Sir Mix-A-Lot with the Seattle Symphony

So what happens when you mix the HipHop classic and ode "Baby Got Back" with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra? This rendition was composed by Gabriel Prokofiev. Sir Mix-A-Lot invites some ladies on stage and wow they really go for the bum shaking full on. Aside from that these lovers of classic music that seamlessly merges with modern classics know every single word. 

People will call this art and great and fabulous. I just hope the same is said when this song is played within it original form too. It was nice and interesting to see this mix of musical madness.

Azealia Banks Passion Shines in Interview

Rapper Azealia Banks appeared on HOT 97 recently. The caption of the video says she goes off on TI and Iggy. However when you watch the video and listen to what she has to say, you realise that at 23 years old she already knows how this music business is working. She has an understanding of the media and how it frames "Black" culture away from the very people who produced it. I love the fact that in this interview she remained transparent and unafraid to speak up for what she believes in. Those who do not understand what she is saying will respond negatively. Whilst everyone else will be saying finally a person who is unafraid to say it how it is. Banks is definitely not an "angry" Black woman. She is a lady who is clued up on what happens to Black people, the culture, the music, the perceptions etc and is very passionate about it. A creative soul, who deserves to be heard.

Buskers and Dinosaurs Natural History Museum

I took my boys to the Natural History Museum during the school half term. It was mainly to see the dinosaurs which I think is the main attraction. We did explore the other stuff on show. Outside was a few buskers one of which was dressed as Sherlock Holmes making bubbles. The randomness you only get in a big city which is my home town.

Take a look at my video montage below showing the buskers followed by a picture slideshow. 

Sheryl Underwood | Bruised But Not Broken

On The Talk, Sheryl Underwood revealed that she was in negotiations to join the Queens of Comedy tour to replace Mo'Nique who had went on to do the TV sitcom The Parkers. Upon dialling into a conference call early she over heard Sommore, Adele Givens and Laura Hayes talking about her. They discussed everything from her ability as a comedian to her appearance. As a result she declined the offer to join the tour. She never mentioned it to them nor did she allow it to impede her ability to work with some of the ladies in the future since that incident. 

Sheryl explains she was "bruised but not broken" by what they said. Look at where she is now. She chose not to let their words hinder her she simply moved on in forgiveness. Even more so she progressed and flourished in her career. Not going on that tour just may have been a blessing in disguise.

I was so amazed listening to this. Normally I would put this on my Faith And I blog but this message is so universal. You can choose to hold on to hurt and pain or you can move on. People are going to say what they want about you but you must not let them define you. Do not let anybody but God determine who you are and who you are to become. Watch the video below to get the full story.

Lupita Nyong'o on Sesame Street

Lupita has become well known for her journey in self love. She previously spoke about the negative thoughts she had towards her deep chocolate brown skin until she saw model Alek Wek strutting down the catwalk. In this brief video Lupita and Elmo discuss the benefits of having skin and express how much they love their skin. I applaud Sesame street for encouraging self love. Remember their "I love my hair song". I just love that more mainstream avenues are joining the campaign for loving ourselves as we are.

Sky Sets Diversity Target

In a press release today, Sky Broadcasting announced that it is setting a tangible target to ensure that at least 20% of all new original programming on its channels Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living and Sky Arts reflect the audiences that watch them. The aim is to ensure Black, Asian and other minorities are represented better on British TV. This move covers On screen portrayals, Production (including senior roles), Writing and Commissioning.

Stuart Murphy, Sky’s Director of Entertainment said: “Sky is dedicated to making programmes that feel representative of every one of the millions of viewers that watch our content every day, whatever their colour. So we have tackled the issue with the same sense of ambition that we show in all other areas of our business, setting ourselves a set of tangible goals that will hold us to account. Our aim is to kick start a sea change in the on screen representation of ethnic minorities on British television. It’s an incredibly exciting time, and I am very proud that Sky is going to be at the forefront.”

This is good news to read about as for a very long time British TV has been very hostile towards true diversity and representation. This has lead to many talented people leaving England for amazing careers abroad. Others have shown off their talents through online webisodes  such as Brothers With No Game, that have become very popular and pretty much welcomed. One of the things that got my attention is that they are not just covering the actors but those behind the cameras too. So hopefully that means we will never be subjected to another show like the ill fated show The Crouches or even the plethora of shows that contain so called minorities but do not have any of their input.

Mark Sebba Gets an Epic Send Off

Mark Sebba the CEO of Net a Porter was given an epic send off after 11 years for retirement. The London staff enlisted choirs, artwork, samba dancers, drummers and more to wish him well. The celebrations were also simultaneously joined by the international offices in America and Asia. He must have been a very good boss that kept all staff happy enough to give him such an amazing send off. It pays to be the boss but it pays even more to be nice to others

Vlog: Derby Caribbean Carnival Procession 2014

It was Derby Caribbean Carnival last weekend. I walked the procession route with my kids and friends. This is a video of some the highlights. We had typical British weather, rain sun thunder lightning all in one day. The troupes still put on a good show despite the mixed weather.

Throwback Thursday | Althea and Donna Uptown Top Ranking

Althea and Donna's song Uptown Top Ranking was a big hit in 1978. It is almost timeless. Unfortunately this was their only major hit.

Lupita Nyong'o Braids Hair

Check out this video that was made for Vogue where Lupita shows off her hair braiding skills. She explains that she had a bad experience in America with her hair so when she was back in Kenya her Aunt showed her how to braid hair. This became a talent that she would use to style the hair of her friends.

