Soca Explosion is one of the featured event of several being organized by Ram Jam United Entertainment Network for Miami Val 2K8. This event will feature 5 bands including Antigua's own Burning Flames, St. Kitts & Nevis' Small Axe Band, the Virgin Island's JamBand and Krosfyah out of Barbados. Also, 12 Single Artists including Dominica's Mr Benji, and 6 top Djs like Ronnie Rascal out of St. Kitts and Lennox out of St. Maarten.
The series of Ram Jam events will kick off with a "Blast-Off Humorous Calypso Show" from October 9th and end on the 13th with the annual Caribbean Beach Bash on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Details follow below:
Carnival Blast-Off & Humorous Calypso Show
Date: October 9th 2008
Place: Marabou Café
Time: 9PM -4AM
Admission: $10
Wadadli Rumble
Date: October 10th 2008
Place: Marabou Café
Time: 10PM-4AM
Admission: $25
Caribbean Soca Explosion
Date: October 11th 2008
Place: Galaxy Skateway
Time: 9PM-9AM
Admission: $40
Caribbean Beach Bash
Date: October 13th 2008
Place: Ft. Lauderdale Beach
Time: 4PM-11PM
Admission: $25
For more Miami Carnival events and information go to RamJam's site and Small Island Massive Site.
Ha...ha...loaded with new tunes that is.....
None other than Busy Signal who dropped his new album loaded this week on the 23d. Peep him on the cover of Fader Mag's fall issue.
I like this guy and I just love how he says Beezee. So here is the video for Tic Toc one of the new tracks on the album.
There are wide range of songs on the album from Jail which speaks of his time in a US jail, Tic Toc(take a wild guess) and Unknown Number.
If you find some similarities to Mavado, the fact that Bounty Killa was their mentor might be a factor. Love his style...Do yuh ting man....tictictictictoktactactactactik....catchy nuh
So Puma sponsors Usain Bolts press tour in New York , setting him up with Esquire Magazine, The Today Show and Late Night with David Letterman. So everybody's happy right??
Ummm, not really. At least the Caribbean and more specifically Jamaican media is cross, angry, miserable. You wanna know why right?? Of course. Well it seems that not one, of the local Caribbean Media sources in the area were sought to interview Bolt. None, zip, zilch, zero, nada. To add insult to injury, the Consul's office had a private meeting with him, along with invited guests which did not include Team Jamaica Bickle. This is an organisation that helps Jamican atheletes perform in meets around the world. These are kids that many do not know till they hit the big stage (Bolt included). TJB held a concert this year to sponsor the Bejing Team and they were not invited to this meeting. What a shame. Puma needs to get it together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyways, he did well on Letterman. I wish he would say yes instead of ya (I sound like my mother SMH) But, on the real, that was not a good move and if he is still in NY I hope his management corrects that!
Like they say back "with a vengeance"...Of course many fans had the chance to vote to see which of their favorite artists would make the lineup. Well the list is out and here are some of the artists to expect, though not much of a surprise:
Beenie Man* Bounty Killa * Mavado * Mr. Vegas * Tony Rebel* Etana * Queen Ifrica * Papa San......and lots more.
Go to www.ICMfest.com for all the lineup.
BTW ICM stands for International Caribbean Music and BTW, BTW stands for By The Way (LOL).....
Miami residents and those of you there to get an early start on the carnival action, Please support Soca D Vote! The groups reps will be at the annual Miami Saturday Night Mas at Palmetto Bay Village Center in Palmetto Bay go to www.socadvote.com or www.socathevote.com for directions and all the necessary info on voter registration. Now, I went on the site and there are no directions etc, etc. So call them at 305-690-0160 and tell them to update their events page. Soca d Vote is organized by Caribbean American Heritage of Florida Inc (CAHFI)
Call 786-456-6772 to speak to the organizers of the Saturday Night Mas
Speaking of carnival, regards to Mr. Selman Lewis, the Chairman of the Miami Carnival Committee, who suffered a heart attack this Monday. He is recuperating at an area hospital.
On September 30th, the Bajan Reggae/Rock/Alternative artist David Kirton will launch his album Time For Change. Two songs, including the popular “Free to Fly” were recorded at Salaam Remi's Studios in Miami and the rest at Slam City Studios in Barbados with producers like Chris Allman and De Red Boyz
I guess distribution will be done by Nova Pinnacle, the UK's number 1 distribution company since he recently signed a deal with them.
