TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle: Winter 2023: Legacy Builders by TurningPoint Music and Lifestyle Magazine

ESTHER’S PHOTOSHOOT

ESTHER AUSTIN PHOTOSHOOT WITH THE FORMER SUPREMES’ SCHERRIE PAYNE, SUSAYE GREENE, JOYCE VINCENT Randi Childs Fashion and Portrait Photographer Randi Childs Photography randichilds_photography Esther Austin Outfit: The Funky Butterfly Range The Former Supremes Outfits: Linda Stokes

FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Alexander O’Neal

Photo Credit: Ed Araquel

Shocka

Photo Credit: Owen Vincent

DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publishers. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit. TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine is owned and published by Esther Austin Global Publishing. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine. Therefore, TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed therein.

EDITOR’’S NOTE Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

A triple welcome is in order because the

Winter Edition is another power packed issue, full of incredible stories depicting the various aspects of the human experience. This issue is rather special, because it comes at the end of a very very successful Esther Austin Global Meet and Greet USA Fall 2023 tour, promoting TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine as well, as we build out on our own legacy. This particular trip to the USA has been a journey of manifestations, walking strong and tall in faith and watching the magical unravelling of a dream that has been so long in the birthing of, with seeds sown from way, way back. The feeling to have created a legacy, because of our journey, feels surreal and so incredibly fulfilling. The theme ‘Legacy Builders’ is a powerful nod to all those who understand the symbolic importance, of creating and building a legacy, and who on some level are creating pathways that transform, evolves and builds ideas into something concrete that can and will inspire, influence and even change the trajectory of their world and that of others.

‘A legacy cements your life’s work as something that benefits future generations’

In this issue we feature Soul and RnB Legend Alexander O’Neal who is on his ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ Farewell Tour. A man who is certainly leaving a huge legacy to the world. Sharing front cover exclusive with Alexander is UK Rapper ‘Shocka’ who talks openly about his struggle with mental health, being sectioned 4 times and who now uses his platform as a mental health advocate, to sing about self-care and love and why what he does is to honour his late mother. Then we hear from the sons of some of the world’s greatest singers, Roy Hamilton Jr and Joe Tex II, talk about their legendary father’s legacies. Both men are working hard to champion their fathers’ names into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We hear from UK digital artist Tim Williams who is leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. We take a sneak peak inside photoshoot held in Los Angeles, by Fashion and Portrait Photographer Randi Childs, with myself and The Former Spremes. Continuing in the vein of legacy builders,

there are reviews by our new Resident Contributor Renee Mickens who reviewed the “Unfollow Me Tour” by Erykah Badu in New York this year. We tap into the world of Bobby Wilson, the son of the late great Jackie Wilson in his latest documentary ‘The Last Tear Drop’. As we head towards the winter festivities and towards the end of another year, I would like to urge you all to find the time to be still. To really contemplate and reflect not just on the year that has gone by, but on what would you like to create or do, where your life, your experiences, your words of wisdom can leave a powerful memory on the belly of the world. There is so much chaos at the moment; the impact of war, the senseless pain and killings, man’s inhumanity to man and yet here we are talking about legacy builders, even in the midst of such chaos. A great time for you to put your stamp on the world. So I’d like you to ponder on the below. What if you were to step out and step up to do something to become part of the collective energy of the humanitarian drive towards love, positivity and peace that would change, transform, or even put a dent in the midst of all the chaos and pain that is happening now. How powerful would this be in us all becoming legacy builders. To pray or meditation together as a collective, where that positive energetic force will sweep into people’s lives consciously and unconsciously, offering them a feeling of hope and love.

In that vein, I hope you find inspiration in the following pages. By the way, I’ve changed the strapline of the magazine from ‘Your Lifestyle, Your Well-Being’ to ‘Music and Lifestyle’ – TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle which more clearly defines what this magazine represents. Wishing you all a wonderful festive season, and a new year filled with bundles of hope, peace and love.

Esther

P.S

If you have any suggestions or would like to make any comments about this publication, or if you would like to be featured, email: Turningpointmagazine2019@gmail.com

Photo Credit: Randi Childs Fashion and Portrait Photographer Randi Childs Photography

randichilds_photography

CONTENT

CONGRATULATIONS TO REGALETTES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT DEVIN COOKE

EXCLUSIVE The Honouring of Legend Alexander O’Neal on his ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ Farewell Tour UK Rapper ‘Shocka’, Mental Heal Advocate talks about the Power of Love and Self-Care

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Legacy Builders Under Construction: Tools and Tips by Judy Worrell Katie Rose The Power of Vocal Legacy

ART AND CREATIVITY The Artistic Vision of a Contemporary Virtuoso. A Glimpse into the World of a Digital Artist Congratulations to our Resident Contributor Kwame McPherson Winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023

‘Eilatan’ the Jewellery Brand, Representing Love, Compassion and Hope goes International

EUGENE ANKOMAH-The Expensive Creative Genius Transforming Lives THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST on a Quest to Promote Positive Images of Classical Music to African American Kids

From her Deathbed to Whitehouse-STELLA SINGLETON-JONES’

FASHION JUDITH BARNES: JBCOUTURE International Fashion Designer and Award Winner THE FUNKY BUTTERFLY Range Takes Flight

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP SWP ESTATES: Revolutionizing Your Property Ownership Experience HAJ BOTANICS: A Healing Oasis Of Love Birthed Out Of Pain and Life’s Challenges The Award Winning Brand ‘REVIBED’ Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle

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REVIEWS Erykah Badu’s “Unfollow Me Tour” by Renee Mickens: A Transformative and Immersive Experience for Fans

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ESTHER AUSTIN’S Meet and Greet Tour 2023

ENTERTAINMENT THE LAST TEARDROP’ DOCUMENTARY A Revealing Journey into the Life of BOBBY BROOKS WILSON SINGER, SONGWRITER SARAH BROWN Pays Tribute to MAHALIA JACKSON YOUNG, READY AND HUNGRY: ARTIST THREEBOMB Ready to Take the Music Industry by Storm MATAYA CLIFFORD CHEWALUZA A Daughter’s Homage to the Late Great Musician MATAYA CLIFFORD CHEWALUZA UK SOLO ARTIST, GEEGEE,Talks about her Latest SOLO SINGLES TRU - THE RNB CONTEMPORARY BAND Continuing the Sound of PHILADELPHIA ROY HAMILTON JR, Continues the Legacy of his Father. JOE TEX II, The Legacy Continues

CONGRATULATIONS TO REGALETTES SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

DEVIN COOKE The Regalettes, are a legacy organization who are based in Los Angele. This organization is known for their longstanding commitment to education, community service, and excellence. I attended their 65th-anniversary celebration called “A Royal Affair: 65 Years of Excellence.” On Sunday 19th November and what an incredibly inspiring event it was. The event included giving scholarships to college-age students and five individuals were honored with Crown Awards. I caught up with one of the scholarship recipients Devin Cooke – Scholarship Recipient, Senior, Pepperdine University, Major: Psychology. I felt so honored talking to this young man afterwards, in how he conducted himself, with his speech and also with his vision for his life. Below we find out more about Devin.

What is the process of being selected to receive a Scholarship? Firstly, the applicant must fill out the Regalettes application form and write a supplemental essay their educational background, career goals, community service and impact, and why the applicant should be chosen. Then they should send a letter of recommendation from someone who knows the applicant both socially and academically to vouch for their competence as an applicant.

What has kept and continues to keep you inspired to follow through on your studies? My family and my commitment to excellence is what continues to keep me inspired to follow through on my studies. My mom has always pushed me to strive for the best in all

Where do you live and what University are you attending? I live in Inglewood, California and I attend Pepperdine University in Malibu

What does it feel like being a recipient of the Regalettes Scholarship? It is such an honor and prestige to be a recipient of the Regalettes Scholarship. To be recognized and supported by such a prolific community enables me to become the dynamic leader I aspire to be.

How does this change your life? Receiving this scholarship is truly beneficial for my postsecondary education and the continuation of my academic/career endeavors. I am very grateful for the support of the Regalettes in my college journey as I will be receiving my bachelors of Arts in Psychology this spring. This scholarship has also enabled me to do what I can to create a fruitful and prosperous life for my family and I, creating better circumstances for us all. In addition, it gives me a great platform to give back and lead by example as a leader of my community. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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the different facets of life that I interact with, and academics is a big field that she encourages myself and my brother to do great in. Alongside her support and encouragement is my will to succeed and make a profound impact upon my community and society. As a visionary and skillful leader in STEM, I look to empower my Black culture and transfigure the health and wellness of our society. I am determined to be great and exude greatness upon those who look up to me, creating positive change for everyone around me. I look to turn my dreams of prosperity into reality, innovating and leading in the cultivation of our society.

Do you feel it’s important to get a good education? Yes I definitely feel that it’s important to get a good education. I believe that enriching your educational background enables you to advance your critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and broaden your knowledge of life to build autonomy and awarness of how to navigate the world we live in.

What are the challenges you feel young people face today, in terms of motivation? In terms of motivation, I feel that two key challenges that young people face are staying true to themselves amidst upward comparison, and finding the right guidance figures to make their dreams a reality. In our society, social media plays a huge role in what young people are exposed to for the good and bad. Many young people look upon other successful figures as being on an “untouchable pedestal”, and this at times can negatively affect young peoples’ self-esteem as they compare their journey to the role-model figure feeling as though they themselves are lacking in achievement. I have also noticed that many young people face the challenge of navigating life because they are ignorant of what to actually do for themselves to thrive, and/or they have not been positively nurtured by their environment. This creates a“crossroads of destiny” in many young peoples’ lives as they make the choice of either going on a prosperous life path, or a treacherous life path that may be seen as instant gratification, but ultimately surrounds the individual in a negative environment.

What has been a difficult experience for you in your life and how did you believe? A difficult experience for me in my life was my junior year of high school. Going into my junior year and right before the homecoming football game of my sophomore year on the varsity football team, I injured my clavicle. It was a hectic year both in and out of school, and if I didn’t have a growth mindset, TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

that year would have negatively impacted my mental health. My life outside of school was in shambles. My mom became very ill and since my brother was constantly working, I was the only person able to take care of her. She was heavily disabled and couldn’t perform her activities of daily living without assistance. This worried me greatly because just like I was the only one who could help my mom, my mom is the only person who can provide for my brother and I. My mom was forced to retire due to a case called “frozen shoulder” which disabled her from doing her engineering job. My brother worked day and night to make a contribution to the household, since there wasn’t any money coming in. Within all the adversity, I overcame it by persevering through the situations and staying focused on the “bigger picture” of creating a successful life for myself and my loved ones.Believing in myself and my goal of creating a brighter future for society, I pushed through and achieved more success leading me into the position I’m in today.

How do you plan to stay focused on your studies? I plan to stay focused in my studies by ensuring that I have the right resources, peer-environment, and healthy mindset to continue succeeding. I will continue to be diligent and proactive in my studies, and live a healthy nutritious lifestyle to create a thriving academic environment for myself.

Why did you choose the subject that you are studying? I chose to study Psychology with an emphasis in Pre-Medical studies because I look to become both a Neurologist and nutritionist. I look to build a foundation in the medical field where I can specialize in neuroscience and nutritional science, one day opening my own mental healthcare clinic where I can practice both fields of science/medicine. This will allow me to build a space that transfigures the health and wellness of our society and empowers fellow Black medical professionals. In addition, I plan to be at the forefront of a health and wellness revolution to help correct the homelessness and mental health crisis that exuberates amongst my hometown of Inglewood, California and our outstretched society.

The theme for this magazine is legacy builders, what is your take on building a legacy? Legacy is a core value of mine that I am determined to build and pass down to my future kids. Representing through my actions, qualities, and achievements, I hope I can inspire future generations of leaders to expand their innovative minds and 2 cultivate a society

that we can collectively grow and thrive in. As previously mentioned, I look to become a role model and icon for my culture and family, empowering my culture to achieve greatness and building generational wealth to help us all prosper in life. I will help turn not only my city, but the nation’s dreams of prosperity into reality, innovating and leading in the restoration of the health and balance of our society.

of mind, body, and spirit in my journey to success. Hip-Hop artist Drake: Drake has showed me how to maintain top-tier status in his craft and continue to be the best against all odds through his charisma, impact, and work ethic. “Keeping his foot on the gas” he shows me the importance of not being complacent in my journey, and the importance of uplifting your community and family, pouring into them out of gratitude like they poured into you.

Name three people who have inspired you on your journey to date and briefly state why

What three attributes do you think are important to achieve in life?

My mom as she has been a maternal figure of love, power, and leadership in my life. She encourages me to defy any limitations that life tries to confront me with and become the best version of myself.

Determination, patience, and versatility are three attributes I think are important in life. Throughout my journey, I have observed that the achievement of these three attributes are fundamental for an individual to overcome change and adversity in life and become well-rounded.

NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant has inspired me to maintain a relentless work ethic in pursuit of my dreams, emphasizing the importance TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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“legacy Your story is the greatest that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest-lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.” —Steve Saint.

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EXCLUSIVE THE HONOURING OF LEGEND ALEXANDER O’NEAL ON HIS

with Tabu label mate Cherrelle such as “Saturday Love” and “Never Knew Love Like This”, the crooner with the shoulder pads, I’d like you to join TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle Magazine in celebrating an Icon.

‘TIME TO SAY GOODBYE’ FAREWELL TOUR

From Natchez Mississippi to the UK the one and only Alexander O’Neal, American Soul and R& B Singer, Songwriter and Arranger, finally bids the world goodbye on his International ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ Farewell Tour. One of the greatest crooners of our time, Alexander O’Neal has achieved 14 top 40 singles on the UK Singles Chart, along with 3 top ten albums on the UK Albums Chart. He has also released nine studio albums, six compilation albums and two live albums.

In a nutshell, in a peanut shell or a crab shell who is Alexander O’Neal? I can tell you who I think I am. I try to be a spiritual man. I don’t do religion. I deal with Spirituality and I believe in God which keeps me grounded as a man and as an artist, and what guides my life. Those things are very important to me, as well as family and then my career. My relationship with God, my family and my career - if I can work on these three and get them half way right, then I will be doing something good. I also try to be a good and down-to-earth person. I try to keep everything as simple as I can. I don’t get caught up in bright lights, limousines and all that stuff because at some point it all goes away. Some artists, when it’s down time they can’t manage it, because they can’t reinvent themselves. They don’t know how to get in. where to fit in because they are so used to the limelight. Everybody gets the chance to be a star. But some stars shine a little brighter than others.

Known for hits such as “If You Were Here Tonight”, “Fake”, “Criticize”, “The Lovers”, “(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me”, “All True Man”, “Love Makes No Sense” and “In the Middle”. He is also known for duets TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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You talk about everybody being a star, and I recognised a few years ago how much of a star you are. I had the privilege interviewing you many years ago and when I put out details of our upcoming interview on social media, my social media posts went crazy and I realised how much people loved and valued you. It was evident how much a part of their lives growing up, you were part of, your music was the heart beat of many of their experiences. Adding to those nostalgic and sentimental memories were those shoulder pads.

Photo Credit: Photo By Raymond Boyd

ALEXANDER O’NEAL

ALEXANDER O’NEAL TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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I also believe you’re an activist. You’ve always been clear about who you were and are. You created your own distinct identiity of being authentically outside of the box. Therefore, as you evolve into a different place, coming to the end of a very successful career, who is Alexander O’Neal going to reinvent himself into? I’m still trying to get my head around this farewell tour. I’ve been performing for a very long time. However, after all these years there are some things I now want to do. First and foremost, I want to spend more time around my family and grandchildren. Finding a bit of normality in a life that hasn’t had any normality. There’s was no white picket fence because you don’t get a chance to experience normality because you’re working all the time.

Photo Credit: Photo By Ed Araquel

Also I want to try my hand at something totally different from music. To be able to create my own shoe line and make shoes. I want to make shoes with my hands first, and be good at it. I want to understand the industry I’m about to go into, because it’s like anything else, in order to make your way in an industry that is already established and be successful, in or to make your mark you’ve got to punch your way in and through. To have an Alexander O’Neal shoe range is intriguing and exciting to me.

What do you feel has been the reason for your longevity in the industry? I believe it’s because of what God intended for me to be and do, it was obviously something that was ordained for me. When I was younger, I went to college and I wanted to be a football player, but I ended up quitting college. Then I went to another college and quit that too. In the end I realised that college wasn’t for me at the time. It isn’t for everybody. This therefore motivated me because I realised I was never a good quitter and so almost 50 years later, after getting my first record deal, I realised that because I never quit, that is what has been the reason for my longevity. As a result, and what has encouraged me are my fans, especially my British fans who have been stellar and so supportive and have given me so much love. A lot of my fans in America know the success I have enjoyed this side of the water. So, my fans have definitely encouraged me and have given so much back to me in return, that it’s phenomenal, and that is also part of the reason for my longevity in this industry.

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You were born in Mississippi, and I read about some of the experiences you had, we know what Mississippi was known for. Do you think being born in that environment at that time and having the experiences you did fired you up to never give up, to push beyond the ordinary? I think there were a lot of different things that contributed to who I am now. One was growing up without a father. He drowned in the Mississippi river, working for the Government, when my mother was 6 months pregnant with me. So I grew up with some psychological challenges around that. 7

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I had to overcome not having a father. That really affected me a lot. I learned one thing, coming from an environment such as Mississippi and from the South, from being around during the Civil Rights movement and dealing with racism. I came up living through the whole nine yards. Racism was alive and fierce growing up in the 50’s, you have no idea what we dealt with. However, here is the great thing about all this. It’s not actually where you come from in life, it’s where you’re going. So I thank God that he’s given me the opportunity to travel all over the world. When God gives you an assignment in life, it’s for YOU, and you’ve got to follow that assignment. It’s not for anyone else. I’ve got 8 kids and they all have their own minds. I don’t force what I do on them and I have some talented singers in my children, however, they are not in the industry and be it for me to shove my expectancies down their throat. I just keep moving forward. Nowadays, I’m trying to take life one day at a time because yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised and we only have today to get it right.

However, in actuality, if your days are numbered and you don’t know when you are going to leave this earth, how is there a future for you? So I just try to keep life as simple as possible and keep it happening.

Winding down. What is the legacy you feel you’ve left? However the public want to perceive me, they will perceive me. I know that I am not just a good singer, I know I’m a great singer. I’ve never had any formal training. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from the best superstars such as Sammy Davis Jnr, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Otis Reading, Little Richard and the endless amount of other super stars much bigger than I. So I will let the public decide how they perceive Alexander O’Neal and what that legacy is. But my music will stand for itself and will stand the test of time. I’ve been very fortunate working with some of the best producers such as Jimmi Jam and Terry Lewis who happen to by my family and my friends. So I just want my music to speak for itself. That’s my legacy. I’m 70 years old, I’m still on the road and I’m still enjoying it.

If you look at it there is no such thing as the future for human beings. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised so why is there a future? People just want there to be a future, to hope there is a future.

EXCLUSIVE

Lastly a message to my fans

‘Whenever life seems to be giving you a bunch of lemons. Look on the bright side make lemonade’. Photo Credit: Photo By Stephen Wright/Redferns

Full details of the ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ Farewell Tour can be found at: https://www.alexander-oneal.com

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EXCLUSIVE

UK RAPPER SHOCKA,

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE TALKS ABOUT THE POWER OF LOVE AND SELF CARE

Photo Credit: Owen Vincent

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Below Shocka talks about his come-back. If you were to describe yourself as an animal what would that be? I’ll be a lion because it takes courage to go down the path I went.