It is definitely nice to see an African celebrity who is one of Hollywood's current darlings showing off Black culture to the masses. Hair braiding is a very old tradition that is passed down the generations. As the years go by more creative ways are developed. Mothers daughters aunts teach the younger ones to do this. Nowadays if you are not able to braid hair there is a plethora of tutorials online to show you how. Some traditions are just meant to be for eternity.

Yes to Lupita showing off African cultural tradition! 

I Love My Africa | Africa Rise Up

MultiChoice's Africa Rising, is a campaign focussed on creating shared value, designed to inspire Africans to become involved in community-based social investment projects. 

I really do love the theme of this song and the campaign it is for. Africa as a continent is rich. It is about time that Africa and her many countries stand up and be great.  To be great every African at home and abroad must do their part to help propel their communities forward. Have a listen to the song and tell me what you think.

The artist featured in this song are Tiwa Savage, Davido, Sarkodie, Micasa, Diamond and Lola Rae.

Melissa Steel | Kisses For Breakfast

The UK has a new artist that is sure to get everyone dancing this summer. Her name is Melissa Steel and she hails from Bradford. Her debut single is called "Kisses For Breakfast" and features top Dancehall artist Popcaan which was produced by UK's very own Wunda. It is a very fun dancehall pop song, which is being released just in time for the summer.

The music video was filmed in Jamaica and Melissa explains that, “The song has a summer, island feel to it which is pretty much why we envisioned Jamaica as the perfect place to shoot the video. I literally had the time of my life shooting it. I had a blast!”

Melissa is currently working on her debut album with producers Kz, Bless Beats and Jamaican producer Baby G. You can buy her debut single when it is released on 14 July 2014. In the meantime check out the music video for the single below.

Samantha J| Jamaica's Latest Crossover Act

Samantha J is a new artist from Jamaica. She was born in Kingston but  has lived in the parish of St. Anne. Samantha has garnered international success with her answer back to the infamous track "Tight Up Skirt" by Dancehall artist Red Rat. Samantha's song uses homegrown Jamaican talent to bring it alive including popular dancehall artist and songwriter Alaine.

Whilst Samantha J whose real surname is Gonsalves started off as a model for Si Mi Ya Agency she has made a smooth transition into the music industry. She is said to have been doing alright as a model and now her music career has started off on the right foot. The video for Tight Skirt has over 2 million views on youtube and has proved a popular hit in the Caribbean and America. Classic and modern dancehall dance moves such as the willy bounce to the one drop all feature against a colourful and lively backdrop. It is a very fun and vibrant music video.

I asked a few people what they thought of Jamaica's new musical talent and they all agreed that she reminded them of Bajan singer Rihanna. Though based on her next single  Hot Gyal, which just has the audio video up she may just stick closer to her roots and give a nice mix of Dancehall Pop fusion. As a Caribbean artist the comparisons will come with those who came before but the music and the personality will stand on its own merit.

Samantha has just signed a major record deal with Columbia records so I imagine we will hear quite a lot more from the teen singer in the future. Have you heard of Samantha J before? Share with us your thoughts. Check out the video for Tight Skirt below.

Get On Up | James Brown Film

Check out the trailer for the up and coming James Brown biography film called Get On Up. It has been created by the same folk who made the movie The Help.

Tessanne Chin | Everything Reminds Me of You

Tessanne Chin who won the last series of The Voice USA returned to perform her new single. The song suits her huge vocal powerhouse range. The more you listen to it the more you enjoy it. Her next album is due for release in June and will reflect her Caribbean heritage.

Lucas DiPasquale Covers PopCaan

My friend sent me this video to look at of Lucas DiPasquale who hails from Canada. He has done a really good and impressive acoustic cover of Reggae Dancehall artist Popcaan's songs. The feedback has been good too on his video. So good that he has been featured in the Jamaican Gleaner.

Loving the Natural Hair in Hellmann's Advert

Saw this Hellmann's Mayo advert online and now on TV. What I love about it is that on UK TV there is an array of natural textured African-Caribbean hairstyles on display and even being styled in a salon. Well done to the casting team.

Please note that I am not affiliated with Hellmann's in anyway!

Lion King Australia Airplane Serenade

Imagine being on a plane and hearing the Lion King cast sing the iconic Circle of Life song. This is exactly what some were able to experience on a plane in Australia. I have still not seen this play at the theatre yet. I am so slacking.

Lupita Nyong'o star is rising

Since her debut in the multi award winning film 12 Years a Slave, Lupita has captured many hearts. She was born in Mexico to a Kenyan family and subsequently lived in Kenya when her family moved back. Her portrayal of Patsy the slave girl whose master had an insatiable lust over her has won her critical acclaim across the globe.

The speeches she gives are amazing too. Not only is she well educated well loved she speaks sense and I enjoy hearing what she has to say. From loving the skin you are in to being a dreamer. Well done on your Oscar win and the many other accolades you have been blessed with.

Why I Love Fat Girl Dancing

I have seen this video pop up all over my FB timeline over the past week. A lot of praise has been bestowed upon the lady dancer. I believe people tend to have a negative view of the health and fitness of people whose weight and size goes against what is fashionable let alone what the medical profession deem to be right. One size fits all mantra. There seems to be a requirement that we all morph into skinnies and hit up a malnourished catwalk.

Anyway what I love about this video is here you have a plus size dancer who owns it. She reminds me of a lady from the local uni who taught me dancing and performance arts when I was younger. She too was a big girl but she did the splits she kept up and overtook the most of them. I love the fact that in this video the lady commands your attention more than her male partner. She would do so even if she was slimmer. She seems to have a natural dancer ability. Her size is not her barrier and why should it be.......