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Jasmine got all revved up at an exciting presentation of high-end customized cars
I RECENTLY found myself at the launch of TKO Mansory – a customizing service for cars for very high earners. Housed in a huge warehouse just outside west London, the evening was attended by model types, bankers and financers, as well as the man who invented Bikram yoga, Mr Bikram Choudhury.
After I gushed at him about how much I love Bikram yoga, I returned my focus to the cars, which were fascinating to see. From Hollywood movie star cars, to sexy fast and furious style rides to royalty-like Rolls Royces and Bentleys, the evening showcased the many possibilities for cars – if you have the cash to have the work done.
ADMIRATION: Jas with Bikram Chouhury
Former model and face of numerous big campaigns in the 90s Elo was the mind behind it all. Along with his wife and two young daughters, he hosted a wonderful, testosterone-fueled night, followed by an indulgent party at the Rose nightclub.
If you like cars and live in London, do go and check out the London Motor Museum. It’s an amazing experience for the whole family. For more info, visit www.londonmotormuseum.co.uk [5]
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INSPIRING STUFF
SUCCESS: Jas with award winner Eliza Rebeiro
THE recent vInspired Awards at the Roundhouse in Camden was truly inspiring stuff. The vInspired family are young people all across the UK that give up time to volunteer to do amazing things. From young people who are carers for their parents, to those who have set up charities, and those who have raised money for their local youth centres, the stories are heartfelt.
Hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and model Katie Piper, the awards ceremony included the categories All Round Commitment to Volunteering (won by Beth Carty); Best Young Volunteer (winner Amy May Knowles); and Outstanding Contribution to Youth Volunteering (winner Linda Markey).
My particular favourite was the Bringing Communities Together award. The gong went to Eliza Rebeiro, who set up the Lives Not Knives project, which aims to reduce gang related violence in her area. She’s a great young achiever with huge potential and I’ve seen her project go from strength to strength. All in all, it was a wonderful evening.
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FROM POP STARS TO FLOP STARS
FALL FROM GRACE: Jodeci
BY now, I’m sure you know all about the infamous R&B superstars show at Wembley Arena a few weeks back. Like an R&B legends festival, the show featured the much-loved US ‘90s groups Changing Faces, SWV, Dru Hill, Blackstreet and Jodeci, along with UK group Damage.
SWV were fantastic. In my humble opinion, they should have been nearer the top of the show like headliners, as their set was strong.
Similarly, Dru Hill and Blackstreet put on great shows – but then it all came to an abrupt halt.
Where before we had slick, quick set changes, suddenly we were left for a lengthy period of time as we awaited the headliners – Jodeci.
Before the show began, I had assumed that Blackstreet were going to be the headline act – and soon enough, we all saw why they should have been…
Jodeci finally came on stage and for a hot minute, it was looking good. They strutted out like rock stars, but then Mr Dalvin walked to the front of the stage and kept walking – until he took a huge drop off the stage! It seemed that he had deliberately jumped, but had misjudged how high the drop was, as he landed on his back and took ages to get back on his feet.
Everyone was in disbelief, but worse was to come. K-Ci struggled vocally, the whole performance became disheveled and eventually, the audience started booing. K-Ci seemed oblivious and even asked the crowd, ‘You want some more?’ By now it was well past 11pm and much of the audience began leaving, as it was clear we had already seen the best of what the night had to offer.
Oh the tragedy. This is the band that we R&B lovers saw as the genre’s equivalent to the Rolling Stones; the band that ladies lusted over and fellas wanted to emulate. To see them reduced to this was so disappointing.
Dear immigration officers – please ban Jodeci from the UK until further notice!
Jasmine Dotiwala is a TV producer, director and broadcast journalist. Email her at: jasmine@hiphop.com [6] Follow her on Twitter: @jasminedotiwala