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New York-based dancer extraordinaire and LargeUp dance columnist Blacka Di Danca travels the world spreading the gospel of dancehall through classes and appearances at top dance studios and clubs from Latin America to Siberia. For Blacka, it’s not just about teaching steps but serving as an ambassador for his culture: he’s introduced people to the ethos and history of dancehall in places where the genre has only previously been experienced via computer screen. Blacka, who’s choreographed videos for Major Lazer and Spic e, been featured in videos by A$AP Rocky, Shaggy and Davido , and hit the stage with Skrillex, Diplo, Kiesza and Collie Buddz, can currently be seen in Rihanna’s “ Work ” video. Today, as Rihanna releases the biggest, most mainstream dancehall video of the year – or arguably the last several years — I want to share the story on how I became a part of it. It’s surreal how everything actually came together… within 24 hours. Two weeks ago, while I was on my way to a Monday night dance class, I got a Whatsapp message from a friend. Attached was a screenshot of an Instagram post that had some bare-minimum information for an open audition in Toronto within the next 24 hours, for Rihanna’s new single, “ Work .” I had just heard the song for the first time earlier that day, and downloaded it to choreograph for my next dance class, so when I got the message, I knew that was a sign that I had to take part in it… somehow. I hit up a few friends in Toronto for more details. They gave me the time and address for the audition and I immediately started to search for tickets leaving the next day. Around 1a.m., I called my friend Sir Ledgen to persuade him to travel to Toronto with me and audition. When he finally answered, he said he’d call me back in the next hour. 2am came… he didn’t call me back because he was clearly sleeping, so I called him again at 5am. When he picked up, I said “Bro, I just bought a plane ticket to Toronto, you coming?” We bought one-way plane tickets to Toronto, with no hotel, and no solid plan ­– only for an open audition with no guarantee of getting in the video. I got a few hours of sleep and when I got to the airport with just 30 minutes before my flight, I wasn’t allowed to check in. The next flight would get me in too late for the audition, so I had to find a quick solution. I found the next agent and put on my kindest voice and brightest eyes and begged to get on the flight. It was my lucky day, because the agent not only said Yes, but she also walked me through security, and I made my flight on time. I met up with Ledgen at our gate, boarded the plane, and we both plugged in our headphones to get in the vibe to audition. An hour later, we landed in Toronto. We mapped the address and took a few different buses and trains to the location to audition. We were there for hours, but we made tons of new friends along the way. It felt good to just be there. Flying to Toronto to audition amongst 400 other dancers just hours after hearing about it seems crazy, maybe because it was. Last minute plans to follow life-long dreams… I live my entire life, and have built my entire career, from spontaneous decisions because it’s always worth it when it’s for something you love. And, in this case, we made the right decision, because we both made the video, which we shot a few days later at The Real Jerk, one of the best and most popular Jamaican food spotsin Toronto. All in all, we spent 15 hours on set with our new Canadian friends, Drake and Rihanna and, finally, Director X and our good friend Tanisha Scott. Also on set were original Sean Paul dancers like Ponytail, and the twins who did the drive-by dance battle in Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” video, as well as Tabby Rockstar, creator of the “Dancehall Dab” dance. Dancing in this video was an amazing experience full of unforgettable memories. For the most part, the dancing you see is just us freestyling. But Tanisha gave us about four popular dancehall dances to do as a unit: the “Paper Bag,” created by Ovamarz; “Badda Wave,” created by Elite Team; “Aji Bounce,” created by Aji Happnaz; and “Kreech,” created by Kreecha. I could explain the entire 15 hours on set, but I think watching this video, you can understand the real dancehall vibe we had going the entire time! This video is a great step in the right direction for dancehall in the commercial world, keeping the representation accurate. From the open call targeting dancehall dancers only, to the Guinness crates on set, to the DJ playing the latest Vybz Kartel and Alkaline hits, to Rihanna killing the dance floor, the video leaves you feeling like you’ve just left a dancehall party! (If the whole thing reminds you of those classic Sean Paul videos from the early 2000s, it should: they were directed by Director X and choreographed by Tanisha, too; in fact, the duo recently reunited to bring a dancehall vibe to Drake’s “Hotline Bling” video). And hopefully you will spot me! Ha! Words by Blacka Di Danca

