This is just a small selection. Please go to the Auditions page for the full list

“NazB’s music is genuine rap from the streets of the world.” 

“NazB’s new single ‘around the world’ just released”

“NazB supporting ‘Naughty by Nature’ the Grammy award winning hip-hop group”

An internationally renowned Rapper based in Switzerland, is heading for the UK to promote the release of his latest single and World tour. 

NazB, born in Nigeria and raised in Zurich, Switzerland, has already gained a huge world-wide hip-hop following due to his success in Europe, Africa and North America.

Named after a Nigerian hustler, NazB makes the hip-hop scene hustle with the release of his single, “around the world” which has just been released by Iris Distribution, USA.  This is a moving and highly autobiographical single, describing his struggle to survive, as he traveled both a musical and life-enhancing path around the world.

NazB is a genuine rapper who has the background that makes his rap so real. This is no middle-class black guy. As a youngster he lived on the streets of Ghana, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Ivory coast, Surinam and Brazil. Crime and drugs were not unknown to the young NazB as he struggled to survive in the world. 

NazB’s music is genuine rap music from the streets of the world.

Already booked to appear at the Garden Club, Winterthur, Switzerland on 9^th May, with support from the legendary American band, Naughty By Nature, NazB will then perform at the Hip-Hop Festival in Dynamo, Zurich on 24 May.  A gig at Zurich’s  premier R&B/Hip-Hop venue, the bbq club in early July will be the last scheduled gig before his first UK tour. 

Hip-Hop fans will be treated to many tracks from his independently released debut CD, “Money in the Game” which gives NazB the opportunity to express his unique blend of funky rhythms, heavy grooves and touch his African roots. 

The memories from his early years, including the discrimination both religious and racial he had to face, coupled with his time of living on the streets and petty crime, now enable NazB to give his audiences something much deeper, than the usual repetitive diet of well-worn themes.

His musical ethos is based on touching the audience’s conscience and allowing them to submerge their receptive sub-conscious and share in his belief of international unity, based on accepting everyone as an individual and respecting their beliefs and ambitions. 

While many rappers take an aggressive and the “worlds against me” line of lyrics and attitude, NazB has the musical presence and life experiences to show people a better way, and of how he himself went from falling to the temptation of a rocky road to the rising stardom of a rapping hero. 

More information on NazB can be found in his TalentGold profile at http://www.talentgold.com/profiles/101110/

Mike Hibbert is an up and coming photographer, who specialises in live music photography.  He is a TalentGold Bronze Business member, whose profile is at http://www.talentgold.com/profiles/101109/

Mike is currently shooting at a number of local and national concerts.  His bands include Futurehead, Thomas Tantrum, Flood of Red, The Computers and The Electric City.

 As an addicted attendee of gigs since an early age, Mike is able to really get a feel for the music, and this comes strongly through in his photography. His work so far has been greeted with a great reception. Bands say they like it, and agents have invited him back for more!

Mike now has some availability for photoshoots for TalentGold members.  He recognises the need to build up an extensive portfolio, so he has kindly agreed to offer TalentGold members' portrait, promo and live music shooting at an extremely reasonable rate - much better than normal commercial rates.  If you are interested, please email support@talentgold.com, and put "Mike Hibbert" in the subject line.

Mikes work can be checked out at www.mikehibbertphotography.co.uk

or at www.myspace.com/mikehibbertphotography"

TalentGold will keep you informed on Mike's progress in the competitive world of pop photography.

From Strangler to Pop Larkin - the amazing story of Paul Roberts – an exclusive TalentGold Interview

Paul Roberts was lead singer of the archetypical punk band the Stranglers, and is shortly starring at Pop Larkin in the musical version of the Darling Buds of May. This exclusive TalentGold interview charts this incredible transformation.

Paul talks about the times with the Stranglers, the split and when he realised that he “ . . . had better look for another job. . .”  Now Paul is playing an incredible variety of acting roles, from a Solicitor in The Bill, to an evangelist for Hell, to Pop Larkin (as previously played by David Jason) in the gentle comedy, “The Darling Buds of May”.  He also offers some advice to new talent trying to make it.

TalentGold: What are the three greatest memories of the heyday of the Stranglers?

Paul Roberts: The first was playing the Albert Hall in front of my father and mother.  Then there was the first club tour we did in 1991, it was awesome-so intense-always sold out-brilliant.  Also, travelling the world playing music - you can't beat it when it is going well.

TalentGold:  It’s almost been two years since you left the Stranglers.  Was it a difficult decision to leave?  Why did you leave? 

Paul Roberts: No not at all - I had wanted to for sometime as I had realised that I had lost my voice within the unit - also the bass player and guitarist had been playing gigs without me for some reason - so I realised I had better look for another job...haha....I needed to work more and try new ideas out and it was not something they really wanted to do so we were pretty much living separate lives and that can never work in a band. Also 16 years is a long time!

TalentGold:  Do you ever see any of the other Stranglers?

Paul Roberts: No - but I do very occasionally speak with Dave Greenfield the keyboard player.....I also have a little contact with the drummer who was my closest friend in the band.

TalentGold:  Many TalentGold members are at the start of their careers – and typically they find it very difficult to get noticed.   What advice would you give them? 

