A 19-year-old from Berlin won the first “Voice of Germany” contest late Friday night, with a clear win over the three other finalists.
Ghanaian Ivy Quainoo
Ivy Quainoo, whose family is originally from Ghana, triumphed over American Kim Sanders, 43, who lives in Darmstadt and Max Giesinger, 23 and Michael Schulte 21.
Quainoo’s presentation of the James Bond film song “Do You Like What You See” was the most downloaded song of the evening. That plus texts and phone calls in her favor pulled her to the top spot with 33.6 percent of the vote, compared to 24.58 percent for Sanders. Schulte was third with 23.78 percent, followed by Giesinger with 17.99 percent.
The two hour show was televised live from a Berlin studio by Pro Sieben and Sat. 1. It was a hit for the TV companies as well. On average 4.2 million people tuned in to watch the competition, of which 24.4 percent were in the key 14-49 age group.
With numbers like that the production companies are already planning a second “Voice of Germany” for the autumn.
The monster mom convicted of abusing and starving her little daughter to death was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison Wednesday — but not before she claimed she was a good parent.
“I want people to see I’m a loving and caring mother of three,” Carlotta Brett Pierce, 32, said, referring to her 4-year-old girl — who died with only a kernel of corn in her belly — and her two surviving sons who are now in foster care.
“By no means am I a malicious or vindictive person.”
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Patricia DiMango was unswayed by the delusional appeal, giving Brett Pierce the maximum sentence and a hammering her over the brutal abuse Marchella Brett Pierce endured before her death in September 2010.
“Marchella lived in a hell created and maintained by you,” DiMango said. “She was imprisoned in the secrecy of her home, where she was supposed to be safe.”
A disturbing picture emerged during the five-week trial of a sickly toddler, who after spending most of her short life in medical facilities, was not being fed properly and repeatedly beaten.
When the girl tried to sneak food from the fridge, she was tied to her SpongeBob SquarePants bed and given medications to keep her sedated. She weighed less than 19 pounds at the time of her death.
Her mother referred to her with vile vulgarities in a recorded phone conversation from jail.
Brett Pierce tried to put blame on social services for not helping with the special needs child, even as trial evidence indicated that she never even took Marchella to the doctor in the seven months she was under her care.
“I’m not perfect,” Brett Pierce said. “I lacked the knowledge, education and economics to care for such a sick baby.”
While taking responsibility for some mistakes, she added: “I do not accept responsibility for the actual death of my daughter because I didn’t, in fact, kill her.”
But the judge didn’t buy any of that, noting that while Marchella’s hospital caretakers were almost in tears when testifying about the child, the only emotion from her mom was apathy.
“What kind of a person would do this to a child, let alone her own child?” she asked the defendant. “You demonstrate that type of person.”
DiMango also gave the maximum sentence to the tot’s grandmother Loretta Brett, 57, who was convicted of manslaughter for failing to prevent the death.
The grandma, who slept in the same room as Marchella, was sent upstate for 5 to 15 years.
She could have saved the child from her nightmare, said prosecutor Jacqueline Kagan. “Not by throwing herself in front of a train,” she added. “Save by giving the girl food.”
The defense argued that the kid’s father, Tyrone Pierce, also should have been prosecuted. He now has a pending multi-million lawsuit against the city.
Two other people who were charged in the case are the social workers assigned to the family. Their trial for criminally negligent homicide is expected next year.
In setting the stiff sentences, DiMango said, she was sending a message that “children do matter in society and they do have a voice, even in death.”
She barred Brett Pierce from having any contact with her other kids, ages 7 and 3, for the next 100 years.
The oldest boy, Tymel, took the stand at trial and, while prepping him, Kagan said, “I’ve never seen a child that traumatized.”
Marchella’s brother, who witnessed many of the crimes against her, still misses his sister dearly, the prosecutor said. He even brought her something to eat and drink when he came to her funeral.
“I hope she gets enough food and water in heaven,” Kagan quoted him as saying.
A serial robber who carried out a multiple robberies in London has been jailed. Henley Stephenson, 41, of Great Peter Street SW1 was on 1st June 2012 sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to a total of 14 years’ imprisonment for 20 counts of robbery and five counts of possessing a firearm.
