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Native American Music Awards embrace Chinese star Ayi Jihu
Chinese star Ayi Jihu makes history presenting at the Native American Music Awards with Angela DeMontigny and Terri Lynn
On the American side of the Border with Canada a stones throw away from Niagara Falls in the Seneca Casino and Hotel complex, Native American and Canadian artists celebrated the best of their culture, music and vibe at the 14th NAMA (Native American Music Awards). They were joined by Chinese Star Ayi Jihu, herself a Yi Native, to pay tribute and award those from their community who had shone most brightly in 2012.
Chinese star Ayi Jihu at the Native American Music Awards
Like many of you reading this, we had no idea the native American Indian community even had an award ceremony. We were oblivious to the Native American music scene and we had no idea what to expect. What we discovered was a vibrant Native American music community and scene and it has amazing artists who would top any chart in RnB, Hip Hop, pop, blues, soul as well as its own distinct music and identity.
Having been to quite a few award ceremonies around the world, the first thing that struck me about the NAMA’s was the people that attended it. The moment you walk into the building you are aware that you are surrounded by characters, personalities, talent and passion. There was not a tux in site. Everywhere you looked people were saying something with what they were wearing, the diversity in the way people dressed gives you a clue to the distinctiveness in the style and music of the event itself. You will see everything from Traditional native regalia to ‘blinged out’ street style and all in between and for some reason which we could not quite figure out, it just works. It’s beyond just being cool, it’s interesting and for the most part very real.
Top Native Fashion Designer and Stylist Angela DeMontigny styles Chinese Star Ayi Jihu for NAMA awards
Ayi Jihu was styled by Top Native designer Angela DeMontigny. She is no stranger to this event and has dressed many of the native community’s biggest stars. It is her relationship with Chinese star Ayi Jihu however that is finally getting her the recognition she deserves and the dress she designed and styled Ayi Jihu in was definitely a show stopper.
Silver Fox and Kaya
The rich diversity and style at the NAMAs was evident everywhere and gave us a hint of what was to come on stage.
Ayi Jihu and Angela DeMontigny were presenting an Award together with Native Star Terri Lynn. Terri Lynn who is also styled by Angela DeMontigny looked stunning in her designs on and off stage. She was nominated in several categories.
Terri Lynn with her husband prominent native artist, Robert Davidson
Haida Native Music star Terri Lynn with her husband Robert Davidson at the NAMA’s
The NAMA’s showcased many genres of Native American music from the traditional to the new. Artists like Jana Mashonee who performed with rapper ‘The Boy Illinois’ represent the pop side of the Native American music scene. She has won several awards in the past.
Chinese star Ayi Jihu with Top Native designer Angela DeMontigny and Jana Mashonee at the NAMA’s
rapper the boy Illinois at the NAMA’s
Chinese star Ayi Jihu with rapper the boy Illinois at the NAMA’s
The traditional artists and music at the NAMA’s also makes this event a little different. The Native American Music community has some amazing vocalist and performers.
Traditional Native artist perform at the Native American Music Awards
The grooves and melodies from Native American Music seem to have many elements that we hear in popular music today. The use of the drum is also very similar to how drums are used in African culture and music as well as Asian Music and culture.
Traditional Native American artists performing at the NAMA’s
Thrown up in between the traditional and the new are artists like Indian Elvis.
Indian Elvis performs at the Native American Music Awards
We had access to all areas at the NAMA’s and found the spirit and friendliness of the Artist, organizers and fans beyond anything we had experienced before. It made us wonder why the Native American Music community has remained such a secret. The talent in their ranks is comparable to much we have now also.
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu with Indian Elvis, Native Star Terri Lynn and Top Native Fashion Designer Angela DeMontigny
Native Legends like Russell Means star of oscar winning movies like ‘Last of the Mohicans’ (Who sadly passed away) where honoured at the event. The wife of Russell Means picked up his award.
Pearl Means wife of Native legend Russell Means accepts an award on his behalf
Ayi Jihu met with many of the award winning Native artists at the NAMA’s.
Ayi Jihu with Pearl Means wife of Native American legend Russell Means
Hoop Dancer Tony Duncan who has performed with several major well known stars on their videos and was introduced to the world by Nelly Furtado won who won the Artist of the year award, was an example of the talent, dignity and humility of many of the Native American artist we saw on the night.
