“Everything is more visual. People are fascinated with reality – they want to know more about you. It is harder for the old school guys to keep their lives private. I just want to make music.”
Contents Issue 20| June 2013
4 Editor’s Letter 6 Masthead 40 Creative Director’s Letter
21 Author Tilsa Wright 24 Get the Facts: Coconut Oil & Hair
FEATURES 8 Money Matters: Job Loss 11 Soujourn: Sun, Sand & Beach
34 Socacize: The Ultimate Workout Tool 37 DJ Dzeace InFectious Entertainment
28 Keznamdi Takes the Stage 31 In Review: Ancient Power Issue 20 | June 2013 3
Editor’s Note TRAVEL – THE WORLD’S CLASSROOM I was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica and after moved to the United States my travels would bring me back home year after year. I never traveled anywhere else. I just thought Jamaica was all I needed to learn about life and culture. I was young and impressionable. God I miss those days sometimes. Well my viewpoint about people and the world changed in 2010 when I started working with Third World Band and got the opportunity of a lifetime – to travel extensively.
I
Through my work, I have traveled to South Africa, Hawaii, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Paris, France, Spain, Guadeloupe, St. John, St. Martin, St. Barts, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts, Jamaica and Panama, to name a few. What I have learned during my travels and the people I have met still blows my mind when I think about it. In South Africa, I met Patti Austin and James Ingram, in St. Kitts - Babyface and the Minister of Tourism, whom I am friends with today, Minister Richard Skerritt, in Austria – Archduke Karl HabsburgLothringen and Archduchess Francesca von Habsburg-Lothringen . . . For me, the best education came in the form of traveling the world. Not to downplay formal education but what I have learned about people and culture I could not have gotten from reading a textbook. For instance to read about the Panama Canal pales in comparison to witnessing the process of how the ships are raised from sea level to the level of Gatun Lake which is 26 meters above sea level then lowered to sea level on the other side of the isthmus is mind blowing. The water used to raise and lower the vessels is obtained from Gatun Lake by gravity and poured into the locks through a main culvert system that extends under the locks chambers from the sidewalls and the center wall. That I learned on a recent trip to Panama City. On that same trip I met Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Mosiah Garvey. Dr. Garvey was in Bocas Del Toro to accept the keys to the City in his late father’s honor bestowed by Ricardo Weeks, Executive Secretary to the President of Panama. To hear Dr. Garvey talk about his father’s work and how he continues to preserve that legacy was truly an experience that no textbook could have given me. In the words of Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.”
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@TripleTheFocus.com
Founder & Editor in Chief STACEY BETHEL
Creative DireCtor: VICTOR E. LEWIS art & Content DireCtor: MIKELAH ROSE FASHION FaSHion DireCtor: Arlene Martin (drennaLUNA) BEAUTY BeaUtY eDitor: Christine Carr FEATURES Jody-ann Williams Malaika Lepine Shantell “Shanz” Hill LIFESTYLE Jo Wheeler raine Martin PHOTO Marc evans, Marc evans images ajamu Myrie, ajamu Photography
ABOUT TRIPLE THE FOCUS Triple the Focus launched its publication on October 5, 2011 with initial goal of providing a platform for industry insiders that would assist in connecting them with their fans on a more personal level, the Magazine has since grown exponentially to include travel, fashion clude countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and by large the Caribbean, to date, Triple the Focus has over 1,000,000 million page views not inon a monthly basis. In March 2013, Triple the Focus partnered with luxury lifestyle publication, UPTOWN Magazine to integrate more Caribbean content into their print and online publications. This strategic partnership with Triple the Focus will strengthen UPTOWN’s presence as a brand within the Caribbean market and enable them to better serve the Tourist Boards and Hoteliers who represent the core of their business in the region. Currently, UPTOWN’s print publication has more than 1,000,000 readers per issue, while Uptownmagazine.com has over 200,000 unique visitors per month and 2.2 million page views and over 60,000 iPhone App downloads. CONTACT Email: Info@triplethefocus.com Phone: 201-981-6960 (US)
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
MONEY MATTERS: JOB-LOSS SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission (Consumer Information)
The headlines tell the story: lay-offs and furloughs, reorganizations, and closings. If you’ve recently TO DO LIST
amount.
Contact your organization’s personnel department. Find out how long you will have health insurance, if you’re entitled to a severance package and what it covers, and when and how to apply for unemploy-
Auto insurance – Consider raising your deductible. If you have a $200 deductible on your policy, raising it to $500 could reduce the cost of collision and comprehensive coverage by up to 30%. If you have an older car, consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, buying the coverage may not be cost effective. Combine policies; many insurance companies offer premium discounts for multiple policies, like auto and home.
payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you. Mortgage – Ask your lender or mortgage servicer your loan servicer agree to permanently change one or more of the terms of the mortgage contract to make your payments more manageable interest rate, extending the term of the loan, or adding missed payments to the loan balance. amount of money you owe on your primary residence by forgiving, or cancelling, a portion of the mortgage debt. Learn about the President’s plan to help homeowners at HYPERLINK “http:// www.makinghomeaffordable.gov” www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. Rent – Ask your landlord for a rate reduction in exchange for extending your lease, or consider a smaller, less expensive unit within the complex. You also might consider getting a roommate. Credit cards – Do the best you can to pay at least the minimum and if at all possible, more. Ask your credit card issuer(s) about their hardship programs – you and your issuer set up a payment plan, and they reduce your interest rates and sometimes lower your monthly payments. Auto loans your payments like getting a lower interest rate or extending the loan term. The downside to a longer term loan is that you’ll pay more in interest. If you don’t need a vehicle, consider selling it, but make sure you get enough to at least pay nancing agreement to see if the lender charges prepayment penalties – fees charged for paying off all or part of your loan balance early – and the
Gas and electric – Ask about energy assistance programs, budget plans, and if emergency funds are available. Telephone – The easiest way to save money on your phone bill is to eliminate services you don’t need. For example, many companies offer bundled packages of phone service with a variety of features like voice mail, call waiting, and caller be a great value, but if you don’t regularly use all those services, you are paying more for items you don’t need. If you have both a land line in your home and a cell phone, consider dropping one. You also might consider Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband Internet connection rather than a regular phone line. VoIP converts your phone call into a digital signal that travels through the Internet to the person you are calling. Maintain your health insurance. If possible, transfer to your spouse/partner’s insurance plan. If that’s not possible, you may be able to keep your coverage under COBRA, the federal law that allows unemployed workers to maintain their group health insurance, usually for up to 18 months. You’ll pay the whole premium (including the share once paid by your employer), which can be expensive, plus a 2% administrative fee. Another option is to purchase your own health insurance. The advantage: you can save on monthly premiums by scaling back the coverage to your essential needs. If the loss of a job has left you with little or no income to pay for insurance, Medicaid may be an option.
