Project Alfie
Franchize the Legacy
Singing Melody
Hailee Araya
Chino
Rubee Rayne
City Kid
Beverley Knight
Wouter Hamel
Akala
ATN
Speech Debelle
Combining a gentle blend of pop and reggae against soft beats, Hailee Araya is compared with the likes of Etana and Jennifer Lopez. Just 22 years-old, she’s already making waves in the music industry with her first single ‘Rid you of my love’ released last year to delight of internet audiences.
The Ethiopian Swedish singer songwriter was born and raised in Lund, and currently resides in Miami. Her passion for music began at a young age when she learned the piano, which she uses to compose her songs. She learned the guitar, and is now taking on the drums, all of which help define her motivations and talent to pursue a career in music.
Hailee has started a charity group called Project Abel, named after her little brother. Donations of $10 dollars is transformed into cooked and packaged meals for those in need. She wants Project Abel to expand so that she can help get people off the streets, as well as helping run domestic violence shelters.
She has performed in several festivals since her early teens, including the Uppsala Reggae Festival in 2009. The media is taking notice, having covered her on the online magazine United Reggae and Addis Zeffen. Her attitude and generous spirit, as well as her talent, will have her noticed in 2012 – be sure to watch this space!
Check out her debut single here .
Hailee’s official web page
Twenty-five year old, London-based Project Alfie blends modern R&B sounds with those from the 50s and 60s. His appreciation for film legend like Steve McQueen and Michael Caine compliments his fashion style, and the nostalgic tints to his sound. His influences include Michel Legrand and Donny Hathaway, adding to his ability to cross old sounds with new.
His highly charged emotional track ‘Beggin’ features on the Universal Compilation R&B Collection 2012, marking him as the only unsigned act to be featured on the album. He has collaborated with Sway for the upcoming album release, and is also set to feature on the renowned urban star’s own album.
He’s humbled by the feedback he’s received for his mixtape, as explained in his interview with online magazine Avenue mag: ‘I’m amazed at the reaction, people have been fantastic in their support for it. When I read [what] DJ Semtex said... I was like ‘wow!’ Of course it makes you feel good! But I also think it’s important to never believe your own hype and I just want to keep making the best music I can.’
His sampling of hip hop classics such as Jay-Z's 'Dead President' and Dr Dre's 'Still D.R.E.', were lauded by Reverbnation as ‘...the perfect music you want to vibe to anytime of the day.’
Audiences have started to take notice of this adventurous up and comer, as has the media. Watch out for him this year!
Check out his channel on YouTube .
‘Franchize the Legacy’ is a twenty-year old hip-hop artist from Toronto. Aged ten, he began his career rapping in talent shows and freestyle battles with other up and coming artists, where his clever word play and creative song structure set him apart from the rest.
In 2011, knowing he had what it takes, he uploaded his mixtape ‘Star Academy’ online, resulting in over 10,000 downloads and fast became a part of the internet consciousness. Impact made, he was interviewed about his track ‘On the Beat’, which earned him coverage on Canda’s TV station Rogers Television who applauded his ‘unique flavour’ and dubbed his music ‘current’.
From this TV interview, he premiered a video in June, followed by more TV exposure, which lead to him appearing in a marathon special in August.
His strict work ethic and business etiquette saw his first promotional video ‘Ready to Roll’ attract over 20,000 views in the first week. Audiences became aware of his determination, and his steadfast attitude.
His entrepreneurial skills and confidence has seen the advent of ‘Franchize Fridays’ where he drops a music video or sound track every Friday to draw in the crowds to listen to his music, continually striving for his dream of making it to the top.
He works to turn the negative influences in his life into art, and his team is determined to see Francis do what he says he will. His videos will be released every Friday until his new mixtape release, ‘Star Academy 2’ is released.
Download Franchize’s Star Academy mixtape here.
Singing Melody’s moniker may sound clichéd, but he appeals to the masses no less with a soulful voice to accompany such a title. A natural talent, Mr (Singing) Melody emulates the Beres Hammonds and Chinos currently saturating the music market with heartfelt, understated songs.
