Search Results

Kerriann Toby holds a Master of Counselling and Bachelor of Psychology. She is a dynamic therapist, trained mediator; and educator since 2000. In addition to being a trained educator, mediator and therapist, she is a certified Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Professional. Kerriann has also trained in cybercounselling and holds clinical registration with Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) & Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). In mid-October 2015 she initiated operations of KarryOn geared toward the provision of a variety of enhancement and developmental services for the individual, groups and the organization; e-Coaching/Counseling, Mediation, EAP Services and the creative presentation of psycho-social information. She can be reached at: karryonservices@mail.com

Protoje surprised his fans yesterday by releasing a brand new album “Royalty Free” which was free to download (Side B only, for now). The singer who celebrated his birthday took to social media to make the announcement about the free download. News about the project was made public just 3 days ago for everyone’s excitement. Some of the tracks have been previously released such as (“Can’t Feel No Way” and “Glad You’re Home”). Royalty Free, is available for download on protoje.com and is available for streaming on Soundcloud.

COME CELEBRATE OUR 23rd ANNUAL SUMMER SOLSTICE & WORLD PEACE GATHERING WITH US THIS WEEKEND We are all very excited about the 23rd annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival taking place at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California this weekend! SNWMF features 3 Days of the Very Best Roots Reggae and World Music. With 2 stages, along with a "Jamaican-style" Late-Night Dancehall, SNWMF is a great way to kick off your summer. This year's lineup is now complete and single day tickets are now available as are three-day festival tickets and camping passes. The organizers have once again developed an impressive lineup of performers, many of which signify the true essence of cultural preservation, performing on stages around the globe as ambassadors for their craft. SNWMF2016 ~ RUN OF THE SHOW: The festivities kick off on Friday evening with the SNWMF debut of New Kingston on the Valley Stage, followed by California's own Fortunate Youth. Next up will be Lee 'Scratch' Perry, the octogenarian who will be returning to SNWMF for the first time in 15 years. Reggae legend Don Carlos will close out the Valley Stage music to be followed by some amazing fire dancers. The Village stage will be thumping all night long with the Boonville debuts of Tuff Like Ironand Alaine. No-Maddz gave a very impressive performance at SNWMF last year and they will be returning to Anderson Valley yet again for 2016. The revolutionary Pablo Moses will bring down the curtain on the Village Stage Friday night. Meanwhile, things will be jamming in the Dancehall from 8:00pm until the wee hours of the morning, with Comanche High Power laying down some serious grooves for your listening pleasure. He will be followed by Jah Warrior Shelter Hi Fialong with Special Guests. Anderson Valley will be 'feeling the bass' with the return of the mighty Jah Shaka, who will close out Friday night's music. The Valley Stage has always featured roots reggae on Saturday, and this year's roster willbe a blockbuster. No-Maddz and Etana will get the day rocking, to be followed by the return of Kabaka Pyramid backed by the Bebble Rockers Band. Tanya Stephens will then bless the people of Boonville for the very first time prior to Richie Spice taking to the stage. Israel Vibration will get Saturday night started, before 'The Voice of Jamaica' -Beres Hammond makes his only California appearance this year at our 23rd annual summer solstice gathering. Saturday night's capper will be the one and only Toots and The Maytals, who will be making thier very first festival appearance since Toots