and attractive, “It’s probably harder if you’re really tall and gorgeous and big-busted because nobody’s going to take you seriously”, she says. “All they’ll look at is your physical appearance as opposed to what you have to offer”. As our interview comes to a close I realise how much of an inspiration Nazanin is. In four years she’s landed roles in Hollywood blockbusters and has created American soap history, not to mention helping make the world a better place with Amnesty International. Whether her success is a result of years of being pushed in an unnatural direction I don’t know, but what I do know is that one day, when the world recognizes her as a superstar, she’ll still be the same person I met – a well-rounded, down-to-earth, moving character.

What’s in your bag

Joss Stone meets Kew gardens

Kelly Holmes meets River Island

Nazanin Boniadi, the radiant, yet intelligent Hollywood actress, who has starred in Iron Man and Charlie Wilson’s War, talks to Live about the contents of her stormy grey Lanvin bag.

Nazanin reads the Wall Street Jour nal almost everyday, it keeps her in touch with what’s going on in the world whilst jet-setting arou nd the world for auditions and film premieres.

ers, bad

od news, bik The Leather Look – Go news, cows!

Makosi from Big Brother meets Mrs. Santa Clause

Nazanin a resident of Newport Beac h was in London for a summer course at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Arts, she is following in the footsteps of Hollywod hotties such as fello w O.C resident. Mischa Barton. “I have a very strict beauty regim e” says Nazanin as I inspect her Laura Mercier prod ucts, “I love Laura Mercier, they do the perfect colors for my skin tone”.

d that Lady Gaga has Bows – If it’s one tren ! bow put upon us it’s the e girls and boys, Bo otcut Jeans – It’s tru so 2007 and lly skinny jeans are officia c yet subtly chic ssi cla the is m the replacing bootcut jeans.

Men In Black meets Boots Bodyguard

Rihanna meets River Thames

Star Wars fan meets Tony Hawke

“An actor’s secret is breath fresh ener” Nazanin jokes, she keeps her breath mint y and fresh between auditions with her small, yet useful, breath freshener. “I have a thing for scarves at the moment” she tells me, Nazanin’s royal blue pashmina completes her look of skinny jeans and Lanvin pum ps.

Sienna Miller meets Dorothy Perkins

Skinted or Minted?

street

style

Design Corrine Burton 21

Pictures Suliet Oladokun 20

Whilst backstage at her L.A.M.B show at New York fashion week she rocked it out with a baby blue biker jacket, silky black jumpsuit, funky boots and fabulous hot pink arm candy, all from her own line. To look as great as Gwen, mix up these Topshop and Miss Selfridge bargain buys, or even better mix up some of these high street items with pieces from your own wardrobe.

Words / Pictures Osman Ahmed 15

Wednesday Adams meets Monica Ali

coloured lace can be Lace – A small strip of a bow, and it won’t or nd worn as a headba r single pound from you cost you more than a . ery ash local haberd e moon, a trend Ear Muffs – Every blu hion industry and, fas the develops within practical! shock horror, they’re...

FASHION FORECAST Low Necklines on Men – Poor Peter Andre: first the split from Katie, then the humiliated by us for wearing shirts with all the buttons undone .

Fashion designer, musician, businesswoman and the ultimate fashion icon, Gwen Stefani is fashion’s coolest chick.

Going Up

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

Neon – You never kn ow who you might give an epileptic fit to wh en you’re wearing those gravely colours. Plimsoles – Don’t you just hate it when something that you once adored become s so rinsed out? Low Batty – This pa rticular act of indec ency is something that we detest: why would you want people to see half your backside!? ! Drawstring Sports Bags – The sight of grown men wearing bags meant for seven-yea r-olds going swimming ma kes our fashion-sen sitive eyes bleed.

Going down

Rags to Riches

“HISS!”

Dizzee Rascal is an artist who emerged from the UK Underground scene. From the gritty streets of Bow, Dizzee co-founded Roll Deep alongside the godfather of grime aka Wiley. In May ’03, Dizzee released all time grime classic ‘I Luv U’. Also that year, Dizzee won the Mercury prize making his grime fans proud that the genre was finally being recognised and appreciated. Dizzee was now at the forefront of the grime scene and his decisions thereafter would prove crucial for the development of the scene.

