Caribbean Entertainment Magazine

Reggae Singer Eljai releases "24/7" EP

2012-02-02T10:28:00.001-05:00

Eljai(R) at RaggaMuffins with Tarrus Riley(L)

Eljai has begun rehearsals for his tour to support the release of the new EP 24/7 and will shoot a video shortly. "24/7" is a timely song that will connect with music fans and the EP will include the previously unreleased songs Empress and For You.

The California base artiste has already released an album entitle, 'I Know.' This album features his two most popular singles, Don't Leave and The Leaders both of which hit number one in, Belize as well as, Jamaica and New York.

A good Reggae singer and entertainer, Eljai has performed on most of the major festivals in Los Angeles California where he now resides. He has shared stage with highly respected and popular Jamaican artistes such as Tarrus Riley, Capleton, Beres Hammond and many more. His performances are well received as he always ensure that he rehearses his set and connects with his audience.

While Eljai writes and records music according to the energy/vibe he gets from listening a rhythm, he seems to hit the right chord every time with his, 'lovers rock' type of songs than any other he has done.

His latest, Empress on the "24/7" EP truly reflects the heart of a proud brother telling his woman that she's, "not just a queen, you're my empress. Love how you look ina yuh tall dress" these compliments are attached to a verse that says, "natural woman you're a beauty...virtuous lady I know many have tried, crafted by Jah's own hands so pure and dignified."

Click to listen here

Anya Ayoung-Chee to unveil her "resort collection" in May

2012-02-02T09:42:00.000-05:00

Newly engaged and Trinidadian Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung-Chee is set to unveil her new resort collection in May.

Anya is also set to release a Spring Mini - Collection, which goes on sale in February, which will centered around her love for print, as she posted on her FaceBook page.

Nicki Minaj graces the cover of WONDERLAND Magazine

2012-02-01T14:47:00.000-05:00

Nicki Minaj is on the cover of the February/March issue of WONDERLAND Magazine. The edition "Revolt / Recall / Renew" will be on newsstands Thursday , February 2

In the issue, Minaj talks of her various personalities, love of cooking and Barbie doll obsession.

On her various personalities and cooking......

“Oh they’re definitely two completely different people. Obviously what I would wear at home is not what I would wear up on stage and I think, when I’m at home it’s a way more introspective character and I think the person people see on stage is anything but. I watch a lot of Judge Judy. And I watch a lot of Forensic Files. And I cook – I cook spaghetti really, really good; I cook macaroni and cheese really, really good; I cook chicken really, really good.”

On her Barbie obsession:

“I feel like Barbie is great because it doesn’t only focus on beauty – you have Barbies that work, they have tons of different jobs now. And they come in different shades, which I love, and different hairstyles. So I think that they’ve gotten to the point where they’re making girls feel like it’s OK not to look like or be like the traditional Barbie. Now in terms of a body image, even male action figure dolls are cut up more than the average man – it’s just how people make dolls!”

Guerrilla Music Productions C.E.O. Anthony Hibbert signed first female artiste 'Latoya Chambers"

2012-02-01T12:54:00.001-05:00

Latoya Chambers

Guerrilla Music Productions C.E.O. Anthony Hibbert was born and raised in a community called Standpipe in the parish of St. Andrew, Jamaica. He migrated to Toronto, Canada at age fourteen and got his first music lessons from the late Jackie Mittoo, keyboardist, songwriter and musical director who was instrumental in creating hits such as Frankie Paul's Pass The Tu Sheng Peng, Freddie McGregor's Bobby Babylon, Alton Ellis I'm Still In Love With You, the Cables Baby Why and Marcia Griffiths first hit, Feel Like Jumping.

He also credits former Lead Singer of Reggae group The Heptones, Leroy Sibbles and Jojo Bennett. Anthony 'Gideon Base' Hibbert learnt audio engineering at Trebas Institute in Toronto from Errol Thompson (E.T. one of the first studio engineers to be involved in dub music) and Joe Gibbs, Jamaican Reggae Producer and one of the first to record, Lee Scratch Perry after ending his association with the great, Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd.

As a musician, Hibbert played in backing bands for a large number of prominent reggae artistes. He formed Guerrilla Music Production, in an effort to channel the militant energy of his young musician brethren from trying to kill each other to expressing in music format, their reasons for wanting to engage in such lifestyle, "Our label makes music for people of any ethnic group, in any form of struggle, anywhere on this earth, be it personal, political, economic or armed" said Hibbert.

