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Thursday 15 September 2011

NEWS: ONiT! To Represent Soulful Songstress, Dionne Reid


ONiT! To Represent Soulful Songstress, Dionne Reid

ONiT! PR is proud to announce that it is now representing Soulful Songstress, Dionne Reid.

Dionne Reid, ONiT!'s first lady, is a Singer/Songwriter with a colourful twist. Her boundless energy and effervescent personality mean she is a joy to hear and work with. Following a summer of high profile performances at the coveted Glastonbury and Lovebox Festival's, Dionne is enjoying the next stage of a performance career that has already seen her collaborate with stellar artists, including MOBO award winner, SWAY.

"My journey is my therapy and I'm looking forward to ONiT! PR being a part of it" says Dionne, "it's an exciting new venture with a brilliant team."

Sidel 'Comfort' Stewart, Director and Founder of ONiT! PR says "It is an absolute pleasure to have Dionne on board and will be an honour to represent such a driven young lady. Having followed her career closely over the past three years, it is beautiful to now work alongside Dionne in realising her dreams and being a part of that journey. We anticipate great things for her."

Dionne Reid is currently available for live acoustic and full band performances.


-ENDS-


For full Biography and Press Shots on Dionne Reid, please visit: www.onitpr.co.uk/dionne-reid



Monday 22 August 2011

INTERVIEW: Teju Chosen

short.
sharp.
facts.


Name:
Teju Chosen

Repping:
The Kingdom, trying to do my best, to walk the narrow road when satan puts me to the test.

Birthplace:
London, England ... Hackney Hospital in fact (now closed down).

Lives:
Goodmayes, Essex

Performance Debut:
The Word, Brixton. I was so nervous, I was there reading my poem by candlelight and the paper was shaking in my hands. The feedback was great and that encouraged me to continue.

Awards/Accomplishments:
Poetry Calendar for the Millenium, play co-written for Shared Experience Theatre "We Can Dream in Colour", play commissioned by ICAN (International Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) "Oko Mi Da?", Devised play with National Youth Theatre about the French Revolution "Off With Your Head". Won a scholarship to do a Masters in Screen at Stage Writing at the London School of Film, Media and Performance (currently in first year).


Q&A


Describe Teju Chosen in 5 words:
Spiritual, Dynamic, Funny, Loving, Entertaining!


What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?
Cakes and biscuits and lots of, but I am so cutting down. I am so cutting down!


If you were a fruit what fruit would you be and why?
A soft hearted banana.


What came first, the chicken or the egg?
Both, really. Is that right? If the egg came first, then who laid it. If the chicken came first, then how? Good question.


Favourite word?
Wisdom. Because wisdom is the principle thing. In the Bible it says, "... my people perish because of lack of knowledge". Hosea 4:6


Least Favourite word?
Can't. My mother never allowed me to use this word in the house. "Don't say
can't, say I shall try", she would exclaim.


Sound or noise that you love?
The ocean. The soothing sounds of the water hitting the rocks.


Sound or noise that you hate?
Rain on my wood door and double glazed windows.


If you weren’t doing the profession that you are, what would you be doing?
Oh dear, this is a tough one, can you come back to this? Er well I guess I'd be a Philanthropist.


Since it’s supposed to be “summer”, what’s your favourite thing to do in the park?
Praying whilst on the swings, in the morning.


ONiT! Is very excited about your forthcoming one woman show, Choices & Voices. What can the crowd expect?
AN EFFERVECENT ECLECTIC MIX ... Performance Poetry at its very best, Jazz music that will make you close your eyes and imagine you were somewhere else, a journey into my state of mind, familiar characters that will make you laugh at them, but maybe later with them, contrast, the breaking down of the fourth theatrical wall, edutainment and the flipping of the script. In a nutshell, something very different.


As a Poet, how did you make the transition into writing and performing a one-woman show that also features comedy and drama?
It's always been in me. Started off as an Actress and lack of work sometimes led in me and a few others along the road of creating our own stuff and performing them at Fringe places. This was way, way back though. Now I have revived my playwrighting spirit and am currently doing a Masters. I think I mentioned this earlier.


We know that you’ve performed internationally, which non UK performances have you enjoyed the most and why?
A Show that I put on with a few other Londoner's in a South African joint called "Jungle Connection". It featured London and South African Poets, Drummers and Singers and was a great cultural exchange. I loved the clicking that that was incorporated into many of the songs and poems ... was awesome experience and the air of South Africa just screams art.


Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Not really, just breathing deeply and being alone.


