Here is a pic of Sean Paul at Famous Stars and Straps ten-year anniversary party:

See what some of your favorite stars were up to this week by clicking HERE.

Rihanna and her label announced Wednesday (Dec 9) that she will be taking her new album Rated R on the road in the UK!





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The “Russian Roulette” singer made the announcement during a press conference/photocall at Westfields in London, England. She’ll be performing in 8 different arenas in the UK, including London’s O2 Arena, beginning in May 2010

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The dates are:
May 7 – Birmingham LG Arena

May 8 – Liverpool Echo Arena

May 10 – London O2 Arena

May 13 – Sheffield Arena

May 14 – Nottingam Arena

May 16 – Manchester Evening News

May 17 – Newcastle Arena

May 19 – Glasgow SECC

Tickets go on sale today!

Carnival in Trinidad- the splendour, the enjoyment, ‘de bacchanal and musical mayhem- it all kicks into first gear with one of the biggest fetes born and bred in T&T.






The annual Fire Fete seals the deal and sets the pace with a cast of super soca entertainers and musicians each year. In 2010 the event will transcend boundaries of the past decade, as organizers move to provide the music, venue, entertainment and security that patrons from all spectrums of society, demand and deserve.

Each year, Fire Fete has the first say on whose music will lead the way at events throughout the season. In 2010, one name that’ll be on everyone’s lips is Grenada’s former Road March king, Tallpree. With his 2010 J’ouvert hit, Wicked Jab penetrating the airwaves, DJ’s and radio personalities already agree that Tallpree will be everywhere in the season ahead.

Fire Fete is home to Tallpree. In 1999 he first exploded onto the scene on stage at Fire with the anthem, “Old Woman Alone.” The dance, the antics, the lyrics- all this, added to his low- keyed vocals- made Tallpree a must-se, that season. The annual, Blazing Fire Fete did it for him in 1999, sending him on, to become a household name across the Caribbean.

In 2010, he’ s hitting Fire Fete hard, again. The buzz surrounding the event has only just begun but Tallpree immediately endorsed it with his signature low-key chants, in a promo that’s already been unleashed on radio stations across T&T.

Speculation is rife as to what organizers have in store. According to insiders though, the Blazing Fire Fete 2010 will be unlike the ordinary with a cast of musicians, handpicked for not just what they sing in 2010, but how quickly they can shake the masses into motion.

Tickets for the highly anticipated ‘season-starter’ go on sale this coming Friday, December 11th.
Patrons seeking further info, can log on to Facebook- keyword ‘Fire Fete 2010.’

The Lime has chronicled Christina Milian's romance with Terius "The Dream" Nash and made mention of thei intimate wedding ceremony at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas at Midnight Friday Sept. 4th. She had on a $200 rented gown and him a tuxedo rented for a hundred bucks.




Well after that they went to Rome, Italy where in front of family and friends they exchanged vows. It took place on Sept. 13th at the Hilton. Here is the first pic from that day. Christina looks great (thank God she got rid of that blond hair) but what in the heck is he rocking?????




And as if that was not enough, friends/family who couldn’t make the trip to Rome will be invited to the renewal of their vows this time next year when the expecting parents celebrate their first anniversary.

Freddie McGregor, I am sure, is a beaming dad. His son's Stephen, Chino and daughter Shema (CAAANNNNOOOTT WWAAAAAAIIIITTTT for her album, I love her voice man!) are definitely making positive waves on the music scene. The focus here is on Chino, who recently released a video:

Click HERE to see Chino's video for "Never Change (From Mawnin)"

Man o Man, it's been a minute since I updated this segment. Click HERE to see someone's claim about their affair with Tiger Woods.....

I wouldn't even wish it on my worst enemy...lol

So the fueding between Mavado and former Alliance member Vybz Kartel has seemingly ended with a show of unity at the West Kingston Jamboree. This is a long time coming as several community leaders and members of the general public have been calling for an end to the beef and the division it has caused. I for one am happy that it is done. Can you imagine going to an event and depending on the location or the DJ Mavado songs of Kartel songs are prohibited??? I like them both so this is good news for me personally. The duo met this morning with Prime Minister Bruce Golding, along with three Government Ministers – Daryl Vaz (Information Minister), Andrew Holness (Education Minister) and Dwight Nelson (National Security Minister) – and political ombudsman, Bishop Herro Blair.

