Tribal Man Magz - 21 Dares

‘We keep it global not local’ says Kofi formally known as Tribal Man Mags who brought us the infectious funky house anthem ‘Tribal Man Skank’ back in 2009. Tribal Man is a musician from East London who originally started out his career at pirate radio stations such as Axe FM and Flava FM but immediately accumulated a huge following propelling him into the limelight via BBC 1xtra, Choice FM and Kiss FM. He is currently in the process of completing his long awaited album ‘21 Dares’ which débuts later this year.

I thought I’d catch up with him to find out more.

Alike many artists Tribal Man Mags started his music career from a young age.  In his case, his secondary school playground, where he battled against his peers in year 8 and 9, but he eventually decided to make the transition between hobby and profession when he entered into sixth form. He was then known as 'Magma Man’ and established his own music label ‘Down & Dirty’. He went on to release a single with his collective entitled ‘Prepare to Rewind’, earning ‘Down & Dirty’ the titles of ‘Best Up & Coming’ for the Urban Fusion Awards and ‘Best Newcomer’ for the British African Music Awards in 2008. 

Due his persistence and commitment as an artist he then got the chance to take his music overseas to Ghana, his home land. He explains ‘it was kind of weird because it was a whole different environment, but at the same time they appreciated the music more. I love my country so you could call it a perfect marriage’. When asked how he differs from his alias he says ‘Tribal is more confident, he’s a real bossy guy and likes everything his way’, he says. But Kofi ‘is more reserved and just loves to chill and watch movies all day and laze around.’

His motivation for music comes solely from his emotions, he explains ‘everyone calls me a skitzo, I have different emotions everyday, but I’m just blessed with a gift. I am very versatile so I adapt to any genre my audience likes. My audience ranges from primary school children to Grandparents my sound is universal really’. In his view ‘the funky scene has turned in to a phase instead of a genre and I think we all need to work together to get it banging again.’ 

In the past he has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Ruff and Smooth, Sway, The Saturdays, Gracious K, Flirta D, Funky Dee, K.I.G, Dotstar and Ramzee. He would initially like to work alongside Rick Ross and Pharrell Williams in the future. His inspiration are Jay Z and Rick Ross as he can relate to them as they run their own businesses just like hum and he feels ‘they are great business men. My journey has been a long and exciting one, but I’ m ready to continue on the road to success. In the future you can expect to hear and see ‘a lot of different kind of music. We keep it global never local!

You can now contact Tribal Man Magz via Facebook and Twitter 

The Big Man Zest - Who I Am

Big Man Zest is a 23 year old musician from South London. In January 2009 he released the funky anthem 'Jump in The Middle and Skank' which was a huge success for the UK music scene similar to Migraine Skank by Gracious K and Head Shoulders Knees and Toes by K.I.G. Since Zest departed from the Play Entertainment camp, he has been working hard on his current single titled 'Who I Am' which will be released 31st January 2011 . I thought I'd catch up with the Big Man Zest himself to find out where it all started.


When did your musical career start and why?
I broke into the music scene in January 2009 with a funky track entitled “Jump In The Middle & Skank”. We were in the studio one day having fun and the result was a UK funky underground smash.

How often do you make music and what messages to you aim to convey?

I like to create music in the studio as much as possible, any time that I get. The messages I like to convey in my music is just about people enjoying themselves and having fun.


Which artists do you currently like and why?

I currently like Tinie Tempah because his live performances are outstanding , he always puts in 100%. Skepta as he’s breaking down so many barriers for the UK music scene – ie Hello Good Morning remix. Kano because to me he will always be one or if
not the number one grime lyricist there is to date.

How far do you agree with artists commercialising their music and lyrics in order to make money?

I don’t necessarily think its just to make money I believe one thing about being an artist is about growth. One way of showing growth is by making music that appeals to everybody, therefore I only respect artists that cross over.


What would you say are the top three rules to making it in the industry and why?

Hard work, Determination and Patience! I believe you need these 3 key elements to make it in this industry as it builds your character to stand the test of time and helps you to stay focussed during the struggle to reach the top.

How has the music you've grown up with influenced your style as an artist?

The music I have grown up with has defiantely influenced me as it means im not fearful of tackling different genres.


Where would you like to see yourself perform and who with?

I would like to perform at ‘Sting’ a Christmas reggae dancehall show in Jamaica with Busy Signal .

What is your main aspiration for your career?

To cement myself as a worldwide representative of UK music and break into acting.

For more of Zest, you contact via his Myspace, Twitter or Official Website.

Musical Genius - Probz Artist

Probz Artist Is An Up And Coming Musician From London, After Recently Releasing His New Music Video 'Musical Genius' I Though I'd Catch Up With Him To See What Else He's Been Getting Up To.





So How Long Would You Say You've Been In The Music Industry For And What Has Been Your Greatest Achievement To Date?

To be I'm honest I’ve been in the musical industry for about 3 years, but for the last year I’ve been working really hard. Before that was kind of mad, I kept getting sidetracked by other things. I wasn’t focused at all but now I’m good to go nothings gonna stop me this time round

Why Would You Say You’re the Next Best Thing And What Makes You Different From Other Artists?

