Martinique was the runaway winner in the recent "Best Caribbean Destination” poll conducted by About.com’s Caribbean Travel site (gocaribbean.about.com).


The Isle of Flowers was the preferred choice of 38% of the 3,800 voters, out-pacing second place finishers Dominica and St. Kitts & Nevis, each with 26% of the vote. Among the seven other finalists placing even further behind Martinique were such notables as Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Mexican Caribbean (Cancun, Cozumel, etc.), Costa Rica, Antigua & Barbuda and St. Maarten/St. Martin.


About Martinique (www.martinique.org)
About Dominica (www.dominica.dm)
About St. Kitts (stkittstourism.kn)


Source

Ms Shivaughn Johnson won the title of Face of Shabeau Dominica. She receives a one year contract with 3M Production, as the Face of Shabeau Dominica, she will be make multiple media appearances and have multiple nationally run AD Campaigns.






She will move to Barbados to compete in the finals and compete against winners from other islands on June 28th for the title of Face of Shabeau as well as well as the opportunity to become a TV personality on The Caribbean Channel and a management contract with Trump Model Management Agency in New York.




Ms Shivaughn Johnson poses with Gholda James (1st Runner up) and Sharma St. Hilaire (2nd runner up).

To see the other contestants in the Dominica leg of the event click HERE!

The search for the next face of SHABEAU Magazine and Spokes model for the Caribbean Channel (formerly Caribvision) has hit Dominica. Eight beauties have been chosen and have competed in various challenges over the last five weeks, leading to the final show on May 15th at Krazy Koconuts. The winner will travel to Barbados to compete against other regional hopefuls at the Hilton hotel on June 27th. Apart from being spokesperson for SHABEAU Magazine and the Caribbean Channel, the winner will win a modeling contract with Trump Model Management and travel to fashion shows within the region and South America!

After an island-wide search of girls ranging in age 16 to 24, it all comes down to these final 8 contestants:

Ayana Bruno

Gholda James

Paloma Mark

Roanne Jno. Baptiste

Sharma St. Hilaire

Shivaughn Johnson

Vanessa White

Vinel Felix

The ladies have taken part in the first four of five challenges: Beauty Shot Challenge (won by Shivaighn Johnson), Swimwear Challenge (won by Golda James), Interview Challenge and Runway Challenge and Ad Campaign for LIME. The Face of SHABEAU has been won by contestants throughout the region such as St. Vincent's Odini Sitherland (2008 Female), Grenada's Randall Doland (2008 Male) and from Trinidad Michelle Kurbanali who won in 2007. Let's hope we can add Dominica to the list come June 27th!!!

SHABEAU is the no.2 Caribbean published Magazine highlighting Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle and all things Caribbean. All of the finalists wore swimsuits from the ItsyBitsy Swimwear line, owned by Face of Shabeau Creative Director Mikieda Franklin. The finalists’ hairstyles were created by Nadia McDowell of Panache Beauty Salon; makeup done by Jael Joseph of the Glam; and overall styling by Mikieda Franklin, Nadia McDowell and Kamala Jno Baptiste-Aaron. Photograpers for all the photo are Simon Walsh and Arun “Izzy” Madisetti of Images Dominica.

SHABEAU Magazine online
Face of SHABEAU on Facebook
THE CARIBBEAN CHANNEL

After seeing hundreds of hopefuls during two open auditions in Montego Bay and Kingston over a week ago, Digicel Rising Stars’ producers have chosen the top six candidates in the race to become the new host of the popular television show.

The chosen six are: Kemesha Bolton, Cameka McRae, Deidre James, Julie Malcolm, Terri-Karelle Reid and Lady Rennae.

KEMESHA BOLTON

The first Digicel Rising Stars’ host hopeful to face an audience will be Kemesha Bolton as she’ll be holding things down at the Clarendon audition in May Pen on Saturday April 11. Kemesha who is from Kingston, is a student at Mico University College where she is completing a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education.

Kemesha says she’s excited about facing the Clarendon audience and she’s looking forward to having a great time in May Pen: “I’m definitely looking forward to it, I love television, I love hosting and performing.”

