SYM S Y M -C A R I B B E A N
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premierissue Fort Lauderdale #1 Caribbean Radio FlexxFM A young Cricketer’s love affair. Star Boy, hot new book series. JAMAICA AND TRINIDAD CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE !
AUTHOR TILSA C. WRIGHT HER JOURNEY FROM THE ISLANDS TO SYM
FlexxFM. Your Caribbean Station broadcasting from South Florida to the world. FlexxFM brings the latest NEWS, SPORTS, WEATHER, TALK AND ENTERTAINMENT. Compelling talk shows on issues that the world can relate to. LIVE BROADCASTS that brings our viewers closer than 3D. We are your source for LIVE RADIO. FlexxFM is live in New Jersey 97.5 FM. New York 104.5 FM. Atlanta 105.5 FM. Connecticut 104.5 FM. South Florida 101.9 FM. And June 5th in Jamaica 104.9 FM.
Join Dj Tc daily from 10-2pm for “Sail Away”. Listeners are captivated by this high energy show hosted by South Florida’s musical maestro. Gail Amoy holds down the night spot with the only uncensored show on the Flexx....”The G-Spot”
Sports Commentary with Big Boy Mark is for sports fanatics who want to know how, why, when and where. Tune in every Monday and Wednesday from 6pm- 8pm.
Tune iN daily and join the Flexx!!
2-6 Supermix daily with Dj Garrity is another high energy show that was designed to make your work load lighter and for your day to by faster. It’s entertaining, thought provoking and simply provocative....Mondays and Wednesdays 8pm-10pm
Join us August 4th in Negril Jamaica as we celebrate Jamaica’s 50th year of independence! www.flexxfm.com Follow us on twitter @flexxfmradio Join our fanbase on facebook FlexxFM Radio
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ARTISTS-REGGAE
mark daley dj facemoni
Mark Daley (aka DJ FaceMoni) intends to become a mogul in the Reggae Music Fraternity. DJ FaceMoni, who is sometimes called “Ladies Honey,” grew up in Waterhouse Kingston, Jamaica where he attended Camperdown High. He took pride in representing both his school and community as the captain of the Colts, a minor league football team. Daley believes that his leadership qualities come from being a responsible and driven individual. After graduating from Camperdown High, Daley furthered his studies at Stony Hill H.E.A.R.T Academy. He successfully completed, and majored in, Sales-Accounting, and Business Administration. His love for music became evident while attending school over the years, when he showed an earnest willingness to perform at several social events to raise funds for the school. Daley’s charisma and musical lyrics earned him instant popularity among female fans; hence the moniker “Ladies Honey.” Daley’s passion brought him to the doors of King Jammy’s Recording Studios, where he aligned himself with producers John John, Zumjay and Ward 21. It was there “DJ FaceMoni” honed his craft and learned the business of making music. After years under their tutelage, DJ FaceMoni left to develop his brand under his own label and, along with several colleagues, produced his first professional singles, Something Something – a catchy dancehall tune with huge potential to crossover into mainstream – and Sexy Darling, a collaboration with fashion mogul Niki Chin.
MAKING HIS MARK AND BRANDING HIS TALENT
DJ Facemoni also made a cameo appearance in the film A Dance for Grace, a dance drama that allowed him to grace the runways as a male model. When not in the studio, he can be found on the road as a top disc jockey for Star Vibes International. And he is currently working on a project (one of several) to live stream his own show for Rocksteady.com. With so much going on, it’s even more impressive that this up-and-coming talent takes time out to “give back,” something his mother impelled him to make time for. “My mom instilled in me, from an early age, that it’s everyone’s responsibility to help out where you can,” he told SYM. “I carry that creed with me everywhere I go.” To that end, Daley’s skills benefit several charities such as Camperdown Past Students Association-New York Chapter. And he challenges others to rise to the occasion. “My advice to younger, fresher talent is to give more…because when you give more, you receive your true blessings.” With the path to greatness that he’s on, Mark Daley (aka DJ FaceMoni) knows all about that. You can catch this great artist at: www.myspace.com/facemoni1 or on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/DJ-FaceMoni For bookings, contact Star Vibes International @ 347.854.7024
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Introducing sym caribbean! Welcome to Sym-Caribbean! Sharing the love, vibrancies, and warmth of Caribbean culture. Life is about taking risks. Let’s face it you won’t ever realize your dreams unless you take that leap of faith. Against the advice of a few colleagues, who didn’t think it made sense for me to grace the first cover of SYM-Caribbean, I chose to do so any way. SYM is a brand I created a year ago, so being on the cover is an ‘Oprah moment’ for me on the one hand. While on the other, it’s a milestone because against all odds SYM is still standing and we’re now adding SYM-Caribbean to the family. It’s a celebratory and extremely festive period in the Caribbean this year. During August, two prominent islands will celebrate 50 years of independence from the British Empire. So, it’s only fitting that the launch of SYM-Caribbean be a part of this historic milestone. SYM-Caribbean will feature an array of Caribbean lifestyle and cultural items of interest and concern. It will feature sports, carnival, fashion, affairs of the heart, and many more ingredients that the Caribbean melting pot is comprised of.