SUCCESS OR SELL-OUT? ZAINAB PATEL TALKS ABOUT GRIME’S CATCH 22. Grime. From the days of Pay As You Go Cartel and Heartless Crew, the genre emerged as one which was unique, raw, hard-hitting and an effective way of showcasing urban talent and representing the culture and lifestyles of young people. Grime is based around a tempo of 140bpm and primarily originates from the east end of London, quite often from culturally diverse areas such as Bow and Plaistow. Grime artists gain respect and status by producing good music and by being promoted whether it is by word of mouth, in underground raves or even by “clashing” one another at events such as Lord of the Mics or on pirate radio stations like Rinse FM. Very rarely, talented artists from the grime scene are recognised and provided with the opportunity to shine. So why is it that when they decide to chase their dream and embrace the opportunity, rather than support them, we feel the need to call them sell-outs? Take Dizzee Rascal and Kano for example. Can we really blame them for wanting to broaden their horizons and aspire towards their goals? After all, isn’t that what they initially set out to do?

Design Jelani Erskine 19

Words Zainab Patel 16

Grime listeners are usually young people from similar backgrounds and areas to the artists. It appeals to its audience not only for its upbeat tempo and overall sound but also due to its harsh and unrefined approach when concerning lyrical content. Listeners can relate to ‘bars’ or lyrics that touch on everyday struggles that they face, unlike the lyrics of artist such as Soulja Boy. This is where the problem lies: once an underground artist is recognised by a record label, they are usually asked to make their lyrics less negative therefore making it harder for underground fans to relate to. Also, when the artist begins to make a lot of money due to their mainstream success, their quality of life automatically becomes better, resulting in them writing about their ‘new’ life of wealth and status.

“BOO!”

Not only does this make underground listeners envy the artist, but also, yet again, makes it harder for them to relate to their music. With less and less support from their underground fans, and offers of a better lifestyle elsewhere, the majority of artists who make it mainstream end up moving out of their endz. But can you really blame them when their prime motive was to make money and chase their dream? Are they not just being role models for the youths of our society and are they not providing examples to those who stereotype that we can actually make it out of here and be someone. It’s a cycle. If you want to make it mainstream, either way it seems there is no pleasing your underground fans. We refuse to give our respect to the artists for achieving their goals. Selfish much?

In ’05 Dizzee signed Newham Generals to his label Dirtee Stank, however over time it was becoming obvious to grime fans that Dizzee was dumbing down the harshness of his lyrical content to adapt to mainstream audiences. This was confirmed in 2007 when Dizzee released album ‘Maths + English’. Underground fans also felt betrayed when they heard he was working alongside Arctic Monkeys and Calvin Harris. This led his original underground fans to calling him a sell-out. Dizzee was a pioneer for grime, he had the opportunity to help his fellow grime artists in hope that they may become mainstream but in most grime fans eyes, he chose to be selfish and chase the money. Yet again I ask, can we really blame him for chasing his dream?

Money and status. These are the two of the main reasons why artists pursue careers in music. Kano is a grime artist who hailed from the streets of Newham. A former N.A.S.T.Y. crew member alongside the likes of Ghetto, Demon & D Double E, Kano was recognised on the streets as a talented artist. In ’05, he released the mixtape album ‘Home Sweet Home’ which got a lot of publicity. This made fans worry that he may lose his underground roots and become a sell-out. Later that year, Kano made ‘Beats & Bars’ which reassured his underground fans that he was still a grime artist. In ‘07 Kano released ‘London Town’ which was an overall good mainstream album. However, not all underground fans were pleased and there were many disputes within the scene about Kano becoming a sell-out. In 2008, Kano released ‘140 Grime Street’ which was his statement that he was not going to let go of his roots. His decision to return to the grime scene makes it evident that Kano was never solely after the money. He was making music for the respect and his love of music. Unlike other artists whose aims were clearly based elsewhere.

The question is this: can we really blame them for wanting to pursue their dreams? In Kano’s case, he was after respect whereas in Dizzee’s, he was after the money - or at least that’s how it seems. Either way, it seems they are trapped in the cycle and inevitably get called a sell-out. We need to understand they are music artists not just grime artists and are therefore not limited or confined to just one genre. Yes, they owe us homage for our support, but they do that by getting into the mainstream. Look at Tinchy Stryder as an example, he is proof that you can successfully work out of the box, yet still be doing a lot for the scene which you blossomed from. On the tune ‘Catch 22’ Tinchy talks about his feelings about being an artist who has made it mainstream and his thoughts on being called a sell-out. As does Kano in an old song of his called ‘Layer Cake’. Whilst watching these artists make it mainstream, we need to think before calling them sell-outs and we need to realise that they’re chasing THEIR dream, not ours.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

SOUND ADVICE

CULTURE CLUB

New releases to listen out for...

