Voice Fathers Day Book 2015

XXXXXXXXXXX 00-00, 2012 THE VOICE | 19

LIFE & STYLE

SIR LENNY HENRY

Make dad feel sweet this Sunday with a present from our gift guide

Our fathers

Daddy cool

Top of the popsOur readers salute their dads with

special messages

Well-known UK dads on what fatherhood means to them

Comedy capers to Queen’s honours

FATHER’S DAY

SPECIAL!

JUNE 18 - 24, 2015 TTHHEE VVOOIICCEE � 21

CCoovveerr ssttoorryy

Comedy hero Lenny Henry says his knighthood won’t earn him any special treatment from his family, but the honour would have made his late mother ‘incredibly pleased’BY DAVINA HAMILTON

“I’ve been called‘Sir’ before,”laughs LennyHenry, whenasked how it

feels to be addressed by his newtitle.

But of this new, official, pre-cursor to his name, the comicsays: “Well, nobody’s callingme that yet. I’m not insisting onit like [actor] Ben Kingsley!”

Still, Henry, who confirmed ear-lier this month that he was toreceive a knighthood in theQueen’s birthday honours, is alltoo aware of the gravity of thisaccolade. (Perhaps not leastbecause I kept calling him ‘Sir’and congratulating him like hewas a member of my own family).

Boasting a 40-year career inthe entertainment industry –which has seen him work as acomedian, an actor andvoiceover talent; launch hisown production companyCrucial Films; become anactive champion for diversity inthe arts; and of, course, co-found Comic Relief – the 56-year-old recognises that hisknighthood may give him someextra clout.

“Do you know what? If ithelps to give any traction withthings like Comic Relief anddiversity-related work, thenthat’s a good thing,” he says.

“But as far as anything else isconcerned… my family’s notgonna start calling me ‘Sir’. ‘Sir,could you take out the garbage,please?’ No, it won’t be any-thing like that!”

Still, the Dudley-born starsays the knighthood news wasmet with great excitement byhis family.

“My family are very proud.Their response has been over-whelmingly positive and I’vehad a lot of love from all ofthem. I’m really pleased by that.I think my mum would haveloved it too. My mum wouldhave been incredibly pleased.”

Henry admits that it wasthoughts of his mum, Winifred,who died in 1998 that played apart in his decision to acceptthe award.

Well aware of the contingentof black British personalitieswho have rejected Queen’shonours (think poet BenjaminZephaniah, choreographerJonzi D and Professor GusJohn) on the grounds that theyrepresent the ugly legacy ofempire and colonialism, Henrysays he did seek the opinionsof close friends – and considerwhat his mum would havewanted – before making hisdecision to accept the honour.

“I talked to my managerabout it, as well as friends andcolleagues,” he says. “The rea-son I asked a few people wasto get a gauge of what theythought. Nobody said it was abad idea; everybody said Ishould accept it.

“They were like, ‘Follow yourheart. What would your mum

think?’ I thought, ‘My mumwould have loved this!’”

Considering what hisJamaican-born mum mighthave said of her son’s knight-hood, Henry laughed as he imi-tated his mother.

“She would have said [he putson a Jamaican accent], ‘Youdon’t realised how blessed youare. You are a blessed child!’”

Henry says it was also hismother’s passing that inspiredhim to pursue further education

and complete an English litera-ture degree. It’s a decision thatnow allows him to fully relate tothe stage production,Educating Rita, in which he’sabout to star.

But rather than empathisingwith his character, Frank, who isan Open University professor,it’s the female lead, Rita –played by actress LashanaLynch – that Henry says he canidentify with.

“I think I’ve got more in com-mon with Rita than Frank,because I pursued further edu-cation like she did.

“In 1998, when I was doing atelevision series called Hopeand Glory, I decided – with mymum’s passing inspiring me –

to prove to myself that I coulddo a degree. So I was in themake-up room with all the

make-up ladies, who were allsaying, ‘Go on, send off the let-ter!’ So I did.”

Henry followed up his degreeby undertaking an MA course inscreenwriting, and thenembarked on a PhD, whichexamines the issue of diversity.

“Who knows if I’ll ever finishthe bloody thing,” he says of thePhD he started a few years ago.“But it’s about diversity in theBritish film and television indus-try, in relation to sports films.

