To be honest I’ve been extremely busy, ill, tired and lazy to even think about writing a blog. Actually, though, I wanted to still rep Michael Jackson and keep my blog of him still up there. And Nathan (Director of RDCJ) was on my case to get it done, so pressure from all angles. Anyhow, I’m back now and ready to talk about things good and bad in the entertainment world.

Well I won’t start from the past month, that’s long, and I’ve missed so much since my last blog (June ’09), so ill start from what’s been happening over the past few weeks.

I’ve got to start with the splendid and most successful Real Deal Comedy Jam (RDCJ) tour – the September tour thus far.
The RDCJ was an electrifying hit in London, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester featuring some of the finest current and future comedians around to-date: Tony Woods, Tony Roberts, Eddie Kadi, Kevin J, and never least, Kat B.
I had so much fun, but it was very hard work making it a success. Its not all fun and games, you know. Yet I love it all the same.
So thank you all once again for those who came out to support the tour. It’s because of you why we are the UK’s no.1 urban stand-up comedy show – period!!!!
If you want to know the good, the bad and the ugly that went on the September tour read Nathan’s blog here. I won’t reveal my say on what went on ’cause what happens on tour stays on tour;)

It looks like Chris Brown is on the come back. He’s currently got a banging new single from his forthcoming album, Graffiti, featuring Lil’ Wayne called, “I Can Transform Ya,” produced by super hit beat maker Swizz Beatz.
I’m pleased he is back to what he does best. We can only wait and see if his latest offering is a hit or miss. What do you think? Do you think he can salvage his career?

As we’re on the subject of Chris Brown, you all need to check out hilarious comedian Oskamill’s YouTube channel. He has one of the best TV stations on YouTube, which has numerous video spoofs on artists, such as Chris Brown, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Lil’ Wayne and more. One of my fav’s is the spoof to Jay-Z’s song “Run This Town.” The video’s about Rihanna and crew searching for Chris. He does a great impersonation physically and vocally of Jay-Z and Kanye West down to the tee. Fu-un-nyyyy!!! Click here to watch them, and also add him to you YouTube too.

Oh, oh, oh, I’ve got to talk about Kanye West’s performance at the 2009 VMA’s, even though its timmmmmmee ago. All I want to say is if that were me the award would have been whacked on his chin. Then I’d say, “There’s your front page spread you’ve been searching for, you bitch!” Just wanted that off my chest. Lol. I love him though – musically.

So what did you all think of the MOBO’s? Is it a NO-BO-selecta or a YO-BO-selecta?
I watched it (was supposed to have been there, long story, but ill get to what I did do instead later) with a positive note for once.
Normally, I am mostly disappointed with the set-up and organisation of the event, which maybe put down to lack of support and/or possible investors strict guidelines or their interference, even though that’s no excuse, but it is what it is. Anyway, the pluses for me were the the wonderful presenting skills from Reggie Yates, lthe ocation and venue. It was a very good look coming out of London and moving to Scotland. The Scottish are the most friendly and welcoming people you’ll meet in the UK. The crowd/fans showed that.

The stage set-up was good, it added that glamour, star-studded music award factor, which it has always lacked. And… Emmmmm… I can’t think, that’s it. I felt they copied too much of other awards ceremonies, like the VMA’s and BET, when the whole idea is to be individual. Why pay someone to organise and event if all they are going to do is imitate other events. Don’t get me wrong everyone copies now and then. But there is copying ideas blatantly and copying ideas to evolve. They could have done much, much better than that. They should have called me to organise the event. I’m being serious.

Also what was up with the cheap MOBO stand and behind the scenes footage? The MOBO stand looked like they got a local primary school to conjure it up. Backstage looked like the back of a factory – cold and damp looking. It looked dry as hell. It did not have that exclusive look of, ‘I so wish I was there to hang with the acts.’ More like ‘when can we get out of here?’

The performances weren’t bad, though. I think that’s what salvaged the night, only just. My favourite of the night was Chipmunk. He is destined for BIG things. I look forward to seeing how his career progresses.

As for winners and losers, I was not pleased with some of the choices. Like JLS winning best song over Chipmunk. What!!!?? I’m not hating on them, as I am very pleased for their success and hope it continues. To me they are just good, mediocre, and not great, that’s all – my opinion. And what about Titchy Stryder and Dizzie Rascal winning nothing! Come on now! And I soooo wanted Donaeo to win something. All I will say is music industry politics. However, i am very pleased for N-Dubz. Always knew they would make it big mainstream. They just needed the bigger heads to invest in them, as they did all the real grind work themselves. They are damn hard workers and know the business side of the entertainment industry. From day dot, they wrote and produced their songs releasing it on their own label. Look who’s reaping the dividends now, eh. Keep shining guys. In fact to all UK British Black/Urban acts. C’est Magnifique!

I’ve skipped through scrutinising most of it, as I got bored and almost scared to death half way threw it. Someone please tell me what or whom the hell was that dunduss, ginger hair, twis mout (speaking in patois), presenting the Michael Jackson (R.I.P) tribute? Oh, I forgot Lie-toya Jackson. I’m not going to waste my typing time writing about what I think about her, I know you all think the same.
Besides that not bad. A good look for the event was it being aired on BBC1 and BBC3. We can only wait and see what the MOBO’s has in store for us next year.

