I would like to send my prayers and condolences to Jennifer Hudson and her family. Her mother and brother were shot dead....???? Makes me wonder about this place. Which makes this little post way deeper than it was going to be, but just so happens to be an artist of the same name.
Music is important. Its speaks, sometimes even without words. But these words ring very true indeed.
This is one of my favourite artists, one of my favourite tunes.
Song and video go perfectly together, which makes this a Magic Music Moment.
I got to give a massive clap, round of applause, hats off, curtsey, pat on the back, BIG UP to the organisers of the Africa Rising Festival which I attended at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday, and ESPECIALLY to Olu Maintain for calling Colin Powell onto the stage... CLASSIC!! It was beyond laughter because I was bent over in shock!
You cant pay for that kind of publicity and for the record, contrary to what the reports are saying, Mr Powell remained neutral about how he'll be voting in the election, despite his supposed'Hip hop, Obama-endorsing' dance!
I really admire Mr Powell for his inspiring speech and the fact he didnt hesitate to get into the spirit of things, endorsing African pride and heritage.
Hype over, cant overlook the other performances... Youssoun D'or was magical (I stood up for him), as was Asa (love her) and then Doe Sagoe fashion show... WHAT!! Then an army of men modelling the Ozwald Boateng and the screams from women at the sight of Tyson Beckford, and adoring cries for Alek Wek, and then the prowess of Christina Aguliera....
....wait, Christina AGUILERA?? AGGY??!!??...
Record screech...
...now dont get me wrong, much respect to her, she's powerific and very talented but the poor lil thing (very LITTLE thing) wasnt the most fitting act for this event (especially with the VT of her naked and spread-eagled in a bath tub...) Despite that, she did her thing and people did enjoy so nuff props.
Next night went to see a play, had some super duper Brazilian cuisine, and saw Natty at Scala... he is seriously impressive y'all. Genuine, talented, good and meaningful songs, heartfelt, and a lovely tone to his voice.
Natty
To end my African week, I'll be doing a performance for the launch of an African men's magazine, Made Magazine, this Saturday!! (details will be on Wastebook and Myspace tomorrow) Yes, I'm an African rising too, and proud of it!
In the meanwhile, check out this video they made with some of Nigeria's top new artists!! (Er, guess I couldnt make it that day... ;D )
And er, lets not forget this African MMM: Song a video a perfect match! Kanye West, Love Lockdown
I squiggled in my last Mute Diary post that the doctor had given me news about my voice. Well, guess the whole day had been overshadowed by all the drama. So time to bring it home... I CAN SING!! Yipeee!!
After some poking, a lil prodding and some speech therapy, vocally, I should be right as rain, and I'm good to go long as I dont over-do it, so I guess that means... I've been DeMuted!!
To start with a bang, prima donna Heidi Vogel (more on her later...) invited me to come along and sing with her on a gig... non other than the Cinematic Orchestra! Yes, sounds grand... IT IS! An AMAZING group of talented people, players, composers, singers who WOWed the sold-out the Roundhouse. Check them out in this clip of Heidi and The C.O. on Jimmy Kimmel in the US...
DID YOU HEAR THAT VOICE?!?!?!! HEIDIIIIIIIIIIII!!!
Let me share this with you.... 2 summers ago, I was fortunate enough to spend several days working, singing and playing with 3 of the worlds best vocalists...
Heidi Vogel, Eska, Marcina Arnold.... (if you dont know, get to know!!)
...And no messing, it was one of the best summers I've EVER had.
That summer, our rap freestyling talents were UNLEASHED!! LOL! (Yes, laughing LOUDLY!! Hee hee!!) Really tho, I find myself in awe everytime I am in their company, collectively or individually. And to be in the same room as all 3 at the same time... well, the experience doesnt really have enough time or words to document...
Let's just say these are 3 women and talents I aspire to become like and I'm honoured to know them. So this post is dedicated to them.
And with that inspiration, I'm back in the game kidz!
Ace the Mute aint dead - Ace is very much me and from some of the responses I've had from these posts, Ace is many of you... and mute in more ways than one. So Ace will contunue to holla thank you very much. And thanks to everyone for your support so far.
I'm gonna post a performance of me singing a cover song (then a ME original) on YouTube soon... which one should I open with? Hhhhmmm...
'Member this? Made me feel good! I got a promo T-Shirt I got from a hip hop show. I used to LOVE Redman, so much wit, comedy in his raps and RAMBUNCTIOUS character!! Plus the vid features Stacey McKenzie, Rah Digga and Dave Chappelle. Me loves!
