Event Review: Nike+ 10k Human Race

The Scene Magazine touched down in Londons most iconic sporting and entertainment venue, Wembley Stadium for London Nike+ 10k Human Race . For the first time, runners exclusively ran under the stadium, hitting the streets past live bands along the route and finally crossing the finish line upon 'Olympic Way'. The race celebrates the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet.

Moby

In support of the event, an exclusive pre race concert from music acts Pendulum, Moby and DJ Carl Craig was held which successfully managed to elevate the runners and spectators with a choice of up tempo tracks to really get the crowds going and also take their minds off the poor wet weather to which the acts all did a good job of!

Team GB Captain Paula Radcliffe also graced the stage offering her words of encouragement to the Nike+ runners just before all runners got involved in a mass work out session performed by trainer Sonja Moses. The race began at 7pm with each wave heading towards the starting line to begin the daughnting 10k run which got off to a great start with runners warmed up and ready to get going!

Pendulum

Runners across the world were joined by Nike athletes including distance runner Kara Goucher, 7-time Tour De France Champion Lance Armstrong both running in Austin, plus marathoner Paul Tergat in Rome.

Paula Radcliffe finished the Nike+ Human Race in 40 minutes and 52 seconds

The Nike+ Human Race participants support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation, WWF and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign.

Attendees include:

Paula Radcliffe (marathon world-record holder)
Lord Sebastian Coe (double Olympic Champion and Chairman of the British Olympic Association)
Alex Zane (Television and radio presenter)
Moby (DJ and singer-songwriter)
Pendulum (Drum and Bass group)
Carl Craig (Detroit-born DJ)

The Scene Magazine Interviews: @Luke Miley Creative

@Luke Miley a fresh, young creative entertainment agency primarily working within Fashion, Music, Photography and P.R. With a vision to take the lead in the world of UK and International entertainment services, the agency continuously strives on success having worked with music artists from Def Jam, Universal, Dipset, Choice FM and BBC 1Xtra to name a few.

@Luke Miley also works with a range of top industry stylists, designers, models, photographers, make-up artists and hair stylists. They are continuing to work with new and existing clients and are also bringing them to the forefront of the entertainment and fashion industry.





1. What’s happening Luke and how is everything going?

Everything is real good right night, just mad busy with a load of different projects going on!

2. When did you first decide to start a career in international PR and tell us a little about your experience and background in PR?

You know what! I never wanted to do this! I wanted to be a pilot! I still want to be one now flying a jumbo jet or something! I started training pretty young (I actually almost crashed a plane by being a fool and trying a nose dive) but I knew I wasn’t going to get the grades in school and college plus I didn’t have the money to keep it up so I let it drift!

Before learning to fly, I started training with a company called Ape-Media to be a radio presenter I loved it, it was amazing! I was 13/14 and the station got a licence to broadcast for a month on FM and I had a week day show 12-2. I interviewed artists such as Soundbwoy, Terri Walker, Omar, Akala and Baby Blue it was amazing for me, I actually had a proper little show! After the broadcast, I kept in contact with everyone and I still work with almost all of them up until this day! Shout out to Ape-Media, they are fantastic I still work with them too!

Kamuran Kavaz (Model/Choreographer) - @Luke Miley

3. What exactly does @Luke Miley do?

Well that’s a hard one because we do so much people always get it confused and think we are a modelling agency or a photography agency. We have models and we have photographers, but we have just about everything else too, from DJ’s to fashion stylists, spray painters, hair stylists and jewellery brands.

We provide a lot of P.R to music artists signed to major labels and we also work on independent projects. Our fees are not disgustingly large, which is why people do come to us and get a fantastic service! I have just signed an amazing photographer called Iizsik (www.lukemiley.co.uk/iizisk), his work is amazing and I can quite honestly say he is one of the best emerging talents coming out of this country!

We have promo teams too, so if your looking to promote a product we have girls and guys up and down the country ready to promote your service!

5. Working with clients such as Lucy Ambache (Choice FM Breakfast), Ronnie Herel (BBC 1XTRA), Denise Brown (Stylist to the stars Rhianna, Kanye, Cassie, Jasmia (Britain’s Next Top Model) to name a few, How does it feel to be working with such an extensive and popular client list?

