Not in Our Name.

Sudan's organisation of young political and humanitarian activists, "Sudan Change Now", have officially responded to George Clooney's latest publicity stunt.

For those yet to be aware, Clooney decided to plan his own arrest outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington DC some days ago. He was protesting against the mass killings ongoing in Sudan's Nuba mountains and Southern Kordofan.

Sudan Change Now and their affiliated partners have been doing this for years. In an open letter to the Hollywood star, they said this:

"We thank you for the efforts that you are exerting in internationally exposing the injustices happening in Sudan today and in the past years. We know the importance of getting international figures on the side of justice as crucial players in bringing issues of injustice to the global debates. As advocates for peace, democracy and justice in Sudan, we would like to share our concerns and suggestions on the way in which your advocacy work on Sudan is being conducted.

Sudan Change Now stands firm in support of the people of Sudan regardless of race, ethnicity, tribal, religious or gender backgrounds. Sudan Change Now asks that you support us in showing a more comprehensive picture of the conflicts in the country with an understanding of the complexities as well as the terrible conditions that many face throughout Sudan. Portraying the regional conflicts in the country as a simplified war of Arabs and Africans concerns us. It does not fully capture the historical and politicised aspects of the conflict, ignoring that the Sudanese government is a dictatorship and does not reflect the sentiments of the majority of the people.

Sudan Change Now knows that the unfortunate truth in such politicized strife is that innocent people fall victim and very little is done to protect them. Our Movement has worked hard with other activists advocating and repeatedly protesting against the conflicts and atrocities in Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

We would like to make it clear that the actions of the Sudanese Armed Forces in the country and the NCP led regime are not representative of the people of Sudan.

We believe that we, as Sudanese, have the right to fight for our own causes, and that all citizens should be able to take ownership of their struggle for justice and peace; since we are the most affected by the situation and understand the complexities of the problems as well as the most suitable solutions.

However, we know that the repressive political climate in Sudan makes it difficult for the voices of those opposing the government to be fully heard. We count on international advocacy figures to support us in getting those voices heard and ensuring that the language of dichotomies is used carefully and responsibly when portraying conflicts.

We write this letter as part of our newly launched campaign “Not in Our Name” which aims to portray to the world the unrelenting and repressed  local  resistance  against the current regime that has been happening for years now within Sudan.

In order to fully support the cause of the Sudanese victims of war, we urge you and similar advocates to engage with the many Sudanese in Sudan and abroad to share their relevant experiences and opinions on how they perceive the problems and solutions of the terrible conflicts in their country.

The campaign aims to allow the voices of Sudanese (from all regions) resisting the current regime to be heard internationally and to announce its rejection of all violations that have been occurring under this terrible dictatorship for more than two decades now.

The Message of “Not in Our Name” is: Our Struggles are one and we the people of Sudan shall
be heard. On behalf of the Sudanese people, Sudan Change Now says No to War, No to Oppression, No to Human Rights Violations and Marginalization, No to Racism and Tribalism, No to Poverty and No to the atrocities in Sudan. The Resistance Continues and Shall Overcome.

Thank you,
Sudan Change Now Movement
For updates: Sudan Change Now
Follow us on twitter @Sudanchangenow

Oh Gosh.

Tinie Tempah. Wretch 32. Kano. Little Labs. Busta Rhymes. The remix.

Dubai's Hot 100 Bash. 2012. The bougi breakdown.

So. Last night saw the Middle East's Ahlan magazine celebrate its chosen 'Hot 100' for 2012. The bash took place at Dubai's Le Meridian hotel (there's 3 of them. This was their oldest establishment. Many moaned about that, but I actually liked the "Dallas" type feel to the venue's interior. It's that old soul.)

The "luxury limos" escorting us to the venue weren't luxurious, nor were they limousines. That might have been a joke I didn't understand though...I guess.

We arrive. Met by a Guest List lady who unfortunately spoke no English. Almost 3 minutes of back and forth mispronunciations and an inability to understand and welcome...uh...irking. Anyway. Inside, and although we were warned of the "lawn" type set up, ladies and heels and dress tails were seen suffering everywhere. I played it a little safer, knowing there'd be grass. More of a suited ensemble, a'la...the wedge. 

I know. So Kim K.

The music left us a little confused. But then again so did the theme. Well, was there even a theme? Live rock music at what appeared to be an ambience more inclined toward a cocktail reception?...*bbm straight face*...No. 

We don't think this was a festival, or a karaoke night, or some random East end pub. And if it was, we could have avoided the discomfort of "glam" and come in wellies. All set for a nice big chill. 

Banana and turkey cocktail stick/lollipop. Odd. And yet, tasty.

The bar was nice, as was the food. There were also live mannequins covered in silver body paint randomly just about. Not sure why but, there they were.

???

Onto the anticipated list. Dubai's Top 100 achievers in and within the Emirate's booming creative circles. Some folk we were pleased to see. Like Okku's Mark, Zeina Abdallah, and other actual achievers.