Tilsa C.Wright
www.sym-magazine.com Twitter.com/tilsawright facebook.com/sym-magazine
SYM Advertise in SYM-Caribbean and have your product /service seen by thousands in the arts and entertainment industry. For Media Kit contact Tilsa Wright, Advertising Director @347 440-6099 or tilsawright@yahoo.com
order your copy today at www.magcloud.com
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“Related Affairs” overwhelms you with love despite the painful judgment of one’s sexuality. An illicit, sensual, and tasteful story about two strangers who truly love each other.
From author Tilsa C.Wright, available on amazon.com, bn.com and on Kindle & Nook.
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Paul values the bond he shares with Anna; she has proven her love and compassion for him regardless of his inner rainbow, which is priceless. Anna’s parents are disgustingly rude towards their daughter’s decision to be friends with a homosexual. Being Jamaican native, Anna’s parents endure the social and financial fall out of their daughter’s association with Paul. Tilsa writes a compelling fiction which is trendy and yet real to many people. A native Jamaican, Wright courageous and tastefully sheds light on this controversial topic.
Also available at St.Marks Book Shop 31 Third Avenue NYC 212-260-7853
“ C h at t y C h at t y W e d n e s d ay s ” ta l k s h o w H o s t
interview
by
TILSA C. WRIGHT
photography by DRE BARRETT
“The reason why I see Jamie Foxx as my idol is because we are both two black handsome young men, but I think I am a lot like Jamie because I can put a smile on your face or even laughter in your life, no matter how sad or bad the situation is.” A unique talk show brand that has certainly taken the Jamaican Canadian community by storm! Chatty Chatty Wednesdays a three hour online interactive talk show with co-host Linky Links and Nicki, is on everyone’s lips from North America to Linky Links’ homeland of Jamaica. Hailing from the sunshine city of Portmore St. Catherine on Jamaica’s south coast, Linky Links is destined for greater prospects. In high school Linky impressed his peers with his engaging brand of comedic stand up performances during break periods. Needless to say he was very popular! With only seven months since the show officially launched, it’s fan base is not only great in numbers, it has also proven to be a very loyal following. This has gained the attention of notable Dancehall promoters, local business owners, and high profile event planners. All of whom recognize the value of aligning themselves with a winning brand. Congratulations are in order. Your show is well received by the Reggae and Dancehall community at large. Now, what inspired the name Chatty Chatty? Why do you think the show is so popular? SYM
The name Chatty Chatty was inspired by back home (Jamaica) where we always have people gossiping or as we would say in Jamaica chat too much. So, we tried to have fun with the name and go global with it. I feel the show is so popular because it is Toronto’s first Interactive internet talk show where people can actually participate. Plus it’s totally different and fun. People can relate to it. Meaning we deal with real topics and real life situations for real people. LINKY
SYM How were you cast for the co-host role? LINKY Slash sound system owner Ryan Reader aka Giggz, had a party that I hosted.
He thought I was very funny and at the same time could relate to people and get my point across with everyone having a smile on their faces. He then approached me at the end of the party and informed of his idea for the show, and explained that he felt I would be a perfect fit for the part. SYM What impact has this experience had on your career?
It has been positive so far. It has given me many more opportunities to show my real talent by entertaining and also making a lot more people laugh. Chatty Chatty Wednesdays has broken down walls for the world to see me and for that I am very grateful. LINKY
A few years ago you mentioned to me that Academy award winning actor/comedian Jamie Foxx is your idol. And that stand-up comedy is your true passion. How soon do you see yourself venturing into that field as a professional? SYM
LINKY Honestly, I think I have been doing standup comedy all my life now…. (laughs) just not on a professional level.
