FOLLOWING weeks of intense public debate and front page headlines in Barbados, the Mavado, Vybz Kartel unity concert scheduled for this weekend has been officially cancelled.
Prime Minister David Thompson made the announcement at a press conference held yesterday, exactly two days before the event. Thompson is quoted in the Barbados Advocate as saying: "That quest to do the right thing by Barbadians prompted my request for the meeting with the organisers of the proposed show and I am happy to announce that in deference to the expressed wishes and the anxieties of a very wide cross-section of Barbadians, that the organisers of the Mavado/Vybz Kartel show and Youth Forum have agreed to the revamping of initiatives resulting in the cancellation of this weekend's activities."
The deejays, Kartel (left) and Mavado, have agreed to the demands for clean-up for the benefit of one and all
Photo source
The prime minister said that persons were mainly concerned with the idea of these artistes being portrayed as role models.
"Don't leave here in any doubt; anything that has to be done to protect our children in this country will be done," he stressed.
Interestingly, Vybz Kartel, the Gaza president and Mavado, the Gully god performed in Barbados on separate occasions in October and November of last year, during what was then the height of Gully/Gaza tensions between them and their respective supporters. No attempt was reportedly made then by the government nor the police to prevent those concerts, which progressed incident-free.
There have been suggestions in some quarters that the cancellation stemmed in part from the fact that the promoter, Jack Farrell, is Vincentian and therefore should not have been the one to promote an event of this magnitude in Barbados.
"Mavado and Kartel sharing the same stage at a concert promoting peace and unity is huge by any standards. That is a sell-off event. And you must remember that there is a big reggae show in April, put on by promoters based here in Barbados," a source explained.
The commissioner of police, Darwin Dottin had stated initially that he did not have the manpower to police the show, and would therefore not grant the required permit.
That, however, was subsequently reversed and Farrell, who was named as joint promoter with the government-affiliated Barbados Youth Action Programme, subsequently resumed his planning for the event.
Farrell reportedly stated yesterday that the artistes had been booked to arrive in the island last night, but it was not clear whether or not they had actually left Jamaica for Barbados.
Farrell had said previously that a cancellation of the show would mean a loss of more than $200,000 for his company.
"I have invested a lot of money in this show, I've paid the artistes deposits, paid for advertising the show and paid for airline tickets and hotel accommodation, among other things," Farrell reportedly said.
He said the show would bring needed revenue into the country and enhance business for a number of interests such as boutiques and food vendors.
Source
"We coming to mash up everything, De Beast Let Go"...and the place ceratinly 'get mash up' when Pyramid Entertainment soca artiste Skinny Fabulous launched the video for 'De Beast Let Go' at a press conference yesterday in St. Vincent.
The first video for the two-time Vincy soca monarch makes its television debut this Friday, January 16, at 8pm in his homeland on both SVG TV and Island Concepts TV. The energetic artist also revealed that the video will be launched in Trinidad today.
When asked about the video's concept, Skinny Fabulous describes it as having a dark 'Thrilleresque' feel. It features a bright, flashy side as well as a dark side. It shows the emergence of the soca beast from an unassuming yet very inquisitive lead character."
The video, recently shot in Jamaica and directed by Jay Will of 'Game Over' fame, is the ninth video that the director has shot for Pyramid Entertainment.
"It's always a pleasure working with the Pyramid team. They have very talented artists including Timeka Marshall, Lil' Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale," said the noted director. "This is my first time working with Skinny Fabulous and it was a very, very interesting video shoot. It was my last video for the year 2009 and definitely a good close to a decade."
Skinny Fabulous has been gaining regional and international acclaim with his 2008 and 2009 title winning songs, 'Head Bad' and 'De Beast Let Go' respectively. Three new releases from the young artiste, ompetition 'Fetting On' featuring Machel Montano, 'Badder Than Everybody' and 'Summer Body', are currently heating things up in Trinidad as they get ready for Carnival. The release of this video is timely and adds to Skinny Fabulous' preparations for the International Soca Monarch competition 2010 in Trinidad where I am sure he will let go his beast.
The undisputed "Soca Queen" Alison Hinds is looking to revamp her website and is requesting the help of "up and coming designers looking to get international exposure."
Interested?
