Being in a music video

I have always loved music videos. I am constantly being told off because I just watch them all the time. I can remember as a teenager watching videos over and over again trying to learn every move and it was my ambition when I moved to London to be in one music video. So when in January this year, I went on a date with a guy who managed music artists and could get me in a video I was very interested. 11 months later my dream finally came true. 


The story starts on a cold Saturday morning in Bermondsey, which wasn't quite as glamorous as I had always imagined. I arrived at studio along with children street dancers and other women models/dancers. We all waited in anticipation for the arrival of the artist King Kash. All morning I waited for us to finally get on set, whilst I froze myself off in the process. By the time I got on set I was starving having not eaten all day and managing to pull enthusiasm and energy from somewhere took some work.


Track on, Lights on, Fan on...it was time for me to work it. It was weird how in a club, at a tube platform, on the pavement I have no problem dancing but in a studio with all eyes on me if was a different story. I was so scared, I could feel my body shaking and my heart pumping out my chest. I was HOT, but not the type I needed to be for the video. The wonderful Videographer Danielle Da Silva encouraged me and after a take I forgot everyone else was in the room and just performed. By the time I was done I didn't want to stop and I really hope I get the chance to be in another video one day.


But the story doesn't end there. Now I have to wait patiently for the footage to be edited to see if I even make the final cut and if I do exactly what sections of me get used. So now I wait in anticipation for King Kash's H.O.T. 

Oh I do love a lovely long commute

So last weekend I left my lovely located flat in Old Street to temporarily live in Tooting, whilst looking for my dream place. I may have only lived on zone 1 for 4 months, but I forgot what the zone 3 life was like.

The joy of having a brisk 15 minute walk through old street and shoreditch has now been replaced by a bus ride, 30 minute tube and then a 10 minute walk .... It's long, unpredictable, sweaty and yes I am generally already stressed before I get to work. Is this really the way life should be?

On the tube you see people who have been doing this everyday for years and will continue to do so, but why? Is it purely an economic thing? Everyone says no one can afford to live in central, that's not true just you can't live anywhere nice! Is having a lovely flat in zone 4, which you never see cause you are always travelling REALLY worth it?

I have lived in zone 3 before and to be honest, it is fine. You get a community, which you don't in central. You have little high streets and shopping centres that are much more enjoyable than Oxford street. And if you live close to a station your commute can be a lot quicker and easier than places further in.

The commute is part of city life whether you like it or not... My tip is live on the London overground - at least that way you are in air conditioned environment.

Notting Hill Carnival 2011

Now there is nothing quite like an all day event!  I don’t care whether it is Bognor Beer Race, Gay Pride or Carnival. I just love dressing up and spending the whole day dancing away.

The August Bank Holiday basically marks the end of Summer, but it isn’t all doom and gloom, because before it is all over there is Notting Hill Carnival. For two days the glorious Caribbean comes to England... unfortunately, the Caribbean sunshine is not always part of the deal but you can hear the music, smell the food and see the wonderful costumes in the parade – it is a feast for all the senses.

Last year Lennisha and I took part in the parade and I loved it. We didn’t wear a crazy costume, but inside those ropes I loved it. So this year a few of my other friends came down to join in. We got our Dominican t-shirts and got to customising – cut off the sleeves, add some beads, tie it up short. Then the standard short shorts to make the outfit complete.

For one day I represented a country I knew nothing about. Of the 5 girls in my group, only one was from Dominica but that didn’t matter. We danced along to all the songs and enjoyed the attention of the crowds. I felt like a celebrity being followed by the paparazzi.They guessed 1 million people had come to line the streets, which such an extensive route across West London it is easily possible.

What makes the day so exciting is that everyone has come to party. This is the purpose of carnivals, to let lose and forget about your normal life. For that day I could have been in any island of the Caribbean, it just didn’t matter. What was important was to let your hair down, shock out and embrace the environment.

So as I type this with my chipped red, yellow and green nails I look forward to next years carnival. It is definitely a highlight of the year and if Summer had to be over at least it went with a bang!

Robbed - 3rd place in Dance Marathon

Last week I was let out of the ATC office and after 4.5 hours of what can only be described as train torture I arrived in Edinburgh. It was my first time in Scotland, first time in Edinburgh and first time at the Festival Fringe. Friday night comes around and the opportunities are endless but I decide to embark on a four-hour endurance extravaganza Dance Marathon.Created by the Canadian company bluemouth inc, Dance Marathon is advertised as a ‘new duration-based performance event which has been taking the world by storm’.