Been there, seen it, done it...

Little Dee

Once In A Blue Independent

Chipmunk

V.V.Brown

Oopsy Daisy Sony Jahmaal ‘Diamond Man’ Fyffe is sure to be in the Top 10 with ‘Oopsy Daisy’ under his belt. The 18-year-old residing in north London has just finished his A-levels and is embarking on a journey to further chart success after ‘getting a one way ticket to stardom’. The tune is a hit with a great beat and good lyrical content. 3/5 (RH)

Game Over Universal

Although this has an annoying beat, I can imagine why it’ll be a hit. I’d love to hear this live as I can imagine a band and V.V bringing an amazing energy. The lyrics are great though as per usual when it comes to V.V.Brown. But personally the beat sounds like something you would have heard a million times before. 3/5 (SA)

Stand Up

Taio Cruz

Break Your Heart Island

Wake Up EP Independent The Roll Deep entourage member serves up the ‘Wake Up’ EP. Although the whole CD is nothing but good music. it does blur the lines of grime and hip hop a bit too much. If you’re looking for a CD you won’t skip a track on with some powerful features until an album comes out, then this is the one for your iTunes. 3/5 (RH)

Words/Design Sian Anderson 18

Words Shizel Wilson 19

Sounding like something out of “The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe”. This is the type of beat that makes you want to jump around and do a dance! It’s got a very easy flow and some very funny lyrics. The tune is very country and western... takes you back to those Clint Eastwood days. Defo one for our charts! 3/5 (SA)

Words Ralph Hardy 19

Island

J2K

Peter Pan

The Yeah You’s

Meleka

“I didn’t wanna get out of bed this morning.” Emotional but sang in the sweetest way with that justa-hint-of-rock feel to it. This is one of those tunes you hear repeatedly on radio that could potentially make or break your day. I like this, it’s catchy, the vocals are good and you can bob your head to it too! 3/5. (SA)

This is the funky tune of the summer for me. Any place, anytime this beat and these lyrics get my lungs doing overtime! It’s out in Oct so make sure you show your support. For all the ladies who’ve been done wrong by a guy, you will relate to this! The video also relates back to the tune and shows these other artists how it’s done. 5/5 (SA)

Getting Up With You Island

Go Defenders L.O.S

Asher Roth ft Keri Hilson She Don’t Wanna Man Universal

Newcomer Asher Roth explodes into the music scene with his debut single ‘She Don’t Wanna Man’ featuring R&B sensation Keri Hilson. It’s a fresh new sound with a hot beat and a catchy chorus. This will most definitely hit the charts, and I’m sure that this year will be a big one for Mr.Roth. New artist, new single, new sound. This tune is one to look out for. (SN)

Words Irene Amadi 16

Little Lion Man

Considering this is Taio’s first solo single I’d say he done very well. The sound is catchy and the vocals are well thought-out. This track is very pop though so for all of those who love a bit of harder hitting music, I’d steer clear of this one. At least Cruz is sicking to the UK sound and pleasing his audience with a smashing video for this track too! 4/5 (SA)

Words Anita Opoku 17

Mumford And Sons

With their swagger on point, a few members of LIVE went down to the ‘Eastside Stories Presents: London Stand UP, Urban honours & awards ‘09’. Being the only awards show of its kind, the show included live “clashes” from talented members of the audience as well as a fashion show and performances from undergound artists such as Kurrupt. Definitely a night to remember and a great opportunity to embrace and showcase urban talent. londonstandup09.co.uk

Little Dee has grown vocally as an artist since his first mixtape. Dee (of the O.G’z) could be the first out of the crew to make the jump into mainstream music, He’s like the “Ja Rule” of the Grime scene with his ‘Pain Is Love’ flow. The question is, ‘Once In A Blue’ a mixtape at all? He has clearly mastered his flow, so why not make this his debut album? I’ve got a theory; This may sound like an album and people may even say by calling it a mixtape this shows Little Dee is not ready for an album, But maybe we’re not ready for a Little Dee album! His blatant love for music and the ladies are the two main topics of this mixtape. I do believe Little Dee isn’t so little and underneath his radio set swagger here lies a giant of an artist. (SW)

