Beyonce flaunts her curves to the themes of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water in her new H & M bikini advert. If you have noticed Beyonce is constantly popping up on your TV during commercial breaks it is all part of her 'Mrs Carter' advertising campaign which is setting the world up for her much anticipated album and tour. Not long ago she released a Pepsi advert in which she dances to a Timbaland-composed beat and now she is back with a Summer vibe. This luxurious advert shot in the Bahamas, features a song 'Standing On The Sun' which will appear on her new album. What do you think of it? Feel free to comment on my facebook page!

Some of my twitter followers may have noticed my recent tweets and retweets involving the word #Banji! If you haven't found what it means yet, now is the moment for you! B.A.N.J.I stands for 'Be Authentic Never Jeopardise Individuality' which is a strong and powerful message that I feel is much needed in the media driven world we live in today. Constantly we are being fed information leading us to believe we need to look or act a certain way to fit into society. However Sharaya J - a rising star mentored by Missy Elliott is having none of this, creating a breath of fresh air in the current music world. Her debut single 'Banji' spreads the word about embracing your unique qualities and not changing for anybody. It is out on iTunes so get your copy here.

#Banji is becoming a popular trend and is taking the web by storm. It feels good to see such a positive force being shared increasingly around the world. As a female music producer in a male driven industry, I have always been a strong believer in staying true to yourself and following your dreams no matter what. This is why Missy Elliott has been a strong influence in my life and it touches my heart to know that everybody else who feels this way is speaking up and pulling together as a unit. Hopefully this will help people who have lost their way due to pressure from others, to open their eyes and find love within themselves again.

Below are some videos I have recently been enjoying created by folks who have been inspired by the #Banji movement.

Sharaya is very humble, much like Missy Elliott and interacts with her fans on a regular basis. She welcomes her audience to share stories of what they have been through and why they are #Banji.

If you feel you are #Banji, Sharaya J would love to hear from you! Email your story to [email protected] and see if you make it onto her Testimonial Tuesdays (see below). I particularly like the first story on this video as I rock a mohawk myself! Enjoy!

If you are a fan of African music, art and fashion then you will love Afriversal. An online platform dedicated to African culture. As I present on an African radio show, I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Afriversal  a while back. But now the tables have turned and I am interviewing Afriversal's very own Seun Amusan about Africa, music, and her writing role for Africa's UK platform!

Hi Seun! Tell us What Afriversal is all about?

In a nutshell our tagline is Africa's UK Platform. Essentially we are all Africans, no matter where you come from but more specifically, Africans sure know how to travel! And we form the ever expanding term 'African diaspora'. Afriversal's aim is to engage the UK audience with positive messages about Africa, especially with anything going on in the UK because currently all our writers are based here.  


How did you become involved in Afriversal?

I've known one of the founders of the site Folashade Bello for a VERY long time. She spoke to me about her vision for the site and I loved it. She knows I've always wanted to write; anything that has something to do with creativity, I'm in! Plus I want to get better at my craft and the only way you can do that, well is by... 


How do you find people to write about?

Hmm... I guess you have to keep your eyes open and be on top of your social media game. I am specifically an FLT (Film, Literature and Theatre) and Art writer. So I am constantly looking out for the latest book, play, artist etc, to write about. It's not necessarily about who is hot right now. If you have great work out there, I'll find it. And often people do tell me, 'Oh Vicks we know your into this art stuff, this show is going on...' etc. There's always something to write about. Just the other day I was walking to work and I saw this huge banner on the Battersea park railings for the Affordable Art Fair...that's my next story... 


Any advise for other young writers out there?

Oh gosh! I'm not the best writer but I'll get there.  My best advice would be to read, find your own style and don't stop writing. Zadie Smith quote: "You're only a writer if you're writing". Let people critique you! Criticism is necessary, it means you have potential.  


Afriversal has a section about music, who are your favourite African artists?

Oh wow! That's tough. I have no favourite artists... but right now I have 'Run My Race' by Burna Boy on repeat. That song, when I heard it I almost dropped my laptop! Such a 90's baby, I know.  It's like a Fela-esque record, it has a message and the beat is crazy! Asa, Lira, Str8buttah Collective and Saz, you know my undeniable groupie love for FOKN Boiz but I'll leave it that.  


Ha ha! This is news to me! I can hook you up with the FOKN bois if you wish! Hey! Anything you want to promote?

Afriversal of course! Go to Afriversal.com and check us out. Keep in touch, tweet us, tumble through, like our Facebook page...anything we are promoting will be on there and comment please! We need to know how we're doing and what your thoughts are.  

