Zayn Malik has quit One Direction after five years.
The 22-year-old singer has made the decision to leave the boyband, leaving Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to continue as a four-piece.
Zayn Malik bows out of boyband
The Bradford-born singer said: ‘My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right.”
He continued: “I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22 year old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight. I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world.”
Despite Zayn’s departure, One Direction will continue their world tour as a four piece and record a fifth album later this year.
Simon Cowell, who discovered the boyband on talent show The X Factor, said: “I would like to say thank you to Zayn for everything he has done for One Direction.
“Since I first met Zayn in 2010, I have grown very, very fond – and immensely proud – of him. I have seen him grow in confidence and I am truly sorry to see him leave.
“As for One Direction, fans can rest assured that Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are hugely excited about the future of the band.”
One Direction signed with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Records in 2010 after finishing third on The X Factor.
London, UK-Excitement is building up with the announcement of the fifth annual Asian Awards. Hosted this year by fashionable TV personality, Gok Wan, The Asian Awards will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London and celebrate the outstanding achievements and excellence of Asians across the world.
Gok Wan, who picked up last year’s Outstanding Achievement in Television award, will be joined by a who’s who of politicians, dignitaries, musicians, celebrities, industrialists and influencers. Among award winners this year, is Dr. Amar Bose,Founder of the revolutionary Bose Corporation and the inventor of noise-cancelling technology. He is to be honoured with the prestigious Founders Award.
Other winners this year include a global music superstar, a cinema veteran and other pioneering individuals whose influence has changed the world we live in.
As we head to the election, it is worth looking at how the much vaunted welfare reforms have affected the significant issue of Child Poverty. In a society that has become more unequal, the impact of the changes being talked up, like limiting welfare [which we should call Social Security] to two children and reducing further the benefits ‘cap’, talk of reducing child benefit further, builds upon the damage already done to children’s welfare from programmes that have promoted insecurity and fear. Schools tell us that many children are left short of food on school days and without proper uniform.
So 1500 Bradford children live in families hit by the benefits cap. The average weekly loss is around £50.00.
This is due to the impact of ’sanctioning’ benefits in Bradford; the sanctioning rate is extremely high, driven by targets set on DWP staff. Half the families sanctioned have children, the impact is severe, and exposes children to emotional upset, loss of security food and heat; a growth in food bank is one chilling reminder that this is now an issue in all communities.
Schools are increasingly dealing with cases of sever poverty especially where parents are sanctioned. It is worrying that there is little debate about this. Have we fallen for the idea these people, many of whom move in and out of benefits due to events like ill health, for them losing a job etc is seen as being responsible, in some way, for their own distress?
The Curry Circle in Bradford and other projects are increasingly seeing families with children, yet we are one of the wealthiest nations on earth.
One Bradford children’s centre described issuing 93 Trussel Foodbank vouchers and 32 Bradford Met food bank parcels last year.
The bedroom tax has still hit hard as there are no smaller properties to move down to. Families are told they have a bedroom to many to try and absorb the cost. It is leading to kids having to move schools, and more families in insecure housing. It is also breaking up the support for children who cannot now see their dads or spend time with grandparents. Many are now hit by the bedroom tax and this is dislocating families whose relatives are the key source of support.
2800 Bradford families are still hit by the bedroom tax that involves 2000 children.
Let’s be clear, over half of the 30,000 children in poverty live in families where there is work; despite more people in work , it’s not shifting the lives of children in a low wage, zero hours culture ; that has to be changed.
Moves to promote the living wage, led by Bradford Council, are hugely important as this takes families out of that in work poverty. Other employers need to follow, and public contracts should insist on the living wage. Businesses in all sectors need to start looking at the impact of in work poverty and how people are still not even paying the minimum wage.
The impact of child poverty is very uneven Over 60% of pupils from some large BME communities live in areas that are in the 10% most deprived in the country, rising to over 90% for some BME communities.
The Churches and faith groups in Bradford have been working to minimise the impact and challenge the culture of scapegoating and blame.
In a City with a growing young population, and a wealthy nation, but one more and more unequal, we are risking some children growing up in entrenched poverty. That will cost us in the longer run, far more than the steps we could take to invest in family support and nurturing our children.
