nang! issue three 2009

VVV ISSUE THREE 2

009

FREE

1t,s the quirky

and cool V.U. Brown!VV and cool VJimmy Ch0o

comes to H&M!

The rise

0f the YouTube

stars

Funders oF tower hamlets summer uni 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE OPPORTUNITIESEMAIL [email protected] TELEPHONE 020 7247 7900 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.summeruni.org

IS A TOWER HAMLETS SUMMER UNI (THSU) PROJECT. IT’S WRITTEN BY 16-25 YEAR OLDS AND DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, UNIS, YOUTH CLUBS AND LIBRARIES ACROSS LONDON.INTERESTED IN JOURNALISM AND WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Contact Liz at [email protected]

SUMMER UNI PROVIDES YOUNG LONDONERS WITH LOADS OF FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE FUN, MEET NEW FRIENDS AND DEVELOP SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE. CHECK OUT THE PROJECTS YOU CAN JOIN:BECOME A YOUTH AMBASSADOR! Have your say on what Summer Uni does and how it does it. This is a fantastic all-round accredited programme for 16-25 year olds who want to gain experience in managing and advising on projects. Contact Mamum at [email protected] or call 020 7247 7900.

YOUNG AND UNEMPLOYED? THSU’s 12-week accredited Job Ready scheme for 16 to 25 year olds will give you the training, life skills and confi dence you need to get a job and you’ll even get to go on a work experience placement. Next enrolment starts in January 2010. Contact Mohammed at [email protected] or call 020 7247 7900.

LOOKING FOR FREE REHEARSAL SPACE FOR YOUR BAND? Need the equipment to make your own tracks? Music Space is a free programme created for the next generation of talented musicians aged 14-19 from Tower Hamlets. Get support from industry professionals, book a rehearsal slot and play at gig including Underage! For more info on Music Space, visit www.cmsounds.com or call 020 7377 0621.

YOUNG LONDONERS HAVE YOUR SAY! DareLondon, a dynamic advisory group of 16 to 25 year olds, make sure that Summer Uni London, London Youth and the GLA (Mayor of London) keep it real and respond to young Londoners’ needs and concerns. Visit www.darelondon.org or contact Ana at [email protected]

CALLING ALL BUDDING FILMMAKERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS! The What We Want! (WWW!) scheme helps 13-20 year olds with an idea for a fi lm or photography project turn it into reality by providing money, support from professionals, free access to equipment and lots of training. Contact Emma at [email protected] or call 020 7247 7900 to fi nd out more.

FREE SUMMER COURSES! There are over two thousand FREE courses for 8-25 year olds all over London during the summer holidays. Courses range from Bollywood dancing to investment banking, cookery to kayaking! Don’t miss out! Check out www.summerunilondon.org from June 2010.

BECOME A PEER MOTIVATOR! Tower Hamlets Summer Uni needs responsible 16-23 year olds to help support the summer programme next year. This scheme is OCN Level 2 accredited and will look great on your CV. Contact [email protected] or call 020 7247 7900 in April 2010.

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The ‘young, fresh ‘n’ new’ issue!

Editor: Denise Kodia

Fashion:Mehrsa JafapourShahara Khalique

Billie WallerMhairi Wyles-Lang

Politics: Yisum Heneghan

Theresa ItaAnaam Raza

Music:Ridwana AkhtarErrol Anderson

Marcus EmmanuelSport:

Louis AtkinsonReviews:

Habiba AhmedSeeta KadamEmma KingFeatures:

Vesela GladichevaNang! Co-ordinator:

Liz Millar

Assistant Co-ordinator: Royston HeathDesigned by

Troublemakers Associates

Printed in the UK by THE MAGAZINE PRINTING

COMPANY (www.magprint.co.uk)

BIG THANKS to Adam Fresco, Michael Evans, Amanda Wood,

Emma Whitehead, Emma Pomfret, Paula Fentiman, A Dee and Katie

Jacobs for giving their time to support Nang!

THSU WOULD LIKE TO THANK the Nang! team, all the fantastic peer volunteers, the summer and year-

round tutors and partners, Summer Uni Co-ordinators across London

and all the young people who make it real. SPECIAL THANKS to Tahera

Huda at London Metropolitan University.

DISCLAIMER aims to inform, entertain and inspire. No part of this publication may be reproduced or

reprinted in any form without written permission from the publisher, Tower

Hamlets Summer University. The views within the magazine are not those of the publisher but of the individual author or contributor. All information in

was correct at the time of going to press.

If you have any advertising or editorial queries please contact

in the following ways:

Tel: 020 7183 3222 Email: [email protected]

magazine, Tower Hamlets Summer University,

Ground Floor, 24-26 Fournier Street, London E1 6QE

www.summerunilondon.org magazine is a project of

Tower Hamlets Summer University. Registered as Tower Hamlets Summer Education Ltd. Registered company no. 2017713 / registered charity no.

1048822. Tel: 020 7247 7900 www.summeruni.org

Advertising and editorial queries:

add my contact details [email protected]

Hi everyone! Welcome to my fi rst ever edition as Editor. The

theme for this issue is ‘young, fresh ‘n’ new’. Why? Well, we have

a completely young, fresh and new Nang! team for starters, so it

seems very fi tting!

This issue, we’ve got features and interviews on all kinds of

topics - the many advantages of learning new languages, how the

YouTube generation is changing the face of music and the impact

of big money on professional football. I know it’s a little early for

Christmas presents, but if you want to know what’s going to be hot

this Autumn, we also have a brand new section in the fashion pages

called ‘We Heart These.’

We also catch up with actor Rupert Everett, comedian Jason Lewis,

music artists Killa Kela and Kyla and all-round fashionista Camilla

Morton!

And last, but by no means least, we tracked down the very talented

VV Brown to ask her what’s happening in her world - why there’s a

shark in the water and why it’s not game over for her. You like the

way I did that, right? Lol.

Hope you enjoy the issue!

Denise Kodia

Editor

PS If you haven’t already joined the Nang! Facebook fan page,

what are you waiting for? Find us under Nang! Magazine.

Nang!Editor’sLetterNang!Editor’sLetter

Denise Kodia

Young,fresh ‘n’ new!Hundreds of free Summer Uni courses for young

people were up and running across London during the summer holidays - including the Nang!

journalism course. Fifteen wannabe journos rocked

up for the course on day one with a clear brief:

make a brilliant issue of Nang! in a month. Lots of

brainstorming, outings, interviews, furrowed brows,

laughter and stupidity entailed. And a new issue of Nang! was born. And we think it’s pretty brilliant!

Nang! goes to the BeebIn August, the Nang! team was let loose in the BBC studios in west London! Invited by the TV crew who’d been fi lming staff and students at Tower Hamlets Summer Uni for the National Lottery Awards (see over the page to fi nd out who won), they were given a tour of studios, sets and even the Blue Peter garden. They also got to interview Director Amanda and Runner Emma. Read the interview on page 42.

Here’s some random facts about the new team...

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From rags

to richesSome young journalists from Nang! were

lucky enough to nab an interview with a

billionaire in May! PETER CRUDDAS had

a tough upbringing in east London, but is

now the richest man in the City and has his

own private jet and huge collection of posh

cars!

The Nang! team piled into his offi ce,

which was decorated with photos of

himself with the likes of Margaret Thatcher,

Prince Charles and Bill Gates, and spent

the next hour and a half quizzing him on

the secret of his success. Peter enjoyed

the interview so much that he’s now a keen

supporter of THSU and Nang! Read the

interview on page 18.

Young,fresh ‘n’ new!

Young,fresh ‘n’ new!

Young,fresh

facts about the new team...

Young,fresh

Once danced in a tutu for charity on Oxford Street.

Has enough DVDs at home to put Blockbuster out of business.

Wants to do an Angelina Jolie and adopt children.

Has fallen asleep standing up.

Speaks three different languages.

Has hitchhiked to Paris.

Has tripped up on stage in front of 200 people.

Has downed shots of balsamic vinegar for a dare.

Nang! meets

Boris (briefl y)

On 17 September, the Nang! politics team took notepads

and Dictaphones to the 02 in Greenwich for the Mayor of

London’s youth event, Your London Your Say. The Mayor’s

offi ce had requested that Nang! cover the event and

interview the big man himself. They started the interview,

but one and half minutes later Boris was suddenly ushered

out again by his entourage. Huh? So, does the Mayor really

care about young people? Read all about it on page 20.

Best of art 2009!Don’t miss Summer Uni’s fantastic FREE exhibition of artwork created by young people on summer courses. There’s drawing, paintings, print, graffi ti, jewellery, photography and more! It’s open from Monday 19th to Friday 30th October at City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA. Nang! will even be interviewing Summer Uni patron, Dizzee Rascal, during the exhibition, so look out for that in the next issue, out early next year!

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A Q&A at The TimesTwo top journalists at The Times newspaper dragged themselves

away from their busy schedules to answer loads of questions put

to them by the Nang! team. Crime Correspondent Adam Fresco

and Defence Editor Michael Evans talked about guns, kidnappings,

gruesome crimes and putting their lives at risk. And we thought

they were going to lecture us on grammar... Read the interview on

page 44.

