Black Vinyl White Powder

I am reading a fascinating book, Black Vinyl White Powder, on the British music culture from the 50's to modern times. I have learnt how massively the gay scene impacted, the drug scenes impact and how various other factors influenced who, what and how records were sold. I learnt that different musical 'genres' and artists used different drugs and how those certain drugs influenced the sound. I found an epic example of this. Hound Dog sung by Big Mama Thornton, and her choice of drug- marijuana- resulted in the laid back, 'stoner' sound of this song. Black country was delivered laid back and often reminiscent of a slurring sound as a result from the use of weed. When comparing this epic version to that of Elvis' version and how the early white rock n roll was fulled by the never ending hyperactivity from the use of amphetamine/speed, you can easily see the contrast in sounds. I find this mind blowing and as Simon Napier-Bell wrote 'Same song. Different drug.' It truly gives you insight into what, how and who influenced various styles and how lifestyle and even political on goings caused a chain reaction to music. Any takers?? ;) So I will be updating any interesting facts or info I find in here.

Also due to the fact I am now officially a student at London College of Fashion I will also be adding a lot more fashion orientated epic findings and keep you up to date on interesting facts, projects, findings, research discoveries and anything else I might think you will enjoy. The assignments are intriguing and the lectures inspirational. So watch closely.

Sweet Dreaming

So Monday night, thanks to my better half, was celebrated in North London at Ed Sheeran's album launch party. It was a wonderful little gathering with many creatives and talented individuals celebrating Ed's success on his album + which was released on Monday. Ed has something that some of us only dream of having, and that is ambition and drive and the will to succeed. Ed self released 5 EP's before he signed to a record label. I have seen Ed on numerous occasions from small intimate poetry events to bigger events. The great thing is that Ed, as a song writer, was involved a lot in the Spoken Word scene and I am guessing being around lyrical geniuses inspired him to likewise be one such creative. So big up to Ed for going for something he wants more than anything else in the world and not letting anyone get in his way, nor dye the colour of his hair. :).  We all love and support him very much and I am not alone in saying he is an inspiration to any aspiring artist on how perseverance and faith get you to higher places. If we could all take a page out of Ed's book. Find your light and your dream and your goal and don't let anything or anyone stop you. Now I ask what kind of person are you? One who watches things happen or one who makes things happen? 

On another note, we got talking to a lovely young man from Mitcham, Mr Clement Marfo, who is a talented rapper and charming young man too, which goes to show that down to earth, realness is much more attractive than arrogance and pompousness. It is always so exhilarating meeting new people and especially when they are just so bewitching. Clement has just aired his new video 'Overtime' on youtube and received 11 000 hits in 24hrs. Big up to him for making things happen too. London is so full of amazing potential and talented individuals who deserve to be credited. My mission is to spread this talent to the depths of Southern Africa and hopefully around the world to see what great artists are battling it out in the U.K. So again, I take my hat off to Clement Marfo & The Frontline and wish him and his crew all the best for a bright future. 

Hopefully, guys like this will encourage the lost souls of this generation to turn their efforts to creating and finding an outlet, be it creative or otherwise, rather than creating scenes of carnage and crime. Let's try save this world- one song at a time and communicate on various levels through music and lyrics. It's the only thing, besides breathing, that unites everyone no matter the ethnicity, age, gender, background or social level. Come on people it starts with us! Big love x

Dilatory

A few pictures from a test with a friend. :) Great laughs
Photographer: Richard Johnson
Male Model: Sean Gibson

Heart of my heart

So I am sure everyone at some point has been in a situation or instance in life when you felt something be it happiness or sadness or love or jealousy or rage. You felt an emotion or thoughts so deeply however it seemed impossible to express. Well this if how I felt when I sat back and tried to express, somehow, to my sister on her 21st, just how much she means to me. I scratched my head and tried to figure out what and how to say what I felt in my heart. So here it is, everything I could possibly try and say to her but never found a way of releasing it until I finally put pen to paper. 