After your personal experiences, and you are only 35, what do you feel are three of the most valuable things you’ve learned about yourself? The most valuable things I’ve learned about myself is my ability to bounce back from anything. My willingness to try and learn from my mistakes and my most important skill which is listening. I’m a great listener.

What’s the difference in how you deal with life’s challenges now and before your experiences with your mental health breakdowns? I deal with challenges differently now because I have knowledge and knowledge is known as light. So now that I have light, I can navigate through the darkness better.

Kenneth Erhahon AKA Shocka is a UK rapper and mental health advocate from Tottenham, London.

You’ve been sectioned four times. The first time, did you know what was happening? Can you describe what it felt like to go down that tunnel?

Shocka was playing arenas with rap trio Marvell and then lost it all. However, he made a comeback rapping about self-love, self-care and being an advocate for Mental Health. Shocka rose to prominence as part of Marvell, a Tottenham trio Shocka, Vertex and Double S, who were north London’s grime royalty. They were named “Hot for 2010” by the BBC alongside Tinie Tempah. This was when the tours started rolling in, first with Chip then Skepta and the with Diversity, Britain’s Got Talent-winning dance troupe who were then the biggest act in the land. “Diversity was the craziest experience of my life, ” Shocka laughs. “We were playing arenas every night. I’d never seen anything of that magnitude.” TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

It felt like an outer worldly experience. Anyone who has been through this type of experience knows what I mean. It’s really scary having family members around you crying and panicking. I thought I was gonna die and in fact I’m sure a part of me died.

Once upon a time you were top of your game as a rap artist with the group Marvell, do you remember who you were at that time? Who was Shocka back then? Being Shocka at that time when Marvell was on top was fun but empty. I had no substance as a person. Maybe because I was young and my life defining experience hadn’t come yet. But when I reflect on the person I was then, I was really shallow

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You lost your mother a few years ago and that was the last time you had an episode and was sectioned, what was the relationship between you and your mother and who was she to you?

When the illusion of fame crumbled suddenly, did you realise at the time what was happening and what did that feel like?

I lost mum in 2022. We were pretty close. I’m her only child. I was a special child to her because she had lost children before so I’ve always felt a deep sense of purpose to beat the odds and correct things in my family’s life in order to make her proud.

I did realise what was happening. Things were falling apart one by one and it was really sad watching everything you’ve worked for crumble before your eyes and not being able to do anything about it.

What did it feel like to come out openly to talk about mental health and how did your peers initially respond to this?

When you’re in front of the world as an artist, your life is an open book for everyone to see and judge. After what happened with Marvell, how did this affect how you faced the world and how you perceived the world, perceiving you?

Speaking openly about my mental health was not the easiest decision but it was my destiny. I knew it was something I was meant to do. My friends thought I was going crazy, no pun intended, but now they all see the vision because I’ve been authentic and I’ve persisted and I am helping others.

It impacted me so much because I really cared what the world thought at the time, and knowing everyone knew I was in a bad place was so embarrassing. If only I knew and realised at the time that we all have our own problems but some just hide it better.

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You’re a rapper and mental health advocate and you’ve produced a documentary called ‘Me, My Music and Mental Health’. You’ve also got a book out called ‘A Section of My Life’. It’s evident you want the world to be educated, to understand more about mental health, so that it isn’t taboo, because people are keeping how they feel hidden and sometimes even losing their lives because of the stigma – ultimately what is your message to the world about mental health?

Why is it important for you to build a legacy? Legacy is important because you are leaving your name behind and your name can either be a key or a pad lock. For people, I want my name to be a key that opens doors for my family and others when I’m gone and to do that I have to leave an impactful positive legacy

What is the legacy you want to leave the world? The legacy I want to leave the world is that I changed many lives in a positive way and caused huge ripple effects in society

My message is that being vulnerable is the coolest thing ever and it’s the gateway to connection and that’s essentially what we are on this planet to do, and you can’t achieve that without vulnerability. The only part I haven’t quite figured out yet is how to help people respond well to vulnerability and not use it as weapon against the person displaying it.

What is the legacy you want to leave because of your mother? The legacy I want to leave my late mother is that her son made the family proud and brought success into the bloodline, to show them that it was possible to beat the odds in order to become something great in the world.

What happens when you feel depressed or down, how do you manage it? When I’m down I have friends I can talk to, and I have music. I can write. I have a mentor, I can watch TV and I take the time I need, to get myself right. Walks are beautiful too as they help clear the mind.

What are some of your daily practices that keep you topped up? My daily practices are in the morning I walk and this is essential. I have taken and saved so many videos on my phone, of those walks, of things that have uplifted me. When I watch them again, I can tap back into that frequency. Then there is also talking to friends - that human interaction is everything.

In 2018 you released a single called ‘Self Love’. What is the importance of self-love and what does self- love mean to you, how do you do self-love? The importance of self-love is that your whole world begins to glow. Your life is a direct response to how much you love yourself. From your career to relationships. How do you love yourself? by changing your internal dialogue and speaking to yourself with love and respect.

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

www.judymindspa.com

Facts. We are all legacy builders, or legacy builders under construction, when we are intentional about creating value in this life time and beyond. Good friends are an important part of our legacy building journey.

LEGACY BUILDERS UNDER CONSTrUCTION;

TOOLS AND TIPS

judy worrell TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Good friends are like oracles who see your legacy building potential before you do. Good friends are like honourable samurai. Gifting you a lifetime of unconditional protection. Good friends are like the kind of parents who refuse to let you build your legacy until you have eaten a proper meal. Who come out to fix your car and generally unhook you from life’s hooks. Good friends are legacy builders who provide you with the essential scaffolding to build your legacy. And then, there are friends who leave a legacy of transient highs, chaos and pain. The bacchanalias who party with your shadow and leave you with a legacy of hangovers and missed deadlines. The red eye who unleash their envy by erecting themselves upon your mistakes whilst showcasing their mediocre breakthroughs. 13

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And then, there are friends who leave a legacy of transient highs, chaos and pain. The bacchanalias who party with your shadow and leave you with a legacy of hangovers and missed deadlines. The red eye who unleash their envy by erecting themselves upon your mistakes whilst showcasing their mediocre breakthroughs. The drama llamas who leave you holding their can of worms usually before your really important legacy building event. In the “light that we carry interview”. The legacy building media giant Oprah Winfrey jokes that her only friend Is “Gayle” and the first lady of legacy building, Michelle Obama describes a “slow ghosting” of friends whose actions make them moving targets for haters.

Judith Worrell is BACP Accredited Counsellor-Psychotherapist Certified Smai Tawi (Egyptian) Yoga Instructor whose legacy is for people to have loving relationships with themselves and the world in which they live.

Facts: Tough decisions need to be made about friends who do not align with your legacy and legacy building potential.

A legacy builder may have to begin the process of:

And a legacy builder will need to learn the art of being:

Letting go with love, the friends that have inherited negative legacies that they are unwilling to address.

Comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. You may find yourself having to be your best friend as you deal with relational transitions. Living in alignment, with soul care and discovering personal and professional development groups that get you and your legacy.

A legacy builder will need to use:

Emotional intelligence. In his book “Relational Intelligence” Darrius Daniels talks only of cutting cords with toxic friends and reassigning others into categories allowing you to have realistic expectations followed by meaningful and measured support.

Your decisions will need to be made from a place of necessity not narcissism. You put in the hours, you take the risks, you make bold decisions. It is important to be around allies and If you are, show them love. In the words of Marcus Proust

A legacy builder will need to drop:

Guilt. In fact, we can exchange it for intelligent regret. If your legacy building disrupts friendships, be honest about what you can commit too so that friends can have realistic expectations of you. Be aware they also have a right to love you and let go.

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“Let us be grateful for people who make us happy, they are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom” 14

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HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

THE POWER OF

VOCAL LEGACY

Katie Rose

The Rose Window katierosewindow

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‘My legacy is that I stayed the course… from beginning to the end because I believed in something inside me’ - Tina Turner. “If I hope for anything as an artist, it’s that I inspire certain people to be who they really are. My audiences seem to be people who have been given a hard time for being who they are.” - Sinéad O’Connor This year the world mourned the loss of two extraordinary women and celebrated their extraordinary musical legacies - Tina Turner and Sinéad O’Connor. Both survivors of abuse, their voices live on in their music and the incredible wisdoms they imparted and embodied. Tina Turner broke ceilings and barriers at every turn of her life. After escaping an abusive marriage she went on to sell more concert tickets than any other solo artist. Whilst honouring her roots in R&B, she became the only black female to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She becoming the oldest female to top the charts age 44 and to appear on the cover of Vogue aged 73. Mick Jagger credits her for teaching him how to move on stage and she was an idol to a young Beyoncé, whose dreams came true when they performed Proud Mary together at the Grammy’s in 2008. Tina’s life has been the subject of books, documentaries and musicals and her book Happiness Becomes You, empowers us to “tell those voices you’ve heard their

propaganda, and you’re not going to take it anymore. Dismiss them, and you will be the only one holding the pen as you write the story of your life.” Sinéad O’Connor, who experienced child abuse at an early age would famously call out child abuse within the Catholic Church years before it was finally admitted. Sinéad became a voice for those excluded and oppressed by Irish Catholic society - women, the LGBTQ+ community and those who experienced mental illness. Irish filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson, who directed the documentary Nothing Compares to You in 2022, described her as a guiding light who brought Ireland out of the dark ages and influenced a whole new generation of young people spearheading change. She refused to conform, shaving her head after a music producer advised her to grow her hair and wear short skirts. Her courage, truth and vulnerability won her the hearts of millions. Legacy comes with the sense of communication across time - and there is no doubt that the voices of these two legendary women will continue to echo and resonate for years to come. It is for us to determine our response to their leadership. How will we take the baton forward and what will we bequeath to future generations - what hearts will we touch, what songs will we sing and stories will we tell? It starts now with what we can do today with our hands, hearts and voices in our homes, communities and our world.

Katie Rose TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

LEGACY BUILDERS

ART AND

REATIVITY THE ARTISTIC VISION OF A CONTEMPORARY VIRTUOSO – A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF A DIGITAL ARTIST

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In the heart of the post-industrial city of Manchester, United Kingdom, digital artist Tim Williams is leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art. With a penchant for large-format creations, intricate digital designs, and a profound connection to his hometown’s unique characteristics, Tim is redefining the boundaries of the art world.

Bill Withers, the legendary singer-songwriter renowned for his socially conscious music, is a figure that resonates deeply with Tim. Just as Withers used music to convey vital messages, our artist utilizes visual art to provoke thought, inspire change, and highlight the nuances of human existence. For this gifted artist, art isn’t merely a vocation; it is life itself. It’s the sanctuary where he is unburdened by the need to suppress his opinions, where he silently speaks volumes through his vibrant creations. The solitude and creative expression within the art form provide an escape from the cacophony of the world.

Hailing from the iconic city synonymous with rain, Tim’s work harnesses the elements of weather and reflective floor surfaces to craft mesmerizing art pieces. His distinctive style is a fusion of abstractly designed people, vibrant umbrellas, and a digital medium that knows no bounds. The inspiration behind the brightly colored umbrellas that grace Tim’s artwork is twofold. First, they pay homage to the unending drizzle of Manchester, a city that has earned a reputation for its perpetual rainfall. Secondly, the artist draws inspiration from Jack Vettriano’s iconic work, ‘The Singing Butler,’ where umbrellas symbolize a sense of mystery and concealed emotions.

While Tim has yet to exhibit widely, his decision to carefully curate a two-year collection has been a deliberate one. However, the art world is beginning to take notice, with invitations to exhibit in New York and Paris, a testament to the growing appreciation of his remarkable talent. Above all, legacy holds a special place in his heart. The question of how people will remember us, understand our beliefs, and empathize with our joys and sorrows is a poignant one. Tim hopes that his art will serve as a resounding answer, an enduring testament to the depth of his vision and the profound messages he seeks to convey through his work.

A self-taught artist and a voracious student of the masters, he immerses himself daily in the world of art history. His chief influences are Claude Monet and LS Lowry. Monet’s mastery in blending colors to evoke soft and dramatic effects deeply resonates with him. Similarly, Lowry’s ability to infuse life into his minimalist yet profoundly detailed people, set against an industrial backdrop, has left an indelible mark on Tim. Tim is also a huge fan of Jean Michel Basquiat, the artist characterized by raw energy and an avant-garde approach where untethered freedom reigns supreme.

In the hands of this digital virtuoso from Manchester, art becomes a bridge, a voice, and a legacy.

Latifah Lolade

However, his art doesn’t stop at abstract scenes and colorful umbrellas. It takes an unexpected twist into the world of sports shoes, an ode to Manchester’s two football giants, Man Utd and Man City. Designer sports footwear, an integral part of the football culture, becomes a gateway to introduce art to men who would probably not give art a second look if it were not for Tim’s depictions of their favourite designer footwear pieces.

tim_theartfactory

But this artist’s work transcends aesthetics; it carries powerful messages on a multitude of topics. From tackling subjects like loneliness, the empowerment of black women, prostitution and civil rights to addressing the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the black community, his art serves as a silent yet impactful mouthpiece for change and empowerment.

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The Man with the Yellow Umbrella This piece is about being different and being true to yourself especially under difficult situations.

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The Adidas Basquiat This is a piece mixing a classic pair of trainers (sneakers) worn by British football fans infused with an abstract colour scheme paying homage to Jean Michel Basquiat

Pride Depicts people getting on with their day amongst the grand historical buildings of Manchester during a typical rainy day TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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I Hate Getting Paint On My Trainers This is a piece pays tribute to Jean Michel Basquiat

The Long Walk Home 1 This piece pays tribute to the civil rights activists of the 1955 bus boycott in Birmingham Alabama

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FUN FASHION PHOTOSHOOT WITH THE FORMER SUPREMES LOS ANGELES SEPTEMBER 2023

Photographer: Randi Childs

randichilds_photography

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ART AND CREATIVITY

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RESIDENT CONTRIBUTOR KWAME MCPHERSON

WINNER OF THE COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY PRIZE 2023

Kwame M A McP herson

Authorpreneur, Ghostwriter, Book Coach,

Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023, for the Caribbean region for Jamaica and Globally, the first Jamaican maxkeymaxkey TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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This issue of the TurningPoint Music and Luxury Lifestyle magazine focuses on Legacy. In today’s world some will ask if it is relevant or if it has a place but really, whatever we do today has a past that is built upon - whether positively or negatively. Personally, being the winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023, for the Caribbean region for Jamaica and Globally, I never looked on my achievement as being a legacy and was as surprised to have won the Caribbean region as well as Internationally. Especially since there are 56 countries that make up the Commonwealth, from which there were 6,642 story submissions, and I, the overall victor. In fact, the most incredulous factor about this matter of legacy, I am the first Jamaican to ever win a global literary prize. That’s right, even with the many incredible writers from Jamaica, with the likes of Marlon James, Colin Channer, Diana McCaulay to name a few. No other Jamaican, male or female, has won an international literary short story award. And yet, it is on their shoulders and others who went before, that I stand. That is legacy. I enjoy telling stories, look on myself as a modern-day griot or storyteller, one who inspires and uplifts, provokes thought and moves readers from one emotional state to the next. Writing about human experiences and stories. Telling tales of struggle, love, hate, hurt, overcoming and triumph. Leaving the reader with something with which they can build their own legacy. Providing an opportunity where they are taken on a journey and think about their own legacy. That was what my award-winning story – Ocoee - was about. I think that is what legacy means. Creating a space where people can be all they are meant to be, from what has gone before.

Excerpt from Ocoee: “I must have been less than a mile from the town when blinking blue and red lights suddenly flashed in my rear-view. I had not seen them creep up on me, and must have missed the cruiser’s headlights. Maybe I was just lost with Michael in a Lady in My Life – well, in his life. My lady was nowhere round. I had learnt from experience never to stop on lonely dark roads. One night in the city, and against years of knowing and my better judgement, I had stopped for a cop car that had trailed me for over five blocks. They said it was a regular stop, demanded my ID which I refused to give. Instead I held onto and shoved my work ID into their faces because I knew my constitutional rights.

They threatened me with arrest since, according to them, I was obstructing an investigation into someone fitting my description that had robbed a liquor store and was seen running away. Bearing in mind I was walking home, had my work ID slung from a lanyard around my neck and was also carrying a heavy rucksack on my back. Based on their allegation, an officer decided he was going to handcuff me. I never saw the inside of their cruiser. Let’s just say they came off worse and I got off from having a police record or even seeing the inside of a prison. My ancestors definitely were with me then, through a superb lawyer. The headlamps and strobe lights flooded my rear-view. I kept on at a reasonable pace, not speeding, willing my rental to reach the town’s street lights. I was just on the outskirts of Ocoee when the cruiser sped up, overtook me and skidded to a stop just in front, blocking my way. I screeched to a halt.”

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ART AND CREATIVITY

‘EILATAN’

THE JEWELLERY BRAND REPRESENTING, LOVE, COMPASSION AND HOPE GOES INTERNATIONAL TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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The name for your brand ‘Eilatan’, how is this name a reflection of ‘everything that is loved, appreciated and felt by you? ‘ How is it a representation of you?

forever and that might even be passed down to future generations. When I create, the process is always the same. It’s obviously more drawn out when it comes to bespoke work due to all the check-ins with the client, but I still get to enjoy each piece, watching them come alive from just raw materials. I also love working on one of a kind items as I’m totally inspired by my mood, the weather or the stone I’m working with. It feels like a special kind of freedom to branch out to do something different. These are riskier pieces from a business angle as I don’t know if people will buy them, but they help keep my creativity alive.

The name of my brand is literally derived from my name, it’s simple when you see it: Eilatan spelled backwards is Natalie. This name felt like the perfect embodiment for me. When I say in my mission statement that ‘everything is loved, appreciated and felt by me’ it is because it is an insight into who I am, what I like, and what I feel passionate about. As a one woman business, everything has been created by me and is the fulfilment of my own vision - from my website, branding, social media, photography and especially in my designs. I’m so entwined in my brand, and I feel like it is the perfect balance for me because it helps me separate the business from the brand values.

What you do is a craft, you create master pieces specific to someone’s desire or dream and then you craft it into life. How and when did this craft discover you? My craft came to me in a bit of a weird way. I was 19, had just started working at the V&A London as an art technician apprentice and I really wanted to make mounts for the objects on display. At the time it wasn’t that easy to become a mount-maker, and I also had no experience or skills. I wasn’t sure if I’d even like it due to never having worked in a hands-on job before although I did have basic knowledge/practice of arts and crafts. I decided to try something new outside of work, that would also help develop me professionally and booked myself on a silversmith jewellery making course at my local adult education college. I loved it from the get go, and working with colleagues that had similar skills really helped develop me. The skills of my side hustle and job at the V&A started to go hand in hand. I was immediately drawn to working with different stones and making items that suited my taste. It was exciting and felt good creating pieces I could actually wear and use. Without that combined opportunity, I’m not sure if I would have ever gotten into it!

