Evening
with Siani Birmingham on 15th February 2003
Diary Report By Yvonne Scott
I must admit that I'd been looking forward to this
event ever since I'd purchased my ticket two and a
half weeks beforehand. The Coach arrived at the South
London pick up point on time and we headed for the
North London to collect the rest of people. The journey
was somewhat delayed due to the march against war
taking place in central London.
We eventually got to North London
where people began to board. They were considerably
understanding considering they had to wait a long
time in the cold. We started the journey with a prayer
and the journey up the M1 and M6 to Birmingham began.
I didn't’t know many people
on the coach but that didn't’t last long as
made conversation with the pair to my right. Before
long the D & P staff started serving food. When
they said there would be light refreshments on the
coach, I didn't think it would include jerk chicken,
coleslaw, bread, fritters and drinks. This was a pleasant
surprise and went down a treat. The coach was buzzing
as people talked joked and laughed. Even the driver
was cracking jokes.
As we came off the M6, someone began
singing praise and worship songs and before long,
the majority of the coach joined in.
We were on a spiritual high when
we got off the coach and entry the Clarenden Suites.
We were greeted in the lobby area and escorted to
our priority seats which had been reserved for us.
The place was packed. DJ Zorro was playing the music
and people were on their feet dancing as the tracks
were being dropped. This was before the show even
began and I knew
that I was in for a good night.
'Appointed' came up first and completed
a high energy set. 'K.M.A. Reveal and Co2' followed
with their ministry in rap. 'Cie' (who I crowned as
UK’s Aretha Franklin) then set the place on
fire with her performance. I had already got my monies
worth by that stage, but there was alot more.
Watchman and Witness performed and blessed us with
their powerful Ragga
ministries displaying supreme lyrical skill and content.
Ruach Youth Dance Team then displayed fancy footwork
and Birmingham’s 4 Real also performed before
Siani came on stage performing popular tracks like
‘We Aint Got No’, ‘Missing You’
and their signature track ‘Holy’.
Next came the interview with Nikki
Tapper and the collaborations. Siani
performed tracks with Watchman, Miss Cherokee, Kyra
and Nu Life. They also
invited their cousin Shaneeka up to do a track. What
became apparent was
the unity. Although it was an Evening with Siani,
all the acts came up and
did their thing and the crowd was behind every one
of them. I’ve been to events where everything
is geared towards the main act or it’s clear
that the acts that perform are fighting for the number
one spot. It was clear to me that although everyone
came with a spirit of excellence, all artiste came
together with a united front to magnify Christ.
One of the highlights for me was when Siani paid homage
to the legendary Clark Sisters and performed
'You Brought The Sunshine'. The place was on fire
and it reminded me of a
concert back in the day where the atmosphere was electrifying
and whole
crowd were on their feet singing out the song in one
voice as he music cut.
There was a lot to get through and
the event did run over time but despite this, the
coach driver was extremely accommodating, and didn't
rush us to
leave.
The only regret I had was that there
was no after party. After that experience I was charged
and ready to partaay! Maybe it’s a good thing
they
didn't hold one as I don’t know how I would
have made my way back to
London.
Anyway, on the return journey the
D&P staff gave us even more hospitality by serving
up hot drinks and biscuits which again was most welcomed
as I'd used up bags of energy on the night.
The service on the coach was impeccable
and me and my friend couldn't stop thanking the staff
as we were getting off the coach back at Brixton.
I had a great time and all
for £20!! Although I was told that the £20
included the return coach fee to Birmingham; light
on board refreshments; entry to the venue and priority
seating, I was very dubious about the price and thought
there was a catch somewhere and that they’d
somehow get another £15 or £20 from me
somewhere along the line. But they didn't.
I don’t know how the
organisers managed to get the cream of UK gospel under
one roof at the same and were able to charge such
a low price. I make NO complaints, however, and look
forward to many many more such events!!
PRESS
RELEASE 11
Siani burst onto the UK Gospel scene only 8 months
ago and since then they have established themselves
as one of the leading gospel acts on the UK scene
at present.
Siani have been dubbed best
new comers and one of UK's most hardworking groups.
The girls have travelled extensively touring with
their live band and performing Live PA's at all the
key major UK cities including Sheffield, Derby, Manchester,
Southport, Leicester, Birmingham, London, Great Yarmouth
and this list goes on.
Not only have Siani been embraced
by those within the gospel circle, they have gained
wide recognition from mainstream DJs such as Bigger,
Steve Wren and Hurdle white.
In the past few months Siani
have had television appearance on Channel 5, VH1 and
the God Channel.
Siani's forthcoming 2nd single
is due for release on 25th February 2002. The CD will
be available at all Wesley and Owen bookshops up and
down the country and you will be able to log onto
their website (www.sianimusic.com) to ascertain your
nearest stockist.