They discussed a number of matters relating to the Gully/Gaza saga and Jamaica’s music industry, but most importantly, both artistes verbally agreed to stop performing and recording lyrics that insult each other. They also agreed that they would not ‘clash’ at this year’s Sting stage show. Both artistes will also collaborate in organizing a peace concert, graffiti paint out day, children’s Christmas treat, unity t-shirts and a song/recording. We'll keep you posted as this develops.

L-R: Bishop Herro Blair, Dwight Nelson, Andrew Holness, Daryl Vaz, Mavado, Vybz Kartel
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I know that this is a great move on the part of these two artists but I am wont to believe that finances also played a significant role. These guys are getting bad press, shows are being cancelled left and right, permits for events are denied or revoked. In short it is affecting their pockets. I think it was a definite lesson learned for both of them especially this weekend. Mavado was scheduled to have a grand birthday celebration in St. ann when out of the blue I'm hearing on Zip that it has been relocated to The Building in New Kingston. The same night at Usain Bolt Super Party, I am getting reports that Kartel was not allowed to perform. What is that coincidence? No sah. That is a strong-handed move from the government. I think they got the message. Hope it sticks.

Monday Morning bright and early, at the West Kingston Jamboree David Constantine Brooks AKA Mavado, calls his arch rival Adijah Palmer AKA Addi The Teacher AKA Vybz Kartel on stage in a definitely momentous show of peace, hopefully ending the much publicized musical feud which has captivated followers of Dancehall music especially Jamaicans who are divided between Gully (Mavado's Crew) and Gaza (Kartel's Crew) and their claim to domination of the current Dancehall music landscape.

Vybz Kartel says he loves Mavado like a brother --at West Kingston Jamboree (Live Up Records pic)

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According to reports, the truce was facilitated by Carlos “Dudus” Coke and their respective crews. Mavado’s manager Julian Jones-Griffith tweeted “Big up d President, a him mek it apn. ( That’s a good look) crowd loved it also 20k stron”. This is not the first time that they have had a truce . That particular event took place in Feb. 2007. In 2006 Vybz left Alliance of which both him and Mavado were members and proteges of Bounty Killer. Prompting the diss songs between the two. Due to the ensuing violence that occured between supporters of Mavado and those of Vybz Kartel, the truce was called.

The crowd loves Kartel (LiveUp records Pic)

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Obviously it did not last and many cite the artists' performance at Sting 2008 as the ultimate show of rivalry between the two. They basically battled each other on stage leaving the decision as to who was the best to the fans. Seeing as each have very passionate followers of course the debate cannot be settled. Since then the dispute has spilled over from the stage, to the dancehall and now to local schools where vendors are selling buttons and other paraphernalia depictic photos and graphic lyrics from both artists. These items were seized by police but not before making headlines in loca news where school administrators, parents, police, and even other personalities in entertainment and just fed up with the effects of this beef.

Both artistes at the time, denied any involvement in the distribution of the items. But they cannot (and even if they have publicly done so like Kartel did) deny that the images and messages that their music spew has a direct and oftentimes negative impact on youth. I must commend Vybz Kartel though of late he has released some songs that are more positive and encorageing like "School Anthem" his collaboration with Gaza Kim and Ja Vinci.

Shaking hands in a show of Unity

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Kartel and 'Vado appeasing the fans!

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There has been talks of hopes of a collaboration for some time now. Most recent was Mavado's inviting Kartel to his birthday party on Dec . 5th (Mavados birthday is actually Nov. 30th). that night Kartel was scheduled to perform at Usain Bolt's Super Party.


Peep the video of the West Kingston Jamboree below:

The 9.58 SuperParty will feature an exceptional blend of music, top class achievers and performers combined with the spirit of giving, and uniquely packaged in an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime party experience.

Usain Bolt will invite his friends, family and fans to celebrate with him, in a uniquely Jamaican style, at the end of what was a most exhilarating international athletics season
In addition to celebrating , Usain who is a major giver to the United Way seeks to find ways to increase the contributions that he can make to charities which involve the development of youth and sports, as well as other needy projects. Proceeds from the SuperParty will be channeled through the United Way to be distributed among the projects with which he has aligned himself. A significant percentage of the proceeds will also go into assisting with the purchase of land for a health centre in his hometown of Sherwood Content, which now faces the possibility of losing its home.

