vinspired Lake of Stars introduces.....................

So the time has come to tempt your musical taste buds and whet your appetite to keep you going through those last few days of work before you start your journey to what the Times kindly called this week ‘the best winter sun music festival’ with ‘the most idyllic location of any festival anywhere in the world’. The line-up for this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars Festival is bursting at the seams with the cross-genre, cultural juxtaposition of acts that makes the festival what it is.
We won’t tell you about everyone who’s playing, as we want to surprise you when you’re dancing with us under the sun, or the stars, but here’s a brief introduction to an incredibly diverse pick of a couple of our favourites from our headliners and less known acts.

The Maccabees.....well, enough said really. A huge band who is at the top of the indie scene with a fantastic second album released earlier this year and an excellent video of a strangely endearing man who chases cheese down a hill as a competitive sport. We love them, and we know you will too...... check the aforementioned video here - www.themaccabees.co.uk

SWAY – A man who won a MOBO before he was signed, beating competition like 50 Cent, is one to be reckoned with. Having worked with Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Chamilionaire, Lupe Fiasco and more recently with US heavyweight Akon, the Lake of Stars is proud to present one of the rising stars of the hip-hop scene. Check out material from his album which was awarded as named as a Mercury Music Prize’s ‘Album of the Year’ here - www.sway.uk.com

The Very Best – We’ve had them play before, and are so excited to present Radioclit’s blossoming project – The Very Best. A fusion of electronic and African music which is the perfect representation of vinspired Lake of Stars – the best of both worlds to make you smile, dance and celebrate being together. Fronted by Malawian vocalist Esau Mwamwaya, we’ve nabbed these guys before they go to spread their incredible sound across the U.S – listen here - www.myspace.com/theverybestmyspace

Joyful Souls - Joyful Souls was started in 1995, by Rodgers Mpinganjira alongside two fellow church-goers. Over the last 14 years they have developed into a skilled accapella group fusing 6 part harmonies and vocal percussion reminiscent of Take 6 and their performance will be a truly uplifting experience against the backdrop of Lake Malawi. Listen here – I love ‘Wakugomenzga’..... http://www.myspace.com/joyfulsouls

CantMixWontMixShdntMixDontMix – If it’s sheer, unadulterated fun-mongering you’re after, then don’t miss this collective’s set at our beautiful Beach Bar. Expect a world where Enya and Prodigy collide, where hip-hop hits disco divas, where your classics are smashed into mash-ups of the finest pedigree - in fact, expect nothing but the unexpected. Festival dons and all round musical maestros to be found at www.mixnot.net

The Black Missionaries – Stalwarts of the festival from the beginning, always bringing the finest reggae to skank in the sand to. Malawian musical royalty, and essential listening for the first-time visitor to the country. Get your toes twitching with downloads from here - www.malawianmp3.com

Young Chilanga and The Black Survivors – (Pictured above) This act are a 13 member band demonstrating traditional Malawian music at its most refined. Key in the festival’s programming with our aims to present a spectrum of new, old, traditional and up-and-coming artists, they will remind you of where you are, and what music has echoed around the lake for centuries. I can’t provide you with a link sadly, like many of our less-known artists, the music-sharing resource of the internet isn’t a core part of their world just yet but this is my recommendation to watch them and celebrate Malawian music’s history.

SOMETHING TO SHAKE YOUR BOOTY TO!

We love to dance and hosting the best international DJing talent has been the foundations of the Lake of Stars since the beginning. We have so many phenomenal DJs coming, that I want to talk about them all, but shouldn’t really (we could be here a while!). However, to point you in the direction of certain acts for all you fanatical glitch heads, breaks boys and techno-lovers here is a tiny cross-section of what we have to offer:

Joe Goddard – The brains behind Hot Chip with awesome new material coming out soon, he’s flying all the way over to play for us for one night only...... myspace.com/hotchip

Nihal – Representing Radio 1 and bringing the sound of the Bombay Bronx to our Main Stage - myspace.com/bombaybronx

Six AM – Scratching, dub step, glitch filth. Dirty but really quite smashing. www.myspace.com/sixamofficial

Ross Allen – A&R for Domino Records with a show on Ministry of Sound Radio – he has a vinyl collection you will appreciate over and over again - http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen

Daladala Soundz – Go to his myspace, download his mix and get ready for the best of African dance.... www.myspace.com/daladalasoundz

Tayo – Flying over from playing MTV Africa comes the lover of tracksuits, afro-infused breakbeat, dub and fun - myspace.com/djtayo3000

Jazzbo – Eclectic selections from an incredible talent. Beware of the bass...... www.myspace.com/jazzbo32

Audiofarm DJs – Bringing the beats to the beach, expect minimal, techno, and the best of the rest www.audiofarm.co.uk

DJ Drew – Local Power 101 FM DJ and Malawian DJ rising star.......... http://www.malawianmp3.com/dj-drew/cat_30.html

Ooooooh. So much more fantastic music awaits you......14 days at time of writing and counting......

See you on the Lakeshore!

X

Eddie FitzPatrick (vinspired volunteer, Senior Project Co-ordinator and Assnt Production Manager)

vinspired Lake of Stars introduces.....................

So the time has come to tempt your musical taste buds and whet your appetite to keep you going through those last few days of work before you start your journey to what the Times kindly called this week ‘the best winter sun music festival’ with ‘the most idyllic location of any festival anywhere in the world’. The line-up for this year’s vinspired Lake of Stars Festival is bursting at the seams with the cross-genre, cultural juxtaposition of acts that makes the festival what it is.
We won’t tell you about everyone who’s playing, as we want to surprise you when you’re dancing with us under the sun, or the stars, but here’s a brief introduction to an incredibly diverse pick of a couple of our favourites from our headliners and less known acts.