Kemesha says she’s nervous about facing the crowd on Saturday but she has been practicing: “I’m very nervous about the audition but I plan to do my best. I’ve been in front of the mirror everyday practicing, trying to think about the things I love about the show and how I can make them better.”

CAMEKA MCRAE

The next day the Digicel Rising Stars auditions will be in the sunshine city where Cameka McRae will get her chance to shine. Cameka says she’s happy to have been selected: “I’m excited, I just can’t wait to show Jamaica my bubbly personality and that I’m capable of being the next host”.

Cameka who is from Portmore says she doesn’t think that hosting a show in her home town will give her an edge: “I don’t think it will, I don’t think it’s easier either and I would be comfortable hosting in any of the five locations.”

Cameka who is a television producer by profession has a communications degree from Northern Caribbean University. She is quick to point out that she’s a church girl with spunk who is not afraid to speak her mind: “What you see is what you get. I’m very real. I don't think I'm better than a soul. I like to think I speak my mind most of the time. I’m very creative and I have a wild imagination and I'm not afraid of new things.”

DEIDRA JAMES

The Digicel Rising Stars team is on the north coast with week two of auditions in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The Montego Bay auditions are on Saturday April 17 at the Wexford Hotel and Deidra James will be performing hosting duties. Despite growing up in Kingston, Deidra is no stranger to the north coast as she was born in St.Ann.

Deidre is probably best known for working as a presenter on Fame FM. She says she hopes that experience will help her in the drive to be the next Digicel Rising Stars host: “I've always had an affinity for entertainment, hence my natural drive for the industry… I do have some experience in TV & broadcasting, so that may work to my advantage, hopefully.”

Deidre says she plans to bring lots of fun and excitement to the audition: “I really just want to be myself. I truly enjoy making people happy and making them laugh, even at my own expense, in fact, MOSTLY at my own expense.”

JULIE MALCOLM

On Sunday April 18 at the Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios, Julie Malcolm will be putting her best hosting skills on the line trying to win over Jamaicans. Julie who is from Clarendon says she went crazy with excitement when she was told she made it to the top six: “I felt like screaming and rolling on the floor and I actually did. Seriously though, I felt humbled that out of so many qualified applicants; even television presenters that I admire, the judges chose me...wow!...I still have goose pimples.”

Julie says she hopes the experience she’s garnered from teaching for over a decade and entering several competitions helps her shine on the Digicel Rising Stars stage. She’s also banking heavily on her personality to help win over voters: “My warm and bubbly personality enables me to connect with people from varying cultures.”

TERRI-KARELLE REID

The final host hopefuls Terri-Karelle Reid and Lady Rennae will take the mic when the Digicel Rising Stars auditions come to Kingston for back to back shows at the Girl Guides Headquarters on April 24 and 25.

Former Miss Jamaica World Terri-Karelle Reid will take control of the Saturday audition and she says she’s looking forward to a big day: “Day one of the Kingston Auditions usually has one of the highest volumes of hopefuls. I plan on being myself: spunky, bubbly, down-to earth. I think it is very important to have fun with it but also relate to the participants and create a relaxing vibe and a comfortable environment for them so that they can put their best foot forward when facing the judges (which can be very intimidating).”

Terri-Karelle says her reign as Miss Jamaica World in 2005 has given her a platform to showcase her personality and be a public servant which has prepared her for several challenges including this one.

LADY RENNAE

Digicel Rising Stars wraps up Season 7 audition shows with day 2 of the Kingston auditions hosted by Lady Rennae and she can’t wait to see what Kingston has to offer.

Lady Rennae says she thinks she has a good chance of being the next Digicel Rising Stars’ host: “I'm a person who loves music and am a great supporter of Jamaican talent...with all the chaos and excitement that will be taking place in the competition, the auditioners really need someone they can feel comfortable around and the voters want someone real and relatable.”

Lady Rennae points out that she’s been in the media industry since her early teens and now, as a stable presenter on Fame FM and RETV, she says she’s quite comfortable behind the microphone.

