L3MAGAZINE.COM IS NOT JUST A MUSIC MAGAZINE IT’S LIFE, LOVE & LYRICS
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REMEMBERING DONNA SUMMERS
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | JUNE 2012
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April 2014 CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR | MARKETING DIRECTOR | PUBLISHER |
NO.31 NATASHA VON CASTLE JUNIOR RODIGAN ROHAN BECKFORD L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES
MANAGING EDITOR AND LIFESTYLE EDITOR ALLIE DUKER CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AND CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS EDITOR TRICIA ‘ZJ SPARKS’ SPENCE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR AND MUSIC EDITOR TRE CARN TRAVEL EDITOR STACIA VON CASTLE MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR JENNIFER MENSTER SENIOR WRITERS HEIKE DEMPSTER SONG RIVER KAY CUNNINGHAM MARCUS WELLER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Portial Clarke | Mimi Mamichula | Damon Gatling | Ayeola George | Zakada Milton Jimmy Tambou | Rico Vibes | Andre Gomez | Ali Motamed | Pia Jordine
WELCOME
REMEMBERING DONNA SUMMERS
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Greetings;
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Movement is defined as a change of position or location, and movement is sometimes necessary to expand territories in Life. I remember my parents telling me stories of their experience when they moved from Trinidad & Tobago to Toronto. It was rough, but they achieved success.
L3 MAGAZINE | MARCH 2014
Movement has caused me to be in New York and as a result, I am experiencing life in 3-D! Call me ‘Mumble’ from Happy Feet (the movie), but I am finally in a place that thinks the way I do, moves the way I do and looks the way I do! I am Happy! Sometimes, in order to reach a goal, or in order to open the door for blessings to come your way, you have to take a chance and move. If you happen to be unsure of what to do next, I say move and keep moving. Your movement will get you to where you want to go! Tweet me your #Movement experience @NatashaVonC
Natasha Von Castle
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C O N T E N T S 06 LIFE 08 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 30 GAMING 32 ART 44 ADVICE 56 ON THE SCENE 76 BEAUTY 86 MODEL OF THE MONTH 88 LOVE 90 CHARTS 96 REVIEWS 124 LYRICS 126 ZIGGY MARLEY 140 MICHELE HENDERSON 150 SOPHIA STEWART 160 VINCE LANZO
L3 Congratulates:
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EXCO LEVI WINS 3rd JUNO AWARD
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The only artist to win 3 back to back Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy) for Best Reggae Recording, this year’s award went to Exco’s recording STRIVE a duet with another Jamaican rising Reggae star Kabaka Pyramid, and the song’s producers, Silly Walks Discotheque from Germany. The Awards, held in Winnipeg, Canada, is the 44th annual production which recognizes the best Canadian talent in a wide range of genres. In his acceptance speech, Exco thanked all who were involved in the songs production, and thanked the great country of Canada who helped him realize his dream of being a recording artist. you can also congratulate Exco via twitter >> @ExcoLeviMusic
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
L3 magazine is proud to congratulate the talented EXCO LEVI on his historic third consecutive Canadian Reggae Juno award .
HOT UK WEB SERIES LIFE
DEAR JESUS
How many times have you been caught in a situation that you regret being in, and the first thing you say is ‘dear Jesus?!’
Based in the UK, Dear Jesus is the brainchild of Danielle A Scott-Haughton who not only writes the script, but also directs the entire cast as they give us laughs, moments to pause for thought, and outbursts because of what we see! Picking things up in season 3, Mercedes is pregnant, not for her boyfriend, but for another bloke from around the way … Dear Jesus! You have got to watch this series. YouTube >> https://www.youtube.com/user/DearJesusTV We promise you won’t be disappointed! Connect with the crew on Twitter >>> @DearJesusTV Facebook >>> www.Facebook.com/DearJesusTV
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Available for view on YouTube, the series is now in its 3rd season and is centered around the lead character, Mercedes who is a young fashion writer. In season 1 we learn that she is unceremoniously fired from her job, and she gets home (after being fired), she finds her boyfriend and best friend in bed together. We, the viewing audience say the words for her … Dear Jesus!
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You wish the Almighty would come down from heaven on high and help you out of whatever situation you are in, but you know that is not going to happen so you resort to prayers, chants, and the listening ear of a ‘friend’ who can’t wait to leak your business the moment they get the chance! If that describes your situation, or if you like the plot just laid out, you are going to LOVE the television series Dear Jesus!
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MORGAN SMART DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Jennifer Mentser
Over the last ten years of its establishment, the Foundation has recorded a series of achievements in areas of empowerment programs for women such as provision of small-grants, micro-credits, donation of income generating equipment like fishing boats and other fishing accessories; skill acquisition for youths like computer training, welding fabrication etc., and the implementation of micro-projects in rural communities that impact directly in the lives of rural women and youths. The Foundation is registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja, the Delta State Ministry of Youths and Sports, Asaba, the Federal Ministry of Women Affair and Social Development, Abuja and the National Planning Commission, Abuja. The Foundation is also open to working with and collaborating with like minded organizations who would like to participate in the successes of women from this region.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
One such woman who fits this description is Dr. Evelyn Urhobo from the Morgan Smart Development Foundation. The Morgan Smart Development Foundation (MSDF) is a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to the empowerment of rural and urban poor women and youths in Nigeria. Driven by the mission of poverty reduction, employment generation and sustainable socio-economic development, this organization has become pivotal in the region it serves.
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The L3 family has always been supportive of women, especially women who are Entrepreneurs, and their mission to realize their dreams while providing for their families / communities.
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In speaking to Dr. Evelyn, she said “I am committed to making life better for these women and youths because I know if they have skills to work with, they can make a difference not only in their own lives, but they can make a difference for their families.”
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Committed to this vision, the Foundation has established a training hall and information technology centre which is used for running training programs. 17 students have been given scholarships for their post secondary education this year (from the Morgan Smart Foundation), bringing the total number of students to 54 since the Foundation began.
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When asked how she keeps doing what she’s doing, Dr. Evelyn said “I have worked with so much passion over the last 10 years to help improve the living conditions of the poor women in a region that produces over 90 percent of Nigerian oil wealth. Passion is what keeps me going. It seems finally the women of the region will have a voice! When I get down over the plight of the poor women I see, I ask myself where the help will come from to improve their circumstances, and I take comfort in knowing that God is always listening.” Moving forward, the Morgan Smart Foundation will continue to promote sustainable development and empower women and youths in the Niger Delta Region. Working with Stakeholders in the public and private sectors, the Foundation knows the women’s future looks bright! For more information visit www.morgansmartfoundation.org
DR. CHERYL HILL NATASHA VON CASTLE
I met Dr. Hill at the United Nations where both of us spoke at the Women’s Empowerment Conference hosted by Africa to America LLC. I was intimidated as I listened to her credentials being read, not to mention the level of government officials she keeps company with. When Dr. Hill began to speak, it became very clear that she was not focused on ‘who she is,’ but instead she was focused on where she wanted Women to be. Today, I introduce you to Dr. Hill. Her words bear wisdom, and her heart roots for your success! Take a listen to what she has to say…
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46 CHROMOSOMES Dr. CHERYLL HILL Today, no matter what is going on around you it will become a day of celebration! Everyone has started with the same advantage. We all have 46 chromosomes.
1) If there is anyone that has caused you hurt, pain or struggle –forgive them 2) Decide where you are going 3) Find those that are where you want to be and gain insight from their strategies of life 4) Make a decision, and daily work towards that goal Today I am here to remove your excuses and to encourage you to make quality, precise and declaratory decisions. Your mother, father, brother, sister, friend or company can no longer take your authority to succeed from you. The decision you make today will indeed determine your tomorrow. You have been given 46 chromosomes just like everyone else. The excuses remain in your court. How you execute your daily habits will determine your success. Wisdom Tip: If there is someone that you need to forgive, forgive them and move forward to your success!
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Today, let us remove every excuse that we have held onto and begin to look at “what we want” and let’s move into greatness.
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All of us have greatness encrypted within us. We all have two parents and we all have the opportunity to do great things. We all have the same start no matter what life has brought your way. Your greatest victory and achievement will be to become great in whatever sphere of influence you are in.
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MARATHON WITH A VIEW HEIKE DEMPSTER
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The annual Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the most scenic races in the US, offering runners from around the world a race with breathtaking views, ocean breeze and unique Miami flavor.