The second single has a mammoth
remix by the infamous Linslee Campell who has produced
and remixed for both English and US acts including
Dru Hill, The Lighthouse Family and Damage, to name
but a few. There are other remixes including an Ol'
School remix by Miss Cherokee who also remixed on
the 1st single too. As well as a hot Garage track,
Adrian Mckenzie and Whiteboy have also remixed and
produced on the single.
You get 5 tracks, yes 5 tracks
on the single and we guarantee there is something
to suit most peoples needs.
PRESS
RELEASE 10 -
November 2001
Siani performed alongside
Omar and Wayne William (former member of 'Another
Level') at the star studded Executive Professionals
Network (The EPN) 'Men of Merit' event on 24th November
2001.
Siani performed the Miss Cherokee remix to their second
single Missing U, to over 700 guests which included
celebrities Moira Stewart, Audley Harrison, David
Harewood and John Barnes who all commended the girls'
performance.
The EPN staged this event to highlight achievement
of Black Men within our community and our very own
Revd Basil Mead was awarded for his outstanding achievements
over the years. This event supported the Cancer Black
Care charity.
PRESS
RELEASE 9 - 8th Novemebr 2001
Siani played host to Southport's
30th soul weekender.
The event drew a crowd of
6000 people this time and was yet another huge success.
Siani appeared on the Saturday
of the event and performed the Miss Cherokee remix
of 'We Aint Got No
' followed by the Linslee
Campbell remix of 'Missing U' which is the second
single, available to the public early next year.
The girls performed in front
of some of UK's top DJ's including Bigger and Steve
Wren who gave both remixes a firm thumbs up.
The girls gave a solid performance,
and were well received by the crowd who moved and
grooved to the music.
The girls were pleased at
the crowd response and indeed the response from highly
respected figures within the music industry. They
commented that the positive reaction to the tracks
made all the hard work seem worthwhile and were happy
that quality gospel music is now widely accepted across
the board.
PRESS
RELEASE 8 - 30th October 2001
Having done the Caister weekender
in Great Yarmouth earlier this year, Siani now take
Gospel Music to the Southport Weekender this coming
Saturday.
This is the 29th weekender
and Siani will perform to over 5000 people and over
200 of the worlds finest DJ's.
PRESS
RELEASE 7 - 8th October 2001
Siani are pleased that they
have been given this platform to take Gospel music
to UK's number one Soulful Weekender.
Siani have just returned from
Holland having played host to one of Amsterdams most
prestigious night clubs.
They performed a 40 minute
set to a capacity 600 crowd whose response was overwhelming.
The notorious DJ Influence
controlled the wheels of steel and had the club rocking
until the evening came to a close.
The girls were pleased with
the way things went and were thankful that God had
taken them to share the good news in yet another territory,
making that three so far this year.
PRESS
RELEASE 6 - 11th September 2001
Siani burst onto the Gospel
arena without warning in May this year with their
debut single 'We Aint Got No'.
Since then Siani have been
moving forward at a rapid rate, appearing on television
and performing live PA's up and down the country.
They also supported one of their all time inspirations,
Donnie McClurkin at his London concert as well as
touring South Africa early this year.
Siani have been dubbed as
UK's hottest newcomers and although they will play
this down when asked, they undoubtedly are. They have
gained accolades from the likes of DJ Bigger, Seanny
G, Kirk Anthony, Dave P, Grantly, Charmaine Noble
and the list goes on.
Siani have returned to the
studio where they have been working with UK's top
remixer, Lindsley Campbell on what has been described
as a 'monster' track. The follow up single entitled
'Missin U' will break in October and will feature
additional remixes from top UK producers Miss Cherokee,
Adrian McKenzie and Patrick White.
If you were excited about
the first single then prepare to blown away by the
follow up. This one is set to take the UK by storm!
PRESS
RELEASE 5 - 20th July 2001
Siani performed admirably
at the Donnie McClurkin concert on Wednesday 18th
July.
The Girls performed along
with their dancers to a set which included songs like
'Used and Not Owned', 'Thou Art Loosed', 'Missing
You' and 'We Aint Got No..' All these tracks are self
compositions which will all feature on the Siani Album.
Donnie McClurkin enjoyed Siani's
set and gave Siani encouraging words of wisdom after
the show. Simone, from the group, commented that he
was so down to earth and stated that she was truely
honoured to have shared the stage with such an annointed
minister of God.
Siani are set to tour the
Southern states of USA in August and may have the
opportunity of meeting Donnie again over there
PRESS
RELEASE 4 - 7th July 2001
Siani are poised to take centre
stage to support America's much acclaimed Donnie McLurkin
at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon on 18th July 2001.
The group are delighted at
the prospect and feel honoured to have been approached
to do the show. They promise the British public an
exhilarating performance.
Siani have been covering a
lot of ground since February this year and have performed
in Birmingham, West Bromich, up and down London, Sheffield,
Newcastle, Great Yarmouth, St Albans, not to mention
their South Africa tour. Siani are set to do further
UK shows in Luton, Manchester, Wales and Bristol later
this year.