was injured nearly three years ago. Saturday's Village Stage will get started in the morning with Piracy Conspiracy out of San Diego, followed by the US debut of Italy's own Mellow Mood. Asheba will perform in the afternoon, followed by World Music in the evening from the Bay Area's Candelaria. Koradub, who hail from Chile, will be up next followed by the newly reborn Zulu Spear band. And the party band extraordinaire - Afrolicious will keep things hot on the Village Stage on Saturday night. More musical fire will be presented in the Dancehall from 8:00-2:30am as Comanche High Power, Ras Kushand and Rorystonelove Black Dub lay down some wicked tracks all night long. Sunday morning's musical offerings on the Village Stage include the debuts of Lee Tafariand one of Jamaica's up-and-coming roots bands -EarthKry. They will be followed by some great dancing music courtesy of Lost Coast Marimbas, before Italian musical selector Paolo Baldini DubFiles takes to the stage. Next up will be Sara Lugo, who hails from Germany. Latin ska is in popular demand, and festival goers will get their fair share of it when The Delirians close down the music under the redwoods. Sunday on the Valley Stage will truly be an 'international world-wide affair,' taking you from Indonesia's Ras Muhamad to Italy's Mellow Mood. From there, you'll journey to the barrios of Mexico for the Grammy Award winning sounds of La Santa Cecilia, before heading down to Brazil to hear the eloquent voice of Céu. Then it's up to Florida for the 'bad boys of reggae' - Inner Circle, before heading to Canada for the SNWMF return of the sweet sounds of Leroy Sibbles. The Ivory Coast will be the final leg of this musical sojourn, as Alpha Blondy and Solar System close out the musical offerings for 2016. Our festival is very "family-friendly" with a Kids Zone that features an extensive array of children's activities, including arts and crafts, bounce houses, a festival parade and family and alter-able camping. SNWMF 2016 will also include dance & music workshops, yoga and many more activities that are appropriate for children of all ages!!!

Vybz Kartel highly anticipated album “King of the Dancehall” was released on June 10. The album features 14-tracks with guest appearances from Demarco, Moncherie, and Gaza Tussan. Linton ‘TJ’ White, who produces the album. King of the Dancehall, produced by top dancehall imprint T.J. Records, just topped the iTunes Reggae chart in its first week out. In a statement from, Vybz Kartel calls the album a masterpiece. “King of the Dancehall” is not a compilation, it is a masterpiece, an album that encompasses the very essence of Adidja Palmer and by extension, The Jamaican experience,” stated Kartel in a written statement released to the media. "King of the Dancehall” will reinforce Vybz Kartel’s status as not just another self-proclaimed King, but as the people's champion. The man who has created a movement like no other in DANCEHALL - the true KING!!!” As the title suggests, the album is dancehall to its core. Kartel was quoted as saying “This album will bring its listeners into the world of hardcore DANCEHALL, not some ‘pop music’ watered down version. It will give you a peak into my Jamaica. Not the one on the tourist board ads, but the real Jamaica...DANCEHALL JAMAICA” Although he has been behind bars for the past five years, Vybz Kartel continues to rule the dancehall scene with new releases dropping every month. ‘King of the Dancehall’ is available for stream and download on Apple Music, Spotify, and iTunes King of the Dancehall tracklist: 01. Colouring This Life 02. Every Girl (feat. Gaza Tussan) 03. Lipstick 04. Fever 05. Can’t Say No (feat. MonCherie) 06. Don’t Know Someone 07. Hey Addi 08. Open up di Door 09. Most Wanted 10. Enemy Zone 11. Like Google (feat. Demarco) 12. Sorry Babe 13. Western Union 14. Which Friend Watch video for "Western Union", the second single from the deejay's upcoming King of the Dancehall album.