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The race takes runners from the American Airlines Arena, the home of the Miami Heat, in Downtown Miami across the Mac Arthur Causeway to Miami Beach and along Ocean Drive. The run continues to Coconut Grove via the Venetian Causeway and, for the runners of the full marathon, also through Little Havana. To cross the finish line runners then return Downtown Miami via Biscayne Boulevard, where the marathon after-party is just getting started … we’re in Miami after all! In February 25,000 runners gathered at 4 am to get ready for the 6 am start. I was amongst the runners registered for the Half Marathon, ready to run 13.1 miles through the city I love and call home. It is an incredible feeling to run early in the morning and see the sun rise above the Atlantic Ocean while taking in the fresh air. I felt full of life, healthy, happy and thankful for being in such a beautiful place. The buzz and energy of 25,000 people running at the same time is also quite an experience that I cannot even compare to anything else. Over the course of 13.1 or 26.2 miles respectively, I admit that the feelings of the early morning wear off and change a little. As the temperatures rise and your legs get tired and your body starts to ache what keeps you going is adrenaline, will power and your competitive streak. As much as I started cursing myself for undertaking this Half Marathon adventure for the second time, I also wanted to finish the run at a better time than the year before. The cheering crowd is such an encouragement. Whether drummers, dancers, kids banging on pots and sharing home-made lemonade on little stalls, friends and family of runners or unsuspecting tourists caught in the middle, every cheer and every “Keep it up, you are doing great!” infuses your feet with new energy and makes you try even harder.
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This marathon attracted a lot of different people from a variety of places, and believe me, the first time I ran, the diversity took me by surprise. I encountered runners with disabilities who defy their limitations to achieve greatness, inspiring everyone they meet, and I have seen the passion of people running for a cause or for a loved one. Others receive attention for kooky outfits or, like Dr. Dribble, for dribbling a basketball for the entire run, which is incredibly difficult I imagine. I also saw a couple getting married and running a full marathon in suit and wedding gown! The best part of the race is the moment when you cross the finish line and receive your medal. Just before exhaustion and pain kicks in, there is a moment of euphoria and relief and pride in your accomplishment. The Miami medals are of course a true tribute to the city with sunset, ocean, palm trees and a dose of bling. Every year a different Miami artist gets to design the band of the medal to incorporate the artistic and creative side of Miami and create something extra special. Every participating runner has been declared “Miami Famous,” as the tagline for the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon goes, and I am happy to say I also became “Miami Famous” and completed my run, beating my 2013 time. Trust me though, what I did pales in comparison to the elite runners who compete to win. The 2014 Half Marathon winners were Edward Tabut with a time of 1:06:45 Shannon Miller with 1:21:08 The 2014 Marathon best were Samuel Malakwen with 2:19:46 Mariska Kramer with 2:49:27 Congratulations! I, for my part, will continue to run a few times a week and keep it up so I will be ready again in January 2015.
GAMING TITANFALL ALI MOTAMED Titanfall is the hyped up award winning multiplayer game on Xbox One, PC, and Xbox 360 that got many people excited for next-gen. Made by the new development company, Respawn entertainment, (which consists of the team who worked on Modern Warfare 2) it was expected that Titanfall would not disappoint. It’s true that Titanfall is a great game but it did not break sales records or win over the call of duty fans. There are 6 people on the militia and IMC teams filled with AI grunts. The game modes are CTF, Hardpoint Domination, Attrition (Team Deathmatch), Last Titan Standing, and Pilot Hunter. It’s campaign is a bunch of multiplayer matches with set beginning cinematics that add a story. When you do that with titanfall its campaign is a more forgettable experience than Battlefeild’s. The way you rank up is by completing the numerous challenges the game provides. The parts about Titanfall that had gamers suspicous were the Computer Controlled Artificial ‘Grunts’ and the Titans. Would the Grunts make the game too easy and will the Titans make it too hard? Luckily the game is balanced enough that you will rarely see 6 player controlled Titans on the field. To sum it up Titanfall is a great game and an extremely unique experience that sadly doesn’t break sales but impresses all. Titanfall is available for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC.
ART GERALD McDERMOTT Contributed The art of Gerald McDermott is distinct and most recognizable because of the intense color he uses and images he uses which conjure playful childlike thoughts. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Gerald’s parents were very supportive of the arts, and encouraged his love of reading. With this support, the young artists career began at the age of 4 when he started taking Sunday workshops at the Detroit Institute of Arts. There, the artist received basic art instruction in the morning and then students were encouraged to sketch from the various collections of the museum which is what Gerald did. In adulthood, McDermott created animated films and books which includes The Stonecutter, a story he had loved as a child. McDermott also conducted extensive research into the cultures and customs of the story’s origins. During his junior year at Pratt in 1962, McDermott took a leave of absence to work as a graphic designer for WNET, a New York educational television channel. He also produced several animated pieces for The Electric Company on PBS. He produced three more short films: Sunflight in 1966, Anansi the Spider in 1969, and The Magic Tree in 1970. George Nicholson, a children’s book editor, contacted McDermott and suggested adapting his films as picture books. The first was Anansi the Spider: a tale from the Ashanti, which retells an Ashanti folktale explaining how Anansi was rescued by the separate contributions of his sons. Meanwhile it explains how the moon came to be in the sky. The Magic Tree, Arrow to the Sun, and Stone-cutter soon followed as picture books. Arrow to the Sun(1974) was developed simultaneously as a film released in 1973, McDermott’s last animated film. Gerald McDermott passed away December 26, 2012, but his art lives on.
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ADVICE NAMES BURN
ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU by CRICKET
By now, I do not think that anyone in the world does not know who Lupita Nyong’o is. Her story is quite touching. She landed her first role as “Patsey” in “12 Years A Slave”, and she played it so well that she recently won an Oscar, for Best Supporting Actress. The Film “12 Years a Slave” surpassed some stiff competition and came up huge, by winning an Oscar for Best Picture. All of the actors, and how this movie came to be, really touched me. The message was loud and clear; “Solomon” was tormented, “Patsey” suffered her story; chilling, and one that could not help but resonate in your heart and soul. Lupita’s real-life story though, brought me to tears. It set a theme in my mind, one that called to me in a distance. A hint of empowerment and a live chant of shouting on a soap box to say ‘enough’ to society and its whimsical stereotypes of what’s perfect and who deems who beautiful.
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At the Oscar’s in her emotional speech she stated that all children should know that no matter where they are from, ‘their dreams are valid.’ Her road to that realization was finally recognized. From the stroll off the red carpet, to sitting in an audience with Hollywood’s who’s who, rubbing shoulders with the best of the best. She earned her place, she belonged! Previously in an interview, Lupita spoke candidly about what she called her ‘night shaded complexion’ and how she was heavily teased for it. She is of Kenyan heritage, born in Mexico. Her dark complexion made her feel unpretty. Children taunted her and she felt “unbeautiful.” She hated herself, and said she prayed at night for lighter skin, white perhaps. Having the privilege to write on ‘relationships,’ it dawned on me that now, was as good as time as any to focus on the relationship each of us needs the most and sometimes focus on the least; the one with ourselves. Looking at Lupita, I overhear the compliments, I see how many people look at her, each time she hits the red carpet, and say she is “absolutely stunning.” I definitely agree! Lupita admits that it was not until she saw supermodel, Alek Wek that she started viewing herself differently. Her mother always told her she was beautiful, but each night Lupita pleaded with God in her prayers, to make her look like what was more ‘acceptable.’ The longer she stayed in her ‘night shaded’ complexion, the more she hated herself, until she saw someone successful, dipped in the same dark beautiful skin. Many of us, deep down inside, dislike what we feel are our flaws. The saddest thing is when you are heavily teased, and are forced to buy in to the lie that you are ‘unsuitable,’ ‘ugly,’ ‘do not fit,’ or are ‘worthless,’ the taunting is what manifests, and produces more self hatred. Like a seed, it grows and sprouts, and the poison lives inside. A fan wrote to Lupita and told her, she was well on her way to getting ready to make a purchase to buy bleaching cream, to alter and lighten her skin color, when she saw Lupita. The fan said once she saw Lupita ‘she saved her.’ The remarkable thing is, we are often times unfamiliar with who we are, and what great qualities we should love about the person we wake up to. The one person we see in the mirror each day.
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Her trip to West Africa through the outreach program where she works, brought her to a chilling epiphany. While there, everywhere she went, she received compliments and as she began to start smiling, she became more confident. Ironically in parts of Africa, a woman that has a gap between her teeth, is looked upon as beautiful and royal. It was a complete change from what she was accustomed to. No snickers. No whispers. No groups of people teasing her. She welcomed the change, “That trip made such an impact on me, on my way of thinking, I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to experience this” she said. “Meli” came back to US soil at the end of her trip, with a brighter spirit, and she felt inspired. Her fiancé encouraged her to do a photo shoot, and she was all smiles. She mentioned to me that without that trip, she would have still been in the dark, doubting herself, hating how she looked.
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In speaking to “Meli,” a twenty-seven year old Afro-Brazilian female, who is from Tampa, Fl, now living in New York City, she candidly told me that on a trip she took three years ago, she had her wake-up call! As I sat speaking with her in her office, at an outreach program, she told me that she is one of seven children. “Meli” is the only one out of all of her siblings that has a gap between her two front teeth, like her paternal grandmother. “Meli” was taunted, teased and made to feel so unattractive due to her unique feature. She would not smile, and in family photos, when everyone grinned ear to ear, she was ‘tight lipped’ and had a serious look on her face. In fact, it was not until she met her fiancé, six years ago, that she started feeling a little more confident in sporting a partial smile. She never felt completely at ease showing her teeth.
