Original East London Material

Communicating Here For A Community Over There – London Charity Event For Ghana’s Yaarah Schools

2011-09-10T11:45:00.000+01:00

“Tell a friend, to tell another friend, to tell to their cousins, and their cousin’s friends and cousins. Spread the word on this basically” sputtered Yaarah Schools’ newest patron, actor Daniel Kaluuya (Skins, Johnny English Reborn). He and a host of others attended last week’s ‘Fusionite’ event in Shoreditch’s Avalon club to show their support for a charity which tries to breathe new life into Ghana’s most under resourced educational systems:

Footage of Fusionite 2010

Music performances, talks, food, fashion show, fusion – night. And any of this for London Fashion Week? No. This is all in the name of Ghana’s children states Yaarah Schools founder, Marie Tejani. The inspirational lady left Ghana a few years ago utterly depleted at how 4000 primary schools in her homeland are still being taught under trees, and how 3500 additional schools are under temporary structures; explaining why the national government estimate it could take up to 25 years for the authorities to build adequate classrooms. This just won’t do affirms Marie, which is why she set up Yaarah Schools in the first place; to provide her people with:

- Classrooms in the remote villages
- Teaching equipment and furniture
- Safe drinking water, toilets and basic medical provisions
- Income generating schemes for the school community
- And adult education and skills improvement programmes within the community

Does anyone on this side of the world actually care though…?

Construction and vast preparation for the Summer Olympics and Paralympics 2012 may be erupting across London and the UK – but the response to Fusionite, Marie and her team’s work illustrates that wider picture, that sprinkle of perspective, that through all the hype and jittery excitement in the capital, there remains space, time, need and yes, a genuine want to communicate here for a community over there.

London is a bustling hot pot (which is why I love it). And it is such a dynamic environment that branches of it can and do pause to reflect, come together – and party it up for a good cause.

Come to the next Fusionite, check out www.yaarahschools.org, and you’ll see what I mean.

This article was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Street Summer Loving With Channel 4 & somewhereto_

2011-08-31T22:03:00.001+01:00

What can one do in Westminster Hall? The answer is simple. More than you think…

Crushing the barriers of creative convention, this recently broadcast Channel 4 Street Summer ident shines some light on a rather grey matter couple of months (Rain? Riots? What else are people ranting about?), whilst showcasing the long-term plan and blue sky-high vision of a nationwide project called somewhereto_.

Delivered by youth engagement agency Livity, in media partnership with Channel 4 and funded by Legacy Trust UK, the name of the somewhereto_ game is to assist any 16-25 year old with a space to do the things they love, be it painting or rapping, writing or dancing, in arenas from a patchy park, to the oldest remaining part of the prestigious Palace of Westminster.

Yes. It’s been a summer of mixed news and emotions, especially in my home city of London town. But I look back and think it is very fitting that Channel 4’s Street Summer season about the contemporary urban arts scene was still dubbed a ‘celebration’. It most definitely was – setting off fireworks with projects from Concrete Circus (bringing together the world’s hottest names in urban sports), to How Hip Hop Changed the World (a hip hop history lesson), Life of Rhyme (exploring the UK rap and spoken word scene), and as for London and the Street Summer somewhereto_ stunt – well it just has a different feel for me since I saw the four lucky young street dancers blessing the floors of Westminster Hall.

Why shouldn’t we - even at times of great uncertainty and adversity - celebrate culture, community, young people, all people?

On that young people front I do raise a glass to work like somewhereto_ - which has an extra celebration at hand – a beat they hope we can all dance to long after this summer is out; in that somewhereto_ worked successfully with Parliament to open up an incredible space which would never normally open its doors to young people to dance in (an unprecedented achievement). And they are working to ensure the Westminster Hall special moment is just one of many stories which help creative young people realise that a space of any kind in their community can be theirs.

So, watch this space through Autumn and beyond as the somewhereto_ journey warms up to break some more records of their own by the time the London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 comes by.

Any young onlookers around London and the UK – the race for space is on with somewhereto_, and there’s so much up for grabs. It’s your turn and your time to think and leap outside the box – so take your pick from any one of these: www.somewhereto.com/spaces

Space-holders – play your part and give a space here: www.somewhereto.com/spaces/give-a-space

This article was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel.

Note: somewhereto_ is delivered by youth engagement agency Livity in media partnership with Channel 4. The project is funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to help build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK.

For more information on somewhereto_ visit: www.somewhereto.com, check them on Facebook here www.facebook.com/somewhereto, or follow them on Twitter @somewhereto_

For more information on Channel 4 Street Summer visit: www.channel4.com/streetsummer

The London Riots – Understanding The Incomprehensible

2011-08-10T13:21:00.005+01:00

“Trying to understand grievances and anger (to prevent violence and seek justice) doesn't mean you support criminality” tweeted actor, MC and buddy Riz Ahmed (Four Lions).

That is pretty much how I’ve felt: engulfed by news and soul-killing sights of my home city on fire, accompanied by this summer’s anthem of police sirens and helicopters, whilst simultaneously attempting to comprehend what looks like trails of World War 3 in my own back yard.

Amid the flames and looting, we have despicable acts like this:

And inconsolable reactions like this:

However, when the dust settles (which it will), we have to consider – then what? That is why we need time to stop, sit back, take a breather, detach, reconnect and establish how we got to this point. We must try to understand the incomprehensible.

I’ve tried…

Forget police shortcomings. Forget “bad PR for London and the Summer Olympics 2012”. And no offence, but in the bigger picture, we might as well forget about Mark Duggan – yes an unjust killing and the unravelling vital case that seemed to provide the spark to the riots (after violence broke out at an initially peaceful protest of his death on Saturday August 5). But sadly, his story is getting lost in the pool of carnage, fear, anger and confusion left in London, and now other cities across the UK.

The bigger story in my 24 year old eyes seems to be what do we do now with the so-called ‘thugs’ responsible? There is no justification for conflict and trauma inflicted upon the innocent – each and every looter and arsonist does deserve reprimanding. NO ONE is ‘too young’ to understand that stealing, mugging, and burning down a building is wrong. But I refuse to stop at punishment as a solution. It may be hard for many to have empathy with the thousands of kids on street smashing up buildings and cars, but how did it come to this? They are a substantial group of spawns from our society, and therefore much of the responsibility to make amends must rest in our hands.

Where were the parents in all this? Note: If my parents found out I was looting before my balls dropped, my dad would’ve had me on lock down and thwacked me with a rolled up newspaper, whilst my mum would’ve given me the silent treatment (the harsher punishment).

Not saying my family is perfect, or that it’s not hard for those bringing up unruly children – but now (if ever) is the time for all parents, the government, media, schools and our communities to swallow some home truths, and listen to the young voices…

Unemployment of youth in the UK is at an all time high, as is homelessness; with numbers of those without a home souring through the non-present roof – reports say partly due to EMA cuts and rent cost inflation. This with further cuts to youth services nationwide leaves the odd teen (some of which not even old enough to vote) a tad cold towards the system. The media evidently can’t be trusted (bon voyage News of the World), and as for the police - many comments I have heard thrown out by some young people sing that age old tune: “F**k the police! They’re racist anyways”. Yet however ‘juvenile’ their perceptions may be, and despite the fact they probably haven’t helped their employment options by smashing up shops they could’ve worked in (some gathering criminal records in the process), there are too many with the same opinion to go unheard, and over the last week we heard just how loud the masses of the disconnected can be.

I’m not saying that every adolescent ‘vandal’ on the street carries a legitimate reason behind their actions. Of course there are hundreds of opportunists lacking half a logical brain cell out there who saw nothing but free trainers in JD Sports and Foot Locker. However three days of mayhem and resistance in a torn apart capital can’t be caused by a few idiotic criminals – what we witnessed was an uprising (be it with legitimate purpose or not).

That’s why, if this ever happens again (God forbid), I don’t believe sending the culprits to jail, boot camp, Guantanamo Bay (as one friend suggested) is enough. Nor is a national curfew, military intervention, rubber bullets or that ever-mentioned water cannon; that may tidal wave away some of the delinquents, but it won’t alter the mentality of a seemingly lost generation.

IF we are not to follow with the same naivety, misguidance and apathy as the young guns we label as ‘senseless thugs’, we must now act as a nationwide attentive community to reinforce social values (not just discipline); government, schools, parents and young people in it for the long haul. There is no quick fix, we shouldn’t look for one – but instead perhaps embrace and learn from the great mini-headlines from the riots portraying brighter community potential for the aftermath; particular shout outs to the Riot Cleanup groups, my local shopkeepers on Green Street in east London (and elsewhere) standing together and chasing off gang trouble-seekers, and the youth-led media response from the likes of those at Livity’s Live Magazine - based in Brixton - constantly overcoming any pigeon-hole negative assumptions concerning the younger generation with their socially responsible, active and objective youth voice and work.

Much has been taken. But there is much to take.

It is now a task of immense proportions, but cross-community commitment will be rewarded upon the horizon. I’m not the optimistic type by nature, but when asked if I can make sense of the London riots, I prefer to conclude by thinking that together, we just might be able turn this around, and then, hopefully my 13 year old nephew’s generation might look back in 10 years and say – “Well, that was just stupid, innit!”.

This article was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel.

Interview With West London Award-Winning Comedian - Nathan Caton

2011-07-27T11:56:00.007+01:00

He talks about the Game Boy era, the ‘Your Mum’ generation, gangs, guns and knife crime, bad hip hop lyrics, the good, bad and ugly of family and community life – all with raw truth, cutting satire and hilarious punch and kick lines.

(a taster of Caton from ITV’s FHM Stand Up Hero)

Catching award-winning Greenford-based stand-up comedian Nathan Caton at the Rich Mix (www.richmix.org.uk) in Shoreditch last week was a summer highlight; he’s a fellow 80s child who gave me moments of nostalgia, cracking me up to the extent I literally choked on my Magners. After the set and the realignment of my facial muscles, I met the 26 year old funny guy to thank him for my t-shirt stain, and in turn, nail him down for a little Q&A about his ever-evolving home city, his calling, and his thoughts on the art of stand-up:

Q: I’ve read that you were never the class clown, but that you were the ‘shy bookworm’. Is that true?
A: Yeah, I was quite a reserved kid… a teacher’s pet to be honest.

Q: So how/when did you discover stand-up?
A: Over my teenage years I started getting a bit more courage, I became more of an extrovert. Then one time in church I was joking around about doing stand-up for a talent show, and my friend told me to give it a shot. I thought ‘naaaaah’, but I ended up doing it and I liked the buzz on stage. I still did A-Levels, even went to university and studied architecture, but I spent more time in comedy clubs than doing uni work. I got back into comedy, practiced at home in the mirror; every now and then I’d try it out on my mum – she’s a tough nut to crack, so if she’d laugh I’d know it’s funny. Eventually at some point, I decided stand-up was something I really wanted to do... even though I bombed a few times (laughs).

Q: You mean awful tumbleweed ‘I can hear a pin drop in this room’ experiences?
A: Unfortunately yeah I got a few of those - but that’s part of the learning curb as a comedian. I’ve been to gigs where the audience just talk over you and really don’t care that you’re on stage, but if I ever did have a gig like that, I’d just try and get another gig so I can smash it, do better, and erase the memories from the bad shows.

Q: As far as London goes, where are the places you go to catch some good stand-up comic relief?
A: The Comedy Store in Piccadilly Circus, the Bearcat Comedy Club in Twickenham and Headliners in Chiswick are my favourite joints.

Q: Where’s the one spot you want to perform in the capital?
A: Hammersmith Apollo – I was born in Hammersmith, so that would be cool.

Q: What are your best and worse memories of growing up in London?
A: Being a teenager here was normal, hanging out with friends, talking about girls with mates, going cinema etc. My best memories are the last days of school when you’re just waiting for the summer jam. The worse thing was girls didn’t really like me that much. I got bare knock downs (laughs).

Q: A common theme in your show refers to how much teenage lifestyle (including gun and knife crime) and communities have changed since our school days. Is there an underlying message in your comedy?
A: I want to naturally portray me as me on stage – for the audience to see me and get to know my life and the world as I see it through my comedy. As a result I do hope it may break down some assumptions and barriers. So yes, I have a laugh about today’s societies and knife crime, but it’s good if it can make people aware too. We hear it all the time – and it (knife and gun crime) is a problem that needs to be addressed by governments and councils more, especially as gang culture seems to have come to the forefront again in the last 10 years or so. In London, I guess that’s because I don’t think there’s as much of a community feel as there was when I was a kid; it’s a melting pot of multiculturalism, so many different people with different mentalities, with some parts segregated and ignorant to others. But at the same time I can see that aspect of community gradually seeping back into London, and in terms of the next generation, I won’t ever stereotype – I actually believe a lot of teenagers and young kids are misunderstood, one of the reasons being the media gives a wrong, unbalanced perception a lot of the time.

Q: Any advice for young jokers who want to get on stage?
A: Write a lot - anything you find funny, write it down. Constantly gig. Don’t give it up if it’s what you want to do. It’s taken me six years to get here, a grind and a half, but well worth it.

Q: Who are your kings of stand-up?
A: As a kid it was Lenny Henry as a face and voice of black comedy. Then there is Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle – all funny and clever inspirations. Right now I’m really into Reginald D Hunter, a guy who can make you think, and laugh – qualities I only see as good things in stand-up.

Q: You had a joke in your set about being irritated by someone comparing you to a ‘young posh Lenny Henry’, and that it happens because you’re a ‘black UK comedian’. Does that still make you twitch?
A: Don’t get me wrong, Lenny is a legend, and it’s a positive comparison as he is funny. But it is a bit annoying as of course I don’t want to be pigeon holed. And yeah I don’t see myself as a black comedian - comedy is universal. Race does not matter. But in terms of public and media perspectives, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes…

Nathan will be performing around the country this summer, including a set at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August (www.edfringe.com).

For more info on Nathan Caton and his upcoming shows, check out www.nathancaton.com

This article was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Just Do It - A Tale Of Modern-Day Outlaws

2011-07-21T03:10:00.002+01:00

A few months back, I caught a special preview of Emily James’ documentary film Just Do It – a mind boggling fly on the wall observation into the world of the climate change activist; that direct action packed species hell-bent on civil disobedience in the name of the environment…

I was sold, even more so as I loved The Age of Stupid (another groundbreaking climate change film of which James was the executive producer), and even though a reflex reaction made me picture an inanimate pair of Nikes when I first heard ‘Just Do It’. Silly me - but how will communities across the UK and the world react to the film, and James’ portrayal of the key sparks in the climate change movement; from the Plane Stupid guys to Climate Camp, from the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (COP15) to the occupation of coal power stations and airports in London and across the nation?

The film is currently touring cinemas across the UK, and on July 16 I jumped on the bus down the road to Stratford Picturehouse to see what those in my own back yard thought – plus there’s nothing like seeing once more, real people on the big screen having a jolly old rave on top of a police wagon (one of my favourite scenes from Just Do It).

Kyle Miers, a student from east London stated: “Well it’s not the same kind of thrill as the final Harry Potter movie…” – released the same week. “But it is so inspiring, sad, funny, honest, and depicts the real capability of people power” he added.

Waitress Meliz Pravin took a chance on the film through a recommendation “I know near to nothing about climate change, but my friend said I should give it a shot, and I’m really glad I did. It’s an eye-opener, and illustrates how much we as communities, in London and around the world, need to do to ensure this planet doesn’t go to s**ts.”

Such an impact I’m sure James herself will be hoping for all around, as she expresses the need not to underestimate the scale and consequences of global warming: “It's almost tempting to be flippant about it (climate change) but we really must resist that. It’s a problem of such a great scale that will dominate the rest of our lives.”

No wands or wizards, but do not overlook this on screen magic this summer. Just Do It is an action film through and through, one that is as enthralling as it is informational and inspiring. It provides an exciting, different way of looking at climate change and our world as a whole, provoking the kind of reaction to make any neutral viewer budge from the couch and fence they may well be perched on.

For all UK screenings of Just Do It, click here: www.justdoitfilm.com/screenings

Click here for more info: www.justdoitfilm.com

Photo: Kristian Buus

This article was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Juliyaa, Bands And Stables @ Proud, Camden

2011-07-07T11:56:00.002+01:00

That’s it. I’ve decided. This is probably where I’m spending my next birthday.

Situated in the heart of the Stables Market (itself a bustling tourist attraction) in Camden, Proud is where I embraced a manic Monday night doing what every individual in London should be doing on the first day of the week – listening to live music and having an embarrassing battle on the dance floor.

Proud has got pretty much everything you need for a summer loving night; a lovely terrace with comfy seating, a BBQ smoking away and a bar (a spot not just for the smokers). Inside there’s a long lit up room with another bar and seven separate ‘stables’, chill out areas which you’re able to rent out for parties (there’s even one with a dance pole, but this night wasn’t that kind of party!). Walk through and we reach the main music stage room – with yes, yet another bar (you can never have too many).

And the common factor across the venue? The answer, on this particular Fourth of July, was an array of live music on hand. From the terrace, to the stables and the main music stage, unsigned band after solo act after acoustic set stepped up to create the infectious ‘I’m not going home until last train’ vibe. Family, friends, and fans of the performers eventually just merged into clusters of audiences, spoilt for choice at what, and who to jam to.

I vouched for Juliyaa in the main room, an awesome front girl (Julia Suit) and her band responsible for that shameful dance-off aforementioned. I loved it. Call Juliyaa soothing soul with a stiff kick, with blissful beats such as Talk to Me, Down To The River, and a stunning piece of vocals in a remix of Outkast’s Hey Ya.

Note: For more of Juliyaa catch her on Facebook and Twitter.

Veteran visitors of Proud will know it’s not just about up and coming music and bars though, as spoken word poetry, film screenings, and established acts from Florence and the Machine to Babyshambles, and even The Saturdays have featured there. So for any Proud virgins, visit www.proudcamden.com, see what’s on, and have a go.

This was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Foo Fighters @ Milton Keynes Bowl - 70,000 Fans, 200 Green Flies, Fireworks And Alice Cooper

2011-07-03T03:30:00.001+01:00

So, I'm on the M1 home from the national bowl in Milton Keynes. I'm with my 3 friends in a rented KIA titch car (which looks like something straight out of The Inbetweeners). It's 3am, we've been stuck in traffic for 3 hours, eating rotten quiche, listening to dance anthems from the 80s on the radio. I NEED to piss, I've swallowed 200+ green flies, I smell of beer, I'm battered from multiple mosh pits (including one instigated by a guy with his arm in a sling!), and now making my passenger friend type this up because that's how bored I am. The reason for this turmoil? A day with 70,000 others at the best rock 'n' roll feast ever, headlined by the Foo Fighters, with additional cameo highlights including Alice Cooper, that drummer from Queen (Roger Taylor) and the mighty supporting Biffy Clyro.

I will die smiling.

Review: Open City London Documentary Festival Feat. Position Among The Stars, Cocaine Unwrapped + Blood In The Mobile

2011-06-24T02:11:00.007+01:00

“Opening minds, eyes and doors in the city of London” – that was the tagline of the glorious Open City London Documentary Festival. Held at the University College of London (UCL), and showing 160 stunning and unique films over four days (June 16-19), I was simply drowning in a pool of on screen gold.

And I mean gold.

I managed to catch 11 documentaries over two of the days – easily done as the diverse festival films showcasing “the stories that matter from around the world” were screened simultaneously across the central London campus and ranged from being 19 minutes to nine hours long.

Yet the first few seconds of the Open City opening ceremony were enough to impress with a top quality film worthy of an Academy Award; Leonard Retel Helmrich’s Position Among The Stars – the third part of a trilogy after The Eye of the Day and The Shape of The Moon - followed a striving and animated Indonesian family over 12 years as they battle corruption, poverty, religious disputes, gambling addiction and the generation gap from the slums of Jakarta. The “revolutionary” (literally, unbelievable) camera work, seamless ever-evolving family dynamics portrayed by the film, and the ability to make the audience laugh, feel awkward and cry within a tight 30 minutes makes this documentary a must-see.

One and all can relate to the story with quotes such as “We have to eat first… school comes second”, “No government in the world takes care of it’s people” and “Your possessions take possession of you” resonating in societies across the globe.

Other honourable mentions in my Open City London Doc Fest run down go to Cocaine Unwrapped and Blood In The Mobile – both gritty, hard hitting and jam packed with knowledge; a quality described by Open City Director, Michael Stewart, as “not an accomplishment. Knowledge is always a process that can be developed through such things as documentary film… which itself is always evolving, ever-changing and unpredictable.”

In the case of Rachel Seifert’s Cocaine Unwrapped it was definitely a shocking documentary about an ever-expanding problem – the corruption and destruction surrounding the cocaine industry; from the 11 million Westerners currently using the drug, to the misunderstood and at times exploited sources of the white stuff.

Rachel’s film took us around the world, as we heard from reps in Bolivia, and the farmers innocently and legally growing coca leafs (an ingredient in cocaine), yet losing out because of others either wanting to take their crops to grow cocaine, or burn them to prevent them being used to make the drug. We also got to hear from the female dealers in Ecuador, imprisoned and suffering from the social inequality notions that come with being involved with cocaine. We dropped right into the violence breaching from drug trafficking conflict in Mexico; a country which has seen 37,000 drug dealing related deaths since 2006. And we saw how cocaine powerhouse Colombia is still going strong despite the millions invested by the US in the ‘war on drugs’ (declared by President Nixon back in 1971). We even got snippets from beyond the South American side of the thin white line, with perspectives from consumers in London (some of which didn’t care where their drugs originated from), to a reformed convicted dealer in Baltimore who, despite appealing, has seen rapists and paedophiles released before him. The prisoner stated: “You can get over an addiction… but you can never get over a conviction”

“Drug policy is not black and white” said director Seifert in the post-screening panel discussion, which is why her film which blasted and exposed a hole in the grey matter that is the failed war on drugs, is so powerful. It leaves the audience seeking solutions, and the key governments and influencers in the world with their pants down.

My final Open City two thumbs up goes to Blood In The Mobile – directed by Frank Piasecki Poulsen, who honed in on the exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo and their natural resources; which are being drained by bodies across the world amidst the ongoing, long standing civil war in the African country. Poulsen uses mobile phone mega-cooperation Nokia as a target, one of MANY (along with laptop and other mobile phone merchandisers) who use the metal coltan in their products – a mineral most readily found in the mines of eastern Congo. We follow the mission to try and track down where exactly Nokia’s sources lay, with the camera shooting from their headquarters, to geologists’ laboratories, right to the mines, impoverished miners and hostile heart of eastern Congo. Having done volunteer work in the DRC back in 2008, let’s just say this staggering piece of documentary cut deep:

These are the “stories that matter”? With all the numbing, dumbed down, directionless rub one can scope through on the saturated box, the three I’ve flagged, along with the other 157 Open City films, really did rejuvenate one’s faith in raw, honest and good storytelling. Michael Stewart called the festival “a celebration of documentary film, modelled on the London Film Fest”, and one that “shows respect for the authenticity of ‘real stories’, the people involved, and the people watching.”

To all filmmakers and film lovers, in London and beyond – Open City had the winning formula – no fabricated edutainment, just the truth, and with that came impact, and inspiration. Open your eyes here: www.opencitylondon.com

This was also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Birthday In Cable + An Interview With DJ Kyle Hall

2011-06-23T02:25:00.010+01:00

My latest 24th birthday was on Friday June 10, and this year, a combination of manic working weeks, fatigue, hay fever, man flu, and an early Saturday morning footy tournament made me want to be a bit of a hermit and rest in for the big weekend (yawn, I know). Shout out to my ever reliable (and insistent) lads – who bought me a ticket to London Bridge based night club, Cable. My orders were simple: dance till I drop.

However, despite my love for the Cable venue and vibe (which with a louder sound system, could live up to the epic Fabric and now legendary The End Club), plus some Vodka + Red Bull beverages, my batteries were just running out. The beats were heavy, the laser lights were buzzing; but by 2am I depressingly felt like 24 going on retirement.

Where was the cure for my poor performance? On rolled 19 year old Detroit guest DJ, Kyle Hall. God is a DJ I believe – as within minutes the room transformed, amped up, I resurrected and it was officially an underground rave till sunrise (7am to be exact). I can’t even define Hall’s sound; it’s quite diverse, with sprinkles of electronic, techno, dance and even jazz – though note, I’m no expert in any of those fields. All I know is it doesn’t matter what your music tastes extend to – I affirm if your body isn’t moving when this guy spins the turntables, you’re either deaf or dead inside. Words just won’t do it justice, so check out the vid, and the words from Hall himself, who I caught up with over Skype to chat music and the DJ game, from Detroit to Montreal, Norway to London:

Q: Where have you just come from?
A: Montreal – I played a gig there at a cool place called Circus After Hours. Nice venue, nice city, nice people.

Q: I saw you two weeks ago in London, you’ve just come in from Montreal. How often do you play abroad?
A: About three times a month. I’ve actually just had to get some extra pages in my passport – took ages to sort it out.