The Maccabees.....well, enough said really. A huge band who is at the top of the indie scene with a fantastic second album released earlier this year and an excellent video of a strangely endearing man who chases cheese down a hill as a competitive sport. We love them, and we know you will too...... check the aforementioned video here - www.themaccabees.co.uk

SWAY – A man who won a MOBO before he was signed, beating competition like 50 Cent, is one to be reckoned with. Having worked with Dizzee Rascal, The Streets, Chamilionaire, Lupe Fiasco and more recently with US heavyweight Akon, the Lake of Stars is proud to present one of the rising stars of the hip-hop scene. Check out material from his album which was awarded as named as a Mercury Music Prize’s ‘Album of the Year’ here - www.sway.uk.com

The Very Best – We’ve had them play before, and are so excited to present Radioclit’s blossoming project – The Very Best. A fusion of electronic and African music which is the perfect representation of vinspired Lake of Stars – the best of both worlds to make you smile, dance and celebrate being together. Fronted by Malawian vocalist Esau Mwamwaya, we’ve nabbed these guys before they go to spread their incredible sound across the U.S – listen here - www.myspace.com/theverybestmyspace

Joyful Souls - Joyful Souls was started in 1995, by Rodgers Mpinganjira alongside two fellow church-goers. Over the last 14 years they have developed into a skilled accapella group fusing 6 part harmonies and vocal percussion reminiscent of Take 6 and their performance will be a truly uplifting experience against the backdrop of Lake Malawi. Listen here – I love ‘Wakugomenzga’..... http://www.myspace.com/joyfulsouls

CantMixWontMixShdntMixDontMix – If it’s sheer, unadulterated fun-mongering you’re after, then don’t miss this collective’s set at our beautiful Beach Bar. Expect a world where Enya and Prodigy collide, where hip-hop hits disco divas, where your classics are smashed into mash-ups of the finest pedigree - in fact, expect nothing but the unexpected. Festival dons and all round musical maestros to be found at www.mixnot.net

The Black Missionaries – Stalwarts of the festival from the beginning, always bringing the finest reggae to skank in the sand to. Malawian musical royalty, and essential listening for the first-time visitor to the country. Get your toes twitching with downloads from here - www.malawianmp3.com

Young Chilanga and The Black Survivors – (Pictured above) This act are a 13 member band demonstrating traditional Malawian music at its most refined. Key in the festival’s programming with our aims to present a spectrum of new, old, traditional and up-and-coming artists, they will remind you of where you are, and what music has echoed around the lake for centuries. I can’t provide you with a link sadly, like many of our less-known artists, the music-sharing resource of the internet isn’t a core part of their world just yet but this is my recommendation to watch them and celebrate Malawian music’s history.

SOMETHING TO SHAKE YOUR BOOTY TO!

We love to dance and hosting the best international DJing talent has been the foundations of the Lake of Stars since the beginning. We have so many phenomenal DJs coming, that I want to talk about them all, but shouldn’t really (we could be here a while!). However, to point you in the direction of certain acts for all you fanatical glitch heads, breaks boys and techno-lovers here is a tiny cross-section of what we have to offer:

Joe Goddard – The brains behind Hot Chip with awesome new material coming out soon, he’s flying all the way over to play for us for one night only...... myspace.com/hotchip

Nihal – Representing Radio 1 and bringing the sound of the Bombay Bronx to our Main Stage - myspace.com/bombaybronx

Six AM – Scratching, dub step, glitch filth. Dirty but really quite smashing. www.myspace.com/sixamofficial

Ross Allen – A&R for Domino Records with a show on Ministry of Sound Radio – he has a vinyl collection you will appreciate over and over again - http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen

Daladala Soundz – Go to his myspace, download his mix and get ready for the best of African dance.... www.myspace.com/daladalasoundz

Tayo – Flying over from playing MTV Africa comes the lover of tracksuits, afro-infused breakbeat, dub and fun - myspace.com/djtayo3000

Jazzbo – Eclectic selections from an incredible talent. Beware of the bass...... www.myspace.com/jazzbo32

Audiofarm DJs – Bringing the beats to the beach, expect minimal, techno, and the best of the rest www.audiofarm.co.uk

DJ Drew – Local Power 101 FM DJ and Malawian DJ rising star.......... http://www.malawianmp3.com/dj-drew/cat_30.html

Ooooooh. So much more fantastic music awaits you......14 days at time of writing and counting......

See you on the Lakeshore!

X

Eddie FitzPatrick (vinspired volunteer, Senior Project Co-ordinator and Assnt Production Manager)

vinspired Lake of Stars arrives in Malawi

Takulandirani (Welcome)

After surviving getting stopped at Heathrow security for carrying a toothpick, a herd of goats and all out war with mosquitoes, I was the first of the UK team to arrive in Malawi. It’s looking good. The weather’s been hot, the food filling and the people welcoming.

My first assignment was check out some Malawians volunteering in their areas. This took me to Seka Primary School in Chinteche, a small village by the lake in the north, very near where the Lake of Stars Festival first took place. It was vinspiring…

The school is run completely by 3 volunteer teachers who sometimes have to teach 2 classes at once. Lydia, one of the teachers said she volunteered because she thought it was important to have a school near the village. This meant more families would send their children to school.

I tried out my crowd control skills by teaching times tables. Turns out festival crowds are easier to handle than 8 year-olds. We’d brought the school some pens, pencils, books and other teaching materials and got a live chicken in return. Now that’s what I call a rider.

I’ll be blogging from Malawi about the music scene, volunteers, preparations for the festival and anything else I can find.

Tiwonana (See ya later…)

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photos by: Zen Jelenje, volunteer

vinspired Lake of Stars arrives in Malawi

Takulandirani (Welcome)

After surviving getting stopped at Heathrow security for carrying a toothpick, a herd of goats and all out war with mosquitoes, I was the first of the UK team to arrive in Malawi. It’s looking good. The weather’s been hot, the food filling and the people welcoming.

My first assignment was check out some Malawians volunteering in their areas. This took me to Seka Primary School in Chinteche, a small village by the lake in the north, very near where the Lake of Stars Festival first took place. It was vinspiring…

The school is run completely by 3 volunteer teachers who sometimes have to teach 2 classes at once. Lydia, one of the teachers said she volunteered because she thought it was important to have a school near the village. This meant more families would send their children to school.

I tried out my crowd control skills by teaching times tables. Turns out festival crowds are easier to handle than 8 year-olds. We’d brought the school some pens, pencils, books and other teaching materials and got a live chicken in return. Now that’s what I call a rider.

I’ll be blogging from Malawi about the music scene, volunteers, preparations for the festival and anything else I can find.

Tiwonana (See ya later…)

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photos by: Zen Jelenje, volunteer

vinspired Lake of Stars comes to Birmingham!

Trumpets blaring, audience dancing and following a DJ set from Sister 45, Tempting Rosie opened ‘vinspired Lake of Stars’ visit to Birmingham. The 7 piece up and coming Ska Band played an energetic set – setting the scene for the rest of the night.



