Event: Musicalize

MUSICALIZE: COPPAFEEL! CHARITY SPECIAL

This event will be raising money for breast cancer awareness charity, CoppaFeel! Patrons who include Fearne Cotton (Radio 1 & ITV2)
and Dermot O'Leary (Radio 2 & ITV).

**ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BE GOING TO CHARITY**

THIS IS A 14+ EVENT (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)

Tickets are available from HERE!

Event Review: Flavour Live 14th September 2011

Having never had the pleasure to attend a Flavour Live event, I was quite excited to find out what the experience would be like as I set off to Avalon in Shoreditch, London ready to indulge in entertainment from unsigned, underground UK talent. Getting through the door, the selection of music being provided by DJ Longers was top notch causing the excitement levels to increase further.

Setting the pace on stage was Dray Delta. First song ‘Minimal’ featuring G-Range reminded me ‘Slang Like This’ from P-Money but his second number ‘Bobby Brownz’ a track about worn down leaning Ugg boots was very comical and original receiving a good response from the audience. Followed by Jaya who started her set with a cover of Rhianna’s ‘What's My Name’ to warm up her vocals. Finishing up with her own track ‘Lights Go Out’ which is a more relaxed performance and flows much better than the previous, also received well by the audience.

Joe Culpepper's performance was very lively. As he asserts himself on stage while singing about his ex-girlfriend “Tell your friends about me” is a line that caused a smirk to appear. His second number, an acoustic jam, had some of the audience dancing along with his stage jive. Joe Culpepper leaves the stage to huge applause as does is successor Hatty Keane who also boasts a very striking image. First number ‘Feel’ seductively causes the body to sway, but ‘Best Kept Secret’ her current single carries a different electronic vibe which I would describe as dance entwined with rock. Experimental but works well.

Highly favoured act of the night RD (Ruff Diamondz) take to the stage and open up with an acoustic cover of Wretch 32’s ‘Don't Go’ showing off their vocal capabilities. Rounding up their set with their latest single ‘Got Me Burning’, RD work both the stage and audience the best way they know how. RD make way for Manchester rapper Rio, who has just entered the building and gone straight to the stage. Rio puts down a lively performance of his tracks ‘Playground’ and ‘Transformer’ before walking back out the door…. Superstar behaviour!

After a short interval with entertainment again supplied by DJ Longers, the show continues with Ebru who receives great interaction from audience. Her steady flow is impressive, a style of rap with vocal injections in all the right places. Her second number ‘Prisoner’ which depicts being stuck in relationship goes down very well. I can’t help but take note of Ebru’s very smooth vocals and quality range, before she leaves the stage to well deserved whistles and cheers from the audience.

Another Manchester rapper; Meany takes to the stage and throws down a number of bars for the audience before making way for Crystal Celebrity. Accompanied by 2 backing singers who finish their set with a smooth and soulful rendition of Bob Marley classic ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’, the songstress has the audience singing along and feeling the melody within their bones.

Last act for the night Steelo1 takes to the stage with ‘International Lover’, heating up the place with a bashment flavour before declaring that he’s ‘Better Than Your Boyfriend’. Charming a female or two in the audience Steelo1 graces the stage well telling his spectators a little bit about himself before finishing up with R&B jam ‘Round The World’ which definitely holds commercial marketability.

Performances finished, DJ Longers continues with a selection to please those who aren’t ready to leave, hoping to savour the last drop of enjoyment being provided tonight at Flavour Live.

Also featured on Flavour Magazine website

Pardon My Talent

There's only one place worth being tonight....

Promised to showcase a selection of some of the most unique and interesting live acts the UK has to offer, while also allowing the audience to filter out the good from the bad, I presume wonderful, weird, awful and promising acts will be sharing the stage. Final verdict of course will be down to the judges. I wonder what kind feedback they will have for the acts....

Tickets can be purchased online for only £10 from www.pardonmyblog.co.uk 

or alternatively can be purchased for more on the door.

See you there!

Event Review: ILuvLive - 25th July 2011

With Ras Kwame away on business, REMEL LONDON once again takes the hosting spot tonight introducing herself to the ILUVLIVE audience and let's all know what is lined up for the evening's entertainment. With forthcoming performances from Baby Boom, Royal Priesthood, Teezy, Kris Baya and English Frank, the show gets underway at East London spot Hoxton Square Bar.

Winning the open mic competition at the last ILUVLIVE, MISUNDERSTOOD open up with 'One Last Kiss’ that has a strong commercial pop feel that reminds me of Taio Cruz. Changing the flow for their second number holding a soft R&B feel, 'Heart Beats For You' pleases the audience and many can be seen bopping their heads.