I never valued theatre before… I mean, why not just watch the telly or a film? But this was an experience, not a dull moment in sight – every penny was worth it. It was the most sparkly and magical evening and yes, that was kind of expected. It felt like a traditional theatre – though believe you me there were a few twists to wowed the audience. In the scene where Tinkerbell nearly dies, the audience were invited by Peter Pan to repeatedly whisper ‘I believe in fairies’ simultaneously in order for her to live. I was actually gobsmacked when I saw the middle aged couple next to me joining in (which just goes to show that you are never too young to revisit your childhood!). A brilliant, memorable experience with an adventure I won’t be forgetting easily! visitlondon.com/peterpan

Urban Development

Live went down to the “Industry Takeover” seminars held by Urban Development. The seminar was mainly based around helping to inspire and advise those with a particular talent in order for them to blossom. The seminar and open mic included guests such as Ghetts, Crazy Cousins, Faith SFX, Donaeo, Shola Ama plus more and Live performances after. If you’re interested, the next seminar ‘Image is Everything’ is being held on the 12 November at Stratford Circus. urbandevelopment.co.uk

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

The Black Grape Resturant

Black Grape venue and Gastro bar, has opened it’s doors in Tottenham, North London, to celebrities, such as, UK sprinter Dwain Chambers, former Sugababe Mutya Buena, grime MC Wretch 32 and many more, for the launch of this Afro-Carribean resturant. Media was also there to sample what the Black Grape had to offer and how that differed from the rest of the African and Caribbean restaurants. Live went down to support one of our favorite award winning comedians and also co-owner of the Black Grape, Eddie Kadi, who alongside manager Tokunbo Oyelola, and saxophoniet Yolanda Brown who all own a slice of the Grape.

Pied Piper

Anybody remember Boy Blue Ent. performing ‘Pied Piper’ at Stratford Circus? Missed it? Are you actually mad?!?!?! If you did miss it, you’re in luck as Boy Blue is back and better than ever ( performing at the Barbican this Christmas from 10th December ‘09 - 3rd January ‘10). For those of you who don’t know what or who Boy Blue are, they are an urban dance group consisting of young people. Originally practising and performing in Stratford, Boy Blue were recognised for their talent and were provided with opportunities to shine, which they grasped. If you aint seen them yet, you have to go this Christmas! londontheatre.co.uk

ILUVLIVE

UK’s talented undiscovered singers, rappers and emcee’s showcased their raw talent for the last time at Central London’s Bar Rumba. Sexy songstress Hayley C blessed the stage as well as our ears with a powerful performance, other performances included N Dubz supported artist Saint and the open mic acts who performed 60 second sets with the live band. The atmosphere was super hyped as the crowd, clapped along to songs and sung choruses. This had to be one of the best nights I’ve been to. myspace.com/iluvliveuk

FULLY BOOKED

= = = = =

Love books? Go to spinebreakers.co.uk

My Best Friends Girl Sphere

What I Was Puffin

by Dorothy Koomson

Airhead by Meg Cabot, Scholastic

The Believers Harper

Em Watts isn’t thrilled to be at Stark Megastore’s star-studded opening, especially since her male bf (and secret crush) Christopher, can’t stop drooling over teen modelling sensation and Stark representative, Nikki Howard. Both girls end up in hospital causing a bizarre twist of fate to entwine their bodies forever, forcing Em to reinforce her moral views as a feminist even more than before. I loved this book as it explored issues of friendship and how shallow society is. It’s a real eye-opener which causes the reader to look at their own reflection and wonder if they like what they see. Airhead helped me grow as a person by making me realise my own imperfections. 5/5

What Treasure Did Next by Gina Davidson Virago

Words Irene Amadi 16

This book is not for faint-hearted mothers. Treasure’s endless antics undoubtedly brings the book to life. The conflict between mother and daughter could somewhat relate to almost every teenager in Britain. Battles include Treasure starting to smoke (which infuriates her mother) and wanting to pierce every angle of her body (again upsetting mother). Parents may feel empathy for Davidson, whilst teenagers reading this book will reassure them that they are not the only ones with the world’s most nagging parents. 5/5

Words Anita Opoku 17

Words/Design Sian Anderson 18

This tragic story follows a successful Nigerian yam farmer who discovers the arrival of missionaries in his beloved hometown Umuofia, Okwonkwo. He tries to quell the rise of Christianity over Umuofias traditional pagan faith. Throughout the novel he exudes strength, courage and patience. The lack of support from his fellow villagers in his fight to prevent bloodshed leads to Okwonkwo to decide his village is dead. This book is artfully written and a perfect introduction to Nigerian Literature, with signature customs and folklore peppered througout. 5/5