Get in Touch with Afriversal:

Tweet: @afriversal
Facebook: Facebook.com/Afriversal
Email: [email protected]

Not enough?
Tumbler: http://afriversal.tumblr.com/
Pinterest: http://m.pinterest.com/afriversal/ 
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Afriversal


Written By Sazrah 
@sazrah_producer
Facebook.com/sazrahproducer

Dylan Berry is a seasoned composer who has composed, licensed, supervised and managed music for hundreds of media productions including some of the top rated shows on television. 

He has cleverly started a company that employs talented composers to create custom music for his pipeline clients which range from comedy and fitness DVD's to the biggest shows on television today. Smash Haus Music Group is his company - a top Hollywood composing team investing in shows such as MTV Movie Awards, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Kevin Hart Laugh at my Pain and many more. 

Dylan is qualified to lead the charge because he has 'been there, done that' on the highest level. He has composed the themes for The Sing Off, America's Best Dance Crew, Root Sports Network, and provided custom music for American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance and the Academy Awards. 

I had a few questions for this music biz genius who I am happy to have the opportunity to work with in the near future. Interview below...

So Dylan! You're a composer, music supervisor and music manager. How do you find the time? 
When you run a business that is a "music solution" you end up wearing many hats. I also really like each descipline though. They all play a different part of the noodle lobe!

Which job do you enjoy the most?
Entrepreneurialism!

What is Smash Haus all about and how did you come up with the idea?
In navigating the entertainment industry from music to production to post production since I was a kid, I gained a high level view of the business, how it worked and where the opportunity could be. 

I feel that the opportunity for musicians is to own their own businesses. Simply, we are the infrastructure that supports their businesses. We decided that every effort needs a helmsman who knows both music and production and I felt I could be of value in connecting the dots so that the magic is realised. 

As a result we decided to merge the two by embedding our technology and A-list team of composers into production and post production environments as a brand-able internal music function. 

We are essentially a music fulfillment partner that removes production company overhead, increases their workforce and creates value through music where loss currently existed which in turn increases jobs and composers income. It was a no brainer. 

So...Do you feel TV music is a better career than composing for other artists?
I think this entire business of entertainment is about trust and who you know. If you are the best songwriter in the world and have no relationships, you will not likely succeed there. I see no difference in opportunity if you have the relationships that convert. That is why Smash Haus mobilised. When organised, we acquire the relationships that sustain our businesses. We 3 Musketeer it!

Any advice you want to give to upcoming musicians and producers?
I was hoping they could lend me some advice! They are what's next and I learn from them daily. We are all in this together. 

Any projects you would like to talk about?
I'm kind of proud of the themes Noah Lifschey and I did for the Time Warner Sports Network (Sportnet, L.A. Lakers, Galaxy, Sparks, Access Sportsnet). Also the Root Sports Network Themes. I still totally dig the America's Best Dance Crew theme too. We beat the hell out of anything we could find in the studio to stomp that one out. But most of all I am glad to still be alive and make a living in this wacky business of maniacal rain makers and prodigal talents. I feel lucky to share time with crazy people. 

And so do I...This must be how we met! Thank you for your time Dylan!

Tweet Dylan: www.twitter.com/smash_haus
Visit Dylan's company site: www.smashhaus.com
Dylan's IMDB:http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2090271/



Written By Sazrah 
@sazrah_producer
Facebook.com/sazrahproducer

Many music enthusiasts express the fact that all music sounds the same these days. A lot of new artists will do anything to fit into the industry, even if it includes losing their own identity and passion for the arts. But not Kenny Wesley. He shows his musical influences in his work and is a breath of fresh air for you music lovers. Critics say has firmly placed his stamp on the burgeoning modern Soul movement. 

He is known as the soulful nerd with the huge voice.  ”My mom said I came out the womb screaming, and I’ve been screaming ever since!” he jests.  The North Carolina born, D.C. based artist has just finished a game-changing album with L.A. based producer Noah Lifschey. Lifschey’s signature cutting-edge sounds are a staple in the TV and music world, ranging from So You Think You Can Dance? to the MTV Movie and Music Awards and various record labels. ”Noah and I want this album to serve as an authentic alternative to the traditional, watered-down R&B.  We comin’ with that fatback.  That stank, raw soul music, wrapped in a progressive, modern gift wrap.” 

His album "The Real Thing" is due to be released in the first quarter of this year! One of my favourite songs of his is 'Feels Good' as I love the whole vibe and head bopping groove!