Dream Time by Abi, 12, from Enfi eld Summer Uni

8 8

THSU boss Sarah Davies, second from right, and representatives from the charity are handed the trophy by Gareth Gates

CoCoLee PR

9

Lead singer, Simon

Tinchy Stryder

CoCoLee PR

Lead singer, Simon

Mystery Jets

Naga

The Purple Socks

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WORD PLAYNang!’s Denise Kodia talks to Denise Kodia talks to Denise Kodiatwo wordsmiths, east London poet Michaela and west London Michaela and west London Michaelacomedian Jason Lewis

JasonNang!: Who is Jason Lewis?Jason: Jason Lewis is an actor, writer and comedian who has his own sketch show on MTV Base. To my knowledge, it’s the fi rst UK-based sketch show to feature on MTV Base.Nang!: Where are you from?Jason: I’m from west London, Trinidadian parentage. I’m as Trinidadian you can get without being born on the island.Nang!: What was your fi rst audition like?Jason: It was for Holby City. I went down there and read the script and they were all smiling and said: ‘You’ll hear from us soon.’ I’m still waiting for them to call me back and that was eight years ago.Nang!: What’s your dream?Jason: To be successful.Nang!: What does success mean to you?Jason: Success equals a very long and distinguished career in this business and that’s very hard to achieve. I want to sustain a career without having to jump on Reality TV. When you see me on Reality TV you need to pray for me!Nang!: Are words important to you?Jason: Yes - they dictate my life, especially written word. I learnt very quickly that it’s not what you say but how you say it. Words are precious.Nang!: Most people know you from the sketch ‘Black Boys’ and ‘Too many weave’. But when you’re old and grey, what would you like to be remembered for?Jason: I’d like to be someone who paved the way for others in terms of my career. Otherwise, a good-natured family man because I’m a very family-orientated person and I’m proud of my culture and heritage.

MichaelaNang!: How did you know you wanted to become a poet?Michaela: I didn’t. I was in bed and I wrote a poem. I’d been feeling really insecure for a few months. I had a very low opinion of myself, I wasn’t eating and I’d also become a Christian, so I wrote the poem to express my emotions.Nang!: Do you see yourself as a role model for young people?Michaela: I don’t, actually. I haven’t gone out of my way to become a role model. Nang!: Do you have any thoughts about what’s needed to combat knife crime?Michaela: On a surface level I think kids need other things to do. And I think money plays a big part. People become very obsessed with money! Nang!: How are you different from other poets out there?Michaela: I try and make poetry that people understand - I’m not like other poets who really try to go all metaphorical. I just try to keep it simple, like I’m a having a conversation. Nang!: What inspires you to write?Michaela: Anything and everything, really, It’s usually stuff that I’m really passionate about, plus my personal life as a Christian and what my friends or I go through.Nang!: Why is you album called Fixing Barbie?Michaela: The Barbie doll is my symbol of women worldwide. She looks great and there’s nothing wrong with looking fl y, but the inside of her is only air and emptiness. So we fi x Barbie by fi lling her up with self-esteem, self-worth, knowledge, real principles and morals.Nang!: What can we expect from the album?Michaela: It’s a rollercoaster ride! It’s very emotive. It’ll draw out a lot of stuff from your heart and your mind that you probably haven’t thought about in a long time.Micheala’s album, Fixing Barbie, is out now

Nang!: You are a well-established actor, made famous by the fi lms you’ve starred in. Which fi lm would you say you’ve enjoyed making the most and why?Rupert: Probably a fi lm called, Chronicle Of A Death Foretold, which I did in the late 80s. I got to go to Columbia for a few months, which was fantastic! It was so adventurous and I lived in a house in a beautiful village near the set.

Nang!: When you were growing up, who did you aspire to be like?Rupert: It would have to be Julie Andrews. I used to watch Mary Poppins and the Sound of Music over and over again and thought she was amazing. Co-starring alongside her in Shrek was a treat!

Nang!: The new St Trinian’s fi lm is currently being fi lmed. You’re the executive producer of the fi lm, as well as an onscreen actor. Did you fi nd it hard to juggle the task of being in front of the camera, as well as making decisions behind it?Rupert: No, as I think it’s a nice change doing both because they’re both two completely different things. I enjoyed taking part behind the scenes - you get to be more in control of what you’re doing.

Nang!: You recently did a TV production on Lord Byron. Why are you interested in him?Rupert: Well, he’s fascinating, revolutionary and sexual - all the things I love, really. I just

thought that it seemed like a great opportunity and it fi tted around my particular area of interest.

Nang!: Did you enjoy doing a TV documentary as opposed to fi lms for a change? Is this perhaps a fi eld you wish to continue in?Rupert: I loved it as it’s not made a big deal out of, which therefore makes it a lot more relaxing to work on. Also, I only had to work with fi ve people, so it’s all rather low-key.

Nang!: Finally, for all the young aspiring actors out there, what would your advice to them be to break into this competitive industry?Rupert: You have to really, really, really want it! You won’t get far without the passion and determination to succeed.

St Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, hits cinemas at the end of the year

11

Nang!InterviewNang!Interview

Rupert Everett is one of the fi nest actors that England has produced. He’s starred in big fi lms including My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Importance of Being Earnest and Shrek and mingled with the likes of Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and Madonna. He talked to me about his life. By Nang!’s Billie Waller

V‘I JUST WANT TO BE A GOOD PERSON’Singer-songwriter VV Brown burst on to the music scene this year thanks to her vibrant ‘doo wop indie’ sound and her fabulous vintage look. Nang!’s Denise Kodia tracked down the 25-year-old for a chat about music, boys and fashionWho is VV Brown?I’m a singer, songwriter and I’m on a journey of discovery of myself as an artist and a musician. I’m continually evolving, trying to do my thing and hoping people like it along the way.

What does VV stand for?My mum named me Vanessa, but when I was at school we used to have hip-hop battles in the playground and I was called VV as a nickname and it just stuck. Plus Vanessa sounds a bit formal.

What was it like growing up?It was really good. I went to my parents’ school [they owned and worked at the school], so I got to see them quite a lot - which was a good and a bad thing, I guess! I had a really cool childhood. My parents had a real eclectic taste - they were really cultured and we were introduced to different kinds of life.

Where do you get your inspiration from?I get really down sometimes and that negative energy helps me to write songs. I just have a lot to say and feel a lot of things.

Crying Blood and many other tracks on your album, Travelling Like The Light, are about a bad relationship. Have you seen the stupid guy who let you go? Does he know he was your muse?I think he fi gured it out! My lyrics are quite obvious and are quite detailed, especially in the way I describe him. I think he knew and I think he understood as well as he’s an artist. I think he understood it was a part of the process. You usually write about things that are real life. It did give him a little bit of a big head!

Would it bother you if you were on the worst dressed list in a fashion magazine?No, it wouldn’t bother me because I think everyone has their bad days. You can’t get it right

12

all the time. I think it just makes you more human when you make mistakes. It can be boring when you’re perfect. It’s about learning about yourself; the stuff you can and can’t wear.

Can you explain the track ‘Shark In The Water’?This was one of the last tracks on the record. It’s about anxiety and if you’re going through a bad situation or if you don’t quite trust somebody, so maybe there’s a shark in the water as a form of paranoia. It was probably one of the less emotional tracks - everything else was written around the time when I was heartbroken.

What about Game Over?Similar thing, really. It was written before Shark. It’s about a relationship that’s in limbo and you’re just telling this guy that you no longer want to be in this limbo stage and so it’s time to move on because it’s game over.

What’s the best part of doing music videos?Wow! Music videos are hardcore! It’s hard, hard, hard work, but the food is the best thing. It’s fun to have fashion. I love fashion that’s fun. You also meet some really cool people on set. I love meeting people.

You mentioned that you love fashion. Where did this love of fashion come from?I think I’ve only just started to realise how much I love fashion since the media made me aware of it. It’s almost like they’ve made me enlightened about myself. I’ve always been into experimenting and I would always go towards the most extravagant thing when I was at school. Fashion is great - it’s part of your identity, in the same way music is.

What artist from the UK do you like?I really like an artist called Imogen Heap and Florence + The Machine. And I love The Gorillaz.

That’s quite a mixture. You’re very eclectic in the types of music you listen to.I just love music. I hate the genre in the sense where you have to be boxed. I think good music is good music no matter where it comes from. I just try and to be open-minded. I like everything from classical music to Irish music to Indian and World music. If it’s got a beautiful melody, I’ll be attracted to it.

How many instruments can you play?I can play the piano, a bit of the drums, the trumpet, a tiny bit of the guitar and violin. But my main instrument is classical piano. That’s what I majored in when I went to music school.

Is there was a moment in history you’d like to go back to and why?There was this one person who I never told I loved. Still to this day I’ve never told him. There was this one opportunity when he said he loved me and I still didn’t tell him because I was really scared. Yeah, it would probably be nice to go back to that, even if it was for one moment to say: ‘I love you too.’ I don’t love him now, but I didn’t capture the moment the way I should have and I kind of regret it.

How do you keep challenging yourself?Well, in this industry there are always challenges and there’s always a constant fi ght. It’s important to never think that you’ve reached the top and to never think you can’t learn anything because there are always things to learn and more to achieve.

What else do you love other than music?I love my moped, gardening and boys - one particular boy but I won’t say his name. I also love going to Church, Thai food and I love love!

What’s your key accessory - the one thing you have to have with you at all times?Hats! I always have a big hat in my bag. I collect big hats.

What’s the biggest hat you have?An orthodox Jew hat. It’s massive, but I love it.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?Imogen Heap, Common and maybe Sade.

Why those three?Imogen Heap it just a genius, Sade is classic and timeless and Common is cool.

