In this episode of Kiss My Black Side, host Brenda Emmanus OBE talks to two established black voices in the arts achieving success in their unique ways. 

Former teacher Curtis Holder gave up the profession to peruse his passion for drawing – a career transformation that has rewarded him kindly. In 2020 he won the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year competition and now finds himself in a newly created role as Artist in Residence at the National Theatre. 

As someone who shares our hosts’ ambition to be a champion of the arts, Bolanle Tajudeen has proved a force for change. From calling out the lack of diversity at her University she has gone on the challenge art establishments for the lack of visibility and support of black artists. 

With humour and honesty, conversations float from succeeding despite disabilities , finding professional space without traditional experience, the power of education, and of course, an undeniable passion for the arts. 

Host: Brenda Emmanus OBE:   

Brenda Emmanus OBE is a television presenter and journalist working across print, radio and television. She has established her career across a range of genres - news and current affairs, popular factual, travel, fashion and the arts. Brenda has presented features and documentaries on a broad range of subjects from Princess Diana to African Fashion. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment - from Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, to Sir Elton John and Tom Cruise. Brenda was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to Broadcasting and Diversity. 

Guests: 

Curtis Holder - Artist 

Former primary school teacher turned professional artist, Curtis has established himself as a creator whose tools, often graphite and coloured pencils, have afforded him an instinctive form of expression. 

In 2020 his profile increased when he won The Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Yaar. His winning commission – a portrait of the world renowned ballet dancer, Carlos Acosta is now in the permanent collection of the Birmingham Museum and Gallery. Curtis has recently acquired the newly established role of Artist in Residence at the National Theatre 

Bolanle Tajudeen – Curator, Writer, Founder - ‘Black Blossoms’ 

Bee Tajudeen is a Curator and Founder of ‘Black Blossoms’ - an expanded curatorial platform promoting Black women, non-binary artists and creatives since 2015. In 2017 she co-curated and organised a touring exhibition of 21 black women and non-binary artists, which was listed as a ‘must-see' exhibition by A-n News.

In 2020 Bolanle launched the Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture, an online learning platform decolonizing art education. Her short course entitled, Art in the Age of Black Girl Magic’ - has proved popular and has been taught at the Tate twice. 

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@brendaemmanus

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@bolanle_tajudeen

@Sadler's_Wells

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In this episode of Kiss My Black Side, host Brenda Emmanus OBE brings together three Black theatre creatives to deliver an insightful conversation on the arts, and the place of Black practitioners and audiences within it. With Clint Dyer, Stella Kanu and Tinuke Craig, they muse on the responsibility that this brings and on their mutual desire to witness diverse audiences packing theatre spaces and seeing work that reflects their own experiences. 

There is excitement and optimism as they celebrate the productions currently on offer but are not complacent about the work that is left to be done to engage Black and working-class audiences.These are exciting times in Black theatre - a renaissance perhaps. Clint Dyer,Tinuke Craig and Stella Kanu are amongst the makers and messengers from their place in the mainstream arena, now serving to make things happen. 

Host: Brenda Emmanus OBE 

Brenda Emmanus OBE has had a consistent and varied career in print, radio and television. She has established herself as a television presenter with experience across a range of genres – news and current affairs, popular factual, travel, fashion, and the arts.From news features to documentaries Brenda has interviewed some of the biggest names in the arts and entertainment. In 2019 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Broadcasting and Diversity. 

Guests: 

Clint Dyer - Deputy Artistic Director, National Theatre 

The multi-talented writer, actor and director is Deputy Director at the National Theatre. Clint is set to make history as the first Black male to direct Othello at a major British venue. His play, the Death of England, which he wrote and directed was nominated for Best Drama programme at this year's Digital Awards and won Best Play/Musical at the Missionary Honour’s awards 2020. Throughout his career he has written, directed, and acted for stage, film and television. 

Stella Kanu - Executive Director at LIFT – The London International Festival of Theatre

Stella is a highly respected arts leader who has worked in theatre, festivals, and the cultural sector for over two decades. She sits on several strategic and governing bodies, has vast Trustee experience and is a much sought-after panelist, speaker and writer on topics such as inspirational leadership, diversity and inclusion and women in marketing. 

An arts visionary, responsible for an iconic moment in the history of The Globe Theatre when she brought together 250 Black women working in theatre for an iconic photocall at The Globe to celebrate the significant role Black women have played and continue to play in theatre and its diversity. 

Tinuke Craig - Theatre Director 

Tinuke trained as a Director at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). She won the Genesis Future Director Award in 2014 then became The Gate Theatre’s Associate Director. Her other credits include Artistic Associate for the Lyric Hammersmith and Associate for the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain.

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In this episode of Kiss My Black Side, Broadcaster and Journalist Brenda Emmaus OBE chats with two music stars - women whose trajectory to success took a circuitous route but have emerged more themselves than before. 

Pop star Emeli Sande and Opera Soprano, Nadine Benjamin share stories of de 

termination and musical passion as well as facing up to the challenges of being black women in the music industry. 

Their conversation is warm and upbeat as the women who are both out and proud talk about love, self-empowerment, being rooted in their heritage and the need for more diversity in the music business. 

Host: Brenda Emmanus OBE: 

Brenda Emmanus OBE has had a consistent and varied career in print, radio and television. She has established herself as a television presenter with experience across a range of genres – news and current affairs, popular factual, travel, fashion, and the arts. 

From news features to documentaries Brenda has interviewed some of the biggest names in the arts and entertainment. In 2019 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Broadcasting and Diversity. 

Guests:

Emeli Sande MBE- Singer/Songwriter 

Emeli is a Scottish Singer/Songwriter with hits like Read All About It and Next To Me. She’s won Brit Awards, Best Female solo artist and Best Album of the year to name just a few of her accolades.

Nadine Benjamin MBE – Opera Soprano 

Nadine is a British Lyric Soprano, a former English National Opera Harewood artist who is equally at home on the operatic stage as on the concert platform. 

As passionate about self development as she is about music, Nadine is a certified Coach and founder of the mentoring programme, ‘Everyone Can.’

Twitter

@emelisande

@NadinBenjamin

@Sadlers_Wells

Instagram

nadinebenjaminsoprano

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Web Pages

Emeli Sanders

Brenda Emmanus

Sadler's Wells - Well Seasoned

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