“Sports films are usually ametaphor about life; they’revery uplifting and I think they’rea perfect place for diversity.

“So I often wonder whysports films don’t feature BAME[Black Asian Minority Ethnic]protagonists more often – it’salways about the coach.

“If you look at Americansports films, it doesn’t matterwho it’s about. DennisRodman, Michael Jordan, anyof those guys – but the star ofthe film is always Harrison Fordor Brad Pitt or Golide Hawn orKurt Russell or Clint Eastwoodor one of them guys!

“It’s never the black personor the Asian person – they’realways the subject, but neverthe lead. So my PhD is aboutthat.

“As I started to think about itand write about it and read allthe academic articles, I realisedthat there was a serious imbal-

ance there. I wondered if therewas something I could do to atleast approach a redress.”

With recent years seeing theentertainer publicly champi-oning the drive to get moreblack and ethnic minority tal-ents in the British film and tele-vision industries, he ponderedwhen asked why he decided tobecome a diversityspokesman.

“I don’t know. Like that linefrom Hope and Glory, ‘If notnow, when? If not me, who?’ Itjust made sense.

“If you’re always going to redcarpet events and lookingaround… you only have to lookaround at things like BAFTA orthe Olivier Awards to see hownon-diverse our industry is. It’snot rocket science.”

What would Henry say to thecynics who think his knight-hood might drive him to alignhimself with the ‘establishment’and ditch the diversity cam-paigning?

“That would be a ridiculousthing to say,” he exclaims. “Ifpeople are saying that, theyclearly don’t know anythingabout me. We’re at the begin-ning of a very long journey.

“Slavery wasn’t abolished infive minutes. It wasn’t like,‘Slavery’s finished – great, let’shave lunch, then we’ll abolishsomething else after lunch.’ Ittook a long time!”

Telling him of the positiveresponse Voice readers havegiven to news of his knight-hood, Henry was humbled.

“Thank you,” he says. “This[knighthood] is really for every-body who’s done somethingtowards diversity and ComicRelief. I’ll accept it on behalf ofeverybody who’s given theirmoney or time to help withthese issues.”

Educating Rita is at theMinerva Theatre, Chichesterfrom June 18 - July 25. For moreinformation, visit www.cft.org.uk

““SSllaavveerryy wwaassnn’’ttaabboolliisshheedd iinn ffiivvee mmiinnuutteess.. IItt wwaassnn’’tt lliikkee,,

‘‘SSllaavveerryy’’ss ffiinniisshheedd –– ggrreeaatt,,lleett’’ss hhaavvee lluunncchh,,

tthheenn wwee’’llll aabboolliisshhssoommeetthhiinngg eellsseeaafftteerr lluunncchh’’””

YES SIR: LennyHenry in rehearsalfor Educating Rita

THE VOICE POLLDoes Lenny Henrydeserve his knighthood?

Absolutely, he’s contributedso much to the British entertainment scene

No, he hasn’t done enoughto deserve a knighthood

76%

24%

MY FAMILY WON’T START CALLING ME ‘SIR’

Father's Day is looming (June21) and thoughts haveturned to finding the perfectpair of socks, aftershave ortorch... But fear not! We knowdads can be tricky to buy for,so step away from the boringmug and tie, and check outour round-up of gifts even thepickiest dad is sure to love.

22 � TTHHEE VVOOIICCEE JUNE 18 - 24, 2015

FFaatthheerr’’ss DDaayy:: JJuunnee 2211

Compiled byRykesha Hudson

Beats by Dr Dre, £169,Currys PC World

Drumstick pens, £4.99,Findmeagift.co.uk

Portable speakers,£49.95,

Bassbuds.co.uk

House of Marley in-earheadphones, £19.99,

Thehouseofmarley.co.ukTurntable,£76, QVC

DAD)( (

[Music Lovers]

[Big Kids]

