‘The Charlatan' by iamISIGO

It gives me great joy to introduce Nigerian fashion designer Bubu Ogisi. With her eccentric sense of style, and unique ability to mix various trends and cultures, I was very pleased when I found her clothing range ‘iamISIGO’.

Founded in February 2009, starting as a small business, it’s great to see this company's continued growth.

‘The Charlatan' by iamISIGO is a line of t-shirts inspired by the fact that we all have “a little pretence in all of us”. It sees a character presented on each shirt; this is also via polo or crew neck and comes in a range of colours.

I can’t lie and say this is a new idea, but I did find the concept and shirts cool and so, when I am in Nigeria again, I will surely purchase one.

For more information: iamISIGO

A musical Icon…. ‘Lauryn Hill’

Although there are many female artists I have grown to love through my passion of music, an all time beloved of mine has to be ‘Lauryn Hill’, known to many as an ex Fugee’s member and later on married, wife of Rohan Marley.

But this post is not about her life, but about her music. Blessed with a soulful voice, followed by the fact that she can seriously rap, Lauryn has always had deep meaning and great teachings behind her songs. Tittles such as; ‘Lost Ones’, ‘Sweetest Thing’, ‘Ex Factor’, ‘Doo Wop’ and my favourite ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’ featuring Bob Marley; there are many more these have just came to mind.

I feel as if her music always presents itself as timeless and is structured like a piece of art. A real fact that I love about Lauryn also is that as beautiful and as a true Nubian queen which she is, I’ve never seen her selling sexual content or creating a sexual persona about herself. She has always let the music speak for her. Although she hasn’t come out with an album in years, what she did in her many years in the industry makes her a serious icon to me.


Its funny how this video below shows her at thirteen being booed. I bet they could have never imagined the mark she would make in music today

Another big movement for Team UK……

As a fellow artist, I feel this was another significant movement for UK music; to see P Diddy and his group Dirty Money partying / showcasing their album (Last Train to Paris) alongside our UK stars- just shows you have far we’ve come. Skepta, Chipmunk, Wretch 32 and Tinchy Stryder all performed and made this night really come to life with their new releases. I’m proud!

Nicky Minaj…. In the UK

With her crazy/wacky flow, alongside the colourful dress code and I must say, amazing physic; I was pleased to see Nicky Minaj finally come to the UK.... especially with that perfect English accent she puts on. I’ve followed her all the way from her 2008 ‘The Come Up’ DVD, where see did an outstanding cover of Notorious B.I.G’s ‘Warning’. Since then, we’ve seen her become the princess of Little Wayne’s ‘Young Money’ empire, release a few mixtapes, feature on nearly every hit of last year and set a whole new standard of female rap.


Here she is on the 'Manny Norte Show' live on BBC 1Xtra….. 

A summer must have … Jean//Phillip

I'm no expert on Danish designer Jean//Phillip, but I was made aware of him recently, and was blown away by his 2011 Spring/Summer collection. I support fellow blog 'Until Tomorrow ' in saying this collection is 'on a more edgy touch' and might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

However, I would probably wear every piece of this collection, I feel as if it has a ‘Greek God / Gladiator’ vibe and all of the shorts are a must have this coming summer.

For more information- Jean//Phillip 

The Lovers Corner……

No matter what you are going through; joy, heart break or just problems with your partner (or your bit on the side or the person you are seeing).... I’ve come to realise that there is literally a 'Slow Jam' for every situation. As corny as it can be to relate to these songs, I can’t lie and say they haven’t helped me at times, particularly in regards to intimate intervals...lol.

With all this in mind, I give you a mix which I call ‘The Lovers Corner’ mixed by Mr C.L.I -Live in the Mix'….

Slow Jams Mega Mix 2011 by cliliveinthemix1

The Trainers I must own before I depart…….. lol

Although it still pains me till today that I don’t own (or can't yet afford) a pair of Kanye West’s designed 'Louis Vuitton' trainers, my opinion is that they could be some of the best footwear I’m yet to have seen designed in this modern day and age. I know this is a big statement and it isn't just because I’m a big fan. I feel as if the coming together of these two majors brands (Kanye and Louis Vuitton) signify how fashion and music have come to work hand in hand.... producing an aspirational product.