Anguilla’s Men’s Week 2016 takes on a new look as Omari Banks, International Musician/Recording Artist and Anguilla’s first international test cricketer spearheads Men’s Week interviews under the theme “Men in the Arts: Purpose-Passion-Power.”. Omari Banks is one of three interview hosts including Anguilla’s former Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes and Radio Anguilla Announcer, Kenval Richardson; all men with a strong interest in the development of the Arts in Anguilla. (L-R) Omari Banks and Kevin Archibald Omari will speak with “Men in the Arts” about their successes, challenges and hopes for building future generations during Men’s Week, 19th – 26th June. Featured men include Darvin Mussington, Singer and Owner of Darvin’s Place Nightclub; Courtney Devonish, Artist and Owner of the Devonish Art Gallery; Lorin Richardson, Designer and Owner of Black Orchid Florists and Events; Kevin Archibald of KSharp Photography and Crispin Brooks, noted Producer and Filmmaker. (L-R) Omari Banks and Courtney Devonish As a world-renowned figure in The Arts, Omari Banks has seamlessly transitioned from an international sportsman to an international music figure. His passion for the Arts and for the development of various art forms on Anguilla is evident. Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Anguilla’s Gender Development Coordinator and creator of Men’s Week noted, “I am excited that Omari is hosting Men’s Week interviews. As a current and future leader in the arts, his life story, thus far, exudes the theme of exploring the purpose, passion and power that is needed for success.” Dr. Foy Connor continues on to say, “Omari participated in the Gender Affairs Unit’s Cricket match for the 2015 Father’s Festival so it’s wonderful to have him even more involved this year. It’s important for our young men to see successful men in the community and take note of how they recognize, support and encourage the accomplishments of one another.” (L-R) Omari Banks and Vanburn Andy Brookes Speaking on Men's Week, Omari stated "It is my absolute pleasure to host Men's week 2016 for so many reasons, I look forward to the opportunity to listen and share stories with other inspirational men in Anguilla, and at the same time learn the history behind it all. I believe Men are protectors of our Society and without their meaningful contribution the balance of a nation would lack fervor. As a young entrepreneur and former Athlete it gives me great pride to celebrate and recognize the contributions of men in Anguilla." The 2016 Men’s Week runs from Sunday, 19th June, Father’s Day, until Sunday, 26th June with interviews airing daily on Radio Anguilla 95.5 FM. Men’s Week in Anguilla launched in June 2014 with the goal of fulfilling the mission of “Promoting knowledge and awareness of gender issues and the capacity to effect change through national outreach, advocacy, training and implementation of gender-mainstreamed policies.” “Live Stream” link on Radio Anguilla’s website at www.radioaxa.com Monday June 20th 8:15am Omari Banks and Darvin Mussington 2:15pm Omari Banks and Darvin Mussington Tuesday June 22nd 10:15am Omari Banks and Courtney Devonish 12:15pm Omari Banks and Kevin Archibald 3:15pm Omari Banks and Courtney Devonish 4:15pm Omari Banks and Kevin Archibald Wednesday June 23rd 8:15am Omari Banks 2:15pm Omari Banks Thursday June 24th 10:15am Omari Banks and Calvert Carty 3:15pm Omari Banks and Calvert Carty Friday June 25th 8:15am Omari Banks and Vanburn Andy Brookes 12:15pm Omari Banks and Crispin Brooks 2:15pm Omari Banks and Vanburn Andy Brooks 4:15pm Omari Banks and Crispin Brooks

Renowned billboard producer Ricky Blaze is gearing up for a busy summer season with an arsenal of hit music sure to become the soundtrack of summer 2016. With various singles off his "Conquer The Moment" Album still charting and blazing the airwaves, Ricky Blaze has released "Pretenders Riddim" featuring some of reggae and dancehall giants. Produced by Ricky Blaze and executive produced by Peter Fire & Spin Citi for Chief Music, the star studded riddim features 2016 Grammy winner for Best Reggae Album Morgan Heritage with "Jah Nah Sleep", dancehall star Kranium with "Hype", outspoken reggae singer I Wayne with the title track "Pretenders", multi-award reggae and dancehall artist Gyptian "Turn Me Up" and conscious reggae recording artist Natural Black with "Never Give Up".