Whilst the MOBO’s was on in Scotland, I was in Scotland too celebrating my birthday. I wanted to try something different from the norm, like partying. Been there, done that. So I was gratefully treated to a luxurious 2 day VIP spa break at the Peebles Hydro Hotel, which included each day 3 spa treatments, champagne and breakfast, lunch, 4 course meal, use of all spa facilities, etc, etc. The fresh air, the scenery and the people alone made the stay more enjoyable. Totally sublime. After my experience I felt so revitalised. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.
All I can say if you haven’t heard/been to this place, you need to go whenever you get time off. If you want the indulgence where you’ll enjoy the life of the rich, then this is the place you need to be to get away from it all. Let me know what you think if you do go.

Only 3 months to go before the year-ends. But it’s not too late to see the Real Deal Comedy Jam’s final tour of the year. That’s right, you thought we were gone, huh!? Well blaaah! we are back to put the sparkle and laughter to the festive season. The year wouldn’t have ended with a bang otherwise. Like P-Diddy says, “we wont stop, can’t stop.” This show is going to be like no other RDCJ tour before, memba I told yah! (Why do I talk slang, ‘cause anyone who knows me would laugh at me saying that. To me, it reads better when i am trying to express emphasis it what i am saying, you get me. lol).

So put in your diary and get your ticket(s) earlier for the December tour, which kicks off on Sun 27th Dec @ Colston Hall, Bristol, Mon 28th Dec @ The Town Hall, Birmingham, Tues 29th Dec @ Sway, London and hopefully in Manchester @ RNCM (date TBC).
Ill be counting down the days to the tour (81 days to be exact) and to a year I have never seen fly by so quickly. That’s why there is no time for skylarking, people. Stop talking about doing this and that. Just do it, and then you can talk it!

And on that note I’ve got to go and complete the many tasks I have for today. But before I do, take look at the photograph, not picture, below that I took from my suite at Peebles Hydro. I just had to lift my head from the pillow and that’s what I would see. Enjoy!

See you in a week or two.

Keep shining!!

My Top Choices:
GeeWee TV – interactive mobile directory. Free to register!
Black Caribbean Enterprises – Business enterprise book
A Piece of Cake Book – Book based on true story (memoir)

To keep up-to-date on Nzinga go to Queen of the Crop™ or her networking sites Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and WordPress

She, like many viewers, seemed a little shocked with the sounds and I suppose the lack of backing track at last week’s awards, but she recovered well. I sometimes get the feeling she holds back during live performances because she doesn’t think she can pull off a good performance… but if this is anything to go by, she just finds her groove and gets into it! Nice one Kelly

The first performance if iCan remember was from Tinchy Stryder, and to be honest… I didn’t even watch it – because to me… It was Sh*t from when he got on the stage! He had some Lights flashing around him, and iDon’t even like Tinchy Stryder to know what song he was singing! If he performed the song he did with Amelle from Sugababes, iWould have been more interested because that song is OKAY compared to his song featuring N-Dubz. The performance was so wack to me, that iWent to go prepare some food! He wasn’t worth watching in my eyes! (Sorry Tinchy Fans it’s just the way it is!)

After Tinchy performed it was time for the “Best Newcomer” award. If iRemember right The Nominee’s were

• Jade Ewen
• JLS
• Alexandra Burke
• Master Shortie
• Laura Izibor

iLike Alexandra Burke and iAm a BIG FAN of Master Shortie! JLS… Well, U know – Do iNeed to say any more really? Anyway The Winner is going to be announced and iWas really hoping Alexandra Burke would win, because iKnow Master Shorties fan base isn’t that large YET! But we All know who won! JLS! -sigh- iFelt to change the station there and then! Sorry all u JLS fans but Beat Again was a BAG OF CHEESE! Anyway well done JLS for winning Best Newcomers. While i’m on the Topic of JLS, lets talk about their performance! All I’m saying is… it was the stage performance of the “Beat Again” video! AND I DON’T LIKE THE DANCE MOVES! THEY R A BAG OF CHEESE! and they look… Oh… Just Don’t get me started! iDon’t wanna offend NO-ONE! But JLS need to hire a New Choreographer and some back-up dancers A.S.A.P. Plus iHeard how they was Lip Syncing which doesn’t surprise me because its only Aston that can Sing in that group! So another Bag Of Cheese event for JLS! Well Done Boys! Not only did JLS win Best New Comer, they also won Best Song for “Beat Again”

I’ve gotten so deep into the Performance’s iAlmost forgot to mention the Host’s! Reggie Yates and Keri Hilson. In my eyes The Mobo’s are very LUCKY they got Keri Hilson to host that school talent show! Reggie looked different, and sounded different to me (maybe that’s because iDon’t listen to Radio 1…?) Anyway people at my college was talking about Reggie’s Navy blue trousers. They was saying how they never matched his outfits and all sorts, but iWasn’t really paying attention to this whole awards show to actually see what He had on. But Keri looked CLASS! Until she did a costume change and put on Silver lipstick she looked like she should have been on Star Treck! (Still Love Keri Though)

While we on the subject of Keri Hilson, she did a little… erm… iDunno what U would call it… A Remix? Or a Mix? I’ll run with a Mix… She did a mix of “Energy” and “Knock You Down” Without a doubt Keri Hilson can perform! She is a GOOD Performer, Singing Live!? OUCH she might as well Lip Sync! And iLike Keri Hilson’s music – but it is nothing but the truth that Keri Hilson cannot sing live! Everyone knows that in the middle of Knock You Down Ne-Yo’s version is nearly everyone’s favorite verse! So – EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THE HELL TAIO CRUZ IS SINGING NE-YO’S VERSE IN THE PERFORMANCE!? iWas sitting in my chair IN SHOCK! Taio came out of NO-WHERE and started singing the verse! iWas thinking to myself… Ne-Yo has had 3 Studio Albums and they’ve sold MILLIONS! Taio Cruz has sold ONE album and he hasn’t even Cracked America yet! Taio needs to sit down in my eyes! And iKnow it gave him a BOOST that he got to perform with Keri Hilson and got a chance to sing Ne-Yo’s part in the song! Taio Cruz wasn’t even Nominated for BEST UK ACT – So – in my eyes he does need to sit down!

