Mz Fontaine
Encyclopedia
Mz Fontaine is the stage name of lesbian
rapper Naomi Romeo. She was born in Guyana
(South America
) June 1978 and moved to London
in 1992.
Mz Fontaine has been nominated for the Stonewall 2007 Entertainer Of The Year http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/1923.asp award.
Her first album New Era was released in 2003. Her second album Spoken Thoughts is due for release in late 2007.
Tick Tock has been featured on Showtime leading lesbian series The L Word
and in the 2007 London Fashion Week
.
She has made appearances on Channel 4
's show Gay To Z; a show aimed at gay teenagers, on Fast train to Fool City aimed at young people involved in gun crime and has made appearances on You Don't Know Me raising awareness of homophobic violence.
In March 2007 Mz Fontaine embarked on the US HomoRevolution Tour. She was appointed Patron of Pride London
in summer 2006, the youngest and only Black patron.
British Singer/Rapper Mz Fontaine is a cut above the rest. Starting her career over five years ago she has the talent, drive and determination to maintain her status as a proclaimed star, priding herself on achieving her goals.
Originally a native Guyanese she had shown interest in the entertainment sector from childhood. Coming from a musical background her first performance was at the age of five, accompanied by her mother she performed at the very prestigious and national “Cultural Centre” in the city of Georgetown Guyana.
On arrival to London in 1992 Mz Fontaine has grown from strength to strength. Accomplishing a great deal, from the release of two albums to giving back to her community.
To Date
Setting up and being awarded funding to run music workshops for the young people of the London Borough Of Brent.
Release of the new Spoken Thoughts March 10 on independent label Foundation Entertainment.
Live performance for Hackney council’s Mayor and representatives in the fight against hate crime throughout the borough.
Performance for LGBT history month in February at The Dill Hall theatre to celebrate the achievements of the LGBT community.
2007
Embarking on the United States’ first “Homo Revolution” Gay Hip Hop tour touching on cities across the South from Los Angeles to Dallas.
Distribution to schools across the UK, the Recording of the documentary “Fast Train To Fool City” for the London Borough of Lambeth
in aid to fight gun crime among young people.
Airing and recording of Channel 4’s education documentary “Gay To Z” to educate communities and to empower LGBT young people.
Assisted in running HipHop workshops “Beyond Da Box” at The Contact Theatre in Manchester teaching young participants rhythm, timing, writing and flow construction.
2006
Opening act for “Stacy Ann-Chinn for London Borough of Camden
’s Black History Month celebration at the Shaw Theatre.
Headline performer at the “PARADISO” Amsterdam in aid of World Aids Day.
Touring the UK performing at “Pride” festivals from Brighton to London.
Being made Patron of London Pride Festival, alongside Elton John
and Rhona Cameron
.
Debut performance in the United States at “Portland Black Pride” festival. Along with appearances on local radio and local press.
Performing alongside Skunk Anansie
for the launch of global website “Gaydar Girls”
Debut airing of the video for the single “If Sumday” on nation television across the UK.
2005
Launch of the official website Mz fontaine.com to expand fan base.
Release of debut album “New Era” on independent label Foundation Entertainment.
Debut performance in New York City at the “Pepper Lounge”.
European performance tours touching Estonia, France and Norway
2004
Performance at Croatia’s Queer Zagreb festival.
Live appearance in Bruges Belgium.
Live appearance in Berne Amsterdam.
2003
The filming and airing for German Hip Hop documentary with Kobalt Production.
Live appearance in London Astoria for the National Lesbian Beauty Contest Final.
2002
Performance at the “London Jazz Café” in London alongside local Hip Hop bank.
Her mother was her greatest early influence, along with Tina Turner
, Jim Reeves
, Billy Holiday, Nat King Cole
and other Motown greats. In her late teens she was influenced by Public Enemy, LL Cool J
, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg
, Warren G
, Missy Elliot, Da Brat
, Rah Digga
and Queen Latifah
.