Many believe that these days it is impossible to make a living out of producing. One either does it as a hobby or a side job and others don't feel it is something to take seriously due to that fact that work isn't always guaranteed.  Ben Monroe, a producer who grew up in St.Louis has managed to make music production his main job and is now living in LA working every day doing what he enjoys. 

Ben is also known as Bevo xP (1/4 of xP Musik), and has triumphed the radio airways, composed music for MTV and worked with such artists as Rick Ross, Pimp C, Trey Songz and several more. "How does he do it?" I hear you ask! Well, I decided to find out.......

So Ben! When did you decide you wanted to become a producer and how did it all fall into place?
I started rapping at first in 1995 with a friend of mine name Myke Wayne. Besides, my dad being in the business already going on tour with Kool and the Gang, Color Me Badd, The Jacksons, Earth Wind and Fire! Myke was the first person I ever made music with. We started recording a bunch of songs together then ended up getting into production in 1999.

Who are the biggest names you have worked with?
As a recording engineer i've worked with tons of people. I've recorded Rick Ross, Bun B, Pimp C, David Banner, Future, Lil Boosie, Trey songz, Just Bleezy, J marz, Blis, Jung Tru, Gucci mane, Peetey Weestro, Ebony Eyez, Bobby Valentino, and many many more.

 
What is your secret to sustaining regular work as a producer?
I was taught 'an idle mind is a devils workshop'. So I stay busy by wearing many different hats in the industry. If i'm not recording vocals, im producing songs for people. If im not producing songs i'm mixing songs. If im not mixing im doing consulting for serveral projects helping people get their music out and heard!


What advice would you give up and coming producers and artists?
Do what you love and stay consistent at it. Always remember why you are in music and why you do it. And the most important thing is keep God first and learn something new everyday.


Yes! I strongly agree! What is the biggest highlight of your career and do you have any regrets? 
I've had several big highlights! One of my first ones was working with the Trackboyz on Ebony Eyez project. That was my first time doing some music for a major label. At the time she was on Capitol Records. Also around the same time I produced a record called 'So Serious' for the All Stars feat. Styles P that helped them secure a distribution deal with Universal. That was a while ago but since then I have had other great accomplishments but these are the ones that started it all when I was around 18, 19 years old (im 31 now)!


Any projects you got coming up?
J Marz "The Underdog" mixtape, Bliss "I Want it All" mixtape coming soon, Peetey Weestro "Eyez Don't Lie" mixtape coming soon!

Thank You Ben and look forward to hearing more music from you in the future! 
...Want to know more about Ben? Connect with him here

As you are all aware, I am judging on Bling Ya Ting talent show and have loved all the talent that I have seen so far at the first auditions last Saturday! It isn't too late to apply as there are more auditions in January. Find out how to apply here. We accept ANY STYLES.

Here is another act that has applied for Bling Ya Ting and is a regular to the show, Scrilla! He has won a few talent competitions in his rap career and has featured along side Grammy award winning artists on a mixtape. Here is what he has to say.


Hi Scrilla! Tell us what your style and vibe is all about?

My vibe is simple. To make good music. My style can be versatile depending on the music. Its a fusion of rhythmic flow and good writing skills. A direct result of the various genre and sub genre of music we have here in
the uk, which has influenced me over time. There's a general rule in musicand that is "if the music is good then the music is good" and that is irrespecrive of style, vibe and genre. Thats what I aim for and hopefully
the rule that applie will take care of the rest for me.


What has attracted you to the #BYT competition?

The BYT competition showcases talent, a wide range of talent. The attraction for me initially was the opportunity it brings to individuals like myself to showcase their talent. You turn up at any event and you will find singers, rappers, dancers, poets, you name it....all showcasing
their talent to a wide audience at a very credible venue. So the opportunity is massive for people starting out, for those who want to gain experience in performing their trade/craft to an audience. That's the
attraction and obviously it also gives a chance to network as it brings like minded individuals in the same place.
In the past I've taken part in the showcases twice and was the winner of my category last time out. The people always show me love when I'm out there and thats always a good thing.


Your song was selected as the winning tune to be featured on Coast to Coast mixtapes, how did this make you feel?

It feels great to be recognised for all the effort and work which has gone in over the years. I'm a workaholic so naturally I dont have that much time to admire my achievements. I tend to move onto the next thing and I'm
always thinking of my next move and how to better the previous. But having said that I'm very grateful for the opportuinty to feature with a Grammy Award artist such as Chrisette Michele, definetly adds more credibility to
my work and my music CV. Its a testament to God for my talents, all the work we put in and to the fans who voted for the track too because without them all this wont be possible. The mixtape will be out in some few weeks
time and the press campaign will start to hit as the release date is confirmed.



