Rihanna and Nicki Minaj shines at Billboard Music Awards

Monday, May 20, 2013

Caribbean entertainers Rihanna and Nicki Minaj shines at Billboard Music Awards last night which took place in Las Vegas.

Rihanna walked away with four awards, winning in Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album ("Unapologetic"), Top R&B Song ("Diamonds") -- and separate to R&B, Top Radio Songs Artist. She was nominated for 10 awards in total

Rihanna however was not present at the event and later tweeted her apologies

“#BBMAs #thatshowweballout #putitindamail #phuckyophanz #phuckyophav #betherenextyear”

“Thank you #BILLBOARD for showing my fans the love they deserve!!! I’m truly grateful for these 4 awards that you’ve rewarded us! Thank you again!!”

Nicki Minaj won secured three awards; Top Streaming Artist, Top Rap Artist and Top Rap Album ("Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded"). However, it was her performance that had the audience in awe, when she performed her hit "High School," donning a black baseball cap, short-shorts, shredded tights and a spiked shoulder piece for the number.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Batsman, Kieran Powell Signs Deal with Pinneys Plantation Resort

West Indies opening batsman, Kieran Powell, has sealed a deal with the ultra-exclusive Pinneys Plantation Resort, in the Caribbean island of Nevis.

Powell, the dashing cricketer recently described in global media reports as "enigmatic," will partner with a leading UK-based group of companies, who are set to develop Pinneys.

The deal comes on the heels of a successful ad campaign featuring Powell and a leading national Bank, which is set to air later this month, with the charismatic player also recently re-signing a two year deal with his long-term sponsor, Indian cricketing gear giant, Sareen Sports.

The gifted left-handed batsman, a former student of the exclusive Millfield school in England, is a star undeniably on the rise.

He has even stirred interest from Bollywood film producers out in India, owing to his model good-looks and eloquent mannerisms.

This, despite an unfortunate blow, that resulted in surgery to the finger of the stylish 22-year-old left-handed batsmen two weeks ago, following an injury acquired during a regional match in early April, which has left him out of contention for the 2013 West Indies Champions Trophy squad that will compete in England next month, much to his disappointment.

Powell, however, says he is determined to get back to blistering form quickly and is concentrating hard on becoming fully fit in time for the West Indies' forthcoming Tri-Nation Tournament against India and Sri Lanka, in late June.

One of the most successful cricketers to emerge out of his native island of Nevis, he made his Test debut against India in 2011 and scored two centuries in a single match during the Test series against Bangladesh in November of last year to become only the first West Indian player since Brian Lara, and the ninth West Indian player in history, to achieve the feat.

Powell has displayed elegance, confidence and maturity beyond his years, which saw him kick off his recent tour of Australia with a sensational knock of 83 (his highest ODI score to-date) during the West Indies v Australia ODI series, in February this year.

But it's not all about chasing runs and bearing the fruits of his on-field success for this exciting young cricketer. Kieran Powell is also both eager and willing to give back to the game, to his fans, and to the community.

Following the ODI match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during the same tour, Powell took time out to meet and greet cricket fan Callum, (pictured), an 11-year-old patient from Sydney Children's Hospital in Randwick. The personal invitation from the international star and his Manager for Callum to attend the SCG game was an inspiring experience for the youngster, who is in remission from cancer and had just been through hip replacement surgery.

Powell also recently arranged for a cheque to be presented to the family of former West Indies cricketer and his Leeward Islands teammate, Runako Morton, who was tragically killed in a car crash in 2012.

Despite the buzz surrounding his incredible ability, the end-focus has remained firmly unchanged for the popular batsman. As the world watches in anticipation, the next steps of an exceptionally talented international cricketer, Kieran Powell remains humble, focused, committed and diligent about perfecting his craft and his first love; playing cricket and representing the West Indies.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Beauty Queen-Model dedicated to patients and their well being!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

We met Jana March 2008 while casting for a fashion show. She was the current Miss Earth United States 2008. Besides the Miss Teen Earth and Miss Earth organization titleholders, there were titleholders from Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe organization, Miss World, Miss America and Ms. Latina International, past and current titleholders.