Q: Where’s the most obscure place you’ve played a set? As in which location did you least expect to be doing your thing…?
A: A place called Tromsø in Norway; it’s parallel to the Arctic Circle and I guess I never imagined I’d end up doing a set there. From what I remember it’s got one of the highest suicide rates because they hardly get any sun there. But the people I met were all really friendly.

Q: What’s an average day like in the life of Kyle Hall?
A: I’m not really home that much, so it’s hard to settle down and have a routine if I’m not in the same place for longer than a week. But everything I do is based around music man. I listen to records, buy music, create music, play sets – other than that I do normal things like going out with friends.

Q: I read that your music is “experimental with jazzy bits” – how would you describe your music to a virgin ear?
A: Electronic, techno, experimental, jazzy, soulful… all those adjectives sound good – it doesn’t pigeon anything I do. I’m quite diverse, and besides, sometimes people’s understanding of techno and electronic music can be very blanket; there are simply different interpretations, and in America most don’t understand the difference anyway. I think defining such styles is too long to get into. I think as long as you dig it, you dig it!

Q: What’s the music scene like back home in Detroit? You get any influences from there?
A: There’s not really a scene back in Detroit, no DJ crews or constant buzz like there is in London; which seems to have more of a communal, evolving with music feel.

Q: How did you start out then?
A: My dad bought my first (and second) turntables actually. I just started to do the DJ thing when I was 13-14, chilling, enjoying the music as a young kid, buying records and putting bits and pieces together.

Q: What is playing in your headphones right now?
A: Africa Hitech by Mark Pritchard and Steve Spacek – a sick CD.

Q: Any DJs you particularly into currently? Any from the UK… ?
A: FunkinEven and Floating Points are two in particular I’d like to mention. I’ve done great gigs with them in the UK and they’re mates of mine now.

Q: What makes a great gig for you as a DJ?
A: When you’re comfortable, the records can play themselves, and when you don’t have to do too much thinking. It’s not good when you start to rush things, and you’re being too analytical. The music should flow and get across an undeniable connection with the crowd; though that comes with having the foundation as a DJ and understanding of what you like to play and how. Overall it’s a good one when you’re able to be artistic but say what you got to say and make a point somewhere. When those features interlock then you can just do your thing and enjoy yourself.

Q: Do you enjoy it when the crowd responds? Or are you too busy zoned out in the music to notice?
A: I’m really aware of the crowd – it’s important to know your surroundings. It tells you what options you have, and where you can go with the crowd. Every song has different qualities, and if people seem like they’re enjoying it, I know where to take them next. But only if they’re ready.

Q: How did you feel about the Cable show I saw you at? The vibe? Location? Crowd?
A: It’s a really sick location, an amazing cool place to play. It’s still fairly new I believe, and I think their sound system is going to be developed. But it has the potential to be a really great venue. I’d definitely like to play there again.

Q: Where else have you played in London – and what do you think of the music scene?
A: I’ve played at Plastic People (in Shoreditch), Corsica Studios (in Elephant and Castle) and a few other places including Fabric (in Farringdon); though I’ve only played in Room 3 there – I really want to play in the main room one day. In general the music scene in London is so great – the people are always so open and accepting, and so in turn are able to connect with what I do.

Q: What do you think of the city as a whole?
A: I love London – it’s one of my favourite places to play and visit. I’ve tonnes of friends there who I catch up with when I'm down, we have BBQs and do normal shit, I like Soho, the restaurants, record shops, and the IMAX theatre near Waterloo where I was able to drink beer whilst watching Iron Man with my girlfriend... that was awesome (laughs). These are the many reasons why of all the cities in Europe, London is the one I come back to the most.

Q: When can London next expect a set from Kyle Hall?
A: I’ll be back in July and later in the year. All the info is on my Facebook fan page.

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Taste Of London Festival

2011-06-21T17:12:00.005+01:00

Stuffed and satisfied – the only way to describe my condition following my tour of the Taste of London food fest in Regent’s Park last Friday (June 17).

I felt like that boy again - reliving my youth; the chubby dumpling-shaped boy who once ran down the aisles of Costco (as my Uncle Louis pushed the trolley), munching all the samples available. Anything with a toothpick was graciously jammed in my gob.

Illustration courtesy of Tom Pritchard

Now, a grown man, the grace is ever present as are the love handles. But the food was simply of a different calibre at the Taste of London food showcase. Envision a field with 40 of London’s plushest restaurants (from Gauchos to the The Ritz Restaurant), along with over 200 stalls offering tasters of their latest products, wine tasting and cookery master classes, celeb chef theatres (featuring the likes of Michel Roux Jr, Pierre Koffmann, Silvena Rowe, Chris Galvin and Gary Rhodes) - and we have every food connoisseur’s heaven:

Slight downside - the festival itself (presented by Channel 4, Brand Events and in partnership with British Airways) ran over four rainy days (June 16-19); where grey clouds dropped an unforgiving shower on the capital. On the afternoon I attended, my trainers looked like a dark shade of mud, and I watched with sympathy for the ladies with white dresses and sandals skidding through the puddles. Nevertheless, brollies high in the air, cocktails all around, the summer festival mood shone through.

This vegetarian in particular simply couldn’t complain with ample samples of butternut squash soup, couscous, Bermudan rum, toffee vodka and wine to keep me and my friends company. Through rain, hell, fire and brimstone – I do recommend.

Next year the Taste of London festival runs from June 21-24. For more info, sign up here.

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Hip Hop Ain’t Dead – It’s In London

2011-06-04T19:05:00.010+01:00

Review: Made In Palestine @ Queen of Hoxton

Where has hip hop wandered off to? Is it still a dominant cultural movement? A provocative tool capable of social impact?

Some of my die hard old school hip hop fanatic friends would give a resounding no, believing the lines of the genre are now blurred in a world of whirlwind commercialism, with any thought provoking messages lost in the midst of booty shaking ringtone-esque beats. I can sympathise with the cynicism, as contemporary rap and ‘hip hop’ trends with the likes of Soulja Boy at the forefront just don’t seem to amp me up as much as the likes of N.W.A., Afrika Bambaataa, the late Gil Scott-Heron and others did, and still do.

But whilst that may not be the dominant sound being broadcasted, the waves of empowering hip hop music still flow. And anyone that knows of rap artists Lowkey, Logic, Poetic Pilgrimage, Crazy Haze and Shadia Mansour will vouch for that. Through their music, bleeding real hip hop, the crew (along with others) have come to be recognised as usual suspects of the justice for Palestine movement, and they were all there on Monday May 30 getting fists up in the air at the Queen of Hoxton ‘Made In Palestine’ gig.

The itinerary gave little new to the ear – at least for me; someone who’s seen Lowkey live six times, Logic four times, and having guest speaker (political activist, journalist and co-founder of the Equality Movement) Jody McIntyre in my phonebook. However, these hip hop anthems and voices were as engaging, hard-hitting and uncompromising as they ALWAYS are. This was, and is, political hip hop at its best – with headliner Lowkey offloading his catalogue of lyrics that protest and challenge not only crimes against Palestinian people, but crimes against humanity overall. Logic rapped about being an “outsider looking in” on injustices, expressing solidarity and the work needed for a truthfully peaceful future. And Jody, never afraid to expose the dividing lines between those who stand for the equality of all and those who stand for the supremacy of some, delivered a short poem about his devastating memories of Palestine. Finishing with beats Terrorist, Obama Nation and Long Live Palestine, Lowkey himself even stated: “Hip hop ain’t dead. It’s in London.”

The hip hop with a point/punch is not lost, it’s just evolved as a cultural movement (and is perhaps a little bit more challenging to find).

Let’s just take the case of the Made In Palestine headliner; I’ve read one popular YouTube user’s comment on a video of Lowkey’s speech at the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Massacre Protest (May 2010), describing the rapper as a “British Tupac”. Now, I wouldn’t go that far. Set up a room for the two to converse today and I’m crying out to be a fly on the wall. But the two are still very different. Tupac Shakur will forever be a hip hop icon in his own right, remembered not only as a producer of timeless beats, but a voice for those experiencing hardships, violence, racism and other social problems in Harlem and the world he grew up in. The hip hop theme tastes quite a bit different for Lowkey and the artists at the Queen of Hoxton, who definitely embody relevant and purposeful hip hop beyond the melodies, rifts and hooks, but nevertheless they spit, speak and shout for a very different cause.

The Made In Palestine east London event in particular brought Lowkey and the other hip hop acts and fans together to fundraise for the Samouni Project.

Note: Whilst Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem to chit chat, stall and chin chat some more over peace talks and the future of Palestine and Israel, Made In Palestine skipped that old tune, with hip hop activism including an interval session lead by Irish-American anti-war activist Kenneth O’Keefe; raising awareness and calling for direct action and support for the Samouni family that lost 48 members in a shell attack by Israeli forces in Gaza, January 2009.

Though there was no mention of ‘thug life’, Tupac himself was probably bopping from the heavens, as the Made In Palestine hip hop rumbling the Queen of Hoxton basement that night clearly had great political and social influence and integrity – and cannot be confused or even mentioned in the same breathe as ‘hip pop’. Peace signs, lighters and phones were up in the air for each act backing power to the Palestinian people, with DJ Snuff providing relentless backing track after track for Lowkey, Logic and the rest. Palestinian justice combined with the hip hop ‘stand up and be counted!’ heart beat was heavy, all the way through to the very end when we were treated to a cameo appearance by Akala (who nonchalantly stood behind me for much of the show), a new generation raw hip hop legend – as acclaimed by Lowkey.

So, I ask again – where are you hip hop? Substantial changes are evident, but my fanatic aforementioned friends should rest happy in the knowledge their hip hop is alive and kicking – they just have to look in the right places. Subsequently therein lays the other issue: How much/easily will they and you hear of this content? Are we expecting chart-toppers to emerge from the Queen of Hoxton – along with a YouTube sensation catchy dance routine to ‘Long Live Palestine’? Not sure about the first, and good God I hope not to the second. It is most probable the revolution will not be televised. But like with every hip hop generation (from Tupac to Lowkey) – what does that matter as long as the good word is spoken and the hip hop faithful are there to listen and act.

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: Streetfest 2011 – Wretch 32, The Nextmen, Skateboards, Bikes, Blades And Graffing

2011-06-01T00:18:00.006+01:00

My cousin Brian came down to London last weekend from Montreal, Canada. It was a pit-stop; four days were all he had to get reacquainted with the city. Yet if ever there was an event that epitomised diving into the deep end of London street culture, it is Streetfest – and this year’s instalment stuffed Bri and I with everything that is glorious, raw and urban in the capital.

Off one of Shoreditch’s back roads on the sunny cider-must Sunday (May 29) was a hustle and bustle like no other. You walked into the transformed Hearn Street car park and immediately ran into a gauntlet of graffiti artists getting busy on the right hand side walls. Streetfest welcomed the finest, as I heard that behind the masks and paint mists were Inkie, Blam, Andy Council, Candy Flo, Elfin, Jess Douglas, Richt, Sainty, 45RPM and personal favourite – Remi Rough. If these names mean nothing to you, click on the links – zero disappointed is a promise.

The live art exhibition was the backdrop to a line up of entertainment throughout the day. My cousin wondered around like an overwhelmed overseas student at a Fresher’s Fair, with ears perked and wide eyes scoping from the hip hop b-girl dance competition (provided by the b.Supreme ladies - see above), to the bike ramps, to the spoken word poetry skills of G.R.E.Ed.S and Phresh Mentality. And all this was just outside.

Inside the Streetfest ‘arena’ were stalls, another 32ft built-in ramp (obviously a day of spoils for the skaters, bikers and rollerbladers from Lovenskate, Bicycle Union and Kingdom representing), and the main stage room with a stunning background design provided earlier during the live art battle by the globally renowned Secret Wars faction (see above). Performers Ghostpoet, Urban Nerds, rap artist Wretch 32 (see below) and eclectic duo The Nextmen blew the roof off. The bass was heavy; hip hop, dubstep, old school jungle, snippets of The Prodigy and more left me and my people raving like a couple of alcopopped delinquents - a picture thankfully left out of the Streetfest 2011 coverage.

Before we departed there were still some things to do; a go on the ingenious Adidas electronic graffiti board (see below - think advanced enormous Etch A Sketch for any budding graffer), and a few drop ins to the free photobooth, where lines of people waited to grab some funny, romantic and mental snapshots with their mates and lovers.

Brian shot back to Canada clutching our nostalgic photobooth moment below (my sisters Pam and Paola up top, crammed in with yours truly bottom left, Bri in the middle and brother from another Tom bottom right). Judging from the expressions, my bet is we'll all want to be on this side of the Atlantic for Streetfest 2012.

PHOTOS: Adidas/Ollie Adegboye

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

I’m HIV Negative!

2011-05-22T16:01:00.014+01:00

I don’t mean to shout from the rooftops - with relief no less. After all, HIV is not a death sentence (as it was once viewed in the past). With progress in anti-retroviral treatment HIV is now recognised as a manageable chronic disease for the 33 million people worldwide currently living with the virus; it’s not doom and gloom – which is why we use the word ‘living’ not ‘dying’ with the virus.

Nevertheless, anyone who’s been in my position can sympathise that’s it’s an unforgiving nerve-racking period sitting there, waiting for the result.

Before I took the ‘FasTEST’ same day HIV test service at the Terrance Higgins Trust clinic (in Waterloo) I was surveyed, grilled with deeply personal questions – but research required (as a condition) by the trained health professionals to see if I represented any of the groups where HIV is most prominent. So, without further ado, I was asked if I was homosexual, had multiple sex partners on the go, had taken any drugs using a needle (and so on and so on) No. No and… no.

But even then I felt nervous. 60 minutes of perspiration - despite the fact I knew I didn’t fit into any of the HIV ‘high risk groups’. Even then, I wondered, for any who did fit into the ‘high risk’ categories, what must go through their heads as they watch time go by a bit too slow for comfort?

A few drops of blood later and it was confirmed – I am HIV negative. Having gleefully abandoned Biology and Chemistry at G.C.S.E. level the scientific technicalities of the test were beyond me. But it was done. Dusted. Simples. I walked out as easily as I had walked in. And then my mind backtracked to this documentary I had recently watched about HIV/AIDS and homosexuality in Kenya:

Guardian Films and Christian Aid follow ‘Melvin’, a gay prostitute on the streets of Mombasa, living cautiously and often abused in a very stigmatised environment when it comes to homosexuality and HIV; and with the memory of murdered Ugandan gay activist David Kato fresh in everyone’s mind. Melvin is definitely ‘high risk’ – but will he get HIV tested? No. The fear feeds an ‘ignorance is bliss’ attitude as he sees those who are gay and HIV positive subject to severe hostility and discrimination – in a country where there wasn’t a single medical facility for gay people until 2006.

Yet it took me one hour and no qualms to get tested in London; though I shouldn't forget to credit the superb persuasive powers of the Terrance Higgins 'FasTEST' saleswoman on street who convinced me to say "Why not!?" on my way home from work. No appointment needed. No charge. Confidentiality. No age, class, race, sexual preference, or immigration status limitations. One on one private advice before and after the test. IF I was found to be HIV positive, the Terrance Higgins clinic would’ve helped me get the support I required from local services. And, if not Waterloo, I had my pick of seven other walk-in clinics in London (and many more across the country).

In my opinion, everyone should be entitled to such health service and respect, which is why HIV justice actions such as this one set up by UNAIDS are so important: www.whatabouthiv.org; the vision is for a future with zero new HIV infections, zero stigma and discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

I started this blog by stating HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. Though perhaps I can only say that with confidence because I live in this city.

For more information on local and national sexual health services, and to find your nearest HIV testing clinic, visit www.tht.org.uk/fastest

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: 2011 London Youth Policy Symposium

2011-05-20T14:43:00.005+01:00

Young people. Youth. The next generation. Young adults. Young’uns. Young-guns. Adolescents. Youts. The yout-dem. Teenagers. Youngsters.

WHATEVER you wish to call us/them (I’m 23… what the hell does that make me?), that matters little; as long as mutual respect reigns over any patronisation and ignorance, I’m a happy lil’ boy undettered by the generation gap. Labels and pigeon holes aside, what does matter is that respect and understanding which sets the foundation for promise.

Though for that promise to be fulfilled, action must be the follow up. And I guess that’s what the point of this year – officially the UN International Year of Youth (August 2010-2011). Over the past few months from London to Bamako, New York to Beijing and beyond, conference after youth event after debate after projects have been created to convert all that hot air surrounding ‘youth development’ into some clean cut agendas.

The latest one I attended as a social reporter (above, me, tapping away) was the 2011 London Youth Policy Symposium at the Royal Chace Hotel in my very own great green back yard - Enfield; a good 20+ train stops away from my home in east London, but home soil nonetheless. From Washington in January, Brussels in March and a penultimate session unfortunately cancelled in Nairobi, this was the fourth and final in a series of symposiums set up by the British Youth Council and Open Society Foundations (supported by the British Youth Council as well as the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council), bringing key youth stakeholders together from around the world to learn, share and better meaningful youth participation in international decision-making.

Due to my face being stuck to my laptop/work, I missed all the chin-wagging of London Symposium Day 1 (May 17), which focused more on the issues and challenges of mobilising global youth voices. However, I was happy to roll in on Day 2 (May 18) which looked ahead to the solutions and action points (always my favourite part).

Some exciting, high-end to grassroots and innovative organisations brought their expertise and experience to the table, and with me not wanting to write a dissertation about wider strategies and mainstreaming, conditions and capacity building, impact of youth participation, transparency of organisations and structures, accountability and representation of youth people… (catch your breathe), here’s the run down of some key messages plus snapshots from the day:

Youth audit on the UN. Capitalise on our informal and formal networks. Train and support established leaders to lead and facilitate young people.

We must do all of the above according to Jennifer Corriero, Co-founder of Taking IT Global.

Regard young people as potential, a resource – not a ‘problem’ as many are referred to, said Mutinta Munyata and Kristoffer Sunday, of UN Habitat (located in Nairobi, Kenya), who set up and promoted an urban youth programme as well as a youth advisory board; one which harnesses youth participation, as well as provides strategic advice to UN-Habitat coordinators.

Sarah Huxley of DFid (UK Department For International Development) and author of the Youth CSO Network Youth Participation in Development Guide – spoke of having to create a strategic framework like the one she was involved in, surrounding prioritising youth participation on a global level; this now includes steering committees and co-ordinating sharing and learning networks across a range of nations.

And Kat Watson of IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation) recounted creating an International Youth Committee with her organisation as a form of good practice – putting young people at the forefront of youth policy; helping youth people to have a voice, but also "helping the older generation to have an ear."

We must address the challenges! (a general reoccurring key point); from the lack of access to facilities, to the demand of grants and funding from needy youth groups, overcoming apathy, improving communication and providing constant opportunity for youth representation from grassroots, to advocacy and policy-making levels.

Great points all round. Though, as you can tell, we can state the issues/problems (from sunrise to sunset). The immense list of WHY is endless. Next step, beyond the corridors of a hotel in London town, has to be HOW we actively tackle the obstacles of meaningful international youth participation, and see that promise come to fruition.

Stay tuned at www.youthpolicy.org/participation as more ideas and research is collated to bring out the questions, and bring in the answers.

Photos: Elaine Wong - www.elainewong.co.uk

For more photos: www.flickr.com/youthpolicy

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Review: The Greenhouse Effect @ Farm: Shop - Dalston

2011-05-17T17:10:00.002+01:00

What a venue! I can’t lie – it didn’t instantly catch my wondering eyes from the outside. In fact, coming out of Dalston Junction underground station, I took a right and walked straight past the venue (twice) before realising. Yet beyond the barred windows of the Farm: Shop lays the most environmentally friendly event setting I’ve seen in the bustling neck of the woods I call east London.

Check out the vid to see it being put together:

Founded by Something & Sons, the agriculture centre run by volunteers demonstrates different ways of growing food in Hackney (and London in general); with a chicken pen (for eggs) on the roof, fish tanks (providing nutrients for plants) at the front of the community café, vegetables growing in the greenhouse out back, and mushrooms all around the shop. A pure green hub – a perfect spot on May 12 for The Greenhouse Effect; a spoken word poetry, music, and panel discussion night tackling that evergreen issue: climate change.

Catherine Brogan (above, who I’ve caught a few times performing alongside her Rhymes Won’t Wait Collective companions) opened the show inside the greenhouse, easing the audience in with some humorous bits of poetry.

The panel discussion followed (see pic below), compared by the lovely Maleena Pone – a session that pitted three sides of the climate action spectrum: Laura Trevelyan from Christian Aid who engage politicians and other networks in climate justice for the developing world, Raj Malhi from the UKYCC (UK Youth Climate Change Coalition) who rally up and educate young people on the issue, and Dan Glass, representing for Plane Stupid who take a direct action approach (meaning occupying power stations and airport runways is no qualm for the Plane Stupid activists).

Expertise in the different fields shone through, each stating personal struggles, successes, hopes and apprehensions. In the end, there was no gold, silver or bronze medals awarded, just three golden stars as each panellist stated different methods work for different audiences, and that we’re on the right track as long as the climate action movement is growing and constantly on the radar.

Recycle? Lobby your MP? Cycle to work? Create a youth-led flashmob? Convert the naysayers? Educate the ignorant? Get climate change in the national curriculum? Shut down a carbon spewing factory? The ball’s in your court.

The rest of the night was a music and spoken word fest – as I shed weight trying to catch each act running from the greenhouse in the garden to the room upstairs. Nick Lee provided some acoustic tunes, Becca Bland set a nice vibe with extracts from her upcoming novel, Pete the Temp (above) rocked the greenhouse with some sing-a-long anthems, there was a bit of folk by Martha Rose, some brilliant poetry by carbon footprint analyst and writer Danny Chivers, Yomi aka G.R.E.Ed.S (below) got everyone swaying with his guitar accompanied poetry, and finally (but far from least), Nick Mulvey closed the evening with a show-stopping (literally) set – which included his version of a Congolese beat; I doubt anyone understood a word of the Lingala verses – but it was soul-filling nonetheless.

The after party at Favela Chic in Old Street, together with Brazilian hip hop and rounds of Mojitos, meant it was a fabulous Thursday - albeit a heavy one, with a painful Friday morning as a follow-up.

£4 entry? For the Greenhouse Effect? Well worth the hangover.

Photos: Tekla Balfour

If you’re into the green life (in any way) I recommend checking out the Farm: Shop:
20 Dalston Lane
City of London
E8 3AZ

Or call:
020 3490 5124

This is also published on the Media Trust Community Channel

Mali Youth Summit On HIV Round Up: What About HIV? Zero New Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths & Zero Stigma and Discrimination. The Call To Action

2011-04-18T19:06:00.003+01:00

Day 5: Closing Blog

So, it's the end of the Mali Youth Summit on HIV, and I'm off the plane; back in the UK - jetlagged, but inspired, tanned up and ready for action.

I went as a UK youth media representative and HIV activist, I return as part of a global movement. Not too shabby a deal.

What did I learn from the conference? If you've been following my daily blogs, the answer is, never enough.

Over 33 million people are living with HIV worldwide, 7000 new infections every day (3000 of those being in young people), over 10 million without access to HIV treatment. There is much great work happening around HIV prevention and justice (evidence supplied by my fellow youth ambassadors and the UNAIDS summit facilitators) - but with too many shortcomings past and present, there's still so much more that needs doing.

But having met and worked alongside some of the greatest minds and hearts at the summit, as well as already chowing down on endorsements from the likes of the President of Mali and the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Chinese TV presenter James Chau and even her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway - I conclude with the belief there is terrific potential with the newly formed youth-led global network to frontline what is being called the 'HIV/AIDS response revolution'.

All you need to know is on the Call to Action, detailing every facet of how it’s going to be done.

The lethal dose to HIV injustice has been created – now it just needs to be injected – and it will be, right in the lap of the President of the General Assembly of the UN at the GA High Level Meeting on AIDS this June. Trust, if it were possible, I'd play delivery boy quite happily.

Though not to be overlooked - undoubtedly it was a challenging graft putting our key messages and demands together in this document (I would know, having sat on the drafting committee). With the branches of HIV injustice spreading far and wide, the drafts chipped and changed from the start of the summit last Friday April 15, to the final moments yesterday evening. Yet consider a hotpot of 150+ passionate and outspoken HIV activists from across around 70 nations – and the journey towards this mission statement (however rocky) was an inevitable, and necessary one.

Now this Call to Action is a momentous stepping stone, a call out to Heads of States, governments, all leaders, all those possessing the political and social power (and the wads of cash) – to make this investment, as HIV justice does not speak solely to the interest of key populations; young people who use drugs, young men who have sex with men, young people living with HIV, young transgender people and young sex workers. This public health revolution applies to ALL.

If you care about morality, then you care about HIV.

Zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination. Can it be done? Sign up to the Call to Action at www.whatabouthiv.org - every revolution starts somewhere.

Mali UNAIDS Youth Summit On HIV - Day 4, Time In The Media Spotlight, Meeting A Norwegian Princess (And Finally A Bit Of Mali Life)

2011-04-17T14:19:00.010+01:00

Struggling a bit with the heat and fatigue. When I look back at today, I think it’ll be a blur, but a fond fuzzy one at that.

