March Mavericks!!

March 2013 arrived and it was definitely the month that kick-started off the year!! With barely anything left on the sales racks and the odd sunny hour or two - the New Year started to feel real. Plus the major fact that it was my birthday and everyone was coming to London Town!!

With various celebs flocking in, it became even easier to hand-pick what I wanted to do and where I wanted to celebrate my birthday!  

On March 19^th Nas graced the stage of the O2 following his two opening acts, Iggy Azalea and 2 Chainz - and it was certainly a night to remember.  

Iggy Azalea at the O2

Iggy Azalea a relatively new female rapper originally from Australia with a strong New York twang when spitting, blasted onto the stage first. Warming up the crowd with her raunchy performances to her songs ‘Work, Pu$$y and Murder Bizness.’

She proved herself to be young, fresh and attractive, the question is? Will this miscombobulated rapper survive in this hard hitting genre of music we call Hip hop? 

Then US Grammy nominated rapper 2Chainz was next on stage, driving the crowd crazy with his lyrics from Mercy as well as his verses from other hit records. Whilst teaching us all how to dance and screaming out his trademark ‘TRU,’ he quickly turned what started off as a concert into a rave! With Meek Mill being unable to make it to the UK, 2Chainz did not disappoint, the stadium was almost filled and with another interval and a mini stage change, Nas graced the platform!

Standing at the front the mood was intense; the crowd was rearing to go! With the hype created by the other two artists it was now time for Nas to join his party. As the live band, and two projectors were set up either side of the stage the mood got more intense. Everyone was urging for the curtain to twitch for one last time and it be Nas who come onto the stage. 

I had one cousin about to pass out because of the intense heat, (we had been partying for almost three hours now!) The other was hopping from side to side, sometimes to the beat and the other because her feet were tired. Then the moment we were all waiting for arrived... 

The lights went up and Nas appeared onto the stage to the sound track of his album Life is Good, seated on a leather sofa with one leg on top of the other. Chilled out like a boss.

Standing up Nas flowed in and out through old school flavours, pacing up and down the stage showing love to all his fans he synchronised Bob Marley's One Love into Got Ur Self a Gun, to Cherry Wine and Bye bye baby dedicated to his ex-wife.

Nas not only performed but he interacted with the crowd, from Illmatic back to Life is Good. From the nose bleed seats to us standing right at the front, Nas's aura created a room of understanding. A man with little love for material things he stood as a black man preaching about the uplifting moments and strife he has experienced in his personal life. He critiqued his good looks by stating "I may look young, but I'm as old as a motherf*****, I got baby mama problems like a motherf*****" and laughed. The stadium roared with him, well most of us...

Playing tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, pre-recorded footage was projected of an interview with her, accompanied by some unseen footage of Winehouse performing and speaking amongst friends. Proceeds of the concert went towards the Amy Winehouse Foundation. With Nat King Coles grandson accompanying him on stage, Nas belted out classics with new vibes leaving his audience yearning for more. This concert was definitely 9/10 a big boo to the lonely intervals and the DJ's mishap on Iggy's set.

Tan and TeamSheeks having way too much fun! Guess who almost passed out! :p 

Better late than never!

So,

 its 2013 and I can safely say we are over the Happy New Year Saga, and are yearning for the summer time rays! Unfortunately April has not brought us any closer to sunshine, but is providing us with cold and rainy weather. Nevertheless the Aries in me will always seek a good time whether it is rain or shine, I’d like to officially say goodbye to fabulous 2012 although its gloomy weather is STILL very much so here.

2012: At the Sue Ryder Charity Gala with JLS at Chak89

2012: David Haye and I

2012: With Media Mavens Jodie Dalmeda and Jessica Huie. xx

Miss West Africa UK 2012

Miss West Africa UK 2012 (MWAUK) which took place at the mermaid Theatre in Black Friars welcomed its guest with a hint of showbiz panache.  Bestowing a red carpet and paparazzi style entrance leading it’s audience to the auditorium, it gave its ardent guests more than a subtle indicator that they were about to embark on something special.

In an eruption of bright colours flags and choreographed dance moves MWAUK boasted a combination of beauties that introduced themselves onto the stage; with one live DJ, two humorous hosts and four renowned judges, the air of excitement and nerve’s for the girls was infectious. The pageant was broken up with music by DJ Fifi and an assortment of acoustics and live performances. From Valentine who sang and performed his overzealous dance moves to his single Let me entertain you, and the likes of Sonnibali performing an eclectic sound- combining a reggae quality with African lyrics. MWAUK was a lively insight into the richness that the African culture has to provide.