Francisco and I must have met 30 to 40 wonderful ladies, mostly titleholders and models from top modeling agencies from South Florida. The moment we saw Jana, we fell in love. She was tall, fit and had an angelic heavenly face, she was going to be my Vanessa Williams. We immediately ran to her side, started talking to her, and discovered that besides being beautiful, she was friendly, kind, down to earth and did I mention gorgeous.

We became friends, and Jana became the face of Franovik Designs.

Because of Jana, we became the official costume designers for the Miss Earth United States organization for the following three years. The organization flew us out to the different pageant locations and Jana was right by our side. On the Las Vegas trip, we were together most of the time; she was the current titleholder, so she could not be around the contestants; so we hung out.

We did the first fashion show for Miss Earth and Miss Teen Earth and since I had a professional photographer, Don Seidman there, we did editorial photo shoots around at the hotel and areas. Miss Earth was our second pageant system where we were official designers.

Among our conversations we found out Jana is quite the celebrity, she has several beauty titles under her sequin belt, she is a model, and was on a TV newscast (previous traffic girl) in her state and to top it all off, a Doctor of Physical Therapy. It does not get any better than that. Jana is a traveling therapist so she goes where she is needed.

She works in a variety of practice settings across the country from hospitals to nursing homes, to private practices. She assists in rehabilitating people after surgery, those who have had heart attacks and strokes, orthopedic injuries, and any other ailments. Jana's fulfillment comes from investing time and expertise into people who truly need her help and seeing them overcome their physical debilities and get back into a normal life day to day routine. Her patience and kind heart make physical rehabilitation the perfect profession for her.

Despite all she does with her very demanding job, she still manages her time to support our causes, fashion shows, TV engagements, photo shoots and important events.

Jana has been involved and included in many of FRANOVIK’s most influential shows, fundraisers, magazine articles and events. Most of the shows included Green Fashion Miami, Elements of Green Funkshion 2010, Million Dollar Diamond show, Funkshion-Elements of Green 2011 and 2012. Jana has been included in magazines like Nuvia Rose International, Bayfront/Icon, HerLife, Broward Lifestyles, Keel Magazine, Lucky Magazine, just to mention a few.

 

Jana has been on NBC6 South Florida Today, Univision, and Hola TV and soon to be involved with our upcoming event on September 28, where Franovik gives back on our 5th year anniversary.

Everyone she comes in contact with immediately loves her, other titleholders and models too. They want to be her. Lately, she has been involved with her own pageant, Miss Essence.  Now she is also preparing her wedding in June. You know, we are designing her wedding dress.

Thinking back and quite frankly, we have been blessed with many beautiful, professional, exciting women in our lives, but what can I say about this incredible and supportive woman besides “She’s our IT GIRL” the face of Franovik and we want to Thank her for being there for us and also being an inspiration to us all.

I hope we continue to work together regardless of Jana getting married…..Congratulations Jana.

 

By: Viktor Franovik

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

“Baby Mama” Actor Dante Hillmedo Debuts Jamaican Inspired Document about his life from Hollywood to Hip-Hop in a New Web Series.

Dante Hillmedo

The BlockStarz.Tv Network has debuted the pilot episode of its original comedy web series, “THIS IS DANTE”, which follows the misadventures of a young Jamaican actor from the Bronx as he attempts to break into the music business.

 

 

“‘THIS IS DANTE’ is new, it’s different, and it’s entertaining,” says the show’s star and namesake Dante Hillmedo (born Andrew Hillmedo Jr.), who’s appeared in a handful of Hollywood movies, most notably 2008′s BABY MAMA starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Greg Kinnear. “I believe viewers will laugh, learn, and most of all enjoy the ride as they follow the highs and lows of my journey through the entertainment industry.”

 

The 25-year-old Hillmedo says the series will detail his career false starts, including an ill-fated collaboration with distant cousin Slick Rick, and missed opportunities, like a nervous audition that lost him a role in the Biggie Smalls biopic Notorious, through a mix of behind-the-scenes footage and funny reenactments.

The comedy/reality-based web series, which was created by Hillmedo’s film/television company Team Elite Productions, premiered as part of The BlockStarz.Tv Network’s sneak peek at its Fall 2013 prime-time lineup and will air Wednesday nights at 9 PM EST with rebroadcasts on Mondays.

