Ms Dynamite Fans - Ms-Dynamite.Net

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2011-08-19T15:50:00.001-07:00

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Ms Dynamite at the 'WOT U TALKIN ABOUT' video shoot

2010-07-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite Performing Live in Camden

2010-05-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Twitpic

2010-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Rampage @ Notting Hill Carnival - SUNDAY 30th Aug 2009

2010-04-07T22:49:00.001-07:00

A funky new era: why women MCs are ruling UK clubs again

2010-03-02T15:04:00.001-08:00

Ms Dynamite, who made some of 2009's biggest club tracks. Photograph: David Lau

After too long in the shadow of their male counterparts, women MCs are making their mark on the mainstream. Some of the key players explain why the future of British hip-hop is female.

British female rappers have always been a breed apart. While their male counterparts have tended to wear their debt to US hip-hop greats with pride, the likes of Ms Dynamite and Stush have shied away from the explicit shock tactics employed by Americans such as Lil' Kim and Trina. Stush, the chipmunk-voiced chatterbox who first came to prominence in 2002 with the grime classic Dollar Sign, laughs at the thought of copying the Americans. "Over here, if you came out with that talk, you'd just get people going, 'Oh, that girl's a slag, man!' All the guys would switch on you, you'd get no respect."

Funky bears similarities to turn-of-the-century UK garage – which may be why some familiar names have resurfaced, such as Stush and Ms Dynamite. Like Lady Chann, they have both released essential club tracks over the past year that balance a matriarchal, no-nonsense stance with lubriciousness and levity. They have been absent for different reasons, though.

Ms Dynamite seemed to disappear in the wake of Judgement Days, her 2005 follow-up to her Mercury prize-winning debut A Little Deeper. "I was quite a new mum at that point," she explains. "I reckon I did the second album half-heartedly. I might have been in the studio feeling like I was focused, but my head was actually thinking: I wonder how my son is? So I decided I wasn't ready to come back to music."

Now, Ms Dynamite feels ready. She was responsible for two crucial UK funky cuts in 2009 – the propulsive, rattling Get Low (Crackish), produced by Rinse FM boss Geeneus, and the frenetic, tough-as-nails Bad Gyal, produced by Sticky. "It's cocky, confident and self-assured," she says of the latter. "There's a kind of arrogance, but this is a cool, fun arrogance. Not putting anyone down. Just being that confident in yourself." A new single with Zinc, Wile Out, is a metallic, harder-edged take on funky house; Ms Dynamite is once again on fine form on it, switching adeptly between singing and classic dancefloor MCing, exhorting a crowd to "gwaan, get deep, make a scene, wile out!" in rapid-fire patois.

Ms Dynamite's transition out of and back into the music industry was a smooth one. "My record company were pretty supportive. I think some of them were genuine, they had kids of their own and they understood. Others were just like, well, we're not going to get anything out of her in this state anyway, it'd be a waste of money." She pauses. "Creativity's one of those things you can't fake."

Article by: Alex Macpherson

Ms Dynamite Live @ The Stratford Circus

2010-02-17T19:36:00.000-08:00

Ms Dynamite live @ The London Jazz Festival, Ladies Unplugged Acoustic gig @ The Stratford Circus London.

ms dynamite to launch 2010 comeback with headline gig

2010-02-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

Having graced fans with a small, sold out run of live performances last year, Ms Dynamite has now confirmed what we were hoping – that these were the first steps of a long overdue comeback. Yep, one the UK’s finest urban artists is back in the game. Niomi McLean-Daley earned her spurs in the golden-era days of pirate radio and UK garage, leaping nimbly across into the mainstream with hits like ‘Boo’, ‘It Takes More’ and ‘Dy-Na-Mi-Tee’, eventually winning the Mercury Music Prize in 2002 for her debut album A Little Deeper. She’s been cooking up a storm with Gordon Ramsey on ITV’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, but the MC/singer is finally back where we love her the most: behind the mic.

Starting things as she means to go on, the London-born singer has been announced as headliner for one night of the Red Bull Music Academy’s month-long festivities. The February 12 event, hosted by Sin City and Hyponik at Brixton’s newly reopened Plan B, will see two rooms packed with bass-friendly, UK nurtured talents, including roots legend David ‘RamJam’ Rodigan, Sin City residents Hatcha & N-Type, Appleblim & Ramadanman, garage/dubstep heads El-B & J Da Flex, and the legendary jungle/d’n'b duo supreme, Kenny Ken and MC Skibadee. Expect to hear material both old and new from Ms Dynamite and, when her newest DJ Zinc collaboration ‘Wile Out’ drops, be ready to do just that. Welcome back boo.

Tickets are £8 in advance, £12 on the door.

http://wearsthetrousers.com/2010/02/04/ms-dynamite-to-launch-2010-comeback-with-headline-gig

2010 Promo Photos

2010-02-09T22:12:00.001-08:00

Heres a copy of Ms Dynamites new photos in better quality!

DJ Zinc ft Ms Dynamite - Wile Out (That DJ Edit)

2010-01-24T02:01:00.000-08:00

http://www37.zippyshare.com/v/82521734/file.html

Ms Dynamite Wile Out Screen Caps!

2010-01-24T01:33:00.000-08:00

Wile out promos!

2010-01-24T01:32:00.000-08:00

Ms Dynamite "Wile Out" Download

2010-01-15T22:32:00.000-08:00

http://rs418.rapidshare.com/files/330997123/DJ_Zinc_Ft_Ms_Dynamite_-_Wile_Out__Rip_.mp3

Ms Dynamite Comeback!

2010-01-15T22:31:00.001-08:00

MS DYNAMITE has been quick to deny her appearance on Hell’s Kitchen is a secret ploy to relaunch her stuttering chart career.

But I can tell you the Mercury Award-winning rapper, who is cooking up a storm in the ITV1 show with chef MARCO PIERRE WHITE, has already recorded a single for when she hangs up her oven gloves. Her last big year was back in 2002.

A source said: “She’s desperate to get back on the music scene and knew a show as big as Hell’s Kitchen could revive her career.

“She has already recorded the video to go with her new single, Bad Gyal, using the UK’s best female freestyle dancers.”

She should get Marco dancing in her video. Now that would be dynamite.

Ms. Dynamite Bio

2010-01-15T22:30:00.001-08:00

Ms. Dynamite Active years: 00s
Ms. Dynamite Genres: Electronic, Soul, Garage, R&B, Contemporary R&B, Urban, 2-Step/British Garage
Ms. Dynamite Top hits: Dy-Na-Mi-Tee, It Takes More - Radio 1 Live Lounge, It Takes More - Album Version (Edited), Put Him Out, Judgement Day.

About Ms. Dynamite:
Ms. Dynamite (aka Niomi McLean-Daley) grew up in North London, listening to reggae and turning to hip-hop at the age of 12. Even when she wanted to become either a primary school teacher or a social worker, her passion for music was stronger. After starting out in a pirate radio station called RAW FM, Ms. Dynamite met Richard Forbes (aka Sticky) in a West End club. The two began working on her debut single, "Boo!," licensed from DJ Jason Kaye's Social Circles label to London Records.

Punch, Salaam Remi, Tony Kelly, and Dave Kelly produced her first full-length record in Miami, New York, and Jamaica. A Little Deeper featured the hit singles "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee" and "It Takes More." In September 2002, Ms. Dynamite became the first black female artist achieving a Mercury Music Prize, beating favorites the Streets, the Coral, and even music legend David Bowie. Three years later, she released her second album, Judgement Days.

Ms Dynamite Fans Photos!

2010-01-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

#1 Fan Site Ms-Dynamite.Net

2009-06-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

I made it... hehe :)

Ms Dynamite with Fans! Rare photos!

2009-06-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite & Akala join 'Inner City Lives'

2009-06-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Rising Tide presents 'Inner City Lives', as part of Young London: Into Music - a new multi venue urban youth festival - created by young people, for young people. 'Inner City Lives' takes place at Ocean in Hackney on Friday 26th June and features live sets by multi-award winning artists Ms Dynamite and Akala - in addition to new up and coming talent.

'Inner City Lives' is the first event to kick off Young London: Into Music - a collection of five events which are being produced and delivered in the five Olympic and Paralympic Host Boroughs of Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest between 26th June and 2nd August 2009.

By tapping into the next generation of east London talent, YL:IM are working with five delivery partners: Biggafish, Continental Drifts, Music Matrix, Urban Development and Rising Tide. The delivery partners will then be working with over 100 young people between 14 and 25 years old who will receive professional mentoring and the chance to work with established artists.

Ms Dynamite caused a sensation with her 2002 debut album 'A Little Deeper' leading to a clutch of MOBO, Brit and Mercury Music Prize awards. Following a recent stint on ITV's 'Hell's Kitchen', Ms Dynamite hinted at the release of a new album which will be her third following her last release 'Judgement Day.'

The self confessed black Shakespeare, Akala's won 2006's MOBO Award for best hip hop act with his debut album 'It's Not A Rumour', beating Kanye West and Busta Rhymes amongst others. He has rocked live spots on Radio 1 and toured with artists as diverse as Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera and Richard Ashcroft. His latest album 'Freedom Lasso' was lauded by the critics across the board.

'Young London: Into Music' is a key strand of CREATE09 - the multi-genre, multi-event festival of culture that will be celebrating a wealth of music and art in all its glory in the Olympic and Paralympic Host Boroughs between 22nd June and 2nd August 2009.

Event: Rising Tide presents Inner City Lives
Date: Friday 26th June 2009
Doors: 7pm - 12am
Venue: Ocean, 270 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1HE
Telephone: 020 8986 2327
Tickets: £6 / Rising Tide Box Office 07940 104 157 / Ticket Mania 020 8555 0044 Source

Ms Dynamite lets her hair down!

2009-05-27T16:19:00.001-07:00

She looks so good!!

Anthony Walker Fundraising Concert Photoset - Oct 27, 2005

2009-05-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite at I LUV LIVE

2009-04-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

THE MTV EMA AFTER PARTY PHOTOS

2009-04-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

Uploaded on November 7, 2008 by DjSemtex! Here are photos of our Ms. D at the EMA party

Singer evicted from Hell's Kitchen + Goodbye Photos

2009-04-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

Pop star Niomi McLean-Daley became the latest celebrity to be booted off Hell's Kitchen.
The singer, aka Ms Dynamite, said she was "not at all shocked" to be the first contestant to be evicted by the public.

She told presenter Claudia Winkleman: "There is a big element of me that is thinking ... I will get to give my son a kiss goodnight for the first time in a long time."

She added: "It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life."

Friday's show was the first of the series where the public vote evicted a contestant. Previously they were sacked by chef Marco Pierre White.

McLean-Daley made her mark on the show by standing up to White.

When questioned about her confrontation with the chef she said: "I was woman enough to speak my mind but I would like to be woman enough to apologise for the way that I spoke to him.

"He'll probably kill me for saying this but he's lovely. I've come across some guys that are a lot scarier than Marco, he's lovely and he's got a huge heart."

When she was saying goodbye to the other contestants she reassured them saying: "I am going on a high. Thank you so much."

The last three celebrity chefs - model Danielle Bux, comedian Adrian Edmondson and actress Linda Evans - will battle it out in Saturday's show for a spot in Monday night's final.

Ms D. Hells More Kitchen Photos

2009-04-19T20:03:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite "I'm quite nervous, but I just like a challenge"

2009-04-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

Archway born Ms Dynamite said: "I'm quite nervous, but I just like a challenge. I'm the kind of person if someone says 'I dare you', I will go 'alright then!'"

Hells Kitchen Photos:

Ms Dynamite makes sensational return to Crawley

2009-04-18T23:27:00.000-07:00

RETURN: Ms Dynamite at The 107 Club

HUNDREDS of clubbers turned up at The 107 Club last Thursday to see Crawley's very own Ms Dynamite perform in her home town.

The R'n'B singer treated fans to some classic hits from her hugely successful 2002 album A Little Deeper in front of a huge crowd at the High Street club.

Also performing on the night was her younger brother Jerrone Daley.

Ms Dynamite, 28, real name Niaomi McLean-Daley, is currently in ITV show Hell's Kitchen and is set to release her third album later this year.

The 107 Club's manager Paul Faili said: "It was a sensational night and one of the biggest night's we had so far.

"All the acts were superb and I think the crowd really enjoyed themselves."

For more information on The 107 Club visit their website by clicking here.

For comprehensive coverage of all the stories making the local news, read Wednesday's edition of the Crawley Observer newspaper and Friday's edition of the Crawley Times newspaper. Website users who wish to purchase a copy of the Observer or Times newspapers but live outside our circulation area can do so by telephoning 01293 845929 and asking for reception. The cost of the Crawley Observer plus postage in England is £1.25, while the Crawley Times is £1.53. Both can be paid for by credit card. Overseas rates are also available, on request

Ms Dynamite downplays return to music

2009-04-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite has downplayed rumours that she is making a musical comeback.

The R&B star admitted that she was back in the recording studio, but would not confirm a full return to music.

"I'm doing bits and pieces," she revealed to DS. "Nothing major - I'm just having fun!"

When asked whether she thought her stint on Hell's Kitchen could revive her music career, she replied: "I don't think so - what I'm doing now is for fun and it's for way down the line.

"I'm figuring out what it is I want to do."

Earlier this year, Lily Allen predicted that Ms Dynamite's return would be "massive".

Hells Kitchen line up announced

2009-04-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hells Kitchen line up announced

Hell's Kitchen 2009 - Ms Dynamite's meat problem

2009-04-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Double Brit Award and three time MOBO Awards winning R&B, garage, and hip hop singer and rapper Ms Dynamite (Niomi MacLean-Daley) admits that she hates sharing a kitchen - so how does she think she will fare having to cook with a host of other celebrities?

"My family think I'm crazy for taking part in the show because I always shout at them and tell them to get out of the kitchen when I'm cooking. I just can't multi-task, especially when it involves cooking.

"If someone talks to me I have to stop what I'm doing in order to concentrate. God help anyone who tries to have a conversation with me on the show if I'm trying to cook, I may even end up telling them to shut up."

Having recently become a vegetarian, which she confesses was "down to vanity"; Ms Dynamite is dreading the prospect that one of her challenges may involve gutting or skinning an animal.

"I think the main reason I became a vegetarian was I woke up one day and realised I'm 27-years-old and I'm still getting spots. I thought to myself 'Okay I need to figure out what's in my diet that isn't agreeing with me.'

"Once I started to cut down on the meat and dairy products it started to improve - it was all down to vanity to be honest. I don't want to get on my high horse about it but I do feel a lot healthier in my diet. I don't think I would struggle to cook meat during the show but gutting and skinning an animal would be a different story."

The singer jokes that she may bring music into Hell's Kitchen, even if it's just humming but admits that that intimidation can "get her back up".

How does she think she will cope working with the legendary chef Marco?

"I doubt I'll break into song when I'm in the kitchen but speaking of which, when I started making a sandwich during the warm up, the first thing I did was start humming away to myself, so who knows? When you're on your own it's different but then again if I start getting a bit stressed out it may help to calm me down.

“I’ll definitely be nervous. If Marco started shouting at me I’m worried that I may answer back, it all depends on the scenario...