Next up oozing with dancehall culture, BABY BOOM steps up to the stage sporting peroxide canerows, a starched black cotton shirt with a green, gold & red ribbon and embroidered lion of Judah on the back of the shoulders, black tee, starched jeans, red flannel in the back pocket, black bandana across the brow completed by a pair of dark glasses. He starts his set with 'Calling My Name’, which has a strong eminence of dancehall legend Tiger Cat. Second number 'Swagga Boss' gets a quantity of gun fingers in the air and when finished is greeted by a loud 'Boiiii' from the audience. Finishing up with 'Nah Normal' BABY BOOM calls a lady up on stage to show the ILUVLIVE audience just exactly what dancehall is all about!

 

Slowing it down, ROYAL PRIESTHOOD follow up with a smooth number titled 'Beautiful Woman' which takes the mind to a serene place and is openly appreciated by the audience. The serenity continues throughout the set. ROYAL PRIESTHOOD has definitely connected with a number of hearts within the audience as well as ears.

Having already graced a large number of stages alongside Jay-Z; the ILUVLIVE audience is next greeted by TEEZY  who keeps the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout his set. His last number 'Feeling It' is received best by the audience who can be seen dancing along with him as he bubbles along to the vibe on stage.

 

Following an interlude with entertainment provided by Rinse FM's JJ, KRIS BAYA  takes to the stage with guitar in hand, immediately breaking it down which continues throughout his set until he slows it down to give a small helping of Amy Winehouse's 'Love Is A Losing Game'. Picking back up the pace for his last number, KRIS BAYA leaves the stage to applause of gratitude from the audience.

Having made major impact online, DRU BLU is up next and the place is pounding to the beat during his second number 'On Our Own' which is produced by headliner of the previous event; DaVinche. Blessed with four number set, DRU BLU finishes up with an acoustic Adele cover titled 'Someone Like Dru' received very well by the audience.

Rounding up the entertainment for the night, ENGLISH FRANK takes to the stage and declares his love for the host of the night REMEL LONDON as well as music. Second number 'Get Em' is a treat as ENGLISH FRANK rides the beat like rodeo and his delivery is on point! ENGLISH FRANK's stage presence is an experience many are pleased to not have missed.

Make sure you don't miss the next ILUVLIVE taking place on 8th August. Same time same place...



Click image for event info and to purchase £5 tickets

Event Review: ILuvLive - 11th July 2011

Still buzzing from the previous ILUVLIVE, the euphoria within has been increased by the line up gracing the ILUVLIVE stage this week. I eagerly find myself at Hoxton Bar & Grill, East London to enjoy performances from Luke Bingham, Incisive, Iman, Aaron Delahunty, Lady Leshurr and DaVinche. I've woken up this morning with a tingly feeling inside telling me to prepare for something amazing! I don't think I'm alone, the word has got out. The venue is packing up and we're all geared up as the show begins...

BRIT school student Meron, winner of the open mic session at the last ILUVLIVE is elegantly introduced by host Remel London to open up the show. Kicking off with a self-composed number 'I Used To' the levels are being set from the start as ILUVLIVE goes off with a bang! Meron cranks them up further showing off her vocals with a cover of Jessie J's 'Who You Are'... The audience are thoroughly impressed!

Travelling all the way from Leicester, Luke Bingham opens up his set with his upcoming single 'Nothing To Lose' and the way he works the stage shows exactly why he has been dubbed as the UK Trey Songz. A few stars can be seen in the eyes of the females within the audience. His vocals are smooth with a stage presence to replicate. Luke Bingham has surely increased his fan base at ILUVLIVE tonight.

Making it known that he's representing the MyIsh family, Incisive takes to the stage and the energy is explosive! Between Incisive, his backing singers and the band (namely his keyboard player) an amazing atmosphere has been created. The audience aren't even aware as the contagious vibes seep off the stage and spread throughout the venue, causing the majority to subconsciously bubble and sing along to the words. Ending off his set with a jam re-iterating his name announced numerous times prior, Incisive has ensured that this audience remembers his name; Incisive.

Iman continues the show and demands the audience's undivided attention. Making the declaration known via her raw powerful tones, Iman finishes her second number 'Only You' in receipt of a much deserved loud applause. The set is rounded up with 'I Hold The Stars' which includes a few moves from the songstress who has clearly enjoyed herself tonight.

  

 

Following a short interlude from Rinse FM's SK Vibemaker, Aaron Delahunty brings a fresh vibe of gypsy jazz to the venue as his band join him on stage each with guitar in hand. His third number 'Face for Radio' transforms into the dubstep genre, receiving a cheer from the audience. The cheer pauses as the track continues in its original gypsy jazz style and the immediately resumes as the set completes.