 

 Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Movie: T&T Film "God Loves the Fighter" to Premire on Monday

Friday, May 17, 2013

Today marks the FIRST LOOK at the official movie poster artwork for the much anticipated T&T film, God Loves the Fighter. Hot off the Machel Montano feat. Freetown Collective music video, ʻRepresent (the remix)ʼ, Dirk, one half of the two enterprising, bicycle-building youths featured in the music video, is prominently presented on the official movie poster artwork, designed by the movieʼs director, Damian Marcano. Dirkʼs controversial pose comes directly from a scene in the movie, where he and his counterpart, Chicken get caught up in the dangerous reality of street life in their urban neighbourhood. To get the backstory on Dirk and Chicken, catch up with the Represent (the remix) music video

 

 

THE OFFICIAL TRAILER

After several teasers and promotional videos, the official movie trailer for God Loves The Fighter will GO LIVE on Monday 20th May 2013. Like on Facebook  to follow the official countdown.

God Loves The Fighter is an inspirational feature length film set in modern day Trinidad & Tobago. Over two years in the making, this film is the first feature length film for film director and Trinbagonian native Damian Marcano. The film features a 100% local cast and music from Freetown Collective.

The Story: King Curtis, a vagrant on the streets of Port of Spain, is constantly ignored by passersby. He speaks and if he has to –shouts the truth about the stories behind the newspaper headlines. As the conductor of our story, King Curtis introduces us to a young man named Charlie…

Charlie, a resident east of the lighthouse, is trying his best to stay on the right path. However, with no job in sight, he is finding it hard to say no to other "opportunities". A chance of redemption presents itself when Dinah, a professional ʻlady of the nightʼ, crosses his path in need of help.

 

Approaching the final stages of post-production with a premiere date set for fall 2013, It is only appropriate to give people a taste of what to expect. The official trailer and poster will be released on May 20, 2013 at 6am EST.

Official Website: Twitter: @GLTFthemovie

For more information or to schedule an interview with the director and/or members of the cast please contact Email

THE CAST

Zion Henry

Abdi Waithe

Jaleel Waithe

Jamie Lee Philips

Darren Cheewah

Muhammad Muwakil

Lou Lyons

Tyker Phillips

Amy Pounder

Albert Laveau

Errol Sithal

Penelope Spencer

Cleary McKnight

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Invest Caribbean Now 2013 Partners With Caribseek News

In its third consecutive year, the Invest Caribbean Now (ICN) event has become the primary Caribbean investment forum.

The Annual Invest Caribbean Now is presented annually by The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and Hard Beat Communications, Inc., during CTO’s Caribbean Week In New York and Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States.

The definitive Caribbean Investment Forum will feature a United Nations-type "general assembly" of ministers from about a dozen nations from the Caribbean and international business leaders, and is set for June 5th, an ideal strategic match-making event.

Caribseek News is proud to announce that it is the Worldwide Caribbean media partner for this event.

“The partnership with Caribseek News is important for Invest Caribbean Now as it complements our objective of bringing together the Worldwide Caribbean in one Caribbean investment forum. The reach of Caribseek News as a true Worldwide Caribbean news portal is a great way to get our message out,” according to Guyanese entrepreneur Felicia Persaud, CEO of Hard Beat Communications and the architect of the Invest Caribbean Now investment forum.

“The main objective of Caribseek News is to become the platform for Worldwide Caribbean news bringing together the Caribbean, its Diaspora and international business relationships,” stated Mr. Willem Da Costa Gomez, CEO of Caribseek International.

 

Only a few tickets at $185 each are still available for the June 5th forum

Supplementary information on the event can be found on the event’s pages on Facebook  and on Twitter

 

About Invest Caribbean Now

The Hard Beat Communications/Caribbean Tourism Organization annual Invest Caribbean Now Power Forum is a strategic match-making event for international business leaders that connects investors and those seeking to do business in the Caribbean with over a dozen governments from this region in one room! www.investcaribbeannow.com

 

About Caribseek News

Caribseek News is the premier Worldwide Caribbean news integrator covering the Caribbean, its Diaspora and Worldwide Caribbean-related news. Caribseek News feature full multi-media news and news is published in all languages spoken in the Caribbean. www.news.caribseek.com -- facebook.com/caribseeknews -- www.twitter.com/caribseeknews

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Meet Model and Actor Nollis DeWar

Nollis Sylbier DeWar was born on March 14, 1985 in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Somerton, St James) to father Myron DeWar and mother Juliet Reid.  Nollis is the oldest sibling of five sisters and three brothers. Growing up in a third world country life was very difficult, but Nollis remained positive and joyful. His parents who were only teenagers at the time of birth were not able to financially or mentally  support  the young child leaving him in care of his grandmother' Vita Myrie shortly after he was born. 