Okay moving on swiftly. Its time for Best Album. The Nominee’s are

• 808′s and Heartbreaks – Kanye West
• Catch 22 – Tinchy Stryder
• Catch Me If U Can – Bashy
• I Am… Sasha Fierce – Beyonce
• Uncle B – N-Dubz

I’m expecting the winner to be at least Beyonce, Bashy or Tinchy Stryder. Me and Kanye have beef from the VMA Awards so he doesn’t get no expectation! The Winner is … Uncle B – N-Dubz! WHAT!? Sorry – come again!? Once again Sorry N-Dubz Fans… But they are a BAG OF CHEESE! N-Dubz are given the microphone to give their speach, and this is where Mobo’s became a SCHOOL TALENT SHOW! Dappy decides to Thank EVERY NAME UNDER THE SON (Over Reacting) But he literally was! He was hogging the microphone saying who he would like to Thank! Like he isn’t in a Band with 2 over members and they have people they want to thank as well! While i’m on the Topic of N-Dubz their Performance was a BAG OF SH*T! What was Dappy wearing!? He had a Taliban scarf around his head with that STUPID (YES ITS STUPID! IT DON’T GET WASHED!) HAT ON TOP! Someone needs to sack Dappy’s stylist A.S.A.P! He looked like a right FOOL! The Mixed Raced dude in the group (iDon’t know his name I’m not a FAN!) Has better swagger than him! iCan’t wait for N-Dubz to be dropped from there Record Label and I’m being Serious! Not only did N-Dubz win Best UK Album they also Won Best UK Act (Rolls Eyes)

Beyonce looked like a Ghost in her Video for winning Best International Artist and Best Video for Single Ladies. That’s all iCan say about that! LOL!

On the Topic of Beyonce… Kelly Rowland time! Kelly’s Performance proves that the Mobo’s isn’t professional and is a Polished version of a School Talent show! Kelly was set perform her Number One Single “When Love Takes Over” With David Guetta. iPersonally had the impression that Kelly was about to Tear it up with her performance. Well… Just see for urself! iFelt sorry for Kelly because she is Professional! and iKnew she had that performance on LOCK. She didn’t show no sign of discomfort till after something went wrong! At first iThought she forgot the lyrics. But my heart does bleed for Kelly! This is what she had to say about it on Twitter:

“@KELLY__ROWLAND OK. So, I’m at the MoBo’s and getting ready to have a GREAT show with David and the MoBo’s F’d my sound up!!!!! PISSED!!!!!” http://twitter.com/KELLY__ROWLAND/status/4509881088

“@KELLY__ROWLAND HONESTLY, that just makes me work harder! But, what I will say is the MoBo’s owe me an apology!!!! I was LIVID after the show!” http://twitter.com/KELLY__ROWLAND/status/4509900650

“@KELLY__ROWLAND I wanted you guys to be the 1st to hear it from me! rehearsals. were fine. soundcheck. was fine. performance, wad a struggle at 1st” http://twitter.com/KELLY__ROWLAND/status/4509932358

“@KELLY__ROWLAND But, I got through it!!!!!!!! So—–It happens! The next show will be Better!——–TRUST!!!!!!!!!” http://twitter.com/KELLY__ROWLAND/status/4509957942

So Kelly Rowland has proven that the Mobo’s is unprofessional and is a polished version of a School Talent-Show! But Kelly went HARD during the performance!

On a Positive Note!

Shaheen Jafargholi showed the WHOLE of the Mobo Awards, what a REAL performance sounds like and how U r supposed to act during an Awards show! Shame on Dappy! A 14 Year old showed u how to behave and Shaheen hasn’t even released an album called “Uncle B” yet! Shame and Disgrace! Shaheen sang another Michael Jackson song at the Mobo Awards. His performance was apart of the Tribute to Michael Jackson along with Jermaine Jackson’s Performance.

Peter Andre also made me proud! He was doing all the backstage hosting, and he was good! Especially when Dappy came trying to be Ghetto and all sorts, Peter looked scared iHave to say LOL! But he did a Good job!

Another positive note is Alexandra Burke looked Good. Especially presenting at her First Award show with Lemar. She looked ever so Good. My Mum thinks her Dress was way to short but that’s mother’s for U! In my eyes she looked Good Bless her!

Overall All I Can say about the Mobo’s Is

POLISHED SCHOOL TALENTSHOW

and

UNPROFESSIONAL!

“After I Watched the MTV VMA Awards, I Was inspired… After I Watched the Mobo Awards I was uninspired – Malachi Campbell-Hare”

“Tinchy Stryder threw a diva fit and delayed the finale by refusing to perform after failing to win a prize from his three nominations.  Stryder, 22, was due to perform the latest War Child single with stars including Chipmunk and N-Dubz.  He later Tweeted ‘F the Mobos’”.

I feel that someone older and wiser – and perhaps with some experience in these matters – needs to have a word with young Stryder about the virtues of accepting defeat with good grace. Who better than his mentor and financier Norman Lamb, Liberal MP for North Norfolk?

On the other hand I suppose there is a danger of the influence flowing the other way – so that if the electors of North Norfolk choose not to return Mr. Lamb at the next election, we might see him Tweeting “F the electorate”.

