Interviews: SAMATA ANGEL and PANDEMONIUM

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FASHION DESIGNER: Samata Angel





MAKE-UP ARTISTS: Pandemonium


© Rachelle Hull
Published at www.flavourmag.co.uk

REVIEW: John Legend - Evolver

After two successful albums, John Legend is back with his third release. Aptly entitled Evolver, we see Legend experiment with this latest installment of lyrics and melodies. Teaming up with producers Andre 3000, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West expect to hear smooth synths and plenty of bass. Upbeat tracks dominate the first half of the album, but dedicated fans will be pleased to know that Legend’s soulful and easy-listening vibes take precedence in the final half.

Though his (reggae-influenced) duet with Estelle was expected, his duet with Brandy comes as a welcome surprise as they harmonise perfectly over electro-pop, on the standout track Quickly. Other noteworthy tracks include Green Light, Everybody Knows and No Other Love.

On If You’re Out There, we hear John Legend take a break from his usual soliloquies about love and relationships and delve into political territory, by calling for change in the world (the track also features on the official website of President-elect Barack Obama).

Though Evolver is not instantly catchy and may take a while to grow on you, with this offering, John is once again proving that he is musically talented enough to carry an album without an entourage of guest artists; and that he may be on his way to becoming a legend in his own right.

© Rachelle Hull, 2008
Published at: www.catchavibe.co.uk

REVIEW: Blessed Souls - Open Mic Event (November)

In the basement of Adulis Eritrean Restaurant an intimate showcase took place, amid leather sofas and a smattering of candles on tables. With live music from MAC band (bass, keys, drum and sax in full effect) and hosted by Adelaide McKenzie, the night promised to be an enjoyable one.

Open mic nights tend to be musical translations of Forest Gump’s chocolate box - you never know what you are going to get – and I found the Blessed Souls event to be no different. From a harmonica-player, speaking Hebrew lyrics over a solid reggae rhythm; to a humorous poem about God told in Patois; the unique and wonderful shared the stage with aplomb. In between acts a selection of soul, r&b and dancehall tracks were mixed by DJ KMT, to keep the crowd entertained.

Highlights of the evening included a Norah Jones-esque ballad by a young lady called Matshidiso; an energetic and crowd-pleasing performance by self-proclaimed street psalmist Karl Nova and a beautifully passionate performance by a Ms. Rachel Kerr. Despite the sound-checking interruptions at the beginning, due to a late start, Adelaide’s lively and engaging banter with the audience quickly won me over. As I reclined on the mocha-coloured leather sofa, and soaked in the laidback vibes I felt as if I were receiving a live gig in the privacy of my living room. My only gripe for the night was the event lingered on a little bit too long and having to use the upstairs bar instead of the one in the basement.

For those interested in great music and good vibes, with spiritual undertones, Blessed Souls is the perfect spot.

© Rachelle Hull, 2008

Published at: www.catchavibe.co.uk

ESSAY: Obama Election Result: Where Were You?

At some minutes after 3am this morning I could not sleep. Whether it was due to the surprising humidity (in November!) or because my subconscious was encouraging me to bear witness to the historical event taking place; I am not sure.



From the comfort of my bed, I logged onto the site that never sleeps (otherwise known as Face Book) and I discovered I was not alone in my need to be awake. Plenty of friends (mainly from the UK) were alive and kicking; discussing and celebrating the victory that had recently occurred.



On hearing the news I felt anticlimactic and I immediately began to question whether this moment - this day - equated real change and for whom? Expressing my thoughts on FB I was soon to find out what the rest of my peers thought; old friends and new.



I was questioned about questioning the event. Did I not realise the significance of what had just happened? Not only for Americans, but for people all over the world. Not to mention the added significance for Black people all over the world: African-Americans; Black Brits; Kenyans; Canadians; Afro-Europeans; Bajans; Nigerians; Brazilians; Sierra Leoneans - and the list goes on.



Venturing downstairs to the living room I tuned in to BBC1 to hear the first speech, live, from the President of the United States: Barack Obama. In short, Barack delivered. His speech was passionate, inspirational and honest. The sight of tears from Oprah and Jesse Jackson (for whom I cannot imagine how this moment feels), I began to understand. Regardless of my earlier fears and questions this was a moment to be enjoyed and to be treasured.



As the hours passed and the UK began it’s morning “business as usual” routine; I noted a group of young black boys (no older than eight) on their way to school. With smiles on their small brown faces, they argued amongst themselves and I heard shouts of “I’m Obama!”, “No, I’m Obama!”, “No, he’s the President!” The moment was surreal and I realised that for today, at least, it wasn’t “business as usual.” I have witnessed a historical event that truly means something to me; one that I will relish telling my children in the future.

I know where I was on the 5th November 2008, physically and emotionally, where were you?

© Rachelle Hull, 2008

Interview: ALEX WHEATLE

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© Rachelle Hull
Published at www.flavourmag.co.uk

Interview: MORGAN HERITAGE

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© Rachelle Hull
Published at www.flavourmag.co.uk

Interview: SOUL:ID

Soul On A Mission

In an industry where formula rules, it is rare to find a band in the spotlight where friendship and music are at the core. Though boasting four identities, Soul:ID are not the machinations of a clever PR; so do not expect cute names and kitted out personalities to match. With their combined experience of studio recording, production and supporting other artists in live performances Tchaї (lead vocalist), Dad’D ( vocalist/producer) , V ( vocalist/producer) and Urban Deep (lead producer) decided to build their own creative collective, back in 2004. ‘Everybody knew each other in different ways and that’s how we slowly started to form the sound of Soul:ID,’ says Tchaї.



The sound of Soul:ID is referred to as Afropean Soul, for their music is ‘made by Africans that grew up in Europe and vice versa.’ The result? A combination of jigsaw sounds that piece together perfectly. Based in Belgium, with Tchaї, Dad’D and V hailing from Africa: Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively, Soul:ID’s day to day experiences epitomise this newfound genre. Being a band with members from two continents that share an afflicted history, whilst three quarters of the band hail from neighbouring countries, Soul:ID had some decisions to make. ‘The first question we asked ourselves was: are we going to be political or not? But with three of us from three close countries with difficulties, coming together and making music – it was inevitable,’ Tchaї explains.



Having performed in Africa already, the band is aiming to do more. ‘We would like to start initiatives for peace in Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s an incredible amount of work, but not impossible,’ Urban Deep reveals. Despite their political aspirations, Tchaї is quick to point out their ability to maintain a balance between this and the value of entertainment, ‘We definitely want people to be aware of things, but at the same time you need to laugh and you need to smile.’



With the European release of their debut album this month, the quartet are optimistic about the future, ‘The first album is an adventure of four people seeing how their music comes together. Now we know the ingredients, the second album will be completely different,’ Tchaї tells me.



Their London gig is scheduled for October 22 at Soho Revue Bar.

© Rachelle Hull, 2008
Published at: www.catchavibe.co.uk