Now the company is ready to break ground in artiste management and has unveiled it's first female artiste, Latoya Chambers. But who is Latoya Chambers and how did C.E.O. Anthony Hibbert connect with her? We asked and Latoya opened up....

Who is your favourite celebrity?

"Beyonce"

What is the scariest thing you have ever done?

"The scariest thing I've ever done is escape being murdered

What is your most embarrassing moment?

"My most embarrassing moment is making the Digicel Rising Stars 2009 talent competition as Siren and spoiled Beyonce's song, 'flaws and all'"

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

"Well....some people say that I am greedy....but I don't know what they are talking about lol!"

Who is your stylish Jamaican artiste?

"Spice"

What is your favourite past time?

"Riding the roller coaster and other rides, playing games at theme parks when I lived in America"

What is your favourite Jamaican ole time classic?

"Should I by Dennis Brown"

Latoya Chambers entered Jamaica's most watched talent show Digicel Rising Star, twice in 2009 and 2010 respectively and walked away in sixth place in the 2010 staging of the competition. The reviews from the competition were quite encouraging and exposure, has made her an household name in Jamaica. The Jamaican Star newspaper highlighted Latoya's performance during the peak of the competition stating, Latoya Chambers was well-received when she sang How Can I Ease The Pain. She impressed the audience with her clarity, smoothness and range. Miller (Judge #1) said it was an, "accomplished performance" while McKenzie (Judge #2) liked her "confident vocal styling."

Latoya Crystol Chambers attended the Mona High School in Kingston then on to the Ashe Academy Alumna where she harnessed a professional singing career at age sixteen. Few years later, she met Producer, Anthony Hibbert at Joe Gibbs Studio in Kingston and recorded a song for him however, her first release entitled, More Than Confused on the Hard Times rhythm hit the airwaves in 2004. The song produced by Steven 'Gibbo' Gibson for Gibbo Records made the VP Records, rhythm driven compilation album that same year.

Latoya went on to record several tracks including unique collaborations for her curriculum vitae with world reknown legend of Reggae music, Lee Scratch Perry and Dancehall crowned King, Beenie Man and has graced the stage of one of Jamaica most highly anticipated events, STING, held annually at Christmas time.

Now signed with Guerrilla Music Production, Latoya anticipates the release of her first EP which will feature a remix of her first single, More Than Confused produced by Anthony Hibbert, The Rise of The Fallen produced by Shane 'Blinga Hype' Walker and Be Mine Only.

Watch Latoya perform Lisa Fischer's How Can I Ease The Pain in the 2010 Digicel Rising Star Competition below !!!!

Bahamian Recording Artists/Producers "Sammi Starr"

2012-02-01T09:48:00.056-05:00

Born in The Bahamas as Sammie Poitier, b.k.a Sammi Starr is one of the hottest Recording Artists/Producers and Community Activists to have ever come out of the Caribbean. Since age 6, Sammi was playing instruments and singing in church along with his father Rev. Oswald Poitier, a legend in his own time, founding the group Gospel Music Train and mother, Sebrena Poitier, a talented singer. His entire family is gifted.

As a young teenager, he became one of the most sought after record producers, producing hits for many local artists. With his clean baby face looks, rock hard physique, smoothe voice, island accent and tight dance moves, Sammi Starr quickly became popular with the ladies. He also became a local favorite as an actor in many local T.V. shows and theatre. He has become a star as a recording artist releasing top hits like "We Winning", and more recently, the mega hit “Good To Know You”, “I’ll Never Leave” and most recently, the mega smash “Pick Me”, which landed him on major charts in countries like Jamaica, Trinidad, Turks & Caicos and also enabled Sammi Starr to be featured at countless local shows and major events including “Reggae All-Stars 2008”, “A Night Of Love 2009 and 2010”, “Millennium Countdown” “Reggae All-Stars 2009”, “Miss Bahamas World” and most recently Sammi Starr was one of the closing acts along with Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Diddy at "Miami's Best of the Best 2010".

Sammi has also had many #1 songs on the popular local stations like More 94.9fm, 100jamz radio show, “Bahama Hot Ones Countdown”, and Power 104.5fm. To date, Sammi Starr has won many major talent shows including Charlotte North Carolina’s “You Got’ Vocals” and “2007 Junkanoo Song Competition” here in the Bahamas as well as starting the hot production company “Starrboy Inc”. Most recently Sammi has just started his own T.V. show “Sammi Goes To Prom” and more recently landed the cover of “Stylezine Magazine”.

