Eddy Temple Morris and Benin City kick off the countdown

Xfm favourite Eddy Temple Morris kicks off the London countdown to the seventh vinspired Lake of Stars festival

As the building of the vinspired Lake of Stars festival site gets underway on the sun-kissed shores of Lake Malawi, Eddy Temple Morris kick starts the countdown to the festival with a rabblerousing gig in rainy London.

The Xfm DJ warmed up for his performance at the vinspired Lake of Stars festival in Malawi, 15 to 17 October, with a gig at Rich Mix in London last night [Sept 8]. And he revealed that he has some tricks up his sleeve to get the crowd on his side when he does the real thing. Eddy said: "I know there will be a few Brits there who know me, but my shows are not big in Africa, so I'm going to get a local MC to join my set which will be a nice bridge between me and the crowd.

"I don't play a lot of African music in my sets for obvious reasons – I'm famous for dance music – but I'm going to play some records that I hope the crowd will relate to and that will go to their hips. So it will be a case of suck it and see.

"I'm expecting they will be up to have a good time. I've been told that they really like a party so I'm just going to do my thing. I know some of the bands who went out last year were really nervous about playing but they got on stage, did their thing and the crowd loved them."

Eddy was joined at the vinspired Lake of Stars Festival gig by London act Benin City. The show was part of the official launch night of the autumn programme of Bethnal Green Road cultural centre, Rich Mix.

Back in Malawi, tickets have just gone on sale for the festival and building work has started on the site itself. This year's festival promises to have the eclectic mix of music on offer at previous Lake of Stars' outings but with a new broader arts and development programme, featuring theatre, film, interactive workshops and a local food fair.

And with just five weeks to go until it all kicks off, Eddy Temple Morris is getting geared-up. "It's not long to go now and I'm very, very excited about the festival," he said. "I haven't properly been to Africa before – except for a trip to Morocco – so I can't wait to get slap bang in the middle of the continent where life started.

"I was keen to get involved with Lake of Stars because it’s a great festival and I really wanted to help. I was looking to do something to help people who really need it and what a lovely way to be able to do that – by playing music.

"I'll be staying for the whole festival but unfortunately won't have time to explore more of the country. My good friend Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers is trying to make me stay for longer but my debut album is coming out at the end month so unfortunately I have to come back to the UK.

"But hopefully this will be a case of dipping my toe in the water and I will be back."

Eddy also gave a shout out to the volunteers who are powering the vinspired-sponsored festival. "A festival like this would be so hard to do if it didn't have volunteers helping it," he said. "So big up to the volunteers and I am doing everything I can to help them."

For images of the gig go to: http://bit.ly/RMLaunch
Blog photo by Steve McInerny www.sharpsharp.co.uk
Words by Jenny Clover
Event production and promotion by vinspired volunteers
http://www.vinspired.com

Eddy Temple Morris and Benin City kick off the countdown

Xfm favourite Eddy Temple Morris kicks off the London countdown to the seventh vinspired Lake of Stars festival

As the building of the vinspired Lake of Stars festival site gets underway on the sun-kissed shores of Lake Malawi, Eddy Temple Morris kick starts the countdown to the festival with a rabblerousing gig in rainy London.

The Xfm DJ warmed up for his performance at the vinspired Lake of Stars festival in Malawi, 15 to 17 October, with a gig at Rich Mix in London last night [Sept 8]. And he revealed that he has some tricks up his sleeve to get the crowd on his side when he does the real thing. Eddy said: "I know there will be a few Brits there who know me, but my shows are not big in Africa, so I'm going to get a local MC to join my set which will be a nice bridge between me and the crowd.

"I don't play a lot of African music in my sets for obvious reasons – I'm famous for dance music – but I'm going to play some records that I hope the crowd will relate to and that will go to their hips. So it will be a case of suck it and see.

"I'm expecting they will be up to have a good time. I've been told that they really like a party so I'm just going to do my thing. I know some of the bands who went out last year were really nervous about playing but they got on stage, did their thing and the crowd loved them."

Eddy was joined at the vinspired Lake of Stars Festival gig by London act Benin City. The show was part of the official launch night of the autumn programme of Bethnal Green Road cultural centre, Rich Mix.

Back in Malawi, tickets have just gone on sale for the festival and building work has started on the site itself. This year's festival promises to have the eclectic mix of music on offer at previous Lake of Stars' outings but with a new broader arts and development programme, featuring theatre, film, interactive workshops and a local food fair.

And with just five weeks to go until it all kicks off, Eddy Temple Morris is getting geared-up. "It's not long to go now and I'm very, very excited about the festival," he said. "I haven't properly been to Africa before – except for a trip to Morocco – so I can't wait to get slap bang in the middle of the continent where life started.

"I was keen to get involved with Lake of Stars because it’s a great festival and I really wanted to help. I was looking to do something to help people who really need it and what a lovely way to be able to do that – by playing music.

"I'll be staying for the whole festival but unfortunately won't have time to explore more of the country. My good friend Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers is trying to make me stay for longer but my debut album is coming out at the end month so unfortunately I have to come back to the UK.

"But hopefully this will be a case of dipping my toe in the water and I will be back."

Eddy also gave a shout out to the volunteers who are powering the vinspired-sponsored festival. "A festival like this would be so hard to do if it didn't have volunteers helping it," he said. "So big up to the volunteers and I am doing everything I can to help them."

For images of the gig go to: http://bit.ly/RMLaunch
Blog photo by Steve McInerny www.sharpsharp.co.uk
Words by Jenny Clover
Event production and promotion by vinspired volunteers
http://www.vinspired.com

vinspired Lake of Stars returns to Birmingham!