Your jewellery is hand crafted in your London Studio, what does it feel like when you design and create a piece for a client? Obviously each piece is different, but at the same time, each piece is unique and would have a different feel, a different process! Each piece can be incredibly different, particularly when I craft bespoke pieces. I always feel moved when it comes to working on a custom piece. It’s pushes me out of my element and is also a great way to connect with my clients. Some moments feel incredibly special. For example, I have re-worked a ring for a client which included her breast milk encased in resin. I have also adapted my Wonky Boob ring to represent a woman who had a mastectomy. It feels really special that I’m part of these experiences and am creating pieces that will stay in people’s lives TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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ART AND CREATIVITY There is quite a symbolic awareness and representation of life, of the expression of individuality and authenticity, that your brand breaths. You are also a bit of an activist for humanity, for equal rights and fairness why are these attributes important to you as an individual and how does this reflect in your brand? I’ve always been an altruistic empath. When it comes to issues I’ve experienced in my personal life, or that people I’m close with have gone through, I want to find a way to help and deal with it, to stop someone else going through the same experience. I guess it helps me too as it provides me with purpose and knowledge that I can actually make a difference. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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I think in life too many people forget where they come from and life can be hard and unkind, especially if you’ve got mental health issues, physical health issues. It’s even more difficult, if you are from a minority - whether that’s race, religion or gender. It can be isolating and discouraging without having help, and I want to try and help in the best way I can. This advocacy led me to launch my “Hope Collection” to raise awareness and money for relevant charities. Doing this through my brand gives me a good platform and helps me connect with people across the world who are struggling with similar challenges. I also donate some of my sales income to relevant charities that need our support to continue doing their important work.

with the miners, cutters and communities to make it fairer and less problematic. Finally, I try to use as many natural products instead of harsh chemicals so they can be disposed of more safely and I use bio-degradable or recyclable packaging. Lastly, I try to educate my clients and followers on the importance of sustainability and how non climate friendly fast fashion jewellery can be. The more education over low-quality jewellery the more sustainable the industry could become.

Is it important to you to create and build a legacy and why?

My greatest challenge has definitely been how to overcome my personal hardships whilst also battling with imposter syndrome like most creatives! Whether that’s battling with my mental health, imposter syndrome or trying to figure out how to do a physically demanding job with a chronic illness. At times, it feels too difficult and sometimes I can’t do the work I want to do due to needing rest to avoid flare-ups. A battle between what my body needs and what my mind wants is difficult and can be overwhelming at times and I’m still learning how to manage this. For now I just take each day at a time, try to be kind to myself and try to follow my heart when it comes to making jewellery.

As an entrepreneur what has been your greatest challenge and what did you learn from that and overcome?

It is important for me to create a legacy, although I’m quite happy for my legacy to be understated. The most important thing I want to do is help pave the way for people like me. If I help only one or two people to not be defined by the way they look or being stuck in a stereotypical box, then I’ll have done my job. Working in the arts is not always easy, and being a person of colour in the UK means you’re always going to be the minority. In addition, having a chronic pain condition like I suffer with, can make things feel like an uphill battle. It’s hard to feel included, to feel welcome, to feel part of something. So I’d like my legacy to inspire people, making them feel a part of something, and making them feel heard or valued and less alone.

Leave us with one of your favourite quotes My all time favourite quote is “These are the days that must happen to you” by Walt Whitman. For me, this is the perfect quote to offer kindness to myself when I’m feeling negative about something. It reminds me that as much as I’d like an easy sailing, happy life 24/7, you have to overcome hardships and learn from your mistakes in order to truly evolve and enjoy things even more.

What does it mean to you to build a legacy? Building a legacy for me, is creating space where I’ve helped make a difference or made an impact on someone’s life. Whether that’s from the messages I spread, the awareness I create, the conversations I have with people or the jewelry I create, it is all part of building a legacy for me. I want my legacy to be a positive impact on other people’s lives

Sustainability lies at the core of everything you do – how do you implement this with what you do?

Natalie Ifil

Sustainability is really important to me, and the jewellery industry has an unethical side to it so I try to combat this in my own practice as much as possible. I work with recycled metal, re-use all my scraps within my own work, buy gemstones from eco-conscious companies who try to work TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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EUGENE ANKOMAH THE EXPANSIVE CREATIVE GENUIS TRANSFORMING LIVES

What are the qualities that makes Eugene who he is?

his is an interesting question to me. It means I have to immediately turn the spotlight on myself - something I do not necessarily do often. Then look inward, in order for me to dig and answer it honestly. So here we go. I believe in talent. But I am more interested in the concept of understanding.I think understanding is a huge part of my talent. By understanding, I mean the ability to be aware of my personal qualities, and what that offers to me. But even more powerfully, I feel this understanding allows me to be confident and assured in applying myself to anything I choose to do. I have had to be resilient, consistent and always aware of my individuality my unique selling points (musp). This is a very important factor to my mindset. Some have called me a provocateur, brave or a rebel, because of these qualities that enables me to see and think clearly, even if it has led to me breaking some rules. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

This also means I am always ready, willing and in the frame of mind to do my own thing, or at the least, to put my own twist, my own flavour without the necessary burdens of the past on whatever I set my ambitious mind to. This can be towards my sense of fashion, a new experimental approach to painting, creating a new “persona” or even the conception of a socially inspired, public installation or even a public mural. I am also developing my sense of business with the same energy I’m speaking of here. I treat people as individuals and with respect too. Individuals with potentially beautiful minds filled with unearthed magic. This allows me to learn also from the unique perspective of others I value. Not least, I am a fighter for what I see and want. I am also a very caring being. I always believed and still believe, it’s about being a great human first. Then everything we do can then becomes an extension or a reflection of that. The human part is what I believe makes our products great. I can go on…but I will pause it here for now.

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Who is Eugene?

You are an eclectic, eccentric, creative soul and artist. I love a quote you have on your FB page. “I live art, I breathe art and believe only God is greater than art. Because God is art!” Can you expand on this quote?

Eugene or EA is ‘Creativity Without Limitations’, as my tagline or logo says. I truly believe this, in all its potential. It is a mantra I live by. It is a problem solving perspective. But in the broader sense, I am an individual who loves to learn and has great curiosity and hunger to know and absorb the lessons of life - be it personal lessons or that of others or from a historical view point. This gives my work and my creations a depth of thought, feeling, emotion, freedom and even what some will consider to be my “risk taking” qualities.

First of all, thank you kindly for your words. That quote is really attempting to explore my being, my soul or my make up (DNA). I will tell a little true story. A lady I know several years ago said to me that she loved my work and vision so much that my work somehow caused her to feel free. But also, when viewing my work, it allowed her to feel as if she could also potentially create as well. Although she did not consider herself capable of creating anything that she found to be “good” she said my works gave her a “mental release”. It took away for a while, her inner fears. She then said the following words. “You are the second best artist, after God”. Something about her serious facial expression, and genuine sentiment stuck with me ever since.

I wrote something down some years back. Again, it is like a guide to me. It simply says, “I am an innovator, and not a renovator”. I strongly believe that everyone of us, no matter your background, ethnicity or family history all have a unique specific contribution to make in this world, gifted with the inner know-how to build upon what has gone before. This is with the addition of our own unique perspective and experiences which enables us to be relevant and needed for the now, for our own time. But this only becomes possible if we dare to accept and respect who we are and what God has made us to BE. Limitless beings who are capable of so much more than we know. I want to always tap into this sphere of the possible and help shed some light on it.

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There is something very freeing about having to accept, knowing that I did not create my own abilities. Yes, I’ve worked to make it what it is obviously. I believe who I am was bestowed upon me by a higher force - my creator. The founders of an award I received around 2016, said “you know Eugene, you were ordained to do what you do”. Very humbling words. I do not take anything for granted at all. However, it’s also enabled me to know and feed into the idea of unlimited inspiration from the same 34

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force - my creator. The founders of an award I received around 2016, said “you know Eugene, you were ordained to do what you do”. Very humbling words. I do not take anything for granted at all. However, it’s also enabled me to know and feed into the idea of unlimited inspiration from the same higher source. So, that for me means I will never run dry of ideas for example. This solid psychological base provides a confidence to change, develop and innovate with gusto and to know that I already am whatever I draw from my talents, even before I have become it.

which is often fed by the things life has taught us. As well as what we have gained from our ancestors whether we believe that or not.

When it’s all said and done playfulness and cheerfulness is an element underneath all my creations. While being serious and passionate about my craft it allows me to not take certain things too seriously but to acknowledge it when it’s time to laugh also. To end my point, the quote is also saying that I need art, creativity and vision everyday I’m breathing. God provides my breath, so I’m winning!

How does what you do connect to your ancestors or to that deeper level of consciousness?

In another way we could argue we are already connected to our ancestors. They are in us, part of us and in our genetic make-up. In fact our characteristics and some of our abilities create a direct connection which is alive, pulsating and continuing a sort of tradition or legacy which transcend time and space. A thought that came to me on this topic is “I am ME, because THEY were there”. I think there is something humbling in the understanding of this. It should hopefully help to both explain our attributes but also maybe ease the pressures and expectation society puts on us. Why? because we are what we are and although we can expand and always become more than we are, or should I say discover more of who we are, there is still a foundation, perhaps spiritual, that was settled and formed a long time ago before we came into being. It is similar to the idea of destiny I guess.

A good question. I truly believe I’m connected through the integrity and fearlessness of my approach. There was and is so much that has been done in the past before I ever came into existence of course cultural foundations, practices and beliefs I may never even fully understand. But my awareness, reverence and acceptance of it and the incorporation or references of it in my expressions and art, means that I am actively honoring, uplifting and celebrating it. Therefore, I am contributing to it, as well as hopefully educating through its representation. There is a profound beauty in representing one’s truth. Be it from a personal experience stand point, a holistic or an intellectual one. Just being yourself whilst remembering where and how your identity and the identity of your people was formed, is an irresistible point of projection and pride for me. But sharing that amongst my followers and admirers is about presenting an idea, a mental platform for them to find their own sense of self and freedom.

Your work is more than just art, you are supporting others, i.e young people to transform, to heal, to learn, to grow, to expand. How does the work you do with them achieve this?

What is the connection between yourself and your ancestors?

I observed from a young age and realised some of the most powerful people, moments or events in history were times where and when the use of the human will, the imagination or creativity was used to make life better, in whatever capacity. They say “life imitates Art”. I think art becomes even more powerful, effective and more memorable when it jumps from its most common use or purpose,

I think again the connection between us all is everywhere and in the things we do. The bible says “The truth shall set you free”. I know I am bringing back that word again ‘truth’. But I think in all its meaning and connotations, truth opens the door to other possibilities, other perspectives or “alternate realities” that maybe particular or propelled by our singular vision/s, TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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ART AND CREATIVITY of being a thing of beauty, of aesthetic pleasure or an object of our desire on a wall, or in a space for example, and becomes a thing which now by its conscious design interrupts the set patterns in our lives with a relatable theme or a familiar topic which is prevalent and pressing. In other words, art is often inspired or informed by life experiences and occurrences. But at some point, the opposite can be true. The art and its expressive language can help shed light, on some of our day-to-day problems we struggle with as a society. When this is done right, everything about it can go beyond almost any set of limitations and goes straight into our hearts and causes positive change.

with technical ability, especially within art. That open approach creates a type of positive inner comfort that enables the young person to dive head on into my specially created, collaborative, socially impactful community based performances and ongoing installations (project Re-Claim) which I have created to help bring greater community cohesion, but to also increase the conversation around knife crime in the UK. However, when we consider it carefully, what I am really saying here is that it is all conducted in the language of Love and not in judgement. Love accepts and creates an equal level playing field.

When a young person picks up a gun or a knife, from your perspective what is it their soul is saying?

I try to always create from a place of acceptance and I encourage everyone I encounter to do the same. That simply means the readiness to explore ones inner being (personality, beliefs or convictions) whilst using that as a template or a spring board in telling your story or sharing your perspective. This approach I find allows people in general - especially young people to be open, vulnerable and willing to part take, knowing their voice or expression is accepted and just as important us anyone else from the past or present. This by the way has very little to do TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

I love this question! It is quite a complex internal situation I feel. I recently watched a clip on Youtube where a gentleman was explaining why in spite of having been involved in some criminal activities as a young man for a short period of time, there was yet something about his upbringing that was instilled in him by his parents which he felt constantly pulled him back and eventually made him decide to give up that life. He called it pride and respect. 36

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Pride and respect in his family name and the knowledge that his ancestors and more closely, his parents and wider family circle had gone through so much to remain strong and resilient through decades of both struggle and triumphs. He was ashamed of the thought of ever bringing shame and a sense of dishonor to his ancestors. He became protective over his family and their future. His inner representation of himself and understanding of the part he plays in his family unit gave him a new more positive meaning. I relay this story, because there is a lot of relevance to the question here. From my perspective, the picking up of a gun or knife is an outer projection or indication of helplessness and a cry for help.

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Often, this helplessness or cry for help stems from a long standing untreated issue with their sense of identity and frustration with not being heard, not being respected or accepted - probably within the context of family, friendship group or the lack of. But also often within the community as a whole. Many a research has shown the aforementioned triggers have played a huge part in crime. Not least, the opposite can also be true. Young people have picked up a knife or gun to also play into the image of being tough or cool or worthy of being let into some groups. So when it’s all said and done the picking up of knives and guns is a soul cry for love, and love in its all beautiful rays of healing, acceptance and respect. When this is seriously lacking in any measure in the life of anyone, especially young people then we see them seeking the love of crime, and that often starts with the power, but also the comfort that comes with carrying a weapon. Of course fear is also a major factor. Some young people carry a weapon, thinking they are protecting themselves. We know this ultimately does not work. In fact, it creates more paranoia which potentially exasperates the dangers.

particular unique set of gifts and talents that can never be replicated, which is so important for the world we live in, no matter the context of use. When we operate from this well of self-belief and purpose, that knowingness has no limits, in terms of what it can do through us. It is a place of unlimited resources, ideas and everything else any of us ever wanted. I try to stay in that “soup” with all I do, because that soup is very sweet indeed.

Why is it important to you to give back to the community the way you do? Giving back to the community means so much to me. Firstly, I believe by giving out, we get much more in return. This is a fact! What I get back in return isn’t my focus. But I am ready to accept it whenever it decides to arrive in my corner, because you cannot not accept what the universe brings back to you. But perhaps more importantly and profoundly is knowing that by doing my part, I help to enhance life in some small way or a big way for others. It’s the hope it inspires others to also give or support in their own way. If we can all accept the challenge of contributing positively into other people’s lives, then this I hope will create a ripple effect where we all get to represent the “puzzle” piece that we are, within this bigger image/society that we seek to make better. I really believe this is possible.

You have a profound knowing of who you are and why you do what you do – how do you stay in that soup of knowing self? I think this ‘knowing’ you mention here for me is one of the most vital qualities in any human being and for our sense of stability. As an artist, it is even more important for me to have discovered and know my stand point. Because out of that “knowing” springs off all that is possible and all that is unique about me. The knowing can simply be based on the observed qualities and characteristics that have created certain habits we have and even our interests. But I think for me, it is also about knowing right from wrong. Now, whilst that sounds quite basic and simplistic, I say it on a subconscious level.

Giving back to children and young people is especially vital to me. Not just because I believe we have to set the example for them, but it’s because I am a believer in the power and freedom of their imagination, their voice and expressions. That is a fertile ground of solutions and endless possibilities. My interaction with them always ends up opening me up to something, a thought, a process, a perspective that I may never have considered before. But really, it’s about bringing more joy into the world right? Seeing others happier because of my contribution, support, guide or mentorship raises my spirit in a way that I find difficult to articulate. I’m getting goose bumps even as I write this.

When we operate from a place of personal and universal connection, where whatever we put out is made with the right intentions and carved out of a spirit that is not seeking validation, but instead wants to share and in some cases attempt to create unity or even awareness, then we can do this with the greatest of freedoms. There should be no looking behind ourselves or questioning of the process or our aims. Alongside everything mentioned in this section so far, I am fully aware and deeply grounded in the belief that all of us are like puzzle pieces. These puzzle pieces when put together create a fully formed image, a solution, a clearer vision of the world. We basically have a unique part to play on this earth. Now, when embraced, this means I, you and everyone else has a TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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James Russell @jgartist44

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THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST ON A QUEST TO PROMOTE POSITIVE IMAGES OF CLASSICAL MUSIC TO AFRICAN AMERICAN KIDS “U.S. Orchestras Gradually Diversify but Are Slow to Hire Black Musicians

The number of Asian and Latino players has risen over the past

decade, according to a new report. But Black musicians are still scarce, especially at large orchestras. American orchestras, which have come under scrutiny in recent years for their lack of diversity, have made some inroads in hiring more Asian and Latino players over the past decade. But according to a new study, they have barely moved the needle in addressing the persistent dearth of Black musicians. Over all, people of color now make up about 21 percent of orchestra players nationwide, according to a study by the League of American Orchestras, up from 14 percent in the 2013-14 season. But the study found that the share of Black players, who have long been underrepresented, barely shifted, rising to 2.4 percent from 1.8 percent.” Except Taken from The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/arts/music/orchestra-diversity.html James Russell is an Artist who has been inspired to create two African-American characters AfroKid-1 and BB Blue who are representative and symbolic of African-American kids playing classical music. He wanted young people to be able to see themselves playing classical music using a variety of instruments and to inspire those who want to be classically trained to follow their dreams. Below we hear more about the inspiration behind the man who created the characters AfroKid-1 and BB Blue. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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What is the inspiration behind Afrokid-1?

In the process of drawing the Afrokid-1 holding the French horn, I asked Mr. Watt how many instruments there were in an orchestra and his response was, depending on what selections they are doing, there were between 13 or 14 different instruments or sections of instruments. So I had an epiphany one day whilst getting a bunch of references from Mr. Watt, to draw this kid playing all the instruments and in doing so I learned so much about the instruments. After I got past four or five instruments with the male character AfroKid-1, I decided to share some of my work with certain individuals, who liked the images however, I kept being asked what about having a girl character. At the time I was thinking about the harp and I was going to draw the AfroKid-1 with a harp, however Mr. Watt informed me that traditionally the harp is played by a woman, so this was the opportunity to bring in AfroKid-1’s sister, who I named BB Blue.

Mr. Robert Watt a retired orchestra, French horn player! He is one of the first African-Americans who played in an orchestra as a French horn player. He saw one of the characters I had created and asked me if it was possible to put a French horn in this character’s hand and I did so because of the respect I have for Mr Watt. I didn’t know much about the French horn until I met him, and he supported me in understanding more about the instruments by sending me references to which I researched on Pinterest and then I created my first piece for the Afro kid.

Why is it important for young people to see images and representations of who they are culturally? Mr. Watt is now retired, and still mentors kids playing the French horn. He was the one who told me, after he saw the piece I created, how important it was for our kids and I mean African-American kids to see themselves in this way! Prior to that I had no idea there were that many African-American kids playing classical music.

What is the fundamental message of your work? The fundamental message is to bring awareness to African-American kids that are playing classical music or who want to get into classical music. I had no idea that there were so many African American kids playing classical music. I guess mainly because the majority of people playing classical music are white people and Asians. I believe they still dominate, and based on what I understand, the percentage of African-Americans in the whole entire scene equals between 1%-2% no matter how good or talented they

Your images showcase Afrokid-1 and BB Blue playing a variety of classical instruments, why did you choose classical music as a genre to showcase to young black kids? TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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may be. A lot of this was down to lack of accessibility, racism and lack of diversity.

What has it been like to create this project and how has it inspired you?

Therefore, because this was bought to my attention, it was important for me to produce characters for African-American kids who are playing classical music, or who want to play classical music, who I felt needed to see these images of themselves. Because there are no images of themselves, like the ones I have created, in this arena!

