Word on the street is that black magazines and newspapers are redundant. Outdated, done with, about as on trend as a Michael Jackson impersonator. Last week one of Britain's only two black newspapers went into administration. The New Nation launched in 1996 and at it's peak sold in excess of 20,000 copies a week. Combining a heady mix of celebrity news, provocative features, politics and sports, the publication was a fresh and exuberant alternative to its more politicized rival - The Voice. But although off to a flying start, last year the paper nosedived rapidly only managing to shift a mere 6000 copies a week. Over the last few days I've read two informative articles which offer insight into the downfall of the New Nation. Overground Online asks whether the future of Black newspaper is online, while journalist Angela Foster asserts that we still need black press in her piece for the Guardian. I should really know from experience not to read the comments posted on the Guardian website when issues regarding race is raised. The ignorance of some of the individuals who post is astounding. It still baffles me that some people can become so enraged by the actions of a community who have decided enough is enough. That tired of being misrepresented or ignored by the mainstream media, they have decided to create something that reflects their interests. I almost wet myself laughing when one commenter said well surely the fact that the papers dedicated masses of coverage to the Obama presidency campaign and the Victoria Climbie case proves that the mainstream press are serving the needs of the African Caribbean community. Wow! I stay here humbled and thankful for your kindness massa *breaks into a uncle Tom-esque tap dance shuffle*. Excuse me for thinking that the extensive Obama coverage was due to the fact that he was running for the top position in the highest office, and not some kind of altruistic act of tokenism. These comments prove we still have a long long long way to go before we can really throw around misleading terms like 'multi-culturalism'. As for the future of black publications? Who knows. As a black woman who works for a black magazine, obviously this is an issue of concern for me. I totally agree with some of the comments made in the Overground Online piece. Some Black media outlets in the UK need to move with the times, and recognise that the future of media is definitely online. I'd really love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Why do you think black newspapers and magazines are failing to sustain its audience? Or do you even think there is a need for black mags and papers in 2009?
"It’ll be interesting to see what life has to offer."
Michelle Obama, 1996
I know most of the population is Obama'd out, but just thought I'd share this email that just arrived in my inbox. It's from an interview the childless Barack and Michelle conducted for The New Yorker in 1996. To me, their modest expressions and surroundings once again demonstrates that in life anything is possible. Such a sweet little read, see below.
On May 26, 1996, Mariana Cook visited Barack and Michelle Obama in Hyde Park as part of a photography project on couples in America. What follows is excerpted from her interviews with them. MICHELLE OBAMA: There is a strong possibility that Barack will pursue a political career, although it’s unclear. There is a little tension with that. I’m very wary of politics. I think he’s too much of a good guy for the kind of brutality, the skepticism. When you are involved in politics, your life is an open book, and people can come in who don’t necessarily have good intent. I am pretty private, and like to surround myself with people that I trust and love. In politics you’ve got to open yourself to a lot of different people. There is a possibility that our futures will go that way, even though I want to have kids and travel, spend time with family, and like spending time with friends. But we are going to be busy people doing lots of stuff. And it’ll be interesting to see what life has to offer. In many ways, we are here for the ride, just sort of seeing what opportunities open themselves up. And the more you experiment the easier it is to do different things. If I had stayed in a law firm and made partner, my life would be completely different. I wouldn’t know the people I know, and I would be more risk-averse. Barack has helped me loosen up and feel comfortable with taking risks, not doing things the traditional way and sort of testing it out, because that is how he grew up. I’m more traditional; he’s the one in the couple that, I think, is the less traditional individual. You can probably tell from the photographs—he’s just more out there, more flamboyant. I’m more, like, “Well, let’s wait and see. What did that look like? How much does it weigh?” BARACK OBAMA: All my life, I have been stitching together a family, through stories or memories or friends or ideas. Michelle has had a very different background—very stable, two-parent family, mother at home, brother and dog, living in the same house all their lives. We represent two strands of family life in this country—the strand that is very stable and solid, and then the strand that is breaking out of the constraints of traditional families, travelling, separated, mobile. I think there was that strand in me of imagining what it would be like to have a stable, solid, secure family life. Michelle is a tremendously strong person, and has a very strong sense of herself