On the 11th of June vinspired Lake of Stars returned to the Hare and Hounds in Birmingham to launch this year’s festival. After weeks of preparation and promotion by vinspired volunteers Nikki, Matt, Rochelle, Huda, Shaun, Shannan and Shaniqua, the evening got underway with a chilled acoustic set by local Birmingham singer/songwriter Luke Wylde as vinspired volunteers Ami and Annabel opened the doors to excited punters.

The July Days followed by getting the crowd dancing to their upbeat indie tunes. The band, which regularly plays at University of Birmingham events, brought some Malawi style sunshine to the room.

Cantaloop were the next band to get the crowd going with their jazzy funk tunes, whilst next door the DJ marathon got underway with DJs Sam and Lolly, who provided some alternative tunes for Lake of Stars revellers. During the night vinspired volunteer Artist Liason Rochelle kept the bands happy with beer and snacks, and along with vinspired volunteer Becky, made sure the line up ran smoothly.

The 10 piece band the Monday Sessions followed on with some more funky tunes, which of course resulted in more dancing, more drinking, and singing along to a great rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘smile’. After plenty of singing and dancing, vinspired volunteer Stage Manager, Becky, along with some happy audience members helped set the stage for Afrikan Boy. vinspired volunteer MC Obi kept the audience going with his ever famous jokes. Those who just couldn’t take the jokes, moved into the DJ Room for DJ Raffertie.

Afrikan Boy played a great set, with the crowd getting extremely excited when he played his YouTube hit ‘Lidl’. Afrikan Boy got those crowd members lucky enough to be coming to the festival in October, very excited about his Malawian performance. Those who might have to wait another year until they can party in Malawi, got to enjoy a sample of Lake of Stars, on their very doorstep. Whomanity DJs finished off the night with some Reggae tunes, accompanied by DJ Kronic playing Drum n Bass in the DJ Room.

Throughout the evening vinspired volunteer journalists Shannan and Shaniqua interviewed artists and fellow volunteers using video camera and dictaphone. Keep an eye out for their work....



Thanks to all artists and volunteers for a great evening, another great success for vinspired Lake of Stars.... bring on the next one!

If you would like to find out more about volunteering check out vinspired.com


Jenny Bowie
vinspired Lake of Stars Project Co-ordinator

vinspired Lake of Stars returns to Birmingham!

On the 11th of June vinspired Lake of Stars returned to the Hare and Hounds in Birmingham to launch this year’s festival. After weeks of preparation and promotion by vinspired volunteers Nikki, Matt, Rochelle, Huda, Shaun, Shannan and Shaniqua, the evening got underway with a chilled acoustic set by local Birmingham singer/songwriter Luke Wylde as vinspired volunteers Ami and Annabel opened the doors to excited punters.

The July Days followed by getting the crowd dancing to their upbeat indie tunes. The band, which regularly plays at University of Birmingham events, brought some Malawi style sunshine to the room.

Cantaloop were the next band to get the crowd going with their jazzy funk tunes, whilst next door the DJ marathon got underway with DJs Sam and Lolly, who provided some alternative tunes for Lake of Stars revellers. During the night vinspired volunteer Artist Liason Rochelle kept the bands happy with beer and snacks, and along with vinspired volunteer Becky, made sure the line up ran smoothly.

The 10 piece band the Monday Sessions followed on with some more funky tunes, which of course resulted in more dancing, more drinking, and singing along to a great rendition of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘smile’. After plenty of singing and dancing, vinspired volunteer Stage Manager, Becky, along with some happy audience members helped set the stage for Afrikan Boy. vinspired volunteer MC Obi kept the audience going with his ever famous jokes. Those who just couldn’t take the jokes, moved into the DJ Room for DJ Raffertie.

Afrikan Boy played a great set, with the crowd getting extremely excited when he played his YouTube hit ‘Lidl’. Afrikan Boy got those crowd members lucky enough to be coming to the festival in October, very excited about his Malawian performance. Those who might have to wait another year until they can party in Malawi, got to enjoy a sample of Lake of Stars, on their very doorstep. Whomanity DJs finished off the night with some Reggae tunes, accompanied by DJ Kronic playing Drum n Bass in the DJ Room.

Throughout the evening vinspired volunteer journalists Shannan and Shaniqua interviewed artists and fellow volunteers using video camera and dictaphone. Keep an eye out for their work....



Thanks to all artists and volunteers for a great evening, another great success for vinspired Lake of Stars.... bring on the next one!

If you would like to find out more about volunteering check out vinspired.com


Jenny Bowie
vinspired Lake of Stars Project Co-ordinator

FREE GIG : vinspired Lake of Stars presents The Good Natured and Guests

Celebrate the release of festival dates and venue with the third in a series of FREE priceless live events at Rich Mix on Wednesday 7th April. This time round we have up and coming electro-pop band The Good Natured, Botswana born singer-songwriter Tamanda Walker along with DJ sets from the legendary Ali B and support from Izzy Electric and Alex K (Itchy Soul).

'Up and coming quirky synth pop goddess dejour. The good natured is every bit as good as her rivals' (Metro). Female fronted electro-pop band 'The Good Natured' aka Sarah and her band have created much excitement amongst the UK music press , being championed by NME, The Guardian , The Sunday Times , Q Magazine and PopJustice. Art Rocker have said that 'Sarah is going far is this is anything to go by' and Channel 4 'can't wait to hear what she does next' .

http://www.myspace.com/thegoodnatured

Ali B is a prominent member of London’s leftfield scene. Over the last decade he has held down residencies at the capital’s two most influential clubs, the legendary Blue Note club and Fabric, where he has been from the day it opened. He has toured extensively in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Asia and the US, taking his sound to an international audience.Ali B currently hosts a weekly show on London’s Kiss FM.