Knowing it's a big favourite many have come to see performed first hand, Lady Leshurr kicks off her set with a cover of 'Look At Me Now' showing off her talents, immediately connecting with the audience. As Lady Leshurr gets into 'Bam Bam' the entire place is set alight with reggae vibes! Lady Leshurr shares a few dance moves and skips across the stage conforming to the style of music. Taking the set into the last number 'Lego' Infa joins Lady Leshurr and the track turns into a jam session filled with an abundance of laughter and entertainment for the audience.

Last act of the night DaVinche graces the stage and immediately it's clear exactly how much he loves music. The passion is written clearly all over his face, only interrupted for key moments as he smiles at members of the band in appreciation of them for having not missed their cue. Bringing Shola Ama to the stage for his second number 'Blow' which would usually feature Giggs, Shola Ama protests to deliver his bars in his absence and does them commendable justice! DaVinche admits he has been humbled before going into the last number for the night 'Ready to Go' when he is joined on stage by Cleo Sol to wrap up ILUVLIVE with a moment of musical magic....

 

If you'd like to enjoy the moment first hand, make sure you join us at the next

 ILUVLIVE - 25 July 2011

ENGLISH FRANK // ROYAL PRIESTHOOD // BABYBOOM // TEEZY // KRIS BAYA // DRU BLUE

Get your £5 tickets here or....
Send names for guestlist with 'ILuvLive' in the subject bar to:

qosmakeda@gmail.com

Event Review: ILuvLive - 27th June 2011

For the past fortnight I've been gearing up for this night, so I eagerly get myself down to Hoxton Square Bar to enjoy some live music at ILUVLIVE with performances from Brooke Bailey, Abimaro, Virus Syndicate, Chozen, Ny and A.Dot. As I enter the venue there is something in the air... I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a big one!

Brook Bailey is the first act to grace the stage and she engages the audience well. Her vocals beam throughout and it seems she has connected with the crowd emotionally via her lyrics and the ambience of the melodies. The audience show their appreciation through enthusiasm their applause. Host of the night Ras Kwame thanks her for her mellow tones stating that they were the perfect start to the show, specifically with the hot weather.

Up next is Abimaro with a neo soul flavour, showcasing her smooth vocals perfect to soothe. I'm secretly hoping there are some CDs of hers being given out so I can listen back regularly as I settle down to sleep. There is a technical hitch in the middle of her set but it doesn't ruin her focus at all. Like a true performer she picks up exactly where she left off with perfect delivery. The audience are impressed and Abimaro exits the stage to a well deserved rapture of applause.

Ny takes to the stage to the delight of the audience and before she starts her set the happy birthday wishes are being called causing Ny to blush. Nevertheless her set goes down remarkably. Treated to some future gems, Ny finishes her set with her most recent release 'Be With You' and although the audience are satisfied, I secretly wish she had pulled an old skool number out the bag for her those who have supported her since her early days.

After a short interval Chozen takes to the stage and although he's not the usual act seen at ILUVLIVE, it's clear that this is an audience that are open to new things. They love Chozen and what he has to deliver. The set is very energetic and Chozen is evidently enjoying every single moment.

Having come all the way from Manchester Virus Syndicate, the grime/dubstep collective follow up and these guys are going for it. The flows are hard and skippy as they start off with a rap number titled 'Your Life'. The energy continues throughout the set wrapping it up with a dubstep number titled 'The Sign' and the applause from the audience is on a major scale. The long road trip has proved to be worth it's while.

Headliner of the night A.Dot is finally on stage and the audience are immediately bubbling as the set kicks of with 'Semantics'. The audience are singing along to the words showing how much they have patiently been waiting for this moment. A.Dot continues to deliver throughout but the venue heats up further when the third number within the set drops. Body Bag which has a reggae vibe is really tearing it down but A.Dot isn't satisfied with her accomplishments for the night and offers a quick freestyle. As the house band start to play the Woo Riddim, it's evident. A.Dot has truly smashed ILUVLIVE tonight!!

If you missed out, make sure you don’t make the same mistake when ILUVLIVE returns on 11th July 2011.

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 30th May 2011

Rounding up the bank holiday weekend with a live showcase, where better place to be than Cargo for ILUVLIVE? Boasting a line up of impressive performances on the bill including BRIT School student Sasha, who is also signed to Tinie Tempah's Disturbing LDN, brother of top chart-selling producer/artist Labrinth; Mac1, MashTown's Margs and songstress Terri Walker. I'm hoping I'll have the energy to enjoy the entertainment tonight to its fullest.