Using both Kamilah McCalman and James Sherwood flair to host the show, the humorous cameo was enough to keep bums on seats during dress changes, monologues and the much awaited talent section. Contestants from all over West Africa included Cote D’ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria and The Gambia passionately put in their efforts to win this pageant which was not only about beauty but charitable fortitudes. OK! Nigeria is pleased to announce that after all the deliberating and points tallying from within the competition as well as on the night; it was declared that the female who would become ambassador for MWAUK 2012 and its charity campaigns was 20 year old MISS NIGERIA!Mercy Ukor, followed by runner up Tonisha Tagoe (Ghana), third place winner Olivia Balou (Ivory Coast) and Estelle Oyourou (Cote D’ivoire) for Miss Congeniality .

Completed with an after party which included the winners, founders and competitors; Miss West Africa UK and all its supporters gave London more than a taster of African culture with glamour and dance and an an insight into the hardship and tribulations that many of these counties are going through at one time.

Kamilah McCalman

Estelle Oyourou – Winner of Miss Congeniality

Ifeoluwa Ifonlaja and James Sherwood

Kamilah McCalman and Adama Bari

Catherine Ackam

Tonisha Tagoe – First runner up (2nd place)

Olivia Balou Third runner up

Tonisha Tagoe, Mercy Ukor, and Olivia Balou

Miss West Africa UK 2012 winner: Mercy Ukor

Touching base with Tonisha Tagoe Miss Azonto! CEO of U Media Films

Ghana-born community activist, entrepreneur and film-maker Tonisha Tagoe also the Producer of the now World Famous “Azonto” Viral Video, which has made  internet celebrities of Ghanaian Fuse ODG and Serbian David Vujanic is one of the Finalists for the Miss West Africa UK 2012 Charity Beauty Pageant.

Award winning Producer Tonisha Tagoe founded the Asantewaa Charity to support education and positive development of young African women in Africa in 2009. The Miss West Africa UK 2012 Charity Beauty Pageant supports the reigning Queen into developing charitable projects around West Africa. Tonisha’s Passion for charity work and Love for Africa has brought her to participate in the pageant tomorrow.

When Ok! Nigeria caught up with her earlier this week to find out how she felt, about the Pageant, the young entrepreneur responded simply with “It’s a pleasure and honour to be able to embrace and share my West African heritage on such an empowering platform!”

Words by: Amica Anselm (OK! Nigeria)

Here’s how we got on:

For those who don’t understand the relevancy of beauty pageants, what is its importance in the UK and West Africa today?

In my opinion, beauty pageants are a great way for women like me to gain the opportunity to both express our comfort with our feminity and use it as a way to engage audiences in causes which they may not otherwise be aware of.

Not all pageants are quite like Miss West Africa UK though, which to be honest, is why I was so interested in participating in this pageant rather than any of the others that have been around over the years.

You have recently been entered into the Miss West Africa UK (MWAUK) competition on behalf of Ghana what made you choose to do this?

As I mentioned earlier, Miss West Africa UK stood out to me because of the differences it has with most pageants.

Miss West Africa UK 2012 is the first pageant I’ve heard of which I found out about because of its charity work before knowing about the actual pageant itself.  The reigning queen will work with the team to support not only the resident charity – the Joshua Tree Foundation – but will also support a charity of her choice which works with the under privileged across West Africa.

To me, this is perfect as I have been working for a UK based charity – Kids Company – for the past 3 years teaching Film Studies to underprivileged young people from around the world based in London; and I have been thinking about how to do more in not only Ghana, but across Africa as a whole. I felt that the opportunity to start small with a focus on West Africa would be perfect, especially with the help of such a fun and dedicated team.

The Miss West Africa UK pageant is about celebrating the beauty of the modern West African woman, what do you think you encompass that is elite compared to your peers? 

To be honest, after spending 3 months with my beautiful West African counterparts, I have learned so much about how different cultures can be in neighbouring West African countries and I’ve grown to see how special and individual we all are.

I would hope that my personality and life experiences will be the key to my success in the pageant. As a Freelance Film and Television producer, outside of my role at Kids Company, I have worked across cultures for the past 10 years. This has hopefully given me the insight and skills to be the Ambassador that the pageant is looking for.

I think there is no doubt that all the contestants are beatiful, and so I’m fully aware that a win will be based on much more that beauty.

MWAUK is considered to be the most prestigious African pageant in the UK, what do you aim to offer to the UK as well as aim to claim from the pageant and its sponsors?