Check out his hommage to Barack Obama with this version of his title track "Time for Change"
"... don't go away, for another day, I'm begging ya, I'm begging ya" who would have thought his lyrics would refer to him huh????
photo source
Well Mr. Winchester is about to fly the coup and break ties (amicably) with his longtime band Caribbean Traffik Jam better known throughout the world of soca as Traffik. "D" day...get it? D day....aight all who understand me buss a wine (lol) ...like I was eloquently statin, the official date is October 16th....
So all the best Shurwaye I know is up to the stars for you!!!!
I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Alton Desiree who went missing in Brazil, especially his beautiful wife Susan.
Alton was recruited by the CBS reality show Survivor to work as a crewman after his hard work and skills were observed during his tenure on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean II and III which were shot in Dominica.
After returning home to Loubiere from a trip to Africa, Alton reconnected his love with his wife. According to details from local newspaper The Chronicle, his wife "did not want him to go when the time came. I held his hand even while he was in the departure lounge not wanting him to go...he came out giving me a hig and then went back in but returned again before returning to board his flight."'
He departed on the 9th and Susan had not heard from him which was unusual. She went on to tell the paper how she used her mind to communicate with him but somehow they just could not make contact. After several uneasy nights at home she finally got a call on the 15th. Instead of hearing the voice of the man she loved over the phone, it was a lady. A woman telling her that Alton had gone swimming and never surfaced. Susan collapsed. After an hour the woman called back to confirm that he had been found and he was dead. Now he leaves to mourn his wife and three children.
My eyes just welled up with tears when I read this in the paper. My mom told me the day I arrived in Dominica. She said she was coming from a funeral and saw alot of vehicles at their residence. I remember her introducing me to him in 2002 at the World Creole Music Festival. She seemed so happy and indeed, till his death he was her joy. My heart goes out to Susan, I have no idea the kind of pain you feel but the love you had is the love that we all seek so I know losing Alton is not an easy thing. I hope one day that you can find joy in the knowledge that you spent that precious time with him and that every time you look in your daughter Bijoux's eyes you will see her daddy!
Win Dominica's Carnival crown...check. Win Miss Jaycees...check. Win Miss Cultrefest....check Win Miss Caribbean World...ditto...what's next for Miss Marah Walter Miss World? Can she go for Miss Universe? Can she do both????? I wish.....I have so much faith in this girl it's crazy...
I hope Dominica's tourism board does too cause that is one sure ticket to some serious promotion....Congrats to Marah on all her crowns and all the best in future conquests!!!!!
The new miss Caribbean World!!!!
Not only did Marah do Dominica proud by winning the crown last Saturday in Tortola, she also won Miss Popularity, Best Swimwear
Best Talent and Best National Wear/Costume
First runner-up went to Ahyana Bowen of Grenda (Miss Intellect) ; Marquel Clarke of Barbados was second runner up followed by Maquita Richards of the BVI and Delvanice Michelle Williams of Antigua & Barbuda was fourth runner-up. Melody Watts of Jamaica won Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality.
All photos courtesy www.bvipictures.com see full gallery of show here
Dominica's Reigning Carnival Queen Miss Marah Walter will be in Tortola aiming for yet another crown when she participates in the Miss Caribbean World Pageant . Walters is currently the reigning Miss Jaycees and Miss Caribbean Culture Queen.
Big tings a gwan for Grammy-award winner Shaggy and singing beauty Tami Chynn who will appear in a Pepsi commercial which also features T-Pain and Verne Troyer....
The TV commercial, features remakes of the funk classic Kung Fu Fighting and will premier on Sunday September 21 during Digicel Rising Stars.
So what's the concept? They Kung fu fight/dance off for the last can of Pepsi. But there's a twist. The dancer who is the last standing must then fight a monster who snatches the can away...No fair..(pouting lips
The commercial is directed by award-winning director, Fredrik Bond. Oh yeah and you can hear Akon in the backroudn of Tami's vocals....
The upcoming movie Urban Smuggler was recetly launched at the jamaica Pegasus Hotel's garden. Its based on Andrew Pritchard's book of the same title, which is loosely based on his life and tells the story of drugs and corruption. The movie came about through a Co-Production Agreement between Jamaica and the UK, through which producers can share resources.
People behind the scenes include co-producer Paul Samuda, Kirk Kennedy of Jamaican Trade and Invest (JTI), co-producer Paul Tucker, Julia Lananaman who will cast actors in Jamaica, and Ashley earce as possible director.
Source: Jamaica gleaner
Sisters Nyanda and Nailah who make up singing duo Brick & Lace are currently touring Europe promoting their hit single “Love Is Wicked”. And are gonna perform the show on NRJ radio
In the UK the single charted on Music Week’s urban chart @ #18 and this week jumped to #7. “Love Is Wicked” charted at #8 in on NRJ France before promo on the single even started.