Paul Roberts: Keep going, 'cause if you stop then no-one will see you....believe in yourself and NEVER TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.....also don't treat it as 'fun' ....have fun but spend as much of your time doing it [music] as you can ....live it and breath it........also never be afraid to change things and always listen to good advice!!! You also need supportive people around you and POSITIVITY...yes?????

 TalentGold:  We have a number of tribute artists and bands on our TalentGold website.  Everything from Frank Sinatra covers (like Michael Matone) to a number of heavy metal bands.  You started a Santana tribute group  - La Vida Santana - that sounds a little different from the Stranglers.  Tell us about this – why did you start it and are you doing anything with it now? 

Paul Roberts: Well we are still gigging occasionally.....It was started by the keyboard player Martin Lawrie who runs piano courses for the Berkshire College of Music..lovely man, and was a break from the slog and restraints of being in a commercial band.....it was to be with someone different too...there has to be an amazingly high level of musicianship in that line-up....which I think very important for one as an exercise in self improvement and belief...a lot of fun.....I also got to play my congas and percussion....I also happen to love Santana's old material and we play it very well....we have had some incredible reviews.....it was just something free and easy in between the Stranglers really.

TalentGold:  Same question about SoulSec – we see that you are doing a few gigs.  What’s the future of Soulsec, and how does this fit in with your acting?  Is it like starting all over again?

Paul Roberts: No no Soulsec has been going for years ...I have written four albums and five singles....we have an amazing line-up (that has very occasionally changed) again of very gifted players from all over the music scene......all the guys have toured with many massive artists.....it is an ongoing thing.....but my acting is more important right now really....I spend more time with that at the moment and have very high hopes.

TalentGold:  Does music still give you a buzz? 

Paul Roberts:  Yes and no....I never want to be in the position I was with the stranglers again but love original music and will never give it up...I am also writing some swing tunes at the moment with a very gifted jazz/latin pianist called terry seabrook.....I absolutely love jazz and swing being brought up on it and put together a six piece band two years ago which gigged quite a few times and also perform american songbook stuff with another six piece when I have time ..and get asked hahaha....so.... watch this space as they say.....

TalentGold:  Playing Pop Larkin in Darling Buds of May? Many fans will see that a very different from being a Strangler! Any comments?

Paul Roberts:  Well it is.....I suppose I could spit a bit if you like....??? lol....well my last three roles have been.....playing 'mephistopheles smith' the evangelist for hell.....'ovid' - a roman poet...and 'pop larkin' a lovable rogue.....it doesn't get much more diverse than that !!

TalentGold:  Is it true – were you on the Bill? As a solicitor?  Was this a bit of a turnaround from being a Strangler?  (Feel free to strongly deny this if it’s not true!) 

Paul Roberts:  I strongly admit it ! officer!!!! just a bit of fun again - you know......got to have a laugh-whilst getting paid of course....!!

TalentGold:  Looking at the above, you seem to be multi-talented.  Was this a deliberate decision on your part, or did it just happen? 

Paul Roberts:  mmmm erm it is not something you can plan - I suppose I am just lucky - but I work very hard and maybe it is a kind of pay off?? it really is not anything I have thought too hard about,i think that is a dangerous thing to do.....but I am lovin' what I am doing again and that is so so important....even if you aren't getting Hollywood wages.....it aint the money guv'........also it is a life change which can be very difficult for people around you and I love my friends and family and they have all been brilliantly supportive of anything I have ever embarked upon.

TalentGold:  Any final thoughts to leave our TalentGold members with?  Maybe something to encourage them with?

Studio Audiences

THE UNBELIEVABLE TRUTH
RETURNS TO RADIO 4

The BBC are offering FREE tickets for this show to TalentGold viewers

David Mitchell (Mitchell and Webb, Peep Show) hosts The Unbelievable Truth, a panel game in which panellists are encouraged to tell lies and compete against one another to see how many items of truth they are able to smuggle past their opponents"…plus special guests.

Recording at The Shaw Theatre, 110 Euston Road on Wednesday 16, Friday 25 and Wednesday 30 April. Studio doors open at 7pm.

To be part of the audience for this hugely popular panel show, call the BBC Ticket Line on 0870 901 1227

Congratulations to Michael Matone on winning our special Tribute Artist Award.

 This award is given to the artist who combines the best artistic quality with professionalism and a well designed and populated profile on our site.  We give this award in recognition that Tribute Artists combine genuine artistic merit with great entertainment value.  By definition, Tribute Artists are always going to be judged against the greatest - and Michael certainly lives up to that challenge.

His repetoire includes all the greats from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and Michel Buble.

 Michael's profile is on  http://www.talentgold.com/profiles/100315/

More information on Michael can also be found in the "Singing Professor" article below.

‘Let’s talk about sex, baby!’
 
Endemol are making a pilot for a brand new primetime Channel 4 discussion show…and it’s all about SEX and they have asked if any TalentGold members are interested in appearing on the show (16 and over ONLY, please!)

If you fancy joining the debate on the ins and outs of modern sexual issues - from orgasms to foreplay, staying power to STDs  - then contact Endemol now for an application form to be part of our discussion audience.

Filming will take place Saturday 15th March at a fully accessible Central London location.

Please email letstalk@endemoluk.com by Friday 22nd February.  Priority will be given to early applicants.  Please let us know if you get a ticket and are going, by emailing support@talentgold.com. Thanks