Well, as you know, I’ve joined the pageant at a late age of 26. Initially, I had thought this to be a downfall however, I have grown to realise that it means I am able to provide a more focused package in terms of my value as an ambassador.

I have been working in Film and Television for the past 10 years and with a portfolio of mainstream projects ranging from Adulthood to most recently, The Story Of Lover’s Rock.

I’ve also travelled extensively both for Media related work and charity work, noteably the African schools Tour which took me around Ghana, Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2009 studying the education systems and programmes within West, Central, and Southern Africa.

I would aim to offer the same amount of dedication to the role as Miss West Africa UK 2012 if I were to win the pageant. I would also attempt to draw on some of the experiences when developing my own charitable project over the following 12months.

What is your most nerve racking part of this entire pageant?

To be honest, the ‘Beauty’ element has been the most stressul part for me! Most people who know me, know I’ve been a dedicated Tom Boy for the first 20 years of my life! The past 6years have been the real turn for me as I’ve grown to love shoes, handbags, and makeup a few years behind all my friends.

I also shaved off all my hair 3years ago in an attempt to be more comfortable in my own skin, however, when surrounded by the beautiful women in this competition, I must admit, it all gets a bit scary!

What are you most confident about?

I’m most confident about my skills and ability to perform and stay focused. I’ve spent most of my short life working in Media and Education which require such skills, and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to stay focused for so long.

When I was a teenager, focus was not one of my strong points as most people would probably be able to agree with! (Laughs) but it’s nice to look back and see that change in myself.

You have personally won awards for your hard work, what would it mean to you to win Miss West Africa UK?

Being recognised for my work by those I respect and look up to proffessionally is a priceless priviledge and honor! However, I worked hard and studied over the years to gain the skills necesarry for that to be able to happen.

Winning the pageant could not really compare because it comes down to a judgement on me as an individual. With only a few months to prepare, winning the Miss West Africa UK pageant would be amazing for my confidence in myself and would allow me to express my self personally and put my skills to use outside of the proffesional roles I’m more widely known for.

Your company U-Media films is dissimilar to the overall concept of MWAUK, is this step imperative to you professionally or personally?

Miss West Africa UK is important to me personally. For me, this is the first time I’ve entered something because I’m a woman. I work in a male dominated industry, so I’ve never spent so much time with so many women so regularly before, especially so many varying cultures and languages.

Our rehersal times and meetings have actually become a part of my life over the past few months, so regardless of if I am able to win or not, I will have this as a gift to remember and tell my daughters about in future.

U Media Films which most recently focuses on the African music industry (Afrobeats) proclaims to be a platform,’ aiming to boost the efforts of young film producers and directors’which obviously comes at a price, what have you or your company done for charity or that has been altruistic?

I work closely with Mi Firi Ghana and the WAM (What About Me) Campaign which is headed by amazing young Ghanaians, one of which, Arnold Oceng has been a great friend of mine since the African Schools Tour project began in 2008. The ambassador for The WAM Campaign is Fiifi Atta Mills, son of our late president, and they do amazing work both here and in Ghana helping the future generation to dream and have their dreams realised.

I offer U Media Films’ services to the WAM Campaign at no cost to help them raise awareness and funds for their project. The guys are amazing! You should check them out when you get a chance! They did an amazing Sky Dive last year which I filmed from the ground in shock! Haha!

Who do you look up to and what has inspired you to gain your achievements and be a role model to others?

I spent the ages 7-16 living with my Ghanaian Mother and Grandmother here in London which I must admit was intense!

My Grandmother is a Head Mistress so school never really ended and there was never a good reason to be idle, which was contrast to the lives of my friends. As a child I will admit I thought there was no fate worse than that. (chuckles) However, I seem to have adopted her methods and words not only into my day to day life as I’ve grown up, but I am also now a teacher. I think therefore, it goes without saying that she wins the crown on my work ethic and focus.

My mum however is the side of me that’s more comical, reserved and charitable. She’d always laugh when I came crying for getting in trouble for obvious mistakes and give me that reassuring hug. I bring that same love into my classroom with my students when they complain about getting in trouble with other teachers in College or at home.

On the contrary what disappointments have you embarked on in your life and how have you come back from?

Outside of work and especially in this pageant, I am your average 26 year old! I have gone through as much, if not more than the next person. However, the fact that I am able to wake up every morning and try again at mistakes means a lot to me. Therefore I try not to think about situations that don’t go the way I wanted as disappointments, but more as a learning experience!