Despite coming pretty close the last time Digicel Rising Stars was looking for a new host, she points out that this time things will be different: “Bwoy last time I was so in awe of it all, but this time I'm going to show the Digicel Rising Stars audience and the producers of the show more of Lady Rennae, more of my charisma, versatility, charm, raw talent - and most importantly the professionalism required for a show of this calibre.”

Jamaica will get a chance to see Kemesha Bolton, Cameka McRae, Deidre James, Julie Malcolm, Terri-Karelle Reid and Lady Rennae host Digicel Rising Stars’ auditions when they air on TVJ starting on Sunday June 13. Rising Stars’ fans will then be able to vote and choose who they want to be the new series host.

The second live show for the third season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall will take over Weekendz Bistro and Bar on Constant Spring Road tonight at 9:30pm. Two things I know for sure. Four people will be voted off and Mamayashi will rock the place with her fab designs....

Tonight four of last week’s 10 performers will be sent home and will lose their chance of becoming this year’s Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall. It’s all down to the voting and the two princes and two princesses with the lowest votes will have to go home. The 10 contestants who did not perform last week will have their chance to shine tonight.

Also sharing in the spotlight will be designer Mamayashi! Yeah! Love her designs which are unique, feel sooo good and of course channel Rastafrai. Artists like Nelly Stharre, marie-claire, and Alaine

Check out some of her designs below!

Models in Mamayashi on Magnum Tour

Singer Jah9 wearing a Mamayashi skirt paired with a Tuff Like Iron top

To see Mamayashi Collection click HERE!

Etana's management company, apologizes that the live drawing for the Etana Music Video Competition did not air as scheduled.

The live drawing, originally slated for Saturday, February 27, has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 13 at 5:00 PM. Irish and Chin regrets any inconvenience caused. Last week, Etana was in New York busy working on tracks for her upcoming album. Unfortunately, a snow storm in the New York area prevented her from getting to Jamaica in time for the live finale. Voters should tune into RE TV for the drawing and keep their phones on in case they are one of the lucky winners!

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, for the third time, returned to Weekendz Bistro and Bar on Constant Spring Road for its first live show of its third season.


Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall has travelled far and wide to bring authentic Jamaican talent to the fore. Over the last 5 weeks, the competition has presented princes and princess vying for the grand prize of one million dollars each, a single and a video.

After successful audition shows were aired from the five locations: Montego Bay, Portmore, May Pen, Ocho Rios and Kingston, on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and RETV, four contestants chosen from each community by public vote, leading to the live eliminations yesterday.




Att the live shows, the 20 finalists have to chance to show their skills and the public’s votes will determine who stays as two contestants (1 prince and 1 princess) with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated each week.

The third season of the all-dancehall talent competition is expected to run until May when the winners will be known.

The live shows include a back stage feature hosted by comedian Pretty Boy Floyd. This section of the show will see Floyd interviewing patrons during the show while showcasing the contestants off-stage. Jamaican designs will again be featured each week and Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall will premier the latest dancehall fashions by some of the top designers in Jamaica today.

Tune in every week to TVJ to see who will be eliminated and who will move on to become Dancehall Royalty!!!!

Keep up with the show on the Magnum Facebook Page.

AliciaKeys.com is giving a select number of tickets away for her upcoming "Freedom Tour."

I love the colours of Alicia's "Put It In A Love Song" official single cover.

Photo source

Subscribers to Alicia's mailing list will be among the first to be notified when new ticketing opportunities arise, so make sure you're signed up.
The first giveaway is for the March 3rd Chicago, IL show at the Allstate Arena. To enter, simply comment on this news post. Winners will be selected at random at least 72 hours prior to the show.

Click HERE for all the legal mumbo jumbo....

Hey LIME customers, you and a friend can win tickets to Beyonce's concert in Trinidad on Feb 18th. All you have to do is text Beyonce to LIME (5463) or 444 LIME (444-5463) if you are in Jamaica. Calls cost $1EC or $25 Jamaican Dollar.

Whats the prize???