What would you like to be remembered for when you’re old and grey?Being a good person. I think it’s easy to say a musician but at the end of the day all those things, as much as they’re great, they don’t mean as much as being a good person.V 15

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Rising Stars Of The You GenerationYouTube now represents a massive 64 per cent of the UK online video market and is enabling artists to reach great heights without the

Daniel Manzano plays bass guitar for Boyce Avenue, a Floridian band made up of Daniel and his two brothers. The style of music is described as ‘pop rock’

Ridwana: How did Boyce Avenue go about starting up your YouTube channel?Daniel: We had a lot of original music and Alejandro [lead vocals] thought that YouTube was a great way of sharing it, so we posted some videos and it really took off. It was a quick and easy way of getting our message across on a big scale.Ridwana: The band covers many songs on YouTube. Are those songs a refl ection of songs/artists that you are fans of?Daniel: It’s a little bit of everything. Sometimes it’s the artist who’s really inspiring and other times the song’s arrangement works beautifully for us. We try to take into account what our fans listen to as well and the suggestions they make.Ridwana: What would you say your inspirations and infl uences are? Daniel: Musically it’s The Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer, Imogen Heap and Coldplay to name a few. But also our parents are a big source of inspiration and we’re very grateful to them for their belief and support.Ridwana: How did the band get started? Daniel: When Alejandro was 13 he knew he wanted to have a guitar and start singing. Fabian took up guitar as well and I started out on percussion before moving on to bass. As brothers we’ve always been best friends, initially playing music to hang out, but it became more and more serious. Music has always been a big part of our lives.

Fabian, Alejandro and Daniel

Winner of the Hugo Urban Rules talent contest last year, 21 year old north Londoner Meleka, was able to record her debut single, Go, as her prize. It took off after people posted clips of the song on YouTubeMarcus: The talent on YouTube is large. Were you intimidated by the competition?Meleka: ‘There’s always competition in anything you do, so I try and focus on being the best that I can be.’Marcus: You’ve been a hit on the Funky House scene. How important has the support from your fans been in achieving your dreams? Meleka: The support from the fans is one of the main reasons ‘Go’ has been a success, so it feels good. But ultimately the best thing is knowing that those same fans like the music and relate to what I’m singing about.Marcus: How would you deal with a cheating boyfriend?

Meleka: [She laughs] I’d be angry, but calm and then I’d tell him to GO, of course!Marcus: Are you prepared for the fame the song will bring?Meleka: I wouldn’t say I’m ‘prepared’ because I’ve never been in this position before. Excited, anxious and nervous are the words I’d use.

Marcus: What advice would you give aspiring unsigned artists? Meleka: It might sound like a cliché but just keep trying. If you believe in yourself and you’re that good; someone’s bound to say yes - maybe not immediately, but eventually.

Meleka was shocked when she impressed the Hugo Urban Rules panel, which included Estelle. ‘I just never expected to win,’ she says: ‘There were so many other talented people.’ She’s now promoting her single and she also features on Basement Jaxx’s title track, Scars, from their new album of the same name, along with Kelis and Chipmunk. Visit www.youtube.com/user/MelekAMusic to fi nd out more.

Estelle digs Meleka


Rising Stars Of The You GenerationRidwana: How do you feel when fans are so positive about your music?Daniel: Great! It’s really important to us because we’ve done everything ourselves. One of the best parts is to hear what our fans have to say. Without them I’d still be pushing papers behind a desk at a Law fi rm! It’ll be our fi rst time touring in Europe soon. We’re just counting down the days!Ridwana: What’s it like working with your brothers every day? Daniel: We get that asked a lot but, honestly, we don’t fi ght at all! I love working with them because they’re so talented, but I’m a little bias! Fabian does all the CD, website and T-shirt designs. Alejandro is so intense and passionate, it’s a pleasure to watch. I have the legal and business background; together we compliment each other and get along.Ridwana: Is there any artist who the band would like to work with?Daniel: Imogen Heap because she’s very creative. Like us, she does a lot of her own stuff like producing her songs. Alejandro would love to write with Johnny Rzeznik of The Goo Goo dolls. He’s a big inspiration for us. Ridwana: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?Daniel: It’s intoxicating! I would defi nitely encourage them to give it a try. For us YouTube was a fantastic way of reaching out to people everywhere. So if you can grab a camera, videotape yourself and post it on YouTube or any other platform then go for it. Believe in your music.

Talking to Daniel was a real eye-opener. I didn’t realise how much work actually goes on behind the scenes in music. And considering the band have sold out shows and toured in places such as the Philippines, he was very modest indeed. Although he thinks he’s the funniest member of the band, I reckon his brothers would have something to say about that!

Boyce Avenue begin their fi rst European tour in late September. Their debut album, All You’re Meant To Be, is available on itunes! Watch out for their new album out later this year at www.boyceavenue.com

Kyla loves having more of a say about her records

19

Rising Stars Of independent labels

Killa Kela: ‘I think my second album was a victim of major label problems’ Nang!: What was you inspiration for your name Killa Kela?Killa Kela: Back in the day I used to graffi ti Kela. I took letters from all the local graffi ti writers of where I lived and it’s a name that’s stuck with me throughout my teenage years. I went on tour with The Rock Steady Crew and they said that I killed every show, so they’d call me Killa Kela.Nang!: How did you develop the art of beatboxing?KK: It’s just persistency. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and more now. I started doing this when I was 17 or 18. There was no beatbox scene when I started. I wanted to push it as an art form because no one else was doing it, so that was my motivation.Nang!: How is it even possible to sing and beatbox at the same time?KK: It’s a language in itself and the two things that best explain it is ventriloquism and patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time! It’s like your lips are doing something completely opposite to what the tongue is talking.Nang!: Apart from beatboxing and music, is there anything you consider your passion?KK: I love illustrations, training and exercising. A lot of my world revolves around me being creative. I don’t have any desire to be the next Prime Minister.Nang!: You couldn’t see yourself being The Streets version of Boris Johnson? [everyone laughs] KK: Erm . . . I think The Streets would be happy, but I don’t think the country would want to be part of that embodiment.

Nang!: Did you always want to sing?Kyla: Yes, I have. But once I got to 15 I didn’t think it was going to happen, so I had to think of something else that I really wanted to do.Nang!: What did you decide on?Kyla: I wanted to teach because I get on with children and, to be honest, I’m like a big kid myself!Nang!: Does it surprise you that popular Urban music has infi ltrated the mainstream, such as Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk?Kyla: I wouldn’t say that it surprises me. It’s made me happy because there’s such great talent out there. Nang!: What do you think of independent labels?Kyla: I think they’re great. Record labels sometimes prolong stuff. My single, Do You Mind, was released quite late. If Ministry had seen what everyone else could see, it would have been out a lot earlier when the vibe was hot. With independent labels you have more of a say about your record.Nang!: Do you think that this digital age is a blessing or a curse for an artist?Kyla: I think it’s both. It’s a blessing because it’s easier to get your music out there. It’s a curse because it’s had an impact on some artists’ livelihoods.Nang!: Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with in the future?Kyla: I wouldn’t mind doing something with Chipmunk or Tinchy Stryder - anyone who’s really talented or humble.Nang!: Why did you choose to do a Funky House track?Kyla: I never really knew about Funky House at all. When I fi rst heard the remix [produced by Crazy Cousinz] it was the most bizarre thing I’d heard. I was trying to picture myself doing a live PA of it. Then the whole Funky House scene just blew. I’m not really a Funky House singer, though, so I think I’m going to surprise people later on down the line.Nang!: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?Kyla: Don’t get involved in any politics. Just be you and don’t give up!Nang!: What’s the dream for you?Kyla: To come out commercially and to be able to sing the songs I want to sing. www.myspace/ukkyla

Nang’s Denise, Marcus, Ridwana and Errol caught up with two brilliant artists, Killa Kela and Kyla, who are both signed to independent labels to fi nd out what life is like on a small label

Nang!: You’ve worked with the likes of Pharrell Williams/N*E*R*D, Basement Jaxx and Justin Timberlake. What’s it like working with these artists?KK: It’s amazing! They’re great artists and great people who have an amazing ear and sound.Nang!: Do you feel that working with people like them keeps you humble?KK: I think you should be humble all the time. It shouldn’t really make a difference.Nang!: Do you feel that your new album, Amplifi ed, is an expression of how you’ve matured musically from your other two albums?KK: Oh, 100 per cent! It feels like a soundtrack to where I’m at now and the things I want to do and the people I hang around with. The other two were a platform to what I think is a defi nite Killa Kela album.Nang!: You’re now on an independent label. Do you feel that independent labels have a place in the industry now?KK: Yeah, totally! As an artist, when you have creative control of the things you want to do, well, you can’t beat that. I think my second album, Elocution, was a victim of major labels problems. I’m glad I’m able to bring an album together on an amazing label.

Nang!: What do you think has been your best live experience so far?KK: Performing with Prince, which was on my birthday, was amazing. Performing at the Royal Variety Performance, too. Not that I’m in any way patriotic to the throne, but it’s something your mum and dad can watch - it’s embodied in their heritage of growing up and my whole family ended up watching it.www.killakela.com

Things are looking up for Killa Kela

20

A BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH

THE MAYORThe Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, held his fi rst ever young people’s question time, Your London Your Say, at the 02 in Greenwich on 17 September. Nang! was invited to cover the event and interview the big man himself. Yisum Heneghan and Yisum Heneghan and Yisum Heneghan Anaam Raza report

WE WERE all set for our interview with Boris Johnson. We’d been warned beforehand that it might be quick – just fi ve minutes or so; time for four or fi ve questions – so we decided to start with something personal and gear up to something more serious. However, just one and half minutes into the interview, Boris was suddenly whisked off by his entourage to do some live TV and that was the end of that. It seems young people may not have been quite top of the agenda of this event after all. Still, we got two short answers from him and, erm, who needs serious anyway?

Nang!: I just want to know what’s the most outrageous thing you did when you were younger?Boris: Oh my God! How much younger? Nang!: Youth age.Boris: Oh my goodness! Umm... what’s the thing I can reveal that’s outrageous? Ummm...Nang!: Feel free to be open...Boris: No, I think I’d better be very careful. It was soooo outrageous that it can’t be printed even in Nang! I’m afraid.Nang!: OK. So you were recently on the cover of Elle magazine. Do you think you focus too much attention on

your image rather than on your policies. Which is more important and how do you combine them?Boris: Don’t forget that the fashion industry is one of the most important industries in London. The arts, culture and media sectors are very important and they deliver £9 billion for the London economy. My job is to champion all London industries and to support them in any way I can. You may think it’s absurd for me to be on the cover of Elle; I don’t know why they want me on the cover of Elle, but that’s what I’m here to do - to promote that section of London. Of course, that doesn’t mean that I’m not doing millions of other things.Nang! : Do they take you seriously?Boris: Yes, I’m afraid they do!