And yes, I know I’m very late- the shoes were released in March 2009, and were produced for two seasons with new designs and styles. However, unfortunately for me they have since been discontinued. Which basically means I will have search on ‘Ebay’ or look for a vintage pair in 20 years from now.... I just feel that they make such a statement by themselves and are also easy to work with....A pair of slim fitted jeans, Ralph polo, a Varsity jacket and you’re good to go.

They are prestigious and bring that 'exclusive' feel to your dress code. I’m not saying that other brands cannot be worn in this way, but I know for sure I don’t see Kanye’s Vuittons everyday.

Going “LIVE”…..

As an artist, one of the best elements for me is being able to perform your creation to an audience. It’s great to make a song in the studio and to get it sounding right, but for me the ultimate victory is “Going LIVE”; delivering and executing your art.

I am a big Bruno Mars fan and love his new single 'Grenade'... but it was this live session that really sold the song to me and took me back to the basics of what music is about. I was also glad to see that the live performance and the actual recorded vocals were identical; I personally feel it’s really something that a lot of new music lacks.

Have a look and see if you get the same feeling.

Album ALERT!!!

Whilst partying into the New Year in Las Vegas at the 'Marquee' nightclub, Kanye West made a sly announcement while performing next to Jay Z. With 'Ace of Spades' bottles in their hands, West mentioned (although not clearly but clear enough to understand) that 'Watch The Throne', is to be released in a week. 

Have a go at making out what Kanye said....

This is a joint album between West and his 'big brother' Jay Z. A personal opinion of mine it is that it'll be an album to look out for. 

No actual release date for the album has followed this announcement, (Kanye may of just had a little too much to drink, lol).

I did however search the net and find this art work to the first single "H.A.M." which is said to be released this week (11th January 2011). 

“Thank Me Later” at the Hammersmith Apollo…….

Last night was the opening show of Drake's sold out 3 night residency at London's Hammersmith Apollo. The concert had been long awaited by fans, since the original July '10 date was cancelled due to the star having 'personal problems'.

However, it was clear to see that he really made up for the extended wait. 'Drizzy' gave it his all and connected with the enthused crowd. The audience partied on to hits like 'Miss Me', 'Over' and 'Forever'. Needless to say, he also had the girls going crazy with favourites such as 'Best I ever had'.

The atmosphere of the night was great, and known for his lyrical wit, Drake sent us home with a wish for us to “Get home safe but....... Thank me Later."

As an artist, Drake's performance really inspired me and gave me more motivation to continue to work to develop my craft!

Arhhhh the “Morning Feeling”……

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or don’t even want to get out of bed? 

Well this morning I found my self having one, knowing full well I had a load of things to do. 

So there I was, under the sheets fiddling with my iphone, and I decided to play some music. Funnily enough, iphone on shuffle, the first song it played was one I created a few weeks back and gave me the slap I needed to get up and face my day…….lol

Have listen and see what it does for you.

A Broken Discovery………

Yes, I have been away and as crazy as it may sound, this is due to the death of my first 'BlackBerry Bold'. In the midst of all the fire works, booze and excitement of coming into a New Year, I found out that my scroll button wasn’t working. This resulted in 10 missed calls, 13 texts, 20 emails and 30 bb’s....that I couldn't read, in the first 3 hours of our New Year.... It's fair to say, I wasn’t a happy bunny.

However, it was the next day that I made an interesting discovery which inspired this post.

It dawned on me that as soon as I wake and before I even get out of bed, I check BlackBerry messenger status updates, send out a tweet on Twitter, check my Facebook and see if I have any emails. And so, through out the day, I found myself twitching without the use of my prized 'Crackberry'; as if it was some kind of drug.
My digital world as I knew it was shattered (no news feeds, blog notes or social communication). This also resulted in a very long New Years Day....

My reaction displayed how much of an impact the new breed of mobiles (smart phones) have on our lives. If you go back a few years and think about your first phone (mine was a yellow Baby Ericsson), you realise that as great as my phone was, I was able to leave it alone for hours. Now, I don’t think I could last 20 minutes without my trusted Berry…….

Test your self see how long you can last for.