VIP package for 2 which includes:
*2 VIP Concert Tickets

*Hotel accomodation

*Airline Tickets compliments LIAT

*Transportation to and from the airport and concert!

Plus, visit liat.com for a chance to win free flights and prizes from LIAT.
Winners must be able to travel at short notice.

Click HERE and pic your island then click on Promotions.

Click HERE for all the legal info.

PLEASE NOTE THE PROMO ENDS FEB 13TH AT 4PM

All you singers out there, alicia Keys got a contest just for you.
Record your version of "Put It In a Love Song," "Doesn't Mean Anything," or "No One" for your chance to win a trip to NYC to see Alicia Keys live in concert at Madison Square Garden in March! Contests runs now through February 3rd. Head on over to MySpace for complete details and to enter.

Sorry guys, I wasn't holding out on you, but I totally forgot to mention the competition for the new Puma Ventis logo. Basically you can just go to pumarunning.com and upload your logo in the comment section along with your name, age and location. The contest ends today so hurry!

Please note: and this is muy importante. One entry per person

And if my name wasn't Ayeola George eh, you know I had more than one idea! LOL. Take a look see:

IDEA# 1
English:Wind
Swedish: Vind
French: Vent
Italian:Vento
Spanish: Viento
Puma: Ventis

IDEA#2
(written with Arnold Shwazzenegaer accent)"Ventis is on yurr feet, there's no vone you caant beet!
Translation_When this is on your feet there's no one you can't beat!

IDEA#3
Preying Ventis: Pavements Beware!

So which do you think I posted? Click HERE to find out.

And one more thing. Doh steal my ideas eh! I will come for my royalties seen? Arite.

Sean Kingston is scheduled to perform in Kingston in Jan. 2010 and Coke Zero is giving away 10,000 tickets to the concert.

The show will also feature D’Angel,Serani, Chino (featured on the Coke Zero ad below) Elephant Man, Tifa, Tessanne Chin, QQ, G-Whizz, Alaine,Demarco, Voicemail and Ding Dong.

Photo source

To have a chance to win one of these tickets, here’s what you need to do:
1. Look under your Coke Zero bottle caps and collect one that says “Sweet”, one that says “Zero” and one that says “Sugar”

2. Then, complete the slogan “Sweet! __________ sugar!” on a blank paper with your name and address

3. Exchange the items at at Mother’s fast food restaurant or Burger King islandwide for your free ticket to the concert.

Ziggy would like to see your child's coloring page!

Has your child finished the coloring page that came with the album? Ziggy would like to see the results!

Please send him a picture of your child's coloring work!

We'd like to post it on our site gallery AND send special goodies to the winners!

To send to Ziggy:

1. After your child has colored in the coloring page included with your album...
2. Take a photo or scan of the work!
3. Email it to us at colorforziggy@ziggymarley.com, along with your child's first name and age.

When, When, Win?

We will be accepting submissions through August 31st, and prizes will be sent along shortly after.

The Goodies!

When the contest is over, we will be sending special prizes to the winning entries! We will contact the parents of winners for mailing information.

Click HERE for more info like links to winning photos, privacy policy etc.

Hey....check this out!
You could win 2 bags of Marley Coffee AND get published on their site and newsletter!

Winners will be chosen by Rohan Marley and his fellow associates at Marley Coffee.

They are asking for your recipes which include Marley Coffee.

There are three recipes types:

1. The best use of Marley Coffee in nice cool summer drink.

2. The best use of a Marley Coffee in a food dish.

3. The best use of a Marley Coffee in a vegan food dish.

All participants will receive a coupon code for 10% off their order. Multiple entries are allowed. If you just have a recipe utilizing regular coffee, that's fine too, but they urge you to try the best cup of organic certified coffee in the world. Remember, your participation helps fund the Marley Coffee Foundation, which helps with youth soccer programs around the world.

Please click here to submit your recipe!

More than a decade after its inception, VH1 is revamping its Divas Live concert series with a new crop of upcoming and coming songbirds, the network said in a statement Tuesday.