As the packed room of punters re-fuelled at the bar, Fistful of Dynamite prepared for the second set. Fistful’s demand for a ‘house party’ got the crowd raising the roof , shouting ‘Party, Party’ at the top of their lungs; the Birmingham boys definitely set the atmosphere for the star of the show – The PETEBOX.

The champion beat boxer gave the audience a quick lesson is the incredible art of beat boxing – followed by an intensive and spectacular set – creating a range of tunes – just think ‘Where’s your head .. now now now...’ . An audience of open mouthed punters were stunned by the PETEBOX’s skill and talents – and how he created all this with his mouth!

By midnight the party was officially on, and Bukatchi Boss ended the incredible night of live music with a lively set with their unique blend of funk and hip hop. With the help of DJ and Limb and MC - The crowd – along with all the volunteers (in their dashing v t-shirts!) carried on dancing into the early hours.



After all the hard work by a very dedicated team of volunteers - special thanks to Rebecca, Holly, Romanna, Nikki, Cassie, Keziah, Huda, Amy, Katie and Obi – the night went smoothly, the room was packed – and everyone is asking when the next one is! Looks like Lake of Stars has made its mark in Birmingham.



Volunteering for Lake of Stars with v (national volunteering service) has been an incredible experience, and organising this event has definitely been a highlight. Without vinspired I would not have had the opportunity and support to organise this event, which not only showed how supportive the Birmingham music scene has been for Lake of Stars, but what an incredible atmosphere can be created when everyone is volunteering their time.

Jenny

----
If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
----

More info on the acts that perfomed:

Tempting Rosie - This up and coming 7 strong trumpet waving, ass kicking ska band from Birmingham bring their uplifting tunes to the Hare and Hounds to support Lake of Stars. Just like Lake of Stars, Tempting Rosie are all about fusing genres from Dub to Pop to Ska. Tempting Rosie are predicted to be big , getting to the national finals of the Surface Unsigned Festival and playing alongside Kid British and Tinchy Styder. Tempting Rosie are determined to make you dance so come on down and shake your booty! Check out www.temptingrosie.com and www.myspace.com/temptingrosie

Fistful of Dynamite - This Birmingham band fuse funk and hip hop to create a ‘bad-ass band guaranteed to set the dancefloor on fire’ (Salvo Magazine) join The PETEBOX and Tempting Rosie to create one amazing night for Lake of Stars. Their fast paced, energetic show shall get you partying hard. Check out www.myspace.com/fistfulofdynamite .

Bukatchi Boss - Birmingham-based hip-hop band who bring together a whole bunch of musical influences from rock fused with rap to ska funk join us for an incredible night for vinspired Lake of Stars . Check out http://www.myspace.com/bukatchiboss

DJ Sister 45 - As one half of the dynamic DJ due Mama Feel Good! Sister 45 sets to bring some female soul , funk and afro-beat tunes to the Lake of Stars dance floor.

DJ Limb - As a regular of the Birmingham circuit DJ Limb shall take the party into the early hours with a random mix of tunes ranging from Reggae to Funk to Dubstep.

vinspired Lake of Stars comes to Birmingham!

Trumpets blaring, audience dancing and following a DJ set from Sister 45, Tempting Rosie opened ‘vinspired Lake of Stars’ visit to Birmingham. The 7 piece up and coming Ska Band played an energetic set – setting the scene for the rest of the night.



As the packed room of punters re-fuelled at the bar, Fistful of Dynamite prepared for the second set. Fistful’s demand for a ‘house party’ got the crowd raising the roof , shouting ‘Party, Party’ at the top of their lungs; the Birmingham boys definitely set the atmosphere for the star of the show – The PETEBOX.

The champion beat boxer gave the audience a quick lesson is the incredible art of beat boxing – followed by an intensive and spectacular set – creating a range of tunes – just think ‘Where’s your head .. now now now...’ . An audience of open mouthed punters were stunned by the PETEBOX’s skill and talents – and how he created all this with his mouth!

By midnight the party was officially on, and Bukatchi Boss ended the incredible night of live music with a lively set with their unique blend of funk and hip hop. With the help of DJ and Limb and MC - The crowd – along with all the volunteers (in their dashing v t-shirts!) carried on dancing into the early hours.



After all the hard work by a very dedicated team of volunteers - special thanks to Rebecca, Holly, Romanna, Nikki, Cassie, Keziah, Huda, Amy, Katie and Obi – the night went smoothly, the room was packed – and everyone is asking when the next one is! Looks like Lake of Stars has made its mark in Birmingham.



Volunteering for Lake of Stars with v (national volunteering service) has been an incredible experience, and organising this event has definitely been a highlight. Without vinspired I would not have had the opportunity and support to organise this event, which not only showed how supportive the Birmingham music scene has been for Lake of Stars, but what an incredible atmosphere can be created when everyone is volunteering their time.

Jenny

----
If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
----

More info on the acts that perfomed:

Tempting Rosie - This up and coming 7 strong trumpet waving, ass kicking ska band from Birmingham bring their uplifting tunes to the Hare and Hounds to support Lake of Stars. Just like Lake of Stars, Tempting Rosie are all about fusing genres from Dub to Pop to Ska. Tempting Rosie are predicted to be big , getting to the national finals of the Surface Unsigned Festival and playing alongside Kid British and Tinchy Styder. Tempting Rosie are determined to make you dance so come on down and shake your booty! Check out www.temptingrosie.com and www.myspace.com/temptingrosie

Fistful of Dynamite - This Birmingham band fuse funk and hip hop to create a ‘bad-ass band guaranteed to set the dancefloor on fire’ (Salvo Magazine) join The PETEBOX and Tempting Rosie to create one amazing night for Lake of Stars. Their fast paced, energetic show shall get you partying hard. Check out www.myspace.com/fistfulofdynamite .

Bukatchi Boss - Birmingham-based hip-hop band who bring together a whole bunch of musical influences from rock fused with rap to ska funk join us for an incredible night for vinspired Lake of Stars . Check out http://www.myspace.com/bukatchiboss

DJ Sister 45 - As one half of the dynamic DJ due Mama Feel Good! Sister 45 sets to bring some female soul , funk and afro-beat tunes to the Lake of Stars dance floor.

DJ Limb - As a regular of the Birmingham circuit DJ Limb shall take the party into the early hours with a random mix of tunes ranging from Reggae to Funk to Dubstep.