Who and/or what are your greatest influences?
God, The Bible, my parents, life, Mayo Angelou, Nikki Giovani and Gill Scott Heron.


Is there an artist or performance that you’ve recently seen that blew you away?
Yes, LyricalFlo. Some real good stuff. Love the singing combined with the poetry. These two are real divas. Also Dominic Coates - saw his video online, great stuff. He's doing something really different and saying what needs to be said.


Let’s pretend I’ve just given you £6,000 for you spend on a dream holiday. Where would you go and how would you spend it all?
Hmmm, been to most places already, done the cruise thing, done Disneyland. I think it would be somewhere in Africa. I have been to South Africa a couple of times, so maybe Jo'burg. Haven't been back home to Nigeria in a while so probably there. I'd buy a standard class ticket and stay with friends/family. I'd spend time visiting orphanages and seeing how I could help and what I could put money towards. I would like to also sow seeds in to the lives of some aspiring young people who would otherwise not get the opportunity to fulfuil their dreams. I would like to pay for school fees etc.


What’s been your best or worst performance experience so far?
Er, can't remember but I'll have a real long think ... wait a minute ... Well not had a bad performance, but a bad workshop situation in a Prison. I was getting the inmates ready for ... oh dear, forget that, I've just remered a bad performance ... oh dear, can't mention that one, not fair on the other person involved. Okay then, back to the prison workshop. I was trying to get the guys to do some positive stuff for an upcoming performance and they weren't listening. Just weren't having it. They wanted to do their slack raps and mceeing. One even said to me, "You don't like mi s*!& do you?". With the group I had the month before the writing was so inspiring and thought inducing ...


Describe your performance style.
Very me, I just do me. Effervescent, eclectic, bubbly, dynamic. I am different when I do different poems. Sometimes very vocal and in your face, sometimes sultry.


Lastly, where can we find you outside of the stage?

And just keep looking. Also look out for my book this Autumn, Prolific Perspirations from a Poet's Pen. I will also be working on my sitcom and putting a preview on YouTube. It's called, No Pay, No Paper and it's set in a Nigerian Law Firm.


Catch Teju Chosen's one woman play, Choices & Voices, as part of the Camden Fringe Festival, on Tuesday 23rd August 2011

















Friday 19 August 2011

NEWS: ONiT! To Represent Award Winning Poet, David Lee Morgan

ONiT! To Represent Award Winning Poet, David Lee Morgan

ONiT! PR is pleased to announce the addition of passionate poet and street musician, David Lee Morgan, to its roster.

A scholar of words and student of life, David cites being a poet, novelist, political activist, street musician and playwright amongst his arsenal of talents. Son of a journalist and a well respected voice in his own right, David has been invited to showcase his work across the world via various platforms, including the Mumbai Resistance during the World Social Forum in India, at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London and at venues across Europe and North America.

A multiple Slam winner, David says "I've been writing all my life. I've never done well with gatekeepers, but when I've been able to get my work in front of an audience I can usually connect. Slam poetry has given me a chance to do this. I think ONiT! PR will help me take this to a higher level."

Founder of ONiT! PR, Sidel Stewart, is excited to be able to count David Lee Morgan as a stellar artist within its intimate stable, “David is an extremely passionate writer and poet who strives to leave an impression with his work. His performances are always heartfelt and provocative; two key elements that will ensure he remains on top of his game in this industry. ONiT! is looking forward to assisting with David’s journey and being a part of that success.”

David Lee Morgan is currently available for performance bookings in London and the rest of the UK.


-ENDS-

For full Biography and Press Shots on David Lee Morgan, please visit: http://www.onitpr.co.uk/david-lee-morgan

Thursday 4 August 2011

NEWS: ONiT! To Represent Lyrical Dynamo, LeeN


ONiT! PR is pleased to announce that exceptional lyricist, Jesse-Lee ‘LeeN’ Norville, has joined their roster.

A freestyle maverick and opinionated lyricist, LeeN serves his audiences gourmet meals from the raw ingredients offered, culminating in clever, conscious and creative rhymes. LeeN who has toured in Europe with the NuMC’s, also performed an improvised set with Beardyman at Channel 4’s Underbelly and has won many a freestyle challenge, including one by Chester P. His artistic and innovative skills double up in the form of Music Producer where he has worked on projects with artists such as Serocee, NuMc’s and Klarity.