Sherwood Content Health Centre

In addition to the above, Usain takes his self-appointed task of promoting his home Jamaica to the world very seriously, and tries to do this in every way that he can. He will be inviting persons from all over the world to come and experience Jamaica and to get to know the country which he holds so dear. The event will be a party and concert featuring a range of high quality international acts as well as top Jamaican artistes. The night will feature pulsating reggae and dancehall music mixed in with hip hop and R & B. Stars who have been contacted for performance include Rhianna, Akon, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Sly and Robbie and a host of other top class performers. Incorporated into the entertainment will also be popular dancers Mystic and Sponge Bob. Highlights of the night will include an exchange of gifts between Usain and the Marley family as well as presentations of autographed gifts from Usain to invited celebrity guests. Usain himself will act as the main host of the event, randomly interacting with the audience on every level and injecting bits of his unique personality into the event.Usain will extend personal invitations to a special list of friends who he has met over the months of his athletic season, as well as to individuals who he has admired over the years and whose work and achievements he holds in very high regard. He hopes that based on their availability some of these persons will be able to attend the event and celebrate with him. Included on the list of invitees are: • Wallace Spearmon• All members of Jamaica’s 2009 World ChampionshipTeam• Michael Jordan, • Emmitt Smith, Dion Sanders• Lamine Diack • Members of the USA Athletics team• Tiger Woods • Michael PhelpsUsain is very happy with his relationship with the United Way and so will also use this opportunity to encourage other athletes and stars who are willing, to donate funds to the United Way. A small segment of the evening will be set aside to allow for these cheque presentations to the United Way representative who will be present. There is no doubt that the SuperParty will be magnificent and it is expected to attract a large audience from Jamaica and abroad. As much support as possible is being encouraged to ensure that the party meets its high objectives, and kicks off what is sure to become the most spectacular event on the annual Jamaican entertainment calendar

Live performances by:
The Dream
Marcia Griffiths
Beenie Man
Etana
Cherine Anderson
Vybz Kartel & the Empire
Voicemail
Konshens
D-Major
Chris Martin
Kip Rich
Adonia
Mystic
Ding Dong
Keiva

Plus Music by:
ZJ Liquid
Jazzy T
Copper Shot
Razz & Biggy
Tony Matterhorn
Stone Love
and Guest DJ Performance by USAIN BOLT

Gates open 7 pm, Party starts 8 pm, Live Performances start 9.58 pm sharp

OK, by now anyone who follows or has a small interest in the goings on of the Caribbean fashion industry should know about Pulse Caribbean’s Full Figure Reality Show. This is a great accomplishment as personally they will be picking the quintessential Caribbean woman. Right, I mean we like some meat on all our ladies, and with these contestants, it nuff as locals would say!

Michelle Smith the challenge winner!

You know how sometimes people say I looked at so-and-so on TV and I saw myself? To me sometimes it sounds so cheesy, but I found myself being drawn to these women from the first episode. I was just like yes, now that is a real woman! So from then, I vowed to follow the show, but alas episode two just flew right by me and the pics on Facebook just had to suffice. Last Friday I caught episode 3. It started out with a fitness challenge with famed Jamaican athlete Juliette Cuthbert putting the ladies through a mini boot camp. Not really, they just had to do a little jogging and jumping jacks and stretching and ting, but Lawd, you should hear dem bawl. They just looked like they wanted to collapse; of course it did make for my entertaining pleasure. Ayesha Davis probably reflected the sentiments of most of the contestants when she exclaimed “You guys are eeevilll,” but Carleen Taylor was a champion, saying she “is taking it in stride” and she “loves it!” Go girl! Cindy Lyons who is a diabetic got dizzy but she still pulled through. Side note: I thought I had too much meat for a sports bra, but yeah some of them put that in perspective for me. My complaints have now ceased!

In the next challenge the ladies had to apply the moves from 'boot-camp' in a photo-shoot with Giovanni Powell. This was done in pairs, I assume in an effort to not only test their creativity, but to see how well they work with others. Well in the meantime, unbeknown to them, a secret challenge was taking place where four ladies, Soshonna Campbell, Jodie-Ann Thomas, Georgia White and Kemelee Swaybee had to convince Romae to “gi dem a bly’ so to speak. All but Georgia made it-sorry Boo!

Yeah, so you should see attitude when the newbie’s showed up. Hear Marsha Robotham nuh, the new girls are “bigger.” Oh, please. Don’t be such a hater! And Romae thought it would be a “fun” surprise? Well, the fun started for me when they went to Hobby Hut Pet Store in Ligunea for the next challenge, each lady taking pictures with a snake, hamster, or iguana. Oh gosh, to see big woman cry! I mean mascara-running-down face-cheeks-getting-red-nose-wan-run kind of cry, you know. And see Ms. Marsha. Ha!God doh like ugly girl- that’s what you get for calling those girls “big”- fraid of de likkle snake. Stupes.