JOB-HUNTING/JOB SCAMS
offerings, or charge high fees in advance for services that may not lead to a job. TO DO LIST
Reject any company that promises to get you a job.
carefully before you pay any money. Underfund policy. Make sure you understand what responsible for doing. If oral promises are made, but don’t appear in the contract, think twice Take your time reading the contract. Don’t be caught up in a rush to pay for services. Stay away from high-pressure sales pitches that require you to pay now or risk losing out on an opportunity. Be cautious about purchasing services or prodquestions.
Be aware that some listing services and “consultants” write their ads to sound like they are jobs when they’re selling general information about getting a job. organization mentioned in an ad or an intercompany is really hiring. closed” federal government jobs. All federal positions are announced to the public on www. usajobs.gov. Check with your local consumer protection the Better Business Bureau to see if any comwhich you intend to do business. You also may contact these organizations if you have a probFor more information visit http://www.ftc.gov Issue 20 | June 2013 9
THE MEMORIES WILL LAST LONG AFTER THE TRIP DOES. You’ll find paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also find a delicious buffet of savory flavors that’ll make your lips smile. A rich culture of music and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A living history where you can walk the same roads as your ancestors. And the extraordinary chance to be moved by these moments—a thrill that doesn’t always happen on vacation. Lucky for you, the USVI isn’t just a vacation.
You, unscripted. Lasting memories begin at visitUSVI.com. /visitusvi
/usvitourism
©2013 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
SOJOURN: SUN, SAND AND BEACH THE GRENADINES: PALM ISLAND
Welcome to Palm Island, our exclusive, private-island resort. This idyllic tropical hideaway is situated near the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an idyllic archipelago of 32 tropical islands and cays known for its stunning natural beauty and clear, warm waters. Five white sand beaches that lay on these natural, untouched surroundings complement the resorts charmingly tailored 43 guest rooms. Enjoy the delicious, fresh and locally-grown Euro-Caribbean cuisine while dining beachfront style, or partake in the array of low-key activities that the sand and sea have to offer. Besides being a resort, Palm Island is a tranquil place that invites our guests to slow down, recharge their batteries and gradually rediscover the wonders of nature. Iguanas and interesting birdlife are natives along the panoramic walking trails, while authentic island life is portrayed through yachts and traditional beach homes. Furthermore, you can drift away on boat trips to the world-famous Tobago Cays to ensure a great sense of place. Yachtsmen and divers from around the world gravitate to this strand of unspoiled Caribbean islands, lured by exotic sea life, rainbow-colored reefs and fascinating shipwrecks. Come join us for your own private island escape at Palm Island. W: www.palmislandresortgrenadines.com | T: 866-237-2157
Issue 20 | June 2013 11
CURACAO: BAOASE RESORT Baoase Luxury Resort Curacao – 5 star Caribbean resort Discover Baoase Luxury Resort, an idyllic tropical retreat tucked away on the stunning Caribbean island of Curaçao. The elegant resort is situated on the south side of the island between the capital Willemstad on the UNESCO world heritage list and the popular Curaçao Sea Aquarium. Baoase offers a unique stylish holiday experience, combining the comfort and privacy of your own villa or suite complemented by the sort. Dive into paradise and enjoy moments of pure luxury. Baoase Luxury Resort. The ruby of the Caribbean. W: HYPERLINK “http://www. baoase.com” www.baoase. com GRENADA: COYABA BEACH RESORT Coyaba Beach Resort is poised on the 2.5-mile stretch of pristine Grand Anse Beach, renowned world over as one of the Caribbean’s best beaches for natural beauty, on the island of Grenada. Coyaba’s ambiance of intimacy, with full amenities for the classic Caribbean vacation, to remarkable design theme with attributes to exemplify centuries ago Arawak Indian-life, all combine to make Coyaba one of a kind among Grenada resorts W: HYPERLINK “http://www. coyaba.com” www.coyaba.com
Experience the all-new Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. We’ve made our resort an even better place for you to relax and unwind with our recent multi-million dollar renovation. From the main lobby and guest rooms to our meeting rooms, exhilarating changes await. Preserving wellness in travel, our new and innovative spaces will provide a full sensory experience that uplift and energize. Fronting the famous Seven Mile Beach, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is in the heart of Grand Cayman. Named to Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List, the resort has been recognized for its excellence. With easy access to Grand Cayman’s best attractions; including scuba diving, shopping, and golf, guests will enjoy a relaxing getaway. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa’s oversized outdoor pool features a swimup bar. Be sure to stop by Red Sail Sports to experience a variety of water activities - from wave runner adventures to snorkeling, or and you can spend the day relaxing on Seven Mile Beach in one of our luxurious private cabanas on the beach. Our family and children’s activities are sure to keep you busy. Prepare your senses for a culinary experience at the 4 Diamond Casa Havana or visit our rejuvenating Hibiscus Spa. With world-class treatments, you will leave more refreshed than you ever imagined. Our spacious guest rooms and suites are designed to bring the outdoors in. Private balconies enable guests to bask in the warmth of the year-round sun. Each room has a granite bathroom and our signature Heavenly Bed, perfect for relaxation. W: www.westingrandcayman T: 345-945-3800 BARBADOS: THE CRANE RESIDENTIAL RESORT Set on Barbados’ world-famous Crane Beach – named “one of the Ten Best Beaches in the World” by and now fully restored and expanded, this truly unique property combines old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic sense of seclusion. The Crane goes beyond the typical Caribbean vacation packages, and offers unparalleled service and spacious, luxurious accommodation including private pools, gardens, and rooftop terraces. This is combined with award-winning cuisine, duty free retail shopping, and close proximity to the airport. There is also complimentary WiFi in all guest rooms and around the resort - even on the beach - and complimentary long-distance calls to most international destinations. The Crane Residential Resort is a place of stunning beauty, the perfect choice for your Barbados vacation. W: www.thecrane.com T: 866-978-5942 Issue 20| June 2013 13