Chinese star Ayi Jihu with Tony Duncan ‘Artist of the year’ at the Native American Music Awards 2013
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- Native American Music Awards, some of the stars, winners and faces
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- Native American Music Awards, some of the stars, winners and faces
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- Ayi Jihu at the Native American Music Awards
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- Native American Music Awards, some of the stars, winners and faces
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- Ayi Jihu at the Native American Music Awards
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- Native American Music Awards, some of the stars and faces
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- Native American Music Awards, some of the stars and faces
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- Tony Dunan performs at the NAMA’s
Watching Ayi Jihu alongside Native Fashion Designer and Haida star Terri Lynn present at the NAMA’s was a nice bit of history, but to us it was also a clue as to why the Native American music scene has not perhaps realised it full potential as yet. Artist like Nelly Furtado are far and few between, when you see just how much talent there is within the Native American community you realize that getting themselves out there in the right light (for them) is perhaps their hardest battle.
Star Nelly Furtado at the Native American Music Awards
We spoke to Ayi Jihu after she award ceremony and asked her how she felt about being the first Chinese artist to do what she did and what she felt about the NAMAs?
Chinese star Ayi Jihu speaks at the NAMA Awards with Native Designer Angela DeMontigny and Native Star Terri Lynn
“Firstly I want to thank Terri Lynn and then the NAMA’s for inviting me here and making me feel so welcome and at home. I also want to say a big thank you to Angela DeMontigny who not only styled myself and Terri Lynn but who also made this whole thing happen. I feel privileged to be here. I feel a great responsibility to represent my people well and I see the same thing here among the Native American music community. I was not on stage for very long and I did not say very much, but I was aware of the significance of everything and just hope that my presence here will turn a few eyes towards the Native American community in a positive way as well as help people all over the world see that we are all in fact just one people. Sounds like big words but it is so true.
Ayi Jihu with Haida Native singing star Terri Lynn and Top Native Fashion designer and stylist Angela DeMontigny at the NAMA awards.
Everyone I met here was so interesting and kind. I did not feel like an outsider or someone who was here for the first time. I felt very much at home. There are many things my people [Yi People of China] have in common with the Native American community, from our love of music to the strong connection we have with our culture, history, traditions and our land. It’s a shame that these types of events are not broadcast to the kids of the world so they can see there is more than one way of being, more than one way vision of how things can be.
I hope the Native American Music community will invite me again and others like me to participate in their celebrations so that the world begins to take notice of all they have to bring to the table. I have seen some truly amazing artist tonight, singers, dancers musicians and comedians. They are so very talented these people.
Buddy Big Mountain at the Native American Music Awards
I had a great time, learnt a lot and I have been inspired by much I saw and experienced. There is a great passion within the Native American music community. Nothing seems to be done just for the sake of it or just to sell stuff. There is a meaning and a reason behind every word and action when they perform and sing. I love this.”
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- Native American Music Awards
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- Chinese star Ayi Jihu with Top Native Designer Angela DeMontigny and her daughter
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- Native American Music Awards
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- Native American Music Awards
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- Native American Music Awards
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- Native American Music Awards
For more information about Ayi Jihu visit her website www.Ayijihu.com
You can find out more about Top Native Fashion designer and stylist Angela DeMontigny by visiting her website www.AngelaDemontigny.com
Find out more about Haida Native singer Terri Lynn here
Discover more about the Native American Music scene and the NAMA’s here
Making history, Chinese Star Ayi Jihu at the NAMA (Native American Music Awards)
Chinese star Ayi Jihu to present award at Native American Music Awards
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu continues to etch her mark on history by being the first Chinese artist to be invited to present an award at the NAMA Awards (Native American Music Awards) at Seneca Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls on May 10th 2013.
The Native American Music Awards represents the Native American Community and their music which prides itself on its traditions and cultures and keeping them intact. Ayi Jihu will accompany Top Native American Haida Singer Terri Lynn who is herself up for several Awards this year.
Top Native American Haida singer Terri Lynn
Both Terri Lynn and Ayi Jihu are styled by Top Native Designer Angela DeMontigny. Both Terri Lynn and Ayi Jihu will be wearing brand new Angela DeMontigny Designs and Angela will be accompanying Ayi Jihu and Terri Lynn on stage at the awards.