Igbo Garage Bands

Sad as it is for me to report, I think the Igbo highlife sound, at least as we have known it, is dead and buried, the great stylists - Osadebe, Warrior and Oliver de Coque - having passed on in the last few years. In their places have emerged a new crew - Eke Chima, Sunny Bobo and the like - who have numerous fans but offer a synthesizer-and-drum-machine-based style that's just a pale imitation of the classic sound, at least in my humble opinion.

In a future post I'll be discussing some of those new guys, but here I want to talk about some of the lesser-known musicians of the '70s and '80s, just a few of the journeymen who made the Igbo highlife scene of the time so vital and productive. In a way they're equivalent to the "garage bands" of the 1960s in the US, who toiled away in obscurity in hopes of someday scoring a regional hit. In the Nigerian case, some of these musicians put out numerous recordings and were quite popular. They just weren't in the top tier of the Igbo music scene.

One such musician was Owerri-based Douglas Olariche, whose LP Me Soro Ibe (Fontana FTLP 109, 1980) makes inspired use of native xylophone and the Igbo ogene bell. The title track, whose title means "Let the World Let Me Follow My Mates," is basically a series of Igbo proverbs such as "a gift knows who wrapped it" strung together, while "Elele" sings the praises of various individuals such as a man who makes his living in the transport business and the Owerri highlife band the Imo Brothers:

Douglas Olariche & his International Guitar Band - Me Soro Ibe

Douglas Olariche & his International Guitar Band - Elele



Also of Owerri, the guitarist Joakin followed a similar career trajectory, scoring a number of regional hits in the mid '80s. In "Nwagbeye Ebezina," from the album of the same name (Sann SR 13, 1984), he sings "poor man's son, do not cry." The chorus is "nobody comes into this world with wealth." "Chikereuwu Buonye Ogbubbonjo," from the same LP, means "God the Creator is the Preventer of All Evils." Joakin calls on God to prevent evil. He also asks God to reveal what will happen to him:

Joakin & his Royal Guitar Band - Nwagbeye Ebezina

Joakin & his Royal Guitar Band - Chikereuwa Buonye Ogbugbonjo



Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri's Anti Concord/Apama (Nigerphone NXLP 011, 1988) was one of the outstanding highlife releases of the '80s, combining traditional Igbo percussion and agile guitar work. The song "Anti Concord" is actually about Aunty Concord, the singer's betrothed, whom he questions about her sincerity. He asks, "you can see that I have many new cars and a great mansion. Is it me you love, or my wealth?" He goes on to sing that some women are like a beautiful present that a man takes home, only to find snakes and scorpions inside:

Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & his "Anaedonu" - Anti Concord

"Nara Ndomadu Chukwu" ("Accept God's Advice") tells the story of a young man named Augustine, a trader who has the opportunity to go abroad to buy goods to sell. He asks a prophetess at his local church for advice, who tells him not to go, then he asks a prophet, who tells him the same thing. He then goes to a traditional healer, who tells him to go abroad, but asks 1000 Naira for his advice. Augustine goes abroad and buys his goods, but when he comes home the Customs service check his parcels and find only newspapers inside. Augustine has lost all of his money. Now he sits in the village shooting small animals with a slingshot:

Ibealaoke Chukwukeziri & his "Anaedonu" - Nara Ndomadu Chukwu



Finally we listen to Elvis Nzebude of Amagu, Anambra State. In "Ije Awele" ("Good Journey"), from the album of the same name (Rogers All Stars RASLPS 124, 1992), Elvis sings, "Ganiru, ganiru ("go forward"), we go where there is love, we go where there is peace, we go where there is respect. Because where there is respect there is peace. Let no one wish others death. Let everyone live."

Elvis Nzebude & his Metalic Sound - Ije Awele



Many thanks to my wife Priscilla for her interpretation of these lyrics.

Warm up in Nairobi

Warm up for vinspired Lake of Stars in the company of some of our headliners and our Kenyan friends.

Check them out on Facebook.

'Join us on 10th October as we re-create the Lake of Stars vibe at a SECRET location in Nairobi. Showcasing international DJs from the UK en route to the festival in Malawi. Let us bring the festival to you!'

Line Up

TAYO (Fabric London Resident DJ)
JOHAN (From the duo Dekker & Johan)
JAHAWI (Solaris Records)
MIKHAIL KUZI (6:AM Entertainment Resident DJ)
FAMILYMAN

Warm up in Nairobi

Warm up for vinspired Lake of Stars in the company of some of our headliners and our Kenyan friends.

Check them out on Facebook.

'Join us on 10th October as we re-create the Lake of Stars vibe at a SECRET location in Nairobi. Showcasing international DJs from the UK en route to the festival in Malawi. Let us bring the festival to you!'

Line Up

TAYO (Fabric London Resident DJ)
JOHAN (From the duo Dekker & Johan)
JAHAWI (Solaris Records)
MIKHAIL KUZI (6:AM Entertainment Resident DJ)
FAMILYMAN

vinspired Lake of Stars number 1 for winter sun

It's official: http://bit.ly/wintersun

"This has to be one of the most idyllic locations of any festival anywhere in the world".

vinspired Lake of Stars number 1 for winter sun

It's official: http://bit.ly/wintersun

"This has to be one of the most idyllic locations of any festival anywhere in the world".

Volunteering: A whole new world - shining, shimmering, splendid

Prize sponsor vinspired Lake of Stars was invited along to attend the London CitySafe Youth Talent Showcase at Stratford Circus in East London last month, to enjoy a night of awesome talent, and to hear why volunteering 'Can open your eyes / Take you wonder by wonder ... ' (OK, so I'm getting carried away on Aladdin's magic carpet now...)



CitySafe is an initiative pioneered by young people in the London borough of Newham who give up their time to make their streets a safer place to be. As we all know, teenage knife and gun crime is - tragically - a major issue in cities across the UK, and this group of volunteers are passionate about changing public perceptions about young people by creating a more positive image and acting to implement change off their own bats.

The night's talent show was organised, produced and put on entirely by young volunteers. The project was led by Paul Amuzie, a 19-year-old gap year student with a drive to make a difference to his local community. His team of stewards, door staff, runners and technicians was made up of young people with no prior experience of putting on a show or managing an event but were so professional we're considering hiring them for our festival!


14-year-old Hollie Nwofor, stage manager, said: "I've learnt so much from this project - not only have we put in place practical ways of keeping kids safe on the streets, but I also now know how to lead a team backstage, communicate with everyone and keep people happy. I've had so much fun and I'm proud of what I've achieved."