However, why is this not a big issue? Is it seriously the case that we think subjecting 1000’s of children to severe impoverishment and insecurity makes sense?
There is serious talk of capping the income of families who have more than three children; this must be one of the most malicious policies ever. Punishing families most of whom move in and out of social security, which is what it is there for, to protect. I am reminded of a media howl when Bradford housed a large family, with nine children; it was a family that had taken in several children to avoid them going into care, which would cost far greater but that never made the news. Never mind deciding from above what a family should look like.
But most of all a child does not choose the manner of its birth…Are we really about creating generation of dispossessed children?
Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to following a robbery in Bradford.
The men are believed to have stolen a significant amount of cash in a robbery, which occurred in a car park just off Great Horton Road, Bradford, at about 5.30pm on Monday, 23 February.
The 53-year-old victim, who was delivering wages to a local restaurant, was attacked from behind as he got out of his car.
The men then grabbed the bags, containing cash, from the car and then ran off towards Laisteridge Lane.
The victim suffered minor facial injuries.
Police have conducted detailed enquiries into the incident and hope that someone might recognise these men – one of whom was wearing a distinctive white and black jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 2442 Turton at Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Yash Raj Films presents one of 2015’s most anticipated releases and a film that redefines Indian cinema as we know it, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, a darkly compelling, pulp noir offering, opening in cinemas worldwide on 3rd April 2015.
Directed by champion of new wave Indian cinema, Dibakar Banerjee, and produced by Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! presents Indian filmmaking on a world cinema platform, sure to be lauded by cineastes and critics alike. A gripping, Indian crime thriller based on the pursuits of the fictional, detective character famous in Indian literature, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! immaculately and seamlessly translates the narrative from text to screen.
Rising star of Indian cinema, Sushant Singh Rajput, features alongside Anand Tiwari and Bengali actress Swastika Mukherjee in principal roles.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! is about a young, astute and intelligent Byomkesh, fresh out of college. He pits himself against a mega world villain, depending more on his intuition and instinct rather than concrete proof to solve the case, sometimes sidestepping the law if needed.
Gloria De Piero and Naz Shah stand outside the pink bus
Labour’s infamous pink bus arrived in Bradford this week to reach out to the women in the area.
The party’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, Gloria De Piero arrived on the ‘Woman to Woman’ bus in Manningham to support Labour’s Bradford West election candidate Naz Shah.
Both Labour representatives met with local businesswomen, councillors and employees to find out what they would like to see from a Labour Government after May’s General Election.
The women of Bradford discussed a number of problems that have soared across the country under the Coalition government. The problems ranged from education and childcare to low pay and unemployment.
Local women discussed the problems with parliamentary members
As a result, the bus has been used as a national effort to reach out to women after it was revealed that 9.1 million women did not vote in 2010 because they were switched off by politics.
Woman to Woman aims to win over female voters by highlighting Labour’s women-friendly policies, including boosting the minimum wage to £8 and increasing support for childcare for working parents.
Talking about the pink bus, Gloria said: “We have got to change the way we are doing politics. With the pink bus we get to go to where women are- their work places, women groups and wherever women are, we are going to go speak to them. Lots and lots of women are turned off by politics. We are trying to do something a bit different to encourage women to vote. “
She added: “The pink bus is not just a vehicle but also it’s a vehicle to say something about women’s lives.”
Naz explains how the pink bus will help with unemployment issues amongst women in Bradford. “In 2010, we had no over 25 year olds in long term unemployment. Today we have 290 in Bradford West and that is a figure that we need to change. We need to go back to 0 in long-term employment. The message that we are carrying is important and that message is about engaging women.
The bus is due to visit 70 constituencies before the general election.
They are the boys that describe themselves as the ‘RnB Avengers’.
Rough Copy first released their debut single “Street Love” on 29 June 2014 and now they are back with an RnB classic in the making ‘Same Formula’.
The boys finished fourth on the tenth series of The X Factor in 2013 and are continuing their journey for RnB domination. That’s not all. The multi-faceted artists described as the ‘UK Jodeci’ have also been asked to support US mega star Omarion and Damage on their spring tour.