More inspirational speeches, workshops and final touches to the ‘Call to Action’ document took up much of the Mali Youth Summit on HIV penultimate day – though unfortunately I missed chunks of the sessions; running around behind the scenes putting my own final touches to the ‘Traditional Media’ afternoon work group I was asked to facilitate.

What I did catch however was motivation talk at its best. Chinese TV presenter James Chau (CCTV News and World Wide Watch), lead on a few panel discussions – but the lively mood really boomed when he walked around the CIDB (Centre International des Conférences) conference room among the 150+ delegates for a ‘hot potato’ round; asking any youth leaders present to stand up and say one thing on the mic that they thought would aid this HIV social revolution.

There were voices from South Africa, China, Russia, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and several more (and I mean SEVERAL more – in the end James didn’t have to walk over to the raised hands, some eager activists just followed him around the room waiting for their shout). I heard everything from “Support young women against HIV stigma and abuse, protect those who will nurture our future”, to “Put funding in the right place, for the people that need it the most, and where we can make the biggest impact”, and more than one saying loud and proud, “This is up to us. We must take responsibility… This is our movement – so let’s take charge right here, right now.”

Then an unexpected cameo appearance - her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway (pictured above with our photographer extraordinaire Kris Krug) stood up and stated her support for the HIV social revolution. I have little care for our own Royal Family, and to be honest, I couldn’t give a royal fanny about the Royal Wedding – but Princess Mette-Marit was of a different calibre at this conference; walking around the delegates preaching youth empowerment – renowned for being an engaging, warm speaking and on point youth ambassador for youth initiatives.

“We must mobilise the youth, have faith in our ability, and in our collaboration” said the Princess, adding “If the governments and local communities do not respond, do not wait, create your own networks and initiatives, work at it and make it so you cannot be ignored.”

Then it was my small media time to shine, given the task of explaining the ins and outs of press releases and op-eds, as well as building a strategic plan to push for youth-led media promotion of this summit’s Call to Action. With 5 other working groups happening simultaneously (others on activism, youth leadership, social networking, community engagement and building partnerships) I was happy to have just a concise group of 12 dedicated media players, up for harnessing the awareness and support of the Call to Action. With revolutionary reps and HIV activists from Egypt to Mexico, China and Togo, it was a dynamic media hub of resources geared up to make headlines on ground.

The end presentations were great (including one lead by awesome Tanzanian VJ/DJ starlet Vanessa Mdee - above left) and I hope that 2-hour network time will be a long-lasting one as we take our action plan forward. Yet one spot of realisation I must mention is perhaps a bad assumption generally; that it would be hard for some people at the summit to grasp a session on social media if they did not have readily available internet access, or training in modern media.

True story for some, false for others – a vital factor to consider regardless, and a point brought up already by Mauritian delegate Guffron Rostum yesterday.

However, nearing the end of my work group, Togolese delegate Afawoubo Komi Gagnon (below left) completely flipped perspectives on the issue concerning accessibility to media platforms. Nevermind Twitter (which he has), Facebook and other ‘modern’ social media, the 23 year old stated that when it comes to traditional media: “It will be very difficult in my country as remote areas often do not have TVs, or radio, or the literacy skills are too limited to read newspapers and magazines.”

But being a big media enthusiast eager to learn more about the various processes (which explained his sign up for my work group), we exchanged emails and arranged plans for me to mentor him part-time post conference.

No biggy.

Afawoubo - like with so many of the delegates at this summit - is stating the issues that need to be addressed and not forgotten; and it’s only a good thing to hear such a voice. After the launch of the Call to Action tomorrow (April 17), we must continue to consider the pitfalls and the strengths, and work on both. We should believe in success, but not fear failures – which can be remedied by this immerging global network. And there’s proof with Afawoubo becoming my latest colleague.

Note: It’s late now and my fingers are cramping up. It’s my last night in Mali before the closing tomorrow. I’m off, logging off – as I check out a Mali culture/HIV celebration night, do a little Mali dance, eat a little Mali food, live a bit of Mali life.

Credit: Kris Krug

Final update tomorrow + the official HIV/AIDS Call to Action.

Mali UNAIDS Youth Summit On HIV - Day 3, HIV, A Mauritian Encounter, The Drug Intervention, And The President Of Mali

2011-04-15T01:08:00.004+01:00

The President of Mali walks in and the national anthem hits. The bustling room at Bamako's Centre International des Conférences bears witness to the first ever gathering of around 150 young HIV activists repping from 70+ nations. Though I struggle to mumble the words (of an anthem I don't understand), the pride is still there as President Amadou Toumani Touré stands on stage at the centre of a panel with the tagline backdrop banner stating: 'The emergence of a new generation of leaders against AIDS/HIV'. The Mali Global Summit on HIV is officially kickstarted.

I've been in Mali for two days now, and my forehead is sunburnt to a crisp, but that aside, today was awesome - and provided an unbelievable wealth of eye opening issues surrounding the HIV activism movement. Where the hell do I start...? Let's go back to the opening ceremony and panel.

There were a few highlights from the 2-3 hour welcoming session and overview. The stat thrown out that there are 7000 new infections of HIV every day (40% of those are young adults) resonated with every one in the room. There were a few spontaneous rallying outbursts from the audience; the delegates were hyped, locked and loaded to be the shotgun in the fight against HIV injustice.

Support was provided from all corners, including the President of the Republic of Gabon who sent a video message. President Ali Bongo Ondimba left us with: "We expect from our leaders of tomorrow to lead in the fight against HIV injustice which is breaking up families around the world."

Michel Sidibé (above left), the Mali-born Executive Director of UNAIDS, stepped up the gear in the auditorium; thrilled to host the summit in his home country. Michel touched upon the complex history of Mali, but spoke of the progress made since the election (and subsequent re-elections) of Mali President Amadou Tamani Toure, who came to power in 1991 "scaling the country... giving the minimal services for his people, bringing democracy to the country." Michel asked all to take note of what has happened in Mali, as well as how China has responded vigourously to HIV issues, what is happening in Tunisia, and in Egypt (on a political activism level) - and to realise such a social revolution was happening right here in Bamako.

"Over 10 million people around the world need not die because they can't get access to HIV treatment. We must work together to ensure the value of life is not different from Bamako to New York" Michel added. Speaking directly to the delegates he finished with, "You are not the leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today. Let's facilitate places for HIV treatment, build concrete actions, make our societies more inclusive, and may may sexual and HIV education be the vaccine."

Then it was the turn of President Toure (above and below), who made a promise to deliver the summit message and youth voice to the High Level summit in June. Toure spoke of empowerment: "We must and we will stand against any discrimination towards HIV. No longer will patients have to go to get their HIV treatment, the antiretrovirals should be delivered to them (free of charge). We will build upon the national fund for those fighting HIV/AIDS... And I encourage all the young people involved to be cautious, but vigilant - use your power to take care of yourselves now, and for the future."

With all this inspirational chit chat (plus the outstanding Mali music and dance entertainment - see below), it was almost easy to forget there was much work to do!

Working groups and process meetings took up the next few hours, providing action plans for the attendees evolved around youth leadership, access to information and HIV services (for key population high-risk areas in particular), laws and policies effecting stigma and discrimination, and HIV resources and funding. All of the information and feedback was compiled to form the final 'Call to Action' document (which I'll release on here on Sunday April 18). Right now, that document is being moderated by youth leaders repping and volunteering from 7 nations, before the final draft comes though to myself and the drafting committee tomorrow night (so no Mali clubbing as hoped for, I’ve got an all-nighter date with my good old laptop).

Pretty heavy stuff – I know. Right now I type this dreary eyed with beads of sweat running down my crispy forehead, with the veggie Chinese food I just ate weighing me down down into my pillow. All the whilst I’m trying to take this all in, and wonder (as with many I’ve spoken to) about the real impact, and outcome of this 3 day conference… Two presidents and an executive director have shown support and amped up the summit, but what about the youth leaders here who will lead the social movement? Soaked in humidity, but are they soaking up the content and vision of this event? I close this blog with the integral voices, two perspectives I found as the sun set on conference Day 1.

It was awesome to meet a delegate from my homeland, Mauritius. 24 year old Guffran Rostom (above left) who travelled up from Quatre Bornes, told me about his work as a HIV Prevention and Advocacy Officer for NGO, PILS (Prevention Information Et Lutte Contre Le SIDA); who focus on supporting vulnerable children in ‘informal’ schools with sexual education. Having not been back to Mauritius since 1999 I had no idea HIV was so prevalent there, but Guffran assured me his work and more support was needed in a small country of which 0.97% of the population have HIV (70% caused by infecting drug users i.e. transmission through dirty syringes). A drug intervention and harm reduction (by pushing medical centres to commit to replacing the dirty syringes with clean needles) needs a section in the HIV Call to Action plan Guffran affirms: “Over 10,000 people in Mauritius are using heroin… harm reduction, methadone substitutes and drug therapy will all help immensely in the fight against HIV.”

When asked about the summit overall, he called it a “great moment to create this global network of participation and activism.” But practically, we discussed a number of obvious challenges – such as the different levels of technology and access to (and knowledge of) social networks dependant on where you are in the world. And with that, there is the issue of the sheer quantity of regions and issues involved (which could cause conflicting priorities). These truths cannot be overlooked.

And that brings me onto my last interview of the day, with 19 year old Kenyan, Geoffrey Ochieng Gomba (above left) – who sees many great aspects of the summit, but hopes it won’t prove to be a complete waste of time. To be honest, it’s not in Geoffrey’s nature to be sitting around listening, he’s our modern day African Action Man. Born HIV positive, he’s always been a HIV activist, and has been working for a small initiative in Kenya protecting and supporting young women with HIV since the age of 11. His passion shines though: “There is never enough we can do. HIV is prevalent in 4.7% of women in Kenya, and with the discrimination and abuse some face – we need action now… It’s not even an issue of HIV sometimes, but an issue of morality, as women with or without HIV are getting maltreated. They need to be empowered now, and know their rights.” Though the atmosphere at this summit is buzzing, Geoffrey has no patience for politics, complications or slow compromise. “Life is too short” he says, with plans to go travel to every African nation and lead a charge for HIV/AIDS justice.

In my personal opinion, the political game inevitably plays a major factor in any global revolution.

Nevertheless, whatever Guffran and Geoffrey’s intentions are post conference, I do feel their apprehensions (however big or small) about the long-term impact are justified. At the same time, I can’t imagine any better people to input into this potential global movement and Call to Action.

From all the conversations I’ve had thus far, the fears and belief, criticisms and praise - who better than those passionate people on ground working with HIV issues to guarantee all areas are covered. That alone will keep this buzz going.

Credit: Photographer Kris Krug - for every awesome snapshot, except the last crappy ones I took on my phone.

Mali UNAIDS Youth Summit On HIV – Day 2, First Point Of Contact

2011-04-14T01:41:00.002+01:00

So, somehow I’m now on the UNAIDS ‘Call for Action’ drafting committee… think it comes from sitting by the Massaley Hotel pool last night chit chatting with some awesome UNAIDS reps about their work, this Mali Youth Summit on HIV and what we all wanted to get out of it; a more just and facilitated global system for those living with HIV and AIDS. Now I’m throwing my two cence and more in…

Whilst the ‘Call for Action’ document (set to be published to the delegates and the world on Sunday April 18) is confidential and going through the track changes, I can deliver a teaser that it’s all about mobilising a global movement of young people to rally governments, civil societies, relevant organisations and each other to pump up the work surrounding HIV prevention, HIV education and stigma eradication – along with a mass of other branches that will contribute to various goals ahead of the High Level Summit in June.

How will it work? Who will plant the seeds of this massively important, yet daunting mission? A lot of those answers will come out of the summit, which starts tomorrow (April 15). And I have good reason for optimism. Aside from the obvious highlights – which include preparing to meet around 1000 HIV activists, plus a press conference with the President of Mali – today I got to meet and great just a handful of the inspirational young delegates.

It was by chance really, as I walked into a brief meeting with the bunch at the UNAIDS office in Bamako whilst trying to get a hold of my expenses (which are paying for my lush meals of omelette and salad – the best of the best on the veggie side of the menu). In the sweltering heat, I looked like a bit of a sweaty wreck upon interrupting the session, but it was smiles and handshakes all around as I exchanged introductions with social and HIV activists, youth ambassadors, entrepreneurs and peer educators from Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mauritania, Canada and North America, Trinidad, Australia, China, Gambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Namibia; each one stating how they were community and youth leaders setting up platforms for their people (regionally and now internationally) in the fight for HIV justice.

Credit: Photographer Kris Krug

And I repeat – this room was just a sprinkle from the buffet of amazing people I’ll be meeting, and working with over the next couple of days.

Much to look forward to. Stay tuned.

Mali UNAIDS Youth Summit On HIV - Day 1, The Plan

2011-04-13T12:24:00.008+01:00

So, I’m on a plane at London Heathrow about to set off to Bamako, Mali...

Why?

Two weeks ago an unexpected email floated into my inbox from a woman at UNAIDS; inviting me to attend and facilitate a work group (on traditional media methods) at the Mali Youth Summit on HIV.

Crazy times.

But no time to mull over – 2 minutes later and I practically super-glued my spot at the conference; though I needed to know more about this spectacular event.

The guys at UNAIDS called me up and explained how this summit was a first, bringing together youth ambassadors and facilitators from across the world to network, discuss HIV/AIDS work, and collectively create a ‘Call to Action’ for people everywhere to get on board before the UNAIDS High Level Summit in June (8th to the 10th – falling ever so conveniently on my birthday)

This trip might as well be an early birthday gift though.

I’ve always been a passionate campaigner for HIV/AIDS rights. In 2008 I was part of the Ctrl.Alt.Shift team that carried out the ‘Nothing To Declare’ stunts; where we protested outside the South Korean, Saudi Arabian and Russian embassies in London against the nations’ HIV travel restrictions.

Note: The same Ctrl.Alt.Shift team produced 5 stunning award-winning short films on various social issues; one in particular was called ‘HIV: The Musical’; a satirical look at the shameful stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS.

I’m also currently a ‘HIV Champion’ at Christian Aid, following and supporting the work of the organisation’s HIV unit.

But perhaps what drives me to care about this now manageable chronic disease (once considered a death sentence in the early 1990s), is my time witnessing HIV stigma first-hand during a reporting trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008. I met dozens of HIV orphans, abandoned and discriminated against because of their HIV status.

I hate the term (and the ethos of) favouritism, but one boy, 17 year old Congolese football wonderkid Balamika, particularly struck me (with his story and rock hard feet).

He had been thrown out of his home in his early teen years for being HIV positive. He lived on raw mangos and rats, survived in the streets for years before being recruited and rehabilitated by a Christian Aid on-ground project; that taught him the basic communication skills, as well as how to drive and brick lay (opening up his very limited career options).

Tell Balamika’s story in the UK and we have a child services situation, perhaps a local media frenzy (especially if it were a cute defenceless middle class white girl in Balamika’s shoes). However, Balamika remained calm, reflective, and assured he could eventually produce a good life for himself. Nevertheless he still yearns to know why HIV turned him into the ‘black sheep’ of his community, and hopes that others will not have to experience such scarring traumas.

That was 2008. How far have we come? What more must we do? What are the bigger issues we must tackle when it comes to alleviating the lives of those with HIV/AIDS?

Well, 2011 marks the 30th anniversary since the first diagnosis of HIV, and my reading material for this journey towards Mali (and the 40 degrees that awaits me) tells me nearly 30 million people have died from AIDS, and globally over 33 million people are estimated to be living with HIV today.

Balamika is undoubtedly a needle in a global haystack, but the monumental figures aforementioned depict why HIV/AIDS is still our biggest public health challenge to date.

That is why the conversation needs to keep flowing as to how are we can educate people on HIV/AIDS; which includes contraception and prevention, beating the stigma, and how we can really push companies, governments and the public to back the HIV patent pool – in turn making antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and HIV treatment affordable for everyone (regardless of their age, race, class and location in the world).

Approximately 3 million people around the world are alive thanks to ARV treatment. It’s generally a successful process as after two years on the therapy, 8 out of 10 people who started it are still alive today.

Great. Yes?

Yet 10-15 million who need ARVs right now are simply unable to access them; meaning worldwide 2.5 people are infected by HIV for every person that begins treatment. There’s NOTHING right about that stat.

And so, this Mali youth summit and potential ‘Call to Action’ couldn’t have come at a better time. I look forward to seeing what juicy, innovative ideas my peers and I can conjure up – as I promise (more so than hope) that whatever we produce, it will slam a massive speed bump in the vicious circle that is HIV and AIDS injustice.

And we're off.

Review: Volupte Burlesque... Gender Empowerment? - MTV Staying Alive

2011-02-14T16:01:00.001Z

Recently I rolled down to Volupte burlesque club in central London to review the show for MTV Staying Alive... I know what some of you are thinking - what's that got to do with MTV, and did I really need to be asked twice?

Of course not, free show, free three course meal and a bottle of wine on the house - who you kidding, I'd do it all again just for the hospitality of it. Though aside from those frivolous reasons, I was repping MTV Staying Alive to debate to what extent was the showcase gender empowering (as part of their 'Battle of the Sexes' series) - and how much of it was just tassels and sleaze. My fellow journalist Claire Shrophall joined me to pass her own perspective on the matter.

This is how it all went down. Happy Valentines reading my people:

Voluptuous Empowerment

Dita Von Teeses, tassels, and skin… perhaps what a first-timer would expect from a burlesque spectacle. On February 3, at central London’s Volupté burlesque cabaret club I got no Von Teese, but expectations were ultimately blown out the glittery water…

The lights dimmed, and out came three vibrant, show-stopping acts; Chinese New Year themed performances, “vintage cabaret with an Asian fusion”. The lush food provided by Volupté took a place on the sidelines as I was fully engaged (and completely distracted) by the traditional Chinese dance styles, attire and belly dancing; gyration so close to our table in the intimate venue that they practically shook our wine glasses.

Make room for Marianne Cheesecake (no, not our dessert, but headlining compare for the night). Therein laid the flip to any preconceptions, as Marianne gave up some time after her stunning solo piece to speak of her love for the beautiful and empowering entity that is burlesque.

Passionate and professional pretty much sums up the starlet; having studied in acting, improvisation, clowning and other arts in Toronto before skipping to the UK in 2004 to focus on a job she finds “fun, fulfilling and refreshing”. Is burlesque empowering I asked: “Yes, in all aspects; from the hair style to the make up, costumes and choreography, it’s my choice, my own… I have the creative control.”

What about the ‘sleaze’ perception I hear some naysayers say. The audience in Volupte was respectful no doubt, with a mixture of male and females in applause, including the odd drunk-head shouting “Arriba Arriba!” (Chinese New Year guys, not Mexico Independence Day). But on any occasion a heckler wastes their time to objectify and suppress these women (very, very rare in Volupte), as my friend Jacqueline Campbell (feminist, activist and writer) says, “There has to be some middle ground between suppressing sexuality completely and exploitation, allowing both men and women free choices to indulge in whatever practices they find fulfilling…”

And with men and women in the audience, and on stage in other shows (male burlesque performance being called boy-lesque by Marianne), it seems gender empowerment doesn’t even need to be the issue if the presence of respect and fulfilment is reciprocal. “Come see a show. Don’t misinterpret, or stereotype it” Ms Cheesecake says. “Burlesque is an evolving, always expanding art that keeps me and the audience alive.”

To read the full MTV Battle of The Sexes column, along with Claire's views, click here.

Review: Me Myself & HIV - MTV Staying Alive Campaign - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-12-02T11:56:00.000Z

Just hit World AIDS Day (December 1), and this is the best HIV-awareness short film I've seen so far...

Review: Me Myself & HIV - MTV Staying Alive Campaign

What is the average day like for a young person living with HIV? Is it different from Africa to the US? CAS editor, Dwain Lucktung, finds out as he watches ‘Me Myself & HIV’; an inspirational short film by MTV Staying Alive for World AIDS Day…

How simple can life be for someone living with HIV? Can you imagine them - the ones with the virus - clubbing, getting tattoos, dating, kissing…?

The answer is very, very simple.

MTV Staying Alive (a HIV awareness initiative) have produced an enlightening short film for World AIDS Day (December 1) which follows two very normal young people, two worlds apart, but both living fulfilled lives despite their HIV positive status.

HIV doesn’t need to a doom and gloom subject – and ‘Me Myself & HIV’ proves that; as we witness 25 year old all-American Minneapolis sweetheart, Angelikah, and aspiring 21 year old Zambian DJ/music artist, Slim, going through all the life challenges we might go through (but they just so happen to have HIV).

Angelikah parties hard, goes to university, has a HIV negative boyfriend (and they do ‘everything and more’ apparently) – admittedly she states “It’s definitely harder to get closer to people with HIV… a lot would see it as a deal-breaker from the beginning”, but that doesn’t stop her and Taylor having a flourishing relationship. They go hand in hand to get Angelikah’s tattoo, a West African symbol that represents “someone who has gone through a lot of crap but come through the other side.” How appropriate for a young woman who insists, ““People need to understand I’m just an average 25 year old girl.”

Ladies - can you sympathise?

Same question to the lads. Look at Slim. He’s the Lusaka boy driving for a record deal, trying to get a girlfriend – a familiar story for some? There’s a few minor differences perhaps - Slim found out he was HIV positive when he was 15; not an easy skeleton in the closet for a young Zambian kid who claims “It’s difficult when you’re (HIV) positive trying to find a girl who will accept you for who you are…”

To read the full review, click here.

Book Review: Politically Correct - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-11-01T12:28:00.000Z

My book review and recommendation for the month/xmas run - Gareth Allen's 'Politically Correct' - with cover illustration by my good friend, Tom Pritchard...

Book Review: Politically Correct

Having spent the last couple of weeks prepping our ‘Circus of the Invisible’ lobby action stunt, yesterday (October 20) was a barrel of laughs for our Ctrl.Alt.Shift foot soldiers, who had a barrel of tax and climate justice queries (and demands) for our busy buddy MPs…

It was a heavy day all around - as ever, we wonder still what the next steps are for those beyond Parliament’s doors.

Rightly so then, this week we recommend ‘Politically Correct’; a book that illustrates the life and fast times of an aspiring MP; from the campaign brainwaves, to visiting voter doorsteps to election day.

Ever wondered what it takes to become an MP, the journey, pitfalls and real intentions to be in a position of power - and if really, anyone can do it? Gareth Allen’s story tells us that sometimes fighting for your own vision in the system is a trying battle, but one worth having a shot at…

“Running as an independent candidate was always going to be an uphill struggle… but it was the best way to learn about our democracy, and to find out what really makes people tick”

In the general election of 2010, Gareth (35, of Normanton) ran for parliament as an independent candidate, taking on the might of the Westminster establishment - and specifically his local MP Yvette Cooper.

In around 220 pages, Gareth lays out his adventure in politics to all, as he strikes up a formidable campaign with a “shoestring budget”, without a supporting party, no Eton College on his CV or existing MP ‘buddies’. It was his friends and the local people who helped Gareth mould a credible candidate out of himself, as he got out in the community and drew up his manifesto.

Running up to the election, Gareth plunged into full time campaigning - an exhausting trial as he knocked on doors, meeting hundreds of voters, debating the other candidates in set piece Hustings meetings.

But Gareth knew it was always going to far from easy: “Running as an independent candidate was always going to be an uphill struggle… but it was the best way to learn about our democracy, and to find out what really makes people tick.”

For the rest of the review, click here.

Film Preview: Africa United (out October 22!) - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-10-12T15:04:00.000+01:00

One for the Rugrats, Stand By Me generation...

The story follows a group of children who make their way across various countries in Africa to audition for the opening ceremony of the South Africa World Cup 2010 - but their journey sees them having to confront any and all of issues that engulf sectors of their nation; from poverty, to conflict, HIV and human trafficking...

The ride of their lifetime begins in Kigali, Rwanda, as football prodigy Fabrice, his best friend and miniature blazer-wearing manager 'Dudu' (not the Brazilian superstar), and Dudu's little sister Beatrice get off to rough start; sneaking onto the wrong bus, and ending up in the Congo without papers or money.

From there they go from refugee camp to HIV clinics, fending off wild animals and trigger happy criminals. It's a 3,000 mile rollarcoaster that spins through Rwanda, the Congo, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and not without laughs, a mass of Premiership-heavy football references, and extra players signing up to Dudu's mission along the way (including child orphan Foreman George and sex worker Celeste) - as they band together in a quest to put Fabrice on the 'big stage' he deserves.

Check it out - like the Galacticos, this movie is the 'Real' deal (a terrible footy pun there, but Africa United really is worth a trip to the big screen).

Read the full preview here.

2010-08-24T18:19:00.001+01:00

Mentoring @ The Creative Media Camp 2010

2010-08-19T13:21:00.004+01:00

I headed down to Camberwell College last month to speak to a room of inspirational and excited young people - my mission was to gear them up for campaigns and positive action with the next generation on the frontline...