I would say I’m what the UKs bin waiting for. I'm young, fresh, and I have a raw talent. I also think I have a unique style that sets me aside from other artists.

Who Would You Say Are Influential Figures To You, Within The Music Industry, And Why ?

Dizzie Rascal had a big influence on me. I used to listen to a lot of his stuff. I'm talking Déjà Vu days Rinse FM days. Old skool Dizzie Rascal's unique





Other Than Music, Where Do Your Other Interest Lie?

Acting. If I wasn’t doing music I would be doing acting full time.

In Your Opinion, How Do You Feel The U.K Funky Scene Has Changed The Face Of Music And Can You See Yourself Jumping On A Funky Tune Like ‘Migraine Skank’ or Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes?

As for funky I listen to a lot of it but I can't really see myself jumping on to it, but who knows, anything can happen in music. I wanna big up Gracious cah he's doing his ting rite now...

What Have You Got Planned For 2010?

I got my promo coming out that’s called " So Far Ahead" and the musical genius mix tape should be dropping round about the same time. The first single for that is out now. The video's on Youtube its called UKs finest. 2010 is going to be a good year.. Look Out For Me... Massive Shout Out To Everyone Supporting.

CHECK OUT HIS NEW VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.COM = NEW! Musical Genius - Uk's Finest

Sk-D Photography

Sk-D Is An Up An Coming Photographer From Northwest London, He Has Been In The Media Industry, Specifically Photography Scene For Just Over Three Years, His Expanding Clientelle Consists Of Familar Names Such As Gracious K, Adam Deacon and Dotstar.

Read On Whilst I Catch Up With Sk-D To See What He’s Been Working On And How He Got Involved...




So, What Do You Do And How Did You Initially Get Involved?

I'm a graphic designer/airbrush artist + a photographer. I started years ago I’ve always been a fan of the arts, always drawing or scribbling. I started photography when I chose it as a random subject it was all to do with creativeness and I had Four A Level options, so, it was one of the subjects I picked along side media and art.

How Would You Say You Where Different From Other Photographers?

I try to see what I want before I even obtained it and that will go through my mind until I’ve got a clear picture in my head. I’m always changing until I’ve grasp what I’m trying to achieve. I'm a very precise person so it its not good to me (even though others are jumping up and down because it looks good) I will still scrap it and start again!




Apart From Photographer Where Do You Other Interest Lie In Terms Of Media?

Graphics, art and airbrushing garments/canvases.....more the graphics though these thing are what got me my reputation way before I started photography




If There Was No Internet, How Would You Promote Your Talent?

You will probably find me in Oxford Circus with a big poster of my best piece of work on a wooden board shouting out:



'SK-D PHOTOGRAPHY, come get your pictures done'!



Straight. I’m sure there's no law against that.

With The Evolution Of Technology, Do You Think It’s Harder For You To Be Original, And Why?

Yeah definitely. I cant be a pioneer at my own styles AS MUCH before these softwares give everyone the same power to create almost the same thing, plus its a thing where because everything is much quicker and easier these days in terms of technology you have to keep your game up always creating something or producing new work because if you don't some else will and take your shine!




Which Clients Have You Worked With And Who Have You Got In Mind For The Future?

I've worked with quite a few more in the ‘Urban Scene’ though.....I’ve worked for couple of premiership footballer (which went on sky sports news), Gracious nappaman K - Migraine skank, Tribal Man, Jazzie from the Jazzie show (channel aka), Adam deacon – Kidulthood, Adulthood and E4's 'Dead Set', Dotstar - Stick Up Skank, Femi McCool - Wag1 t.v and a few others.




If I really had to say who wanted to work with we will be here all day but it most probably would be mostly everyone doing something big in U.K first, then a few U.S stars

If You Would Like To Contact SK-D For Further Information Log On To His Virtual Site : www.skdphotos.com

Send An Email Via : sketchyd2@hotmail.co.uk
Or Even Add Him To Your Myspace : ‘Damilola Sk-d Fotografía’

Watch Out For Sk-D!

Shine Aloud Event

“From the Garden of Eden to Burlesque, through to 1960s rock roll versus popular culture, young, people’s lifestyles have always been influenced by fashion, music, glamour, self awareness and sexuality. But what about health? Sexual Health in particular…” – Choice FM

Shine Aloud In Conjunction With The London Borough Of Newham Will Be Holding A Sexual Health Event Aimed At Young People Aged 15-19 In Order To Rasie Awareness Of Practicing Safer Sex, Underage Pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections + More…

Artists Performing On The Night Include :
*Gracious K
*Ms Bratt
*Maxwell D
*Zest
*Free

Sex Is On The Rise Amognst Young People, Be Sure Your Protecting Yourself!



As one of the 2012 Olympic boroughs, LB Newham is committed to cultural change and promoting healthy living, this event forms part of their 2012 Cultural offer.
Event Name: Recognize - the sexual health & awareness youth event in Newham
When: Tuesday 27th October 2009 from 6pm-11pm
Venue: Stratford Circus (Stratford E15)