“I haven’t met Marco before but I think he seems really cool. He comes across like it’s my way or the highway. Nonetheless, I like that because you always know where you stand with someone like that. I much prefer it when people speak their mind rather than pussyfooting around. I feel safe in his hands, if I am doing something wrong I’m sure he’ll correct me very quickly and that’s the best way I can learn. He seems very passionate and genuine…if a little scary from time to time.”

Admitting to feeling “a little out of my depth” when cooking, Ms Dynamite also reveals that she never follows a recipe and makes it up as she goes along.

“I like to think I am a good cook but honestly I can’t cook many dishes. Even when I do cook I don’t tend to follow the rules. I’ll fry something that should be done in the oven and visa versa but I get there in the end. I would say my signature dish has to be a roast dinner and I also make a pretty tasty pumpkin soup. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost two years now so I must admit I haven’t tasted one of my own roasts for a while now. That’s not to say I don’t miss meat, just not enough to go back.

“Something I really wouldn’t be prepared to cook, as it’s a nightmare ingredient for me is semolina - it brings back childhood traumas from school.

“My most memorable meals from childhood would be my Mum’s shepherd’s pie and my Nan’s pea stew. My Mum makes the most amazing shepherd’s pie which of course, I can’t eat now as I’m a vegetarian.”

After a break from the music industry, the singer reveals that she has a dislike of cameras and is hoping she will be able to cope with being in Hell’s Kitchen.

“I’m not sure how I’ll cope with the cameras - I think they’re going to be a big problem. I’m really hoping I’ll forget they’re there but it’s a part of my career as a singer that I’ve never gotten used to. The cameras are just there in your face constantly and it’s not like it’s even a person you can have a conversation with, they’re just objects that make me very nervous.

“The main thing I’m going to miss from the outside world is my five-year-old son. I’ll also miss my freedom and I hate the thought of having restrictions placed on me. It’s a different story if I choose to sit in my house for two weeks but I don’t like the fact that I have been told to stay in the house. I hate not being able to go where I want to.”

Ms Dynamite's Food Heaven: Thai food, West Indian food, African food, Chinese, Italian.

Ms Dynamite's Food Hell: Baked beans, anchovies.

Hell's Kitchen celebrity grilling: Ms Dynamite

2009-04-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

Niomi MacLean-Daley aka Ms Dynamite has already admitted she hates sharing a kitchen (good start), so we caught up with her to find out what else is likely to bug her when she goes into Hell.

Niomi then told us about her hate for baked beans. And judging by her description of how much she detests them, she would not be happy if she found them in the kitchen… go on Marco!

She recently became a vegetarian due to “vanity” and she is a fussy eater. Are you sure you want to go into Hell’s Kitchen Ms D?

She finally discusses her strategy, or lack of one.

Perhaps she should team up with Ade Edmondson. He could let her in on his. Oh help!

Going green: Ms Dynamite may have trouble coping with meat as she has recently become a vegetarian

2009-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Going green: Ms Dynamite may have trouble coping with meat as she has recently become a vegetarian

'The last two years I haven't done so much as I have been travelling so much that I am kind of rusty so I am going to have to get into the kitchen and chop.

'I don't know if I am good [at cooking] but I love it, I have never put myself in a position to be rated.'

One of the celebrities who will be challenged the most is hip-hop star Ms Dynamite, whose real name is Niomi McLean Daley.

Niomi, 27, admits she has recently become vegetarian so cooking meat may be difficult.
She explained: 'Once I started to cut down on the meat and dairy products, it started to improve - it was all down to vanity, to be honest.

'I don’t want to get on my high horse about it but I do feel a lot healthier in my diet. I don’t think I would struggle to cook meat during the show but gutting and skinning an animal would be a different story.'

http://msdynamite.co.uk/ BACK UP OMG!!!

2009-04-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

OMG FINALLY! Ms Dynamites page is back up and she has MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and more!! check it out here http://msdynamite.co.uk/

On her page it says her next single will be "Catch me if you can" and will be out June 1st! Amazing!

Her Twitter Account:
•@abiveds soon... 3 days ago
•@maj_jam11 guess ?! 3 days ago
•60 guests.. 4 starters.. 4 mains.. how??! 5 days ago
•failed.. 5 days ago
•test2 5 days ago

Ms. Dynamite "Doo Wop (That Thing)"

2009-04-18T16:57:00.002-07:00

• UK Raptress Ms. Dynamite resurfaces and does a smashing cover of Lauryn Hill's classic, "Doo Wop (That Thing)".

THINGS are heating up on Hell’s Kitchen – as one of the celebs faces the chop in tonight’s show.

2009-04-18T16:57:00.001-07:00

THINGS are heating up on Hell’s Kitchen – as one of the celebs faces the chop in tonight’s show.
During Friday’s episode chef Marco Pierre White told the eight contestants that he’s about to give one of them the push.

And he also opted to make Niomi (Ms Dynamite) and Bruce Grobbelaar the next pair to become waiters.

Meanwhile, Danielle Bux had a tough time as a waitress, with Marco managing to reduce her to tears and burning herself on a hot tray.

After having a little cry she told Maitre d’ Nick Munier about her brush with Marco, saying: “He just made me take this and it’s absolutely boiling, he just went ‘Go with it!’”

As they walked back to the pass, Nick and Danielle were stopped by an increasingly agitated Marco, who stormed: “Nick, when serving a table they must take the tray, not stand there like a rabbit in headlights!”

She later told the camera: “If I was given the choice of going back in the kitchen or coming back out here for service, I think I would rather just go home tonight.”

Watch Hell’s Kitchen at 9pm on ITV1.

Ms Dynamite Motorcycle Photoshoot

2009-04-14T14:24:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite Redfirns Photos

2009-04-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

This is the biggest size I have of them! :( Better then nothing! Click on a image to view the full set!

Ms Dynamite Camera Press Photos Part 4

2009-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite Camera Press Photos Part 3

2009-04-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite Camera Press Photos Part 2

2009-04-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite Camera Press Photos Part 1

2009-04-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

800 x 600 Ms Dynamite & Akala Wallpaper

2009-04-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

WALLPAPER:

GRAPHIC:

New Vegetarian Ms. Dynamite Might Struggle On Hell’s Kitchen

2009-04-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

The UK Hell’s Kitchen is back, full of celebrity cooking adventures.

One contestant on the show is Ms. Dynamite, born Niomi McLean Daley, an award winning hip hop singer and rapper.

Depending on the challenges given, Ms. Dynamite might have some performance problems on the show, given the fact that she recently turned vegetarian.

“Once I started to cut down on the meat and dairy products, it started to improve - it was all down to vanity, to be honest,” she told the UK Daily Mail.

“I don’t want to get on my high horse about it but I do feel a lot healthier in my diet. I don’t think I would struggle to cook meat during the show but gutting and skinning an animal would be a different story.”

The new series of Hell’s Kitchen starts next week in the UK on ITV1 .

What to watch on TV this weekend: Ms Dynamite!

2009-04-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Monday on Hell's Kitchen @ 9pm, ITV1

Marco Pierre White scowls disdainfully at a new intake of celeb chefs (Anthea Turner, Ms Dynamite) as they don their aprons for several weeks of verbal abuse and primetime exposure.

2 new hot wallpapers!!!

2009-04-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the 2 new wallpapers I made! Feel free to use them. If you want to use them online please give me credit. Thanks!

Bux, Ms Dynamite for 'Hell's Kitchen'?

2009-04-07T17:46:00.001-07:00

Tabloid reports have said that Danielle Bux and Ms Dynamite are among this year's Hell's Kitchen contestants.

According to The Sun, Bux, who is engaged to Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker, is a "huge coup" for the ITV series. The 29-year-old is a lingerie model.

"We're thrilled to get Danielle on board," said a source. "She really wants to show viewers she is not just Gary’s fiancée.

"Hopefully she'll be to the taste of our viewers. She's a really fresh face for the show."

R&B singer Ms Dynamite, real name Niomi McLean-Daley, has also apparently signed up for the reality series.

The full Hell's Kitchen lineup will be revealed tomorrow.

Hell’s Kitchen 2009: Starring Anthea Turner, Danielle Bux, Ms Dynamite and more

2009-04-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hell’s Kitchen 2009: Starring Anthea Turner, Danielle Bux, Ms Dynamite, Adrian Edmondson, Bruce Grobbelaar, Grant Bovey, Jody Latham & Linda Evans

Marco Pierre White is back in the kitchen as a group of unsuspecting celebrities prepare to face a journey into hell as they attempt to feed a restaurant packed full of discerning diners each night.

The celebrities will leave their star status firmly at the kitchen door as Marco puts them to the ultimate test. They will learn how to cook a menu of classic dishes inspired by food Marco likes to eat and will have to live up to his exacting standards.

Claudia Winkleman will host the live show nightly from the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant in East London when it returns for its fourth series on Monday April 13.

The celebrities taking part in the show are: TV presenter Anthea Turner; model Danielle Bux; singer Ms Dynamite; actor and comedian Adrian Edmondson; former Liverpool goalie Bruce Grobbelaar; Entrepreneur Grant Bovey; actor Jody Latham and actress Linda Evans.

Marco, dubbed the godfather of British cuisine, will attempt to work his magic on the rookie chefs as they have just two weeks to learn how to dish up a feast fit for showbiz royalty.

He will push them to their limits to achieve perfection and crank up the heat to ensure every diner is fed.

This time there will be no room for error as Marco will have the power to sack the celebrities who he thinks aren’t up to the job. When it comes to choosing the series winner, the power will be back in the hands of the viewers who will vote for their favourite.

And, for the first time on Hell’s Kitchen, each night the two trainee chefs who have failed to impress Marco will feel the heat as he banishes them into the restaurant to wait on tables. Each guest waiter will be responsible for serving half the restaurant under the direction of maitre d’ Nick Munier.

They will have to take all orders and deliver food to the tables, plus they will be responsible for dishing out the desserts from the trolley.

It’s every cook for themselves as they work in just one team to impress both Marco and the customers.

And with just one kitchen there will be nowhere to hide for the rookie chefs.

Plus Marco will be inviting celebrity chefs including his friends Jean Christophe Novelli and Mario Batali to Hell’s Kitchen where they will put the trainees through their paces in a set of unique challenges.

Ms Dynamite to appear on Hell's Kitchen!

2009-04-05T21:40:00.001-07:00

R&B star Ms Dynamite is set to send temperatures soaring when she appears on Hell's Kitchen.

She will join a host of stars to learn how to cook gourmet dishes in just two weeks.

Ms Dynamite is taking part under her real name, Niomi McLean-Daley.

And producers expect the 27-year-old to be as explosive on the ITV1 show as some of her lyrics promise.

A source said: “Niomi will make brilliant telly. She tells it how it is.”

Cecile & Ms Dynamite - Situation (Heatwave Remix)

2009-04-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Cecile & Ms Dynamite - Situation (Heatwave Remix)

Right Click & Save As: http://www.woodnsoo.com/download/DJWood_OffTheRecord_192.mp3

Nas ft. Ms. Dynamite - Afraid To Fly (Remix)

2009-04-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

Nas ft. Ms. Dynamite - Dy-Na-Mi-Tee (Remix)
Nas ft. Ms. Dynamite - Afraid To Fly (Remix)

DL: http://rapidshare.com/files/91307063/DJ_Keyz_And_Nas-Inventing_The_Remix_Pt._2-2004-C4.rar

Ms Dynamite It takes more (Bloodshy Main mix)

2009-04-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.filestube.com/b2943e7b4e4a61dc03e9/details.html

Ms Dynamite at last.fm

2009-04-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dynamite (born Niomi McLean-Daley) is a British R&B/hip-hop musician.

While working at the radio station RAW FM, Ms. Dynamite was discovered by Richard Forbes at a West End club. After working briefly with the garage act So Solid Crew, she released her debut album, A Little Deeper, in 2002, which won Britain’s prestigious Mercury Prize for Album of the Year for 2002.

In September 2005, she released a new album entitled Judgement Days. Featuring more social commentary, in songs such as the single, “Judgement Day,” and the Tony Blair critique, “Mr. Prime Minister,” reviews of the album were not as favorable as those of her debut.

http://www.last.fm/music/Ms.+Dynamite

Ms Dynamite at mtv.com

2009-04-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Full Biography
Ms. Dynamite (aka Niomi McLean-Daley) grew up in North London, listening to reggae and turning to hip-hop at the age of 12. Even when she wanted to become either a primary school teacher or a social worker, her passion for music was stronger. After starting out in a pirate radio station called RAW FM, Ms. Dynamite met Richard Forbes (aka Sticky) in a West End club. The two began working on her debut single, "Boo!," licensed from DJ Jason Kaye's Social Circles label to London Records.

Punch, Salaam Remi, Tony Kelly, and Dave Kelly produced her first full-length record in Miami, New York, and Jamaica. A Little Deeper featured the hit singles "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee" and "It Takes More." In September 2002, Ms. Dynamite became the first black female artist achieving a Mercury Music Prize, beating favorites the Streets, the Coral, and even music legend David Bowie. Three years later, she released her second album, Judgement Days. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide

Ms Dynamite - Dy Na Mi Tee (Live 8, 2005)

2009-04-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dynamite at wikipedia

2009-04-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite (born Niomi Arleen MacLean-Daley, 26 April 1981) is a double Brit Award and three time MOBO Awards winning R&B, UK garage, and hip hop singer and rapper.

Birth name Niomi Arleen McLean-Daley
Born 26 April 1981 (1981-04-26) (age 27)
Archway, London, England
Genre(s) R&B, rap, 2-step garage
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, rapper
Instrument(s) Singing, rapping
Years active 2001–present
Label(s) Polydor (2001-2006)
Website www.msdynamite.co.uk

Biography
Ms Dynamite was born and raised in Archway, a district in North London, to a Scottish mother and a Jamaican father. Her heritage also included Barbadian, English, Irish and Grenadian. She grew up listening to reggae and hip hop music. Though she wanted to become a schoolteacher or social worker, her biggest aspiration was to be a musician. She is the eldest of eleven siblings, one of whom is a grime artist known as Akala, and attended Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park.

Career
Ms Dynamite (originally called Lady Dynamite) was first known for her vocals on the UK garage underground track "Booo!", which was regularly played on London pirate radio stations and was later released as a single. Whilst working at the radio station RAW FM, Ms Dynamite was discovered by Richard Forbes at a West End club. After working briefly with the UK garage act So Solid Crew, she released her debut album, A Little Deeper in 2002, featuring the hit songs "It Takes More" and "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee". In 2003, the album was released in the United States to critical acclaim. In 2002, Dynamite won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize,[1] for A Little Deeper. She donated the £20,000 prize to the NSPCC.

Her first public performance was at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games at the City of Manchester Stadium. On 2 July 2005, she performed at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London. Among the songs performed was "Redemption Song" - a Bob Marley penned song.