After running through my portfolio - including my various projects with Ctrl.Alt.Shift (www.ctrlaltshift.co.uk),flashmobbing for fair trade, exposing the BNP, and getting in the fac of corrupt Lords (from the House of) - it was time for them to show me how they'd propose raising awareness and money for the Haiti earthquake victims. The question simply was: 'What kind of event would put on a year after the disaster?'

15 minutes later, and the 4 different groups pitched some of the craziest (and best) ideas I have heard from any full-time campaign coporate; visions ranging from putting a GIANT 'piggy-bank' in the centre of Trafalgar Square, to a nationwide 'Mexican wave' video flashmob, a Haiti festival and more...

That session (though it was a small part of the week-long Media Camp) could reignite anyone’s apathy in our youth today – and the video below is a tribute to them.

Our youth = a brighter future? You damn right.

My Right To Tell The Story - MTV Blog

2010-07-28T14:00:00.001+01:00

When asked why I do what I do by MTV Staying Alive, the answers seemed pretty simple...

My Right To Tell The Story

Guest blogger Dwain Lucktung has submitted this piece about how he uses his passion for journalism as a form of expression; as part of our “Right To Be Me” series in the run up to the International AIDS Conference 2010 in Vienna...

Censorship occurs around the world – padlocking the voices of freedom and expression. Whilst certain powers that be continue to pursue this oppression, I believe journalism (and more so online journalism today) remains the key to unhinging the strangle-hold some corrupt bodies have. I embrace my right to expose the lies and speak the truth, and my passion enables me to do that and share that information with my peers – so why stop now.

Journalism is something I’ve always seen myself doing and something I now do with great pride. It’s so much more than reading, writing and reporting. It’s about communicating, networking, really getting out there, adapting with the world’s audiences and living the stories you write about.

The best students don’t necessarily make the best journalists… I learnt that pretty swiftly following my 3-year crawl through university. I hated mundane lectures, exams and alcoholic/monotone professors, but I lived for the REAL aspects of journalism – the stuff they can’t teach you; bundling your way through a mass protest (for that perfect snapshot), exposing government corruption (with that dangerous frontline atmosphere), reviewing Vancouver’s finest on the music scene to interviewing kids on the streets of the Democratic Republic of Congo – and all to bring home a compelling story.

Come to mind, I doubt I could do anything else even partially as well. I’m way too fidgety a person, boredom strikes too easily (yes I was that student dozing off at the back of the lecture hall), but journalism is a 24/7 game I think I’ll be able to play for at least a few more years.

When I was a nervous, stuttering, chubby teen writer bustling through east London, one of my lifelong mentors always told me, ‘Find your voice, and find the power of journalism’. Sounds like a very soppy Spiderman-esque life motto, but that is exactly why journalism is such a personal thing, you are communicating a story that may resonate with so many, yet is so personal at the same time. I still won’t undermine the sensation of seeing your name (however small and italic) credited for a stunning, thought-provoking little piece of media. I think any author, blogger, writer and journalist would get the jist of that cheesy thought…

But there’s the life lesson that I hope to leave for the next generation of budding street reporters. Exercise your right to live and breathe your passion and you will find that not only will you empower yourself but you’ll capture others in turn. And don’t worry about the bags under your eyes, like me – embrace them with a stiff cup of coffee and scheduled power-naps.

Click for the full link here.

Editor's Blog: Gender Power, Platform2 + Snoop Dogg - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-07-15T16:08:00.000+01:00

Have you heard of the Robin Hood Tax campaign?? If you haven't you definitely want to get on board this 'steal from the rich to give to the poor' in-your-face activist project. It's all about demanding the big boy bankers to give a tiny proportion (0.05%) of their transactions to those needing the most 'small change' in order to combat the biggest problems of climate change and poverty...

Watch the video below, which features in my Ctrl.Alt.Shift monthly round-up. It's about fighting tax corruption, bigging up the feminist activists shouting proud, the great on-ground work of overseas volunteering programme Platform2, and rubbing shoulders with hip hop's finest - Bizarre to Snoop Doggy Dogg:

Editor's Blog - Gender Power, Platform2 & Snoop Dogg

It's been a while since I did a round-up - blame the hectic world of Ctrl.Alt.Shift (and the ruthless distractions of the World Cup and Wimbledon; of which I lost a bit of pride, and a larger bit of my wallet through various winner-takes-all sweepstake bets).

However, speaking specifically from the CAS editor's hotter than hot seat - I can say it's been nothing short of an exciting and rather blurry first couple of months, with much credit due for the fantastic, ever expanding batch of contributors to the website. With the merely impossible task of listing every bit of content that sent that tingle; here are my recent highlights, in and out of these stuffy CAS walls…

GENDER EMPOWERMENT – as strong as ever on the agenda. The creation of the UN Women body seems solid proof that whilst progress has been made since the days of grave oppression and ‘No vote if you’re a skirt!’ - the job is certainly not done; especially in regions of the world where females remain second-class citizens… still, it’s another step in the right direction, as described here by Adizah Tejani.

Also embodying female voices of inspiration - check out HIV activist Carol Grayson's stunning blogs for us. And keep an eye out for writer Jacqueline Campbell; slightly off the CAS radar (though soon to find a home on our blogroll), she is as outspoken as it gets, hitting hard on gender issue case studies, relentless in the fight for the equal rights and justice for women. Stay tuned, her voice is set to rumble our stage…

Activism spans across all global and social issues which passionate people believe are worth fighting for. Queue the Climate9 crew who I’m thrilled to have on board. The climate change activists (from Plane Stupid) are undeterred by arrests and possible prison sentences (occupying Aberdeen airport was worth it!), and now, fresh from their court room drama, they’re set to deliver a grand series of blogs to demonstrate how they get down. Check out their CAS contributions so far, an interview with C9 member Dan Glass and the beauty of civil disobedience by Richard George.

All the Postcard From The Edge writers (new and old), offering their diaries from across the world, are still going strong.

As are the mass of Platform2 volunteers who are doing a heap of collaborative actions with CAS, from writing for the site about their ten week experiences in developing countries, to launching a stunning EP called ‘I Am The Change’ , to running events and exhibitions; the next one being the ONE : SIX : EIGHT : ZERO art showcase at Proud’s Strand Gallery in central London on July 23. It’ll be free – it’ll be inspirational – it’ll be emotional and memorable. So come on down for a mingle…

My Video of the Week award goes to the latest Robin Hood Tax campaign viral, featuring Sir Ben Kingsley and old CAS ambassador, actor Noel Clarke. This is how you go street on tax corruption and global poverty:

Finally, celeb gossip always lightens the mood, but unlike Now or OK!, here at CAS we ask the questions that go beyond the glitz and glamour and into the pits of fighting injustice and mentalities towards poverty… the good stuff! – so many thanks to our latest targets, Matisyahu, D-12 rap artist Bizarre, K’NAAN (and the many more to come) for stepping up for a CAS Q&A grilling.

Note: The legend that is Snoop Dogg would’ve been a nice addition, however my 1-on-1 with the ‘tha Doggfather’ last week was specifically for RWD (which can be read here). Still, one can dream what the hip hop God would’ve responded to other less conventional questions surrounding poverty, climate change, corruption, HIV stigma and the rest. Nevertheless, beyond chatting about fashion and smashing it up at festivals, it was good to hear Snoop talk about the positive influence of music: “I think music brings a positive change in anybody. Look around at some of these artists, and not just rappers - but those who have come from hard backgrounds and tough lifestyles, or some sort of struggle to get to where they’re at; they’re able to create music to make people understand and appreciate.”

From Glastonbury action to CAS action - we hear that Snoop.

Words: Dwain Lucktung. Editor, Ctrl.Alt.Shift.

Snoop Dogg Interview - RWD Online

2010-07-09T19:15:00.001+01:00

The legend was laiiiiid back. The 15 minute sesh flew by as he sat behind his shades spouting quirky remarks. For such a pivotal figure in the hip hop industry, it was a slightly more humble performance than I was expecting by Mr Gin & Juice; who confessed herbal tea was actually his poison of choice before showtime (that part didn't make the cut in this publication - so there's your exclusive).

'Don't meet you heroes because they always disappoint you' is a common phrase amoung journos. And whilst d-o-double G is far from my personal idol, I've got to say the gangsta rapper of hip hop royalty stepped up to my plate as the undisupted Doggfather. Here's the Q&A for RWD online:

Online Interview: Snoop Dogg

After topping the UK singles chart (alongside fellow California-bred Katy Perry), tearing it up at Shepherd’s Bush Empire and smashing the Wireless and Glasto fests – Snoop Dogg remains perched on top of the hip hop food chain. Dwain Lucktung catches up with The legend, Tha Doggfather, to talk about his latest projects, including the Malice In Wonderland album and why he’s the only gangsta rapper to be a Jedi in adidas’ Star Wars spoof…

How did it feel to be part of the adidas Star Wars Cantina project?
It was cool. They were looking for a villain to do his thing ya’ know – and I was the best person for the job.

What’s it like being back in the UK?
It feels good to be back here – happy to finally be able to perform for the people; a lot of the people here appreciate what I do, so I’m very honoured to be back in the UK.

Favourite place to hang?
In London…? Probably my hotel room [laughs].

Have you seen any fashion trends in London that you’ll be taking back to the US?
I just love the whole vibe of London – that’s why it’s always been one of my favourite spots to come; I’m just trying to marinade and take it all in so I can take some of it, whatever, back home with me.

You’re always in an adidas tracksuits. Who’s your favourite person that wears a tracksuit?
It would be Run DMC. They were the ones to make it cool to wear anywhere, no matter what event it was. They were the symbol of the tracksuit, and they helped me figure out how that was what I had to be doing.

(Regarding your acting career) – Are there any UK shows you’d like a shot at?
Well my favourite show don’t come on no more – The Benny Hill Show. That was my favourite, I always dreamed of being on that show [laughs].

There are some rumours flying around about you making an appearance in Coronation Street… any truth in that?
Some big people in big places were trying to make that happen, so tell your mum it might happen. Stay tuned in…

What kind of TV shows in general do you like watching?
I like old school TV shows like Good Times, What’s Happening!!!, The Jeffersons – the latest show I liked was The Wire though; that was a great show.

What can you tell us about your latest album Malice In Wonderland and your various collaborations on it (with the likes of Jazmine Sullivan, Lil Jon, Soulja Boy and others)?
Malice was about my growth as an artist, and where I’m at right now. (As for the collaborations) I worked with certain artists that were appealing to me or anyone that I felt could assist on the song I was putting together. You get so far into the music industry like I am and it’s about making the right decision to continue to do what you’re doing, but working with people you like and have never had the opportunity to work with; and I never have a problem with calling and asking. If I love you and appreciate your music, I’ll tell you – “Hey, I love what you’re doing.”

You’ve got some crunk influences on Malice – is that something you’re planning to work more with?
Yeah, but I’ve always been a fan of music (in general), so it’s like no matter what country it’s coming from, whether the music is brand new or old school, I’ve always had a love for it and been able to take what is considered new and blend it in with the old (and always make it work).

From Boy Better Know, Wiley to Tinchy Stryder, we have a lot of really good grime acts in the UK – have you ever thought of collaborating with some of them?
Yeah definitely! I like Wiley – he’s dope, and I did a remix with Tinie Tempah, so I’m gradually moving my way into the scene here. I feel like that music is well respected here, and it deserves to have worldwide attention; so I’m looking forward to working with some more UK acts.

You played at the Wireless Festival the other day. How did it feel to perform at the festival in front of all those people?
I just love performing in front of people that love me. It doesn’t matter where it is. They always tell me when I did Glastonbury that there were about 90,000 fans or something like that. Whatever. I never pay attention to how many people, I’m more about the expression and the feeling people give me. If I perform in front of 5 people who bring a lot more energy, sometimes those 5 people can bring a better show out of me than 90,000.

You’ve broadcasted shows on YouTube before (Snoop Dogg YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/westfesttv?blend=1&ob=4) – how do you feel about the way websites like that and Twitter are changing the way artists communicate with their fans?
It’s a great way to get up close and personal with your fans, it gives them a chance to actually be with you in a stage moment – it’s not about a script, they see you being you. It also lets you see what the fans love about you.

You seem to feed off the love of your fans. Whether it’s hip hop or pop, do you believe music can be a catalyst for positive change in you, and people in general?
I think music brings a positive change in anybody. Look around at some of these artists, and not just rappers – but those who have come from hard backgrounds and tough lifestyles, or some sort of struggle to get to where they’re at; they’re able to create music to make people understand and appreciate.

You’ve been performing and producing music for long time. What keeps you going? What makes you stop from just laying back and enjoying what you’ve got?
I love what I do. Honestly, I take my job seriously, and when I do music, its fun for me too; I enjoy every minute of it.

What is left for Snoop Dogg to achieve?
Well I’m actually doing what I’m suppose to be doing right now, so it’s not really about goals or achieving things. I don’t have any goals – I just do what I do and it’s just a natural part of who I am.

So what’s next? Anything you’re working on that’s exclusive?
Yeah, I’m working on a new movie and a record called ‘A Woman’s Touch’. It’s a heartfelt movie and album which will be dedicated to all the women in my life including my grandmother, my mum, my wife and my daughter. It’ll be a soft tone Snoop Dogg record that you’ve never heard before…

What’s your advice for relationships, having been in yours for so long?
You’ve got to be friends first, whether that’s your opposite or soul mate. You’ve got to be friends because you’ve got to understand them and they’ve got to understand you.

Snoop Dogg motto?
I go hard. I don’t know how to go half-speed; whether it’s a scrimmage, a practice or a rehearsal, in front of a thousand people or rehearsing by myself – you can’t tell a difference because I always go hard.

Link to full RWD article here

Interview With Jewish Rap Artist Matisyahu - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-06-15T17:05:00.001+01:00

One kool guy - in one cool (though slightly too flash-my-wod-of-cash) location. Through the doors of London's swanky-beyond-swanky Soho House I came, rolling in for my 20 minutes with perhaps my most favourite Jew (aside from Woody Allen), rap artist Matisyahu. I've been watching Matis on Youtube for years, and with his last big debut album hitting our stores a few years back - I'm thinking this might just be the year he jumps back onto the frontline of our iPod playlists...

Matisyahu - One Day from 100% on Vimeo.

Here's my Q&A with the guru-esque musical genius - topics of discussion were religion, spirituality, music, music, live music and "fusion":

Ctrl Meets Matisyahu

Two words come to mind after meeting Grammy-nominated Jewish artist Matisyahu - ‘fusion’ and ‘spirituality’; two key aspects that make up his music, and his life…

It was quite an intense session in the plush Soho House rendezvous, as the renowned musician (who I had been watching on YouTube all day) squeezed in some time for me in between creating set lists for his London shows, and planning his trip back to the US to continue the promotion of his next album ‘Light’ (June 21 release date).

Laid back like a guru sipping on chilled tap water, almost every answer to my questions (delving into his musicality, to his thoughts on global issues of poverty and climate change) was postponed for grave thought, and deep consideration. Unlike most ‘celeb’ encounters where regurgitated template responses may roll right off the tongue, it seems Matisyahu is admittedly still on his own journey, still trying to figure out his own identity. Whilst the world’s problems continue to revolve and evolve (some of which are currently involving the people of Matisyahu’s nation), this Brooklyn-raised reggae, hip hop-influenced, pop-rock musician stays true to himself; stepping back from some global politics to tackle his own path and complexities. Enter the mind of the Israeli rapper:

What do people call you for short Matisyahu?
Just call me Matis man.

What you been up to this week Matis?
I’ve got a record coming out later this month; my next album ‘Light’ with the first single to be released off it, ‘One Day’ - I’ve just been promoting that.

Are you in the UK for long?
Only for a few days, I’m here doing a few shows including an acoustic set at The Borderline club: before heading back to America on the weekend.

Tell me about your music? What is the Matisyahu sound?
Well the sound is a fusion - it has sort of a reggae core, a hip hop edge, and live…? - It has a free improvisation kind of feel.

I’ve read some things about the importance of your spirituality… Does that play a big part in your music?
I am still asking myself that question, and it’s something I’m still grappling with to find a definitive answer… The real question there I guess is ‘Who am I?’ For me, being Jewish is not separate (from me or my music), but it goes beyond just religion - Judaism is a way of life, and like my culture, my history and even the city I live in; they all serve as sources of my identity; and everything that I do (including my music), starts with my background and spirituality in a lot of ways… For example, the music itself is the expression of who I am and obviously an outcome of what I am, but ‘who I am’ relates to where I’ve come from – I was raised and born with a Jewish identity to a certain degree, so it plays a part in all aspects of my life, but we live in a modern (very secular at times) world, so whilst it (Judaism) doesn’t depict what I do, it is always at the back of my consciousness.

Has that always been the case?
As I got older I went through a big transition to consider how much Judaism would influence my life, and I realised I was lacking that part of my identity - that’s when I started to delve more into the history and issues of my background, and so it started to become a bigger part of who I am… But at the same time I don’t feel limited by it - humanity is humanity, music is music; Judaism doesn’t change my treatment of that, relationships and the world.

About 12 minutes later, and after a few Matisyahu ‘umm’s and ‘errrr’s –

Kind of a complex question Matis?
Nah it’s fine, to be honest I don’t want to waste my time on questions that aren’t complex; questions don’t need to be simple, nothing is black and white… Every question can be deep and treated that way, so let’s continue.

Are you proud with the sound and identity you’ve created?
Yeah. I have done something that has not really been done by too many people, which is to somehow identify and incorporate specific aspects of Judaism in my life, fusing that identity together with many aspects of modern culture, humanity, and society through my music. My whole ‘thing’ is about blending those parts to form some kind of artistic, creative connection from my roots to my current culture and audience.

Music-wise (or just as an individual), would you describe yourself as being politically and socially minded?
Not particularly… Though I guess everything is political in some way, even if you’re not political you can end up aligning yourself with some type of politics. But my nature is more spiritual and more of a search to understand my identity, my history, and my future - and less about figuring out the rest of the world.

So, do global issues such as climate change and poverty ever cross your mind…?
I think one basic thing that is relevant to me is having that state of awareness, and being respectful of the world in all aspects. It doesn’t necessarily mean being ‘political’, it means respecting people, the world itself and the environment, and to not take for granted a lot of the societal norms - but to actually investigate into them and the hidden problems. For example, I recently became a vegan and stopped eating meat after reading a book on it called ‘Eating Animals’ by Jonathan Safran Foer. It opened my eyes to all of that…

For the rest of the interview, please click here

Youth-Led Media Network Bidding For Barclays £50,000!

2010-05-24T13:25:00.000+01:00

Get on board peoples! As aforementioned in many of my past blog posts, the Youth-Led Media Network is well in motion - a huge UK-wide directory of youth-led media organisations and playas in the field; offering contacts, jobs and mentoring, training and general peer-on-peer chit-chat.

The young Network directors (a team of around a dozen, including moi) have already received a mass of support and endorsements (not least from over 150 youth-led media organisations across the nation), but funding is required to put all the thoughts and strategies into action.

One of our routes has been to pursue the Barclays Business Take One Small Step Competition, where they offer £50,000 to boost ten business ideas (hopefully one of those will be ours!)

To show your support on our dreams to fully engage and connect the potential of the UK's youth media, check out the link below, add a comment, click and give a thumbs up - it's a 60 second action to support a progressive plan we fully believe is needed:

www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/3793

Ctrl.Alt.Shift 'Dear Diary' Event & Exhibition

2010-05-10T17:00:00.000+01:00

From Kenya to the UK, from Kurt Cobain to Anais Nin, this 'Dear Diary' event is going to turn heads across the nation. All the info is below and here, the exhibition is only open for two weeks so get your asses down to Covent Garden and sneak a gander at some limited edition material...

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Haiti Update, Comic Tour + Fiddy's Farewell

2010-05-01T17:55:00.000+01:00

The end of one era = the eruption of new one (at least that's my current mission, as newly appointed digital content editor of Ctrl.Alt.Shift). With so many achievements roped in by the former editor, my mentor and friend, Chantelle Fiddy, I dare say there's a daunting (albeit exciting too) follow-up journey ahead. But my plan is to continue the hard-hitting edge of CAS content, retain the old, whilst bringing in new passionate contributors (jet me an email if you're up for the challenge!) who will be the social commentors on current affairs for the next generation - look out for reports from Ghana to the Middle East...

Below is my latest round-up for the initiative, and first report as editor. I give thanks and endless love to the Fiddy, give the latest stats on our Haiti appeal, with a low-down on how our Unmasks Corruption comic UK tour is going, and a heads up on our rave in Manchester. All good things now, and upon the horizon. Enjoy the next chapter, I'm writing it as I go along:

CAS Round-up: Comic Tour, Haiti News, And A Fond Farewell

With so much going in the world of Ctrl.Alt.Shift right now, we thought we’d round up the latest action – just in case you’re struggling to juggle our manic movements across the nation…

Our Haiti work has come over leaps and bounds since the tragic earthquake in January. Following the Haiti rave we held two weeks after the quake (which brought in over £10,000 from supporters/ravers), in February, Ctrl.Alt.Shift launched a massive auction through eBay; selling off bundle after bundle of amazing and unique items to raise even more money for the Haiti emergency appeal.

We auctioned a lifesize Kung Fu Panda, signed cds, concert tickets, a Kate Moss handbag, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out with Diversity at their studio, two signed Sony PSPs, and loads of other collector's items…

The auction is now closed, but we’ve got great feedback from some very happy customers, including, “Fantastic, glad to support the cause and also get something I wanted!” and, “Greatttttttttttttt AAAAAAAAA++++++++++++” (little sense – but we understood the sentiment). Altogether we sold about 20 items and have raised more than £2200, bringing our total for Haiti to well over £12,000 – and you can find out where your money went here. Also note you can continue to donate to the cause here.

With Haiti’s people in our sights, that hasn’t stopped us building our movement across the UK – which has been growing with our Unmasks Corruption comic exhibition tour. We’ve hit Bristol, Nottingham, Liverpool and Leeds so far – with Manchester’s Noiselab being our next pit-stop on the map (details coming soon).

Manchester’s getting a double dose of CAS action this month, as on April 30 we will collaborate with Mind on Fire for a dubstep showcase to kick-start your summer. Contact Theatre is the venue, £4 on door is the price, so book it in and make sure you don’t miss out on the live artwork, films, and groundshaking beats provided by Nedry, In The Loop and a host of other DJ’s.

With all this, our CAS world of content bids a fond farewell to the beloved Chantelle Fiddy who has moved on to pasture new...

To read the full article, please click here

'Moustique' Video - Malaria Prevention In The DRCongo

2010-04-22T11:22:00.002+01:00

I just uploaded onto the Ctrl.Alt.Shift site this great animation about malaria prevention for distribution in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 14 days reporting in Kinshasa on the education and HIV projects (in winter 2008) was a major turning point in my journalism career, opening my eyes to a world of international development work - which explains why you'll see a mix of music reviews, social commentary and current affairs/global issue topics on my blog! Take a four minute Kitkat break and enjoy the vid:

Animation by: Luke Whittaker (London, UK)

Music by: Océan Clef de Fa, Institute National des Arts (Kinshasa, DRC)

Music recorded, produced and mastered by: Mark Nunn, Joe Herrmann and Jason Air (in Kinshasa and London)

With support from: Rob Edwards (volunteer, London, UK)

Tribute To Editor, Journalist, Mentor - Chantelle Fiddy

2010-04-12T17:22:00.011+01:00

I've worked alongside the Fiddy since I was a spotty, chubby, hustling street reporter of a teen. The stunning flick of her blonde hair wasn't exactly what I was expecting when I walked through the doors of south and east London's LIVE Magazine, but watching her co-ordinate a mass of thriving young media runners, always raising the spirits of the room with her 'watch me get down lowww' random dance antics (inbetween stern orders), whilst never failing to produce astounding, innovating results (with whatever team she was working with) - I KNEW I was in the right place for work experience; bear in mind it was also Chantelle who replied quick-time to my last minute desperate call for a uni work placement; after my TRACE mag arrangement fell through in winter 2007...

Fast forward a few months.

Summer of 2008 hits, I've graduated (and lost a bit of weight following the final uni year of depressing malnuitrition), looking for the next step... Fiddy is still doing her thing, substituted the blonde flow for the spacey brunette bob, but still writing for the likes of (the now sadly deceased) London Paper, Mixmag, Dazed&Confused (and many many others), and prepping for her next project - Ctrl.Alt.Shift. It was here, on the epic fouth floor of an office block in Waterloo, that we bumped shoulders once again. Editor Fiddy got me down as an initial volunteer staff writer (eventual deputy editor), and alongside a mad collective of inspirational individuals, we conjured up some groundbreaking global development work, rallying in a UK 'next generation' movement tackling the issues that really matter. The archive of work over the past two years is too long to brief, but the highlights will include two Southbank festivals, four consumer magazines, and a Haiti rave that raised over £10,000 for the earthquake victims - ALL of this and much more with Chantelle anchoring the way...