How did this picture not make honorable mention??? Do over!-Zodian Howell

And then it was time for judging. Kingsley Cooper (Pulse CEO), Romae Gordon(Pulse GM) and Chester Francis Jackson (of Social something or the other- I forget, sorry) started off by giving honourable mention to some of the ladies for their shots. Kenisha Lewis (on TV the face painting just did not look good but her FB pic is nice), Tadesha Snow (iguana yeah! Face paint, nay!) and Simone Clayton (I like her expression) and Ayesha Dawes( she was the only one that smiled!). The pet shop owner picked Yolande Smith for honourable mention and the other Smith: Michelle was the challenge winner and deservedly so. Of course some ladies had to leave and they were: Zodian Howell who to me had the baddest pic. I mean the snake looked like it was going right in her eye and she just fixed her gaze on the camera and did her thing. Naw man, bring her baaaaak! Next was Renice Emmanuel who said she had fun and got to make new friends (I think she meant the other ladies); Soshana Campbell, who now wants a pet iguana; and Kemelee Swaybee, who I liked but the photo just was not that great Her face painting and the hamster were the same colour so it should have been wicked nice but it wasn’t.

One thing I noted, all the drama queens stayed. I know drama makes for good TV, but does it make a good model/employee? I guess I’ll just have to tune in tonight to see.

Look out for Ayesha Dawes on tonight's show!

Good luck to all the ladies who remain: Ayesha Dawes, Carlene Taylor, Cindy Lyons, Kayedine Kirlew, Alicia Lewis, Marsha Simone, Michelle Smith, Nadine Nomdarkham, Simone Clayton, Tadesha Snow, Yolande Smith, Jodie-Ann Thomas and Andrene Smith.

See Pics from Episode 3 HERE

The Pulse Full Figure Reality Series airs every Friday at 9PM on CVM TV Jamaica.

Click HERE to go to the On The Scene segment to look at pics of D'Angel on the set of her song "My Life" on the Splinta Riddim.

Grammy nominations have just been announced and of the 30 odd potential nominees in the Reggae category, the number has been whittled down to four.

Albums up for the award are:

Buju Banton is a nominee for the 2010 Reggae Album category. He's been under a lot of pressure from gay rights groups (who've forced the cancelllation of some concert dates due to homophobic lyrics of some of his songs.

Rasta Got Soul Buju Banton[Gargamel Music, Inc.]
Brand New Me Gregory Isaacs[Tad's Record]
Awake Julian Marley[Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic]
Mind Control — Acoustic Stephen Marley[Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic]
Imperial Blaze Sean Paul[VP/Atlantic]

To see the other categories click HERE to go to the official nomination page

Reggae crooner Ras Penco raises the bar this holiday season with the launch of his second single, its accompanying video, and takes off for Europe.

"Be By My Side" is the follow-up to his massive hit "Thousand Miles," and the Uprize Music artist recently journeyed to Hollywood to film the romantic video."It was a great experience being on the yacht out in the ocean," discloses Penco, on the Los Angeles movie-like scenario. "We were looking for a special feel and we came to Hollywood to get the appropriate look to fit the vibe of the song."
"Be By My Side" was produced by Uprize Music and is currently enjoying great rotation in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, where it enters the top ten on the FIWI Reggae Singles Chart and comes in at #25 on the Jamaica Weekly Countdown this week (Nov. 30, 2009). "I'm getting a good response so far in the dancehall and on radio, and the TV stations just started playing the video," the artist states enthusiastically.
The single was co-written by Penco, who says it came "naturally" because he wanted to return with an appropriate follow-up to the "Thousand Miles" story. "I was looking for something along the same storyline to give the fans," he says. "It's a continuation of the same story."
A busy holiday season is on the horizon for Penco. Following his European tour, local fans will see him perform at this year's Island Explosion and West Kingston Jamboree. Negotiations are also underway for him to perform at the highly anticipated Sting in Portmore, Jamaica.
"I'm working hard in the studio right now so everyone can expect my new album," reveals Penco. "After this third single, my main focus will be on putting together material and working on my craft. I also have a new band, so I'm rehearsing with the band right now and we'll be launching it in December." With two consecutive hit singles and videos in rotation and a third single in the works, Ras Penco continues his reign as the new face of the conscious genre. Stay updated with artist news and tour information on Ras Penco by logging on to www.myspace.com/raspenco.