On 11 September 2005, she returned to the limelight (having taken time off to have her son, Shavaar) with a new album entitled Judgement Days. Featuring more social commentary, in songs such as the single, "Judgement Day," and the Tony Blair critique, "Mr Prime Minister," reviews of the album were not as favourable as those of her debut. However "Judgement Day" reached #25 in the UK Singles Chart.[2]

On the 6 January 2006 Ms Dynamite was arrested outside a London nightclub, after a brawl in which she punched a male police officer in the face whilst in custody. She was convicted and sentenced to sixty hours of community service. The second single from Judgement Days was due to be "Fall In Love Again" (previously titled "When I Fall In Love"), with a release date of 30 January 2006. A video was shot for the track but, due to her arrest, the single was cancelled. The video did not surface until June 2006, when it was leaked on to the web.

In February 2006, she won the Naomi Award for Worst Urban Act.

Since her trouble in January 2006 and her disappearance from the public eye, Ms Dynamite confirmed that the much rumoured 'A Little Darker' album would be released in March 2006 as a mixtape. After the confirmation, the album was pushed back to June 2006. Also, in April 2006, Ms Dynamite confirmed that there would be no more releases from her Judgement Days album, and that she was due to start working on new material.

A collection of new and upcoming UK hip-hop and garage artists,[3] was compiled by Ms Dynamite and her rapping brother Akala, who was voted Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards in September 2006.

In November 2006 she took part in a television show called The Race on Sky1. This was a week long event in which ten celebrities had to compete against each other on the track in different races building up to a thirty lap Formula Ford race on Sunday 12 November 2006. After about ten laps into the race disaster struck, and Ms. Dynamite hit the wall on the pit straight at about 100mph. She was air lifted to hospital for overnight observations but later released.

After taking a break from the music scene for a couple of years, Dynamite guest hosted BBC Radio 1Xtra, and stated she would be releasing a third album in 2009. The first single from the new album will be "Bad Gyal".[4]

Ancestry
As stated on the programme Ms. Dynamite: In Search of Nanny Maroon in addition to her Jamaican-Scottish parentage, she shares Bajan, English, Irish and Grenadian ancestries.

Discography

Albums
Year Album Chart Positions
UK Albums Chart[2]
2002 A Little Deeper #10
2005 Judgement Days #43

Solo Singles
Year Single Chart peak positions Album
UK[2] NZ NL [5] SWI [6] SWE [7]
2002 "It Takes More" 7 — 24 35 — A Little Deeper
"Dy-na-mi-tee" 5 40 50 25 57
"Put Him Out" 19 — — — —
2005 "Judgement Day" 25 — — — — Judgement Days
"—" Denotes singles not released in that particular country.

Soundtracks
"Dy-na-mi-tee" (On the Ali G Indahouse soundtrack)

Awards and honours
Mercury Music Prize - Album of the Year 2002 [1]
100 Great Black Britons - 2003 - No14
The South Bank Show Awards 2003 - Best Pop (A Little Deeper)
Race In The Media Awards 2003 - Media Personality Of The Year
MOBO Awards 2003 - Best Single
MOBO Awards 2003 - Best Newcomer
MOBO Awards 2003 - U.K Act Of The Year
Brit Awards 2003 - British female solo artist
Brit Awards 2003 - Best British Urban Act

References
1.^ a b "Mercury Prize official site". http://www.nationwidemercurys.com/. Retrieved on 2007-09-07.
2.^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 370. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
3.^ A Little Darker Wippit.com
4.^ Allen Ms Dynamite Return Is Massive
5.^ dutchcharts.nl - Dutch charts portal
6.^ Die Offizielle Schweizer Hitparade und Music Community
7.^ swedishcharts.com - Swedish Charts Portal

Ms. Dynamite at imdb.com

2009-04-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Overview

Date of Birth
26 April 1981, London, England, UK

Birth Name
Niomi McLean-Daley

Height
5' 6" (1.68 m)

Mini Biography
Niomi McLean-Daley, a.k.a. Ms. Dynamite, was born in 1981 in London, England, to a white Irish mother and a black British father. The eldest of eleven children, McLean-Daley was raised in north London by her mother, a school teacher, following her parents' divorce. She grew up listening to reggae, soul, and hip-hop music, and by age 18 had taken to jumping up onstage at raves and rapping over hip-hop beats. Performing and making music so absorbed the budding singer that she passed on an opportunity to attend Sussex University as a social anthropology major in order to pursue a music career. In 2001, as Ms. Dynamite, McLean-Daley released her first single called "Booo!," on London Records. The song catapulted Miss McLean-Daley into the spotlight, and shortly thereafter she performed as the opening act for such artists as Eminem and Destiny's Child (Beyonce Knowle's group). By 2002 she had begun work on her debut album, a disc called "A Little Deeper." Released on March 11, 2003 to massive critical acclaim, "A Little Deeper" let the music world know that Ms. Dynamite is and will continue to be a major player in the industry for many years to come.

Trivia
British garage singer.

Her debut album, titled "A Little Deeper" (2003), was recorded in Miami, New York, Sweden and Jamaica.

Gave birth to a son in London. The father is her fiance, Dwayne Seaforth. [24 July 2003]

Her songs often speak to explicitly feminist issues ("Put Him Out") and African- American empowerment ("Brother").

Took part in the Band Aid 20 re-recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?". [14 November 2004]
Personal Quotes
"I think growing up as a young black woman in this big flipping world where there's so much badness going on and all the rest of it ... I just wanna give my perspective of life. I guess I'm trying to bring positivity to people and even make light of negative things while encouraging people to think."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Filmography
Jump to filmography as: Soundtrack, Actress, Self, Archive Footage
Soundtrack:
"Saturday Night Live" (1 episode, 2003)
... aka "NBC's Saturday Night" (USA: complete title)
... aka "SNL 25" (USA: alternative title)
... aka "SNL" (USA: informal title)
... aka "Saturday Night Live '80" (USA: sixth season title)
... aka "Saturday Night" (USA: first season title)
- Queen Latifah/Ms. Dynamite (2003) TV episode (performer: "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee")
Ali G Indahouse (2002) (performer: "DYNAMITE")
... aka Ali G in da House (Germany) (UK: alternative spelling)
... aka Ali G (France)
... aka Ali G Indahouse: The Movie (Australia)

Actress:
"Saturday Night Live" .... Musical Guest (1 episode, 2003)
... aka "NBC's Saturday Night" (USA: complete title)
... aka "SNL 25" (USA: alternative title)
... aka "SNL" (USA: informal title)
... aka "Saturday Night Live '80" (USA: sixth season title)
... aka "Saturday Night" (USA: first season title)
- Queen Latifah/Ms. Dynamite (2003) TV episode .... Musical Guest

Self:
Ms Dynamite in Search of Nanny Maroon (2007) (TV) .... Herself
Live 8: A Bittersweet Symphony (2005) (TV) .... Herself
Live 8: Twenty Years Ago Today (2005) (TV) .... Herself
"Later with Jools Holland" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2002-2005)
... aka "Little Later, A" (USA: cut version)
- Episode #26.2 (2005) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 18 October 2002 (2002) TV episode .... Herself
"Friday Night with Jonathan Ross" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2002-2005)
- Episode #9.5 (2005) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode #3.5 (2002) TV episode .... Herself
"Top of the Pops" .... Herself (1 episode, 2005)
... aka "All New Top of the Pops" (UK)
... aka "TOTP"
- Episode dated 2 October 2005 (2005) TV episode .... Herself
"Pepsi Max Downloaded: Stars Without the Sugar" .... Herself (1 episode, 2005)
- Ms. Dynamite (2005) TV episode .... Herself
Live 8 (2005) (TV) .... Herself
"Chancers" .... Herself (1 episode, 2004)
- Episode #1.7 (2004) TV episode .... Herself
"CD:UK" .... Herself (2 episodes, 2003)
- Episode dated 19 April 2003 (2003) TV episode .... Herself
- Episode dated 11 January 2003 (2003) TV episode .... Herself
Pride of Britain Awards 2003 (2003) (TV)
Brit Awards 2003 (2003) (TV) .... Performer/Herself
95.8 Capital FM Christmas Live (2002) (TV) .... Performer/Herself
The National Music Awards 2002 (2002) (TV) .... Herself - Presenter
Smash Hits Poll Winners Party 2002 (2002) (TV) .... Performer
2002 Top of the Pops Awards (2002) (TV) .... Performer

Archive Footage:
"Top of the Pops 2"
- Episode dated 17 February 2004 (2004) TV episode .... Herself

Text message sent in during Ms Dynamite's performance at Live 8

2009-04-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite singing Redemption Song... Amazing

Great, moving stuff from miss. Dynamite, im a chef, preparing meals, with a tear in my eye, gavin, s.wales

Ms dynamite brought a lump to my throat, i had to hold back the tears. lianne from scotland.

ms dynamite's version of redemption was class i was in tears brian in glasgow

Miss dynamit'eeeh. Super cool to wake up to! unded brilliant.goosebumps & everything. moved2tears-so silly, but it says it all. kate from bath

Ms. Dynamite at Live 8

2009-04-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Niomi McLean-Daley, aka Ms. Dynamite, was born in North London in 1981. She grew up in London listening to hip hop, reggae and soul. "I've always listened to a lot of reggae, a lot of roots and hip-hop," she says, “and that's obviously music where there's a lot of conscious artists with a lot to say and I think they've definitely rubbed off on me.”

Although she once dreamed of becoming a primary school teacher, her passion for music was much stronger.

Ms. Dynamite's distinctive style can be accredited to the various music genres that have helped to influence her over the past several years. Although most recently she has been classified as an R&B artist, her style is influenced by many other types of music including reggae, garage, hip-hop, dancehall, jazz, and dub.

Revered by critics and fans for her powerful voice and unpredictable lyrics Ms. Dynamite began her career in music a pirate radio station. This job led to her meeting Richard Forbes (aka Sticky) who worked on her debut single, ‘Booo!’ in 2001.

The popularity and success of "Booo!",( which entered the music charts at No.12 in May 2001), helped make a name for Ms. Dynamite in the UK underground scene. This was the beginning of an astonishing year for Ms. Dynamite. She supported US rapper Eminem on his London gigs perform before Destiny's Child at Party, and presented Channel 4’s urban music program Flava.

Ms Dynamite released her debut album, A Little Deeper, produced by Punch, Salaam Remi, Tony Kelly, and Dave Kelly in 2002. This album featured the hits singles ‘Dy-Na-Mi-Tee’ and ‘It Takes More’.

That September Ms. Dynamite became the first black female artist to achieve a Mercury Music Prize, beating favorites the Streets, the Coral, and music legend David Bowie. An outstanding three MOBO (Music of Black Origin) awards and two Brit award followed.

Ms. Dynamite took short bit of time to raise her son Shavaar.

Ms Dynamite is inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s music, but also enjoys work by Anthony Hamilton and John Legend.

Ms Dynamite has recorded in New York, London, Sweden and LA with new producers: ‘My favorite places to work have been London, as it’s home, and LA. It’s was my first time working in LA and I really enjoyed it.

She is quoted as saying “If I’m writing with other people, I much prefer to write in their studio and I find it easier to concentrate. It’s nice to get out of your own environment for a while – it can be more inspiring. I do have a small studio of my own, though.”

A taster track entitled ‘Judgment Day’ was aired on Radio 1 in January, but Ms Dynamite is already vibing about the first proper release.

Ms Dynamite performing

2009-04-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite performing at a large corporate party

Profile: Ms Dynamite

2009-04-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

She made her first million only a year after her debut, took the pop industry by storm and won a string of top music honours. Last week at the Brit awards Ms Dynamite was crowned the country’s hottest music star.

To an older generation the name might sound alarming, with connotations of foul-mouthed rap music and Eminem-style screeching. But Niomi McLean-Daley (Ms Dynamite’s real name) offers a message that every parent would welcome.

In her lyrics, the 21-year-old singer has questioned gun culture and street crime, calling on young blacks to aim for more than a superficial gangsta lifestyle. Her songs, delivered in an emotive and richly textured voice, also tackle teenage motherhood and absentee fathers.

What makes Ms Dynamite so potent is an authenticity that draws on her fractured family background in north London and her surmounting of insecurity and depression to find the high moral ground — surprising qualifications for winning the Brit awards for best female solo artist and best urban act.

According to George Ergatoudis, music manager for 1Xtra, the BBC’s radio station for black music: “She’s more connected with the honesty of modern street life. The American female rappers are all talking about the same issues that obsess male rappers: sex, money and fashion. They might make good music, but in terms of lyrics Ms Dynamite wins hands down.”

Unlike the overtly sexual posturing of Britney Spears or rap stars such as Foxy Brown and Missy Elliott, McLean-Daley’s outfits proclaim that it is unnecessary to expose every inch of flesh to get ahead. Recognition and glamour, she declared, could not compare with the “satisfaction of seeing kids smile or feel more positive about themselves”.

In a BBC2 Newsnight interview two months ago she signalled a desire to enter politics, pouring scorn on Tony Blair’s government and accusing it of being out of touch. “The connotations that come with the word politics are basically middle-class rich white men who don’t care a damn what young people think,” she said.

This must have come as a blow to Alastair Campbell, who revealed only the day before that he had transferred his allegiance from Britney Spears — whose concerts he attended regularly — to Ms Dynamite.

But if McLean-Daley had been in danger of acquiring a Goody Two-Shoes image, she lost the chance last month when it was revealed that she was four months’ pregnant.

The father is Dwayne Seaforth, known as Dazzler, the star’s 22-year-old minder, who shares her home in north London and is, like her, the child of a mixed-race marriage.

The singer was blamed by her lover’s former girlfriend, Sanshica Carew, with whom he had a child, for the break-up of their relationship.

McLean-Daley caused some confusion in her acceptance speech at Thursday’s Brit awards when she thanked “my husband”, suggesting they had married secretly. Her record company hurried to deny this, explaining that it was “just a turn of phrase” and “an endearment”.

It was not the only surprise she had in store. She was originally billed to perform a duet with the soul singer Craig David, but reportedly backed out because “the stage isn’t big enough for both of us”. Instead, she was seen on video with George Michael, singing an anti-war version of Michael’s song Faith.

This made less impact than her appearance at the anti-war protest in Hyde Park last weekend. Following the Rev Jesse Jackson on the podium, she read a poem reminding the crowd of previous US debacles in Vietnam, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

It may not have been music to Tony Blair’s ears (“Mr Prime Minister, you are just a prime minister, you are not God,” she sang), but it marked McLean-Daley as unusual among today’s pop artists, who have little appetite for protest compared with their predecessors.

Such grandstanding was not the destiny she once seemed cut out for, nor the one she had in mind. She was born in West Sussex, the eldest in an extended family of 10 children. Her Scottish mother, Heather McLean, was a primary school teacher from Benbecula in the Scottish Western Isles. She was two when her father, Eyon Daley, a plumber from Jamaica, left home; the repercussions seem to have influenced much of her song-writing.

Denying stories that her father abandoned the family, she said: “He never walked out and shut the door on us. He always kept in touch.”

When her parents’ marriage disintegrated she moved with her mother and brother to Archway in north London, near her grandmother’s house.

It was the distance that kept her father away, she said, not lack of love. She added: “It must have been difficult to bring up two tiny children, especially when the adults had fallen out of love.”