You would have been too tiny to ever recall

The day I sat by your side and promised my all

The things I promised you on the day you were born

A list of promises on my life I had sworn

I was the little age of no more than three

when I realised what my reason on earth would be­

You were the most precious thing I’d ever hold in my hands

And I promised the world by you I’d always stand

I promised that with my every single breath

I would be there to protect you until my death

I promised that no one would take you away

And I promised on my life on that special day

That the tiny bundle of joy in my hand I did hold

I would treasure forever more than diamonds or gold

Because no one single person who walked this earth

would ever deserve or understand just what you are worth

because to me, you see, you were my world

The reason I breathed as over my fingers yours curled

And from then I knew, even though you no word you could utter

That our hearts understood what my mouth did mutter

And I promised, as side by side were grew up bigger,

Just me and my baby sister together forever,

That no body could hurt you, just let them try

For it’s always killed me to see my baby sister cry

And as Batman had Robin, and Sonny had Cher

everywhere that you went I was always there

And as Bonnie had Clyde and Adam had Eve

you were made for greatness, in you I always believe

It’s been so many years so many ups and downs

So many tears and laughter confusion and frowns

And when we didn’t agree on one thing or another

I know sometimes you wish that you’d had a brother

But I know that wishing was driven by rage

Because you my world grow better with age

We’ve had our fights and screaming matches

The tantrums, the boys, the kissing catchers

But together we always stood extra tall

Hand in hand, with you as my all

And little sister you lost and your heart did break

I tried to make a deal with God to not let it ache

He said to me that he had to let you learn

that heartache will come before happiness returns

and I said I would do whatever it takes

and I begged him not to let my sisters heart break

And although that time I couldn’t take it away

I was holding your hand every step of the way

So when you’re lonely and lost and feeling confused

When you’re hurting and aching and your is heart bruised

I’ll dust off your knees and pick up the pieces

I’ll hold you closer and iron out the creases

I’ll kiss your cheeks and wipe away all your tears

I’ll whisper you secrets to abolish your fears

Because today's your day you turn 21

You’ll be given a key, your life has begun

no mountains too high nor rivers too wide

nothing will happen to you, with me by your side

Together we’ll take on mountains and stars

And I’d let you go but I’d never be far

Because now you are old enough to understand

I’ll be close behind but I must let go of your hand

You are the reason I take every breath

and the thing I’ll love most until my death

So I want you to remember every single day

that I’ve promised to be there every step of the way

Mitigation

At my pathetic attempt to keep my blog up to date I have realised it has been almost 3 months. Disgusting, disgraceful and embarrassing on my part. But in my defense I was away in Turkey for my little (now not so little) sisters 21st, albeit only a week, I have also been preparing for College this month. So, now my frail excuses have been given I shall be posting a few late, rather late than never, posts on the on-goings the past few months. And they will be great reads as they include a VIP Iron Maiden experience, a long over due Hog Hoggidy Hog gig in London and a poem written, by me, for my sister. 

So in the meantime I will post back on the last memorable experience which included eating up my 3G data on a dirty 2am bus trip home with one of the most beautiful people I know. Lee Thompson, trumpet player for the South African Pork Rock band, Hog Hoggidy Hog. Lee has performed and played alongside many of South African's Iconic bands including The Springbok Nude Girls and Golliwog to name a few. Also as a session musician for the likes of Goldfish, Die Antwoord and Freshlyground. So basically an extremely talented individual.......  Now...back to my story after my little rant of bragging. So on this bus of death trip we somehow got onto the music of the 90's and some of the great musicians that came out of this decade. The obvious few would include Nirvana and The Pixies but one which we really loved was The Cranberries, an Irish band which many of you out there will know and likewise love. So many great hits and the best thing we found about this band is how all the memories of this music stirs the deepest and most often happiest memories of your past. So, I have to chose two great ones to accompany this post, I am not saying they are the best, but possibly my best. Get your browser on youtube and tap into memory lane. I guarantee you it will put a smile on your face when the memories come flooding back. Enjoy and many apologies for my pathetic lack of posting..