The show, MC'd by up-and-coming local comedians Ashley J and Tee Jay, opened with dance troupe Oblivion, and the talent ranged from Alvin and Dilemma performing their own spoken word pieces, to Nicole, Daniel and 10-year-old Georgina stunning us with their singing, to Demver's classical violin and winning dance group Visions' contemporary performance piece.


A series of volunteers' stories interspersed the acts on the night - 18-year-old Sanyo Aidam is a shining example of how volunteering can open doors and present opportunities he may otherwise only have dreamed of. A coupld of years ago, as Senyo was struggling to work out who he was, and what he was really about, he discivered a thirst to do more, and to make himself stand out. Through volunteering with London Citizens, Senyo has, in his own words, "been able to explore a world which is more than my own.

"I have been given and earned many opportunities - I have chaired meetings with some of the most powerful politicians and bankers in the country, I have spoken in front of 2500 people, I presented the CitySafe campaign on the BBC News.

"But the most important thing is that, through volunteering, I have been able to meet new people and broaden my horizons. I have been at the helm of development, just by giving up my time."

In an interview with vinspired Lake of Stars after the talent show, Senyo revealed that his mission is "to inspire young people - volunteering is a must. It is fun, and it has developed me as a person.

"We, as young people, can implement change by volunteering our services and pooling our skills"

To see more photos from the night, visit the vinspired Lake of Stars photostream on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/30741683@N06/

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words by: Rosie Ponting, volunteer

Photos by: Steve McInerney, volunteer mentor

Volunteering: A whole new world - shining, shimmering, splendid

Prize sponsor vinspired Lake of Stars was invited along to attend the London CitySafe Youth Talent Showcase at Stratford Circus in East London last month, to enjoy a night of awesome talent, and to hear why volunteering 'Can open your eyes / Take you wonder by wonder ... ' (OK, so I'm getting carried away on Aladdin's magic carpet now...)



CitySafe is an initiative pioneered by young people in the London borough of Newham who give up their time to make their streets a safer place to be. As we all know, teenage knife and gun crime is - tragically - a major issue in cities across the UK, and this group of volunteers are passionate about changing public perceptions about young people by creating a more positive image and acting to implement change off their own bats.

The night's talent show was organised, produced and put on entirely by young volunteers. The project was led by Paul Amuzie, a 19-year-old gap year student with a drive to make a difference to his local community. His team of stewards, door staff, runners and technicians was made up of young people with no prior experience of putting on a show or managing an event but were so professional we're considering hiring them for our festival!


14-year-old Hollie Nwofor, stage manager, said: "I've learnt so much from this project - not only have we put in place practical ways of keeping kids safe on the streets, but I also now know how to lead a team backstage, communicate with everyone and keep people happy. I've had so much fun and I'm proud of what I've achieved."

The show, MC'd by up-and-coming local comedians Ashley J and Tee Jay, opened with dance troupe Oblivion, and the talent ranged from Alvin and Dilemma performing their own spoken word pieces, to Nicole, Daniel and 10-year-old Georgina stunning us with their singing, to Demver's classical violin and winning dance group Visions' contemporary performance piece.


A series of volunteers' stories interspersed the acts on the night - 18-year-old Sanyo Aidam is a shining example of how volunteering can open doors and present opportunities he may otherwise only have dreamed of. A coupld of years ago, as Senyo was struggling to work out who he was, and what he was really about, he discivered a thirst to do more, and to make himself stand out. Through volunteering with London Citizens, Senyo has, in his own words, "been able to explore a world which is more than my own.

"I have been given and earned many opportunities - I have chaired meetings with some of the most powerful politicians and bankers in the country, I have spoken in front of 2500 people, I presented the CitySafe campaign on the BBC News.

"But the most important thing is that, through volunteering, I have been able to meet new people and broaden my horizons. I have been at the helm of development, just by giving up my time."

In an interview with vinspired Lake of Stars after the talent show, Senyo revealed that his mission is "to inspire young people - volunteering is a must. It is fun, and it has developed me as a person.

"We, as young people, can implement change by volunteering our services and pooling our skills"

To see more photos from the night, visit the vinspired Lake of Stars photostream on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/30741683@N06/

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words by: Rosie Ponting, volunteer

Photos by: Steve McInerney, volunteer mentor

Best Overseas Festival Nomination

vinspired Lake of Stars Festival has been noimated as Best Overseas Festival for 2009 in the Uk Festival Awards - please vote for us here - www.festivalawards.com

Best Overseas Festival Nomination

vinspired Lake of Stars Festival has been noimated as Best Overseas Festival for 2009 in the Uk Festival Awards - please vote for us here - www.festivalawards.com

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge - vinspired Lake of Stars Festival location

Sunbird Nkopola Lodge - vinspired Lake of Stars Festival location

Denise Moore Trio at Teatro on 7th

Featuring:

Denise Moore, vocals
Billy Marcus, piano
Mark Neuenschwander, Upright Bass
Teatro On 7th
(formally Big City Grill)
Saturday September 26th - 7:00 pm
Centro Ybor • 1600 E. 8th Ave. - Suite C-201
Tampa, Florida
phone: 813-248-9400

Mozambican Deodato Siquir & Balanco give us a rich mix of world music

Drummer, Guitarist, composer & vocalist, the Multi talented Mozambican Deodato Siquir started playing music at a young age with a homemade drum set comprised of tin bins and other improvised components, at a young age of 15 Deodato gained the opportunity to work professionally alongside an orchestra and soon after created his first group ‘Jasde’. Highly influenced by zouk, jazz and fresh music from Mozambique, Deodato started to experiment with these genres of music and own singing to create smooth blends of jazz yet street music.

He later assembled other groups such as Trio friends and MozAfro (now known as Banda azul).Deodato Siquir & trio included lyrics in a combination of Portuguese, English and Ronga with a fusion of rhythms from Danish guitarist and a polish bass player.

In 2008 Deodato was invited by Maputo to attend the Danish centre for culture and development to lead the Danish Mozambique week, here he got the opportunity to work alongside west African bass player and Danish guitarist; he also gathered other top musicians from Mozambique for the event to create Deodato Siquir & Bande De Maputo (‘Maputo’ being capital of Mozambique) who he still continues to callaborate with today. MozAfro is one other band which Deodato joined with, which was a collaboration of childhood friends who had a common interests of world jazz, traditional African music and gospel and fused these together to create music with many layers. Deodato later migrated to Scandinavia meaning he had to leave the band whilst they continued to make music but changed their name into Banda azul. Banda azul has continued to rise and have had great success winning best youth band in year 2000.