Born Everton Hardweare, Singing Melody first hit the scene 1987, performing for the legendary reggae producer, King Tubby and Tie Mi. Kingston, Jamaica born, Melody has had his music heard all over the world including the Netherlands, Germany and Slovenia.
In 1997, he formed a group ‘L.U.S.T’, which topped the charts with ‘Flex Me’, ‘Run Free’ and the number one ‘Sweetness of Your Love.’ The song won seven reggae awards, including Song of the Year and won L.U.S.T. Best Group of the Year.
A soloist by nature, he has performed at the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Reggae Sumfest, Sunsplash, The New York Music Festival, the Jamaican Film Festival, the Tamika Reggae Awards, the International Reggae and World Music Awards and the Reggae Soca Music Awards.
His television appearances saw him win the Martin’s International Reggae and World Music Awards for Best Music Video and Most Improved Entertainer. He was named Male Singer of the Year by one of Jamaica’s leading entertainment newspapers and has often been featured in the Jamaica Gleaner.
Throughout January and February, Melody will be on the road promoting the album, which will include album signings in select cities in the US, the Caribbean and the UK. Be sure to look out for Singing Melody in 2012!
‘They Call Me Mr. Melody’ is available online at http://www.vpreggae.com/product-p/shem0098.2.htm and all major digital retail outlets.
Additional information is available on Singing Melody’s site: http://singingmelodymusic.com/international/theycallmemrmelody/.
Poni (Marsha Bryant) is the female rapper / song writer from London. Her style is a tantalising mix of fused American hip hop and the brazen talk of the British Streets. She’s worked with some well known producers and has had songs produced by Deezle (who worked with Lil Wayne), Birdman and Mannie Fresh. Not content with simply music superstardom, she launched her own fashion label M.Bryant in 2008. She tells Get Delirious of her exploits and love of music.
GD: When can we expect the new album?
P: The album is ready and I’m always building on new stuff. It will be out real soon. It’ll come out really soon! I’m recording all the time dropping new stuff on iTunes all the time. The way artists release things is different now.
GD: iTunes is a big place, but we figure it’s easier to manage and find material than most other places.
P: Just type in Poni; P-O-N-I! [Lol]
GD: Is there anyone featuring on it specifically?
P: I actually wanted Sean Paul and Shaggy on it, as I was speaking to their teams about my new album. It would have been cool, especially with Shaggy and the old skool type vibe. I love rap music but I have a British accent so the whole continental cross over element would work very well.
GD: Sort of the whole Kanye [West] and Estelle mixture?
P: My thing is different because I’m not on the label with them, but I do have a relationship with them, as I’ve met them a few times rather than be simply signed alongside them.
GD: So how did you get to know Villian?
P: Strangely enough on Myspace. [Laughs] We started talking and catching jokes and then we met up when we were in the States, also. We get on really well; he’s like my bruv!
At just eight years old, Poni was asked to perform to 80’s group Five Star. Since then, there’s been no looking back. At age 14 she went on to be the only female artist in a 7 man Rap Group called ‘Dark Foundation’ and was given the name ‘Poni’ because she can ‘Ride Any Rhythm’. She is now CEO of Desire Sounds Ltd based in the UK. Two songs from her first album Sit & Cry & Sharp have gathered international acclaim in the US, Italy and Jamaica. She has enjoyed media frenzies, interviews and positive critical write ups. Check out her website www.poni.co.uk for more info.
GD: When did you start travelling?
P: When I was 17. I started to go out to New York, the girls and I, and I don’t know how we managed it but we hustled our way into a record label office! There was some serious security, thorough bag checks. We pretended we were having a meeting with someone and we got to sit in an office, at 17 years old waiting to talk to the representative of the label.