Donsome Booking Agency extends congratulations to Ishawna who on Saturday walked away with two Youth View Awards - Best Dressed Female Artist and Young, Hot and Hype Female. The Social Media Hot artist has been seen her popularity rising since the whole controversy surrounding the single. Donsome Booking Agency which also books for Ishawna is extremely proud of her accomplishments. "From the team, we just want to extend our warm regards on what she has accomplished," said CEO Adrian Donsome Hanson. Ishawna and Nature now available for bookings worldwide Please Contact Donsome Booking Agency Cal: 914-522-1529 Email: donsomebookingagency@gmail.com Website: www.donsomebookingagency.com

Rotterdam ace star designer: Carmichael Byfield of the luxurious fashion brand: House of Byfield once again ace the NYFW with his AW-2017 collection with a 'Safari Theme' His collection was inspired by a 2012 trip to West Africa 'Gabon' where the nature of the beautiful Country and it's natural beauty of the people inspired him to create such awesome series of designs having the heads of hundreds cheering as the models graces the runway. Collaborated with Carolina Riffi Ollite-Hopman Owner and winner for the Tmberland best bag winner for 2014 Carat23 was a matching master pieces with the matching colours of the designs with House of Byfield and similar looking Shoes-Caps from (Molinis) by: Esther Megens. Models were also seen with Hats by: Monticristi marching down the runway which completed the AW-2017 looks from: House of Byfield. House of Byfield by Carmichael Byfield Credits: Photographer: Danny Chin Bags: Carat23 by: Carolina Riffi Ollite-Hopman Hats: Monticristi Shoe-Caos: Molinis by: Esther Megens Designser: Carmichael Byfield of House of Byfield

It’s finally here!!! Rihanna is bringing back good Dancehall vibes with the official video for ‘Work’ ! Which is your favorite Part 1 or 2?

NY, NY (MPR Consulting) - Delivering an essence of music genre fluid by his fusion of soul, dancehall, reggae and pop, International recording artist K'Coneil latest single " Hot Like You ",on acclaimed billboard producer Seanizzle 90s Don Dada Riddim has been garnering traction by blazing the airwaves. On Thursday March 24th, 2016, K'Coneil will delight the ladies by performing "Hot Like You" and other hit singles such as "Me One", "Gyal A You" and "Sorry" at POWER 105FM DJ Norie's "Anything Goes" 6th anniversary alongside Grammy Award winne r Shaggy , Grammy Award nominee Barrington Levy, Christopher Martin, Chino McGregor among others at STAGE 48 in New York City. Over this past weekend, K'Coneil was in sunny Miami filming for the upcoming video " Hot Like You" , the lead single off his anticipated EP slated for release in March 2016. Behind the scenes footage will be released next week. Featured on the 90s Don Dada Riddim among Grammy-award winner Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Konshens among other notables of dancehall and reggae music, Hot Like You" is now available on all major online digital stores such as iTunes distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital. Tickets are available at DJnorie.com AnythingGoesLive.com and local ticket outlets.

Laden's Jah Watch Over Video Produced by Hills Music, Video Directed & Edited By Michael "Biggz" Burbridge" @itsladen @biggzship @jwonder21@hillsmusicgroup

RDX New Video "Side Chick" Produced By Apt 19 Music, Video & Directed By Deus Beni Films @rdxmusic @jwonder21

One of Puma's best ideas was to name Rihanna their women's creative director because the company has seen some major results. According to Bloomberg , Puma's fourth quarter reports managed to exceed expectations, with sales increasing 17.1 percent after announcing their partnership with Rihanna. The company's 2015 fourth quarter earnings hit close to $975 million. Puma CEO Björn Gulden stated, "She [Rihanna] can sell sneakers and Puma is onto something here which we haven't seen yet in the women's area." Fenty x Puma, Rihanna's recent collaboration with the brand, just made its fashion week debut last week with fans already eager to get their hands on it. Source