He is said to be a unique blend of Marvin Gaye, Usher, Kanye West and John Legend with an Island twist and reminds many of the legend Sir. Sidney Poitier .   Sammi Starr is a huge hit with the youth and has had to open more than 4 Facebook pages due to so many friends requests. He uses his influence to positively impact young people. He has done this by appearing at many high-schools, performing and speaking to the students about the importance of education and positive life styles. He is the President of the South Beach Association. He has also gotten involved in National Politics as an advocate for youth and community development. He is also a strong advocate of entertainment and music as he helps the youth to develop their musical skills and achieve their goals in music, culture and entertainment.

Q and A with the talented "Sammi Starr"

CEM: When did you know you wanted to be in the music industry?
SS:I knew I wanted to be in the music industry when as a primary school student, I first saw Micheal Jackson in the "We Are The World" Video at my uncles house

CEM: What did your family do to encourage you?
SS:My dad bought me a drum set and a keyboard and told me to learn to play all of the demos on the keyboard and he'd give me 100 for every demo I learned. My parents would encourage me to sing in church and at different school events

CEM: Do you have siblings?
SS: I have 3 sisters and 1 brother

CEM: Since you are from a talent family , were there any talent rivalry?
SS: There wasn't really any rivalry between us, our parents made sure of that....we always did different things at different times and simply ended up just supporting one another.

CEM: Who are your musical inspirations?
SS: My musical inspirations are Mostly Old School artists, Ottis Redding, Sam Cooke, Bob Marley, Elton John and of course some new school artists, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Faith Evans, Jay Z, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Tank and others.

CEM:  I see you have done a lot of performances both locally and internationally, but where is your dream place to perform?
SS: Oh thats an EASY one...definitely the Grammy Awards! It is my Career's Dream to perform center stage at the Grammys.

CEM: If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?
SS: Beyonce, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Cold Play, Linkin Park, Celine Dion

CEM: Do you play any instruments?
SS: Yes. I play Piano, Drums and a little Guitar

CEM: Do you write your own lyrics and where do you draw inspiration?
SS: Yes I write all of my own lyrics as well as produce just about all of my tracks. I draw all of my inspiration from real life, my dreams, people and love

CEM: Do you have an hidden talent?
SS: LOL, actually yes, I'm really good at Arts and Crafts. I love making things out of just about any type of materials. I also draw pretty well.

CEM: Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
SS: Arron Spears (Drummer) .  I love the drums and to hear what he does on the drums just gives me chills. I watched his career blossom and saw him grow so much but always had such insane talent.

CEM: What are some of the challenges you face as a young artiste from the Caribbean?
SS: Definitely exposure. Now that the world wide internet exists, we all can get youtube accounts, myspace pages, facebook fan pages, tunecore, itunes, but those are free to a certain point and to gain additional exposure one would have to spend money. Most independent artists are challenged financially and that hinders their exposure.

CEM:You are a community activists, what is your platform?
SS: My Platform is definitely Youth Development and of course Entertainment and Culture. I believe that Young People shape the direction of a country and directly responsible making artists successful. Like me, Youth of a country have such talent and dreams and deserve every opportunity possible to achieve them. Also, Culture and Entertainment define a country. The Culture of a country defines that country so it has to be refined to a point as to properly represent that country.

CEM: Do you see yourself as a role model?SS: At this point, yes. It has turned out that there are alot of younger people who are aspiring to be entertainers and alot of parents that tell me how their young sons want to be just like me and they appreiciate how positive my lifestyle and music is. (I don't drink, or smoke)

CEM: What else can we expect from you?
SS:  You can expect alot more production and inter-caribbean travel a few mix tapes, videos and at least one album this year (2012).
CEM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
SS: I see myself being a Married Father with a great family and a world wide success as an entertainer/producer and community activist
CEM: What would you like to say to your fans?SS: I would like to say THANK YOU for Loving my music and loving me as a person, a good human being. I wish that you all would love me and music forever. Give me a reason to push and make great music and a great impact on todays world

Bob Marley Birthday Bash set for Negril from February 3-6

2012-01-31T17:08:00.000-05:00

The 20th annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash will be held from February 3-6, at the MXIII Lawn on One Love Boulevard (formerly West End Road) and at the Negril Beach Park.