LeeN says, “I'm looking forward to working with ONiT! PR. As ever, I intend to exploit my lyrical abilities to edutain current and future diverse audiences - it's always interesting to see what topics they’ll come up with. I'm building a good relationship with ONiT! and look forward to more good things in the future.

ONiT! PR Founder, Sidel Stewart, is thrilled to be working with an artist who sits just outside of the Performance Poetry bracket, “LeeN is a creative force to be reckoned with and constantly blows audiences away with his lyrical dexterity. It’s fantastic that he has chosen to work with ONiT! to raise his profile and assist with the administrative side of his creative journey. We’re excited about LeeN's future.”

LeeN is available for bookings, ranging from MC/Lyricist based performances, to creative workshops with young people.

-ENDS-


For full information on LeeN, visit:

http://www.onitpr.co.uk/leen


Saturday 30 July 2011

EVENT: Poetry in the Park | Sunday 31 July

Partnas in Rhyme


Presents


The Return Of



Poetry in the Park



Sunday 31st July 2011



2pm til Late


Hey Peeps,

We hope you're all well and having a great weekend.

Just to update you all on the return of annual event,

Poetry in the Park, brought to you by Partnas in Rhyme.

The event will take place tomorrow from 2pm, in Hyde Park.

You'll find PiR about 3 minutes walk from 'Speakers Corner' -

the Marble Arch end of the Park.

Poetry in the Park

The best way to locate them will be to walk up from Marble Arch Underground station and follow the strategically placed Paw Prints :) which will lead you as close as possible - Cumberland Gate Entrance, Hyde Park, just past Tour Bus Stop 'W'.

For those who have asked, children are very much welcome - as long as they are capable of sitting through performances without too much disruption.

WEATHER CHECK


The weather is set to be dry with a temperature of 22 degrees,

so at this point, it's definitely going ahead.

HOWEVER, if it rains later than 8pm tonight, or at any time on Sunday 31st July, please assume that the event is cancelled.

The event will not be held in the rain.

PERFORMERS


The advance performers list is now closed,

but you're welcome to put your name down on arrival.

Places are first come, first served and subject to availability.

FOOD & DRINK


Everyone is encouraged to bring their own food and drinks -

we'll bring some bits and pieces too, and hopefully,

everyone will be in a sharing mood :)


So all that's left to say is, tell a friend to bring a friend and let's jam!

See you on Sunday!

Wednesday 27 July 2011

INTERVIEW: Kaana Ellie

short.
sharp.
facts.


Name:
Kaana Ellie

Repping:
Music as Remedy

Birthplace:
Camden

Lives:
Tottenham

Awards/Accomplishments:
Head of Music, Media and Performing Arts projects for young people in Haringey, before the government decided the kids weren't important.


Q&A


Describe Kanna Ellie in 5 words…
“Lickle but Talawa”, Powerful, Energetic and Wild

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?
Eating custard creams in bed.


What came first, the chicken or the egg?
[Laughs] "Chicken" comes before the word Egg [laughs] I’m so smart!


If you were a fruit what fruit would you be and why?
Passion Fruit, not sure why but it sounded sexy.


Since it’s supposed to be “Summer”, what’s your favourite thing to do in the park?
Swim and Eat.


ONiT! Is very excited about your upcoming performance at Style and Substance next week. With such an amazing line up of artists, what are you planning to do to wow the crowd?
I'm gonna take off my six inch heels and shake what my father gave me [laughs], the saddest thing about this interview is I actually find myself amusing [laughs]. Really though, I plan to wow the crowd with good music, alongside my band.


Ah yes, we know you regularly perform live with your 7 piece band, The Remedies. Can we expect to see them at Style and Substance too?
The band are out there playing hard with other artists but for Style and Substance they will be coming back home, back to the beginning, to play with their big Sister - they are amazing. We have good energy and write great songs together. . I have missed them, so the answer to your question is YES!





Wicked! You have such a powerful soulful voice - do you do anything to vocally prepare for a show?
I shut up my mouth, look miserable and pray. It helps me preserve energy for the stage and the show, where I let it all out.


Do you have other any pre-performance rituals?
No not really. I always go to the toilet before the show and do a number 2, then pray. Strange place to pray but it works.


[Laughs] OK! Who are your greatest influences?
The Remedies, my fans, family and love.


Is there an artist or performance that you’ve recently seen that blew you away?
I did not like Rihanna until I saw her pop style on X Factor.


Let’s pretend I’ve just given you £6,000 for you spend on a dream holiday. Where would you go and how would you spend it all?
I'd go to Tanzania, where my mum was born, to sing and live like the Queen!