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“Kareem,” a thirty-one year old has a birth mark, on the right side of his face. It is a dark patch that traces on his forehead; it travels around his eyes and down to halfway down his right cheek. For years, he was very self conscious of it. Being a male, he did not have the luxury of using foundation or cover-up to hide the mark. He refers to it now as his ‘badge of courage.’ He was teased so badly, that he begged to be home schooled. His confidence was ripped to shreds and he wanted to get out of school, run home and hide. Grade school was hard. He was unpopular around all the other students. “Kareem” started to write songs. He asked his mother to buy a used drum set for him, and from there, she bought a used guitar. His uncle was helping gut out an old church that had caught fire, and came across a piano. It was not damaged, but it was very old. Eventually that piano wound up in his mother’s living room. He taught himself how to play all of those instruments. Before long, he was asking for DJ equipment, and in time, his house turned into what seemed to be a concert hall. His mother allowed him to escape into his music. She provided him with an outlet because she knew that his experiences in school were not happy times at all. By High School he joined the school band. It was the first time, he felt like he ‘fit’ in. His High School in Queens did shows all the time. “Kareem” would always sing and play instruments to back up his peers who were performing. He became close to a young girl named Sa’hara, and a few months later, she became his girlfriend. Today, “Kareem” is married to his High School sweetheart and they have three kids. He performs in a jazz band, with Sa’hara and four other musicians. “I always feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world. Sa’hara did not care about my birth mark. She loved who I was as a person, that I was talented. She rooted me on, and was not ashamed of me for being different. I guess it made me feel real special. She was only interested in me. She really invested time in getting to know me, and we shared so many things in common; music being at the core or center of what connected us the most. Isn’t that what real love is about? I am sure it is!” As, I reflect and share these stories, I am reminded of TLC’s hit song “Unpretty,” and think back to why I used to play that song so much. Today I can say I fell in love with it all over again. I feel it represents loving ourselves, and not letting negative people or one-sided stereotypes break us down; an anthem to loving thyself, a way to end the taunting, to erase the name calling and judgment out of our heads. People’s ignorance and closed mindedness is shameful. You always have to love YOU. That relationship is the one that is the most significant one of all!
ON THE SECENE STEPHEN SOUZA Album Launch Party Photos by AJAMU MYRIE Congratulations to Stephen Souza who successfully launched his 2nd studio album, the Reggae Gentleman at the Drom in Manhattan last month. Several specially invited guests including Ed Robinson, Empress Tahari, Maxine Greaves, Natasha Von Castle, DJ Bandit, Gumbae Culture, Lupa, Marcia Davis and Carla Kelly from Outro, and Dimex Sound and more sang along and danced as Stephen performed hits from his album. Fans can buy it here: https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/stephensouza
REGGAE IN THE PARK Launch Party
Last month is was announced that Chronixx is confirmed for Groovin in the Park 2014, and this month organizers add Marcia Griffiths to the list of confirmed acts. Crowned the Queen of Reggae, Marcia celebrates 50 years as a musical ambassador, and will thrill fans with several hits from her catalog including “I Shall Sing,” “Dreamland,” and “You’re Mine,” and she will also have fans grooving to the “Electric Boogie!” Here are some photo highlights from the launch… For more information, log on to www.groovininthepark.com
BEAUTY BEAUTY TIPS & PRODUCTS
Recommendations for All Skin Types KEREEN CUNNINGHAM Ok Ladies! I’ve been receiving a lot of inquiries about the topic of undertone, so let me just say that the majority of the time women get it wrong when it comes to finding the correct undertone for their skin because finding the undertone is usually mixed up skin complexion. These are two different things! Once you get this right, you will never have another ‘dull’ makeup moment! Not only will dull makeup moments be gone, you will also know how to select fabric shades to best compliment your skin. The difference with your skin tone and skin undertone is that your skin tone sits on top of the surface of your skin (which most people say is your complexion), and your skin undertone lies underneath the surface of your skin.
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The Foundation Test: When choosing the right foundation, find your skin tone level. The lightest would be 1 & 2, medium 3 & 4 and darker 5 & 6 etc. Try up to 4 shades; a mixture of cool and warm, apply the 4 shades in strips from the side of your check down to your jaw line - the shade that sinks in the best is usually the correct shade. It will disappear while the other shades are obvious, and if this doesn’t work with the first attempt, try either lighter or darker shades with mix tones.
The Vein Test: The vein is one of the easiest ways to tell your skin’s undertone as it usually appears blue or green; if your vein shows blue you are have a cool undertone, if it shows a green undertone, you are warm. If you can’t tell you are likely to be neutral.
The Clothing Test: This test is better than a white fabric or towel test! Try both cool and warm separately then observe how you look in either shades. If you look better in shades such as green, yellow, brown or gold, then you are warm. If red, blue or pink suit you then you are cool. Neutral shades are usually mixtures of red, orange, peach, brown.
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Warm – Yellow or Golden undertones Cool – Red Pink or bluish undertones Neutral – A mixture of warm and cool perfect shades tend to be peachy or orange.
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There are a few ways to find out your skin undertone, and here are 3 ways to tell:
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A couple of years ago while working for one of the Estee Lauder brands, I learned a lot while making foundation, concealer and powder. This experience put away all doubts for finding the correct undertone when matching foundation for models or any of my clients. The skin undertone is usually warm or cool yellow or red and some skin can go both ways which is neutral. I like to describe it as orange; 85% of people in the world is said to be warm and the remaining 15% is cool. Any complexion can be cool or warm from darkest of black to lightest of white; most Black skin tones are usually yellow in undertone, and Asian skin is usually warm (but you can have cool shades or even neutral too), white skin will find the mixture of cool and warm – some even neutral.
Beauty Tips! LIFE
It’s now spring, and most women are tired from layering heavy foundation, so tinted moisturizers are a good option – you can also try a lighter coverage foundation. When selecting your foundation or tinted moisturizer, remember your skin undertone and the level skin tone. If you’re still not sure, book an appointment with a beauty consultant rather than guessing what your correct shade is. For women that suffer from red blushes, the best product to use is a CC cream underneath your foundation. Here are my picks based on sensitivity, weight, pigment, open pores, weight and SPF. Also included are recommended tinted moisturizers.