Her teachers noted a love of performing at Brookfield primary, where she appeared in school plays and developed a passion for music and dancing. She also enjoyed Acland Burghley school, a 1960s-built comprehensive in Kentish Town where the intake reflected the area’s ethnic diversity. Sarah Brown, the chancellor’s wife, is a former pupil.

Things changed when McLean-Daley was 13 and was suddenly forced to grow up fast. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, so she had to take charge of her younger brother Kingslee and half-sister Annabelle. The experience turned her into a rebel and led to a falling-out when her mother was given a clean bill of health two years later.

“I was there 100% of the time for my mum when she was ill,” she said. “But when she recovered, something in me just went. It was about me going from childhood into womanhood, but still being treated like a child. There was a huge battle of wills.”

At school she felt ugly and fat, larger than most boys. She became a tomboy, “a class clown, full of practical jokes”.

At 15 she left home to stay with her grandmother. The following year she moved into the first of two hostels, living on £25 a week. Depressed and suicidal, she stopped going out and kept the curtains closed. “All I ever used to do was smoke and drink, smoke and drink.”

But two priorities instilled by her parents kept her focused — selfrespect and the need for education. Her hostel room was spotless and at school she got nine GCSE and three A-level passes, fuelling her ambition to become a teacher or a social worker.

She began to acquire a reputation as a gifted young Mc after DJs at Raw FM, a pirate radio station, offered her a first break. In 2001 she met the underground garage producer Richard “Sticky” Forbes and within months they had recorded her single, Booo!. A polemic against violence in clubs, this ironically became an instant hit in London’s garage clubs and a pirate radio anthem, going to No 12 in the charts.

In the testosterone-driven world of hip-hop, where females are often relegated to demeaning roles, McLean-Daley was somehow confronting the rules and prospering. After a bidding war, won by Polydor, she faced a dilemma: fame or reading social anthropology at Sussex University. Fame won.

Her acclaimed first album, A Little Deeper, attracted an astonishing six nominations for the Mobo awards for black artists, winning three. Then last September McLean-Daley became the first black woman to win the coveted £20,000 Mercury music prize for best album of the year, beating David Bowie. In barely a year she had risen to the top.

By December she seemed to be stunned by her rapid rise. A little breathlessly she recounted: “I’ve released three singles, an album, met lots of my heroes and even made a record with Robbie Williams.

“He phoned me while I was in the studio and said ‘It’s Robbie,’ and I asked, ‘Robbie who? I don’t know any Robbies.’ Then he said he was Robbie Williams. I never thought someone like Robbie would just, like, ring me.”

This effusiveness seems at odds with reports that Williams’s advances were spurned when the two met at the MTV Europe awards in Barcelona the previous month.

McLean-Daley has made no secret of the fact she was delighted to be pregnant. Polydor executives, however, are said to be upset that her impending motherhood has forced the cancellation of a promotional tour of America.

But Ms Dynamite burns with a slow fuse and few critics doubt that her impact in the US will be any the less for being delayed.

UK Tour News: More shows for Ms Dynamite

2009-04-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Acclaimed female rock act Sleater-Kinney are to play their final UK dates of the year next month as part of a short European tour.

On the road with labelmates The Constantines, the three-piece act, who released their hugely acclaimed new album "The Woods" earlier this year, will play the UK from November 8-12 before heading onto mainland Europe.

Dates are:

November 2005

8 - Brighton Concorde 2, UK
9 - Bristol Fleece, UK
10 - Nottingham Rescue Rooms, UK
11 - Glasgow Oran Mor, UK
12 - Leeds Cockpit, UK
14 - Paris Nouveau Casino, France
15 - Cologne Gebaude, Germany
16 - Hamburg Knust, Germany
17 - Berlin Maria, Germany
19 - Barcelona Apolo, Spain
20 - Madrid Arena, Spain

Ms Dynamite has announced plans for an anti-racism show this month in Liverpool.

The October 27 concert, which will feature Ms Dynamite herself, along with The Stands, Roll Deep and Lupe Fiasco, will pay tribute to 18-year-old student Anthony Walker, who was murdered in an apparently senseless racist attack earlier this year.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Anthony's family. Tickets are priced at Â£10 in advance or Â£12 on the door.

A Little Deeper Review

2009-04-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

A Little Deeper
Artist: Ms. Dynamite
Genre: R&B
Publisher: Polydor
Released: 2002

I Wanna Be Like Ms. Dynamite When I Grow Up
A Review by Daniel Reifferscheid
03/12/2003

Authoritative R&B chanteuses preaching messages of respect and understanding are dime-a-dozen these days, so why does Ms. Dynamite sound so much bolder, so much more interesting than India.Aire and company? It can't just be this reviewers' rampant (and self-confessed) Anglophilia, even though I'll easily admit that the starry eyed, we're-finaly-comin'-through spirit of the UK's emerging Urban scene, especially when compared to the rather jaded state of current American R&B (which, lest I be misunderstood, produces an extraordinary amount of great music these days, but there's no real spirit uniting it all), may have something to do with why A Little Deeper sounds so new and exciting.

No, there is no need for cultural tokenism here, because Ms. Dynamite stands mighty fine on her own. Her voice alone works wonders—as much as she may preach on “It Takes More” or “Seeds Will Grow,” she never sounds smug or pompous, because the drama and the melancholy in her voice show a keen awareness that, in order to be able to preach the message, one must first work on oneself, every minute of every hour of every day. While other singers would deliver the message of “Put Him Out” in a cold and distant manner, preaching down to the poor co-dependent woman from the mighty altar of their own emancipated self-importance, Ms. Dynamite shouts, screams and toasts to make it perfectly clear that she understands exactly how the woman that the song is addressed to feels, and that this makes it even more important to get her out of this mess.

There isn't a hint of self-importance on the entire record, and that's some achievement when you consider that it includes an autobiographical track called “Dy-Na-Mi-Tee” which, with lines like “that was enough to succeed...for dy-na-mi-tee-tee!”, paints the singer as some sort of urban super heroine. It works though, because in her art, Dynamite has everything that defines heroism: a strong moral compass, a profound sense of sacrifice, unending emotional strength, an almost exaggerated tendency to criticize herself and a mysterious, profound sadness. Hell, even her constant insistence on the responsibility that artists have towards “de youts” echoes a certain web-crawler's “with great power comes great responsibility.” She has an hero's weakness, too: the refusal to let anyone come too near. Witness “Krazy Krushin',” which if you merely looked at the lyrics sheet would seem like the happiest song on the album: Dynamite sounds downright angry, as if she weren't allowed to fall in love. It goes without saying that all the characteristics that I attribute to her I attribute to her persona on her music, not the person herself—in this last case, I'm glad that that is so.

When she's preaching about an issue, Dynamite gives her all and works a sweat like no tomorrow; on her more introspective moments, she channels the bossanova sadness of an Astrud Gilberto. And yes, the fact that she's British is relevant in some way, too (it always is); when Dynamite scolds her opponents on A Little Deeper, she commands a sense of poison and dry wit that could belong to Morrisey, no matter how far apart the two may be as far as choices of subject matter may go.

Of course, the music is a big part of what makes A Little Deeper great, too: while most of her competition is content with making dull-ass boring sticky half-acoustic R&B-Folk, Ms. Dynamite's producers turn the music backing her righteous messages dense, deep, dark, urban and yet frequently uplifting. It's full of ultra-modern hooks & effects (“Krazy Krushin'” basically lives from them, and it ain't no bad life neither), but the hooks that ultimately catch you the most are the ones that contrast the righteous modernism of the production work with indisiocratic tricks: the scorching guitar on “Put Him Out,” the accordion on “It Takes More,” the harp on “Afraid 2 Fly.” And as you listen to the deep, round sound of A Little Deeper, a thought hits you: while fellow urban superstar Mike Skinner (who got a shout out from Dynamite when she won a Mercury award) frequently gets hailed as the modern equivalent of The Specials, on a purely musical basis Ms. Dynamite comes much nearer.

The hit singles—the anthemic “Dy-Na-Mi-Tee”; the ultra-agressive cry against co-dependency “Put Him Out”; the sardonic condemnation of gangsta culture “It Takes More”—hit you like hit singles should; they feel like they should be part of the collective consciousness (in the UK, they already are!) The album rarely loses steam after the hit-filled first half; and when a track does seem to fall a little too much into the maudlin (“Brother,” her tribute to same, is the worst offender), you don't really mind all that much. Hey, she's a hero, she should be allowed to get a bit mushy every once in a while.

Blast of fresh air

2009-04-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

In the past year, there has been no more compelling pop talent than Ms Dynamite. In an exclusive interview, the Mercury Prize winner talks about race, rap... and big booty

It has been a momentous week for British urban music. On Tuesday night, 21-year-old Ms Dynamite won the coveted Mercury Music Prize. As she collected the award at the Grosvenor House hotel, beating hot favourites The Streets and David Bowie, her delight and surprise were obvious: 'I haven't got a clue how I came to beat David Bowie. It's an incredible feeling.'

Twelve months ago, Ms Dynamite was virtually unknown. Apart from recording a track with notorious garage band So Solid Crew, few people outside the industry had heard of her. Since Tuesday her win has been hailed as a giant step for British black music, which has long languished in the shadows cast by American stars. As the media rushed to analyse the significance of her victory, it became clear that Ms Dynamite's success had altered the musical landscape.

I met Ms Dynamite - aka Niomi McLean-Daley - backstage at the Urban Music Seminar. It was two weeks before she was to become the first black female and youngest-ever winner of the Mercury Music Prize. As I waited in a rear hallway for my interview, I stood and watched her as a steady procession of well-wishers and autograph hunters stuck their heads into the dressing-room. She greeted them all with a hug and a wide, committed smile. Unlike most female rap stars, I noted - Missy Elliot, Foxy Brown and L'il Kim - Ms Dynamite didn't dress outlandishly in furs, sequinned tops or diamonds. She wore a plain T-shirt, jogging bottoms and trainers.

Before Ms Dynamite, British hip-hop wasn't really 'about' anything at all. British rappers, for the most part, have had whimsical names; wore whimsical clothes and their records have been filled with whimsical claims. That stereotype was broken, earlier in the summer with the release of Ms Dynamite's solo debut album, A Little Deeper. Clocking in at over 70 minutes and 15 tracks the record has made her the hip-hop equivalent of Ella Fitzgerald.

Ms Dynamite's lyrics are strident; defiantly female and well-articulated. 'Tell me who wants to know/ What when who where/ Or how you do your ho?/Certainly not me/ Cause baby personally/ I like to be challenged mentally/ I've heard it all before/ Gangstas pimps and whores/ Quality is poor/ A girl like me needs more'.

To the casual observer, it may not be immediately obvious why one rapper is considered better than another. What for instance, distinguishes Eminem from Dr Dre? Ms Dynamite says modestly: 'I'm not much of singer or rapper, really.' But, like a previous generation of fans who have dissected Bob Dylan's lyrics and scrutinised the mumbled deliveries by Joe Strummer, rap fans scour hip-hop magazines for arcana, and squabble over the lyrical prowess of artists online.

A Little Deeper addresses urban poverty ('When we were young, life was so unjust/ At times I felt it was just us'); drug addiction ('Fuck powder, fuck pills, see me'); deadbeat fathers ('He don't even know how 2 b honest/ All he know how 2 do is false promise'); and black-on-black violence.

While her music is undoubtedly modern - sharp, clipped beats and lustrous keyboard tics - her subject matter does have a historical resonance. Her pseudo-political approach lends the album a dial-an-issue currency, a fact that undoubtedly influenced the Mercury judges. In the often testosterone-driven world of hip-hop - most rappers unsentimentally compare themselves with basketball players such as Michael Jordan, and their rhymes to three-point shots - females are often relegated to the role of molls or escorts.

Ms Dynamite came into rap music almost by default. She originally wanted a career as a teacher or a social worker. 'It was something I really wanted to get into; I love working with children,' she said. She grew up in Archway in north London, born to a Jamaican father and Scottish mother. Her father, Eyon, split from her family when she was two years old.

Her early years, she remembers, were marked by financial hardship, as her mother, a primary schoolteacher, fell ill with cancer. She was left in charge of three siblings. 'It was a difficult way to grow up. My mother was ill. And I felt I was given the responsibility of raising a family. Suddenly, I became the parent figure.'

She struggled at school for most of her teenage years, although she later achieved three A-levels and nine GCSEs. 'I went to a really multicultural school. And there were people in my class who were getting straight A grades. They had tutors after school; they had tutors at the weekends. And the teachers paid them lots of attention. I couldn't do that. I just wasn't interested. It's not that I didn't want to learn.' She pauses to chose her words: 'No one ever sat down to take the time to explain things to me. I think teachers sometimes don't pay enough attention to the kids that need it. That was my experience.'

Frustrated, she eventually left home to live in a hostel: she remained close to her mother throughout her absence from home. 'I was living in this grubby little hostel,' she says. 'It was a horrible place. And I think I was depressed, because I started to smoke and drink. I was smoking all the time. I'd go to school, come back, and smoke. I'd hardly ever leave my room. I think the experience taught me to be independent. I was more focused after a while.'

On A Little Deeper, she describes these experiences in devastating detail: 'I'm the same little girl that grew up next door to you/ Went through all the things a teenage girl goes through/ Hangin' out all night breakin my curfew/ When my daddy hit the door I gave my mumma the blues/ Used to spend my time blazin' lazin' days away./ Thought I was grown left home at 15 didn't want to obey/Had to get my act together couldn't take the heat.'

She had always been involved in drama and music at school. And, after turning down the chance to study for a a degree in social anthropology at Sussex University, she turned to music. She was offered an occasional guest slot on a pirate radio station. The stint led to an appearance on So Solid Crew's breakthrough hit 'They Don't Know', and a one-off solo single, 'Booo!'.

Released as a precursor to A Little Deeper, and initially leaked to underground dance clubs, 'Booo!' introduced Ms Dynamite as a powerful female lyrical constructionist. The song was an immediate hit. It had a unique music and vocal delivery that rarely relies on strict metric conventions. She often pauses when she shouldn't; laughs in the middle of a line; and verbally thinks something through on record. It gives her music a sense of intimacy and a diarist's introspection. 'I'm not technically great,' she admits. 'Purists probably think I have my faults. But there are things I want to say. And by sheer force of will that seems to come over.' Her narrative skills, all delivered at breath-taking speed, set her apart from other, more demure, female black British vocalists such as Des'ree and Gabrielle. It also causes problems: 'Don't you know there's no such thing as superstars?/ We leave this world alone.'

'I witness a lot of ignorance in the music industry. In music, if artists are black women, record companies are more ruthless. As an ethnic, urban or black music artist, I think record companies across the board, can be patronising. They say, "We'll agree with you now, but when you get to it, we're going to change you". That's how the industry works. I hear things like "Wow! You went to school and you're very intelligent". I'd never think Atomic Kitten, or whatever, were being asked those questions. I don't get mad at those people - it's just that they're bombarded with stereotypes.'