What’s been your best or worst performance experience so far?
My worst performance was when I forgot my lyrics on stage at a charity event like Amy Winehouse*. The worst thing was, I was sober.


Will we be hearing any material from your new album Now or Never at the show?
My God yeah, It’s all I've got [laughs] and the album is finally due to drop this year.


So, all that said, where can we find you performing next?
I'll be performing at Style & Substance on Tuesday 2nd August at Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, LONDON EC2A 3JX (Full info)






















When and where can fans get a copy of your new album?
The album will be available in September, via iTunes, Amazon and http://kaanaellie.bandcamp.com


Lastly, where can we find you outside of the stage?
You can find me in North London, the sunny side of Tottenham. Alternatively, you can be cheap and Facebook or Tweet me via 'Kaanaellie'.



EDITORS NOTE: This interview was produced before the passing of Amy Winehouse - no disrespect is intended to her or her family.

Words: Shorntay Allen
Video: Courtesy of d'nyce (Soul-of-the-UK Live)


Tuesday 26 July 2011

INTERVIEW: Moy Moy Artist

short.
sharp.
facts.


Name
:
Moya Morris aka MoyMoy Artist

Repping:UK/JA

Birthplace:
East London

Lives:
Essex

Artist Debut:
Moy Moy -Let Me Go: Tha Mixtape

Awards/Accomplishments:
Midlands tour - performed in Sheffield, Kent, Nottingham, Leeds, Birmingham, West Bromwich as well as London shows.
Radio play on Choice FM and BBC Radio 1xtra.
Travelled to South of France and Italy to make music.
Over 50,000 views in 3months on 'Put Ina Di Work' on YouTube.



Q&A


What came first, the chicken or the egg?
Aaarrrrr I don’t know!!! You need a chicken to make the egg, and an egg to make a chicken. I need to google it ;-).

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?
White chocolate.


If you were a fruit, which would you be and why?
Strawberries- they are presentable, yet exotic!


Since it’s supposed to be “Summer”, what’s your favourite thing to do in the park?
Look up to the sky and gain inspiration for my music.


Describe Moy Moy in 5 words….
Hip-Hop artist with dancehall vibes.


Where does your dancehall influence come from?
Both of my parents are from Jamaica - my mum born was on the island, and my dad born here in the UK, but both of his parents were born in Jamaica. Reggae has been a prominent genre of music played in my household from a young age, and I like to represent for my family in my work.





ONiT! Is very excited about your upcoming performance at Style and Substance next week. With such an amazing line up of artists, what are you planning to do to wow the crowd?
You’ll just have to wait and see I’m afraid. I always give a taster of unheard material when I’m live, so hopefully the audience will enjoy.


We love your current mix-tape 'Let Me Go' - can we expect to hear you perform any tracks from it at Style and Substance?
Yeah, without a shadow of a doubt - and I’m touched that you’re feeling my stuff, thank you.


Only talking the truth out here! Where does your dancehall influence come from?
Both of my parents are from Jamaica- my mum born on the island, and my dad born here in the UK, but both of his parents born in Jamaica. Reggae has been a prominent genre of music played in my household from a young age, and I like to represent for my family in my work.


How did it feel when you first heard your music played on radio stations such as Choice FM and BBC 1xtra?
Euphoric - it makes the hard work worth it when you hear your own music played and you feel appreciated by others. Anticipating that radio play makes my music reach wider audiences and gives me the motivation to continue. Any reward for your efforts always feels great!


Do you feel it’s harder or easier for female rappers like yourself to become established in the industry as opposed to male rappers?
Both. It’s easier because of the ratio to male rappers. There are not many female rappers, so it’s easier to get attention in terms of competition. It’s more difficult because females can get bitchy. Haters slandering you can have more of an effect on a female than a male in this industry.


Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Ermmm… [I] feel sick!! I get so nervous before performing it’s unreal; I think I’m getting good at hiding it though [laughs]. But seriously, my pre-performance ritual is prayer; I ask for His guidance and for Him to give me the confidence to take the stage. He never lets me down.


Who are your greatest influences?
Buju Banton, Lauryn Hill, Drake, Lily Allen, Tinie Tempah.


Is there an artist or performance that you’ve recently seen that blew you away?
Drake and Jessie J gave performances that really impressed me. Their energy, stage presence and clarity were on point. What really made me smile was the diversity in the audience. When you touch people of all kinds, you must be doing something right.