It’s fantastic, they are all amazingly talented people and I’m not just saying that! I do have some horror stories about some total prats I have worked with from producers, DJ’s and artists, but I will save that for when I'm a multi millionaire and write a tell all book! It’s funny because sometimes I sit back and relax at home and I may turn on the radio and I will hear one of my artists on air and its one of the most satisfying things to hear!

To know you got them there and people are enjoying their music is an amazing feeling or even when you see a client featured in a magazine and realise you work with them is brilliant as it shows that all the hard work is paying off.

Lucy Ambache (Choice FM Breakfast DJ) - @Luke Miley

6. Ok, can you tell us what a typical day for you is like?

Well it depends what time I go to bed or if I go to bed! I try to make sure all my meetings and appointments are booked after 12:30pm so I get to have a lay in the morning (bearing in mind I go to bed at around 5/6am!) I go through my emails throughout the day on my Blackberry, go to shoots, meetings, try and fit in a bit of shopping, phone calls, workshops the list goes on! No two days are ever the same!

7. How important do you think networking and keeping contacts is to a business and do you think the rise of social networking sites have given more aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to build their business?

Networking and contacts is crucial to a business, good relationships will gain you a rep, higher profile and will lead to bigger things! It’s true it’s about who you know!

8. Operating in such a competitive industry such as Fashion and Music, how do you plan to give ‘@Luke Miley’ that competitive edge?

Now that’s a secret! You just need to know your game and not be scared of competition and be original! Try and not follow the crowd, being a sheep is not cool and it doesn’t do your bank balance any justice!

Benjart Clothing - Photographer - Iizsik - @Luke Miley

9. When looking at potential clients, what kind of things do you look for?

Individuality! It’s key… I don’t go for just the run off the mill. I’m a crazy person so I like crazy things! But this is not even being rude 'NOT EVERYONE IS A MODEL!' I look through applications some times and I think, 'can I see them on a front cover of a magazine? You need to be able to take rejection and not be calling me or my assistant’s phone complaining saying “Why aren’t you working with me you’ll be sorry!” It gets slightly jarring!

10. What recent projects have you been working on?

Well there are quite a few things in the pipe line that I cant really talk about at the moment, but there are some massive things going on right now. This year were working on London Fashion week which is totally hot and we just supplied a load of our hot models for the front cover of RWD Magazine. You can also check out some of our girls in Sway and Lemars video which is coming out pretty soon.

We are also involved in the community and work in partnership with Ape Media/Newham council to provide work shops for youth during term and half term breaks. The courses range from tee shirt making, runway coaching, spray paiting, animation and so forth. We supply highly skilled creatives to teach, meaning the kids are gaining excellent skills which may help them later on in life if they choose to go down the creative route!

11. What advice would you give to those who are willing to start up their own business?

Be prepared for a long winded process, you need to be able to have determination and self discipline! Alot of people think you can get up in the morning and start new businesses, but I don’t think people realise that it consumes your whole life!

Website: http://www.lukemiley.co.uk

Want Respect? Use a Condom Competition: Win a years supply of Fusion Condoms!

Fusion condoms have teamed up with Want Respect?, Use a Condom to further promote awareness of safe sex. To celebrate, The Scene Magazine are giving 2 lucky readers the chance to win a years supply of Fusion condoms (103 in total).

To Win: All you need to do is send us an email and answer the following question:

The new Safe Sex Flex music video dedicated to the Want Respect?, Use a Condom campaign features which UK artists?

Send us your name and address with your entry to: press@repdascene.com and we will get back to you by the email address you sent your entry to us by if you are one of the winners.

Any details you send us will not be shared outside of The Scene Magazine. We will not send you any emails/post other than to tell you if you have won..which means no spam! The Scene Magazine will also not take responsibility for loss of items in the post.

Hint! - www.MySpace.com/wantrespect

To enter the competition, you must be 16 years+

Fusion Condoms and their website – www.fusioncondoms.com

Good Luck!