Rihanna rekindled the flame with Drake on wax for "Work" off her eighth studio effort Anti . Now, the songstress backs it up on the rapper in a new teaser of their forthcoming video. Rumors have been swirling about the D irector X visual after mall employees shared photos of horses and cars with Louis Vuitton monograms at their video shoot at Eagle Rock Plaza mall in Los Angeles. "Work" peaked at No. 4 on theBillboard Hot 100 and was the lead single off Anti, According to Rap-Up, Riri also shared snippets of the steamy dance party -- where she rocks a sexy mesh dress -- that is now seeing light in the new teaser below. Source

Canada’s Reggae Songstress Ammoye will perform an opening set just before Sean Paul performs on Friday March 18th at the London Music Hall . The two time JUNO Award nominee (2013 and 2014) is well known for her brand of Reggae which fans call ‘love fueled, ’ ‘ conscious awakening’ and ‘motivational .’ Ammoye’s musical mission is to be a Light Worker which forms the foundation from which she creates chart topping music. Songs such as the socially charged “Shooting” addresses the issue of gun violence, while “Sorry” hears her apologize to her beau for an argument that got out of control. Both songs have enjoyed extensive radio play in Canada and internationally, and have been included on the artists first official Mixtape entitled Enter the Warrior-ess. In addition to her Reggae lane, Ammoye’s voice for Dancehall is extra hot and spicy in songs such as “Mad Dem,” “Yuh Nuh Ready” and “Cool and Deadly” which electrify audiences when performed live. About her upcoming opening performance for Sean Paul , Ammoye said “I can’t wait to take the stage! This is another opportunity to impress the fans, and impress Sean Paul; this Light Worker is ready!” Sean Paul, the Billboard and platinum selling artist will be in Canada as a part of his Full Speed Promo Club Tour. Stops include Hamilton, Montreal, and Toronto.

“It is with deep regret that Entertainment Soul, the management of Reggae recording artiste Nesbeth must inform the public of the untimely passing of his beloved wife Ann-Marie Elliot t who died in the U.S on Wednesday, February 17th of undisclosed complications. The family of the singer would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt love and continued support in this time of grief while requesting that their privacy be respected as they bereave a great loss.”

Taste the Islands will begin broadcasting their second season of their national hit TV show in June 2016, Caribbean-American heritage month. The series will continue to air on Create TV and PBS stations around the United States according to show producers Blondie Ras Productions . Taste the Islands has been applauded for bringing added diversity to public television’s culinary lineup, and will continue that tradition in its next offering. The first season found Taste the Islands reaching 87 percent of US households, introducing Caribbean cuisine and culture to viewers across the country. Taste The Islands Chefs In Season 2 the show’s original host, Jamaican Chef Irie , will be joined by Haitian Chef Thia and island explorer Lisa Lee of Cuban-Jamaican heritage. The new installments also feature Caribbean travel, facilitated by show supporter – the island of Barbados. The show’s audience will visually indulge in native foods and tropical landscapes, and will enjoy cameos by popular Caribbean personalities. Creator and Executive Producer Calibe Thompson said, “Our team and our national footprint are growing steadily stronger. We could not be more proud of the work we’re doing, sharing our Caribbean traditions with the mainstream audience. We’re excited about the even greater impact we promise to make in 2016.” On set with Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna, Lisa “Lisa Lee” Arneaud and Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair from Taste the Islands Season 2. Photo Credit: David I Muir (davidiphoto) The national rollout begins on June 4th orchestrated by series distributor American Public Television. Taste the Islands is presented by South Florida PBS affiliate WPBT2 where it will premiere at 7:30PM on June 9th. Watch snippets from Taste the Islands and find traditional and gourmet Caribbean recipes at www.tastetheislandstv.com .