BLACK CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
 
1. Which present-day Black celebrity or figure do you most admire and why?

Personally for me, it’s Eddie Murphy. Obviously with me being a comedian and an aspiring actor, I see Eddie and think, I want to be like that. He’s done so much like stand-up, he brought Black comedy to the mainstream, made it acceptable to everyone and then did movies as well - And good ones at that.

2. Which Black personalities do you think have made some of the greatest contributions to the world of literature, fashion or entertainment?

For literature - Maya Angelou and for entertainment, Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy, and Richard Pryor – he revolutionised the way comedy was. Chris Rock, too, who I saw in concert in last month and that, was wicked.

3. Which famous Black personality inspired you when you were growing up?

Lenny Henry, as he was one of the first comedians that I saw. I thought ‘ funny stuff.’ and tried to emulate some of his characters. Also Ian Wright, he inspired me. Because of the impact that he made for young Black sports persons, and then going onto TV after that. Which shows that he’s a man of many talents and a positive Black man to look up to that is doing something. So to see Ian Wright up there is good, I like that.
 
4. Which Black authors or books have positively influenced you? 

Yinka Adabayou who does books aimed at the younger Black population from high school upwards. The books have storylines with social themes running through, like friendship, drugs etc These were the first books I read and felt I could relate to. And I do autobiographies too, at the moment Chris Rock’s.
        
5. In your opinion, what was one of the greatest moments in Black history?

I have two. From an unbiased point of view, Nelson Mandela, becoming Prime Minister. Especially when you consider the changes that happened in South Africa over the course of his life. Secondly, as a comedian and aspiring actor, I’d say 2002 when Halle Berry and Denzel Washington won Oscars at the same time - a Black man and Black woman at the top of the tree! I thought, finally we’re being recognised.
 
6. How much of a legacy do you think Slavery contributes to the current social situation in Black communities? E.g. crime, drugs, poverty etc

I think the whole stereotypical thing about Black guys causing trouble. The way some white people still have stereotypes of Black people, subtle things that White people may not recognise but Black people do. I mean there are some things that have just not gone away.

7. What are the things the UK Black community can do to help itself progress? 

Love and appreciate ourselves. Appreciate our Black brothers and sisters out there doing something. We’re so smart and can do anything that we put our minds to, but often once a Black person goes mainstream they may be seen as a sell-out. But this should stop and we should support each other’s advances.
 
8. Do you think it is necessary for Black history to be taught in schools? If yes, why and how should this be approached? If not, why not?

100% yes, in the same way they teach about wars, historic royalty etc all broken down over the years, is the same way they should teach about Black history. We should start a petition.

9. Are there any people or things you would label as stumbling blocks to the progress of the UK Black community?
 
Once again I’d say the whole stereotype situation is a stumbling block. There’s too much of it.      
My final words on this section to any readers are, stay positive, be yourself and don’t let anyone put you down, stereotype you or put you in a box because you’re a certain way. Go for what you believe in, as I honestly believe that Black people as a race can do anything that we put our minds to.  So just do what you’ve got to do and don’t let anybody hold you back.

MY LONDON
 
1. What is your favourite restaurant?

I’d say KFC but that’s too obvious. There’s a Chinese restaurant called Dragon King, in Park Royal that I visit with my family often, especially when we’re too lazy to cook Sunday dinner. The food is good and the staff pleasant.

2. What would you name as a favourite club/bar of yours?

I visited Mash bar just off Oxford Street, a while ago, and enjoyed that. Nice music, good prices.
 
3. Where is one of the best places to shop?

Brent Cross. Anything you want it’s at Brent Cross. Or if you’re on a budget – Shepherd’s Bush Market.
 
4. What is your favourite building/landmark?

The current Wembley Stadium. Probably the best stadium in the world.

5. What is one of the best things to do in the summertime in London?

Notting Hill Carnival, which is good if you go the right spots, not where’s it’s too congested. You have everything there - good music, good food, good vibes, people are friendly…it’s like one big melting pot where all of London comes together 

6. If money were no object, where in London would you live?

Probably Ealing or somewhere just on the outskirts. Somewhere that’s not too busy, but still busy enough. And nowhere in which sheep are making noises.

7. Describe your idea of the perfect romantic evening in London?
Go to KFC – buy a bucket. No, I’d rent one of the best hotel suites, sprinkle rose petals around the room, order champagne on ice, candlelight setting – all as a surprise for my girl. Take her to dinner first - for some rice and peas, and chicken or just something with meat in it. And something chocolate for dessert that we can share. After that, we’d head for the river Thames for a cuddle and a boat tour, then after that back to the hotel… 

8. Which Black person would you put on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar?

If he wins, Barack Obama.
 
9. What two things about London do you miss when you’re away?

I miss the buzz. Anytime I go to another part of the UK – I think it might be a bit ‘countryside’. I mean other cities are good, but they’re just not as busy as London, I mean these towns all stop at some point but here, there’s always something to do. I also appreciate the massive melting pot of different cultures that is London.