Faith would however, play a major role into the youngster’s life. At age 4, Nollis met a woman by the name of Rosa Sanders an American citizen from Los Angeles; CA. Rosa migrated to the Jamaican island to "start a new life". While searching to buy a home in Montego Bay Rosa met Kenneth Dewar, the grandfather of Nollis. After the two began to date, Rosa met the young Nollis at the Dewar residence. Rosa fell in love with the young juvenile and decided to care for him fulltime. Rosa purchased a home in a more upscale part of the Montego Bay area and requested the young toddler live amongst her and her new love Kenneth DeWar. Rosa was a nurse at the Cornwall regional hospital in Montego Bay and she was much more financially secure than the Dewar family so her request was granted. Nollis was now fortunate to attend Harrison prep elementary school and later would attend Herbert Morrison comprehensive high school in Montego Bay.

 

Year later after a very heart breaking separation with her spouse who happened to be Nollis's grandfather, Rosa migrated back to the United States and decided to adopt Nollis so he would be able to migrate to the United States of America. Nollis attended Los Angeles High School (4650 West Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019) for the first semester, but  moved away from Los Angeles, California to attend school  in Windsor, Connecticut Because he wanted to live in a different climate instead of the scorching heat he had lived in his entire life. Nollis had an aunt (Flo DeWar) living in the Connecticut region and figured that the transition would be simple.

 

While living in Connecticut Nollis was well liked by the east coast community. He excelled at school plays, talent shows and Athletics. His drama teacher would always attempt to sign him up for acting programs, but because of his athletic built Nollis was already very busy with track & field and American-football.  In 2004 Nollis earned a Full Scholarship to attend the University of Connecticut in which he would be a part of their football program. However, in 2006 that relationship was abruptly ended when a benched red shirt sophomore, Unhappy and confused Nollis decided to throw a party in his hotel room in South Florida two days before his games against the University of South Florida. He was released from the team for the incident, but Nollis decided to remain at the University of Connecticut and earn his Bachelors degree in Sociology. In 2009 Nollis however, was offered a rare offer that he could not refuse. He was offered a full scholarship to attend the University of North Alabama to play one year under newly acquired/Famous coaches Jeff and Terry Bowden. With his credits towards graduation completed essentially “Nothing to lose" Nollis took the offer. 

 

While attending UNA Nollis took a few drama courses and was cast in one of Shakespeare most famous plays "Hamlet" As Horatio. The drama teacher fell in love with Nollis and told him that he should pursue a career in acting. Nollis then made a promise that when the semester was finished he would do just that. Moving to Florence, Alabama and attending UNA was the turning point in his life. He now knew what direction he wanted his life to go. Nollis returned to Connecticut after 2009 with a plan to work and save as much money as he could and move back to California to pursue a career in acting. In 2012 that dream finally came through' Nollis packed a U-Haul truck and drove cross country back to Los Angeles, CA. 

 

Faith again would play a major role in the life of the aspiring actor. Within three weeks of his arrival to Los Angeles Nollis was offered a position working as a concierge in a very luxurious apartment building in Los Angeles/Hollywood Area at the “El Royale".  Tenants such as Cameron Diaz, Lena Dunham, Huell Houser, Kathy Lee Gifford, Allan Mindel, Jon Hamburg...to name a few from the 56 Unit apt complex. It was a dream position for the young actor.  Within a few weeks tenants began to notice the young talent and started to give him advice on how to get started on his career. Kathy Lee Gifford was quoted saying that he was "So handsome that he has to be a model". The tenants began referring Nollis to different acting coaches, acting classes and photographers right away. Overwhelmed with the love and attention he was receiving he took their advice one by one and followed each and everyone. Nollis is currently enrolled in an acting course in the Hollywood area and is focused on building his resume. The sky is the limit for the young talent. 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Rochelle McKinley Wins Miss Jamaica Global 2013

Thursday, May 16, 2013

 
On Saturday night Eighteen year old Rochelle McKinley was crowned Miss Jamaica Global 2013 at the Hotel RIU in Montego Bay, from a field of fifteen.