In the age of the independent artist, Tamanda Walker is that rare diamond in the rough that is destined to shine over the music industry. With her soul tinged blend of pop, Tamanda has already cemented her status as “one to watch” on London’s live music scene.

April 2010 sees the eagerly anticipated release of Tamanda’s self-titled debut EP. For this EP Tam teamed up with Drew Horley (Estelle / Ty / Natalie Williams), DC Joseph (Musiq Soulchild / Beverley Knight) Yak Bondy (Amy Studt / Rachel Stevens) and Big Life writers, Maryann and Michael Tedstone to best showcase her versatile talent.

"Tam Walker is sensational …Quality with a capital “Q”! She represents a new breed of fresh and aspiring artists with a unique talent that sets her apart from the mob.” Bryan Mutambiranwa, Africa Inspired Foundation / The Africa Channel

http://www.myspace.com/tamwalkermusic

Izzy Electric runs three regular music nights (Apocalypstick, Night:Life and Home Coming) as well as contributing to The Camden Crawl, Lake of Stars Festival and one off events and parties.http://www.izzyelectric.com/

Alek K , part of Itchysoul dj collective with the same love and passion for music whether it be House, Disco, Funk, Baleric and Soul. http://www.myspace.com/itchy_soul

Along with great music, there will be stalls from Malawi Healthcare support UK http://www.mahecas.info/, Citezens UK http://www.citizen.org.uk/, Ganets Adventure School http://www.ganetsadventureschool.org/ and others.

Rich Mix also does some excellent food and will have some lovely drink deals on the night. So come along, enjoy the food, drinks and music and have a chat with the team about vinspired Lake of Stars 2010!

Event details: vinspired Lake of Stars presents: The Good Natured (Live), Ali B, Tamanda Walker (Live), Izzy Electric and Alex K (Itchy Soul)

Wednesday 7th April FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.

RSVP on our new facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Lake-of-Stars/356889956151

Posted by vinspired volunteer Jenny

Check out http://www.vinspired.com/ to get involved

FREE GIG : vinspired Lake of Stars presents The Good Natured and Guests

Celebrate the release of festival dates and venue with the third in a series of FREE priceless live events at Rich Mix on Wednesday 7th April. This time round we have up and coming electro-pop band The Good Natured, Botswana born singer-songwriter Tamanda Walker along with DJ sets from the legendary Ali B and support from Izzy Electric and Alex K (Itchy Soul).

'Up and coming quirky synth pop goddess dejour. The good natured is every bit as good as her rivals' (Metro). Female fronted electro-pop band 'The Good Natured' aka Sarah and her band have created much excitement amongst the UK music press , being championed by NME, The Guardian , The Sunday Times , Q Magazine and PopJustice. Art Rocker have said that 'Sarah is going far is this is anything to go by' and Channel 4 'can't wait to hear what she does next' .

http://www.myspace.com/thegoodnatured

Ali B is a prominent member of London’s leftfield scene. Over the last decade he has held down residencies at the capital’s two most influential clubs, the legendary Blue Note club and Fabric, where he has been from the day it opened. He has toured extensively in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Asia and the US, taking his sound to an international audience.Ali B currently hosts a weekly show on London’s Kiss FM.

In the age of the independent artist, Tamanda Walker is that rare diamond in the rough that is destined to shine over the music industry. With her soul tinged blend of pop, Tamanda has already cemented her status as “one to watch” on London’s live music scene.

April 2010 sees the eagerly anticipated release of Tamanda’s self-titled debut EP. For this EP Tam teamed up with Drew Horley (Estelle / Ty / Natalie Williams), DC Joseph (Musiq Soulchild / Beverley Knight) Yak Bondy (Amy Studt / Rachel Stevens) and Big Life writers, Maryann and Michael Tedstone to best showcase her versatile talent.

"Tam Walker is sensational …Quality with a capital “Q”! She represents a new breed of fresh and aspiring artists with a unique talent that sets her apart from the mob.” Bryan Mutambiranwa, Africa Inspired Foundation / The Africa Channel

http://www.myspace.com/tamwalkermusic

Izzy Electric runs three regular music nights (Apocalypstick, Night:Life and Home Coming) as well as contributing to The Camden Crawl, Lake of Stars Festival and one off events and parties.http://www.izzyelectric.com/

Alek K , part of Itchysoul dj collective with the same love and passion for music whether it be House, Disco, Funk, Baleric and Soul. http://www.myspace.com/itchy_soul

Along with great music, there will be stalls from Malawi Healthcare support UK http://www.mahecas.info/, Citezens UK http://www.citizen.org.uk/, Ganets Adventure School http://www.ganetsadventureschool.org/ and others.

Rich Mix also does some excellent food and will have some lovely drink deals on the night. So come along, enjoy the food, drinks and music and have a chat with the team about vinspired Lake of Stars 2010!

Event details: vinspired Lake of Stars presents: The Good Natured (Live), Ali B, Tamanda Walker (Live), Izzy Electric and Alex K (Itchy Soul)

Wednesday 7th April FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.

RSVP on our new facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Lake-of-Stars/356889956151

Posted by vinspired volunteer Jenny

Check out http://www.vinspired.com/ to get involved

Cycle for Ganet's Adventure School

Be part of our big cycling adventure from London to Rochester on Sunday 23 May! We leave from Tower Bridge, pass spots along the Thames which are famous for their culture, history and wildlife, and finish in the Medway town of Rochester. The aim of this 41 mile ride is to raise £4,000 to help pay for the construction of new classrooms at Ganet's Adventure School, a village primary school in Malawi.