Photo source

British vocalists Adele and Leona Lewis, former American Idol Kelly Clarkson, and teen star Miley Cyrus will follow in the footsteps of chart queen, like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey, by headlining this year’s show, airing live from the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, Sept. 17 @ 9/8c.

Of course the age of these young divas comes into question and in response, Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development VH1, and VH1 Classic says “Adele, Kelly, Leona and Miley have all captured the world’s attention with their talent and have earned their designation as VH1 Divas this year. Don’t let some of their young age’s fool you – these women are among the best entertainers in the world and will continue to thrill music fans for a long time to come.”

Fans are encouraged to follow all show-related news and details, as well as thoughts on this year’s show from other fans by following the VH1 Divas twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas.

IN RELATED NEWS:
VH1wants to hear your diva story!You can upload a video on the site at: divastories.vh1.com/

NOW I SAW THIS ONLINE AS WELL PLEASE NOTE... YOU ARE SENDING INFO AT YOUR OWN RISK AS IT IS NOT GOING TO VH1 BUT A CASTING AGENCY (SUPPOSEDLY)....IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE SENDING A VIDEO TO THE EMAIL BELOW THEN GO TO VH1'S SITE TO POST YOUR VID.

VH1 is looking for a diverse mix of energetic music-lovers to feature in its upcoming Divas commercial campaign. We need passionate fans of pop music and of Divas of all types (from Beyoncé to Kelly Clarkson to Taylor Swift and beyond). We’re looking for a range of people who have interesting stories to tell about how Divas have inspired them to be their own everyday superstar.

Did a Diva’s song inspire you to break up with someone or help you get through a rough time? Have you been so moved by a Diva or their music to make a huge change in your life?

If ALL of the requirements below describe you or someone you know, please send us your submission by 12PM, MONDAY, JULY 27. (see submission info below)

YOU ARE:
• A DIVA, female or male, of any ethnicity, age 16 and up, (or unique “groups” like choirs, dance teams, sports teams, etc.)
• Living in NYC or within an hour’s driving distance from NYC at the time of the shoot.
• Inspired by DIVAS in a way that has made a positive impact on your life.
• Passionate about pop music and DIVAS with a unique story to tell about how their music moves your world.
• AVAILABLE FOR A FULL DAY ON AT LEAST ONE OF THE SHOOT DATES BELOW.

SHOOT DATES: AUGUST 6 – 8 (THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
SHOOT LOCATION: YOUR HOMETOWN

SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE: BY 12PM, MONDAY, JULY 27 (the earlier the better!)

SUBMISSION INFO: Please send 2-3 photos of yourself along with answers to the following to: vh1divascasting@me.com by 12PM, MONDAY, JULY 27. (CANDID PHOTOS ONLY, NO PROFESSIONAL PICTURES PLEASE)

1. FULL LEGAL NAME (If selected, your name may appear in the commercial.)
2. DATE OF BIRTH
3. WHERE YOU CURRENTLY LIVE (CITY & STATE)
4. CONTACT INFO: PHONE, CELL & E-MAIL
5. ANSWER SOME OR ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS IN 100 WORDS OR LESS: WHAT DOES “DIVA” MEAN TO YOU? HOW ARE YOU OBSESSED WITH DIVAS? HOW HAS A PARTICULAR DIVA’S MUSIC OR SONG HELPED YOU GET THROUGH A ROUGH TIME OR INSPIRED YOU TO DO SOMETHING INCREDIBLE? HOW ARE YOU A DIVA IN YOUR OWN LIFE?

CALLING ALL DJ’S!!!




DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN…
*THE COURTNEY JOHN “LUCKY MAN” REMIX COMPETITION? *

WELL HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO DO YOUR THING!!!

THE JAMAICAN REGGAE ARTISTE IS GIVING YOU… ONE LUCKY MAN OR WOMAN, THE
CHANCE TO CREATE AN OFFICIAL REMIX OF HIS HIT SINGLE ‘LUCKY MAN’ FROM HIS
NEW ALBUM MADE IN JAMAICA WHICH HAS BEEN CREATING WAVES ALL OVER THE WORLD SINCE ITS RELEASE ON JUNE 17TH.