Two accomplices were also sentenced alongside Stephenson. Leon Topper, 22, of Gosforth Lane, Watford, Herts, was sentenced to a total of eight years’ imprisonment for two counts of robbery and two counts of possessing a firearm.
Dean Williams, 26, of Peabody Buildings, Dufferin Street EC1, was sentenced to a total of six years’ imprisonment for robbery and possessing a firearm.
Henley Stephenson
Stephenson had pleaded guilty to the offences during a hearing on 21st November 2011 while Topper and Williams entered guilty pleas at the start of a trial on 18th April 2012.
Detective Chief Inspector Harry Hennigan, of the Finchley Flying Squad, said: “Stephenson executed these crimes in a calculated and frightening manner with no regard for innocent members of the public. His measures were so extreme; he tried to deceive the police by concealing his identity by wearing a lifelike latex mask which completely altered his skin colour and appearance. Stephenson also fired a gun in front of terrified members of the public, who scrambled for cover during a betting shop robbery.”
The gang-of-three were arrested at around 15:45hrs on 26 July 2011, as they targeted a cash in transit security guard outside Curry’s in Staples Corner. They had been laying in wait inside a blue Vauxhall Zafira – with false number plates – for the guard to leave the superstore with a cash box. Once the guard left the premises, Stephenson and Williams got out of the car and confronted him.
Henley Stephenson wearing a lifelike latex mask to conceal his identity
Stephenson, who was wearing a high visibility orange jacket, then pointed a semi-automatic pistol at the guard whilst shouting for the cash box. Williams snatched the cash box containing £19,800, and ran to their parked car which was being driven by Topper.
Detectives from the Finchley Flying Squad immediately arrested all three men at the scene, and the cash box was recovered.
The 2nd first round auditions for Miss Black Africa UK, went with a bang as a new set of ladies from various African countries faced the judges for the opportunity to be the second Miss Black Africa UK. Judges on the day were In House judge and Supermodel -Ibukun Jegede, Funmi Moriah (CEO Mink Cosmetics and MBA sponsor), Arna Waltz ( Model), Dele Onabowu – Founder and Kunle Lawani – (Software Developer and Sponsor). Celebrity Judge, Heaven Afrika was absent as she was on location filming with the BBC.
The day took a dramatic turn as the Miss Black Africa Team surprised Team Member and coordinator – Diamond Okezie with Happy Birthday cheers and presented her with two Birthday cakes.
Liz Ikiriko (Principal Solicitor – Melrose Solicitors) presents Diamond with one of her cakes The atmosphere was great as judges and contestants mingled forgetting the rigorous auditions earlier in the day.
The atmosphere was great as judges and contestants mingled forgetting the rigorous auditions earlier in the day.
Founder Dele Onabowu announced that there will be one last first round audition on Saturday, the 16th of June at KC’s Bar and Restaurant. This will be a catch up audition for the remaining applicants that had qualified to audition but couldn’t make it due to mitigating cicumstances.
Video : Coverage of Wizkid’s Press Day in London for the UK Tour By Factory78 The EME/Konlive music star whipped the media and his fans into a frenzy with an appearance at the final press day for the UK Tour. With the event organizers Cokobar , Phoenix Media partners and Smade entertainment on hand, Wizkid answered questions from a mixture of his fans and the watching UK media on his expectations for the shows and surprises he had in store for everyon.Watch the interesting press event ,an encounter with his youngest fan and an exclusive Interview right here on F78tv.
What is this latest trend of people eating human brains and body part all about? The latest one is a San Antonio woman accused of beheading her 3-week-old infant son. According to the police, the woman used a knife and two swords in the attack and ate some of the child’s body parts. The police told reporters that Otty Sanchez’s (pictured above) attack on her son, Scott Wesley Buchholtz-Sanchez, was “too heinous” to fully discuss.
But he says Sanchez ate part of the newborn’s brain and bit off three of his toes before stabbing herself twice. Police say the 33-year-old Sanchez told officers who were called to her house early Sunday that she killed her son at the devil’s request.
Sanchez is charged with capital murder and is being held on $1 million bail. She is recovering from her wounds at a hospital.