At first, I couldn’t see the vision fully, even though I had mentioned I’d had this epiphany of the Afrokid-1 and his sister, playing all these instruments! But when I pulled up a diagram on the symphony or the orchestra, and of all the different instruments, the list seemed to be so much bigger than what I anticipated. After I got to the 7th and 8th instrument, I started to see the vision evolve and for me personally, I knew I had to get this project finished. Initially it was such an enjoyable process - what I mean is the journey from the idea in my head to transferring it to my tablet. Also, bear in mind the amount of time it took me to finish this project, because I also have a 9 to 5 job and in between it all, I had a lot of personal stuff going on.

How long have you been working on this project? One year and eight months. I started in 2022 and finished on September 15 2023, on my youngest son‘s birthday

So how has working on this project inspired me? I remember at the beginning, the first several instruments and designs were easy and exciting. I was excited about the Jimmi Hendrix reference, the character sitting on the piano with a guitar. However, as I got further into the project, where I had to complete the last four or five drawings in order to finish, it became harder to complete. I had so many different distractions going on in my life with things popping up out of nowhere - some major distractions! I remember one particular night I was praying and asking God to allow me to live long enough to finish the project and I promised him that when I did, to let the chips fall where they may - but to just let me finish. Now that I’ve completed everything, I feel good, like OG James Brown, but more than that, I feel empowered.

What do you want young black people to realize about themselves and their potential, by seeing themselves represented in the way you have portrayed them in your work? First and foremost for them to ‘see’ themselves! The representation of themselves. I want them to imagine, to dream, to open up their minds to something different that they may not have thought about before! To see an instrument that catches their eye and to be curious enough to enquire ‘what is that instrument?’ and then to want to play it, to give it a go. I want to plant a seed of a possibility, to inspire young people, because if they could be influenced by my poster, to pick up an instrument, to discipline themselves to learn it, enough to be able to look back one day to say ‘I remember that little AfroKid-1 or BB Blue playing the clarinet or the violin or the cello or whatever instrument, wouldn’t that be cool? . TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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What to you is the importance of creating a legacy and what is the legacy you feel you are here to create? I would hope that my family and friends would be proud of what I have accomplished. My sons most importantly, will hopefully remember the days when they would see me up late, drawing in my little closet! TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Hopefully it will encourage them to pursue their dreams no matter how long it takes for them to accomplish them. If I could do it, then they can do it too. We all have gifts that God has blessed us with. If we are fortunate enough to find and know what those gifts are, to harness, cultivate and to use them. If we can learn to continue to grow, to learn from whatever that gift is, it’s a wonderful thing.To me it’s about emptying yourself. I mean really emptying yourself like a tank! if we can do this and then multiply our gifts, then we have not wasted them, and we are not taking those gifts to the grave, because we have emptied ourselves! That’s life’s journey, and in the process of that journey you’re sharing your gifts with the world and not depriving the world of your greatness, as you also help others with your gifts! This is about being the greatest version of yourself, which is easier said than done, but the cool thing is we have a lifetime to figure it out!

‘I stay in my lane, so that I can create other lanes’

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FROM HER DEATHBED TO THE WHITEHOUSE

STELLA SINGLETON-JONES’ UNITY PIECE TAKES RESIDENCE OF HONOUR

How cathartic and healing is it for you when you create your sculptures?

Creating my stone sculptures has been very healing and relaxing, both for my mind and body. However, what’s frustrating is that I can only create and chisel on my stone sculptures for three hours per day, because I get very tired.

What are the sensory expressions you feel whilst creating a piece i.e do you feel them, visualise them before you form them? All my art pieces are created from being inspired by an event or a conversation I’ve had. I visualise what direction I am going to chisel on my art pieces, and then they are finished when I do not have anywhere else to chisel on them.

‘Braveheart’

That significant moment when you sent your ‘Unity’ piece to the Whitehouse what did that feel like to receive acknowledgement that your piece had been accepted for display? I was overwhelmed with Joy and excited that I was obedient to the calling.

How long was your piece on display for? My Unity art piece was displayed in the White House for about two years, but as of 2011 my Unity stone sculpture became a permanent art piece in the White House collection. Meaning my Unity art piece will never leave the White House, which makes my Unity art piece a part of US History.

The message around the ‘Unity’ piece was symbolic of a possible new era of unity, coming together, support,

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tolerance, acceptance, why are these attributes important to you? All these attributes of coming together, supporting, tolerance and acceptance were very important elements in creating the Unity art piece, which I observed from the human spirit at that time. I am a spiritual person and I enjoy watching and seeing people bonding, getting along, and loving on one another. God our heavenly father is Love and as human beings, love is our most treasured gift. I have tried my best to exhibit the love through my art.

As a woman and an African American Woman how significant have all these experiences been for you in terms of getting your pieces showcased at some of the most prestigious events such as The Oscars, The Emmys, MTV? LEGACY BUILDERS

It has been a very interesting experience as a woman in the art world, but especially challenging as a black woman to even get your artwork appreciated for one’s art talent. However, it’s interesting when God our heavenly father decided to bless me with my art ability, he did not think about the colour of my skin.

You also have a health condition that you’ve battled. How has sculpturing helped you manage and understand not only your condition but yourself? I am a survivor of Meningococcal Spinal Meningitis. I was in a coma for 2 ½ weeks. It took me a year to learn how to walk and talk all over again. My medical illness was very challenging, and at times my medical illness also brought on a deep depression state. But my faith brought me through this difficult ordeal. My book, ‘My Grace Is Sufficient’ goes into great detail about my medical and art journey. I wrote this book to inspire others to never give up on your dreams.

‘THEM BONE’

ART AND CREATIVITY

I was blessed to meet the lovely actress Jane Seymour who introduced my stone sculptures to the organizers of these prestigious award shows, enabling my stone sculptures to be displayed at these events.

What does legacy mean to you? The legacy I would love to leave behind for others is to encourage people to open their eyes to all the possibilities of life. To remember when you were a young person and you said,’ I am going to do this when I grow up’ but life’s obstacles changed your path, and you didn’t follow through. I want people to know to always remember it’s never too late to capture those desires again at any of life’s levels. I am a perfect example of capturing my desires in the later years of my life, as a stone sculptor. My legacy is to inspire you to never give up on your dreams and to enjoy the journey along the way.

The Piece you created around ‘Them Bones’ can you share a bit more about it? My art piece ‘Them Bones’ was created because of my medical journey. This art piece has become my number one most requested art piece to be displayed in museums. ‘Solitude’

sculpturesbystella TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

‘Unity Art Piece’

LEGACY BUILDERS

ASHION JUDITH BARNES: JBCOUTURE INTERNATIONAL FASHION DESIGNER AND AWARD WINNER

Fashion shoots Fashion Shows Weddings Parties Prom Events Galas Models Lights Camera Action and more awards...

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Fashion Designer at JB Couture by Judith Barnes Model : Ika Lewis Photographer: George Wakefield

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Model : Yahima Mora Photographer: George Wakefield

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FASHION W

e celebrate this phenomenal lady who has won so many awards to-date. And she has done it once again. Judith recently showcased and modelled her gowns at The Milestone Global Pageant in Dubai, October 2023 and left with many more. Reigning Beauty Queen Dubai 2023, Best National Costume Dubai 2023, Winner Platinum Mrs Global International World Dubai 2023, Timeless Beauty Dubai 2023, Miss Jamaica Dubai 2023, Award for best Costume and Crown Dubai 2023. If you haven’t heard the name Judith Barnes by now in the world of fashion, then you will do so by the end of this article. A vivaciously hard working, driven, talented and colourful designer, whose creations are simply divine, resplendent of the highest level of creativity and quality. Judith Barnes continues to go from strength to strength, initially taking the East Coast by storm and more recently internationally. Judith’s creations are flamboyant, filled with a va va voom of colours and excitement. Items adorned with feather and frills, with flounces and thrills, the words elegant, sexy, sassy and sensual come to mind. Her slogan ‘Custom Designs with you in mind’ is fitting for the type of clientele she attracts. Judith creates items so specific to the client that it transforms not only how they look, but how they feel. Anyone can create their personal magic by having an outfit designed by Judith. From Weddings, to The Proms, Beach Wear to Evening Wear, from Your Home to The Grammys, Judith’s creations adorn those who want to feel like a Queen. Judith also creates accessories and headpieces, that flirt with the finesse of pure glamour taking one back to the sophistication and sensual elegance of the likes of Sophie Loren, Dorothy Dandridge, 1950’s star Hedy Lamarr, Audrey Hepburn and other stunning actresses who graced our screens and who wore their headdress like plumes of frolic and their clothes resembling the wedding flower, Calla Lily with its trumpet shape and elegant air, whose meaning is regal.

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JUDITH BARNES Judith also does pageants by dressing the international Queen from all over the world. Each design is hand made by her. Judith also received another award this year, the ’Maverick of Black Entrepreneurship SFL Miss Juneteenth Pageant Award 2023’. A woman who has been inspired by three key people ‘Vera Wang, because of her beautiful wedding gowns and other designs she has done. Coco Chanel because of how she started out and never gave up on her dreams. Her designs will always live on. I like her classy look and her hats and Elie Saab - I love his collections we both have the same taste in fashion. The big ballroom gowns and beautiful fabrics.’ Judith’s wish for the world is that as a creative is that she wants the world to experience her passion for couture through the creativity of her designs. She says “with all that is changing in our world today, I want the world to see what I can offer. I want to be known internationally because I know that once the world finds out about my designs, and people have access to them, people can have more beautiful experiences, just by wearing beautiful clothes.”

Here we showcase some of those fabulous images of Judith and those of her models.

If you want to create magic in your wardrobe, and be seen in an outfit that sets you worlds apart from others, in your own uniqueness, then Judith is the woman with the magic touch.

Contact: jbarnesf@aol.com jbcouturefashionplusmore@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/jbcoutureandmore www.jbcoutureplusmore.com

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FASHION

Model : Judith Barnes

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Model : Ashanti Lewis Photographer: George Wakefield

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FASHION Fashion Designer at JB Couture by Judith Barnes Model : Yulis Sanchez Photographer: George Wakefield TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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FA SH IO N Fashion Designer at JB Couture by Judith Barnes Model : Naya Nayeli Fanfan Photography by Leon TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS 1.BBA in Fashion Designing and Marketing at AIU 2007 2.International Women Day Achievement Award – March 10th 2012 3.Women in Power Award: Designer of the Year – June 2012 4.The Dream Team Supporting Women of FL Award: Recognises as a Strong Leader in the Community – March 2017 5.Hollywood Awards Epic Creation Designer of the Year 2018 6.100 Successful Women in Business Award Designer of the Year 2019

Model : Judith Barnes Photographer: George Wakefield

7.National Caribbean American Heritage Month Award for Designer of the Year June 2019 8.Mulcare Skin and Beauty Award for the High Achievers for Designer of the Year Award September 2019

Model : Yulis Sanchez Photographer: George Wakefield

9.The ’Maverick of Black Entrepreneurship SFL Miss Juneteenth Pageant Award 2023’. 10.The Milestone Global Pageant in Dubai, October 2023 :

Reigning Beauty Queen Dubai 2023, Best National Costume Dubai 2023, Winner Platinum Mrs Global International World Dubai 2023, Timeless Beauty Dubai 2023, Miss Jamaica Dubai 2023, Award for best Costume and Crown Dubai 2023. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ METRO

DAILY MAIL

DAILY TELEGRAPH

DAILY EXPRESS

‘A POWERFUL TALE THAT’S SIMPLY THE BEST!’ DA I LY M A I L

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FUNKY BUTTERFLY

The Funky Butterfly is a brand by Esther Austin. A range of clothing that symbolizes the woman who has evolved to be free within her soul, the woman who has learned to be authentic with who she is. The woman who has become empowered and who continues to empower herself because like nature, she is an ever evolving and revolving door into her greatness, into her joy, into an internal freedom that comes being able to kiss her soul. A woman who has discovered her own Unique Signature Style, who is clear about not looking like anyone else other than her own God given, natural self, about not following trends and who is content within herself because she has learned to dance with life and with herself.

Esther

The range screams, I can do sexy and sassy in many ways, and I don’t have to reveal my tonsils. The Funky Butterfly Range is bottom line about expression and freedom. It’s mysterious and alluring at the same time. The brand first launched in 2018, and exhibited at African Fashion Week where it was endorsed by Sister Sledge. This was the third time I had exhibited. I had also taken part in three fashion shows. However, I did not have time to promote the range further due to circumstances at the time. Nevertheless, calls for ‘where can I buy your stuff’ continued to grow or I’d be continually stopped in the streets, with enquiries or interest in what I was wearing. After coming back from the United States recently where I wore many of my own designs to various events, premiers, galas etc, that call had become even louder. Women (and a lot of men enquired whether I designed for them too) wanted to buy and buy now. I even had the privilege of being part of a photo-shoot with The Former Supremes in one of the dresses I designed. Images you can see here

The range also has a selection of harem pants, which are comfortable, stylish, sassy. The harem pants have a look all to themselves, each one offering something that is tangibly unique in how they are designed. Some have thick waistbands and then fall flatteringly around the hips, with an accentuated puffiness around the hip. These pants ebb and flow with long tops or with a sexy corset. These can be dressed up or down and you still look like a million dollars. Add distinctive accessories to the look and you can create something quite stunning.

The range consists of dresses taken from a typical ‘A’ Line Japanese styled format, from which I then adapt by adding variants like pockets or using contrasting material, or exaggerating the emphasis around the hips, sleeves etc Merging different prints and materials to give eclectic international look, or simply allowing the dress to be plain, but where it accentuates the form and shape of ones body.

The range has other facets to it, but I don’t want to indulge you all too much at this moment in time, other than to say, look out for The Funky Butterfly in 2024. I am also a stylist, and create incredible looks that bring out the funky butterfly not only in myself but in others. I work with many private clients who now walk with confidence, wearing their own Unique

Signature Style and dare I say in their own SWAG and better still, they carry a freedom and sense of self with them because of who they now are.

For a Consultation Contact: esther@estheraustinglobal.biz

Home | THE FUNKY BUTTERFLY (eaustin1965.wixsite.com)

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ENTERTAINMENT

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‘

THE LAST TEARDROP’ DOCUMENTARY

A REVEALING JOURNEY INTO THE LIFE OF

BOBBY BROOKS WILSON

“Born into foster care and overcoming a traumatic childhood, Bobby Brooks Wilson found solace in music and became a remarkable singer paying homage to R&B legend Jackie Wilson. But as he searched for his biological family, a stunning revelation emerged that would alter his life forever. THE LAST TEARDROP is a moving tribute to Bobby’s inspirational journey, a poignant exploration of the foster care system, and a testament to the transformative power of music The 84-minute film, directed by Florida Filmmaker Tony Grier and produced by AQUEST FILMS, follows Bobby Wilson’s journey living in foster care, his shocking family discovery, and a web of secrets involving the mob, murder, and financial fraud.” Excerpt taken

from www.thelastteardrop.com.

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Bobby Brooks Wilson featured in an incredibly powerful story, in the documentary ‘The Last TearDrop’ which was released this year, the title created by film producer Tony Grier Bobby was born into foster care and even though his early life was a rough start, it was normal to him, he says. He had issues with his bones, lungs and intestinal tract, however as Bobby went through those challenges, he said it felt normal to him. Bobby states ‘I didn’t know how sick I was at the time’. Bobby is an incredibly grounded and faith driven individual. A man who has learned to process his feelings, emotions and experiences because of his faith in God and also because of the love and discipline of his foster mother, who made an indelible impact and impression on his life. So when Bobby found out that Jackie Wilson was his father, his perception of who he was never really shifted, because he was already grounded in who he was as Bobby Brooks Wilson. “The world’s perception never changed for me. He had his life and I had mine” said Bobby. Interestingly, Bobby Wilson never met his father, and yet he carried his traits, his moves, his mannerisms and he look like him.

Where did you look to escape whether physically, spiritually or emotionally when you were in foster care?

It’s incredible that you never met your father and yet you have so many of his attributes and mannerisms. When you found out that Jackie Wilson was your father, what did that feel like to know you had a father somewhere out there and that he was a music legend?

I was blessed from the beginning. My foster mother was a strong southern Baptist mother who was stern and strict. I often created imaginary friends to play or run around with as a child but I never felt I had to escape. She was my mom and that was my home. I didn’t think we were poor and we never wanted for anything. We didn’t really celebrate birthdays or holidays.

It was hard to take in, in the beginning because I really never knew the love of a father. My mom raised us by herself because her husband died when I was 5 years old, so it took time for it to soak in. As far as Jackie Wilson was concerned, I felt I had to build my own name as an act or entertainer.

When did you discover you had a love and gift of singing and performing? I didn’t realize I loved music until I was in the Army. I often went to the back of the ship with a boom box and sing to the ocean, imagining there were thousands of people shouting my name and singing with me. My own private concerts. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Now that your documentary is out, is there a sense of relief that you have shared your side of the story? And if so, how has this impacted your sense of identity?

I guess it could have been wondering how I would be accepted and feeling like his shoes were too big to fill.

What has it been like trying to get a grasp of who you were when you were younger and now knowing you are the son of Jackie Wilson?

I have learned to accept my lineage with Jackie Wilson and how to keep my own identity as well. I’ve overcome quite a few challenges but I have so many goals I feel I have to complete, that I don’t get lost in Jackie Wilson. I’m happy but I’m still feeling like I have a lot to prove as an artist, as Bobby Wilson!

I never wondered who I was when I was younger and I never thought about what I wanted to do in life. I wondered about my mother but never thought about my father in my early years. Now I’m thankful and I appreciate the honour of continuing his legacy as well as my own.

It’s been said you carry your father’s legacy and yet you didn’t even meet him. What does carrying your father’s legacy mean to you? How has it impacted you? What are you going to do with it?

In documentary, it was mentioned that you received a lot of backlash as you researched your lineage what was the effect on you emotionally?

It’s natural for me. It seems I’m so close to the way he was and his showmanship and performance, according to his fans, friends and family, that it is an honour and a privilege to keep his legacy alive. I’m blessed.

That question and experience was and is deeply personal. However, I’m glad I’m loved.

Did you ever get to meet your mother and did you get to build a relationship with her?

What was the scariest moment along your journey of finding more of your identity?

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I met her but know I wasn’t able to build a real relationship with her before she died.

LEGACY BUILDERS

IN CONVERSATION WITH

TONY GRIER, DIRECTOR

What do you want people to take away from this documentary? That God made us for a purpose and it’s up to us to find our gifts and share them to be loved and give love in return.

How does music and singing define you, Inspire and influence you? It’s a means to let my light shine, heal others as well as myself and to teach us all to love one another as we love ourselves. We are connected whether we realize that or not.

Where to next for Bobby Brooks Wilson? More music, acting, writing and loving everybody!

What was it about Bobby Wilson that made you decide to produce a documentary on him? I always look for the story behind the story and felt Bobby’s life-journey had more humanitarian value and a broader appeal to the world. Add to that his great talent as a musician along with the Jackie Wilson connection, I was convinced this was a wonderful project to undertake.

What element of Bobby’s story, specifically touched you? The entertainment industry has a way of revealing the realities of the business in ways that can break you down. I watched him travel city to city and cater to his fan base in ways unlike other entertainers. The gruelling travel schedule and preparation in each city is unlike anything else. Bobby’s stamina and desire to never dial in a performance is noteworthy. Add to that his Foster Care upbringing enlightened me to that world and its benefits and shortcomings.