Open mic competition winner from the previous event, Chalk starts the show with Gotta Eat followed up by The White Boy Dance. It has a head banging beat and skippy flow, the audience are enjoying it. Telling us there's a video on it's way, it's something I'm sure the heads boppers will be keeping an eye out for.

Getting into the billed acts, ILUVLIVE are treating us to acoustic magic! Karen Be takes over the stage and leads the band into what sounds like a sultry jamming session. Vocals hypnotizing the ear drums piercing into the soul. The depth of the melody is greeted by a rapture of applause and smiley faces. Ending the set with a number titled Sweet Tea, which can only be described as breathtaking soft jazz sounds, I can only wish I was able capture this atmosphere to replay on the next occasion I run a bubble bath. Simply relaxing.....

Injecting hype back into the atmosphere, FDot1 brings energy to the stage with So Grimey but unfortunately struggles to connect with the audience. Changing the vibe the set turns slow and sensual for his last number 'She's So' and not only does a camera or two appear, an enormous applause is received. FDot1 admirably turned it around!

Disturbing LDN's Sacha is next to grace the stage and first up is Lost In You with her guitarist alongside. Displaying very strong vocals the audience are immediately eating out the palm of her hands! Showing her further capabilities of range and tempo within her following numbers, the young lady leaves the stage to an enormous applause. It is amazing such talent is only 17!

Following a short interlude with entertainment supplied by Rinse FM's DJ JJ, Mac1 takes his turn to showcase his helping of family musical talent, which he definitely does via rapping and singing. Rock On his first number holds an electrical vibe which is amplified further by Get It On and the audience can be seen rocking away to the beat. Bringing brother Josh on stage to join him for Superman, Mac1 is generating a vibe on the stage that can be felt filtering out throughout the venue.

Working through the genres, it's time to get raw and gritty. Bringing it into a rap vibe, Margs takes us for a walk down his street where he informs us that he's the 'Love of Her Life' and it's definitely 'So Good'. The audience are tuned in and listening which is clearly depicted as Margs leaves the stage.

Rounding up the entertainment for the night, Terri Walker steps up greeted by a cheer. The audience are immediately dancing along as Terri Walker performs her first number 'Drawing Board' and can be heard singing along with her second number 'Guess You Didn't Love Me'. If not already an avid follower of Terri Walker, the common question amongst those at this moment is probably how the radar missed this gem? Guys and girls swaying in unison as Terri Walker wraps up her set with 'So Hard' enforcing the reoccurring question to loom; how British talent like this gets lost to management/labels across seas? Terri Walker wraps up the show in admirable fashion. It's so great to have her back!

ILUVLIVE returns to Cargo on 13th June… Make sure you’re there!

Photography: Adeyinka Adepitan

Also featured on RWD Online and Urban News

Event Review: Musicalize - 28th April 2011

Pledged to be the only place worth being tonight, I head down to Alto in Soho, London for the Musicalize showcase hosted by Double M and presented by Claira Hermet in hope to be entertained by some great live performances. Ghetts headlining and many great upcoming acts on the bill, the prospect is promising...

Starting behind schedule, my lateness doesn't impede as I arrive just at the right time to get a drink before the first act Hannah Trigwell steps up to the stage with electric guitar in hand. Warming up the audience with a 5 set performance, it holds the audience well. Rapper Trixta follows up with a set boasting plenty of vocal energy. It's definitely warming up inside! I'm intrigued what other underground talents are going to be unearthed tonight?

Next act Leighanna kicks off with a cover of Rhianna's Rehab and continues with various other numbers to complete an impressive set. Mike Hough then seduces the audience with strong vocals that have many of the ladies in the audience screaming throughout his set. Rapper Rea leads us into the interval with another high powered set concluding the first half of the night

Time for the second half and Bianca Monet's delightful melodies have the audience bouncing... Another song added to her set would have definitely been appreciated; it's evident within her applause.

Up next is beat-boxer R-Tizt who has the cameras and phones coming out promptly. The audience is thoroughly tuned into the sounds coming from his mouth. Going through various genres in turn the audience is thoroughly engaged, entertained and appreciative.

When D.Walker takes to the stage, immediately it's sexy time! Starting off with Usher's There Goes My Baby merged into Hey Lover then Jodeci's Freek n You, D.Walker suddenly let's off some vocals that prove his range is more than bargained for. Ending his medley with Ginuwine's In Those Jeans, D.Walker goes into his own numbers keeping the audience thoroughly tuned in awe.