Words Ralph Hardy 19

by Zoe Heller

Joel Litvinoff’s family are coming to terms with him suddenly going into a coma. The reader follows his children: Rosa, (who has turned to Judaism), Karla, (a unhappily married social worker), and Lenny, (who has struggled with drugs over the years). Their mother, Audrey, is turning into a bitter woman who had dedicated her life to supporting her husband’s career. Use of strong language and discussion of difficult subjects such as religion, infidelity and the sanctity of life means this book is for 15 years and over. It is good at making you think about certain aspects of life. Recommended to any reader who is up to a challenge. 5/5

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe Penguin classics

Words Shizel Wilson 19

by Meg Rosoff

This is a captivating tale centred around a young boy who remains nameless throughout the story. After being kicked out of three boarding schools he is sent to St Oswalds. The nameless boy is an outcast, which doesn’t bother him – until he meets Finn. Finn does not go to St. Oswalds school, or any school for that matter. Bizarre secret meetings between the two take place including week-long stays in Finn’s small hut. The plot takes a turn when Finn is struck with glandular fever and after discovering blood on the lining of Finn’s bed, the nameless boy seeks help from a hospital nearby. The tale ends with a twist as we find out Finn isn’t who we thought he was! 4/5

Kamryn and Adele are two polar opposites who meet in University. They’re best friends until Kamryn finds out that Adele has not only cheated with the love of her life, fiance Nate, but Adele’s daughter Tegan, is in fact Nate’s child. Kam embarks on a journey to distance herself from the situation after being sworn to secrecy. Three years later Kam is confronted with Adele, who is on her death bed pleading with her to adopt her child. We see the tests Kamryn has to go through becoming a mother, dealing with Adeles abusive parents, a new arrogant boss and confronting her ex Nate after all these years. This will have you laughing one minute and crying the next! 4/5

JUST READ IT!! GOOD STUFF WORTH A READ I’ll PASS MEH...

Live East has it’s new home in Whitechapel – so this issue’s Poetry & Lyrics page is about different environments. Moving home, neighbourhood or country can have a big impact and evoke loads of feelings in us. One way of expressing those inner feelings is through poems or lyrics. If you are a budding MC, freestyler or even the next Poet Laureate and you want to chat about something deep, get scribbling and see your words printed on next issue’s Poetry & Lyrics Page. To take part in a poetry workshop at Live East contact east@live-magazine.co.uk

PROHIBITION The luminous moon narrowed its gaze upon me intently-the stars its allies-from behind a withered shield of mist. Swiftly, the skyscrapers jumped to my defence scratching the stars ferociously; representing the innovation that spoiled the country, arising no more than twenty five years ago – ‘Americas’ contemporary creation’. Accompanying the Model T. Fords sparsely dotted along the infinite roads; I turned towards a communal avenue, which although in its appearance was the epitome of city living, deceived its bystanders greatly. I approached. I stopped. I waited. Apprehension riddled through my bones, as though a war grenade at the brink of exploding. I exchanged the prohibited alcohol-male dapper, shy and wealthy-even the most unlikely of citizens were suspended in crime. “Click! Click!” the liberated rebels rhythmically clicked their dainty fingers; thriving in the exuberant Jazz scene. Flappers were extraordinary creatures, with an androgynous appearance, though flamingo like in stature. The ‘Roaring Twenties’-Americas ‘mini-renaissance’. Nicole Robinson-Gordon, 16

My thoughts Every morning I wake up thinking about me and my life, I think about those that i left behind in France, The way things were and how i thought that they would always stay the same, France my beautiful country of birth the only one i’ll ever know, Non-sence my mum used to tell me, I’ve got to grow, travel and see, Now living in London, Left feeling like a migrant bird who now wants to explore and see more, Realised how every one has changed, So have I, They say the more you see the more you learn, Could it be true? Maybe, But this morning I woke up with the same thoughts in my head, Except that now I am wondering where would be the next place I will fly to, And call home. Christelle Dasse, 18