I spoke to the three-piece boy band from Croydon that is made up of Kazeem “Kaz” Ajobe, Sterling Ramsey and Joseph “Joey” James Thomas.
Tell us about the new single ‘Same Formula’?
It’s a club song. It’s about having a good time and partying. It represents the same formula used in a night club- you have fun with your friends and then hopefully you find someone attractive and take it further. It’s a track that everyone can relate to. This kind of sound is the formula that is out at the moment. It’s something that makes you want to sing and dance to.
What’s the response been like by your fans/ ‘Roughians’?
Although the single is not set to release until May, the response has been amazing from our ‘Roughians’.
The campaign for the single hasn’t started yet and already it is getting played everywhere. It’s been played in the background on BBC 1 Extra and on Coronation Street and EastEnders. We have not even started the radio tour so it’s massive.
How would you describe your sound?
The Rough Copy sound is an eclectic sound of street music. We are all about bringing back that Old School and RnB sound. What we like to call that ‘last generation sound.’ We want people to feel good and want to party when they hear our music.
Why did you choose RnB music?
We love anything from Motown music to old school. When Rough Copy was born in 2008 this was the kind of music we wanted to make. We just want RnB to be popular and introduce it to the younger generation who might not know who Jodeci or Boys II Men are.
New school artists like Pharrell and Bruno Mars are trying to bring back that real music sound because that is where the energy is.
Who is your dream collaboration and why?
Iconic people like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations have inspired us. That is where music started, so they would have be the greatest people to have worked with.
Nowadays for what we do and how we do it, a sick collaboration would be Omarion, Trey Songz and Chris Brown. That would create the ultimate RnB vibe.
Who are you currently digging in the music industry right now?
Anyone from Stylo G, Fuse ODG, Neon Jungle, Ivy Rock who are a new group that are coming up. Mainstream artists will always get the recognition but we are all about praising the talent that is up and coming.
How does it feel to be the headlining supporting act for Omarion’s tour?
Its like a dream come true. We are such huge fans of Omarion’s music and the fact that we are headlining his tour is amazing. Kaz actually influenced the call. He saw a flyer on Instagram and thought that its only right that Rough Copy support him because there is no one else in the UK that can do what Rough Copy are able to do. The management/PR team took it from there and here we are.
How has life been like after the X-Factor?
The journey has been fantastic. We have performed everywhere and anywhere. We have brought out singles and been on tour. We’ve been signed to a major label. We have done so many things as a boy band and as an RnB band in particular.
Aside from music what else have you been doing?
Before X Factor, performing wasn’t our 9-5 job. We have been doing music for 8/9 years but we all had jobs. Kaz was a carpenter and worked with youths, Joe was an electrician and Sterling was a 1 to 1 mentor. We did a lot of youth work back then because didn’t come from privileged backgrounds we know how the struggle is. We do everything we can to help encourage and motivate the youth of today. We also work closely with the Princes Trust in mentoring young people and are committed to giving back to our local community in South London.
We have also been involved in London Fashion Week, which was crazy. We worked alongside a clothing brand called Hemsley and they are one look out for. We all love fashion so we try get involved in that as much as possible. When we were on X Factor we were remembered for our crazy fashion, the skirts the leggings. Leather was our theme. Anything to do we with fashion we try and get involved in it. We like to try different avenues aside from music.
What are you currently working on at the moment and what have you got planned for the future?
We will soon be supporting Pretty Ricky, J Holiday and Day 26 in Manchester and London after we have finished the Omarion and Damage tour, so that’s exciting.
We have also worked on an independent film called AWOL (Absent Without Love). Not only do we have acting roles in the film but we also got to write the soundtrack. That will be out in the film festivals. The film has been pitched to film companies and already they are interested in doing a sequel to it.
We are looking to bring out some EPs (Extended Plays) by the summer. There are so many sounds we want to put out there like the RnB 90s slow jams that we all miss but we also want to include Motown and rock influences. In terms of an album, it will probably be late this year/early next year.