W
in single It Wasn’t Me or swooning the ladies about how romantic and smooth he is in single Boombastic and attesting to the perseverance of women in Strength of A Woman, he is paying homage to the land of his birth, Jamaica, in Love Mi Jamaica. His chart-topping singles, which has landed him innumerous awards, has covered every topic possible which has made Shaggy, a household name globally. For the past 25 years, his career is one that has been lauded by just about everyone. Not only selling dancehall reggae artist, he is a philanthropist in every sense of the word. Through his foundation he has raised over $85 million (JMD) to help defray the cost of medical equipment for the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Additionally he co-wrote a book and CD set entitled “Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band.” the hospital and Tatiana McIntosh Scholarship Fund in Florida. The book was also donated to basic schools in Jamaica to be used as part of their curriculum. Additionally, Shaggy has partnered with Pan Caribbean Financial planners for their 11th annual SIGMA Corporate Run. With a 5k course that attracted 9500 runners, walker and wheelchair participants, the event raised $14 million (JMD)/$165,000 (USD) for the Bustamante Hospital. Refusing to rest on his laurels, in 2011 Shaggy formed Ranch Entertainment which will focus on artist development. Through his brand, exreers of upcoming artists to carry on his legacy and solidify their place in music history. in one of his most revealing interviews to date, Shaggy talks about career, charity, family and music.
Mr. Lover, Lo Mr. Boombas
THE INCOMPAR
SHAG By Stacey Bethel
Issue 19 | May 2013 21
over stic
RABLE
GGY!
2013 marks your 25th Anniversary in music. How have you grown as i think there has been growth in many areas. You never stop growing – you have to be like a sponge. the game changes and the challenge is to reinvent yourself, stay relevant or keep yourself relevant because people have really short attention span especially in reggae because we are a minority music trying to function in a major business. So that becomes comes with the changing of the game and you understanding the changes.
there is a lot - for instance making records and promoting records. Like now people don’t hear a song, they see a song. everything is more visual. People are fascinated with reality – they want to know more about you. it is harder for the old school guys to keep their lives private. i just want to make music – i don’t want to sell you my life. So i have a hard time with social media – just letting people in. it’s the only thing i have that i can hold on to so i keep that sacred. But in this day and age that is what is kind of required to make it. My challenge is not easy. the challenge is how do we get back to hearing a song and not just seeing it? that’s what i am working on right now.
a
nother change is the way we buy How did you come up with the name music and how music is sold. everything is digital and with that there is a lot of piracy. So the business of music the studio that we have here used to be isn’t as lucrative as it used to be. Back in my house. i bought it around 1996 and made the mistake of building a studio in the masters, now you can get the masters my house. the studio was designed by anywhere. So now the brand can be way Sting who is my producer and then that’s where the hits started coming from. We did more lucrative than the music. “Hot Shot” out of it, “angel” and “it Wasn’t That’s the perfect segue to my next ques- Me.” We realized that is where we were tion pertaining branding. How does your more creative so at that point i decided to relocate my family, so i moved them out of there and just decided to make it into my Well it depends on where you want to be chill spot and make music with my friends. in your life. i am a 44 year old guy with 5 So because the style of the house is a high kids. When you start going into that high ranch we just called it “the ranch.” So brand game and high pop game it gets when we departed from Big Yard and we really tiresome. it takes away from a lot. So were going to start a new label everybody the question is do i want to do that chas- was just like so what should be call it and ing or do i want to do what i enjoy. i enjoy we said let’s call it “the ranch” because doing shows and touring – i enjoy taking this is where the vibe is. my time off. So what we are doing is working with these younger guys – like tessanne Your yearly Charity event, Shaggy and Chin, Chris Martin, Konshens – that could develop into a brand. Because for them branding could be a big thing. So where we come in is to anchor and nurture the a huge undertaking – it is a lot to ask peodeal. ple every year to do because they have to give their services for free and we are in a recession. and it is hard for my band, my sponsors and Christmas is the time that we the difference is just the name and the get most of our high paid shows. So every leadership. i would have loved to continue time i do Shaggy and Friends i can’t take with Big Yard – it’s something i developed any Christmas Shows and it’s a lot to ask but with differences i just decided to leave them to give up. this year we are geared it alone. i have no doubt that we are go- up pretty nicely. Beres and i have an aling to be successful at ranch because it is bum coming out at the end of September so i think if all goes well we will have a nice the same team that built Big Yard. amount of visibility to go into a Shaggy and Friends at the top of the year. artist development is big. and just really making music and having a strategy and putting great riddims out like for instance “Calabash” and “Kingston 13.” and collaborations that people aren’t expecting. Food for the Poor – i do fundraising for them. it is an incredible organization. they build houses for poor people and they feed a Issue 20 | June 2013 17
that just cause ruption everywhere. i see my sons as often as i can – they were just in Jamaica with me. alot of Skyping, which is the greatest invention ever. i am bit more involved with the girls now because i am older and my career has slowed down compared to what it used to be and there is a little more time to nurture and get involved. So my sons were the ones that sufperformed at the General Penitentiary in fered but we do have a close relationship Kingston for their rehabilitation program and we nurture that. for prisoners. lot of people. it is the third largest Charity in the United States and i support it because it was founded by a Jamaican but yet it works for everyone around the world and not just Jamaica. For example, they are building a lot of houses in Haiti. So we do whatever we can.