Headliners of the four day event includes Jah Cure , Admiral Tibet, Josey Wales, Coco Tea and Marcia Griffiths.

Nyahbinghi drumming will be on Friday night at the MXIII Lawn, the big star-studded Bob Marley Birthday Bash on Saturday (MXIII Lawn) . On Sunday night Dancehall Party at the Negril Beach Park, while the final night party goers can enjoy the Royal Bob Marley Celebrations at MXIII Lawn

Watch Tami Chynn's "Our Journey to Jazz and Blues"

2012-01-31T13:14:00.000-05:00

Singing sensation Tami Chynn, who recently performed at the annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival, is now giving her fans a beside the scene look of her journey to and during the event.

On her Facebook page she wrote "Hope you enjoy!!!! please excuse the extreme EXCITEMENT and the 2 NERDS (tess and I) in this video!!!! love"

Watch video below

She also posted picture with her Celine Dion and Tessanne Chin

Grenadian Soca artist "Brother B" nominated for a NAACP awards

2012-01-31T11:45:00.001-05:00

Grenadian Soca artist Brother B was recently nominated for a NAACP award, for his album ‘Carnival Fever’ which was nominated for ‘Outstanding World Music’ album.

The NAACP, honours outstanding people of Colour in the fields of Television, Music, Film and Literature.

"It is a great honour to be nominated at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards in Hollywood, USA. Coming from the wonderful Island of Grenada and creating music in the Soca arena, it is amazing that the music has reached so far and is accepted”, said Brother B

The ‘Carnival Fever’ album includes music produced by many Grenadian producers including Jimmi King at King Beats Studios and Doggy Productions.

The 43rd NAACP awards will be aired on NBC on Friday 17th February 2012.

Vote here for Brother B"

John Legend to perform in the Cayman Islands

2012-01-31T11:03:00.000-05:00

Grammy Award winner John Legend will be performing live in the Cayman Islands for two nights

On Thursday night February 2, the Abacus Restaurant, Paseo at Camana Bay Cayman Island will host an exclusive cocktail party and auction, featuring International R& B singer John Legend.

Proceeds from the benefit entitled "Lifted" will go NCVO and its youth-focused programming. Tickets for the event are $150 , which starts at 7 pm.

Legend will also perform on Friday night at the Live Lounge, Camana Bay, alongside Bobby V and other local artists
.
"I'm looking forward to the first ever Live Lounge and to performing in the Cayman Islands," Legend said in a video posted to his Facebook fan page.

Tickets will be available through caymanboxoffice.com
.

Antiguan Alvin Glen Edwards releases novel "Once in an Island"

2012-01-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Antiguan actor and author Dr Alvin Glen Edwards has released a new book Once in an Island, based on fictionalised account of events experienced by friends, family and others living in this sun-drenched island.

The story which is centered around Jamaican family in search of a new beginning on another island, but quickly discovers the transition isn’t as simple as they thought, as they faced challenges generated by their new environment and issues having its genesis in their own island.

A film version of the book was released in 2009, with cast members Vaughn Walter, Jermilla Kirwan, Heather Doram, Patricia Tully and Gavin Christopher.

Elephant Man arrested on Rape and Assault charges

2012-01-31T09:56:00.002-05:00

Energy God Dancehall entertainer Elephant Man whose real name is Oneil Bryan, has been charged with grievous sexual assault and rape, this according to Police report.

Reports are that female filed a report to the police claiming that the artiste sexually assaulted her., at his St. Andrew home earlier this month.

Elephant Man was arrested Monday after detectives assigned to the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse conducted an intense investigation into the matter.

Elephant Man is booked to appear in court tomorrow, and also on February 7 for another case, where he allegedly using illegal wiring in attempt to steal electricity from the Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

Representatives from Elephant man's camp have yet to make a statement.

Ne-Yo Launches record label "Compound Island" In Jamaica

2012-01-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend Ne-Yo launched his new record label Compound Island in Jamaica,with celebrity friends Shaggy, Adrienne Bailon, Keri Hilson and actor Rockmond Dunbar there for support.

Guest were treated to the Ne-Yo's new movie, "Red Tails" premiere, at a pool party at Secrets Resort, and a performance at the annual Jazz Festival.

