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L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2
THE BEAUTY OF BLACK
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WELCOME
HONORING DIANA ROSS
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
HONORING DIANA ROSS
A HONORING DIANA ROSS AT THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS
fter all these years of inspiring young artists, glamorous styles, and influencing lives, Diana Ross is finally the recipient of the Grammy Award’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Diva was honored as part of The Supremes and as a solo artist. “Through her role as the lead voice of America’s top singing group, a solo music career that resulted in a number of signature hits, and a film and Broadway career that proved she was a multidimensional talent, Ross became a beacon of hope and possibility not just for young African-American women, but for any woman aspiring to prove her worth in a professional world stacked against her,” the Recording Academy said. “Ross and friends Florence Ballard, Barbara Martin and Mary Wilson formed the Supremes (originally the Primettes) in the Brewster housing projects in Detroit. The group didn’t emerge as stars immediately, and after their first few mid-chart singles, Martin left. But starting with “Where Did Our Love Go?” in 1964, the Supremes would ultimately chart 12 No. 1 pop singles with Ross.” Over the years, the 67-year-old singer has been nominated 12 times, but has yet to receive the golden gramophone; three of her songs have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
CONTRIBUTED
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MARCH 2012 | NO. 009 CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
NATASHA VON CASTLE DOMINIQUE RAPHAEL L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES - KEVIN SMALLS PAIGE HARRIS
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR & LIFESTYLE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR EDUCATION EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR FASHION EDITOR TECHNOLOGY EDITOR COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER CARIBBEAN CORRESPONDENT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ALLIE MASON TRICIA SPENCE SAIDAH GOMEZ JILL MAHONEY GLORIA GOMEZ LONDYN NIKOLE SHELEEN ROYAL KEMARIO LINDO XAVIER RAPHAEL STARLETTAH BROWN CHUCK TAYLOR ZAKADA MILTON, HEIKE WOLLENWEBER, LANRE DAVIES, RAINE MARTIN, MUMMA SUSS, KERRY K. TAYLOR, KENDON POLAK, JENNIFER MENSTER INTERNS EDWARD BISHOP, ALICIA KEMP, JONATHAN NEWTON ART
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Friend; On February 11th, 2012, the world lost one of its last earth Angels. Whitney Elizabeth Houston took her final breath. Though it’s been three weeks since her passing, it’s still hard for me and many others to contain emotions when we think of our star. She was so much. She was the girl that the industry couldn’t go around - the undisputed best. She came from a family; a Mother and Father who loved her as did her Aunt Dionne Warwick and her Godmother Aretha Franklin; Whitney came from a musical soul. Media outlets the world over have explored how many awards Whitney won, how many albums she sold, and even how much money she’s made. Instead of exploring those figures, I would encourage you to measure Whitney according to how many lives she touched. Hundreds of millions of people around the world adore and adored Whitney. Most people can tell you where they were when “I Will Always Love You” was released. Women can tell you how much they grooved to “I’m Every Woman,” and music lovers can tell you where they were when “Your Love is My Love” was released, including how many times they hit the replay button because the song was that good. Whitney touched the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world; that in and of itself is the defining accolade of achievement and the only statistic we should focus on. Rest in peace Whitney; a piece of our heart has gone with you....
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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PHOTO BY CHRIS PIZZELLO
WELCOME
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
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L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS CONTRIBUTED
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he Help stars Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis can add two more trophies on their shelves. The awards season darlings took home NAACP Image Awards for their work in the night’s most nominated film, which also took home outstanding motion picture. Other film winners included Mike Epps and Laz Alonso for Jumping the Broom. The picture also won directing (Salim Akil), while writing went to Ann Peacock for NatGeo’s The First Grader. Laurence Fishburne won for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and George Lucas walked away with the Vanguard Award. The filmmaker was honored for his body of work, including the recent “Red Tails,” which tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, several of whom were in the audience. While some of the elderly airmen struggled to stand, the audience rose to their feet to welcome them with a standing ovation.
In the TV categories, Law & Order: SVU and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne took the dramatic and comedic prizes, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tracee Ellis Ross, LL Cool J and Regina King led in the acting categories. Despite the recent death of Image veteran Whitney Houston, the night maintained its celebratory tone, saving Houston’s tribute for later in the broadcast. When time came to honor works in music, which saw Jennifer Hudson nab two biggies, Don Cornelius was also given a special moment for Soul Train’s landmark contribution to black music. For a full list of categories and winners visit: www.naacpimageawards.net
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WELCOME
SOUL TRAIN FUNDRAISING
SOUL TRAIN FOR FUNDRAISING
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merican Public Television (APT), a leading distributor of programming to the nation’s public television system, will release “The Best of Soul Train” for fundraising on public television stations beginning in March (check local listings). With the recent death of the series’ executive producer, Don Cornelius, “The Best of Soul Train” provides a unique tribute to the visionary who showcased African American talent in a way no other program has. Offered to public television stations across the country by APT’s Premium Service division, “The Best Of Soul Train” celebrates more than 35 years of iconic performances from soul superstars and highlights classic musical and dance moments from the series. Featured performances include: “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” (Aretha Franklin), “Dance to the Music” (Sly and the Family Stone), “I Want You Back” (The Jackson Five), “Let’s Get It On” (Marvin Gaye), and a medley of hits by Stevie Wonder. The Best of Soul Train is supplied by WTVS/Detroit Public Television in association with APT’s Premium Service, a co-production, co-financing and acquisition fund that makes fundraising and performance specials available to member public television stations.
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CONTRIBUTED
WE ARE THE VILLAGE
WE ARE THE VILLAGE
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e Are the Village is a book of inspiring letters, essays, and stories from the men, women and girls connected to Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT). The letters provide insight and wisdom from SOT parents, presenters, and mentors; with essays from SOT members about their experiences. Narrated by the founder of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, Carla Morrison, the goal is to provide an understanding about the organization and its development. The book also highlights photos and stories that include entertainers, radio personalities, politicians, and entrepreneurs. In addition to the launch of the book, SOT will mark Women’s History Month with “Celebrating Women of Color....” Celebrating Women of Color...” is one of three signature programs produced by Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. The program is in its eighth year and takes place in the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. SOT has featured a number of phenomenal keynote speakers including: Kenya Jordana James, Publisher of Black Girl Magazine; Georgia State Senator Connie Stokes; Author/Poet Mark Anthony; Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan; 1st African American Woman Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud; R&B Singer Chrisette Michele; The Honorable Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia Evelyn Wynn-Dixon; Music Executive/Community Activist Karen
Marie Mason; Author/Professor Dr. Stephane Dunn and Author/ Professor Rabiyah Rah KarimKincey. In 2012, the featured keynote speaker(s) are the women and girls of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. CONTRIBUTED
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L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2
THIS JUST IN!
VIRGIN ISLAND WIVES
IS COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU!
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athaniel Dixon Jr. and Rhea JohnsonDixon are the dynamic duo behind N&R Productions who are coming to a screen near you in the name of Virgin Island Wives! Nathaniel and Rhea are on pace to create a television reality show about the Virgin Islands. Building on their more than 15 years of experience in managing their own business, Virgin Island Wives is a reality show featuring females born and raised in the U.S Virgin Islands. Not just a television show, Virgin Island Wives acts as ambassadors for promoting the Virgin Islands. “The show gives the world the opportunity to see the varied faucets of Island beauty, carnivals, strength, and unity through these women� says Rhea. The females will be representing the magnificent native islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John with the utmost class and positive nature. Virgin Island Wives is the first Caribbean reality show to feature females promoting the different cultural elements of living on the island such as such carnivals, beaches, events and more.
CONTRIBUTED
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LIFE
KYLIE MINOGUE
KYLIE MINOGUE
25 YEARS LATER! ANASTASIA SARADOC
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an you believe it has been a quarter of a century since Locomotion was released in 1987? Twenty five years later Kylie Minogue is still at the top of her game and she is ready to celebrate! Kylie has chosen to mark this incredible milestone with a year of surprises and gifts for her fans. To kick-start the celebrations, Kylie will be releasing a specially recorded acoustic version of ‘Finer Feelings’ (a Stock and Waterman hit from 1992) available to view from www.Kylie.com. The release is the first in a series of especially commissioned new recordings of classic Kylie songs, recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Further tracks will be made available periodically throughout the year. The songs Kylie has recorded are a surprise and will be revealed on the day they become available. Kylie re-entered the studio last year, following the spectacular Aphrodite: Les Folies world tour, and teased fans throughout the process on Twitter with photos from inside the studio. She has been recording with long time collaborators and renowned producers Steve Anderson and Colin Elliot, the amazing Aphrodite Band, four backing vocalists and a 24 piece string orchestra, led by Cliff Masterson. This track will be the first glimpse at what Kylie has in store for fans in 2012.
NORAH JONES
NORAH JONES
SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ENTITLED “LITTLE BROKEN HEARTS!”