So, after our brief encounter with the Mayor, we headed down to the conference which gave us a real opportunity to see the

young people of London probe the Mayor over their biggest concerns.

Boris appeared on stage with six other panellist, including Ashley Banjo, the choreographer of Diversity, and Tim Campbell, the fi rst winner of The Apprentice, clearly there to appeal to the young audience.

Also, next to the Mayor were his trusty aids: the Ambassador for Youth James Cleverly; Director of Arts and Culture Munira Mirza; environmental advisor Isabel Dedring and Pam Chester, the adviser on health and youth opportunities.

Questions were taken in groups of three and young people asked honest, unpretentious questions about all kinds of issues and even shared moving experiences about being victims of violence themselves.

On the issue of crime, we were told by the panel that there have been some positive changes as 6,000 knives were taken off the streets last year. When asked about what more can be done to introduce preventative measures in dealing with the cause of knife crime, Johnson was keen to stress the importance of the law enforcement.

But he also said that the ‘tragedy is that most kids are going off the rails’ because they have been infl uenced by their critical life experiences before the age of three. He said that it’s vital parents are encouraged to be more responsible for their children as that has such an impact on their later years.

Employment was also big on the agenda as many young people expressed their worries about their lives in the recession. Johnson reassured us that the London Olympics is set to improve work opportunities for young Londoners as 65,000 contracts are made available for local businesses.

So what about the environment? Boris’s aid Isabel Dedring stressed the Mayoral team’s dedication in making London a cleaner and fairer city. There were questions from young people about making recycling easier and cheaper. She said that the main things we can do for the environment are free – such as remembering to turn off lights and trying not to throw away food for landfi ll.

James Cleverly summed up by saying their aim is ‘to make London the best place to grow up in, the best place to get an education, the best place to get a job and to start a family.’

Nang! is looking forward to see whether our Mayor and his team can live up to their pledges and fulfi l our expectations.

Nang!PoliticsNang!Politics

AS WE celebrate the European Day of Languages on 26 September, people with language skills are increasingly being sought after. This trend is partly due to the grey recessionary clouds still looming over Britain - a massive 20 per cent of UK companies are losing business because of language barriers. So, now more than ever British employers value job applicants’ ability to speak another language.

The Government’s controversial decision in 2004 to make foreign languages optional for 14 year olds has resulted in a dramatic fall in the number of students taking language GCSEs. In 2008, 382,000 students sat a foreign language exam, compared to 559,000 six years earlier. This summer, there was yet another worrying decrease in the percentage of students sitting exams in modern languages – French fell by 6.6 per cent,

German by 4.2 per cent. In many ways, this downward trend is impacting on UK citizens’ career opportunities.

Fiona Christie, Careers Co-ordinator for Postgraduate Researchers at the University of Salford, recently emphasised on www.vitae.ac.uk that native speakers of English ‘who don’t have another language could be at a disadvantage in a global job market.’

Also, a recent report compiled by language recruitment consultancy Euro London Appointments shows that Dutch, German, Japanese and Russian are in demand in the capital. Other languages employers are increasingly looking for are Arabic, Korean and Polish, as organisations strive to attract customers in new markets.

There’s a wide range of careers using languages. It’s not just teaching, interpreting and translation that linguists

can work in; languages can play an important role in sectors like travel and tourism, media, technology, law and fi nance. Speaking a foreign language can even equip you with vital transferable skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving.

But there’s more to learning a language than simply broadening your career opportunities. Italian fi lm director Federico Fellini once said: ‘A different language is a different vision of life.’ Languages open your mind to other cultures and ways of life.

Likewise, Nicole Vérat-Pant, Language Studies Co-ordinator from Queen Mary, University of London, agrees that learning a new language ‘is an in-depth approach to discover and understand another culture and society with different codes of behaviour.’ She adds that ‘by learning a new language a person acquires the capacity

to think and communicate with different patterns.’

And as Vérat-Pant says, the ‘desire to discover and learn remains with people all their life. There are no age limits to learning.’ So, learning a new language from scratch at 20, for example, is very possible and a great challenge. It takes time and perseverance and is something to feel proud of.

It may be that young people in Britain just do not feel

Nang!language

With youth unemployment at an all-time high, learning a new language has never been more valuable. Nang!’s very own polyglot, Vesela Gladicheva, investigates

Mind your language!

22

I’m from Bulgaria and have learnt English and French. Here are my top tips for learning a new language:

● Watch foreign-language TV and read online newspapers in the target language.

● Watch foreign movies with subtitles in your language.

● Listen to foreign music and radio programmes online.

● Read children’s books in the target language.

● Attend festivals and other events related to the language you’re learning.

● Make friends with native speakers of your target language and practise your speaking skills with them.

Nang!Language

Mind

Mind your language!the need to learn a foreign language because of the culture of globalised English. But we do live in a multicultural society and speaking another language is important in breaking down cultural barriers and achieving greater coexistence. When on holiday, for example, your experience is so much more fulfi lling if you speak the local language.

Looking at the world from different perspectives is an enriching experience which can bring us personal satisfaction. In the end, language learning is a fun and rewarding activity.

I asked Language Studies Co-ordinator at Queen Mary, University of London, Nicole Vérat-Pant, what languages we should learn now to help us in the future:

Nang!: Twenty percent of UK companies are losing business due to language barriers. What languages should native speakers of English be learning in the present economic climate?Nicole: Native British speakers

ought to learn at least one, preferably two, modern languages. Already in Europe, it’s quite common for the average European student to study at university level in a language different from his/her mother tongue. I think there will be a great demand for Chinese, Arabic and Spanish speakers

in the foreseeable future. One only needs to consider the population of some developing countries to realise there are plenty of opportunities for business. Turkey is a good example. Why should Asian and African countries be forced to use English when doing business?

Nang!: British pupils often say languages are diffi cult to learn. Is this true?Nicole: This is due to poor knowledge of their mother tongue. I’m always surprised by the lack of knowledge in basic grammar found among British students. Before grammar can be taught in a foreign language it’s important to know how one’s mother tongue is structured. The myth ‘British is Best’ needs to be revisited! There is plenty of talent in young Europeans in all the cultural fi elds which attract British youngsters.

Nang!: Do you think the European Commission, with its European Day of Languages on 26 September,

is doing enough to motivate young British people to learn foreign languages?Nicole: No! The European Commission is taking this problem to heart by trying to solve the problem of poor communication. However, the same policy has to be followed by the UK. It’s time for the UK to start showing respect for Europe and promote policies which deserve to be advertised. British humour is attractive because of the ability to play with self-derision. Perhaps the campaign in September could put this ability to good use!

Did you know...?

● There are over 200 European languages● Over 6,000 languages are spoken worldwide● Just over 300 languages are spoken in London● 90 per cent of the world’s population live in a country where English is not the mother tongue● Learning a new language improves your English language skills● In order to read intelligent books in their native language, Chinese pupils must be familiar with 1,000 different signs● French was the offi cial language of England for over 600 years

our lanour lan e!

Nicole Vérat-Pant

●

23

Nang!: Hi Camilla! Firstly, when did you become interested in fashion? When did it all start?Camilla: I’ve always wanted to work in fashion. I used to be obsessed with fairy tales when I was younger, particularly Cinderella. She wasn’t the most confident of characters, yet she puts on a gorgeous dress and a pair of shoes, heads to the ball and comes alive! Fashion is just a magical thing! Also, when I was eight in 1984, my mum took me along to John Galliano’s show as she couldn’t get a babysitter. I saw him in the corridor and said, ‘Good luck!’ He turned around and said ‘Thank you, I love you!’ and I believed him! I genuinely believed that John Galliano loved me. He just represents the whole magic of fashion.

Nang!: While you studied fashion at St Martins, you had various work placements, including Vogue and The Times. How did you manage to get such amazing placements?Camilla: For art, it was an especially long course [four years] and one year had to be experience in the industry. Each term we would get given a brief and then I’d go off and find some work experience. You have to be prepared to work for free, though. I did all of the badly paid experience during my degree, in the hope that when I finished I’d start getting paid a decent amount straight away.

Nang!: What do fashion and your job mean to you?Camilla: I was literally obsessed when I was younger! I bunked off during the week of my GCSEs as it was London Fashion Week

and I had to lie to my dad. I was just one of those people that HAD to work in fashion. I feel like sometimes I work in a fantasy land, much like Disney. It doesn’t often feel like a job as the people I work with have grown to be my closest friends.

Nang!: Do you think this industry is getting harder for people to get into?Camilla: Well, when I started out there were no mobiles or internet. Gosh, that makes me sound about 560! But, I mean, today if you want to be an artist you have to be Picasso, anything less just isn’t good enough. The same applies to fashion. This industry isn’t all glamour, though. Recently I flew out for a project on a Friday morning and returned on Tuesday, having not had one shower! I met some editors on the last day and I was so embarrassed. I’m sure my clothes stood up for themselves as I smelt so bad!

Nang!: After graduating, you moved to Paris to work for the amazing designer John Galliano. What was that like?Camilla: When I had arrived in Paris it was such a nightmare as John [Galliano] had forgotten I was coming and was nowhere to be seen! You know the film Zoolander with Ben Stiller? Well, I had to stay with the two gay guys that inspired that film. I had to sleep in a silk leopard-print hammock! Honestly, Billie, I’ve never felt so sea sick in my life!

