Top Model Of Colour 2007 (TMC)
Claire Johnson a Nutrition & Biological Health student emerged the winner of the 2007 Top Model of Colour, whilst singer, performer Marcus Jordan became the first Top Model of Colour in the male category.
Seulja: The story so far
Seulja – meaning ‘One With God’, is the fusion of French, Seul and God – Ja.
Seulja is a hot new band whose blend of gritty pop-soul and rock produce a sound that perfectly mirrors the band’s many influences through a set of original songs under the title: I AM SAM. The five piece live act echoes traits of Outkast, and the Neptunes bringing forth an energy and a musical sensibility unseen in many young bands today. Seulja has been shaking up audiences all over London. Now they’re ready to go beyond.
Seulja – meaning ‘One With God’, is the fusion of French, Seul and God – Ja. The meaning is akin to moments of solitude where one reaches musical nirvana.
France is where the story begins. Seulja’s first album, I AM: SAM. Based on one true love story, this album tells the tribulations of Sam and his drama of love. As the songs denote Sam’s particular path to loosing his partner it climaxes with Sam’s mysterious disappearance. To this day Sam has never been found and remains a lost soul.
Abram met Sam in Paris. After various one to ones and whilst listening to his love torn soul, Sam became more and more of an influence on Abram’s writing. As Abram’s note pad became a fully blown love biography, the idea for the album was conceived.
Seulja landed on London’s soul scene just two years ago, and since then have been making audio waves at the best soul and R&B nights in the metropolis. Including Camden’s renowned Jazz Café, the 333 Club, Oh Bar, ION Bar in Ladbroke Grove, The prestigious Notting Hill Arts Club, Plan B at the Different Strokes Urban Events in Brixton, Vibe Bar on Brick Lane, Dragon Bar in the Ditch, plus Aesthetic Sounds at Bar Rumba supporting Terri Walker, Panache Parties at Urban Inc (part of the Inc Group at the O2 Arena), they’ve recently performed China White and the Big Chill House on Kings Cross. . . Check www.myspace.com/seulja for upcoming dates.
Seulja is:
Abram Wilson – composer/vocals
Alex Bourt – drums
Miles James – guitarist
Adrian Acolatse – bass
Ahmed Sirour – keyboard
Abram Wilson, caught somewhere between Stevie Wonder and Pharrell, is the all round performer who demands his own league. A New Orleans native, Britain is lucky to be chosen as his adopted home. He made a name for himself utilising his musical leadership, background and genius. Consistently tearing up jam sessions since his arrival he began to make creative contacts. Abram formed Seulja on the back of these foundations.
He first met guitar virtuoso, Miles James whilst leading a jazz and soul fusion jam session. Intrigued by James and his ability for hip soul inspired ten-minute solos he immediately enlisted him to the band he was leading at the time, Tomorrows Warriors Big Band.
Miles partnership with Drummer, Alex Bourt, originated whilst playing together in afro- groove/soul/R&B/Jazz band, Yoka. Miles raved about the Tomorrows Warriors band he was part of and brought Alex to their rehearsals. It was here Mr Wilson noticed Alex’s abilities and connection he had with companion Miles, not to mention his Questlove-esque afro. Bringing Hip Hop to the Warriors conservative approach wasn’t in their plans but was perfect for Seulja. Alex has been playing percussion for as long as he can remember – certainly before he could walk. Listening to all his mum’s soul and funk records he took particular notice of Chris Dave and Dennis Chambers. Starting drums on an all inspiring Mickey Mouse kit, and quite promptly upgrading, was to give Alex the kick start he needed in becoming Seulja’s drummer. He performed at a Jazz Café jam session at the tender age of 8 and continued to perform with his fathers Calypso Band in Poland, France, and the UK to this day.