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orah Jones has set a May 1 release date for Little Broken Hearts (Blue Note/EMI), her stunning new album produced by Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton). Jones has also revealed the album cover and track listing of the 12-song set, which features original songs co-written by Jones and Burton. Jones drew the inspiration for the album cover from the vintage movie posters that adorn Burton’s Los Angeles studio. “Brian has this great collection of Russ Meyer posters in his studio,” explains Jones, “and this particular one, called Mudhoney, was right over the couch where I sat every day. I always was looking at it and thinking ‘that’s so cool I want to look like her!’ I remember staring at the poster the whole time we made the record. It’s a great visual.” Little Broken Hearts is the fascinating next step in the artistic evolution of one of the music world’s most consistently intriguing singer-songwriters. Jones first emerged on the world stage 10 years ago this month with the February 2002 release of Come Away With Me, her self-described “moody little record” that introduced a singular new voice and grew into a global phenomenon, sweeping the 2003 Grammy Awards and signaling a paradigm shift away from the prevailing synthetic pop music of the time. Come Away With Me has just become the #10 best-selling album of the Soundscan era. The album has sold 25 million copies worldwide. Since then, Jones has released three more critically acclaimed and commercially successful solo albums—Feels Like Home (2004), Not Too Late (2007), and The Fall (2009)—as well as two albums with her country collective The Little Willies. The 2010 compilation …Featuring Norah Jones showed her to possess an incredibly versatile voice by collecting her collaborations with artists as diverse as Willie Nelson, Outkast, Herbie Hancock, and Foo Fighters. Jones previously collaborated with Danger Mouse on his acclaimed 2011 album ROME, a valentine to classic Italian film score music that also featured Jack White. Jones will tour extensively in 2012, performing at a mixture of festivals, amphitheatres and theatres in North America and abroad. Select summer European dates, including a pair of sold out London shows at the Royal Festival Hall, are already posted at www.norahjones.com, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. North American tour dates will be revealed shortly, but in the immediate future Jones will be performing at SXSW in Austin, Texas. She will debut songs from Little Broken Hearts with her new band at La Zona Rosa. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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LIFE
L OV E I N F O R M AT I O N
ARE YOU READY TO GET MARRIED? CONSIDER THESE 5 FACTORS & DISCOVER WHETHER YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ARE READY TO TIE THE KNOT JESSICA PADYKULA
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eciding whether or not to get married is a big decision and not something to be taken lightly. If you want your union to last, you have to be prepared before agreeing to walk down the aisle. Whether or not you and your partner are ready for marriage comes down to a few simple but significant factors. We asked Christina Steinorth, a licensed psychotherapist and author of Cue Cards for Life: Thoughtful Tips for Better Relationships (Hunter House, 2012), for insight on how to tell when you’re ready to get married.
L OV E I N F O R M AT I O N
You’ve dated for a year and have been engaged for at least six months Time counts if you want your marriage to work. “I always recommend that couples know each other for at least a year and have a long engagement. The reason for this is because most people, when they enter into a relationship, are typically on their best behaviour for the first year,” Steinorth explains. She adds that after that time, the real person starts to make an appearance. “Once this happens, you truly learn what your partner is like and whether or not you have a viable future together,” she says. “Eighteen months is usually enough to see people at their best and their worst. So if you’ve made it this far, your marriage will stand a good chance of surviving the test of time.” You trust each other Trust is a huge factor in both relationship and marriage success. In other words, if you don’t trust the person you’re with, you’re not ready to get married. “If you’re checking your partner’s phone, email, Facebook messages and any other things to see what he has been up to, you are definitely not ready for marriage,” Steinorth says. She describes marriage as a partnership and explains that the happiest couples function as a team, rather than work against each other. “Teammates trust each other to look out for what’s best for the team, so if you don’t trust your partner, you won’t make a good team and your marriage probably won’t survive.” You’ve discussed your future in detail It’s absolutely imperative you discuss your future as a couple in as much detail as possible in order to successfully move forward. “If you’re able to do this effectively, you’re ready for marriage,” Steinorth says. “I always tell couples I work with who come to me for premarital counselling that if all couples put as much effort into discussing and planning their futures as they do their weddings, divorce rates would be at an all-time low.” Here are some of her must-discuss items. • Children: Discuss whether you both want children, how many you would ideally like to have, when you want to start a family and what happens if, for some
reason, as a couple you are unable to have children. • Housing: Discuss where you will live, whether you will buy or rent, how bills will be divided and what chores each of you will handle. • Pets: Discuss whether you want pets and, if so, how many you want, whether they will be indoor or outdoor pets, who will take care of them and who will cover vet bills. • Families of origin: Discuss whether you will you live near your families, how often you will you visit each other’s family and how you will divide holidays between families. You argue well No couple is immune to disagreements, but there are right and wrong ways to go about arguing. “If you’re able to have a disagreement with your partner that doesn’t end in a temper tantrum or a character assassination, and if you’re able to respectfully agree to disagree when you can’t meet your partner in the middle, then you’re ready for marriage,” Steinorth says. “Staying mutually respectful during disagreements is a sign of maturity, and if you possess the ability to argue well, your marriage will most likely last a lifetime.” You’ve actually met and spent time with each other’s family When you marry someone, you also enter into a relationship with that person’s family, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. “Regardless of how in love a couple is, I can’t stress enough how important it is to meet one another’s family before you get married,” Steinorth says. “Even if there is only minor tension between either one of you and your in-laws, I urge you to come to terms with how you will handle the difficulty as a couple prior to getting married,” she advises. Marriage is so much more than a dress, a party and a cake: That’s merely a wedding. Marriage is a partnership and, ideally, you and your significant other will know each other well enough and have similar enough goals to make your marriage work for the long haul. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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TRAVEL
LET’S CRUISE
LET’S CRUISE
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very year in February I take some time to have a vacation with my mom. This year her wish was to go on a cruise so, for the first time, I embarked on a cruise ship. The cruise took me from Miami to the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Turks & Caicos Islands and I found that a cruise is a unique vacation experience.
I boarded the Carnival Liberty and, I have to say, the sheer size of the ship was quite overwhelming with 11 decks full of rooms, restaurants, casino, theater, art gallery, shops, pools, spa, gym and basketball courts. Thankfully, the top deck also had a jogging trail so I got a 3 mile run in at 6 am every morning, fighting against the wind and seeing the sun rise across the seemingly endless ocean.
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HEIKE WOLLENWEBER
LET’S CRUISE
Passengers lined the railings as we left Miami and saw South Beach and the last piece of land disappear. A cruise ship can hold a lot of people and there were crowds everywhere and, mixed with the music, the scenario resembled a mad house rather than the promise of a relaxing experience. I needed a drink! Word to the wise: alcoholic beverages are not included and at around $8 US a pop can put quite a hurting on your credit card, quite quickly. Aside from the occasional glass of wine with dinner, this was my first and last drink aboard. Nassau, Bahamas was the first stop. We arrived at 7 am on a Sunday morning and, as expected, there was no sun or soaring temperatures in Nassau in February. After a trip to Starbucks, laptop in tow, I got to meet friends for a drive around Nassau and lunch. Having lived in Nassau for about 2 years this was no tourist experience for me at all but I was happy to see my friends and have some cracked conch at the Fish Fry. That’s all we had time for as we had to depart at 2 pm. The time constraints are one of the downsides of cruising and this type of vacation does not facilitate anyone getting to know any destination intimately. The following day was what they call a “fun day at sea,” meaning you spend the whole day on the ship. There was still a lot to explore and because it was a bit breezy the shops were first on the agenda after a sumptuous breakfast. On that note let me tell you that I have no complaints about the food overall and I am quite picky and demanding in terms of food quality and preparation. Many options were on offer from pizza to a deli, a sushi bar to fine dining restaurants, where I decided to have my dinners. Shopping though is something they take serious on cruise ships and they do try to sell you everything imaginable, from bathrobes to books with instructions on how to craft towel animals (only $80). The shops are the expected mixture of jewelry, watches, souvenirs and straw hats and I picked up a much needed pashmina, as the February winds turned out to be much cooler than expected. In the afternoon I tried out one of the Jacuzzis and spent some time reading before a beautiful dinner. St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands was stop number two. As we had a good amount of time I decided to take a taxi, to Magen’s Bay, which is often referred to as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Albeit a bit crowded (3 cruise ships were in the harbor) the beach was quite stunning and I think I could place it within my personal top 10. It was my first visit to St. Thomas and the landscape reminded me very much of Jamaica with its mountainous terrain and lush tropical vegetation. It was a picture perfect day to relax under swaying palm trees overlooking the turquoise waters. The drive back using the small winding roads up and down the mountains offered a rather breathtaking view of the harbor and the bay. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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TRAVEL
LET’S CRUISE
The third harbor was San Juan in Puerto Rico. What a charming place! I sincerely hope to return to Puerto Rico soon and get to know the island better. San Juan was a bit rainy at 8 am but the brightly colored houses with balconies full of flowers that mark the scenery in Old San Juan brought a sunny spirit to the place regardless. My first stop in San Juan was the National Gallery. Built in the 16th century the gallery houses paintings by Puerto Rican masters such as Jose Campeche and Francisco Oller as well as religious sculptures and more recent art by the likes of Rafael Tufino, Myrna Baez and Osiris Delsade Mercado. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone visiting San Juan. The gallery was preparing for a special installation as well while I was there, which included hundreds of pink kites, adding a special flair and beauty as the sun shone through the kites in the open courtyard once the light rain had stopped. With a view of the old forts I headed downhill through blue cobblestone streets, stopping in one of the numerous Churches to say a prayer and stepping into many of the small boutiques and souvenir shops lining the streets. A book fair, art fair as well as a small craft market where local artisans sold wares (not harassing tourists, I should add!) such as handmade handbags, jewelry, belts and hats. All of that walking and shopping worked up a bit of an appetite and who could visit Puerto Rico without eating the local specialty: Mofongo! I could not and so I sat down in the restaurant Raices to have some Mofongo with Pollo Creole (mashed green plantain with Creole chicken), which was absolutely delicious! Time flies while on a cruise as you pack quite a lot of activities into a relatively short period of time. The last stop was the beautiful island of Grand Turk in Turks & Caicos. Again, the view at arrival was already amazing from the top deck of the cruise ship. Grand Turk is small and the ship docks right at the beach. With a few steps one stands in the sand gazing at a perfect blend of blue, green and turquoise. Beach chairs were provided and without any stress, transportation issues, time worries or overcrowding we could enjoy the beach. Sunscreen? Check! Bikini? Check! Book? Check! Ready! The sun was shining and the water was finally warm enough to take a dip into the ocean. It felt so good! I love swimming in the sea but with work I rarely have time to go to the beach even though I have been living in Jamaica for 12 years and now spend most of my time in Miami. Grand Turk is a fairly small island with 6,000 inhabitants and much of the resorts and excitement happens on the neighboring island of Providenciales. Grand Turk was quiet, serene, beautiful and relaxing though and the Margaritaville right at the beach provided entertainment for those in need of music, alcohol and madness. The Margaritaville in Turks is
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the best of the chains’ properties I have seen to date. It looks perfectly new and boasts a huge and far stretching pool area that is enviable to say the least. The manicured environment of Margaritaville matches the shopping area by the harbor which was inviting, welcoming and perfectly clean. Small buildings house various souvenir stores and boutiques selling everything from the regular trinkets and postcards to locally made kaftans, sandals and head wraps (a tip to all the ladies: if you do the same cruise, make sure you have some shopping money left for Grand Turk!). Before I forget! My weekly radio show All Axe-s (the best and latest in Reggae and Dancehall) airs on Radio Turks & Caicos, every Tuesday and Saturday, and I was delighted to link up with Damian Wilson and Chris Jarrett of RTC for a drink and chat at Margaritaville. I also got to meet some locals who enjoy my program every week. Meeting some of the listeners was a special experience! Big shout out to the RTC crew and the All Axe-s listeners! Well, we had another day on board the cruise ship and this time the sun was shining and I spent a beautiful day by the pool (I chose the quiet pool by the serenity deck) after a quick stop at the shop for a sun hat (on the last day!). The next day a week was over and Miami welcomed us back ashore in the morning with a lot of new experiences, impressions and quite a few new stories to tell. I enjoyed my cruise overall by finding the quite spots on the ship and picking the best activities for me. The good thing I think is that a cruise ship offers something for everyone and each destination has many unique possibilities. Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Turks & Caicos, it was good to meet you and I shall see you again soon, arriving on a plane and with a little extra time in tow.
