THE C WORD SPRING SERIES
With The C Word almost a whole year old and the end to lockdown in sight, we want to bring back the success of our summer series, but this time, to the spring. Introducing even more amazing musicians, DJs, fitness gurus, cooks and much more this April to get you ready for what is set to be an incredible (corona-free) summer 2021. So grab a beer, dust off the dancing shoes and head to our Instagram to settle in for a virtual festival certain to get those endorphins flowin'.
The C Word Summer Series will run from: 15th - 18th April
Get to know our line up!
Maike Valentina
Maike Valentina is a young, up and coming singer-songwriter who grew up in Africa in a German-Colombian family. She wrote her first song at the age of 6, singing to her violin. Her music has since evolved into a unique singer-songwriter sound with influences from her multicultural background. Her lyrics blend English, Spanish and sometimes even Swahili or German; taking you on an emotive journey.
Listen to her on Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/maikevalentina
Writer at The C Word Mag, Annie Maret, also just interviewed Maike to find out a little more about her heritage and style of music. Read the full interview here.
Raymonda
Raymonda describes her music as honest and vulnerable. When she writes, she thinks of her songs as diary entries, which allow people to live in her head. R&B has always felt like the Mecca for visceral emotions like love, heartbreak and self-validation. Through life and music she has found her home in its sub-genres like India/Alt R&B and hopes to translate her sound into more genres in the near future.
Listen to her songs here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1FWstYSQY4Re15UadnYjDG?si=kkhxGQajQD-noNfuaiXfHg&nd=1
Check out our Interview with Raymonda here: https://www.thecwordmag.co.uk/girl-crush/girl-crush-raymonda
Justine Fox
Music has always been Justine’s one true love, it’s given drive, energy & passion.
She draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of music & her style, maybe varied, yet always full of soul & groove. You’ll often find her playing house, Afro rhythms & techno, with soulful jazz & world influences.
She hosts a weekly radio show on www.cratedigs.com every Sunday 5-7pm & you’ll often find her playing on Bristols Noods Radio www.noodsradio.com
In 2019, she helped form a female Music collective called Femmes on Decks where they host monthly nights at Bristol’s famous Star & Garter.
She’s looking forward to getting back onto the festival sense either this summer or next, & finally being back in front of a crowd of smiling people!
https://soundcloud.com/justinefox
Instagram @flymissfox
Olivia Lumb
Olivia (AKA Olive Oyl) is a DJ, fitness instructor and founder of Panorama Barre; a fitness concept combining high energy fitness routines with curated monthly mixes of fruity club bangers.
From a small town up north called Barrow-in-Furness, Olivia moved to London to pursue her dream of being a musician and graduated from Goldsmiths University with a degree in Popular Music in 2016. Alongside her music studies, Olivia found movement to be paramount to keeping her mental health in check, and as her interest in electronic music and love for partying developed, Olivia started dreaming of a concept that combined the two in a creative and seamless way. After graduating, she swapped her guitar for a set of turntables, started collecting records, trained to be a fitness instructor, and started working on bringing the vision to life.
Olivia now hand picks records and creates monthly mixes to teach her exercise classes to, with the aim of creating a fun and carefree space for people with similar interests to develop a healthy relationship with exercise. In 2019 Panorama Barre was born and Olivia was teaching the concept in various studios in East London, but since Covid-19 struck, the brand went digital and Panorama Barre online was launched.
Safiya Yekwai (DJ Sky)
Dj SKY (Safiya Yekwai) is a London based DJ and Stylist. Specialising in Grime, UK sounds, Hip-Hop, Afrobeat and R&B Genres.
She has played at some of the biggest London clubs such as Alibi, Tola, Micks Garage and Prince of Peckham. Also having mixes played on some of the top Radio Stations such as 1xtra, Reprezent and Foundation FM.
As well as her DJ career, Safiya has worked with many top brands, designers and artists. Working as a stylist in top fashion brands and publications, such as Puma, ASOS, Highsnobiety, Wonderland Magazine, Vice and Rollacoaster Magazine. As well as working with many of the big names in music; Stormzy’s ‘Big For Your Boots’ and Kojey Radical’s ‘After Winter’.
She has built up a relationship with brands and stores such as Wray and Nephew and Pam Pam, who have commissioned her to create bespoke mixes.
From being heavily involved in the music and fashion scene Dj Sky is constantly exposed to the freshest new music and fashion trends making her a stylish tastemaker who knows what’s hot now.
Instagram - dj__sky_
Mixcloud - www.mixcloud.com/DjS_K_Y/
Website - safiyayekwai.co.uk
Vanessa Maria
Vanessa Maria champions music and mental health as a DJ, Digital Marketer at Sony, Co-Founder of 'No Boundaries' and former Mental Health Representative at Bristol University. Following on from a Psychology degree, she successfully led campaigns around student mental health and executively produced an award-winning documentary. Having worked in TV and Radio at the BBC, she merges her work in media with activism, combining her love for music with her drive to advocate around well-being.