To

Gamers’ beanbag, £74.99,BeanBagBazaar.co.uk

Mini table tennis,£10, Debenhams

Batman egg cup and toast cutter,£7.99, findmeagift.co.uk

Domino box set, £62,blackorchidinteriors.co.uk

Accentuate game, £19.99,

Firebox.com

Home arcade, £1,195,Libertygames.co.uk

Mini drone,£84.99, Currys PC

World

Star Wars Lightsaber owercharger, £24.99 Thefowndry.com



Number 8 ball lighter,£23.90, Zippo.co.uk

Football table,£375,

Libertygames.co.uk

Drumstick lolly cyclist jersey,£40, swizzels.scimitarshop.co.uk

[Sports Enthusiasts]

Golf umbrella,£24, Fulton

Flask, £20,Dorothyandtheodore.com

Big wheelscooter, £89.99,

Argos

Cricket guide, £4,

Theworks.co.uk

All

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f go

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to p

rint

, del

iver

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es m

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Mug, £3, Morrisons

T-shirt, £19.99,Shop.peppapigworld.co.uk

Tablet, £119,Amazon.co.uk

Personalised hammer,

£16.99, Findmeagift.co.uk Tablet holder,£24.99, ibeani.co.uk

Canon camera,£89.98, QVC

[Gadget Addicts]

Sony smartwatch, £189.99,Sonymobile.com

Coffee maker, £49.99,Swan-brand.co.uk

Dark Knight trilogy,

£15, Amazon.co.uk

[£20 & Under]with love

Virtual reality headset,

£29.95, Red5

Vintage book iPhonecase, £50, Case Hut



Five UK personalities tell DDaavviinnaa HHaammiillttoonn why being a dad is so specialWHAT FATHERHOOD MEANS TO ME

Eddie Nestor, BBC broadcaster and comedianPictured with sons Kai (left) and Jadon“My kids cost a fortune and stop me from being spontaneous.They have completely destroyed my street cred and a lie-in isimpossible; but I love my boys. They're like a mirror and becauseI want only good for them, I have to be better. My life, my joy.”

Rudi Lickwood, comedianPictured with (l-r) daughter Serena, grandson Tianno, and daughters Jamelia and Riann

“Dad is: The face you look for when seek-ing approval, even though you hit a fewbum notes playing the recorder in theschool play. The man who helps you withyour homework and gets it all wrong.

“The cab driver, who never gets a tip forgetting you to ballet and gymnasticsclasses. The person who shows you how awoman should be treated and loved, asdemonstrated by the expression of content-ment written on mum’s face.

“The cash point machine, who does all hecan to ensure goals are achievable. A foun-tain of knowledge, who lets you learn fromhis mistakes. The emotional pillow you cryon after a frustrating day.

“For me, fatherhood was the day I transformed from being a boy to a man. No longer would thedecisions I make be one of self-gratification; my behaviour would now shape the morals and princi-ples of my three daughters. I love being a stay at home father for my children and wouldn't change athing. ‘Bout time women started bring in the bacon, ain’t that right? Eh eh, wifey, put down de Dutchpot – no need for any violence!”

Quincy, comedian, DJ and presenterPictured with sons Kadeem (left) and Kieran“Fatherhood to me means legacy, as this is what I would like to leave mychildren. It means support through the good times and bad, especiallythe bad as that’s when they need us most.

“Me and my children have a bet that by the time they reach 25, theywon’t be able to push more weights than me. If that day comes, I’ll putup the gym bag and draw for the slippers.”

J-Rock, rapper from MOBO Award-winning group Big BrovazPictured with (l-r) fiancée Shenise and sons Khayleb-Gianni, Richard-Michaeland John-Paul Jr

“My dad was myhero when I was grow-ing up; I always said Iwanted to be just likehim. He always gaveus good advice andguided us all towardsour dreams.

“There were timeswhen I didn’t under-stand why my dad didall these things for us,sometimes working menial jobs far beneath his usual posts in order to makeends meet. But when I became a father myself, I understood fully why any realfather would make such sacrifices.

“A real father is the glue that holds the family together. He is the person yougo to for security, safety, strength and sensibility. When I say ‘real father’, it hasnothing to do with biology! Stepfathers who play a good role in a child’s lifeshould be recognised and commended also. I practice every day, trying to beas good a father as my dad is.

“My dad is now a great grandfather three times over and I think of all thetitles he has held in life, this one suits him best. Happy Father’s Day to all thereal dads out there.”