Event Review: San Miguel Hidden Depths - Secretsundaze

July 31st saw the 3rd San Miguel Hidden Depths event titled 'Secretsundaze' held in the popular T Bar located in Shoreditch, East London. Following from the highly successful events in London and Manchester, Secretsundaze was going to be alot different from the previous events held in the past by headlining underground House and Techno DJ's Giles Smith and James Priestley who took a break from their summer of Secretsundaze parties to curate a very special night for San Miguel. Hidden Depths made sure that this was going to be a night to remember by transforming the venue into a bespoke space with customised art and print design, ensuring a unique audience experience.

With Secretsundaze being invite only event, the venue had a very good turn out with party goers in high spirits which in turn created a good atmosphere especially with the headline artists being DJ's Giles Smith and James Priestley on set to provide audiences with a mix of Ibiza style sounds to really get the party mood in full swing. The venue was fully kitted out with comfortable seating areas and wide screen plasma tv screens situated near the centre of the dance floor which captured revellers doing their thing on the dance floor as well as showing screenshots of past Secretsundaze events that were held in locations around London.

Giles and James set included their consistant blends of Deep House and Techno which got the crowd hyped with some serious head nodding and inventive dance styles which drew the attention of those crowds who were not so keen on getting on to the dance floor, but as the Ibiza sounds started echoeing throughout the venue, the whole crowd began to feel the vibes and joined in the echoic mixtures of underground House and Techno compilations.

Overall, The entire event was entertaining and the performances from Giles Smith and James Priestly, plus special guests including Black Science and Detroit made the night even more memorable. The visual support from the plasma tv screens and unique art and design displays created more of a unique expreince. Definitely, another successful event provided by San Miguel Hidden Depths.

Website: www.sanmiguel.co.uk
Myspace: www.myspace.com/secretsundaze

Review: Bulldog Skincare Range

There are various mens grooming products out there on the market, but men still have a hard time finding the right skin care range which will work for them. Now that could be a thing of the past! A new men’s grooming range called Bulldog has launched on to the market and aims to meet the needs of men who are finding it a challenge searching for the right skincare range that works.

With more and more men getting used to the idea of filling up their bathroom cabinets with the latest grooming technology, Bulldog offers a wide range of specialist organic products for sensitive skin. The range includes moisturisers, shaving gels, post shaving balms, shower gels and face scrubs...an ideal kit for those guys who are serious about their grooming regime.
Having tried the new skin care range out, Bulldog does not easily irritate your skin or leave your skin feeling dry after applying generous amounts of moisturising cream, which is down to their use of natural ingredients. Instead, your skin will feel re-energised and feeling smooth, especially their shower gel which has refreshing Lemon and Bergamot scent.

The face wash contains Shea butter which is known for its moisturising properties and Rosehip oil which helps nourish and sooth the skin. The moisturising cream contains two important ingredients which are Green Tea and Green Algae which aid skin hydration. Another piece of good news is that not only is Bulldog skin care range affordable and has those all important essential oils, but they also have that sophisticated and masculine fragrance which will leave you feeling fresh and re-energised after a hectic day at work or after a workout at the gym. Bulldog definitely deserves its own shelf in your bathroom.

The Bulldog skin care range is available at Sainsburys, Superdrug, Waitrose and Planet Organic.

Website: www.meetthebulldog.com

CUT-it-Out Campaign at Underage Music Festival

August 8th will see 10,000 teenagers between 14-18 years old descend on London’s Victoria Park this year for the UK’s only underage music festival. Returning for a second year, the festival will see headline acts sharing the main stage with winning films from the anti-bullying initiative CUT-it-Out. This festival will also help empower young teens to lead anti-bullying campaigns in their schools, colleges and local communities as bullying is still rife amongst young teens.

Launched last year by former X-Factor winner, Shayne Ward, Vodafone UK and Beatbullying’s CUT-it-Out campaign asked teenagers to submit their ideas for a short film to reduce bullying. The winning three concepts were transformed into short films which will feature on giant stage-side plasmas, reaching all festival attendees, between performances. The films will also be streamed via Bluetooth to teenagers’ mobile handsets at the event.