Caribbean Entertainment Magazine gets a sneak peek into the film, “Behind the Water” with the star of the film, Fraser Kershaw. He’s the lead man in a wild new movie called, “Behind the Water”. Caribbean Entertainment Magazine was lucky enough to speak with Kershaw ahead of the June 7th showing of the second internationally televised showing of the movie, “Behind the Water”, and got the man behind the film to give us a sneak preview of what’s to come… What is Behind the Water about …? It’s hard to understand the water unless you hear the pains of the people. Pain ended up being the theme and a solution begins to show itself. It was important to remain still, listen, and then act accordingly to help and assist. The sounds of pain and feelings of anger around the water can be felt deep in the bones. The stress lingers into the mind and it’s very difficult to shake the feelings out of your head. It takes energy to walk through the jungle smoke and offer some kind of hope. Will you be entering the movie into film festivals? Any photographer or cinematographer can get on a plane and take pictures. Documentaries seem to be agenda oriented. I don’t want to be in that arena at this point in my life. Spending money to capture moving images to win trophies in this short life seems crazy considering all the issues. My trophy is a human life saved. I hopefully can do that by motivating somebody near the problem to assist.. and if film is that vehicle we have to hop in. You have had a large debut on televisions across the nations, how do you feel about the success? It’s humbling to see it fly into the millions of homes of viewers. I’m glad it has resonated with people. We tried to formulate the footage into a language where people would pick up on clues to drive the mind and heart to a solution. I wanted to communicate a message to the people who live in the problem areas. What is the motivation behind the movie? I wanted to do something for the people in a new way. I wanted to communicate with them visually. I saw that homes in rural areas have television. Or the community center will have access to television. But they don’t have access to health care or clean water. Seems so backwards. So I chose to put it directly on television stations across the globe where people near the problems can help. You have reached just about every territory on many different television stations in the Caribbean, Canada, the UK and the northeast United States. Do you have plans on releasing elsewhere? I think this isn’t the typical movie because it’s not about promotion it’s more about the position. I wanted to send it to a place everywhere, not just watching on a leather seats with popcorns. So far, 2 million people have seen your film. What was your motivation artistically to reach this many people? There’s no substitute for a team of artists performing at their peak in areas where life can be taken quickly. Collaborating with people from the ground to the air to the internet, it’s like one big ball of collective energy all for the greater good. You paste it together and it’s a bit magical. I like when failure is possible because it makes me feel wide awake and alive. That excites me. It mimics life and drives the project. You can feel it come alive and I think people in general celebrate a new well, water filters, medical help, a film, as they are all exciting. What is the motivation for you to help? The people asked us to help. I could have easily turned up the music to escape while dancing with my shiny shoes... Instead, I sold some stuff, freed up my time, and hopefully made an everlasting difference in some families’ lives. I wanted to give something that will surely outlast my life. What do you hope people will take away from the film? Stand up without fear; kick the tables over until hope arrives. Call or text or photograph the problems and send them to agencies that can help. If people outside the area can analyze the situation early on it’s a bit easier to treat. Environments need and will change. We left the film unmanned and unchained meaning it can still change if we want to add different aspects or bring it live to theaters. They need to wise up. Who do you mean when you say "they"? They, who don’t know, For example, the ones who build a clothing factory next to a river where locals drink…and that same clothing company finds puts up huge billboard ads with healthy people wearing the product they produce. Do you expect people to stand up and help? Yes, people who lack empathy are considered psychotic. Lacking empathy toward fellow humans is a tell tale sign. We will all feel better collectively on earth if we all pitch in a little and stretch to help the fellow human. How can readers contribute to this cause? Choose something you don’t need that has significant value and sell it and give the proceeds to a family that needs some clean water, health care of education. Buy a plane ticket to a country that needs help. Look for people in need. Listen to their story. Meet one of the many families face to face and hand the gift of clean water face to face. Whether the gift be a well, water filtration system, books, health care, food, new business. They will let you know what they need. There are millions of people in and around the Caribbean that would benefit from this exchange. You don't’ need to give to a nonprofit to make a difference. The human connection longs for a personal exchange. If you can give in person, always face to face. The eyes will never leave your soul. Check out The feature film ‘Behind the Water’ on CaribVisionTV …. or Check your Country Local listing here: http://www.behindthewater.com