While most rap is undoubtedly concerned with themes of avarice, as a recent record by the American star Jay-Z put it simply when he boasted: 'What y'all about to witness is big business, kid', Ms Dynamite gives the impression that hip-hop is merely a stepping stone. On her album, she raps: 'Now who gives a damn/ About the ice [diamond] on your hand?/ If it's not too complex/ Tell me how many Africans died/ For the buggettes on your Rolex.'

Talking about her rapid rise she admits: 'For me to come from what I've come from in such a short space of time, and get that kind of recognition, is a real big thing for me. But kids, young people just saying "I wanna be an MC, you've inspired me", that is what keeps me doing what I'm doing. That's my reward. Money can't buy that. Children are the future, and I'd like to work with them.'

Her broad appeal is undeniable. This year she has enjoyed a brace of Top 10 singles and seen her album sell almost 150,000 copies in the UK alone. At the Urban Music Seminar, 12,000 paying customers, most of them teenagers, debated the fortunes of black British music with the industry's leading lights at the event, held at the Royal Festival Hall on London's South Bank. For the most part, the audience and the panellists (the speakers included well-known British luminaries such as Radio 1's Tim Westwood, members of the So Solid Crew, and Mercury Prize nominated rapper Roots Manuva) burdened themselves with the conventional issues that dictate any debate on urban music. Is black British music becoming too American? Are the So Solid Crew adequate role models? Is 'speed garage' dead?

On the second day of the event, however, the questions from those attending took a delightful turn. During a session on 'how to succeed in the music industry', a slightly overweight girl with heavy-rimmed glasses took the microphone and directed her question at Ms Dynamite. 'I really want to get into the music industry,' she said. 'But I know I'm considered too ugly. Is there any hope for people like me?'

'You're beautiful,' she replied. 'Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There is a problem with the music industry, where labels dictate what female artists should look like. But look at me: I'm not particularly good looking. I hate the size of my arse. So don't let anyone tell you that you're not pretty.' She proceeded to invite the girl onstage where the duo shared a hug.

Niomi McLean-Daley's honesty, I thought, was indicative of the frank Ms Dynamite persona she projects in her music and in her videos. She is, perhaps, the most autobiographical rapper ever to have emerged from the ranks of British hip-hop. 'You have to be honest,' she told me. 'People see you as a role model. It's important that you respect that. You have to be able to relate to people. After all, they're the people who put me here.'

She blushed as she often does, perhaps embarrassed by her own honesty in front of strangers, and concluded by talking about October's Black History Month: she often returns to the importance of education in her interviews. I proposed she chose her own black heroes, luminaries whose history she would have appreciated during her schooldays. Her response, delivered in her usually candid manner, could have arrived from any one of her records:

'I think we should have a black history year,' she pronounced. 'And an Asian one. And an Aborigine one. Whatever... to me, the key for getting over racism is to learn about other cultures. When I was at school, we did only one week of black history. And there was another thing; when we learned about the Holocaust, we went into all the details. When it came to black history, I was told I was a slave. I was never told that black people contributed anything important to the earth. I was never told about the ancient Egyptians and the pyramids. That was it. It gives you a sense of inferiority: and it meant I had to learn for myself. It also means that people don't really get to know about different cultures.'

She worked her way carefully through her list, agonising over each choice. 'I'd have to pick Nelson Mandela, because he's someone who made history and is still alive. I would have to choose someone who was important as a scientist. I think that's very important. You don't get to see a lot of black scientists, especially in this day and age. I wasn't told of any when I was at school. And I think lots of black kids would want to be scientists, but they never get examples of someone who has done it before. I think of Malcolm X in some ways, because of the whole civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, I think, stood for compromising. So for me, personally, I'm more like a Malcolm than a Martin. And Rosa Parks. Because she was a woman, and she was strong-minded and stuck to her guns.'

She smiles, and with a handshake, Ms Dynamite was off next door for a photo shoot. As I milled around the corridor, catching the last guests and autograph hunters, I spotted the young girl who had broken down on stage earlier. Her eyes were still puffy from meeting her role model. 'I met her,' she was telling her friends. 'And she was nice.' She grinned from ear-to-ear: 'I'm going to do it. I'm going to go for an audition.'

'A Little Bit Warmer' Ms Dynamite Chooses TL Audio

2009-04-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

August 2005

Multi-award winning artist Ms. Dynamite (real name Niomi McLean Daley) has been using a range of TL Audio gear for both the recent Live8 concert in Hyde Park, London, and several live appearances including an exclusive set at Abbey Road studios - which will be televised at a later date.

Ms Dynamite is one of 10 brothers and sisters and hails from an estate in North London; she has made a huge impact on the music scene both in the UK and around the world since her debut single 'Booo' was unleashed to an appreciative audience back in May 2001. The success of this collaboration with respected producer ‘Sticky?led to a flurry of interest in the young MC and having already established herself as one of the best female MC's on the underground circuit, Ms Dynamite managed to create a debut album that was intelligent, innovative and that gave her a deserved place in the forefront of the Urban and Mainstream music scenes. 'A Little Bit Deeper' is undoubtedly a modern day classic, and her follow up (due for release in October) is much anticipated.

We recently caught up with Ms Dynamite whilst she was preparing for a live recording session at Abbey Road Studios in London. Here are the highlights from the interview:

Niomi, your career so far has been a kind of magical journey, what has been the highlight so far?

- Wow, good question! Yeah, I guess it has been?but honestly no one thing?there has been so many amazing things ?just all of it!

You recently performed in front of what must have been your largest crowd yet at the Live 8 concert, how was that for you?

- I really enjoyed Live 8, I was quite overwhelmed because it was my first big public performance in a while but it was great. I really enjoyed it on a personal level because of the message it contained - it meant so much to me because of the meaning and importance of the concert. I was glad I could be a part of it.

You’ve been away for a couple of years to raise your son Shavaar, how has motherhood been, and do you think it’s moved you and your music on to another level?

- Yeah definitely, I love being a mum; I love every aspect of it! It’s something I’ve never doubted or felt bad about ?he’s such a positive influence on me. Shavaar has enhanced my views on life and my music. He’s my inspiration.

You gained respect from your last album through your fresh approach and intelligent lyrics, what can we expect from your new album?

- Well, contents wise ?it’s me. Its me just being open, honest and raw ?however you want to put it I’m just being myself. I’m talking about things I agree or disagree with, but it definitely shows growth. I feel the album is more mature and I feel so much more confident now ?I know the sound I want and I’m not scared to try and achieve it. Genre wise it is similar to ‘A little bit deeper? in that it draws on all the types of musical styles that I like and am influenced by ?like R&B, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop ?all my inspirations, I’m really excited about the new album.

Ok, so you’ve done the underground circuit, you’ve successfully made the crossover for mainstream success, you’ve won awards and are respected as a positive black role model as well as a mother?is there anything Ms Dynamite still wants to achieve?

- Thank you! You know as much as I really appreciate everything ?this is just the beginning for me. I have so many goals I want to achieve on a business level, personal level and a musical level.

Can you tell us about anything you have planned?

- I’d rather talk about it when it’s done. I prefer to do things rather than just talk about it. There is a lot more I want to do, I’m a very ambitious and creative person but I’ve got to be realistic about what’s possible. I’ve learnt that lesson already! I have so many dreams ?we’ll see what happens!

Well, we will definitely watch this space, if anyone is capable of going on to achieve great things in their life ?Ms Dynamite is certainly one of them. It is rare to meet someone so grounded that possesses true star quality.
Her 2nd album is only a couple of months away and it will be sure to confirm her as one of the most promising British talents to emerge from the Urban music scene in current years. We look forward to it eagerly and wish you every success Niomi.

Ms Dynamite The MP?

2009-04-01T21:07:00.002-07:00

Ms Dynamite won't shy away from politics to change things

07:31, Tuesday, 1 August 2006

Ms Dynamite has hinted that she wouldn't mind becoming a member of parliament.

Speaking in an interview with MTV News, the UK sensation stated that she would happily do whatever it takes to have a positive impact on society. "My main goal is to help make a change to millions of things that I see wrong within society," she said.

"and if my journey takes me into politics in order for me to be able to fulfil that then that's what I'll do. Whatever it takes I'm ready for it"

Catch Ms Dynamite in MTV News's special on Gun Crime on September 13 at 9pm on MTV.

MS DYNAMITE MAKES PLEA FOR PEACE

2009-04-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

She speaks out at a tribute concert to the two black teenagers murdered on New Year's Day...

Ms Dynamite has issued a rallying call for peace at a tribute concert for murdered BIRMINGHAM teenagers CHARLENE ELLIS and LETISHA SHAKESPEAR, saying "a miracle" is needed to bring about change.

Speaking at Villa Park on Sunday (January 19), she also branded the Home Secretary David Blunkett "irresponsible" and "misguided" for blaming the rise in gun culture on rap lyrics.

Talking about the shooting of 18-year-old Charlene and Letisha, 17, after a New Year party, she said: "As a young black woman, I am very touched in a negative way by the recent events. I needed to be here today to show my support. I know it's going to take miracles to bring change.

"We need to see miracles, we need people to act. I would like to change the way that young black people are seen and how we treat each other."

Ms Dynamite, who performed alongside Beverley Knight at the concert, added: "I am here to give my support and convey through songs the sentiment and feeling of the local and wider community. The Home Secretary has been irresponsible and misguided by picking on music. He is not qualified to speak about the messages in hip-hop – I am sure he does not have too many hip-hop records in his house."

MISS DYNAMITE ATTACKS GOVERNMENT OVER GUN CRIME

2009-04-01T21:06:00.002-07:00

MISS DYNAMITE has said she would like to work with Government ministers to help problems with inner city gun violence.

The 21-year-old R&B star was in west London yesterday (March 17) launching the Stop The Violence campaign.

She said: "I would like to work with the Government, if they were seriously interested in what we were going to say. If they were to take it seriously then yes I'd like to do it."

The double Brit Award winner said the Government must tackle poverty to ease gun violence.

She added: "In terms of gun violence and gun crime it's obvious - the problem is poverty. The Government have to give young people education and jobs, then none of this would be occurring."

The star also criticised UK Culture Minister, Kim Howells, for comments he made earlier this year about rap music and gun violence.

She said: "People can make out they are interested in a problem, but then they go and make comments like they have about our music. It shows no one's listening, no one's understanding and no one cares."

DYNAMITE GIG

2009-04-01T21:06:00.001-07:00

MISS DYNAMITE is to play her first-ever full gig later this month at LONDON's BRIXTON ACADEMY.

The Mercury Prize-winning star will take to the stage on April 26.

Since winning the Mercury, Miss Dynamite has performed countless PAs and has also become and official voice of Britain's youth, making her thoughts and feelings heard for various causes.

MS DYNAMITE'S PEP(SI) TALK!

2009-04-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

MS DYNAMITE has signed a deal to be the new face of PEPSI.

The two are joining forces to encourage children from tough backgrounds to break into the music business and become stars of the future.

The pregnant rap star will be pictured on millions of cans, sporting a glamorous new image.

A spokesman for Pepsi told today's (April 8) Sun newspaper: "Ms Dynamite has had a meteoric rise.

"She started at the very bottom and has become one of Britain's biggest music sensations."

She takes over the Pepsi job from Gareth Gates, who was dropped after a year.

Pepsi will also sponsor Ms Dynamite's gig at London's Brixton Academy on April 26 - her only full UK concert in 2003.

The star gives a speech in London

2009-04-01T21:04:00.002-07:00

Ms Dynamitehas been added to the list of guest speakers at this weekend’s URBAN MUSIC SEMINAR in LONDON.

The Mercury Music Prize winner will join names like Damon Dash and Dizzee Rascal at the annual forum to address the future of urban music in the UK.

Ms Dynamite sits on the ‘Artist Panel’ at 5pm on Sunday (September 21). She will be joined by JD, Tommi, Lemar, Jamieson, Javine, Jay Sean and members of Heartless Crew and Big Brovaz.

Ms Dynamite Claims Mercury Prize

2009-04-01T21:04:00.001-07:00

Garage star Ms Dynamite has won this year's Mercury Music Prize for the best British album of the past year.The 21-year-old singer beat 11 other acts, including the bookies' favourite The Streets aka Mike Skinner, with her album A Little Deeper.

Among the other acts in contention were rock legend David Bowie and Doves.

Ms Dynamite picks up £20,000 as well as the coveted award.

'I'm speechless'

The star, whose real name is Naomi McLean-Daley, has been acclaimed for her thoughtful lyricism and her powerful melodic voice and she has already scored chart hits with singles Dy-na-mi-tee and It Takes More.

Picking up her prize from saxophonist and prize judge Courtney Pine, the R 'n B performer struggled to speak.

She eventually blurted out: "I really don't know what to say. I've never been speechless. Oh my goodness."

Ms Dynamite Gets A Pair Of Brit Awards

2009-04-01T21:02:00.002-07:00

As expected, Ms Dynamite was a big winner at Thursday night’s Brit Awards in London. The singer picked up best female solo artist and best urban act. For a complete list of winners, read on.

THE WINNERS

Female solo artist Ms Dynamite

(Sophie Ellis Bextor, Beverley Knight, Alison Moyet, Beth Orton)

Album Coldplay, Rush Of Blood To The Head

(Ms Dynamite, A Little Deeper; The Coral, The Coral; The Streets, Original
Pirate Material; Sugababes, Angels with Dirty Faces)

Urban act Ms Dynamite

(Beverley Knight; Big Brovaz; Craig David; Daniel Bedingfield; Mis-Teeq;
Romeo; Roots Manuva; So Solid Crew; The Streets.)

Breakthrough artist Will Young

(Liberty X; Ms Dynamite; The Coral; The Streets)

Ms Dynamite Dominates MOBO Awards

2009-04-01T21:02:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite dominated the MOBO Awards last night in London, picking up gongs for UK act of the year, best single and best newcomer. “It’s really important to even be nominated forthe MOBOs. But the awards aren’t as important to me as performing at the show,” she told the Scottish Daily Record. “I still get so excited and the audience will be huge at the venue and on television. I find it no harder performing to strangers than in front of my family. I’m used to it when I’m in the studio - people are always dropping by.” Other winners included Ashanti (Best R&B Act), Aaliyah (Best Video), Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (MOBO Outstanding Achievement Award), and Ja Rule (Best Hip Hop Act).

Ms Dynamite Hints At Marriage At Brit Awards

2009-04-01T21:01:00.001-07:00

Sky News reports Ms Dynamite stunned music fans at the Brit Awards last night by hinting she is married to Dwayne Seaforth in a shock acceptance speech. The pregnant star dropped her marital bombshell as she collected her award for best urban act saying, “I would like to thank my record company and my husband.” Read more and watch a video clip from the awards show here.

MS DYNAMITE'S FRE-EE

2009-04-01T21:00:00.003-07:00

Police have dropped assault charges against Ms Dynamite.

The Mercury Music Prize winner was arrested over claims that she assaulted a 23-year-old woman at a Londonrestaurant on Wardour Street, Soho, on September 17.

The singer – real name Niomi McLean-Daley - was released on bail following the arrest and she was due re-appear at a central London police station yesterday (November 25).

According to BBC News, a Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "She had been due to answer police bail but there will be no further action in connection with this matter."

The star was arrested after she voluntarily went to a police station following the incident.

