African and Caribbean War Memorial Unveiled

The African and Caribbean War Memorial was unveiled this week outside the Black Cultural Archives in Windrush Square, Brixton, South London. It is a long overdue commemoration to the war dead and veterans of the African and Caribbean countries who also laid down their lives for the good of the world.

Interestingly I accompanied my eldest son's class on a visit to a local church that also has a war memorial. This was preceded by an assembly where the kids discussed the war and spoke with veterans about the wars of the past and today. It just shows how many lives were affected by the wars of the past and still are today. During the assembly a teacher who was once part of the army made note of the contributions of men and women from the commonwealth and the colonies.  

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.

Quote of the day - Tariq Jahan

Tariq Jahan lost his son last night as he amongst others put themselves forward to defend their communities against the rioters and looters that have been gripping the UK. In is grief he asks for peace and that all races unite for the better of the community. 

"Today we stand here to plead with all the youth to remain calm (and) for our communities to stand united. This is not a race issue.
"Blacks, Asians, whites - we all live in the same community. Why do we have to kill each other?
"I lost my son. Step forward if you want to lose your sons. Otherwise, calm down and go home."
(source)

UK Riots

I am still in shock regarding the current events gripping the UK. A peaceful protest exploded into a riot in Tottenham, London. The riot turned into looting and as such has spread across London and across the UK. The media are blaming social media platforms such as Twitter Facebook and Blackberry messenger. There is something deeper going on here. This video was brought to my attention which puts an interesting perspective on the whole youth revolt shall we call it( although quite clearly there are middle age people amongst them).

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New PM finally

To be honest I have not been all that moved by the events of last week. The polls got it right, Parliament was well and truly hung. The irony now is that the position of UK Prime Minister has been taken up by David Cameron, a man and the party that he belongs too, who did not gain enough votes/seats etc to warrant being at No10 Downing Street. Oh and do not forget the Liberal Democrats. What seats did they get. So we are lumped with this coalition government that will soon fall apart. Already the cuts are being put in place. The toffs have taken office and well you know what that means. Let us see how this plays out.

Are you happy with the result? Do you even care?

Oh and yes I voted this year!!