LET’S CRUISE
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ART IN FOCUS
LOVE ADVICE
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FASHION
M I S S I O N C AT WA L K
ON OUR RADAR!
TAKES ON THE CARIBBEAN FOR SEASON 2! AYEOLA GEORGE
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M I S S I O N C AT WA L K
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ission Catwalk reality series has expanded its reach and returns to television for a second season with contestants from several Caribbean countries.
Fifteen designers from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and home country Jamaica will compete for enviable prizes, among them the chance to show at London Fashion week. The show’s host and executive producer, Keneea Linton-George says, “Our aim at Mission Catwalk is to grow the fashion industry, not just in Jamaica, but the entire Caribbean. We want to show that a great quality production can come from the region and to that end, I must give credit to our production crew especially Mykal Cushnie who returns as director / editor.” The Kingston-based TV series, which was second in ratings (the evening news being first) in its debut season, is now one hour long. Fans can expect 30 additional minutes of excitement in each episode which comprises four segments: the challenge, the design production, the runway show and the elimination of the designer. Things get off to a dramatic start when the designers meet a swift and ferocious first round challenge in which 5 of them will be eliminated. The thirteen week series culminates with three designers at a live showdown in Kingston where the winner will be chosen. Last year’s winner Shenna Carby is still reaping benefits from her victory, which included the chance to show at Miami Fashion Week. In addition to the opportunity to show
in London, this year’s winner will receive JMD$500,000 courtesy of National Commercial Bank of Jamaica (NCB) to start their clothing line, industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of Singer Jamaica, a contract to sell their designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine and a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion. Returning to join Linton-George in the judges seat are Jamaica Observer lifestyle editor Novia McDonald-Whyte and menswear designer Carlton Brown. The trio will see guest judges including creator of Guyana Fashion week, Sonia Noel, Trinidad designers, Meiling Esau and Claudia Pegus as well as Jamaican entertainer Lady Saw. This year the show puts focus on HIV / AIDS awareness and Dr. Sharlene Jarrett will represent the Ministry of Health on a special episode. The contestants for Mission Catwalk Season 2 are Jamaicans Shellane McFarlane, Gregory Williams, Crystal Powell, Kimbally Smith, Janelle Jolly, Keshon Hawthorne, Natalie Rochester and Maria King-Beadle. Kesia Estwick and Kerin Scott are from Barbados. Ryan Chen and Shannon Kwong represent Trinidad while Jeanelle Forde represents both Trinidad and Barbados. Ryan Bentley (Guyana) and Rebecca Stirm (Belize), round off the non-Jamaican contenders. Mission Catwalk airs every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on Television Jamaica starting March 20th. Viewers in Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago please check local listings. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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SKIN CARE SECRETS
5 WINTER SKIN-CARE SECRETS TAKE YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE THROUGH THE COLD WINTER WITH THESE EXPERT BEAUTY TIPS. JESSICA PADYKULA
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SKIN CARE SECRETS
The days are cold, and we’ve just started to see snow. Unfortunately for some of us, we’ll be experiencing a completely different kind of flake - flaky, lack lustre skin that has replaced that dewy glow of summer! Kristen Ma, aesthetician and co-owner of Pure + Simple spa in Toronto, offers 10 insider tips for maintaining healthy, flake-free, supple skin all winter long. Get a facial Ma explains that getting a facial is a great way to clear out your skin and start a new season with a clean slate. As the climate changes, so does our skin, and an aesthetician can help ease the transition. Starting with healthier, cleaner skin allows your cold weather skincare routine to be more effective, Ma says. Drink water Remembering to stay hydrated in the summer is a no-brainer, but as it gets colder, getting your daily dose of water isn’t always a top priority but it should be, Ma says. “We all get more dehydrated in the winter, so it’s important to drink more water,” she explains. “This is a very simple, but beneficial tip for people wanting to maintain healthy skin.” Protect your face from the elements We wrap ourselves in heavy jackets and clothing during the winter, and it shouldn’t be any different with our skin, Ma says. She suggests using a heavier cream versus a lighter moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. “Skin gets more sensitive in the winter so think of a heavier cream as an extra layer of protection like a warm sweater,” she says. Avoid petroleum Don’t neglect your lips, which have a tendency to dry out in the winter. Keep balm with you and apply often as the temperature drops. Ma suggests avoiding products that contain petroleum as it can clog the pores in your lips, making it hard for the moisture to get where it needs to be. “You can’t properly moisturize skin that is congested,” she explains. Don’t put away the sunscreen Just because you’re shivering doesn’t mean the sun’s rays go on vacation. Sunscreen is still important, Ma says. Remember to put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you leave the house so your skin is protected. L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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MISS MARCH 2012
LEAJE GONZALES
Photographer: Jerome Dupont Neu Era Photography. L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 2
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DJs WE LOVE TO HEAR SPIN AND YOUR EARDRUMS WILL FALL IN LOVE TOO! OLIVA LEWIS
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
THE WAR LORDS - DON RANKIN SOUND! Hearing the title ‘War Lords’ might make you think of Don Rankin Sound as a group of individuals who live to fight physically, but that is very far from the case. Canada’s most prominent sound are gladiators in the sport of Sound Clash which, when placed in that context, puts them in the Champions arena with ease. Hailing from the tough streets of Scarborough (Canada), Don Rankin Sound rose to prominence by battling some of Canada’s most recognized Clash sounds such as Rootsman, Lexus Supreme, King Turbo and Studio Mixx. Being fearless warriors in the Clash arena, they slew opponents with fierce dubplates from Bounty Killer, Buju Banton and Beenie Man. Paying respect to elder sounds, Don Rankin looks up to Wee Pow and Rory from Stone Love, King Jammy’s, Digital B, Channel 1, King Tubby, Sly & Robbie, Ricky Trooper, David Rodigan, Winston Riley, Joe Gibbs, and Steelie & Cleevie. Connect with Canada’s War Lords here: www.facebook.com/DonRankinSound
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D I G I TA L D OW N L OA D S
DOWNLOAD
ON THE
KONSHENS 15 “Do Sum’n”
CHAM I-CIENT-CY 1 “Wine” 8 “Empress” SINGING MELODY BUDDZ 2 “Collide” 9 “ICOLLIE Feel So Good” FROGGY MADD SQUAD WAYNE WONDER 3 “Sanctuary” 10 “Anuh Lie” KAYLA BLISS CHRIS DEMANTIGUE 11 4 “Just “Rock n Sway” The Two of Us” AMMOYE 5 “Radio” KAYSHA LEE 6 “Prototype” RDX 7 “Hustle”
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JESSE ROYAL 16 “Butterflies” WHINEHOUSE 17 AMY “Our Day Will Come” COURTNEY JOHN 18 “It’s Gonna Be Alright” RUGS FT. 19 BUNNY MARCIAGRIFFITHS
“You Made Me So Very Happy”
LINDO P FT. MICHIE MEE 12 “Love” DA PROFESSOR FT. 20 BIG MAN ZEST PROTOJE 13 “Dem Ah Pree” “Skanking and
14 “Superstar”
KING ALI BABA FT. OCTAYNE
Rocking”
THE ALTERNATIVE BEAT ALLIE MASON
T H E A LT E R N AT I V E B E AT
RACES
TENNIS
ÓLAFUR ARNALDS
This slow, indie power ballad has the strength, harmony and minor chords of yesteryear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The song begins soft and sweet with mixed male and femal vocals, but about half-way through, after a haunting vocal number by female vocalist Breanna Woods, the song morphs into a drumheavy number, dependant on distortion pedals. Its abrupt ending only adds to the drama of this track.
From Tennis’ sophomore album, “Origins” stays true to the duo’s usual recipe: echoey, bright vocals, poetic lyrics, pop-laden harmonies and rhythms, and lo-fi effects. Husband and wife Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley’s sound transports you to a winding seaside coast with its splashy cymbals and bouncy, upbeat melodies, and general, all around grooviness. I hope you packed your Ray-Bans, because this song screams, or rather serenades, ocean-side relaxation.
Before you listen to Arnalds newest number, be sure you’re fully stocked with tissues; the delicate piano, beautiful string ensemble, and non-intrusive electronic drums weave a wordless story of pain, sadness and redemption. Entirely instrumental, the beauty of this song is beyond words. It’s the perfect combination of darkness and light and forces you to fill in the music’s story with your own details, making it that much more personal.
“LIES”
“ORIGINS”
“NEAR LIGHT”
BHI BHIMAN
“GUTTERSNIPE”
Soulful, aged vocals, tender acoustic guitar, and barely there bass lines mark this tenor’s territory. Seemingly hailing from an earlier era, Bhiman is an American classic for a new age. His crooning tenor voice has the melody, the beat and the power all wrapped into one, and though he can sound gentle and unassuming, at a moment’s notice he has the ability to explode like a vagabond, taking your ears by storm.