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1. La Roche-Posay’s Rosaliac CC Cream: has a beautiful light sheer texture, great sensitive skin, and good on reducing post-gym redness. This product also contains SPF30 which is great for a lightweight cream. 2. Bobbi Brown’s CC cream is my personal favourite when working on problem skin because it evens your skin in three ways: it corrects your pigments, brightens and is a light weight. This cream makes your skin flawless, and has brilliant SPF 35 (especially good while on holiday in very hot countries). 3. Origins Smarty Plants is great for minimizing pores and smoothing your skin. It has a good long-lasting formula which very rare, only needs a little to go a long way. 4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is super sheer and translucent with a variety of shades to choose from which includes warm and cool tones. This product gives your skin a beautiful dewy glow skin and even a healthy looking sun kiss skin. It also contains anti-ageing and skin-brightening benefits that instantly hydrate and even your skin tone. The oil-free formula obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections. It also has broad spectrum sun protection of SPF 30. 5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer was created to give a healthy no makeup look with a hint of colour! With a selection of warm and cool shades that evens and enhances the skin, this product also contains light weight SPF20 sunscreen protection from the sun’s harmful damage of ray broad spectrum. It’s a perfect blend of skincare and makeup that hydrates and protects with a sheer hint of colour for a healthy dewy glow. This is perfect for all skin types. All products can be purchased from the product websites or department stores in a town near you. For any questions of feedback visit www.makeupbykayce.com email me : info@makeupbykayce.com
FOOD Cure The Winter Blues With A
DJ WORLD MAP LIFE
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SUGAR WATER RADIO
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Sugar Water Radio works from their motto, ‘making something out of nothing and making it sweet!’ Bringing love and joy back to the radio, this is a radio station with a difference as they make it a point to give opportunities to upcoming and unsigned artists while promoting good music that comes from well known and established artists. Hosts DJ Franchise and Nu Girl are the dynamic duo, who provide listeners with their daily fix of infotainment. In addition to being on-air personalities, they are also on camera personalities who have covered the red carpet at various events including Jay-Z’s concert to commemorate the opening of the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. Some of the celebrities to bless the Sugar Water microphone include Wyclef Jean, Kerry Washington, Jo Jo Sommons, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Wu-Tang Clan, Sugar Hill Gang and more. Tune in to the sweetest radio station via ; www.sugarwaterradio.com
L
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WARD 21 Mic Magician
JAH BOUKS Call Angola
RICHIE STEPHENS Murdah
MAXI PRIEST Easy To Love
STYLO G
feat SISTER NANCY
Badd
CHAN DIZZY Informah
BUSY SIGNAL
KING ALI BABA Herbalist
RICKY TEETZ Poverty
DEMARCO Loyal
BIG KENNY
feat KYMANI & KJ MARLEY
AIDONIA One Voice
SHAGGY
SANCHEZ Him Buy Yu A Drink
CUTTY RANKS Dem A Twerk
feat DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY
CHINO Larger Than Life
MR STIFF Ghetto Cry
CHAM
STEPHEN MARLEY
Fighter
Bongo Nyah
feat EXCO LEVI
WICKED EVIL MAN
feat BERES HAMMOND
Fight This Feeling SEAN PAUL
Riot
feat DAMIAN ‘JR GONG’ MARLEY
Hope Chant
feat SPRAGGA BENZ & JR GONG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxh0O-MLHWE&feature=youtu.be
NEW RELEASES
L3 ENDORSED
MIXRELEASES TAPE FEATURES NEW
NEW RELEASES
Dread & Terrible
LOVE
Chronixx CONTRIBUTED
What we enjoy most about Chronixx’s album is the ease with which he delivers music and message. His impact is greatly reminiscent of Bob Marley and the Wailers as his lyrics connect with listeners as heard in the song Here Comes Trouble where the artist sings: “So I’m recruiting / soldiers from near and fat I choose / executing / Selassie I works and build Rastafari troops ….” Fans may be surprised to know that the 21 year old Jamaican singer wrote all the songs, composed, recorded and mixed a few tracks himself. He also compiled the project and was really involved in the creation of the artwork and all the visuals for this project. When we connected with him to speak about the project, he said “What is good and pleasant in Zion is dread and terrible in babylon. This project to me stands as a reminder that the struggle and the spiritual fight for the liberation of I an I people, even after five centuries, is still on. And I hope it will assemble the willing and able youths of my generation to rise as our forefathers did and press towards the liberation of I an I people which is all the righteous citizens of this planet.” This is a definite must buy album, not just for your collection, but for your soul’s meditation! L3’s rating is 4.5 out of 5 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dread-terrible/id841489884
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Released this month, the album features 10 songs (3 of which are dub versions of the original presented on the album) that reveal a part of the mystical journey Chronixx is on, while a few of the songs give general advice on ways to live honorably. A definite favourite is “Spirulina” which shares the benefits to drinking vegetable juice and even combining it with fruit juice. For Dancehall and Reggae aficionados, think Super Cat and the song “Vineyard Party!”
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Continuing to raise the bar where Reggae and Roots Reggae are concerned, Chronixx and the Zinc Fence Band deliver several musical gems in his latest album, Dread and Terrible!
LOVE
YVAD
Sweet Candy
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CONTRIBUTED
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
The sweet vocals of Yvad are not new to our ears; in fact, we know him most commonly as the protégé of Stephen and Cedella Marley, and as the lead vocalist for the legendary group the Wailers. Having a vast and colorful musical history, the expression of good music is not new for this seasoned artist. Stepping out on a solo flex, Yvad has released a brand new song called “Sweet Candy” that has ignited lovers of Lover’s Rock in Jamaica and around the world! Produced by Rhythmax Records, this new song from the young artist combines the best of UK Lover’s Rock with roots of Jamaica and the lyrics of a man in love. Yvad wastes no time as he sings sweet words to his girl: “girl look in to my eyes / and tell me that you love me / come closer this time / and let me feel your heart beat / you’re so gorgeous and sexy / I’m so attracted to you baby / worth more than money / as sweet as honey ….” What makes this song irresistible is a piece of the bass line is taken from a familiar riddim, the thump of the bass drum syncs with the waist line movement of a man which coordinates with a woman’s, and the pluck of the harp strings just makes the riddim sweet like sugar! We should add that if you are ‘into’ the composition of music, the progression of the chords will make your mouth water. Yes, Yvad and Rhythmax Records get this song right! Whether you’re looking for music to help set the mood for a special night, or you want some company in the car while you drive, this song is a perfect addition to your playlist, smartphones included! We’re using the Hashtag #GoodMusicForGoodPeople for this one!
LOVE
Gary Lucas & Peter Hammill Other World
Ethereal psychedelic measures brought together through link spots of time give what has been calling both Peter Hammill, and Gary Lucas, through universal yearnings to a cataclysmic dalliance of superior created music summarized in ‘Other World.’ A trip through the mind of singer / songwriter Peter Hammill and guitarist / songwriter Gary Lucas, brings a long awaited journey to the forefront of psych rock. With cuts such as Spinning Coins, (which opens the spin and sets the mood for Peter Hammill fans) Reboot, Black Ice, Glass, Means to An End all through this CD the presence of Gary Lucas’s guitar works are immersed and complemented via the vocal tones of Peter Hammill. The heart of Other World in truth holds to the instrumental prowess of Gary Lucas, while the whole of the soul belongs to the still haunting majesty of Peter Hammill. Other World’s strength lies between two true musicians who have the pulsating passion for messing with the ethereal rhythms of time and space; a universal dalliance, a great meld. This is a collectors piece of music, and a open invitation to those looking to explore sublimely esoteric tunes. Other World is available through Amazon.com and on vinyl, MP3, and Import. Links: http://www.amazon.com/Other-World-Peter-Hammill/dp/B00GY4C70C/ref=sr_1_1?s=mus ic&ie=UTF8&qid=1394213195&sr=1-1&keywords=other+world+hammill Gary Lucas: http://www.garylucas.com/ Peter Hammill: http://peterhammill.com/phx/
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Can music become stagnant? Is it always evolving and progressing or does it at times regress? With the numerous, seemingly endless chords that can be strummed and plucked guitarist / songwriter Gary Lucas proves that the possibilities are sempiternal.
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CONTRIBUTED
LOVE
Various Artists
VAULT ASSAULT vol 2 CONTRIBUTED
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Some of the quotes used to describe Vault Assault Vol. 2 include “Dope artwork and a superb line up of UK artists” says Urban-Heaven.com and “Full of killer tracks this is a mixtape you need to download now” says HipHop4Days.com, not to mention “If you download one mixtape this month, then it should be this” according to TheHipHopMafia.com and we think they’re right! Well respected urban music blog, portal and clothing line www.UrbanVault.co.uk have been supporting the worldwide scene ever since its birth. Now in 2014 it’s known as one of the leading urban music websites, with numerous daily posts and a slick range of merchandise and clothing available. Back in 2010 Urban Vault hooked up with Tricksta from UK Runnings mixtapes and as a sponsored artist their working relationship grew, so in December 2011, they dropped ‘Vault Assault Volume 1’ which had over 2000 downloads and 18,000 plays. In 2012 Tricksta took some time off the mixtape circuit to release his production album ‘Out Of Darkness Cometh Light.’ Now fully back on his mixtape grind we get Volume 2 of the Vault Assault series. This excellent twenty-five track mixtape features Harry Shotta, Pound Sterling, Ratlin, Cipher Jewels (MD7), Gappy Ranks, Twissman, Iron Braydz, Genesis Elijah, Phili’n’Dotz, Manage, Big Dutty Deeze, Tony D, LATE, Raggo Zulu Rebel, Oshea, Cracker, Locksmyth, Dirtz (N2P), Alex-is, Nature The Kidd, Hipman Junky, Silqe, Chase Taylor & many more. Don’t be surprised if you immediately ask “where’s Vol. 3?!” Get your copy here: http://urbanvault-vaultassault.bandcamp.com/album/uk-runnings-urban-vault-vaultassault-vol-two
LOVE
ROGIERS
The Shedding
Ideally, Rogiérs album the Shedding will be enjoyed at a lounge, or an intimate gathering of friends and family. If it’s been a tough day at the office and you have a long ride home, this is definitely the album for you. With 8 songs that average 5 minutes in length, you will have forgotten all your troubles by the time you reach the end. For those of you looking for music composition details, this is live instrumentation and a little computerized production that definitely works. Rogiérs puts his all in to writing lyrics that get to the heart of his matter. Honorable mention goes to “Messed Up on Love” featuring Stephanie Fisher, “Again” (which is House heavy) and “Message to Your People” that has an original cut and a remix – both of which are good! L3’s rating is 3.8 out of 5 https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/Rogiérs/id191065769
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Getting straight to the point, what we like about Rogiérs is his sound. He is Renaissance Soul, and his voice most reminds us of Seal with a splash of Kem and that delicate balance is just right for the listening ear.
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CONTRIBUTED
LOVE
PUMPA CONTRIBUTED
All night long yeah session irie; All de woman feelin wassi, time fe jump up time fe have some fun. Wine and have some fun down to de ground ground ground ground.”