But my main thing is the hospital because children to take away from your life and we get so may calls. We buy the equipment and we have to maintain them. i just want them to have drive and paswork. now we are trying to go solar with sion – have a passion for something. that the entire hospital because we have a will take you a long way. it doesn’t matter lot of electrical surge that messes up the if you are good at it or not just as long as you have passion you will be good at it. i to get that done. So it’s about us making never professed to be the greatest dancehall artist or wickedest DJ or the most talthose deals. ented i just wanted it more than the next Around June or so you disappear until guy and worked harder at it than the next September for your European tour. Is that guy. that’s just what it is and if they can do inely bring them joy. i think there is supposed to be a tour but later down – in october because we are trying to pull it in line with the release of the album in September. We are trying - the biggest advice is just to listen. Just sit mer because we have to promote the al- down and listen because then you pick bum. So Labor Day we will be here – we sense out of nonsense. You get into an want to do certain things that will help us emotional conversation and that’s when in marketing the album. a lot of things in the truth comes out. You gotta get them the States – we are doing Jerk Fest and to that point of trust where they have these something with WBLS that will help give us conversations with you. visibility on the product. This is our Father’ Day issue - how imporit is great. i have two older sons. one is 18 and the other one is 16 - tyler and richie. they are both into music – but older one is a rapper and he is more heavily involved. i have a 7 years old daughter that lives in Jamaica with me and she is a piano player. i have twin girls who are 2 years old
our focus is the Sly and robbie album “out of Many, one Music.” that’s what our focus is. it has Konshens, Jimmy Cozier, neyo, taurus riley, Beres Hammond. then i am going to go back into the studio and make another album with David Kelly and Sting and some tracks from Sly and robbie but it is going to be a Shaggy album.
“
Have a passion for something. that will take you a long way. it doesn’t matter if you are good at it or not just as long as you have passion you will be good at it.
”
Issue 19 | May 2013 25 Issue 20 | June 2013 19
AUTHOR TILSA WRIGHT WANTS TO STIMULATE YOUR MIND By Malaika Lepine
I
’ve been known to pick up a book and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Like a movie, a book takes me on a journey and allows me to exercise my imagination. For me reading is mental stimulation. Let me even confess to all of you that I’ve tried my hand at writing a book, and, well, I’m still on page 1. Authors are like the rock stars of my mind, so it was a great pleasure when I had the chance to meet and speak with published author, Tilsa Wright.
title was “related affairs” in 2010.
“related affairs” was inspired by my own Jamaican people, mostly those who are extremely homophobic. also at the time i was good friends with a gay self-published author who was one of my encouraging Born in Jamaica, author Tilsa Wright at- sources along with my Public relations tended Camperdown High in Jamaica mentor Stephanie Francis-Mack.
before heading to City College in South Florida. From a young age she found solace in words and a limitless imagination in books. With the stroke of a pen she could be transported to faraway lands or could be living her biggest romantic fantasies.
For the past year, tilsa Wright book, “Star Boy,” has been getting a lot of attention. the back cover has had minds wandering and tongues wagging. it delivers the playaged high school student tania Watson. Issue 20 | June 2013 21
Her daring behavior with Lane dwells in her memory for years. these experiences, although inappropriate at that time, are certainly fun memories for her. a not so innocent “rubba dub” titillated her experimental teenaged mind.
a concept i got from watching Love and Hip Hop and Basketball Wives. in the reality Booth i share my true feelings, my reing myself, moving on to the next level. the bottom line for me is making this series a business, a remarkable and unforgettable opportunity. Sometimes i call this series self-therapy. While writing Star Boy i listened to adele, Jah Cure and Christopher Star Boy was inspired partly by my life ex- Martin, to name a few. their lyrics were my periences back in high school. However, tool, especially in Star Boy 3. and paints true life issues that women and men deal with on a regular basis. Partners lie, cheat, they break up and then make up, and just pure drama at its best. Why the title Star Boy? Well women tend to regard the man they honestly love with their whole heart as their Star Boy. a Star Boy sets a level of standards that the next man would have to live up to and if not just have to leave. there is no short changing, absolutely no settling for less. and the character in Star Boy, Cricketer Brian Lane, sets a high level of standard for tania; readers will see what i am talking about.
Star Boy is a three part series.
Hmm let’s see where to choose from, acting, singing, dancing. Lol, just kidding. none of the above. i will say more of the norm, working a 9-5 and being miserable to not at least attempt something in life that isn’t expected.
