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Jamaican fashion designer Errice Anderson of Errice Alicia Designs posted a picture of herself wearing a Jamaican color inspired swimwear, which caused some controversy with Johannesburg African National Congress (ANC). The designer was mistaken for a South African party cheerleader of the ruling party because she was wearing a swimsuit which they thought was ANC colors. Errice posted the picture on twitter with the message “repping my Jamaica colors today😊 pool time 🏊#erricealiciadesigns#erricealiciabeachwear #carribeangirl#proudjamaican" The ANC then uploaded the image with a caption: "What do you make of this swimsuit" under the #RegistrationWeek, #VoteANC hashtags. The image of Errice posted on the ANC Joburg Twitter account, wearing in a green, yellow and black bikini, “repping” her “Jamaica colors” has been heavily criticised by social media users for objectifying and denigrating women. After receiving a backlash from users, ANC regional spokesman Jolidee Matongo said the image had circulated among ANC members via a WhatsApp group. An official posted it on the Twitter account. She also stated "The ANC has a long history of upholding women and respecting women's rights. We are not about degenerating woman and depicting them as objects. We apologise for the unfortunate incident." @mdira_esaid: "You are disgusting it shows what you think of us as women. You see us as objects rather than anything else. Sies". @Mogotsi: "@ANCJHB Too late for an apology, we now know what you think of black women. You've got no leg to stand on!" @nomorebullSA: "@ANCJHB Your continued lack of respect for women is incredible. They're our sisters, not campaigning tools for leering old men. Wow!" @solkganyago: "@ANCJHB Don't apologise for a tweet... apologise for objectifying women, that's what the outrage is about.damnt!" ANC Jozi has since removed the image from its account and issued an apology: “Comrades we apologise for the tweet we posted earlier it was inappropriate”. While the opinion of the swimwear is divided with some users outraged at the image’s perceived as sexist others saw nothing wrong with it. Share your thoughts!

Pink beaches, shallow coves, azure water: The Caribbean doesn't suffer. But how to choose the best of the best? Each island nation and territory is stunning in its own right, but these ten are among the most unspoiled, with some of the best beaches on the planet. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Virgin Gorda is the third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, with natural beauty covering virtually all of its 8.5 square miles. The island offers quiet beaches and coves and flora-filled national parks. Perhaps the prettiest and most popular attraction is the Baths, a seaside area where huge granite boulders form scenic saltwater pools and grottos. Barbados Barbados has something for everyone: pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife (think monkeys, sea turtles, and eight species of bats), and sunsets just begging to be enjoyed with a fresh cocktail. For a wilder brand of beauty, look to the village of Bathsheba on the east coast. Here you'll find big waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore Saba It may not be the largest or best-known Caribbean island, but Saba's unspoiled and undeveloped environment makes it memorable. Located in the Lesser Antilles chain just south of St. Martin, The island's appeal extends both above and below the coastline, from the jagged silhouette of Mt. Scenery (an appropriate name) to the diverse and colorful coral reefs. It also happens to have some of the friendliest locals you're likely to encounter. Guadeloupe It's easy to see why Guadeloupe has long been a favorite vacation spot among French tourists. The butterfly-shaped territory has staggering waterfalls, white sand beaches, and clear water perfect for snorkeling. And thanks to new direct flights from New York and Boston, there's never been a better time to visit. Turks and Caicos Turks and Caicos consists of 40 islands (eight of which are inhabited), but it's still hard to go wrong here. Providenciales has some of the world's loveliest white sand beaches, particularly near Grace Bay on the north shore (pictured). Grand Turk has a more developed feel, with charming colonial architecture throughout Cockburn Town. Montserrat, Leeward Islands Montserrat changed forever when the formidable Soufrière Hills volcano buried the southern half of the island in a Pompeii-like layer of ash. The aftermath can be viewed from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, but there are still unspoiled areas toward the north. Spend time hiking the tropical Katy Hill trail, or go kayaking in Rendezvous Bay. Aruba Nearly every hotel along Aruba's leeward beaches is a winner, but it's a waste not to venture off this developed stretch. The beaches here are some of the best in the entire world, like powder-fine Eagle Beach and black pebble Andicuri Beach. Leisurely strolls through the pastel-palate main street of Oranjestad are also a must. Antigua Antigua mixes tropical beauty with British history—just look at the candy-colored colonial buildings lining the narrow roads. The main draw here is English Harbour, the site of a restored naval station and popular yachting destination. The views overlooking the harbor's curved, boat-filled coastline are truly unforgettable. The Bahamas The 700 islands and 2,400 cays of the Bahamas are ready for both exploration and relaxation—but where to begin? Should you start by swimming the underwater caves at Grand Bahama? Or do you soak in the views on Cat Island's Mt. Alvernia? How about sunbathing on the famed pink beach of Harbour Island? Written by Caitlin Morton Source