PLANTS AND ANIMALS “THE END OF THAT”
Hailing from Montreal and Halifax, this indie-folk band channels some of the best with their country-esque half-speak (think Bob Dylan, Bruce Springstein, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash). Simple lyrics and melodies, uncomplicated acoustic rhythm guitar, and playful lead electric guitar make this song a campfire classic. But while you’re waiting for the weather to warm up, you’ll have lots of time to learn the chords and maybe even recruit some L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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TOP 10 CHARTS
TOP 10 CHARTS
TANYA MULLINGS
RICO VIBES TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS FOR MARCH
“RESCUE ME”
Compiled by Rico Vibes
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JEMERE MORGAN
2
EXCO LEVI
3 4
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“FIRST KISS” “SEEMS LIKE FOREVER”
DA PROFESSOR FT. KEN BOOTHE “TOUCH YOU”
TANYA MULLINGS
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BUSY SIGNAL
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DELLY RANX
“BAD GYAL”
“COOK HENNESSEY”
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SINGING MELODY
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CHAM
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J BOOG
“RESCUE ME”
KONSHENS
“OVER YOU”
“COLLIDE”
SINGING MELODY “COLLIDE”
“WINE”
“LET IT BLAZE”
CHAM “WINE”
NEW RELEASES
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NEW RELEASES
REDESIGNED, HIGHER FIDELITY SOUND 2K12 Culture Mix
KALIBANDULU
Whine Edition - Volume 25
HI-FI SOUND Cool & Deadly
REFRESHED, RELOADED & RELAUNCHED
LARGER THAN LIFE RECORDS
BLOODPRESHAH
STRIKER WARGAD
FARAJI FT. DWISDOM
Life After Lifetime Riddim - Various Artists
G.S.U.M.
Rock Steady Fever
Sensimilla Love (Wonderful Feeling)
RICHIE LOOP
CONNECT WITH L3
Happy Day
VARIOUS ARTISTS Red Paint Riddim
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ON BLAST
MUSIC ON BLAST
INTRODUCING MICA PARRIS!
M
ica Parris’ singing ability was first discovered at the age of 3 which set her on her journey on a musical road.
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Always performing in church school choir concerts and musicals throughout elementary school and college, Mica’s mother enrolled her in piano and vocal lessons to enhance her understanding and relationship with music, and to further cultivate her unique vocal talent. Mica Parris has had the privilege of performing back-up vocals on the same stage as Brian McKnight, SWV, Boyz II Men, Bell Biv Devoe, Michel’le, Jon B, & Al B Sure, in the Ladies Night Out Concert series. She has added the finishing touches to many songs for producers and song writers that were in search of the perfect, versatile vocalist. She has worked with several talented producers, including, Rhythm Section Entertainment, Tony Ozier, and a 4-time, Dove-Award winning producer to remake Rihanna’s Disturbia. This remake was distributed to Bally’s Total Fitness as workout track, and was on the top 40’s for its genre on iTunes. A few musical inspirations for Mica Parris are Tiffany Evans, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child, Rihanna, Keri Hilson, and India Arie. Mica Parris has performed live at concerts, weddings, singing competitions, night clubs, and as a member of an a capella sextet vocal group. Now, a new affiliate and singer/songwriter of SESAC, Mica Parris is focusing on her own projects. On the first day of summer, June 30th, 2011, Mica Parris, released a new summer single entitled “Single 4 the Summer.” Produced by G. Keys, Mica Parris’ “Single 4 the Summer has over 31k “likes” which can be streamed, and downloaded through her music website www.reverbnation.com/micaparris. Mica Parris is definitely on our watch list as one of the next artists to enjoy international success!
ON BLAST
DAMIAN MARLEY AFFAIRS OF THE HEART
As we inch ever closer to the release of Damian Marley’s new album, the artist releases a second teaser called “Affairs of the Heart.” Giving us a view of his inner most thoughts, Damian tells us that even when the tour bus stops, and the lights go off, his Lady love is right beside him, the ultimate gift, and one every man desires. He even goes so far as to say ‘your love is life changing, you even catch me when I fall.’ Not afraid to take fans on a journey, Damian offers a new sound that strays from the traditional Reggae pulse and moves more towards Adult Contemporary. Every wish from the heart is to get it right and Damian does that with this single! L3’s rating is 3.5 stars out of 5 CONTRIBUTED
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ON BLAST
BUGLE FT. ORIEL YOUNG DAMON MY SHOW!
MY LOVE
Lamar Clan Productions teams upcoming artist Oriel with seasoned veteran Bugle for a new release entitled “My Love.” Oriel uses the track for a rough gritty approach at an expression of Love as he sings ‘my love I want to give her.’ Bugle’s calm reassuring vocals follow as he sets his status in life honestly; not having money and expensive things should not stop his Lady love from appreciating his genuine heart. Music production on this track is good, falling into the category of Island Pop. The simplistic approach offers a clear path for vocals to receive spotlight. Oriel gives the rough, and Bugle gives the smooth which is a reflection of how love in a relationship can be. Considering that this is our introduction to Oriel, we would say he squeaks by to make us want to hear more. L3’s rating 2.7 stars out of 5
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Early influences came from unlikely sources for an artist his age: Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Tevin Campbell, and Brian McKnight to name a few. His sharp writing ability has been recognized and earned him a collaboration with famed rapper Gucci Mane on the track “My Show.” Crunk gets the Yung Damon treatment as he tells his audience what happens to the ladies when they attend his show, and let’s just say ‘they be getting loose!’ Gucci Mane’s vocals add to the song making it one of those joints that will have the entire club bouncing! We like this song, and we know you will too! L3’s rating is 4 stars out of 5! Connect with the Yung one here: http://www.reverbnation.com/yungdamon
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The perfect prototype of a go-getter is Yung Damon! Successfully emerging amongst a generation of trap rappers, blank music, and blah music with crafty lyrical talent like no other puts this artist in a class all his own.
CONTRIBUTED
ON BLAST
FREEDOM SHINES RIDDIM MACHACO
TOMORROW WILL GROW
Truckback Records has released a brand new version of one of Dancehall Reggae’s best loved rub-a-dub riddims, Freedom Blues, to mark the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence in 2012. Starting with the bubbling, seductive melodies and bass line originally made a staple of Jamaican Dancehalls by Pinchers, Admiral Tibet and Brigadier Jerry, Truckback producers Adrian and Steve Locke injected the Dancehall classic with up-to-the-time vibes for Jamaica’s biggest stars. Now, for the first time, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Busy Signal, Warrior King and Turbulence contributed contemporary narratives and are excited to team up with Truckback on this brand new commemorative release, called Freedom Shines. This riddim connects longtime Dancehall fans and the newest generation Dancehall lover. Truckback’s Steve Locke says “the Freedom Shines riddim is one way for Jamaica’s older and younger generations to come together through the music. Going into the project, we wanted to use the power of music to unite Jamaica. Freedom Shines brings together the old and the new - everything old is new again!” Adrian Locke adds, “Tarrus, Gyptian, Busy, Warrior and Turbulence loved the idea of reintroducing a classic with a special spin on it.” Indeed, freedom certainly shines on Truckback’s first release of 2012. CONTRIBUTED
It’s hard to believe, but this March makes it one year since the devastating earthquake hit Japan, Sanriku in the Pacific Ocean to be exact. Camera crews have since left, and the media has moved on, but the people of Japan are still building. The damage caused by this huge tsunami which is said to take place once every thousand years which was so enormous, it took the lives of many and destroyed historical ports and villages in a flash. Machaco was born and raised in the Tsunami affected area of Japan, and decided to put her vocals forward as a means of rebuilding her much loved land. Her charity song “Tomorrow Will Glow” was coproduced by Mitchum “Khan” Chin, and lyrics were supplied by Ayako ‘Iyah’ Knight. The song was recorded at Melody Life Studio Japan and Sam1 Studio Kingston, demonstrating the great bond and support between the two countries. Offering hope to her community so greatly affected, Machaco’s voice acts as the sun rising, and the promise that tomorrow will indeed glow. Purchase “Tomorrow Will Glow” here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tomorrow-willglow-single/id489560064 CONTRIBUTED L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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HOT WATER RIDDIM REVIEW CONTRIBUTED
Madd Spider Productions has made it a habit of producing HOTTT new hit riddims, and their latest, the Hot Water Riddim, confirms the mantle on which they’ve been placed! Working with their successful formula of taking music back to an authentic Dancehall beat, The Dancehall Trinity also known as Madd Spider Productions gives fans 48 minutes of quality production to enhance their iPod, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry and radio time! Sixteen artists bless the riddim who collectively take fans on a journey that includes the anatomy of a hot girl, the foolish ways of foolish men, what it is to be a World General and everything else in between. One of the stand-out songs on the riddim comes from Froggy Madd Squad who DJ’s about the ever popular of virus called ‘fake friends.’ Clearly drawing the line in the sand, Mr. Madd Squad calls out the envious ones whose aim is to take what their friends have while smiling as if everything is ok. Using an analogy to sports, the artist makes it clear that those kinds of people could never be a ‘team mate!’ Moving on, he encourages listeners to identify the ‘bad minds’ in their midst, and move far from them! Additional artists on the riddim include Wayne Wonder, Macka Diamond, Kiprich, ZJ Liquid and more. This is definitely a must add to your listening device! Tweet with Madd Spider @FROGGYMADDSQUAD @Taranchyla @DellyRanx
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ON BLAST
KUSH MORNING RIDDIM REVIEW CONTRIBUTED The Archangel Gabriel was said to have sounded the trumpet before delivering good news. According to the Bible, this Angel was special as he was a direct bearer of news from God. The Kush Morning riddim, produced by Twelve 9 Records and Dynasty Productions takes a similar approach at the beginning of their HOTTT new riddim! Using a synthesized trumpet, the good news held within the Kush Morning comes to life with every artist featured! The first release, “I Feel So Good” from Collie Buddz makes way for additional heavy hitters Capleton with the chune “Fire Fire,” DWAY “Can We,” Ikaya “Brand New,” IOctane “Run Mi Out,” Jah Sun ft. Peetah Morgan “Heart Like a Lion,” Kranium “Gotta Believe” and Jah Vinci “Real Woman.” One of the most requested and favoured chunes on the riddim (we’re not being biased) is Serani’s “Dear Lord.” Singing from his heart, Serani sings “Dear Lord, I love when you make the rain fall / I love when you make the sun shine / Dear Lord / I love when the flowers dem bloom / I love every single day the sun rise / Dear Lord / I love the living things you’ve created / your greatness is well appreciated….” Boom! Pow! Serani speaks for millions of people around the world who are thankful for everyday. Thanks to Twelve 9 Records and Dynasty Productions we have this authentic Reggae riddim to play! You can buy your copy here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kushmorning/id499341564 L3MAGAZINE.COM | MARCH 2012
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Some of the strongest feedback and support to the content in L3 Magazine has come from our French readers! It is with great pleasure that we introduce Mimi to the folds who will be providing us with music reviews in the French language and based on what is popular in France!