On arrival at the Traverse Theatre I was given a number to wear and a questionnaire to fill in with questions such as do you have any special skills? What are you waiting for? What have you lost? Once everyone was ready, numbers on chests, we were walked over to a secret location, which could only be described as a broken down gym hall. It was perfect though and I felt like I had been transported to America for a High School dance that I have always dreamed of.

We were instructed to find our feet (the number on our chest corresponded to a number in a pair of feet on the floor). I found my 85, and met my partner for the night 86, otherwise known as Adam Palolozza. Then for the next four hours I was transported into a whirlwind of dance styles crossing genres alongside music from the last 100 years.

Through sheer determination and talent I made it through to the semi-final where 6 couples got to slow dance under the watching eyes of failed contestants. As I was led around the dance floor, twirling like a Princess, I didn’t want it to end. I felt like Cinderella and knew soon it would strike midnight and I would have to return to reality.

Only one thing stood in between me and the final – dancing the hula. For a second I thought I could make it through to the final. I picked up the dance quick and ‘shaking it’ was what I was born to do. Only two couples would go through to the final and three faced the judges ‘hulaing’ for their lives. Then the dreaded moment came when the judges walked over to me and tapped my shoulder. In a furious rage my partner and I ripped off our numbers and chucked them to the ground.  We’ve been robbed we proclaimed!

However, all was not lost as numerous spectators came forth and informed us that we were the best and that we had been robbed. Even the Referee said he has been routing for us. Sometimes in life the best don’t win, but Dance Marathon wasn’t about winning the trophy it was about the experience. As I left that sweaty, sweaty hall I felt a sense of achievement. Everyone in the room had been apart of something special and I had the chance to ‘dance under the stars’ and be a dancer one more time.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Last week I was lucky enough to leave England and visit Scotland for the first time. As I sat on the 4.5 hour train journey from London to Edinburgh, I couldn't help but question why I was leaving dry London for wet, wet Scotland in the middle of Summer. Even now I am not sure why so many theatrical people would choose to spend the best month of the year in a place that is wetter and colder than England.

I imagine what drives people is that unique experience. Anyone who is anyone is in Edinburgh and although I felt moving to London I was where everything was happening, I was wrong! Everything is happening in Edinburgh. On arriving in one day I watched two of my ex-freshers performing and then an ex-manager. I mean only in Edinburgh would that happen. The numerous theatrical faces I bumped into that I hadn't seen in London for ages. To be honest, it was a little bit freaky.

The amount of stuff to see was overwhelming and if you are not that into reading reviews how do you choose? Well I went for love, bit more love and what I thought would be glitz and glamour. The beauty of Edinburgh was the fact you can see dance, theatre, musicals, live art and comedy... oh yes COMEDY! Now anyone who knows me, knows that I can't be bothered with comedy and Edinburgh is full of it, with every second someone giving you a flyer for a 2 for 1 on a comedy night. I couldn't think of anything worse.

Leaving Edinburgh after four days I was exhausted and I don't think I even pushed myself that hard. I was left with a sense of sadness, because it was so lovely to be surrounded by so many people who are passionate about performing. They save every penny they have to get on a bike, coach, back of a van and perform for as many days as they can possibly afford. It's beautiful to see, much like the hills of Edinburgh too.

Will I be back? Yes! 2013 with a show... you heard it here first.

Behind every great company is ...

Last night as I walked home from Central London for once I stopped at the building I passed and see what companies they belong to. London is the home for virtually everything and much of it we pass everyday without even noticing. A building I had passed on numerous occasions was Alexandra McQueen's headquarters. Behind the desk was a security guard in an otherwise empty building. I smiled and waved at him. I can't imagine being a security guard is an exciting job. In fact, I think it is my worse nightmare, being up all night in a lifeless building. As I carried on walking down the street I thought about all of the bodyguards sitting across London guarding the best companies are countries have to offer and it dawned on me the common theme - a black man. It's true! Numerous nights as I walk through London Bridge, Bank, Moorgate and up to Old Street I pass a lonely black man sitting in a glass faced building. The city is full of them.

I suppose it is the same as bodyguards, there is a higher proportion of black men. Is it in the genes? Or just in our society's mind? Well, I'm not complaining and as I walk the streets of London at night I will continue to wave and smile. Who knows? One day I may even get in one of those amazing buildings.

Take Time for Your Life

In today's society we spend all of our time rushing around like headless chickens. Our diaries are full to the brim. Working days are getting longer and longer, and so are the commutes. Then ontop of that with 17 endless ways to be communicated we are constantly being bombarded with e-mails, texts, tweets, facebook message, voice mails and not forgetting phone calls. When do we ever take time for ourself? Silence is a vital part of everyone's life but even that is filled my two little earphones that seem permanently attached to some people. We are the generation of high achievers, but in order to achieve that success does 'work' and 'achieving the dream' take over and the life we are actually living is a bit of half life. 