New York, NY (FOX FUSE) – Soca’s superwoman Nadia Batson gets real on her sixth full-length studio effort Real , now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released February 19, 2016), from FOX FUSE. Born in Tunapuna and based in Arima in Trinidad and Tobago, Real marks Batson’s prolific 10-year anniversary in the soca music industry, during which she has carved an unprecedented niche for herself as a bonafide triple-threat, simultaneously donning the songwriter, performer and producer hats that catapulted her as the ultimate femme fetale in Caribbean music. Her multi-faceted talents have earned her an incomparable spot in the limelight consistently for years now, and Real keeps her atop the the soca throne for years to come. With a strong international fan base that includes her 50 thousand followers on Instagram alone, Batson has a stronghold on fans of Caribbean music who cherish her bubbly persona, spirited lyrics and determined journey as she accomplishes her goals as an entertainer. “I feel like I am one of the ‘realest’ and most relatable artists coming out of Trinidad,” Batson discloses. “Real not only represents the relationship between me and my fans, it also represents my approach to my craft - the honesty and vulnerability that are evident in my music are what make it, and me, so real.” In addition to her solo journey, Batson is also the lead vocalist of the Caribbean’s top all-female soca band known as SASS Nation, which is celebrating its five-year anniversary this year. She first cut her performing chops as the lead female vocalist of KES The Band in 2005, before leaving to form her own band in 2011. Jammed with 11 soca gems, Real delivers the full spectrum of soca music, including the groovy blockbuster “Magic” (which features breakthrough soca sensation Sekon Sta), dancehall-flavored ragga soca hit “More Nadie,” the up-tempo heartfelt jam “Soca Is Life,” and the consummate carnival anthem“Party Capital,” to name a few of her recent hits making up the fabric of this album. She teamed with soca music heavyweights to compose her soundtrack, including Trinidadian hit houses Precision Productions, Martian Music,Stadic Music, Mega Mick and AdvoKit Productions. “On this album, I wanted to bring out the ‘fun’ side of myself,” reveals Batson. “I felt all of the producers and writers who worked on this album with me completely understood the direction I want to take with my music. I thank them for devoting their time, energy and talent, and my gratitude also goes out to all the writers on the album.” Batson also says Real is really for all her fans. “I decided to put this album out at this time, solely because of my fans. Whatever my fans want, my fans get! ” Embodying that sentiment while embracing her longtime professional and personal ethic of keeping things real, Batson is bound to have her best year yet as she continues to slay her way into history books, in Caribbean music and beyond. For more information on Nadia Batson, follow her daily moves at Instagram.com/NadiaBatson, Facebook.com/NadiaBatsonMusic and Twitter.com/Nadia_Batson or visit sassnation.com. Please direct all media inquiries to the FOX FUSE Publicity Department at 1-212-300-3813 orcontact@foxfuse.com. TRACK LIST 1. More Nadie 2. Party Capital 3. Magic Featuring Sekon Sta 4. Sorry 5. Split Personality 6. Turbulence 7. Secrets 8. Soca Is Life 9. Powder 10. Music Inside Meh Head 11. Magic (N.M.G Road Mix) Featuring Sekon Sta

ON Saturday, March 19th, 2016 Omari will take stage at the W&R Projects & Irie Jam " Sounds From The Caribbean Stage " alongside Assasin, Tanya Stephens, Cham, Kranium and Jovi Rockwell at the Palm Door part of the South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals in Austin, Texas. This will be a first at SXSW for the soulful artist who is eager to deliver music from both his hit filled " Move On" album, and his newest single " Me & You " produced by the multi-platinum, multi-Grammy award nominee Jason "J-Vibe" Farmer. "I'm excited to be performing at SXSW, i promise it to be a refreshing performance for music lovers. I'll bring energy, vibe and a unique blend of my influences which span across genres.. I am truly excited and ready." stated an enthusiastic Omari. The performance at SXSW will come on the heels of Omari's "Me & You" video premiere, and single available worldwide on March 11th, 2016 distributed by VPal. This will be the singer's first release of the new year, leading to a 2016 EP slated for release later in the year. For SXSW, Omari Banks is looking to leave his mark, and make new fans, while soaking in the vibes of this 30 years festival which year after year, has been a launching pad for new creative content by gathering all genres and facets. New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences.

"Love, Herb & Reggae ," the much anticipated 5th album from Taj Weekes & Adowa debuted at #29 on the Billboard Reggae Charts one week after its release. The album, distributed by VPAL Music , has received critical acclaim, garnering praise and reviews from across the globe. Dubbed “a current-day roots reggae masterpiece” by New York Music Daily, “Love, Herb & Reggae ” addresses a wide range of issues from activism, gun violence, laws regarding marijuana and human rights. The first single, “Here I Stand”, is universally considered to be an “anti-homophobia anthem .” “Mr. Weekes has taken it upon himself to extend an olive branch, or correct the homophobic missteps of his colleagues with Here I Stand ”, states premier reggae music magazine, Reggaeville. The song is accompanied by a lyric video, which will be released in multiple languages. Taj Weekes & Adowa is currently preparing to launch a world tour in support of the album, locking in dates in the United States, Canada, France and other parts of Europe.