Fiddy left our Ctrl.Alt.Shift shores last week, moving on to pasture new - but she'll forever be in our (mine especially) hearts and memories as a pioneering journlist, a booty-shaking rebel to the norm and expected, a one-of-a-kind mentor. NO SHE'S NOT DEAD! This is not a eulogy (a Nandos sesh with the Fiddy is around the corner), but it is a much needed, long-time coming tribute to a remarkable woman who has paved the example of how things should get done in this manic world we work in. And no doubt Ctrl.Alt.Shift will appear as a short chapter in her colourful carreer, but from what I've witnessed, hers will be tough shoes to fill (and my yeti size 11's don't help...). Here's my love to Fiddy for the Ctrl.Alt.Shift faithful:

A Tribute To CAS Editor Chantelle Fiddy
A born leader, Chantelle Fiddy took on the grand job of Ctrl.Alt.Shift editor in 2008 with the intention to inspire a new generation of socially-minded activists (in her own, unique little way).

Under and alongside the guidance of ‘The Big Boss’ - CAS creator Katrin Owusu - Chantelle has made tidal waves of progress, not only bringing innovation and astounding content to the CAS website and magazines, but also setting up events and opportunities which have engaged and united the CAS community that exists today. Last week, Chantelle left our headquarters to pursue other goals; but she will remain a close advisor and mentor - so in her honour (and as we still sit here mourning her departure), we lift our glasses and enjoy the highlights...

The only way to really gather any sense of how this eccentric, multi-talented, crazy, passionate, workaholic and wonderful woman worked, you’ve just got to see her in action:

Here in autumn 2008, Chantelle was on the frontline of CAS’s Nothing To Declare (anti HIV travel ban) campaign. Never one to back down from a little dress-up role play, she gathered a mass of young volunteers in a series of public stunts to protest against the fact countries like South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia had HIV travel restrictions. Passersby got some air in the face and Chantelle’s chants of ‘Say no to the stigma surrounding HIV!’

Our 50 Million Women Missing campaign in spring 2009 was a mad day, namely because we waltzed around central London dressed as ghosts, inevitably getting eventually interrogated by the police – though it was all to raise awareness of the abused and lost women of India. Ever the calm and collected one, Chantelle, was on hand to lead by example and commentate on our day of direct action…

Read the rest of the tribute here

Youth-Led Media Summit (Dec 09') Coverage!

2010-04-06T11:29:00.001+01:00

The YLM Summit last December was a bit of a big deal in my carreer to date, being asked to represent Ctrl.Alt.Shift and be a voice for the millions of young people in the UK hustling to break into the machine that is the media...

With over 150 of my most talented and outspoken peers in the audience, speaking on a panel next to my media mentors and inspirations, my firm point was to affirm there needs to be more of a representation, and therefore a better, more balanced representation of the next generation - who will eventually be writing the tomorrow's headlines. Read here for the full review of the summit. Below is the video documentary (which a few cameo appearances by yours truly):

As part of the Youth-Led Media Network, I am now working with the young steering group (now known as the directors) to build this independant social entreprise - which will act as a hub for all youth-led media, offering channels to mentoring, funding, news, job opportunities and more. It's a long-term project, but we're all set to light a spark in the system. Follow www.youthledmedia.org.uk to get involved in the the project and see how it develops...

FREE Ctrl.Alt.Shift Mag Issue 4 In Dazed&Confused NOW!

2010-04-06T11:20:00.000+01:00

Get it get it get it! In your local WHSmith stores, skim past the thousands and get some real brain food down ya.

Seriously, two magazines for £3.95 is a bargain. Please recall issue 4 of the Ctrl.Alt.Shift mag took my team and I three gruelling months to bring our supporters over 80 pages of provocative, passionate, hilarious reports, spanning from Westwood and rapper Giggs talking corruption, to V V Brown and Riz MC Ahmed providing hard-hitting columns. That together with our Guantanamo Bay fashion photoshoot made it a good season's work...

No excuses now. If you couldn't find one before, just look for the D&C package...

K'NAAN Interview - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-03-29T15:39:00.002+01:00

This definitely stands head and shoulders above 99% of the 'celeb' interviews I have done - most probably, for the somewhat bias reason that I respect K’NAAN the music, as well as K’NAAN the artist. The same cannot be said for some of the more ‘blah’ generic Q&A’s I have grinded through with self-loving, whatless stars... – call them entertaining, though hardly enlightening.

K’NAAN was not a disappointment. Blessed by the Bob Marley fam, haven risen from the Somali war (as a none the wiser teen), he now sings and talks with great passion, knowledge, tone of ‘peace be the journey’, set to rep the official South Africa FIFA World Cup 2010 with his show-me-your-lighters ‘Wavin Flag’ anthem – you need to look out for this boy (if only because his upcoming work with Nas and Damian Marley is going to be BIG!). Who is K’NAAN? Here’s my interview with the rapper for Ctrl.Alt.Shift:

Ctrl Meets K’NAAN
Walking into Islington’s Centrestage Studios with my tonsils aching and nose running from some nasty lingering flu (that just refused to die), I wasn’t too sure I was ready for this one...

Meeting someone as passionate and on point as Somali-Canadian rapper K’NAAN, I wanted to be on form – after all, I was about to go head to head with this world touring artist, set to release this summer’s official FIFA World Cup 2010 anthem (‘Wavin’ Flag’), set to launch his stunning album ‘Troubadour’ upon the UK, the I-do-not-take-no-bulls**t from the UN, blessed by the Bob Marley fam musician; all this from humble beginnings in Mogadishu, Somalia.

After a lengthy wait, Keinan Asbdi Warsame aka K’NAAN appeared from his dressing room to take a seat opposite my dictaphone. Blowing his own stuffy nose with a tissue, I found neutral ground, and the Q&A could begin… Here’s the rapper’s take on how he’s bringing his new sound to the world, the underlying truth behind Somali piracy, and how he plans on creating a whole new perspective for his people:

How you doing K’NAAN?
I’m good man, just a little tired, but I’m feeling great.

What you been up to this week?
Just doing some rehearsals, filming a new video, and I’ve been touring – from Italy, to Mexico, to the UK.

Fair to say you’re a bit jetlagged then…I think being jetlagged is my normal state now.

Tell me about your music? How would you describe your sound to those who might know nothing of K’NAAN?
Unique, a mixture of jazz and rap, with Somali influences – it’s just a different sound man.

Who are your musical influences?
Somali poets, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley.

I listen to your lyrics and follow your work. From spitting lines like “We fight their battles, then they deceive us, try to control us, they couldn't hold us, ‘cause we just move forward like Buffalo Soldiers…”, to the time you once criticised the UN for failed aid missions to Somalia, do you think it’s fair for observers to label you as a political and socially minded artist?
I actually don’t like labels. I write and say things that I think need to be said, and if others call it being ‘political’ and ‘socially minded’, so be it.

Do you think more artists should be using their positions to challenge the status quo of societies, battle corruption and better lives for their people?
I think artists should be honest… If the world is a perfect place and all they see is beauty, they should go ahead and just sing beautiful happy songs. I write about my experiences and what I see…

A lot of your songs have references to Somalia. I understand you and your mother fled from the country when you were just 14 because of the civil war… How much of that part of your life do you remember? Do you have any fond memories?
It was a hard time, for me and my family – and I still have a lot of relatives living there now. But I definitely have amazing memories, of Somalia always being a beautiful place with warm people, learning Somali spoken word poetry and being inspired by the story-telling.

You were born and bred in Somalia, and then spent much of the remainder of your life in Toronto, Canada. Do you consider yourself to be a music ambassador for Somalia, and even Canada?
I don’t ever ask or plan to be an ambassador, I guess those types of things just happen. But I’d say when I’m good, yeah I’m an ambassador of Somalia and Canada, whilst if I do something s**t, I’ll be an ambassador for myself (laughs).

I read somewhere you went back to Somalia last December… on your own! Were you not scared, especially being such a high profile Somali artist?I was scared, but it was something I felt I had to do – I haven’t been back since I was 14, and I needed to re-visit my roots. But all the people were so welcoming; yes I was recognised, and they treated like royalty, so it felt like I was under the protection of love. One thing I was gutted about was not being able to head into my birthplace Mogadishu, which is still trapped by the war, but I do plan on going back again in the future.

I spent five months living in Vancouver, and fell in love with the Canadian city… I’m planning to immigrate before I get too old. Where would you prefer to live, the UK, Canada, or Somalia?
My name in Somali means ‘traveller’ and that is what I am now. I enjoy moving around different places, and I think touring is what I’ll be doing for a while.

What are the biggest differences you see in the culture and way of life in Somalia and the Western world?
There are the obvious differences, but I think the two can learn a lot from each other. The West has learnt how to progress through materialism, whilst Somalis and others in Africa find strength through spiritualism… if we could find a balance, positive progress could happen across both worlds.

How do you feel Somali’s are viewed here? And how would you like to add or change to that perception?
I think there’s the view that we’re the neighbours that others don’t really understand yet; with the piracy issue on T.V. we can come across as quite ‘unreasonable’. From the way we dress to the way Somali’s sometimes like to keep to themselves, some host countries seem to think we don’t like to integrate into their culture. What I’d like to change about that is give people a water perspective on us, something more well-rounded; we have an intricate history and an even more complex recent history, and when people know about that, they’ll understand Somalis a lot more...

For the full Q&A, please click here

Writings On The Wall Southbank Event Video Footage!

2010-03-15T14:18:00.005Z

Here's a short video that reviews the United Underground 2 pre-event at the Southbank Centre on February 20. Organising the 'Writings On The Wall' spoken word poetry, music, art and activism showcase for Ctrl.Alt.Shift, British Underground and Riz MC Ahmed was another grand challenging period of my career so far (especially being a rogue journalist used to chasing down reports and sitting behind my laptop). But judging by the response and results, including this great film that features the performances of Sonti Ramirez, poet James Massiah, the Rhymes Won't Wait Collective and showstopper Ed Sheeran, displays a job well done... and something I just might consider taking on in this summer for the United Underground 3!

Enjoy:

The Youth-Led Media Network Event @ BFI (March 16)

2010-03-06T02:12:00.005Z

When I was a Pot Noodle-eating, Snake Bite-drinking, insomniac undergraduate at the Uni of Central Lancs, among the many many life lessons and melodramas rushing to my head each semester, was the everlasting journalism problem of where to gain my journo medals of experience... hard and harsh lessons they were (and still are).

I constantly aimed for the big names, the mainstream media - aim high was my motto. But two factors always played a tragic part of that equation; being a student made it less than easy to break into the established news rooms, and once there, I was hardly trusted and thus left to the medial tasks of coffee runs, transcipting, orange-peeling and (quite naughtily) checking emails and watching weird s**t on YouTube to kill the hours.

Fast forward a couple of years and I'm tip-toeing in and out of the mainstream waters, from The Guardian to the BBC. Hard work, persistency, grasping onto any slice of opportunity, and a severe cut down in online faffing about does pay off... but I do wish there was a more accessible route to those (at times) illusive portfolio pages.

And so, queue the Youth-Led Media Network - something I'm currently working on (alongside Global Ethics UK and a bunch of inspirational young individuals) that may just change the standard procedure for millions of hustling aspiring headline-makers in the UK. Imagine a national online directory with links to every single youth focusing media organisation (anything from Live magazine to Ctrl.Alt.Shift) offering channels to jobs, internships, training and mentoring. It may not be the mainstream, but it would mean guaranteed valuable and invaluable experience and stepping stones.

At the moment, the Network is just a glorious hypothetical, but following the mass interest at the Youth-Led Media Summit last December (2009), and our collective hunt and hopes for funding and endorsements (which we will pitch for at the Youth-Led Media Network event at the BFI on March 16), such an idea may just come to fruition... watch this space. Here's all the details regarding the March 16 event in my preview for Ctrl.Alt.Shift:

Youth-Led Media Network Event @ BFI

The time has come, spring is here, and we're set to put those wintery inspirational talks and thoughts into action...

If you have any interest, query or general wonderment about getting involved in the manic world of the media, then you didn't want to miss out on last December's Youth-Led Media Summit. All set up by The Institute for Global Ethics UK Trust and a team of media freelancers (with members from Youthcomm Radio, Catch 22 youth initiative, Ceasefire magazine, Headliners news agency, Visualisemedia.com, the Leap Anywhere project, Muslim Youth Helpline and Ctrl.Alt.Shift), the conference, consisting of talks, workshops and panel discussions, was a chance for young media enthusiasts - “the next media generation” as Dazed and Confused editor Rod Stanley called them - to come together to discuss how young people could play their part in the industry and engage with youth stereotypes in the media.

It was a hectic day of ifs, buts, whys, and how's. Natty provided some musical relief; to balance out the table-tennis paced debate that erupted from the main panel session - something I felt privileged to be asked to sit on and represent my peoples. I locked horns with the media's big players; including Rod Stanley, Sir Al Aynsley Green (Children's Commissioner for England, 11 Million), Matt Locke (Channel 4's Commissioning Editor for Education), Bob Satchwell (Society of Editors' Executive Director) and Rajini Vaidyanathan (BBC news reporter)...

Here's the full review of the summit.

Despite the fact we may have had conflicting opinions of how the future of youth-led media should work and what it would look like, there was one general consensus; the youth media are strong, and combined forces could lead to an endless realm of prospects, possibilities and opportunities. That was clearly evident from the summit, with the bustling audience consisting of over 150 representatives from various youth-led media organisations (with a combined readership of over two million).

And so came about the proposal and concept of the Youth-Led Media Network... 'What's that?' I hear you say.

Think of it as a grand directory for ALL youth-led media organisations, providing links to mentoring, internships, jobs, youth media news, and loads more. The summit was a chance to brainstorm the idea, gather support, interest, opinions etc. Three months later, and Global Ethics UK alongside the steering group for the Network, will be celebrating the outcomes of the winter summit, showcasing what the Network has the potential to be, discussing funding, and reviewing the next steps... hopefully with you on board! With hopes of becoming an independent youth-led social enterprise, endorsements, collaborations and funding funding funding will be key topics of discussion...

This event will take place on March 16 at Southbank Centre's BFI in London. Although it is by invitation only, all media enthusiasts are welcome. Just RSVP asap as spaces are limted - all details are here.

Ever found it hard, and de-motivating in the grinding quest to break into the media...? Come down and ensure that the power of the press lays in your hands.

For more information about the Network and the upcoming event, please visit www.youthledmedia.org.uk

Note: At the event, there will also be the first screening of the Youth-Led Media Summit 2009 film, created by Beacon School and Red bag Pictures.

United Underground 2 Main Event! - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-02-19T15:30:00.004Z

This is going to be crazy! I've already blagged all about this in my last blog post, but just for good measure, here's all the details below in my Ctrl.Alt.Shift preview for the United Underground 2 evening festival. Based on last year's turnout, I can promise all (money-back guarantee) a night to remember.

Last year was hectic - this year will be even better (yes, I sounds like a cliche salesman, but it's called for... this time).

Leave the hangover procedure for tomorrow night. Come to party - leave the cleaning bill with Southbank:

United Underground 2!
After last summer's sell-out show, Riz MC Ahmed, British Underground and Ctrl.Alt.Shift host the second United Underground; a music, art and activism party across the foyers of Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall. Bringing together an explosive mix of cutting-edge sounds, street culture and film, the night (with a CONFLICT theme) will introduce exceptional new club and alternative artists and explore the potential of music as a catalyst for change.

Details for the United Underground evening showcase:

When: February 20
Time: 5pm - 11pm
Location: Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, SE1 8XX
Price: £6

Don't miss out on all this! -

Music in the Purcell Room:

Trembling Bells, Olivia Chaney, Laura Moody, Broadcast 2000, Twee As Fuck, The Bobby McGee's, The Half Sisters, Attaca Pesante + guests.

Music in the front room of the Queen Elizabeth Hall:

Wiley presents Eskimo Dance, JME, DJ Target, Speakers Corner, Marvell, P Money, Chock-A-Block feat. Nolay, Envy, FX + Spooky, Hit + Run, Nightslugs feat. Bok Bok + Manara, Urban Nerds fest. Illaman, Rattus Rattus + Klose One.

Film Room:

Feat. the five winning Ctrl.Alt.Shift short films.

Realtime activism:

Get a FREE poster from the Print Club London workshop, add your face to our digital projection, or get creating with the Craftivist Collective.

Talks:

Speakers will include former mayor of London Ken Livingston, Peter Tatchell, Ben White, Andrew Hogg, PEN, Traid and Guerilla Gardening.

It's a bargain bucket of entertainment for just £6!

Book tickets here and save some dosh.

Writings On The Wall: United Underground 2 Pre-Event! - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-02-17T23:55:00.008Z

When the Southbank Centre reps knocked on Ctrl.Alt.Shift's door, asking me and my team for a second dose of art, music and activism (after the sell-out success of our United Underground showcase in July 2009) - two main feelings ran through my mind; initially 'Oh no... here we go again' swiftly followed by 'Bring it on!'.

To brief you in, United Underground last summer was a whole day, midday to midnight, of live DJ sets, bands, acoustic acts, art (graffiti and crafts), speaker Q&A sessions... and a lot more I can't quite remember right now - but all in all, a manic day capped off with a Thames-shaking rave. The venue: The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London. The organisers: Ctrl.Alt.Shift, British Underground and Riz MC Ahmed. The turnout: Over 700 jumping, partying hard heads. The aftermath: United Underground 2 please...

Like last time, I have been left with the honourable duty of setting up the pre-event (the FREE showcase from midday to 4pm, warming up the crowd for the United Underground 2 evening festival at 5pm).

A few minor changes to the pre-show this time - I've got partner in crime, colleague James Prosho covering my tracks (two heads better than one and all), it'll take place INSIDE the QEH as oppose to outside the front doors (I don't need to me crapping myself in fear and anticipation of the almost inevitable London piss-down rain), the graffiti has been substituted for a screen-printing workshop (with a guaranteed FREE poster from the Print Club London lads!), and, we've basically got loads more spoken word and acoustic acts on the bill - so queue the 10 minute MAX sets and 1 minute change-overs.

DON'T MISS OUT - BE THERE TOMORROW! (Saturday Feb 20). For the full line-up and details, check out my preview of the pre-show on the Ctrl.Alt.Shift website below:

Writings On The Wall: United Underground 2 Pre-Event!
Our United Underground Southbank showcase is back! Get ready for another day of art, music and activism; a stunning package brought to you by Ctrl.Alt.Shift, British Underground and Riz MC Ahmed - on February 20 at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall...

As a warm up to the UU2 evening event (which will kick off at 5pm, featuring the likes of Trembling Bells, Speakers Corner, JME and many more), the QEH audience will be treated and welcomed to get their hands dirty with a live CONFLICT-themed screen printing workshop/showcase - lead by Print Club London (www.printclublondon.com).

Full details for the United Underground pre-event:

Date: 20 February
Time: midday - 3:30pm
Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall @ Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX
What: Ctrl.Alt.Shift, Riz MC and British Underground brings together the best of British spoken word and acoustic talent
Price: Free!

PCL, who have composed amazing prints for anyone from The Times newspaper to Dazed Digital, will be creating four large CONFLICT-themed posters throughout the day, whilst offering templates for the public to come down, create, and take away their own prints for FREE! If you're out and about on this Saturday, you can't miss out as Print Club promises "to revive screenprinting by providing a laid back yet productive affordable environment, enabling designers and illustrators to go from laptop to inky hands."

In addition, Ctrl.Alt.Shift will simultaneously be hosting a hectic showcase of unsigned music acts and spoken word poetry by some of the UK’s most exciting prospects. This FREE pre-event will include an array of talent from Indie artists Pete McAllen and The Samantha Durnan to Southbank spoken word favourites James Massiah and Inua Ellams.

Confirmed Acts:

The Samantha Durnan Band
www.myspace.com/samanthadurnanmusic

Ed Sheeran acoustic set
www.myspace.com/edsheeran

Sonti
Soul singer
www.myspace.com/sontisonti

Rhymes Won’t Wait Collective reps including:
Camila Fiori, Dean Atta, Sabrina Mahfouz, Chimene Suleyman, Rumi Begum, Catherine Brogan, Eka, Haseeb Malik, Deanna Roger, Karis Halsall
www.timewontwait.com

G.R.E.E.D.S
Spoken word artist
www.iamgreeds.com

Inua Ellams + Poejazzi
Spoken word artist
www.phaze05.com
www.myspace.com/poejazzi

Juliyaa
Acoustic with soul
www.myspace.co.uk/juliyaa

Lauren Hogg
Acoustic set
www.myspace.com/laurenhogg

James Massiah
Spoken word artist
www.jamesmassiah.com

Pete McAllen
Indie artist acoustic set
www.petemcallen.com

DJ Mikey Gill
www.myspace.com/mikefisher

AND! A live screen printing workshop/showcase lead by Print Club London
www.printclublondon.com

Come down, get your hands dirty, and groove to some live beats.

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Rave 4 Haiti! @ Pure Nightclub - High Wycombe

2010-02-10T00:50:00.005Z

The ball needs to keep rolling when it comes to rehabilitating Haiti... The last Ctrl.Alt.Shift club night/Haiti fundraiser (at London's glorious Den Club) left me utterly shattered, too sober for my liking, with nothing but a salmon and cheese bagel to comfort my sorry state as I made my way home at 7am (after a 10-hour shift collecting petit change with my bucket). Heavy night will be the understatement for 2010...

Am I complaining? Not in the slightest. I helped the team to raise over £10,000 on that epic January 20 night, with thousands more rolling in via Ctrl.Alt.Shift's online charity auction (get your wallet out people for JLS memorabilia, and a Chanel bag to just die for!). Yet, I recognise these are all pieces of a f**ked up puzzle that will take more than a couple of loaded powers that be to repair. I will actually state, I don't know what the real Haiti earthquake aftermath statistics are, from death toll to damages - with so many numbers flying about, who knows what sensationalist media source to trust...? But it's obvious, like with Hurricane Katrina, like with the Tsunami of 2004 - the crushing impact of the Haiti quakes await no final chapter, no happy ending. Things will indeed never be the same for the nation, but have no doubt we can dictate how the rest of the story will pan out...

Queue the next Haiti rave/club night marathon in High Wycombe!

We're inviting one and all to a hectic rave for a necessary cause.

All details are above, and below in my preview for the Ctrl.Alt.Shift website:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Rave 4 Haiti! @ Pure Nightclub - High Wycombe

The last one was so hectic, the cause is still as relevant and important as ever - so there really was only one option; do it again, party harder, and RAISE MORE MONEY!

At the start of 2010, Haiti was devastated by two crushing earthquakes; and the country is still struggling to find reformation beyond the rubble and mass graves. In response, Ctrl.Alt.Shift held a Haiti rave at the Den Club in London’s Holborn on January 20, featuring the likes of Tinie Tempah, Boy Better Know, The Thirst (and many MANY more), raising an astounding £10,000 + for from the night of mayhem for the good cause.

On the back of that, never one to stop the momentum - we’ve teamed up with Donaeo to put on yet another rave for Haiti, this Friday, February 12…

Location: Pure Nightclub, Octagon Parade, High Wycombe, HP11 2HU
Time: 10pm-3am
Price: £5 MINIMUM (don’t be stingy!) donation on the door
Line-up: Donaeo, Wiley, Bashy, Princess Nyah, Marvell, plus DJs Steve Sutherland, Target and Pioneer.
More info: 07825551913

High Wycombe will never be the same again.

Don’t miss out on the party, and play your part in the Haiti recovery.

Note: If you can’t make it down on Friday, it’s never too late to contribute, as Ctrl.Alt.Shift is still offering you a little (or big) something back for your wonderful generosity in our online auction! Click on the link, and bid away on anything from a Christian Dior bag to a life-size Kung Fu Panda model.

All proceeds goes to Haiti!

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Haiti Rave Footage!

2010-02-04T17:51:00.006Z

Some mad coverage of Ctrl.Alt.Shift 's Haiti fundraiser/rave at The Den in Holborn, London. We raised over £10,000! on the night, a minimum figure, with an online auction still taking place - all proceeds going straight to the country recently devastated by crushing earthquakes.

A great night for a good cause - watch the footage, and you might catch me repping the red t-shirt and bopping through the dancefloor with my bucket!

Big up SBTV for this one!

'Shank' Private Screening Feat. Bashy & Adam Deacon - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-01-25T12:00:00.010Z

I haven't done a movie review in aaages. And that's probably a good thing, considering the majority of flicks I (depressingly) paid for in 2009 left me moaning, yawning, and concentrating on the nachos and popcorn to keep me entertained. I didn't even really get the hype of Avatar, which left me mesmerised by the animation, but wondering why ‘Pocahontas In Space’ cost so much damn money to produce, and why FernGully: The Last Rainforest isn’t down as one of the best cartoons EVER! (same message as Avatar, slightly different budget).