Daddy Ernie, Vibes FM reggae DJPictured with sons Andrez (left) and Ryan and granddaughter Heaven“Being a Daddy makes me very proud; I’m proud to have twowonderful men as my sons.”

THE VOICE POLL

What is afather’s mostvaluable role?

To provide financialsecurity

To pass on wisdomand experience

To protect

To nurture and love

57%

29%

0%

14%



Life & Style readers salute their dadswith a selection of lovely messages

To: Malachi TalabiHappy first Father's Day to my wonderful husband,Malachi. Life was great when it was just me andyou, now it's 100 times better with the addition ofour little princess.

Thank you for being a wonderful husband and aloving and attentive father. We both love you andappreciate the role you play in our lives. HappyFathers Day! Lots of love from Mildred and Tatiana. xx

To: Andrew Boreland Happy 1st Father's Day, dada!Love always, Mayah xxx

To: James GregoryDad, happy Father’s Day. Thankyou for everything you havedone for us. I love you so muchand I am very proud of you, andthe work Fathers AgainstViolence does to help youngpeople. You are my inspirationand I treasure every moment.Love forever, Alanis.

To: LinkweMolandeliHappy Father’s Day tomy lovely father. Loveyou daddy, from Joyce.

To: Fitzroy ThompsonMy dad Fitzroy is my hero. He raised me to be a strongand productive young lady and always worked hard him-self to provide for his family. He recently got baptisedwhich was a powerful and proud moment. I’m honouredto have him as my father. Love you dad, from Shona. x

To: Paul JohnsonWishing the greatestfather/grandfather a truly spe-cial Father's Day. Paul 'Fastlane'Johnson, you’re amazing andwe love you for always beingyou and being our superman.Lots of love from Chandler &Roman... 831.

To: Colin BerryI’d like to wish Colin Berry a very Happy Father’sDay. You are not told enough how much weappreciate you, and everything you do.

You work tirelessly for us everyday, you are agreat dad and in the boys’ words: "We love you toinfinity and beyond – forever." From J and boysJaden, Ethan and Joel. x

To: Brian BerryTo dad, hope you have a wonderful time onFather's Day, love from Natey. xx To dad, happy Father's Day, hope you have alovely day, love Rhi Rhi. xx

To: Mark ThomasHappy Father's day, daddy. Youare the most fantastic and cooldaddy ever. We are so blessedto have you. You make us happyand always make us laugh.Thank you, daddy. We love youso much. Hugs and kisses,Jeriah, Izrae & Azarah xxx

To: Jason Nestor You're such a great daddy tobaby Jae. Happy Father’sDay! From Rykesha.

To: Blaise Tchoula Wishing the most wonderful man in my life a happyFather’s Day! You are amazing and I pray you have awonderful day! Lots of love, your daughter, Chanel.

To: Tony AmadiHappy Fathers Day, Daddy! This unique day is a celebration of you as a father and your first year as agrandfather! As I reflect on what you mean to me as a Dad, I remember how you always taught me tonever back down and pick myself up each time I fall – thank you for that.

The only thing that baffles me is how and why you support Liverpool and we all support the greatestteam in the league – ARSENAL! Love you Daddy! From Vannessa.

To: Basil MorrisTo our wonderful dad, thankyou for all the love and careyou show, both as a fatherand grandfather.

For all the dinners youcook, the school runs you’vedone and the endless car-toons you watch and musicyou play to entertain yourgrandkids, we’re so grateful.Wishing you a wonderfulFather’s Day. Lots of lovefrom Davina and Sophie. xXx

To: George BeasonFrom Simone: My dad is so special and dear to me. He’s always been my role model and my inspira-tion throughout my life. He always has a word of encouragement or wisdom. He has made me the per-son I am today and for that, I’m grateful. To the best dad in the world, happy Father’s Day. All my love.

From Melissa: My dad is one of a kind and a father to many. As a Bishop, he has a knack of being amagnet to those who haven’t got dads and he has the ability to love them like his own. To people, he’sa pastor and a teacher, but to me, he’s simply an amazing man who I’m honoured to call ‘Bro Laj’ –my precious dad.

Wishing all you wonderful dads a very happy Father’s Day!