DUB INC’s NO DOUBT RIDDIM MIMI MAMICHULA
Dub Inc, illustre parfaitement le rayonnement du reggae hexagonal. Ce band, originaire de Saint Étienne, occupe la scène hexagonale depuis une quinzaine d’années, et a su se faire connaître au-delà de nos frontières ou ils jouissent d’une notoriété solide : en Espagne, au Portugal, en Belgique et en Suisse. Après la sortie de leur dernier album Hors contrôle en 2010, Dub Inc produit fin 2011 le No Doubt Riddim. Les artistes invités pour l’occasion nous viennent de Jamaïque, du Sénégal et de l’Allemagne, entre autres. Entrons dans le vif de ce riddim new-roots : sur le premier titre No Doubt Dub Inc est en combinaison avec Tarrus Riley, rien que pour vous mettre en appétit. Busy Signal offre le morceau Worldwide Love, Capleton aka King Shango se pose avec A So We Stay. En prime, Pressure donne de la voix sur Put Down Your Gun, le talentueux Tony Curtis avec No War. Mais nous apprécierons aussi la présence de l’artiste sénégalais Meta Dia avec Day Light, son compatriote Makkan J et son titre Neguur, ainsi que No Control interprété par les deux artistes allemands Uwe Banton et Jahcoustix. Achetez l’album ici: http://www.amazon.com/No-doubt-Riddim/dp/B005QVBF66
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ON BLAST
THE STORY OF LOVER’S ROCK MIMI MAMICHULA
La Jamaïque gagne son indépendance en 1962, dans la douleur et les larmes. Le Royaume-Uni devient alors une terre d’exil pour toute une population. Parfois ce qui rime avec émigration s’associe à confrontation. Cette jeunesse Jamaïquaine se heurte à la rencontre violente d’une jeunesse anglaise Skinheads. C’est donc dans un contexte de violence et d’émeutes que le genre musical Lovers Rock connaîtra ses lettres de noblesses dans l’Angleterre des années 70. Le réalisateur de renom Menelik Shabazz, nous fait voyager dans le temps en nous immergeant au coeur d’un courant musical impulsé par une influence reggae et par un mélange de consonance soul et pop. Le Lovers Rock représente alors pour cette jeunesse Britannique aux origines afro-caribéennes, une soupape de décompression. Laissant une place à l’amour, la rêverie et l’espoir. Pour nous guider sur les empreintes d’une musique qui marqua toute une génération, le réalisateur teinte son film d’interviews, de sketches, de soirées, d’archives et de concerts. The Story of Lover’s Rock, est sans aucun doute le documentaire de référence pour tous les amoureux et les amateurs du genre. Pour l’heure, aucune date de sortie n’est prévue dans l’hexagone.
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KT KREESHA TURNER THE BELLE OF THE BALL NATASHA VON CASTLE
K
reesha Turner is the Belle of the Ball, and the Ball is the World! Doing what few women of Caribbean heritage living in Canada has done, Kreesha has united fans of all walks through her original sound in music. She’s beautiful, she’s focused, she’s determined and she’s fierce.
When Kreesha first started her career in Canada, there wasn’t YouTube or Twitter. There was a girl with a Mic and a microphone stand who was not afraid to unleash the sexy, edgy, addictive voice from her vocal chords. The response?! Canada and the world loved her hence becoming the Belle of the Ball we call the World! Here’s our amazing experience with Kreesha Turner captured in words!
L3: Coming from Edmonton, Alberta and forging a name in the Canadian music landscape is not easy in our estimation. Not only have you created a name, you have achieved success. When you began, did you think of this journey as ‘hard,’ or did you see it as you pursuing your passion? KT: I guess you could say I thought both. I definitely knew it was going to be a hard journey. I knew I had a challenge ahead, but I decided to do it any ways. What drives me, and what drives other people is our passion; because of that we can’t give up because it is within us. Everything that we experience we go through because of that passion which makes it worth it!
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Your resilience ensured you didn’t give up on your goals, and bright spots such as winning The Bounce 97.1 FM’s talent contest gave you encouragement to keep going. From where you sit right now, what keeps you motivated in this game? My motivation is expressing my Love for the music. I’m blessed to do what I love for a living. I can honestly say that nothing feels like work to me. Sometimes I’m giving 16 and 20 hour days but I’m having fun so it’s work but not really work. Every time I feel defeated or exhausted, I remind myself that I’m one of those people who can say “I do what I Love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
MY MOTIVATION IS EXPRESSING MY LOVE FOR THE MUSIC. I’M BLESSED TO DO WHAT I LOVE FOR A LIVING...NOTHING FEELS LIKE WORK TO ME.
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Tropic Electric is an amazing album in that you pay respect to your Jamaican heritage while giving fans your edgy sound. You were very hands on with this project. Walk us through the albums journey from beginning to release! Well the first part was coming up with the concept, and the concept is the title of the album which is Tropic Electric. We, Chris Smith my Manager and I came up with the title because we wanted to create this fusion of sound. I am Canadian and I’m part Jamaican so he understood exactly what I wanted to do with the fusion. With this title, I didn’t have to go to different producers and different song writers and explain to them what I wanted to do because the title of the album says it all! The Dancehall and Reggae has crossed through and you can hear it prominently which is unique and different and appreciated. Sometimes it’s hard to explain it to people, but when you hear it, you move to it! We did have a time where we wavered because I wasn’t getting quite what I wanted, but then once we figured out the best way to explain it, everything came together nicely! We came across The Wizard who after sitting down with her and vibing with her it was clear she understood exactly what I wanted; we found a partnership in that we work well together and that also we created the sound I was looking for. From that I stayed in Jamaica for a good six to eight months and worked on the entire Tropic and Electric side of the album. She was the base of how the album grew. That’s how we came to Tropic Electric!
With your experience what it is, do you feel ‘pressure’ to produce hits for your record label? I can’t really say I felt ‘pressured,’ but I can say that the thought of a hit is always at the back of my mind, perhaps it’s the same way for all artists. You know that you want to have a couple of songs that will resonate with the masses and that definitely is what a hit is, as opposed to having a few people hear the chune and fall in Love with it. Coming up with a hit is not a deliberate thing, but that’s what happened. Being here in Jamaica, it’s about the vibe and the energy of the moment, of the recording, of the song. When I’m in Los Angeles or New York recording, it’s all about a formula: we paid ‘X’ amount of dollars for the studio, therefore we have to write a song, therefore that song has to be the HIT song, etc. In Jamaica, it’s about the vibe and the energy, and everything has to feel right and feel good and that is what resonates with the people, and that’s what generates a hit. I guess both ways work, but this way definitely worked for me! With this album, we didn’t force it. There was one day that we showed up at the studio, and nothing was coming to us, so I looked at The Wizard and said ‘you want to go out and get something to eat?!’ She said yes, we went out, and when we came back, everything just flowed. It’s really about the vibe and the energy and the feeling that goes into the song, the music, the album. When music feels good and feels right, you will end up with a hit. How did your introduction to The Wizards production come about?! It was through management! Reggae singer and producer Courtney John who is also managed by Chris Smith discovered The Wizard. I’ve met some really great producers, but The Wizard really is ‘that’ person and she and I just clicked. Within a week of meeting each other, we had the first release from my album completed which is “Rock Paper Scissors” because we just connected and had that vibe. That was a direct result of our collaboration. After that song was done, I went back to Canada, was there for two weeks, then decided to go back to Jamaica where I stayed for six months working on the album. The Lottery Corporation in Canada just launched a game called Rock Paper Scissors. Is that a coincidence? Yes it is a coincidence! As a fan of your album, one of our favourite songs is “I Feel My Darling.” The song is simple, but effective, especially the lyrics “tucked in your arms, hip to hip, palm to palm!” We don’t need to ask about the inspiration of that song, instead why your choice of words ‘palm to palm?!’ The Wizard put on this beat, and I fell head over heels in love with it. You’re right, it is so simple, but I really fell in Love with the chorus.
I did want to keep it simple. It (the song) is about feeling. My Husband (I recently got married) was able to come to Jamaica with me and the palm to palm line comes from us holding hands, it’s palm to palm. It also comes from the energy a couple feels when they hold hands. Also, when I write I see images so when writing this song, this is what I saw. To parallel the journey of your album, we could say you’ve been on your own personal journey as in you’ve been spending a lot more time in your native Jamaica, and you’ve returned to wearing your hair natural as opposed to straight. Are you re-discovering you?! I’m re-discovering yes, and no. In my teenage years, I went to school here on the island and I wore my hair natural. When I went back to Canada and I started to pursue music, I worked the underground Hip Hop scene before I got signed and before I found management. At that time, when I performed, everything was a mixture of R&B and Reggae and I wore my hair natural. I used to have half my hair braided and the other half out in an Afro exactly the way you see it now. That was ten to twelve years ago. I can say that me now is coming full circle. With this album, I got to discover me in the sense that I did the writing and was hands on with the production which is where I learned or discovered a little more about myself when I wore those hats. Now with the way that I dress, and how I wear my hair, I’m back to the way I was before, not that I ever lost myself, I just took a little detour and am now coming back to me! Awards! Do you view awards such as the Juno’s and the MMVA’s as a medium for fans to tell you what they think of your music, or do you view awards as ‘industry opinion?!’ It depends on the award! A lot of awards are industry opinion, but there are some where fans can text in their votes which really tells me their opinion of me as opposed to some awards that are industry opinion. I appreciate both because both are important to me!
