Heroes:
MODEL SPOTLIGHT
Caramel
MySpace Model
Full-time London model Caramel grew up “surrounded by the hype and excitement of the industry” after being a child model in her younger years. Qualified in childcare and I.T., Caramel ’s experience includes editorial, magazine, swimwear and sportswear modeling, and runway work. “I'd like to be perceived as the epitome of a strong black model,” Caramel explains. “As a young woman I had no-one to look up to in the industry apart from Naomi Campbell , and she is not what young black females should see as a role model as taking drugs is not what a strong woman would do. It seems that the modeling jobs black women get these days are ones where they have to show flesh - look at Melissa Ford and Esther Baxter . I want to show that a black woman can walk on a runway and not be swayed. “
She has also featured in music videos for Blak Twang (‘Thumbs Up’) and Mr Wong (‘GudThing’). She comments, “The UK budget for models is truly a joke. But I believe it is all because of the shoddy quality our country promotes. Channel U, for instance, is seen on Sky in other countries, and what these people see is a bunch of young girls jumping around in a big hype to be in low quality videos. You can film something on your camcorder and send it in. No-one will ever take us seriously if we don't project a serious image.” Her fashion show experience includes the ‘Couture’ parts one and two - lingerie fashion shows in Leicester Square.
Her final words for Origins Media reflect a wider mission than merely looking pretty: “I want to make a name for myself in the industry and use my name and connections to set up fundraisers and charity events. I'd love to raise money for women who have suffered domestic or physical abuse. Every woman is beautiful; some just need help realising that - and such a serious thing can make a woman forget her worth.”
For more Caramel , visit www.myspace.com/sexy_caramel_honey tr
POET SPOTLIGHT
Realitie
MySpace Poet
Why Are We Failing
Is the system letting us down?
Or are we to busy playing around.
Maybe it’s a mixture of both,
We need to search deep make a personal oath.
To be true to ourselves and all we can be,
To aim high, achieve and get that degree.
They’re not hopeless dreams, these are realities,
Get a grip brothers and sisters change your mentalities.
When you shut off your mind,
You make yourself blind.
Open your eyes so you can see,
What’s really out there and what’s meant to be.
Forefathers before you were beaten, raped and killed,
But yet they still remained strong willed.
They suffered dearly beyond imagination,
In hard times of wickedness and desperation.
And so on and so on and now you are here,
Things are tough but you will never know the fear.
Of when a slave master is drawing near,
Shut your mouth stop making excuses.
“What’s the point? It’s cause I’m black!
Working nine to five is idiot business.”
Remember your Forefathers and what they’ve been through,
In comparison you live in luxury, Don’t You?
Remember your ancestors were Kings and Queens,
Let’s show the world they’re not has-beens.
They’re still amongst you and others,
Deep within waiting to be discovered.
It’s now time to put on your crown,
Take what’s rightfully yours and stop messing around.
Your crown is the equivalent to your degree,
Knowledge is power and that’s the key.
Remember the Kunta Kinte that lies within,
To keep him locked up would be a sin.
Good luck with your studies and keep strong,
Remember our generation needs to go on.
Hopefully in a more positive way,
As we broaden our minds more and more each day.
P.S. For those unsure about Kunta Kinte go in search of a copy of Roots
. A word from the poet…
“In 2005 I won the 'Word Up' Slam and tied as the winner at the 'Farrago Slam', then in 2006 I
won the UK Unsigned Poet Competition. I have four books to date: ‘Behind Closed Doors’ - covering topics such as the denial and pain of physical and sexual abuse, exclusion, struggling with sexuality etc. ‘Gun Talk’ - cause and effect of Gun Crime. ‘Hear my Words’ - put together to feed the minds of those I see as my children. ‘Harsh Realities’ - deals with the unfairness of individual lives.
I'm approaching 37, I have two children and reside in Camberwell. Through the content of my poetry I was recommended to a private mentoring company where I now do part time mentoring for young women referred via Social Services. I began writing in Feb 04. Why? Well that's still a mystery, with no prior interest in writing I literally woke up and felt the need to write so I did. Many say it's a calling, I guess so. Generally and as a Mother I have great interest and concerns about 'Today's Youth' and although I cover a range of topics I do write a lot about and for young people. I also include them within my books by getting them to create images for the text. I'm currently working on compiling workshops based on the content of my poetry. - For more Realities, visit www.myspace.com/realitie1
.. ORIGINS INFORMATION
Origins Media Music Seminars at the Festival of Youth Arts
June 1st
Origins Media will be hosting two seminar events at the Rich Mix Cinema complex on June 1st.
The Origins Media seminars will cover two subjects: Music management and
The UK urban scene, how to get ahead and where it is going.
Confirmed panellists for the seminars include: UK Urban Scene: Baby J, Biggz, Sincere, Tor, Doctor, DJ Big Ted and some of the games leading managers including Jackie Davidson (Ali Tennant, Wayne Hector, MMF), Kwame Kwaten (Shola Ama, Louise Setara), Tyrone Row (Doctor) and Thad Barron (Cassius Henry, Baby J). A must attended event for anyone looking to make a career in the music industry. Get down there and get your hustle on.
Look out for our Press Association seminars coming soon for all you aspiring journalists.
If you would like to be considered as a featured artist, poet or model go to "http://www.myspace.com/originsmediagroup and follow the instructions in our blog. Alternatively you can message us at [email protected] with the heading featured artist/poet or model.
If you would like to advertise in our newsletter, on our website or on The Heat show, please send us an email to [email protected]
If you have any ideas on what you would like to see in the next issue of the newsletter drop us a line to [email protected] and let us know.
Join our MySpace family by adding us at www.myspace.com/originsmediagroup
Work Experience/Interns/Journalists
If you would like to contribute to the newsletter or gain work experience drop us a line at [email protected] with a CV, cover letter and why you would like to work with Origins Media. Journalists send us some examples of your work.
All other enquiries please send to [email protected]
Edited by Marsha Roxanne