and who she is and where she comes from. But I also think in her eyes you can see a trace of vulnerability that most people don’t know, because when she’s walking through the world she is this tall, beautiful, confident woman. There is a part of her that is vulnerable and young and sometimes frightened, and I think seeing both of those things is what attracted me to her. And then what sustains our relationship is I’m extremely happy with her, and part of it has to do with the fact that she is at once completely familiar to me, so that I can be myself and she knows me very well and I trust her completely, but at the same time she is also a complete mystery to me in some ways. And there are times when we are lying in bed and I look over and sort of have a start. Because I realize here is this other person who is separate and different and has different memories and backgrounds and thoughts and feelings. It’s that tension between familiarity and mystery that makes for something strong, because, even as you build a life of trust and comfort and mutual support, you retain some sense of surprise or wonder about the other person. ♦
I've just returned from a screening of Notorious, the film based on the life of the Notorious B.I.G, and have to admit: I quite enjoyed it. I wasn't a huge Biggie fan back in the day, but ended up with both of his albums and played the life out of his posthumous release 'Life After Death.' Now I'll admit I was initially skeptical when I heard this film was in production. I mean, what was the point? He only passed away the other day (in reality it's been nearly 12 years, wow) and the story too familiar to be of dramatic interest. But I was wrong. Sitting in the cinema I found myself fully immersed in the narrative, feeling a pang of nostalgia, not to mention proper old, as I realised how quickly time has caught up with us all. The music was the soundtrack of my youth, as I'm sure it was for many other twenty and thirty-somethings. Big Poppa took me back to the days of hooking up with my first serious boyfriend. Mo Money, Mo Problems took me back to my carefree student days when Wednesday nights you would find me raving at Hanover Grand without a care in the world. Oh I could go on and on. You know what else I came up with? Puffy, as much as he grates, is a genius. You lose track of how much he has achieved and at such a young age. He was in his mid twenties when Biggie died. Just a baby.
The casting for the film was pretty much spot on. Jamal Woolard who plays Biggie thankfully brought it home after a shaky start. I really admire Derek Luke as an actor, but the verdict is still out on whether he did a commendable job as Puffy. I think he just slightly lacked the cocky swagger we've come to know and love. The job of portraying Voletta Wallace wasn't much of a stretch for Angela Bassett, as we've seen her play the role of strong black matriarch on countless occasions (what happened to the Jamaican accent though)? The actress who played Faith was good, although I wasn't wholly convinced of Naturi Naughton's portrayal of Lil Kim. I dunno, she just didn't seem believable.
But all in all, a very watchable film. And it's nice to see a piece of history we helped to create get the Hollywood treatment. The film is on general release on Feb 13th. Try and support.
Who remembers those three chirpy lasses hailing from Birmingham called Cleopatra? They reached their peak during the early 90's with indelible classics such as 'Cleopatra's Theme' (you know the one, "Cleopatra Coming At Ya") andthen disappeared almost as fast as they arrived. Well in case you were wondering whatever happened to...? The girls are all grown up now, and set to return to our screens next month on LivingTV's Pop Goes the Band. The trio will appear alongside other 80's/90's has-beens such as Bucks Fizz, Shakatak and serial-realityTV personality, David Van Day of Dollar fame. The press release from Living reads:
Every week viewers will witness the efforts of a different band as they bravely undertake the daunting task of recapturing their heyday. Once the transformations are complete, each group will be unveiled to perform their best known hits for their closest friends, family and biggest fans at their very own explosive reveal parties at the end of each show.
Translation:Every week we will take pleasure in watching a bunch of disillusioned has-beens who should really know better publicly humiliate themselves for our enjoyment.Oh lawdy, what have Take That started? Now everybody thinks they can make a comeback. The show airs on Living on Feb 9th. Can't wait.
In the words of Brownstone I'm five miles till empty. Had a late one last-night following an ever so frantic day of editorial deadlines as well as that other minor event that received just a smidgen of media attention... what was it again? Oh yeah, the inauguration of President Obama. Wow, wasn't it something? Did you cry? I was personally taken aback by the sheer magnitude of the occasion, and had to swallow the lump at the back of my throat once or twice. Watched most of it at work, and after he was sworn in headed down to Broadway Theatre in Catford for a celebratory concert. Good times were had, the only sour note being me fluffing up my lines while introducing an act on stage - too shameful. But hey, it happened to Obama. Maybe I was subconsciously channelling him, minor flaws and all. Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Happy Obama Day/Week/Month or however long you plan to celebrate.