Top Native Fashion Designer and stylist Angela DeMontigny
Angela DeMontigny’s Designs and fashions are worn by many top Native and non Native stars around the world. Ayi Jihu will be in Canada collaborating with and promoting the Brand New Angela DeMontigny (Ayi Jihu) inspired Young Native Fashion Collection, which will be seen for the first time at special events in May and June and which has been causing quite a fuss around the world in Fashion circles, leading to Angela DeMontigny and Ayi Jihu been asked to showcase Young Native in Myanmar (first fashion week) later this year. Angela DeMontigny is also the Fashion Designer behind the brand new FearChaser® Costume to be used on the Ayi Jihu FearChaser® film starting production late 2013. The brand new FearChaser® costume will be revealed in full to the world for the first time during Ayi’s tour of Toronto during Chinese Heritage Month (of May). FearChaser® has strong Native Indian influences.
Ayi Jihu has been working with the Native American Indian community in various ways for some time building up firm relationships within the Native Indian community. This is all part of the Ayi Jihu and Shlepp Entertainment Ltd Strategy of going right to the roots of things in culture, music and art. Ayi Jihu does not just talk about ‘keeping it real’, She is trying hard to live it.
Ayi Jihu with prominent Native Indian American leader Three Feathers in Palm Springs.
Ayi Jihu is also hoping to take her FearChaser anti-bullying message back into schools on this trip continuing where she left off the last time she was in Canada. Angela DeMontigny will be joining Ayi Jihu on this short school tour in an effort to help inspire and teach the kids positive ways to express themselves through Fashion and music as well as how to cope and deal with Cyber bullying and intimidation, something she and her own kids have experienced being Native American.
We spoke briefly to Ayi on the phone and she told us she is ‘humbled and honored to be invited to the NAMA awards and wants to do her best to represent her own Native Yi people of China well’. She also told us she is ‘very excited at the prospect of perhaps working with Terri Lynn’. She said the two had ‘discussed some sort of musical collaboration’. Ayi also stated she is ‘excited about her Toronto tour in Asian Heritage week and is looking forward to doing lots of positive things in the great city of Toronto as well as working with the kids again’.
Global News shall be covering the Ayi Jihu tour of Toronto with Anglea DeMontigny, including their appearance at the Native American Music Awards, with Terri Lynn and all the other amazing projects, Tv and press and music they will be undertaking. We shall bring you the news here first.
To find out more about the Native American Music Awards visit their website.
Find out more about Top Native recording artist Terri Lynn visit her website here
Find out more about Top Native Fashion Designer and Stylist Angela DeMontigny and Young Native Fashion.
Find out more about Chinese rising star Ayi Jihu
Watch the brand new Ayi Jihu promo video and listen to the new single It’s Magic.
Follow us @globalnewsink
Ayi Jihu – How to reach a Billion People interview
The long awaited Ayi Jihu single has finally arrived. The artist referred to as ‘The Chinese Madonna’ has not released a new track for almost a year concentrating and her philanthropic endeavors and her FearChaser® film. Ayi fans have been waiting a long time to see what this trailblazing artist would do next.
It just would not be Ayi Jihu or Shlepp Entertainment if they did anything anyone expected them to do now would it, and once again they stay true to their history and surprise as all again. Not that we should be surprised from a Chinese artist that coins a sentence no other international Chinese artist can right now, ‘Independent, Real Chinese and crossing over’. An artist that has broken the rules and made her own path from day one.
Before we get to the music we wanted to catch up with Ayi about what she has being doing all of this year after a crazy 2011 running all over the globe! It turns out she has been concentrating on promoting and raising the finance for her Fearchaser® Trilogy of movies. Fear Chaser came to the attention of the public in 2010 and very soon after that an online game (which was played by 25 million people around the world) was created. Ayi Jihu told us that everything she does now has some link to FearChaser®. Last year she took FearChaser® into schools around the world talking to young kids and teenagers about fighting their fears and pushing an Anti-bullying message.
Ayi jihu takes her fearChaser message into schools around the world
This year due to her commitments she has been unable to get to the schools as much, something she desperately misses and so she is making a special DVD that schools can use to get her message across to the kids.
Ayi Jihu also told us that FearChaser® would be breaking ground on production this year. She told us although the budget for the movie was the biggest, it was not small either. It seems all of the hard work has paid began to pay off for Ayi Jihu and we asked her when we could expect to see the film. ‘We are confident it will be 2014 if we keep the production on schedule and start as expected this year. but it is quite a huge undertaking, being shot in several countries and there is a lot of special effects and martial arts in the film which I am training for now. I don’t want to give myself bad luck but I am confident it should be late 2014 at the moment’.