Please send your entry to:
blackcoralcontest@gmail.com
In you entry along with your submission please include the following:
1) Name
2) Email
Deadline is June 8, 2009
And if you are in Atlanta Georgia on June 20th check out The Alison Hinds show feat.Kevin Lyttle, Blaxx, and Pumpa
For all ticket Info - karivents.com
Carnival celebrations are on and popping in St.Vincent & The Grenadines. The Carnival Queen Show pageant takes place on May 30th at Carnival City Victoria Park at 8PM
Last year's winner Miss Ronique Dellimore Photo Source
The contestants are Tenille Austin, Krystal Cambridge, Eshurnia Glasgow, Yasmeen Hadaway, Kimorra Lavia, Nickillia Slater-Bridgewater, Asmara Whiskey and Veronique Williams.
Click HERE to go to thepageants official page and HERE to see their most recent photo shoot!
Vincy Mas was officially launched on May 2nd, click HERE for official site.
Here's his latest release. It's the remix of his song "Fyah"
He will be performing in Miami this Sunday March 15th for the annual Calle Ocho festival as a featured performer on the POWER96 stage, joining the likes of Shaggy and Brooke Hogan for a stellar lineup of the hottest acts in music today.
Lyttle's latest release, "Anywhere" featuring Flo Rida, is currently receiving rotation on Miami's hit station POWER96, leading to his inclusion in their Calle Ocho cast. He will also be the in-studio guest on The DJ Laz Morning Show, on Wednesday, March 11. Join DJ Laz and Kevin Lyttle live at 7:30am on 96.5 FM in the South Florida region, or log on to www.power96.com and click on the "Listen Live" tab, for a live stream of what's sure to be a thrilling time for listeners.
Billed as "the biggest block party in the world," Calle Ocho is known as the Spanish Carnival in Miami and attracts thousands during the daylong fiesta. Join Kevin Lyttle and the POWER96 celebration at the stage located on SW 8th Street and 17th Avenue in downtown Miami, from 11am to 7pm on Sunday.
Listen to new tracks and stay updated on Kevin Lyttle by logging on to www.kevinlyttle.com or www.myspace.com/kevinlyttle.
As is the tradition at Miami Fashion Week®, the event will culminate with the star-studded Miami Moda Awards®, a celebrity fashion and entertainment awards show featuring special guest designers, celebrities and international recording artists. The general public is invited to attend fashion shows and the International Culinary Arts Pavilion. Tickets are $25 per fashion show. Culinary Arts Pavilion tasting admission is $20 each night.
Miami Fashion Week is the largest event in the country spotlighting Latin American, Caribbean and international fashion and the 11th annual staging of this event takes place from March 19th through 22 when celebrities, stylists, models and designers converge in the Wynwood Art District to celebrate the art of fashion.
MFW kicks off with a cocktail party on March 16th Organized by the Dominican Republic Tourism Board.
Of interest to those who love all things Caribbean,St.Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday March 19th at 8:30PM will be featured in the Caribbean Designers Showcase featuring Deb E Barbour, Kimya Glasgow, Tamiko Browne, Karen De Freitas Fraser, Kimon Baptiste and Naudica Williams. Sponsored by The National Investment Promotinos Inc. (NIPI) and CED Business Gateway.
The Dominican Republic Showcase featuring Belkola - DominicanaModa Best Designer 2008, Damaris Rubio, Carlos de Moya, Cinthia Avelino, Gutierrez Marcano and Magaly Tiburcio will beheldthe following day at the same time and is sponsored in part by the Ministry of Tourism for the Dominican Republic
All shows take place at
2136 NW 1st Ave,
Wynwood Art District,
Miami FL, 33127
For more information on Miami Fashion Week®, visit www.miamifashionweek.com.
Click HERE for the full schedule
Also during Fashion week. Check out the first ever staging of "Fashion On The Beach" on Friday, March, 20, 8:00pm at the prestigious Clinton Hotel in Miami Beach featuring exclusive designs from top United States and Jamaican designers
“Fashion on the Beach” will highlight swimwear, fall/winter fashion, and eveningwear powered by Keneea Linton Designs who has produced wardrobes for Miss Jamaica Universe, Miss Jamaica World 2008, and Caribbean Fashion Week. Also scheduled to appear are Veneno Designs- a brand that “speaks sexy, sassy, chic and sheer sophistication,” from Alabama, Posche Designs from Jamaica among others.
The official after party will continue at the same location (Clinton Hotel- 825 Washington Ave., Miami Beach-33139) until 5:00 am.
Photo source