You’re a music star, and you’ve been featured in a national commercial for Kit Kat. Will we be seeing you in movies or on television shows, as a feature in other artists music videos soon?! Most definitely! Before coming to Jamaica, I was out in LA, and I did some auditions and taking acting classes. Acting is a part of what I do every day when I’m on stage. There are some songs I have written but I didn’t experience what the song says, so I have to make my audience believe that I did which in a way is acting. On the other side, I may have written that song, but I’m not in the mood that the song suggests I’m in, so I have to act, and be that part for that time. Acting is a natural progression of who I am in the arts. How often do you travel home to Edmonton? I go back and forth all the time. It’s still my primary home base, but because I travel so much for work, I don’t get to see it for long periods of time, but I always visit and spend time there when I can. One of the countries you visited in the last two years was China as a part of the Canadian delegation to the Shanghai Expo. What was most memorable about that trip? The most memorable was meeting the then Governor General Michael Jean. She was in the audience for one of my performances for the Chinese diplomats, and after my performance, she requested meeting me so that was an honor, and one of the most memorable parts of my trip. You perform with a live band which enhances your artistry. Do you play any instruments? If you do, which ones?! Yes, I play the piano. I don’t do it on stage, so I won’t do an Elton John anytime soon, but it’s what I use in song writing. I read music, create harmonies and use the piano as a song writing tool I would say. What general advice can you give readers and fans on Life, Love, Lyrics?! As far as Life goes, you only live once, so create the Life you want to live. I look forward to my Life every single morning when I wake up and we can all feel that way if we do what we Love to do. Love for me means doing what you Love. Even if you can’t do it as a full time job yet, you still have to incorporate what you Love somehow in your Life. Whether it’s a hobby you do once a week, you will improve the quality of your life ten fold because you’re working towards what you Love. Also, surround yourself with people that you love. As for Lyrics, well, that’s my expression, my written emotions. Not everyone can write songs, some people write poetry, some people are journalists, make journal entries etc. For me, I’m a believer in writing down your days and Life, but creating a record of your Life is your eternal and lasting Lyric! Fans can connect with Kreesha at www.kreeshaturner.com or buy the album at http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/tropic-electric/id474995610
JM JEMERE MORGAN
THE CARIBBEAN’S JUSTIN BEIBER NATASHA VON CASTLE
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If Jemere Morgan represents the future of music, in particular Reggae music, the world is in really good hands! Son to Reggae superstar Gramps Morgan, Grandson to Denroy Morgan, nephew to Morgan Heritage and cousin to Laza Morgan, you clearly see that music is exactly where Jemere is destined to be.
Watching him move on stage, it is clear to see that Jemere feels the music. He doesn’t ‘hear’ it, he feels it and for that reason, the industry is in good hands if we define him as being the next generation! Is the young starlet fazed by all the fame and attention? No! Is he living a double life where he’s a well balanced high-schooler by day and a superstar musician / artist by night?! Yes!
L3: You have a very famous Dad who is in the music industry as you are! Is he the reason why you decided to become an entertainer? JM: No actually! Being around music since I was younger, I’ve always been around the influence. The influence of my uncles and aunts and cousins allowed me to fall right into it. There wasn’t a reason or an influence. I’ve had a love and a passion for music since I was born. Most teens are worried about getting assignments done, grades on their tests, high school dances. You are worried about those things too, as well as sound check, producers you’re working with, responding to fan mail etc! How do you and your friends react to you being a recording star? It’s hard! It’s really hard because I want to do the music more, but education is important. Sometimes my friends see that I just did a show on Sunday, flew home Monday morning, and I’m in school at my desk late Monday morning, they look at me like I’m an alien! They think I should stay home because I’m tired, but I can’t do that! I have to be in school because I have to finish this school thing! For me, I get militant about it because I have to finish school and I can’t use my music career as an excuse to not go. I have to deal with it. Your answer suggests that you are more than happy to deal with this ‘problem!’ I don’t complain about it. At one point I thought about going to an online school, but then when I thought about it more, I figure I won’t learn as much online, I have to go to school! Sometimes I do miss days, but as soon as I get home, I go in and make the work up – I’m not lazy when it comes to my education! I love it! Right now, you are the Caribbean version of Justin Beiber. Does that comparison bother you at all?! No it doesn’t bother me, and that’s exactly what I want. The youths don’t really have anyone to look up to in the teenage bracket, and that’s the role I want to fill. We need a positive person who is younger. From our view, you have older artists telling the youth to look up to them, but you don’t have a youth saying that message too. Instead right now you have the ‘shakin batty ting’ which is on one side, but we need this message on the other side too! What is ‘that’ message?! We can be young and have fun – good fun!
Your first hit single “First Kiss” lead to the second hit single “Sunshine Glow” which then lead to the third hit single “Paradise.” Are you sending fans a message about the joys of being in love?! Of course! Being young we like to grow up fast, but older folks tell us to enjoy being young because when we get old we’re going to wish we were young again. I want us teens to enjoy being teens and have fun with it – just enjoy it and not worry about getting older. I want us to enjoy now! How does it feel to know that your music is being played in Canada, the US, across the Caribbean, the UK, Japan, Russia, and Australia and that your fan base is growing so much and so fast? Actually it’s really weird! To know that my fans are singing my song and DJ’s are playing my music is just amazing and weird at the same time. To see where I started with the music and where I am now tells me that everyone likes what they hear. It’s a blessing and I’m thankful that I get to spread my music to other people. I’m happy I can do music. What I will start doing is go into other genres so I can expand my fan base that much more! One of the instruments that you play is the guitar. Who taught you to play? I picked it up myself! I posted a video online of me playing the guitar which was actually the first time I picked it up. I was playing a simple four chord structure for my song “Touch Ya.” My uncle heard me and was really impressed and told me to record myself and post it which is what I did. Your vocals are advanced and not like that of other teens who sometimes work with Autotune to enhance their voice. Your breathing, pitch, enunciation, delivery, tone; everything is so advanced for a sixteen year old. Do you practice much?! I take vocal classes with my vocal coach Ametria Dock. She’s everything to me and is really good. She also happens to be India Arie’s backup singer. I’ve improved a lot since I first started with her! Although you’re already a successful artist do you participate in music classes at school? Are there any other genres of music you enjoy performing? Yes I do. I’m taking chorus classes at school right now. It’s my first year taking it and it’s really different. I’m not used to doing that kind of singing in music, but it’s good. I’m learning a lot such as being able to hold long notes, and
learning how to breathe better – it’s good! There’s a lot that I’m learning. You’re a music star but you’re still a teenager so we have to ask: Xbox, Playstation, or Wii?! Of the three what is your favourite game(s) to play? Xbox and my games are Call of Duty and NBA 2K Live! You’re a little young, but what advice would you give your readers about Life, Love, and Lyrics. Live your Life! Life is too short to worry about this person being angry at you, or even holding a grudge – just live. As for Love, just Love one another. As the legend Bob Marley said, “One Love.” Lyrics are very important. When you talk, or when you sing, make sure it’s Lyrics that make sense! Look out for Jemere’s Mixtape Coming out March 1st called High School Drama. You can also connect with the artist at www.jemeremorgan .com / Twitter @iamjemere / Facebook: Jemere Morgan
NG NOEL GOURDIN MOVING SOULS MARCUS WELLER
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oul music; the music that connects and resonates deep within the listener – that’s the kind of music Noel Gourdin (God-Deen) makes.
Born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Noel spent summers with his family in Pachuta, Mississippi giving him a unique approach to music, especially the delivery of his lyrics which are right on the mark. By the age of 24, this talent signed a record deal with Sony and had his first album in stores. One of his biggest hits “The River,” definitively put him on the lips of Soul Music loving fans who have held on to Noel and his music like they hold on to their mobile phones.
MW: Your music can only be described as Soul Moving Music which makes us ask, do you see music as much as you feel music? NG: No when I’m making music it’s all about the feeling. If I don’t feel it then it can’t come to be. As for my fans, I would hope that they can feel my music a little bit more than you can see it! I make music with my heart and soul and I believe it’s all about feel. If an artist can’t make the people or the public feel their words, I have to question the point. Then again being able to see and visualize the record, then that’s cool too! I’d still rather have people feel it first though! “Beautiful” is a celebration of a woman’s beauty! Is there a female of which the song is written about? Well I can’t speak for Ryan Toby who wrote the record, but for me this record is for all the women of the world that have been disrespected, degraded, abused and called out of their name etc. This record is so relevant for the simple fact that Woman are the Mothers of this Earth and not to mention the most beautiful creatures walking it! We need to celebrate them as often as possible! You carry yourself with ‘Renaissance’ Swagger! Would you say you’re an old soul in a young person’s body? You know it’s funny that you’re asking me that! If I had a dollar for every time I heard ‘you have an old soul’ I’d not only be rich, I’d be filthy rich (he laughs)! I’m definitely an old soul! I grew up hanging with Pops all the time and he played nothing
but Soul music (Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor) so it’s in me! My Family is from Mississippi and I used to love going down every summer, sit on the porch with a half of a watermelon or glass of sweet tea and listen to all the older folks tell stories about growing up in the old south. I do have to say that I have a throwback swag! When fans see the music video for “The River,” they see you with a notebook singing a capella. Is that the writing process for you – to this day – with the pen and notebook?! My writing process is exact to that of me in “The River” video. I know most writers work off their Mac, more often than not these days. I still prefer the old school pen & pad while writing. Keeping with that song, lyrically, you speak of being dipped in the river and come up “shiny and new” which some will interpret as gospel. Is the song indeed ‘Gospel-Soul’ if you will? Is “The River” considered Gospel / Soul, I would have to say yes! It has a strong spiritual undertone with the mentioning of black folks gathering by the River after Sunday service, as well as being baptized in the River. Another reason why I’d have to consider it a Gospel / Soul record, is that my Pastor at Zion Progress Church in Huntsville had me sing it for the Church and it felt like it belonged! Your music and lyrics take up residence in the hearts of all who hear. What musicians take up residence in your heart? Well that’s a tremendous honor to hear that my music takes up residence in hearts of all who hear it! Artists that reside in my heart are Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, R. Kelly, D’Angelo, Anthony Hamilton to name a few! What general advice can you give readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Live Life to the best of your ability, don’t be afraid to experience new things! Love hard, don’t take it for granted and cherish it when and if you get a grasp on it! Hear the Lyrics of Life, Love and Music. Connect with Noel through his website: www.noelgourdin.com Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZMjAbhc2J4&ob=av2e
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ALICIA TOWNSEND THE ONLY YA YAH! MARCO
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Quite simply, Alicia “Ya-Yah” Townsend does what she does, the way she wants to do it—and if you need to box her into a general category to understand that, then you’ll miss her adaptability as an artist. Ya-Yah’s songs are written with heartfelt warmth, sung with an electric sophistication and executed with the charm of a cobra.