Ayi Jihu Fear Chaser film breaking ground on production 2013
Ayi remains tight lipped when asked more about FearChaser® ‘I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I don’t want to give too much away, but all I can tell you is it is going to be fantastic. We have some of the most talented people in the world working on this, I cannot believe how blessed I am that these people are on this project and more are coming on every day. The story is in three parts, three seperate films so I don’t even want to let on which part of the story is going to be in the first film. You will just have to wait a bit longer.’
Fashion and Style
The Young Native Fashion line is another project that Ayi has been concentrating on in 2012. A collaboration with Native Designer Angela DeMontigny Young Native Fashion has got people in the fashion world talking. We asked Ayi about Young Native Fashion.
Ayi Jihu Brand Ambassador for Young Native Fashion
‘Angela was my stylist anyway and she also designed the new FearChaser® costume. I knew she had it in her mind already to create a new line, but with us working together, Shlepp Entertainment involved, the whole Young Native thing just kind of naturally occurred. It just seemed like the right thing to do and once we came up with the name things kind of went from there. I think people are liking the top fashion look with a native twist and vibe.
Ayi Jihu Brand Ambassador for Young Native Fashion
‘Both Angela and I are Native, She being Native Cree/Metis and me being Native Yi Chinese. There is a authenticity about the Whole Young Native Line. All I do is wear the clothes and support the brand really. She does all the designing and everything. She is kind enough to say I helped inspire it so I’m happy with that. I think we have both been taken by surprise at the interest in the line. The finished collection comes out this year and we have been invited to Myanmar to showcase it at their first ever Fashion Week, which is amazing! We are trying to sort that all out now. I’m not sure if you know anything about Myanmar, It used to be called Burma, but it is quite an honour for us to be going there and doing this if everything can be brought together in time.’
Charity work
Ayi has just recently been made Global Ambassador for Sisha The Anti Human Trafficking organization founded in Australia. We asked her how that came about?
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu new Sisha Ambassador
That all came through Fear Chaser really. My work with the schools and the other charities I support and have have worked with means more and more people are getting to know me because of that. One of the producers of the Fear Chaser movie James With is on the Sisha board and he kept asking me to do something to help them get a little more recognition for the great work they are doing, so I said yeah because they do amazing work and not a lot of people really know about Sisha and what they do.’ I will be doing a lot of charity work this year, not just with Sisha but with other organizations and Charities around the world. Not sure how I am gonna fit it all in, but I will try my hardest.
Hard working Ayi most surely is and her ‘Pay it forward’ attitude is setting an example for kids all over the world. Yes there is another way of doing things.
How does it feel to reach a Billion people?
Sometimes it hits home that there a lots of people watching what I do, but most of the time it does not enter my mind. I just get on with it. I have a great team and we are very grounded and we know exactly where we are going and how we wish to get there. We are not looking for quick routes or fixes and so the journey is a little harder and a little longer. I come from a small village and I guess you can take the girl out of the small village, but you can’t take the small village out of the girl so I just try to stay humble and keep working hard because I know I can make a difference.
Ayi’s list of credits is truly impressive:
Fearchaser®
Sisha Ambassador
FAAVM Ambassador
Young Native Ambassador
Global Dream Hair Ambassador
Ambassador representing A celebration of Women foundation inc
A partnership for Peace Ambassador
So-Yang Cognac and Green Tea Ambassador
Shlepp Entertainment/Shlepp Records Artist. If you ask her what she loves doing the most she will tell you the Music and so let’s get on to her new release It’s Magic.
The new single is called ‘It’s Magic’and it includes 5 mixes all together. ‘So what’s so surprising about that I hear you ask? Well for an artist well known for her provocative lyrics and style, and at a time when music is getting faster and more dance orientated, Ayi has opted to release a love song with pop overtones and under 120bpm. It’s Magic is not what many would have expected from Ayi Jihu. There is no effort here to ‘Keep up with the Jones’s’. This is a beautiful, well crafted song about love, emotion, commitment and loyalty.
A scene from Ayi Jihu’s it’s Magic video
The video is a little different too. It’s a mini movie, telling a story, with a twist. In order to get her story across Ayi opted to make two versions of the video, the longer one fleshing the story out a bit more and filling in some of the gaps one cannot fill in 3.30 seconds. A lot of thought and passion has gone into this track from Ayi. The presentation of the music artwork and website all have a distinct movie look. When we questioned Ayi about this she said, She did not want to just make a song and throw it out there, she wanted to make a statement whether people listened to it or not.
You will never get to far away from RnB with Ayi and even with it’s definite pop style, you can still hear and feel the RnB in this track. It’s one of those songs that if you listen to it more than once, you know it and you are singing it, like it or not. We feel quite a few people will like this and we feel even more people will associate themselves with the story and sentiment that Ayi is trying to get across.