Mz Fontaine… is the most exciting British import since metro sexual power couple David Beckham
and Posh Spice took New York by storm.”” – Go NYC Magazine August 2006
�“”Rapping With Pride…Mz Fontaine, Britain’s first black lesbian rapper… is making a name for herself with groundbreaking rap and hip hop music.”” – Brent Magazine May 2006
““Mz Fontaine’s contributions… were chosen for their articulacy and their positive outlooks. She… came across brilliantly – she’s intelligent, warm, insightful and personal, but without exposing herself in a way that might feel too raw.”” – Katie Vincent, Channel 4 “Gay-Z“, Lambent Productions, London UK November 2006
““Mz Fontaine’s not only “out” as a lesbian, she also sings openly about female sexuality with a fine craft… and by doing so the music industry have not been able to force her into a pigeonhole. Which explains why she isn’t half as exposed as she should be.”” – EuroPride Magazine, UK July 2006
““Being different is a learning process. And that’s the message Mz Fontaine, Pride London’s latest Patron, hopes to get across loud and clear.”” – EuroPride Magazine, UK July 2006
“Mz Fontaine is one of the stars of a new wave of rap and hip-hop... With a critically acclaimed album under her belt, performances at high profile gay community events and collaborations with artists in the UK and the US, Mz Fontaine is one to watch.” – RainbowNetwork.com, UK February 2006
Mz Fontaine is a classic mixture of talents, her motto “Pushing Musical Boundaries” boldly shows her drive and determination to be heard, to be creative and to showcase her talents throughout her career. All doubts will be destroyed that this leading artist has no direction.
More information about Mz Fontaine can be obtained by the various mediums mention at the end of this document.
Lesbian
Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an...
rapper Naomi Romeo. She was born in Guyana
Guyana
Guyana , officially the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, previously the colony of British Guiana, is a sovereign state on the northern coast of South America that is culturally part of the Anglophone Caribbean. Guyana was a former colony of the Dutch and of the British...
(South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
) June 1978 and moved to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in 1992.
Mz Fontaine has been nominated for the Stonewall 2007 Entertainer Of The Year http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/1923.asp award.
Her first album New Era was released in 2003. Her second album Spoken Thoughts is due for release in late 2007.
Tick Tock has been featured on Showtime leading lesbian series The L Word
The L Word
The L Word is an American co-production television drama series originally shown on Showtime portraying the lives of a group of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their friends, family and lovers in the trendy Greater Los Angeles, California city of West Hollywood...
and in the 2007 London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week is an apparel trade show held in London, England twice each year, in February and September. It is one of the "Big Four" fashion weeks, along with New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week.-Organization:...
.
She has made appearances on Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
's show Gay To Z; a show aimed at gay teenagers, on Fast train to Fool City aimed at young people involved in gun crime and has made appearances on You Don't Know Me raising awareness of homophobic violence.
In March 2007 Mz Fontaine embarked on the US HomoRevolution Tour. She was appointed Patron of Pride London
Pride London
Pride London is the name of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender registered charity which arranges LGBT events in London, most notably the annual gay pride parade which is held in June/July. The most recent Pride London was on 2 July 2011. The 2010 event was attended by 1 million people,...
in summer 2006, the youngest and only Black patron.
British Singer/Rapper Mz Fontaine is a cut above the rest. Starting her career over five years ago she has the talent, drive and determination to maintain her status as a proclaimed star, priding herself on achieving her goals.
Originally a native Guyanese she had shown interest in the entertainment sector from childhood. Coming from a musical background her first performance was at the age of five, accompanied by her mother she performed at the very prestigious and national “Cultural Centre” in the city of Georgetown Guyana.
On arrival to London in 1992 Mz Fontaine has grown from strength to strength. Accomplishing a great deal, from the release of two albums to giving back to her community.
To Date
Setting up and being awarded funding to run music workshops for the young people of the London Borough Of Brent.
Release of the new Spoken Thoughts March 10 on independent label Foundation Entertainment.
Live performance for Hackney council’s Mayor and representatives in the fight against hate crime throughout the borough.
Performance for LGBT history month in February at The Dill Hall theatre to celebrate the achievements of the LGBT community.
2007
Embarking on the United States’ first “Homo Revolution” Gay Hip Hop tour touching on cities across the South from Los Angeles to Dallas.
Distribution to schools across the UK, the Recording of the documentary “Fast Train To Fool City” for the London Borough of Lambeth
London Borough of Lambeth
The London Borough of Lambeth is a London borough in south London, England and forms part of Inner London. The local authority is Lambeth London Borough Council.-Origins:...
in aid to fight gun crime among young people.
Airing and recording of Channel 4’s education documentary “Gay To Z” to educate communities and to empower LGBT young people.
Assisted in running HipHop workshops “Beyond Da Box” at The Contact Theatre in Manchester teaching young participants rhythm, timing, writing and flow construction.
2006
Opening act for “Stacy Ann-Chinn for London Borough of Camden
London Borough of Camden
In 1801, the civil parishes that form the modern borough were already developed and had a total population of 96,795. This continued to rise swiftly throughout the 19th century, as the district became built up; reaching 270,197 in the middle of the century...
’s Black History Month celebration at the Shaw Theatre.
Headline performer at the “PARADISO” Amsterdam in aid of World Aids Day.
Touring the UK performing at “Pride” festivals from Brighton to London.