My lovely Godmother recommened this book she had read years and years ago that she felt had really help her to achieve the life she has today. That book was Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson. Last week I got the book and within 3 days I had read it from front to back. The tagline of the book is 'A Seven-Step Programme for Creating the Life You Want' and it does exactly what it is says on the tin. It breaks down the different areas of your life, makes you evaluate where you are now and what you want in the future. It isn't rocket science, but where this differs from many books is that it looks at your life, rather than your work. So it is not about me saying I want to be a CEO by the time I'm 25. Work is only one part of the wheel of your life. For most people it is the most time consuming, but there is more to work than life. It looks at your relationships, your health, service to others, spiritual well-being and fun/adventure/leisure. One question Cheryl asks you to consider is If this week were my last week on Earth, would I be happy with how I'm spending my time? Would you? I would love to hear from someone who can hand on their heart answer yes (and it doesn't count if you went on holiday last week)

Is making money that easy?

For the last couple of weeks I have watched 'The Apprentice' and after every episode I am mad with myself. I think why am I not out there making money. Instead, I'm just broke, moaning about my situation and praying that I win the lottery. But 'The Apprentice' makes it look so easy but is it. 

A few weeks ago the task was to buy stock from a warehouse, sell it, and then reinvest in products that sold well. Now this was how Lord Sugar started out and is a module used by every person with a market stall. Buy, add a profit margin and sell. This is something most people can achieve with just a bit of effort. 

However, the majority of the tasks are unachievable for the average individual. I loved Fast Food Chain - because in two days they decided on what they wanted to sell, designed and got the menus made, conceived a whole brand and a physical shop was made. That is not realistic for an average person. For a turnaround like that serious money is needed. Also, in earlier episodes where products have been pitched at major shops this again is something the average person can't do. I don't just know the head of buying at Selfridges, but Lord Sugar does. 

So yes, having your own business is achievable with guts, determination and perseverance. However, it takes time (or a lot of initial investment) to achieve the financial success the team members make in days. 

Total Football by Ridculusmus at the Barbican Centre

After what seems forever Sarah and I returned to what used to be our fourth home (after internship, university, london house) the BARBICAN. We delved to the depths of the Barbican Centre, which sees no light and goes by the fitting name of THE PIT. We went to watch a performance entitled 'Total Football' by Ridiculusmus. As the title suggests it was about football, but rather than the actual game it looked at the behind the scenes of the Olympic Games and creating Great Britain's football team, as well as getting to the essence of why football is important to Britishness. 

Britishness is a topic that thoroughly interests me with my undergraduate dissertation being based on the topic. What is it to be British? One of the characters in the play was preparing for his citizenship test. However, I have had friends who have taken that test and although I am second generation I still struggled with some of the answers. To be honest I think families who can track their British heritage to 1606 would still struggle. 

Football is quintessential to British life but why? The sport apparently is loved by 500 million people across the world, but what makes so many people love to watch "22 millionaires ruining a lawn"? The piece suggests that it is because it gives an individual a sense of community, a tribe to belong to. A tribe with a dress code and anthems and rivals. Football gives the individual who is bored with their life a purpose. I found myself agreeing and although I do not like football, it summed up exactly why I loved being a cheerleader. 

The two performers played a range of characters and although one of the accents sounded suspiciously like Tony Blair, overall the portrayal of the various individuals was excellent. I particularly liked the role of the DCMS and the concerns of trying to improve the General Well-Being of the nation. It was a simple but effective setting, with a lovely twist Overall, a lovely night in the Barbican Pit. I am not sure I understand the offside rule more than I did before and I am not interested in watching an actual match, but it has reignited my passion for the topic of Britishness. I can feel part 2 of both paper and performance coming soon. 

Beyoncé's Back!

It seems forever since we last saw Beyoncé, other than a fleeting appearance with Lady Gaga last year she may as well have died. The charts have been dominated by Gaga and Rihanna and Beyonce's Single Ladies seemed like a distant memory. BUT she is back in true fashion with 'Run The World (Girls)'. In keeping with her a string of pro-feminine anthems Beyonce burst back onto the scene to release her fourth studio album.