Philip Martin’s is what I can only describe as one of the coolest concepts that has been brought to the city of Bradford. It is an experience like no other. The tranquil atmosphere, impressive décor and state of the art furnishings and equipment takes you back from the moment you walk through the salon doors- leaving you to question ‘Am I really in Bradford?’
Located on Cheapside (a perfect location with the new Westfield well on its way to opening), the new salon which specialises in hair care and skincare shuns bright lights and the usual bustle of a high street salon with an oasis of calm, beautifully decorated in a contemporary style complete with glistening spotlights and neutral tones. The lights are slightly soft, creating a warm glow that makes the atmosphere that much more relaxing. A lounge area with ample seating sets the scene at the front of the salon while the back takes shape in the form of treatment rooms and a largely spacious hairdressing area.
The salon also boasts a further second floor with a balcony that overlooks the reception area from the salon’s very exclusive bridal suite and a women’s only area – a complete first for a salon in Bradford.
Bridal Suite
The brand offers a number of products that have been created through the use of natural and organics derived ingredients. They have been integrated with chemical non-toxic substances to help restore and rejuvenate your skin/hair giving it that additional nutrition and protection it needs. All the products serve a dual purpose. For example, the candles were not only lit all around the salon for tranquil purposes but could also be used as a moisturiser. The same could be said about the shampoos that could be used as a facewash. All the products can be mix and matched. For any customers that may suffer from any skin problems like damaged skin, then there are specially designed treatments to help.
With my salon tour complete, I was ushered to a rather impressive massage chair and was told that every customer should experience. Whilst having my head massage and what felt like a full body massage given to me by the chair, I was in a state of complete relaxation…almost forgetting that I was here to do a review. I was then offered a hair styling treatment. Before opting for a blow dry, my long tresses were introduced to Philip Martin’s very own unique natural organic products. The shampoo and conditioner have been designed to regenerate and revitalise your scalp’s skin, to ensure better hair growth and give immediate and long lasting hydration. And that’s exactly what it did. It took my desert-dry hair and completely transformed it into the model head of hair- glossy, healthy and voluminous.
Whilst this whole process was on its way, I couldn’t help just observing the vibe – everywhere I looked there were stylish clientele with stunning hair and all of the stylists were clearly so passionate about interpreting their clients brief and personal style. The hospitable staff was a further factor to making the Philip Martin’s brand an enjoyable experience.
Philip Martin’s Products
Despite by great experience and awe of the salon, a colleague of mine tried the products at home and was not as impressed as me. Aalia said: “ The antioxidant skin cream was nice to use and smelt quite fresh. However, I did not prefer it to my everyday Nivea cream, which I have now gone back to. Unfortunately I will not be using this again.
I also tried the Babassu Wash and Rinse. I wasn’t very keen on them as I felt that my hair felt quite dry after washing it. This is the first time I have tried organic products and wasn’t very satisfied with the results. For anyone who does like organic products then I suggest Philip Martin’s for them. As for me, I will be returning back to my normal products.”
The new Philip Martin’s salon is the first in the UK representing an international Italian-based brand.
Although Philip Martin may be made in Italy, I do hope it flourishes in Bradford.
The salon opened on 5th March 2015 and is located on Cheapside Bradford, BD1 4HR. Call 01274739092 for bookings.
Ever since she launched her eponymous line in 2010, Sania Maskatiya has become one of the most talked about names in the fashion industry. The Pakistani based designer sees fashion as a means of bridging cultures, as proved in her bold, ethnic-inspired designs that fly off the shelves as soon as they arrive in stores.
Sania’s route into fashion design started when she was young. From an early age, she had always loved arts and crafts and was always orientated towards designing and playing with colours. This led her to pursue a Textile Design course at college.
Now, she has gained a worldwide following having participated in exhibits and shows across the globe.
In the lead up to her highly anticipated Fashion Pakistan Week show, Sania has been busy preparing for her new Pret line along with her Lawn collaboration with Alkaram Textile Mills. These are the collections that she describes as her most popular. “This collection features bold statement colours and contrasting colours which remain on trend and are favourites amongst the young and old,“ she added.