I do hope not.

Yes yes and yes, It’s the evening of the MOBO’s 2009 over in Glasgow – no i’m not there, i’m sitting in my kitchen listening to 1xtra with Mistjam with my Twitter/ Facebook and Blackberry infront of me getting all the latest news, gossip and winner/ loser news as it happens and I’m updating the blog along the way. Winners are in bold!

Best UK Act

• Alesha Dixon
• Bashy
• Beverly Knight
• Chipmunk
• Dizzee Rascal
• DJ Ironik
• Donae’o
• Mr. Hudson
• N-Dubz (Winner)
• Tinchy Stryder

Best UK Newcomer

• Alexandra Burke
• Jade Ewen
• JLS (Winner)
• Laura Izibor
• Master Shortie

Best R&B/Soul Act

• Beverley Knight
• Ciara
• Jeremih
• Keri Hilson (Winner)
• Lemar

Best Hip Hop Act

• Chipmunk (Winner)
• Dizzee Rascal
• Drake
• Eminem
• Kanye West
  

  Best Reggae Act

  • Movado
  • Sean Paul (Winner)
  • Serani
  • Tarrus Riley
  • Vybz Kartel

  Best Video

  • ‘Bonkers’ – Dizzee Rascal
  • ‘Boy Does Nothing’ – Alesha Dixon
  • ‘Diamond Rings’ – Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande
  • ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)’ – Beyonce (Winner)
  • ‘Supernova’ – Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West

  Best International Act

  • Akon
  • Beyonce (Winner)
  • Ciara
  • Drake
  • Eminem
  • Jay Z
  • Kanye West
  • Keri Hilson
  • Lady Gaga
  • Mariah Carey

  Best Song

  • ‘Beat Again’ – JLS (Winner)
  • ‘Diamond Rings’ – Chipmunk ft. Emeli Sande
  • ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ – K.I.G. Family
  • ‘Number One’ – Tinchy Stryder ft. N-Dubz
  • ‘Strong Again’ – N-Dubz

  Best Album

  • ’808s and Heartbreaks’ – Kanye West
  • ‘Catch 22′ – Tinchy Stryder
  • ‘Catch Me If You Can’ – Bashy
  • ‘I Am… Sasha Fierce’ – Beyonce
  • ‘Uncle B’ – N-Dubz (Winner)

  Best DJ

  • Manny Norte
  • Masterstepz
  • MistaJam
  • Ras Kwame
  • Rickie & Melvin
  • Sarah Love
  • Semtex
  • Shortee Blitz
  • Steve Sutherland
  • DJ Target
  • Tim Westwood
  • Trevor Nelson (Winner)

  Best Jazz Act

  • Diana Krall
  • Herbie Hancock
  • Madeleine Peyroux
  • Melody Gardot
  • Yolanda Brown (Winner)

  Best African Act

  • Eidee
  • Mujava
  • Nneka (Winner)
  • Oumou Sangare
  • Salif Kelta

  Best Gospel Act

  • Desire to Worship God
  • Kiki Sheard
  • Mary Mary
  • New Direction
  • Victizzle (Winner)

Diane and Joel Sande with their superstar daughter Emeli (centre)

 

 

By Cara Sulieman

THE proud parents of Scots MOBO songstress Emeli Sande said they always had faith their “little girl” would make it big in music – before watching her perform before a TV audience of millions last night.

Thrilled Diane and Joel Sande travelled down from the family home in Alford, Aberdeenshire last night (Wed) to watch their daughter perform on stage at the SECC in Glasgow with rapper Chipmunk.

And whilst for many this is just the start of the talented singer’s career, for her parents it is the result of many years hard work.

It culminated in last night’s performance of Diamond Rings, written by the talented Scots student, and nominated for Best Song.

Glasgow University

Diane, 48, said: “She has worked very hard for the last few years to get here. Not only does she put all the effort into her music, but she manages to juggle it with her studies as well.”

The 22-year-old is a full-time student at Glasgow University in her fourth year of medicine and manages to make time for both her work and her music.

Diane said: “We’re very pleased that she has decided to keep on at her studies, her degree is very important to us as a family.

“But equally I said to her when she left to go to university that she needed to make time for her music.

“Balance out”

“Writing and performing is a passion for her and I think it’s helpful for her to have these two very different things in her life.

“They balance each other out.

“She’s said that she’s met a lot of other people on her course who have very creative hobbies so it must be a common combination.”

Her two biggest fans – who will always know their “little girl” by her real name Adele – aren’t putting too much emphasis on the Best Song gong as the performance means more to them.

“Icing on the cake”

Speaking before the awards last night (Weds) Joel Sande said: “The award doesn’t matter so much, everyone will see her performing on the stage and hear her music.

“That is the most important thing out of everything.”

And proud mum Diane added: “It doesn’t matter if she wins or not. Performing at the Mobos is the most exciting part of the experience, if Diamond Rings wins the award then that would be the icing on the cake.”

And the couple are taking their daughter’s rise to fame in their stride, pragmatically saying that it is “what she deserves”.

Regulars at her gigs up and down the country, they chat away to musicians and writers from EMI – who Emeli has a publishing deal with – and rappers and producers who work with their daughter.

“Better than them”

But it seems natural to them as they have always had confidence in Emeli’s talent.

Joel said: “It is good that she is getting recognition now after all the work she has put in.

“We used to sit and watch other people getting signed up and performing and I would think ‘My Adele is better than them’.

“And now everyone has noticed how good she is. Music has always been important to her and to us as a family.”