Born "Ramone Drake " in Linstead, St Catherine, Jamaica, This singjay/song writer got his musical calling at the tender age of fourteen. Ramone decided on a moniker that best suited his vocal style and way of putting melodies to his lyrics, hence the name was born " Melloquence " a fusion of the words melody and eloquence. He first came to the public’s attention when he made the top ten on Jamaican Television Jamaica's Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition, although disappointed by being unable to reach his full potential in the event Melloquence soon returned stronger and more determined and has since gone on to write and record numerous tracks including 'Champion' the hit theme song for the biggest reality show to hit Jamaica's tv land "Wray and Nephew Contender" . His undoubted vocal talent and writing skills have impressed both music insiders and listeners alike. In 2013, Melloquence released his promo mixtape "Go 4 Mine ", (all of 36 tracks) which was featured on popular website Datpiff among others. 2014 saw Melloquence collaborating with international dancehall star Elephant Man on the track ' Hold Me' then followed up with another combination this time with Billboard's chart topping singer Serani dubbed ' Party Tun Up '. Based on the success of these songs especially in the European Market, he was invited to accompany Elephant Man on his tour of Europe in February 2015 as the opening act allowing him to perform in: Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland and other places to good receptions which lead to him being invited back to Europe on his own promotional stint two months later. Forwarded to 2016, this versatile singjay/songwriter teamed up with two of the industry's veterans (Mykal 'Grammy' Rose & Cutty Ranks) for a song entitled ' Hot Wata ,' the lead single off his EP of the same name was released on February19, 2016. The video for ' Hot Wata ' was premiered on popular reggae entertainment website 'Reggaeville.com' to rave reviews and has been getting favorable feedback from viewers. The 'Hot Wata' EP will also feature four tracks including another collaboration, this time Melloquence teams up with the Cecile . To keep up with Melloquence his fans/friends and prospective fans alike can follow him on :Twitter,Facebook,Instagram,Soundcloud etc using the handle @Melloquence

At the height of the Jamaican General Election where the two major political parties are going back and forth about assets owned by members of parliament, international dancehall star Mr. Vegas has raised concerns about the assets owned by Jamaica. The single ‘ Gi Wi Back Wi Sweet Jamaica’ produced by Mr. Vegas ’ MV Music label is a mixture of Jamaican original Mento with current dancehall beats. It details aspects of actual Jamaican natural assets being sold to overseas interests. Dunns River, Goat Island and Dolphin cove are just a few examples. “I came across an article a few weeks ago. It was about the sale of some of the historical places that are being sold or what is already sold by the government.” Mr Vegas explained Mr Vegas says releasing this single now isn’t premeditated; the motivation developed as the issue came to his attention. The single ‘Gi Wi Back Wi Sweet Jamaica’ would have been done last year or even five years ago if he was made aware of the sale of Jamaican treasures at that time. “It is a shame! Why are our national treasures, that our fore parents’ blood sweat and tears drenched to maintain, being sold? I don't see the sense of selling all these treasures and Jamaicans are still suffering and the country still has such a huge debt. It is like me selling my house and then renting it back from the Chinese.” Mr Vegas added He also wanted to make it clear this single isn’t politically motivated. “ I hear people saying I am talking like a JLP. I am neither! I am a Jamaican who is worried about my kids and your kids’ future. None of the political parties are better than the other, they are all the same. We are the ones who will have to ask back for our country, don't put yourself back into slavery" Mr Vegas admonished The song ‘‘ Gi Wi Back Wi Sweet Jamaica’ is not just for Mr. Vegas’ fans, it is for all Jamaicans so they realize what is really going on, that the government is selling our children's future. The Single and corresponding music video will be officially released in a matter of days, the single is being distributed digitally by distribution giant Zojak Worldwide.

Martian Music rolls out more fire with its latest release “ More Nadie ” by soca songstress Nadia Batson , now available worldwide from all major digital retailers(released January 22, 2016), from FOX FUSE. “ More Nadie ” speaks true to ragga soca fans through sassy vocals and funky bass guitar riffs, and was Batson’s last release for the 2016 Trinidad Carnival season. The ultra-talented singer and songwriter Nadia Batson drops her vocal and lyrical prowess on the ragga soca anthem, which enjoyed fanfare and airplay during Carnival, and now makes its bow internationally, where it is guaranteed to find a place on playlists everywhere. Martian Music’ s head producer Erikkson Kendel George aka Don Iko puts his unique spin on the track, crafting a ragga, soca, dancehall and EDM-infused melody, which adds another gem to his treasure chest. “ More Nadie” continues a string of hit collaborations between Martian Music and Batson, and is a teaser of what is in store for fans on her most recent album Real, also now available worldwide from FOX FUSE.