Created exclusively for teenagers, the Underage Music Festival is headlined by UK music artist Dizzee Rascal and will feature a full day of some of the most popular current teenage acts including hardcore punk band The Gallows, The Maccabees, The Rascals and Care Bears.

The Scene Magazine will be heading to the music festival to bring you a full review of the event with a special report from an official CUT-it-Out Music Festival reporter...so stay tuned!

More information: www.underagefestivals.com

Baby J collaborates with Want Respect?

Hip Hop producer Baby J has collaborated with Want Respect? Use a Condom to create the 'Safe Sex Flex' track to help raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and encourage young people to practice safe sex. Baby J, who is currently touring with Jay-Z and Mark Ronson, created the track with artists Rukus, Malik, Wariko and Yelitza.

Speaking on the project Baby J states: “I wanted to produce a track for Want Respect? Use a Condom because I understand the merits of educating young people about a positive and safe attitude towards sex. If I can raise awareness of safe sex via my music it’s the least I can do as a responsible father myself.”

Malik, the leading voice of Hip Hop in Birmingham said: "I think there needs to be more awareness about the dangers of unprotected sex and this campaign helps spread the message of safe sex via music to youth - they are the ones that need the information the most."

Rukus, who has worked closely with Baby J for a number of years said: "It’s important to raise this issue as some people think it’s cool to not use protection or it can’t affect them, but everybody is at risk."

The Scene Magazine will be having an exclusive interview with Baby J soon...so stay tuned!

The Safe Sex Flex track and video is available for download below or on www.MySpace.com/wantrespect or at www.babyj.biz.

Safe Sex Flex Track

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/588171707/10b2146384bb5 7ac99077482246eefd3

Safe Sex Flex Video

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/588172131/b0c1bdd649303 b265ffcd49e1ba68e14

Stay Dry, Stay Focussed And Get The Girl!

The new Lynx Sharp Focus, the latest in the range, combines the extra efficiency of an anti-perspirant with the legendary pulling power of the "Lynx Effect", to help guys stay focused on the mating game.

As the weather hots up this summer and the girls come out to play, no scenario makes guys sweat more than spotting a hot girls, Whether lounging by the pool or out on the town with the lads. Research proves that worrying about sweaty pits makes guys sweat even more, a distraction that can inevitably result in mating game failure!

Luckily the scientists over at Lynx have created the perfect solution that removes the distraction of those embarrasing sweaty moments. The new fragrance contains stimulating mint notes and natural peppermint, which studies have shown can actually increase alertness, allowing guys to focus their full attention on getting the girl! Lynx Sharp Focus actually helps to reduce sweat rather than just covering odour, enabling guys to wave goodbye to underarm sweat and wave hello to the girls, whilst keeping them fresh and dry in any mating scenario.

The Scene Magazine received a sample of the new Lynx fragrance and although alot of 'science' has gone into the anti-perspirant to end those embarassing moments, Lynx Sharp Focus still has that fresh and stimulating scent that will draw the attention of that girl!

Lynx Sharp Focus is available nationwide with an RRP of £2.59.

San Miguel and Hidden Depths

Hidden Depths is back for a second year, featuring one-off collaborations, special guests and exclusive performances from a collection of today’s most intriguing artists. It brings together all forms of entertainment including live music, DJ sets, art, AV and film. There will also be some hidden talents and special guests that will only be revealed on the night.

San Miguel will be hosting a series of 5 intimate events entitled Hidden Depths across London & Manchester starting on Thursday 26th June. In collaboration with San Miguel, showcasing the hidden depths of these artists, people will experience a unique night out and reap the benefits of looking beneath the surface of standard night out. These events will definetely appeal to people's curiosity and boost enthusiasm about the UK's most original and intriguing artists that is already beginning to show in the UK music scene.

In support of San Miguel and Hidden Depths, The Scene Magazine will be giving away new copies of the 'Wall of Sound' album in a brand new competiton which will be featured here soon.

