Contents Issue 23| September 2013
4 Editor’s Note 6 Masthead 48 Creative Director’s Note
16 Musical Revolutionary Wyclef Jean
40 Irie Jamboree Music Festival: Reggaemania
FEATURES
25 drennaLuna: Fall Fashion
8 Fitness: Banish Every Bulge
30 Artist Amy Théard
42 Irie Jamboree Music Music Festival: Soca Fete
11 Runnin’ Wild with Deewaan
35 Fall Beauty Trends
38 Irie Jamboree Music 14 Money Matters: Travel Tips Festival: Kompa & Zouk
44 Carnival Season: The Beginning of the End 47 In Review: Delus “Addicted” Video Issue 23| September 2013 3
Editor’s Note FALL FOR “FALL” Summer has gracefully taken her bow and exited the stage for Fall. I am not too happy about her arrival. Unlike Summer, Fall is cold, dreary and unpredictable – qualities I understand but can never appreciate. But no use crying over the inevitable, instead I will embrace the change and delight in the things that comes with Fall such as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Triple the Focus’ Anniversary and the West Indian American Day Parade. Those who live in the Tri-state area from the Caribbean or of Caribbean heritage wait with great anticipation for the West Indian American Day Parade every year. Cultures unite on Labor Day in Brookca, Trinidad, Barbados, Haiti, St. Kitts, USVI, Antigua, among others. Food and arts and crafts line the the sweet music of Reggae, Calypso and Soca. It is an experience to be had. Thereafter, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week takes over the city that never sleeps. Top designers such as Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson, Herve Leger, Tracy Reese, Jill Stuart and a host of others showcase their 2014 Spring/ and gasps giving fashion lovers something to look forward to as they battle the winter months. The “by invitation only” event is the hottest ticket in town this time of year and for good reasons. And then there is our celebration that is not as grand as the parade or fashion week but is nonetheless you are having fun. We are happy to still be in the mix and have amazing things planned for 2014. In looking at our journey, we are pleased with the strides that we have made and intend to raise the bar that much higher going forward. It was our goal to be an authentic Caribbean publication and I believe we have achieved that with the help of our readers. Your support and encouragement continues to amaze us and we are humbled by yours kindness and loyalty. Thank you! I guess Fall is not so bad afterall. With her coming, she has brought fashion, cultural and anniversary celebrations. She has taught us that not all change is bad and there is always a silvering lining in even the bleakest situation. Perhaps I am falling for Fall! Until next time. . .
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 FITNESS Kamila McDonald alcock 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)
BANISH EVERY BULGE: AB, BUTT AND THIGH WORKOUT Bicycle Targets Roll Up Abs & Obliques What you’ll need: a pair of 5- to 10-pound dumbbells Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place right hand on a wall or chair back for support, left arm extended out to side at shoulder level, palm down. Bend left knee 90 degrees behind you and lower into a half squat. Return to standing, balancing on right leg, and repeat. Do 18 reps, switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets.
T-Stance Targets Butt & Legs
Lay face up with arms crossed, legs slightly Curl up, then rotate torso to left as you simultaneously bring left knee in toward chest. Return to start. Do 18 reps, alternating sides. Do 3 sets total
Balance PliĂŠ Squat
Targets Arms, Abs, Butt & Legs
Stand with feet together, heels touching and toes pointed out, holding ends of a single dumbbell with both hands. MAKE IT EASIER: Stand with feet you squat. Rise up on toes, heels touching
Targets Arms, Abs, Butt Rotating & Legs Obliques Squats What you’ll need: a pair of 5- to 10-pound dumbbells Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms by sides; bend elbows and bring dumbbells in front of shoulders, palms facing each other
Hip Circles
Targets Abs, Obliques & Hip Flexors
prop up torso 45 degrees by resting on forearms. Keeping legs straight and together and pointing toes, raise legs about 45 degrees. large counterclockwise circle to left, return to center and then draw a clockwise circle to right to complete 1 rep. Do 3 sets of 18 reps. Issue 23 | September 2013 9
‘RUNNIN IT WILD’
WITH DEEWAAN By Jody-ann Williams
UK born Producer, Songwriter, Singer, Deewaan Singh is no stranger to the music industry. Fusing sounds from the US, Jamaica and India, Deewaan has had the opportunity to work with artists such as Lady Gaga, Vybz Kartel, Sly and Robbie, Busy Signal and Bounty Killer, just to name a few. Jamaica has become one of his favorite places to work and play - he produced the “Team Jamaica” anthem for the 2012 Olympics. His latest project, “Runnin it Wild,” with Bounty Killer has been getting the buzz Deewaan anticipated. To promote the single, Deewaan traveled to Jamaica to appear on popular morning show Smile Jamaica on TVJ and Winford Williams’ Onstage. Additionally, Deewaan Bounty Killa at Reggae Sumfest. With plans underway for the video, I sat down with Deewaan to talk about all things music.