As you know I have always been that person to entertain a crowd and make them laugh from a tender age. The reason why I see Jamie Foxx as my idol is because we are both two black handsome young men… (chuckles and flashes a wide grin), but I think I am a lot like Jamie because I can put a smile on your face or even laughter in your life, no matter how sad or bad the situation is. It is very rare we find a young man like yourself who is just starting a media career and giving back to his community. Beyond that, to actually begin this effort in the country of your birth, Jamaica. I sincerely commend you. Now, tell our readers about your upcoming event in Jamaica which is geared towards helping young children. SYM
LINKY Well, this event that I’m hosting is to help the kids and to remind
people, especially the teenagers that there is still love and hope and most importantly, that life has much more to offer. In the neighborhood (Waterford) where I was born and raised I have seen a lot of unnecessary violence. So, a couple of my friends and I are just trying to shed some light on the community by bringing back the love. SYM What advice would you give to up and coming talent, who aspire to walk in your footsteps?
For up and coming talent, my best advice is to keep Father God in your life. You have to believe in the Creator because through Him all things are possible. Stay true to yourself, true to your dreams and if this is what you want to do, you can do it. “Impossible is nothing” LINKY
Follow Linky Links @Chattylinkz
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ARTISTS-AUTHOR
dutty bookman
Following university studies in the USA, a young idealist returns to Jamaica with revolution on his mind. For the next four years, he focuses on his mission to mobilize a critical mass of people - youth in particular - in order to catalyze social progress. As he manages his popular social website, hosts a nationally syndicated radio talk show and launches a non-profit organization that takes Kingston by storm, he also discovers his own unique outlook and insight that help to shape his spiritual growth. This revealing memoir sets an example for other young doers and agitators who find their altruistic contributions stalled by a pressing need to pay attention to personal insufficiencies. As a concerned human being who tries to do for others, it is important to remain true to oneself or otherwise risk being of no use to the revolution at all.
Dutty Bookman is a self-declared revolutionary. Born Gavin Hutchinson in Jamaica, the 29-year-old grew up exhibiting an academic mind with a particular propensity for the sciences. At 10-years-old, he won a scholarship to attend Campion College, one of the island’s most prestigious high schools, later on attending the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida to study Aerospace Engineering. It was during his time at ERAU that he began to experience a shift in interest. No longer motivated to design aircrafts or spacecrafts, he turned his attention to social issues. He switched degree programs after roughly 3 years of study and immersed himself in the humanities, finally graduating after 6 years with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, including concentrations in Communication, International Relations and Information Technology. Despite acquiring permanent residency status in the United States, Dutty was led by a growing concern for the development of Jamaica to return there in 2006. His remarkable journey over the next 4 years saw him become a supervisor for a local casino run by one of Jamaica’s “21 Families” before he went on to produce and host a national radio talk show called Reasoning. He also began working for the Bob Marley Foundation, planning and executing the Africa Unite Youth Symposium 2008. A few months later, he hurdled the bureaucratic red tape of the Jamaican government in order to go to Toronto, Canada, where he helped plan and execute the inaugural Ignite The Americas youth arts forum, held under the auspices of the Organization of American States. By 2010, he was the Communications Coordinator for the Bob Marley Group of Companies (Jamaica), which included the Bob Marley Museum as well as Tuff Gong International, the record company founded by the Reggae icon himself. Also in 2010, he co-founded Manifesto|Jamaica, a non-profit organization established to educate, expose and empower young people through arts and culture programming. Dutty Bookman’s name is derived from the 18th century Jamaican slave who went to Haiti and instigated the Haitian Revolution. Tried & True: Revelations of a Rebellious Youth is a personal memoir that details his post-university efforts to mobilize the Jamaican youth as well as his personal growth along the way. The book includes some of his own journal entries over the four year period from 2006 to 2010.
Her Journey from aN island to SYM,
Tilsa Wright
a symbolic path‌
TELLS HER STORY
Jamaican born, Tilsa Wright has her eyes set on achieving great success with the advent of her latest projects. Sym-Magazine, an online publication that has generated great buzz among many in the entertainment and entrepreneurial arenas, and Related Affairs, a novel which explores love, relationships and addresses the controversial homophobia issue as well. Tilsa grew up in Harbour View, a very small community near Norman Manley International Airport. Her father, a hardworking self made business man, worked a night job at the cinema while during the day distributing his home made juices to a number of local businesses. “Throughout the past 34 years, the coconut water enjoyed by many cinema patrons has been made by my father. I never actually saw myself following his footsteps, in as much as starting my own business, much less actually writing a novel.” TILSA
Wright an only child, admires her father, who raised her without a mother in her life. He always made sure she had the best until it was time for her to fly the nest. Leaving her father behind, Wright migrated to Brooklyn, New York. She lived with her now deceased grandmother. “After graduating Camperdown High in 1995, I came to live in Brooklyn permanently. Prior to this, I would visit each summer during the holiday breaks from school. The idea of living in America always sounded grand, until I realized just how much I was missing friends and family.” TILSA
Living in the islands is more laid back, not so much hussle and bussle. It took Wright a couple years to adjust as she continued to travel quite routinely between Jamaica and New York. TILSA
“During those years, I had a heartfelt yearning to just remain in Jamaica, but eventually I had to settle here.”