Britain has begun four days of festivities for Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee, with massive celebrations marking the exact anniversary of the queen’s coronation.
But not everyone in the country is celebrating the event.
West Indians who moved to the country when Elizabeth started her reign 60 years ago say she should apologise for British colonialism and slavery that had once caused much suffering in their native countries.
The immigrants say they continue to face much racism in the UK.
The Rotterdam Carnival attracts more than 900,000 people from across Europe according to organizers.
Afro-Europe celebrates a number of festivals throughout the summer. We’ve featured some of the most popular events where you can enjoy the music, food and culture of Africa, Caribbean and Black America without leaving the continent. Updates will be made as information is received.
BELGIUM
BREDENE
Afro Caribbean Festival
August 10, 11, 2012
Bredene, a coastal town in the Belgian province of West Flanders hosts an Afro Caribbean festival every year. The festivities begin on Friday, August 10. There’ll be live links with Africa, DJs, and a variety of workshops. Performers will include British dub reggae ensemble, Zion Train, Postman, Tuareg musicians Tamikrest and more. Salsa, merengue, reggae and other music will also be on tap.
Where: Paelsteenveld Park
Cost: Free
Tel: 059 56197
Email: toerisme@bredene.be
www.afrocaribbean.be
GERMANY
FRANKFURT
Afrikanische Kulturfest (African Culture Festival)
June 30-July 1, 2012
The 7th African Cultural Festival commemorates slavery and colonialism and their impact on people of African descent. Organized by the city’s Senegalese Association. Includes: Live music, workshops, film, a bazaar with food and children’s program.
Where: Rebstockpark
Cost: Free
www.senegal-verein.de
HAMBURG
The 10th African-Festival-Hamburg ALAFIA
August 24 – 26, 2012
Three days of music, dance literature, art and food represented by Africans from all over the world. Features an open-air stage, indoor Family Day concerts and an African market with 40 stalls with food and goods from areas including Senegal, South Africa, Eritrea and the Caribbean. Performers include:
Bonny Ferrer & The Latin Souls, Y’akoto, Fôô Fanick and Mighty Howard.
Where: Hamburg
Ottenser Hauptstraße
Altona
Cost: Check website
Tel: +49 – (0) 40 – 734 08 44
www.afrikafestival-hamburg.de
THE NETHERLANDS AMSTERDAM
Kwakoe Festival
Date (To be confirmed):
July 2012 – August 2012 (Saturdays and Sundays throughout July and August)
Held since 1975, the popular Kwakoe Festival is Amsterdam’s biggest multicultural festival and the main festive event of the Surinamese black and African community. Kwakoe attracts thousands of visitors to the Bijlmerpark show ground over six summer weekends for a program of live music, dancing, film screenings, sports, discussions and many varieties of ethnic food.
Where: Bijlmerpark in Amsterdam South East
Anton de Komplein 150
Amsterdam 1102
Hours: 1pm-9p.m.
Cost: Free.
Tel: +31 (0) 20 416 0893
Email: info@kwakoe.nl
www.beleven.org/feest/kwakoe_zomer_festival
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam Carnival
July 21, 27-28, 2012
This annual three-day Caribbean Carnival is held in Rotterdam’s city centre. Organizers say least 900.000 visitors come from all over Europe to enjoy the event.
July 21 – Queen Election
Unlike many other ‘Miss contests’, the Summer Carnival Queen Election isn’t only about being beautiful. As ambassador of Summer Carnival the Queen represents the festival on several occasions. Therefore eloquence and knowledge of Summer Carnival and its cultural inheritance are equally important. Amongst other elements, contestants are judged by a jury and the public on improvisation skills and dance. They also dress in dazzling carnival costumes.
Where & when: 1p.m., city centre Rotterdam.
July 27 – Fernandes Battle of Drums
Four Brass brands leave from four different locations meet each other for the Battle at the Bavaria Stage on the Coolsingel. Over a 100 percussionists and trumpeters take part in this musical battle. The winner will be named ‘Best Brass band of Summer Carnival 2012.’
Where & when: 7pm, Coolsingel.
28 July Street Parade and Live On Stage
On Saturday the big Street Parade emerges in the city centre. Live performers are featured on two stages until early Sunday morning.