Nang!: Could you cope with the language?Camilla: At school I wasn’t good at French. My teacher was a psycho! However, you kind of have to cope when it surrounds

you and you pick it up without really noticing. I’ve been working in Paris for over a decade and, even now, if someone asked me to say something in French, I’d say I couldn’t. But if I was in my apartment in Paris and the electricity cut out, I’d complain down the phone in French without thinking twice!

Nang!: Your first book, How To Walk In High Heels - which I absolutely loved - was a UK bestseller. It’s a girl’s guide to EVERYTHING! What brought about the idea for the book?Camilla: I was staying in a hotel in France and I had all my things stolen. I was panicking so much! John and Steven [the late Steven Robinson, who was John’s right-hand man] rushed round and helped me fill out all of these silly French forms! I kept saying over and over: ‘Oh, I never want to work in fashion again!’ John and Steven sat me down and said: ‘Let’s make a list of things you’re good at,’ so I said walking in high heels and making tea. They then made a horrible list and came up with about 250 things I was rubbish at! The idea of the book was to come up with a kind of instruction manual on the things a modern woman who lives life to the full needs to be able to do. A week later, it was Operation: Write A Book, and I was off! John is very much like the Godmother in Cinderella and I am one of the mice that get to work!

Nang!: How many pairs of high heels do you own?Camilla: Too many, although

I don’t actually buy loads and loads to wear and show off. All of my shoes are a piece of history in my life, like my ballet shoes. They are sort of clustered all over the place and I use them as bookends and door stops!

Nang!: I have a goal to become an Editor-in-Chief one day. Has that ever been an aspiration of yours?Camilla: When I first started at Vogue, I wanted to be the Editor-in-Chief 100 per cent! However, knowing what I know now it’s no longer something I would consider. The way I look at it is that they have a desk job and do the hiring and firing, whereas doing something slightly lower down, i.e. a Fashion Director, you get to do all of the glamorous things, such as attending photoshoots. Editors-in-Chief are the mums of things - if anything goes wrong with the magazine or it doesn’t go out in time, they get the blame, not you.

Nang!: What trends do you think are going to be big this autumn? Camilla: Well, there’s a Louis Vuitton boot that has just come out. It’s £1,300, so it will probably be the most ripped off boot of the year! However, it’s so chic and wonderful as it starts off as an ankle boot and then you can zip on another piece of leather and it makes it a bit longer until it reaches your thighs. My friend Manolo [Blahnik] said that with heels, you have to look at them from behind and if you don’t see a

figure in them, as in like a woman’s figure from her bum down to her ankles, then they will kill you when you walk!

Camilla’s next book, as yet untitled, is due to hit shops next autumn. Don’t forget to look out for it!

11

Not only does Camilla Morton work with designer John Galliano and hang out with shoe designer Manolo Blahnik and supermodel Gisele, but she’s also written three fabulous books for fashionistas ! Nang!’s Billie Waller couldn’t wait to interview the woman who’s the envy of most fashion-obsessed women!


24

nang! 25

26

Ruffl e checked pencil skirt, Topshop, £39

T-shirt, Topman, £32

Studded jersey dress, Rare at Topshop, £39

Faux fur gilet, Topshop, £60

Slouch boots, Topshop, £95

Ankle boots, New Look, £25

Sequin dress, New Look, £35

Leather jacket, Miss Selfridge, £110

Leather gloves, H&M, £24.99

Knitted poncho, Topshop, £45

Snood, Banana Republic, £80

Shirt and tie, Burton, £28

Polo neck, Burton, £10

Black leather look jacket, Topshop, £50

Jumper, Topman, £20

Sweatshirt, Topman, £26

Skinny trousers, Topman, £50

Ankle books, Topshop, £65

Trench coat, Topman, £65

28

Nang!: Tell me about yourself?

Trang: My name is Trang. I’m Vietnamese. I live in Florida.

Nang!: How did you get started with your fashion blog, what

motivates you to keep it running?

Trang: I’ve always had an interest in fashion, which naturally drew me

to express myself on the net via blogging. Et voila! Behind The Seams

was born. My viewers and I share one thing in common, that is the

love of fashion. This is what motivates me to keep my blog running.

Nang!: Why is fashion so important?

Trang: Everything we do involves fashion, from working to going out.

It’s a way for us to present ourselves to the world.

Nang!: Do magazines or latest celeb trends influence your style?

Trang: Yes, they do have a bit of influence. I love looking at the latest

fashion editorials.

Nang!: What’s on your blog?

Trang: My blog is usually filled with ‘what I wear’ posts, plus art,

Nang!: Tell me about yourself.

Antonia: I’m 20 and currently working towards my Bachelor of

Science degree in Textile Sciences at the University in Canada. I work

part-time as a style-specialist at Le Chateau, a Canadian fashion

retail chain.

Nang!: How did you get started with your fashion blog?

Antonia: I thought a fashion blog would be a great creative outlet to

share my personal take on fashion while meeting people who share

the same interests. After only a few months of blogging I have almost

300 ‘followers’ and readers from around the world who inspire me to

continue blogging every day.


Antonia: It is a channel for self-expression. We are all born naked

but the use of clothing has

enabled us to differentiate

ourselves from each other and

allowed us to identify with others

like us, whether it’s a lifestyle,

passion, religion, occupation

or attitude.

Nang!: Do you find fashion

magazines or latest celeb trends

influence your style and

blog posts?Antonia: I’m a fashion magazine

junkie so, whether it’s intentional

or not, I’m definitely influenced by the pages of Vogue, Nylon, Elle

and others. Celebrities may influence an outfit from time to time, but

they’re not a big source of inspiration - there are thousands of better

dressed young ladies and gentleman in the fashion blogosphere!

Nang!: What can online followers expect to see on your blog?

Antonia: Daily outfits, collages of the latest fashions I’m loving and

lusting, recent purchases and, basically, all things fabulous. I love

beautiful things and like to fill my blog with them!

Trang @ www.theseams.blogspot.com

Antonia Schindle @ liveglamordie.blogspot.com

Nang!’s Shahara Khalique spoke to some online

fashion bloggers to find out about their style secrets

Fashion is forever evolving and so are the ways we are being inspired. Introducing the fashion bloggers!

Rachel Nguyen @ www.thatschic.net

Nang!: Tell me about yourself.

Raych: I’m Rachel, but I got the nickname Raych

in high school. I’m 19 and I hold a fairly modest

job as an administrative assistant in California.

Nang!: How did you get started with your

fashion blog? Raych: Initially I started it for myself, to keep

notes of what I like, but my blog slowly evolved

as more and more blogs came on the scene. I’ll admit that it’s really hard

keeping up with a blog. I can’t really say that I have a motivation to blog,

but I just like doing it when I can.


Raych: Honestly? I find the term a little

overrated sometimes. I like to see fashion

as more of a concept and a lifestyle than

what the media hypes it up to be. It’s only

essential to you if you want it to be. I can’t

even say I’m at that level yet.

Nang!: Do fashion magazines or latest

celeb trends influence your style and

blog posts?Raych: Not really. I think fashion bloggers/

blogs have much more of an impact than

the commercial media. You get so personal

with a blogger that it starts to influence

you. Fashion magazines and celebrity

trends are just a jaded part of fashion

and definitely glorified. Also, you get your

fashion fix way quicker on blogs than

monthly magazines.

Nang!: What can online followers expect

to see on your blog?

Raych: Narcissism.

Nang!: What advice/tips would you give to anyone considering

fashion blogging and what makes a good fashion blog?

Raych: As clichéd as it may seem, just be yourself and don’t hold

yourself back because you’re afraid of what your audience might think. If

they like you, they’ll follow; if they don’t, forget them. Carbon-copy blogs

exist just as they do in real life - don’t be one of them!

Nang!: What are you must-haves for the autumn/winter season?

Raych: I’m dying over knee-length sculptured dresses, anything full in

volume. And lots and lots of arm candy.

Nang!: If you could change anything in the fashion industry, what

would it be?Raych: I’m sort of ashamed and shallow to say... nothing.

Nang!: In your own words, what dose it mean to have style?

Raych: When a friend of yours can pin-point something and say: ‘Wow!

That is SO something you would wear!’

Nang!: What’s your

philosophy for life?

Raych: ‘Accept that some

days you’re the pigeon and

some days you’re the statue,’

(David Brent) and don’t take

yourself too seriously.

Nang!: What makes a good

fashion blog? Antonia: My no 1 tip would

be to BE YOURSELF! It may

surprise you to discover how

many people love the same

things as you! Just be confident

being yourself – the fashion

blogosphere will love you.

Nang!: What are your

must-haves for this year’s

autumn/winter season?

Antonia: I mostly wear skirts and

dresses so nylons, leggings, and knee-high socks are a fall/winter

wardrobe essential. The temperature can drop to as low as -50ºC

during winter in Manitoba, so layering pieces such as scarves and

cardigans are crucial. I’m also looking forward to more boots!

Nang!: If you could change anything in the fashion industry,

what would it be?Antonia: The warped perception of beauty – our individuality is

what makes us so beautiful. Embrace your inner beauty and your

outer beauty will shine.

Nang!: In your own words, what does it mean to have style?

Antonia: Style is how we express our inner being outwardly; it’s

our confidence in the unique person we are. Fashion comes after

style. As the amazing Mr Yves Saint Laurent once said: ‘Fashions

fade, style is eternal.’

Nang!: What’s your philosophy for life?

Antonia: Peace and love!

Trang @ www.theseams.blogspot.com

Antonia Schindle @ liveglamordie.blogspot.com

DIY, beach photos and random

personal adventures.