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This is a line from the first triumph amongst numerous triumphs in the life of Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd. Songs of inspiration, Caribbean culture and customs; trials, tribulations, triumphs and everyday life are songs that litter an extensive list of originally written and performed songs of this locally grown and internationally known artist. He first entered the Soca / Calypso scene during the 2003-2004 Crucian Christmas Festival season. He captured the title of “Road March Champion” that same year. This was the beginning of a bright and successful musical career. Originally from the island of St. Kitts, his mother and seven siblings instilled inspiration and advice that would form the foundation of his own mantra; that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. During his freshman and early sophomore years, he sang dancehall and even opened for The Energy God, Elephant Man. Although he enjoyed singing dancehall and was good at it, in an island community that is built on Soca and Calypso it was quite difficult to thrive in that genre of music. He crossed over to the Soca side of things with a local band called “Rockin Vybez.” While playing with “Rockin Vybez” he realized that Soca / Calypso would be the arena in which he would flourish. During the spring of 2003 the birth of a band that set the standard for Crucian soca music took the Virgin Islands region by storm. Angel “A.J.” Ventura, Alvin Burke, Ana “Nina Nyce” Nelson, Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd, Roland “Kurt” Horsford and Wanston formed the “Xtaushun Band.” Together, they used their musical genius to set the standard for others as collaborators. They considered their style “The Evolution of Soca Music” and captured gold by winning their first Road March championship with “Energy” a song that was written by Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd and performed by the band.
LOVE
Following the release of the “Daddy Jones Presents,” Pumpa “Boom Bam Bye” which illustrated the artists willingness to shine light on social and political issues facing Caribbean communities around the world. Driven by Music is Pumpa’s third album, showcasing his versatility and love for Caribbean music and offers a new take on Soca music as it is diverse, and now injects influences from Calypso, Reggae, Soca, Pop, Rock, and Worldbeat. His passion for music and energetic performances has caught the attention of many local and international promoters, enabling him the opportunity to open for great Soca and Dancehall artists such as Machel Montano; Shurwayne Winchester, Sean Paul and many more. Connect with Pumpa via his website >>> www.iampumpa.com
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
While “Pumpa” used these formative years to usher him into local stardom, he also used those years to experiment with new ideas and perfect his raw and natural talent for composing and performing excellent music. It wasn’t before long that he caught the attention of local musician, Alwyn “Daddy Jones” Baptiste Jr. Together they collaborated on a Soca album entitled “Daddy Jones Presents” which grabbed the attention of the entire Caribbean. “Moko Jumbie,” a song that talked about Caribbean stilt dancers caught the attention of VP Records which was later released on their “Soca Gold” compilation.
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During the spring of 2003 the birth of a band that set the standard for Crucian soca music took the Virgin Islands region by storm. Angel “A.J.” Ventura, Alvin Burke, Ana “Nina Nyce” Nelson, Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd, Roland “Kurt” Horsford and Wanston formed the “Xtaushun Band.” Together, they used their musical genius to set the standard for others as collaborators. They considered their style “The Evolution of Soca Music” and captured gold by winning their first Road March championship with “Energy” a song that was written by Dennis “Pumpa” Liburd and performed by the band.
L. YOUNG
LOVE
From AM to FM to TV .. It’s CONTRIBUTED
Credited for contributing to several careers, L. Young’s creativity has been experienced on platinum selling soundtracks, as well as Billboard via Jessy J’s #1 Album ‘Hot Sauce,’ Keke Wyatt’s projects ‘Who Knew’ and ‘Unbelievable.’ L. has also worked on B2K’s popular aong “Babygirl” from the Barbershop Soundtrack. When speaking about his music, L. says, “I want to make people feel something when listening to my music. I want to take the listener on an emotional journey through my sound, and storytelling.” True to his words, fans are taken on a journey on L’s album ReVerb. His debut single “I Love My Girl” is old school R&B, effectively bringing love and romance back to the genre. In addition to his album, L is enjoying success with music placements on BET’s the Game, ABC’s According to Jim, 20 / 20, One Life to Live, VH1’s Basketball Wives and USA Network’s Burn Notice! Connect with L. via Twitter >>> @TheRealLYoung
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
Groomed in a solid foundation based on the church, L. was singing by the age of 5, and by age 13, he had established himself as an actor as well as musician with a professional reputation as far as the Tri-State and as near as Kentucky. Actors Theatre of Louisville, and the Youth Performing Arts High School were the launch pads that opened the door for travel to Brussels, Belgium, London, the Bahamas and across the US.
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Coming from Louisville, Kentucky, where tradition is as much a part of the cities identity as the Kentucky Derby is, L. Young’s R&B identity is steeped in the gold standard which allows the artist easy play on AM, FM and TV!
LOVE
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MICHELLE SINGZ CONTRIBUTED
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
When a person sits and listens to the soulful voice of Michelle Singz, they are instantly blown away and taken back to a time where singers vocally displayed love and pain through songs, transcending from ears to hearts. Bronx born, this Dominican singer / songwriter’s unique voice has a range that reminds fans of Donna Summers, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind and Fire and her biggest influence, the Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige. Coming from the musical background that she comes from, it is no surprise that Michelle has taken her passion to the level that she has. Using every stage as a vessel, this young power house has performed in Clubs, College Showcases, and has even performed in the theatrical presentation A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. For 2014, Michelle Singz will build on her growing relationships with producers at Def Jam, Asylum, Ruff Ryders, and Universal Music Group. Truly believing this is only her beginning, Michelle Singz passion for singing and performing only grows stronger each time she is blessed with the chance to display her talents on and off the stage. Connect with Michelle via Twitter >>> @MichelleSingz
LOVE
TURBAN X CONTRIBUTED
Filling his communities ears with songs of faith and positive livity, the artist made an early impact, and, one evening, at the counsel of his brother, snuck out of the family home to perform his much practiced song at an open mic show not too far from home. The result was incredible! From that day until now, Turban X has been performing on stage and in the recording studio. Some of the notable artists he has shared a stage with include John Holt, Ernie Smith, Bushman, Brigadier Jerry and Beenie Man to name a few. In addition to Reggae, Turban credits artists such as The Manhattans, Sam Cooke and Kenny Rogers as being musical influences. His songs “Jah Love” and “Kings and Queens” is receiving favour from international radio music presenters. Connect with Turban X on Facebook >>> Facebook.com/TurbanX
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
In the parish of St. Andrew, the sweet sound of Reggae was always bubbling near, and inspired the artist to choose this medium as a way to express himself and entertain his siblings. Turban’s Mom, was firmly rooted in her faith, and made sure her commitment became the blueprint from which her children operated in life. Turban X adapted this blue print to his music.
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Coming from a family of 9 siblings, music became an important outlet for reggae artist Turban X as early as he can remember!
LY R I C S
L3 MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2014
ZM FLY RASTA
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
H
e is the first son of a legend, and he continues that legacy not only through the music he releases, but the way in which that music is made. Tall order to fill, and Ziggy Marley does it effortlessly. His discography to date can be described in one word: successful, and his impact on his audience can be described in one word: global! Filled with several metaphors regarding life, Ziggy’s new album Fly Rasta is out and fans are loving every song they hear. I sat down to speak to the star on a beautiful sun filled day. The location - Tuff Gong Studios where musical magic is made every day, and where Ziggy developed wings to Fly Rasta!
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NATASHA VON CASTLE
LY R I C S
ZIGGY MARLEY
LY R I C S
NVC: First … congratulations on your album Ziggy Marley in Concert winning the 2014 Grammy for Best Reggae Album! Do you have a special fond memory from one of the live performances on the album? ZM: Yes! I remember the tour that we were on which makes up the recordings on the album and really, that tour was all about the band; about how the band was grooving and playing and we just decided to record the show and put it on an album. So it was a great vibe and we wanted to record it and let the world hear it.
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NVC: Your new album Fly Rasta will be available on April 15th! We’ve heard the lead single “Fly Rasta” featuring Daddy URoy and love the Ska flavor. Why Ska?! ZM: That song is unique to itself! We wanted an uptempo song and that song “Fly Rasta” accomplishes that. When the pace of the riddim gets to a certain tempo, you might feel it as Ska but musically, if you check out that bass line played by Abe Lobriel who is a unique bass player in the sense that he’s influenced by African and Spanish music so when you check the whole thing, it has Ska the way you feel it, and it has some other things too! It’s a unique song! NVC:
ZM:
To accompany the song Fly Rasta, you’ve created a video which showcases artist Jim Mahfood creating a canvas piece while the song plays. The canvas piece showcases Marijuana Man and crew; was that done to show off the synergy between music art and canvas art? It was done … not really to a thinking of that level; it was just done and that’s how it turned out. It’s just like music really – we create it and different people have a different view of music and just as you say, some people see the video as a bringing together of Art and Music and that’s a good thing, but that was not really an ‘intension’ we had when it was created
NVC: Looking at the titles of the songs, fans see that you are taking us on another journey of consciousness. Two titles that stand out are “I Don’t Wanna Live on Mars” and “So Many Rising.” Can you tell us about those songs? ZM: Yes! So Many Rising is a protest song while it also has a scream … a lot of instrumentation and a man playing a hand drum. It is a protest song. The words are double in meaning as in we can say ‘so many rising’ as in the number of people rising and then we can say ‘so many rising’ as in ‘so,’ many rising like a statement of fact. There are different ways to interpret those three words and there is a consciousness aspect to it.