Issue 23 | September 2013 11 Issue 20 | June 2013 11
As early as you can remember, what sparked your love for music? i can’t actually remember life before i discovered
and used to make drums out of my mum’s pots and pans
Who are some of your musical inspirations (artists and producers)? ists such as Michael Jackson, yeah i love his music and they tant to let the creation determine its needs and that people
How do you stay on top of your game with so many people trying to get involved in music production? in order to keep
How did you get involved in the Dancehall/Reggae industry? -
only to dancehall and reggae but also Caribbean music in
The producer Darkchild really inspires for his musical and
i think neyo, Justin Timberlake, John Legend and Robin
Who are some of the artists that you have worked with? i -
& abood Music brought about some really great collabora-
What is your biggest personal /musical accomplishment thus far?
really quickly, get over to Jamaica and perform in front of so
How did the musical link between you and Bounty Killer happen? That sparked up the vibe and everything just happened What was it like working with Sly and Robbie on the track ‘Runnin it Wild’? They are great musicians and have incredible ears for com-
What do you do for leisure while you’re in Jamaica? When What’s next for Deewaan? i think i have a pretty good idea
Who would you like to work with if you had the opportunity? Can you recall one of your most memorable studio sessions? We did the session in the Dubtonic Kru Studio on Dunrobin
-
"The Architects Of Entertainment" The premier Management and Event Production company, dedicated to spreading the artistry and beauty of the Caribbean thruough well known and emerging artists.
META & THE CORNERSTONES BRITISH DEPENDENCY LEON & THE PEOPLES KY-MANI MARLEY THIRD WORLD MR. KOOL JADINE FOR MORE INFORMATION: Mobile: +1.347.216.6885 / JA#: 1.876.582.3970 Skype: VICRAEINC Email: vicraeinc@gmail.com
w w w . v i c r a e i n c . c o m
facebook.com/vicraeincnetwork / twitter@VICRAEINC
744 Broad Street, Suite 1005, Newark, NJ 07102 (862) 772-1805 Main / (862) 772-1820 Fax
Money Matters: TRAVEL TIPS SOURCE:http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0046-travel-tips
Want to buy products that are good for the environment? Many companies are betting that you do. They’re making claims and designing packages to promote the “green” attributes of their products. What do those claims tell you? The standards for truth in green advertising are explained in the Green Guides, which are enforced by the FTC. The message of the Guides for businesses: you must have sound science to back up the green claims you make for your products. The message for you: when
HOW TO SHOP FOR TRAVEL The key to planning a good trip is making sure you’re buying from travel businesses you know and trust: Get recommendations Ask family and friends about the companies they use and like, and look online to see what people are saying about their service and prices. Call to verify your reservations and arrangements elers have had to say about them. Some companies market below-average vacation accommodations as dresses, and phone numbers of the airlines, car rental rangements yourself. If you can’t get a person from the travel company on the phone to answer your questions, consider taking your travel business elsewhere. Get a copy of the company’s cancellation and refund policies before you pay for the trip, and ask “What if...?”
be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. However, don’t give your account number Consider using a travel app Travel apps can help you search for airfares and hotel rates, get fare alerts and real-time deals, and manage your itinerary. Ask about mandatory hotel “resort fees” When you book a hotel room online, you expect that the rate you see is the rate you’ll pay. But extra costs cost of your stay. More important, the fees are mandatory: you must pay them regardless of whether you check out. You can’t compare rates for different hotels unless you know all the fees. If you’re not sure whether a website is showing you the total price, call the hotel and ask about a “resort fee” or any other mandatory charge. Listing the “resort fee” near the quoted price
Consider whether some form of travel cancellation insurance is appropriate. Make sure the product you’re being sold is a licensed insurance policy. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association maintains a list of licensed travel insurance companies.
hasn’t told you the whole story about mandatory fees, plaint with the FTC.
Pay by credit card
Sometimes, a “free trial” membership can result in monthly charges on your credit card. Find out what you’ll get for your money and how you can cancel.
It gives you more protection than paying by cash or check. If you don’t get what you paid for, you may
Ask questions before joining a travel club
SIGNS OF A SCAM
You get a robocall about it
Scammers may call or use mail, texts, faxes or ads promising free or low-cost vacations. In reality, those vacation offers may end up charging poorly disclosed fees or may be fake, plain and simple. Here are some tell-tell signs that a travel offer or prize might be a scam:
Robocalls from companies trying to sell you something are almost always illegal if you haven’t given the company written permission to call you. That’s true even if you haven’t signed up for the national Do Not Call Registry.