Another time we managed to sweet talk security, as if we were girls from London who were lost and needing help and he was really sweet; got us the A & R (artists and records) list and then I started calling people saying how I was an artist from London! That’s how I managed to get talking to Nori Aga, about 5 years ago. We were standing outside with our CD and a guy came up to me who happened to be looking for a female rapper for his album. We ended up going to his Def Jam office, listening to the CD, talking, went back downstairs and Method Man was there.
GD: Method Man! OMG!
P: Yeah. I’ve met everybody.
GD: Have you met Red Man?
P: I met Red Man over here. He’s bait. I actually got a bit star struck cos I’m a Wu Tang Clan girl, so I grew all sycophantic, saying stuff like “I think you’re great!” [Laughs] So after the Method Man thing, I exchanged numbers with this guy, as I’d just left Detroit after working with Eminem’s and 50 Cent’s producers.
GD: I think it’s great that you were able to take advantage of the opportunity. There’s such a large hip hop community over there.
P: Yeah it was good timing for me and I made friends with Nori.
Poni has been developing M.Bryant, her own fashion line, alongside New York professional fashion designer Victor De Souza who has worked with Kelis and models of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. The line aims to promote individuality, with a blend of the US urban feel; to create a distinctiveness and beauty, allowing women to feel fabulous(!) within themselves.
GD: How do you find the time to dabble in fashion design, too?!
P: [Laughs] I love to do it, it’s one of my passions. I’ve always done my own thing. My mum’s sort of aristocratic; her father was an MP, so she didn’t have to do much. But my grandmother went to a sewing school and taught me to sew. I love art, music, drama, dancing, anything creative, so I’d draw my own things, add sequins etc and accessorising my clothes. When I was in New York I met designer Victor De Souza who worked on clothes for Mary J Blige’s tour and L’il Kim’s Grammy dress, Alicia Keys for example, and we became friends and he helped me with my line in New York. I just love it!
GD: What kind of things can we expect from your line?
P: At the moment its quite couture, hand made, one off pieces at the moment, but we will be broadening it in due course. It’ll be for everybody; high end and Topshop.
GD: Complete the sentence: You know you’ve made it when..?
P: You’re happy everyday.
GD: What was the last thing you ate?
P: A blueberry muffin! Before that some lamb chops and pitta bread!
GD: The best thing about being on stage?
P: Ahh…when the crowd is cheering. When people are happy, dancing and enjoying themselves and feel they can relate to what you’re doing…I love it!
GD: Do you have a favourite song?
P: One that I love We Can Plan Again by Triumph. And I love old skool reggae, I love rap, but old skool reggae - not just bashment – Luciano, Beres Hammond. That is the kind of stuff that shakes my soul. Don’t give me any RnB, the majority of it puts me to sleep! There are a couple of songs I do like, like Jordan Sparxx Air; I think it’s an amazing song in the way it’s written.
GD: Last one…who would you most like to collaborate with?
P: OMG…I’d love to work with Dr Dre. I really think that he could bring something out in me. I really feel that he has this magic in his music. God blessed me in that I’m working with a guy named T-Money Green who has worked on Dre’s first album, so I’m very fortunate in that I have this connection.
Poni’s new album Whip It, is out now.
More links:
Sound Space TV: www.soundspace.tv/poni
Poni’s Myspace – US profile
Review on M. Bryant fashions
DJ Ronnie Herel is radio presenter on BBC radio 1Xtra and the flagship 1Xtra RnB show. He’s been nominated for two MOBO awards (Best Radio Show, UK Best Club DJ) and was voted Best Club DJ by readers of Blues & Soul Magazine in 2000. He has supported many established artists (the Brand New Heavies) and has even acted in BBC TV shows. Get Delirious caught up with him at the Drift club, Jersey, for good vibes, conversation, and physical assault!
Interview by Jenni O.
GD: The one and only DJ Ronnie Herel from BBC Radio 1xtra!
RH: Cor blimey!
GD: So, you’re playing tonight at the Drift in Jersey...
RH: Yeah, I’ll be doing a little guest appearance here which is close to my heart...[with] the guys (DJ Craig Alder, DJ Steve Le Galle and DJ Bird (Khop Khun Lee Luck). I’ve played down here before and I’m always looked after; it’s nice to be back actually.