Nyanda and Nailah will be in France this weekend to kick off their French promotion by performing on major radio station NRJ’S showcase.
Last month Brick & Lace’s “Love Is Wicked “single had these following stats in these European countries:
*Sweden- #2 radio track and #1 iTunes song
*Finland- #3 radio track and #2 iTunes song
*Norway- Top 10 radio track and Top 10 iTunes
Rihanna is one of People Magazines top ten bessed dressed for 08.....According to People Magazine, she was selected her her her “much-copiedhair” style and her “sophisticated mix of glamorous gowns and funky dresses.”
The other nine women to make the list: Fergie, Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron, Eva Mendes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum and Michelle Obama (wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama). Check out the list here.
So here are some of her "Glamour"
And here she is bringing in the "funk"
BTW..... did People check out the name of her last Album Good Girl Gone Bad??? Her love of Leather definitely needed a mention.....
TORONTO FILM FESTIVA...Cast of Secret Life of Bees plus Michael Ealy of Spike Lee's new Joint Miracle at St Ana.
OUT AND ABOUT IN LONDON
WATCHING SERENA WIN AT THE US OPEN
NAOMI CAMPBELL'S FASHION FOR RELIEF at the National History Museum
CALVIN KLIEN ANNIVERSARY PARTY
So summer done pass, and labour Day now gone, so de next fete is Miami in yuras!!!! So the 24th annual miami carnival was officially lauched on Friday sept 19th.... go to the official site http://www.miamicarnival.net/ for all the feting info!!!!!! It's Columbus weekend guys so clear yuh schedules.....
don't forget Broward...they revving and ready to go...and this year there is a new venue in Lauderhill......so make sure to log on to their website http://www.caribbeancarnival.org/ to check it out.
Sunday September 21 all New Yorkers come together to support our Haitian Brothers and sisters who have been devastated by a series of hurricanes that have flooded the nation. The New York Hatian Music and Entertainment Industry (NYHMI) is putting on an event to rais funds for these victims.
The Haiti SOS Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday Sept 21, 2008 at Amazura, Jamaica, NY from 3:00 PM to 4:00 AM.The artists scheduled to appear at the Haiti SOS Benefit Concert are: Zin, Kino and Phantoms, Carimi, Nu look, Do-la, Ti Bob de Nazareth, So Fresh, Tempo, System Band, Shoubou from Tabou Combo, Emeline Michel, Nadia Dieudonne & Feet of Rhythm, Kontwol la, and Mikerline dance group, Obed Jean Louis, Cubano of Skah Shah, Chardovoine, Dadi Beaubrun and Lataye, Tokay, Bigga Haitian, Markus Schwartz, Seca Konza, Ipnotik Groove, Kontwol La, Zouti, Bizi, Cruise Kontwol, Les Freres Polycap, les Freres Desronettes, Haitian Mass Choir, Les Freres Benedicte, Felina Baker, 1st Klass, Raram, Omega, Bouyou Amboise, Doudou Chancy, Negmawon, Mr. Reo and more.All proceeds at the event will go to UNICEF and will be handled at the door by an independent fiscal conduit organization. So bring your canned goods, can openers, bottled water, instant cereals, salt crackers, matches, garbage bags, infant food, hygiene products (tooth brushes, tooth paste, soaps, toilette paper, deodorant, female necessities, diapers for children etc), emergency kit and clothing will be collected. Or at least the suggested minimum $30.00 contribution.
20 year old law student Krystal Monique Rivera is the new Miss Caribbean United States. The 2008 Miss Caribbean United States has been crowded. 20 year old Krystal Monique Rivera a law student at East Stroudsburg University,
was crowned Miss Caribbean United States 2008. Krystal a powerhouse vocalist says the title is a dream come true; to represent the United States at a major international pageant while representing her Hispanic heritage is mind blowing. Of Puerto Rican and Columbian decent, Krystal says she looks forward to working with various charities while still pursing her Education and entertainment career. Kristal will represent the United States at the Miss Caribbean Hibiscus pageant in St.Martin in December. Pageant organizers describe her as a rare combination of beauty, brains and talentThis is the third year in a row that the winner was partial or full Latino decent. The 2007 Queen Amaris Acosta was of Puerto Rican decent and Kendra Reyes the 2006 queen was of Panamanian and Trinidadian decent.
source: Tropical Fete
Bajan Songstress and Jive Record artist Levi Franc born Olivia Waithe is working on the video of her first single “Free”. It is directed by Laurent Briet.