EUROPEAN TOUR - DECEMBER 2009
Dec. 2.......... Zurich, Switzerland

Dec. 4....... ...Sand, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dec. 5...........Watt, Rotterdam, Netherlands

MANAGEMENT/BOOKINGUPRIZE MUSIC

Richard Myrie1-954-931-2679

mailto:Myrie1-954-931-richard@uprizemusic.com

In 2008 an estimated 20,000 people in the Caribbean became infected with HIV, and around 12,000 died of AIDS. After sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean has a higher HIV prevalence than any other area of the world, with 1.0% of the adult population infected.--AVERrt.org

Ok so last night College Lifestyle aired on CVM and my flatmates and I were super excited because one of our friends was featured on the show...Ok it turned out to be more cause my hall of residence REX NETTLEFORD HALL was featured and so was the all-male Chancellor Hall.

The majority of the show focused on HIV/AIDS awareness. Students basically spoke of what their impression of AIDS was, how they felt about the stigma of the disease, and what can be done to improve awareness and overall reduce the rate of HIV infection among our peers. All the students were well spoken (so proud) but one in particular Rosina Casserly stood out for me. She is a philosophy student and very opinionated on the subject. When she stated that UWI had highest density of HIV on the island, she started a debate in the house.

Some of my friends said they already knew that, some said that is not true, and some like me were just in SHOCK!!!!!!! I was like what?????? Highest???? Here???at UWI where the best and the brightest live and learn?????? Wow...I'm scared...no really...I am. But I am glad that we watched that episode, it got all persons present to actively dialogue about HIV/AIDS, we spoke of partying on campus (Carnival, Integration Thursdays, Drink Ups) and how easy it is to have a one-night stand especially with so many of these fetes being sponsored by Liquor companies. We also spoke about the need to be prepared at all times (girls, walk with condoms), and for self-preservation. We even discussed the whole issue of trust and if people in committed relationships should wear condoms or not. If you have had close calls, consider yourself lucky and just vow from here on out to look out for yourself . Trust me I will be doing that.

BTW Christina, the outfit was HOTTT as usual;-)

This episode re-airs Saturday at 6:30PM-Don't miss.

Go to AVERT's website for more info.

And for a World Health Organization (WHO) Epidemiological Fact Sheet on your individual island click HERE and just click on your country for all the statistics.

One more site, visit PANCAP, PanCaribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS for more info specific to the region.

World Aids Day 2009 Message By Secretary-General Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

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By Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General, Caribbean CommunityGreater Georgetown, Guyana -

Today, we in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) join with the rest of the world to mark the occasion of the 21st World AIDS Day.This year’s theme Human Rights and Universal Access, could not be more timely as we take stock of the progress we have made as a Community in accelerating our response to HIV and AIDS, and contemplate the challenges ahead in reversing the spread of the epidemic.

Even as we consider the merit of a Caribbean Public Health Agency approved by our Heads of Government, and the prospects of shared or pooled public health services, we must give due recognition to the implications of the current world economic crises on our economies and the likely effects on public health services.In these circumstances the fight against HIV and AIDS calls for strengthening the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) and consolidating the integral linkages between the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework that guides the activities of PANCAP and the various national HIV and AIDS programmes.

These circumstances also demand continued support from our developing partners.Assessments of the Region’s response to the disease indicate a mixed score card. The 2009 HIV and AIDS update by UNAIDS and WHO shows, among other things, that between 2001 and 2008, there has been a 9 per cent increase in the rate of HIV infections in the Caribbean. It shows also that the rate of infection is increasing among women and that other at-risk groups continue to be men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers.

The call for more research into the role of bi-sexuality in the transmission of HIV and the reduction of stigma and discrimination cannot be overemphasized. It is for this reason that the recent establishment of the PANCAP Stigma and Discrimination Unit, as part of the regional response to research and policy, is an important first step that must be complemented by the work of our universities and other policy centres.The establishment and sustainability of PANCAP attests to the continued political leadership in the Caribbean in responding to this epidemic.

But there is much more to be done. In this regard, CARICOM and its Secretariat continue to support institutional strengthening and to emphasise the fundamental rights of persons with HIV and AIDS.In acknowledging that the response to the epidemic must be a multi-sectoral one, the Secretariat will continue to mainstream HIV and AIDS in its work programmes of health, education, youth and culture and advocate for behavior change. We call for strengthening the role of the community of persons with HIV and AIDS in the decision making process and for placing even more emphasis on the role of strategic information and communication in the overall objective to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.

We in the Caribbean join forces with the rest of the world today and commit to placing human rights and universal access to prevention, care and treatment at the centre of the response against HIV and AIDS.

Visit PANCAP.org for more into