Our route is a mostly traffic and hill-free, and so is suitable for cyclists of most abilities, even if you're not a regular rider. It follows a section of the well-signposted National Cycle Network's National Route One.
Read more about the route

Entry

Each rider will receive an entry pack, a ride information pack on the day and a t-shirt to wear on the day and to keep as a souvenir. The ride costs £15 per person, which also covers the costs of our overheads. Any money left over will go direct to Ganet's Adventure School.

Sponsorship

We ask each rider to pledge to raise a minimum of £100 for Ganet's Adventure School Fund. Each rider can set up their own donations page on www.virginmoneygiving.com, which allows people to sponsor you online and also takes care of donations eligible for Gift Aid.

Want to find out more? See our FAQ

Interested? RSVP to the event on Facebook or email info@ganetsadventureschool.org to receive updates.

Ready to sign up now? Fill in our online entry form.

If you're not a cyclist, please forward this information to any cyclists you know, and help Ganet's Adventure School to reopen!

Update from Malawi: classroom construction has begun!

I'm happy to announce that work started on clearing the land for Ganet’s Adventure School’s first permanent classrooms in the first week of March.

Gertrude Banda, the school principal, is very excited about this, and passes on her thanks to all of our supporters. Once the land has been cleared, foundations will be laid and then the building work should be complete by July. Government school inspectors will then assess the new building for suitability and safety, and then we hope that classes can restart in September.

All of this depends on us raising around £5,000 before completion of the building work, so we need donations and all kinds of help to raise this sum. So far, we have raised around a third of the sum required, and various activities are going on over the next few months to raise the rest.
Find out more about the construction of the classrooms

More news soon!

Steve McInerny
www.ganetsadventureschool.org

-----
Steve volunteered as a photographer at vinspired Lake of Stars 2009 and continues to support our project at events.

For volunteer opportunities including at the big festivals this summer got to http://www.vinspired.com

Cycle for Ganet's Adventure School

Be part of our big cycling adventure from London to Rochester on Sunday 23 May! We leave from Tower Bridge, pass spots along the Thames which are famous for their culture, history and wildlife, and finish in the Medway town of Rochester. The aim of this 41 mile ride is to raise £4,000 to help pay for the construction of new classrooms at Ganet's Adventure School, a village primary school in Malawi.

Our route is a mostly traffic and hill-free, and so is suitable for cyclists of most abilities, even if you're not a regular rider. It follows a section of the well-signposted National Cycle Network's National Route One.
Read more about the route

Entry

Each rider will receive an entry pack, a ride information pack on the day and a t-shirt to wear on the day and to keep as a souvenir. The ride costs £15 per person, which also covers the costs of our overheads. Any money left over will go direct to Ganet's Adventure School.

Sponsorship

We ask each rider to pledge to raise a minimum of £100 for Ganet's Adventure School Fund. Each rider can set up their own donations page on www.virginmoneygiving.com, which allows people to sponsor you online and also takes care of donations eligible for Gift Aid.

Want to find out more? See our FAQ

Interested? RSVP to the event on Facebook or email info@ganetsadventureschool.org to receive updates.

Ready to sign up now? Fill in our online entry form.

If you're not a cyclist, please forward this information to any cyclists you know, and help Ganet's Adventure School to reopen!

Update from Malawi: classroom construction has begun!

I'm happy to announce that work started on clearing the land for Ganet’s Adventure School’s first permanent classrooms in the first week of March.

Gertrude Banda, the school principal, is very excited about this, and passes on her thanks to all of our supporters. Once the land has been cleared, foundations will be laid and then the building work should be complete by July. Government school inspectors will then assess the new building for suitability and safety, and then we hope that classes can restart in September.

All of this depends on us raising around £5,000 before completion of the building work, so we need donations and all kinds of help to raise this sum. So far, we have raised around a third of the sum required, and various activities are going on over the next few months to raise the rest.
Find out more about the construction of the classrooms

More news soon!

Steve McInerny
www.ganetsadventureschool.org

-----
Steve volunteered as a photographer at vinspired Lake of Stars 2009 and continues to support our project at events.

For volunteer opportunities including at the big festivals this summer got to http://www.vinspired.com

PREVIEW - FREE Afrikan Boy gig at Rich Mix - THIS WEDNESDAY 3rd March

Vibrant young Afrobeat MC Afrikan Boy is bringing his unique urban sound to the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch for a FREE showcase as part of the vinspired Lake of Stars residency. The second in the series of Priceless Live events at Rich Mix, the night will also feature a live acoustic set from hotly tipped songstress Valentina and DJ sets from Sinden (KISS) and Ross Allen (ministryofsound.com, The Meltdown), who graced the Lake of Stars stage in Malawi in 2009.

Originally from Nigeria, Afrikan Boy, aka 20-year-old Shola Ajose, grew up in south London, and has been carving a name for himself on the grime/Afrobeat scene as a fusion MC from the age of 16.

His influences range from British-based performers such as Kano, Wiley and Dizzee Rascal to Nigerian artists including Sir Shina Peters, Fela and King Sunny Ade, and Shola prefers not to pigeon-hole his style. Under the moniker Afrikan Boy, he concentrates on using his music to elevate his fellow African people. His funny, yet critical, approach to thorny political topics such as immigration and visa problems has won him a rapidly-growing international fan base.



Afrikan Boy released his first official music video for Lagos Town in January to huge acclaim. He is currently in the studio recording a hotly anticipated debut album, 1444 Musik, building on the success of tracks from his mixtape, Can of Whoopass, Vol. 1: The Rise of Captain Africa.


