Why VV's Tops!

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 featured in IFB

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.

Mel Says: "I'm Totally Fit"

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?

Available to order from www.totallyfit.com (21.99).

Naomie to Star in Small Island

A few years ago you’d be hard pressed to get on any train or tube without seeing a commuter holding a copy of Andrea Levy’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. 

You're Having a Bleeding Laugh!

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.

Back To UK Blak - Five Star

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? 

Let Me Be The One

Get Lifted!

Happy New Year luvvies!

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 hope you stay with me for the ride! 

Have a blessed 09

Ms Quichexxx