MS DYNAMITE'S 'JUDGEMENT DAY' IS NEAR

2009-04-01T21:00:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite is to return with a double A-side single and album later this year.

The star won the 2002 Mercury Music Prize for her debut album ’A Little Deeper’. Now three years on the singer, real name Niomi McLean Daley - is finally ready with the follow-up.

Ms Dynamite’s new album is called ’Judgement Days’, and will be released on October 3. It’s preceded by a single, ’Judgement Days’/’Father’, which will be out on September 26.

The new album sees the R&B sensation team up with US songwriters Chink Santana, who has penned tunes for Ashanti and Lenky, who has written hits for Sean Paul.

MS DYNAMITE REVEALS ALL ABOUT COMEBACK

2009-04-01T20:59:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite has revealed all about her ’JUDGEMENT DAY’ comeback.

It’s been nearly three years since the Mercury Prize winner released debut ‘A Little Deeper’, but the singer hasn’t been wasting her time.

As well as giving birth to a son and setting up a record label with her brother called Inner State, the star has been collaborating with from R&B producer Chink Santana, dancehall heavyweight Steven 'Lenky' Marsden (Sean Paul) and Swedish producers Bloodshy for her second album.

With the record’s title track ‘Judgement Day’ also expected to be her new single, Dynamite told NME.COM it’s a very personal song.

"The song is about taking responsibility for myself and for my actions,” she said. “I feel like as human beings we're really lazy and we can be very selfish, like 'Fuck it, i'll just do what I want' and not even bother to deal with the consequences. And I'm totally guilty of that myself but I just feel like I've come to a point where I see things differently.”

She added: “I guess being a mum has given me some kind of perspective, I feel more able to see the stuff that's important. I'm much more aware of the things I do, how they affect other people. But the song is as much to myself as it is to society."

The album is due on October 3, 2005.

Stars tackle racism at schools

2009-04-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite is to visit a London school on behalf of Love Music Hate Racism, the first in a campaign targeting young people at schools.

The British Hip-Hop star will speak at the Jo Richardson Secondary School in Dagenham on July 14.

Dagenham and Barking recently elected eleven British National Party members to its council. The borough will now see more Love Music Hate Racism events, with other, currently unannounced, artists lined up to speak at schools in the area.

Love Music Hate Racism has also announced a gig in Dagenham and Barking in late September, featuring Dirty Pretty Things and Roll Deep. The exact date and venue are as yet unconfirmed.

Ms Dynamite to headline anti-racism gig

2009-04-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite is to headline a Love Music Hate Racism gig in Liverpool later this month.

The show, at the city’s Academy venue on October 27, is a tribute to Anthony Walker, the 18-year-old student who was murdered in a racist attack in the city earlier this year.

Ms Dynamite will be joined on the night by The Stands , Roll Deep and Lupe Fiasco. The evening will also feature the northern premiere of Alan Miles’ rock against racism documentary film ‘Who Shot The Sheriff?’.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to Anthony’s family.

Tickets will be £10 in advance or £12 on the door – contact 0151 256 5555 for details.

Ms. Dynamite Explodes on Restaurant Patron

2009-04-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

UK rap sensation Ms. Dynamite was arrested this weekend after she allegedly "blew up" on a Chinese restaurant patron.

Ms. Dynamite, aka Niomi McLean Daley, was apparently meeting her mother at a central London restaurant when she got into a confrontation with a woman at the restaurant entrance. The woman claimed that she got into a heated discussion with the rapper.

Ms. Dynamite turned herself into authorities on October 1st and is out on bail pending a November hearing.

The singer/emcee released her debut album, A Little Deeper, in the U.S. in 2003 through Interscope Records. The album received much critical acclaim along with countless awards overseas and in the states.

Source: sohh.com

Ms D. Interview on April 21st, 2003 by Hugo Lunny

2009-04-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

These are the transcripts of an interview conducted with Ms. Dynamite. The interview was conducted on April 21st, 2003 by Hugo Lunny.

Ms. Dynamite conquered the European music scene last year with her solo effort "A Little Deeper." Coming from Garage roots, Ms. Dynamite solidified herself in R&B/Hip Hop circles as a talented singer/rapper. She's currently working on her second album and launching herself into North America.

MVRemix: Why are you known as Ms. Dynamite?

Ms. Dynamite: It's just because that's the name that one of my friends chose for me. I just decided to become a garage emcee and it's just the same as rapping. No one uses their real name; they all use a stage name. That was just one that one of my friends came up with.

MVRemix: I haven't been back in the UK since October, but I'd imagine that if things were the way I'm used to that our tabloids love you. Have you had many stories and if so which have impressed you the most?

Ms. Dynamite: Erm...how long have you got? Because there are bloody millions of them!

MVRemix: Do you have a favourite?

Ms. Dynamite: They are really, really on my case at the moment. All of them have come up with, one after the other, thousands of stories which are not true. It pissed me off at first, but I've really gotten used to it now. They're just idiots. They sit outside my house, waiting. They follow my Mum out to the shops...I don't know what they're expecting her to do. They're just. I don't know. Pretty sad people.

They've thought of the craziest stories. The last one was actually really out of order and that was in the "Daily Sport," I think. You know [the interviewer is English] that's a real "Women with their tits out" paper. I went into the Newsagents (Corner Store) and I was on the front cover with my head and a stripper's body with the biggest tits you've ever seen in your life! Sprawled out with her legs open, but with my head on the picture. You can imagine...I'm standing in the middle of the Newsagents and I started laughing my head off.

I looked at the woman at the counter and was like "Look, that's me!" in my excitement. She started laughing too, because she knows me and it's not me. But the picture was really funny. Then, during the rest of the day I actually got quite annoyed about it. There's always something in there.

MVRemix: See that's a weird thing, which I found about while living in the UK compared to living in North America where I am now. We tend to tolerate it but in North America, the second something like that comes out, it's simple. They sue. But...we don't usually do that in the UK.

Ms. Dynamite: I know. Because, unfortunately for us I think, we have a system which really supports the tabloids. It doesn't support the people. In some cases, with some celebrities, I have to say if I'm really honest that...Not that they deserve it, but some people kind of "ask for it" a little bit. They constantly sell stories or personal tales to the paper or they use the media to exploit stuff when they want it exploited. I don't think you can pick and choose.

I think for artists like myself; I've never done an interview with a tabloid newspaper. I think I did one in the very beginning with the "Daily Mirror" and that was because my record label had advised me to. But once I'd read what the woman had written, which was really far from what I said to her. I said, "That's it! I'm never doing a tabloid interview ever again."

I don't use the press. I'm not the type of person that goes out and wants to be seen in all the hot spots with all the celebs and all that. I really try to keep myself to myself. But for people like me, I think it's really unfair because they're really out of order.

Recently, they've put a picture of my house and my address and everything that surrounds my house. The local schools, there's a local cemetery and the closest road to my house they've put all of that in a [news]paper. This one I really am gonna try to take to court because that's mine and my family's safety. I'm not really that hopeful about it, I don't know. Like I said, we have a system that really supports the press unfortunately.

MVRemix: Press in North America has compared you to the likes of Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot. Now, they're a far stretch from one another. Who would you prefer to be compared to and why?

Ms. Dynamite: To be honest with you, I really do not mind. I love both of them for different reasons. I really love Missy because she's very original, she's different. She's always changing her style and giving herself a bit more edge. Plus, she doesn't use her body or her looks in any way to try and sell her record. She does it purely off of her talent.

For Lauryn Hill, I love her lyrical content. The topics she chooses to talk about. Again, because she doesn't really do that whole thing of using sex to help her sales. I like both, I think it's a huge compliment to be compared to them.

MVRemix: How did the George Michael 'Faith' performance arise at the Brit Awards?

Ms. Dynamite: The whole thing with George Michael was basically done through the Brits. The Brits had asked me to perform at the ceremony and I'd really wanted to do a cover of 'Faith.' But, I'd planned originally to do an R&B version months ago. I just thought it would be a really cool cover to do. When the Brits came along, they were trying to think of a good collaboration. One of my A&R's said "What about 'Faith'? The whole idea you had with re-doing it?" So he contacted George who was totally up for it. I re-wrote my part of the lyrics and that was kind of it really. We did that whole thing.

MVRemix: Can you explain your feelings on the recent/current situation in Iraq?

Ms. Dynamite: I think it's deeply saddening. I'm glad that everything seems to be kind of over or the whole "shooting and bombing" ordeal seems to be over. I think it's really sad that so many had to die; the civilians and the soldiers. Hopefully, there's a positive outcome to come from this. I hope though, that in the future we can find different ways to sort out our differences where lives don't have to be lost.

MVRemix: On your album there wasn't any garage material and as you said, you were more so known for that as you were coming up. I read in an interview that you said you'd like to do some but you'd have to have it diluted if you were to because of where you are [in terms of the mainstream]. Would you consider putting out white labels and doing things on an independent level? So as not to "tarnish" your reputation...

Ms. Dynamite: Well, it's not even about tarnishing my reputation but that's exactly what I plan to do. The thing is, I couldn't care less at all. If I was to put garage on my album, it wouldn't be because I would think "Oh no! The mainstream are not gonna like me anymore" and they're gonna think that I'm something that I'm not or anything like that. I don't mind what people think of me, what it really boils down to is being able to cross over and touch a wider audience. Garage doesn't do that at the moment. I'd prefer to sing in terms of the mainstream because I know my message is going to be heard by a lot more people.

But, in terms of doing the garage stuff - I love it! That's exactly what I plan to do. Continue to put stuff out on the underground on white labels. Just to have it there. To keep my name as an emcee alive and bubbling. It's something I really enjoy doing.

MVRemix: I heard a rumour you turned down a production offer from Dr. Dre. Is this true?

Ms. Dynamite: No...That is such a lie! Who would turn down production from Dre?!? Haha. No, I'm not stupid. No way, that is not true. That was basically when I came out there at Christmas. There was an Interscope party that I was invited to. I think it was their end of year party. Obviously I'm pregnant and I was very, very sick and I couldn't go. That was all it boiled down to. I don't know how the press here found that out or how they twisted it into being about producing and me turning him down. Specifically directing it at him and me - it was nothing like that. It was a big party, which I didn't go to because I felt sick. Nothing to do with Dre or anyone apart from my poor little baby! Haha. I'd love to work with him and I definitely wouldn't be turning him down if he asked me to.

MVRemix: Now we're roughly the same age. I'm trying to get into the movie industry through scriptwriting, and my material is "less than appropriate" for my age group. I write about things, which I obviously couldn't know about. Or so I'm told. I've found people very condescending with regards to knowledge and experience with regards to age. With 'A Little Deeper' and your introspection, how do you feel that has been received from older age groups?

Ms. Dynamite: I feel that there are people twice my age that haven't experienced half of what I have. And that there are people half my age that have experienced triple the amount that I have. I do believe that age is simply a number. It's a number given to you for how many years you've been upon this earth. It's totally insignificant. What really determines your age, in terms of your mind, are the things that you experience in life.

I'm not really put off by people that say, "You can't really know about love because you're only twenty two years of age" and blah blah blah. Because if I feel it, then it's real. That's all there is to it. If I experience something, it's real and I will continue to write about it. Other people's opinions or perceptions never put me off because I'm a young person.

MVRemix: If you weren't making music, would you go back to anthropology? Or would you follow another profession?

Ms. Dynamite: If I'm really honest now, I'd probably do anything I could to become a teacher. I'd definitely love to be one, still. I don't know if I'd still go for a degree in anthropology. I think I'd do a degree in something a little easier like art or something a bit more creative.

MVRemix: Do you have many non-musical aspirations?

Ms. Dynamite: Yeah, firstly I'd love to have my own record label to be able to help up and coming talent. To put some real talent and real music back into the music scene over here (England). I'd also really like to write. I don't know which type of writing...poetry, a story. Maybe even scriptwriting or something, but I really love that. It's a big passion of mine. All the stuff I'd love to do is creatively related, but also to involve the community. I'd love to have a really big gallery. Get loads of young talent showcased and maybe auction their work...

I have too many ideas every single day; I could go on forever.

MVRemix: There's a phrase I've had used towards me a couple of times and it's "Could you die today saying you'd lived?" Do you feel that you're now able to "seize the day," now that you are where you are. Or, does your popularity now prohibit doing that?

Ms. Dynamite: Although I do what I want to do, my life is very much dictated at the moment. It doesn't matter that I have this job and it's "really important." Nobody can really tell me what to do. If I don't want to do something, I'm not going to do it. Then again, I'm not stupid. I want to succeed and I want to be successful so I end up doing most of the things I'm advised to do because I know that it's going to benefit my career.

My life is pretty much dictated by my determination to succeed at the moment. That doesn't always work in harmony with what I actually want to be doing. If I died today, I've had a great life. But I don't think I could say I've lived. I could say I've survived and I'm almost living. But I still think I've got a while to go. I think when I'm able to really help other people and I'm in a position to offer opportunity to other people. Then, I'll be able to say that I've lived.

MVRemix: Aside from having and soon to be raising a child, what else are you working on?

Ms. Dynamite: Well, I'm going to start working on my new album because obviously, over here we've done quite a lot of singles. I'm gonna start trying to conquer America and see how my album and how Ms. Dynamite does over there. I'm just really working on getting myself into gear and balancing the future as well as I can.

MVRemix: Do you have any last words or comments for fans/potential fans that will be reading this?

Ms. Dynamite: I'd just like to say that I really look forward to coming and seeing all the people in the US and performing in front of them. I just hope that they enjoy my music.

Ms Dynamite at girl.com.au

2009-04-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's been said before and it'll be said again: Dynamite is blowin' up! When 'Booo!' catapulted Ms Dynamite into the spotlight last year, it marked the beginning of an extraordinary 12 months for this nascent star. 'Booo!' produced by garage don Sticky, wrapped a digital baroque two-step sound around Niomi McLean-Daley's vivid account of clubland violence, and swiftly established the London MC as one of the hottest young talent to emerge from the capital's fertile UK garage scene.

The past 12 months has seen Niomi support Eminem on his London dates and perform before Destiny's Child at Party In The Park. She presented Channel 4's urban music program 'Flavva' too, handling her new role as 'street-glam' multi-tasking media starlet with natural aplomb, despite no previous experience. Not bad for a girl who only started chatting in front of crowds at raves when she was 17. "It was just for a joke, never anything I took seriously" with her MC friends from pirate radio stations.

Of course, photogenic young pop divas are expected to do far more than just sing these days, yet there's nothing contrived or artificial about Ms Dynamite.

She was born 21 years ago, the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters and raised in north London by her primary school teacher mum, whose passion for roots, reggae and soul had a profound effect on Niomi. "I've always listened to a lot of reggae, a lot of roots and hip-hop," she says, " and that's obviously music where there's a lot of conscious artists with a lot to say and I think they've definitely rubbed off on me. My life generally, I've been lucky to have a lot of intelligent, loving people around me who will take out five minutes to teach me things about myself without preaching at me, just showing me naturally."

