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Bobby Womack has had a tough 2012. Early on he fought with pneumonia and was then diagnosed with colon cancer in March. Thankfully both were treated successfully, but it would take time to tell what effect both had on a man whose career has spanned more than 50 years. After a few releases in the '90s following his battle with drug addiction and a 2000 Christmas album, the legendary singer took a step back from the limelight, and appeared to fade into what seemed like retirement. That is, until he re-emerged in early 2010 on “Stylo”,
Gorillaz’ lead single from their third album
Plastic Beach, which also featured
Mos Def, now known as
Yasiin Bey.
His work with
Blur and Gorillaz frontman
Damon Albarn eventually lead to his first album in 12 years,
The Bravest Man in the Universe; a well-received release co-produced by Albarn and XL Recordings owner
Richard Russell that retained his soulful roots while embracing emerging genres including dubstep, grime and street bass. At the
HMV Forum on November 27, Womack treated fans to a performance that covered both his entire career, and convincingly showed that his talent still has the strength to continue for many years on.
A soulful musician and songwriter with a distinctive voice, built with obvious reggae influences in articulation and phrasing, Selah Sue offers her soulful, jazz-infused debut album. The self-titled LP went multi-platinum in her native country Belgium and peaked in the top ten of the Dutch and French albums chart, where she has been elevated as huge star, before embarking on worldwide release. 
Two years ago Welsh singer-songwriter Jay James Picton was a fitness instructor in the Royal Navy who bought a guitar as a joke. Through a devastating injury, Picton started learning the guitar and from there onwards his beer driven joke turned into a passion, leading him to work with music greats such as Booker T. Jones, John Legend and Malay; who have add their touches to Jay James Picton's debut album, Play It By Heart. 
Michael Kiwanuka is an unbelievably talented 24 year-old, this much cannot be denied. The three EPs he released in 2011 were among the best pieces of music to come out of the UK that year and it is no surprise that a major label came calling just in time to sign him as the year ended. Equally not surprising was his nomination for the BBC Sound of 2012, which he subsequently won at the start of this year and rightly so. What is surprising however is the disapproval that some critics have tried to lodge at Kiwanuka’s doorstep and their qualm stems from the notion that apparently Kiwanuka is “not original enough.” 
The skyscrapers and lights of New York City have a way of taking people from their hometowns to the beauty of the fast paced culture. If you want to be an actor, model, fashion designer, or in SiairaShawn’s case a singer, the city is the place for you.