Shola believes in ploughing his own furrow, using his own and his family’s experience to inspire his music. His offbeat lyrical stylings capture the essence of real life behind the violence stereotypically associated with the London grime scene, and his confident wordplay and assured stage presence make him one to watch in 2010.


While studying for a Psychology degree at Brunel University, Shola has also found time to open for Prince’s back-to-back shows at London’s O2 in 2007, and tour with the likes of M.I.A. Afrikan Boy also appears on a remix of M.IA.’s hit single Paper Planes, and collaborated on her 2007 album Kala.

The vinspired Lake of Stars monthly residency at the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch was launched in February by Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune) and Nick Mulvey (Portico Quartet). Festival founder Will Jameson says:

“Our residency is an exciting opportunity for us to stage free quality live events in the heart of Shoreditch, giving people a small glimpse of what our festival is all about. We are going to be booking some of the brightest talent of 2010 - and obviously in these cash-strapped times the price is right too!”


Event details: vinspired Lake of Stars presents: Afrikan Boy
With support from Valentina (live acoustic set), Sinden (KISS) and Ross Allen (ministryofsound.com, The Meltdown)
Wednesday 3rd March FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.

PREVIEW - FREE Afrikan Boy gig at Rich Mix - THIS WEDNESDAY 3rd March

Vibrant young Afrobeat MC Afrikan Boy is bringing his unique urban sound to the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch for a FREE showcase as part of the vinspired Lake of Stars residency. The second in the series of Priceless Live events at Rich Mix, the night will also feature a live acoustic set from hotly tipped songstress Valentina and DJ sets from Sinden (KISS) and Ross Allen (ministryofsound.com, The Meltdown), who graced the Lake of Stars stage in Malawi in 2009.

Originally from Nigeria, Afrikan Boy, aka 20-year-old Shola Ajose, grew up in south London, and has been carving a name for himself on the grime/Afrobeat scene as a fusion MC from the age of 16.

His influences range from British-based performers such as Kano, Wiley and Dizzee Rascal to Nigerian artists including Sir Shina Peters, Fela and King Sunny Ade, and Shola prefers not to pigeon-hole his style. Under the moniker Afrikan Boy, he concentrates on using his music to elevate his fellow African people. His funny, yet critical, approach to thorny political topics such as immigration and visa problems has won him a rapidly-growing international fan base.



Afrikan Boy released his first official music video for Lagos Town in January to huge acclaim. He is currently in the studio recording a hotly anticipated debut album, 1444 Musik, building on the success of tracks from his mixtape, Can of Whoopass, Vol. 1: The Rise of Captain Africa.


Shola believes in ploughing his own furrow, using his own and his family’s experience to inspire his music. His offbeat lyrical stylings capture the essence of real life behind the violence stereotypically associated with the London grime scene, and his confident wordplay and assured stage presence make him one to watch in 2010.


While studying for a Psychology degree at Brunel University, Shola has also found time to open for Prince’s back-to-back shows at London’s O2 in 2007, and tour with the likes of M.I.A. Afrikan Boy also appears on a remix of M.IA.’s hit single Paper Planes, and collaborated on her 2007 album Kala.

The vinspired Lake of Stars monthly residency at the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch was launched in February by Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune) and Nick Mulvey (Portico Quartet). Festival founder Will Jameson says:

“Our residency is an exciting opportunity for us to stage free quality live events in the heart of Shoreditch, giving people a small glimpse of what our festival is all about. We are going to be booking some of the brightest talent of 2010 - and obviously in these cash-strapped times the price is right too!”


Event details: vinspired Lake of Stars presents: Afrikan Boy
With support from Valentina (live acoustic set), Sinden (KISS) and Ross Allen (ministryofsound.com, The Meltdown)
Wednesday 3rd March FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.

Afrikan Boy at Rich Mix - Free gig 3 March

vinspired Lake of Stars Festival presents Afrikan Boy, with live acoustic support from Valentina, and DJ set from Ross Allen (Ministry of Sound Radio, The Meltdown)

**********************************************************
///// BREAKING NEWS: very special guest SINDEN, DJ and producer extraordinaire, now confirmed! /////
**********************************************************

We are very excited to announce that the incredible Afrobeat/grime MC Afrikan Boy will be gracing our stage to perform at the Rich Mix on March 3rd 2010 at this amazing FREE event.

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Valentina will be playing a stunning live acoustic set in support, and the night will also showcase one of the hottest DJs around with a set from Ministry of Sound Radio's very own Ross Allen.

We all know that this is a party not to be missed ... but in case you still need a bit of convincing, check out the buzz ...

AFRIKAN BOY

Originally from Nigeria, Afrikan Boy, aka 20-year-old Shola Ajose, hails from South London, and has been making his name on the grime/Afrobeat scene as a fusion MC from the age of 16. Shola opened for Prince’s back to back shows at London’s O2 in 2007, as well as touring with the likes of M.I.A. Afrikan Boy also appears on a remix of M.IA.’s hit single Paper Planes, and collaborated on her 2007 album Kala.

Afrikan Boy released his first official music video for Lagos Town in January 2010 to huge acclaim. He is currently in the studio recording a hotly anticipated debut album, 1444 Musik, building on the success of tracks from his mixtape, Can of Whoopass, Vol. 1: The Rise of Captain Africa.

http://www.myspace.com/afrikanboy

VALENTINA

Valentina fuses the lyricism and melodies of a young Carol King with a modern view of life, love and the world. Valentina tells how it is to be young and in/out of love, set against a backdrop that hints at the past but looks to the future for inspiration and sounds. Her music is classic... that voice, pianos, guitars and dulcimers all aid Valentina in what she has to say – and that is alot.