GD: Jersey is nice a place.
RH: Jersey is a lovely place. There is a lot of money in Jersey, got to have a few bob to play here [lol].
GD: So, your career has expanded over uhhh... 20 years [lol].
RH: Well, I started when I was 4 years old...
GD: [Lol] What made you decide to go into DJ-ing? Was it your passion for music, or your first record?
RH: I didn’t sort of wake up one day and say, I want to become a DJ. I think that was probably a good thing. My dad constantly had music playing in the house, from BB King, Jimmy Hendrix, Otis Reading, (Bob) Marley. It was a melting pot of music styles. I was a bit of a rebellious lad at school...
GD: Really ?
RH: You don’t sound surprised. OK, a little bit rebellious. At 13 years old a friend of mine got me a job in a pub. It was great checking out the nice girls, collecting glasses, listening to good music. With my mum and dad’s permission I got a DJ-ing job for a £8 per hour. I was getting into serious music because the DJs were playing old skool [sounds]; disco, boogie, jazz funk. It made me appreciate the job. I started collecting music, I was 13 or 14 at the time.
GD: When was your big break?
RH : In the same pub. I was DJ-ing about two to three times a week. They didn’t have a DJ and the only person who knew how old I was was my friend, [plus] I did look a bit older. His name was Alan Wheeler (big shout out to him). He looked after me back in the day, got me to open my first account and that helped me buy my records and clothes. Alan gave me a slot during the week and the rest is history. That was it, my big break, that I really start playing music.
GD: Is there a different type of vibe when you play here, or when you go around the world different places, different music?
RH: There isn’t any two places that have the same vibes anywhere in the world. I was in Dubai last week. I have a certain idea or I never know what I’m going to play when I travel. When I play in Jersey the vibe changes again. I [might] play the up-tempo RnB, two-step and a lot of funky house. The last time I was here, the guys told me to go straight down the RnB and hip-hop path. The crowd loved it, so that's a good thing.
GD: Name three artists you would like to work with.
RH: As in DJ along side?
GD: Yeah.
RH: Well, there is a couple of DJs called Steve Le Galle and Craig Alder (resident DJs at Drift) [lol]. They're alright. Artist wise, I’d like to do a set with Tiny Temper. Dizzy Rascal actually filled in for me one day and I didn’t know he was going to play. He did a slow jam session and pulled it off. When I listened back the show I said, Yeah I would like to do little set. Those are the main artists I would love to work with. So are you a Tupac or Biggie fan?
GD: I would have to say Biggie.
RH: Is that ‘cause your from South London?
GD: You’re funny, being a West Ham supporter [lol]. What about you?
RH: It’s always going to be Biggie. I love Tupac, the way he changed the game and revolutionized the hip-hop game, but Biggie brought this incredible flow. Considering he had two albums, pure classic, back to back it will always be Biggie.
GD: What’s been the highest and lowest points of your career?
RH: Did I get to say my high and low points? [lol] I feel offended and hurt [lol].
GD: Oh, Ronnie, I’m sorry. (Slapping Ronnie on the head is the highlight for Jenni).
RH: I’ve just been slapped on my bald black head by "Jenni from the block."
GD: Please don't play that song [lol].
RH: A radio moment for me was interviewing my idol Stevie Wonder. It was done at Abbey Road Studios. I was asked and my answer was "Is the Pope catholic?" Stevie was [backstage] with his keyboard and microphone set up. My favourite album is Songs in a key of life. I told him I was a big fan of his and could he do a little bit of my favourite song "Az". It was amazing. I love DJ-ing and doing this job, but that was the moment I thought if I never DJ again, or never go on radio again, I would be a happy man.
GD: Any low points?
RH: I don’t have any low points. I could go to a club and there haven’t promoted the event. You get 10-15 people attending [and] you still have play for them to party so I don't have any low points, I just love playing music.
GD: What advice would you give to an upcoming DJ?