Alicia Townsend, also known as “Ya Yah,” admits to having a wide range of influences from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Hendrix to Kanye West and Amy Winehouse, which has provided her opportunities to open up for all kinds of artists including Too $hort, Kafani, Sly and the Family Stone and Erk the Jerk. She is the product of a strong musical upbringing and years of training in the performance arts. Townsend’s passion is strongly motivated as a songwriter and dancer. As a youth, Ya-Yah’s youth in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago was characterized by a heavy involvement in her family’s Baptist church, which conscripted her to sing in choir at an early age. In choir she began to develop her talent as a gifted vocal performer at the age of five years-old.
M: The energy of your music suggests you want the world to dance and let go of ‘problems’ and focus on good. That’s what happened when we listened to the album. Was that your plan? AT: It sure was! I intentionally make music that’s designed to help people forget about their troubles (just for a little bit) and dance. We live in a crazy world that’s only fair to a handful of people, so we all have personal issues we deal with. Some people make music to address these issues and that’s good too. I just know, personally, when I go out, it’s to have a good time and release the tension that’s been building up throughout the week. That’s why anyone goes out, I believe. I want to make music to reflect those intentions. You successfully make a collection of genres work on your album. We hear jazz / blues, Louisiana Blues with a hint of Zodakai, Disco and Soul to name a few genres. Did you intend to cover so many genres, or did this just ‘come out’ as production of the album flowed? I’m largely influenced by a plethora of genres, especially gospel, jazz and blues. Although it’s not much of a Reggae element in “Just Me,” I’m greatly influenced by it as well. I did intentionally fuse as many genres I could onto one album because I wanted the album to reflect the dynamics of my personality. I don’t consider myself someone who ‘stays in a box’ or sticks to one particular style. I allow myself to be influenced by the world. Not to be confused with just another recording artist who doesn’t know what their style is yet. My style is classic, yet interchangeable; recognizable, yet dynamic. One day, I may be motivated to dress like Josephine Baker then like Pam Grier the next day...and you guessed it: My music reflects that (Alicia smiles brightly)! One thing you’ll notice is it doesn’t matter how I’m feeling on a particular day, you’ll always get Alicia Ya Yah. On your album’s outro, you were not shy to thank the people who are instrumental to your success. The hook to the outro hears you sing “standing in Love.” Is that a summation of who you are; a person standing in Love? Yes it is. A friend a while back reminded me that it’s always the stronger decision to “stand in love.” Meaning, if we make decisions based on our love for others instead of love for ourselves, this world would be in a better position. But it starts with me and if I can’t stand in love, I probably would be doing things for all the wrong reasons, and that’s not how I roll! The world can’t progress as it should out of selfishness. In the words of Stephen Marley, “stand in love don’t fall in love.” Tell us how your background in the church helped prepare you for where you are today, and the fans for what they hear! My experience with church has shaped my music experience both conventionally and not-so-conventionally. I was raised in the church, so I grew up singing in the choirs. It’s where I learned to sing from the bottom of my soul. It’s where I learned to harmonize and arrange sound. But I’ve always been cut from a different cloth, so to speak, so it got to a point where I became curious about what other types of music I could explore outside the church. Of course some who may not understand have considered my decision to be “of the world” (whatever that means) but I believe it doesn’t matter where you utilize your gifts from God, as long as you are
doing it out love, your works are still pleasing in his sight. So my decision is alright with me. Your music video for the song “Automagic” shows off your sex appeal and your classy-ness simultaneously. How much input did you have in the direction of the video in terms of where it was shot, how it was shot etc (Automagic is the lead single from Alicia’s album ‘Ya Yah Just Me’). Some of it was my idea. I had a whole team who helped me develop the story line and find locations. I did feel the need to channel my inner Josephine Baker (Alicia is OBSESSED with her), which is why you see lots of legs, lace and classic sexuality. In 2 years time, what stages do you anticipate we’ll see you performing on?! Good question (Alicia laughs)! Well, this Spring my team and I are kicking it into high gear, so we are anticipating to be a part of many local street festivals this Summer in Chicago, the Bay Area and New York City. Next year, we will be at SXSW! Also, in the next two years, I plan on being signed by an Indie label... any takers?! What general advice can you give our readers on Life, on Love and on Lyrics?! (Alicia dictates which words she wants in caps) LIVE your life in LOVE and your LYRICS will always be real.. LOVE YAH!!! Purchase Alicia’s album here: www.amazon.com/Alicia-Ya-YahTownsend/dp/B0040EZLHY
BR BIG RED
BARBADOS OWN! TRICIA SPENCE
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itting across from me in his living room right before his departure to Trinidad Carnival 2012, Big Red had me in stitches; it took me about a full 10 minutes before I could even get into the interview with him.
Looking at him, one would never guess how animated he is; but get into a conversation with him and he will have you experiencing tsunamis of laughter. Generally, I tweet the song and artiste name when I’m playing their songs on the radio; one day after playing “Go Dung” by Lil Rick aka Ricky Minaj and commenting on how
they sampled the Duck Riddim and like to sample old Jamaican Dancehall, @bigredthedj showed up on my timeline. He kindly informed me that Barbadians knew and appreciated old school Jamaican music more than Jamaicans themselves. Well, I couldn’t really dispute that as the trends do show that you have only a select few deejays and audience who appreciate foundation and retro music here in Jamaica. That my dear folks is how the dialogue began. Fast forward a few months later and who rolls in town, Mr. Etienne Fraser aka Big Red The Dj, from Black Rock, Bimshire.
TS: How did you get the name Big Red, tell me a little bit about how you got in the field. BR: Well, I got the name from school really (he then paused) and blurted out, I guess it’s pretty much self explanatory. (The entire room swells with laughter. Even though he would be right, though I didn’t assume he was always Big and Red). The music thing though started with selecting, I started when I was 14 years old and the process grew from selecting to recording what I was doing. When things went digital, I started to used Cool Edit Pro, now I use Pro Tools and then I just started building beats (riddims) which then became a hobby. Eventually, the beat-making led to me recording on those beats. Who or what influenced you? I was always active in music. I was a choir boy, used to play steel pan and (he sees the look of shock on my face at his mention of him being a choir boy and once again everyone in the room starts chuckling); I was involved in the choir at school, not to say I was a big singer. The interest in music was always there. Then, I would always see deejays scratching and I found the art of scratching really cool and I thought to myself, hey I could do that; so it was taking up an interest, developing it and perfecting it. What was your first recording and how was it received? The first recording that I actually did was when I was 16 years old, but I don’t really count that as my 1st recording. I recorded that song (Terrorizing) myself in my bedroom; Dynamic Mic into the sound card straight. No knowledge of anything, no knowledge of sound diffusion or sound proofing, I just had a microphone and knew it could record and I was gonna record a song. That was 2002 by the way. You have grown since then obviously, what would you say was the first song for you that got rotation on the radio and that got you some recognition? Oh, it was the next year in 2003 when I was 17 years while I was still in school that I recorded Pooch Back Girls. I was a member of a group, Bashment Men. That song made the charts, peaking at number 14 on the charts back home during Crop Over at that period. I was really proud of that achievement because you have guys who would be doing this for years who never made the charts. So I would say that 2003 is when things started looking up and evolved into what it is now.
What is your biggest song to date? I don’t know how to answer that question, because in 2004, the group I was in came 2nd in the Road March and that is based on a song that is most played on the road on Carnival Day. Recently, though I have been traveling on a song I did, yet the song did not place in any competition back home as opposed to the previous one, and that song is Bend Over and Don’t Look Back. Who produced that song? The song was done at Platter Studio, which is my home base. Myself and King Bubba worked on the track. I had the vibe for the song and I went in the studio that night and did it. Where did you get the inspiration for the song, was it post-sex, watching Blue Movies, lusting at your friend’s girl …?! I lusted at Zj Sparks (we both laugh). No actually, you know what, I recorded that song January 2011 and that came about because I had gone to a club in Barbados called The Reggae Lounge and the deejay was hyping the girls to do 6:30 and I literally saw a girl bend right over as we now get accustomed to seeing. I was so amazed when I saw that in the party, I said to myself “NO, I HAVE TO DO A DO SONG ABOUT THAT, I LIKE THAT!” (Again the room was full of laughter) How long did it take you to write and record that song and get it out? The process was easy because the riddim was already built and four persons were already on it. I have been working on my career for so long, I guess all of that just culminated in the best result in 2011 with that song, “Bend Over and Don’t Look Back.” Besides being an artiste, you are also a selector and a student. To be perfectly honest, I don’t. I don’t balance all three, I am not proud to
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DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY AND DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU; TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT.