HOW TO ENTER:

Step 1

- VISIT COURTNEY JOHN’S WEBSITE: www.courtneyjohn.com
-Click on the “Made In Jamaica” album cover icon on the left side of the page

Step2

- Download the acapella or vocals (Track 14 in the album track listings)
http://courtneyjohn.bandcamp.com/track/lucky-man-accapella (direct download link)
Step 3

- Create your remix

Step 4

- Send your remix to albumpromo@gmail.com
Title: “Lucky Man Remix”

This competition ends on July 31st 2009

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

So Mr. Vegas has a new song called "Sassa Step" and of course like any Jamaican Dancehall hit, there must be the accompanying dance. It's called the Sassa Step BTW.

There has been an ongoing online contest for the best Sassa Step Dancer to be featured in the official video. Hundreds of entries have been cut down to five.

Click HERE to view them all and to vote.

My top two are Skatty Natty of London and Ruby Red of Taiwan. I like Skatty cause she just have a vibe man, she looks good doing the ting and she held my attention the whole 1 minute lol. There was not much to look at in the tiny backyard, but you cyan knock the talent.

Now Ruby Red's video is 4 mins long (and based on the rule that vids cannot be more than a min I'm not sure that that is fair that she made it to the final). The cool thing about her video is not so much the dance itself but the concepts throughout. Basically she did the dance at several locations (in the subway station, on a busy street, on a bike, with a group of dancers, on some steps etc)

Here are their videos:







myspace.com/mrvegas

Upload your best performance video in REGGAE's GOLDEN KRUST CARIBBEAN STAR SEARCH
Upload your video at www.Youtube.com/vprecords

USERS Watch and vote for their Favorites (so tell your friends!!!)

The organizers will pick the top rated video, that artist will have a chance have their song recorded by one of Jamaica's Premier Reggae Producers and have their song featured on VP RECORDS' REGGAE GOLD 2009!

See Rules, Entry and Contest info HERE

About Golden Krust
Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill is the brain-child of Ephraim and Mavis Hawthorne; founders of Hawthorne & Son’s Bakery in St. Andrew, Jamaica and parents of the present owners. They had no idea then that their dream would one day blossom into a now global business with over 120 stores in nine states.
In 1996 Golden Krust became the first Black-owned business in the U.S. to be granted a franchise license.

Read more about Golden Krust at their official site www.goldenkrustbakery.com

photo source

Ever wanted to break into modeling but did not know how, or not just that you could never seem to get in shape to start?? Well MTV has a new upcoming reality series called Model Maker. The premise is basically over 12 weeks they are gonna win contestansts of all shape and sizes into model material. The winner gets ahuge prize and ofcourse their 15 minutes of reality fame. So if you think this is just the jump you needed go to http://www.mtvmodelmaker.com/

Nesxxus Salon Hair Care is the sponsor of Bravo's hit reatily competition "Shear Genius", It's second season premiere was on on July 16th. In honor of thefirst episode where contestants had to create a step by step hairdo to be judged, Nexxus is offering the public a chance to win great prizes bydoing the same through their Nexxus Hairdo How-To contest which ends August 13th.

So ladies (and guys) you still have a shot So check out the info below if you want to take part.

To enter, and to see full contest rules, go to here.

Prizes include:
Grand Prize: One winner, selected by Nexxus experts, from the top 100 entries with the highest score, will receive an a ll-nexpenses-paid trip for two to New York City where they can attend the Nexxus “Shear Genius” Finale Party with the show cast. (Prize valued at $2,500 and paid in gift card.) Plus the winning entry will be featured on Nexxus.com.
Highest Score: One winner, selected by Nexxus experts from the top 100 entries with the highest score through online voting will win a Nexxus product prize package.
Most Viral: One winner, selected by Nexxus experts from the top 100 entries that are the most viral on the Web will win a Nexxus product prize package.
Weekly Sweepstakes: One winner who signed up to receive exciting news from Nexxus will be selected at random each week will receive a Nexxus product prize package

infro from Nitrolicious