What inspires you to write?
Two things: the beat, and my life. I am an observational artist so everything I see, hear or do is embedded in my lyrics somehow, in some way. I just play the beat and whatever comes to my head first, I write it down. A word or phrase in that first line may make me think of something else- so I’ll write that down too. I’ll gain an idea of concept by the fourth line, and gear it towards a conclusion by the end.


Let’s pretend I’ve just given you £6,000 for you spend on a dream holiday. Where would you go and how would you spend it all?
Fiji! It just seems so beautiful. I would spend the money on an all-inclusive treat-me-like-a-queen package. Cos one day I’ll want to go waterskiing, the next day I’ll want to be getting my hair and nails done [laughs]


What’s been your best performance experience so far?
I think the best has been Notting Hill Carnival. The crowd was so big, and so hyped up over what I was doing it was overwhelming. I love music and the feeling it brings when I write and record; but performing makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine. I would do it again in a heartbeat.


So, all that said, where can we find you performing next?
I'll be performing at Style & Substance on Tuesday 2nd August at Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, LONDON EC2A 3JX (Full info)





















Lastly, where can we find you outside of the stage?

Words by: Shorntay Allen


Monday 25 July 2011

INTERVIEW: Indigo Williams

short.
sharp.
facts.

Name: Indigo
Repping: Love
Birthplace: Nigeria
Lives: London
Poetry Debut: Early 2010 at The Roundhouse



Q&A


Describe Indigo Williams in 5 words…
Loving, introspective, spiritual, passionate, reclusive.


What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?
Keeping up with the Kardashians *she bows her head in shame*


What came first, the chicken or the egg?
The chicken. It probably evolved from something else and became a chicken that laid an egg.



If you were a fruit what fruit would you be and why?
A strawberry, because they’re my favourite



Since it’s supposed to be “Summer”, what’s your favourite thing to do in the park?
Listen.







ONiT! Is very excited about your upcoming performance at Style and Substance next month. With such an amazing line up of artists, what are you planning to do to wow the crowd?
Lol this is a funny question. I don’t really think about wowing the crowd, I just hope to share something that touches, moves or simply connects with someone.



Will we be hearing any poetry from your current EP “Growing Pains” at the show?
Oooo you’ll have to wait and see.



We know you’ve performed at some MAJOR events such as The Big Chill Festival and the iTunes Festival. Are there any other major events/festivals/shows that you are hoping to ambush with your talent (other than Style and Substance of course!)?
“Ambush with my talent,” hahaha you’re great I like you. To be honest my train of thought hasn’t been on performance. I’ve been investing a lot of time working on my page work and just studying the craft, to improve in general. It is possible to be gifted but lack skill and so performing isn’t hard, wowing people isn’t hard but neither of the two are things that rank highly on my priority list. Performing anywhere is always an honour; I think there is something beautifully powerful about strangers opening themselves up to you and so standing on a stage is somewhat of a sacred act for me.



Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Going over my lines in my head [laughs] and breathing!



Who are your greatest influences?
Oh lord, we could be here forever. Li Young Lee is currently the person who has majorly impacted my whole approach to poetry and art in general. He has the most unique and esoteric approach to his work. I can relate deeply to that, he was the first poet for me where I could see myself in his work and his attitude to art. My drive to write comes from my drive to understand things; I am always trying to understand myself, humanity and the universe. Life is my greatest influence.



Is there an artist or performance that you’ve recently seen that blew you away?
Warsan Shire and I have a lot of respect for Kayo Chingonyi.


Let’s pretend I’ve just given you £6,000 for you spend on a dream holiday. Where would you go and how would you spend it all?
OH IF ONLY! A trip across Asia with my mum and close friends.



What’s been your best or worst performance experience so far?
I tend to black out during performances so generally I don’t remember them. But the best....the best is never on the stage, it's always after when someone reaches out to say they connected with you. I can’t think of a particular performance, I can only think of particular people. To answer the question though, I guess I’ll say, my debut performance at the Roundhouse, the energy was amazing.

My worst is always when I don’t mean what I say in that moment, which is everything I’m not. For some time, I felt this way, which is why I stopped performing and took a hiatus to just sit down and listen.



Describe your performance style…?
I don’t know. It’s changing so I don’t know.



So, all that said, where can we find you performing next?
I'll be performing at Style & Substance on Tuesday 2nd August at Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, LONDON EC2A 3JX (Full info)




















Lastly, where can we find you outside of the stage?
READ MY BLOG...not that I’m begging - nah, I’m totally begging and it’s fine, read my blog!! LOOOL


Words by: Shorntay Allen