To register for the free tickets, sign up on:

http://www.sanmiguel.co.uk

Also check out heir Myspace at:

http://www.myspace.com/hiddendepthstv

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Killagram

Born and named Gordon Jamieson, the 1/2 Colombiano and 1/2 Scottish MC, raised in London, started making music at the age of 18. Since picking up the mic, Killagram has been priveliged enough to rap in the presence of Rap group legends 'Cypress Hill', and more recently Eminem's protege Obie Trice. Creating a buzz for himself and releasing his mixtape 'The Foreign Exchange' hosted by G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kid. The mixtape is now still in heavy rotation and is recieving alot of positive feedback and recognition in the states as well as in the UK.

The Scene Magazine caught up with Killagram to see how things are going state side, his future projects and new mixtape and album plans.

1. What’s happening Killagram and how is everything going?

Everything is cool, just grinding making this music thing work.

2. Being approached by DJ Whoo Kid to host your mixtape ‘The Foreign Exchange’, how did that all come about?

Whilst working on the mixtape we where figuring out who could be host, being that Whoo kid is known as the mixtape king we decided to approach him. My manager is down with G-Unit so he hooked up a meeting for him to listen to my material. He came in and listened to the whole mixtape and said that he liked it! We were trying to get Westwood to do one half and Whoo kid to do the other but it didn't work out, maybe next time.

3. You have collaborated with artists such as Pharoahe Monch, Akon and Fabolous, how did it feel to be working with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and which artist/s have you enjoyed working with the most?

It was a blessing to get these artists on my mixtape. I am a huge fan of Pharaohe monch and Akon. Akon is a very humble person and extremely hard working. So it would probably be him.

Killagram & DJ Whoo Kid

4. Got a classic question for you here, what makes your music different from any other UK hip hop artist/producer?

I'm half Colombian and Half Scottish so I think that really sums it up! I speak fluent Spanish and encorporate it into my music. At the end of the day it's my roots and I'm proud of them and it shows in my music. Generally everything about me is different from the style of my flow to lyrical content.

5. Since your mixtape has been in heavy rotation, what’s the feedback on the streets been like in London and the US?

It's been great! People are feeling it, I think people tend to look at me and judge, and when they hear the mixtape they are like Ohhh shit! But it has definitely been positive.

There is always some hatred but it's cool Fuck them!

6. What do you think of the UK urban music scene right now and what do you think of the influx of new talent that is starting to come through?

I think that there is a lot of Talent in the UK! Unfortunately, there is no financial backing for talent rap music wise. I think that the influx of talent is very good for the British music scene. I hope it can one day dominate. Don't get it fucked up though there is a lot of UK bullshit too!

7. Do you think social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook have given more aspiring music artists a chance to show their talent?

Definitely. We have seen artist such as Lilly allen get signed off Myspace and I'm sure there are more. It's a great way to show talent but again you find that such networking sites get polluted with trash too. But it's cheap, easy to use and a great marketing tool. It's amazing that you can get someone on the other side of the world listen to your music and give you feedback.

8. When and where was your first live performance state side and how did the crowd react?

My first show over here was last year at a spot called SNITCH. It was good I performed with a live band. The crowd like it a lot they were shocked that I had an english accent and could speak Spanish! I could hear them reacting to my punchlines which is always a good sign.

9. What’s the plan for 2008, can you give us a low down on what projects you will be working on?

Right now I'm writing more songs, I am getting an album together and working on a mixtape. I'm still working The foreign Exchange mixtape trying to open up as many avenues as possible. It's a slow grind in the right direction.

10. What advice would you give to those who are trying to make an impact in the music scene?

Make sure it is really what you want! This music shit is no joke! The industry is not as glamorous as it portrays itself and it's a lot of hard work! But if it's your dream then go for it !

The Foreign Exchange is available for free download: www.killagrammusic.com.

Shout outs!

My mum, Dad, Sister, Cucu, Selvin Jay, Energyman, Acevedo, DJ Whoo Kid , Shuler and Tony&Co!

Peace.

Interview by: Leon B
Big thanks to: Toney&Co

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Anusha

The Scene Magazine caught up with UK music artist Anusha to talk about her new album 'Hybrid Vision'. Born in Cardiff to parents of Sri Lanken and Mauritan decent, Anusha aims to make a big impact in the UK music scene. With a fusion of Eastern and Western culture her new album will definietly be a mix of sounds that UK RnB fans will enjoy!