Ahh bless the cottons of those ever so considerate Creative Directors of Canadian fashion label DSquared2. So determined were they to make Naomi feel at home that they centered their new ad campaign around the supermodel's favourite activity - having a ruckus. Poor Linda. I bet she wished she never rolled out of bed for $100,ooo on that particular morning. According to Femail, the original Supermodels are back to give their fresh faced successors a run for their money. Naomi, 38, Linda, 43, Claudia, 38, and my personal fave, Christy Turlington, 40, are all fronting major ad campaigns this year. Now we just need to get Cindy in on the act. Read the article here.
Congratulations goes out to film director, Noel Clarke, who has been shortlisted for a BAFTA Award. The 37 year old actor/film-maker is listed among four others including Juno actor Michael Cera, for his gritty street drama, Adulthood. The Orange Rising Star Award will run in conjunction with the Mirror, and is the only award that is voted for by the public. Despite the recognition though, Mr Clarke doesn't seem too confident that he'll seal the deal. He told reporters:
"I think I'm the underdog. I don't think anyone is expecting me to get it. I think people know who they think will get it. I think Rebecca Hall's brilliant so if anyone I wouldn't mind if she won, although Fassbender's great and so is Toby, so for me there's no favourite to who I prefer," he said.
Now come on Noel, that's hardly keeping within the spirit of 'Yes We Can'. In all honesty I think he's in with just as much as a chance as anybody. Adulthood was a good film, and pretty impressive for a first time director. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony in February, but I can guarantee that I won't be watching. Is it just me, or is the BAFTA's the most boring ceremony known to man? I'll make do with catching up with the highlights online.
For those of you who have been tuning in to Celebrity Big Brother, you probably know by now that Mutya Beuna vacated the house last night (sidenote: I can just picture Coolio crazily rubbing his hands in glee, yelling like some mad ghetto scientist: "I love it when a plan comes together"). I must admit; you've disappointed me Muts. I thought you'd be great value for money. There I was expecting you to display all manner of crass, chav-tastic behaviour, but what do you do? Huh? Leave it all to Tina. Apart from a few teen type strops, you were like...you know, normal. Hmph. I feel robbed. Anyway, you've just come out in time to fulfil your promo duties with Asher D/Ashley Walters, or whatever he calls himself these days. I quite like this track. It's got a nice old school, rare groove vibe about it. Although the less said about the video, the better.
Motown Records celebrated its fiftieth anniversary this week. During my mid teens I embarked on a love affair with the music of Motown that has lasted to this day. My fixation began one day while perusing through my local library for music related biographies. I stumbled across a baby pink hard-back book (the title escapes me), which promised to take me on a journey through the corridors of one most successful record company in history. I read the book from cover to cover and in a matter of days was hooked. The story of Motown is nothing short of magical. It's a real life fairy tale, with more than a few gory bits thrown in for good measure.
Of course there wouldn't be a Motown if there wasn't a Berry Gordy. A former boxer, Gordy entered the music biz as a songwriter before cottoning on to the fact that the bulk of the profit lies in production and ownership. Young, ambitious, and full of entrepreneurial spirit, he decided to start up a family run record label in his home city of Detroit, which he christened Motown. Inviting local artists to come in and audition for his new label, soon enough the building became a hotbed of talent. Competition was fierce. It's no wonder then that the company has produced some of the most legendary figures in entertainment. Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie are just some of the names who got their break at the label.