Build and respect the bottom from whence you climb, for the altitude may knock you back down and then what?
or execute my projects is a dream within
ABOUT BEING A CARIBBEAN AUTHOR, OR IS the next phase of this Star Boy project is the hardest thing about being an author is getting your work to the targeted audience, especially when you are self-published. So in a nutshell i would say marketing. i don’t see any difference between Caribbean authors and let’s say authors from major markets. What separates authors in general is our use of words to captivate readers and overall presentation. When writing we are given the opportunity to embed words in minds that lingers for years. Similar to movies, when i hear the name James Bond, i immediately remember his introduction, ‘My name is Bond, James Bond’ in his lines. in the Star Boy series i included a least 5 reality Booth,
signed an animation contract with a talliamson, Ceo of Big Bomb Films. St. Lucian born screenplay writer Demedrius Charles who lives in Brooklyn has written the adaptation, and i am exploring merchandising in the coming months. For more on Tilsa Wright and Star Boy, visit Facebook.com/StarBoyBook
GET THE FACTS: COCONUT OIL AND HAIR CARE
By Christene Carr
How many ‘miracle‘ hair products have you seen in magazines or on television in the last year? With each of these miracle products, there is always one or two ingredients on which all the claims are based. While some of these ingredients have scimiraculously transform hair, many more do not. Coconut oil, however, has stood evidence to support claims to help one achieve healthy hair. Coconut oil has recently had a bit of a revival thanks in part to the natural hair movement among women of color. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts. It is composed of medium chain fatty acids that contain saturated and unsaturated fats and has a melting point of 76 degrees fahrenheit. Virgin coconut oil has a shelf life of about two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Some fatty acids found in coconut oil include; caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic linoleic, oleic, ferulic and stearic. Taken separately, these fatty acids found naturally in coconut oil have a myriad of applications, cosmetic and otherwise. However, we will look at coconut oil as whole rather than individual elements, and focus on virgin coconut oil. USES OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL ON HAIR
To Replicate at Home: Coat hair completely with coconut oil and cover with a plastic cap and leave on hair overnight. Follow the next morning with shampoo, conditioner and styling as usual. Coconut oil also acts a sealant on dry hair for short term immersions in water and has been shown to reduce hair swelling by as much as 48% (3). This means that coconut oil completely coats the hair shaft, which can cause damage to the hair, especially during wet combing.
- To Replicate at Home: ity for protein (hair is protein) and reduces protein loss for healthy and damaged hair. One study
stage of styling to help lock in moisture and prevent it was applied and left on the hair over night (1). The experiment did not detect the amount of oil frizzing. If swimming or being immersed in water, that penetrated the hair (2), only that the oil was coat hair in coconut oil before entering water to night treatment. 1. 175). 2. Ref: Ruetsch, S. B., Kamath, Y. K., & Rele, A. S. (2001). Secondary ion mass spectrometric investigation of penetration of coconut and mineral oils into human hair. J. Cosmet. Sci, 52, 169-184. 3. oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. j, Cosmet. Sci, 54, 183. 4. Ref: Mills Jr, O. H., & Kligman, A. M. (1982). Comedogenicity of sunscreens: experimental observations in rabbits. Archives of Dermatology, 118(6), 417
BUYING COCONUT OIL FOR HAIR
BUYING PRODUCTS CONTAINING COCONUT OIL
When buying pure coconut oil to be used in hair, look for an organic cold pressed virgin coconut oil. Some coconut oils are expelled through processes that contaminate the oil with chemicals and others that destroy some of the more valuable properties of the oil. Suggested product: Trader Joe’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. $9.99 http://www.traderjoes.com
It is always important to check product labels but if uct, you want to ensure the product claim at least makes sense. Products made to moisturize must contain water or some water like substance, so, if buying a
It should also be noted that virgin coconut oil, due to it’s levels of saturated fat, is comedogenic and acnegenic (4). That is, coconut oil may cause the formation of blackheads, as well as cause or aggravate acneic skin. It might also prove irritating for people with sensitive skin. The best coconut oil option for sensitive skin is a fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated oil has some of the saturated fats removed - this is a lighter oil that is devoid of the coconut smell.
water like substance such as a hydrosol or aloe vera ucts, look for coconut oil high up in the ingredient label list. It most certainly should be listed before any preservatives. It will also be a more deeply moisturizing product if it is listed before any silicones in the product.
When it comes to all products and product claims, get the facts and don’t rely on miracles.
Alba Botanica Leave In Conditioner (Fragrance Free)
Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner
Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo and Conditioner
Contains coconut and herbal and botanical extracts to treat dry or damaged hair. Just a bit of this product goes a long way to detangle hair and tame frizz. http://www.albabotanica.com $8.95
Curls Coconut Sublime Conditioner is formulated for the driest, kinkiest and most unruly tresses. It does a great job on relaxed and natural hair. It contains some cer-
These two products are formulated to deliver a one-two moisture punch and work on dry, color treated relaxed or natural hair. http:// www.palmers.com/ $4.99 each.
must try for anyone with natural kinky, curly hair and/or dry hair. http://www.curls.biz $16
Issue 20 | June 2013 25
KEZNAMDI TAKES THE STAGE By Jody-ann Williams
With a path that was already carved out in stone, his parents were lead singers of international Reggae Group, Chakula, Keznamdi (also known as Kez) started his musical journey at a very young age. From traveling the globe to hanging out backstage at concerts with his siblings, his course was charted.
back and relax or stand up and jam…whatever you are moved to do. Just tek a listen and experience it for yourself and more important than anything else, digest my message.”
‘Mix a Color,’
Some people would think that you just burst onto
mixing, inspired by his mother’s background. It became a viral hit in Primary schools across Jamaica. “nothing more natural than recording with my sisters, brothers, mother and father,” boasts Kez who has been the catalyst behind many family collaborations and recordings. “all of them contribute to my music in a big way” he explains.