Trinidadian production house Simply Natural Family(SNF) teams up with Ravi B and Abbyshi for the explosive soca tune “ De Bomb Drop, ” now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released January 29, 2016), from FOX FUSE. Released for the2016 Trinidad Carnival season, “De Bomb Drop” is an up-tempo, power soca track bound to propel revelers onto dance floors everywhere. Recently placing second runner-up in the 2016 International Chutney Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago, chutney star Ravi “Ravi B” Bissambhar and Abbysh i add chutney soca flair to the track, securing another hit for production house Simply Natural Family, helmed by head producer Robert Baptiste. Simply Natural Family continues to grow its catalog of hits by focusing on the diverse demands of their audience and collaborating with renowned soca sensations. “De Bomb Drop” satisfies those goals and adds yet another notch in the belt for SNF and Baptiste.

Following an exciting performance over the weekend at the Sagicor Sigma 5K Run/Walk , dancehall star Tifa continues to enjoy an upward trend in her career as the Easter holiday approaches. Annexing to an already great weekend the ‘ Spell It Out ’ singer also walked away with the award for ‘ Best Collaboration of the Year’ for Jealous Ova featuring Dexta Daps at Saturday’s staging to the 2016 Youth View Awards held at the National Indoor Sports Center. Known for her outspoken personality Tifa continues to ruffle feathers on social media with the premiere of two new singles titled ‘Bout This Love ’ produced by Misick Music and ‘ Big Bumper’, the latter laud and empowers women with plump derrieres and is featured on the Christopher Birch produced Moscato Riddim. Plans are already afoot to shoot a pair of accompanying visuals for the aforementioned. Since then the songs have been receiving heavy rotation on various platforms across the globe with premieres in Russia, Japan, segments of Europe and the U.S including a premier on 99 Jamz in Florida with Waggy Tee and Norie. The official video for her collaboration ‘Belleh Remix’ featuring Sanjay, Demarco and Shelly Belly also premiered last weekend on National Television in Jamaica (TVJ’s INTENSE). Dancer Shelly Bell y is currently in Russia conducting workshops showcasing the ‘Belleh’ dance moves. Meanwhile, working assiduously on a plethora of new recordings, Tifa has joined forces with 2016 YVA’s Producer of the Year - ZJ Chrome for a potential club banger dubbed ‘The Champ’ on his upcoming ‘The Champ Riddim’ compilation slated for official release soon. Responding to the increased attention Tifa in a statement to the media says, “I’m happy with 2016 thus far and the direction myself and my career are going in. The singles are experiencing heavy rotation locally and abroad! Can’t wait to shot up the videos! Plus more singles and major announcements to come. It’s gonna be a busy 2016. I promise I was gonna make a hell of an impact on my mixtape regarding this year and it’s been that way so far. ” The dancehall star whose given name is Latifa Brown is schedule to depart the island later this week for a concert in Florida. The performance which gets on the way in Tampa this Saturday, February 27 officially kicks off a busy concert season which sees her making several sojourns across the expanse of North America and the Caribbean in the weeks ahead.

Born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, K'Coneil was raised in the village of Granville in Montego Bay. It was there amid family and friends that at an early age he was indoctrinated in music by singing in the church at the urging of his beloved grandmother. Coming from a musical family, music was embedded in his DNA, but not to be stereotyped, education played a major importance in the young artist life. At the age of 16 he migrated to the United States on a full soccer scholarship where he attained his Bachelor's Degree in Finance. But there was no denying his musical calling, and while in college K’Coneil joined a group called GAM (Godly Anointing Men) who would go onto performing at the prestigious Madison Square Garden. Music bridges people around the world. No matter one's place of birth, economic class or skin color, it all evokes a human feeling and K'Coneil's is no different. A vocalist influenced by his reggae roots and the Musical melting pot of his urban surroundings in New York City, K'Coneil sounds admittedly, doesn’t classify by the industry standards. Rather than to be boxed, K’Coneil created his own lane of sonic perfection, that can only be classified as being "genre fluid," by comfortably fusing rhythms, genres and sounds from Reggae, Dancehall, R&B and Pop. Honing his musical craft by writing and voicing for notable producers, K’Coneil has received heavy rotation on various worldwide airwaves, while touching the stage alongside some of the biggest name in music. "As a blend of Sean Paul and Usher, I see K'Coneil as the promissory voice of the future. His dancehall flavor mixed with the pop yet edgy appeal is one that makes you want to dig a little deep and hear more" says billboard recording producer Seanizzle.