Throughout the 60's the music of Motown dominated the charts not only in the US, but throughout the world, rightfully earning the nickname 'Hitsville USA'. Fifty years later and the records remain timeless. 'My Girl', 'The Tracks of My Tears', 'Baby Love' - these are indelible classics that whether young or old, most of us can identify within the opening bars. The success of Motown not only lies in the music, but Gordy's foresight and business acumen. As a Black organisation operating within the racially turbulent times of 60's America, Gordy adopted an ethos which ensured that the music crossed racial, age and class boundaries. All artists went through a vigorous grooming process. They took choreography classes, were taught how to talk, how to dress, and how to conduct themselves at all times. Yet despite the illusion of wholesomeness, behind the Colgate smiles lie many a tale of heartbreak. Marvin Gaye's drug battles, and subsequent demise have been widely documented. But there were other casualties too. Some succumbed to alcoholism, many ended up penniless. while others sadly never obtained the success they set out to achieve. Yet despite this, we can't take anything away from Berry Gordy and the remarkable legacy he has left with Motown. No doubt he has paved the way for the likes of other successful African American music moguls like P-Diddy, Russell Simmons and Dr Dre to follow. So cue drumroll, ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding:Happy Anniversary Motown!
By far the sexiest record ever made, WOW, you can just feel the sexual tension ooooozing out of the speakers. Absolutely love this song, and absolutely luuurved Marvin. He was such a hottie, and what a voice. I searched high and low on You Tube to find this video of him performing 'Let's Get It On' on America's Soul Train. It was filmed during the height of his popularity, and it each time I see it makes me chuckle watching the flock of females swooning all over him.
2. Endless Love - Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
The perfect love song. So tender, so pure, so tear inducing. Whenever I hear this song I can't resist the urge to sing in a real pitch voice imitating Diana. She was my childhood hero. No matter what they say about you Ms Ross, you're still The Boss.
3. Do You Love Me - The Contours
Two words - Dirty Dancing! This track marks my favourite scene in the film when Baby enters the basement party carrying a watermelon (oh the shame of it), only to be confronted by a sea of contorted bodies bumping and grinding to the strains of this song: "Work work, you better shake it up baby"!
4. Oooh Baby Baby - Smokey Robinson and The Miracles
Another certified smoochie. I adore Smokey's sweet falsetto. Although before my time, I can't help but feel a sense of loss when you compare songs like these to the brash, explicit nonsense we have to put up with today. My dad tells me that when he was a young lad and would attend R&B dances in Jamaica, you couldn't even approach a woman unless your suit was neat, and your shoes nicely polished. My oh my, how things have changed.
5. Ribbon in the Sky - Stevie Wonder
I had to include Stevie of course. This one came to mind because I heard it today at work. Lyrically beautiful, with such a simplistic arrangement, sang in the most tender and heartfelt way. Awww!
6. All Night Long - The Mary Jane Girls
In the early eighties Motown took a raunchy turn (guess they had to keep up with the times) and released this song by the Mary Jane Girls, a sexy girl group who were the protegee of soulful hell-raiser, Rick James. Another timeless classic. This song reminds me of family house parties, when the DJ would sneakily slip in a few soul tracks for us kiddies, before going back to playing 70's reggae.
7. Distant Lover - Marvin Gaye
Oh the passion, the anguish, the despair. When Marvin sang a tune you can tell he meant every word. The ultimate break-up tune. Tissues at the ready.
8. My Girl - The Temptations
How could I not include this classic? With the remarkable lead vocals of David Ruffin, and the clever lyrics of song-writing dynamo, Smokey Robbinson, this song was always going to be huge hit. "I've got soooo much honey, the bees envy me/I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the tree". Brilliant!
9. Diana Ross - Upside Down
This track for me symbolises the moment when Diana arrived as a solo artist, shedding her goody two shoes persona for the role of a sassy disco diva. Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame, this song hasn't aged in the slightest. DJ's can still play it at a club/party today and the dancefloor will be heaving.
10. Never Can Say Goodbye - The Jackson 5
Michael, Michael, Michael, it still baffles me how someone so young managed to sing with such raw emotion. What a tune. Extremely soulful, and a definite departure from the more pop orientated stuff that Motown had come to be associated with.
What's your favourite Motown track(s), or favourite Motown memory? Would love to know, so drop me a line.