Vanessa first made her mark in music on 1020 radio, where she began using her platform to share her love for underground Trap, Rap and Drill. In the club, Vanessa’s sets showcase sounds from around the world, infusing high-energy Baile Funk rhythms with everything from Afro-Trap to Hard Drum. Having worked with the BBC, BBC 1xtra, Rinse FM, VICE, Channel 4, gal-dem, Mixcloud, Boiler room, Notion magazine, Foundation FM, Eric Festival, 1020 Radio, Pirate Studios and Creative Access, Vanessa is dedicated to mental health advocacy in music, media and beyond.
Soundcloud BBC 1Xtra You Know The Drill mix
Check out her Black Minds Matter playlist on Spotify as well!
Gabriella DJ
Gabriella’s performances over the last six years have earned her a solid reputation as an accomplished and refined DJ and Radio Host, via sets compromised of UK Garage, Funky House, UK Bass and more.
Her unique brand of club-focused music has taken her to a number of UK cities, with highlights being Fabric, Hidden, and Motion, while playing to crowds through Tramlines, Isle of White and Outlook as part of the festival circuit. She's the boss over at record label and collective "Peachy UK" which showcases up-and-coming artists.
Having made a mark in the music scene through her Boiler Room debut in 2019, her drive remains unfettered: a talent showcased especially well via her regular monthly slot at London's esteemed Flex FM Radio.
Latest mix: https://soundcloud.com/thetuesdayclubuk/010-ttc-mix-gabriella?ref=clipboard
Franks DJ
Frankie, better known as Franks, is an experienced and versatile London based DJ with an extensive list of musical achievements, and in-depth knowledge in various genres.
Growing up to the sounds of Soul, Ska, Reggae, Dancehall & Hip Hop, and attending prestigious performing arts schools including Sylvia Young from a young age, Franks decided to take her lifelong passion of music and performing behind the decks. Specialising in genres such as House, RnB, Hip Hop & Dancehall, Franks is one of those speciality DJ’s that can inspire any crowd to dance.
The last 4 years of Franks’ DJ career has seen her make huge achievements, and she continues to grow and build recognition within the industry, showcasing the variety of styles that she can mix seamlessly, on some of the biggest radio stations such as Kiss FM and Capital Xtra, while performing for leading brands like NYX Cosmetics and Pixi Beauty.
Her impressive musical resume does not end there - Franks has also been known to DJ at exclusive album launch parties for the likes of Sinead Harnett, play at beach parties in Cape Verde, and even entertained crowds at Festivals such as The Butterfly Effect and Strong Island, all while frequently being invited to perform at Box Park, Bussey Building, Prince of Wales, Queen of Hoxton, Ballie Ballerson, Embargo, Passo, Mint Left and Citizen M.
On top of all of that, Franks has regularly performed at Corporate Events at venues such as Jim Bo Law and the prestigious Saatchi Gallery, proving that she can cater for a wider range of music styles than most in her field. She really is making her mark in the industry, and the lifting of lockdown brings great anticipation for what we can expect next in Franks’ career. Be sure to catch her at Chotto Matte Soho where she holds a weekly residency.
Laura - Wellness Coach
Laura is a wellness workout coach and team All Max ambassador. Laura will be hosting a glutes specific class for us as part of The C Word Spring Series so prepare to feel that booty burn!
Jai Blue
Jai Blue is a twenty-one-year-old singer-songwriter from West London who has the power to move and affect with the softest of vocals. Her alternative style of delicate, soulful folk is made all the more impactful by her increasingly honest and heartfelt writing style. Inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Sade, and Labi Siffre, Jai was raised by a creative mother. The songstress was encouraged from an early age to pursue her passions; which resulted in writing her first song, ‘No Quitter’ at age 12. She is currently working on the release of her debut EP.
Follow here:
Women For Women International UK are a charity dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. They provide these women with educational programmes and training, help them build support networks, earn money, get access to healthcare for themselves and their families and much more.
CHARITIES
This year, we want to give back as part of the Spring Series, which is why we are asking you to donate to one of our two chosen charities instead of paying us for a ‘virtual festival ticket’.
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First up is White Ribbon, who are the leading charity that is ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys to make a stand against violence. Their focus is on engaging with men and boys so that they think about their own behaviour and also the culture that surrounds them and look to make changes. We want them to influence their friends as well. This is primary prevention - to stop violence and abuse before it starts.
Womankind Worldwide is a charity dedicated to ending violence against women and girls, advancing women’s economic rights, and strengthening women’s participation and leadership. They are doing amazing things for women all over the world, so this C Word Spring Series we are asking readers and watchers to donate via their website.