McKinley who enjoys swimming and horseback riding will represent Jamaica at the Miss Global International Coronation show to be held in Montego Bay in September.

First runner-up went to Leshari Bryan, who was also awarded Most Aware and Most Talented, while Shaneen Hosey was the second runner- up and walking away with the award for Most congenial.

Miss Jamaica Global Rochelle McKinley (centre) with

first runner-up Leshari Bryan (left) and second runner-up Shaneen Hosey

 

For winning the title McKinley won various prizes which includes : a trophy, a scholarship valued at $150,000 courtesy of Caribbean Assurance Brokers, an evening gown from CC's Dressing Room in London, England, jewellery, and a three -night stay at Hotel RIU.

 

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...

Tobago’s Premier Fashion House "Kaj Designs" Unveils Its Resort Collection At Singapore's Fashion Tradeshow

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Kaj Designs, Tobago's premier fashion house, will lead the Caribbean as it unveils its latest resort collection, Tribu Sauvage, at the international fashion tradeshow, BLUEPRINT, in Singapore. From May 16 to 19, 2013, Kaj will join Asia’s finest as the first Caribbean brand to exhibit and show at the core of Singapore's fashion week, Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX).

In its fourth (4th) year, BLUEPRINT, is the only Asian fashion tradeshow that specializes in launching pre spring collections. While curating fresh and forward menswear, women’s wear and accessories from Asia’s most-talented emerging and established designers, BLUEPRINT also attracts leading international brands set on penetrating Asian markets. As one of

BLUEPRINT’s mid-luxury brands, Kaj will be in the company of Yacht 21 of Singapore, Akiko Ogawa of Japan, Religion Clothing of the UK, and Creazioni Antonella of Italy. BLUEPRINT’s calendar of events includes a two-day shopping and lifestyle event,

EMPORIUM, from May 18 to 19, 2013 where fashion lovers can look forward to culling samples, limited edition items and off-season collections. The Tobago brand was honoured to win its bid to host one of six runway shows that will take place over the four-day fashion event. On May 16, 2013, Tribu Sauvage will make its runway debut to an audience of buyers and media including David Jones of Australia, Harvey Nichols of Hong Kong, Edition of Japan, Vogue Japan, Vogue Italia, Harper’s BAZAAR UK and Senken Shimbun of Japan.

“We are very excited to welcome Kaj Designs on board BLUEPRINT Tradeshow and EMPORIUM this year. The bold and eclectic brand celebrates the dynamism of diverse cultures – an outlook that we at BLUEPRINT share. We look forward to hosting them in Asia and expanding their reach into new markets,” shared Tracy Phillips, Project Director of BLUEPRINT.

Kaj's newest collection marries luxury with the appeal of simple designs that jet set from a relaxing resort setting to fast-paced city life. For the discerning woman, Tribu Sauvage juxtaposes bold tribal infusions against a backdrop of wild animal and camouflage prints. The collection goes from everyday to evening in jersey knits and indulgent silk blends that gently hug the contour.

With a sound business strategy and dynamic marketing tactics, Kaj is focused on establishing a stable presence in Asian markets. "I am excited yet I feel a sense of responsibility to display the Caribbean to these vast Asian markets. This is a stepping stone for the Caribbean to be at the fore of international fashion," asserted Ayoung-Julien.

To the sophisticated woman who confidently asserts her sense of style, Kaj's newest creations deliver understated sensuality. Explore a haven of style with Kaj Resort 13/14 at BLUEPRINT. Visit Kaj Designs at booth A15 and discover the KajFAB safari of Tribu Sauvage. To learn more about the brand send mail to info@kajdesigns.net, call (868) 639-6KAJ (6525) or visit www.kajdesigns.net. Connect with Kaj on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kajdesigns or tweet to @kajdesignsLIVE.

 

Copyright 2013 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

comments | | Read More...