Get to know more about the man who challenges
Well it was always around me from a young age being in such a musical family so existing in my world was strictly music. i realized i wanted to do music on a professional level around 12 years old and from that age i put in long hours in the studio to perfect my art, many sleepless nights, worked by myself when nobody but me believed in me and that takes a lot of faith and discipline. and Before living in the US, Kez lived in Tanzania with still i am far from perfecting my art and there is a his family for three years where he completed lot of work to be done. his secondary education in Ethiopia. Along with music, Kez also has a passion for Soccer and he had the opportunity to play in the US while attending St. Mary’s College, Northern California. it was quite normal actually. i never thought His diverse sound is an undeviating creation of his much of it as a youth growing up. it was not varied and well-traveled background. The fusion until i left my nest that i realized how special my of Reggae, Dancehall, Bongo Flava, R&B and upbringing was. Rap Music with positive and conscious lyrics has made waves on several Jamaican radio stations. “My music is a message and every one of my
styling was in tanzania. and i remember being so amazed with these rappers with how they could think of rhymes that were so complicated on the spot. i knew deep within that i had to achieve that so i started to practice myself. and still with all my practicing by myself free styling and making very basic rhymes on the spot i still don’t think i’m better than these tanzanian rappers.
i believe the best collaborations come natural and out of nowhere and that’s really how my collaborations with Calico, Chronixx and Kabaka Pyramid happened, it was really divine. Music is my life and mi nuh set boundaries so as long as me and a artist have great musical chemistry and everything line up then let music take its course.
Well like any normal person i was excited and saw My music can be described as an eclectic fusion it as a great motivation to do even greater things of reggae, hip hop, dancehall and african and it proved my theory right to my team that we can conquer anything if we have belief and put corners of the earth and literally ‘bridge the gap’ hard work in. How do you feel about your sound being very important because coming from a family its actually an honor because Damian Marley is a of musicians, we get a great support system that walking legend and his music and production is many people don’t have in this music business unbelievable but at the end of the day i am who and it’s a beautiful thing and a blessing. yourself has brought Reggae back to the forefront Well inspiration is a divine thing and language limits me to truly describe this process but i’m i think this statement is very small and only thinking about Jamaica. reggae has always been popular in europe and america and many other You live in California, how often do you visit places. i think our generation brought back that conscious way of thinking and living and made it popular and more mainstream culture to be i travel too often to say i live in one place. So i am progressive and positive thinking. always everywhere on this earthly surface. i’m usually here in Jamaica like every 3 weeks.
Get some home cook ital food and natural juice that my father usually prepares for me. You’ve collaborated with fellow Reggae Revival
i have many collaborations with my older sister Kelissa that’s in the works now but because i travel so much its hard to sit down in the studio with other artists its only because Kelissa lives at home why its so easy. i have also collaborated with
Well as you know we just released the Bridging the Gap eP so we have some promotional tours will also have a launch for the eP and concert in Jamaica along with my sister Kelissa and special guests to showcase our music. We are also doing a lot of press/media interviews for people to get familiar with me. Stay tuned lots of things in store.
in my career. But i have many collaborations with all the artists in this conscious movement, we just haven’t recorded them yet and manifested it into the physical world.
Well to be honest this is not something that i consciously sit down and think about because Issue 20| June 2013 29
IN REVIEW META AND THE CORNERSTONES’
ANCIENT POWER! By raine Martin
Ivory Coast, and South Africa’s Lucky Dube. Ancient Power is the follow-up to 2008’s critically acclaimed Forward Music.
R
oots Reggae artists from Jamaica and other parts of the Diaspora, particularly Rastafarian artists, have always aimed to bring an African aesthetic to the culture that surrounds Reggae. I’m always curious about the difference between roots artists in the Diaspora, and continental African artists that have, oddly enough, been inspired by this African-inspired music. Listening to Ancient Power, the second album from Senegalese reggae singer Meta Dia and his multiall roots music, whether it comes from the Diaspora or straight from Africa, has the same sonic and cultural aesthetic - a deep groovy rhythmic vehicle to educate, empower, and unite Africans around the world. And that everyone, in some way or another, is deeply connected to Africa.
Co-produced by Meta Dia and Sidney Mills, and recorded at the iconic Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Ancient Power is masterpiece of pounding roots Reggae riddims, with the exception of a live version of “Anywhere for Love” sung over an acoustic guitar, and the alternative track “Without Heart.” Love, both in the romantic and universal sense, upliftment, and the cultural and musical link between Jamaica and Africa are key themes throughout the album. “Beloved Africa” is one of the best tracks on the album, an ode to the continent that brought forth life and music, and a killer combination with Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley (my absolute favorite part is when Meta is singing about the beat drop close to Jah’s boom box and Gong shouts out “Johnny Wonder jingles.” #Brooklyn #LoveIt). Another wicked collab is “Tijahni,” which features Meta testing out his sing-jay skills alongside Capleton. “Bound to Glory” is an upbeat rootsy-Ska sound that will have listeners bouncing as opposed to the skanking tempo of the majority of the album. The dub bridge in “Loneliest People” underscores the classic roots-style of Ancient Power. “Mayan River” about the strength and power of the ancient Mayan people of Mexico and Central America, “Tijani” about the Tijaniyyah philosophy in Brazillian sounds, as well as lyrics sung in English, Wolof
Meta Dia, started his career as an American-
Power.
United States a little over a decade ago, he founded Meta and the Cornerstones as a roots Reggae band, inspired by the music of legendary Jamaican artists Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs, Alpha Blondy of the
All in all Ancient Power is a perfect example of what Meta and the Cornerstones strive to achieve – channeling the roots of Reggae while simultaneously breathing new life into it.
Issue 20 | June 2013 31
META AND THE CORNERSTONES: SOPHOMORE ALBUM **Debut at #15 on the Billboard Charts** 14 tracks (with hidden bonus)
executive Produced by Meta Dia and victor e. Lewis Co-produced by Meta Dia with Sidney Mills recorded in Kingston Jamaica at tuff Gong Studio 1. ROARING LIONS 2. MAYAN RIVER 3. PRICE OF EVERYTHING 4. TIJHANI 5. LONELIEST PEOPLE 6. BELOVED AFRICA 7. 8. 9. ROOF TOP 10. SILENCE OF THE MOON 11. BAHIA MIX 12. BOUND TO GLORY 13. MANKIND 14. 15.