Although her father teaches Technology at her old school – Alford Academy – he also set up the school choir in which Emeli was a founding member.

“Bit odd”

The rap song that has brought her success is quite different from the soul music she writes for herself and it took her family some time to get used to it.

Joel said: “Diamond Rings is a very catchy song but when she first sent it up to us to listen to we thought it was a bit odd.

“It grows on you – I think everyone thinks that about it.”

Whatever happens in the future, Diane and Joel will be behind her 100 per cent, and fully intend to be standing at the back cheering on their daughter at as many performances they can make.

Diane: “We are always very proud of her. So much has happened for her recently and she deserves everything she is getting.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

“Glasgow is a “very white” city”

The name's McKenzie. Paul McKenzie. Licence to Discriminate.

Apparently, former Mobo panellist Paul McKenzie, thinks that the MOBO’s can’t be held in Glasgow because it’s too white. He actually thinks it’s okay to say this because the MOBO’s are ” a black event with a complete multicultural umbrella – it really belongs in a multicultural town”.

Multicultural? Black event? Anyone else see the problem here? Surely ‘multicultural’ means ‘of many cultures’. Well, I’m sure that Glasgow does have many cultures – it’s just that it’s not ‘black enough’ for Paul McKenzie. Black enough? Black enough? My God, has the politically correct machine really malfunctioned to the extent that it’s ‘okay’ to make veiled statements like that without anyone raising an eyebrow? Just because he’s used “very white” instead of “too white” and thrown the magic word “multicultural” into the mix doesn’t mean he can get away with blatant so-called ‘positive discrimination’.

What he really means is the MOBO’s are meant for black people more than white people. A lot more. Does this also mean that if you’re a whitey who likes some of the musicians who are up for these awards that you’re less valued or less of a fan than a person who’s skin happens to be black? But this really reopens the can of worms I wrote about here: why black origin in the first place? It’s so generalised. What about hispanics or asians? How about half-caste people of ‘mixed genetic heritage’? Don’t they count? Is the son or daughter of a white mother and a black father only half-worthy of the MOBO’s attention? Or do they water down the purity of the ‘black’ brand?

Here’s a wakeup call for Mister McKenzie: what if it was the other way around??? What if my fictional MOWO (Music of White Origin) awards decided NOT to hold their star-studded ceremony in Leeds, Bradford or London because they were all “too black”. Holy crap! The resultant wave of outrage across the media from people of all colours would probably fill the front page of the newspapers for a month and result in debates in parliament and half a dozen new laws. But who’s protecting the whitey in all this? No one. Trampled underfoot by our own PC’ness and sense of liberal values like tolerance and multiculturalism. Personally, I think these values are good traits in human beings, but they’re open to abuse. People really must learn that black people can be rascist too, if they so choose. We have to be better at spotting passive and casual rascism which is so proudly displayed by the MOBO’s and any other organisations that segregate people based on skin colour. Come on – it’s the 21st century – aren’t we beyond this?  They don’t have a licence to discriminate just because of the colour of their skin. Like I said, imagine the MOWO’s saying that London is “too black for a white event”. Go on – imagine it. Pot and kettle, anyone?

GZS

TONIGHT’S Mobo Awards in Glasgow are on course to deliver a massive £1 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The last remaining tickets went on sale yesterday for the event which will see the likes of Jermaine Jackson, JLS and Kelly Rowland appear from the red carpet at the SECC.

Paul Bush, chief executive of EventScotland, said he hoped staging the show could start the ball rolling to bring other high profile events like the Brits north of the Border too.

That’s despite a row suggesting Glasgow should never have been chosen ahead of the likes of mixed raced cities such as Birmingham or Manchester because its population is too white.

Journalist and one of the original Mobo award panellists Paul McKenzie said in an interview earlier this week that Glasgow wasn’t multi-cultural enough to hold the event.

Mr McKenzie said: “It simply doesn’t work – Glasgow is just not sexy and it is a very white city. Even Leeds, Cardiff or Birmingham would have made more sense.

“Ask any American artist where Scotland is and they will probably struggle.”

But city tourism bosses called this claim “disingenuous”.

Mr Bush hit back, saying: “I heard him on the radio and I think he’s misinformed. Glasgow is a multicultural city as much as anywhere else.

“The Mobo awards have grown so much they’re not just about black music for black people.

“The music that is celebrated at the awards is doing so well in the charts at the moment and the people that are buying it to get it to number one are from all races and walks of life.

“I think it might have been a bit of London media speak, not wanting to move from London.”

He added: “Everyone you speak to on the streets know about the event and are excited that these big names are coming to their city.”

“The economic benefit is in excess of £1 million for Glasgow but it will show organisers of other events what we can do. Hopefully it will attract lots more interest with events like the Brits in the future.

“This is the first major London based music event that has ever moved. I guess it is a heap leap of faith for both sides.”

He also stressed that the public are very proud to have the Mobos in their country and that welcome will be shown to people around the world.

Mr Bush said: “It is an event that both Glasgow and Scotland have taken to their hearts.

“It was a fresh look for the event which has been in London for the last few years now.

“They have moved around in the capital and I guess they were probably quite surprised what we have managed to put on the ground for them.

“The welcome that both we and the public have given them has been incredible and I don’t think anyone expected it to be so well received.”

Scott Taylor, CEO of SeeGlasgow, said that moving cities was “essential” for the flagship urban music award ceremony to grow into a global brand.

He said: “Urban bands from Glasgow achieved worldwide success.

“And let’s not forget that these awards are actually sold-out, so as a business decision it has been excellent.