What has made the song such an instant success though? At the time there was no video, so with nothing to entice the eye what made all of ears decide it was a TUNE! Is it her amazing voice? the powerful lyrics? or that amazing beat. Now, I love Beyonce's voice and totally agree with her lyrics, but to be honest what makes me go wild when it comes on in the club is that beat. A beat that is from Pon De Floor by Major Lazer, Feat. Vybz Kartel. A song which I doubt made it big internationally. As a song that is bound to be an international hit how many people will be aware she SAMPLED that hot beat, or will the majority of people think Beyonce made it herself?

Now I know that sampling is central to the music business but for a massive international star to sample a beat which was sure to send the song flying up the charts is it really fair? Is sampling legal copying or legal stealing? 

The curse is over - I'm employed!

That's right guys, I have managed to find a full-time Arts Administrator position in London. Only a mere 8 months, after finishing my Masters, and probably after 10 months of applying I have managed to blag my first position. All it took was 1 cover letter, 1 CV and 2 interviews and FINALLY I have got my first official foot on the ladder :). 

It all happened very quickly, hence the lack of blogging. But I have been working for over a week now and moved back to London. I am the Administrator for ATC, which is an touring theatre company. Perfect, since I love touring and feel that my Masters research may actually be of some use now and has allowed me to return to the wonderful world of theatre. Already I have read 2 scripts and realised how much I missed theatre. 


So hurray the curse the over. Onwards and upwards! It is just the first step and there is a lot further to go before all my dreams come true and I conquer the world!

Bye bye Sandfield Centre

On Saturday 2^nd April 2011 a performance like no other was seen in a little unknown theatre called Sandfield Centre in Nottingham. As a result of the cuts that are sweeping across the country, Nottingham City Council has decided to destroy Sandfield Centre, which for nearly 20 years has been the performing home of Nottingham Youth Theatre (which has also been known as: Acorn, C’NET and NET).

Secretly for weeks past and present members had put together a review show of the shows and memorable moments, that had all happened under the Artistic Direction of Alistair Conquer. Throughout the day the building was buzzing with people singing, dancing and putting last minute sketches together. Outside groups were rehearsing their numbers in the car park in true NYT style.

Then infront of an invited audience of friends and family, and the guest of honour Alistair Conquer, the performance unfolded. It wasn’t perfect but was performed with enthusiasm, passion and talented performers. Although some performers had not performed for years it was amazing to see how they hadn’t lost it. The audience appeared to enjoy the performance and then Alistair gave a moving speech to close, which reminded everyone of the importance of the arts.

Growing up some of my best teenage memories happened with NYT. It was much more than a youth theatre where I had the opportunity to sing, dance, act and perform both nationally and internationally. It was where I truly learned what to work hard meant, what working in a team meant, how to be tactful, work under pressure and above all, met deadlines.

I owe a lot of my success to my years in NYT. It was a life changing experience that has played an important role in my past. It saddens me to think that no longer will NYT be able to use Sandfield Centre, but the closing of the theatre will not be the end of the NYT. As proven through the performance the NYT spirit is strong and the show must go on!  

D-Day for the subsidised arts sector

It has been 8 weeks of waiting but yesterday, on Wednesday the 30^th of March, across the country subsidised arts organisations finally found out what funding they would receive for 2012-15.

It was a mixed bag of results. Surprisingly, even in economically difficult times, some organisations have come out with excessive increases, including my home from home in 2010, the Barbican Centre. Now even though I love the Barbican and acknowledge the fact that it supports virtually every art form going, does it really need an increase of 108.7%?

Overall, London organisations did well and virtually half of Arts Council England’s funding is still centred in London. However, there were still cuts in London with Riverside Studios losing all of its funding, as well as a personal favourite of mine, The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs. 

What shocked me was how many organisations were cut. There used to be 849 RFOs and now there are just 695 national portfolio organisations. On the surface that is a cut of 154 organisations, but with 110 new organisations being added to the mix, it is in fact over 250 organisations that lost the funding. What is going to happen to those organisations? Will they be able to continue without the funding? Will the reinvent their economical model or will they fade into the background and become a long lost memory?

For more information click here

to fit in or to not fit in ...that is the question?

For the majority of the world fitting in is an essential desire. People want to be liked and accepted. Everyone wanted to be the cool kid at school and people usually want to be consider as 'hot' or 'fit'. It all comes down to being the 'norm' and following the 'status quo'. 

What happens when you can't be bothered to follow the rules? A few weeks ago I dyed my hair red (some would say pink) either way I don't care I love it. However, it seems the abnormality of my hair is jeopardising my future career. My choice to have a non-natural colour offends employers to the point where the value I would bring to their team is overlooked because of one lifestyle choice. A choice, which to be honest will be a passing phase like all fashion phases. 