RH: It’s loving what you do. Don't force the issue if you really want to become a DJ or an artist. Whatever you want to be in life just do it for the right reasons. Enjoy and put 110% effort into it. Don't do it ‘cause you want a little bit of fame, or shine. That's just an ego thing. Some DJs or artists get exposed after a while. I say just follow your dream. Try and be the best you can, have your own style. It’s about putting your passion into it and loving the job.
GD: I felt [last night] was a mixed vibe. It was a brilliant night, the sound was off the hook. I was very impressed. Do you think it’s the music then the people, or the people then the music?
RH: I can’t pre-package my set, turn up somewhere and play in front of a crowd, they might not like it. So you have to look what's in front of you. It’s my job to entertain the crowd. Play the records they want to hear. It’s about entertaining the people in my way and style. If you play the record and they walk off the floor, what are you going to do? I never play the same record twice. You play a different record each time to bring the crowd back.
Musically it's different to what’s in London ‘cause they have more places to go. I think the London crowd is pretty spoilt. But people have a good time when they come to Jersey. Every time I'm here the crowd is always on the dance floor. When the lights go up, people dance and have a great time. I’m a Londoner and I qualify to see this. When you play a record in a London club two minutes late, they ask for the same record again. But the Jersey crowd appreciate what you’re doing.
GD: Last question: name your three favourite songs. I was going to suggest from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, seeing as how you’ve passed through those years.
RH: I would like to say that during this interview I have been slapped on the head, and cussed about my age. Mmmm I can’t go era wise but my favourite artists [including Stevie Wonder] are Frankie Beverley and Maze "Before I Let Go" remix. I can’t think of a third one, too many to choose from [lol].
Thanks to DJ Craig Alder, DJ Steve Le Galle and DJ Bird (Khop Khun Lene Luck) at The Drift, Jersey.
Review of the club and event will be coming up soon.
Ronnie’s 1xtra show
Ronnie’s official website
B everley Knight is the UK's leading female soul singer. 'Sista, Sista', 'Made it Back', 'Shoulda Woulda Coulda' and 'Keep This Fire Burning' are just a few of her hit tracks. She's launched a cosmetics range, K, which she designed herself, as well as releasing an album, 100%. She has also created her own record company Hurricane records.
BK says: "...a lot of artists favour independent labels. And a lot of established artists are now forming their own record labels because of that creative thing. That's the thing that drives anybody in music. If money was the thing that drove you, you'd shortcut all the time, but if the love of music motivates you, you're prepared to do whatever, to just make sure that you retain that creative control..."
Having established herself as a new industrial force in the music business, she's collaborated with a lot of talent for her album 100%: '...There were a few producers...Moneyback, Breakout DJ Monroe who is one of my dearest and closest friends...The Rural who are a production writing duo and have done a lot of work with Amanda Ghost, Beyonce for example...[Jimmy] Jam and [Terry] Lewis did "Every Step." The remainder of the songs were done by Kevin Bacon and Johnathan Quarmby. Three different major people throughout the record. Jam and Lewis wanted to work with me which made me want to collapse. And the person I have to credit for making that happen was Chaka! They meant literally work with me, come up with a song from scratch. I was over the moon! A lot of American producers don't do that.'
Her influences range from Sam Cooke to the Clarke Sisters; Aretha Franklin to Slade, Duran Duran and more. 'I grew up with that kind of vocal and aspired to be that kind of vocalist.'
Finally, we asked Beverley when you know you've made it: "[When] Japanese tourists are chasing you down the street and you have to hide in a shop! And that's based on a true story, in Covent Garden. I had to dive into Levis!"
Beverley's official page
It's not often underground artists from the West Indies make it into the mainstream music industry. Classed alongside roots reggae legends Beres Hammond and Luciano, Gyptian (born Windel Beneto Edwards) enters the arena with the pace and popularity of Sizzla and Sean Paul.