Nang!: What makes a good

fashion blog? Trang: First off, a blog about

what you love and what matters

to you. Your blog should have a

lot of your own personality in it.

A good fashion blog should have

substance. It’s the quality of

the content rather the quantity

that counts.

Nang!: What are your

must-haves for this year’s

fall/winter season?

Trang: Boots, boots, boots!

Nang!: If you could change anything in the fashion industry,

what would it be?

Trang: For there to be more focus upon independent designers.

I’ve seen some incredible work from many artists whose talent

shouldn’t be overlooked.

Nang!: What does it mean to have style?

Trang: Having style is being true to yourself and not just

another carbon copy! Be your own muse. Know your body

and know what looks good on you and what doesn’t.

Nang!: What’s your philosophy for life?

Trang: Be happy and appreciate the little things in life.

30

A sizzling hot Thursday evening in August didn’t hold anyone back

from heading to Spitalfields Market in east London to watch the

Tower Hamlets Summer Showcase 2009. Everyone was eager to see

the amazing talents of the young individuals who had taken part in

music, dancing, painting and fashion summer courses.

The fabulous designers of the fashion show collection may not

have had much experience in designing, but their collection graced

the runway with simplicity and sophistication. Intense lighting

and fast music created an energized atmosphere causing casual

passersby to stop and watch as if they’d been swept along by the

luxurious fabric.

The show smashed my expectations and rocked with brilliance.

Although the designers had no idea of next season’s trends, there

were remarkable similarities. The delicate, well-crafted denim

jumpsuit with the simple detailing of only one pearl white button is a

good example. There was also a fierce gold printed and beautifully

tailored suit - its fabric rough, with an embroidered bird on the back.

And there was a beige trench coat wrapped tightly around the waist,

emphasising the feminine body, with silver chains hanging around

the shoulders.

This flawless collection involved attention to simple detail, classic

fabrics and the enhanced feminine form. There were dropped waists,

over-sizing and prominent colours which showed off the skill and

passion of the designers’ work.

An enthusiastic crowd roared comments of praise and burst into

a thunderous chorus of applause as the models walked down their

runway. Then, as the light dimmed and the fashion show came to an

end, the passersby casually drifted away back into the hot evening.

the students showed off their talents in a spectacular showcase.

Nang!’s Mhairi Wyles has the

low-down on the amazing catwalk show

As THSU’s summer courses came to an end for another year,

A passion for fashion

Must-have accessories! By Nang!’s Billie Waller

Bag, Jane Norman, £10

Flower studs, New Look, £6

Necklace, New Look, £18

Hip belt, ASOS, £12

Knit beret, New Look, £6

Bag, ASOS, £15

Clutch bag, New Look, £10Boots,

New Look, £50

Gloves, New Look, £6

Bangles, ASOS, £14

Shahara Khalique

What draws you to fashion?

I adore various aspects; I’ve studied, designed

and now written about fashion. Just knowing

there’s going to be something new or a

reinvention of a classic piece will keep me

engrossed forever.

Describe your personal style?

It’s always evolving. I like sharp tailoring with

touches of romanticism and masculine and

feminine crossovers and contrasts. I’m your

woman like a man!

Your favourite places to shop are?

H&M, La Senza and charity shops.

What are you excited about this season?

The thigh high boots, of course! And the

shoulder-padded silhouettes.

What’s your fashion tip to Nang readers?

Fashion’s about you! So if it feels good than

forget about everything and anyone else. Hold

your head high and keep marching.

Mhairi Wyles-lang

What draws you to fashion?

I see it as an expression of my personality.


Cutting edge and quirky.

Where do you shop?

Topshop, H&M, River Island and charity shops.


I’m excited about everything! The denim, the

studs and the military jackets. This season is

going to be fabulous and classic!


Don’t throw those fl oral patterns out just yet

- there’s always space for a summer garden

and it looks like this autumn may just have

that space!

Billie WallerWhat draws you to fashion?

The colours and shapes of the clothes, as well as

the diversity of styles from the different designers.


I’d say quirky. I like a kind of rock chick look.

Nothing too girly or glam.

Your favourite places to shop are?

Topshop, Miss Selfridge, River Island and

Accessorize.


Cardigans! I love the different shaped

cardigans. I want to get loads in different

colours as you can team them with anything!

Also biker boots, as they give you an edge.


Don’t follow trends. You spend so much money

and they get dated and out of season really

quickly. Instead set your own style and piece

cheaper items together. Splurge on a good

strong pair of boots, though, as they will last

you for AGES!

‘Fashion’s about you!’

This autumn H&M is partnering

up with Jimmy Choo to bring

you the most sought-after

accessories brand known

worldwide! The collection will

feature the famous shoes, but

what’s even more exciting is that

Choo will be bringing you both

a Womenswear and Menswear

clothing line for the fi rst time.

Now you boys will fi nally

understand why you’ll always come second to a pair of Jimmy Choos!

Prices will range from as little as £50-£199. Usually a pair of Jimmy

Choos would set you back at least £400, so we urge you to get saving for

the big day! This may be the only chance you’ll have to own such high end

designer pieces!

Jimmy Choos president Tamara Mellon says about the partnership: ‘It’s

such a privilege to design a collection to appeal to fashion savvy street

smart women and some great pieces for men, too.’

The glamorous Choo designs will be launched in 200 H&M stores

worldwide from 14 November, including the Oxford Circus store in London

and in branches in major cities.

Make a note: you have a date with Jimmy Choo this autumn!

By Shahara Khalique

The girls from Nang!’s fashion department talk about their biggest love...

32

Nang!: Where did the name Jelacee come from?Jelacee: It came up randomly because my tag used to be J Kid, but everyone has that if your name starts with J [laughs]. So one time, I was at my boy’s house and we were watching some advert on the TV, and he was like: ‘Why don’t you call yourself Jelacee?’ and I stuck with that because it’s just weird and unique.

Nang!: So no one else uses the name?Jelacee: Not to my knowledge. It’s got a kind of double meaning - not to say lots of people envy me - but it’s like a general

statement against those who are jealous of who and what you are as a person.

Nang!: Describe your producing style in three words.Jelacee: Distinctive, vibrant and stimulating.

Nang!: Why those words?Jelacee: I still haven’t found any artists with a similar music style to me. When people hear my music, I want them to immediately know who made it.

Nang!: How long have you been producing for?

Jelacee: Since the age of 14, so that’s about three years. My friend, Mysfi t, introduced me to Fruity Loops 3 – and it just started with me making some cereal box riddims. I took a music technology course for GCSE and learnt how to use Reason, Logic and Cubase. It evolved from there.

Nang!: So which software do you use the most?Jelacee: Fruity Loops 8.

Nang!: Do you work from home or mainly at the studio?Jelacee: Most of my work is done solely from my laptop and trusty monitors!

Nang!: What was it like appearing on Rinse FM?Jelacee: Rinse FM was a really good experience as I’d never done anything on such a large scale. DJ Scratcha set me and a friend a challenge to remix one of his tunes live on the show! We managed to make a really catchy, funky house tune out of his track, I’m Leaving.

Nang!: Who are your biggest inspirations from the entire music scene?Jelacee: There are so many. From the genres I’m listening to now, I’d say Drum & Bass artist, Original Sin, and Grime I’d say, Marvel Crew, especially Double S because he is doing his thing. Obviously there’s also the original Grime pioneers like Boy Better Know, Roll Deep, Pay As You Go... There are too many to name, I don’t really have a main infl uence. I just listen and pick up things and merge them into my own.

Nang!: On the topic of Grime, do you reckon the scene is dead?Jelacee: That’s too big for one man to answer. The Grime scene isn’t dead, but it isn’t moving.

Nang!: Recently, the UK Urban scene has emerged as a real mainstream force. What do you have to say about all that?Jelacee: It’s a good look. It’s good to hear that people from local areas are getting into the charts and even getting No 1 spots. It gives me hope seeing Urban acts reaching the likes of MTV Base – it makes me want to continue doing what I do. I’m only 17 and still have a lot to learn from my peers and other musicians. Hopefully I can fi nd the right formula to gain myself recognition.

www.myspace.com/jelaceeindiestore.7digital.com/jelacee/

Jelacee, 17, has a musical style that deviates from the norm but still keeps heads bobbing, so it was only a matter of time before Nang!’s Errol Anderson talked to him

introduced me to Fruity Loops 3 – and it just started with me making some cereal box riddims. I took a music technology course for GCSE and learnt how to use Reason, Logic and Cubase. It evolved from there.

Nang!: Do you work from home or mainly

Most of my work is done solely

experience as I’d never done anything on

his tunes live on the show! We managed to make a really catchy, funky house tune out

Nang!: Who are your biggest inspirations

‘GRIME’S NOTDEAD, DEAD, BUT IT BUT IT ISN ISNBUT IT ISNBUT IT BUT IT ISNBUT IT

’BUT IT

’BUT IT

T MOVING’MOVING’ ISNMOVING’ ISN ISNMOVING’ ISNT MOVING’

T

33


What fi rst made you pick up a brush?It goes back to primary school. Art has always been something that I’ve loved. In primary school, I was always the one who was painstakingly rubbing things out and trying to get it perfect. Even when my sister was at college doing a nursing course, she used to get me to draw all her biology diagrams. Art is something that’s always been a part of me.

Would you say your art makes you who you are?More now than in the past because I’m more conscious of what I’m doing and what I want

to achieve. Also, I’m more aware now of the impact that my work can have on other people, whether they’re interested in what I’m doing or casual observers.

How would you describe your style?In the early 90s, when I was doing a lot of conceptual canvas painting, I came up with the term ‘Psychovisualistics’ because that was relevant then. Now, I’ve moved on and I’m doing different things now – still being creative, but I do a lot of workshops with young people and I even write children’s stories. I’m also interested in animation and 3D graphics.