Up next are some surprise performances; Jack Leon Colton does an acoustic set mellowing out the mood. Picked right back up again when Snakeyman takes to the stage, followed up by Mr Faizer. Heavy beats are bumping through the venue and Mr Faizer is riding them like a jockey!

SplurgeBoys step up and bring it back with some old skool vibes, the audience are feeling the atmosphere. Treated to some remixes, I can see a few people pulling some skanks out the bag.

Deja Fate follows up with a set that grabs the attention of many. Vocals with the power to entrap the eardrums, the audience claps along to the beat and cheer as his guitarist does a solo. Breaking into some drum and bass the audience is thoroughly bubbling.

Headliner time... Finally, after a few technical difficulties and anxious moments, Ghetts starts his set and the energy is alive in magnitude not defying reputation. Joined by A.L. for a 2011 rendition of 'Inna Di Ghetto' the crowd are vibrant and cheering. Going into another rendition, this time 'Closer to my Dreams' the crowd are showing how much they appreciate it with power invested deeply into their head movements. Ghetts goes on to strongly affirm that he is a legend in the making. The beats are hard, vocals hard and the audience are mesmerised. The electricity between A.L. and Ghetts is

complementary to each other, this performance is on a level that can only be saluted. Getting into more new material, Ghetts goes back to dancing around the stage and spitting those heavy bars that keep his fans remaining loyal. Bringing Dollar the Dustman & Bruts to the stage, it's completely set alight as the bars tear the place apart! Don't phone me is ringing through but the lyrical pressure is too much! A.L. returns and shows that she can tear down the stage in exactly the same way with 'Artillery'. The pair are showing off more of arsenal that Ghetts holds under his belt. Following up to duet Who's on the Panel the set is wrapped up in total Ghetts style.

Photography by Lammy

Writer's Block: Sunday 8th May 2011

More info/RSVP here

Flavour Live: Wednesday 4th May 2011

More info/RSVP here

Eminence: 28th April 2011

More Info/RSVP here

Event Review: ILUVLIVE 18th April 2011

Kicking off the brand new MusicConnex conference primarily focused on UK Urban influenced music, tonight's ILUVLIVE is promised to have an extra helping of influential personalities in the house. In addition, there is a highly talented line up. I'm geared up and expecting some spectacular performances to take place within Cargo tonight.

First up is Conrad the Scoundral a grime emcee who kicks off with Computer Age; a track focused on the effects of social networking on relationships etc and immediately has the audience rocking. Ending the next number titled Despite of You, the infamous Eskimo beat drops and everyone is skanking!

Up next the beautiful songstress Lovelle returns back to the stage having performed recently but who's complaining? Especially as we get treated exclusive performance of her upcoming single Uh Oh. Although she lets us know the original track features Lady Chann, Lovelle delivers the track perfectly on her own.

Following up is Duke; a trio consisting of a guitar player and two beat-boxing artists. The originality has the crowd more than entranced. Going through an array of genres there isn't a single person in the house who isn't thoroughly entertained. Getting into dubstep, a rendition of Magnetic Man’s I Need Air gets the crowd pulling out their cameras and at this point I have to admit I'm jealous I didn't bring mine. Grime, garage, bangra, hip-hop into Wretch32's Traktor to finish up, Duke exit the stage with the crowd pleading for more!

A short interval allows for refreshment to get ready for Random Impulse who provides an innovative cross between Grime & Rock. Entertaining with charisma as well as music, Random Impulse connects with the crowd personally as well as musically.

Up next G-Frsh finally takes to the stage and it seems that amidst all the great entertainment, he's the act many have been waiting for. Alone starts the set, the cameras are out, heads are bopping and shoulders are swaying. By time his set finishes with Urgh the crowd are literally bubbling, some with one finger in the air, lost within the moment.

Time for Black the Ripper aka Samson to grace the stage and immediately he lets loose those hard bars that make his reputation what it is. The vocals within 'My Interpretation' compliment the number elegantly. Closely listening to the lyrics on the next titled 'Like Me, Black the Ripper is giving a detailed take on his 24/7 grind many would definitely choose to retreat from. Salutes!

Finishing the line up, McLean gives the crowd a helping of his smooth vocals. Although the set isn't as high energy as the performers beforehand, the heads are still bopping and shoulders swaying. A few even have their eyes closed lost in the sound of his sensual tones.

Open mic time and talented members if the audience battle to open the next ILUVLIVE showcase. The only female contender Cookie triumphs over her male counterparts. One even eliminating himself by also cheering for her, bringing Cookie back to complete a full set on May 16th.

RSVP for the next ILUVLIVE showcase here

Photography by Din of London