A born leader, Chantelle Fiddy took on the grand job of Ctrl.Alt.Shift editor in 2008 with the intention to inspire a new generation of socially-minded activists (in her own, unique little way).

Under and alongside the guidance of ‘The Big Boss’ - CAS creator Katrin Owusu - Chantelle has made tidal waves of progress, not only bringing innovation and astounding content to the CAS website and magazines, but also setting up events and opportunities which have engaged and united the CAS community that exists today. Last week, Chantelle left our headquarters to pursue other goals; but she will remain a close advisor and mentor - so in her honour (and as we still sit here mourning her departure), we lift our glasses and enjoy the highlights…

The only way to really gather any sense of how this eccentric, multi-talented, crazy, passionate, workaholic and wonderful woman worked, you’ve just got to see her in action:
 

Here in autumn 2008, Chantelle was on the frontline of CAS’s Nothing To Declare (anti HIV travel ban) campaign. Never one to back down from a little dress-up role play, she gathered a mass of young volunteers in a series of public stunts to protest against the fact countries like South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Russia had HIV travel restrictions. Passersby got some air in the face and Chantelle’s chants of ‘Say no to the stigma surrounding HIV!’

Our 50 Million Women Missing campaign in spring 2009 was a mad day, namely because we waltzed around central London dressed as ghosts, inevitably getting eventually interrogated by the police – though it was all to raise awareness of the abused and lost women of India. Ever the calm and collected one, Chantelle, was on hand to lead by example and commentate on our day of direct action…

With her little black book listing a load of the UK’s finest underground music artists (from Maverick Sabre to Bashy and beyond), Chantelle took Ctrl.Alt.Shift for a collaborative ride with Riz ‘MC’ Ahmed, British Underground and the Southbank Centre. The joined forces created United Underground - the hottest mini-festival line-up of summer 2009 (an event that was so successful we did it again in January 2010). She may not appear in the vid – but that’s only because Chantelle was too busy running things back stage and keeping the real-time magazine moving… 

Playing a big part in the production of CAS’s short film competition in autumn 2009, Chantelle went on to speak on the prestigious panel at the Raindance Film Festival – an event that saw great success and recognition of CAS’s films. Watch her inspire – and rock the spacey bob haircut…

This night (January 20, 2010) was epic! Created in three days by Chantelle who rallied in the CAS team (alongside Stanza and SOME Night), we jam-packed the Den club in London to raise over £10,000 for Haiti. As you watch footage from the legendary night (which got the likes of Tinie Tempah, Boy Better Know, Donaeo, Ms Dynamite, The Thirst and many others down for the cause), spare a thought for Chantelle who pulled out a 30-hour shift…

You almost forget Chantelle’s job description said ‘editor’ – NOT event organiser, campaigns officer or foot soldier/activist – but she hustled away and set sparks alight in every CAS circle.

Even if we just focused on her editorial achievements alone, we’d have to show an encore of applause for the four CAS magazines she has orchestrated; perhaps in particular the most recent Corruption Issue which currently sits packaged with Dazed&Confused mag on WHSmiths shelves… With a Guantanamo Bay photoshoot, columns from Riz ‘MC’ Ahmed and VV Brown, interviews with rapper Giggs and Tim Westwood (and loads more), it’s well worth the £3.95!

What more can we say. She will be sorely missed.

Words: Dwain Lucktung - on behalf of Ctrl.Alt.Shift