If I don’t win the Miss West Africa UK 2012 Pageant, I’ll still have learned so much more by participating than I would have if I hadn’t taken part.

What can we expect from you in the next five years?

In the next 5 years I hope U Media Films can become more of a household name for Film and Television production around the Globe. I am currently focused on rebranding Africa to the world and reintroducing The World to Africa. I feel there is a lot that people can do for themselves with the help of the internet and so I will be focussed on welcoming people with new ideas and not enough expertise to join us on the journey.

The U in U Media Films represents ‘You’ the audience, the Creatives, the People!  I hope to see all of U on the 1st of September!

http://oknigeria.wordpress.com/

World of WINNERS!!

Well as many of you guys know, I WON OHTV's (sky chl 199) presenter competition. I had made it to the the semi - finals and then I WON, I actually WON!!
Due to my not so fabulous smartphone (using the word 'smart' VERY loosely) crashing, pausing stalling and loading whilst the info came through, I found out on twitter by a fellow contestant congratulating my self and Marlon Barclay.

Who?

Yes Marlon Barclay my co-presenter, another contestant who gained the same amount of votes as me, so there it is!!

Marlon Barclay and Amica Anselm OHTV Summer Presenter Winners!

 A double wammy and a fabulous twist that both Marlon Barclay and my self were completely surprised and elated about. So there I was jumping up and down and wanting to run to the studio's and immediately jump on screen when reality brought me crashing back down to North West London. I had to be at the Grosvenor hotel within the next hour! So thrusting my articulate frock on I headed down to Park lane where I was assisting media magnate Jodie Dalmeda at the Caribean expo.

(

(Left to Right) Amica Anselm and Jodie Dalmeda (Media consultant and artist management)

On the 9th of August I arrived at the Grosvenor where there were plenty of beautifully dressed Afro-Caribbean people ready to enjoy the melodies and the final jubilation of this culturally inspired event. Bolt and co were about to run the 200 metres that night, and Jamaica's fifty years independence celebrations were just behind us which had every one raring to go, it was evident that this event could not have come at a better time.

Usain Bolt - Gold Medalist

With Trevor Nelson MBE and Sarah Jane Crawford (BBC 1Xtra DJ and Television presenter) hosting the 'Caribbean Soul Fusion,' showcasing a cocktail of Caribbean artist's, the audience was fully entertained with the dynamics between the two inimitable presenters to say the least.

Pamela Coke Hamilton Executive Director Caribbean Export Develeopment Agency, Trevor Nelson MBE and Sarah Jane Crawford

Songs were covered from numerous genre's such as Jazz, Afro latin, reggae, soca and zouk to conclude the weeks long Caribbean expo London engage. The crowd was more than entertained with a night filled with homeland melodies, media personalities who intermingled and celebrated in great jubilation.
As if this was not enough a huge screen was displayed in the foyer as well as several other rooms, displaying the 100m race where Usain Bolt won the Gold medal. The entire party ignited with pride, hugs, dancing and sheer excitement uniting the guests even further.

Taking the audience back to the journey of the music inspired from the depths of the Caribbean, we were all back on the dance floor celebrating and supporting the likes of Usain Bolts favourite winner of the Digicel Rising Stars (the Jamaican version of American Idol) 'Chris Martin' and ‘Arturo Tappin’. The smoothest, horn man the Caribbean could offer the UK.

Christopher Martin

With their being too many acts to mention, take a look at some of the award winning, creative composers and chart toppers from the Caribbean who hails not only the West Indies and Haiti, but are also favourites at Jazz and Creole festivals all over the Caribbean.

Ximora Fortuna

Michele Henderson, Claudia Edwards, Mr Dale, B´elO, Arturo Tappin

Michelle Fortuna

Belo

The crowd was entertained by the creative artists till 11pm by Dominican Republican songstress Ximora Fotuna, who combines Latin, Brazilian and afro funk to her music melodies as well as Belo and award winning Haitian who fuses his beats and lyrics with rock, reggae and Afro-Haitian traditional rhythms
known as ‘Ragganga’.

Mystic from Guyana, 

The Caribbean had stamped its mark on this UK's summer and although we got off to a bad start with pure rain and little sunshine, the sunny rays did not leave us as Jamaica dominated the Olympics with the likes of all the other African-American athletes who did our race and their individual countries VERY proud. All in all The Caribbean expo was a positive event exhibiting the positive qualities the black race is providing  regardless of the stereotypes available today. Amongst all the proud and dynamic faces amongst the crowd was Doreen Lawrence who took part in the jubilations at The Caribbean Expo. With Lawrence being a strong iconic figure in the media as well as a respectable black person breaking barriers in a dignified manner and opening doors for the new generation, rounded up this event for me as a positive movement that should continue year after year.