In 2000 Deodato contributed to the organisation and recording of 'Mozambique Relief' this was an album featuring artist from both Mozambique and Finland released to aid in raising funds for the victims in floods that year. Deodato relocated once again now to Sweden in 2001 where he used the contacts he had made from his previous collaborations throughout his career to help him get himself noticed which worked in his favour as he is now one of the most demanded Jazz sidemans’ and world artist.

His debut album ‘Blanco’ in 2007 made a splash in the international world of jazz and the album took its place in the top ten of Europe World Music’s albums where it remained for three months.

With a mix of different cultures, a blend of guitar (acoustic most times), percussion and a rich voice

Deodato Siquir is definitely one act to see live!

Links:
More info:

http://www.myspace.com/deodatosiquir

http://twitter.com/deodatosiquir

Media:
Deodato Siquer performing with Balanco:

Words and research by vinspired volunteer Asso Tono
If you are 16-25 and would like to get involved in volunteering, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Mozambican Deodato Siquir & Balanco give us a rich mix of world music

Drummer, Guitarist, composer & vocalist, the Multi talented Mozambican Deodato Siquir started playing music at a young age with a homemade drum set comprised of tin bins and other improvised components, at a young age of 15 Deodato gained the opportunity to work professionally alongside an orchestra and soon after created his first group ‘Jasde’. Highly influenced by zouk, jazz and fresh music from Mozambique, Deodato started to experiment with these genres of music and own singing to create smooth blends of jazz yet street music.

He later assembled other groups such as Trio friends and MozAfro (now known as Banda azul).Deodato Siquir & trio included lyrics in a combination of Portuguese, English and Ronga with a fusion of rhythms from Danish guitarist and a polish bass player.

In 2008 Deodato was invited by Maputo to attend the Danish centre for culture and development to lead the Danish Mozambique week, here he got the opportunity to work alongside west African bass player and Danish guitarist; he also gathered other top musicians from Mozambique for the event to create Deodato Siquir & Bande De Maputo (‘Maputo’ being capital of Mozambique) who he still continues to callaborate with today. MozAfro is one other band which Deodato joined with, which was a collaboration of childhood friends who had a common interests of world jazz, traditional African music and gospel and fused these together to create music with many layers. Deodato later migrated to Scandinavia meaning he had to leave the band whilst they continued to make music but changed their name into Banda azul. Banda azul has continued to rise and have had great success winning best youth band in year 2000.

In 2000 Deodato contributed to the organisation and recording of 'Mozambique Relief' this was an album featuring artist from both Mozambique and Finland released to aid in raising funds for the victims in floods that year. Deodato relocated once again now to Sweden in 2001 where he used the contacts he had made from his previous collaborations throughout his career to help him get himself noticed which worked in his favour as he is now one of the most demanded Jazz sidemans’ and world artist.

His debut album ‘Blanco’ in 2007 made a splash in the international world of jazz and the album took its place in the top ten of Europe World Music’s albums where it remained for three months.

With a mix of different cultures, a blend of guitar (acoustic most times), percussion and a rich voice

Deodato Siquir is definitely one act to see live!

Links:
More info:

http://www.myspace.com/deodatosiquir

http://twitter.com/deodatosiquir

Media:
Deodato Siquer performing with Balanco:

Words and research by vinspired volunteer Asso Tono
If you are 16-25 and would like to get involved in volunteering, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Newsletter: UK GIGS COMING UP PLUS - FUNKTION ONE AT THE VINSPIRED LAKE OF STARS FESTIVAL 2009

The rumours are true - this year we are taking the mighty Funktion One sound system over to Malawi to power the main stage and beach bar. This is a system like no other - the sounds of Lake of Stars will be heard across the waters to the shores of Mozambique!

Massive thanks to Tony, David and Ann for making this happen.

Thanks also to Stev, Craig and Matt from Audile, Drew at Studiocare, and Dave from DBTechnologies - the production standards of this year's vLOS will be immense.

Find out more about Funktion One here:



********************************************************************************

Only a few weeks now until the 6th vinspired Lake of Stars Festival takes place out in Malawi! Hope everyone who's coming has got their ticket and counting the days...

To help pass the time the vinspired Lake of Stars volunteer team has gone out and organised a whole network of events - get along to any of these and enjoy. From Mozambican beats and jazz in Shoreditch to dub step and techno in Manchester - there's something here for everyone...



LIVERPOOL:

Ugan-Dance @ BadFormat, Liverpool
Thurs 24th September
Bicycle Thieves - live
Superfly DJs
Ai Wy & Sayer (Dorsia)
- In aid of Agnes' Children's Care in Uganda

********************************************************************************



MANCHESTER:

Audiofarm's vinspired Lake of Stars fundraiser
@ Moho Live, Manchester
Thursday 24th September
Nathan Coles (Fabric / Wiggle)
Defex (Zoo Project)
Ad Jones/Hollowood (audio farmers)
Furness (Chibuku)
Rich Reason (Hit n Run)
Danny Ellis (Reprobate)

********************************************************************************



BIRMINGHAM:

vLOS comes to Birmingham @ Hare & Hounds
Saturday 26th September
The Petebox - live
Tempting Rosie - live
Fistful of Dynamite - live
DJ Sister 45 (Mama Feel Good!)
DJ Limb

********************************************************************************



READING:

Afro Boom Boom! @ The Venue, Reading
Friday 9th October
DJ Peter Johns (Zimbabwe)
Miss Crawford
UNQ - live
DJ Joey

vinspired Lake of Stars - powered by volunteers!

Newsletter: UK GIGS COMING UP PLUS - FUNKTION ONE AT THE VINSPIRED LAKE OF STARS FESTIVAL 2009

The rumours are true - this year we are taking the mighty Funktion One sound system over to Malawi to power the main stage and beach bar. This is a system like no other - the sounds of Lake of Stars will be heard across the waters to the shores of Mozambique!

Massive thanks to Tony, David and Ann for making this happen.

Thanks also to Stev, Craig and Matt from Audile, Drew at Studiocare, and Dave from DBTechnologies - the production standards of this year's vLOS will be immense.