Her new single 'Have it All' will be released on 2nd June


1. When did your career in music start and how did you begin to pursue it?

My career started when I first realised I could sing and then I met my Producer and we started to collaborate on my album.

2. Your new single 'Have it All' is due to be released in May, can you tell us a little about the single?

‘Have It All' is a catchy R&B/Club track with some great remixes by the Wideboys, ADP, Stylus and TMP. I love this single! The download release is on the 19th May and the main release is June 2nd.

3. Your new debut album 'Hybrid Vision', what was your idea behind this album and what are we going to expect from it?

It's called ‘Hybrid Vision’ because I’m a fusion of Eastern and Western Culture and that is reflected in the album. My father is from Sri Lanka and my mother is from Mauritius and so I was exposed to a wide range of music growing up. I am wishing for a lot of success!

4. What do you think of the UK music scene right about now?

Right now the music scene is hot and I am very proud to be apart of it.

5. How would you describe your style of music?

I would describe my music as Pop, R&B with a lot of heart and soul.

6. What's your favourite song on the album?

‘Circles’ because it’s about the highs and lows of life, it’s from the heart and it really touches me.

7. What kind of feedback have you received so far?

I’ve been receiving great feedback and I hope people continue to support, I’m really looking forward to be winning over more fans during the Shane Ward tour!

8. Looking at your busy show schedule, how does it feel to be supporting acts such as Shane Ward and Mutya Buena?

I’m very excited about the Shane Ward tour, it’s been my dream for as long I can remember to be performing on stages like the O2, I mean these are the biggest stages in Britain so you can imagine that I’m just ecstatic, I’m really looking forward to it. Apparently, I will be performing in front of 2,000 people so it’s going to be an experience. I’ve supported Mutya Buena once before, I love her songs so I’m really happy to be supporting her again and she’s also such a lovely artist.

9. Although you’re working (performing) at these shows it must be a great experience to also seeing their live performance and being influenced by them?

I think you can always learn from watching other artists and I’ve learnt so much from the artists that I’ve supported

10. Does it ever get a bit overwhelming?

Not really because my shows are really structured, I rehearse a lot and there are people around me that keep everything in line for me. I can only be the best I can be so I try not to be overwhelmed as I like to stay focused on what I’m doing in that space and time.

11. What future plans do you have musically?

My plan is to continue to work extremely hard and hopefully more opportunities will come my way and I look forward to preceding them and doing the best I can. Maybe one day I’ll be able to fulfil my dreams such as supporting Fabulous and the AMAZING Janet Jackson and also be the top of the bill on my own tour that would be amazing! I just hope that if I keep working hard it will happen.

Interview by: Leon B

Special Feature: Rosabella Gregory

Introducing, the extraordinary talent that is, Rosabella Gregory. Her delightfully involving songs feature page-turning narratives and piano detail as elegant as classic architecture. They speak as much of classical music and American folk as they do of classic songwriters, fuelled by a personal soundtrack that has embraced both Beethoven and Billy Joel, both Tori Amos and Metallica.

That entire cultural DNA makes up the singular style of the Hertfordshire-born daughter of an Egyptian father and Indian mother, who came together from disparate cultural backgrounds and raised the Gregory sisters within a stone’s throw of remote Dartmoor.

Rosabella collaborated with her un-identical twin, Dina, in a partnership that continues to this day. From early on, it was a successful partnership. At a young age, they were winning such prizes as the ENO Original Opera competition in 1992, the BBC Pebble Mill Song for Christmas in 1993, and the 1994 Yamaha Rock and Pop Awards where they consequently beat Chris Martin of Coldplay to 1st prize! Rosabella’s voice has also been used on many popular TV commercials.

Each track takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring love and loss and addressing topical issues. For example, ‘Under the Rubble’ was written after she watched a moving documentary on Channel 4 that focused on the Iraq war and a specific man who lost his entire family in a bomb blast. Rosabella likes to see her songs as not auto-biographical but more a narration into her thoughts and the lives of others.

