“I don’t mind being a muse and trying something totally unexpected because I truly appreciate fashion as art.”
Contents Issue 21| July 2013
4 Editor’s Letter 6 Masthead 50 Creative Director’s Letter
21 Discover St. Kitts 24 St. Kitts Music Festival 2013
FEATURES 8 Kabaka Pyramid 11 Summer Beauty: Skin Care Tips
28 What’s Your Magic Number?!
34 drennaLuna: Summer Party Style 44 Money Matters: Shopping and Saving 46 Jayblessed and Highly Favored
31 Soca to De World 49 Summer Essentials Issue 21| July 2013 3
Editor’s Note ONCE IN A LIFETIME!
My 15 Minute Sit Down With Lionel Richie For over three decades, multi-platinum
-
His songs have been the inspiration for monumental life events such as engagements, marriages, births and anniversary celebrations, among others. Through his illustrious career, he has performed across the globe and continues to do so. He recently announced that he
drop of rainy days, romantic dinners and “feel good”
-
of assuredness and fervor I said, “they saved the best for last. Welcome to St. Kitts, how are you?” The room erupted in laughter as Lionel rose to his feet to greet me. and a gentleman.
LR: “I am well thank you. And how are you?” SB: “I am great. Thank you for taking time out of your sched-
LR: “Pandemonium! Fans can expect to have a great time. I will perform as many favorites as possible but you know there will be that one song that someone will be disappointed I didn’t sing. Unfortunately, I can’t do them all but I know everyone will be happy nonetheless.” DG: LR: “If I could tell you I was suffering, I would be lying to you. This is probably the closest thing to a paid vacation you could get in your whole life – and on top of that it’s really, really relaxing. This is not LA, this is not New York, this is strictly great! Look at me, I’m all laid back and chilled.” DG: LR: “Well, it’s interesting. I’ve been doing this for so long, I kind of vibe people – especially with something like this. I know what that crowd is going to be like. They’re going to know the words, the songs and the melodies better than I do. My job is to basically walk out on stage, start the song and get out of the way because what we’re going to experience tonight, people are going to remember three things: Where they were, what they were doing and who they were doing it with. My job is to not disappoint them. Now, how long it will go, that’s a different story because guaranteed, I can make a big mistake and out of all the 250 million songs that I have, I will forget one.” DG: LR: “It always happens. It never fails. There’s always one obscure song that I’m like, ‘You got married on…’ Everyone has their moment so guaranteed, I’ll walk on and forget something, but we’re going to knock out so many of the ones they’re supposed to know. You don’t prepare, you just kind of gear up for the fun. Remember, some people go to the gym to work out, I go and do a two-hour show…” DG: LR: “(Laughs) Well here it is. It’s like the gym and the sauna all wrapped into one, but this is probably the reason why I’m still in the business for so long. It’s that it’s not work.”
LR: “Hahaha! Listen I understand – I get it. I went through the same thing with my parents. I think every child went through that stage and then grew up to appreciate the music of that era.” SB: vice can you give musicians about what it takes to achieve LR: “That’s a tough question. I don’t know if I have an advice per se but I will tell you this, you have to have a passion for what you do and genuinely love it. There are people who don’t like doing shows or interviews or traveling. It all comes with the territory and I think this is where having the passion plays a key role.” SB: to say “this is for Stacey.” LR: Well we have a bikini segment when we perform “Brickhouse” and we are looking for volunteers.
SB: Sure, I’ll volunteer. Laughter LR: Actually I was kidding.” Laughter. “It is always the school teacher, the librarian – you know the conservative types that fall for this.” More laughter. “No I was just kidding but it is pretty funny that you volunteered. Would I really have gone on stage in a bikini and danced to “Brickhouse” before 10,000 people? Probably not, but I -
self?
SB: I know you have to run so let me close by saying thank here, I have to admit, you are exactly what I envisioned you would be. He reaches over, hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. LR: Oh my God, thank you for saying that I am happy to hear that. I know what you mean. I have met people that I have loved through their music and wished I had never met them. So I get what you mean and thank you! -
SB:
listen to and love.”