Saniya Maskatiya is a brand that specialises in unique and modern pieces, with eye-catching prints and styles that carry the brand’s identity. They reflect a balance between elegance, comfort and practicality.
Sania Maskatiya is one of the main designers who have gone about modernising and updating Pakistani fashion. She has done this by incorporating several modern cuts and styles such as jackets and capes into her designs, as well as changing the way prints are used. Effectively she has succeeded.
While inspired by traditional styles, her collections are innovatively designed to be worn in any part of the world. Her more westernised garments like the gowns, skinny capri pants, jacket-saris, crop tops and skirts are really changing the face of Pakistani fashion and defying the stereotypes.
Sania Maskatiya has become an influential personality in the fashion industry and what I can only describe as a catalyst for changing a contemporary Pakistan.
Not only do her designs evoke effortlessly cool sensibility but they also scream out diversity, which are the main reasons her designs have attracted celebrities for red carpet events, dramas, and performances to their own weddings. Rani Mukherjee, Sonam Kapoor, Maira Khan, Saira Sheroz, Zahra Sandberg, Sanam Saeed, and Sharmaine Obaid are just a few of the people she has worked with and created signature styles for.
Sania admits how her styles have been influenced by globalisation and the shift and exchange in cultural influences.
She said: “There is an observable growing trend in the West to incorporate hints of Eastern elements in specific collections especially in couture – LV is designing peshawari chappals and Chanel put out a collection of tunics last years that are markedly similar to what we wear. High street brands in the west are also doing tunics and embodying ethnic embroideries. Similarly, in the East there has been a movement to incorporate Western cuts and silhouettes in designs to create more refined and versatile collections.”
It seems like Sania is not the only purveyor of creating the East meets West fusion of apparel.
The Verdict
There are common themes that run through the Sania Maskatiya brand, with paying attention to detail being one of them. Sania is right in branding herself on her use of luxe fabrics and cuts that have been draped in a range of directional but elegant silhouettes, creating versatile looks across all her fashion lines. She knows how to effectively use trendy prints that are comfortable but chic in creating everyday wear for women. Not only that, but she knows how to get creative with classic silhouettes, by adding intricate detailing and contrasting colours in order to create a fusion of tradition and modernity. It’s clear to say her designs do display imaginative inspiration from a unique interplay of colours and affirms that Sania’s inspiration does in fact come from what she says, “my surroundings and nature are my inspiration.”
If you are looking for a brand that has a combination of the distinctive nature of its designs, quality, finishing and price points then Sania Maskatiya should be your go-to designer.
Sania Maskatiya retails across a number of collections including- Haute Couture, Formal wear, Prêt a Porter and Luxury Pret and is available in the UK at Stitch Three Studio (www.stitchthree.com)
The brand is working in a collaboration that will focus on creating a design for an exclusive bottle for Sunsilk shampoos. They will also be providing scarves and hats for the new Pakistan International Airlines uniforms. The Spring/Summer Collection 2015 will be hitting the runway at Fashion Pakistan Week on 31st March.
2014 Brand Highlights
One of the very few Pakistani designers to stage a solo showcase at LAKME Fashion Week 2014.
Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor wore a piece from Sania Maskatiya, which was photographed on the cover of Cosmopolitan India.
Won a Lux Style Award in 2014 for ‘Achievement in the fashion design-luxury prêt’ category.
Nominated and shortlisted for the international Woolmark Prize-one of the world’s most influential design awards.
Their bridal Ara-Ornament’ collection was shown at PFDC L’Oreal Paris Bridal Week. The brand also debuted menswear in their Kuamka collection at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week.
Internationally, Sania Maskatiya showcased in London at the Faisana Fashion Week, the DIL Charity Couture Gala in LA and in India at LAKME Fashion Week.
Officially launched a permanent line of accessories at their flagship studio and stores.
City Park, the vibrant heart of Bradford is installing another attraction to lure onlookers. The construction of the Bradford Eye is set to complete tomorrow and will be open for the Easter period up until 19th April.
The Giant ferris wheel has 24 Gondola carriages to allow the public to catch the great views of Bradford.
Here’s hoping the weather takes a turn for the better to allow the public to enjoy the wonders of Bradford.