Nevertheless, ‘Shank’ was a rather different film experience altogether. For starters, it was nice to see an old interviewee of mine, UK rap artist Bashy, making moves on the big screen. The Hospital venue in Covent Garden was plush, with the bean-bag chairs to savour. And the film itself... kinda threw me. Throughout it, I had to laugh at some of the unconvincing acting, and unfinished sub-plots - but then my runaway scepticism was given a reality kick up the backside by my friend/colleague Sian Ce-Ce Anderson, who reminded me this was no blockbuster intended for the big red carpet; débuting Bashy, Deacon and co. were in form for a Kidulthood to Adulthood type audience.

And no doubt, on that basis, this actually wasn’t that bad at all. Call it an easy watch, as Shank is Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels meets the ghetto streets of London town in the year 2015. Make up your own minds when it is released in a cinema near you on March 26, 2009. And he’s a gentle reminder to my fellow journalists – if you’re going to review anything, never overlook how invaluable a simple chit-chat debate with a mate over a pint can be (thanks for the alternate perspective and the Stella Ce-Ce). Here’s the Ctrl.Alt.Shift review:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ Shank Screening
Last summer, rapper Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas headlined the United Underground art and music showcase on London's Southbank (set up by Ctrl.Alt.Shift, Riz MC Ahmed and British Underground). Since then, the man has continued to hustle, and the result will be blasted onto the UK's big screens on March 26, as Bashy kickstarts his acting career with 'Shank'. Last week I was invited to the swanky Hospital Club in Covent Garden to slouch onto a bean-bag chair and catch the private preview screening of the flick dubbed "an action movie for the next generation."

There was certainly no time to yawn. The film was littered with hectic chase and fight scenes, as we follow the story of 14 year old Junior (Kedar Williams-Stirling) and older brother Rager (Bashy) as they try and survive London's ganglands at a mad time in 2015; a period where the barrier between the rich and poor is immense, and food aka 'munchies' are replaced by drugs and guns as priceless commodities.

But Junior and Rager are not alone in their quest for munchies, joined by their own, relatively docile, violent-dodging gang The Paper Chaserz - consisting of Sweet Boy (Jan Uddin), Craze (Michael Socha) and Kickz (Adam Deacon of Adulthood and Kidulthood). However, there's a dark twist flung upon the story, as a conflict with a rival gang (the Tugz) leads to the 'shanking' and death of one of the Paper Chaserz... What follows is a crazy obstacle-ridden journey (including a cameo by Channel 4 'Skins' beaute Kaya Scodelario) for the group who trek across the city streets in search of justice, and revenge...

Read the full article here

What Is 'Resistance'? By Artist Tom Pritchard

2010-01-22T01:27:00.010Z

As I'm using my blog as an archive/catalogue of my personal journalism escapades, I don't usually use it to promote other work - but this is a grand and lethal exception that deserves a breaking of the rules.

My close friend, artist Tom Pritchard, was asked as part of a uni project - to illustrate a set of posters that captured the spirit of 'resistance' politically and socially for Don't Panic. The awesome results are shown above. The word 'resistance' is layered behind the injustice addressed in each poster.

To gain some inspiration, he interviewed me about my experiences resisting racial abuse from the clutches of the British National Party (following a stunt I took part in last year to try and infiltrate a BNP meeting on behalf of Don't Panic and Ctrl.Alt.Shift). The Q&A which took part in the house where Tom and I used to (and still do) crack open a few beers, have a cheeky smoke (being the underage kool kids and all) and waffle on about nothing for ages - was definitely a laugh, but conjured tangent after inspirational tangent about how we view 'resistance', how important it is when facing injustice, and why if you want positive change, you must do everyone you can, without fear of standing out - because if you see no problems in the world and remain unwilling to challenge, then you are unable to fully comprehend, create, and be part of a solution.

Putting an end to THIS glorious waffle, I particularly love the image by Tom below - and it currently stands as my profile pic on my Facebook:

Can you tell why? The photo below was taken of me last year during a Ctrl.Alt.Shift women's rights in India campaign. It's one of my favourite pics of me doing what I do best for the youth initiative - being weird, provocative, whilst subtly trying to change the world...

Haiti Fundraiser/Club Night @ The Den - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-01-21T17:14:00.009Z

If you haven't heard about what's been going down in Haiti, you must live in a hole, or simply be out of touch with the world. Two earthquakes in two weeks have devastated the country, leaving thousands dead and over a million homeless... That is why it was a privilege to be part of Ctrl.Alt.Shift's Haiti fundraiser club night at an old fav venue of mine, The End in Holborn, London, now known as The Den. Here's the mad set list of artists below, along with my review for the Ctrl.Alt.Shift website:

Editor's Blog: No Short Change For Haiti

What an immense week. To think, it was only last weekend when my senior/lady with the plan, Chantelle Fiddy rang me up and said, "We're highjacking The Den club to put on a fundraiser night for Haiti." Initially I thought it just had to be done, so let's get it on... until she told me if was going down on Wednesday January 20 (just four days later).

Was she mental? Not in the slightest, for what has happened since that phone call and now (as I sit in my bed, groggy with a pint of water and my laptop), was nothing short of a legendary night and an amazing response by the next generation to our brothers in Haiti.

The place was absolutely rammed! And at a certain point before midnight, the line (going around the block) had to be cut; when you have to start turning people away from your event - you know it's a success, despite the aggro from those who didn't get in (though it wasn't the worse thing to see so many people persistent to pay their £5 donation, get in and rave it up to our second to none set list).

I didn't actually get to see many of the acts and DJs - most of my time was spent wondering around with a bucket (alongside 20 other bopping volunteers) demanding more than shrapnel from the pockets of the lucky 1000+ who did manage to fit through the doors for the festival-esque line-up. As I swivelled my way through the jumping masses to catch snippets of my favourites (Ms Dynamite, The Thirst, Tinie Tempah, Heartless Crew and Shy FX), it was the sheer vibe that got me on a hype; reminiscent of my days as a cheeky 15 year old blagging my way into this beloved venue (formerly renowned as The End).

I'm a loyal fan, and I was devastated to hear The End had come to an end last year, but it was manic to see that we and The Den were able to revive the spirit of the schoolnight/after midnight clubber - and all in the knowledge and name of a very, very necessary cause.

This was so much more than a Red Stripe and sambucca session in a UV-lit room. No one has been able to dodge the news of Haiti in the past fortnight; 200,000 (approx) dead in the 7.0 earthquake on January 12, 1.5 million made homeless - 'ruins' and 'mass graves' are your buzzwords here. Then on the very morning of our club fundraiser, an aftershock (a 6.1 tremor) rocked the country once more, leaving the global community wondering just how much more the people of Haiti could take... Our team simply rallied together following the news of the second quake, given yet another kick up the backend to assure we got the very most out of our event; and the notes (i.e. sacrificing of booze) floating into our buckets, together with the ticket sales, proportion of the bar sales, and artist contributions (who paid/donated to perform!) - promised we had achieved our goal.

Of course it may come as short change in a massive equation to rehabilitate Haiti - there is no possible substantial expectancy of when the nation will be able to function and continue to live as 'normal'. But judging from the different kind of rumble last night, we are listening, and we will support the struggle.

This article can be sourced from here

The Ugandan 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009' - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2010-01-14T15:32:00.008Z

I still can't quite come to terms with the fact that it may soon be illegal for gays to have sex in Uganda... George Michael, Graham Norton, Paul O'Grady and the rest would be throwing a fit had an 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill' been proposed in the UK. But over in the African nation, one too many are supportive of the bill, which promises to legally put to death any man on man, woman on woman etc action. Discrimination of the sort is just intolerable in my books - the punishment of a death sentence is merely unbelievable.

This stigma surrounding homosexuals is no more aided by the ridiculous myth that having sex with babies can cure HIV... I spoke to my colleague from South Africa who claimed this was believed in the past by some supersticious persons, but has since become MYTH (i.e. NOT FACT) today. However, this is grasped upon as a reason to explain a so-called (without statistical backing) spike of child defilement by gay men - and so comes the Ugandan government's answer - alas, save the children, lock up the fags, and throw away their handbags (apologies, I'm only trying to stress their ignorance). Oh, and last time I checked, child rape was not only committed by homosexuals; so now what - remove all sexual bits and bobs of the bod? National genital mutilation? Your move Uganda. Here's my response to this madness in a feature for Ctrl.Alt.Shift:

Feature: Child Rape Was Not Invented By Gays
Someone please tell me what rape (of any kind) and paedophilia has to do with homosexuality? It’s great, no doubt, that the sectors of the Ugandan press are raising more and more awareness of rape crimes (it’s a serious subject of course). But if you’re going to enforce an “Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009” to counteract sexual abuse being perpetrated by homosexuals, you might as well put in an “Anti-Heterosexuality Bill” to put a chastity belt on all the straight people in the country looking to take advantage of their opposite sex. Make Uganda a “No-Sex” zone, and be done with sexual abuse altogether, because trust me, it happens, no matter what side of the field your people are playing on.

Provide better education, encourage a ‘nuclear’ family household, counselling, an NSPCC type vehicle – all pieces of a grand puzzle which sets out that difficult, but vital purpose of protecting all children from any sort of abuse. But why blame it all on the gays!? I just can’t comprehend how that is supposed to prevent the thousands of child defilement cases occurring in Uganda every year. I’m not saying wave the rainbow flag, but burning it won’t change much.

Okay, there is a myth, the biggest bulls**t myth I’ve ever heard, but a powerful one nonetheless – that having sex with a young child can “cleanse” one of HIV. But it is just as greater MYTH that this has lead to a rise in child rape by HIV-positive men. Where are the stats to support this? And what exactly are the origins of this baby HIV-cleansing myth? I don’t know what village idiot came up with it, but gay person or not, if 16 children were sexually abused daily in the first six months of 2009 (according to the African Network for Prevention against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) Uganda Chapter) - the fault does not lie with homosexuals – the fault lies with the Ugandan government, media, and education system; who all fail to make clear that sex with a baby is the HIV miracle cure...

Read the full article here

The NEW Ctrl.Alt.Shift Magazine! - CORRUPTION Edition

2010-01-12T17:07:00.021Z

It took weeks... scrap that - MONTHS of research, interviews, hustling, late nights, amendment after amendment after legal check after amendment - but it's here; check up your local WHSmiths for Ctrl.Alt.Shift 4 - The CORRUPTION Issue. Someone give my teamates an Irish cup of coffee 'cos core blimey, this was manic!

I watched on (getting my hands dirrrty too of course) as the Ctrl.Alt.Shift foot soldiers set out on a mission to create a politically/socially engaging commercial mag, comprised with a "double shot of tequila." What does that mean? For a bargain bucket price of £3.95, open the pages to: the best A-Z of current affairs you'll ever read, mad illustrations, original artwork by Sarah Maple, columns by Riz MC Ahmed, Ben White and V V Brown, interviews with rapper Giggs, Mr Tim Westwood and The 50th Law author Robert Greene, a crack-me-up feature by my 'Unethical Girl' pal Sian CeCe Anderson, plus further info on the magnificent Ctrl.Alt.Shift comic book (on sale here) and the United Underground art/music/activism Southbank event of the year 2009, not forgetting music sounds and fashion statements from across the developing world, AND!, our masterpiece - the Guantanamo Bay Photoshoot (watch below)... all that, and yes, loads more.

...And as I'm shamelessly promoting on my own blog, I will say to my own followers - you can catch my contributions on pages 16, 27, 56, 74, 77 and 78 - PLUS a photo of my corpse at the bottom of page 7...

Read the full preview of the mag here, OR, get wrapped up, get your derrieres out the door, and see what this 84-page thriller is saying. The Answer: A LOT.

What A Manic Year 2009...

2009-12-29T14:17:00.002Z

It's been freakin insane! And with it being impossible to summarise 12 months of my life (in a single blog) - have a read here to get the ins and outs of me and the hectic world of Ctrl.Alt.Shift; the UK-based experimental project set up to engage the next generation in the fight against social and global injustice... think BNP-crushing, DRCongo corruption awareness, Palestine stories, HIV stigma killing, global poverty-decreasing, news, news and more news (check up the site, and you'll get the jist!).

From Mauritius, to East London (born and bred in Newham), expanding my journalism horizons at the University of Central Lancashire, and hitting the ground galloping back in L-Town for Ctrl.Alt.Shift - now you can follow my blog (for today is the birth of my new blogsite) for in-depth updates of the life and fast times of this London journalist. I'll be bringing you reports from the big city, to the anecdotes of my travels from Vancouver to DRCongo, Milan to Paris, and beyond...

This may not give as personal insight to my social, sport-mad, love etc. side of my life - but it's a start, and a new year, new chapter is about to hit - so stay tuned.

Guardian Article: The UK Youth-Led Media Summit 2009

2009-12-15T19:48:00.011Z

Never stop losing faith in the next generation, never patronise, speak down to, assume you know what they know, need and want, never NEVER suggest "video games" as the answer - meet young people half way and they'll surprise you, that much, I promise.

And that is basically what I came to say at this year's Youth-Led Media Summit in London. Daunting, ever so slightly, yet privileged I felt, to represent Ctrl.Alt.Shift on a panel that consisted of various big players from the UK media world (from Channel 4 to BBC). Our audience, ready and geared up for a grilling, were some of the most exciting media-focusing prospects from across the UK, brought together for the first time all under one roof; each and every aspiring mag and newspaper writer, radio, TV and digital media presenter and producer coming to the forefront to voice their worth and thoughts on how the future of their industry will play out...

There was a heavy mix of opinions flying about, some of which I jumped on in defence of my peoples - for example, I got this uncontrollable urge to grab the mic during the panel discussion, hearing claims that youth-media could be "dead in 40-50 years" and that my suggestion of possibly having a youth-led media page in every mainstream publication was not viable - due to target audiences and consistency factors. Big bag of bull I thought, given the falling numbers in readerships facing various media orgs, the look of disdain on the reacting faces of the summit's young and passionate attendees, and the fact the audience themselves held a combined readership of over 2 million young people (all of which would like more opportunities and better representation from the mainstream).

Yet beyond the banter and rumbling debate did come progress, with various individuals stepping up throughout the day's workshops and presentations to prove they will be pulling strings in future years. The bottom line - the next media generation will continue to strive, hustle, and push to get that hard-earned reward of a foot in the door - though perhaps that door just needs to be swung open.

From past memories of sitting in cold auditoriums at some patronising and terribly mundane university speaker seminars, I think the main objective of the conference was met - to listen, and learn, and for my own peace of mind, I learnt the media of tomorrow rests in very safe hands.

Below is a snippet from the review of the summit I wrote for Guardian online:

Youth Led Media Summit Intro from Leo Bridle on Vimeo.

A Positive Face Of Youth In The Media
Today's Youth-Led Media Summit brings together enthusiastic young people from around the UK who want to determine their future role – and dispel the image of dangerous hoodies...

I grow ever tiresome of seeing news surrounding our youth decorated with hoodies and knife crime. Yes, teen stabbings do happen, and I love my Y-3 hoody, but there's a need for a balance. So, what better way to change that pre-selected image and harness the next generation than to get more than 150 inspiring media enthusiasts from around the UK in the same room; all of whom want to grab the concept of their industry by the horns and determine their role in the future of the media.

I'm talking about the first Youth-Led Media Summit 2009 today.

The Institute of Global Ethics UK Trust has invited a mass of talent and potential, including representatives from various youth magazines, newspapers, radio, TV and digital media groups (with a combined audience and readership of over two million young people) – all to The Rich Mix in Shoreditch, London, to voice their ideas and concerns regarding their generation and the media. I will be basking in the ambiance of my peers, who will soon be bringing you tomorrow's headlines...

Read the full article here

US Lift HIV Travel Ban! - MTV Staying Alive

2009-11-29T15:03:00.003Z

This is a short piece I wrote for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation website, in response to the US FINALLY abolishing their HIV travel restrictions. Ever heard of such a silly bulls**t thing? Well unfortunately, this blind eye constriction of human rights is still alive in many countries around the world... Here's the article:

About Time Too...
When I was born, back in 1987, the US was just about putting into motion this wonderfully oppressive HIV travel ban; a despicable restriction on those living with HIV/AIDS, prohibiting them from entering the land of hope and glory, because of their supposedly poisonous blood. The time has rightfully come, for change (thanks for that line Obama).

South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia (among a few others) remain on the list of countries that turn away those with HIV status. Such nations only encourage the stigma surrounding the disease, segregating those HIV+ with little remorse, or interest in understanding. This goes way further than the effect of getting chosen last in sports ed – dry your eyes mate please. The travel bans are rooted in fear and ignorance. I’ve witnessed first-hand, families in the Democratic Republic of Congo broken apart through HIV stigma (one 14 year old told me he was abandoned, as his “infection was an omen on the household”). And so, I am disgusted that any bans still exist...

Read the full article here

DRCongo: Golden Corruption - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-11-19T19:34:00.004Z

This is a follow-up piece I did for Ctrl.Alt.Shift regarding the 40 TONNES OF GOLD (you heard right) being illegally smuggled out of the DRCongo by sanction busters. It is a piece I felt I had to write, even at 2am in the morning when I got the news; having visited the DRC in 2008, and fell in admiration of the people and the country. The African nation (like many others on the continent) is rich, in resources and spirit - and something needs to be done to prevent it continuing to tumble down the poverty line due to scummy, unjust exploiters of the good, honest and struggling Congolese people. Here's the report:

Editor’s Blog - DRCongo Down By 40 Tonnes Of Gold
What good is a rule, if it is broken without consequence for the perpetrators? I’m talking about the sanction busters found to be smuggling 40 tonnes of gold annually out the Democratic Republic of Congo - I’ve had a pretty hefty 18 carat gold chain around my neck since I was 16 years young… 40 tonnes is a volume I can’t even begin to comprehend.

The announcement was made this week by United Nations official Dino Mahtani to the BBC, who stated the tonnes of gold have been controlled by rebel groups in the DRC to buy arms. Mahtani said: "A lot of this gold is controlled by armed group networks, in particular the FDLR (Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda), the Rwandan-based rebel group partly composed by members involved in the 1994 genocide and who continue to operate in eastern Congo."

As if DRC didn’t have enough problems – having been ravaged through an African civil war since 1994, rinsed of its resources in the process. Losing $1.24billion (£739million) worth of gold on a yearly basis, without any customs declaration, is just further clog to the DRC system. Illicit trade is one of the prime reasons why one of the most richly-resourced nations in the world remains a developing one...

Read the full article here

MTV Staying Alive Foundation - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-10-30T17:55:00.004Z

I was always a massive fan of MTV Base. I used to just play it full blast in the house whilst getting ready for school, or when I was jamming with my friends (my parents weren't so fond of the 'noise'). So as an MTV follower, it was brilliant to hear they continue to progress in my current world (of fighting global and social injustice with Ctrl.Alt.Shift) through the MTV Staying Alive Foundation; their multi-platform HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign. Great music artists + great campaign = great success! Here's more info from a night meeting and greeting the Foundation faithful:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ The MTV Staying Alive Foundation
Beyond the canapés and free drinks, I went to a function on Tuesday night (October 27) in Camden, north London, that actually left me feeling a little more than just bloated and tipsy. Dare I say it, I was seriously inspired when I came face to face with the grantees and volunteers of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation. We’re not talking music television here, we’re talking saving lives.

Staying Alive began in 1998 – MTV’s global, multi-platform HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign. The funny thing is, the name did ring a bell, after all the project is currently the largest of it’s kind in the world, with announcements, websites, events and programming aimed to educate and empower young people in 50 countries most affected by the epidemic of HIV/AIDS. With ambassadors including Kelly Rowland and Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes), I had heard the rumblings of this amazing scheme over the past few years, but it struck a new chord meeting those involved in the ever-developing Staying Alive Foundation – the initiative launched in 2004 to extend the ethos of the campaign at a grassroots level.

Immediately I realised what amazing strides Staying Alive has been making, talking to HIV-awareness community workers Jacqualine Kowa (from Kenya), Natalia Cales (South Carolina, US), and James Fofanou (Sierra Leone) who had all flown in to tell their stories. Memories of my 2008 trip to HIV orphan camps in DRCongo came to mind when James said “The figures we use are important, and I’m not talking about money. ‘Two’ people, means two lives, and if you don’t help them, those two will be dead in two months. Therefore every bit of help from Staying Alive counts as lives are on the line.”

Read the full article here

Guardian BNP Article Abuse - My Response - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-10-27T16:27:00.005Z

I got some serious 'publicity' for this one. On average I've barely got over 5 comments for any of my past articles. However, my latest anti-BNP stunt (alongside Ctrl.Alt.Shift and Don't Panic) and review for the Guardian received over 200 comments in a couple of hours - a personal best! Nonetheless, this was also the first time I've received severe abuse and distain from my readers; some claming what I did was "pointless", "stupid", some even took time to offer better grammar (which they got wrong anyways...) and suggestions to walk into a mosque in a pink leotard (don't ask!). Where do I turn from this learning curb? Towards more investigative reporting and provocative stunts! Otherwise how else can I expose corrupt and unjust powers that be for what they are, how else can you spread awareness for those that need such issues thrust upon them at a different, perhaps more in-your-face slant, and why regret or hesitate further on when those that aren't irritated, offended and/or abusive are actually inspired and enlightened - click here, read the comments and you'll see what I mean. My only quarm is not being able to read the moderated (i.e. removed) comments. Bring on the democratic banter I say. And to my peers - if you truly want to be a journalist, don't fear speaking out and standing aside from the 'in-crowd'; it's how every movement and resistance begins. Here's my full response to the cynics:

Editor’s Blog
Let’s jump straight in – click here and have a read:

I wrote this article for the Guardian website, a short opinion piece on the British National Party stunt we (Ctrl.Alt.Shift and Don’t Panic) did on October 15th, when a multicultural bunch of us rolled down to Dagenham East, London, to try to attend a BNP meeting and sign up to the party. It also happened to be on the day they officially allowed ‘ethnics’ to join, and a week before BNP leader Nick Griffin’s now infamous appearance on BBC’s Question Time.

Enjoy the stunt:

Now, as a journalist, you should never expect masses of feedback. Even my mum hasn’t read my articles (sorry mum, I love you if you are reading this). But the response to the Guardian piece was astounding – it was published at lunch time on Sunday October 25th, and by Monday morning I found near 200 comments.

Of course I was smiling, that mark was a new milestone for my wee journalism career. Though my dimples soon got washed away, amid scrolling through wave after wave of readers stating what we did was “pathetic”, “pointless”, “childish” with a “stench of student activism”. And those were the comments that didn’t get removed by the Guardian moderators…

To be fair, the abuse was in-between comments of praise and support, but I’d be a fool to deny a tiny spark of aggravation lit up inside me. However, seeing red, was shortly followed by laughter, and relief.

Bring on the naysayers (who I thanked in my own response comment). They are the snobbish cynics that should inadvertently fuel the engine of every social justice-seeking activist.

As I said in my fight-back feedback, the manner in which we combated the BNP will be questionable to many, but the reality is that to get the average young and apathetic voter to think about these issues you need to deliver a message outside the box. And what may be ‘pointless’ to the pessimists may be inspirational to the optimists.

Part of my job at Ctrl.Alt.Shift, which I love, is to inspire those of mine and the next generation who are lost in social issues and politics (it’s an easy place to lose your bearings). When opportunities (like the BNP stunt) arise, I seize upon them; to take those around me who want to get more politically active, to join the frontline of an issue we do think is worth challenging. In the aftermath, the so-called “pathetic” display of activism seizes to be a waste of time for the participants (and all those who’ve read the story) who came away feeling more engaged than ever in the system, its dark side and its scandals (which of course do not exist in the BNP exclusively).

The cracking whip of the cynics can beat to the sound of “You Marxist hippy” or “You wannabe revolutionary” – but no ignorant tosser is going to give me doubt or regret over our actions against a fascist party – and nor should they deter you.

May the abuse roll in, as goes the saying ‘all publicity is good publicity’, and I’d love to hit 300 comments by Friday. If you’ve got the time, click on the link and show your support, and defiance of the wet blankets.

With love, respect and appreciation,

Dwain

Now, sing along:

My Age Of Activism - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-10-15T15:53:00.003+01:00

Coming back from a record-breaking steamy summer of lethargic lazing-about, it's been good to get back into the activism/journalism/police-get-off-my-back swing of things. I don't know what it is about September that kick-starts that mood, whether it's the sun saying goodbye for another year, or the fact students are back in action... either way, here's my latest editor's blog for Ctrl.Alt.Shift which features taking on the BNP and trying to evict a few corrupt Lords; a report that screams 'Boy, I've been busy!':

Editor's Blog
Ctrl.Alt.Shift blog specialist Bibi van der Zee once wrote how activists can get ‘lethargic’ and chillaxed over the summer period, as whatever beaming sun the UK provides is seized upon with tanning lotion and the shortest of short shorts. In hindsight, I dare not disagree, as my summer of potential love and rays was reduced to tears and sweat behind the confines of my office lap top, bitching at the cries of laughter coming from the happy-go-luckies outside. Call me bitter? Hell no, I love this job.