Described by her teachers as talkative and intelligent at school, Niomi excelled in her exams and passed up a place to read social anthropology at Sussex University in order to concentrate on music. It's a gamble that's paid off handsomely, following the success of 'Booo!', a track licensed from garage DJ Jason Kaye's Social Circles label to London Records. Because Ms Dynamite - sassy, stylish, smart, attractive, funny and fiercely opinionated - knows she has more to offer her fans than her remarkable music.

'I am not here to be a stereotypical feisty young girl that just wants to get up on stage and chat. I'm actually here with what I believe is something important to say," she declares. " I think growing up as a young black woman in this big flipping world where there's so much badness going on and all the rest of it, I just wanna give my perspective of life. I guess I'm trying to bring positivity to people and even make light of negative things while encouraging people to think. That's all I'm trying to do is to provoke thought and if that means I have to go and stand at the top of whatever building and scream at the top of my lungs to do so, then I will. I just want people to think more."

"A lot of the stuff that I talk about, they might say she's preachin', 'cos I talk about things, for example black-on-black violence, drugs etc. and I'm not saying that it only happens with black people in black clubs or even in the underground scene 'cos it happens everywhere." Dynamite says, "Me personally, as an artist, I've been through no money, been through violence, through this that and the other, it's not something I choose to promote, it's something I've been through."

Throughout much of last year and most of 2002, however, Dynamite has channelled her energies into 'A Little Deeper', without question one of the finest debut albums to be released this year, or of any year for that matter. Recorded in Miami, New York and Jamaica by an array of producers, including Salaam Remi (Nas, Fugees) P Diddy's beatmaster 'Punch' and in the Caribbean, veteran reggae duo Tony and Dave Kelly. It's an ambitious and accomplished record that easily justifies the blanket hysteria generated by everyone from the NME to daily newspapers and teen mags, who all predicted Dynamite would return with something extremely special this year.

'A Little Deeper' is a great modern pop album, raw and inventive enough to satisfy Dynamite's hardcore underground following (check the dirty cyber-ragga of 'Dynamite'). Moreover, tracks such as the first single 'It Takes More', 'Now You Want My Love' and 'Dy Na-Mi-Tee' are the kind of mercurial radio-friendly compositions that will seduce anyone with a soul and look sure to fully realise her crossover potential.

For one who once likened her singing to "a cat being thrown off a building", Dynamite possesses a truly beautiful voice, a honeyed and versatile delivery that contrasts richly with her fearsome chatting and witty MC banter. The album has elements of dancehall, ragga and synthetic soul and cutting lyrics ("Tell me how many Africans died for the baguettes on your Rolex?" taken from 'It Takes More'). It's clear that, in an age in which British urban music is characterised chiefly by macho posturing and tedious materialism, 'A Little Deeper' is a work of rare depth and vision.

"I don't feel like I've got anything to be ashamed of," Niomi says. "I'm myself and that's it. If I say something someone doesn't like, that's just tough. I'm not trying to offend anybody and if I do then that's their problem. I'm a person that really hates to be made a fuss of," she adds. Given the amount of attention Ms Dynamite is going to receive on the strength of 'A Little Deeper', she's in for a terrible time.

Interview: Ms Dynamite 2002

2009-04-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

The year 2002 was an explosive one for Ms Dynamite, who has enjoyed a dramatic rise from relative obscurity to become a major force in award-winning style.

Her stunning year over, now she looks ahead to sustaining her success in the approaching 12 months.

The 21-year-old - real name Niomi McLean-Daley - has been a major hit with young music fans in 2002.

She won the Mercury Music Prize for her album A Little Deeper, a record that earned her the respect of her musical peers.
"So many amazing things have happened to me this year," says Dynamite, dressed casually, but with a palpable air of elegance.

"I don't think there's been a bad point, for everything has got better and better. All the award ceremonies have been good for me - it's good to know you're being supported."

Dynamite talks confidently and eruditely, the same as she sings and raps on her musically strong mix of R&B and garage which has a positively British urban vibe. Apart from a clutch of top 10 hits, Dynamite scooped three Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards and is a strong tip for nominations at next year's Brit Awards. But this lady seems aware that the music business is fickle and is not planning to stand still as another year fast approaches.

"Everything I do I really think about and comes from the inside. But I'll try my hardest to make the next album different, just to keep evolving with new sounds and styles," explains Dynamite. "My new album, A Little Darker, is more of an underground album, with a lot more garage, MCing, breakbeats, hip hop and darker R&B," she reveals - but is more evasive on speculation about possible big-name collaborations.

Dynamite may be eyeing up more distant prospects in the coming year, by having a crack at the lucrative but notoriously tough US market. "There are talks about it, and quite a few record labels over there are interested. It would be important to me as a British artist," she says with pride. "But not a lot of us have made it over there, especially R&B acts. I'd definitely like to take my success a bit further."

This young woman knows that while she is a musical hot property, her responsibility to her more impressionable fans is always on her mind. "I'm very aware that a lot of young people look up to me, are inspired by me and take what I say quite literally a lot of the time," says Dynamite, who herself has 10 brothers and sisters. "I choose to be as positive as possible and to address issues which I see as extremely important," adds the star, whose heartfelt lyrics examine gritty issues.

When Dynamite talks about something with considerable passion, her trademark hoop earrings shudder with her intelligent gesticulations. If her dynamism and natural enthusiasm are anything to go by, then there is every reason to believe that this musician is set to build upon her staggering rise to the top in 2003.

Ms Dynamite injured after crash on 'The Race'

2009-04-01T20:47:00.003-07:00

Ms Dynamite was airlifted to hospital following a collision on Sky One's The Race. The singer is undergoing tests but is not thought to have sustained any serious injuries.

The 100mph crash at the Silverstone race track yesterday occurred when AC/DC singer Brian Johnson clipped the back of her car sending it spiralling out of control.

A Sky One spokesman on the celebrity car-racing show explained: "The contestants were on lap four of 25 when Brian Johnson's wheel clipped the back of Ms Dynamite's car causing it to spin down the track for about 50 metres before it came to a halt. It was quite a violent collision, but the paramedics were straight on the scene."

Allaying fears over the severity of Dynamite's injury, the spokesman added: "She was conscious and talking and seemed to be okay. She doesn't appear to have any serious injuries, but she is bound to be very shaken."

Ms Dynamite "hates" community service

2009-04-01T20:47:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite is working in a charity kitchen as part of her community service order.

The singer has been making tea for Aids sufferers after recently pleading guilty to hitting a police officer in the face.

"She's not happy about having to show up and work early on Sundays," a source at the Highgate Newtown Community Centre told the News of the World. "She hates the fact that it starts at 8am because that just ruins her Saturday night out.

"To be fair to her though, she's turning up and doing the work. She has to do anything that needs doing - including making meals for delivery to HIV and Aids patients in the area. There's plenty of hard work to be done."

The insider added, "She also comes in on a Wednesday and helps us out in the office with the paperwork. She's a bright girl and I think that suits her better, but the charity needs all the help it can get in the kitchen."

No jail for cop-assault Ms Dynamite

2009-04-01T20:46:00.002-07:00

"Deeply ashamed" Ms Dynamite has escaped jail after admitting assaulting a police woman.

The singer was ordered to do 60 hours of community service, however, and to pay £750 compensation to WPC Caryn Marles as well as a £500 fine.

Her solicitor Anthony Burton told Bow Street magistrates' court: "She apologies to the officer. She is deeply ashamed."

Mercury-prize-winning Ms Dynamite hit the officer in the face after a fight outside a London nightclub two weeks ago. Mr Burton explained to the court that the row was triggered when Dynamite's 18-year-old sister was racially abused.

Ms Dynamite admits hitting police officer

2009-04-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite has been warned that she could face jail after admitting to slapping a police officer.

The R&B star hit PC Caryn Marles across the face when she was arrested for causing a disturbance outside a London nightclub.

"All sentencing options are open - including custodial," Bow Street magistrate Caroline Tubbs told the star after she pleaded guilty for assault.

The singer also admitted "using threatening words or behaviour". Her solicitor Anthony Burton said that she had been racially abused in the club, triggering the row.

Sentencing will take place next month.

Ms Dynamite slams her own vocals

2009-04-01T20:45:00.002-07:00

Ms Dynamite is shocked that her debut album was so popular, as she believes that it was ruined by her own amateur vocals.

"I'm not a trained vocalist and I was surprised when so many people loved the record. I thought they were all out of their minds," the hip-hop star is quoted by Contactmusic.com as saying.

"If you listen to A Little Deeper, you'll hear me trying different things. One moment I'm all husky, the next I'm singing at the top of my lungs. Now I've found a balance, I'm not Whitney Houston, but that is not what I want."

The singer is also keen to try her hand at acting, with a role in US TV show CSI at the top of her wishlist.

"She can't get enough of it," a source told The Mirror. "She'd love a cameo."

Ms Dynamite plans political career

2009-04-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Ms Dynamite is planning to step into the political arena.

The hip-hop artist insists that she can play a part in changing Britain and will do so by any means necessary.

Contactmusic.com quote her as saying: "My main goal is to help make a change to millions of things that I see wrong within society and if my journey takes me into politics in order for me to be able to fulfil that then that's what I'll do.

"Whatever it takes I'm ready for it."

Also known as Niomi McLean-Daley, she started out on pirate radio station RAW FM. With the release of her A Little Deeper album in 2002 she became the first female black artist to be given a Mercury Music Prize.

Ms Dynamite defends Bob Geldof

2009-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dynamite has defended Sir Bob Geldof, following criticism that there are not enough black artists taking part in Live 8.

The star, who is the only black female singer performing at the London Hyde Park gig, thinks that people are forgetting the real reasons why Live 8 is taking place.

"I can see why people have come to the conclusions they have if you look on the surface - but I don’t think the decision was made with any malice," she told The Sun.

"I think the bill reflects our music industry, which is very commercial. As a black artist I would love to see black music in this country a lot bigger.

"But I just really wish people would focus on the actual reason why this event is taking place."

She added, "I'm dying to get out there and see everyone do their thing. I just want to be part of the whole vibe."

Ms Dynamite 'wants reality show work'

2009-04-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

R&B singer Ms Dynamite is looking for work on a reality TV show, say reports.

According to the Daily Star, the popstar wants the publicity from appearing on TV to help boost her music career.

"She's desperate to get back into the public eye but finding it so difficult," said a source.

Ms Dynamite's debut album A Little Deeper, which won the Mercury Music Prize in 2002, featured the top ten singles 'It Takes More' and 'Dy-Na-Mi-Tee'.

Akala: My African adventure

2009-04-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

When urban music star Akala went to Bamako in Mali as part of Roots2Routes, to join rappers and artists from across the continent, he encountered poverty and helplessness – but also good times, friendship and hope. This is his story

A group of leading British urban musicians including Akala, the Mobo-winning rapper and brother of Ms Dynamite, and Kele Le Roc, singer of Basement Jaxx, went to Bamako, Mali, to join musicians and rappers from across Africa. There, with local musicians and others gathered from Morocco, Ghana, Gambia, and South Africa – including Kwaito's biggest-selling artist, Zwai Bala – they worked together to record an album fusing their various musical perspectives. Performing shows together, writing songs and learning under African musicians, composers and producers, they explored the question of whether black British artists' African roots are an essential part of their identity. The new collective Routes2Roots, formed on the trip, will play gigs this year including Glastonbury. Here we present Akala's diary of the trip, alongside photographs of the journey.

13 May 2008

I boarded the plane with a sense of anticipation, sure that I would return a different human being from the one that had left two weeks previously. I had planned to sleep on the plane. However, this idea went straight out of the window as I was absorbed into the collective energy of our party, exchanging stories, hopes and anecdotes. We arrived after 11 hours' travel, feeling fully ready for what was to come.

14 May 2008

I awoke at 6am to the sun already radiating at 35 degrees with one mission on my mind – get fruit! I walked out of our hotel to a street already bustling with the traffic of mopeds to find, as I expected, fruit stalls dotted along either side of the street. I managed to purchase huge quantities of bananas, mangoes, pineapple, coconut, oranges and avocado, all using my extremely sketchy French!

15 May 2008

The rickety bus chugged across the stony rubble and ground to a halt. As we exited the bus we were immediately swamped by people trying to sell us everything from mobile-phone credit to traditional cloth. There is no avoiding the obvious material poverty that afflicts the masses of the people there and today was my first face-to-face encounter with it. From the market we went straight to the national museum, where a local festival of drums, singing and dancing is held every Thursday. The vibrancy and energy, as ever with African music, was so strong you could taste it, and so when we were asked to give an impromptu freestyle performance we obliged. Durrty Goodz set off our show to a rapturous reception and I followed with a chorus of Bambara (the indigenous tongue) words that I had learnt from Salla, our guide, to an equally enthusiastic response. The whole show lasted about 20 minutes and we danced and sang with the local singers and musicians and I wondered at the obvious continuity between what they do and what we were doing and it became clear to me that, though we did not speak the same language, when it came to music we knew exactly what each other was saying.

16 May 2008

I went to a concert of one of Mali's most famous artists, a woman named Rokia Traoré, and received a musical education.

17 May 2008

We finally got down to the business of making music, though it had been organised so that the local musicians were off writing as a group and the UK musicians were another group, and this frustrated me no end. On the one hand I thought it defeated the whole purpose; on the other hand, given the endemic lack of unity in the UK black music scene, I was also conscious that this project was as much about making permanent connections with domestic artists as it was about collaborating with musicians from the continent. We made a fantastic start writing two songs which we all liked and also just establishing that creatively we were all reading from the same page.

18 May 2008

I sat in front of an enormous flag with Bob Marley's face on it (incidentally, I found out that Bob Marley is a national hero in most African states, with his birthday and the day of his death being national holidays), absorbing the drums and talking to the children in this local area that had been so kind as to throw a barbecue for us, and again the obviousness of the cultural continuity between peoples of African descent all over the globe began to dominate my mind. The dreadlocks, the sound-system speakers, the dancing, but most importantly the spirit – I could have been in Brixton, Brooklyn or Kingston, but I was in Bamako.

19 May 2008

Today was dominated by a five-hour-long debate that sprang from one of the artists wearing a T-shirt that said "Money" on the front of it and somebody questioning the morality of wearing such a shirt, especially considering where we were. From this route we spoke on everything from religion and politics to sport and love, and all went to bed feeling that we knew one another and perhaps even ourselves a little better.

21 May 2008

For the first time in my career, I recorded a song fully live with the musicians in the same room feeding from their energy, and it is a way of recording which, while it is quite expensive, I feel yields the best results. The song we recorded is called "Sister Bamako" and features Wanlov (Ghana), Pamela (Gabon), Zwai (South Africa) and the drums, kora, bass and guitar all played by legendary Malian musicians, so, needless to say, I feel humbled to feature alongside such company.

22 May 2008

We returned to the museum where we had performed a week earlier with the intention of showcasing the songs that we had written over the past seven days. However, the songs were not really ready for performance as we had not rehearsed or soundchecked, and the concerns that many of us had raised were rendered true by the slightly shambolic performance that ensued. Each artist did their best, but mics kept cutting, samples did not work and the whole thing just looked like exactly what it was: a bunch of talented artists blagging their way through an unrehearsed show. Luckily, the locals did not heckle us and were actually remarkably understanding, as we even had the audacity to start our show more than an hour late! Certainly one to forget!