You “won a free vacation” — but A legitimate company won’t ask you to pay for a prize. Any company trying to sell you on a “free” vacation will probably want someattendance at mandatory timeshare presentations, even pressure to buy “extras” or “add-ons” for the vacation, etc. Find out what your costs are before you agree to anything.
They cold-call, cold-text, or email you out of the blue Before you do business with any company you don’t know, call the Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the company’s home state to check on complaints; then, search online by entering the company name and the word “complaints” or “scam” and read what other people are saying. They don’t — or can’t — give you
resort or a cruise on a “luxury” ship. The more vague the promises, the less likely they’ll be true. Ask for Check out the resort’s address; look for photos of the ship. You’re pressured to sign up for a travel club for great deals on future vacations The pressure to sign up or miss out is a signal to walk away. Travel clubs often have high membership fees and limited choice of destinations or travel dates.
Check out the operator Ask them to send you information about the business and the names family and friends about their experience. Check with local travel agents to see if they know if the operator is legitimate, or contact the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) for more information. Don’t give in to pressure to pay before you’ve had a chance to check a company out. Get a copy of the contract The operator/participant contract tells you when the operator can
The prize company wants your credit card number Especially if they say it’s to “verify” your identity or your prize, don’t give it to them.
tors who tell you they’ll send a courier to pick up your money. That’s a sure sign of a rip-off.
If you think you may have been targeted by a travel scam, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. For more on travel scams, visit ftc. gov/travel. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS CHARTER TRAVEL
FOR
Some people who have signed up for charter packages have learned that the package they paid for really was a scam. Here’s how to make sure a charter package is the real deal: Look up the government’s list of all The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Special Authorities
accommodations, and the rules and penalties for cancellation. Usually, charters can be canceled for any reason up to 10 days before the trip, and operators may put you up in an another hotel listed in the contract, even if it’s not as nice as the advertised hotel. Ask about cancellation insurance. Rules state you’ve signed and returned the contract. Understand your rights According to DOT rules, you have a right to cancel a charter package without penalty if the operator makes a “major change.” That includes a change of departure or return date or city, a hotel substitution to a property not named in the contract, or a package price increase of more than 10 percent.
before the package can be sold.
be delayed up to 48 hours for me-
Make sure your check is payable to an escrow account
doesn’t have to provide alternate transportation or compensate you for your expenses. Check the contract to see if the operator will cov-
If you pay by check for a charter package, federal law requires that it’s payable to an escrow account. Call the bank handling the escrow account to verify that the account is valid. Charter operators who don’t want to give you escrow bank information may be selling -
Issue 23 | September 2013 15
MUSICAL REVOLUTIONARY
WYCLEF JEAN! By Stacey Bethel Photos by Champion Hamilton
Through my friend and colleague, Lexy Brooks, CEO of VIP Connected Entertainment I met Wyclef Jean. Like the world, I know Wyclef through his music. However through our meeting I realized I didn’t know him at all. To truly know Wyclef, you would have to spend some time with him. Beyond the music he is a true revolutionary and a faithful son of his beloved Haiti. Never have I witnessed such devotion and pride in someone who has faced enough challenges to keep them down. But not Wyclef! He gets knocked down, and he rises from the ashes stronger than ever. I am inclined to attribute that to his religious upbringing and I think he would agree.
On the day of our meeting, Wyclef arrived on time. He was cordial and receptive. “You don’t He was thoughtful and kind. “Would He was silly and down to earth. Our time, though brief, gave me a different perspective on why he ran for President of Haiti, his contribution to the Fugees and why he formed Yele. His talents are undeniable, that’s not why I respect him. Rather, it is how he is as a person and a fellow Caribbean. Introducing the true Wyclef Jean. WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE AS A PREACHER’S SON? For the
transitioning into a music career and having my Issue 23 | September 2013 17
“nothing beats that feeling the hear yourself on the radio or see yourself on the TV because it
the music end up becoming successful and it is SO INITIALLY THE SUPPORT WASN’T THERE? oh no
WHEN DID YOU REALIzE YOU WANTED TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?
love music, voices and producing voices and i become and the idea of that not happening think that came from the church seeing different HAVING YOUR WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN AT AGE 9 WHEN YOU MOVED FROM HAITI TO NEWARK – CAN YOU REMEMBER HOW YOU FELT AND WHAT THE TRANSITION PERIOD WAS LIKE? The transition
in Coney island and at that time the italian mob
at us to get in the house at a certain time and
Destiny’ Child and i can keep going and people started to say, “i guess he is the guy doing the to produce great artists especially those on the WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS AND WHY?
have to play Reggae and say it is reggae then it’s
a huge fan of country music and in the islands it
OUTSIDE OF THE GUITAR, WHAT OTHER INSTRUMENTS DO YOU PLAY?