A. Dee, left, talks to Nang!’s Errol

I’m aware that you’ve worked with some other well-known artists. What sort of alternative inspirations have they provided for your artwork?Being around anyone creative, so long as you’re not a slave to your own ego, can be a good thing. It can be musicians, writers, poets... One thing I like doing is reading interviews with artists and musicians because a lot of the time you discover their approach to their work, their insights and their experiences.

Graffi ti is often portrayed very negatively in the media. How would argue otherwise?Well, the term ‘graffi ti’ is negative in itself. It comes from the Italian word ‘graffi are’, which means to scratch. So, using that term to describe something that people can spend hours perfecting at home, and then spend hours painting on a wall, is very derogatory. The writers gave it the term ‘writing’, because that’s exactly what they did, so I’d rather stick with that.

Ever sat in awe at the foot of a graffi ti-fi lled wall and wondered who could craft such magic? Nang’s Errol Anderson chats to marvel artist and THSU patron Artful Dodger to discuss everything art from Psychovisualistics to wall painting

Nang!InterviewNang!InterviewNang!Nang!InterviewNang!InterviewNang!InterviewInterviewNang!InterviewNang!Nang!InterviewNang!InterviewNang!Nang!InterviewNang!Interview

34

Labour Leader: Gordon Brown Crime and Justice They promise bigger sentences for knife crime, a justice system which punishes the guilty with tough sentences and more education to stop those who re-offend. Education and Schools In secondary schools there will be one-to-one tuition for 300,000 pupils in English and 300,000 in Maths who are falling behind their classmates. Economic stability and employment They want to build a country were everyone has equal opportunities to succeed regardless of their background and invest in programmes for people to train and fi nd a secure job, which has helped thousands of people to gain jobs. Health They promise to open 100 new GP practices in areas which need them most. They also say they will build build a stronger healthcare system.

Conservative Leader: David Cameron Crime and Justice They promise to put more bobbies on the beat and give them more power to stop and search. And they want to prevent the misuse of surveillance powers by local authorities.Education They aim to build more good state schools, increase power for parents and encourage smaller and more varied schools. They want more discipline in schools, teaching sets by ability and fairer deals for part-time and mature uni students.

Employment/Economy They want more apprenticeships and community learning to improve skills and employability. And better careers advice for those in education.Health They say they wlll boost funding for NHS and health spending, double the number of single rooms in hospitals and reform drug prices.

Liberal Democrats Leader: Nick Clegg Crime and Justice They say they will put 10,000 more police offi cers on the street, paid for by scrapping the ID card scheme. They also promise rehabilitation, training and paid work in prisons to reduce re-offending. Education They want to scrap tuition fees for uni students and give more money to schools for one-to-support and catch-up classes for struggling children. Employment They aim to cut government spending and taxes for people who are not fi nancially stable and come down hard on big businesses and the rich who exploit tax loopholes. Health They aim to set the NHS free from central government control so patients have more say over what health care they receive.

YOUNG PEOPLE POWER!l

Politics affects everything, from knife crime and drugs to how many years we have to stay in school and how much we pay to go to uni. Yet 18-24 year olds currently have the lowest turnout in elections. But is it all our own fault? No! There’s a lack of political education in the UK, so Nang!’s Anaam Raza, Theresa Ita and Theresa Ita and Theresa Ita Yisum Heneghan have Yisum Heneghan have Yisum Heneghanput together a beginner’s guide to politics to help you prepare for your vote in the 2010 General election

Useful linkswww.libdems.org.uk/home.aspx www.labour.org.uk/homewww.conservatives.com/www.greenparty.org.ukwww.aboutmyvote.co.uk/register_to_vote/elections_2009.aspx

YOUNG PEOPLE POWER! Too young to vote?Age is nothing but a number!Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean you’re excluded from politics. There are ways you can still get involved that are just as valuable as voting.● Join the UK Youth Parliament● Get into pressure groups, for those who are passionate about a particular cause● Lobby your MP, write letters or send emails.● Join the party of your choice and help campaign.

How does the electoral system work for UK General Elections? ● The UK electoral system used for general elections is known as First Past The Post ● It’s a plurality system, which means the candidate doesn’t need 50 per cent to gain a seat. In fact they only need one more vote than the next rival to win!● The UK is divided into 646 constituencies and each elects a single member of parliament (MP).● The voters have only one vote each, this is done by putting a cross (X) next to the candidate you support on the ballot paper. ● The candidate who wins the largest number of votes is elected.

POLITICS DICTIONARY Cabinet The body which creates the policies and rules to govern the land. Members are delegated different departments to run (e.g. Health, Defence, Immigration etc).Constitution A set of rules that relate to how the country is governed. Britain’s constitution is uncodifi ed, which means it has no single constitutional document. Constituency The geographical area represented by one MP.Democracy This means people power! The people are involved in choosing who governs them. Election Citizens vote for a representative. First Past the Post (FPTP) The electoral system used for General elections. It’s a plurality system. Franchise The right to vote. Government Also known as the executive. The people in government are the decision makers. Manifesto A political party’s campaign promises.Member of Parliament (MP) The UK public elect MPs to represent their interests and concerns in the House of Commons. There are currently 646 MPs.Parliament Also known as the legislature. Law is made and debates take place in parliament. Pressure Group A group of like-minded people who do not stand for election but aim to infl uence the government and policy makers e.g. the pressure group, Liberty, campaigns to protect civil liberties and promote human rights. Referendum A vote on a single issue in the form of a question which requires a yes or no response. In London in 1998 the question was: Are you in favour of the Government’s proposals for Greater London Authority, made up of an elected Mayor and a separately elected assembly? The result was: Yes 72.0, No 28.0. Shadow Cabinet The Offi cial Opposition political party’s senior members, which mark or ‘shadow’ individual cabinet ministers.

YOUNG PEOPLE POWER!YOUNG PEOPLE POWER!Nang!PoliticsNang!Politics

42


Nang!: Emma, what does a Runner do?Emma: Basically, you do everything! You do any little job that’s needed - assisting the director and cameraman, meeting people who have to be at the shoot, organising times, making the tea and making sure everyone’s happy. It’s about being really organised.Nang!: What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever been asked to get as a Runner?Emma: When I was working on T4, I had to go and buy tights for Steve Jones to wear on the show. I had to walk into shops and ask: ‘Have you got any tights that’ll fi t a big man?’ They’d just look at me really weirdly. You do get asked to do some strange things! Nang!: Amanda, you’ve worked on well-known shows such as I’m A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here!, Strictly Come

Dancing… Which is your favourite so far?Amanda: My favourite ever programme was National Lottery Jetset, which I did a few years ago. On the show, people won a holiday of a lifetime and my job was to go on holiday with them. They got to live the millionaire’s lifestyle for a week and we got to do everything with them! It was the most unbelievable experience!Emma: I think Dancing On Ice is the biggest one I’ve done so far. That was my favourite because I was literally obsessed with the show! I was in post production, so we’d watch all the tapes. It was funny because we’d get to see the bits that don’t end up on TV. Nang!: Did you always know you wanted to work in TV?Emma: I did the media option at school and

it was just the class I enjoyed the most. I just fi gured that if you’re good at something and you enjoy it then that’s where you’ve got to go. I think when you’re at school you don’t know the amount of different options that are out there. Amanda: I thought television was a dream job, but I just never thought I’d get the chance. I’m from the north east of England where opportunities like that are scarce. I did my A-levels and ended up working as an air hostess, but I still really wanted to work in telly. One day, I got a free ticket to be part of the TV audience for the show Light Lunch. I sat watching this show just loving the buzz of the studio. I just had to do it! So, after that, I wrote to the company and just said: ‘I was in the audience and I loved it and I really want to work in telly.’ From that I got a work experience placement!Nang!: Did you do the Graduate training scheme with the BBC?Emma: No, I didn’t. I studied Media & Communications at Goldsmiths University. We studied different areas of the media,

The Nang! team headed over to west London to take a look around the BBC studios and Nang!’s Mhairi Wyles-Lang asked director/producer Amanda Wood and her colleague Emma Whitehead, who’s a Runner, all about their jobs in TV

43

which is really nice because you get to try it all.Nang!: Do you think qualifi cations count for more than experience?Emma: Even though I went for the qualifi cations, I’d still say experience counts for more. I did the degree because I really enjoyed it, but I was going out fi nding work placements as early as my fi rst year at university.Amanda: They’re both very important. I came to the BBC when I was a Runner and they were brilliant - they taught me all the processes of the production. Once you’re in, you can get the knowledge as well. Nang!: Amanda, how long did it take you to become a director? Amanda: Well, I’ve been working in media for about 10 years. I started off doing work experience, then I was a receptionist and then I did a year as a Runner and worked my way up. I did four years as a Researcher, then you move up to Assistant Producer before you sort of learn what way you want to go. There are so many genres in television and that can

be the disconcerting thing when you start because it’s like you’re just bombarded with opportunities and avenues to explore. Nang!: Did you fi nd it harder to become a director because you’re a woman?Amanda: If I’m really honest, I think it’s much better now. It can be hard when you fi rst start out as a woman because you have to fi nd a way of asking people to do things and getting the job done without being bossy. It can be tough sometimes, but I love it.Nang!: What’s been your worst moment at the BBC?Emma: When I fi rst started out I had loads of people telling me that as a Runner you’re going to be treated really badly. But I’ve never actually had anyone talk to me in a bad way. I think you’ve just got to do your job - put in the effort and be fl exible to do all sort of jobs. You need to be willing to do it. Amanda: You’ve never made a bad cup of tea?Emma: No! [laughs] You need good to have good tea-making skills.Nang!: What sort of advice would you give

to someone looking to go into media production?Emma: Just get out there! Honestly, the amount of letters and emails I’ve sent to live production companies… and you don’t even hear back half the time! But just don’t give up. Keep sending emails and just keep doing as much voluntary work experience as you can.Amanda: Just be prepared to work really hard and show you’re keen and willing. Get that foot in the door and have your own voice and don’t give up. There are jobs for everyone.Nang!: If you could change one thing about the BBC what would it be? [They both laugh]Amanda: There are a lot of positive things about the BBC. There are great facilities here. The downside, I think, is that staff jobs in television are few and far between so most people have to freelance and that means you don’t have stability as you’re always looking for your next job.Emma: I honestly don’t know. I’m just happy to be part of the big BBC!