From an early age, Gyptian has been honing his talents. In 2005 he had two hits, 'Is There a Place', and 'Serious Times'. 'Is There a Place' was a stand-alone tune featured on the Seasons Riddim compilation CD, and is one which fans still know and love him for. He was becoming a name on many lips around the islands, but was still a part of the niche West Indian underground music. His style is considered part of lovers rock and roots reggae, and his rise may be due to the nostalgia attributed to these beats. Despite two further albums, it was 2010 that saw the completion of his crossover into the minds of current audiences across the globe with the release of his album, Hold Yu finally catapulting him into the spotlight. His single of the same name reached number 16 in the UK.
Chatting to Get Delirious on the phone, he had just finished performing at the BBC 1Xtra Live at Wembley to an emphatic crowd. 'It's hard work,' he conceded. 'Right now I'm pretty tired.' He'd also performed in Amsterdam at the Melkweg event. '[Amsterdam] was off the chain. I closed the show, pretty much, It was packed, At least 6,000 people.'
At BBC 1 Xtra he performed alongside acts such as N-Dubz, Jason Derulo and B.o.B. 'I didn't really mix with many of the acts, but I saw Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Strider perform; it was awesome.' His hard work has paid off; nominated for a MOBO beside his label mate Dappy, he is grateful. 'It's a real awesome feeling, you know, because not many people have been nominated for that. It's a blessing and you've got to give thanks for that.' But with all good things, there's always room for criticism. Some might say his sound, so similar to many before him, has held him back so far. 'The negatives of the business can be the critics etc,' he says. However, he has achieved a lot to prove them wrong.
At the time this interview went to press, 'Hold Yu' sat in the Top Ten Chart. The BBC had him as a Featured Artists, and he'd gathered more press and accolades for the start of 2011. 'I wasn't really surprised when the single [Hold Yu] did well. I'd be doing the work knowing it would be a good one.' Since then, it has been remixed by Nicky Minaj and other musical stars are turning their heads towards his music. It's main vibe is reggae, involving a lot of melody and smooth relaxing vibes. But he emphasises, that he is a music lover and is willing to collaborate with all styles.
Despite being worked to the bone, Gyptian still had his humour, as well as a sense of peace. He was due to tour the States: '... on my birthday I'll be on stage, and would [love] to have President Obama and his wife over for dinner. Some Jamaican curry mutton and someting, someting [laughs].'
His message to those wanting to follow in his footsteps is reminiscent of the reggae stars of the past, remaining true to yourself and doing you. 'I think I am the highlight of my career so far.'
Gyptian's official website
Angie Greaves talks about girl-power and self-belief
From Choice FMs Destination 2am, to presenting Magic 105.4s Mellow Magic, sultry voiced radio presenter Angie Greaves takes time out of her hectic day to talk to Get Delirious about girl power.
GD: First of all, thanks for being one of the first women to agree to an interview with Get Delirious!
AG: (Laughs) I had to. There aren't enough women in the business. I had to, of course.
GD: Describe the time you were discovered.
AG: I was a secretary at Capital Radio working alongside an Australian temp. We were talking about our favourite films. And I love Gone With the Wind. Everybody says, "Frankly, my dear..." But I loved mamie: "Oh Miss Scarlet...", and I didn't know that David Jenson - Kid Jenson - was behind the door listening, killing himself laughing. He alongside a Scottish presenter named Jeff Graham said, "You need to get that on tape." So I did. A lot of the DJs on Capital asked me to do their jingles. There was one jingle that even up until this day [sings Sit down Mr Brown]. I then talked to my brother who lived in Barbados and told me (adopts accent from Barbados), "I can get you a show on radio, here!" and I was like, "Hold on, you need to let the people at this radio station know that I'm still a secretary!" He didnt. So off I go to Barbados and I do these shows and I think, "If I mess up, I mess up on an island that's 21 x 14 inches long [laughs[, as opposed to London." But then I came back and thought, "No, I want to do this." So in many ways whilst I thank KJ and JG for listening behind that door, if it wasn't for that temp (laughs).
GD: We did a Google search on your name and you came up on Wikipedia. How does that feel?