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Bobby and I had many late night phone calls about his tour schedule and the post-Covid rebound in the industry. The ‘ahha’ moments were tied to learning that an entertainer is only worth what demands are in place for their services. No show, No go! That said, Bobby has a circle of friends who together helped keep his spirits up. You don’t last in this business without them.

A film maker tells a story, taking an experience whilst creatively crafting that experience and capturing the message of that story, producing a tangible product, to then present to the world. What is it you would hope audiences take away from ‘The Last Teardrop’? That unknown circumstances in our lives can find its way to an understanding of ourselves and our purpose in life. Bobby Wilson can take pride in knowing he experienced something unique. He forgave his parents, he found music long before any connection to greatness. So, through his pure desire to LOVE people, he has combined all of those things into a successful career. The Foster Care world has fallen in LOVE with Bobby Brooks Wilson.

Also, in my research I watched interviews he did and each time the passion and story remained the same. He had become well versed at claiming his journey in ways most could not do. Although he’s an entertainer, he is very unique as a human being in the limelight who’s grounded by his faith and close circle of true friends.

Working on ‘The Last Teardrop’ as with anything, must have been quite a journey, a learning, a discovery of many things. How did that experience impact, influence, inspire you personally? The music industry is so much more powerful than we think. How music blends in with things we take for granted like TV commercials, the Score/Music in a film, LIVE entertainment and the copyright process for writers, I was able to really understand the purpose of why some songs come with expensive price tags.

Were there any moments whilst filming that were poignant or surreal, where you had an ‘ahha’ moment or a greater insight into who Bobby Wilson is, because of his journey?

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SINGER, SONGWRITER

SARAH BROWN PAYS TRIBUTE TO

“

MAHALIA JACKSON

Sarah is a member of Simple Minds who grew up singing gospel in a Pentecostal church. Her epic singing career includes work with Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, Duran Duran and Simply Red.Sarah’s release her first solo album dedicated to one of the artists she grew up singing, Mahalia Jackson. She put on an evening of blues with one of the finest harmonica players in London, Errol Linton, at Union Chapel on the 6th November 2023.”

Esther: Sarah Brown has a very,

and women everywhere will get a glimpse of these people who came, who traveled from the Caribbean, some of them directly from Africa to help build up this country. They had children here. They wanted to go back. Many of them didn’t make it back, but some. However, whilst they were here, they left a beautiful sound and a lovely scent. I’m all over that, and it’s all over me.

powerful, eclectic, soulful, deep rich essence and, I would even say, a historical voice, that really hones and brings the past into the present, diving it into the future in a very powerful way. Sarah Brown: Thank you so much for that

The product I’m talking about, is the tribute album, which I’ve done to Mahalia Jackson. I grew up having to go to church. I had no choice. My mother was extremely matriarchal when it came to church.

description. It’s empowering because that is what I’ve tried to do with this project. One thing I’ve realized from growing up with the wind rush generation is I didn’t really understand the positive effect that this generation had on me until it came to performing this album.

I had a father that was a real James Brown, Bob Marley man. He loved music, loved parties, loved women, loved smoking weed and would do so unapologetically. But my mother was the complete opposite. I often wondered, how is it that you, my mother, got together with this man, a total womanizer who worked really hard, but trust me, come Friday afternoon, that was it. He’d wash himself down thoroughly, put on his suit and come out looking like a king. He was beautiful looking. He would leave the house and sometimes not return until Sunday or late Saturday night. Of course, we, seven of us were brought up under this umbrella. My father over here, my mother over there but when it came to Sunday, there was no confusion, we as children had to go to church.

When the conviction of making the album came to me, I thought okay, this is a conviction that I understand, but how will I be able to share it and open it to others so that they can understand my childhood through this umbrella? I wasn’t sure how to do it, but actually when I stopped feeling fear and stopped feeling shame it’s amazing how the window just opened to me. I felt like a giant. I actually felt that it didn’t matter what happened to this project, to this product that I’m going to put out there, it doesn’t matter. The fact is, I’ve got the guts and I’ve got the pride to

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The church that we went to was a Pentecostal Church. It was very colorful in sound. It was like going to a James Brown concert every week. Everyone was rolling in the aisles. They were skipping and dancing. They were creating wonderful harmonies. I was only allowed to listen to gospel music and although my father played a colorful variety and a beautiful variety, we, his children were not encouraged to listen to that variety. We were encouraged to listen to people like Jim Reeves and Mahalia Jackson. We had a bit of Aretha Franklin but that was pretty much it, to be honest with you. It was an existence like that for many of us, for all of my childhood and I was embarrassed about it and I felt it necessary to hide that existence. But my journey took me to working with Simply Red, Simple Minds, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and Annie Lennox. All the greats because of my journey being in the

church from a very young age, I was exposed to choir work. The choir I sang with was fortunate enough to be signed to a record label called CBS at the time. CBS then introduced me to Stevie Wonder who had an album out and was looking for some singers. I was one of the lead singers in the inspirational choir at the time. So Stevie Wonder heard my voice and said, I’d like her to do some BVs for me. That was the beginning of me doing backing singing 20 feet from stardom. Then the journey began, and everyone that I’ve sang with to answer your question, Esther, have said to me, ‘Sarah, what is it about your voice? What is it?’ I say to all of them, it’s the fact that my voice was born in a Pentecostal church, very African based, if you like. The harmonies that were coming out of those services, very African, very Soweto gospel. Then you had, the passion, as I said, of James Brown, beautiful men in their two-piece suits and women in their wonderful dresses with high heels, stockings, hats and gloves to match going to church. They would take their gloves off, throw the bags to one side, and were in the aisle dancing, sweating, singing at the top of their voices, harmonizing. This is what I experienced as a child. When my employers would say to me, Sarah, what is it about your voice? I would say, listen, it’s Mahalia Jackson. I was listening to her from the age of six years right through to now. I still listen to Mahalia when I’m sad now.

Esther: I feel as if you carry something

Esther: Absolutely. I believe that the

through your voice, from an ancestral place. It’s deep, it’s rich, and you are embodying, the Pentecostal experience, along with the James Brown vibe. I also feel there is something more that you have tapped into and that is the soul of Mahalia Jackson and what she stood for. She was a representation of the voice of her people. She was a representation of the voice of pain. She was a representation of the voice of the remnants of slavery and its desecration of black humanity, she wept through her songs for the soul of her people, the racism and so much more, and yet there was hope in the crescendo of her voice, and though her faith, a spiritual intonation of feelings in her activism for freedom and justice

sound and the song are two different things. There’s the song which is about the words and the melodies, however there is then the sound that is a rich, deep, bowel of the earth belly cry, reaching out, resonating, vibrating. Therefore, what would you desire for people who listen to your first solo album to come away with?

Sarah Brown: I think there’s two things. It

took me forever to muster up the courage to sing my story as I do feel I’m singing a story. I’d love people to muster up or to glean from this the ability to face your fear head on and recognize that what you need to do in order to really face your fear and fight it is practice and prepare. First of all, put one foot in front of the other by doing the work that that needs to be done. Don’t become overwhelmed by the completion of it. Just take one step in front of the other. I was given a vision and I was totally struck down with fear once the vision came to me to do this album, paying tribute to Mahalia Jackson. My first thoughts were, Sarah, you’re not good enough, there are other good singers out there who could do justice to this album. Also where I wanted to take this album, which is where I am taking it, it’s gone to Ronnie Scott’s three times all sold out shows. It’s gone to the Hundred Club, and they’re asking me back, another sold out show. It’s also gone to the Jazz Festival, a much larger audience again another sold out show and I was invited to take the album to Union Chapel in November.

Sarah Brown: I hope your listeners will hear

me out, and pardon me, because I’m so passionate about this project, which is ‘Sarah Brown sings Mahalia Jackson.’ I’m very, very passionate about it because it embraces the child. The child that saw her mother being beaten by her father. It embraces the child that went to these church gatherings. I embody the soul cry of the ancestors who were shackled. I embody and honour The Wind Rush generation, there grandchildren, some of whom were children of slaves. In my family, my parents, my mother especially, there were 13 of them, and they lived to 100, 110, and so on. My grandfather was born 1801. I’m from a bloodline of people who lived until they were very old. What I’m saying is I did hear and feel the battle cry of those ancestors who were in the bottom of the boat being shipped from their wonderful homeland in Africa to various parts of the Caribbean.

It’s all incredible. That’s the first thing I’d like people to take from this, is to face your fears, head on, by preparing yourself for what you need to do, in order to access the vision you’ve been given. Just take one step at a time and don’t listen to anyone. Listen to the voice of the Universe. It has come from God Almighty. It’s your ordination. This is why you are here.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that slavery was still going on long after it was abolished in Britain and America. It was still happening in the Caribbean. There were still slave owners who weren’t letting go. You can go to some of these big houses today, and you still see them in Jamaica. Actually, I do feel that I, my cry, my song resembles and is born from a long line of ancestral singing that goes even before slavery – it goes to when we were free. I have that sound, and then I also have the sound where, when we were captured and in desperate pain in the bellies of those ships, I also have that sound. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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The second thing is, I would love people to recognize and remember is that Mahalia Jackson was asked to be a Bessie Smith and a Ma Rainey. These big rubenesque characters were very famous. What Mahalia did, which is why I feel I have to pay tribute to her is she not only reached my tender soul at six years old and went deep down, and that has stayed in me, but I know she left her honest, authentic, pure mark on me, and this is what I would like people to take from this project. Mahalia Jackson was not going to sing jazz, although she sang jazz. She was not going to sing The Blues although, to me, she was the mother of Blues.

and Rock n Roll, especially Rock n Roll. Just go back and listen on YouTube, to any of Mahalia Jackson’s early works i.e Newport Jazz Festival. Watch her there and look at what happens to her when she’s singing and getting in the spirit. This was way before Elvis Presley. Educate yourselves and recognize that this lady, this beautiful rubenesque woman, left us with such a gem. That’s what I’d like people to take away from this project. My album is called ‘Sarah Brown Sings Mahalia Jackson.’ There are nine tracks on the album and when I perform, I perform about 7 songs of Mahalia’s. The songs on the album are ‘Didn’t it rain.’ That’s a real Jazz-based rendition I’ve done. I’m really proud of it because it’s my orchestration and I absolutely love it. At first I thought, no, the purists, the Mahalia Jackson purists are not going to appreciate this. But actually they’ve loved it. The next one is ‘I’m on my way.’ That’s got a kind of tango vibe to it. In fact, it’s the favorite track on the album for me. I took a chance because again, I thought a lot of the people listening to Mahalia Jackson are not going to really appreciate it. But it’s highest listening track on the album. It’s had a million hits so far.

Those singers in church, they knew why they were singing back then. As you said earlier, Esther, they were fighting against racial abuse. You know, it wasn’t just their necks that were being stamped upon. It was their faces, it was their hearts, it was their dreams, their essence, their humanity. Mahalia taught us to go to that place inside whether you’re black, white, Indian, Japanese or Chinese because we all have blues. The Blues is the soul cry and I say that, unapologetically. If you go to that place, you’ll reach everybody and anyone because it’s honest and it’s pure, and we don’t necessarily need to understand each other’s language because it’s a soul cry, and a sound that vibrates from me to you.

Then I’ve got ‘Summertime.’ It’s beautiful, it’s a wonderful rendition. Myself and the piano player, Colin Goode stylized this album as a 1920s and 1930s album. There’s a ragtime element to it that I absolutely love. Then there’s Amazing Grace, Joshua, Walk over God’s Heaven and Nobody knows. I’ve used four male singers to do the backing vocals. One of them you may know is Bazel Mead from London Community Gospel Choir. I was privileged to have him sing with me on some of the tracks.

I also want to share the following, which highlights the point of the soul cry. When Amazing Grace was written, it was written by a slave trader by the name of John Newton. When he wrote this song, he had heard the melody from the slave ship, and it was a slave that would’ve been humming this melody. There’s a lot of pain in that. What does a white man, who’s rich and who’s eating the best food, and I’m not being racist here. What does a slave owner know about that kind of pain? You don’t. So when you listen to Amazing Grace being sung in the Church of England, it has been stripped of all its pain. So what I’ve tried to do is bring back that ancestral cry that would’ve been on that boat, and I’m doing it unapologetically. I’m also not beating anyone over the head. I’m not interested in beating up the white man or the white woman. That’s not what I’m doing. However, I’m interested in educating people. People need to know where it’s come from and so I go right back to Mahalia Jackson with your question, what am I wanting to achieve here? I want people to come away with the ability to look at their fear and fight it. To realize that fear is nothing but a speck under your foot.

Your listeners are going to love this album. It may not be what you were expecting because I’ve been very deliberate about where I wanted it to go. I wanted it to be set in the twenties, thirties, forties. That’s the musical backdrop because I want us all to feel what Mahalia Jackson was feeling.

The second thing is to understand that Mahalia Jackson was the one that bought us The Blues, Pop TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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YOUNG, READY AND HUNGRY: ARTIST THREEBOMB

READY TO TAKE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BY STORM

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What is your ethos about life, Threebomb? To be unapologetically yourself. There is no one in this whole world that is exactly like you. Stand out, everyone always wants to fit in, be different.

How did you come up with the name ThreeBomb? Threebomb, which came about in 2016 came from me seeing “too much” and “three times” on facebook when I was making a new account and I was like THREEBOMB there it is, that’s the name. Three Beauties Overcoming Major Barriers. I always referred to it as “Threebomb the movement, it’s a campaign baby” and it’s been growing since.

What drives and motivates you generally and then as an artist? Generally, I’m motivated by the stories of my ancestors and understanding that we have always had to work 1000x harder to just move ahead a single step. As an artist I’m motivated by the ‘youngians.’ I know that kids need a positive role model to look up to. I want them to know you can be fully clothed and have self-respect and still make it far!

Name four people, personal and otherwise who have inspired and influenced you? My mom, my manager, India Arie and Nicki Minaj

What qualities did you learn and take away from them? My mom always instilled in me that I don’t have to grow up too fast. Time is going to move regardless. Stay youthful and filled with life. She also inspires me daily as she is such a hard worker and never makes excuses. My manager, whom I’ve known since age 14 has always instilled hope. He is a go getter all the way, he is beyond focused and always motivates me to keep going. India Arie is one of my favorite artists because she is very soulful, authentic, and whole. The first time I ever heard her song I fell in love with the sounds. It was different and had so much meaning. Nicki is my heart. I wouldn’t call myself a “barb” but I definitely love her style and art. She is dope, her flow is crazy and I love how she has different personalities or alter egos, kind of like Threebomb.

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When the tough gets going and the going gets tough what are the coping strategies you use to get through?

I feel there is an activist in you, what is it that you will defend and speak up about? I will never be shy to speak about black excellence and fighting against police brutality. My people put their lives on the lines fighting for basic rights and an equal chance at life and were never awarded the very basics that their beloved country has to offer. Through the struggle, we continue to rise to the occasion in every area from music, to science, to sports we show up and we show out. Historically, most of our beginnings come from struggle yet we have this really awesome way of taking hardship and turning it into passion and embarking on new ventures where we master our crafts and end on top. It really gives hope and shows that even the lowest valleys can lead to mountain tops. I will always defend the excellence, joy, and even struggle of the black community.

Music of course. Sometimes I’ll put on soothing Jazz Instrumentals, or go on walks in nature. Going out to open mics or poetry slams, talking to my mom or grandma are always in my toolkit.

What type/genre of music do you produce and what is it about this genre of music that excites you as a Singer & Songwriter? I usually refer to it as “RnB-ish” it’s a mix of new school neo-soul and old school rnb. What excites me is that it’s versatile and you have the space to do whatever you want with it. It’s like a blank canvas and you get the creative space to lyrically paint your own stories.

If the world could be a different or better place, what would that look like to you?

What, to you, is important as a young black woman, and being in the music industry?

It would look like true equality for all people. As a young black girl and a community activist, I’ve seen too many times the disadvantage and unfair treatment of people that look like me. It needs to change. My people have been fighting literally to the very death for justice and fair treatment for decades and it has been a long, tough fight that we are still raising our fists and marching for in 2023.

As a young black woman it is important to stand your ground. They will try to distort your image, put labels on you, tell you who you are but NEVER let anyone else define you. You are literal magic and your very skin is worth more than gold itself, Queen. We are the culture. Black women are visionaries, art, although we were not always awarded the same opportunities as our counterparts, it is imperative for us to never let our crowns fall and never lose sight of the vision. I love you black girl! Being a black woman in music can be challenging as sometimes we are put in a box. The issue is though, we are all different and we bring so much to the musical world that we can be in every room, any genre, any style, we can do it all.

Do you feel you are a role model to others in any way, and if so, what is the message of being that role model? I feel like a lot of people look up to me. From those younger to me to those who are older, I’ve always been told that I’m the golden child. I really can connect with people well and I always have a positive aura that others can usually feel. I have family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers who have told me that in some way I sparked a special light in them and to me, that is everything. The overall message is to never stop being a good person, even when life is not kind, always treat others well, life’s already hard enough. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Where do you want to take your artistry? It can go to the living room speakers or all the way to the UK. I want my artistry to go far, as long as I can be authentic in myself. The range it can go stops when my character or my beliefs are compromised or negotiated, that’s a no no.

Do you feel you are a legacy builder and what does that look like? Without a doubt. We didn’t grow up rich, but despite growing up not having it all I never put a cap on my limits. Legacy can start with you. It looks like breaking generational curses and putting in work day in and day out to make sure that the people still benefit even long after you are gone.

Why is it important to honour and recognise the elders who have gone before? What do you feel we can all learn about them and their journey? I forever give praise and thanks to those whom have led the way before us as they did it without a blueprint, they did it without resources, but through resilience, bravery and sheer determination they paved the way for our generation and deserve recognition. I believe we can learn that change starts within and it takes a village. We need each other’s support in order to create a true difference in society.

What is it about young people that we can all learn about and offer? Or What is it you feel young people need from elders? Young people are the new creators of change. We are innovative, fast thinkers always looking for the next way to simply “make it” or better our circumstances. I think often times, younger folk forget that without the wisdom of our older change makers, we would be missing out on pertinent information and knowledge that could help us go further on our journeys.

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MATAYA “CLIFFORD” CHEWALUZA A DAUGHTER’S HOMAGE TO THE LATE GREAT MUSICIAN MATAYA “CLIFFORD” CHEWALUZA

would describe my father as an enigmatic, original, inspiring musician’s musician, who was creative, kind, generous and happy. A positive soul, with a great drive in his art and business, living in the moment, full of love and charisma.

A Father’s Love As a father my pop’s was always there for me and believed in me and all my abilities. He was my No.1 support in all my music, and he always encouraged me to reach beyond the stars. He always said I had it all, I just need to get out there and show the world who I am! He supported everything I did (non-music related too) and was always super proud of me in all my life endeavours, including my academic achievements. He always spoke so highly of me to all his friends and peers, a true, genuine, loving father with a huge heart. A great listening ear, whenever I needed to talk to him about any problems too. A real open minded soul, there for everyone, who loved people.

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And as a musician he was always so driven and hard working at his art and craft, producing and writing a large body of musical works over his lifetime, spanning mixed genres, from his African inspired songs speaking his home dialect of ’Shona’, to Afro Rock, Dance & Pop tracks, to beautiful Soulful Ballads. He had his own sound, an eclectic mix of all styles mixed with his infusive energy & beautiful vocals & guitar playing. So, being exposed to all my dad’s songs, since I was born, being the first songs I sang, I was highly inspired & influenced by him since birth! He is my No.1 inspiration & favourite artist in the world. And I am his Star that fell from Heaven ~ Forever.