Locs worn like a crown. Singer/songwriter, guitarist Indie Allen’s eclectic blend of Reggae and pop music has been well received by many industry heavy weights. Originally from Montego Bay, Indie’s first introduction to music was in high school where he was the lead vocalist for an Acappella group. He later found his way to Kingston where he went to Edna Manley College, on a journey to making his mark on the music industry. He has been mentored by the likes of Michael Fletcher, SHAGGY’s Musical director. This Jamaican artiste has an extremely unique sound and is far different from the average reggae/dancehall artiste. He fits perfectly into a reggae-pop genre that mimics the sounds between Bob Marley and Jason Mraz. Caribbean Entertainment Magazine got the chance to chat with Indie about recording his EP, “Indie Moment" When did you start singing? I started singing when I was like 8 years old. Seeing my brother sing in a church that’s all I wanted to do, but never started writing songs until I was 16 years old. Are you signed to any record label? No am not signed to any label right now. How would you describe your music? My music is of the singer songwriter style. It's a combination folk, pop and reggae to create a unique sound Have you found that as you are starting out your career in the music industry there are aspects that have taken you completely by surprise. If so, what are they? Well, yeah there's a notion that once you're talented you'll get that big break and to my surprise finding out that there is always a lot more machinery than just talent that supports any successful artiste. So that changed my outlook on the industry gave me good insight actually. The other surprise I got is that sometimes the right people you need to meet knows the person right next to you so you should always have good people around to have an effective network. What was the inspiration behind your new EP “Indie Moment?” Time, I've been waiting so long to share my experiences, my words, my emotions, and this EP was the birth of that moment I've been waiting for. Time was the biggest inspiration for this EP; all the tracks were specific moments in time that I wrote about. Life is on a continuum time you can never get back, why not live in the moment. These are things a thought about whilst working on the project and it was a joy to complete my first EP independently. What’s your favorite song on the EP and why? That's a hard question, I love all the songs on the EP, but I would have to say Jamaica is my favorite though because simplicity is everything. Guitar and Vocals create a whole other level of listening experiences, it does something for the soul and that track has that effect on me and everyone else who's heard it Who inspires you musically? Damian Marley is one of my biggest musical inspirations; I grew up on his music thanks to my brother... lol. I listen to a lot of singer songwriters as well like John Mayer, James Bay, just to name a few. So it’s best of both worlds for me Who have you always dreamt of working with and why? I've always dreamt of working with Damian Marley, his music speaks for itself to the answer the question why. He's just a great Artiste that I look up to because of his style messages and energy. What is the greatest thing about working in the music industry? And what would you change if you had the opportunity? One of the greatest things about working in the industry is I get to do what I love and follow my dreams. I would create more visible connections for up and coming Artiste to be heard by gate keepers and successful managers. Sometimes it’s hard to meet the right people in a big industry and I would do something about that if I had the opportunity to help upcoming artiste have easier access to connections they need to make What’s the biggest crowd you have performed in front of and where? I’ve performed for a crowd I think is a little over three hundred people at Wickie Wacki Music Festival before; it was really a joy, nice intimate irie vybe. From your experience so far, what have you found to be most challenging? And how are you dealing with it? What I find most challenging is finding the right support team. I think that’s all about timing being in the right place, right time, having that right demo song, for that right person to hear it. That was the most challenging for me at one point. I just took it one day at a time, one show at a time, see now my EP is finished, and we are doing Q&A's about it. The EP is getting noticed by the right people so consistency along with great timing helped to overcome that challenge. What is your proudest moment in your career so far? My proudest moment in my career so far was completing my first EP project and having it noticed by someone who can really take things to the next level for me. If you don't try anything you won't get anything done. So I was pretty much proud about getting my EP finished and the avenues it has opened up am looking forward to What are your other hobbies outside of music? I love video games, I love to cook, make fruit juices... lol… and I do a little reading here and there, mostly world news some novels Where do you hope to see yourself five years? I see myself as one of the world’s biggest artiste in the next five years, possible Grammy awards too... lol... along with selling out 90 thousand capacity stadiums around the world. I may laugh but these things I do believe I can achieve in five years.

