The Nouveau Image would like to take a moment to introduce you to Taqiy Muhammad better known as Ivben Taqiy.  He is an artist hailing from West Philadelphia who specializes in acrylic and oil paint.  He first discovered his love for art as early as Kindergarten where his word stood out above the rest of his classmates.  However, he first started to take it seriously while attending The High School for the Creative and Performing Arts as a Visual Arts major where he learned how to channel his stress and his energy in productive ways.  While taking art classes, he discovered his specialty was oil painting.  He said he wanted to master it because it was a rich and powerful tool and many of the well known painting masters used oil paint. 

Taqiy’s resume is extensive and commendable.  He illustrated his first children’s book at the age of seven.  He also has won over $34,000 in scholarship money during high school.  He has also painted over a thousand paintings.

Recently, Taqiy had a 3D Art Show at Sigma Sound Studio’s Sound Stage.  The event took place on October 23^rd as a part of The 20^th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival.3D glasses were also handed to guests to bring the colorful acrylic and oil paintings to life.  Live performances were delivered by GoGo Morrow, SAP Sounds, and The Orion Experience.  Guests who attended the event also enjoyed good food from Maggiano’s Little Italy and had the chance to win cool giveaways throughout the night.

When asked what inspires him, Taqiy says that his belief that failure is not an option.  He says this belief gives him the drive to finish whatever project he starts and it also helps him to always look for a way to turn a negative situation into a positive profit.  Within the next one to five years, Taqiy aims to become a marketable brand which inspires the youth by letting them know that dreams do come true if you work hard, believe in yourself, and know that failure is not an option.  He wants to be a positive example because giving back to the youth and the community has always been important to him and he wants to find a way to do that with the gifts that God gave him.

To learn more about Ivben Taqiy, you can visit his website HERE.

If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow night, support Sigma Sound Entertainment’s Dilemma at “The Big Give Back”.  The event is scheduled to take place at the Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104) and it is being presented by G.O.T. Music and Who-I-Am of Society Park.  The entire Hello World family is supposed to be there.  Also, Dilemma is known for delivering electrifying performances that turns the show into a big party.  So come out and support good music, and make sure you tell them Dilemma sent you.  The doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 8:30pm.  The cover charge is $10.

The Intern Showcase Recap

A few weeks ago on November 22^nd, the Sigma Sound Entertainment venue was used to host an event called The Intern Showcase.  This event gives up and coming local artists the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live audience and network.  The show started as a one-time event in New York City, but due to its popularity the showcase organizers began planning more shows in more cities including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.  The Intern Showcase at Sigma Sounds Studio turned out to be a great event.  There were refreshments for attendees to enjoy and tables set up by the City of God promotions team and Jr. Music Execs.    There were performances from artists such as A. Lewis, Jade Alston, Khemist, and Selina Carrera.  City of God headlined the event.  To learn more information about The Intern Showcase and to learn about upcoming shows click HERE.

vitaminwater uncapped live philly recap

Sigma Sound Entertainment had the pleasure of hosting vitaminwater uncapped live philly in its prestigious event space from August 26^th until September 12^th alongside InLiquid Arts, Little Giant Media, and two.one.five magazine.  Guests were able to see some of the best artists, musicians, poets, and DJs the city has to offer.  The 16-day event kicked off with “Mo Money No Problems” with Sammy Slice, Cool Hand Luke, and a performance from Mike Taylor.  The next day began the first round of Superdope cyphers and battles which would continue on September 3^rd and have its final round on September 10^th.    Vice Magazine hosted a concert that night featuring the indie rock bands, Reading Rainbow, Cat Vet, and The Homophones. 

The next night Making Time threw a party for those who were under 21 to enjoy.  Tuesday guests enjoyed an indoor picnic movie night with the Philadelphia Film Society and Wednesday’s guest enjoyed poetry from acts including Ursula Rucker and Catzie Vilayphonh.  On September 1^st, two.one.five magazine hosted their first of two showcases with this one pertaining exclusively to hip-hop and featured Outerspace.  two.one.five magazine hosted a second showcase on September 3^rd featuring Work Drugs and Sun Airways.  The next day, a streetwear sample sale was hosted by Babylon Cartel featuring brands such as AnmlHse, freekugly lifestyle group, Changemakers Inc., Abstract Thought, and All Mighty along with aperformance by OCD: Moosh and Twist.  On September 6^th, there was a New Media Meet n Greet with Technically Philly.

Sigma Sound Studios hosted a showcase on Wednesday, September 7^th.  The showcase featured Ginger Coyle, Tyler James, Broms, and Dilemma.  Nikki Jean, the songstress from Lupe Fiasco’s “Hip-Hop Saved My Life”, headlined a concert as a part of the 17-day event on September 8^th.  On September 9^th, two.one.five magazine hosted an event titled “boys-vs.-girls” which created a competition between three male and female DJs as well as two male and female rappers.  On Saturday September 10^th, the event closed with a bang.  Chill Moody opened up the show and the crowd received a surprise performance from Philadelphia hip-hop legend, Freeway.  World renowned DJ, Just Blaze, then took over spinning a special set and inviting guests to dance the night away. 

The Nouveau Image has an exciting announcement to make.  Next summer The Nouveau Image will be partnering with The Riley Cote Hemp Heals Foundation and Live Nation to bring you the Hemp Heals Music Festival at Penn’s Landing.  Founded this past summer, The Riley Cote Hemp Heals Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating people about what they should be eating and avoiding to live a healthier and happier life.  The foundation also hosts fundraising events to raise money for mannapa.org, an organization that prepares and delivers nutritious meals to people with life threatening illnesses.  Riley Cote named the non-profit Hemp Heals after discovering hemp is a healthy protein supplement and its seeds are considered a super food.  He also learned hemp has a great balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3’s, making it a great source of fiber.  Riley Cote wants to use the festival to raise money for mannapa.org and educate people on the benefits of hemp.  Stay tuned because as we know more about the festival, so will you and this is not an event that you want to miss.

The Nouveau Image would like to take a moment to introduce you to our new client, Jared Washington.  He is an exceptional BMX biker from Sayreville, NJ with 15 years of riding experience which have earned him a successful career as well as many endorsements including Federal Bikes, Almond Footwear, and Animal Bikes.   He has been featured in numerous BMX videos and has gained such a following that he has been allowed to make his own signature products including sneakers, frames, and seats.  Jared travels all over the world as a pro BMX biker and helps other kids develop their interests in BMX biking.  Even with all of these accomplishments, he is just getting started so keep an eye out for Jared Washington.  We, at The Nouveau Image, guarantee this is not the last time you will see him.