Photos courtsey:The Life File

Ninja Kid Shoot Videos For ‘Have Nuh Gal Like We’ and ‘Tongue Ring Shot.’

2012-01-30T16:47:00.000-05:00

D’Angel and Ninja Kid on the set of ‘Have Nuh Gal Like We’ video shoot

Following closely on the success of his 2011 hits ‘Menke’ and ‘Internet Bad Boy’ the latter featuring I-Octane, resurgent deejay Ninja Kid over the weekend shot the videos for two of his chart bubblers, ‘Have Nuh Gal Like We’ and ‘Tongue Ring Shot.’

Shot on location in Smokey Vale, St. Andrew under the watchful eyes of director Simeon Hedge of Simeon Hedge Concept. The storyline sees Kid exploring the confines of his lavish dwelling densely populated with scantily clad females as they carry out their daily chores within the walls of his home before segueing into a very provocative ‘Tongue Ring Shot’ setup.

The project feature cameos from D’Angel, Blak Ryno, Kiprich, ZJ Wahwa,Navino and producer Marcus Myrie among others and is slated for release within two weeks.

“The video shoot was fun and this is just another side of Ninja Kid that people will get an opportunity to see. The director did a great job of executing the concept___ so let’s hope the fans embrace what we are trying to bring across.” – a jovial Ninja Kid added.

The singles currently enjoying steady rotation on the FM airwaves were produced by Christopher Birch and Marcus Myrie of Markus Records respectively. Ninja Kid is currently signed and managed by Darkcide International.

Shaggy to perform at "Gala" to help build homes in Haiti.

2012-01-30T16:40:00.001-05:00

Reggae singer, Shaggy has partnered with South Florida based-nonprofit Food For The Poor to help build homes in Haiti.

Shaggy will perform this Saturday, February 4, at a the Food For Poor's annual Building Hope Gala to held at The Polo Club of Boca Raton.

Food For The Poor, is the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 96 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.

For more information, please visit www.FoodForThePoor.org.

Miss Jamaica World 2011 Danielle Crosskill at Sagicor Ja. Group- Blast Off 2012

2012-01-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

The Sagicor Life Jamaica and Pan Caribbean Financial Services had Blast Off, which is an event to inspire and motivate staff members of the company, to be more productive. Miss Jamaica World 2011 Danielle Crosskill was at hand to represent Jamaica at the parade section of "Blast Off"

The event was held Jamaica College, where there was a re staging of the Jamaica's independence in 1962, with the “We Rise”, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence.

Throughout the day patrons were brought to 1962 with different elements Jamaican culture inclusive of poetry, dance, and music, with speakers chosen to inspire the audience of over nine hundred members of staff. Other activities includes a parade with Jonkanco bands and drummers, Tainos on a float depicting the Jamaican Coat of Arms, Effigees of Nanny, Marcus Garvey and Paul Bogle, Set Girls, Revival Practitioners, and Ska, Mento and Dancehall Dancers.

The parade ended with the entrance of Miss Jamaica World 2011 Danielle Crosskill on the back of a vintage car waving to throngs of awe inspired team members.

The 3rd Annual Video Web Awards 2012 - Vote Now!!!

2012-01-30T11:32:00.002-05:00

The 3rd Annual Video Web Awards voting poll will be opening tomorrow, so you can vote for your favourite celebrity.

The Video Web Awards, as the name suggests, is a web based award event that is true to its name and follows a format where the web community determines the winners who will be awarded the Global Tower of Recognition.

The list of individuals selected as nominees in each category are those who have created significant buzz on the internet and recognized for their concepts, style, flow, creativity, and cinematography to list a few of the requirements.

THE NOMINEES

DIRECTOR AVANT-GARDE:
Nominees: Mykal Cushnie, Jay Will (Game Over), Dexter ’3D’ Pottinger, Chris ‘Icey Jace’ Campbell, Melissa Llewellyn, Kirk Lee (Roadblock Films), JayFresh, Shutah Films, Mills Miller, Robin Chin
2010 Winner: Chris ‘Icey Jace’ Campbell
2009 Winner: Jay Will (Game Over)

GOSPEL REGGAE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Lypher – Make One, J Cee – Air I Breathe, DJ Nicholas ft. Jason Mighty – Divine Mathematics, Carlene Davis – Threshing Floor, Ryan Mark – Touch Di Road, Khaos ft. Toi – If God Was Like Man, Omari – Jehovah Guide Me, Kerron Ennis – God Is Not Done With Me Yet, Kary Diamond – Selfish Act
***new category***