I mentioned before that vybz Kartel was going into the condom business and he was looking for a name for his brand. Well guys the name is finally here and it's called Daggering. I'm sorry but I had to laugh when I heard that... Honestly the first thing I think of is a dagger, and then pain, and how much I think this word sucks (and not just cause he did not pick my idea...o I'm not gonna say what it was ....stuuppees).
So not wanting to be too biased, I went to http://www.dictionary.com/ to look up the work dagger
(dāg'ər) Pronunciation Key n.
1. A short pointed weapon with sharp edges.
2. Something that agonizes, torments, or wounds.
So I wasn't that far off base right???
I do try to be positive so after all that...here is Mr. Vegas' video for "Daggering"....nothing painful about it....very funny (check out homegirl in the tree LMAO)...love the beat a mix of the new and traditional...gwan Mr. Vegas....that so did not agonize, torment or wound...
BTW he has a new video coming out
Check out Mr. Vegas’ “Round of Applause” video featuring the High Energy Dance Crew. It’s directed by Jay Will who he has worked with in the past. He directed Vegas’ videos for “Hot Wuk”, “Daggering” and “Tek Wey Yuhself”
On Saturday September 20, 2008, all roads will lead to the William Knibb High School where the Hart Hill Usain Bolt Homecoming Celebration Concert will take place. The venue has changed due to a need to accomodate a large crowd and the accompanying traffic.
Other artists joining him on the stage include: AJ Brown, Keisha Patterson, Baggadito (BagaChase and Ras Mandito), Michael “Steel Pan Mike” Pinnock, clancy Eccles Jr., angella Steward, Otis Gayle, Deon Adrea, Mentotones all backed by the Fab Five Band.
The event is organized by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artists and Affiliates (JAVAA) in association with the Jamaican National Building Society.
Due to recent rains the date has been pushed from September 19th to September 20th ...go to the official site www.gottempo.com for more details.
St Kitts Silver Jubilee Independence Calypso show took place at Carnival Village in St. Kitts on September 16th. Performers were required to write a song which reflects the theme, “Pride Development, Progress, Independence, 25 years of success”
This competition has an interesting twist. Two competed with their offspring.
National Calypso King Konris Maynard (“Aging Wine”) against his father Linkon “contender” Maynard (“Celebrate 25”) and Sylvester “King Socrates” Hodge (“Thanks & Praises”) and his daughter National Calypso Bacchanal Queen Anastasia “Queen Anastasia” Hodge (“God Give Us Strength”)
H\ere are the results
n the First Runner-up position was Starshield with 379 points singing ‘A Song for your Birthday’, and he was followed closely by Contenda with 371 points.
Queenn Anastasia (354) had the Third Runner-up position for her song ‘God Give us Strength’.
Konris wins a cash prize of EC$25 000 while the First, Second and Third Runners-up received EC$15 000, EC$10 000 and EC$5 000 respectively. Non-placing finalists each received EC$1 500 for participating.
Did you know he's a Bajan???
Usain Bolt returned to Jamaica on Monday September 9th 2008. After disembarking from a Virgin Airlines flight, he was greeting by an ecstatic crowd who braved the wet weather to see their local hero. 
After waving to the crowd from a burgundy convertible, he courted the press at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, where he danced the Gully Creeper and Nuh Linga and Mavado performed his Usain tribute version of I‘m On The Rock.
Pulse's Caribbean Model Search Jamaica took place on Sunday September 7th ……. The winners are: I don't know...sorry...I went to Pulse site and its is just too slow and they hardly update...see for yourself at www.pulsemodels.com
here are last years winners:
Jamaican Fashion Model- Latesha Coleman
Male Face of Jamaica- Alvin Larman
Petite Jamaica Fashion Model-Nsombi Watson
CMS Reality TV Star-Rochelle Noti
go to watever.com to view event pics in the photo gallery ...they have seven pages..so I guess you could take a wild guess till I come up with that info.
During the taping of Fashion Rocks...some of music's female singers came together to perform the title song for the Just Stand Up to Cancer event....for more info go to their site
Sunday September 7th the stars came out for the MTV VMA awards...so ya that was a while a go...I've been travelling guys....here are some pics from the show
ON THE RED CARPET
Mel B....
and hubby Stephen
It girl of the day...Rihanna
Heavy D is dropping an album soon...guess he's getting his publicity on
PERFORMERS
TI and Rihanna perfomed "Live your Life"
AFTER PARTY (HOUSE OF HYPE)
Why Busta and Kerri Ann look like they at prom???
I like this pic...spontaneous
Christina Milian