“I think it is a shame that people are dismissing Glasgow in this way and, in fact, it is good for the MoBos to move away from a demographic pigeon hole.”

The awards are being held tonight (Weds) at the SECC in Glasgow and will be on BBC3 at 9pm.

Highlights from the ceremony will be shown on BBC1 at 10.40pm on Friday October 2.

Emeli Sande

 

By Cara Sulieman

A SCOTS medical student has been burning the midnight oil after being told she will be performing at next week’s Mobo awards in Glasgow with smash R&B star Chipmunk.

Emeli Sande – who has just started her fourth year studying medicine at Glasgow University – will take to the stage in Glasgow on Wednesday after being nominated for her part in his hit record Diamond Rings.

She composed the platinum-selling tune – up for Best Song at the Mobo awards – while vacuuming in her bedroom.

But now she is frantically juggling her time between rehearsals in London for the performance and her demanding university schedule.

“Exhausting”

She flew down to London on Monday to meet with Chipmunk and Flawless for their practice sessions on Monday, having to be back in class at 8.30am the following morning.

She said: “Going to Mobo rehearsals with Chipmunk and Flawless involved a plane for an hour then taxi for 70 miles.

“Then I got the overnight train at 12am to be in university at 8.30am. Exhausting”

The 22-year-old has been working away at her music career since she was schoolkid and celebrated a whirlwind year – signing a publishing deal with music giants EMI and recording her own songs.

Chance meeting

She said: “I have been working to this since I was 11. Eleven years later here I am – let the writing commence.”

As well as Chipmunk, X-Factor judge and Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole has recorded another of Emeli’s songs – ‘Boys’ – for her upcoming solo project.

But writing was something the Aberdeen-born artist never though she would do seriously – only coming about through a chance meeting.

Emeli said: “I was doing a show in London for 1Xtra and I met this guy called Naughty Boy.

“He has been trying to build up his name as a producer and asked if I wanted to work with him on a few things.

“We got in the studio and we clicked work wise. I just really enjoyed listening to what he was doing – it was so different from other people’s stuff.

“It’s crazy”

“We just started writing, not necessarily for me, we just thought ‘lets write a pop tune’ and experiment.

“And we wrote the Chipmunk track and I thought nothing of it. Naughty Boy sent it off to Chipmunk who really liked it and wrote his stuff around it.

“It’s just strange that some little song that I wrote in my bedroom has had so much success and airplay. It’s crazy.”

Finishing her education is one of the most important things to Emeli, whose manager, Adrian Sykes, has been waiting patiently since she was 16.

“See how it goes”

She said: “Adrian really respects that I want to get an education behind me. He also knows my parents are keen that I finish university.

“It’s really good having people behind you who aren’t rushing you to do something or don’t respect what you’re trying to achieve.

“I’ve managed to pass my exams in medicine and make things happen in music so the plan is to continue to try and balance it for the next two years and I’ll see how that goes.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

 Peter Andre who looked slick as always. According to the pap-grapevine his ex Katie Price aka Jordan was less than a mile away

JLS love these guys but they may look back on this and ask lot of questions for example why? 

 Seriously Ortise why? Eyes actually hurting!  They may be able to redeem themselves as JLS is up for Best Newcomer and Best Song

The lovely Lemar is up for Best RnB / Soul Act

The King of Funky House Donae’o has been nominated for Best UK Act (Woo Hoo!)

One of the youngest in the game Chipmunk, who just recently passed his A-Levels (congrats) is nominated in Best UK Act, Best Hip Hop Act, Best Video and Best Song!

Suited and booted Britian’s Got Talent Flawless as always the guys looked smooth

Boxer David Haye in a very colourful T-shirt!

 

Namure Aibangbee, Kojo and DJ Longers

Film Director Namure Aibangbee whose début film ‘Find Her Keep Her’ premieres at the O2 Vue cinema on 11^thSeptember, staring Kojo and Rachel Ritfeld.

Britain’s Got Talent dancer George Sampson looked too cute and genuinely chuffed to be there

TV presenter Reggie Yates was also there

 as was one of London’s top club promoters Napper

…Boy meets Girl…

The ex Big Brother housemates Noirin and  Cairon had a moment

Bashy and H-Boogie performed on the night

 Shock is what sprang to mind when the stage managed departure of Kimberly Wyatt from Pussycat Doll with DJ Ironik took place

WTF!?!?!

 And then this But wait… Bashy?…Bashy? Is that you?

BISH  BASH BAFFLED!!!! Does anyone know the meaning of this?!?! Could it be anything to do with THAT track he made a while ago? Who knows? Bashy is nominated Best UK Act and Best Album.

Sade Says ‘Ladies won this time. Happy Voting’