After recently divulging to rave reviews the cover art and title of his debut "Love/Lust" EP, New York based recording artist K'Coneil has revealed his much anticipated track listing. Executive produced by renonwed billboard producer Sean Reid and Warren Bloise of Gedion Soldiers Entertainment, the EP features "Not This Time" produced by Kheilstone, "Hot Like You" produced by Sean "Seanizzle" Reid, "Loving You Right" produced by Okino "DJ Wav" Thomas and Sean "Seanizzle" Reid, "Spoon" produced by Okino "DJ Wav" Thomas and Sean "Seanizzle" Reid, "Feel So Right" produced by Calli B, "Bicycle" produced by Tricia "ZJ Sparks & Germaine "Mapy" Clarke and "Lightskin Love" produced by Sean "Seanizzle" Reid. Pre-order now and get a free limited edition K'Coneil T Shirt. Free limited Edition T-Shirt is provided upon emailing of pre-order receipt to info@kconeilmusic.com. Recipient must submit size, full mailing address and pay a shipping and handling charge of $2.99. Limited to first 100 submissions. Eligibility restricted to US residents only. Amazon http://smarturl.it/Amazonlovelustexp Itunes Explicit http://smarturl.it/LoveLustExplicit Itunes Radio Friendly http://smarturl.it/KConeilLoveLustEP Appreciative and cognizant of his blessings, K'Coneil wanted to acknowledge and share the following: "I'd like to send a personal shout out to my team! Firstly God for all the rich blessings and my support system my family. I can't even start to thank you for what you do for me, it's priceless!!! Grandma.. I know you're smiling down at me from heaven To all the producers who helped to male this project possible, Seanizzle you're a genius, thanks for believing from the start. Meddz, the magician for always making sure that the sound was right and always getting my best potential laying them vocals, much respect!! ReggaeTwins, you've been there since day 1/2 and still rocking with me. Calli B from fan to friend, to now collaborators.. dope ish!! Tango for helping to piece it all together by introducing me to our bro, my manager Warren. Warren your guidance is invaluable... thanks for all that you do..." - K'Coneil "There is definitely a thin line between Love and Lust and this collection of songs really try to straddle the line. The results are really enamoring and exciting !!! These songs really embody my soul and state of mind at this time in my life." K'Coneil www.kconeilmusic.com

Regarded as one of Jamaica’s most promising young acts, self contained band Raging Fyah has recently released their third studio album "Everlasting" to rave reviews from fans and music industry alike. Reflecting of the body of work on the album, "Everlasting" made it's debut this week at #2 on the billboard charts, and adding to this feat is now #3 in Japan, while the single Live Your Life featuring J Boog and Busy single is #4. Recorded live at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios producer Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (whose credits include Stephen and Damian Marley, Richie Spice, T.O.K and 2016 Grammy Award winners Morgan Heritage) incorporates broad based influences, various acoustic subtleties, and a few guest artists, all of which enhances as well as expands Raging Fyah’s established reggae identity. “Working on this album was very exciting but challenging; we wanted to stay within the context of who Raging Fyah is, but we never want to box ourselves in either,” explains the band’s bassist/backing vocalist Delroy “Pele” Hamilton. “Being free spirited as musicians, we spend many hours jamming all kinds of music when we rehearse so we said why not use some of what we feel naturally on our record?” The title Everlasting was chosen to convey the durability of Raging Fyah’s music and the long term effect collaborating with Riff Raff has had on the band. “We had the choice to work with any producer we wanted, locally or internationally and we chose Llamar,” says Raging Fyah’s keyboardist/backing vocalist Demar “Keysie” Gayle. “We have learned so much from him; the way he helped to shape our sound is an everlasting lesson.”