Others however left us significantly baffled. One in particular - who seems to have gone from job to job since moving to Dubai (after failing in London, obviously) - with no real purpose in life other than buying clothes and wearing them. Why. Just how was this permitted? What grants such ludicrousness?

Don't ask us to tell you who we're talking about. We really don't waste our web space like that...

This might give you a hint though. 

Lord. We are SO bad. Lolzies!

Onto moments of the occasion...

Chosen earrings for the evening got a lot of attention.

It's Mr. Ceebo Shah. LIKE. This guy. 

bougi's Rozan Ahmed arrives in Dubai, with friends Sufeena Hussein & Sonal Vara

The inexplicably handsome, Mohammed Sultan

bougi's BEAUTY of the night

Ezra Santos. You, win.

All in all, a great gathering of multiple sorts: Interesting movers and shakers merged with the oddly misplaced. Top tier society and general scat. Best dressed gorgeousness intermingled with utter misbehaviour. Cocktail tables and a festival stage. Cocktail sipping to rock music anthems. Ball gowns, high heels...and fields.

Prior to dashing, we'd like to give a shout out to the amazing Dubai ladies and gents present in our realm on this memorable affair: Yasmine Rasool (Bahrain, stand up), the lovely Issa, Zeina Abdallah (Nefertiti love etc.), Sonal Vara, Sufeena Hussein, the hilarious Ceebo Shah, Khalid Sharaan, the strikingly blue-eyed Mohammed, Tamara Al Gabbani (in spirit, as she frolics in NYC), Image Nation's Aymen, the delectable Mohammed Sultan, bougi's untouchable force of female PR prowess and one of ITP's humorously truthful sales men.  

Like a sigh of R&b relief, it's SWV.

They're back.

The Column: February 2012. That LA love.

Dahlings. I greet you from Los Angeles. Home of Hollywood. Lights. Celebrities. E! Entertainment. And dogs. So many dogs.

My previous visits were manically brief, two days here, three days there. Never got the chance to really "be" in LA. Until now. Ten days in, and I can safely say there's something quite eerie about this place. I know. Sounds crazy compared to the giant glamazon so forcibly projected across our TV screens.

But, those who regularly read this column already know, I'm not one to deliver the expected. So here's a more realistic breakdown: People seem to be closer to furry creatures, than other people. There's a lot of unjustified anxiety. Loneliness. Mistrust. Morbid material obsession. Far too many failed relationships and/or single folk. A strange sense of misdirection. Talent everywhere, so many of them, so lost. Caught up in dreams that have somehow morphed into nightmares. A Hollywood haven clearly run by few (so few), while everyone else is trying to "make it". With that, comes a lot of sad stories. Especially from waiters — when all you want to do is order some food — which can irritate, a little bit.

First class crackheads stood outside of 5-star hotels. Homeless people, sleeping on these star-studded boulevards. That's the majority perspective for you. It's sad. Just think our fellow humans over in Washington need to focus a little more on the obviously tragic internal issues. Little less time judging everyone else. Maybe.

For the few and fortunate among us, there are some fabulous shopping options! Not as eclectic as London mind, but cool all the same. I'm staying in West Hollywood, and Fairfax, Melrose and Robertson are all your best bets for scouring. Another plus in La La Land is the ample space available for really quite scenic walking. Spa services at your indulgence, and just a general lean toward a healthier way of life.

I call it my..."blanket jacket" :)

The weather's disobediently cold at the moment — so unlike the "sunny LA" sell. SO. I thank God for Q14, and the life-saving, stunning and super convenient bisht I've been wearing for both comfort and "please keep me warm" purposes (see above). The custom made robe/jacket/abaya/ as you wish to call it, has been a bit of a show-stopper, with many asking where, what and how. Its vibrant tribal prints, arabesque flair and impressive detailing hails from Kuwait. Since style seems to be some kind of inborn gift over there, that comes as no surprise.

Restaurant culture plays a massive role in LA lifestyle, which makes obvious sense considering nightlife comes to a strict two-am ending. Unfortunately though, the food isn't that great. If you're a fan of flavour (you know, actually seasoning what you eat) then do as I did and stick to Katsuya, Koi, Phillipe Chow, Bossa Nova and a Thai local in West Hollywood which has the best peanut sauce I believe I've ever had. Forget the name. Tweet @iambougi if you really want to know. For the vegan types (not that I'm a vegetarian, but I do defer from meat when possible), there's Veggie Grill, and Real Food Daily. Both cheap, cheerful and wholesome.

Onto what you're already very familiar with (drums please)... the glamour. Yes honeys. There's been plenty of that too. On arriving it was straight to Beverly Hills' Montage hotel for the Cinema For Peace event in honour of Sean Penn's work in Haiti. Mohammed Al Turki, Saudi film producer, passionate philanthropist and Hollywood newcomer was co-chair of the beautiful gala, which saw guests such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney ans Demi Moore join us to raise over $5 million for the people of Haiti. Thumbs up, all round.