Stacey Bethel
full of people and everyone laughs in unison. Ok, still going
Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@TripleTheFocus.com Issue 21| July 2013 5
Founder & Editor in Chief STACEY BETHEL
FASHION BEAUTY Christine Carr FITNESS FEATURES Shantell “Shanz” Hill LIFESTYLE Jo Wheeler Raine Martin PHOTO
ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS on a monthly basis. into their print and online publications. This strategic partnership
CONTACT Email: Info@triplethefocus.com Phone: 201-981-6960 (US)
Photos by Daniel Ziegert
on is, this is your opportunity. He is a multi-talented artof Hip Hop has garnered him some much deserved attention. uses his talent to spread positivity, spirituality and conan ever-evolving personality, Kabaka uses his creativity and ability to adapt in any situation to master the different aspects of the music industry. He possesses considered a
.
mother’s tape recorder. This helped to mold the artist Sizzla Kalonji and Peter Tosh. During High School, Hip musical consciousness of Nas, Common and Canibus
profound lyrics that raised the bar of Hip Hop in Jahall tracks including and same� single Star for Break-through artist of the year and named
With a mission to steer future generations using The unity and collaborations between the artists in harmony and unity as his driving force, Kabaka is my circle lightens the burden. We chose the family we are born in based on the necessity of our growth and development as spiritual beings, so it is very important that I know my family’s story does it mean? In Uganda Kabaka means “King” and keep a close connection with loved ones. My and the Pyramid symbolizes the long lasting precision that is put into the music I create. ment so I am eternally thankful to them. Hop Music.
love for music? Music has always been a part of Sometimes I just sit and do nothing, listen to mumy life, the love for music is mandatory for some- sic, watch a Barcelona or Arsenal football game one like me. So from I know myself I love music. (although that can lead to more tension haha), do yoga or read and meditate. The Bebble family was originally formed with Taiwo, Nova, Mogie, Keys, Koro, TMO, Smoke Shack, Stump T, Strizzle, 2013? You can expect me to form my own band, - drop a new compilation EP, Tour the US and Europe cord label, was started by Kevin Supanova Salmon, Abi Hoilett, Duane McDonald and myself. Any artist with strong potent lyrics will inspire me to write music. Producers are Sly and Robbie, Fattis Burrell, RZA, J Dilla, Equiknoxx, DJ Premier, Dre Island, Inztinkz, Bravo, Zincfence. Wu-Tang (GZA, RZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Killarmy, Wu-Syndicate) Nas, Canibus, Big Pun, Common, Talib Kweli, Eminem, Mobb Deep to name a few. Apart from my Bebble Fam artists like IYAZ, Young Diction, Sly Rankin, D1, Five Steez, Giddian, Protoje, Chronixx, Sizzla, Dre Island, Kevor from Pentateuch, Exco Levi, Sara Lugo and many more. Sly and Robbie, Xterminator, DJ Premier, Queen Ifrika and Stephen Marley Can you recall one of your most memorable studio sessions? Writing “Warrior” with Protoje was a great experience. I did not know Protoje was writing a verse until I heard him sing it after I recited say the least haha. What are some of the topics you address in your music? Rastafari livity, spiritual consciousness, repatriation to Africa, farming, sustainable development, western society, capitalism, mental and physical slavery, unity, worldwide love industry? My management team keeps things in order so I can focus on the music and creating. Issue 21 | July 2013 9
SUMMER BEAUTY: SKIN CARE TIPS TO KEEP YOU FLAWLESS THIS SUMMER sory. The option to go makeup free is especially fantastic during hot, humid summer 1. Cleanse
2. Mist
and grime but not strip skin of natural oils.
Nothing beats a facial mist especially
great facial mist can act as a toner, a refresher and delivers skin loving ingredients that calm, soothe, balance to effectively cleanse skin and help create radiant and hydrate the skin. Facial mists can and smoother looking skin. be sprayed and gently pressed into the skin after cleansing, used to set to refresh the face throughout the day Simple Skincare Foaming Cleanser - is formulated as needed. of makeup and leaves skin feeling clean and re- ergy Hydration Delivery System - in a freshed. ing boost of moisture to skin almost instantly. This mist improves skin’s ability are great on sensitive skin and remove even mas- increasing skin’s defense against envi- ronmental stress. gredient proven to calm and balance skin. Keep throughout the day as needed. to the point. It packs a mighty antigrape fruit hydrosol and nitrogen formulation.
3. Protect During summer months it is imperative to use a broad spectrum SPF of
ever, there are oil-free sunscreen options that are guaranteed to not
smoothness.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 35 - This broad spec-
Issue 21| July 2013 11
4. Treat
Serums
-
gravate the skin.