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Photo Credit: Aram Voves

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“Top of the Pops”, BBC. Green gave up music

Family

afterwards and donated his millions to the Jewish Fund and preferred to live in poverty. Clarke returned to The Hollies and changed their style completely. Cat Stevens left his record company, who marketed him as a Teenager Idol, and produced with Mataya several demo tapes, which became so successful, that he began his second “serious” career. The result is well known to all.

Mataya was in love with his first born baby from the moment he held her in his arms. He was inspired immediately to compose the song “Star Fell From Heaven” as a direct result. This also was followed by his moving “Little Girl “ song. He introduced music and dance straight away to his baby girl, singing and playing guitar to her. A very creative, sensitive father, who loved his children. Our family was always close, despite the divorce, mum, Monique and dad were always friends supporting each other and their creative efforts to the end, particularly encouraging their children to become professional artists, and always showed us so much love, support and encouragement. Having a black father from Zimbabwe and a white mother from Vienna never caused a problem. In a way I grew up colour blind. What really mattered was, and still is, the love that bonds humanity. That’s the lesson both parents taught their children. I feel that my musical message is to appeal universally, to all humanity. The only force and energy that matters is Love, so any way you express that is what I resonate with. I’m here to do the Light Work.

The Uniqueness of Maya’s Father Musicians who worked with my father always commented on his ground breaking originality, introducing Afro Rock to the UK music scene. Many of his bands musicians and inspired peers later became famous in their own right, like Cat Stevens, Adam Ant who did Artwork on one of Mataya’s single releases, and the drummer Paul Ferguson, keyboardist, Jaz Coleman & bassist Youth, who went on to form the band Killing Joke after playing in Mataya’s band. Also rock bands like Brass Alley covered and released some of his songs. He also released a single on Eddy Grant’s label with backing vocals by fellow peers P.P. Arnold, and his best friend Jimmy Thomas, who worked together on many songs. They all called him a musician’s musician, inspiring new grooves, and he was an exciting, electric performer with a magnetic energy. Musicians like Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, Allan Clarke of The Hollies, Phil Collins and Cat Stevens surrounded him and worked on co-productions. Peter Green left Fleetwood Mac and recorded with him a strange single (“Heavy Heart”) that made it to the TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Culture Shock whilst Making an Impact Many people on the music scene were surprised. For some reason, people couldn’t get around the stereotype idea that, here was somebody from the ‘empire’, an African for that matter who knew so much about rock music, who was able to create new music that was from a hybrid of rock, afro rock, jazz and soul.

Mataya was struck by the difference between the London he had heard or read about from magazines in Salisbury in the then Rhodesia and Lusaka Zambia, and the marked difference with the London he encountered, which was still very upper lip, foggy, and cold. Music and guitar playing played a central role for him in establishing friendships and a bed for the night in the early days. But my father wanted to be recognised as an International Artist. He was making a great impact in live performances, moving crowds to dance to his original blend of African rhythms mixed with existing Soul, Funk and Rock. People loved his magnetic live vibe. The industry took time to slowly recognise and accept his style. After playing in the Upstairs Room in Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Ronnie Scott immediately managed him, because of his originality and as a result his first record deal with RCA came about.

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In the meantime Mataya Clifford toured with his own band all over the U.K. and also performed as a solo artist with The Nice (later known as Emerson Lake and Palmer). Later he performed with Traffic, which earned him an Artist / Producer contract with the newly established Island Records. However, he moved on .....

Mataya’s Passion for his Children, Music and Life

Richie Havens jammed with Mataya in London and was thrilled. This was the reason why David Bromberg in 1971 invited him to New York for a concert that was followed by a tour of University concerts, amongst others with Jerry Garcia of the “Grateful Dead”. He also got to visit & record in Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Electric Lady Studios’ in Greenwich Village - NY. The revolutionary scene in the USA inspired Mataya so much that he returned to London to dedicate himself to the thankless task of helping the breakthrough of the independent music of the new African generation, which he partly succeeded in.

My father always encouraged me and my brother Masimba from day one to live in an environment of creating music. Everyday musicians came to our house and JAMMING was a daily activity, with names like Barry Ford, Jimmy Thomas, Steve Clisby, Sol Amarfio from Osibisa, Reebop Kwaku Baah percussionist for Fela Kuti, The JB’s and Tony Cook, drummer from James Brown and many of the aforesaid names he collaborated with. This jamming activity produced new songs and ideas for records. I grew up with daily live music jams in our front room. Our house was always filled with live music (and groupies, who turned up after concerts to continue listening to the usual jams).

What Shaped Mataya and his Music?

Coming home from primary school when my dad picked me up, we would always sing his song “Things Are Going My Way”. He would sing the verses and first chorus line and then I would sing the response line, and we’d be skipping down the road in song, me trying to keep up with him, with big smiles on our faces! This was definitely our after school mantra song.

Rhodesia was one of the most white supremacist places in the world. Those material conditions shaped his cultural politics. He and his friends hated that unjust environment and it drew him to rebel music. He left the then Rhodesia in order to escape that unjust environment. Music was his way out to an imaginary promised land.

In 1987 dad then formed a professional kid’s band called “Mat’s House of Fun”, when I was 11 years old and my brother aged 9. We performed in venues like Camden Palace & UCL. We released a 12” recording on his Black Magic Records Label, where we sang with our father his famous “Morrison” song. My brother rapping as the mouse Morrison and me singing and dancing with my dad and 4 more kids. There is also a video from Camden Palace of our performance.

“Star Fell From Heaven” was a song inspired and written for me, when I was born. It expressed his joy and feelings about his first born and became a hit at the time. It was the title of his second album that was released on Virgin records. He truly was a messenger and expressed experiences and his feelings in his lyrics and music compositions.

What’s on the Cards to pay Further Homage to your Father? I am planning on making a Documentary about my dad’s life for the World to know who he was and the Legacy he left on this planet. Being an Artist myself it is also important for me to show the world who I am with my own messages that I have learned in my lifetime, through my visual performance, song and dance, helping to raise the vibrations with positive frequencies of love and light energy. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Who is Maya? I did my first professional public performance, singing with Alton Edwards in Wembley Arena, at age 5 in his Children Choir. I also toured and sang with Jeffrey Daniel, one third of the Legendary Shalamar group, in his Solo Shows in the UK and Africa. I also sang and worked with the Freestylers and Dub Pistols and members of their band like MC SirReal and Johnny Rockstar. I’ve also worked with many other artists and various shows and productions that have taken me all over the world, performing in many countries Internationally and all over Europe. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Aside from the singing, I also am a dancer and was in a professional Street Dance company called GWI, where we performed and toured all over the country in the UK, in the Radio 1 Roadshows, The Clothes Show Live, The Generation Game TV Show, Kicking Comedy Shows, hosted by Richard Blackwood and performed in many music videos for various artists including All Saints & MN8.

I can’t wait to launch my own original songs, some a collaboration with my late father, who died untimely, before we could finish our project and some of his unreleased music sung by me, including producing a Musical he wrote called “Lost Child”.

The Importance of Building a Legacy

In the meantime you can check out a new release of Mataya Clifford’s song Golddigger with new remixes out now on Emotional Rescue: www.juno.co.uk/artists/Mataya and a special tribute release of songs of the late Jimmy Thomas (one of Mataya’s best friends) coming out next year 2024. Also check out Maya’s talented sister, Singer/Songwriter Sumaia and her new releases at: www.linktr.ee/Sumaiamusic

Building a legacy is bringing to fruition the dream my father had and recognition of his tremendous musical work, released and yet unreleased and fused with that to add my own original musical works from other influences in my life. Watch this space.

Motto

On another note I am also a Cultural Ambassador for The UK Hip Hop Museum, which is a new exciting venture touring across the UK and launching in London in 2024. This project is founded by Troy Harewood and rap legend Kurtis Blow.

“Keep Pushing On Keep Moving On”

The title of one of his songs and Motto he lived by.

Keep updated with Maya & her upcoming projects & follow her : Social Media Links: www.myluv.co.uk Insta: www.instagram.com/mayamyluv FB: www.facebook.com/purplemyluv TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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UK SOLO ARTIST

GEEGEE TALKS ABOUT HER

LATEST

SOLO SINGLES

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Endnotes

GeeGee AKA Geraldine Reid is part of the all Ladies group The Divettes, sometimes known as The Soca Divettes. However, she is a solo artist in her own right who currently has two solo singles out ‘Hold Ya’ and ‘If You’. Geraldine has one of those nostalgically powerful voices, which can diversify between many genres from soul, rnb, soca to pop and rock. Below we get to hear more about this singing sensation, her inspiration, her aspirations and her new tracks.

Photo Credit: Nadine McKenzie, www.juiceCre8tive.co.uk

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‘If You’ has a nice Soulful, Neo Soul backdrop. It’s a wonderful catchy vibey chilled out tune with strong vocals. ‘Hold Ya’ is more up-tempo with a happy, poppy/rock vibe. So who is GeeGee. “People tend to call me, GeeGee because it’s like a cheeky sassy, don’t care, funky lady. So I thought, I’ll take that and that’s what I’ve gone with.” GeeGee then expanded on ‘If you’. In the song it says ‘If you don’t want me, if you don’t see me.’ This track is about being in love with someone and almost accepting the fact that they don’t love you as much as you do them. This track came about because I was listening to a Marvin Gaye song and those words just came to me, with that type of Marvin Gaye backdrop “If you don’t need me, then please forget me.” I wrote the song on Boxing Day 2020. Because of the Marvin Gaye backdrop, that’s where that Soul vibe came from. Sometimes if I hear something, a melody may come straight away or it won’t. That was the melody I heard and it was how I was feeling at the time. I wasn’t able to write that song straight away because it was like writing little bits of sentences. However, with the second song ‘Hold Ya’ this is a different kind of poppy vibe and I wrote that one with a lovely young guy called Tom Murray who I met at an open mic session at Mau Mau Bar on Portobello Road, London about five years ago. He’s a young Irish chap, who was different and something said to me to engage with him and his music and we booked a rehearsal studio and wrote that song. It’s because of Tom and because of his openness that attracted me to work with him. He’s young, in his mid-thirties, and I’m where I am! However, we seemed to work well together and we wrote that song together, which is why it has a different vibe. I also like to play the guitar or try to play the guitar and that’s why ‘Hold Ya’ has quite a lot of guitar influence and a poppy feel to it. That’s the other side of me. Obviously GeeGee is a woman of many talents. A woman who exudes and embraces it all. A woman whose effervescence for life is clear and abundant. GeeGee has been in the music industry for a long time.

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GeeGee has worked with and performed with some of the industry’s biggest legends and has a lot of experience behind her. Therefore, I wanted to know what could she share with the younger generation of artists about being in the music industry.

To perform all the time. I’d love to be a support act for whatever genre, whatever pocket they want to put me in. I also love to play percussion. I’ve got myself a four pad electric percussion pad, which when we’re doing backing vocal for Loose Ends, Carl Macintosh lets me loose to play on some of the songs. I’m glad he’s given me the confidence to do that. I played it at Red Plastic Bag’s gig and with Crazy. I also want to master and learn to play the drums. I love the drums.

“I would say whatever it is that they have found that they can portray or sing, to grow that. Don’t try and copy anyone. Don’t try to sound like someone else because I used to do that, but then I realized that my tone is my tone and my voice is my voice. I love Aretha Franklin. I can’t sound like her but she’s in me somewhere and she will come out in my way. So I say, do it your way and perfect that, and you will go far. Be that individual voice, just like Ed Sheeran.

There’s so many things I want to do. I hope I can do it in the lifetime I’ve got left on earth. I also love to sew soft furnishings, to make cushions. I like to do things with my hands. Also I’ve always sung. I’m part of five brothers and sisters, and I’m the only one who sings. I feel so blessed to have performed with so many wonderful artists from Peter Spence, Winston Reedy, Sandra Cross, Paul Weller, Ciyo Brown, General Grant, Sugar Minott, when he was alive John Cocker and again I was privileged to do some backing vocals on his album. I performed at the Royal Albert Hall the other day with Loose Ends. I perform with tribute bands such as Bony M Tribute bands and so many more.

Ed Sheeran has a quirky voice. It’s not really a singer’s voice, but he can write beautifully and he’s singing, himself. John Legend, he’s got a beautiful tone. So basically don’t let anyone steer you off your path because that is what will take you to achieve your goal. I’m still doing it in my old age. I’m just understanding it now. That’s why I’ve been able to write these past few years. I’ve not been able to do it before. I’ve tried, but I think I had to meet Tom Murray to turn that page. I found someone who was able to help me across.”

Hopefully people can tell that I am a bubbly and easily accessible. When I perform I like to look at people in the audience and often times they are surprised because I am singing directly to them, I am connecting to them and that’s what makes what I do so special. To sing and to bring so much love into someone else’s world, because of what I do.

There’s a singer called JayJay Born 2 Sing. He’s more on the gospel side of reggae music. When I made that little verse of ‘If You’ I played it to him and he took it to his producer Morfius, who produces him. Morfius then added another flavor to ‘If You’ and then produced it and it turned into what it turned into. If I didn’t play that song to JayJay Born 2 Sing, it still would’ve been sitting in my phone as a little ditty recording. Then I met Tom and he took me in another direction. I’ve now got more songs that I’ve done with him that are coming out soon. They’re already mixed and mastered. It’s just to find the time to put them out there. I’ve got lots more and they’re all so very different. I don’t even know what the genre is, but it’s what it is. I’m excited about all these new beginnings. I would love to be able to sing around the clock. I want that to be my nine to five.

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TRU

THE RNB CONTEMP0RARY BAND CONTUINING

THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA TRU

has been around since 1994. We were originally called ‘The Men’. The inspiration behind our group was that we knew we had a unique sound and we wanted the world to hear us. We are an RnB Contemporary group from Camden, New Jersey, Philadelphia. TRU’s music, to the world. is that we are all about love, because that is what the world needs even more so today. With love comes compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. Love is laughter. With love it brings communities together and TRU just loves to love, and we love sending that vibe out through our music.

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TRU believes it is important for us to leave a legacy because it’s about letting the world know that we can sing, we are using the gifts God gave us, and sharing them with the world and once again our message is about love. Therefore, leaving a legacy is about inspiring others to do the same with their gifts. To share with the world and to leave a legacy of inspiration for others.

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We believe that RnB is a genre of music that can only leave a legacy, if we continue to sing it, so that it will be remembered for what it really represents. The importance of people understanding the real representation of R&B music is to understand the story of the music and liking what you hear. The representation could be about you or others in a song. That is why we sing about love, because it is beautiful, it is healing, it touches the soul, it honours and it puts a smile on people’s faces and it’s from God. We are representing how we want the world to feel, to be treated so therefore, the music we put out represents that. So at the moment the group consists of myself, CEO and Owner and I sing 1st tenor, second tenor, baritone and lead, Billy Maynor sings 2nd tenor and Dennis Sproul sings baritone and they are all dedicated to the group and its success. However, we all vibe together really well and the one key ingredient that keeps us together is God. I love performing. When I get up on stage, it’s as if the Holy Spirit has taken over me. It’s like being in church. The feeling so is wonderful – it can be over whelming at times but knowing that God has allowed me to use my voice to gift the world, adds even more to those special moments up there on stage singing to audiences and as a group, we just really vibe off each other. My musical heroes, to me are anyone who can sing and entertain. However, some of my personal favourites and those I have worked with are Dennis Edwards and The Temptations, Philadelphia Recording Artist Jean Carne, Hall & Oats, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Little Anthony and The Imperials and the list goes on, just to name a few. I live by this value system and that is to Live, Love, Laugh and do the right thing in life. God has kept me grounded and growing and I’m loving the journey, I’m loving the music, I’m loving performing and I’m loving that TRU is making a difference in the lives of audiences internationally. So my motto is to ‘Keep the Faith and Never Give up’.TRU are currently touring and have bought out a new release this year called ‘Never Give up’ which can be found on Youtube and all major streaming platforms.

“Tru continues to prove that the classic sound of Philly Soul is very much alive and attracting a whole new generation of devotees.” TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Sponsors of Esther Austin Meet and Greet, Atlanta Event 2023

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ROY HAMILTON JR CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF HIS FATHER

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“Roy Hamilton Jr., son of the Legendary “Golden Boy of Song” Roy Hamilton, who recorded such hit songs as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” “Unchained Melody”, “Ebb Tide”, and “Don’t Let Go”, has committed himself to preserving the legacy of his legendary father. Blessed with the drive and ambition that is ingrained within all-stars, as well as the melodic, soaring tenor voice left to him by his father, he fills those big shoes with ease.” “During his illustrious 15-year singing career, Roy Hamilton was known by many nicknames: Mr. Rock and Soul, The Gentle Giant, and, most notably, The Golden Boy of Song. But few of these nicknames fully encompass the majesty of his voice, the influence he had on the artists of his generation or the legacy his music has left behind. He was idolized by Elvis Presley, emulated by Jackie Wilson and Brook Benton, and covered by the Righteous Brothers. And his voice and legacy have earned him a place in the annals of history for years to come.” Below we hear from Roy Hamilton Jr himself, about the legend who was his father and also about his dedicated and tireless campaign to keep his father’s legacy alive, whilst also becoming a legend himself. It is with great pleasure that we hear from Roy Hamilton Jr.

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What was unique about your father?

a couple of marches with him. His manager later discouraged this because they felt it would expose him and our family to physical danger due to all the violence surrounding Dr. King at that time.

My father was capable of bringing out his emotions in a song through his powerful and individual vocal style.

What were some of the challenges your father experienced in the industry, as an African American man and how did he deal with them?

Your father was friends with and influenced the likes of Elvis and Sam Cooke, why do you think that was, especially during a time where racial tension was at its height?

My dad had conflicts when he tried to renegotiate his contract with Epic Records. They didn’t give him satisfactory terms so he left the label. He then signed with RCA and recorded one album. Elvis was also signed with them so Roy was not given enough attention to be successful under that label. His way of dealing with those situations was to keep push ahead and to continue pursuing his career. He travelled extensively and performed in other countries such as England, Japan and Thailand to name a few.

I believe my dad influenced Sam Cook and Elvis because they looked up to him like an older brother since he was already established and having success in the music business which they aspired to have themselves. I think that my dad’s talent transcended the racism of the times and broke through barriers that were meant to keep him and other black entertainers from succeeding in the music industry.

As a child what was it like performing with your father, did you realise he was a superstar then and how did that make you feel?

You’re continuing the legacy of your father, what has that been like with people making comparisons? How do you continue the legacy and yet keep your own identity?

It was incredibly exciting to be on stage performing with my dad because he introduced me to the world at that time as a singer. It gave me the desire to be just like him and follow in his footsteps. I admired him immensely and think he is one of the greatest vocalist of his generation. I realized he was a star at that time because one of my classmates told me that, because they saw him on television. That was when I became aware of his true status.

As I continue to carry on my father’s legacy, I feel very flattered when anyone says I sound like my dad. I know that some people think that I don’t sound like him. Either way, I am just so thankful that he is my dad and I have the privilege of representing him the best way I can. I am not a “tribute artist” so I don’t try to sound like him. I have my own God-given voice which I am thankful for.