L3 MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2013
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
NVC: I read that your relationship with music began at the age of 10 when you sat in on recording sessions with your Father. Do some of your present day recording sessions look similar to those of your Fathers from 35 to 36 years ago? ZM: Similar in discipline … similar in standards … high standards. It’s your own high standards; there is no book of standards. When I was growing up, the standard I saw was very high and I try to stay at that standard of how … this music here is not a music that you play around with and that’s it. No! It’s a music where you must have some thought, some purpose, some mission, some idea, some spirit. So we take out time to get that in the music. We don’t rush out the music. These are things that I learned from being around great musicians like my Father. I see the works and the work ethic and that is where the similarity is, is in the work ethic.
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NVC: When you perform live, and in your recordings, we have several bars of instrumentation before you begin singing. Do you do that to sync the audiences vibration with yours and the bands, or do you do this to work out nervousness? Do you still get nervous before a performance?! Why is that so important to you when it comes to the performance of your music? ZM: Well I think it’s all of those things. What you call nervousness I might say is a feeling and then you talk about synchronize the vibes which is also very important and it’s just like there is a moment when it’s time to sing, and I try to capture that moment. That means that when everything is in harmony, there becomes a moment when it becomes ‘let’s sing now’ because everything is right: the moment is right, and everything is on a right vibration. And sometimes it doesn’t happen! We might have an off night when the music doesn’t get there but we still have to sing (Mr. Marley laughs) … rare but once a blue moon it happens!
LY R I C S
As for I don’t Wanna Live on Mars, that is a love song! It’s a love song to Mother Earth and I didn’t want to tell people that because I want people to hear the song as they hear the song but that is really what it’s about. I think it’s important to highlight the environmental situation the earth is in right now. Some people will hear it and think it’s a love song to a girl, which it can be and which it is; it is all of these things, but for me it’s about the earth and the environment. I don’t want to be to preach-y; I know there are a lot of people who want to go to Mars but I don’t want to live on Mars! I want to take care of my girl right here! I don’t want to take care of a next girl which is Mars when I have my girl right here which is Earth!
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NVC: Your personal art does not begin and end with music. You’ve used your voice and personality in film and television, and you are a humanitarian. Walk us through a day in the life of Ziggy Marley! ZM: Well these days, like today which is a typical day; I wake up … the kids are getting ready for school … take them to school! Go get some vegetable juice and start my morning. Come to the studio, talk to the youths; talk about what’s happening in the music, in the next hour the band comes over and we rehearse for 4 hours. After rehearsal we talk and laugh a little bit, then I get some exercise. Exercise is very important to me because it makes me feel good … either early in the morning or after rehearsal, I have to exercise. After that, check Facebook to see what’s happening with my people (I might say something or I might just read) and call it a day. Music, exercise, children … that is my day! NVC: As much as you have held concerts in every country around the world, and have fans singing every word to your every song, have you ever had a concert for the trees, and the grass, and the sun and the air as a means of saying thank you to creation? ZM: Yes … it’s me in my garden singing songs to the trees and the birds and the plants and all these things. That is my concert. The insects and the bugs – everybody is involved! If you listen to the song “Dragon Fly” you can hear it and it is very important to me. NVC: The album cover, at first glance, looks like a Russian Matryoshka (ma-tree-osh-ka) doll which has spokes like a spacecraft, and images within the main image. Did you design or co-design the cover, and was the design done before or after the album was complete? If it was before, it speaks again to the synergy between music and art! Is the idea for the cover a subliminal take on the motto ‘out of many we are one?!’ ZM: No I picked it. It’s an original piece of art from an artist who had already made the artwork. I saw it and I liked it and we decided to use it. The elements in it kinda represent the consciousness inside your mind and my mind. The inner universe; this art is so reflective of that.
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NVC: You’re touring in support of Fly Rasta! Are there any destinations that you are especially looking forward to? ZM: I’m looking forward to everywhere, because everywhere is important! I was in Canada last year and I really enjoyed Canada (not just saying that because that’s where you’re from)! It’s a good place. I haven’t been to Europe in a long time so I’m really looking forward to that … but everywhere is important to me.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
NVC: The name of the magazine is L3 and each L has a meaning. The first L is for Life, the second for Love and the third for Lyrics. Is there any general advice you can give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? ZM: Life … I’m going to quote some lyrics from the Fly Rasta album! Life can have its cloudy days, doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way, on this ride we’ve got to hold on, do whatever you can, sun shines and shines again. Love … only if you give it away can Love be Love. Lyrics is coming from me and not the album … Lyrics is thought put in to harmony and in to voice. Lyrics should be uplifting and bring consciousness. Yes !!! Connect with Ziggy on Twitter >>> @ZiggyMarley
MH THE WORLD’S FLAUTIST
LY R I C S
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MICHELE HENDERSON
D
AYELOA GEORGE
on’t let the small frame or her soft voice fool you; Michele Henderson is one tough cookie. So what got her so tough you wonder? Well her belief in self and ability to listen to her inner voice. These two things played a strong part in who and where she is today. Months after breaking on to the local music scene with her winning composition at the 1995 DOMFESTA (Dominica Festival of Arts) song competition, she joined local jazz band Impact and her star was on the rise. Two years later she became pregnant with her first child and many thought her career was over before it begun. But Michele was determined to have both career and family and proved the nay-sayers wrong, even performing at the CBU Song Completion five months pregnant. That was one of several pivotal decisions that Michele has made against the grain that have impacted her life and career.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
AG: When you made the decision to be a professional singer you started doing jazz with Impact, singing mostly English, when did that decision come about to give your music more of a French focus? MH: The decision came about when I kind of took stock of what I was doing in my music and I wanted a sort of musical identity. I looked at the music that came from where I come from and its Creole music. At first I had the thought of singing jazz and singing Whitney etc., and then I became more afro-centric as I grew older and realized I wanted to embrace more of my own. And so by speaking to mentors like Gordon (Henderson of Exile One) and other musicians I realized I should focus more on what is mine and what truly identifies me as a Creole woman and so I ventured into that areas but I still do Jazz, R&B, Pop, etc.
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Read on to find out why she is so passionate about her heritage, what turns her on and which celebrity she would love to spy on! JAG: Michele you are known for singing in French and French Creole, did you have any formal education in French, was it spoken at home or is it a combination of the two? MH: I think it’s a combination, coming from a very creole / franco-centric community to begin with; my mother was actually born in Guadeloupe and I have family aunts and cousins who live there. As a child I went on holiday there. It’s very easy to pick up a language when you’re a kid and none of the other kids speak English. So I kind of had a liking for the language already and I got to do it at school it came very easy to me.
LY R I C S
She and fellow Impact band mate Roland Delsol Jr. married in 1998 and are still going strong today. Jr, as he’s known by most, is also her producer, manager and business partner. Following the breakup of Impact the two have made a formidable team releasing six albums to date and having a second child. An accomplished flautist, Michele has displayed her vocal and musical abilities at global events including St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Roskilde Festival in Demark, UCLA Jazz and Reggae Festival in California and the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) in her native Dominica. She is currently celebrating the launch of her latest album Home (Chez Moi) and is prepping for a phenomenal year after inking a distribution deal with online distributor Believe Digital in December 2013.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
AG: How do you find balance between a wife, a mom, a musician, a role model etc? MH: I do not recommend this to the faint of heart. Because you have to give sort of equal attention to each aspect of your life and that can be very, very difficult because sometimes one suffers more than the other. In my line of work you just have to make sacrifices for one or the other you want them to be on par with the other. I want a good career but I want a good family, a good future, I also want to be an entrepreneur a business woman providing employment for other people in the community. I also want to be a policy maker because in the creative arts there is a need for people with actual experience. What we see happening is the policy makers are not practitioners, so then they don’t particularly address the real issues. In some ways I’ve accomplished all of them and I am fortunate to have a partner that is understanding in that area, and so at times when I need to be musician or business person and I can’t be mom he will take over and do that, without complaint. We don’t even have to say; it’s just “boom-boom” and it happens
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AG: Do you have a pre performance ritual? MH: Warm-ups. Yes I always do warm ups but then before a performance, I just enjoy the fact that I’m performing. I don’t have a lot of rituals just make sure that my voice is nice and warm.