Some people once said:

"Valentina comes with songs that shimmer. She may be singing about relationships on the verge of failing, but her style is deceptively light and engaging, just daring you to smile before you're hit with the sting in the tail"

"Valentina Somehow sounds both young and full of wisdom at once. Her songs have a gorgeous simplicity, pleasant arrangements over a very capable voice.
I'd say Valentina's a racing certainty for 2010 fame"

http://www.myspace.com/valentinamusic

ROSS ALLEN

Sony Radio Award winning Ross Allen is a man of many talents, and one of London’s most well known faces on the music scene with more fingers in pies than Frank Butcher.

Since starting as a DJ in the 80’s playing Acid House, Rare Groove and Soul, Ross has shaken every type of dance floor from New Cross to New Jersey, from Tottenham to Tennessee the World over. He is not only the musical brains behind Cargo-backed Casual Records, but also A&R consultant for Island Records and Ninja Tune. He hosts his own night - The Meltdown - at The CAMP in Shoreditch with Raf Daddy and also finds the time to host radio shows for BBC 6 music, cover for Gilles Peterson on Radio 1, write a column for UK music press and get nifty behind the decks on a regular basis.

Ross hosts his award winning show The Meltdown each and every Monday on Ministry of Sound Radio where he drops his mixed soulful bag of reggae, house, techno, R&B, hip hop and drum n' bass. Expect the full spectrum of global music old and new from this truly legendary bastian of awesome sounds. If it’s good, he’ll play it, attracting a broad spectrum of fans such as Laurent Garnier, Fabio and Matthew Herbert.

http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen

SINDEN

Sinden is the London producer/DJ best known for his wide-ranging sets that include everything from Baltimore club, baile funk and hip hop to RnB/soul, dancehall, house/electro, Miami bass and grime.

Sinden has released one solo 12" 'Sinden EP' but has carved out a name as a remixer, rejigging everyone from Basement Jaxx and Mary J Blige to Plan B and Bonde Do Role. He's also known for his collaborations and remixes with Jesse Rose, Herve aka Count of Monte Cristal, and Dave "Switch" Taylor as A.Brucker & Sinden.

Taylor and Sinden also run the label Counterfeet and program 'Get Familiar' in the main room of Fabric, London every other month.

http://www.myspace.com/graemesinden

Afrikan Boy at Rich Mix - Free gig 3 March

vinspired Lake of Stars Festival presents Afrikan Boy, with live acoustic support from Valentina, and DJ set from Ross Allen (Ministry of Sound Radio, The Meltdown)

**********************************************************
///// BREAKING NEWS: very special guest SINDEN, DJ and producer extraordinaire, now confirmed! /////
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We are very excited to announce that the incredible Afrobeat/grime MC Afrikan Boy will be gracing our stage to perform at the Rich Mix on March 3rd 2010 at this amazing FREE event.

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Valentina will be playing a stunning live acoustic set in support, and the night will also showcase one of the hottest DJs around with a set from Ministry of Sound Radio's very own Ross Allen.

We all know that this is a party not to be missed ... but in case you still need a bit of convincing, check out the buzz ...

AFRIKAN BOY

Originally from Nigeria, Afrikan Boy, aka 20-year-old Shola Ajose, hails from South London, and has been making his name on the grime/Afrobeat scene as a fusion MC from the age of 16. Shola opened for Prince’s back to back shows at London’s O2 in 2007, as well as touring with the likes of M.I.A. Afrikan Boy also appears on a remix of M.IA.’s hit single Paper Planes, and collaborated on her 2007 album Kala.

Afrikan Boy released his first official music video for Lagos Town in January 2010 to huge acclaim. He is currently in the studio recording a hotly anticipated debut album, 1444 Musik, building on the success of tracks from his mixtape, Can of Whoopass, Vol. 1: The Rise of Captain Africa.

http://www.myspace.com/afrikanboy

VALENTINA

Valentina fuses the lyricism and melodies of a young Carol King with a modern view of life, love and the world. Valentina tells how it is to be young and in/out of love, set against a backdrop that hints at the past but looks to the future for inspiration and sounds. Her music is classic... that voice, pianos, guitars and dulcimers all aid Valentina in what she has to say – and that is alot.

Some people once said:

"Valentina comes with songs that shimmer. She may be singing about relationships on the verge of failing, but her style is deceptively light and engaging, just daring you to smile before you're hit with the sting in the tail"

"Valentina Somehow sounds both young and full of wisdom at once. Her songs have a gorgeous simplicity, pleasant arrangements over a very capable voice.
I'd say Valentina's a racing certainty for 2010 fame"

http://www.myspace.com/valentinamusic

ROSS ALLEN

Sony Radio Award winning Ross Allen is a man of many talents, and one of London’s most well known faces on the music scene with more fingers in pies than Frank Butcher.

Since starting as a DJ in the 80’s playing Acid House, Rare Groove and Soul, Ross has shaken every type of dance floor from New Cross to New Jersey, from Tottenham to Tennessee the World over. He is not only the musical brains behind Cargo-backed Casual Records, but also A&R consultant for Island Records and Ninja Tune. He hosts his own night - The Meltdown - at The CAMP in Shoreditch with Raf Daddy and also finds the time to host radio shows for BBC 6 music, cover for Gilles Peterson on Radio 1, write a column for UK music press and get nifty behind the decks on a regular basis.