Fast forwarding to her entrepreneurial accomplishments, Wright credits a number of people for helping her to realize her purpose and aspirations. Bishop Sylveeta Hamilton Gonzales tops her list. “Bishop Gonzales is an icon in the Caribbean Community. A very hardworking, committed Woman of Great Esteem! Her mission is to empower and encourage others, starting with her students at M.A.C.A.D.E.M.Y. Who I consider strongly to be tomorrow’s leaders.” TILSA
Conflicted and losing focus, Wright was encouraged to change both her outlook and environment. She began to read more and volunteered for a number of organizations engaged in positive business and community driven efforts. These actions led her to pen Related Affairs, her first novel, published in November 2010. TILSA “I recall writing the outline for
Related Affairs, and thought what would friends and family think? Sure, a few asked if
it was my coming out story!” Surprisingly, a number of Jamaicans have read this controversial novel which has it’s premise based in the subject of homosexuality which a large percentage of the Jamaican population is opposed to. Despite, that many are anxiously awaiting a second installment. Wright’s intent was to write her first major project employing unexpected twists and with the courage to address homosexuality. She recounts an incident that she witnessed in her pre-teen years. TILSA “It was a day after school. I traveled to Parade in downtown Kingston to take a second bus home. These were my prep
school years. I was shocked to see a mob harassing and chasing a naked man through the park. He was bloody, scared, and feared for his life.” “Kill di batty boy, dem fi dead!” the crowd shouted while throwing whatever objects they could find. This man was apparently caught having sex with another man in the park’s bathroom. Back in the 80’s and 90’s this hate mob practice was very prevalent, sending a clear message to the Jamaican Gay Community.
TILSA “I don’t see a world that will ever embrace, accept or even tolerate homosexuality. What I’m personally against, however
is the discrimination and the physical violent attacks. They are not aliens nor are they deviants. It’s their choice of lifestyle. Who am I to judge? Many want to even use the Bible as a weapon of condemnation and a reason to deny their basic human rights.” “Homosexuality is not of God!” Christians and even Agnostics are quick to point out. Related Affairs is controversial. It explores love, relationships and has it’s share of drama. Screenplay writer Sabah Muhammad is presently writing an adaptation. Wright intends to produce Related Affairs on the silver screen. However, in the meantime, Related Affairs has not been domant. It has sponsored two New York based Gay events, The Rainbow Book Fair and The Harlem Pride Celebration in 2011.
The creation of Sym-Magazine After freelancing with publicist Stephanie Frances-Mack, and publisher James Lisbon, Wright felt in July 2011, that it was time to launch another project. One that would embody her passion and support of grass roots of actors, entertainers and start up business owners who she realizes are working hard for that big break. TILSA “Today I am comfortable laughing at the original name I had chosen for the magazine TilsaWrightMagazine, which is a
far cry from SYM.” The name has evoked a positve reaction from it’s readers because of the unique and curious nature of this acronym. SYM, symbolic with a difference. It’s directive to be like the American Idol TV show where talent is discovered. Also, to serve as a resource for talent scouts, casting agents and film producers to name a few. The long term potential for Sym-Magazine is more than it evolving into a great publication. Sym will primarily feature less prominent yet very aspiring and promising personalities on it’s covers. These covers will be promoted on the Reuters Sign in the heart of NYC’s Times Square! “Getting your face on Broadway couldn’t be easier. I came up with this idea while researching the best press release distribution services to use. My email inbox is constantly filled with requests to be on the cover for this reason.” TILSA
Wright is appreciative of the responses that the first three issues have garnered. She plans to feature national and international editorial content since Sym is an online publication. This provides Sym a greater distribution reach with viral marketing as the today’s leading trend. TILSA “Our third issue featured artist and author Danny Simmons, business mogul Russell and Joseph Simmons’ older broth-
er. He was very down to earth and extremely supportive of our work. I truly encourage people to support their foundation. This is where their heart lies, service to the community and giving back.” (www.rushphilanthropic.org) As a result of this third issue, Sym-Magazine’s online presence grew tremendously, gaining attention from numerous “A“ list celebrities.