Find out more about Funktion One here:



********************************************************************************

Only a few weeks now until the 6th vinspired Lake of Stars Festival takes place out in Malawi! Hope everyone who's coming has got their ticket and counting the days...

To help pass the time the vinspired Lake of Stars volunteer team has gone out and organised a whole network of events - get along to any of these and enjoy. From Mozambican beats and jazz in Shoreditch to dub step and techno in Manchester - there's something here for everyone...



LIVERPOOL:

Ugan-Dance @ BadFormat, Liverpool
Thurs 24th September
Bicycle Thieves - live
Superfly DJs
Ai Wy & Sayer (Dorsia)
- In aid of Agnes' Children's Care in Uganda

********************************************************************************



MANCHESTER:

Audiofarm's vinspired Lake of Stars fundraiser
@ Moho Live, Manchester
Thursday 24th September
Nathan Coles (Fabric / Wiggle)
Defex (Zoo Project)
Ad Jones/Hollowood (audio farmers)
Furness (Chibuku)
Rich Reason (Hit n Run)
Danny Ellis (Reprobate)

********************************************************************************



BIRMINGHAM:

vLOS comes to Birmingham @ Hare & Hounds
Saturday 26th September
The Petebox - live
Tempting Rosie - live
Fistful of Dynamite - live
DJ Sister 45 (Mama Feel Good!)
DJ Limb

********************************************************************************



READING:

Afro Boom Boom! @ The Venue, Reading
Friday 9th October
DJ Peter Johns (Zimbabwe)
Miss Crawford
UNQ - live
DJ Joey

vinspired Lake of Stars - powered by volunteers!

Accommodation update

A lot happens in a week when you are preparing a global event. It has been amazing how many bookings we have had this week for vinspired Lake of Stars 2009.

Now is the time to make your reservation if you are planning to attend Lake of Stars 2009. Which is going to be absolutely amazing, with the local talent merged with the overseas talent, it is going to be amazing.

Just to give you some idea on how popular it is going to be:

• Club Makakola has only 15 rooms left
  
• Andrews Hotel has only 8 rooms left
• Sun n Sand has only 20 rooms left

That really is not a lot of rooms at all considering the popularity of the event. So now is the time to make your final bookings.

Send me your details and I will reply to you straight away Andrew@ulendo.net

Look forward to seeing you at Lake of Stars 2009.

Cheers

Andrew Gray

Accommodation update

A lot happens in a week when you are preparing a global event. It has been amazing how many bookings we have had this week for vinspired Lake of Stars 2009.

Now is the time to make your reservation if you are planning to attend Lake of Stars 2009. Which is going to be absolutely amazing, with the local talent merged with the overseas talent, it is going to be amazing.

Just to give you some idea on how popular it is going to be:

• Club Makakola has only 15 rooms left
  
• Andrews Hotel has only 8 rooms left
• Sun n Sand has only 20 rooms left

That really is not a lot of rooms at all considering the popularity of the event. So now is the time to make your final bookings.

Send me your details and I will reply to you straight away Andrew@ulendo.net

Look forward to seeing you at Lake of Stars 2009.

Cheers

Andrew Gray

Deep Roots Malawi

Those of you who listen to BBC World service may have heard of a new film project which aims to blow the lid of secrecy off the deep soul of roots Malawian music. Launching in January 010 ´Deep Roots Malawi´is the brainchild of Anglo-Malawian musician Kenny Gilmore who hopes to help inspire a ´renaissence´ in Malawian arts and also to stimulate world wide interest in the roots of Malawian music and culture.

The Deep Roots Malawi team includes TV Malawi´s expert musicologist Waliko Makhala and Benjamin Cobb, the director of ´Promote Africa´. The devoted trio spent a good 2 months bouncing around Malawi in a landrover visiting the very nerve centres of Malawian rural music with a film crew and enjoying special permissions from regional chiefs, have put together an árty documentary which they promise will expose many fascinating aspects of Malawian culture never shown before on film.

The team have promised to release the film online for free, hoping only to ´throw a spotlight on the untold story of Malawian music.

Deep Roots Malawi

Those of you who listen to BBC World service may have heard of a new film project which aims to blow the lid of secrecy off the deep soul of roots Malawian music. Launching in January 010 ´Deep Roots Malawi´is the brainchild of Anglo-Malawian musician Kenny Gilmore who hopes to help inspire a ´renaissence´ in Malawian arts and also to stimulate world wide interest in the roots of Malawian music and culture.

The Deep Roots Malawi team includes TV Malawi´s expert musicologist Waliko Makhala and Benjamin Cobb, the director of ´Promote Africa´. The devoted trio spent a good 2 months bouncing around Malawi in a landrover visiting the very nerve centres of Malawian rural music with a film crew and enjoying special permissions from regional chiefs, have put together an árty documentary which they promise will expose many fascinating aspects of Malawian culture never shown before on film.

The team have promised to release the film online for free, hoping only to ´throw a spotlight on the untold story of Malawian music.

WAPI Malawi

In a recent trip over to Malawi the vinspired lake of Stars team met with the British Council and found out about this event. Do check it out if you are in Lilongwe before the festival. Looks good - and it is hosted by festival friends Third Eye and Dominant 1.


* What is WAPI?

Short for Word and Pictures is a forum for verbal and visual artists from the underground to showcase their talent and skill to the general public. It is also taking place in 11 African countries including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

* What art forms are showcased?

WAPi will aim to showcase all forms of art e.g., but not limited to, music, poetry, visual arts, fashion, dancers, graffiti, animation, cartoons, comic book art, painting, acrobatics and stand up comedy.


* What is the focus for WAPi?

WAPi events will all have themes that will inform the performances and art works on display. The theme for the next WAPI event is REPRESENT!

Outreach programmes will aim to offer, but not limited to, the following:

o career talks on creative industries
o motivational talks to creative clubs
o Skills Factories i.e. workshops aimed at imparting creative skills

* How can I get showcased?

Go to our FaceBook page WAPI Malawi and you can find out more or visit the British Council Malawi and ask for Muthi Nhlema, Q Malewezi or Amanda Robinson.

WAPI Malawi

In a recent trip over to Malawi the vinspired lake of Stars team met with the British Council and found out about this event. Do check it out if you are in Lilongwe before the festival. Looks good - and it is hosted by festival friends Third Eye and Dominant 1.


* What is WAPI?

Short for Word and Pictures is a forum for verbal and visual artists from the underground to showcase their talent and skill to the general public. It is also taking place in 11 African countries including Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

* What art forms are showcased?