Siani's Management have been
approached by contacts in America who want Siani to
do a four week tour in August this year, following
the demand created by the single which is receiving
consistant airplay on U.S. radio. Terms of the tour
are under negotiation at present. Siani's Management
are obviouslty happy with the way things are progressing
and are looking forward to tackling the U.S. market.
Siani are undoubtedly the
hottest newcomers to hit the UK this year. They have
a wealth of talent and have something very special
in store for those who attend the Donnie McLurkin
concert. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT!
PRESS
RELEASE 3 -
July 2001
Siani's entrance onto the
music scene has taken many by surprise and has caused
waves both in and outside of the gospel arena.
Still in their infancy, Siani
have toured South Africa, appeared on bills alongside
Mis -teeq and damage, appeared on numerous radio interviews,
performed on television and are now set to support
US best selling artist Donnie McClurkin.
The list continues for Siani
and now they boast the official launch of their own
website sianimusic.com.
As well as being able to purchase
the CD single and book Siani for events, you can gain
information on their history and see their individual
profiles. There is a flash movie to entertain you
as well as information on the 2001 tour. There are
more goodies in store including video clips from live
performances and monthly giveaways for five lucky
subscribers!
Manager Junior Stewart is
excited about this latest development and views the
site as a vehicle that will develop and grow with
Siani, providing a tool to reach individuals all over
the world.
Forthcoming Siani dates
29th June 2001 at a Black Tie Ball in Aldershot, organised
by Cindy Caesar
29th June 2001 Willesden NTCG Concert
29th June 2001 Gospel Mania's June event.
30th June 2001 Concert at
the Sheffield Montgomery theatre at one of Allen Charles'
FocuArts events.
2nd July 2001 Summerfest 2001
PRESS
RELEASE 2 - 30th May 2001
SIANI GIVE NIGEL BENN A KNOCKOUT
BLOW
Siani performed at the Heart
2 Heart International Ministries Gospel Garden Party
held in the grounds of Nigel Benns family home.
It was a dream bank holiday
monday with the sun shining, guests mingling, kids
on the bouncy Castle and Siani performing to the distinguished
guests.
Nigel was bowled over with
Siani's performance and invited them to sing a further
number before they left to perform at another venue
in North London.
Amongst other songs, Siani
performed their debut single, 'We Aint Got No...',
plus the well loved 'Missing You' which is rumoured
to be their next single.
Nigel Benn and Pastor Miller(founder
Heart 2 Heart ministries International) commented
on Siani's exceptional vocals and the strong RnB tracks
behind the Gospel Lyrics. They both took the opportunity
to book Siani for a similar event taking place later
on this year.
Nicholle from Siani stated
that at the next event Siani would be performing with
their live band, and that things would really begin
to sizzle.
PRESS
RELEASE 1 - 21st May 2001
"Siani is the name on
everyone's lips at the moment. From out of nowhere,
it seems, they have burst onto the scene in a blaze
of glory!
The reviews on the CD talk
for themselves but what are they like live? Can they
cut it vocally on the live stage in front of a crowd?
Do they posses the energy which oozes from their CD?
Have they got the charisma and the presence to captivate
a live audience? The answers to all these questions
are resounding YES!
Siani have covered a lot of
ground since the South Africa tour in February, as
you'll see from the 2001 tour dates. But what have
they done since?
Well an example was the May
bank holiday, which was typically busy for the girls.
On the Thursday they were in Newcastle filming for
Sky Digital Television. Friday found them in Great
Yarmouth, yes Great Yarmouth! And what were they doing
there I hear you ask. Well they performed at the infamous
Caister Soul Weekender, which has been running some
22 years now. They performed their single to the thousands
that were present at the event and were very well
received indeed.
On the Saturday Siani performed
at the one of Uk's largest networking organisation's
annual ball at the Post House Hotel in Regents Park
central London
The following day Siani performed
at a Christening on their home turf in North West
London.
Siani found themselves in
Birmingham on bank holiday Monday performing with
their live band to over a thousand people at the New
Testament Church of God, National Youth Convention
at the Bethal Convention Centre in Birmingham. Siani
are living by the words of their debut single spreading
the good news quickly and effectively.
At their performance at the
BCC Noel Robinson gave them an intro worthy of three
queens and the auditorium erupted as Siani walked
onto the stage. (See how great they looked and Sounded
by viewing the video clip - to be posted shortly)
Siani opened with their anthem
acapella 'Holy' to wet the crowd's appetite. They
moved straight into their well loved Ballard 'Missing
you' which is tipped to be their next single (you
heard it first hear on this site! Keep it locked for
the latest developments, as they break).
The final song was the single,
"we ain't got no" and the crowd were in
for a big suprise when the Siani dancers burst onto
the stage with clinical dance routines which had people
standing to their feet rocking to the groove. Siani
received rapturous applauds and a standing ovation.
For further information please
contact Junior Stewart on 07904 181 880 or email junior@sianimusic.com.