Rosabella’s path could have been a very different one, as her family members excelled in everything academic. But driven by a deep love of her craft, she took the plunge into music and it seems that academia’s loss is brooding piano-pop’s gain.

Watch out for an interview coming soon!

New Girl On The Scene: Nayo!

After phenomenal success last year, her new album African Girl is tipped for bigger success, with a collection of beautifully crafted lyrics and smooth melodies.

Nayo (nigh-awh) is no ordinary girl. Born Temitope Odunayo Abidoye in Lagos, Nigeria, Nayo arose from the tragedy of losing her father through the power of music, faith and hope. Amidst the harsh realities of her troubled nation whilst grooving along to Astrud Gilberto, Sade and the politically charged lyrics of Nigeria’s own Fela Kuti, Nayo looked inward and sought to turn around her tragedy into something positive. With this renewed sense of determination, she relocated to the UK shortly after and has been working on this amazing new album. Remixes of the track African Girl immediately found its way to Number 11 on the UK Club Chart and on to the Ministry of Sound’s “HedKandi Serve Chilled” compilation.

'Desert Storm', the new single, is an ode to the Sahara about the phenomenon of inescapable attraction. Co-written with KK (Dido, Kylie Minogue), the track features strong influences of jazz, trip hop and bossanova.

With so much more to come, Nayo’s smooth vocal style and exciting dance remixes are going to take the UK by storm and her new album Desert Storm and African Girl will melt away your winter blues.

With Nayo already featured in Time Out, Daily Mirror and Blues and Soul. The Scene Magazine will be having an exclusive interview with the songstress very soon. So stay tuned!

Site: www.nayomusic.com

The Scene Magazine Interviews: Valmike Rampersad

With projects such as 'Right Hand Drive' and 'Get To Know Me' successfully completed and now currently filming 'Open Secrets' alongside BAFTA nominee actor Saeed Jaffrey, Valmike Rampersad is ready to show the world his acting talent. With his first professional role in the 2007 film 'Aisha and Nadeem', the young actor tells us how his career has been so far and talks to us about his various projects to date.

Taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to The Scene Magazine, we get to find out about how things are going and what new projects are in store for the up and coming actor.

1. When did you first realise that you wanted to become an actor and what attracted you to turn it into a career?

Acting was always something I was interested in but I never thought about pursuing it. I started going to the Method Studio on a whim, just to see what it would be like, in the evenings after work. The classes soon took over my weekends and before I knew it, it was all I was thinking about. Performing gave me a different kind of buzz from my day job so I decided to take a risk and apply to Drama school. I was thrilled when I got in. I guess I didn't want to spend the rest of my life thinking 'what if'. Seeing more and more Asian actors on screen was also very encouraging.

2. Can you tell us more about the project ‘Aisha and Nadeem’ which was executive produced by Marc Boothe, 'Bullet Boy'?

That was my first professional job. It is a film about a brother and sister. Aisha is 'English' and always has been, but her world collapses when her brother Nadeem is abducted by American soldiers while traveling in Pakistan and is subsequently taken to Guantanamo bay. The process was very different from other films I have since worked on. My 'sister' and I spent a lot of time together in character in public, doing the things siblings do. The dialogue was purely improvised when we filmed, there was no script which made it both difficult and easy. Easy in the sense that I didn't have to worry about my lines. Kothai, the Director based the film on a true story and the characters backgrounds subsequently developed in rehearsals.

3. How do you feel about watching yourself after you performed in front of the camera? Do you ever think that you could have improved in certain scenes, or are you mostly content with your work?

I still don't enjoy seeing myself on screen. It's a bit like hearing your own voice when you play back the voicemail message on your mobile. I don't think I will ever get over that. The process of developing a character and then filming it is way more rewarding.

I am a perfectionist and I always think that there is room for improvement. Acting is an on-going learning process for me. I still go to classes in the evenings whenever I have the opportunity. Every time you work with a new Director or crew, you learn something new.