LY R I C S
AG: With your new album Home-Chez Moi you talk about representing your culture yourself, your home. Can you tell me some of the things that define you in terms of your Dominican-ness and your Dominican-hood? MH: Umm yeah I can. I’m a product of two very distinct ethnicities in Dominica. Part of my family is Kalinago and part of my family is African (there’s a little bit of French also on my mother’s side). I always embraced those parts of my identity. I always thought it was cool ‘cause here am, from this tiny island of maybe 70,000 people and my ethnicity is a mix that you find in only a few of the 6 billion people around the world, so for me, it’s a source of pride and a part of what makes me, me! I feel like a citizen of the world but at the same time a very unique citizen of the word! I embrace the language I grew up with. Creole to me is a beautiful language; very poetic, very real and so I embrace that as well. I write poetry in Creole so in my music I don’t just write lines you know. Straight up, I like it to be poetic and so I do that with my music and then the rhythms you find in Creole music are just so enticing … I’m drawn to that. So all of these things… I embrace them, I love them, I just love who I am.
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AG: What do you like most about yourself Michele Henderson?! MH: I like that I like myself. Because when I was growing up I wanted to be like Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick and singers of that calibre and then I realized that I wasn’t such a bad person. It was cool to be Michele Henderson. Why not be yourself? It’s great to admire these people for the work that they do, but I love being me.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
LY R I C S
AG: The youngest of your two daughters is singing, is outgoing, is engaging, she’s just bright and headed for the stage in some form or another. What advice would you have for her in say ten years or sooner when you see its beginning to happen? MH: Save your money (she laugh)! My advice would be to stay true to what you think it is that you should do; because along the way you get a lot of advice. Everybody and their grandmother want to tell you what to do when they realize you have a talent for something and ‘everybody knows’ what you should do. I have found in my experience that being true to yourself and being true to what you feel is the right thing to do is the best in the end. I still did my thing and I’m happy.
AG: Have you ever had an embarrassing moment on stage or in public? MH: Yes! I remember this French singer Jean Luc Guanel a fantastic singer from Martinique and I went to Martinique to do the song and everybody knows this song and I got on stage and I forgot the lyrics. The same thing happened to me again when he came here cause he was like we have to do that song again after what happened in Martinique and I said great no problem and they asked do you want us to put the lyrics on the music stand and I said no I got it ... when I started singing, again I went blank! I think was just intimidated by who I was singing with. AG: Speaking of, did you get star-struck when you met Tom Cruise? MH: I was chattering away to the choir after a performance and they were pointing like someone is behind you and someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around and he’s standing there with another gentleman ... he said you sang so beautifully and I really enjoyed your performance and of course I’m like Oh My god and shook his hand all the choir members they wanted pictures with him and he was so gracious and when he left I realized I did not take a picture with him … I was so in awe! But anyway I’ve seen him a few times after that. Still no picture with Tom, but I did get one with John Travolta (she smiles). AG: Tom Cruise is a Scientologist and you are too, talk to me about how you got into Scientology? MH: I read a book that opened up my eyes and it just seemed real to me. It’s called “What is Scientology?” and spoke about the actual religion. To me everything I read was like ‘ok that makes sense.’ It wasn’t like some pie in the sky story you know, and I connected to the truth that was in it and I thought ok I would like to explore this more, I wanna know more and so my journey has just been finding out more about myself.
AG: Name your five favorite artists other than yourself. MH: Well I am not in my top five so that’s that. Phil Collins is one of my favorite artists of all times. I love his ability to write poetry. Michele Carellea the jazz singer is number two. Al Jarreau - I love him. Chubby of Midnight Groovers - I am just amazed by his ability to store all his material in his head – I don’t know if you know this but he doesn’t read or write and he has released thirty albums. So to store that material in his head that’s just genius to me. So that’s four, and my fifth, probably Jill Scott. I like how she’s fresh. AG: Summarize Michele Henderson! MH: Is happy to be here to do what I love and live my dreams. I have two beautiful kids and a supportive but stubborn husband. My life is wonderful and I enjoy it a lot. I enjoy the process of living. Connect with Michele via Twitter >>> @michelemuzic
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AG: When did you know you were famous? MH: Once a police officer said to me ‘oh my goodness I was on the way to Japan and they put on the in-flight music and they had you’ and I thought wow.
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AG: Living in a country that’s 90% Christian, how have people reacted to your religious affiliation? MH: By and large I’ve not received negative reaction from people. They are curious, probably because of the negative things they have heard. As with many things in life the negative things get more coverage. For example the negative things about Scientology are all out there and people don’t go beyond to see what’s beneath that, further Scientology doesn’t go denying … if people are interested in finding out the truth they will look for it.
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That’s what Scientology does for me. I find out so much about myself and my abilities and my interest in people and humankind and wanting to help people. You know we learn in our Christian families that we have to take care of others; the why is always because that’s what God says we have to do … but then there’s a part of you that realizes that every single one of them is part of you, they are connected to you. The universe is connected - everybody in it is part of what makes you, you. And so you can’t deny parts of you. You have to help because it’s part of you, whatever affects them affects you too. Even if you don’t see it now, later it will affect your children it will affect your business etc. So it nurtured in me that desire to help and have that interest in people’s lives to find ways to improve their conditions and that made me feel really proud about myself, I thought ok finally I’ve found that spark, that thing in me that makes me feel I’m part of this world.
SS THE CREATOR
We sat down with this incredible woman whose ability to share the future is more important to humanity than we realize. Introducing Sophia Stewart the creator‌.
L3 MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
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he story of Sophia Stewart is one that must be told, and it must be told right. Starting at the beginning, Sophia Stewart created the hit franchise movie series, The Matrix. Not only did she create the Matrix, she also created the Terminator. Moving on from that creation, though those are credits not easily moved on from, Sophia’s story has been written about from a legal precedence perspective, but not from a Sophia Stewart perspective.
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Natasha Von Castle
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SOPHIA STEWART
Matrix is the Latin word meaning coming out of the womb, and Matrix is mentioned 5 times in the bible. The first (Exodus 34 verse 19) says: all that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep that is male. The reason why this is important is because God knew that in the future man would have the knowledge of God, and would create his own children – without souls. These children are born in petri dishes, test tubes, artificial insemination etc and it’s only out of a mothers womb can a child have a soul, and that’s what God wants. What makes a woman a woman is a womb. No matter how many hormones and operations they create, a man can never become a woman. This is how God’s children are born. When you look at the Terminator, you will know that there is no way James Cameron or anyone else could have written that book. Think about the Cyborgs, the micro-chip, the machine – I was born in the digital era, I was inspired by God to write what I wrote. The first coming of Christ is written about in the Bible, and the second coming, which is referred to in Revelation, is what I visualized and that’s what you see in the movie Terminator. The idea is John Connor would go up against the machines which is what was going to come in the future. These stories were meant to be the point of view of Christ.
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What I wrote was the second coming of Christ and the evolution of consciousness which is man versus the machine. In other words it’s the revelation plight story caught up in science fiction form. When you look at John Connor, JC is Jesus Christ grows up to become Neo in the Matrix.
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Once you write a book, such as JR Toilken (Lord of the Rings) and John Grisham (The Firm and Pelican Brief), Hollywood has a way of doing what they want with an author’s work, they have a history of doing that, and that’s what they did with this. Hollywood will buy the work or steal the work; they are not people who go out and write the stuff. If they could write it they wouldn’t buy it or steal it. How it originally began is Sarah Connor was originally Neo’s mother, he was a nanogram and this was my way of calling him ‘the one.’
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NVC: Sophia! For you to write not one, but two stories that have impacted the technological geeks who also understand the spiritual messages presented, and who also connect with concept that we are being controlled by the system or, machines is beyond human. How did the concept of The Matrix and Terminator come to you? SS: I have to tell you that the Matrix and Terminator are actually not 2 stories, but one phenomenal story. There was so much work; a script treatment and work, that it was divided to become 2 great movie franchises.
NVC: Did Warner Brothers underestimate your knowledge and you? SS: Yes. They didn’t know who I was, and absolutely nothing about my education. All they knew is that I was from the Bronx, New York, they knew my name, and they knew my copyright number. That was all they knew.
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NVC: We don’t think about the FBI when it comes to writing and script, so can you share how the FBI was of assistance in your case? SS: I didn’t know about the theft of the Terminator until the FBI told me in 2001. The FBI are like ‘white-collar cops.’ They deal with criminal acts over a certain amount of money. Most people have a smaller amount of money stolen from them, so they go to the District Attorney. In matters involving millions and billions, the FBI comes in. The US Attorney’s office is who prosecutes cases like this. I also want people to know that when you buy your copyright … when you pay to have your work copy written, you are paying for your works protection, so that f someone or a company violates your copyright, the US Attorney’s office will prosecute. That is a jurisdiction of the FBI. That is what we’re paying for. They will not come in and investigate if you do not have your copyright. There is no such thing as a poor man’s copyright. It does not hold in a court of law. The FBI will not even look at those kinds of matters. Being educated, I know this. I called the US Attorney’s office and said would you like to prosecute this case, and they said ‘yes.’
