It's all about me

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Happy Birthday Arthur!! Arthur's Day @ Sunway Lagoon September 24th, 2010

So did you make it the Arthur's Day celebration at Sunway Lagoon last Friday? What a wicked set up! Probably one of the biggest gigs I've played to date. You peeps came out despite the rain!

The delay caused by the rain mean that my set had to be cut to 15mins, but here's one I prepared earlier ;) It ffeatures 2 brand new remixes of mine by Eric Kupper : THIS TIME & CHINA

I am so proud to be part of the amazing line-up that included our very own DJ Fuzz, Mizz Nina & Pop Shuvit, Thailand's Thaitanium and U.S. artists Colby O'Donis, Sean Kingston and Flo Rida.

Enjoy the music!


Tuesday 14 September 2010

'Rainbow on the horizon' : New Straits Times Life and Times September 14th, 2010

A massive Thank You to Zuhaila who wrote a beautiful article in today's Life & Times section of the New Straits Times. Zuhaila interviewed me on what I've been up to recently, including the global remix competition (more info here and here), my new album Rainbow Butterfly and my Tee shirt line due to be launched in early 2011.

Read the full article here

Thursday 9 September 2010

What is Eid Mubarak / Hari Raya Aidilfitri?

As the end of Ramadhan is literally around the corner, this marks the Muslim holiday known as Eid. I thought it would be useful to explain to my non Muslim readers (as succinctly as possible) the significance of this festival to all followers of Islam throughout the world, regardless of race.

It signifies the personal achievement of a month of abstinence (practised during Ramadhan) symbolising renewal and purification,

The common greeting during this period is Eid Mubarak (Arabic for Happy/Blessed Eid) or Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay)


The common practice is on the first day following morning prayers, Muslims visit the burial grounds of lost relatives to pay their respects. It is a time of forgiveness. The next month is spent visiting the homes of family and friends, eating together, strengthening ties and celebrating the worship of God and Islam. The normal dress-code is one's traditional best.

The date of Eid is defined by the position of the new Moon and therefore varies from year to year.


" The ketupat is traditional Hari Raya fare and is often served with beef rendang (beef cooked with spices and coconut milk) and/or satay (grilled meat on a skewer). Other festive delicacies include lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding (dessicated coconut fried with chilli) and curry chicken. "


The foundation of Muslim life is defined by what is known as the Five Pillars of Islam. I have taken this excerpt from a website I found to be concisely informative :

The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life:
  • Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
  • Establishment of the daily prayers;
  • Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
  • Self-purification through fasting; and
  • The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
IMAM / FAITH "There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad. SALAH / PRAYER Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one's own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Oftentimes visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Adan or Call to Prayer is:
God is Great. God is Great. God is Great. God is Great. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. Come to prayer! Come to prayer! Come to success! Come to success! God is Great! God is Great! There is none worthy of worship except God. ZAKAH / FINANCIAL OBLIGATION An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools.
An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity." SAWM / FASTING
Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.
Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God. God states in the Qur'an: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)

HAJJ / PILGRIMAGE
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the 'Id al Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramada-n, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.

This is a very short summary of what is probably the key festivities in the Islamic calendar for all Muslims. To those of you who are well versed, please forgive me if I have missed out anything important :)
I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims around the globe a Magnificent Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians. Please travel safely.

*Happy Holidays*

{excuse the rather old Raya picture of me and Mika}

Wednesday 8 September 2010

Sassy Sereni & Shentel






Ok now that I have your full attention, you'll be wanting to know just who these gorgeous chicadettes are...

They are of course Sereni and Shentel, two sassy Sarawakians who with their stunning hair accessories, are in the business of enhancing ur barnet (cockney rhyming slang for 'hair') no matter what your style may pre-define.

If you don't understand the terminology 'Sarawakian', they are the people of Sarawak, one of the east Malaysian states found on the island of Borneo.

The lasses have recently released their stunning Look Book which I was lucky enough to get my very own copy of, as well as two pieces of their collection. They have also been featured in many a fashion mag internationally. Some of the photos' imagery have a David LaChapelle feel to them, which I love - shot in Kuching and styled by fellow Malaysian make-up artiste & stylist extraordinaire Alex Eu (incidentally Alex styled all photography for my Eclecticism album)

Sereni & Shentel are nothing shy of swoon-worthy and word has it there may even be a Boogalooboo collab coming soon *ssshhh*

They've just revealed their commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and can help you contribute too - just visit their website.