Ross hosts his award winning show The Meltdown each and every Monday on Ministry of Sound Radio where he drops his mixed soulful bag of reggae, house, techno, R&B, hip hop and drum n' bass. Expect the full spectrum of global music old and new from this truly legendary bastian of awesome sounds. If it’s good, he’ll play it, attracting a broad spectrum of fans such as Laurent Garnier, Fabio and Matthew Herbert.

http://www.ministryofsound.com/radio/artist/RossAllen

SINDEN

Sinden is the London producer/DJ best known for his wide-ranging sets that include everything from Baltimore club, baile funk and hip hop to RnB/soul, dancehall, house/electro, Miami bass and grime.

Sinden has released one solo 12" 'Sinden EP' but has carved out a name as a remixer, rejigging everyone from Basement Jaxx and Mary J Blige to Plan B and Bonde Do Role. He's also known for his collaborations and remixes with Jesse Rose, Herve aka Count of Monte Cristal, and Dave "Switch" Taylor as A.Brucker & Sinden.

Taylor and Sinden also run the label Counterfeet and program 'Get Familiar' in the main room of Fabric, London every other month.

http://www.myspace.com/graemesinden

FREE LIVE MUSIC WITH NINJA TUNE'S ANDREYA TRIANA & NICK MULVEY (PORTICO QUARTET): LONDON, WED 3RD FEB

First of our free live music nights at the Rich Mix arts centre this Wednesday from 6pm. Come catch rising star Andreya Triana performing an exclusive acoustic set, plus support from the fantastic Nick Mulvey (from Mercury Prize nominees Portico Quartet). We have DJ sets from First World Records and Hang the DJ crew, plus market stalls from Malawian fashion label MIA Fashion, and Brazilian charity Bottletop.


Andreya

The Rich Mix venue is also running a stunning Cuban photography exhibition plus it's Orange Wednesdays so get cinema tickets 2-4-1 and watch: Edge of Darkness, A Prophet, Sherlock Holmes or The Road.

If you're coming from work you can get great food for under a fiver from the cafe and there's 2-4-1 on selected drinks at the bar.

So we have it all - food/drink/film/music/photography/fashion. The hibernation ends here - hit us back for guaranteed entry: will@lakeofstars.org

Night starts 6pm with live music from 8pm.



Rich Mix
35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA
Google Map

FREE LIVE MUSIC WITH NINJA TUNE'S ANDREYA TRIANA & NICK MULVEY (PORTICO QUARTET): LONDON, WED 3RD FEB

First of our free live music nights at the Rich Mix arts centre this Wednesday from 6pm. Come catch rising star Andreya Triana performing an exclusive acoustic set, plus support from the fantastic Nick Mulvey (from Mercury Prize nominees Portico Quartet). We have DJ sets from First World Records and Hang the DJ crew, plus market stalls from Malawian fashion label MIA Fashion, and Brazilian charity Bottletop.


Andreya

The Rich Mix venue is also running a stunning Cuban photography exhibition plus it's Orange Wednesdays so get cinema tickets 2-4-1 and watch: Edge of Darkness, A Prophet, Sherlock Holmes or The Road.

If you're coming from work you can get great food for under a fiver from the cafe and there's 2-4-1 on selected drinks at the bar.

So we have it all - food/drink/film/music/photography/fashion. The hibernation ends here - hit us back for guaranteed entry: will@lakeofstars.org

Night starts 6pm with live music from 8pm.



Rich Mix
35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA
Google Map

Andreya Triana @ Rich Mix, Wed 3rd February

Andreya is playing an exclusive acoustic set on February 3rd to launch the new vinspired Lake of Stars monthly residency at Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch.

Hotly tipped singer-songwriter Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune) is bringing her raw soulful sound to the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch for a FREE showcase to launch the vinspired Lake of Stars residency. It is the first in the Priceless Live series of events at Rich Mix and will also feature live acoustic support from Nick Mulvey, along with DJs Elphino, Gilla (First Word Records) and Andy Lemay (Hang the DJ), part of the vinspired Lake of Stars family.

It has been a heady time for Andreya since she was selected for a place at the illustrious Red Bull Music Academy, in the last year she has performed on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, garnered rave reviews from Benji B and Gilles Peterson and airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac. 2010 will also see the release of Andreya’s hotly anticipated album Lost Where I Belong, produced by jazzy beat master Bonobo, a beautifully honest album combining soul, folk, jazz and Bonobo's cinematic magic.

Festival favourite Nick Mulvey is to support Andreya with an acoustic solo set. Nick, one quarter of Portico Quartet, played the festival in 2008 and impressed everyone with his sun down set.

Check out Andreya and Nick on MySpace

Festival founder Will Jameson is excited about launching Rich Mix's Priceless Live series. “Our residency is an exciting opportunity for us to stage free, quality live events in the heart of Shoreditch, giving people a small glimpse of what our festival is all about. We are going to be booking some of the brightest talent of 2010 - and obviously in these cash-strapped times the price is right too!”

Full event details:
vinspired Lake of Stars presents: Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune)
With support from Nick Mulvey (Portico Quartet) live, and DJ's Eliphino, Gilla (First Word Records), Andy Lemay (Hang the DJ!)
Wednesday 3rd February, 8pm until late
FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.


www.lakeofstars.org
www.richmix.org.uk

Andreya Triana @ Rich Mix, Wed 3rd February

Andreya is playing an exclusive acoustic set on February 3rd to launch the new vinspired Lake of Stars monthly residency at Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch.

Hotly tipped singer-songwriter Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune) is bringing her raw soulful sound to the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch for a FREE showcase to launch the vinspired Lake of Stars residency. It is the first in the Priceless Live series of events at Rich Mix and will also feature live acoustic support from Nick Mulvey, along with DJs Elphino, Gilla (First Word Records) and Andy Lemay (Hang the DJ), part of the vinspired Lake of Stars family.