TOP OF THE POPS



10 different ways to salute dad this Father’s Day

Baba mi – My dadYoruba (Nigeria)

Meda ase – Thank you, dad

Twi (Ghana)Webale taata –

Thank you, dadLugandan (Uganda)

Ameseginalehu yene abate– Thank you, dadAmharic (Ethiopia)

Te quiero papa – I love you, dad

Spanish

Grazie di tutto papà - Thanks for everything, dadItalian

LOVE IN MANY LANGUAGES

Mi love mi poopa – I love my dadJamaican Patois

Merci papa –Thank you, dad

French

Wewe ni baba bora –

You are the best, dad

Swahili

Zuva ranababa –Day of the fathersShona (Zimbabwe)

2


MARVIN HUMESWho: Former JLS memberturned DJPartner: The Saturdayssinger, Rochelle HumesMini me: Three-year-olddaughter Alaia-Mai

3

CHRIS BROWNWho: US singer Partner: The mother of hisfirst child is model NiaGuzmanMini me: One-year-olddaughter, Royalty

8

4

6 7 9 10

11 12 1513 14

JB GILLWho: Former member of UKboyband, JLS Partner: Dancer wife ChloeMini me: The couple wel-comed their first child, a soncalled Ace, in June last year

LUDACRISWho: US rapper and actorPartner: Eudoxie Bridges, hiswife of six monthsMini me: Cadence Gaelle,his first child with Eudoxie,was born two weeks ago. Hehas two other daughters.Eldest, Karma, is pictured

SWIZZ BEATZWho: US music producerPartner: US singer AliciaKeysMini me: The pair are parentsto sons Egypt and Genesis.Swizz has three children fromprevious relationships

ASHLEY WALTERSWho: UK rapper and actorPartner: Actress DanielleWaltersMini me: The pair are parentsto nine-month-old AmaiyaLove. He has five childrenfrom previous relationships

NICK CANNONWho: Comedian and mediaentrepreneurPartner: Ex-wife MariahCareyMini me: Twins Monroe andMoroccan were born in April2011

16 17

RICHARD BLACKWOODWho: UK actor RichardBlackwoodMini me: Richard has a 14-year-old son, Keaun

18

LEBRON JAMESWho: Basketball star for theCleveland Cavaliers Partner: Wife SavannahMini me: The couple havethree children: LeBron Jr,Bryce Maximus and nine-month-old Zhuri James

19

TYGAWho: US rapperPartner: Ex-girlfriend, modeland entrepreneur Blac ChynaMini me: Two-year-old son,King Cairo

20

OMARIONWho: US singer Partner: Model, Apryl JonesMini me: 10-month-old son,Megaa Omari

THEO WALCOTTWho: Arsenal forwardPartner: Wife MelanieWalcottMini me: The couple have aone-year-old son, Findlay

FABRICE MUAMBAWho: Former footballerPartner: Entrepreneur wifeShauna MuambaMini me: The couple has twosons, Joshua, 6, and two-year-old Matthew

RAHEEM STERLINGWho: Liverpool starPartner: Ex-girlfriend MelissaClarke Mini me: Melody Rose wasborn in 2012

JADE JONESWho: Singer turned chefPartner: Former Spice GirlEmma BuntonMini me: The couple havetwo sons, Beau Lee Jones,born in 2007, and Tate Lee,born in 2011

WIZ KHALIFAWho: US rapper Partner: Estranged wife,model Amber RoseMini me: Sebastian TaylorThomaz was born in 2013

USHERWho: US singer Partner: Ex-wife, stylistTameka RaymondMini me: He has two sons,seven-year-old UsherRaymond V and Naviyd ElyRaymond, 6

BOW WOWWho: US rapper and actorPartner: Ex-girlfriend JoieChavisMini me: Four-year-olddaughter, Shai

JAY ZWho: Hip-hop mogul Partner: Singer BeyoncéKnowlesMini me: The pair’s daugh-ter Blue Ivy was born in 2012

KANYE WESTWho: US rapper and designerPartner: Reality star KimKardashianMini me: Two-year-old daugh-ter North West and secondarrival due later this year

In honour of Father’s Day, we profile a selection of doting dads wholove nothing more than to flash their families on the red carpet

1 5

FAMOUS FATHERS

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Voice Fathers Day Book 2015

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