To say that 2016 has been a whirlwind for reggae crooner Omari Banks would be an understatement, from the Huffington Post to BET, Omari has been celebrated for his "dashing good looks, rockstar stage presence and impressive singer songwriter skills" - Forbes Omari Banks and Duane Stephenson on video set Having recently released the single "System Set" featuring reggae star Duane Stephenson, Omari traveled to Jamaica and Italy to film the upcoming video. Speaking on the single, Omari explained "As a lover of history and a enthusiast of world matters I've always found it very interesting to listen to people's view on topics which have shaped the world we live in. System Set is a song which encourages the listener to dig within their beliefs, present documented facts and ask questions which I find compelling and critical to the existence of all people living in unity." Omari Banks and Duane Stephenson on video set Produced by Omari himself, the Jamaica portion of "System Set" video was shot by Kerrin "Kerro" McLean After the video filming in Jamaica where he also worked in the studio with such acclaimed producers as Clive Hunt on music for his upcoming album, Omari headed to Italy for some conducive work. "I shot two music videos, did a few photo shoots and got some important visuals to ensure my fans get a good feel of who i am as a artiste. The time was spent as well looking at some of the historical monuments of which i was fully aware of through my love for history, it was great to get first hand perspective. I believe information is the key to enlightenment and Rome certainly is a gate way into looking a the present world power structure, Hence i thought system set music video would be great to shoot here.." stated Omari "Know what your fighting for, You think you'll even the score.. are you willing to start back from Zero.. this system set longtime bout here.." So know what your fighting for and who the dollar you spend it belongs to.. Give unto to Cesar wah he long for.. better know system set bout here" - System Set - Omari Banks - Producer and Executive Producer - Mario Parruccini - Film/Video's Director, Director of Photography, Screenplay, Editing and Post Production - Marta Federici - Co-producer, backstage Photographer - Paolo Zanotti added producer - Enrico Luciani first assistant director and co-screenwriter of Naturally only - Patrizio Trecca Line producer - Lucrezia Farinella costumes - Ilaria di Lauro make-up and hair stylist - Federica Palmiotta (RING GIRL, system set) - Sofia Pellegrino (naturally- big city girl) - Cristiano Dominici first camera operator assistant - Gerardo Falce key grip - Fabrizio Russo gaffer Video for lead single "System Set" from Omari Banks upcoming album will premiere next month!

The experience of Stigma of Mental & Emotional Disorders and Tips to Support you to live a Purposeful life through Self-Help According to The World Health Organization, depression is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, and is anticipated to become the second leading cause of disability ​worldwide by 2020. An estimated of 121 million people worldwide are currently living with some form of depression and/or mental health issues. Of these individual people, less than 25% have access to quality treatment through psychotherapy and antidepressants. The labeling of depression as a disability grinds my gears and it sounds crippling. Yes, depression, anxiety, bi-polar and other mental and emotional health issues are not easy to cope with, however with faith and an extraordinary support system people struggling with such illnesses can live a purposeful life. I am a victim and a survivor of depression and anxiety. I have struggled with the disorder at an extremely young age. I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 15 years old, and anxiety at the age of 23. It wasn’t until I reached middle school when I realized something was odd. My interaction amongst my class peers wasn’t normal. I preferred to be isolated. I remember seeing a child physiologist because my younger sister was extremely hyper in school. My Mom would take my sister and me weekly to this Psychologist that would ask me a million horrifying questions. I remember the therapist telling my mom that I was a joyous sad girl and that my younger sister requires medication to stay balance. I remember my mom deciding not to move forward with the medication, and then we completely stopped seeking therapy. It was as though we never visited a therapist. Being brought up by a single mom, whom was born and raised of Cuban decent, she lacked the knowledge of how to pursue and deal with children with mental and emotional disorders. Present day, both my younger sister and I are doing righteously well. However, I lived a roller-coaster of unstable and reoccurring breakdowns of moments where I did not feel life was worth living with countless attempts of taking my life away. There were days I did not shower, days I did not have a desire to show up for work. I began to isolate myself from my love ones and society because I was dealing with issues that I was trained not to talk about because I would be looked as weak and crazy in