Sym-Magazine’S CONTRIBUTION TO FILM Not only will Wright feature up and coming actors, independent films and entertainers in the United States, but from her native Jamaica as well. TILSA “I am currently reviewing the work of two major organizations. The Reggae Film Festival and Film Jamaica. Yes, a great
deal of films were shot in Jamaica, however homemade projects are just not getting enough exposure or distribution. This has spawned the creation of SYM-Caribbean, a spin-off of SYM and a vehicle dedicated to bringing vital information from the Caribbean to the forefront of media attention.” On a more personal note, Wright expresses that she is single and is no way near looking to date or ‘jump the broom’. TILSA
“I am way too consumed with my work to give any thought to getting a man.”
For Wright, Sym-Magazine is an inspiration and an aspiration for her personal accomplishments as well as those of the same of other rising stars! And she’s not done yet! Wright has just written her second novel (released May 2012) entitled Star Boy, part one of a trilogy. She confesses Star Boy is 1% her story and 99% fiction. You’ll have to read it to draw your own conclusions…stay tuned! TILSA “I’d like to thank Bishop Sylveeta Hamilton Gonzales, Madame Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and ‘The Queen of Talk Shows’, Oprah for being my muses for creativity, strength and inspiration!”
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hitsquadd
spotlight artist
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Currently, Drea Love is working on a song with Grammy Award Winning Reggae Artist, Beenie Man entitled ‘Summer Fun.’ Produced by Taffari Coke & written by Kirkland “Karma” Davis. Drea Love states “It is a huge honor that Taffari & Karma brought the track to me, not knowing who was going to be the big feature, all we knew it had to be somebody talented.” She goes on to say, “Karma was determined to introduce this song to a major Reggae artist. He traveled to Jamaica and recorded Beenie Man”.
Not willing to compromise easily with major recording contracts, she has structured her company, Starlight Entertainment as a major independent label and has created a publishing company through BMI. Her long term goals include reaching the lengths of her idols such as Lauren Hill, Teena Marie and Brandy Norwood Lookout for ‘Summer Fun’ video! It is slated to premier on BET in a few months. Follow her on Twitter @Drea_Love2 and catch her on youtube.com @ Drealove909.
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Atlanta’s newest pop/R&B artist, Drea Love began with a gospel background as a young child. Growing up she knew that her love for music would become a career goal. Motivated to become self-sufficient in the music industry, she has recently come from enjoying singing as a hobby to becoming a professional artist.
Beenie Man ‘The King of Dancehall’, also did some drops for Drea Love which will be given to major radio stations. The song ‘Summer Fun’ is going to be a big success! Drea Love will be travelling to Jamaica and will meet Beenie Man in the upcoming weeks, and to also shoot ‘Summer Fun’ video. “I am so excited to have a major artist on one of my songs, this is huge for me. I can’t wait to meet him. The video is going to be “live”. Drea says.
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new single ‘ S u mmer L ove ’
Lexi, has the type of body that attracts any man she wishes to have. Her sexy curves, coupled with her Jamaican accent make her the perfect man magnet. n However, her own personal appearance means very little if anything at all to her. As a matter of fact, it’s her audacious and unrestrained personality that rocks the lives of nearly everyone with whom she comes in contact with. The burden of a childhood secret, combined with her ambition to seek revenge, gradually transforms her into everyone’s worst nightmare. n Lexi contemplates her life to this point, from being a young Jamaican girl growing up in the country sides of Manchester, Jamaica, to being a grown woman living as an immigrant in the US. n Her best friend, JT, who is also Jamaican, suddenly finds his life spiraling out of control after a strange woman appears out of the blue and sets her sites upon him. The riveting tale of his experiences will shock you, as twists are unveiled and the unexpected unfolds.
Readers, I dare you to fasten your seatbelts and prepare yourselves for an adventurous ride that will allow you to explore luscious Jamaica, and the rich culture and flavors of its people. The story is double the fun as it’s blended with a hint of the American dream. You will identify with the highs and lows of these dynamic characters while being entertained beyond your expectations. Purchase this novel at www.barnesandnoble.com & www.amazon.com. Visit www.tanishabeecher.com for more information. Check out my FlexxFm interview on ustream April 20th 2012. Follow me on twitter @tanishajbeecher
www.justbecausehairtherapysalon.com
now available on kindle and amazon! Star Boy reveals the erotic fictional exploits of a teenaged high school student,Tania Watson. Her daring behavior with Brian Lane lingers in her mind for years. These encounters, although inappropriate at that time, are certainly fun memories. A not so innocent rubbah dub dub, thrilled her experimental teenaged mind. Related Affairs author, Tilsa C. Wright takes grown folks down memory lane as she delivers yet another erotically provocative literary achievement! Tilsa Wright is the publisher of two online media, Sym-Magazine and Sym-Caribbean. Related Affairs is Wright first novel, is currently being adapted into a screenplay.
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