I just find it so ironic when the commercial world is full of fake women. The majority have a face caked with make-up, hair extensions and probably a nose job, boob job or even botox. All of these women are 'unnatural'. We have got to the point where to the unnatural woman is actually perceived as natural and when you are faced with a woman in her natural self we think she is 'unpolished'. 

So what is a girl to do? When your looks are with you 24/7 and make up a major part of you should you really change yourself just for a job? How does one look in the mirror at the weekend at a body she hates but justifies it by the money in her purse?

So do I sell my sole to the devil and change a part of me I love in order to get money... or do I stay poor, happy and true to myself?

S&M - Rihanna making her claim for the queen of pop?

Now I have always liked Rihanna don't get me wrong. She has come out with some great tunes over the years but she was never Beyonce or Lady Gaga. Other than Umbrella she hadn't had a big tune and since Umbrella resulted in the UK being drowned in rain all summer we shouldn't really mention it. 


Only a few months ago a music channel said she was one of the unluckiest women in pop. She had a string of Number 2s and just continually missed out on the top stop. Yet, who knew a few months later that would all change. Was it her Xfactor appearance? Was it the red hair? Was it a different musical feel? Was it clever videos? To be honest does it even matter?


Only girl in the world - What's my name - S&M. 3 big tunes, back to back. What's my name made her the first female artist ever to have a number 1 in five consecutive years. Now that's an achievement. 


I am sure S & M is going to be as big hit, already having had nearly 300,000 hits in less than two days. All I want to know is... when is Rihanna going to be in concert?

Heading back to Uni

They say 'third time lucky' and I am going to test this theory out by returning to University for the third time. Now I have been a big geek since the day I was born, with an unusual obsession with academia. However, even I have to admit that maybe I am taking this obsession a tad too far now. 

The momentous occasion of becoming a student again will happen on Wednesday at Thames Valley University. I have been accepted on an internship programme that involved 6 weeks working in Central London (yeah baby!) and two weeks studying at Uni. I will be developing key skills for professional careers that are often lacking in new graduates.

So basically I’m getting money, experience and most importantly a STUDENT CARD. It seems like a win, win, win situation and I am excited to say the least.

Auditioning to be a KISS presenter

Me on the microphone

This weekend Shannon and I went along to Westfields to audition to be 'The Kiss Chosen One'. The purpose of the competition was to be Kiss' next presenter. From a young age I have had an on-off relationship with presenting, as a result of having presented in front of thousands in my local theatre to radio presenting my Top 30 on Trent FM. This passion lay dormant until earlier this year MTV held a competition to become an MTV presenter. However, the competition was more of a popularity contest than talent competition and needless to say I didn't make the top 10.

So standing in the queue trying to decide why I should be the Chosen One I couldn't control my nerves. I felt sick with my stomach churning away, but it made me feel alive. I remembered at that moment why I came to London - to do things I would never get the opportunity to do otherwise.

The outcome of the audition was not what I had hoped for. I was told that I had the right personality and look (not sure you need the 'look' for radio) but my personality didn't come through when reading a script. So I am now trying to unleash my personality through my voice and audition again in a few weeks. Me and the microphone will be reunited.

Hip Hop Honey

Now I spend too much time watching music videos. I love them, infact, I'm obsessed! I don’t want any other channels on my television except MTV and Kiss, but for now I am happy with my free Viva.

I dream of working in the industry I would love to choreograph, write the concepts, direct, edit…and occasional I have considered, would I like to be the other side the Hip Hop Honeyz.

Last night BBC3 present Music, Money and Hip Hop Honeys. This showed the world of music videos and the reality of trying to be a Hip Hop Honey. What I found shocking was the difference between the UK and USA. In America lead women were making up to $12,000 for a single video. That equates to $6,000 a day. Whereas in the UK the majority of women work for free.

Why is there such a difference between the countries. I think it is partially to do with the status of the artists. In America you can be a Hip Hop Honey for Jay-Z, 50 Cent, P-Diddy, whereas the UK example with K.I.G and So Solid Crew. Obviously, they are in different leagues, which has resulted in the poorer working situation this side of the ocean.

What I found most worrying about the documentary was the lengths women would go to, to enhance their body in order to increase their chances of become a Hip Hop Honey. Now I think that music videos are exploitive, but it is a woman’s choice what she does with her body. However, to change your body primarily to try and get into an industry, which for the most part will not actually support you financially seems inconceivable.

Now I am not going to say I would not like to appear in a music video. I would love to say that’s me there, but I am happy to see a glimpse of me in a crowd. There is no way I am going to spend thousands of pounds and years to become a Hip Hop Honey, shake my ass scantily clad in 10 videos and then do what for the rest of my life?