Did you experience racism and how were you taught to deal with it?

I am also a songwriter and producer so I write my own songs which I sing as well as my dad’s songs and other entertainers that I admire. I have written several songs which are available on “all the streaming platforms”. One of the first songs I wrote is called “one thousand ways”. I was inspired by my love for my beautiful wife Maria. I wanted to let her know how much she means to me and how happy I am to have her in my life for all these years. Another song I wrote is called Butterfly”. It’s about expressing dreams I’ve had about my lovely wife Maria as we go traveling through this life together and keeping our love for each other alive.

I did experience racism as a child. One vivid example is that we lived in an exclusive neighbourhood in New Rochelle, New York when my dad was alive. One day, I went over to a white neighbour’s house looking for a friend of mine who was black and the white children who lived there said to me “get out of here, we don’t want no niggers here.” It was a shock to me because my black friend was standing right there with them and they didn’t chase him away. I think they heard their parents saying that about my family because they didn’t want us living in the neighbourhood. When I told my mom, she said to me “the world doesn’t love you as we do”. As I grew up I became aware of the Civil Rights movement because my dad wrote to Dr. Martin Luther King jr. and attended TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

My mom, Myrna, was also a singer. She had an awesome voice as well as my dad which I inherited from them. I am just doing my best to keep his memory alive.

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What are the attributes your father had that you feel made him the man he was? I feel there was a lot of respect for your father, especially from many of the greats. I feel the attributes that made my father great were his kindness and consideration of others. He was very professional and showed respect to everyone. They called him “the gentle giant”. He looked out for his fellow entertainers and came to their aid whenever they needed him. That is why he was well respected by all who knew him.

Singing is a gift and craft. You’ve been singing from the age of 6. Other than your father, where do you draw your personal inspiration from? My father is my biggest inspiration but I am also inspired by my wife Maria, my children and other entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Bobby Caldwell.

Your wife Maria has been steadfast by your side. It’s clear to see the love and devotion between you both, after all this time, what has it taken to build, to grow and to stay together all this time? My wife Maria and I have been married for 44 years. We have 3 wonderful sons, 5 grand-children and 1 great grandchild. We practice patience, kindness, understanding, compromise and most of all we love each other. She is “the wind beneath my wings”

Your dedication is commendable to your father’s memory and legacy. You’ve toured your show around the USA, performing in clubs, at festivals, and other events. You’ve hosted a show with your wife Maria on WPON Radio, called “The Golden Boy Hour: Roy Hamilton Remembered’ what does keeping his legacy alive mean to you? Keeping my dad’s legacy alive to me means that all his accomplishments will not be forgotten. I want to make sure that my children, as well as the next generation, get to know about him in order to keep drawing inspiration from what he left behind. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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and she knows that I have her back as well. We have also committed to stay the course through good and bad times. We also try to never go to bed mad at each other. After a disagreement, we try to kiss and say good night before we go to sleep. That means we are always sleeping under the same roof and in the same bed every night.

Georgia Music Hall of Fame” in 2010. Since then we have been working on a campaign to get him inducted into “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame”. Everyone can help us by going to his website to sign the online petition we’ve created. We appreciate and thank you all for your support.

Your father was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2010 and you are now campaigning to get him into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, how can people support you in this?

Love, Peace and blessings. www.royhamilton.com www.royhamiltonjr.com

Maria and I worked very hard with the help of others to get my dad inducted into ‘The

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JOE TEX II, THE LEGACY CONTINUES

Yusuf Hazziez,

known professionally as Joe Tex, was an American singer and musician who gained success in the 1960s and 1970s with his brand of Southern soul, which mixed the styles of funk, country, gospel, and rhythm and blues.”

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1. What was it like growing up with a man like your father? It was really enlightening. He always tried to teach and guide me about life in general and embedding within me the notion of the importance of giving back to people. He was strict and business-minded, however, he was loving and caring at the same time.

2. Who were some of the big names who used to hang out with your father? I remember being with Eddie Kendricks in New York when I was around 10 years old and running into Bill Withers and then sitting down and having lunch with him and his wife. There have been countless entertainers such as Johnny Taylor who was a good friend, Solomon Burke along with Otis Redding.

3. Is it hard to continue the legacy of your father, to follow in the shoes of someone who was notably a legend, whilst still defining yourself as an artist in your own right? Those are footsteps that I’d never try to fill. Dad has his own legacy. My whole objective is to keep letting people know about his legacy, continuing his legacy and exposing people to his music. However, in the process I am continuing to define myself, within his legacy, by releasing my own original material. So along with remakes of his material, I believe the 2 will separate themselves accordingly and I don’t mind doing what I can to fill those shoes and carry that torch.

4. Why is it important to you to continue a legacy and what is the legacy that you want to leave? It is important for me to continue his legacy because I want to do whatever I can to get him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is already part of the African American Museum of History in DC, but not in the Hall of Fame. I’m just thankful to define myself whilst carrying on and continuing such a great legacy.

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5. It’s been said your father struggled for quite a long time, before finally receiving a break through. He was writing songs that were being recorded by other artists and when he finally received his first major royalty check, he bought his parents a house, and it’s been said, he then went and had a good long cry. This shows the character of your father, can you elaborate a bit more about that struggle and how you feel it defined his character?

that Solomon Burke said “we were going against the grain of what black entertainers are supposed to do. We were all just supposed to go out and buy red Cadillacs. We weren’t supposed to go out and start talking about spending millions of dollars on building and developing... We were supposed to talk about having parties and good

My dad was always very humble, no matter what amount of success he achieved in the music industry. It took him a while to get his first hit, which wasn’t until 1964, the same year I was born. But he always had a work hard ethic and supported himself by writing songs for other artists until his career took off. I think he stayed true to who he was. He never let the industry change him and his character.

6. Your father was part of a group called ‘The Soul Clan’ who were together briefly between 1966 and 1969?

“The Soul Clan were more than just a group of musicians. Otis Redding, Joe Tex, Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, Ben E. King and Solomon Burke wanted to give back to the black community. They wanted to be in a place financially to support the black community and intended to buy up a lot of property in the South and in the ghettos to re-model them and build homes. Their idea was to pool their talents and resources, and become a positive force within the black community. So they all went and asked Atlantic for 1 million each. However, The Soul Clan members were poorly served by Atlantic, which failed to invest in publicity and actively sabotaged their recording schedule, because it has been alleged times and eatin’ barbecue ribs. You know, pork chops.” TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Did your father ever talk to you about the Soul Clan, and what they meant to him The Soul Clan was a super group that he and other artists such as Solomon Burke, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and others were part of. They wanted to show people that they could come together as black men and do something on a major level in the music industry. It was truly great that they were able to do something on that level and touch so many people through what they were achieving by just giving people hope for a brighter day. The Soul Clan went to try to do something for the community to better it and start businesses. Unfortunately, they told Atlantic Records what they wanted to do with the money. They should have kept that themselves because you can’t always let the left hand know what the right hand’s doing? My dad did a song with that title 103

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7. Many people feel your father was under-rated and there was and still is so much respect for him. What were the qualities that you felt your father exuded that made him so well-respected? He is underrated in the music industry. I feel he never got the recognition he deserved on a lot of levels. However, he touched so many people all over the world through his music. What made him so well respected was that people enjoyed working with him because he had a great personality. He was humble and down-to-earth. A lot of musicians I’ve talked to really enjoyed working with him because of the way he treated people. He treated people, the way he wanted to be treated. I believe this was a unique quality he possessed and I try to possess this too myself.

8. There was quite a bit of rivalry between your father and James Brown who were on the same label at the time, why was that? My dad and James Brown had quite a bit of rivalry over the years because they were both on the same label. The rivalry began over a woman, but also over the microphone tricks that my dad did. James stated that he started doing this, however, people can go to YouTube for more information on that story.

9. You’re an artist in your own right. How would you describe your own personal vibe as an artist and what is your message, through your music, to the world? I just try to create good music that touches people’s souls and inspires them. I want to make music to make you feel good. I also like to do songs that make people think about life and the world around us.

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10. You too are part of a collective with Gemini Burke, the son of Solomon Burke, Bobby Wilson the son of Jackie Wilson and Johnny Taylor the son of Johnnie Taylor called ‘The Sons of Legends’ - what is the vision for this collective?

12. What is the importance of leaving and fighting to leave a legacy? For me, it’s important to leave a legacy of positivity. We all go through our struggles in life and things don’t always work out the way we plan. But try to be a positive influence on people’s lives so that they can remember you in a positive way and have wonderful memories. I love hearing stories about how my dad touched so many people throughout his life time and helped so many people. Even though he died at age 47, he did so much in the world and that inspires me to do the same

We have joined our efforts to bring back the great music that our dads left us. To take our tribute show all over the world and to let people know that we are representing these great legacies and keeping great music alive. Along with carving out our own identity within their legacies.

11. What are some of the virtues and attributes you feel are important to have or strive towards, to stay grounded in the music industry? For me, I had a great example of how to stay humble in the music industry. You have to realize that it could all change any day, or at any time just as with anything else in life. But my dad was my example, no matter how successful he was, he always wanted to give back to the community and do things to help people. He never looked at himself better than anyone. They say the same people you see on your way up, are the same people you see on your way down. You don’t want to burn any bridges.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SWP ESTATES:

What is the ethos of your business? Our business ethos is built on collaboration, empowerment, and maximizing income for property owners in the Caribbean through a high-end hosting service. By fostering partnerships and delivering exceptional value, we aim to create a win-win situation for homeowners, travellers, and our business.

What is your business about?

REVOLUTIONIZING YOUR PROPERTY OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE

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Envision a service that’s set on revolutionizing your property ownership experience. Our core mission is crystal clear: to bolster your profits while freeing you from the day-to-day demands of property hosting. Our ultimate objective is to unchain you from the time and energy constraints often associated with property management and hosting. Here’s a sneak peek into our comprehensive service: as your trusted partners, we seamlessly take over property management, handling everything from guest interactions and effortless check-ins to meticulous upkeep, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your guests. With an 107

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unswerving focus on driving profitability, we’re not just about managing properties; we’re about generating concrete results through strategies that optimize pricing, craft impactful property marketing, and offer value-added services to elevate guest satisfaction. By harnessing cutting-edge technology, we streamline every facet, from booking processes to property management, all while ensuring your unique needs are met. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together, where property ownership evolves into a highly lucrative and hassle-free adventure.

ties but also to leave an indelible positive mark on communities and industries.

Where do you operate? Our operations are centred in Barbados, which serves as the hub for all of our activities in the Caribbean region. From Barbados, we extend our services to various locations throughout the Caribbean to support property owners in maximizing their profits and enjoying hassle-free hosting.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced building the business? The path of building a business is a complex journey marked by both challenges and opportunities for growth. Entrepreneurship demands a diverse skill set as you juggle various roles – from visionary to strategist, marketer, and manager. Navigating these multifaceted responsibilities requires adaptability and versatility. It’s easy to set high expectations for your venture, but the reality often involves more time and effort than initially anticipated. As an entrepreneur, you’re constantly on a learning curve, tackling unfamiliar aspects like legal frameworks and business practices that demand dedicated research and learning.

What does it mean to be male entrepreneurs? Being a male entrepreneur shares commonalities with the broader entrepreneurial experience, yet it’s also shaped by distinct aspects influenced by societal norms and personal journeys. Like entrepreneurs of any gender, male entrepreneurs bear a substantial weight of responsibility, not only for their business’ success but also for the welfare of employees, clients, customers, and co-founders. This entails making strategic decisions, steering the company’s trajectory, and ensuring its prosperity. They grapple with universal business challenges, from navigating competition and financial intricacies to adapting to market shifts, demanding resilient problem-solving skills and a knack for uncertainty navigation.

The dynamic business landscape calls for resilience and adaptability. Sudden obstacles, market shifts, and external factors like the global pandemic can prompt swift adjustments. Converting your idea into a viable business involves refining your concept, developing a sound business model, securing resources, and aligning strategies with market demands. Timing matters too, as economic conditions and market trends can impact your journey. Building a capable team and forming meaningful partnerships are essential for business growth. The challenge lies in finding the right individuals who share your vision and values, and in cultivating effective communication and working relationships. Navigating the local context – including understanding laws, regulations, and cultural nuances – is crucial, especially when launching a business in a specific location. Your dedication and proactive approach, evidenced by seeking training, expanding your network, conducting thorough research, and forming partnerships, exemplify your commitment to turning your idea into a successful reality with SWP Estates in Barbados.

In the male entrepreneurial context, societal expectations and established gender roles can influence their leadership style and self-perception. The pressure to embody masculine attributes such as assertiveness and risk-taking might influence their approach. Networking, a cornerstone of entrepreneurial growth, holds a distinct flavour for male entrepreneurs, shaping their access to resources, mentorship, and investor circles. Balancing their roles as entrepreneurs, family members, and individuals is an intricate challenge, often influenced by cultural norms about men’s roles in business and family dynamics. By tapping into support networks ranging from mentorship programs to industry groups, male entrepreneurs can glean valuable insights. Acknowledging the value of diversity and promoting inclusive environments is crucial, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation. In this journey, male entrepreneurs wield the potential to not only create economic opportuni TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Chris: Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve

come to recognize that building a business is akin to assembling a complex puzzle with 20,000 intricate pieces. It’s a process that demands both patience and unwavering perseverance. One of the most significant takeaways for me is the humility to acknowledge that I don’t possess all the answers. Embracing the reality that there’s an endless journey of learning ahead of me has been a pivotal lesson. This mindset not only fosters continuous improvement but also ensures that there’s always room for personal and professional growth. Just like each puzzle piece contributes to the bigger picture, every experience and lesson I’ve encountered has added to my evolving narrative of entrepreneurship.

Justin Samuel Managing Director

Share what you’ve learned about yourself that you took away from those experiences? Justin: Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve

learned a valuable lesson: I’ve come to understand the significance of patience and the realization that not everything unfolds at the pace I desire. The metaphor of “watching the grass grow” TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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What is it that drives SWP Estates? SWP Estates is fuelled by a profound love for the Caribbean and a passionate desire to empower individuals. Its driving force lies in the vision to establish itself as a trusted and renowned company across the Caribbean region, while also fostering job creation, supporting community-based projects, and enhancing the quality of life for property owners and residents. The company’s commitment to building partnerships, its focus on long-term sustainability, and its dedication to making a positive impact underscore its mission to contribute meaningfully to the growth, prosperity, and well-being of the Caribbean and its people.

What are three most important attributes you’ve acquired as businessmen?

Chris Walker

As businessmen, we’ve honed three critical attributes: an unyielding commitment to seeing tasks through to completion, irrespective of their scale or duration; the capacity to listen empathetically, aiming to truly comprehend others’ viewpoints and fostering effective communication; and an unwavering dedication to integrity and transparency, which not only builds trust but also establishes a bedrock of ethical conduct that resonates with partners, clients, and stakeholders. These attributes collectively underscore our approach to business, driving accomplishment, cooperation, and credibility.

Relationship Manager Samuel: Through the ups and downs I’ve

experienced, I’ve come to understand that in the world of business, victories are often accompanied by setbacks, and high points are countered by low ones. What truly matters is the ability to confront challenges head-on with innovative solutions. This realization has highlighted the significance of problem-solving in my journey. Every setback serves as an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and creativity, finding ways to navigate through obstacles. This mindset has equipped me to approach difficulties with a proactive and solution-oriented attitude, enabling me to continuously move forward and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.

What one piece of advice has an elder given you that has impacted your life? valuable piece of advice I received from an elder that significantly impacted my life was: “The wise man

can imitate the clown, but the clown cannot imitate the wise man.” This wisdom taught me

the importance of investing effort and dedication into personal development. It illuminated the idea that growth requires consistent, diligent work, allowing me to not only better understand myself but also to empathize with and connect more effectively with the diverse individuals I encounter on my journey.

Property Made Simple

Samuel Parkhurst

https://www.swp-estates.com/

Head of Estates

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HAJ BOTANICS

A HEALING OASIS OF LOVE BIRTHED OUT OF PAIN AND LIFE’S CHALLENGES “Hayley, a brave survivor of sex trafficking, and Taj, wrestling with the challenges of ADHD and complexities of racial identity, found ourselves on separate quests for healing. Little did we know, our paths were destined to intersect, creating the seedling that would grow into Haj Botanics”.

Haj@hajbotanics.com

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he powerful force of healing, the recognition of, the need to, the requirement, of is an ever evolving door, a whirlpool of many dynamics that open up into many pathways. Some find solace in religion, others in various therapies available, many drown themselves within so called vices, whilst others create a vehicle (product or service) that will touch the very core of the wound, enabling it to heal. Here I talk to two incredible young people, who authentically share their journey, their trauma, in order not only to heal and transform themselves individual, and as a couple but so that the world too can experience the hope in Haj Botanics and what it provides.

What is at the heart of your business? At the heart of Haj Botanics lies a profound reverence for the symbiotic relationship between nature and human well-being. Our ethos is rooted in the belief that nature, particularly the potent world of adaptogenic and psilocybin mushrooms, holds transformative powers that can elevate the human experience. Our venture isn’t just about offering products; it’s about championing a lifestyle that embraces holistic health, mindful consumption, and an unwavering respect for the natural world. Co-founded by Hayley and Taj, Haj Botanics seeks to be more than a company; we aim to be a conduit for individuals seeking authentic, transformative healing experiences. We’ve poured countless hours into researching and collaborating with local Colorado honey farms to offer unique mushroom infusions, ensuring that each product not only aligns with our stringent quality standards but also resonates with our foundational principle: to harmonize the age-old wisdom of nature with contemporary needs for health and wellness.

Hayley: As a first time business owner, I wasn’t

prepared at first for all the emotional stimulation a business requires. I was surprised at how much mental space the business took up and often found myself thinking about the business “off the clock” and constant ideas would pop into my head when I was having rest time. I had to figure out work life balance in terms of my emotional journey and it was harder than I expected it to be. Now, I have a great work life balance and I tend to be the one that makes sure we both end up having sufficient brain breaks and rest time.

What were the signs that the cracks were appearing in your life and then how did you recognize you needed to go on a journey of healing? Taj: To me,

the truth is that life itself is a healing journey. I wouldn’t necessarily say there was one thing in particular outside of just the feelings that I knew I wasn’t living up to the expectations I had for myself, nor was I actively becoming the best version of myself. That’s not to be hyperbolic, that’s just a level of authenticity. I will say as I’m now in my 30s you begin to realize what’s important in your life. You recognise the things that you value and the things you’re willing to fight for. Once I had a clear vision of that, I knew that the only way to get there was to really fix myself first or at least work on myself, so that I could be in the best position to live and manifest the life that I wanted to create.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced building your business? Every new business is tainly filled with its fair of challenges. For us,

What has the emotional aspect of your journey been like, building your business?

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picture of me? Recently, I took two DNA tests, and they showed something surprising: significant European Jewish Ancestry. So, I’ve been part Jewish all this time, a piece of me I didn’t know about. It’s like a new layer of the puzzle that’s been revealed.

How has and does having ADHD affect the way you interact with the world and how does/has it affected you? Let’s dive into something intriguing – because it’s different for all of us. In my world, it’s about focus. It’s the satisfaction of checking off tasks on the list. It’s the skill of jumping from one topic to another, maintaining a steady pace. It’s managing a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions, and ideas without missing a beat. Sometimes it’s even staring at the ketchup bottle in the fridge and wondering where it vanished (yes, object permanence). Sure, this dynamic brings its own quirks that can make daily chores a bit tricky. But, here’s the bright side – it equips me to handle complex issues and a bunch of tasks. I recall things without effort, I link things together naturally, and I view situations from angles that others might miss. It’s like having a unique superpower, one that brings both puzzles and potentials.

