Issue 20  |  June 2010

Don Cheadle about Miles Davis biopic

Miles Davis biopic has been in the works for around 10 years. A-list actor Don Cheadle, who is directing and producing the movie as well as starring in the film, says that the project is finally gaining momentum.

Read the full interview on vibe.com

Ekow Eshun to be removed as director of the ICA?

According to reports,  ICA exhibitions director Mark Sladen has asked that Ekow Eshun be removed from his post as director of the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)., stating that his faith in Eshun has been “gravely undermined.

Read the full story on the Guardian

Marley Family to Grace Zimbabwe Indepence 30th Anniversary Concert

The family of the late reggae legend Bob Marley is expected to grace a concert to commemorate Zimbabwe’s 30th Independence anniversary at the Glamis Stadium in Harare on April 17.

The family, which includes the talented Ziggy, Damian, Sharon, Steve, Julian and Cedella, has confirmed the trip.

Show organiser Patrick Hundu of Studio City said the Marleys were coming to perform at this year’s Independence celebrations in the same manner their father was part of the festivities at the birth of an independent Zimbabwe in 1980.

Sade on the cover of Ebony 2010

Hard to believe Miss Sade Adu is 51! Here she is on the cover of Ebony:

Letters: Black History Month

Professors and doctors of leading universities (Open University, Birkbeck, Goldsmiths, Leeds, and many more) wrote a letter to protest against Boris Johnson’s decision to slash the fundings for Black History Month.

Read the full letter on Guardian

Unfinished Ralph Ellison’s novel finally published

African-American author Ralph Ellison (1914-1994) worked on this posthumous novel Three Days Before the Shooting for over 30 years, until his death. Thanks to the work of editors John Callahan and Adam Bradley, the novel is finally published in the US.

Full story and review on the Financial Times

Grace Jones to headline Lovebox Weekender

Grace Jones and Dizzee Rascal have been announced as this year’s headliners for music festival Lovebox Weekender, 16 – 18 July 2010 in Victoria Park, London. Lovebox was founded by dance group Groove Armada. The line up includes MJ Cole, Rox, Noisettes and many more.

More info on efestivals

Oops, Whitney’s done it again

According to several reports, Whitney Houston’s Monday night concert in Brisbane, Australia was quite “shambolic”, with concert goers walking out of the venue. This brings to mind Whitney’s erratic behaviour on the X factor back in October.



Full story on Herald sun Australia

Estelle is a Freak

UK singer Estelle announced via her blog and Twitter account the title of her upcoming single: Freak. Produced by French DJ / flavour of the month David Guetta, the track features a guest performance by reggae artist Kardinal Offishall.

The official video for Freak will premiere on Friday 26th February on estellemusic.com

Sneak peek with this behind the scenes:

Itw with Timbaland in the Guardian

A rare interview with Timothy Zachary Mosley, aka Timbaland. The uber-producer explains his creative process: “I’m definitely a risk-taker with my music. I like to challenge the new sounds… My style is to take something unexpected and make it into a hit. That’s what I do”My style is to take something unexpected and make it into a hit. That’s what I do”. Timbaland also drops a few words about his friendship with Justin Timberlake, the transition from producer to frontman and the joys of being a dad.

Read the full feature on guardian.co.uk

An exploration of British hip-hop

Guardian journalist Paul Morley explores British hip-hop, meeting the hottest rappers on the scene, Giggs, Tinchy Stryder, Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B and Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip.

Watch / read the interactive presentation on Guardian.co.uk

Rapper Nicki Minaj on the cover of Fader

There’s major buzz around Nicki Minaj. And for a reason: when was the last time you read the following words “female rapper”? My point. Here she is on the cover of Fader magazine.

Mo’Nique wins a BAFTA

Drumroll… Mo’Nique wins the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Precious. The actress, who was a no show at the ceremony, seems well on her way to win that Oscar.

Screen Daily for a full list of the BAFTA winners

Fashion for Relief

Naomi Campbell’s charity show Fashion for Relief raised £1 million. Guests included Kate Moss, Geri Halliwell and Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud. Fashion’s next big thing, Tolula Adeyemi, was one of the models on the runway.

More pictures in the Daily Mail

New York Fashion Week: Arise Fall 2010

More pictures on Coutorture