4. Knowing how to transcend into different role types and accents, do you think this gives you a bigger advantage?

I think all actors need to know how to transcend into different role types and accents, so I'm not really at a bigger advantage. Training (at Central School of Speech and Drama) definitely gave me the confidence to be able to bring different characters to the roles, genuinely tap into my emotions and a good understanding of how to learn accents, which is always good fun.

5. You have recently completed a drama titled 'Get To Know Me' directed by Danish newcomer Tommy Ipsen at Zentropa (Lars Von Trier and Tomas Vinterberg's) studios, Denmark, can you tell us more about your role in this project?

The film is inspired by 'Pi' (Darren Aronofsky), 'A Scanner Darkly', 'Science of Sleep' and the computer game 'Final Fantasy 7'. I play the lead 'Peter'. It is set in modern Berlin where Peter meets Sarah while trying to unravel the secrets of his forgotten past. He creates a 'system' that he thinks will unravel people's energy connections and his connection to Sarah. Peter is an obsessed, methodical, transatlantic young man and the story unfolds as he discovers the answers.

6. What is the most difficult scene you have had to shoot in your career?

That's got to be a scene from 'Get To Know Me', which was shot entirely on green screen. It was a very emotional two hander scene, but because of the camera angle and the green screen, I had no one to act with. The lines were given to me from behind the camera whilst I had to imagine that the actress I was speaking to was right in front of me. Tommy (Director) wanted different levels of emotion, so we did seven takes and I had to cry seven times. After each take I would say to Tommy that I didn't think I could cry again, but he got it out of me.

7. What have been the biggest challenges you have faced so far in your acting career?

One night after a sellout show of 'Collision' at the Edinburgh Fringe festival last year, we all went out to celebrate. I am not a big drinker and I had one too many that night which made my performance the following night very difficult. Ever since, I avoid alcohol from the minute I start preparing for a role.

I welcome a challenge though and as my career is relatively new (graduated from Drama school in July 07), I hope that there will be even bigger challenges in the future.

8. What type of films, theatre do you like?

I really enjoy Dramas. I watch a lot of TV and was/am hooked on 'Mistresses', 'Spooks' and 'Brothers and Sisters'. Some of my favourite plays are 'The Vertical Hour' and 'Piano Forte', both at The Royal Court and 'Festen'. It would be amazing if someone did the Asian version of 'Festen' (based on the dogma movie by Thomas Vinterberg). As for films, that's a really long list. There are so many brilliant films. One that immediately comes to mind has to be 'La Vie En Rose'.

9. What role has had the biggest impact on your career and has any of your work caught the attention of other movie directors in the industry?

All of my work is relatively new and still in post production. It amazes me how long it takes. 'Aisha and Nadeem', is the only completed film which has gone on to various festivals and was picked up for international distribution at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival. It is also now being made into a feature. It's still early days after all and hopefully the work that I have done will start making the film circuits soon.

10. Any plans to do theatre work? Which do you prefer film, TVor theatre?

It would be a dream to work at The National, The Royal Court or The Donmar. I go to the theatre a lot in between jobs. I don't really have a preference as such. It is very different from film and TV, but equally rewarding. I really do enjoy them all. Each medium requires the same level of preparation.

Valmike and actor Saeed Jaffery

11. Can you tell us about your latest project?

I have just completed filming 'Open Secrets' alongside Saeed Jaffrey (BAFTA nominee,'My Beautiful Laundrette', 'Gandhi', 'The Man Who Would Be King') which was a brilliant experience. I play a suicidal manic depressive and Saeed plays my Uncle. The film deals with the stigma of mental health in the Asian community. Working with someone as talented as Saeed was an amazing learning experience. He has so much energy and even at 79, is still so excited and enthusiastic about filming.

12. What was it like?

It was a bit of a challenge to develop the character and to bring myself to a really dark place for the attempted suicide scene. The character, Sunil, is 21 which meant bringing a certain innocence and naivety to the role (Valmike is 27). I also had to learn to smoke like a real smoker, that meant taking it into my lungs and 'enjoying it' first thing in the morning.

My character finds solace in smoking so it was crucial to the role. I didn't want to act it. Sunil is depressed most of the time, but medicated, with slight mood swings. It was a bit of a luxury to shoot most of the film in chronological order. Azeem Khan