BREAKOUT VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Trudy TruDiva – Party All Night, Kahlil – You’re Gonna Be Sorry, Stephanie Wallace – Got It Right There, Sky Nicole Grey – Lollipop, Akshan – Pearl, Khago – Tun Up Di Ting, Riquey Bingham – Come Back To Me, Neil Amos – Clear, BMWA – Down Deh, Nefatari – They Don’t Know
2010 Winner: IeYe ‘I Know’
2009 Winner: G Whizz ‘Life’

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Spice – Jim Screechy, Cherine Anderson – Make Up Sex, Queen Ifrica – Time Like These, Tiana – Bruk Out n Wine, Tifa – Get Flat, Trudy TruDiva – Party All Night, Danielle & Cherine – Rebel, Keida – Bubble Up, Raine Seville – Tra La La / Showdown, Ikaya – Get High
2010 Winner: Lady Saw ‘Party Til December’
2009 Winner: Raine Seville ‘Slippery When Wet / Be Careful’

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Shaggy – Sugarcane, Chris Martin – Paper Loving, Romain Virgo – I Am Rich In Love, Charly Black – Too Blessed, Konshens – Simple Song, Tarrus Riley – Shaka Zulu Pickney, Mavado – Settle Down, Chan Dizzy – Hello Badmind, Popcaan – Gangster City, Mr. Vegas – Bruk It Down
2010 Winner: I-Octane ‘Lose A Friend’
2009 Winner: Jah Cure ‘Call On Me”

SOCA / CALYPSO VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Shal Marshall – Trouble, Kes The Band – Wotless, Kerwin Du Bois – Bacchanalist, Farmer Nappy – Flirt, Michelle X – Fettin for Days, Mr. Renzo Ft Swappi 3D/4D – ExtraOrdinary, Ricardo Drue & Bunji Garlin – Shawty, Sizwe C – Turn It Up, Shurwayne Winchester – Wining Addiction, Machel Montano – Vibes Cyah Done
2010 Winner: Drastic ‘Sugary Waistline’
2009 Winner: Destra Garcia ‘Bacchanal’

DANCER OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Cookie Jah, Mystic, Kim LaQueen, Aya, Marvin, Melpo, Ivan Okinawa, Syrin Zero, Lilly MissLikklebit Ice (B-Ice), Wish Bone Di Dancer, Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington, Mika Dymond
2010 Male Winner: Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington
2010 Female Winner: Kim LaQueen
2009 Winner: Chad ‘Global Bob’ Torrington

DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Dance Xpressions, Ghetto Legacy, Ground Zero, M.O.B, Chekkazz Dancers, Black Blingaz, Blazin Crew, Fresh Kidz, Active Dancers, Elite Team
***new category***

INTERNATIONAL VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Calibe – Hey DJ, Ray Neiman – Ton Sourire, Leftside – This Girl, Sean Paul & Alexis Jordan – Got 2 Love U, G Whizz – Bartender, Stylo G – Leader, Tenza – Waistline Crazy, Names M & D’Angel – Where They At, Marlando St. John – New Style, Cali P – Like A Lion
2010 Winner: Alborosie ‘Blue Movie Boo’

BEST COLLABORATION:
Nominees: Danielle & Cherine – Rebel, Tiana & Konshens – Gal Mi Love U, Mr. Vegas ft. Teairra Mari & Gyptian – Pum Pum Shorts, Protojé & Ky-Mani Marley – Rasta Love, Chino ft. Denyque – Driving Me Insane, Barbee ft. Trina – Come See About Me, Richie Loop & Chris Martin – Summer Spazz, Alborosie & Jr Reid – Respect Yourself, QQ ft. Pamputae – Small Axe, Laza Morgan & Movado – One By One
2010 Winner: Taddy P / Mackie Conscious ‘Leave The Crumbs Alone’

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
Nominees: Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, Patrick ‘Roach’ Samuels, Seanizzle, Chimney Records, Notnice Records, Head Concussion, JA Productions, TJ Records, CashFlow, Romeich
2010 Winner: Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor

Voting begins Tuesday , January 31, 2012 and will close 8:00pm (EST) and will close on February 29th 8:00pm (EST). Vote now!!!