23 May 2008

We spent the day rehearsing and arranging the songs so that they could be performed properly at the full showcase we were doing that evening. This was a paying show that had been advertised all over town where we were the headliners – so a repeat of yesterday was not an option. With just a day of rehearsal, the musical directors (Marshall and Tunde) managed to pull together a much more coherent piece with a definite structure and purpose and the show proceeded without incident. We even had half the audience grace the stage with us for one final jam session.

24 May 2008

I received another musical education from another one of Mali's premier artists, a man named Salif Keita, at a show that he was putting on at the houses of parliament! See, the thing people have to understand about Africa and music is that people do not play music in Africa – THEY ARE MUSIC, and a band such as Salif Keita's epitomises that.

26 May 2008

Today was a big day. Myself, Bashy and Goodz had a few days earlier designed a huge ebony necklace with an Africa pendant that we were having made and today was collection day. We were proud of this necklace for two main reasons: first of all, simply because it displays Africa and thus our cultural heritage; but secondly, as we all find the practice of US rappers laminating themselves in metals and stones that are usually in some way connected to the exploitation of their family here on the continent, a most perplexing and ridiculous exercise, we hoped that as three of the UK's most well-known rappers, our being seen wearing these will highlight just how stupid that practice is. We collected the chains and the craftsmanship was so top-notch that most of the rest of the group ordered a smaller version of our design.

28 May 2008

I spent the day writing a song involving all the artists that remained, on a kind of "we are the world" vibe. I could sense the feeling in everybody that we were conscious that things were coming to a close and that we all felt that double the time still would not have been enough, and with the rather subdued energy, the day's work felt for the first time laborious instead of joyful.

29 May 2008

I awoke at the familiar 6am to my fruit salad and sun, and being the only one of our group up at this time, I sat with my thoughts and tried to quantify what I had experienced over the past 16 days, and realised that I could not quite grasp it. You see, Africa's energy is one that can only be appreciated and understood by all five senses at once. You must smell Africa. You must taste Africa. You must feel Africa even to begin to comprehend what is there.

Africa is not a desolate wasteland of poverty and helplessness, but a reflection of the very best of humanity where their faces are rarely glum, their beat is rarely subdued and their song is rarely lamenting. As humankind marches closer to machinery and further away from each other, I believe the best place for us to look for guidance is the continent from which we all originate. There is a saying in Mali that "if you kill someone today, tomorrow you go to their funeral", as all in Mali swear to a kinship among its people. From this knowledge, a unity is formed that will not allow people to treat each other with anything but the love and respect you are supposed to have for your family.

I could not help but contrast this picture with my own situation as a young black male growing up in London, where so many of those I grew up with or around are now in jail or dead. Where by the end of this week another black male will kill another black male and nobody will be shocked. I wondered at the effect that I know for certain a trip like this would have on any of the groups of impressionable young men we call gangs; it would give young men the sense of connection we so yearn for, but most importantly it would show us just how un-African our behaviour is.

Ms Dynamite Interview - JamCam

2009-04-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite Interview - JamCam

Ms. Dynamite Biography at artist direct

2009-04-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ms. Dynamite (aka Niomi McLean-Daley) grew up in North London, listening to reggae and turning to hip-hop at the age of 12. Even when she wanted to become either a primary school teacher or a social worker, her passion for music was stronger. After starting out in a pirate radio station called RAW FM, Ms. Dynamite met Richard Forbes (aka Sticky) in a West End club. The two began working on her debut single, "Boo!," licensed from DJ Jason Kaye's Social Circles label to London Records.

Punch, Salaam Remi, Tony Kelly, and Dave Kelly produced her first full-length record in Miami, New York, and Jamaica. A Little Deeper featured the hit singles "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee" and "It Takes More." In September 2002, Ms. Dynamite became the first black female artist achieving a Mercury Music Prize, beating favorites the Streets, the Coral, and even music legend David Bowie. Three years later, she released her second album, Judgement Days.

Hip-hop acts dominate Brit award nominations

2009-04-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite and The Streets have dominated the shortlist for this year's Brit Awards, as the music industry acknowledged the spread of the country's rap and hip-hop scene from a niche market into the mainstream.

The pair are nominated for four prizes each at Britain's most high profile music ceremony, on Feb 20.

The Streets, aka Mike Skinner, and Ms Dynamite, aka Niomi Daley, go head to head for best album, urban act and breakthrough artist. The former's debut album, Original Pirate Material, blending rap, garage and hip-hop was favourite for the Mercury Music Prize in the autumn, but lost out to Ms Dynamite's A Little Deeper, which she describes as "soulful r'n'b with a hip-hop flava".

The huge impact of reality television shows on the single charts is acknowledged in the category for best single. Four of the five songs were recorded by singers from the televised talent contests.

Ms proves again she's Dynamite

2009-04-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite with one of her three awards

The singer and rapper Ms Dynamite dominated the seventh Mobo Awards for black music last night, carrying off three prizes.

Ms Dynamite - stage name of 21-year-old Niomi Daley, from north London - who won the coveted Mercury Music Prize last month, was the star turn at the London Arena. She was nominated in six of the 14 Mobo categories, a feat matched only by Craig David in the 2000 awards.
Ms Dynamite matched the Southampton soul singer's haul, picking up best newcomer, best UK act, and best single for her blend of garage, rap and R'n'B.

David was one of a starry line-up of performers on the night that also featured Ms Dynamite singing a medley of songs from her Mercury winning album A Little Deeper.

There was no shortage of glamour from across the Atlantic. Having flown to London last week on Concorde, a 70-strong contingent from the red-hot New York label Murder Inc made their presence felt in true gangsta-rap style.

The label's multi-platinum rapper Ja Rule won best hip-hop act, while Ashanti Douglas, the fastest selling female artist in history, was voted best R'n'B act. Douglas and Rule performed their duet Always on Time.

For soul music's old guard, the finest sight of the night was the gigantic hair and matching thighs of Illinois belter Chaka Khan.

Now 49, the singer of classic Eighties hits such as Ain't Nobody, I'm Every Woman and I Feel For You, picked up a lifetime achievement award. Reggae's glory days were acknowledged by an award for Jimmy Cliff for his contribution to what is now termed "urban" music.

Notable by their absence from the podium were the bad boys of UK garage, So Solid Crew. Having dominated last year's event the ragamuffin army left empty-handed.

The Telegraph sponsored best garage act award went instead to chart-topping girl trio Mis-Teeq, whose MC Aleesha Dixon compered the ceremony with rap star turned actor LL Cool J.

Mobo is an acronym for "Music of Black Origin". The awards were set up in 1996 to celebrate a style of music long neglected by mainstream prizes such as the Mercury and the Brits.

Beware the glint of Mercury

2009-04-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hoping to avoid the Mercury Prize curse: Ms Dynamite

'I could have done with a couple more years in the business before getting this," said Niomi McClean-Daley, aka Ms Dynamite, as she picked up her Mercury Prize on Tuesday.

At just 21, it's easy to see why the singer and MC might feel glory has come too soon. But, if the previous winners of the £20,000 award - the most prestigious in British music - are anything to go by, she may end up wishing she had never won it at all.

Over its 11 years, the prize has shown an unnerving tendency to derail even the most promising careers. From the off, the omens were not ideal.

First winners, Glasgow misanthropes Primal Scream, went on a celebration bender and lost the cheque that they had received for their hugely popular 1992 album Screamadelica. Despite some impressive live work, the band have never produced a comparable recording.

David Bowie copyists Suede burnt briefly and brightly in 1993. But, once the Mercury came calling, it was all downhill, singer Brett Anderson falling prey to drug problems and a fringe that he never really got to grips with.

Dummy, 1995's winning album by West Country trip hop visionaries Portishead, is by some distance the best work ever to win the Mercury. Their follow-up sank like a patio slab in the Avon.

Last year's prize went for the first time to a woman, singer-songwriter PJ Harvey. She is very much a niche artist and already had - by pop standards - a long career behind her before she was chosen. Her career path has so far carried on unscathed.

But, for Roni Size Reprazent (1997), Gomez (1998, who the hell were they?) and Talvin Singh (1999), the day the Mercury panel drew their name out of the hat is one they would surely rather forget.

Ms Dynamite now becomes the most famous person to emerge from the grimy north London district of Archway since Rod Stewart in 1969. A Little Deeper, her outstanding debut album, is notable not just for its variety, gutsiness and catchy tunes, but also for the singer's mature and eloquent lyrics.

Ms Dynamite clearly has her head screwed on - and, by all accounts, a place at Sussex University as a fall-back. If the curse of the Mercury is still alive and well, she might be advised to give the admissions department a call.

http://www.ms-dynamite.net

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2007 Interview With Ms Dynamite

2009-04-01T20:13:00.001-07:00

http://www.ms-dynamite.net

Ms Dynamite featured on Sessions@AOL

2009-03-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite is featured in the new Sessions@AOL. The video clip introduces the British artist, the singer then explains the origin of her stage name, being part of such a large family, her love of reggae, what fans can expect from her debut ‘A Little Deeper’, what advice she has for other up and coming singers, and more. Watch the interview, and a live performance of ‘Watch Over Them’ below.

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My journey in footsteps of anti-slavery heroine

2009-03-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ms Dynamite, who has made a TV film for the anti-slavery law bicentenary, reveals her pride in Jamaica's first freedom fighter to David Smith

Niomi McLean-Daley first heard of the legend of Nanny of the Maroons at Winnie Mandela

School near her home in north London. The daughter of a British mother and a Jamaican father, Niomi was has always been fascinated by her family's Caribbean past and wider questions of black identity. In Nanny she found a black icon who also happened to be a woman.

Niomi is now 25 and better known as Ms Dynamite, who burst on to the hip hop music scene five years ago with her debut album, A Little Deeper. The singer, who has taken time out from recording to look after her three-year-old son, Shavaar, went to Jamaica for a BBC2 documentary, Ms Dynamite in Search of Nanny Maroon, to be shown next Sunday at 8pm, marking the bicentenary of the parliamentary act to end the slave trade. She is passionate about Nanny and has some highly provocative opinions about the legacy of slavery among black Britons today.

Nanny, described in the documentary as 'a legendary figure in the style of Robin Hood or King Arthur', led a band of fugitive slaves who in the 18th century defeated the might of the British empire, at least according to Jamaican folklore. It is said that, under her formidable military leadership, the Maroons - the name was a corruption of the Spanish 'cimarrones', meaning wild or untamed - wore bushes as camouflage and used sticks, stones and machetes to wage guerrilla warfare, killing soldiers, raiding plantations and giving hope to slaves throughout the Caribbean.

Nanny is seen as a personification of black resistance to slavery, her armed insurgency challenging the popular image of passive victims who awaited their liberation by white abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, the British MP who led the case against slavery in Westminster.

Ms Dynamite said: 'I was always fascinated by the stories about my family's Jamaican past, especially the years of slavery. But the one that really got to me was Nanny. The main thing for me is the fact that she completely rebelled and said: "There's no way I'm going to belong to someone else. I'm going to live freely and I'm also going to help others live freely, and if anyone comes up here and tries to take my home or this land I've created for myself, I'm going to fight for it."

'She defeated the British on numerous occasions, which is hard to get your head around: the British suffered thousands and thousands of casualties, whereas the Maroons suffered next to nothing in comparison.

'What we would call human rights now, she took and fought to the death for. Women usually seem to take the caring, loving, motherly role like Florence Nightingale, but she decided, "No, I'm going to be on the front line, I'm going to get all these soldiers together, teach them the art of battle and show them how to fight in a war." You wouldn't expect that from a woman. If you dig into black history there are lots and lots of black men that are prominent figures but not so many women.'

Tales that Nanny could catch bullets in her hands, or even in her bottom, are generally seen by Jamaicans as British propaganda attempts to portray her as a witch. She is commemorated on Jamaican banknotes and by a sculpture in Heroes Park in the capital, Kingston.

'I found the men had the most respect and passion for her,' Ms Dynamite said. 'Maybe she reminded them a little bit of their mum, because she was quite a fighter and survivor and very courageous. She was very, very important in the abolition movement and paved the way to the end of slavery in the Caribbean. Other people on other islands heard of the Maroons on Jamaica and did the same thing.'

Ms Dynamite toured the island to study the full horror of slavery and its victims. In one arresting episode, she displayed her combative streak by visiting a plantation and demanding its white owner tell her how he can live with himself knowing that his property and wealth are inherited from slave-owning ancestors who 'tortured, killed, raped, stole and did all these disgusting things to black people'. He said he didn't feel guilty or have a cross to bear.

Ms Dynamite's most emotional moment came at a museum when she was shown sets of shackles and chains and a gibbet used to kill, incarcerate and torture slaves. 'I said to the guy who was with me, why is that one so small? He said, that was for children: they would put it round the kids' ankles and then hammer the giant nail into the floor so they didn't get under their parents' feet while they working, or as a punishment they'd put them in the sun and leave them in the heat for the whole time with no water, no food.

'That was the hardest thing, when I saw that. All I could picture was my son. I was fighting back the tears, but it didn't work for very long.'

Ms Dynamite's Jamaican father left her Scottish mother when she was a young child. The eldest of 11 siblings, she began her rapping career as a teenager with a slot on pirate radio and was the first solo black woman to win the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.

She has strong views on the problems facing black Britons: 'There are things which are the direct result of slavery which still affect us today as black people. For instance, there was a very famous slave owner called Willie Lynch and he made up this basic law called "Divide and rule", the power to enslave the people and divide them: make the darker-skin slaves work in the fields and do the hardest work, and the lighter-skin slaves work in the house and get a bit better treatment. It set men against women. I think that as black people we are still living that law. There's a lot of segregation among black people and not a lot of unity.

'There's stuff in the family and home which is also a result of slavery. Men were not allowed to be fathers but were used to breed to create more slaves. It's something that - not with everyone - is common in the black community, especially in our generation: the fathers are not always there. We're not that far away from slavery and that way of living, where a man is literally just a tool to reproduce.'

Ms Dynamite is dismayed at a lack of positive black role models and hopes that her music, at least, sends the right message. She might return to the recording studio, although the experience of presenting a documentary has given her a taste for TV. The audience will judge her against more established presenters amid an abundance of programmes marking the slavery anniversary.

Ms Dynamite looks carefree as she disappears into the crowd on Kentish Town Road after the interview. She does, after all, have the black, female and fearless Nanny Maroon on her side.

Hip hop to stardom

Born: Niomi McLean-Daley in London on 26 April, 1981.

Education: A-levels in English, art and media studies. Rejected place at Sussex University in favour of a music career.

Big break: Collaborated on So Solid Crew's 2001 single 'They Don't Know'.

Albums: A Little Deeper, Judgement Days

Awards: Mercury Music Prize Album of the Year 2002 - she donated the £20,000 award to charity, Mobo Awards Best Single, Best Newcomer, UK Act of the Year 2003.

Previous TV work: Presenter on Channel 4's urban music show Flava

High: Performed at Live8, July 2005.

Trivia: Friends picked names out of a hat to decide that Ms Dynamite would be her professional moniker.

Official Post Date: Sunday 18 March 2007

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