WAPi will aim to showcase all forms of art e.g., but not limited to, music, poetry, visual arts, fashion, dancers, graffiti, animation, cartoons, comic book art, painting, acrobatics and stand up comedy.


* What is the focus for WAPi?

WAPi events will all have themes that will inform the performances and art works on display. The theme for the next WAPI event is REPRESENT!

Outreach programmes will aim to offer, but not limited to, the following:

o career talks on creative industries
o motivational talks to creative clubs
o Skills Factories i.e. workshops aimed at imparting creative skills

* How can I get showcased?

Go to our FaceBook page WAPI Malawi and you can find out more or visit the British Council Malawi and ask for Muthi Nhlema, Q Malewezi or Amanda Robinson.

Playing football with your mates isn't volunteering ... is it?

So. My li’l bro is 16, and cooler than I will ever hope to be. Dammit. And he’s also a thoroughly decent bloke who gives up his spare time for free! (Apparently the girls love this).

Mini me loves football, and would spend all his time playing it, watching it, talking about it, writing about it (you name it) if he could. But he also volunteers as a coach at a local school, passing his, erm, passing skills and goalscoring tips on to the youngsters of Somerset.

He first got involved in volunteering when he started doing his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at school. Aside from getting lost on Exmoor (the Expedition section), playing his guitar ad nauseum (Skills), and winning the league and cup with his own football team (Physical), little’un had to undertake a volunteer placement for 3 months.

Now, this is the part that he looked forward to least as, like many 16-year-old boys, he believed volunteering to solely involve making cups of tea and cleaning dentures in an old people’s home. Today, he will freely admit how wrong he was.

Thanks to some imagination from his DofE co-ordinator, li’l bro and his friends found out that volunteering is actually … shock horror … FUN!

The boy himself is the first to admit this: “I thought that volunteering would be boring, but I was so wrong.

“I am able to do something fun, that I enjoy, and volunteering leaves me feeling rewarded and gives me something beneficial to do with my time. I would much rather be doing that than drinking on street corners.

“I like the fact that football is something I love and I get a lot out of the fact that I can help children to play and enjoy it too.

“It makes me feel good about myself that I can pass a skill on, and help people in that way.”

Of course, coaching kids’ football in the rain is not everyone’s cup of tea, though.

He says: “I would say to anyone who wants to give something back to their local community, think of something you really enjoy doing, whether it be playing sport, or music, or anything really, and think of a way you can still do that, but with other people.

“Be innovative, get your friends involved, and you’ll have the best time.”

If you’re 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Playing football with your mates isn't volunteering ... is it?

So. My li’l bro is 16, and cooler than I will ever hope to be. Dammit. And he’s also a thoroughly decent bloke who gives up his spare time for free! (Apparently the girls love this).

Mini me loves football, and would spend all his time playing it, watching it, talking about it, writing about it (you name it) if he could. But he also volunteers as a coach at a local school, passing his, erm, passing skills and goalscoring tips on to the youngsters of Somerset.

He first got involved in volunteering when he started doing his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at school. Aside from getting lost on Exmoor (the Expedition section), playing his guitar ad nauseum (Skills), and winning the league and cup with his own football team (Physical), little’un had to undertake a volunteer placement for 3 months.

Now, this is the part that he looked forward to least as, like many 16-year-old boys, he believed volunteering to solely involve making cups of tea and cleaning dentures in an old people’s home. Today, he will freely admit how wrong he was.

Thanks to some imagination from his DofE co-ordinator, li’l bro and his friends found out that volunteering is actually … shock horror … FUN!

The boy himself is the first to admit this: “I thought that volunteering would be boring, but I was so wrong.

“I am able to do something fun, that I enjoy, and volunteering leaves me feeling rewarded and gives me something beneficial to do with my time. I would much rather be doing that than drinking on street corners.

“I like the fact that football is something I love and I get a lot out of the fact that I can help children to play and enjoy it too.

“It makes me feel good about myself that I can pass a skill on, and help people in that way.”

Of course, coaching kids’ football in the rain is not everyone’s cup of tea, though.

He says: “I would say to anyone who wants to give something back to their local community, think of something you really enjoy doing, whether it be playing sport, or music, or anything really, and think of a way you can still do that, but with other people.

“Be innovative, get your friends involved, and you’ll have the best time.”

If you’re 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities on vinspired.com

Cut It Loose

eForget Bestival! Let’s be honest who needed to be prancing about in muddy silver leggings pretending they were some next Buzz Lightyear. There was really only one place you should have been last Saturday and that was ‘Cut It Loose’.

Dedication, hype, solidarity, creativity there are many ways I could go on to try and sum up this project. One thing is for sure that what ensued after I got the nod from the men behind the curtain was certainly a whirlwind adventure.

A musical mash up of electro vibes fused with live MC’s and a saxophonist. The aim of the night was to provide a fresh, original take on the club scene and raise the profile of the festival that prides itself upon these same principles.

The MC’s set the standard for the rest of the night not only sparking off the show but then proceeding to take the night and put it on fire…musically of course. Dousing their set in DJ Jaycee’s eclectic and at times down right dirty beats and setting it ablaze with buoyant lyrical flows fuelled with relentless dynamism. Xtra, C-10 and Jamkilla are without doubt ones to keep an eye fixed on in the very near future. Their vibrancy and freshness sets them apart from many that would consider themselves accomplished in the grime scene.

Oli Hackett from Drop the Mustard was up next bringing a new meaning to the word ‘filthy’ with his storming beats. Toying with the the small but mighty crowd as they threw a variety of shapes about the dance floor. The crowds thrill for the music certainly made for some quality entertainment and generated a buzzing vibe to the club.

The headline act the Super Mario Bros brought their A game to the club with an outstanding performance that brought out instantaneous response from the technologically advanced crowd. As the Saxophone came out so too did all the mobile phones, even from the bar staff, collecting as much footage as they could, whilst everyone bounced about to unforgettable rifts of the Sax Offender. It was defintely something you did not want to forget. I only wish the Mayor himself was there to hear 'Boris' drop and melt the club down...

Powered by volunteers, ‘Cut It Loose’ brought together artists and people from different backgrounds to showcase an innovative approach to the volunteering scene.

If you were ever in any doubt that volunteering was a worth while thing to do, ‘Cut It Loose’ on Saturday night was the definitely the place for you.