If there's any justice in the world we should be seeing a lot of this young lady in the upcoming year. VV Brown is a 24 year old singer/songwriter who hails from Northampton, and is the hottest signing to Island Records, the iconic label behind Amy Winehouse.So what does she sound like? Unlike anyone you've heard before. Her influences are far reaching, resulting in a unique hybrid which blends 50's doo-wop, punk, dub and indie pop. Her brilliant debut single 'Crying Blood' is currently receiving heavy rotation on my You Tube playlist. I call it my 'clean up' tune. The 3 minute blast of energy instantly puts you in an upbeat mood, and will have you cleaning up your home from top to bottom in no time. The video to accompany the track is ultra cool. I love her throwback style - the crazy flat top hairstyle, the trainers with sparkly mini-dress, the offbeat dance moves - what a refreshing change to the generic R&B chick we've been force fed for the best part of the last 10-15 years. Many compare VV to the equally vivacious Janelle Monae. I've only heard a few Janelle tracks, so I'm not wholly familiar with her music, but I get the comparison. This year I predict that the likes of VV, Janelle, Laura Izibor and Santogold will step to the forefront. And about time too. It's time the world recognised that Black women are not an homogeneous group. We are just as distinct and varied as any other group.
Despite her album not dropping until Spring, VV was recently longlisted as a finalist for the BBC's Sound of 2009. The list is designed to find the best up-and-coming acts for the coming year, and although she didn't win (she came 7th, placed just behind Lady Ga Ga) it's a great accomplishment nonetheless. Read her unique story here.
And when you're done check out Crying Blood below, followed by a few clips from her channel - VV TV.
The Cocoa Diaries is featured in Independent Fashion Bloggers. Ronke from the fabulous The Musings of Ondo Lady has written an informative piece about the meaning of various blog, listing why for marketing purposes, it's important to select the right name. Click here for the full piece.
Those Spicers really know how to milk an opportunity for all its worth, don’t they? Last year ‘Posh’ tried to convince the world that she’s a bonafide fashion designer by launching a clothing range. And now Mel B is getting in on the act by presenting herself as a fitness guru. The bubbly Northerner has just released ‘Totally Fit’ a three disc DVD, which consists of a 28 day plan of aerobic and resistance work out, as well as her dietary tips. I’m not really into exercise DVD’s but having seen a few scenes from this one it actually looks quite decent. Looking every inch the LA starlet, Mel conducts the class next to a swimming pool in what looks like Hollywood Hills. Her hair and make up looks immaculate (after all, this is LA ), and her body looks amazing. Rich has already asked if he could “borrow” the DVD after I finish with it, the cheeky so and so. As for the routines? Well the steps are varied and intricate enough to keep you interested, and you'll definitely leak a few beads of sweat. We already know she’s a loud-mouth, so you’ll either love or loathe the shrieky instructions “For anyone with jibbly bits I’m gonna tighten you up” she exclaims! Gosh, what would Jane Fonda think?
A few years ago you’d be hard pressed to get on any train or tube without seeing a commuter holding a copy of AndreaLevy’s 'Small Island'. The book, about a pair of Jamaican immigrants and their relationship with their English landlords, put Levy on the literary map affording her with various awards and critical praise. The BBC have since announced that they are producing a feature length film based on the novel. The project is in the pre-production stages but it has been confirmed that Naomie Harris will take the lead role as the main protagonist, Hortense. 2009 should be a breakthrough year for Naomie. The talented actress has starred in numerous Hollywood blockbusters such as Miami Vice and The Pirates of the Caribbean series, but still remains relatively unknown in her country of birth. Alongside her leading role in Small Island she’ll also star on in indie Rom Com My Last Five Girlfriends, loosely based on Alain de Botton's Essays in Love. Let's hope she finally gets the recognition she deserves.
So rumours that Leona Lewis is writing an autobiography are true. Publishing giants Hodder and Stoughton recently announced that they are pairing up with the Hackney born singer to release a memoir based on her meteoric rise to fame. Lewis will allegedly detail her rise from Pizza Hut waitress to international superstar. Now, hold up, did I miss something? Isn‘t this like 10-15 years too early? What about waiting for the breakdown, the battle with drugs, the bankruptcy - isn't that the stuff that all good autobiographies are made of? Obviously not. In these extra savvy times, it's all about all about striking while the iron is super sizzling hot. The book will be released in October to coincide with her second album. I suspect there will be lots of pictures.