Hayley: Reactiveness was something I knew I had

struggled with for a while and when the reactiveness progressed to near daily panic attacks, I knew I had to do something in terms of healing myself and taking care of my mental health. I had been in talk therapy for a few years but I knew taking charge in an out of the box type of way could possibly help, so I took the plunge.

Taj, how did you discover the health benefits of using mushrooms? It all boils down to using them – mushrooms, that is. I had my fair share of larger-dose mushroom experiences in the past, each leaving me with a unique and somewhat profound imprint. But before we kick started the company I wanted to try it for myself. So, I took the plunge and let me tell you, the real magic happened after about a month of steady micro dosing. It was like a shift in gears. My ADHD seemed to come to terms with focus, that ever-elusive creature. The brain fog? Dissipated. Suddenly, my memory seemed sharper, tasks felt like conquerable mountains, and my energy levels had a pleasant uptick. The best part? The anger, the grudges I’d held onto? They didn’t cling like they used to. It’s amazing how these little doses unleashed a wave of positive changes that made every day feel like a fresh breath of clarity.

Taj, can you elaborate what you mean by ‘the challenges of racial complexities’ and how this impacted your mental health journey? To be honest, my therapy sessions have been all about self-discovery, and it’s still a road I’m traveling. Micro dosing has been a sort of guide, helping me navigate this journey. Let me give you some background. I grew up in the Black-American culture, always identifying as black. But there’s more to it. With my lighter skin, curly hair, and features that don’t exactly fit the mould, I felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. Who am I beyond just being black? That question haunted me. Oh, and my name’s Taj – a name that doesn’t match how I look. Living in Abu Dhabi as a kid, saying I’m black felt like showing a puzzle piece that didn’t belong. Proving who I was often felt like a battle, even when I wasn’t sure myself. This lifelong quest to find my identity has been a journey. Who am I, really? What makes up the whole TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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How have your products supported you to heal, to release, to deal with your pain and trauma? Hayley: Our products have helped the anxiety

Hayley, you too have been on an incredible life journey, can you share the emotional impact of that journey?

which have in turn helped me get to know myself better, become more open and it taught me how to really feel my feelings again. In a matter of months, I was able to feel happy, to cry, to cry when I needed to express sadness or grief whereas before it was almost impossible for me to do so. The anxiety and depression were helped so much that I was able to regain a sense of happiness with myself and life again.

The emotional impact didn’t seem to be extreme until I started to really heal. My brain had blocked out some memories to keep me safe but in doing so, it made me a very numb person. I didn’t realize just how broken my spirit was. I was someone for years who didn’t cry, who had a very tough exterior and had very high walls built up. It wasn’t until I started to heal that I was able to have my feelings come ‘back online’ and I really started to uncover some repressed memories which allowed me to really see the depths of just how much I was emotionally affected.

As part your personal journeys, what three key things have you learned about yourself? Taj: I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve gathered about

As a survivor of your experience, what is one of the main things you’ve battled with?

myself is my resilience. I can weather storms, find strength, and navigate tough times without giving up. It’s not that I shy away from hard choices or difficult conversations. Being honest with myself is the toughest part. Truly, accepting who I am and facing certain truths has been a significant part of this journey. Moreover, I’ve discovered I’m patient. It’s surprising, even to me. I never thought facing challenges would bring about patience, but it has. Going through tough moments teaches you that time does heal and if you’re dedicated to the journey and willing to be patient, good things will eventually come.

One of the main things I’ve battled with and had to almost entirely re-learn was the ability to trust myself and to trust others. I had to learn to become in tune with myself again, how to trust gut feelings and how to decipher if something was a gut feeling or anxiety.

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What piece of advice would you each give to other entrepreneurs?

What’s love got to do with it? Taj: Everything!! It starts with the love we have for ourselves and each other. We pour so much love and care into every product we make. Every jar of honey, every capsule and we hope that translates to our customers too.

• Just do it and you don’t have to have everything figured out at once. We are still learning and growing and figuring stuff out every day and that’s okay! • Keep going and when you fail, try again and again, as many times as it takes and you’ll succeed. It doesn’t happen overnight and it’s a very tough journey at times but you’re always worth taking a chance on.

Hayley: EVERYTHING! What does it mean to build a legacy to you both?

What is it you want customers to experience when they consume your products?

To us, it simply means having a lasting impact on the world. To leave it better than we found it. So even if one person’s life is positively impacted by our product and our story, then we have accomplished what we set out to do.

• We want it to help them on their journey wherever they are. We simple want to support them on their way. We hope our products provide a sense of calm and release which is exactly what it does for us. • Healing, self love, and hope. That’s what we strive for is healing in whatever way that might look like for you. Our goal isn’t to have a customer for life but for our customers to LIVE their lives.

Share an inspirational individual quote or message.

“What’s meant

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THE AWARD WINNING DRINKS BRAND

‘REVIBED’ ENCOURAING A

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE We’re here to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle through our superfood infused water. https://revibedrinks.com/

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Hi we are Eugene & Ivor, Co-Founders of Revibed Drinks

How did you come up with the idea for your product? Eugene: My Father would make Sorrel (Hibiscus) drink every Christmas as a family tradition that his Mother did for him, as in so many West Indian households. After finishing University, I went travelling around South Asia and I noticed that so many people were drinking hibiscus and realised it had many health benefits that I was unaware of.

We’re here to encourage people to live a healthier lifestyle through our superfood infused water. “Our aim is to change the way you consume superfoods in the traditional formats such as juices and smoothies to a new format with pre-mixed superfood infused water that is in a can that you can have on-the-go. 100% natural, zero sugar and unbelievably refreshing.

When I returned to England, I suggested to my father that we should commercialise his drink but remove the process sugar content. We both felt strongly about offering a drink that anyone could partake of namely diabetics (who are restricted on options in drinks) and those people that just wanted to stop using sugar.

Ivor: I’ve always been keen for all of my children

to be entrepreneurial so when Eugene suggested the idea, I was immediately 100% in. I also studied Business studies and previously ran my own consultancy business so immediately went about creating a business plan and cash flow together with Eugene arranging market research exercise at his local Gym.

Our primary objective is to encourage people to live a healthier and happier lifestyle through our superfood infused water alternative drink. Our Motto is Health is Wealth.”

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You won Dragon’s Pantry Award at Farm Shop & Deli Show 2023, what did that feel like?

one can drink for those that are sugar intolerant, Gym goers, those that want to lose weight through calorie reduction

Eugene: Fantastic feeling. We had just pivoted to

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced building your business?

a new selection of exotic flavours based on consumer feedback. So being a winner of Dragons Pantry was confirmation that we had a viable product and proposition.

• Financing – We had to use our money and

rely on grants which is a very time-consuming process

Ivor: : I was a bit nervous as Eugene was the last

to pitch (graveyard shift) and judges become fatigued and less interested etc. But Eugene took command of the stage citing statistics and the benefits of the drink! He seemed to very relaxed and confident and answered all questions posed to him.

• Being new to Beverage’s industry - Ivor has Banking background in Credit Management and Financial Crime. Eugene works in Energy. Massive learning curve for both of us and still learning.

The Dragon’s Pantry, which offers food and drink industry entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their products to industry experts in a 15-minute pitch, returned to this year’s Farm Shop & Deil Show at Birmingham NEC.

• Obtaining business advice pertaining to the Drinks industry

What is your brand’s USP?

You were also recently nominated rising star of the Year. Share about that nomination? It came out of the blue. Foundervine who promotes diversity and inclusion was one our advisors and monitored our progression in the drinks industry including recognition by some key players in the industry.

Sugar Free

The USP is the first superfood infused on the go water. There are so many cognitive and energy benefits of various superfoods we use in our drinks.

Why are you impassioned to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle? The cost of diabetes to the NHS is over £1.5m an hour or 10% of the NHS budget for England and Wales. This equates to over £25,000 being spent on diabetes every minute. We know the deadly impact of consuming sugar and its impacts on our health and their mental state. Some Food Beverage industry experts suggested we started adding sugar to appeal to a wider market. We made conscious decision not to add sugar because we wanted to elevate peoples lives and stay true to our mission.

What your Mission Statement and Ethos of your business? Health is Wealth is our mission statement - elevation by offering a healthy natural sugar free drink that any TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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Who has been or is a role model to you and why?

found knowledge and determination. Every challenge you encounter can be an opportunity for growth and innovation. So, don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from your entrepreneurial adventures; they will ultimately lead you closer to your goals.

Ivor: After leaving the Law Courts and entering the

private sector, I met a black person who was brought into my Bank as Senior Manager. Whilst I was always ambitious, I wasn’t sure how high I could go because of invisible barriers. This person had presence, commanded respect because of his subject matter and expertise in his field and many managers and Directors sought his opinion. I thought if he could do it then so could I and I would use him as a sounding board. This totally changed my mindset and allowed my career to take off in the 1980s, obtaining positions that I never thought were possible for someone like me.

What is your vision for the future for Revibed? To become recognised as a healthy drink brand that is second to none in the UK and internationally

What is it you want customers to experience when they consume your product?

Being humble and never taking anything for granted. Always show respect to others irrespective of their status. Helping others by giving them a helping hand up. Too many people forget where they are coming up or how they got started. How many black businesses proactively stock black products (including most start-up companies’ products) in their shops or use them for their events. Imagine what we could achieve if there was a shift in our mindset. Basically, to start to “walk the talk” instead of offering “lip service”.

A refreshing healthy tasting drink that has a positive impact on people’s well-being.

What piece of advice would you each give to other young entrepreneurs?

Eugene: To me it means leaving a lasting, positive

What does it mean to build a legacy? Ivor: For me from a personal perspective it is about creating generational wealth allowing my so Eugene and his children’s children to be able to benefit in years to come. Creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing experiences etc.

impact or contribution that outlives one’s lifetime. It reflects values, accomplishments, and influence for future generations. For example, Nelson Mandela’s legacy includes ending apartheid and promoting peace and equality, inspiring others to fight for justice and human rights.

Eugene: My Father is my role model. Observing

his work ethics, going to night school whilst holding down a full-time job to provide for his family. Seeing him being headhunted for jobs in his chosen field of work was inspirational to me. He has always stressed to me nothing is impossible, to be and remain humble and to help others less fortunate you.

What do you feel are important life lessons, that have helped you grow and evolve? Ivor: Be patient and diligent and be ready for knock

backs. Business is not simple. Planning is a crucial part of business “Fail to plan then you are planning to fail.” Those that step out of their comfort zones and take on challenges will succeed.

Eugene: To embrace failure as a stepping stone

to success. Understand that setbacks and mistakes are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of being discouraged by failures, view them as valuable learning experiences. Analyse what went wrong, adapt, and keep moving forward with new TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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REVIEWS Erykah Badu’s “Unfollow Me Tour” by Renee Mickens: A Transformative and Immersive Experience for Fans

Erykah Badu is a neo-soul legend, known for her unique style, captivating melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. Her recent “Unfollow Me Tour” was an extraordinary experience that engaged fans on a deeper level, leaving them feeling connected and inspired. In this editorial, we’ll explore how Badu’s innovative use of technology and media, combined with her artistic expertise, created an immersive and transformative experience for fans. TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Photo Credit: Tony Krash

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-ence on a more emotional level, leaving fans feeling both empowered and reflective.

Fostering Personal Connections Through Technology

Her lyrics struck a powerful chord with fans, as she explored themes and issues that were both timely and timeless. It was a reminder that music is not just entertainment but also a means of connecting with the world around us. Badu’s performances served as a catalyst for introspection and personal growth, challenging fans to confront difficult issues and to grow as individuals.

One of the key highlights of the “Unfollow Me Tour” was how Erykah Badu leveraged technology to create a more intimate connection with her fans. She used social media platforms and live streaming to provide fans with exclusive access to backstage moments, Q&A sessions, and other behind-the-scenes content. This level of engagement transformed the conventional concert format into a more personalized experience, and fans responded with enthusiasm.

Conclusion Erykah Badu’s “Unfollow Me Tour” was a transformative and immersive experience that engaged fans on multiple levels. By leveraging technology, blending old and new styles, and exploring deeper themes and issues, Badu created an experience that was both artistic and innovative. Her visionary approach transformed the traditional concert format into a more personalized and intimate experience, fostering a deeper sense of connection and community among her fans. Erykah Badu’s performance wasn’t just about the music; it was a window into a broader and more purposeful world, offering fans an opportunity to explore meaningful themes and to discover themselves in the process.

By embracing technology, Badu created a platform for her fans to stay connected with her tour, even from a distance. Those who couldn’t attend the shows in person were able to feel like they were there, participating in an immersive experience that transcends traditional boundaries. This connection built a sense of community among her fans, creating a deeper bond that could last beyond the tour.

Blending Old and New to Create a Mesmerizing Stage Presence The “Unfollow Me Tour” wasn’t just about the music. Erykah Badu created a visually stunning experience that combined old-school elements with modern design and visuals. The stage designs featured retro aesthetics blended with futuristic projections and lighting. This blending of styles created an other-worldly atmosphere that was both immersive and mesmerizing. Badu’s attention to detail was evident throughout the tour, from the sound quality of the live performances to the intricate production design. It all came together to create an unforgettable experience that was both visually and aurally stunning.

Addressing Meaningful Themes That Resonate with Fans Erykah Badu has always been known for her thought-provoking lyrics, and the “Unfollow Me Tour” was no exception. Her performances explored themes like personal growth, spirituality, love, and the challenges of modern relationships. By delving into these deeper topics, Badu connected with her audi TURNINGPOINT: MUSIC & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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22nd September – The 7th

ESTHER AUSTIN’S MEET AND GREET TOUR

Anti-Bullying Awards at The Griffin Studios, Las Vegas Hosted by Esther Austin, Organised by Founder Queen of Las Vegas Entertainment Capital Of The World Nations Ambassador USA Public Figure

2023 F

rom Vegas, to LA, to Atlanta I went on an incredible tour promoting TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle magazine and my International Talk Show ‘On the Sofa with Esther’ and fashion brand. I had so many incredible experiences in between, as I had the opportunity to visit San Diego, Beaumont, Palm Springs and San Juan Capistrano. I started this intrepid journey on 19th September, landing in Las Vegas to attend the premier of Bobby Wilson’s ‘The Last Teardrop’. Then on Sunday 24th September I attended and hosted The 7th Anti Bullying Red Carpet Awards held by CEO and Founder Queen Carrie Brown, Queen of Las Vegas Entertainment Capital of The World Nations Ambassador USA Public Figure in Vegas prior to my own Meet and Greet which was on Tuesday 26th September. I then headed off to Los Angeles for the 2nd part of my Meet and Greet.

19th September –

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26th September

–Meet and Greet, The Griffin Studios, Las Vegas Dr Bernard Moore and Josie Goldberg, Real Estate Agent and Thoroughbred Breeder

A huge thank you goes out to Roy Hamilton Jr (In white) who performed at my event. He is here with his wife, Maria. On the other side is Kevin McDougal (Management for legend Pauli Carman from Champaign). Thank you also goes out to Queen Carrie Brown for helping me make the right contacts for the event and for helping me to organise this event, along with Ms Alberta Richardson who helped out on the day. So much love and appreciation to you all.

Meet and Greet Los Angeles Thank you goes out to Dr Bernard Moore, who hosted the LA leg of my Meet and Greet. A huge thank you goes out to Deborah Hayter who helped me put this idea into motion and who tirelessly worked with me to make it happen. To Norma Dalke, Ingrid Palmer and Celestine Palmer for helping to organise and put together this event. What fantastic team work. A mega big hug goes out to Fashion and Portrait Photographer Randi Childs, who flew from New York to support me and who took many of the images.

Ms Alberta Richardson, Esther Austin, Queen Carrie Brown, Roy Hamilton Jr, Maria Hamilton

Deborah Hayter, Publicist, Joyce Vincent from The Former Supremes, Norma Dalke, Scherrie Payne from The Former Supremes, Esther Austin, John Wilson from Sly, Slick and Wicked, Susaye Greene from The Former Supremes

Photo Credits: David Orlov

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ATLANTA MEET AND GREET THE BOOKSTORE GALLERY

Eric Cayene Butler, Film Composer/ Music Producer at E.B. Productions,

A huge thank you goes out to Montoya Smith for hosting. Singer/Songwriter Joe Tex II performed several tracks on the night, one an original of his and the other from his late father legend Joe Tex and had the audience up on their feet. A huge thank you to Joe Tex II for his contribution. Gregory Williams from SWITCH also came down to support me as well and I had the privilege of interviewing him on stage as well as Joe Tex II.

Interviews can be found at: Jude The Healer

https://www.youtube.com/@estheraustinglobal

Kyle Brown from The BookStore Gallery, Montoya Smith – Host, Joe Tex II, Gregory Williams from SWITCH ent ndrews Managem A a in D s, w re d Dina An Palmer , Mrs Celestine in st u A er h st E Inc, erican geles African Am n A os L er d n ou F tee , Action Commit Women Political

Christopher and Heidi Dill Photo Credits: Randi Childs

Tina (TJ) Jones, Chief Operating Office at Triauric Films,

Larry Eaglin, Proprietor at The Blues Therapy Show & Dance with Stagga’ Lee Henzel on WRFG-Atlanta 89.3FM 126

WISHING YOU ALL

AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL FESTIVE SEASON

AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SUPPORTED US, WHO HAVE ENCOURAGED US, PROMOTED US AND WHO HAVE BOUGHT FROM US.

2024 IS GOING TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER FOR US ALL WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK OUR RESIDENT CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE OUTSTANDING ARTICLES THEY PROVIDE AND FOR CHOOSING TO BE ON THIS JOURNEY WITH US A HUGE THANK YOU ALSO GOES OUT TO CREATIVE DESIGN AGENCY BRANDWIZ DESIGN STUDIO FOR WORKING WITH US TO CREATE AN OUTSTANDING PUBLICATION

FROM THE TEAM AT

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Little Richard, Hall of Famer and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient recorded ‘California I’m Comin’ as one of his last iconic recordings in 1970. Little Richard, and The Little Richard band, is a musical odyssey. Featuring talents like bassist Jessie Boyce, drummer Freeman Brown, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, guitarists Glenn Willings and Eddie Fletcher, and the soulful vocals of Clydie King and others, this album is a journey through sound. It represents the culmination of Little Richard’s musical legacy, offering a glimpse into his final creative expressions. With this release, you experience the magic of these legendary artists coming together, shaping a timeless sonic masterpiece.

Link to purchase (pre-order): https://www.ccmusic.com/little-richard-california-im-comin/197644509225 https://www.amazon.com/California-Im-Comin-Little-Richard/dp/B0CNKWC6CB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CQXQMVD2ME5T&keywords=197644509225&qid =1701270135&sprefix=197644509225%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1

Link to purchase artwork: www.ozonegoldmedia.com

TurningPoint: Music and Lifestyle: Winter 2023: Legacy Builders

Articles inside

of Revibed Drinks

JOE TEX II,

MATAYA “CLIFFORD”

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

FASHION

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST

ART AND CREATIVITY

TO SAY GOODBYE’ FAREWELL TOUR

WHO IS LISA ENGLISH?