Images courtesy of Flyer Newspaper

The Nominations

Vote now at www.mobo.com

Best UK Act

Alesha Dixon

Bashy

Beverley Knight

Chipmunk

Dizzee Rascal

DJ Ironik

Donae’o

Mr Hudson

N-Dubz

Tinchy Stryder

Best UK Newcomer

Alexandra Burke

Jade Ewen

JLS

Laura Izibor

Master Shortie

Best R&B/Soul Act

Beverley Knight

Ciara

Jeremih

Keri Hilson

Lemar

Best Hip Hop Act

Chipmunk

Dizzee Rascal

Drake

Eminem

Kanye West

Best Video

Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal

Boy Does Nothing – Alesha Dixon

Diamond Rings – Chipmunk ft Emeli Sande

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce

Supernova – Mr Hudson ft Kanye West

Best International Act

Akon

Beyonce

Ciara

Drake

Eminem

Jay-Z

Kanye West

Keri Hilson

Lady Gaga

Mariah Carey

Best Song

Beat Again – JLS

Diamond Rings – Chipmunk ft Emeli Sande

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes – K.I.G. Family

Number One – Tinchy Stryder ft N-Dubz

Strong Again – N-Dubz

Best Album

808s and Heartbreaks – Kanye West

Catch 22 – Tinchy Stryder

Catch Me If You Can – Bashy

I Am… Sasha Fierce – Beyonce

Uncle B – N-Dubz

Best Reggae

Movado

Sean Paul

Serani

Tarrus Riley

Vybz Kartel

Best Jazz Act

Diana Krall

Herbie Hancock

Madeleine Peyroux

Melody Gardot

Yolanda Brown

Best African Act

Amadou and Mariam

Baaba Maal

Eidee

Femi Kuti

K’Naan

Lira

Mujava

Nneka

Oumou Sangare

Salif Kelta

Best Gospel Act

Desire to Worship God

Kiki Sheard

Mary Mary

New Direction

Crew

Music Of Black Origin: WHITEY'S NEED NOT APPLY (Unless you admit that good white music is only good because it's really of black origin, you thieving white bastards)

Yes – that’s right, the bloody MOBO’s. For those who haven’t yet had this rammed down their throats during another ‘lets not point out blatant positive-discrimination against whites’ item on the news, MOBO’s stands for (wait for it…)

Music
Of
Black
Origin
(Awards)

So, really they should be called MOBOA, but that sounds like the lead character in a black-only version of Rocky.

Anyway, if you haven’t spotted it and become outraged already you’re probably not white. But here’s the deal: I have NO PROBLEM with black people (or yellow, pink, purple or green people) or the statement that some music is definitely of ‘black origin’. I wouldn’t argue about this any more than I would argue against the statement that some music is of white origin, or that some cars are of Japanese origin, or that some of the food in my fridge is of supermarket origin, and beyond that, farm origin. BUT, can you seriously imagine the uproar that would ensue if some white popstar launched the MOWO’s….

That’s right – the

Music
Of
White
Origin
(Awards)

So, come on then. How about it? What’s that I can hear? White supremacist what? Racist who? All white music comes from black music? Seriously??

WTF? There’s no way on this planet that anyone would try to answer the MOBO’s with a white equivalent . Lets face it, they’re simply trying to draw lines of segregation (there’s irony for you..!) between whole segments of society based on whether their skin is white or black. Never mind halfway meaningful categories like asian, african etc – they don’t care about that. It’s white, or it’s black – that’s all that matters. I say again: W. T. F???? Does it matter that some music has a black origin? It does to some people, but to try to lay claim to whole swathes of popular culture by claiming that its origin is ‘black’ is like trying to argue that we’re ALL BLACK just because the cradle of life on this planet just so happened to be in what we today call Africa. We all came from the same gene pool, the same primordial slime – ergo, we’re all black. That makes everything of ‘african origin’. Happy now?

It’s as though these people want to deny the great non-black musicians who have added to, improved, or been inspired by music of black origin. Just look at rock-and-roll. It wouldn’t exist in the same way today without its black roots, but rock-and-roll is now a totally different beast – it’s been adapted, it’s become an almost exclusively white phenomenon (Don’t believe me? Let me see an all-black mainstream rock band. Rap – yes, RNB – yes, Rock – no. It’s a cultural thing, not a race issue – it’s just how the musical/cultural cookie crumbled.)

I don’t have a problem with anyone based on their race, colour or culture, but I do have a problem with inequality and blatant misuse and abuse of social and cultural power. I can’t help but feel that the black slave trade (a blip in terms of the history of the planet – all be it a shameful chapter in human history)  is the ethnic-history equivalent of an Everlasting Gobstopper. It just never gets any smaller. Generations upon generations pass by, and yet the great great great great grandchildren of those who were genuinely enslaved and mistreated still bang on about it like it happened to them.

I might as well start a new campaign to ‘big-up’ the ‘oppressed whiteman’ who’s still, in the 21st century (a century with a black US President – a monument to democracy and equality) held racially-responsible for the mistakes of their ancestors. Afterall, my great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great grandfather ‘probably’ got enslaved by arabs in the 9th century. That’s right, black people don’t have the monopoly on slavery – but they sure do have the monopoly on playing the victim on history’s behalf. And they’re welcome to it. I don’t need to dredge up the past and wear it like a badge on my sleeve to justify my right to fair and equal treatment. It’s just a shame that bullshit (and, frankly, racially-exclusive) drum-beating, issue-ridden awards like the MOBO’s feel that they can’t let the music speak for itself. Even the MOBO website seems ashamed to mention what the acronym actually stands for, prefering instead to emphasise that it’s all about “urban music”. What thinly-veiled bullshit. Some PR guy is probably advising them to stop emphasising the meaning of MOBO – whilst the founder repeats the words “It seemed like a great idea for a name at the time.”..

Ah, thinking about it, they’re probably afraid to let the music speak for itself. Mainly because RNB and rap is utterly derivative, aggressive tuneless shite which glorifies gang culture/violence/intolerance/women-as-shag-machine-bitches and all the rest. Oh yeah, and here’s several shining examples of the so-called ‘positive role models’ offered up to black kids. This particular gallery has a ‘For FUCK’S SAKE LIGHTEN THE FUCK UP’ theme. Enjoy.

Sad Miserable Fuck (hey, it's a rap name, not an insult!)

I'll bust a cap in yo ass! How shit-stirringly original.

Need I say any more? Really?

Attitude. It's all about the tw-attitude.