Boots No. 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Serum - has a silky feel and contains peptides,
Night Creams
Eye Creams
Night creams are generally heavier than day time creams because they contain a higher concentration of lipids to deliver more moisture. Some night
Who really needs an eye cream? If you are over the
ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid and other a night cream. Night Cream - This cream is great for dry, mature skin. It contains Mimosa, Natural licorice blue agave ca-
eye creams available to address many concerns, from for a soothing eye cream that contains caffeine. If you are prone to dark circles look for an eye cream than contain brighteners. Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream - If you eye cream that contains retinol. elasticity and helps to reduce
the use of resurfacers and minerals.
cream also contains hyaluronic to soothe the delicate eye area.
Has a gel like consistency and contains a combination of anto prevent the signs of aging as ness. It gives the eye are a fresh and vibrant appearance.
THE PLACE TO STAY
S PA N I S H CO U R T H OT E L 926.0000 1 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica www.spanishcourthotel.com
Jamaica’s Sweetheart!
Phil Jam
By Stacey Be
How Yendi llipps Makes maica Smile!
ethel
J
ust google the name Yendi Phillipps -
Yendi proudly represented Jamaica at the Miss World 2007 contest and at the
ing appearing in commercials for Toyota and Pepsi. a concentration in dance from the State sure Management, Yendi has appeared -
Smile Jamaica, and an actress. She re-
baby. Issue 21| July 2013 15
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PROS TO LIVING IN THE FOR TVJ’S SMILE JAMAICA, YOU ARE STYLED BY CARIBBEAN? KERRY-ANN CLARKE OF KERRY MAN WOMAN HOME. HOW MUCH INPUT DO YOU HAVE AS IT - PERTAINS TO WHAT YOU WEAR ON THE SHOW?
WHAT ARE THE CONS?
-
like the smallness of it, but with the advent of WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR SENSE OF STYLE? social media, the greater world is even closer WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
-
fabrics, watching her sew clothes for herself
It’s really hard to describe. I totally work with my vibe. I’m the girl who will rock a tank and for our resident camera man my Dad; and My style is more about “feel good” and com- YOU RECENTLY BECAME A MOM. HOW HAS IT fort. CHANGED YOUR LIFE? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MUST HAVE CLOTH- My daughter is by far the best thing that has ING ITEMS? allowing life to be organic. With the world of have a closet of let’s say 10 things and I’ll modeling and television, everything is always wear the same 3 items in my everyday life... working within time constraints, but Israel has as basic as it gets. made me understand the essence of life and WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CARIBBEAN DESIGNERS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING WITH YOUR DAUGHTER WHEN SHE GETS OLDER? They’re so many things I can think of, but the as it is, was sitting by the beach, sharing stories about life and enjoying each other as mothNAME ONE CLOTHING ITEM YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO GET BACK INTO “MODEL SHAPE” AFTER THE BABY? Issue 21 | July 2013 17
the baby and myself needed to.
- come in to read for him and the director. I guess I was kind of good or at least half decent or something.
HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE THAT?
WHAT IS THE PLAY ABOUT?
er needed to drink more water than when me you want to see it...it’s a good one. nursing, and water is so essential to overall there* be overlooked. So most credit should go to
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER?
teresting dynamics with her husband, her ed individual, but that gets a bit jolted when HOW IMPORTANT IS DIET AND EXERCISE TO truths and lies come to the forefront. YOU? WHAT’S NEXT? mean eating clean and consistently, not eat- There are a few things in writing to come next. I have no idea how I will juggle it all but somebody is so much more critical than what you how it gets done. Quite exciting times ahead do externally. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good sweat session, but eating well to be well as brand ambassador for a few brands. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE EXERCISE THAT YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR BODY IN TIP TOP FORM? I’m working towards building my brand and
than crunches. WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? ings. I schedule my days where I have quite Luckily she goes to bed early so when I have they’re all after she’s tucked in. YOU WILL BE ACTING IN THE PLAY TABOO. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?
“Israel has made me understand the essence of life and allowed me to appreciate it’s simplicity.”
”
Issue 19 | May 2013 25 Issue 21 | July 2013 19
DISCOVER THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN ISLE OF ST. KITTS the vibe is Irie! From beaches to historical sites, there are plenty of acpristine beaches, delectable island fare, enchanting villas and hotels and -
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE HAUNTS IN ST. KITTS >>DINING & BEACH Cathy’s:
-
Spice Mill at Cockleshell: With it’s Caribbean meet South Beach décor including a canoe
sun during the day. Soak up the rays on a
Carambola Beach Club: Carambola Beach Club is one of St. Kitts
-
brella and canopy rentals for a minimal fee and romantic dining at night.