Emma, left, and Amanda talk to Nang!

‘There are moments 0f complete panic’

1 VIRGINIA STREET, LONDON, E98 1STAdam Fresco Crime Correspondent for The Times. He

has reported on the UK’s most gruesome stories, including Baby P, the Ipswich serial

murders and the Soham murders.

1 VIRGINIA STREET, LONDON, E98 1ST

Michael Evans

Defence Editor for The Times. He reports on war

confl icts from the front line. He has most recently

worked in Iraq and Afghanistan, reporting on the

ever-growing number of UK casualties there.

45


Nang!: How did you get into journalism? Adam: I didn’t go to university. I went straight to a news agency that worked for national newspapers. I stayed there for a couple of years. Then they sent me on block release to Sheffield where I learnt shorthand, editing and law. I did that for two months, then I just got thrown in at the deep end – Magistrates Court. I came to The Times about 16 years ago. Michael: There are lots of routes in. I did go to university, but I didn’t join a graduate training scheme, which is the best way in now. I went to a local paper in East London and worked there for 2-3 years. Nowadays, every paper has a graduate training scheme. Nang!: Adam, why crime journalism?Adam: I just find it fascinating. I think coppers and criminals are interesting people. I also like the idea of knowing stuff that no one else knows – a big court case or a big breaking story that the whole country is involved in. I love the idea that I can go to the top cop and say: ‘What’s really happening? Who are the suspects?’ They trust me enough to tell me. I still find that really exciting. Nang!: Adam, you said you’ve been threatened with a gun and a knife. Why was that?Adam: The gun and the knife were instances when people weren’t that cooperative and didn’t really want to talk to me. One of them found out I was a journalist and he wasn’t very happy about it. You have to think on your feet quite a lot!Nang!: Michael, do you rely on local fixers [a local person who helps you] when you go and do a story abroad? Michael: Not necessarily, but in somewhere like Baghdad, for instance, we do have two fixers - local guys who you can travel around with without getting shot at. And you need that because you can’t just walk the streets or drive a car. So, yeah, fixers are brilliant. In Baghdad, we have a driver and a fixer. We don’t have bodyguards. Nang!: Michael, do you worry about

kidnappings when you’re working in places like Iraq? Michael: Of course, anywhere in Iraq. But you won’t be walking around on your own. You take risks, but you take calculated risks. Nang!: Are the troops quite welcoming of journalists? Michael: On the whole, they’re pretty good actually. The Brits and the Americans really quite enjoy it, as long as you abide by the rules. I’m living with them, therefore, I’m not going to do dirty on them like run off and get shot at. But you worry about roadside bombs and mines every single day. Nang!: There’s a debate about being embedded [a journalist who is attached to a military unit during a conflict] and whether that compromises you as a journalist? Do you think that’s exaggerated? Michael: Totally, totally exaggerated. It’s nonsense. I go there to write about what’s happening and that’s what I do.Nang!: So, you’re in the front line then?Michael: Yes, absolutely. It’s what they call Forward Operating Bases. You get very close to these guys. But there’s no way it compromises your journalistic job. Nang!: Do you get emotionally involved? Do you help casualties, for example? And is that hard?Michael: It is hard and I have done a First Aid programme. But, at the end of the day, by 5 o’clock you’ve got to have written a good story. That’s what you’re there for.Nang!: Adam, you’ve covered a lot of criminal cases. Is there a particular one you remember the most - a gruesome case perhaps? Adam: Yes, the case of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who disappeared in August 2002. I was the first national journalist on the scene and I was there for several weeks. Every single paper from this country had correspondents there. There was a lot of foreign interest as well. We were in a hotel and working from 7am until 3am every single day for weeks. And, at the end, once they charged Ian Huntley, we were

asked to leave the village. So we had a memorial service with all the police and all the press at the local church. I’ve never seen so many hard journalists crying, myself included. There were tears everywhere! We were talking to Huntley every day - we were really involved in the investigation, so we knew the details, but we couldn’t write about it. It was really gruesome stuff as well.Nang!: How does being a journalist affect your life? Adam: I think I’m the most paranoid parent I know! All my daughter’s friends are getting on buses and going wherever and I’m like, ‘You’re not getting on the bus on your own.’ And she’s 27… [laughter].Nang!: Do you feel like your job never ends?Michael: Yes, you’re always a journalist. Nang!: Is that a good thing? Adam: It’s a good thing, I think. It’s not a nine to five job. You get calls day and night, weekends, holidays, whenever. If it’s a proper big story, you get excited and you want to be part of it. You don’t want to leave it to someone else to nick your by-line!Nang!: Because you put your life at risk, would you refer to what you do as a calling rather that just a job? Michael: Yeah, I guess that’s true actually. I’ve got to really love it to do it. You don’t come to journalism and get bored. It really is a fantastic job. I’d call it a vocation. Nang!: What do you think about TV journalism?Michael: A lot of it’s rubbish. Some of the news stuff is really poor, I think. It’s too clichéd. The best journalism going on now is in newspapers.Nang!: Would you say journalism’s glamorous?Michael: Well, it’s not glamorous on a daily basis. But you meet President Obama or President Bush - hmm, that’s not very glamorous - or Madonna... So, in that sense, it’s quite glamorous. Nang!: Would you recommend your job to anyone else - say, a family member? Adam: Yeah, I think so. It’s great! There are moments of complete panic and moments of complete horror. There are moments of pure jubilation, particularly when you know you’ve got this story and you’ve beaten 20 other journalists in Fleet Street who are working on it.

Transcribed and edited by Vesela Gladicheva

‘There are moments 0f complete panic’

Top newspaper journalists Adam Fresco and Michael Evans both report from the front line on the most horrific stories for The Times newspaper. The Nang! team headed to Wapping to bombard them with questions...

A year to rememberWhat do 140,000 ounces of gold, 1.3 million iPhones and 450 Ferrari 599s have in common? Give up? These are just some of the things that you could buy for £80 million, the price of Cristiano Ronaldo’s world record transfer from English champions Manchester United to Real Madrid this summer. What would you prefer?

Real Madrid, whose spending rose to over £200 million with the signing of Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso, and Manchester City have been the biggest spenders of all the teams as yet. But can money really build a winning team overnight or is developing youth the answer?

Manchester City strengthened their squad hoping to achieve a top four fi nish, while Madrid strengthened theirs to attempt to win the Champions League. City hope to challenge Arsenal for fourth place, but even though the Gunners sold Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor to City, they should have enough quality to hold on to fourth place.

MY MON£Y’S N...Nang!’s sports editor

LOUIS ATKINSON looks

at what we can expect

from football this season

Foreign infl uence

This season there’s a higher percentage of foreign players then ever before. Does this stop young English players coming through or does it just make for more exciting football?

Some of the greatest players to play in the Premiership have been foreign; Thierry Henry, Erik Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo have over 300 premiership goals

between them.

Young English players also made their mark last season, though. Gabriel Agbonlahor and Carlton Cole both scored over 10 goals in injury-interrupted seasons, while making their international debuts.

For most English fans, success is the issue, not nationality.

Arsenal Andrei Arshavin

The tricky 2006 Russian ‘Player of the Year’ showed exciting glimpses to Arsenal fans last season after joining mid season, scoring six times in 12 games. Critical to Arsenal’s hopes of silverware this season.

Five2 watch

Aston Villa

Fabian Delph

The £6 million signing from League 1 side Leeds showed great promise last season, scoring six goals from midfi eld. Can he light up the Premiership?

Five2 watch

Manchester Utd Antonio Valencia

The £17 million signing from Wigan is quick, powerful and has raw talent. But does he have what it takes to be Ronaldo’s replacement?

Five2 watch

Manchester City

Carlos Tevez

The now City man was deemed surplus to requirements by United but is still a quality striker and will be out to prove his critics wrong after just fi ve goals in 29 games last season.

Five2 watch

Liverpool

Alberto Aquilani

The £20 million signing from Roma

comes well recommended and, at

just 25, has the potential to become

an excellent replacement for the

departed Xabi Alonso.

Five2 watch

PredictionsCHAMPIONS: Chelsea drew fi rst blood under new boss Ancelotti, winning the Community Shield against United. They have the strength to endure a long season against the challenge of Liverpool and Manchester United. FA CUP: Manchester United haven’t won the FA Cup since 2004 and Ferguson will be looking to change that this season. But they’ll have to battle hard against rivals Manchester City and Liverpool for the prize.LEAGUE CUP: Arsenal haven’t won a trophy for fi ve years and the League Cup is their best hope to end the drought if their young players can step up.RELEGATED: Hull City face a hard task to stay up after a torrid end to last season, as do Portsmouth who have lost key players yet again in the transfer window. Burnley have strengthened their squad, as have Birmingham and Wolves, but it still could just be a coin fl ip between these three to see who joins Hull and Portsmouth in going down.TOP GOALSCORER: It’s gonna be close this season with the usual suspects, Torres, Drogba and Rooney competing. But in the end, last season’s top scorer, Nicolas Anelka, may come out on top of the pile.

46

Nang!LastWordNang!LastWord

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call: 020 7133 4200 email: [email protected]

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nang! issue three 2009

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