ARTIST FEATURES Capleton on « Tijahni » U-Roy on « Rooftop » Damian Marley on « Beloved Africa » ENGINEERS Bobby Digital Greg Morris Roland McDermott Shane Brown
MUSICIANS Aya Kato Bopee Bowen Daniel “Axeman” Thompson Dean Fraser Julian Marley Larry Mcdonald Mikey Chung Raja Kassis Shahar Mintz Wayne “C-Sharp” Clarke Wilburn “Squidly” Cole
SOCA: THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT TOOL By Jo Wheeler less clothing, thus time to get in shape for the summer season. These days there are tons of options to memberships to Insanity DVD’s, there’s plenty to Personally, I found that dancing to Soca music in my living room for at least an hour a day provides a great form of cardio exercise. I can workout at my own moves all in one shot. But alas, nothing lasts forever does it? At some point as they once were. Yeah, I could still buss a serious wine, but workout wise, I was no longer improving. So in search of a more effective plan, I stumbled across what I later found out was a ‘not so new’ Ah hmmm well, I am bored with my home workouts. Check. I do love Soca. Check. And I’m trying not to turn into an old fat potato. Double-Check. Yes, I was dance workout phenomenon, why not Soca? adapted aerobic exercises with dance moves from African dance to form a fun and progressive workout method. Created by Dancer, Choreographer, Socacize launched in Toronto more than 10 years ago (damn, i really thought i invented it) as a fun way
to promote exercise, weight, and strength training. The T&T native (Lee-Rivears) has successfully grown her business and her brand to include instructors and classes in Toronto, Washington, DC and New York. Sounds good so far, right? Right. In DC, I spoke with Socacize Instructor and founder of the program. Not only is Neki genuinely excited about the training, but with a Masters in Health Physiology Socacize team, she is a great source of information mood elevator (that makes sense, I always feel better after a fete) and good way to blow off steam (well who can’t use that?). Participants range from teens
to seniors (so everyone is instructed at their own level, nice); and athletes and marathon runners use it to keep their stamina up during their off season (oh, builds endurance too, sweet) Armed with this new knowledge, a love for all things Socacize class. I met instructor Rakecia Whitaker Hanna at the Community Academy Public Charter School, where she hosts a session once a week to the staff. From the time Rakecia stepped in the door, they quickly transferred to me and soon I was pumped up too. After a 10 minute ‘Bacchanal Warm Up’ to some groovy Soca staples like Machel & Destra’s “It’s Carnival,” Rakecia quickly stepped up the pace and before I knew it, the ‘Soca Cardio Jam’ was on and I was jumping, waving, and wining with residence… but in a good way freaks, you know what i’m talking about). It was a wellchoreographed routine of signature moves adding new movements or variations after each repetition. No matter the change up, we always returned to the core movement, the ‘Wine & Tone’. A signature move, the only way I can describe it is if wining and crunches had a baby, it would be the ‘Wine & Tone’. Before this, I wasn’t even sure if I had a core, but come this day, I found it. And I worked it. And it’s still mad at me. Tragic. At least now I can attest that with Alison Hinds coaching “Roll It Gal” in my ears, this Socacize ‘core’ movement, abs, lower back, pelvis, and hips). I’m sure that’s not a coincidence. The last 10 minutes of the class referred to as the “Groovy Stretch,” sounded more merciful…I say sounded. Probably because I hadn’t realized how quickly the time passed so taking it down to the mats just sounds…easier. It’s not. But on the bright side, who knew Elephant Man’s would down period? Sounds crazy but it works. However, what did not work – as in ‘mi cyaan move mi body so’ - is the damn cool down wasn’t the same old stretches we’ve done a million times, but more core training with variations of another signature move, ‘Wining Pushups’. As in push up and hold it, wine your waist, then back down. That’s 1. Push up and hold, sit with that for a minute. All I could say, “You can’t be serious”. But she was…very serious. And bless her heart, she tried helping me. Let’s just say at this point I
that I must revisit at a later date. For now, in the words of Bernie Mac, “Let’s move on.” If it sounds like I’m complaining, that’s because exercising is hard. If it wasn’t, we would all be in great shape. It’s one of those things we know we need to do but have the hardest time getting started and staying committed. For me, it’s easier to manage when I enjoy the workout as much as I enjoy the results. All things considered, Socacize hit the nail on the head. It combined authentic Caribbean dance moves with a solid aerobic workout, it was fun, and based on the following two days of soreness, it was quite effective. The energy and comradery at Socacize was the epitome of a group session. We were all in it together, having a good time, and since the belly burner was
soaked, I’m sure I burned off some good calories too. The class motivated and pushed each other to be better. We laughed and joked during the entire session but didn’t slack off. It was as if we were feeding off each other and the good vibrations spread through the entire room. So even as exhaustion set in I didn’t give up because they didn’t give up. Backdrop that with some good Soca music and everybody’s in it to worth its weight in donuts. Socacize partners with several Carnival and Caribbean events throughout the year, and also hosts summer 6-8 weeks. A good training, four instructors rotate leading a class of 50 plus people through an extended workout while a live DJ – yes, a LIVE DJ - spins the latest in Soca, Calypso, and Reggae. The vibe is said to be so nice, that many of the attendees say they actually come to party and the workout is the bonus. Now that sounds like where I need to be -especially if I’m going to actually wear a costume next year. For more information on Caribbean & African Dance as a form of exercise visit: www.socacize.com and www.powerlevelsup.com. Issue 20 | June 2013 35
DJ DZEACE
INFECTIOUS ENTERTAINMENT By Shantell “Shanz” Hill
M
in a room of twenty or more students from all parts of the globe, each having to introduce themselves to the group. After solemnly informing us all of his name, age and country of origin, he is Malaysian, and having a lesser mastery of English, he stood up and began speaking. The seriousness was
head bopping and mixing away some of the most infectious electronic dance music tracks. The feeling was one of amazement; I thought to myself, I wonder if this na or even Akon with Lady Gaga, the potential is amazing. I feel however that the story isn’t mine to tell, let him tell you about himself. DJ Name/ Slogan: DJ Dzeace
room of uncontrollably laughter - we were of Name: i got the name “Dzeace” from falling off our chairs, literally as every sen- Origin Disease and deceased. Basically i infect the peotence uttered was of high comedic value. ple that are dancing to what i’m playing and Fast forward to a week ago, he had completed three months in the English Second Language – ESL, course and commenced his Bsc. in Recording Arts, at FullSail University. On stopping by his apartment, by his request, he told me he wanted to make me a mix. I thought ok it never hurts to listen. Who was I kidding, I walked in his room and once again he had a room full of people, looking at him like they had seen a super star DJ at work. There he was head down into his new MacBook, and Traktor Mixer,
make them suffffffer muajahahahaha.