>>NIGHTLIFE Vibes Beach Bar: If you are looking for a
Monkey Bar: since the early 90s, the Monkey Bar staked its
ponentially since to of the calories you consumed at dinner, include a restaurant. If you are more of - of party goer, then tensive drink menu, Fridays at this local pulsating music from you. With the open Soca, you are guarout on the dance drinks and dance to live steel pan music as morning hours.
your face. Issue Issue 20 21| | July June2013 2013 21 11
>>SIGHTSEEING Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park: Brimstone Hill Fortress NaHeritage Site of historical, cultural monument to the ingenuity of the signed it and to the skill, strength it. One of the best preserved hisCaribelle Batik: Batik is an ancient Indonesian method used to resist -
Manor, the home of Caribelle Batik, artisans demonstrate to visitors the batik garments. Since 1974,
>>ACCOMMODATIONS St. Kitts Marriott: 8 restaurants, 2 Emerald Mist Spa and a champi-
Indian accents and cutting-edge you don’t have to leave your homore than enough amenities to entertained. Palm Court Garden: If you are -
soon to reserve the only one bedroom apartment located on the grounds.
ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013 WE LOVED THE VIBE!
On Thursday, June 27th through Saturday June
and Lionel Richie.
Music Festival at Warner Park Stadium in Basse-
-
did. Flags, phones and lighters stayed in the air festival has boasted stellar international acts such as John Legend, T-Pain, Air Supply, The Commodores, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Michael Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Baby- much standing around. Opening acts, Kollision, face, Toni Braxton, Stephen Marley, Maxi Priest and did more and Sean Paul among others. The biggest three day fete on the island, festimances from
featur-
team, and Fay-ann Lyons entered the stage singing global hit single “Differentology.�
performing hits after hits, Fay-ann introduced her father, Super Blue, be-
do it all again. cal artists Dejour, Dagah and
-
Tesoriginally booked for the “Paper Lovin,” “Na Na Na,” and “Chill Spot.”
“Let’s Get it On.” fan favorite, “Cheaters Prayer” makone of the stand out performances of the night. Martin’ performance gave ists, Shaggy and Konshens.
“It Wasn’t Me,” “Mr. Boombastic,” “Strength of A Woman,” “Angel,” and “Church Heathen.” ste3ady rise and staking his claim in the reggae/dancehall genre, kept the ladies screaming through his entire one hour set. With singles “Bubble Gal A Bubble,” “Gyal Siddung,” and “Stop Sign” nity to be asked back a third time. a medley of hits that could have eas-
the audience.
Shaggy returned to
single “Fight This Feeling,” from his forthcoming album, Out of Many, One Music slated for release in time performing the single live since its release. Issue 21| July 2013 25
Steel Pan from Cayon Pantastics, a
and Trinidadian musician Etienne -
ering a superb performance of singles “Brickhouse,” “Stuck on You,” “Ballerina Girl,” “Easy Like Sunday Morning,” “Penny Lover,” and “Oh No.” Fans could not get enough of his 120 minute set. In closing, Lionel Psy’“Gangnam Style” “Lionel Richie Style” as he danced and Perfection! sic Festival ended on a high note had by all.
What’s Your Magic Number?!
B consume. Our daily caloric needs are completely individual and are dependent on factors like your Calories are the energy in food. Everything you - tive or sedentary lifestyle. -
body needs to lose, gain or maintain your current
IT ALL STARTS HERE!
STEP 1
STEP 2
needs to sustain things like heartbeat, breathing and normal body temperature.
are. EXERCISE FACTOR EXPLANATION
STEP 3 The number you’ve received by completing steps
you hold yourself accountable, evaluate your
2) Listen to your body.
per day by this number
We have all been conditioned from childhood to
per day by this number -
make good enough estimates and shift to an tion control.
-
We’re not 6 years old any more though and lets be real the children starving in other parts of the
Leptin food, please no more?”
a hormone called “Ok, I’ve had enough
it takes about 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you have eaten enough.
your brain that you have eaten enough. -
-
really need to eat the other half and if not save it can have the leftovers later. 3) Burn baby Burn!
takes care of the rest!
1) Keep a food journal
your mood, strengthens your cardiovascular system and reduces your blood pressure!