Bassist, Adrian Acolatse ultimately controls groove. He came recommended to Abram by a fellow musician, a short phone call and an hour later Adrian was standing at the doorstep – bass in hand. Even as the youngest member of Seulja he is always the most punctual. Coming from a classical background Adrian began playing up-right bass. Attracted by its deep tones he rode his enthusiasm for bass through Chethans School Of Music and now studies at the Royal Academy Of Music. He pays much respect to his tutor Steve Berry and bass great Charles Mingus. Adrian also became part of the Tomorrows Warriors ring of musicians and has performed with them at the Free Time Festival. It was around this time that Adrian became a regular at Spice Of Life jam sessions before becoming Seulja’s bass deputy behind Kareem Dayes. Adrian was soon to step in as Kareem went on to persue his own outfit.
With the advent of keyboardist Neal D, leaving for involvement within a film, it left a hole that could only have been filled by Ahmed Sirour. After a gig at Troy Bar, or rather an audition, it became apparent that this player was needed to take care of the keys. After just one performance Ahmed had consolidated his position in Seulja with the band members raving about his showcase. From Brooklyn, has never studied music and isn’t formally trained, Ahmed brings a sublime edge to Seulja’s live performance. Having played with Dwele, Mike Phillips and India Arie he comes as an experienced jazz and hip hop professional.
Seulja on the web
Seulja’s journey: Images by Ben Amure
For Bookings UK: alex@dune-music.com
Rugged Music Festival in Sierra Leone
The Rugged Music Festival will be held in Sierra Leone this December in order to help raise funds to support community development projects.
Rugged specialise in providing a superior and unique quality of beats and sounds alongside organising entertainment activities and other dynamic themed-programmes around the world. The company has been welcomed by the newly elected President and First Lady of Sierra Leone to bring music, entertainment and global coverage to the capital this December. This will be a historic event, set to be the first of its kind in Sierra Leone.
The founders of Rugged (Naz Hyjazy, Kalil Hyjazy, Sein Hyjazy and Rita Hyjazy) will use their combined experience in the entertainment industry, in areas such as music production, artist development, concerts and music festivals, to bring together international artists and performers. Proceeds from the festival will be used to support community developments for children and the underprivileged to tackle extreme poverty. The country, best known as the ‘Diamond Country of the world’, has seen recent visits from the likes of UN Ambassador Angelina Jolie, Michael Douglas, Prince Charles, Hip Hop star Raekwon and X Factor’s Dermot O’Leary, and is sure to become the centre of global attention after this revolutionary event.
The Rugged Music Festival will be held in Sierra Leone this December in order to help raise funds to support community development projects. Rugged believe that this event, and the world coverage it generates, will draw attention to the potential for development and investment, and lead to job creation for the citizens.
‘We are honoured to have the privilege of bringing this music festival to Sierra Leone as it is important for not only the country, but by Africa as a whole. We hope that it will bring global attention to the fact that aside from being the ‘Diamond Country of the World’, Sierra Leone is resource-rich and has great potential for development’, said Kalil Hyjazy, Company Director.
Scheduled to perform are internationally acclaimed artists such as ‘Princess of Africa’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka (Live Earth, 46664 and UNICEF ambassador for malaria), UK MOBO Award Winner SWAY, Lush, Flamingo Artist Fadi Waked, Belly Dancers and Lungi (Coca Cola pop stars, Carnival City), and various other A-list singers from the USA and UK. Also billed to perform are national stars such as Star Zero.
The event will be covered by a number of broadcasters including MTV Base Africa, 601tv, SABC and will include an after party, star-studded fashion show and entertainment by a breath-taking dance troupe.
Founders of Rugged (Naz Hyjazy, Kalil Hyjazy, Sein Hyjazy and Rita Hyjazy), has welcomed CatWALK the World with opened hands to work together and execute a fashion show to be featured on one of the exclusive events. Designers such as Ozwald Boateng, Deola Sagoe, Stoned Cherrie and Samata’s Muse are all participants, with supermodel Oluchi known to grace the international runway. Associates and partners include Damon Dash and the Mayor Office London (alongside the recently held Kulture 2 Couture).
These international collections will be worn by models and celebrities including the stunning Dawn Richards of P. Diddy’s platinum-selling girl group Danity Kane.