Any advice for other acts who are applying for #BYT?

It's simple love what you do and be true to your music. Work hard, let the knock backs motivate you more cause nothing worth having ever comes easy. Last advice will be to have fun with your music.


Any projects you want to promote?

Look out for the announcement for the release date of the Coast2Coast Mixtape. Got two new videos dropping soon with a few other artists. You can keep updated with news via my website www.iamscrilla.com

....or social sites
http://www.facebook.com/scrillamc
http://www.twitter.com/scrillamc


Thank You!


Written By Sazrah 
@sazrah_producer
Facebook.com/sazrahproducer

You should all be aware by now of the beautiful Linda Harrison and if you don't, you need to catch up here! I interviewed the singer songwriter in a previous blog where we discussed how successful she has been self-managing her career. She has since reached higher success with the release of her single Overexposure. But it doesn't stop there! Harrison releases a very moving single tomorrow (December 17th) in aid of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). I have been lucky enough to see Linda perform this song live and it was very inspirtational. I love all of her music - it is contagious, but it is this very song that blows me away the most. I even shed a little tear when I watched the music video for it. 
*embarrassed face* 

Here it is below: 

Just beautiful! The arrangement is outstanding and the chorus just hits me hard. I can feel every word she is saying. I find the video very innocent and effective in delivering a message through art. But it is also very open, leaving you to interpret it in your own way.

I am delighted to have the chance to blog about an act from my area - Cambridgeshire! They go by the name of Elementz Ent and their success has been huge and is still expanding across the globe. With clients as big as the Black Eyed Peas, and performances abroad as well as in famous UK venues (Olympia, The Royal Opera House, Hammersmith Apollo and Indigo2 to name a few), there is no doubt that these guys have the talent that keeps us all entertained to the fullest. 

They have competed in The International World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas, USA & The IDO World Hip Hop Championships in Poland but they still feel it is important to stick to their roots and perform locally so have applied to perform in Cambridge's biggest urban and wordl talent show Bling Ya Ting (which I am proud to be on the judging panel of)! 
Click here for details on how to apply.

I decided to have a quick catch up with this diverse dance crew and see what they are all about. I was also curious about with their views on Bling Ya Ting as they have performed on this talent competition every single year since it started.

Mean Girlz Media is a hugely successful music promotion company which is all run by ladies! As you all know, I strongly agree with more women in the music industry so I was buzzing when I heard about these girls. I was even more over the moon when they tweeted me showing interest in my work too! They are based in St.Louis America, but after few exchanges of emails I decided to fly over there and chat to them - Just kidding - I am not made of money! So I did a lil' Skype interview with ShaeRai and Karyn who run the company. I found out who they have worked with, how they do it and what it feels like for them being females in the industry. And boy we had a good giggle! A pleasure to talk with. Here is how it went down....

How did Mean Girlz Media come about?
ShaeRai: Mean Girlz Media pretty much started out as a crew of girls. People already knew me and Karyn worked a lot in the entertainment industry. Karyn was known as a blogger (and also dj's partime as DJ RNS), I was known for doing promotions. It was like ‘Whenever there is a celebrity in town, ShaeRai is gonna be around’ so it started out as a joke amongst our friends. There was a singer in the crew, a rapper in the crew and everybody in the club used to say 'Y’all look mean'! So we were like ‘Ok, we’re the mean girlz crew’. That’s how Mean Girlz was originally born - as a joke. We thought ‘Well everybody says we look mean so fine, we’re the Mean Girlz’!

Karyn: And we really like to tell people the truth so they say ‘You’re mean’ when we’re just teling the truth.

OK, in a harsh way or a constructive criticism way?
ShaeRai: Well it depends how people take it. Usually it’s constructive criticism but some people take it as being mean but I think 'I’m just telling you the truth so nobody else hurts your feelings, but OK'!

Who have you worked with?
ShaeRai: As Mean Girlz media, a lot of local artists! But our resume between the both of us is ten plus years so we have done stuff for Trey songz, Pharrell, Fall out boy, Gym Class Heroes, Bobby V, Mike Jones, the list is ridiculous because it has been so many years. I even forget some people I worked with and then I find pictures and think 'Oh yeah. I forgot I did that'! The latest project we did was for Shorty da Prince. Who is in BET's 106 And Park here in America. He is one of the new hosts. Shorty is from St.Louis, we have known him from way back in the day from when he was just an artist going to clubs and being on radio. So yeah - shout out to Shorty!

