ShakaRa Speaks On It

 Written for The British Blacklist 23rd Septemeber 2013: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/dj-279-talks-the-british-blacklist-unceremonious-axing-choice-fm/ On Saturday 21st September Hip-Hop fans world wide awoke to the news that Choice FM had cut DJ 279 from its roster, in favour of the recently BBC discarded, Tim Westwood. Pushing 21 years strong, ‘The Numbers Man’ as DJ 279 is affectionately known, has had one of the longest …

DJ 279 Talks to ShakaRa About Being Unceremoniously Axed from ChoiceFM Read More »

Written for The British Blacklist 11th September 2013: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-911-twelve-years-war-rumours-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shakara-speaks-911-twelve-years-war-rumours-war I was at college when I heard about the bombing of the Twin Towers. Having left a lesson a friend of mine approached me, evidently shocked, repeating, “Someone bombed the TwinTowers”. It took me a while to realise what he was talking about and it was not until I got …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: 9/11 – Twelve Years Of War & Rumours of War Read More »

Written for The British Blacklist 1st Septemeber 2013:  http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-i-dream-come/ “I HAVE A DREAM – that one day…. little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers….” This is often as much as we are used to hearing from the great Rev. …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: “I HAVE A DREAM” – So How Far Have We Come? Read More »

The reported killing of soldier Lee Rigby has sent shockwaves throughout Britain for the past week. Since then, the images of Michael Adebolajo & Micheal Adebowale have been plastered all over our TV screens and newspapers as the prime suspects. While much confusion initially surrounded the details of the incident, the reportage immediately centred on …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: British Terrorist Hype & The Politics Of Contradiction Read More »

For www.thebritishblacklist.com http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shakara-speaks-it The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards have come under fire by a number of Black TV presenters. Most prominently, Lenny Henry & Reggie Yates have recently seen fit to be most vocal, seemingly inspired by the lack of awardees of the darker hue among recipients at this years ceremony. After condemning the lorded …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: Lenny Henry, The BAFTAs & Black Entertainment Read More »

For www.thebritishblacklist.com 08.05.13: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/british-black-music-lost-its-political-voice/ Afrikan people have always blurred the lines between art and politics. In fact, culturally speaking, as far as Afrikans are concerned it would be true to say that the existence of a line between the two would be a rare absurdity. From Medu Neter (Misnomered “hieroglyphics”) to traditional textiles, from ancient griots …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: Has British Black Music Lost Its Political Voice? Read More »

For www.thebritishblacklist.com 24.04.13: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-it-cipher-j-e-w-e-l-s-secret-money-manual/ All roads lead to Rich Mix in Bethnal Green, on Thurs 25th April as notable Hip-Hop artist Cipher J.E.W.E.L.S host the London Seminar Launch of his book ‘The Secret Money Manual: Practical strategies for building and maintaining wealth for the Hip Hop generation.’ Cipher Jewels is deservedly well known as founding member of …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: Cipher J.E.W.E.L.S & The Secret Money Manual Read More »

Legendary Black Comedy…

Written for The British Blacklist 12.03.13: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speak/ TY “Kick, Snare & an Idea” EP Launch On Wednesday the 10 April 2013, Jazz Cafe played host to the EP Launch of “Kick Snare & an Idea” the latest offering from Legend of UK Hip-Hop – TY! Having not performed at the famed venue for 3 years, Ty’s return promised to be …

ShakaRa Speaks On it Review of Ty’s ‘Kick, Snare & an Idea’ EP Launch @ Jazz Cafe Read More »

Written for The British Black List 27.03.13: http://www.thebritishblacklist.com/shakara-speaks-sheila-nortley-talks-filmmaking-afrikan-super-hero-epic-oya-rise-orisha/ In the past decade we have witnessed significant growth in the independent film industry. Though arguably one of the nations long standing best kept secrets, Black film in Britain is certainly gaining prominence and without a doubt “Oya: Rise of The Orisha” is one of the most promising productions to …

ShakaRa Speaks On It: Sheila Nortley Talks Filmmaking & African Super Hero Epic “Oya – Rise Of The Orisha” Read More »