Mo, Kim and Carly, as we dine...

Mohammed Al Turki hits the red carpet.

Then there was the Golden Globes, and personally, I was SO proud of Mohammed Al Turki, friend, family, philanthropist, super duper film producer, aaand...his first time walk down the Globes' red carpet. Indeed, hard work does pay off.

After parties were all over Hollywood. We went to what has become my "LA local", Bar Marmont, followed by Soho house, which by the way, looks exactly like London's. I mean, down to the reception couch...? Anyhoo, few days later saw Sundance. I didn't go (snow and I hate each other), but Monsieur Mohammed's latest project, 'Arbitrage', received raving reviews - internationally. The movie stars Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and hotly tipped newcomer, Nate Parker. I think that alone, says enough.

More celebrations came in the form of birthdays too, with the formidable female force, long time sister and continuous hit maker, Estelle. Kicking in 2012 with a series of wonderfully intimate soirees, good times, great shows, and plenty positivity. Be sure to pick up her *highly* anticipated new LP, 'All of Me'. In stores 28 February 2012. And if you haven't seen the video to her latest (and greatest) single 'Thank you', I suggest you stay here for a little longer and watch...this.

Anthem. Classic. Evoking. Everything. Thank you.

Dass. It.

The Maurica series. Here's all 4 videos. Because you're worth it. 

"That's Jesus Christ mess up"...

"The perfect day"...

"I'm not trying to go to Sweden"...

"Very many rigorous things"...

Keep Smiling.

This past Sunday, in the absolute glory of God, we said our goodbyes to another legend. A primary role in the soundtrack to my youth. A voice. The voice, that touched multiple generations.

There's a lot around Whitney Houston's death (like many of the greats who've perished before her) that's actually, and significantly, odd.

For one, everybody knows now that Whitney's lifeless body was still in the Beverly Hilton, the same hotel where Clive Davis decided - despite her untimely death (?) on the same day (??) in the same place (???) - to continue hosting his annual pre-Grammy gala. Who knows the reasons behind his decision, but on every possible level, it has to be a bit weird...right? And why is there still no coroner's report?

Chaka Khan, Larry King and this blog can't be the only public figures open enough to contemplate - and ask - these questions, publicly?

Maybe the attending guests weren't aware that her body lay a few floors above them, I didn't. Until halfway through, and when I did, I was immediately taken aback, unable to sit comfortably, continued to take random walks in and out of the venue, contemplating why I was there in the first place. Was I too guilty of this obvious hypocrisy? Is it really even possible to try and turn this moment into one of celebrating her? How can anyone say Whitney would've "wanted this"? This is clearly, and disrespectfully, far too soon.

Then all of a sudden, the televised outpouring of love - after she dies. The exact same media establishments that openly dogged this unspeakably gifted woman, all now wreathing in guilt. Placing her highly by giving her the legendary status she actually deserved when she was alive.

These fans, who "love" her, conveniently catapulting her in their memoirs...when 5 minutes ago they mocked her sad state of drug-induced demise. Ridiculed her obvious cry for help. Why are we doing this, again.

Then there's those who never really said anything about Whitney. Too busy spending their expressive energies on new age "talent" that completely don't deserve it. But in order to fit in with whatever state of 'norm' this is...it was only right...

Wrong. How many gifted souls must we lose (and we've lost a lot lately) for us to realise that this nonchalant path of above water appreciation, this "I'd rather focus on nothing but me and/or getting money without giving a care to anyone else", this forced focus on the creatively irrelevant...is basically, a dangerously, pointlessly, unfulfilling road to madness.

The message. The talent. The simplicity. 

True inspiration is the work of God through chosen spirits. Special individuals who carry an innate sense of compassion, an inexplicable grace, an almost tortured form of genius because, despite a clear need to reach out and love, they are forced to close back into themselves...

Inspiration defines a helpless ability to always marvel. That's talent. How about we celebrate, and respect, just that. Let's hail, help, love and expand their light, especially when they're alive.

Forget any kind of nonsense blocking this righteous view.

Kim Burrell. Those variations. Not of this planet. 

If anything is to be gained from Whitney's tragic passing, it was her ability to touch millions beyond life. Her funeral brought soul culture more positive mainstream coverage than anything I've seen in years. Piers Morgan was hit so hard by the original spirit of real music that his face cheeks looked positively red, and swollen. It was as if Whitney brought us all together, under one holy roof of divine power, artistic beauty and a spiritually uplifting unification...with the help of God of course - and twitter.

"Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free...God wanted me now, he set me free"

Pray for Bobbi Kristina please. In the words of Mr. Middle East Futurist, Fahad Al Saud, let's show our love for Whitney through supporting the love of her life.