HOW DID THE FUGEES COME TOGETHER? The Fugees
a lot of people don’t understand that the Fugees
today it is hard to match that band because it is like DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN THE FUGEES GOT THEIR BIG BREAK? When your music is on the radio you try
time you hear yourself on the radio or see yourself DID YOU EVER THINK THAT THE FUGEES WOULD HAVE ACHIEVED THE SUCCESS THEY DID? no i don’t think
WHEN THE FUGEES FIRST ALBUM DROPPED IN 1994, HAITIANS AND HAITIAN-AMERICANS, PARTICULARLY IN THE NY AREA, WERE OSTRACIzED, DEGRADED, AND HAzED, ESPECIALLY BY PEOPLE OF CARIBBEAN, AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN BACKGROUND. HOW INSTRUMENTAL, IN YOUR OPINION, WERE THE FUGEES IN CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF HAITIANS? HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT, AT THAT TIME, TO BE HAITIAN IN
Issue 23 | September 2013 19
MUSIC INDUSTRY? For me you gotta understand i changed the entire game and i just remember a lot of people listen to “The Score” and if you ONE OF YOUR LATEST SINGLES, “BAGAY NEF,” HAS RECEIVED PRETTY POSITIVE REVIEWS FROM MUSIC BLOGS AND CRITICS, BUT MIxED REACTIONS FROM YOUR FANS ON YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, ETC. ONE PUBLICATION DESCRIBES IT AS “A BLEND OF UPTEMPO KOMPA, TRAP/EDM BEATS AND EVEN SOME DANCEHALL VIBES, WITH VOCAL DELIVERY THAT REMINDS US OF ONE VYBz KARTEL.” ExPLAIN THE CONCEPT BEHIND “BAGAY NEF?” Refugees and at the time you had the Haitians did Soca, Kompa and you’ll hear me and Celia if you give them a check or not they gonna say
YOUR LAST MIxTAPE, “APRIL SHOWERS,” WAS NOT ONLY AN ECLECTIC MIx OF SOUNDS AND STYLES, BUT A MIx OF TALENT: WACKA FLACKA, T.I., MAINO, AND A LOT OF NEWER UP AND COMING ARTISTS. A LOT OF ARTISTS OF YOUR GENERATION HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CURRENT STATE OF HIP HOP AND THE NEW GENERATION OF RAPPERS. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON HIP HOP IN 2013, AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH THESE YOUNGER GENERATION OF ARTISTS? Most
You have to understand as a producer my head space is different than the fans that appreciated
YOU RAN FOR PRESIDENT OF HAITI IN 2010, BUT WAS EVENTUALLY DISqUALIFIED FOR NOT MEETING A RESIDENCY REqUIREMENT. SERIOUSLY SPEAKING NOW, YOU ARE POLITICALLY ACTIVE, BUT YOU DON’T HAVE ANY ExPERIENCE AS A POLITICIAN - AS PRESIDENT, YOU WOULD HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC SITUATIONS, FOREIGN POLICY, NATIONAL DEFENSE, ETC. HOW WOULD YOU HAVE REALLY HANDLED BEING PRESIDENT OF HAITI? When i ran
to run this country, does he speak creole, does
Haiti and the gangs rose up, did they go back programs and different organizations, put a Yele
and then you are gonna here another group and
“When i ran for President, most of the opinions i didn’t chose myself, the people chose
Issue 23 | September 2013 21
i guarantee you by my fourth book they’ll go back Hoover a nigger” and it is a political spoof of my i learned from them and said i am going to go a run for President, so taking politics and putting it
WOULD YOU RUN FOR PRESIDENT AGAIN? i ran for President because i didn’t think that the politicians
no reason for me to run again because i didn’t run to be President, i ran for the urgency to be
WHAT’S NExT? a company called all Hands on Deck and i also
be like a typical go to the store and get the CD this week. It has to be an event and something they haven’t seen before. You gotta push the envelope. But the great thing about this is there YOU RELEASED YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY “PURPOSE, are no rules so it is exciting. When you hear the AN IMMIGRANT’S STORY” LAST YEAR. ANY MORE Carnival returns its going to be great because it BOOKS IN THE WORKS? (IF THE ANSWER IS YES) is the best music of my life that I recording now. WHAT OTHER BOOK CONCEPTS DO YOU HAVE IN And then the Refugee Lounge coming in 2014 so THE WORKS? look out for that. Something like a Nell’s, I miss
Fall Fashion
Photographer: Marc Evans Stylists: Arlene L. Martin, Angelie Martin-Spencer Clothing: drennaLUNA
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ART FORM: the artist behind the art
AMY Théard
By Stacey Bethel
A