Am I the only one who is already totally engrossed in this year’s Celebrity Big Brother? Yesterday just watching the tragic dance moves of the eccentric, woman-child, Latoya Jackson, conjured memories of Britain’s own version of The Jacksons - Five Star. Oh how I wanted to be the 6th member when I was growing up. I even wrote to Jim to fix it for me to appear alongside them (true story). But thankfully he saved me from a lifetime of embarrassment. Although having said that, there’s no denying that Britain’s First Family of Bling knew how to through down a choon. ‘Let Me Be The One’ was my track. Unlike their subsequent hits (Rain or Shine anyone?), this song had an authenticity and credibility that was deeply lacking during their superstardom years. So where are they now? Well after the money dried up they relocated to Los Angeles. Stedman has since moved back to the UK and is (cough cough) making an album. And next month Denise is set to star in Thriller Live, the multi-media musical based on the life of Michael Jackson (obviously still enthralled by the moon-walking mad genius). With the likes of Take That and New Kids forming successful reunions, I’d pay good money to see the fab five don those red sequin jumpsuits once again. What do you reckon?
So how was yours? I had a great entry into the 09. I spent the night at my friend’s church, where the uplifting and invigorating words of her Pastor was just the nourishment my soul needed. I’m not gonna lie. My 2008 was far from great. The most worrying aspect being the number of times I’ve been ill. At the start of the he year I caught a cold that I just couldn’t shake. And then I contracted a stomach infection, and had to virtually live on water and cream crackers for two months. I lost a stone in weight, and my friends would often joke that that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. But losing weight due to ill health is far from a good thing. On the contrary, it’s scary and unnerving. As soon as my appetite returned I got right into the business of putting on weight (quite a refreshing change from calorie counting I can tell you), but now I’ve reached what I think is my ideal weight for my frame, I need to slow my roll and ease up on the stodge.
Along with my health woes, last year the stresses of having to cope with being the mum of an active toddler, and juggling a demanding full time job, also intensified. I tell you, the appeal of being a woman who “has it all” lost it’s shine many moons ago. I now realise it‘s a myth. For a woman to successfully execute these two extremely demanding roles often means it’s at the detriment of her mental and physical well-meaning. Want proof? Then check my medical records for the last 12 months. Or for a more informative view check out the teachings of Dr Christiane Northup who I’ve only recently become aware of after watching her on Oprah a few days ago. Northup appeared on the talk show queen’s couch to shed some much needed light on women’s health issues. A powerful orator, she is a strong believer of the connectedness between our physical and emotive selves. On the show she explained that many common ailments that women in particular are susceptible to such as high cholesterol levels, insomnia, irritableness and headaches, are a direct result of what’s going on in our minds. The body is simply the conduit which alerts us to the fact that something’s up. The Doctor is passionate about us doing away with the Superwoman myth and putting ourselves first AT ALL TIMES (yes you heard right, not your partner, kids, or boss). She also recommends that we actively pursue the things that give us pleasure and implement it into our schedules, much like we would the laundry, or weekly shop. Sitting at home watching I almost went into Tom Cruise couch mode, screaming “yes, yes” at her revolutionary words. Oprah is equally in awe, and couldn’t stop harping on about Northup’s best selling book 'The Wisdom of Menopause’, which she apparently keeps by her bedside and refers to as her bible. Despite the misleading title, the book is aimed at women who are 35+ and entering the second phase of their lives. Sounds like me to a tee. I’m going to order a copy off Amazon and will let you know my thoughts.
So the New Year has gone off to a flying start and I can hardly wait to get stuck in. Despite the aforementioned gloomy spots, I can’t forget my blessings. I’m feeling a lot healthier, am gainfully employed, have a loving hubby to be, and a smart, beautiful son. And how can I forget my wonderful blog buddies. Thank you for bearing with me and my sporadic posts. This year I intend to take The Cocoa Diaries to a higher level, bringing your more posts and additional features.
I am a thirty-something African Caribbean female from South East London. My blog will shine a light on Black British culture offering the best in entertainment, fashion, beauty, community, film & music, with the occasional personal musing thrown in from yours truly. Thank you for taking out the time to peek into the pages of my diary. Now grab a cup of cocoa, relax and enjoy.