Being made Patron of London Pride Festival, alongside Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
and Rhona Cameron
Rhona Cameron
Rhona Cameron is a Scottish comedian. She rose to prominence via the stand-up comedy circuit, and became a regular on British TV in the 1990s.-Television career:...
.
Debut performance in the United States at “Portland Black Pride” festival. Along with appearances on local radio and local press.
Performing alongside Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie is an English rock band whose members include Skin , Cass , Ace and Mark Richardson .Skunk Anansie formed in March 1994, disbanded in 2001 and reformed in 2009...
for the launch of global website “Gaydar Girls”
Debut airing of the video for the single “If Sumday” on nation television across the UK.
2005
Launch of the official website Mz fontaine.com to expand fan base.
Release of debut album “New Era” on independent label Foundation Entertainment.
Debut performance in New York City at the “Pepper Lounge”.
European performance tours touching Estonia, France and Norway
2004
Performance at Croatia’s Queer Zagreb festival.
Live appearance in Bruges Belgium.
Live appearance in Berne Amsterdam.
2003
The filming and airing for German Hip Hop documentary with Kobalt Production.
Live appearance in London Astoria for the National Lesbian Beauty Contest Final.
2002
Performance at the “London Jazz Café” in London alongside local Hip Hop bank.
Her mother was her greatest early influence, along with Tina Turner
Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have led many to call her the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll".Turner started out her music career with husband Ike Turner as a member of the...
, Jim Reeves
Jim Reeves
James Travis Reeves , better known as Jim Reeves, was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. With records charting from the 1950s to the 1980s, he became well-known for being a practitioner of the Nashville sound...
, Billy Holiday, Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole
Nathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
and other Motown greats. In her late teens she was influenced by Public Enemy, LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, Warren G
Warren G
Warren G , is an American West Coast rapper and hip hop producer. He is also Dr. Dre's half-brother.His biggest hit is the song "Regulate" with Nate Dogg released in 1994...
, Missy Elliot, Da Brat
Da Brat
Shawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...
, Rah Digga
Rah Digga
Rah Digga is an American rapper. Well known as a long time member of the Flipmode Squad, a hip hop group led by Busta Rhymes, she parted ways amicably with the group in 2007. She has been called "one of rap's most prominent women MCs" by Allmusic and "one of hip-hop's most skilled female MCs" in...
and Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
.
Reviews
““Let’s take another song off the album “knocking” this is a great song cus we know where this is going…”” – Simon Le Vans Gaydar Radio – London UK February 2006Mz Fontaine… is the most exciting British import since metro sexual power couple David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE is an English footballer who plays midfield for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, having previously played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, and A.C...
and Posh Spice took New York by storm.”” – Go NYC Magazine August 2006
�“”Rapping With Pride…Mz Fontaine, Britain’s first black lesbian rapper… is making a name for herself with groundbreaking rap and hip hop music.”” – Brent Magazine May 2006
““Mz Fontaine’s contributions… were chosen for their articulacy and their positive outlooks. She… came across brilliantly – she’s intelligent, warm, insightful and personal, but without exposing herself in a way that might feel too raw.”” – Katie Vincent, Channel 4 “Gay-Z“, Lambent Productions, London UK November 2006
““Mz Fontaine’s not only “out” as a lesbian, she also sings openly about female sexuality with a fine craft… and by doing so the music industry have not been able to force her into a pigeonhole. Which explains why she isn’t half as exposed as she should be.”” – EuroPride Magazine, UK July 2006
““Being different is a learning process. And that’s the message Mz Fontaine, Pride London’s latest Patron, hopes to get across loud and clear.”” – EuroPride Magazine, UK July 2006
“Mz Fontaine is one of the stars of a new wave of rap and hip-hop... With a critically acclaimed album under her belt, performances at high profile gay community events and collaborations with artists in the UK and the US, Mz Fontaine is one to watch.” – RainbowNetwork.com, UK February 2006
Mz Fontaine is a classic mixture of talents, her motto “Pushing Musical Boundaries” boldly shows her drive and determination to be heard, to be creative and to showcase her talents throughout her career. All doubts will be destroyed that this leading artist has no direction.
More information about Mz Fontaine can be obtained by the various mediums mention at the end of this document.
External links
- Mz Fontaine's official website
- Mz Fontaine official myspace page
- Preview New Music
- Review of Mz Fontaine's New Era at AfterEllen.Com
- Mz Fontaine raps it up an article from DivaDiva (magazine)Diva is a leading lesbian magazine in the United Kingdom. It was launched in 1994 by Millivres Prowler Group Ltd., who also produce the Gay Times. The current editor is Jane Czyzselska, who was promoted to the position in 2004. It includes many articles dedicated to lesbian and bisexual social...
magazine - Whole School Assembly and Mz Fontaine - LGBT History Month UK case study