Where: 1p.m., city centre Rotterdam.
Tel: 0900 4040200
Email: zomercarnaval@ducos.com
www.zomercarnaval.nl/nl/English
SPAIN
Rototom Sunsplash in Spain features some of reggaes top acts.
BENICÀSSIM
Rototom Sunsplash
August 16 to 22, 2012
Seven days of sun, sea and reggae. During the daytime, a variety of debates and workshops. When the sun goes down, the stage lights up with top artists and bands from Jamaica, Africa and Europe Afterwards there’s music in the dancehall tent where international sound systems play until dawn. This year’s performers include Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Steel Pulse and Alpha Blondy.
Bars and restaurants are open all day and night offering drinks and dishes from all over the world; the open-air market is bustling with reggae music and positive vibes coming from every stall. As well as records and handcrafted products, the market is also home to numerous non-profit organisations who promote their countless activities, aimed at improving living standards around the world.
Where: Benicàssim (between Valencia and Barcelona on the coast)
www.rototom.com
SWEDEN
MALMO
Baobab Festival 2012
June 2 at 2pm until June 3 at 11pm
Celebrating Sweden’s African community. Performers include Swedish jazz singer Miriam Aida, Senegalese singer Issa Kouyaté and more. Also, market booths, workshops, and food.
Malmö Folkets Park
Huvudingång Amiralsgatan 35, 21422 Malmö, Sweden
http://www.baobabfestival.se/
UK
The Notting Hill Carnival
LONDON
The Notting Hill Carnival
August 26-27, 2012
The Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest festival – more than 1 million revelers- has been taking place in London on the last weekend in August, since 1965. It began with collaboration between Caribbean immigrants, particularly those from Trinidad.
The main parade takes place on August 29 – Bank Holiday Monday. It generally begins on Great Western Road, then winds its way along Chepstow Road, on to Westbourne Grove, and then Ladbroke Grove. In the evening, the floats leave the streets in procession. Over 40 sound systems and hundreds of Caribbean stalls will be featured.
Where: Notting Hill, Southwest London
Cost: Free
www.thenottinghillcarnival.com
H/T Shadow and Act. The French time travel/slavery comedy titled Case Départ (Back To Square One) has been released on YouTube. The entire film.
“The French time travel/slavery comedy titled Case Départ, which translates as Back To Square One, opened in France last summer, and was quite a hit in that country, causing a bit of a stir outside of France, particularly here in the USA, where many didn’t quite take to the idea of slavery as comedy,” wrote Shadow and Act
Although the idea of travelling back to the days of slavery is original, I do have my reservations. Slavery has dramatically changed the way black are perceived and how we perceive ourselves, I think that needs reflection, it’s shouldn’t be the scene of a comedy.
Brixton Town centre: Atlantic Road, Coldharbour Lane, Effra Road, Electric Avenue, Electric Lane, Rushcroft Road, Saltoun Road, St Matthew’s Peace Gardens, Windrush Square
As London becomes the destination for the summer of 2012 Brixton Splash returns bigger and better than ever.
On the day that we expect to see Usain Bolt take on the world in the Olympic 100m final alongside the artists, music, sound systems and fabulous food we always bring to Splash we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Jamaican Independence during the festival.
There will be a number of activities throughout the day reflecting Jamaican cultural contributions to London life, which include highlighting the historic civic, business, sporting and cultural contributions of Windrush Jamaicans who have come to Lambeth over the last 50 years.
Brixton Splash will again feature 4 sound systems on Atlantic Road and Coldharbour Lane with a main stage on Windrush Square. The main stage will continue to support local talent and will include the musical history of Jamaica in Britain ranging from Soul, Pop, Ska and Reggae through to dancehall and roots music.
The stage will also provide a platform for narration and sketches from a local young peoples dramatic dance society as well as incorporating poetry and dance performers who will represent a musical journey through the high points of Jamaican history and British popular music genres.
The Peace Gardens will be further developed with an emphasis on the Arts and families.
Brixton Splash will also set up a live broadcast via YouTube to celebrate the event with a series of interviews with the public and celebrities to find out what Jamaican Independence means to them.
Henley Stephenson wearing a lifelike latex mask to conceal his identity