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NVC: Where was the case filed against the movie company? SS: It was filed in Utah. I happened to be in Utah at the time, although I am originally from New York. I was there visiting family when I first discovered the theft of the Matrix movie – March 31st, 1999. Right away I got in touch with Warner Brothers, and they connected me to the in-house attorney and told him to pay me. There was no opposition and there was no rejection to the fact that it was my work. Most of what was written in the media was lies. I have the transcripts where they tell Judge Morrow that they stole the Matrix from me 18 odd years ago. Everything is there. They wanted the judge to gag me as a part of the settlement, in essence saying if I talk about the case they can take the money back. I said no. This is what they do, and this is why a lot of people don’t talk about their cases.
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NVC: After you wrote your book ‘The Third Eye’ in 1981 (which is the basis for The Matrix and Terminator), what did you do? Was it published and sold in book stores, did you send it to film studio’s? Where did it go? SS: It was copyrighted in 1981, 1983 and 1984, then I shopped it to 20th Century Fox and Columbia Pictures with a script. I went to film school, have a degree in journalism and have a double degree in Law, so I was familiar with the process of how submissions work.
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NVC: When did you come to the realization that Warner Brothers used your concept for Terminator? SS: I didn’t know until 1999. The original movie came out in 1984, and at that time I was pregnant with my son, and was not going to the movies. I found out years later.
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NVC: When did you know the Matrix was also your work? SS: The moment the movie began, I knew it was my work they had stolen. I immediately told my date, ‘I wrote this.’ I called them [Warner Brothers] right away and there was no dispute. They knew about me from the copyright – they knew. The government has given me the copyrights on all the derivatives and there is no dispute.
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NVC: If another author were to come to you and share their story, would you represent them the way you represented yourself? SS: Technically I am a Paralegal, so no! I would advise anyone with a similar problem to get a lawyer. There is a lot of work involved. The reason why I represented myself is because I wanted to make a point. I wanted them to stop stealing from people and start paying people for their work. 50 years ago we had phenomenal movies because of diversity. They would buy movies from creators, and the movie theatres were filled. Today, they steal movies from creators, and theatres are empty. Now it’s the same recycled garbage … nothing else to it. NVC: As you mention recycling … has this case (the preparation, documents, the phone calls) had an effect on your creativity? SS: Ah no! I have a natural gift. My Grandmother is a full blood Cherokee, my Father is Spanish, so I have the gift of second sight. It’s a natural gift through DNA; I was writing when I was in 7th grade and I have been taught and encouraged by College professors … some famous ones at that. Max Siegel, former writer with the New York Times, and so many more. NVC: Since your case, have you been inspired to share your knowledge with other – like a ‘prevention is better than cure’ concept. SS: Of course. I have been informing people through the media interviews, and through my website and sometimes through speaking engagements.
NVC: Would you say the Oracle is the closest character to you as a person? SS: I created the Oracle is based on my life as a visionary seer. I put myself in my own work – I am the Oracle. There will be a movie – Oracle – The Sophia Stewart Story. Several people feel my story is greater than the Matrix! NVC: On behalf of all the people whom you have freed and released from bondage by your writing – thank you! SS: Thank you, and thank you to all the readers who have supported me. It is truly appreciated! Fans can connect with Ms. Stewart via her website www.matrixterminator.com
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NVC: How is Matrix 4 looking in terms of feedback from the fans? SS: They LOVE it! Fans from places like Peru and Australia, the UK – all over love it. They are so happy with Matrix and there will be a movie for it! I’m the only one who can give the people what they want in Matrix and Terminator.
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NVC: Let’s talk about your fans?! What is fan interaction like for you? SS: The fans and the media love me and I am truly blessed! There are over 223 million fans engaged with me, I won a Rosa Parks award, I’ve received an Empowerment Award from Rutgers University, The Link’d In Awards gave me an award for being in the top 1% of people in their pool of 200 million plus members … it’s really nice. My fans know the truth and they support me.
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NVC: Is there any aspect about technology today that concerns you? SS: If you read the 3rd Eye book, you’ll see that I was talking about the chip 33 years ago. I was talking about physical downloading, computerized warfare with drones, bar codes etc. Body scanners, phone scanners – all of that came from me. In the new Matrix 4 book I speak about all the technology coming in the future.
VL
ACTS OF SEPERATION
Acts of Desperation by Richard Friedman “It’s what happens when you’re pushed to the edge...” which stars Judd Nelson, Quinton Aaron, Sara Castro, and Vince Lozano. The script was written by Nathan Illsley and will be directed by award-winning and veteran TV and film director, Richard Friedman.
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f you haven’t had the chance yet to watch the teaser trailer for Acts of Desperation, it is worthy. As the comedic humor of desperation, movie making, and a knight in shining armor (cough, cough), all come through to give us a glimpse into why Acts of Desperation is a well scripted, humor thriller for all of us to enjoy (watch it here).
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SONG RIVER
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VINCE LOZANO
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Freeman’s last feature film, “Halfway To Hell,” won him the award for Best Director at AOF, a major film festival, and was recently picked up by Silverline Entertainment for worldwide distribution. Richard has also directed over ten feature films and has worked with major stars, as well as having directed some of the biggest series on television. Owing to Richard’s stature, the film will feature some big names in the movie business.
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SR: Vince, how are you doing my friend? It would seem busy is a word that describes you always in action! It’s great to talk with you again, and I am looking forward to hearing about this latest movie project. The trailer really intrigued me, and the humor implied gave a great feeling as to where this was all going. In addition, the approach of using kick-starter, and running on a limited budget to doing this movie production, well...you’ve got to love the motion of independent film making. VL: (Laughs) Thank you Song for taking the time too. We both believe in networking, and that is the catalyst really behind all independent endeavors. Yes, busy - wouldn’t have it any other way! SR: Why the title, Acts of Desperation? Give us a brief summary. VL: This suspenseful and unique thriller, filled with ironic humor, answers that question and tells the story of a desperate cop on the edge, obsessed over the fact that his beautiful but desperate wife is having an affair. At the same time, he tracks a desperately shrewd bank robber who is falling in love with a desperate and obsessed woman whose life he just saved from suicide. As if that’s not enough, he is also being blackmailed by two desperately unhinged street criminals who will stop at nothing to get their money. Time is running out for all of them as their worlds collide in this unpredictable and desperately compelling thriller centering on six individuals and their treacherous “Acts of Desperation!” SR: VL:
What is the setting and time period for the film? It’s present day.
SR: Over budget movies have been made for a long time in Hollywood productions, with the advent of special affects, high paid actors, and expanding staff runs in the credits, it seriously just all adds up. How are all of you proposing this creation on such a minute budget? VL: Limiting the crew and locations, as well as doing some of the expensive locations with green screen. It’s very important to limit the budget in order to get a return on investment and show a profit. You don’t need a crew of 100 members to do 10 jobs. You surround yourself with actors and crew who want do a great job. Those who don’t complain about how much they’re not being paid, but understand they’re a part of something special.
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SR: Does a low budget film actually equate to a ‘low’ budget film? VL: No! (laughs) It just means less people doing nothing on set, which leads to less people being fed and hanging out.
Tell us if you can a little about your part? I’ll just say this he walks a fine line between good and bad.
SR: Bare bones production work, is it only a mark of independent films, or do you think Hollywood is ready to go back to bare necessities to create? VL: Hollywood will continue to make big films in my opinion they have too much invested in Marvel. DC, Star Wars, Star Trek they have a huge following and built in audience and so on ... and there is nothing wrong with those films. I enjoy them, they all appeal to a broader market. Which if it hits a home run with the audience ... well, (pauses) then you’re talking about a huge return. It could turn into a billion dollar worldwide box office. Little films aren’t gonna do that kind of business. SR: VL:
Will the film go into production even if the budget goal isn’t reached? Yes! We’ll just have to push back the date.
SR: Why was kick-starter the chosen directive to back this film? VL: One reason was many films have had a lot of success in reaching their goal on Kick Starter. The other reason was really no risk to the backer, because if we don’t reach our goal they get their money back. SR: VL:
What is the projected release date? Probably 2015 - no exact date yet.
Connect with Vince Lozano via Twitter >>> @vincelozano see more of the Kick Starter campaign: http://kck.st/1dmteB3
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SR: VL:
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SR: Why did you yourself, decide this project was something you wanted to be involved in? VL: Great script and story! Also, once again I get to play a role, which I don’t always get the opportunity to play.
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SR: Are you out to prove a point by choosing the budget you’ve given yourself to work in? VL: Yes and No you don’t need a hundred million dollars to make a great film if you have the right actors and director script involved. Comes down to how passionate and dedicated you are.