Do you feel a tremendous amount of pressure my Theard is a beautiful and vivacious to carry on that legacy? i don’t feel much Haitian artist whose work I had the pleasure family business because being creative has launch event at Milk River Café in Brooklyn. Displayed throughout the space, her fun, i go along and enjoying every moment of my vibrant paintings of renowned artists such as the late aaliyah, Janet Jackson, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, erykah Badu, among others, gives diners a nostalgic experience and a At what age did you realize your gift as an cultural awakening that only a talented artist artist? And what prompted that realization? can achieve through their work. The daughter of famous Haitian artist Carol Theard, Amy realized her passion for painting during a yearlong stay in Haiti. Now equipped with that realization, her work is getting the recognition it deserves and we are happy to stayed clear of painting because to me that be on the ‘team Amy’ bandwagon. Spend some time getting to know, the lovely and talented, Amy Theard. You are the daughter of the late famous Haitian artist Carol Théard and the niece of artist Jean Piérre Theard. What does it mean to you to continue your family’s legacy? i How does you work differ from your Father and love that i can continue my family’s legacy as Uncle’s? and uncle because my style of painting is more different from that of my father and my uncles’ theirs is more traditional Haitian/Caribbean
Where do you draw inspiration from? What advice, if any, did they give to you when Unfortunately my father
Who are some of your favorite Caribbean and advice from him, but one thing he said to me American artists? And if you could sit down with one of your favorite artist for half a day, who would it be? And what are some of the things you would ask him/her? My favorite “just keep painting, keep practicing and have
that because he is my Dad, but because his
How important is it for you to be a female Haitian artist?
What role, if any, does your culture play in your work/vision? My culture is a driving force for You were recognized by Casa Frela Art Gallery as a featured artist in their 2013 Harlem Art Tour. What was that experience like – to have your work recognized?
Issue 23 | September 2013 31
artist, having a gallery even
You recently became a published artist as your work was featured in “Présence Féminine Dans l’art Haïtien”, a book that showcases works from top female Haitian artists. How did that honor make you feel? And what impact will that have on your career? To be published in any book, especially one recognizing the top Haitian put in as many years as some of the other artists, so to be recognized among them is for sale in Haiti but just got picked up in Canada so i’m Let’s name drop for a second. Who are some of the celebrity clientele that has commissioned your work? i’m not much of a namei’ve also been commissioned to create custom pieces for other celebrities, but i’d like What are you currently working on? i’m currently sale at Milk River restaurant throughout november, and the remaining pieces for the What’s in the pipeline for 2014? having my art featured in many more galleries and plan on furthering the reach my clientele
“My culture is a driving force for the goals that I would like to accomplish with my art.”
Issue 23 | September 2013 33
FALL BEAUTY TRENDS inSPiReD BY neW YoRK FaSHion WeeK
By Christene Carr
It feels like only yesterday we were all excited about the start of summer and now after mere moments it is becoming abundantly clear summer is over and soon all the leaves will be beautifully displayed on the ground. As we enter fall, we looked back to last years’ New York Fashion Week and pulled out a few of our favorite and most wearable beauty trends to help us get excited for the start of the new season.
HAIR
Go Big with a Broad Headband During New York Fashion week, models strutted down the runway with their tresses securely pulled back by broad headbands. This look will work for almost anyone and really saves time and energy if you are havan instant facelift that is sure to shave years off your face, no matter your age. Flourish Leather Headbands - are adjustable and hand made. Each headband is secured using a piece of lace leather to tie it in the back. Available in several colors and textures. Lower Your Ponytail Let’s face it the ponytail is always in style. It is one of those looks that almost anyone can pull off. This season, wear your ponytail really low and wrap the base in leather to add a little more style. The low ponytail is sophisticated, sexy and effortlessly chic and can take
MAKEUP
Evita Peroni Raven Ponytail Wrap - A soft leather pony wrap with elastic underneath to help hold hair in place. It has a velcro close which also makes it adjustable.
Get Berry Dark Lips
no different. Every year the berry lips come out in full force right as the temperature dips below 70. When wearing a berry lip keep the rest of the face relatively simple. You don’t want anything competing with your bold lip choice. Also note that a bold berry lip has a tendency to add a few years to the face so it’s important to keep the rest of the face light and youthful. That is unless you are going for a more mature look.
Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope in Black Tie - quite possibly the lightest most pigmented lipstick ever created. It has the consistency of a lip balm but provides full and complete coverage without cracks or bleeds. It is pure perfection. $50 (Available in September)
Issue 23| September 2013 35
The Bold Cat Eye The cat eye has been a staple look for summer but will continue to be a hot trend heading into fall. The cat eye in black or any other dark color amps a look way up with just a few swipes. To freshen it up for fall, use broader strokes and bolder lines and use a shadow in a similar shade to your liner to smudge lightly in the eye crease. Add mascara and you’re good to go. As with the bold berry lip, keep the rest of the makeup fairly simply when wearing a bold cat eye. EYEKO Skinny Liquid Eyeliner - a highly pigmented formula in a handy pen. It is easy to apply and allows you to create lines from the very thin to the very thick. Your cat eye can be subtle or dramatic, it is totally up to you. NARS Eye Paints - made with an innovative weightless gel formula that delivers long-lasting color that glides on smoothly and dries down quickly. Get the perfect You can also use a large shadow brush for just a sheer touch of color. Available in 10 colors. www.narscosmetics.com $25
NAILS
Get Naked, Go Nude
cape - a creamy, beige, pinkish shade
Nail art has been a hot trend for several seasons and there is no end in sight. With every other person sporting mini works of art on nails, the nude nail is standing out for its simplicity. Nude is essentially any shade that blends into the skin. A nude manicure elongates
any hand. The formula doesn’t require a base or top coat so two quick coats and you have a perfect manicure. www.SallyHansen.com $7.99
doesn’t want that? Butter London Starkers Trio - consists of Shandy, Crumpet, Tea & Toast. Choose the one closest to your skin tone. $18 Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Gray-T Es-
Turn Your Shine Off - Go Matte Matte nails have always been something of an editorial staple with very few real life people opting to tone down the shine of their manicure. This season there has been a marriage of the matte and glossy manicure giving you the option to straddle the line and live in both worlds. JINsoon Matte Maker - is a quick dry matte top coat cure. Try it over your favorite nail color, wait a few minutes and be amazed! www.Sephora.com $18
IRIE JAMBOREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
KOMPA & ZOUK EXPLOSION By Raine Martin Photos by ajamu Myrie
The Barclays Center came alive with the a weekend full of Caribbean-American celebrations in Brooklyn. Despite the low turnout, Kassav, Tabou Combo, and Wyclef Jean put on stellar performances. Guadeloupean group Kassav was particularly electric with a performance that included a wide variety of hits from their 30+ year catalogue, including their infectious 1984 hit “Zouk La Se Sel Medikaman nou ni (Zouk is the only Medicine We
Haiti’s kompa ambassadors Tabou Combo likewise had the crowd moving. However it was Wyclef’s infusion of zouk, kompa, Reggae, and hip hop that really had the crowd jumping. Performing everything from his hits with the Fugees, to his “Hips Don’t Lie” single with Shakira, to his latest carnival tune “Bagay nef,” Wyclef was no holds barred, jumping off stage and walking through the crowd. His version of Bob Marley’s “no Woman no Cry” in Creole was epic.
Issue 23| September 2013 39
IRIE JAMBOREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
REGGAEMANIA! By Mikelah Rose Photos by ajamu Myrie
Reggae and Dancehall closed out the Irie Jamboree Music Festival three day extravaganza Labor Day weekend at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The excitement level was at an all-time high as the crowd anticipated seeing their favorite artists, I-Octane, Damian Marley & the Ghetto Youths family, Lady Saw, Shabba Ranks and Capleton. The quality of these artists set the bar very high from the beginning stages in promoting the
to remind her fans why she is still the reigning queen. Surrounded by gossip fueled by her recent breakup with longtime boyfriend, “man is (still) the least” of her problems as she proclaimed that she always have two. She breezed through her well known hits like “Stab up di Meat,” “Hardcore” and “Sycamore Tree” before bringing out Dancehall’s king, Beenie Man, to perform “Healing” and Spagga Benz for Lady Saw closed her set with a little assistance from the audience as she performed a raunchy, well narrated set of her latest hit “Heels On” while showing the young lady and gentleman how “it” should be, hardcore style of course.