It has been a heady time for Andreya since she was selected for a place at the illustrious Red Bull Music Academy, in the last year she has performed on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury, garnered rave reviews from Benji B and Gilles Peterson and airplay from BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac. 2010 will also see the release of Andreya’s hotly anticipated album Lost Where I Belong, produced by jazzy beat master Bonobo, a beautifully honest album combining soul, folk, jazz and Bonobo's cinematic magic.

Festival favourite Nick Mulvey is to support Andreya with an acoustic solo set. Nick, one quarter of Portico Quartet, played the festival in 2008 and impressed everyone with his sun down set.

Check out Andreya and Nick on MySpace

Festival founder Will Jameson is excited about launching Rich Mix's Priceless Live series. “Our residency is an exciting opportunity for us to stage free, quality live events in the heart of Shoreditch, giving people a small glimpse of what our festival is all about. We are going to be booking some of the brightest talent of 2010 - and obviously in these cash-strapped times the price is right too!”

Full event details:
vinspired Lake of Stars presents: Andreya Triana (Ninja Tune)
With support from Nick Mulvey (Portico Quartet) live, and DJ's Eliphino, Gilla (First Word Records), Andy Lemay (Hang the DJ!)
Wednesday 3rd February, 8pm until late
FREE ENTRY @ Rich Mix Arts Centre 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA.


www.lakeofstars.org
www.richmix.org.uk

Transglobal Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st vinspired Lake of Stars Take-Over

London gig - Transglobal Underground at the Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st will be remembered among the Lake of Stars fans for the massive array of vinspired Lake of Stars events held UK-wide. With nights in Manchester, Bristol and London we really can say LOS took over the night scene.

While some crew members had gone off to Manchester and Bristol, I was one of the crew getting ready for the London performance of Transglobal Underground.

Across the hall from the Lake of Stars office, here at the Rich Mix, the London based collective Transglobal Underground or TUG geared up for one of their last performances of the year. Notorious for live performances with belly dancers, Nepalese temple guards, and fiery costumes, who knew what they could be up to?

The audience downstairs was packing the room with positive vibes and lots of energy. When the band came onstage, Middle Eastern sounds and dub invaded the room. In this auditorium, TUG seemed to be playing a jam session among old friends, with a laid back groove taking over the audience. Since the early 90s, this band has been responsible for many top hits like “Temple Head” and the more recent “Dancehall Operator”.


This time around the band performed an upbeat 90 minute set with percussionist Rav making sure no one took a breather. As I saw one audience member take off his boots, leave them on the stage and sway incessantly to the music, I knew Transglobal had managed, right here in the centre of London, to transport us to another world.

Words and pictures by Laura@Lake of Stars
For volunteering opportunities visit vinspired.com

Transglobal Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st vinspired Lake of Stars Take-Over

London gig - Transglobal Underground at the Rich Mix

Saturday November 21st will be remembered among the Lake of Stars fans for the massive array of vinspired Lake of Stars events held UK-wide. With nights in Manchester, Bristol and London we really can say LOS took over the night scene.

While some crew members had gone off to Manchester and Bristol, I was one of the crew getting ready for the London performance of Transglobal Underground.

Across the hall from the Lake of Stars office, here at the Rich Mix, the London based collective Transglobal Underground or TUG geared up for one of their last performances of the year. Notorious for live performances with belly dancers, Nepalese temple guards, and fiery costumes, who knew what they could be up to?

The audience downstairs was packing the room with positive vibes and lots of energy. When the band came onstage, Middle Eastern sounds and dub invaded the room. In this auditorium, TUG seemed to be playing a jam session among old friends, with a laid back groove taking over the audience. Since the early 90s, this band has been responsible for many top hits like “Temple Head” and the more recent “Dancehall Operator”.


This time around the band performed an upbeat 90 minute set with percussionist Rav making sure no one took a breather. As I saw one audience member take off his boots, leave them on the stage and sway incessantly to the music, I knew Transglobal had managed, right here in the centre of London, to transport us to another world.

Words and pictures by Laura@Lake of Stars
For volunteering opportunities visit vinspired.com

Vinspired Lake of Stars and the Rich Mix presents:
Saturday November 21st, 2009
TRANSGLOBAL UNDERGROUND
8pm-late
£9 advanced, £13 at the door

Transglobal Underground is a musical platform that formed in London in the early 90s. Born out of the desire to mix London’s vibrant multicultural musical scene into a new beat, these guys are the pick of the bunch in terms of world music.

Their unique sound has seen them tour the world with an ever growing line up. They became famous for their live shows featuring belly-dancers and extravagant costumes. Hip-hop, reggae, bhangra, traditional instruments and percussions are their preferred sounds.

This is definitely not one to miss-come along and experience the full force of Transglobal Underground!

Find more info about the band on their website:
www.transglobalunderground.net
and on the event in:
www.richmix.org.uk

See you Saturday!
Laura-Lake of Stars team

Vinspired Lake of Stars and the Rich Mix presents:
Saturday November 21st, 2009
TRANSGLOBAL UNDERGROUND
8pm-late
£9 advanced, £13 at the door

Transglobal Underground is a musical platform that formed in London in the early 90s. Born out of the desire to mix London’s vibrant multicultural musical scene into a new beat, these guys are the pick of the bunch in terms of world music.

Their unique sound has seen them tour the world with an ever growing line up. They became famous for their live shows featuring belly-dancers and extravagant costumes. Hip-hop, reggae, bhangra, traditional instruments and percussions are their preferred sounds.

This is definitely not one to miss-come along and experience the full force of Transglobal Underground!

Find more info about the band on their website:
www.transglobalunderground.net
and on the event in:
www.richmix.org.uk

See you Saturday!
Laura-Lake of Stars team