Doreen Lawrence

Words: Amica Anselm

Images credit: credit Paul Hampartsoumian 

POTENTIAL PRESENTER

The line  "SHORTY GOT POTENTIAL, I CAN BE HER SPONSOR...."


Well that seems to of been the theme of my previous week...

Deciding to explore all my options in media I decided to cash in my dreams account of being a TV presenter and enter OHTV's Jamaican Summer presenter competition.


SO...


I recorded a 60 seconds reel, courtesy of R U Media onto Youtube and tagged OHTV via Facebook and Twitter discretely. After about a week or two of mad voting by friends and family I became one of OHTV's finalist and went down to the studio to compete on film with all the other finalist's at the same time. (More info on that coming real soon)

Being quite content with the prospects of going to the Studios with the chance to be OHTV's new TV presenter, and being broadcasted on a daily basis in Jamaica where my loved ones can kick back and watch little old me, I was HAPPY to say the least.

Where it all began: 60secs show reel

Then I got a call from Sophia Jackson, editor and founder of Afridiziak Theatre News, explaining that my reel had been sent over to the executive producer Andrew Osayemi founder of Meet The Adebanjo's , and he wanted me to host The Worlds Premiere of Venus VS Mars and a CUP of T'! 

The same evening of the day that I was going to audition at OHTV was when it was all going to take place, so I jumped at the chance of getting my self out there, and typical journalist style wrote down every teeny bit of information possible as time was of the essence and it was not on my side!

After spending the entire afternoon at OHTV, I made my way to Leicester Square's very own Prince Charles Cinema and prepared to host the screening and live Q&A of Venus VS Mars and A cup of T!

Tonight's host Miss Amica Anselm

NOT TO SELF: Seperate the writer from the presenter and throw that clipboard AWAY!

DON'T JEALOUS ME!

Like most who put in the hard graft - we like to finish it off with a bag of laughs!! In this case we shook off the remains of hard work and tiresome preparation at the after party at Metra with a couple of boggles to the Bashment and Azonto free styling to the Afrobeats!!

Baby Isako -playwright and director

Girls getting their drink on!

From left to right: Andrew, Amica, and Remel London

Million Dollar SHOT!

Thank you all for reading this and supporting my movement into the presenting world. This is only the beginning and i'm in it for the long haul. So keep following, tweeting, Facebooking and of course supporting as there's a lot more to come, with my potential to articulate myself, be brave and put myself out there I bagged two fantastic opportunity's. STAY TUNED and keep me SPONSORED...

Here's a taster of the night captured by R U Media

                  THANK YOU! XX

International Architecture & Design Showcase

Architectures of change: Four continents, five perspectives

Celebrated architects from around the Caribbean have their work displayed at The International Architecture and Design Showcase with Caribbean Expo London and The British Council.

This exhibition showcases architecture and design as well as sustainable housing and its progression in the Caribbean, at the University of Westminster an amalgamation of countries such as Taiwan, Serbia, Namibia, and South Africa have come together under one roof, to present the historical diverse but fundamental shifts in city structures, and homes. 

This exhibition is an opportunity for the Caribbean and Africa to display their creative industries and create exposure for their businesses and the change in housing around the world. With the Caribbean being renowned for its sun kissed beaches, white sands and hot weather, architects such as the Caribbean Operation of Co-Operative Architecture (COCOA) uses a combination of solar and wind energy which is showcased in their design ‘Villa B’.

Talma Mill, one of the Caribbean’s leading landscape Architecture companies presents examples of their ‘green infrastructure’ whilst making a positive impact on the built and natural atmosphere combining natural and assembled elements whilst considering timely topics of each country their project is based in.

Westminster University’s Ambika P3 gallery is currently transformed into a series of unique sectors reconnoitring the architecture of five countries. With printed images from the past and modern day structures, a virtual platform which focuses on low cost housing solutions are illustrated in a 3D animation featuring different design concepts. The Caribbean, Taiwan, Namibia, Serbia, and South Africa have come together presenting rare architecture that is worth going out to experience. 

3D virtual platform, by Amonle architects 

Info: Until July 15 | Ambika P3, University of Westminster, 35 Marylebone Road, NW1 5LS | Mon – Sat, 10am – 6pm | Sunday, 11am – 5pm
http://www.afridiziak.com/theatrenews/reviews/july2012/architectures-of-change.html