For those of you who like their music with a a 4 to the floor vibe, don’t panic. Ayi Jihu linked up with the Trinity Band and their remix of the song takes it in a whole other direction while keeping the sentiment.
The Amazing Trinity Band Feature on two mixes of Ayi Jihu’s it’s Magic
It goes from a more melancholy affair to a an upbeat dance and sing along happier track. Featuring live music and vocals from the Trinity Band who have come a long way since they almost grabbed the top prize on Sky’s Must be the Music’.
Add to that a sultry Blues and Soul Duet remix featuring Chicago born new comer Rapheal Rar Miller and you have a package that has a little bit of something for everyone.
Co Starring with Ayi Jihu on her promo video is Dream Idol Hunk Ollie Best. The two met at a Show and have remained good friends. The Dream Idols have become the Top Glamour group in Europe in just under 6 Months pulling in an all star celebrity following. Ayi Jihu is a big fan of the boys and has attended a couple of their shows.
Dream Idol Hunk Ollie Best Co-stars with Ayi Jihu on her new video It’s Magic
The Dream Idols Wink Bingo Campaign has them on national tv and plastered around billboards everywhere in the UK. Shlepp Entertainment Ltd who are behind Ayi Jihu were also behind the Dream Idols quick rise to fame and initiated the hook up between Ayi Jihu and Ollie Best on the It’s Magic Promo video.
Dream Idol Ollie best co-stars with Ayi Jihu on It’s Magic
It’s Magic has a lot going on. The whole project kinda takes you back to the days when singles meant something and artist did not throw one out every couple of weeks as seems to be the trend these days. It even has a trailer! which you see when you go to http://www.loveismagic.co.uk. Below we have the full Extended video. The uncut version for you to watch and the promo version.
For those of you that like your stuff uncut here is the full version
Whether or not the public will take to the way Ayi Jihu and Shlepp Records are presenting their music remains to be seen, one thing for sure is you get more than value for money here. Do we expect Ayi Jihu to change and do what everyone else is doing in the way they are doing it…..Nope, She never really has, so why should she start now? There is a lot to Ayi Jihu’s it’s Magic indeed, you only have to visit the website to see the whole look and feel is not like any other. You get the story, the making of, find out who did what, and much, much more. See for yourself. Visit www.loveismagic.co.uk we think you will be more than a little surprised again.
You can also keep up with all things Ayi with her new free Android App. You not only get all the it’s Magic videos and content to listen to but tons and I mean tons of extra stuff too. Music, images, videos and the coolest part is Ayi communicates directly with you via text and broadcast messages. That is very cool. You can Download it here.
Yep it seems that Shlepp Records and Ayi have covered most things on this release. There truly is something for everyone here. For those of you who like your Ayi Old skool, there is a really cool video you can watch here called Music Motion Dance. This is for those who like the more raw edgy Ayi of Smak Dat, the Girl who took Macau by Storm and has since gone on to even greater things. We can only assume Ayi wanted to put this in to remind her fans that As she grows she will never abandon her roots, her love of Ragga, RnB, Hip Hop and all things Urban. Good to know Ayi. Whatever the reason it’s a nice little addition to the package. Check it out below.
For those Smak Dat lovers we have included that video below too:
It Just would not be Ayi Jihu if there was not some time of Charity of Philanthropy involved. Ayi Jihu is one of the few artist we know that seems to marry her ‘Giving back’ side or better yet her ‘Pay it forward’ side and her Artist side very well. She has being doing so from day one, which leads one to believe that this is who she really is rather than something she feels she has to do for appearance sake.
Click here and help raise funds with Ayi for Help for heroes
This time it’s Help for Heroes and once you listen to the song and more importantly watch the promo video (better yet the Extended video) You will understand more why Ayi has chosen this particular Charity to support on this project.
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu styled by Angela DeMontigny for Young Native Fashion
Yep Ayi is back in the Musical limelight again with a whole new look and swagga. Her new style courtesy of Native Canadian Designer Angela DeMontigny (designer of the new FearChaser® Costume for the FearChaser® Film) suites her well.
You will be able to listen to all the mixes, watch all the videos. You even get to sing-a-long to a Karaoke version if you want. There are great deals on offer on the website, you can purchase from Itunes or your normal online store or you can take advantage of one of the many deals on offer direct from Shlepp which includes bonus singles, wallpapers and lots of other cool stuff.