AG: I suppose my assumption is that if you come up on Wikipedia enough people have done enough searches on you to want to know about you. One half of me thinks whilst it's a compliment, the other half thinks, "oooh." I still very much see myself as Angela Greaves from West London, partner, two kids, semi-detached house and sometimes the bigness of radio doesn't quite fit. But I shouldn't knock it.
GD: We read this fact about you, but thought it'd be courteous to double check. Did you once play a 12in single live on air...?
AG: ...at the wrong speed?! [Laughs] Well, that gives away my age. 12in single, my God! When I was on Choice, my first show was called Destination 2am. I had one show a week that started at midnight and ended at 2am. I was talking to a friend of mine on the phone. So I quickly changed the record, picked up the phone and carried on chatting and chatting Then I went, Hang on a minute, just gotta change the record. When I turned the volume up [slows down the speed of her speech] it..was...going...like...this, and I said, Oh my God! Yes, its true. I don't know how I'm still working!
GD: Would you rather be clever and ugly, or stupid and beautiful?
AG: Ummm well beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'm not sure how to answer that. I don't know because I don't think anybody's ugly. I think people have ugly thoughts and ways about them. I'd rather have confidence because I think confidence is a beautiful thing. Once you're confident everything else follows.
GD: When you say confidence though, there are people who are over confident?
AG: No, that's arrogance.
GD: So there's no thin line?
AG: See, I think confidence is quite sexy. I think somebody who shows confidence shows elements of beauty that come with that and show sexiness. I love seeing women who don't fit the bill, but because they're confident, they have to be acknowledged. OK take myself, this black woman sitting on Magic who's been told sounds white but [adopts accent from Barbados again], trust me, I'm black tru and tru! I couldn't have gotten here if I didn't have the confidence, as statistically I shouldn't have crossed over from urban radio into mainstream radio. But there had to be a bit of confidence that came with that to knock on the door to let the powers that be know that I could do it. I suppose on radio it's ok to be ugly because [laughs] no one can see you, so yeah I'd rather be ugly and clever. I'm on radio. [Laughs some more].
GD: Having worked for Choice, then LBC and now Magic, would you say there's a preference?
AG: It comes in stages. I loved doing LBC. A lot of the time I did not know WHAT I was talking about! But it's not about trying to prove how clever you are, or that you're a mind of information. It's about connecting with an audience. At LBC, you didn't open a newspaper and try to reproduce a news article. I'd go in and the producers would ask, "What's bugging you today, Ange?" And I'd say, "I live 15 minutes away from the station, but it's taken me 45 minutes to get in because of road works! Every where I go, road works." You bring that energy on air! Somebody who got caught in road works will ring up. Somebody working on a road site will ring. The council in charge of it would ring! That's what I loved, connecting with the audience. But it's hard work, because you have to be mentally alert all the time, and any days I was tired, that would be the day I would have the listener do all the talking. I like Magic. I like music radio. You can hide behind the music, there's no doubt about that. At the mo, I'm loving it, but I feel a love of talk radio may come back. The danger of talk radio is that if the listeners don't like your show, they don't like you. With music radio you can go anywhere on the dial. But I'm blessed enough to be here.
GD: Do you think that hip hop and R n B are answerable to a lot of the issues the black community has?
AG: Well, my kids listen to a lot of R n B. They watch some of the music channels but I just don't have those channels on in the house all the time. Not because I dislike the music, but because my kids are young and impressionable. I think that a lot of the violence that we're experiencing now has been around; it's just being reported more so than before. The art form of music has many facets. Say, rap is the oldest form of music, spoken word, poetry. But the music is a lot louder and aggressive. And music can influence your mood. But I don't believe its the only factor that contributes towards violence.
GD: How do you feel working as one of the few female DJs in radio in this country?
AG: In a word: blessed. This is an ever changing industry, but I've always kept in touch with colleagues from my producer days in the 80s from Capital Radio, and I think that has been part of the contribution - networking.
GD: Would you consider yourself a role model?