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admit it, but that is the reality of the situation. Between traveling, school and the creative process, a lot of my time is consumed. Fortunately, thank God for laptops and wireless technology, this allows me to do many things from anywhere. Really and truly, it is difficult. What are you studying? Media and Communication How long is that Program going to take you? I am scheduled to finish in May of this year (2012).
You know the look on your face says, ‘do I really have to leave Jamaica, let me just find something else to study right after so that I can stay longer!’ I wouldn’t say I want to study more, but I would never deny my special love for Jamaica! Is being a student while trying to be an artiste a challenge to getting your music out or has social media proven to be quite an ally? I am grateful for the power of social media, but as I said 2011 was a culmination a lot of work that my team and I had been putting in over the last 8 - 9 years. My team being, King Bubba, Foreigner Frank and the Platter Crew. Certain powers that we have been vested with of recent came from our dedication. At this moment, I would say nothing before it’s time. There are a number of Jamaicans who have done collaborations with Trini artistes this year for Carnival, such as Popcaan, Busy Signal, Lady Saw, Lady G, D’Angel and the list goes on. How much are the Bajan Artistes trying to reach out and are you trying to reach out to do some Jamaican music or voice on Jamaican riddims or work with Jamaican producers? Naturally, that is in the process, I will never say I don’t want to do it. I just find that, in the general mindset of the Bajan artiste, they are just comfortable doing what they are doing right now. That is precisely what we at Platter Studios were trying to change. We are working so hard at trying to change the game, that we are even now releasing music in February for Crop Over. I wouldn’t say that the artistes in Bimshire (another name for Barbados) wouldn’t want to work with Jamaicans, I would say that they are just comfortable doing what they have always done. As for me though, I’m different, I have been trying to get out there and making linkages, not to mention my special love for Jamaica. I know the music and pop culture that is here in Jamaica and I can see how two Caribbean entities could combine and make even more powerful music. You are a young guy right (he interrupts and says “yeh, 25”), some of the sounds that we are accustomed to hearing in Soca music are kind of fading and being replaced with Electro-pop sounds and even moving towards DubStep, how do you feel about that? There are some people who say it takes away from the essence and flavor of Soca music. I will admit that some of them go a bit too much on the other side, but then again music is an evolving process. No disrespect to anyone’s craft, but Jamaican music itself has even gone through a lot of evolution too, likewise in Soca. The fusion will have a greater impact than the traditional form and will allow us to cross into other markets. Rupee and Alison Hinds, two of your very big exports on an international level (he vigorously inserts “AND RIHANNA”); what do you think can be done in Barbados to ensure that Soca artistes have more prominence on a global level? Honestly, me still being a young artiste and starting as an even younger artiste, I can attest that Bajan artistes are very underpaid. There are always incidences where artistes from both Jamaica and Trinidad will demand upwards from US$15,000 for an appearance, yet the locals who would have some of the biggest songs there and who get more forwards would only be paid US$150 - $300; so I look at that and think that it is clear that the promoters have no respect for the local artistes. How can you give an artiste such a menial compensation and expect them to give a good presentation?
You can’t expect pyrotechnics and a slew of back up dancers and props. So you feel that if Bajan artistes were more adequately compensated, that would give them more presence on an international level? Definitely, that is what sets Rupee and Alison Hinds apart from the other acts, because they paid at a level that allows them to give a great set and incorporate many elements to their performance. But obviously they were not always well paid so how did they make the leap (he sighs). God knows, they were just blessed. Is that politics? There is always politics, they got lucky, but they deserve it. After Bend Over and Don’t Look Back, what have you been working on? I have never stopped working, I voiced for Troyton of Black Shadow Music and I recorded two songs over the Christmas back home at Platter Studios in Barbados. I get riddims everyday, but I’m more loyal to Platter Studio, even though I have got some good riddims from other producers that I am giving serious thought to. This season though I am looking at getting out 5 or 6 good songs. Will you be working while you are down in Trinidad or just Jonesing? It will be a combination of both; networking and Jonesing for sure; I am just am trying to bring some recognition to my brand. What advice do you have to give to the readers of L3; advice on Life, Love and Lyrics? Do what makes you happy and do unto others as you would have them do unto you; treat others with respect. That is it.
S SEKHU
INTRODUCING SEKHU! HEIKE WOLLENWEBER
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reaking into the Reggae market can be a challenge, especially when the artist is not from Jamaica. Upcoming artist Sekhu (pronounced sek-hu) is filled with talent, and not allowing his non-Jamaican status to prevent him from what he feels he’s meant to do! HW: Who is Sekhu? Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, and what are your inspirations? S: Sekhu is an international Reggae artist. Sekhu is a down to Earth, humble warrior in Jah army who loves to chant and sing as well as live life! I’m from the US Virgin Islands, living on St. Croix and my inspiration comes from the creator and the created. What does the name Sekhu mean?
Sekhu means king and warrior. The ‘khu’ comes from the word ‘akhu’ which means the spiritual aspect of your personality How did you get started in this industry? I got started singing and chanting on sound systems in the Virgin Islands and then started featuring on several local compilations You released your album “Do your Best” in 2011. Tell us more about the album! The full album was recorded live. The instrumentals and production was all done on St. Croix. The album is a conscious album with harmonious melodies and nice lyrics that most people can relate to!
What are your favorite songs on the album and why? “Do Your Best“, “Zion Gates“, “Man of Peace“, “Lift Up Your Heads“, “Do a Little;” these are some of the songs I love because these are realities that strike close to home - realities that most of us can relate to. How would you describe your music? Social awareness What is the music or Reggae industry like in the US Virgin Islands? The music industry is like a full cup overflowing with talent, still struggling and striving towards better organization and stability. How do you incorporate your heritage into your music? By continuing the legacy of good conscious reggae music. Why did you choose Reggae music as your genre? Reggae choose me, cause that was the dominant influence around me growing up in the Virgin Islands which I loved! Have you ever been to Jamaica? No but hopefully one day very soon I will visit and record in Jamaica. What is unique about Reggae from the USVI? The dominant consistent conscious Reggae music that comes out of the VI, which contributes to the healing of the world in these struggling times! We heard you will release your sophomore album this year. How is the work coming along? It’s coming together lovely. We are just taking our time in completing another powerful album that the world can appreciate! What can we expect from the new album? Conscious lyrics, love, life and reality! What else do you have planned for 2012? Hopefully getting on the road, more tours, more music, videos and more promotion! Are there any Caribbean or international artistes you like and would consider working with? Quite a few but I have no concrete details as yet. I know Jah
has a lot of that in store for Sekhu. What do you enjoy most about being an artiste? Putting on a great performance for my people an fans. Do you have any story or anecdote from your career to share with us? The experiences we go through in life are only situations sent from God to make us stronger and wiser beings so there are really many blessings in disguise. You recently released a video for “Mamma & Pappa” and your mother was in the video as well. How did she enjoy the shoot and does she like the song? My mother loved the video shoot as well as the song. I got a big hug and kiss for that! Thanks for asking! Tell us more about the song – there must be a story behind it? In our society the family unit is of the utmost importance. Without it the very fabric of our society would deteriorate. With our young men going to jail, young women not valuing themselves and so many on the path towards self destruction parental guidance is one of the keys to a brighter tomorrow. I wrote that song to show my appreciation to the mothers and fathers of the world who are standing firm! Are you working on any other videos? Not presently but we will have some new videos in the making soon. Is there anything you would like to share with our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? In a time of so much struggles and world conflict and turmoil due to so much corruption and injustices, do your best and leave the rest to the Most High Jah Rastafari. Peace love and harmony, blessed love!
S SONNY
THE ELECTRIC SOUND OF SONNY MARCUS WELLER
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reaking into the Reggae market can be a challenge, Growing up in Lausanne, Switzerland, Sonny was heavily under the influence of Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Usher. The artists style and performance was enough to encourage a young Sonny to teach himself to sing and dance which then developed into a career in music. Not allowing his geographic location to dissuade him, nor the fact that his Mother tongue is French , Sonny confidently performs for his growing fan base which includes thousands from the US…. MW: You are originally from Switzerland. Has this made reaching your American and North American fan base difficult? Has language been a barrier? S: I think with the Internet today, location isn’t really a barrier. I’ve always promoted my songs and videos through social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to name a few. It’s pretty easy to reach people from anywhere around the globe.
Language hasn’t been a big barrier either because early on I knew I wanted to be an International singer, which meant speaking English. So four years ago I decided go to Brooklyn, New York to learn English and get ready for the world. I only spent about half a year in Brooklyn but I was very dedicated to learning English. Your sound is very Electronic / Dance. Do you have a lot of competition in that genre similar to rappers and singers in Hip Hop and R&B? Yes, of course I have a lot of competition in that genre but to me the only person I am really in competition with is myself. I am ambitious when it comes to my music, so I’m constantly setting myself new goals working to improve my skills. What is it about your music and sound that makes fans show you as much Love as they do (this is not to suggest you don’t deserve the love!)? I think the fans definitely love the music but they also appreciate who I am. Every single person on this earth is unique, but nowadays a lot of artists are trying to look or sing like someone else. I’m not trying to be somebody else; I’m just myself, and I think my fans love originality. Geography affects the way we interpret music. So far, what are the differences (if any) between working with producers in Switzerland and in the United States? To be honest, I don’t really know because I’ve never worked with a Swiss Producer. In fact, I was working alone until I met my American agent/manager Tre Carn. It was a good fit because my music is directly inspired by American singers and producers. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye and Usher. The upside to the fact that I couldn’t speak English when I was younger is that I had to understand a song through the emotion behind it, and not through the lyrics. So now when I write a song it’s kind of easy to put words to the feelings I get from an instrumental. What aspect of your personality do you think fans would find interesting (in addition to the fact that you speak fluent French)?! I think fans would be surprised by my goofy side. I love to entertain people and make them laugh. I guess sometimes it can be annoying to get pranked, but I always do it out of love. Hopefully I’ll have enough time to make some more Vlogs to share this side of my personality with my fans. Fans can connect with Sonny through his website: www.sonnymusic.com
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