The best way to ensure that you cut back on those calories is keeping a food journal. You’d be sur-
Issue 21 | July 2013 29
SOCA
TO DE WORLD By Jo Wheeler
season, 2013 is shaping up to be the year of the Soca crossover. Soca giants like Machel Montano and
been dominating carnival celebrations across the ‘Differentology’
into the spotlight by Soca. While legends like Mighty Machel can be given credit for crossing Soca over into other markets. ‘Differentology’ has no genre, “it’s just music.” other Soca artists remaining popular locally, regionally,
could be that advances in technology make it easier
has several YouTube parodies. Dubois production ‘Possessed,’ featuring himself,
Soca tree is starting to bear fruit.
on to successfully cross over into those other markets
creates an almost spiritual blend of harmony. The
The combined efforts are so evident throughout the Issue 21| July 2013 31
infectious, feel good music. Other songs for the season that have had mass in 2013. It’s a catchy rhythm that differs from the usual Soca vibe, layered under lyrics celebrating Caribbean
Carnival tune that is so contagious that it has made coming hard! its place among them. Its fans are as dedicated and sincere in their love for it as a Hip Hop Head or a in fact they run very deep. Built on a solid foundation very realistic goal. The music speaks for itself and the a viable industry. Whether it’s teaching others about Carnival, Steel Pan and the history of Calypso or more
become obsolete. Is it Soca because a Soca artist is part of it, or is it Soca because it is an ode to carnival?
Soca is as any other genre and deserves its place.
SUMMER PARTY S
Photographer: Marc Evan
Models: Kaci Fennel, Collene M
STYLE
ns marcevansimages.com
Mills, Nastashia Mitchell and Oraine Barrett
W e are so excited to have launched sol by drennaLUNA at the recently concluded
Caribbean Fashion Week in Kingston, Jamaica. DrennaLUNA has always included at least one swimsuit per collection, however, this year we decided to offer a complete collection of swimwear and sol by drennaLUNA was born. This collection is called “Circa 1950� as we drew inspiration from the glamorous fashion of that era. The mix of prints and colors gives the collection a bold modern update. With the arrival of summer and a packed social calendar that includes lots of beach parties, these looks offer the right amount of coverage and glamour for the season.
Issue 21| July 2013 35
boat. Kaci lounges in this one-piece halter that pink and green
Issue 21| July 2013 37
Nastashia soak up the sun in this strapless 1-piece in pink and you to bare shoulders and legs. The gathers at the sides of the suit
Oraine and Kaci seek solace in the shade Issue 21| July 2013 39
Pretty in Pink. The ladies lounge on the deck in their pink ensembles as the group set sail for a day
Issue 21| July 2013 41
Beach cover-up can be so much more than a fect balance of function and style
Money Matters:
Often, the key features of a basic product and the top-of-the-line version from the same manu-
shopping-saving -
ning is key. These shopping tips can help you often have the most information about product features. on some products and services you buy once in USE SEARCH ENGINES COMPARING PRODUCTS ONLINE
If you think you’ve found a good deal, but you selling it, dig a little deeper. Type the company or product name into your favorite search engine
a bogus offer posted by a scam artist. THINK BEFORE YOU SHOP Think about your goals before you shop.
CHECK COMPARISON SHOPPING SITES -
tant to you up-front, you’re less likely to make an impulse purchase that could lead to buyer’s remorse.
These sites connect you to many retailers selldifferent prices. Compare your total purchase also have different return policies. Check the polshipping or restocking fees for returns.
es change.
-
CONSIDER COUPONS Some companies offer discounts to online shop-
Evaluate what you see on retail sites.
free shipping and other discounts. Keep in mind particular type of product. Those can be full of - sated for their posts, and may not include any been deleted. What do you know about the photo? READ REVIEWS AND BE SKEPTICAL source of the information: is it from an impartial vidual consumers, a columnist? You can get a good idea about a product’s pershopping comparison sites. But they may not rep-
best possible light. Could it have been doctored? WHAT IF THERE’S A PROBLEM?
customer service? What’s the promised delivery problem? Will the company accept returns? If
competitors.