not perform frequently in the New York City area so fans knew they were going to put only their very best performance for Caribbean-American’s ultimate carnival weekend leading up to the West Indian Day Parade. Dancehall’s emperor Shabba Ranks hit the stage with dapper style, wearing a cognac The youngest and newest of the perform- colored blazer, crisp white shirt, dress pants ers to hit the stage, I-Octane, warmed up and semi-sparkling loafers; Mr. Loverman was the crowd with in high spirits as he performed “Trailer Load,” the Vibes” and “nuh Ramp Wid We” solidifying that he is the one to watch preceding Culture,” and more. Due to time constraints a stage of well-respected veterans. Damian for the show, Shabba Ranks brought out fel“Jr. Gong” Marley entered the stage hold- low dancehall veteran, Capleton, who ening his lengthy locks in hand as he performed tered the stage for the segment he called “Move,” “Road to Zion” and “affairs of the Damian made it a family affair bring- stage with hits, getting every single person in ing out brothers Stephen and Julian Marley Barclays to their feet to to do “Could You Be Loved,” “The Mission” and before closing their perfor- The highlight of the night came when Shabba mance with like “Ting-a-Ling,” “Lotion Man” and more. The For what is said to be one of her last performances in New York City as the Queen of derie to elevate and continue the legacy of Dancehall, Lady Saw was ready with her ar- Caribbean music. senal of hits, complimented by her gift of gab
Issue 23|September 2013 41
IRIE JAMBOREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
SOCA FETE By Jo Wheeler Photos by ajamu Myrie
This year in celebration of the annual West Indian American Labor Day Carnival, New Yorkers were treated to the largest musical showcase in its carnival history. The three-day event took place at the Barclays Center, home to Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Nets with the intent of being the largest display of three Caribbean genres - Reggae, Soca and Haitian music. Though it was conceptually a good idea, I don’t know if it came off as well as planned especially Saturday the Soca night. The lineup was solid and the artists gave a good show. Edwin Yearwood did not get a great response and Iwer George seemed a bit perturbed as he raced through his set. However, Alison Hinds made it clear why she is the ‘Soca Queen’. Complete with scantily clad dancers, the Queen hit the stage in a tight pink jumpsuit and a voice stronger than it has ever been. She commanded Barclays as only she can, setting the stage for the Asylum Family. By the time Bunji Garlin and wife FayAnn Lyons hit the stage, the spread out crowd was allowed to biggest hits and held the crowd’s full attention prise guest Beenie Man who was in the house supporting his longtime friends, who teased him from the stage. Alison took his jacket and refused to return it, and Bunji went as far as to freestyle that since Beenie was contractually unable to touch the mic, he and FayAnn would do it for him and they proceeded to sing some of his hits. And we loved it! All in all the show was great despite the poor turnout.
Issue 23 | September 2013
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CARNIVAL SEASON THE BEGINNING OF THE END By Jo Wheeler Photos by ajamu Myrie
It’s that time again when Carnival season comes that just makes it extra special. to an end. The love from sweet, sweet T&T has trickled down from island to island, from Europe to For most here in the U.S., Labor Day is the end of summer, the beginning of the school year and three major carnivals outside of the Caribbean time to get back to ‘regular life’ as we know it. are in Toronto, New York, and Miami, in that order. But for revelers – especially in New York - it is what the entire summer has been building up to. We’ve Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival (formerly Caribana), been following the Soca scene all year and because it’s such an easy drive from the Tri- waiting, sometimes impatiently, for our turn to free State area, scores groups of Party Bus Rides as up on the road. True, many leave the U.S. every a weekend trip. And I do mean PAR-TAY BUSES year to attend the mother of all Carnivals. Some with true Soca fans. They go hard annually which hit Jamaica’s Bacchanal, Grenada’s Spice Mas, is probably how Toronto grew to be the second Crop Over in Barbados and others even travel largest Carnival celebration in North America. cross-country to support ‘local’ celebrations, i.e. Boy, it’s a real time! I recommend give it a go at least once. But don’t go thinking you’ll get on that bus at midnight and sleep until you’re crossing the border at daylight. Uhhhhh nah. From the time that bus pulls off until the time it returns, it’s on 10 with a DJ all up and down the aisles. Pure bacchanal. Of course Canada is a bit different from the States and has its own thing going on - like that twelve foot chain-link fence constructed along the parade route to separate the spectators from guess I understand its purpose. Besides the fetes are pretty good and all the artists come mash it up. The weekend draws about a million visitors to the city. carnival of the year because it happens in October so it holds a sort of a ‘last lap’ kind of vibe. While the rest of the country has started dressing in long pants and sweaters, in Miami costumes are still quite appropriate. So it’s like ok, this is the last chance to really get on bad before cold weather kicks in and money starts going towards the holidays. Last of going down to ‘buss a wine’ under that warm Florida sunshine myself, many times. But there’s just something about New York’s Labor Day Weekend