Please show the girls some love by checking them out here (I mean their website of course, ha!)

*Tee Hee Hee*

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Arthur's Day 2010 New Additions

So the new additions to the Guinness Arthur's Day celebrations in Malaysia on September 24th was officially published in the papers a few days ago -

Sean Kingston and guess who ;)


The already amazing line-up features Grammy winning Producer extraordinaire Timbaland, Thai Hip Hop trio Thaitanium, Malaysia's very own multi award-winning Rap-Rock band Pop Shuvit, Hip Hop Diva Mizz Nina & the unimitable Club Hitz Mix Show (HitzFm) Host & part of the internationally known Bum Squad DJs, DJ Fuzz

As you can imagine, I'm extremely chuffed to be chosen as one of the opening acts and plan to premier a couple of new remixes of my own on the night. Hope to see you there!


Check out the offical website here


Join the Facebook page here (for chances to winning some awesome prizes)


Get your tickets NOW!

Monday 6 September 2010

Fierce Angel Presents Beach Angel IV - Out Now !



It's out!! Check out the video from 1 minute 48seconds - you may recognise something ;)

Get your copy of the triple CD Compilation here or you can download from amazon here

It features Eric Kupper's brand new remix of 'THIS TIME' as well as many more sultry summer songs.

Wishing you all a FAB-tastic week

xxx

Pride & Prejudice


Time and time again we live the phrase "The truth hurts" whether we are the purveyor or recipient of said truth.

No matter how it is presented, the bitter truth will always initially cause pain and demand a defensive response which more often than not results in prejudice - the key is to step back, absorb what is being said and consider the bigger picture, the message.

" Truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable "

Real friendships survive the "truth tests" that life gives.

" It is more important to have friends than fans. Fans tell you what you want to hear. Friends tell you the truth "

" Falsehood is cowardice, the truth courage "

Personally, I have lost many a friend by allowing my defensive mechanism, called pride to cloud my ability to see the bigger picture. So I feel particularly blessed with long-lasting friendships and great friends who have been able to see the love in the truths I have shared with them.

" It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than lose that someone you love with your useless pride "

Such challenges have inspired two of my own phrases :

" There is no such tragedy as when pride obstructs us from the embrace of a friend's love "

" Pride is like tunnel vision as it prevents us from seeing the bigger picture "

Thursday 2 September 2010

Bali Bliss

On a recent trip to Bali with a few girlfriends, I got to indulge in one of my favourite hobbies - being a beach bum!

It was a short-trip that was by no means short on good food....



... great company and gorgeous sunsets


Wednesday 1 September 2010

London Memoirs

Thought I'd micro blog snippets of London that I hold very close to my heart

Bustling Portobello Market on a Sunday

It's becoming increasingly difficult for me to blog without mentioning food...

Tau Miu (Sweet Pea sprout) simply prepared with garlic. This is extremely difficult to get in Asia and when you're lucky enough to find it it is normally NOT very leafy, unlike the strain you find in London

*slurp*

My London Besties :)

I took some time out to catch up with a friend of mine Greg - top drummer, beats maestro, dub master & brain behind Dreadzone - check them out (and their latest album) here

He's just moved to his new studio and Greg definitely has one of the largest collections of Vinyl known to man... here's a pic of a molecular part of it (does that even make sense?)


Greg!

And it was there that I was reunited with the beautiful memory of Steve (RIP)

During my recent trip to London I made the big decision to ship to KL my remaining items that I have had in storage for the last 6 years (yes, six years of storage costs)

It's a decision that I have kept at bay for awhile now, as moving these boxes home, for me, signifies letting go of my life in London. It may seem strange that I should feel this way after so many years, but London has always been my home - at least for most part of my adult life.

So when the day came for me to collect my items from storage, I made my way to my container with a baited breath... after 6 years, I have little to no memory of what is there!

1st July 2010 - somewhere in Edgware

The weirdest part of the day was when I got in close to see the details attached to my container.

Unknowingly
, I had come to collect my things from storage exactly 6 years to the day from when I checked them into storage...

1st July 2004

Time to let go of the past so that I can embrace my future wholeheartedly