So when you work with these artists, what do you do?
ShaeRai: Promotions, PR work, putting them in right spot and right direction. Help them get the overall look. They’ll have an idea and we’ll build on that idea and just try and get it rolling for them.

Do you go to them or do they come to you?
ShaeRai: Usually they find us

Karyn: But that’s the way we prefer it.

ShaeRai: I mean, we paid our dues in the industry because we did go after so many people at one point in time saying ‘Hey do you need help with this? Let me do this’ so then when people saw what we were doing, everybody else was like ‘Yo, when I do my next project I need to call y’all’ or ‘I'm about to drop this new album. What are you doing, can we meet next week?’ and its like ‘I aint doing nothing! What’s good'!

So the hard work pays off?
ShaeRai: Yes and I feel like for one, being a female in the industry. That’s the biggest thing. Nobody ever takes you seriously. They think you are a groupie and your trying to get in with these people. The mentor I had here, a lot of people used to see me with him all the time  and the first thig they'd say is ‘Oh you’re his girlfriend’ and I’d be like ‘No he has a girlfriend and that’s not me’. But when people saw how hard I worked they realised ‘Wow no, she really does this for real’ and they see me and Karyn out and realise we really go hard, we do this by ourselves with nobody else but we're smashing everybody else! We can do no work here for months and then come out months later and smash it out for someone who has been working all year round!

With being female, sometimes people don’t want to take you seriously upfront. They think 'she is going to be emotional' or you've got some type of motive but it is like ’No, this is what I love. This is what I do. Music’

Any inspirations?
Karyn: I am kinda inspired by everything.  Sometimes I am just riding in the car and then I get an idea! But the first song I ever remember knowing all the words to was Do or Die by Po Pimp! I can say that when I was younger I understood the level of how hard it is. I used to listen to Mc Lyte and she had the Ruff Neck video and I was like ‘They have female rappers?’ I mean, I am not a rapper but it's something to be looking up to!

ShaeRai: The first song I remember knowing all the rap words to was by Da Brat Funkdafied! I ain’t even gonna front. I knew it backwards, forwards, Jermaine DuPri’s part, everybody’s part! I thought Da Brat was the dopest person. At the time, I didn’t realise she was from the Midwest! I didn’t even know the Midwest was bigger than St.Louis! I was like ‘Wow! She is from Chicago, that’s not far! My Aunty lives there'! 


That’s when I started researching and learning different things about people like Russell Simmons - who he is outside the businessman. And others, like Mona Scott-Young who I am obsessed with right now!

So one person would lead you to be inspired by another person and so on?
ShaeRai: Yes! Cause people like Mona Scott, Chris Lighty and Russell Simmons had more of an impact than the artists themselves. Because the artists took a little bit of Russell or a little bit of Mona etc. You know, Missy Elliott has a little bit of Mona in her (she manages Missy) so it’s like ‘I can make a bigger impact without anybody even knowing who I am!’

Karyn: Yeah we really want to be people that nobody knows but just be really rich!

(All laugh)

You mean you like to be in the background but make big movements?
ShaeRai: Yes!! But the important people know who we are!!

Karyn: There is a phrase: ‘Important, not famous’. No limelight- I like to be able to go out in my sweat pants and nobody say anything!’

(All Laugh)

ShaeRai: It’s like, when you get to that level of fame you really don’t know who is there and who is not and it taints your personality. Not everybody gets tainted. Like, from that call we did with Missy Elliott last week on the Nerve Dj call, I can tell that she hasn’t been tainted by the industry. I can tell she kept a lot of her real friends around her from the time when she was struggling, to now. Her same crew is around her and it keeps her a grounded person. And I feel like a lot of people lose sight of just being able to connect to real people. Instead of having fake people around you saying ‘You're the greatest’ when that last album you did sucked ass!

(All laugh)

What are the main aims and dreams for your company?
ShaeRai: Biggest thing is for Mean Girlz Media to be a taste-maker in the industry and for people to realise that whoever we like, we see their grind and we want to work for the underdogs. We want to be known as helping the people out there who you never expect, get up there and get out there. The taste-makers, the forefronts, be known for really dope management. Bring people out there and help them make it.

Karyn: We want to help people get there and then let them go and then we’ll start over.  We don’t want to be riding the same horse for 10 years.

So there you have it! Go check out these girls as I love what they are doing! They also advised y'all (yes i've picked up the accent, saying y'all hehe) to check out   www.midwestmixtapes.com to see who is out there in  Midwest America. Check out Mean Girlz Radio and follow Mean Girlz on twitter!

Written By Sazrah 
@sazrah_producer
Facebook.com/sazrahproducer