Taking "A leap of fate"

2012-01-30T10:20:00.001-05:00

"A leap of fate"
By: Shanteeca Reid

One sure thing about life is that we are always given the privilege of choices, choices that are life changing and some that are not so drastic. Our choices come in different shapes, forms and ranges from our professional lives to even as personal as our love lives. They are not always the easiest to make or embrace at times but one thing that they do have in common is the question, that we the choosers always have swimming in our minds “what I should do? And what I would, want and wish I could do?”

While some of have fantasies and dreams that will always be fantasies and dreams, the rest of us actually take a leap of fate, going beyond the white lines in search of what they want. We take a chance with our choices. One issue as it relates to fantasies and dreams is that it’s a matter of satisfying the heart, it’s what you’ve always wanted to do but may have been restricted or never given a medium or opportunity to do so. It might also be a suppressed side of yourself that you have never been able to explore for whatever reasons.

Regardless of this we always choose a safe path instead of the risky path with the adrenaline rush that we have always wanted to test out. The society you live in and the social conventions that one is exposed to plays a crucial role in a person being uninhibited. Sometimes the reason that our dreams and fantasies remain as just that s due to fear, we are afraid to take a chance, and very afraid to take the leap of fate. Some people might be of the opinion that this might be a little immature as why would throw out something sure for something that’s not just to satisfy the heart. You will never know what’s behind a door until you open it whether good or bad. There is no certainty for what will lie ahead of you hence it is called a leap of fate, though you might know of the saying the grass is not always greener on the other side and this adds to your curiosity.

In some cases it can be seen as a gaining experience where there is nothing much to lose, the worst thing that could unfold is that you will end up where you started but gained the experience and had the opportunity to know how it all played out . An interesting question that everyone should ask themselves is what would you do? “Would you follow you heart and do what you want to do even at the expense of spending the rest of your life paying for it or would you play it safe and spend the rest of your life wondering what could have happened?” Sometimes its apart of our destiny to take that leap of fate to see what life has in stores for us or just to see where things will go whether good or bad; some opportunities only come once in a lifetime and you will never know unless you try.

Fashion Designer Reality TV Series: Mission Catwalk Season Two

2012-01-30T09:45:00.001-05:00

Mission Catwalk is an exciting reality TV series aimed at discovering and developing talented fashion designers. Season One showcased 15 designers in fierce competition for top prizes.This year, the series shortlisted 20 designers from across the Caribbean (including:Barbados,Belize,Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana,and Jamaica). These 20 designers will meet a swift and ferocious first round of challenge in which 5 designers are eliminated in the first episode.

This TV series tests and nurtures the talents of the contestants through numerous challenges and exercises geared at identifying and honing a range of creative skills and abilities. The series is set in
Kingston, Jamaica and each hour-long episode comprises of four segments: the challenge, the design production,the runway show, and the elimination of a designer. The series lasts thirteen weeks and culminates with three designers at a live showdown in Kingston. One designer will win the ultimate prize–to show their collection at London Fashion Week 2012.

The winner will receive the following prizes:

• An opportunity to show a collection at the London Fashion Week 2012.
• JMD$500K funding to start their clothing line courtesy of NCB.
• Industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200K courtesy of Singer Jamaica.
• A contract to sell their designs at SOHO Boutique.
• A six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine.
• A scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College Of Fashion.
Season two of Mission Catwalk will premiere on Tuesday March 20,2012 at 8:30 PM.

CAST

Host/Exec Producer: Keneea Linton-George

Judges: Novia McDonald-Whyte
Carlton Brow

Guest Judges: Sonia Noel -Guyana Fashion Week, Nadia Khan -Actress, BarryMoncrieffe-
Designer, Marcellas James-Milliner, Lady Saw-Singer, Dr. Charlene Jarrett-MOH, Dexter Pottinger- Designer/Celebrity Stylist, Douglas Gordon-Ocean Style Magazine,Celia Levy-Designer,Thalia Lyn-Entrepreneur, Michele Coulton-Soho Boutique, Meiling Esau-Designer,Claudia Pegus-Designer.

Contestants: Kesia Estwick, Janelle Forde, Ryan Chan, Ryan Berkeley, Rebecca Stirm, Shannon
Kwong,Shellane McFarlane, Kerin Scott, Gregory Williams, Crystal Powell, Kimbally Smith, Janelle Jolly, Keshon Hawthorne, Natalie Rochester, Maria King-Beadle