Issue 21 | July 2013 45
JAY BLESSED
AND HIGHLY FAVORED By Raine Martin on its way to becoming a treasured, lifelong habit.” In 2000, Christian teacher and author Bruce Wilkinson published The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to a Blessed Life national best-seller, topping the seller list for books on advice and self-help. Inspired by Wilkinson’s teachings through her local church in Trinidad, a teenaged Jamie re-named herself Jay Blessed, and soon after sought to claim the blessings life had to offer in the land of opportunity nearly 2,000 dia personality: the mastermind behind JayBlessed. com host of popular podcast Courtney K. Williams. unpredicted situations, but Jay pushed through unmoved in her faith and undeterred from her mission to launch a successful career in media. Within months
blog, I wouldn’t have done it, she says. “I had the domake sure I saved my name online, and he kept saying you have this, so why don’t you do something with this, you like to talk, you like to write, you should just do something with this. I never thought writing would be the catalyst to getting me out there, more than radio or TV.” -
her stint on Time Plus Beats, Jay hosted programs on
the time concentrated on chat forums, photos, and party promotions, JayBlesssed.com blossomed into a
her daughter.
years in, Jayblessed.com has been cited as a content source by mainstream entertainment and pop-culture
start blogging. nothing, no scratch that’ – that’s exactly how I was talking to him – ‘I would be nothing, no scratch that, I would STILL be something without you’ however, if it really wasn’t for Johann encouraging me to start a
“My hope is that Jayblessed.com and Jay Blessed will become household names, for GOOD things – let me just speak that out into the universe – for good things,” she says enthusiastically. “I think big all the time, ev-
wanted jayblessed.com to be like TMZ.”
“There was a bit of backlash from my readers and fans when I ran a column written by ‘Denise’ a gay writer. I comments under the posting and some fans unliked my Facebook page,” she recalls. “There are people from the Caribbean that are gay. And they are still Caribbean, and they have a voice too, and a story that needs to be told.” rities for her bold blogging style, namely Trinidadian
say you are married, some say you are not.’ I would ask those kinds of questions,” she says. “He doesn’t want to answer those kinds of questions.”
Soca superstar Machel Montano has reportedly re-
-
“Rachel Price is a c%&#. You can quote me on that. I don’t know why she throws me so much shade. I’ve never done her anything or said anything negative about her. I’ve always shown her love. ” Jay says matter-of-factly.
“People sometimes have the idea that jayblessed.com is a gossip blog. The site is not only gossip. Gossip is
“Jayblessed.com was a media sponsor for an event that featured Machel Montano, he was going to give me an exclusive interview. We were on the red carpet taking pictures, but when he realized it was me, he didn’t want to do it. I think it’s because I would be asking him questions that he did not want to answer. If you’ve read any of my interviews, you know I ask the questions that people want to know: ‘Did you beat up the people outside of Zen nightclub? What is the relationship with you and the Prime Minister really like, because you get a lot of privileges, like a State helicopter, you and her are always going out a lot, and why did the government give you $5 million for an album we have yet to see? Are you really married? Some reports
read other content that they would not normally read,” she says. “I’ve always published from the inception stories relating to the Caribbean community at large. With time comes growth, and the blog has matured. I’m writing as a Caribbean-American blogger based in the U.S., and there are a lot of issues affecting us. One of the biggest issues at present would be immigration reform, and people need to be aware of what’s going on. You need to read about The Dream Act, they want to know what your voting rights are in this country. A lot of new Caribbean websites have popped up and are with mainstream urban entertainment news. I want to be a portal for information and discussions that are really affecting us. When people are discussing politics or policies, or even something like ‘did you know Kerri Washington’s grandparents are Jamaican? Where did you hear that from? Jayblessed.com.’ ” violently assaulted by security forces hired to protect
“It’s very hard being a women in the entertainment industry, you are subjected to abuse that men would never have to undergo. We work double, if not triple hard with triple the focus and are still treated like pawns, ers, and bosses we are and the integral forces behind the success of the biggest stars.” Issue 21| July 2013 47
Issue 21| July 2013 49
Creative Director’s Note YOU HAVE ENTERED THE DANGER ZONE! from one body to another by thermal interactions. The transfer of energy can occur in a variety of ways, among them conduction, radiation, and convection.
Our July issue is designed to transfer some heat. In the
the helm of our cover shoots and to be credited for the
beautiful Yendi Phillipps. Our July cover feature, Yendi pageant. She represented Jamaica at the Miss World 2007 contest held in Sanya, China and at Miss
Yendi of our summer issue is media maven, Jaime Alleyne-Morris of Jay Blessed Media, our nine page is not only heating up our pages but the charts and stages.
Victor E. Lewis Your Creative Director
View Our Past Issues www.triplethefocus.com