Atlanta, Houston, and Boston. But none compare di road,’ crowds are still chanting “Super Super to that Brooklyn frenzy. For us, it’s all about Labor Super,” and we continue to ‘spread our hands and leh go’. But since Carnival is in September, American Day Carnival.’ in the words of Blaxx, we really do ‘wait all year to mash up di place.’ Here is the reason. The Caribbean community is so large (almost half of the Caribbean population That being said, ‘The West Indian American in the U.S. resides in the Tri-State area) and as a Day Carnival’ is the largest celebration and whole are so connected to home that they are acknowledgement of Caribbean culture in the still very much linked to their native Culture – well, entire continent of North America. Although musically anyway. New York, New Jersey and everybody reps their home island, for that weekend, Connecticut rock current Soca (and of course Reggae) music constantly. Even before heading and love that the Caribbean community has taken to T&T’s Carnival, you are at the very least aware its Carnival around the world. It is a blessing to see of the stand out tunes. And when you get back, the elders sincerely doing their best to preserve it’s not as if you don’t hear the music anymore. In the culture and passing the torch down to the fact, it’s the opposite. The DJs return with loads younger generations. And as I cross the globe I of new music that goes immediately into major recognize that each carnival may be painted with rotation. And with Brooklyn being home to the its new local culture and has to follow the laws of most pirated radio stations in the entire U.S., even the land, but the heart of Carnival, the love for the if you didn’t go to Carnival, there are too many Caribbean vibe remains the same - strong. I love options to keep you in good timing. it but can’t lie, I’m partial. Just as when February comes around I head to Trinidad and so it goes for As the months pass, a musical shift happens. Tunes Brooklyn in September. I can’t help it, the Parkway that were overshadowed in Trinidad start to build is forever callin’ meh! momentum as DJs have worn out the big hits and Additionally, once Cropover wraps in Barbados, we get those tunes. So here, the music never stops but don’t get it twisted, the Big-Big hits still blaze. “Differentology” is still the theme to ‘get ready for Issue 23 | September 2013 45
IN REVIEW: DELUS’ NEW VIDEO FOR SINGLE “ADDICTED” By Jody-ann Williams
Reggae/Dancehall artist, Delmark ‘Delus’ Spence, older brother of Dancehall superstar Konshens, has been steadily making strides since 2009. Known for popular songs such as Another Gal, What Tomorrow May Bring, and Come Ova featuring Patra, Delus has a recognizable voice that appeals to fans globally. The music video for his latest offering, Addicted, produced by Downsound to the title, the storyline encompasses Delus as a delivery man that provides additional services to women in the same neighborhood that end up becoming ‘Addicted’ to him. The song has an old school Dancehall feel that gives a nice rock steady vibe. The verses are ok and I found the hook to be quite catchy but could’ve been better, “addicted, addicted, addicted, to mi love, to mi love” was pretty much all it said. The video opens with a conversation among women in a salon. The conversation was a little incoherent and I had to watch it twice to decipher what was being said. The women call Delus the new ‘Escort Man’ and as they start to describe his attributes, the video fades to the next scenes showing how he “delivers” to the various women. The video’s plot was pretty simple but could’ve been better executed. It came off slightly humorous. There were a few inconsistences in the direction coupled with poor acting on the part of his “clients.” There was good use of camera shots, angles and transitions which made the video quality very good. The ending was a little lackluster in that I wanted to see what became of the confrontation with the women but didn’t deliver. All in all I’d give it three stars because of the visual aspect. But I would discount Delus based on this video. He set the bar pretty high for himself with past videos, and “Sticky a Road,” nitely an artist to keep your eye on. Issue 23 | September 2013 47
Creative Director’s Note AUF WIEDERSEHEN TO SUMMER To paraphrase William Cullen Bryant, “People Unfortunately summer romances are quickly coming to the end and folks mourn as they bid Auf Wiedersehen to barbeques, picnics, beach trips etc. Another sign of the impending arrival of fall is back to school advertisements, the US Open and Mercedes Benz Fashion week. However, it is our Carnival in Brooklyn also known as the “West Indian Labor Day Parade” that rings the loudest alarm. . .summer done!!! The September issue is the perfect backdrop for all that happened in New York during Labor Day weekend. From the three day festivities at the Barclay Center to the Parkway and beyond, we have all the highlights making this the perfect music issue. Soca, Reggae/Dancehall and Kompa mixed with a little art, see feature on Haitian artist, Amy Theard, and fashion, drennaLUNA, and you have got the perfect blend of all things Caribbean. This proved to be perfect timing on our part because our Editor-in-Chief spent a lovely afternoon at Daddy’s House Studios in New York City with Haitian/American artist Wyclef Jean formerly of the Fugees who performed on the opening night at the Barclays Center. Wyclef was philanthropist is back on the scene with his new single ‘Bagay Nef’ and a new album in the pipelines. His candid interview reveals what we already know – that he is multitalented and gifted but it also revealed a more focused and dedicated Wyclef. Rounding out this issue are our Beauty, Fitness, Money, Artist and Fashion features geared to providing you with options and assistance for a daily enhanced living. As usual we try to diversify our issues to give you as much as possible without overwhelming you. If there is more that you would like us to cover, please email me at creativedirector@triplethefocus.com. Next month we celebrate 2 years and we plan on doing it big so be sure to join our social media sites to keep abreast of what we have planned so you can celebrate with us. Until next time, walk good! Facebook: Triple the Focus Twitter: @TripleTheFocus Website: www.triplethefocus.com
Victor E.Lewis Your Creative Director
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