Birth Name: Megat abdul Majid aziz Bin roslan City/Country of Birth: Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (Pronounce as koala Loompor) Educational Background: Major in recording arts national School Focus Genre: electronic Sounds/Hip-hop, acid Fun .. yeah
Issue 20 | June 2013 37
reer, what about what DJ Dzeace does outside of music.
“I work a lot in the studio back home. I came to America to build my opportunity so that I don’t waste my talent
in my free time i like playing soccer with my friends and most of the time i listen to music. i know i’m a boring guy. But that’s what billionaires do. . .Lol A day in the life, tell the readers what does DJ When everybody in this world is sleeping i will be with my traktor Kontrol S4 mixing for people who are sleeping and smoking.
where people appreciate what I do.”
The ladies are asking are you on off or the marHmmmm
i grew up surrounded with a musical family. My mother is a singer my father is a producer/mixing engineer and my stepdad is a Musical director. When i was about 4 years old my father taught me how to play the drums. Growing up i play a lot of drums i practice at least about 5 to 6 hours a day. i have a band in Malaysia and we call ourselves renegades. When i was 15 i was more into sounds. the Bloody Beetroots caught my attention. i started DJing at the age of 15. i started for fun and after awhile i enjoy watching people dance to what i play. the feeling of making people move is just an incredible feeling. after that i fell in love with DJ-ing until now. If you weren’t doing this at the moment where
Best experience - i got to share a stage with one of my favorite local acts ‘LaPSaP’ Worst experience - i had and will forever fear is if my laptop is busted on stage.
i don’t have an ‘extreme’ fan moment. But yeah You are far away from home, different country, new city, new school how has the social experience been for you.
i think i would become a clown for a living. that’s This journey is still a new experience for you being
i would love to join the oWSLa member (Skrillex’s label) because most of the songs or genre are from this crazy monster Label. the thing about me is i want to make music but i just want to start as a tracks. For our unknowing readers give us an insight into some of your most memorable projects so far. Back in Malaysia i use to do gigs for my bands and DJ for school projects or proms. i work a lot in the studio back home. i came to america to build my opportunity so that i don’t waste my talate what i do. -
me. But hey you gotta do what you gotta do. You have intense attitude as it relates to music. Tell the readers who you are rocking to, and which tracks will be hot on traktor mixes this summer. i mix a lot of tracks with different genre’s and different sounds. From white stripes to Justice, and a$aP rocky to Porter robinson. i know its weird and it’s not suppose to be part of the DJ ‘rule book’ but hey this is the 21st century and people want to hear what you got and your taste of music. But i think the hottest tracks/eDM labels for now are mostly sounds from oWSLa, Mad Decent and Dim Mak. these labels are very common in the eDM scene.
Creative Director’s Note As the summer heats up our June 2013 cover story feature on SHAGGY is destined to make you sweat. With his forthcoming album, tour and exclusive insights, readers will discover the various elements that keep Shaggy’s career burning. Now that schools are about to close for the summer, it’s that time for family vacations. Triple The Focus features on MONEY MATTERS and TRAVEL are the perfect tools to assist you with those of Grenada and The Grenadines, Curacao, Caymans, and Barbados where you can enjoy the splendid beauty and tranquility. To compliment your travel plans we recommend packing or downloading your copy of
while sweating your way to a healthier you.
Staying healthy and sustaining ones beauty is always important to us. This month’s beauty feature focuses on Coconut Oil for Hair Care. We also recommend checking out Jo Wheeler’s article on the latest exercise craze, SOCASIZE. A unique, innovative and energetic form of exercise implements Soca music. Get to whining
As always we take the time to introduce new sounds and faces. This month DJ Dzeace and Keznamdi share their musical journey with you the readers. This is perhaps one of my favorite sections of the magazine. To see the pool of talent waiting to be exposed on a broader scale is breathtaking. The mere fact that we get to participate in that is not something we take lightly. Recently META AND THE CORNERSTONES launched their sophomore album ANCIENT POWER which debut at number 15 on the Billboard Charts. Our resident writer, Raine Martin, gives an in depth review of the album and I am sure after reading it, Ancient Power will be a part of your musical As always, we sincerely hope that we were able to deliver another fun and informative issue to satisfy your reading palette - encouraging you to share with others. Your continued support and feedback are very important to us. Please continue to write to me at creativedirector@triplethefocus.com. Until next month “T-Focus and think creative.”
Victor E. Lewis Your Creative Director
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