MANOR PARK A place where there is peace and harmony, A place where the air is always cool and fresh for breathing, A home where dirt cannot reside, Making friends is easy here, Helping one another is their hobby, How are you or Are you alright? Is their anthem A smiley faces they always show, Education is number one on the list of inhabitants Early to bed, early to rise the people say Comportment is fond of young people here Inhabitants are always on time for appointments, since they say time is money Manor Park the home of Discipline Manor Park a better place to live. Jennifer Ampem, 17

Slithering Snakes Beware of the slithering snakes as you navigate the labyrinth… Sinister schemes are unravelling. Day turns to night, the light is vanishing… It’s around this time when switchblades penetrate like javelins. The pavement you tread on might just be the snare That captures your unsuspecting soul. So, beware of the slithering snakes after sunset… Or watch a dire destiny unfold. A stained, shimmering silver blade. Red blood. Blue sirens. An orange sunrise appears from over the horizon… The slithering snakes have disappeared, The mother stands over her son. Her tears are silent. Anon

BEWARE GIRLS Beware girls Beware of boys I love you they would say but they mean, They would come promising heaven and earth, They will promise not let your feet touch the ground, They will come building castles in the air, These guys will come as humble as a sheep but trust me they’re wolves in sheep skin, After their way with you they will dump as an empty tin of milk And before you say Jack, they won’t even recognise your face, At this point you will say had I known But remember had I known is the philosophy of the fool So Beware girls. Anon

MONEY M – Many suffer to get me O – Others die because of me N – Nothing is done without me in this world E – Everything good thing comes from me Y – Yet I’m the root of all evil. So be wise.

Anon If you need to talk to someone about changes in your life then you can talk in confidence to: childline.org.uk – 0800 1111, nextsteptherapy.org.uk – 0800 069 9022, wdp-drugs.org.uk – 020 8981 8053, lifeline.org.uk – 020 7093 3007

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

SHORT STORY Sometimes it’s too late to keep thinking about how things could have been. Sometimes we need to learn to let go… somebody once told me that people come in and out of your life for a reason - to teach you something about yourself. But when someone close leaves your life, you shouldn’t linger on their absence; simply learn the lesson that they were there to teach and move on… It’s approaching sunrise on an early September morning... A summer of cash, weed and raving is finally being concluded by a frosty chill in the autumn air. I’m sitting in the driver’s seat of my uncle’s old Hyundai coupe – no power steering, no license, no insurance. A large quantity of marijuana stashed in the car. But as I stare at the huge, gated house on the corner of Monkhams Drive, with the black BMW 6 series in the driveway, all I can think about is her... My phone vibrates. It’s five in the morning, her parents wouldn’t be too happy if they catch her sneaking out at this time. The text message informs me that she’s coming. As I tap off the ash from the glowing ember of my last cigarette, I see her silhouette approaching the car. She gets inside, and the silence is deafening. A dark purple Vauxhall Vectra speeds past, and I watch it drive down the road as we sit in the red Hyundai. I ask her how she’s been. The normal conversation you would expect from two people who haven’t seen each other in a while. However, it‘s been two months since we broke up; two years since we first got close. I don’t seem to be taking in what she’s saying... her mere presence has brought back countless memories that race through my mind. Then I ask her if she is seeing somebody else. She stops talking. Pauses for a few seconds, then unexpectedly she says... “yes.”

Design Jelani Erskine 19

Words / Illustration Haroon Anwar 18

She tells me who he is, in fact, I know him. “It’s cool,” I tell her. Although I can feel knots tighten around my heart... it starts to beat rapidly, faster and faster... the thought of this pr*** with his hands on my girl seems to ignite an engine of rage in my soul... But I have to remind myself that she’s not my girl anymore... I take a long draw from the cigarette and blow the smoke out of the window. I reach over, take her hand, and place it on my chest, where my heart still pumps heavily. My breathing gets even heavier, and I tell her that she should forget this other boy. Come back to me. “You don’t need him.” I ask her why she broke up with me, to which she replies with a laugh and say’s that I was too concerned with making money;

