Pick Six: Jackie P

Album: Jarrod Lawson - Jarrod Lawson

This is a brilliantly lyrically conscious album that has a beautiful feel to it. He has a wonderful smokey, smooth and soulful voice that moves me and his music is a combination of jazz and soul niceness. You can hear the influence of Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway, two musical geniuses in his vocals and music style. I was blessed to interview and see Jarrod Lawson perform most of this album live… A lovely guy with musical skills.

Notts Spot: Peggy’s Skylight

This is a wonderful venue where not only do you get to hear great music from local and international artists but you also get to experience delicious food. My first experience of Peggy’s Skylight was to interview, as well as see the performance of, Tank and the Bangas, which has to be one of the best gigs I’ve been to. The quality of performers are second to none, the staff are all amazing, professional, attentive and friendly.

Book: Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins

If, like me, you are interested in how the world ticks; how only a small selection of the population gains wealth while the rest labour in vain; environments being destroyed; how economies thrive or collapse - then this is the book for you. Perkins was an economic hitman - the aim was to destabilise countries. He tried to write this book about four times, his life was threatened, and three letter organisations tried to bribe him to stop the press. It’s a book that connects dots that you didn’t even know existed.

Holiday destination: Seville

This place was amazing, each street lined with beautiful orange trees which you can sample in produce like marmalade and gin. It’s heavily influenced by the Catholic religion, boasting one of the largest churches in the world but it’s also steeped in North African culture, portrayed in the architecture, monuments and food. The city is easy and safe to get around, with the Guadalquivir river running through it, which is the only navigable river in Spain. Did I mention the food? Well… It was that good!

Notts meal: Rakki Rakkas

Delicious Turkish food, that is accompanied by salads and breads that are mouth watering.

The staff are friendly and very accommodating, wanting to make your experience memorable in a good way. The fish and meat dishes are incredible, they also cater for vegetarians and vegans. It is all reasonably priced and the portions are generous. 

You can sit in or take away, either does not detract from the quality of the food which is consistent. A great place to experience culinary excellence.

Film: The Equalizer

I love every one of The Equalizer films but the first one is my go to movie. It’s one of those films I will never tire of. The film stars a very dangerous and unassuming Denzel Washington. I love action movies and this is packed with it, as well as morals. The character is like a modern day Robin Hood, not robbing from the rich to give to the poor but seeking fairness and justice by any means necessary… Don’t try this at home folks.

For more information about Mansfield Carnival visit mansfield.gov.uk/carnival25