the eyes of my community , peers and family. I lived my life pretending that I was fine. My strength as a people pleaser was the mask I wore to hide the experience of Stigma. This approach of pretending that I did not have an issue eventually took over my life. I was stuck and refuse to talk about what I was experiencing. I refuse to seek professional counseling. My life was swirling out of control and I did not even realize it until close friends would approach me lovingly and say, “You should go seek help”. At the moment, I thought I was strong enough to withhold this experience and live a purposeful life. Realistically, this struggle was taking over my life and it was affecting my individuality as a woman. The condition was also affecting my relationships at the work place and my relationship with Men, family, and friends. I was a ticking time bomb ready to explode, as a matter of fact when I consume alcohol I was the incredible hulk and my life began to cripple in front of my eyes. I became disconnected, violate, and reluctant. I realize some people did not want to deal with me, but continued to suppress me because they felt pity. Some folks would tell me to snap out of it and others would tell me I was delusional. All these ways, does not support anyone experiencing mental/emotional disorders, it actually makes matters worse. I choose to be in solitude and in anger for many years, until one day I tapped into my faith. One day I decided that I wanted to live in harmony. I decided to see a psychotherapist and started from scratch. In the beginning it was painful to peel back all the stories, experiences and coming into reality that I do have a condition that must be treated. However, at that very moment I chose to take my power back to live a purposeful life that I rightfully deserve to live. I could no longer let my circumstances handle me. I decided to openly speak about my conditions to feel empowered, and manage my depression and anxiety by incorporating mind, body and spirit techniques. Here are some tips you can try at home and or outdoors to support you to bring balance and harmony. I also recommend seeing a health professor to cater to your type of disorder: Tips : 1)​Pray/Mediate​ - There is something out there that is bigger than yourself. It is a source with force that guides you when you choice to be connected. I called that source God or The Divine,​ other​s call it higher power, Allah, The Universe, etc. Stay Prayer up and put in all your energy requesting healing and stability for you well being. Trust me when I tell you , when I connected with God I began too see and feel progress in my life and started being proactive​. Praying and Mediation keeps me grounded and supports me with making conscious decisions, not that overwhelming .​ ​2​) Nourishment: Drink tons of water to keep yo​u hydrated, eat to live ....Eat tons of veggies and fruits. I recommend seeing a nutrionists and get tested for any food allergies. The foods we eat does effect our body and moods. You want to be align with your health in all ascepts so eating healthy supports depression and other mental health issues. 3) Exercise- whatever physical activity brings you joy , just do it . 4) Relax- Yoga is perfect and I highly recommend it. Take a vacation, pick up a book, pick up a hobby and utilize your creativity to bring you joy and harmony. My person favorite is writing. Go out there and buy yourself a journal and write about whatever you like. This is therapeutic and can support you in a mediative mode. 5) Be in service- This is my second favorite after praying. Being in service and contribution has been supporting tremendously this last year. To actually support other people expericning depression and anxiety is empowering . Feeding the hungry is life changing, making someone day by just a simple gesture as a hug can heal not only yourself, but the world. Yes, I believe this to be true. ​Please note I am not a license doctor, but I plan on becoming a certified life Coach in the next few months. Please seek professional help and incorporate my tips and/or find ways to cope and bring harmony and joy to begin healing and taking your life back. My request is that those struggling with depression , come to terms and acceptance. Take action and just talk about it, not as a pity story but as an empowering story. This creates support to those hiding their struggle and builds awareness and community that is wanted and needed in our community. ..................................................................................................................... Alexandra Tatis - CONTRIBUTOR Born to Dominican and Cuban parents, Alexandra Tatis is a New York City native who has beaten the odds and has overcome the status quo when it comes to being a minority in the United States. Although faced with adversity and difficult moments in her life she has been able to rise above the critics through her love and dedication to writing. Ever since Ms Tatis was a young girl she has always loved writing. She received the talent from writing from her father who although he doesn’t live in New York, Ms Tatis was very much influenced by him. Read FULL BIO