Minor self-sympathy put aside, the activism season is well and truly back in motion. Amped students are back in school and making movements, we all gear towards a vital time in the climate change battle (click here for more Road To Copenhagen info), and I’m pitching a FOR SALE sign on the House of Lords… okay, let me explain that last one.

The Lords have been the most unholy of creatures, in particular Lord Truscott and Lord Taylor. Earlier this year, the naughty boys got caught out by Sunday Times reporters posing as lobbyists seeking amendments to government legislation in return for cash. The Lords graciously agreed to help, putting the whole integrity of our legal system in jeopardy, and tainting any faith left that our government is a finely oiled democratic machine.

The punishment for such exploitation of power? On Monday (October 11th), the bad boys (still talking about Truscott and Harper here, not Will Smith and Martin Lawrence) just strolled back into parliament. Their six-month ban was over, but the distaste in my mouth was still there.

Please click here for more on the Lords scandal story...

So, what do activists do when the distraction of the summer sun disappears? Geared up by Don’t Panic’s Heydon Prowse and joined by fellow Ctrl.Alt.Shift star James Prosho, we all headed to the frontline, with a polished FOR SALE sign (also stating ‘F**king Corrupt’), and pitched it up right in front of the House of Lords gates. We all hoped the message would be read by the guilty parties, but who knows, as it took little more than eight minutes before the Met’s finest tore it down...

Read the rest of the action here

Guardian Article: Invading The BNP

2009-10-15T02:25:00.000+01:00

This is an article I wrote for the Guardian following a stunt alongside Ctrl.Alt.Shift and Don't Panic - as a crew of us non-white British citizens rolled down to East London to try and attend a BNP meeting; in a mission to test their non-white policy, just a week before Nick Griffin's now infamous appearance on BBC's Question Time. We were literally booted off the premises without proper reason. All coverage can be viewed below. I'd like to send Mr Griffin a massive hug in the post and promise him he can't catch anything from the colour of my skin... :

Manhandled out of a BNP meeting
If Nick Griffin thinks his party is misunderstood, perhaps he should tell the cronies who shoved me out of a pub...

So, 8 million viewers tuned in to witness a trembling fascist man child get browbeaten by political hotshots. Wasn't Question Time epic? Not really.

Those who know a little about the British National party (BNP) learned a little more. I, however, am still wondering why I can't join the BNP. After all, they now have to allow non-whites into the party following a ruling by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

As a Mauritian British citizen who wants to see a better UK, I thought Griffin's contingent would welcome me with open arms when I tried to join the party last week – instead I (literally) got shoved out the door.

In a nutshell, it's fair to summarise that BNP supporters at the Eastbrook pub in Dagenham on the 15 October seemed outraged that 10 "ethnics" were seeking membership at their meeting. Not that we were surprised. In my job as deputy editor for Ctrl.Alt.Shift, a project designed to give a new generation the tools to fight global and social injustice, I've become accustomed to people in power saying one thing but meaning another...

Read the full article here

And below's the video footage:

Jazmine Sullivan Interview - RWD Magazine

2009-09-15T04:47:00.003+01:00

When you walk in and you hear "Argh, ok, let's get this last one out the way" - you know the interview's started on a rough one... Alright, I completely get the harassing media combined with repetitive questions can kill a soul - BUT C'MON, as is the nature and forgotten perks of the job (we're here to hear more about you and in turn widen YOUR fan base Ms Celebrity). This lil rant relates to my yawn-ful encounter with R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan. I love her voice... when she's singing. Read on for a taster of the RWD piece, and click here for the full interview and video:

RWD TV: Jazmine Sullivan
RWD TV catches up with the Lions, Tigers and Bears singer to find out who she rates in the UK, weird fans, performing at the Jazz Cafe and her fears...

How’s the music game treating you?
The music game is treating me well! So far I have no complaints – it’s definitely challenging and hard at times, but this is what I love to do, so I can’t really complain...

How was performing at Notting Hill Festival?
It was crazy! It was a lot of walking – no one told me before that YOU DON’T WEAR HEELS. It was a mistake! (laughs). No one told me – but it was a lot of fun, seeing everybody enjoying themselves.

Your album is called Fearless – are you?
Uhh…I’m scared of a lot of things. I’m scared of everything really...

Really?
Nah that’s a lie (laughs). I named it Fearless because in some ways, musically, I’m not afraid to try different things, and put myself out there in that way. But as far as my personal life, there are a lot of things that I’m scared of – like everybody else.

What are three core aspects that young, black, females need to make it big in the music industry?
Let me see... I think you should be unique, you should be passionate, and…hopefully you’re talented. You don’t really HAVE to be talented, I mean, being passionate will take you a long way – but yeah, those are my three...

Many thanks to RWD editor/legend Hattie Collins for the hook up - trust, I actually like Jazmine's album... guess I just caught her on an off-one!

VOTE! Mauricio Agostinho Camuto - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-09-11T04:07:00.003+01:00

The polls for the Guardian Achievement in International Development Award are closed - but that won't stop me promoting my choice - THE! man, Mauricio Agostinho Camuto; director of partner project Radio Ecclesia, Angola's only independent news station, which is committed to publicising corruption and human rights abuses. Talk about an unsung hero, Camuto gives a lot and expects very very little in return - his influence to the most underprivileged in his country is insurmountable. Read below for my Ctrl.Alt.Shift article on Monsieur Camuto:

Feature: Vote For Camuto!
It's like X Factor, international development style! And yes, there's a massive difference, as unlike previous X Factor winners, all of those up for the Guardian Achievement in International Development Award will leave a lasting impression on this world longer than any woeful Christmas No.1 record...

Of the 95 outstanding entries, a public vote will now decide on the champ from a shortlist of five – all amazing individuals – though Ctrl.Alt.Shift is stepping up and showing full backing support to Mauricio Agostinho Camuto; director of partner project Radio Ecclesia, Angola's only independent news station, which is committed to publicising corruption and human rights abuses. This man is a diamond in one of the roughest developing nations of Africa.

Democracy and social change are terms Angola is probably not familiar with, as low literacy rates and poor access to independent news sources leave little scope for public participation in government. However, Camuto chucks a blind eye to any obstacles facing his people, with his radio station breaking talking-point news stories such as the surge in the number of children dying from rabies in the country – food for thought for any government official...

Read the full article here

Kevin E.G. Perry & The Silk Weavers In Varanasi - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-09-11T03:40:00.001+01:00

Much respect goes out to my friend and colleague Kevin E.G. Perry who recently got shortlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Competition. For his hard efforts, he was then sent to India to write an article for the Guardian about the NGO Find Your Feet and the traditional silk handloom weavers in Varanasi - this fellow hustler is living the freelance journo dream, and yes, I'm green with envy! More info on KP and his latest escapade can be read below on my preview article for Ctrl.Alt.Shift:

Feature: Kevin E.G. Perry On The Silk Road
Ctrl.Alt.Shifter Kevin E.G. Perry is a writer's writer; hugely respected here for his passionate and thought-provoking rogue reporting on issues from the 'Notorious P.I.G.' (on Swine Flu) to features on female genital mutilation in developing countries.

Good things come to those who hustle – as demonstrated by Kevin, who has recently been shortlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Competition; thanks to another inspiring piece of writing on sanitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (published here, on Guardian online).

Almost a year after that trip to the DRC, and Kevin is off again, now in India writing an article for the Guardian about the NGO Find Your Feet and the traditional silk handloom weavers in Varanasi. The free-spirit activist/journalist will be documenting on the life and impoverished times of these workers whose livelihoods are being "threatened by cheap imports...a familiar tale of globalisation."

Read the full article here

Zambia's Corrupt Frederick Chiluba - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-08-25T18:20:00.000+01:00

Our MP expenses scandal was ridiculous, but this may be worse, much worse. In his 10-year reign on top, Richie Rich aka former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba allegedly spent around US$40 million of the people's money for his flash suits and gifts for the wifey... I feel ickly enough thinking about our members of UK parliament enjoying second homes and maid service on taxpayer's buck, but it cushions the blow, ever so slightly, to know I have a warm home, nice clean water to wash the dirt off my shoulder, no diseases, and a job that provides me with more than £1 a day; unlike many of the Zambian citizens. Get my point? Stealing from the poor to give to the rich is not the Robin Hood way. Here's my Ctrl.Alt.Shift report on the matter:

Young Blood: Chiluba One, Zambia Nil
Our MP expenses debacle was one thing but this is something else. Imagine Gordon Brown or one of his cronies reportedly gambling away the taxpayer's money, spending health care cash on a new golf club, a shiny new car, or perhaps some diamonds for their pampered wives. Essentially, that is the outrageous situation the people of Zambia face – but there's only one problem – there's not enough substantial evidence (apparently) to bring the corporate culprits down.

The defendant in question is former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba. The man is like Scarface; with humble beginnings as a young bus conductor, before leaping up the ranks as a trade unionist, and finally running the country (for 10 years no less), fully pimped out with designer suits, silk pyjamas and over 100 pairs of squeaky altered shoes (allegedly fitted with two inch heels to raise his 5ft stature). Credit to his rags to riches biography, as he went from driving to being driven - from boutique to boutique. Once he managed to spend a whopping $500,000 on a single visit to a boutique in Geneva.

However, you might ask, how could the little ex-president roll red-carpet style whilst his countrymen struggled on less than $1 a day? The answer to this question was hunted down by the lawyer who started this court room drama some six years ago in 2003, two years after Chiluba stepped down. This maverick lawyer – who was acting on behalf of sued Zambian newspaper, the Post, who were pressed for libel charges after calling Chiluba a thief – somehow gained access to the records of the Zambian intelligence service's bank account in London. These revealed evidence of payments to Chiluba's children, that lovely Geneva boutique and several Zambian officials. Come back to this year, and last week's acquittal by a Lusaka Court, saw Chiluba cleared of stealing $500,000 (£300,000) from the Zambian people. Everything in-between is a corporate blur of corruption...

Read the full article here

UK Poverty - Peter Bull Millionaire Interview - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-08-17T19:23:00.000+01:00

Want a typical rags to riches story? Below, read up on self-made millionaire Peter Bull, the caravan site owner who took part in Channel 4's programme 'How The Other Half Lives'; which saw the mansion loving money-shakers try to shift the balance for council flat debt-bound families in the UK. 1 in 3 children in the UK apparently live in poverty - it's still nowhere near the devastating statistics from DRCongo to Zambia - but it's no bad thing to see the wealthy coming back to their humble beginnings to lend a helping hand:

Feature: How To Become A Self-Made Millionaire
Did you know that around half the young people living in inner city London live below the poverty line? I had no idea – but that's the stats being provided by new Channel 4 series 'How The Other Half Live'.

What exactly defines the 'underprivileged' is a grey matter; in my opinion it can be anyone from those living by the pay cheque, on the dole, or on the streets - and everything in-between. But what this project sets out to do, is bridge the gap between the hustlers and the flossers. This is not so much Wife Swap becomes Class Swap as each episode a wealthy family actively tries to help and inspire another fam struggling to pay the bills. The whole process outlines how we do, how we can, and how we should respond to the poverty on our doorsteps.

Self-made multi-millionaire Peter Bull knows both sides of the park, having grown up on a London council estate, before years of "bloody hard work" made him one the UK's richest caravan park owners. Last week, we saw him and his family assist father Jimmy, mother Toni, and their three children – a family battling debt and facing eviction from their gardenless council flat in north London. With his humble beginnings, Peter is proud his own two daughters, aged eight and 11, can now live in the luxury of a 25-room Kent mansion with 16 acres to run around on...

Read the full article here on the Ctrl.Alt.Shift website...

My Live Art Southbank Show - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-07-22T20:36:00.001+01:00

Summer of love? Try summer of stress, hectic movements, and glorious graff/art/3D work! I was well pleased with the result of this one - the pre-event to the art, music, and activism event of the year, United Underground; organised by Riz MC Ahmed, British Underground and Ctrl.Alt.Shift. I hustled together 10 mad artists from around the UK in a timed competition to create a piece each that screamed CORRUPTION!. This fell in line quite nicely with Ctrl.Alt.Shift's anti-corruption campaigns of 2009 and our latest CORRUPTION magazine issue, set for release online and in selected stores later this year. Read below for the event coverage and results - and look out for United Underground 2 on February 20, 2010 baby!:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Live Art On The Southbank
Last Saturday, on 18th July, Ctrl.Alt.Shift went down to the Southbank to put on a stunning array of live street art and music - we got some crazy results...

The challenge had been set: each artist had six hours (from 10am-4pm) to create an image based around CORRUPTION. Stepping up were graffer legends in the making, Remi Rough, Pure Evil, Ed Tizer, Chris Getliffe, plus up and comers Mr.P, Mock, Sam Bridge, Arthur Branco, and finally a touch of fine art through Karl Anthoney and 3D mastermind Wayne 'The Chiz' Chisnall.

For passersby, on an unexpected, but gratefully received sunny Saturday, it was a thrilling display (just outside the Queen Elizabeth Hall) to witness first-hand how these artists got down. The extended deadline of six hours was looking way too ample for the experts of the canvas (and The Chiz), as by lunch time, most were detailing the finishing touches. I even had to ask a few to slow down, take a break or two. Little surprise though – Sam Bridge told Ctrl.Alt.Shift: "I just want to get this done, I've been thinking about it for a while and it's such an exciting and engaging project."

Read the full article here, and check out the final mad array of art pieces below, starting with the winner of the Ctrl.Alt.Shift competition, graffer Chris Getliffe:

By Chris Getliffe

By Arthur Branco

By Ed Tizer

By Karl Anthoney

By Mock aka Daniel Mernagh

By Mr.P

By Pure Evil

By Remi Rough

By Sam Bridge

By Wayne Chisnall

United Underground 1 @ Southbank - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-07-13T23:24:00.002+01:00

Everything you need to know about our first United Underground Southbank extravaganza can be found below, on the preview article I wrote for Ctrl.Alt.Shift. It was MASSIVE, with a mad array of music artists, perhaps even madder graffers, a great line-up of speakers - all brought to the Queen Elizabeth Hall by us, Riz MC Ahmed and British Underground. The only downer? It pissed down with rain - but that didn't stop the 700+ capacity bringing the rave inside:

United Underground!
Ctrl.Alt.Shift have joined forces with Riz Ahmed and British Underground to throw a rooftop party at the Southbank Centre.

You don’t have to leave London for a summer festival experience. Across the spaces of Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall - including the re-opening of the roof as a venue space - hosted by Ctrl.Alt.Shift, British Underground, Southbank Centre and actor and musician Riz Ahmed/ Riz MC, United Underground is a unique mix of cutting-edge street culture, music, artwork, fanzines and film set against a backdrop of new-school activism.

The event has been specifically created to promote active engagement with new music and its potential as a catalyst for change.

Activism, music, talks, film, art and crafts will be the order of the day...

Read the full article here

Mr Catra @ Guanabara Club - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-06-26T23:57:00.003+01:00

I love a Latin rave, for more reasons than one. The people (the girls... achem), the vibe, the music - put that together with Brazilian rapper Mr Catra headlining a night, and we've got a winner! Here's my Ctrl.Alt.Shift review of a wicked night on the dancefloor:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ Mr Catra
You've got to love a proper Latin rave up. No - I'm not talking about what you might see some girls doing on MTV Base, or the vibe at some beginner's Salsa club. That's all groovy. But boy, Mr Catra's gig at Guanabara Club in London last night was just a taste of how crazy ting tings can get when Brazilians get manic on the dance floor.

What is defined as a mixture of funk, samba, rap and electro, Catra simply calls 'Baile Funk' - the music he grew up jamming to, straight from the impoverished sectors of Rio, and a vibrant sound that Catra is now almost single-handedly trying to deliver to a mainstream audience. The Brazilian star comes fully equipped with heavy beats, the guarantee of mass booty shaking, and socially engaged lyrics about life in the favelas (shanty towns) of Rio, the harsh realities of gang warfare and police brutality, and optimistic hopes for the future...

Read the full review here

Behind The Scenes @ Donaeo 'Let It Out' Shoot

2009-06-21T02:31:00.001+01:00

It's not all seriousness in my world of journalism - sometimes you've got to improvise, have a laugh, enjoy the rolling punches and grasp the mad opportunities that may cross your path in the bustling city that is London town - let loose and 'Let It Out!' (as singer Donaeo finely puts it).

So, despite having limited musical skills (playing lead in a band as an emo-teen band doesn't count) and lacking on acting calibre (being called 'brittle' by my drama teacher in Year 8 stunted my dreams of ever becoming the UK's first Asian James Bond) - I headed down to the making of Donaeo's 'Let It Out' video in south London; after being abruptly summoned/invited by my Ctrl.Alt.Shift editor, desperately seeking a token Asian boy extra (thanks for thinking of me Chantelle Fiddy!). In all honestly, it was wicked day, I got a free lunch, an IOU from the boss, and all I had to do was release two balloons on camera...watch below - around 25 seconds in:

It was all good - and at least better than the girl who had to spit Tesco-value cherryade into the camera lens for her bit part. Other than that, I got to see the ins and outs of a video shoot (something off my list), bump shoulders with Donaeo himself, alongside rappers Wretch 22 and Double S, the always-inspirational actor Isaac Ssebandeke (and the rest of his crew from Channel 4's Dubplate Drama) - PLUS all the lovely female extras, who were thankfully just as lost as I was. A very random, but ultimately memorable stamp in my journalism chronicles. And who knows, there may be a 007 chapter on the horizon yet...

Bashy Interview - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-05-29T00:24:00.004+01:00

I caught up with rapper Bashy to find out about his latest album 'Catch Me If You Can', his work in Africa, and how to hustle the grime game. Bish, Bash, Bosh - here's the Ctrl.Alt.Shift review:

Ctrl Meets Bashy
Ashley Thomas aka 23-year old grime star Bashy, is making movements and hitting music headlines. With a mass underground fan base building with love for his first two mixtapes 'Ur Mum Volume One' and 'The Chupa Chups Mixtape - Assorted Flavours' (all before releasing his debut album this June) - get ready, get set, for an era of the bish, bash, bosh boy from West London.

From music projects with Blur's Damon Albarn in Nigeria to being an ambassador for the UK's 'No to Knives' campaign, Ctrl.Alt.Shifter Dwain Lucktung spoke to Bashy about his life and fast times, inspiring the next generation from UK to Africa, and how 'Catch Me If You Can' is going to turn and bop heads this summer...

Would you say your rise to fame was unexpected, with your bus driving past times?
Rise to shame you mean? Nah, I don't think like that, I don't think of it as fame you get me. And I wouldn't say unexpected - I mean, I did hope to get here, because bus driving was just killing me, killing my soul.

How do the hustling youth get big in the game?
They need to look at their own life experiences, draw on their stories, form their own style and come with a new, innovative angle.

What were the highlights of your time in Nigeria, working on the Africa Express project (the ever-expanding coalition of African and Western musicians) with Blur/ Gorillaz's Damon Albarn?
Meeting the Nigerian people, experiencing Nigerian culture, eating the Nigerian food; the pounded yam, ground rice and cat fish - boy, I was eating that everyday. I enjoyed the whole lifestyle over there. And of course it was great working with the likes of musical genius Albarn...

Read the full article here

Who's Scared Of The Big Bad North Korea - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-05-28T01:54:00.002+01:00

Are they a nuclear THREAT? Is an intervention necessary? Geared up with my Ctrl.Alt.Shift t-shirt and photographer, I hit the streets of London to bring this issue to the public. Some of the comments were shocking - read all about it!... below:

Vox Pops: A-bomb-ination
Oh here we go again. Are we about to see another media frenzy of having 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' (WMD) plastered all over our front pages? It seems likely, except this is a far cry from Bush's subliminal messaging – the latest rumbles in the world are coming from North Korea's recent underground nuclear missile testing.

And boy, have they pissed almost everyone off. According to Yonhap news agency, UN diplomats are discussing "tough measures" with regards to a resolution to punish North Korea's actions. Bear in mind UN Resolution 1718 imposed sanctions on North Korea after their first nuclear test in October 2006 - they didn't play by the rules then, and they're certainly not playing by the rules now; with last Monday's blast having the power of a 4.5 magnitude earthquake (an explosion up to 20 kilotons according to Russian defence officials).

But with a zero death count, what's all the noise about one might ask. The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said: "The US thinks that this is a grave violation of international law and a threat to regional and international peace and security" - that coming from a nation that dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, killing more than 220,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. But that was then, this is now, and nations including the US, China and tell-tale neighbours South Korea, have all voiced their anger and concern at one of the world's most impoverished regimes taking yet another defiant step towards WMD status - this all coming after liar liars North Korea promising to walk away from long-running disarmament talks (agreeing in February 2007 to abandon their nuclear ambitions in return for aid and diplomatic concessions). However, throw another spanner in the nuclear works, as these plans stalled after North Korea accused its negotiating partners - the US, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia - of failing to meet agreed obligations – which brings us nicely, and sadly onto today's predicament...

After false promises to North Korea, can anything really justify their latest devastating actions? And what is to come of this small, but ever powerful and feared nation? Ctrl.Alt.Shift took this explosive subject to the streets and asked:

What is your stance on North Korea's recent nuclear bomb testing (in light of their history)?
Why do you think they carried out such tests?
Do you think it's right for powers in the UN and US to pass down judgement and punishment for North Korea's actions?
What punishment would you bestow upon the nation?
And do WMD's have any place in this world anymore?

Joel, 18:
"Given the fact that North Korea is a dictatorship, this doesn't surprise me at all. I'm not sure what the motivation for this is, however it is going to be political. I think the UN and US have a right to pass judgement because while they possess the same weapons, they are not actively testing them - I feel there's a huge difference between active nuclear testing and already having the technology. In terms of punishment, I wonder if any sanctions or military action would actually make a difference to the situation...I don't think so. There is a phrase that sums up the need for WMDs, and that is: 'If you want peace, prepare for war'"

Read the full article, along with the other comments here

March Against Police Violence - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-05-21T02:18:00.002+01:00

This march to New Scotland Yard hit close to home, having witnessed police brutality first-hand (on more than one occasion), and losing faith in the authorities (a long time ago).

East London's Newham is a rough area to grow up in, by any standards - and among the many shootings, stabbings, muggings etc, one thing remains missing from the picture of these particular dark memories - and that is the presence of respectful and effective po po. Unfortunately (and I say that with sadness that it is unfortunate), for many of my crowd, we've grown up being made to feel guilty whenever even approached by the boys in blue, even when we're the ones dialing 999. Trust is further abandoned when the innocent die at the bloodied hands of the law - but it's too fewer a time we see the responsible receive the fate of a criminal commiting the same crime. The uniform gives you power to protect the people - NOT RULE THE PEOPLE. If my sentiments seem melodramatic, read my Ctrl.Alt.Shift report below of this march against police brutality; and pay special attention to the story of Sean Rigg, one of the many alledgely killed by police without justice:

Young Blood: Who Killed My Brother?
When it comes to an age of activism, some say there's a grey matter, somewhere between the late 80s and now. Some claim we've come down to an apathetic generation with a lack of fight - and in turn, certain sceptics identify an uphill struggle, in Ctrl.Alt.Shift's mission to make activism 'cool again'. Then again, certain others have then said to me (and rightly so) that it's not even a question of 'cool', but having the sense of fighting for what's important - yet repeating the same tone of scepticism with belief that the distant past movements for women's rights and racial equality have done the militant dirty work for us, leaving our present overly-comfortable, lazyboy state of mind. I mean, it's not crazy to think that some, at times, can find it difficult to get to grips with today's issues and injustices that are blowing up so far from home; things like Gaza, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Tamil Tigers, DRCongo and the rest of the world's tragedies that don't necessarily affect our everyday lives. Now stop in your tracks - as on Saturday May 23rd this entire notion died, as I listened to a woman scream for 45 minutes: "Who killed my brother?" Her gut-crunching wallows are important to the most apathetic of all of us.

This woman was Marci Rigg, sister of deceased Sean Rigg - leading the United Campaign Against Police Violence (UCAPV) rally from London's Trafalgar Square to New Scotland Yard last weekend. Let me set the picture for you: 21st August 2008, 40 year old Sean Rigg was arrested and restrained by four Brixton police officers, placed in a van and taken to the police station - one hour later, he was dead. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are meant to be conducting an independent investigation into his death. However, so far, the Rigg fam claim to have experienced a cover up of vital CCTV evidence, a biased investigation in favour of the police (with interviews of the officers involved taking place a whole seven months after the incident). Sean was not formally identified by his family (in fact they were actively discouraged from seeing Sean) - and eventually after much fighting, the family were able to view Sean through a glass box, finding wounds to his head - described in the IPCC's post mortem as a 'wound to his cheek'. This bullshit farce is why Rigg's family cried down the speakerphone, "Who killed my brother?" with the crowd chanting back "The Police!"

Read the full article here

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Films!