_

_

_

_

_

_

_

How about some equality for the whitey’s, hmm? Or is equality a one-way street now? Please, please. Someone launch the MOWO’s – I want to see the outrage unfold on the news as the ‘poor oppressed middle-class white-man’ takes a damn good kicking for daring to celebrate ‘whiteness’. Don’t worry, it’ll never happen.

GZS

PS: Anyone who thinks this is a racist blog needs to:

A) Get off the ‘anyone who mentions the words black in the same sentence as a criticism is a racist’ bandwagon.
B) Learn to read, slowly and thoroughly.
C) Learn to READ and understand, before they pass snap judgements.
D) Consider how they would react if the MOWO’s were launched and ask themselves this question: “Have I got a racist attitude hidden under my persecution complex?”.
E) I said, LEARN TO READ.

 The Boss Lady herself Kanya King MBE sported a Christian Audigier dress.

N Dubz’s Tulisa looked good in this season’s surprise colour blue . N Dubz are nominees and are up for Best Act and Best Song

 Booty Love showed us some….love and looked lovely nonetheless

Jade Ewen (Nominated for Best Newcomer) looked amazing in D&G and mystified paps when she changed outfit for her performance hours later

Su Elise (ex Mis-Teeq )and Sarah-Jane Crawford were right on trend with their little back mini dresses.

Always one step ahead Sabrina Washington, pulled off this daring look

and she was one the first chicks  to rock this hair do and it still looks good.

 Soul singer Beverley Knight MBE also rocked in black…

 As did H-Boogie who performed with Bashy on the night

Adding a touch of glamour in very shinny pink was Kimberly Wyatt  from the Pussy Cat Dolls (*whisper* she’s the one that does the standing opensplit) 

 Also spotted was Frank Lampard’s ex-fiancée Elen Rives who may have turned a top into a dress! (Good colour though).

 Norin however, did not represent – nice idea and all but …. No!

Mz Bratt, loving  it, loving it

 Oh no baby girl,

LABEL!!!

Singer whose making waves at the moment Cherri V was her usual bubbly self

 New girl group Fenix blended right in

Top Model Rachael Williams looked cute in pink

As did singer Egypt in orange whose funky house track ‘In the Morning’ is out on 7^th September

Sade Says ‘Not bad Ladies’  

Images courtesy of Flyer Newspaper

To get involved head over to www.mobo.com to cast your vote at 8:30pm.

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MOBOS® also make ideal outdoor flower boxes and are easy to take on and off your home for planting and watering.

Made from recyclable steel and non-toxic coatings, MOBOS® are proud to be made in the USA.

The flower MOBOS® storage bin is perfect for inside or out. The silhouette of the five-petal flower measures 16.5 inches in diameter and offers 6 inches of squared storage space. Like all MOBOS products, it is made from recycled steel with non-toxic coatings, making it an environmentally friendly addition to any home or garden. To allow for easy installation, a variety of mounting bars, ranging from a single bracket to a 48-inch bar, must be purchased in conjunction with MOBOS bins.

The flower bin is offered in 13 vibrant colors: Silver Bells, Ode to Lemon, White on Rice, Pale Moss, Brownie Points, Midnight Black, Orange Medley, True Blue, Hunter Knoll, Reddy Freddy, Pink Blush, Shady Teal, and Caramel Dip.

Review by: Tanya Peila
24/7 MOMS Project Manager
tanya@247moms.comWIN: 24/7 MOMS and MOBOS are giving away a flower storage bin in your color choice ONE lucky reader. To enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed.2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber. US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on August 23rd.

Kanya King MBE founder of the MOBOs often envied by many (due to her business mind, her brand, her strategies, her looks and her all round super womaness!), arrived at the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards looking very confident.

 There has been talk that the MOBOs may be turning its back on London and is to be held in Scotland this year yes I said SCOTLAND!!!

Images courtesy of Flyer Newspaper

Every Dogg has his day and the Mobos’ bosses hope Snoop’s will be September 30.

The optimistic award chiefs have lined up legendary rapper Snoop Dogg to host the show in Glasgow.

One slight glitch, guys. Bad boy Snoop has been barred from entering the UK since a brawl at Heathrow airport in 2006.

A show insider said: “It would be a huge coup to get Snoop. He’s such a crowd pleaser and was a great host of the MTV awards in Munich.”

As it is in Glasgow Scotland, Does this mean we’ll be seeing this again? LOL

I remember speaking to among other artists Wayne Wonder – there was a time in my life that I kept bumping into that guy,  I ended up dancing to No Letting Go at my wedding – it spoke to me that song!

 The reason why I bring up the MOBOs is to say that are so many duff reggae awards that are handed out on in the world even the well respected Grammy’s is not somewhere to look for recognising new talent and award to the more established and successful artists – 2009 Grammy winner for best reggae album went to Burning Spear for Jah Is Real.  Which is not really doing it for me I’m afraid – have a listen here. 

This is the reason why a reggae award ceremony happening on May 3rd 2009 is worth writing home about.   It is unfortunately happening not in Jamaica the birthplace and home of reggae, but Jamaica, New York - where they can afford to put on a televised event and arrange flights for all the invited artists and also reap the profits that come with it.  Jamaica itself is not in a financial position to afford even the annual reggae sumfest as it’s reported that organisers are asking the government to help them with funding.  Jamaica and the reggae bailout plan!

It is the Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards and top nominations include Movado, Beres Hammond, Queen Ifrica and Mr Vegas – I’ve been listening to Mus Come A Road all weekend.  

Now this is a reggae awards ceremony worth covering.