HAVE YOUR SAY AND JOIN THE DEBATE AT LIVE EAST east@live-magazine.co.uk

didn’t put enough effort into the relationship. She didn’t want to be involved with someone who was “heading down the wrong path.” That’s when I saw the purple Vectra pull up next to me and lower the window… She tells me not to do anything stupid. The adrenaline kicks in; I switch on the engine… She is begging me to stop. If you still love me, you will stop. She doesn’t love me anymore, so why should I listen? The undercover officer is staring right at my face, trying to determine my next move. At this point she gets out the car, slamming the door, in tears, knowing that I won’t stop, knowing that tonight could be an end to all the money making. Having put the car into gear, I slowly release the clutch and handbrake, hammering down on the accelerator. The sirens start blaring as I drive away from the one I once loved. My heart is once again racing, the adrenaline is pumping. Now I really am heading down the wrong path… this road leads to a dead end. I look in the rear-view mirror for a second. A split second. I see the sirens behind me, sense finally hits me; I have to give up – and just as I’m about to pull over… CRASH. I didn’t even see the car in front. My head is spinning… I open the door, and everywhere I look, my surroundings seem to swirl into each other like a runny watercolour painting. Two officers run towards me – I don’t resist. I am pushed to the ground; I feel my arms pulled behind my back. I don’t hear what they are yelling at me... it is only her voice that resonates through my mind. The cold metal of the handcuffs binds my wrists together helplessly… I manage to spot her figure running down the road. When she sees the situation, she just stands there, motionless. Through all the confusion and daze, I catch a glimpse of her beautiful brown eyes for the last time. And as the policemen drive me away from Monkham’s drive, I realise that I didn’t learn my lesson. talktofrank.com, ruthinking.co.uk

The Art Of Science

not the professor my I want to be a professor, but be. They want me to me t wan er fath and mother ical school to med of rs yea 00 to go through 50,0 only passion my is art , become a doctor. Secretly aspire to gain. I don’t I te tora doc only the ’s and that they mean an awful lot want to let my family down, icine is my family’s. to me. Art is my life, but med do? I What should t the best for us. Your Traditionally our parents wan ion such as medicine fess pro parents may feel that a art. is far more sustainable then r parents your work, let I think you should show you and try to get involved them see how good you are reciate your talent as app can they so in exhibitions it. ate reci much as others app h, give it time, and time Remember you can do bot l… urfu colo it will tell. Keep Uncle Agony

Growing Up And Grounded

I’m 17, that’s nearly an adult right? Well, my parents don’t seem to think so, I keep getting grounded for lying. I only lie about where I’m going because I don’t think they will approve of where I actually do go. I come from a strict religious household. School, mosque, home and sleep but I enjoy youth work. My mum says I need to help myself before I help others. If I stop youth work, am I selfish? Sometimes lying becomes second nature, but don’t allow it to ruin future opportunities. Why have you felt the need to lie? From personal experience it gets you nowhere. Talk to your parents, ask them to compromise, you are 17 and you need time to grow. If helping people satisfies you, keep at it, your parents will understand, regardless of their religious beliefs. Parents will always love you and want the best for you. Keep it caring…

BELIEVE INSPIRE CREATE

Uncle Agony

LLIV E A ICE IV DVIC

Live’s resident agony aunt and uncle get to grips with your gripes…

Diet Breath

my friend is At Whitechapel we have a problem, because why know t don’ I trying out FAD diets. Aunty A, I really need your advice. her breath but is, she way the tiful beau is she My best friend hasn’t been turning up to school. s yo-yoing one is becoming a problem, and she’ Every morning I go to her house and meet her – a week a size 12. week she’s a size 10 and the next routine we’ve developed since we were young, suggest how I se plea thy, heal is this think t I don’ but how we get to school and she never comes ssion. obse rd absu this can help her stop in. I’m so worried for her safety. She tells me she doesn’t need school, but a coup le of weeks ago you couldn’t get her out of school or the library. diets are not Oh indeed, we have a problem, FAD Help me, I’m at a loss. s sizes, but healthy. Yes you can drop two dres le your original once you eat some rice you doub size. Don’t worry, Aunty Agony is here . uade her to I suggest you be a buddy and pers Try to ask her to explain why she feels she not diets. and mes sche g eatin look into healthy doesn’t need school, explain to her the es and help her Go to the library, try different recip importance of school and her prog ression, and s. In some realise that FADS are very dangerou remind her of all the fun times and memories lems. Tell prob th heal term cases can lead to long school provides. I think you shou ld bring your th is not nice! her that her breath smells, bad brea friend down to our Live East offic es. And we’ll t. Lucky shining stars, are always brigh turn your serial bunker into someone who has a clear future. Aunty Agony Aunty A (nice nickname by the way)

Serial Bunker

Remember if you feel you need more advice try Childline on 0800 11 11, Talk to Frank on 0800 77 66 00 and Muslim Youth Helpline on 0808 808 2008

BYE