In a nutshell, blessence magazine’s first anniversary party (Friday 27 November 09) was billed as a night of love and celebration and it did just what it said on the packet.

Lorna G (blessence promoter), set everything up just right at the Blend bar in Wandsworth, London. It was comfortable, light and just right for you, our classy clientele.

It was beautiful to see men and woman arrive in their best attire and come together in love and unison; even more touching to see everyone dancing, literally from the start at 10pm until way after the finish at 4am. In actual fact, it was 5am by the time the lights came up.

During this time we ate chocolates and birthday cake (thanks Lady Phyll), drank champagne and bled the bar dry of all forms of brandy and dark liquor.

DJ Biggy C dug deep down into his back-in-the-day archives and Big Pat went even further, into the crevices of reggae revival land.

I lost count the amount of times I heard the crowd cry out ‘tune!’ and ‘whoi!’ If there were wall paper, we would have lost our deposit due to severe friction damage!

Super singer, Kyra Simone, lead a rather spectacular and fitting tribute to the late Louisa Mark, accompanied by just a piano. Keep it like it is and Sixth Street – yep, we all knew the words and sang our hearts out. Kyra is definitely one to watch and she’s stunning too!

Congratulations to leading ladies; Monica Beadle (mother & counsellor), Elaine McKenzie (Southopia & Glass Bar), Ms B.L.U (Organik BLU), Sandra Smart, Andrea (Sisterhood & Playvybz Radio) and Lady Phyll (UK Black Pride); whom we honoured for their continued self-less, hard-working contribution to our community.

A great night was had by all. Thank you readers, thank you writers and thank you ravers, for making blessence so very special.

(Pictures by Don Jordan, with special thanks -

See more pictures on our Facebook group page)