2009-05-18T03:06:00.000+01:00

Working for Ctrl.Alt.Shift comes with numerous highlights (run-ins with the law, reporting from DRCongo and chucking Fairtrade bananas at Tesco to name a few). But this one included sitting back, eating popcorn, and doing one of my favourite things - watching films! Yes, we put on a wicked film premiere, and a manic after party, to promote, and celebrate the 5 winners of our short film compeition in early 2009. Below gives you more on that, all the info on the movies and links to actually watch them - so get the munchies, put your feet up and enjoy:

Newsflash! Ctrl.Alt.Shift Film Premiere
Banging live music, five stunning films, applauding and cheers, a sick after-party, free wine and beers - Ctrl.Alt.Shift know how to get down when it comes to putting on a film premiere.

Near-on 500 movie-goers and Ctrl.Alt.Shift supporters crammed into east London's Shoreditch Studios last Thursday 14th May. All came to catch the five short global injustice-tackling films created by the aspiring movie-maker winners from last year's Ctrl.Alt.Shift film competition. And anyone from stars of the productions, to their friends and family, to the directors and producers themselves were present to join in engagement and awe of the finalised flicks - each one based around a Ctrl.Alt.Shift key issue of either War + Peace, Gender + Power and HIV + Stigma.

Mark Dolan (of Channel 4's 'The World's...and Me' series) stepped up to the stage to draw in the crowd already enjoying the free popcorn. After a brief intro to the project, he presented the first film - War School; which explored what would happen if a child soldier regime was implemented into the British schooling system. To my relief, the two lead actors sat happy-go-lucky in the front row of the audience and applauded their own performances in this great, awareness-striking, opening flick.

Next up, HIV: The Musical depicted one man's sorrow, as he (actor Martin Freeman) reluctantly watches his HIV-awareness theatre idea transformed into a ridiculous camp musical by a shameless, money-grabbing director, played by actor Julian Barratt. The film was hilarious, but although there were tears of laughter (at lyrics such as: "Your erection - no protection - my heart exposed to this infection"), there remained the significant and important undertone of how many ignorant stigmas there are surrounding HIV.

Man Made was the story of a mannequin who is being examined and sold to a buyer - the scene being a metaphor for a victim of sex-trafficking. This haunting flick, in the style of the Saw movies, brought an astonished hush across the audience as they came to realise what the abused, cigarette-burnt mannequin represented.

The penultimate movie, A Thousand Voices, was a remarkable animation telling the tale of refugees detained indefinitely in British government with little or no attention brought to their dire circumstances. These forgotten people were brought to life, and to light by this flick that sounded telephone recordings of the desperate asylum-seekers awaiting deportation in cell-like conditions.

Finally, No Way Through depicted what it would be like if unjust Gaza-like military check-points existed in the UK. A cyclist gets mowed down in the opening of the movie, yet despite the persistent efforts of the driver to find her medical help, they are denied access to any aid due to the road-blocks and couldn't-give-a-damn officers on guard. It's a frustrating, head-shaking couple of minutes watching this young girl slowly pass, and yet constantly always a few steps away from being saved. Remember Gaza - Free Palestine echoed in my head.

After the amazing display of movies and global issues, it was the talk of the night from then on, which in part, is Ctrl.Alt.Shift's intentions for every project that we create – opening eyes to things that need to be seen and changed.

Before and following the screenings, the buzzing crowd were indulged further with performances by four of the music acts behind the film soundtracks, Jesca Hoop, The Thirst, Chipmunk and Shy Child. Then the shaking and grooving moved out, down the streets of east London to the after-party at Legion club, where DJ MistaJam spun some old-school garage, a bit of jungle and a touch of Dizzee to finish the night off on a high. Even the likes of rappers Giggs, Professor Green and Example, artist T-Magic and Adulthood star Adam Deacon dropped by to feel the ground-shaking vibes.

The film premiere was live. I crawled home at 3am, and whilst that journey remains blurry, the images and messages delivered by the films cut deep; look at the injustice, count yourself lucky, consider those unlucky, fight for change, fight against injustice - the power of film is a wonderful thing.

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Jobs Promotion

2009-05-09T20:08:00.005+01:00

This is a short piece I wrote for Ctrl.Alt.Shift online to promote 9-month internships at our head quarters. Do you like the pics of me and Ben Anderson? - the former glorious interns i.e. the new ones are going to have to step up their games to meet our 24/7 heroic hustling:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Gap Year - Apply Now!

Are you in that "What the hell do I do next with my life" mode? It happens to the very best of us, whether you've just graduated from university, are half-way through and looking for a year out, or have finished your A-levels and are in hot pursuit of a year of work.

For those of you that the above applies to, the Ctrl.Alt.Shift gap year is your chance to make exciting movements. As you already know, Ctrl.Alt.Shift is a global movement for change, with the initiative itself funded by Christian Aid.

Forget this dire era of financial and job crises, by applying for the scheme, you could end up working at Ctrl.Alt.Shift.

Credentials? As long as you're over 18, passionate about global justice and down for getting involved with the youth - you're in the running for the role. It's nine priceless months, from September 2009 - June 2010, of networking, crossing borders and barriers, rallying up your fellow peers to make a difference, and proving to any sceptics that we are the generation of promise and positive change...

Read the full article here

A Coffee Revolution In Sheffield - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-05-08T14:12:00.002+01:00

We travelled up to Sheffield to spread the word of the Ctrl.Alt.Shift movement - setting the scene in a small coffee bar for an intimate gig. It was actually a nice reward for my day of hustling in the cold, recruiting the Sheffield students (students, who always seemed more opinionated and enthusiastic than any political crony), getting sign-ups and generally networking my ass off. After 10 hours of that, I was happy to relax to some nice beats, reminiscing over my studenty days with a bagel and some cheap coffee (swiftly followed by a snake bite).

Here's the review:

Ctrl.Alt.Sheffield Gig @ Coffee Revolution
This week, Ctrl.Alt.Shift hit the streets of Sheffield to spread the good word of the movement, soak up all the youth activist freedom-fighting talent, whilst recruiting some of our own Ctrl.Alt.Shifters from the windy city.

Our street team began by prepping for and promoting Ctrl.Alt.Shift music showcase, Justice's Call; a global development awareness and injustice-combating night set up alongside Sheffield University's Open Space Society.

In and around our venue - the Fairtrade shop Coffee Revolution, in the heart of the university's student union - it came as a welcome surprise that many of the students we were signing up had already came across our project. Erin, a 23 year old engineering student coincidently took part in Ctrl.Alt.Shift's Newcastle hand mural earlier this year, and she was delighted to catch our red t-shirts roaming around her city: "It's so great to see you guys bring the cause to Sheffield." Jeremy, 18, an arts student who had a ticket to Ctrl.Alt.Shift's Sadlers Wells HIV-awareness dance show in London last year said: "There's a massive student population here that will thrive on the cool things this initiative is doing."

And, in the midst of flyering, one 25 year old Japanese student called Karla whispered in my ear that she had seen the Ctrl.Alt.Shift logo graffed on some tunnel walls around the city - evidently the ripple affect of the movement is making headway above and beyond my own expectations.

What to Say?

Sam Browse | MySpace Music Videos

Onto the music show, with an immense line-up of Sheffield favourites, including rebel with a cause Sam Browse, giving an acoustic tribute to anti-fascism, anti-racism, "Love and Politics," and a quick shout out to Ctrl.Alt.Shift's work saying: "Much respect to these (Ctrl.Alt.Shift issue 3) magazines here on the tables, looking through, it's great to see such a celebration of women." The atmosphere was reminiscent of an old-school jazz café; chillaxed and serene with the strumming beat of Browse's guitar...

Read the full article here
Photo: Flickr user hardillb

Herita Ilunga Interview - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-05-07T14:57:00.002+01:00

Since coming back from a reporting trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in late 2008, I've been a lil obsessed with everything, well... Congolese. I fell in love with the culture, the warmth of the people, eager to understand in greater depth the struggle; I missed and wanted more of the good, the bad, and the ugly stemming from this wonderful African nation. So of course, when an opportunity came along to grill one of the DRCongo's most respected players, West Ham's Herita Ilunga, I leaped on it studs-showing (despite the fact I'm Man Utd blood to the core).

He dodged my questions regarding the decade-long African civil war involving his country (fair enough, he probably didn't want to get politically lost in translation, with me having to revive my rusty French to conduct the interview), but he had a lot to say about football as inspiration, his work with intiative Congo Now! to revitalise his people back home, and explained why his colleagues 'deserved' their ridiculous millions:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift Meets Herita Ilunga
He's becoming a firm West Ham favourite out in east London - as a fearless, world-class defender with a true, nowadays, rare sense of appreciation and loyalty in professional football; as emphasised by his recent snub of big boys Liverpool to become a permanent Hammer (at least for four years). Herita Ilunga, 27, has already scored a lot of the golden goals that those back home, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, could only dream about - in being a multi-million earning player delivering crunching tackles for both Premiership club and country.

Yet despite these dizzy heights, Ilunga doesn't seem to have lost sight of his grass-roots. This is illustrated by his recent work with Congo Now! - a week of London based awareness-raising events set up by multiple injustice-combating organisations to draw attention to the crisis in Congo (an ongoing African conflict which has slipped from the headlines, but not from memory in recent months). Ctrl.Alt.Shift reps Dwain Lucktung and Mervin Martin hunted down the man to get his thoughts on the matter, as he kick-started this year's Congo Now! campaign with a photo-shoot at the Houses of Parliament. In between camera flashes, we discussed DR Congo, talked about his work on and off the pitch, and questioned the money-obsessed sport that was once the beautiful game...

How do you feel representing your country on the pitch?
I am very proud, of course. But it's a shame because we had the opportunity to represent our country (in the World Cup) after 30 years of absence - in fact we were first throughout much of the first-round qualification part - but at the end we lost the last two games (against Malawi and Egypt) and we ended up third. So it was disappointing.

Can an African nation finally win the World Cup in 2010?
I think that an African can possibly win the World Cup if the team is well motivated and eager to win - but it remains a difficult challenge. But we'll support any African country that appears in the tournament.

What are your thoughts on the Homeless World Cup (HWO) in Milan later this 2009?
(The HWO is an annual football tournament, a project giving over 25,000 homeless people - coming from across 60 different nations - the chance to rep their country on the pitch). I agree with what they're doing, and I am willing to help any operations concerned with helping and promoting countries, and people in bad situations. The most important thing is the organisation - it has to be well organised and everybody has to be united and work towards the same goal.

Tell me more about your work with Congo Now!...
The project is to sensitise everyone with what is going on in the Eastern part of the country and also in the rest of Congo; to mobilise all nations, the international community, so that Congo stays in the limelight. And hopefully others may realise that they have an important role to play in stopping what is going on over there; in turn helping the war victims, the innocent people who are in the middle of the conflict...

Read the full article here

ABC (Action For Brazil's Children's Trust) Exhibition - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-04-23T02:10:00.001+01:00

I'v been playing guitar since I was 13 - it's a hobby I thrive on, jamming along like an emo with my mates. Life doesn't get better than being a Hendrix wannabe... So it was quite the treat for me and Ctrl.Alt.Shift to be invited to this charity exhibition/auction in Shoreditch, London, set up by ABC (Action For Brazil's Children's Trust) to raise funds for the underprivileged children on the streets of Brazil. The main attraction was 12 customised guitars, each created by marvellous and eccentric artists from here, and Brazil. I'm ashamed to say, the temptation to snatch and run was ridiculous:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ A Forca De Gua Exhibition
Upon walking into London's theprintspace, my eyes lit up as I saw an array of spectacular customised guitars; each one graffed-up, funked-up, gleaming with sheer genius graffsmanship. As a guitar player, I felt to snatch and vanish ninja-style, until I remembered - these were up for auction, and all proceeds were going to the poorest children in Brazil. Bugger.

A Força da Rua (Force of the Street) exhibition, which opens to the public this week, had the slickest UK graffiti alongside the very best kept graffing secrets repping from the developing cities of Brazil - all set up and brought together by ABC (Action For Brazil's Children's Trust). The organisation, who support the AA Çianca children-aid project in the Sé region of Sao Paulo, created the event to raise funds and awareness of Brazil’s most vulnerable youngsters - of which there are over 12,000 (in Sao Paulo alone) roaming the streets without a home or family. Lucky for them the limited edition prints, special commissions and especially the 12 exclusive guitars on show (six by Brazilian graffers and six by Brits) had large packs of people hovering around, itching for their chequebooks. Unfortunately I don't own a chequebook and have just enough money in my wallet for a bus ride home...

Read the full article here

'Another Israel' Exhibition - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-04-21T02:30:00.001+01:00

For any sceptics who believe there will never be peace between Israel and Palestine - tell me why so many collaborative groups defy such a notion...? There are constant reminders from Israel/Palestine coalitions that a ground for peace and unity, compromise, neutral respect an end to the conflict can be found. My pity (and anger) is targeted at the powers that be refusing to budge and bring positive change. We should all open our minds to such possibilities - food for thought comes with exhibitions such as the 'Another Israel' showcase I visited for Ctrl.Alt.Shift. Be inspired:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ 'Another Israel' Exhibition
It isn’t so much the array of at times disturbing, at other times inspiring photos that will engage and educate at this week’s ‘Another Israel’ exhibition at St.Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in London. It’s the walls of testimonies, statements, campaigns, reports, pledges and pleas by 30 Israeli peace groups who defiantly stand up as true coalitions who want to stop the war crimes, regardless of what side of the green line their volunteers are standing on.

The display is a good starting point for those of you who wish to digest the complex history of Israel and Palestine – those of you yet to have a taste of the trials and traumas since the occupation, the Wall and the siege of Gaza. But don’t get it twisted, as it’s certainly not all about the doom and gloom of war and injustice; on the contrary – these peace organisations promote positive Palestinian and Israeli collaborations to better the state of those on the Gaza strip. Like the mood at a Cowboy Tactics 101 peace forum, this showroom is a public think-tank that gives you revolutionary peace-seekers in this mad world that rumbles in the ruins of Gaza.

There are young pioneers on show such as 17-year-old Shir Shodzik of the Gush Shalom group (which campaigns through the Israeli press against the occupation to form a peaceful regional union between the Israeli and Palestinian people). Shodzik opposes the blockade saying: “There is no need for violence or force to solve this situation” even though her aunt and cousin have been injured by qassam rockets. More can be found about her story and the organisation at www.gush-shalom.org...

Read the full article here

Visteon Workers Protest Mass Redundancies - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-04-19T12:57:00.003+01:00

It's harsh to lose your colleagues, your work buddies, companions throughout years of the 9-5 grind. I know, witnessing the recession first-hand take out foot soldiers at Ctrl.Alt.Shift HQ in the past year. And I doubt things will get easier any time soon. But despite the fact that business is business, and a crisis is a crisis - there's certain things dedicated workers expect when 'getting the chop'; like a fair deal, sufficient notice and a deserved redudancy package. And that's apparently what over 500 (now former) workers at Visteon did NOT get - so the moaners came out to RIGHTLY moan. Here's the review:

Young Blood: Put People First Visteon
The G20 protests may be over, but those aggravated by injustice aren't planning on shutting up and bowing out any time soon - as proven by the wave of worker protests across the nation at car parts firm Visteon. I remember the Put People First march on March 28th, the first of many G20 demonstrations to come - with speakers Mark Thomas and Susan George rallying the masses in Hype Park to chant "Put People First!" as a screen above displayed to the public the hundreds of companies contributing to the millions of redundancies in the UK - in hindsight, Visteon should've been high up on that list.

With more than 560 workers set to be axed, it's little wonder why passionately angry staff are demonstrating at Visteon factories from Belfast to Basildon, Essex, Enfield and North London, as employed and unemployed unite to demand jobs saved and/or better redundancy packages.

However, despite the irony of Visteon's decision to shut down UK operations in the wake of the G20 economy talks, it's not even the financial crisis that seems to be grinding the gears of the factory workers. It's a matter of false promises and as Unite union Irish regional secretary Jimmy Kelly told ITV, the fact that long-standing Visteon employees are getting rewarded with an abrupt kick out the backdoor "at a stroke of an administrator's pen."

Read the full article here

BALTIC Activism Art Project - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-03-17T14:04:00.000Z

Thought-provoking art has been and will always be a catalyst for postive change. That is what believe, and continued to prove at Ctrl.Alt.Shift with this collaborative project with Newcastle's BALTIC:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ Baltic
On Friday, Ctrl.Alt.Shift hit the BALTIC to cast an eye over the art created by Graham Hudson, Matthew Stone and 12 students and recent graduates from Newcastle University's LifeWorkArt programme, around conflict.

Having been set the challenge by Ctrl.Alt.Shift and BALTIC, Newcastle University's LifeWorkArt programme have embarked on a five month project working with high-profile artists and emerging talent from the contemporary art scene. Through workshops, seminars and specialist talks they have gained insight into extreme conflict in Colombia and begun a creative journey which has produced a challenging new exhibition at BALTIC, which will run for six weeks.

As well as the Ctrl.Alt.Shift team, ambassador David Shrigley, mentors T-Magic, Benjamin Wachenje, Matthew Stone and 350 art fans were in attendance at the launch. Held in the Riverside Bar area, over-looking the river Tyne, music was supplied by Road to Rimini...

Read the full article here

Newcastle Jesmond Festival Mural - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-03-17T13:13:00.002Z

Newcastle, Newcastle, oh how I do love Newcastle! I really do love the land of the Geordies. From my bubble of London, I quickly learnt that Ant, Dec and Cheryl Cole are small, very small, parts of this bustling city. I think a drastic transition from the hectic capital I call my home (especially in East London, where police sirens are that familiar sound), to Preston's Central Lancashire Uni, was a bit of a wrong impression of what I could find northbound. 4 days working in around Newcastle for the Jesmond Festival was enough to leave me craving another Quayside session. I'll be back for more! Here's the Jesmond review for Ctrl.Alt.Shift online:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ The Jesmond Festival
Ctrl.Alt.Shift hit the ground at this year's Jesmond Community Festival in Newcastle. In the heavily-student populated region, we gathered up the foot soldiers to indicate how young people are ready and willing to play a big part in global development.

On the opening day, Saturday March 14th, Ctrl.Alt.Shift kicked off with a 'Hand in Hand' mural stunt just outside Jesmond Methodist Church. A graffed-up banner flew high like a beacon luring in bypassers to come and plant their painted hands on the mural. It got messy, as students and young people alike (either on their way to the library or pub) stopped to get involved in the Art Attack spectacle.

Project co-ordinator Anita Morais said: "The idea of this project is to raise the profile of young people in the community, so they may follow up and want to be part of the global community. It's about different people working together in a partnership, and the mural is a pledge for young adults to work 'Hand in Hand' alongside their neighbours, globally and locally".

This colourful stunt was just a starting point for future events, a sign to show how young people will continue to carry the torch of justice; and so the mural was appropriately followed on by a Ctrl.Alt.Shift In:Justice workshop on Monday night. Taking place in Jesmond Methodist Church, the event welcomed young people to tackle the issues of HIV stigma, gender power and climate change though drama workshops and discussion...

Read the full article here

Stop The Rape & War In DRCongo Protests - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-03-13T14:30:00.000Z

The sooner the war and rape stops in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the sooner the millions involved in the African civil war who have died, been pillaged, ravaged, and lost loved ones, can live a progressive future. It's been devastating for way too long, a situation so uncontrollable and incomprehensible - that those of the DRC nation now living here are protesting, marching and demanding support from our government, and resistance from the Rwandan government. Here's the latest in my report for Ctrl.Alt.Shift:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ Fight for DRCongo
There have been a number of protests this week by a Congolese contingent who have joined together to send a strong message to the UK public - they state we are just as responsible for the victims of the war in Africa if we do not stand up and demand change. Let me explain before you turn a blind eye...

On Saturday March 7, the day before International Women's Day, they arrived outside the Rwandan Embassy in London with placards stating "Stop the Rape!" to demand justice for the Congolese women raped and killed in the war - an ongoing conflict which has seen millions of Africans killed since 1996.

A few days later in Oxford, on Wednesday March 11, they planned to 'welcome' Rwandan President Paul Kagame with the clear cutthroat message of "Stop Terrorist Kagame!" Kagame was merely visiting Oxford Union, but wouldn't have been prepared for a group of passionate, uncompromising protestors looking to expose him as an instigator in the genocidal war - as he represents a Rwandan nation that has pillaged and raped Congo whilst occupying the eastern regions of the country over the past couple of years.

The actions of the outspoken group, consisting of faction Mbongwana (meaning 'change') and the Uhuru Movement, were made to call for a World Tribunal for Reparations to Africa and African people to indict all responsible for imperialist crimes against the Congolese people. And according to organiser Papy Makola, the people of the UK have just as much blood on their hands if we remain naïve as to our country's influence, and if we continue to use the companies who exploit the lives of the Congolese people every day, without ever really getting their hands too dirty...

Read the full article here

How Would You Punish A Sex Trafficker? - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-03-11T14:41:00.000Z

This survey below was conducted for Ctrl.Alt.Shift, following a Moldovan sex trafficking news story; seeing four girls receive around £600,000 in compensation from the scum that kidnapped, drugged and sold their bodies for sex with strangers (aka equally scum). Consider their position, and would that wod of cash suffice, or do we need to go medieval and get out the torture devices...? Here's the vox pop:

Vox Pops: Justice for Sex Slaves
Recently, four Moldovan sex slaves won more than £600,000 in compensation from their captors in a British legal battle.

The facts: The women were tricked into coming into London after being offered jobs as dancers. They arrived all shiny happy people, but were instantly told by a gang that they had been bought for £20,000 and would have to earn at least £1000 each day through charging customers £50 for a 15-minute session of unprotected sex - refusals and defiance would result in fines and further punishment. The women hustled 24/7. In addition, their traffickers Gavril Dulghieru and his wife Tamara, served the women one miniscule meal a day and dropped them with £300 in rental charge for disgusting rooms.

The result: Mr Justice Treacy awarded each of the sex-slave victims more than £100,000 for their traumatic ordeal. Disgraced Tamara has been banged up five years, whilst her husband will enjoy nine years behind bars for conspiracy to traffic in prostitution and sexual exploitation.

My verdict: You lucky lucky girls...

Of course, this is just in comparison with sex slaves prevalent and suffering in regions such as India, Thailand and South Africa - rarely do they seek nor see justice. In South Africa alone, it has been reported that a large percentage of the 900,000 people smuggled across its borders are used as sex slaves - it comes as no surprise then that the South African government estimate that there are over 50,000 women raped in the country each year. The saddest thing remains that there is currently no anti-sex trafficking law to punish the pimps, and give the women their justice and respect. That's what makes the four Moldovan women lucky.

Ctrl.Alt.Shift took this issue to the streets. We put the law in the hands of the public, testing their leniency on the subject of sex trafficking, and their knowledge of dire conditions in other parts of the world. We asked:

How much compensation would you expect from being a victim of sex slavery?
What punishment would you want put upon your pimps?
Did you know there is currently no law against sex trafficking in South Africa?(How does that make you feel?)
And consider you are the law...how do you stop the problem of sex trafficking?

Parveen, 21:
"Compensation? I wouldn't want compensation, I would want justice - I wouldn't want it dragged through the courts either, the only thing that would make me feel better is if the culprits were either castrated or given a lethal injection. In certain countries it's shocking to think that there are no laws in place, when people are being exploited there should always be some sort of deterrent to stop things like this happening. While I can't think of a solution, I think if the women who are being targeted by sex traffickers were given opportunities, so they didn't need to turn to dodgy people for a better future, then there wouldn't be as much of a problem, along with harsher deterrents for the criminals, who should get their fingers cut off!"

Read the full article and the rest of the comments here

'50 Million Missing' In India Stunt - Ctrl.Alt.Shift

2009-03-06T15:17:00.002Z

Definitely one of the most fun jobs I've done for Ctrl.Alt.Shift yet. We essentially tried to crash a champagne, sparkly, flash as you can get banker's party - to demand justice and a better way for the millions of women living, and dying in the impoverished shadows of India (a country sharing business with the big banks).

To emphasise on the deadbound situation of those voiceless and missing, we dressed up in black gowns and ghost masks as a mark of respect (it was also just a giggle to see our targets stagger at the sight). Read, and watch on:

Ctrl.Alt.Shift @ 50 Million Missing Women
When the feds stopped me and my mate before even reaching London's Guildhall, I was thinking damn! Things are really going to get crazy today...

It was an ungodly 8am start for Ctrl.Alt.Shifters, who congregated at St. Paul's station to prep for our '50 Million Women Missing' demonstration. Most of the 50-strong group got geared up in black gowns and ghostly masks; the purpose was to represent the millions of women in India with no voice, no say, being unjustly killed off, either through disputed dowries, or neglect and starvation from birth - seeing as many baby girls are considered an economic burden in India.

Once ready, we marched with banner flying high towards the Great Hall at Guildhall to interrupt a lush champagne breakfast where some of the most successful women in the city were sitting down to enjoy their wealth and sip Cristal - we came as a youth movement to remind them of the missing women of India, especially the reps from Barclays and Credit Suisse (both major players in India) whose companies should be pushing the Indian government to be held accountable for their nation's lost females, a system that needs to enforce existing laws that in turn might actually protect Indian women, as oppose to forgetting those getting beaten, murdered and buried without a whisper...

Read the full article here