It’s Magic is released on April the 1st 2013 You can order your copy now on Itunes, or get the single on the site with many special offers available including bundles with other tracks and content like signed pictures.
Click here to buy Ayi Jihu’s its magic on itunes
Every Day it seems thousands of people release a single somewhere, every now and then something comes along that grabs your attention a little bit more than the norm and this is one of those things. The whole project from the music to the videos, images, is classy, well thought out and expansive. For once it seems you will get more than Value for hard earned cash. Do yourself a favour and goto www.loveismagic.co.uk You may well get a surprise.
Catch the Ayi Jihu interview with Hollywood It Guy eric Zuly this Friday at 2.50PST
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Visit the official Ayi Jihu website
C.R.I.M.E FIGHTING WITH FREDI KRUGA? CHINESE STAR AYI JIHU AT THE ‘IF ONLY’ FILM PREMIERE AT BAFTA
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu at the If Only Film Screening in London
In our last article we brought you the news that Ayi Jihu would be attending the Premiere screening of Fredi Kruga Film ‘If Only’. Ayi Jihu is a supporter of C.R.I.M.E (Creating Role Models in Media Enterprise).
Last night we were able to join Ayi Jihu at the Screening of ‘If Only’ (our review will follow this article) and report on the events of the night.
Ayi Jihu with Fredi Kruga at the screening of his new movie ‘If Only’
As we walked into 195 Piccadilly the first thing we noticed was the turn out. Hundreds of people where here to watch the screening of Fredi Kruga’s first feature. Not bad for an Ex Gang member turned Social leader and now writer, Director and Film Producer.
Press and media at ‘If Only’ film screening in London
Among the guest where people from all walks of life, From Ex Gang Members to Social leaders, Members of the Cast, community workers and celebrities. Fredi Kruga’s movie had caught the interest of many.
Ayi Jihu meets with members of the press and public at ‘If Only’ Screening
Ayi Jihu Met with several members of the Cast and the press and media before the screening.
Chinese Star Ayi Jihu at ‘If Only’ Screening in London
In fact such was the interest in Fredi’s Movie one screening was not enough. Instead two screenings had to be arranged to accommodate everyone.
Ayi Jihu with members of the ‘If Only’ Cast
Before the actual screening itself we were treated to a few words from the man himself Fredi Kruga. Up until now he was hard to find such was the throng always surrounding him. Fredi Kruga is not a small man by the way. He spoke of his passion for this movie, his motivation and what he was trying to achieve with it and his organization C.R.I.M.E.
Fredi Kruga speaks before screening of this film ‘If Only’
Fredi Kruga is an inspired man. He is a man on a mission. Perhaps it was his seeing in Ayi a kindred spirit that made him reach out the Ayi Jihu (The Fear Chaser) to join him on his quest to re-educate the youth going astray in Gangs and street violence. Perhaps losing 40 people he personally knew to street violence and gangs pushed him over the edge to make a change. Whatever it was you knew one thing when you listened to Fredi Kruga. He was serious!
Ayi Jihu prepares to watch ‘If Only’ film
We are also told that ‘If only’ is not just a film. It’s and educational and social tool that will be taken to schools, prisons and workshops all over the country. You will have to read our review (coming soon) to find out more about this film. Was it any good? However before you even go there if you are paying attention you will get a clue as to why this film is a little different to many that try to tackle the subject of Gang violence and street crime. If Only was not made just to exploit, or turn your head. It was not made to glorify commercialize Gangs and violence. It was made to tell the truth and teach. It was made by a man who has more experience of it than many who cry from the rooftops that they know about all of this stuff. ‘If Only’ was made to be real.
Ayi Jihu working with C.R.I.M.E to make a difference
Throughout the film you could hear a pin drop. From start to finish (give or take moments when laughter, and yes there are some moments of humor in this film, were appropriate) everyone was completely involved in it. It was that type of film.
After the film Fredi Kruga found himself, Once again’ engulfed. Even more now everyone wanted to talk to Fredi Kruga, perhaps a little incredulous at what they had just seen. ‘If Only’ is not what you expect. It’s better than what you expected (Now there is a little clue huh?)
Ayi Jihu at ‘If Only’ Screening at BAFTA
Ayi Jihu looked stunning as always in her Young Native ensemble by Angela DeMontigny, but the star of the night was Fredi Kruga. It seems he has gone from the stuff of nightmares to the stuff of Dreams.
Find out more about C.R.I.M.E and If Only here.
Find out more about Chinese Star Ayi Jihu here.
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