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Learn the newest dance from the Danca Family called "SEASONING" Blacka Di Danca is a choreographer best known for his work with Diplo/Major Lazer, Collie Buddz, A$AP Rocky, Shaggy, Kiesza, Justin Bieber and more...and for his international dance workshops.

American pop listeners have a tumultuous relationship with Caribbean music, and particularly dancehall. Our interest runs on an unpredictable cycle that spins from obsession to complete disinterest in the span of a few singles. Look at Sean Paul , who was everywhere on American radio in the early aughts until he suddenly wasn't. If Rihanna had stuck with making stuff like " Pon De Replay" there probably wouldn't be millions of people holding their breath for the release of her upcoming album Anti, since she'd only be getting airtime during odd hours on Hot 97. There have been some hopeful signs recently that things might be coming back around. Thanks to Justin Bieber's recent singles, Felix Jaehn's remix of OMI's "Cheerleader," and the wildly popular phenomenon that is Kygo, we've have become entranced with tropical house, which is built not only on breezy vibes, but also quintessentially Caribbean rhythmic patterns. Rihanna's new single " Work " finds the Barbadian singer dipping back into island music. The track, produced by Boi-1da, Vinylz, and SEVN Thomas , is an icy, futuristic reimagining of a dancehall beat that for all its clean-lined minimalism still seems capable of getting bodies wining when it inevitably takes over clubs this weekend. Riri even slides into her Barbadian accent for parts of it. It's no surprise that Drake pops up on the track: he's been on something of a crusade to get North American listeners interested in beats that break away from the steady thump that's defined not only hip-hop but all the pop styles that derive from it. "Work " isn't just a one-and-done track either. Rumor has it that there's already been a video shot for it, apparently involving horses decked out in Louis Vuitton prints. Rihanna and her team are betting that pop listeners are ready to reconnect with dancehall, and considering how on-point their trend forecasting has been in the past, it wouldn't be reckless to speculate that we're in for at least a couple of seasons of Caribbean beats on the radio. If other artists follow her lead (*cough* Kanye *cough*) maybe it'll stick. BY: MILES RAYMER Esquire

New York Festival's World's Best TV & Films competition honors programming in all lengths and forms from over 50 countries. Dedicated to both the Television and Film industries, categories mirror today's global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers and talent: Animation, Comedy, Corporate, Drama, Documentary, Feature Films, Movie Trailers, Music Videos, News, Promos, Reality TV Drama, Sports, Telenovelas, Webisodes, Best Performance by an Actor/Actress, Special Event, Innovation, Technical Production Team, CSR, Best Screenplay, Video Art, and Best Host.

The 12th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival and Film Conference/Film Market , scheduled for August 11-20, 2016 at the world famous TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, is now accepting submissions. HSFF , 4 times named to MovieMaker Magazine “Top 25 Fests Worth the Entry Fee” lists, has featured over 400 projects showcasing stars and filmmakers including Sofia Loren, Bill Plympton, Anthony and Joe Russo, and Felicia Day. In 2015, HSFF awarded over $150,000 in prizes, including $60,000 in post services for Best Short, Director, Music Video, Cinematography, VFX, and Commercial, and $15,000 Grand Prize cash . www.hollyshorts.com

AgyeFrance is a breakthrough couture and luxury label headed by founder and creative director, Francis Agyapong Known for his vibrant couture designs and beautiful silhouettes, the designer, known as Mr Francis , has become a rising star of beauty pageant fashion, designing gowns for pageants. The Ghanaian-born fashion designer went from being one the menswear at Harrods and quintessentially British tailors Dege & Skinner to the go to designer for shows such as Miss Caribbean UK and Miss Guyana UK. Mr Francis , is hoping to bring his experience, knowledge highlighting not just the importance to strengthen the voice of Caribbean fashion in the Diaspora and back home, but also the new trend that sees collaboration with African designers such as Mai Atafo and Duro Olowu , but how fashion can keep adding to the economy and its impact on job creation and create social change through the usage of branding. Mr Francis talks to CEM how his fashion will impact the Caribbean Diaspora What sparked your interest in fashion? I have always seen my mum dressed in amazing dresses and I guess that this create in me the interest and the desire to create something as great and to have women feeling confident and looking great You started out in Menswear, does your approach differ when designing menswear compared to womenswear? Womenswear is more interesting because it provides me to diversify, to challenge myself to create something innovative and unique. Women fashion is more diverse and provides you to explore that type of creativity that will push you further. You are now designing dresses for both Miss Caribbean UK and Miss Guyana UK, how did that come about? I was introduced by a client who has always appreciated and loved my designs. She put me in contact with Jacqui and Clayton Brown (the organisers behind Miss Caribbean UK) and the rest –as they say- is history. They both saw the quality of my designs and decided that I would have been a great addition to the pageant What were some of the challenges you faces designing for beauty queens? Some of the challenges comprised time and a tight schedule. Different individuals had very different expectations and visions which must embody their personality and confidence How do you decide which style goes to which of the girls? I look at the person; I get to know her briefly so to have a glimpse of her personality. Once that is established, I know if I can create something a tad risqué’ for an ultra-confident girl or something more demure for another. Moreover, I also look at their shapes so to understand what will flatter the contestants the most Where do you go for inspiration? Inspiration comes from my collaborator, Ms. Angela and from the girls. Their happiness and satisfaction motivate me to do more and create something unique and peculiar that will make them stand out Are you hoping to branch off into the Caribbean or Caribbean Diaspora to make a name for yourself? Yes, because Caribbean Fashion is on the rise and they understand its business potential. Caribbean women love dressing with vibrant colours, elegance and class, but with full confidence and these are the types of women I want to continue to clothe How do you accommodate the needs of women all over the world who might have different fashion sensibilities? I love and appreciate the different cultures. Thus, it is vital for me to sit down and converse with them to grasp their vision and the culture they come from so to embody the cultural aspect in How has your work evolved since you began your own label? The work has evolved a lot. Firstly, I went from a male-centric fashion focus to a female one. Moreover, I have evolved in the usage and refinement of my techniques to create incredible silhouettes What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your company? How to listen to client’s demands and cooperate with them to understand their vision from the inception stage to wearing the customised piece You’re in an incredibly competitive industry. What motivates you to keep going when things are looking tough? Customer satisfaction and the creative process that allows me to bring innovation and distinctiveness to women that want to be elegant and bold at the same time Do you see yourself designing for other Caribbean beauty queens outside of the UK? Yes, absolutely. Because we would like to expand the pageant side and propel the next Caribbean queens to go and win over judges and people alike in a global fashion What impact do you hope your pieces will have on the Caribbean community in the UK? I hope they will continue to positively promote the beautiful diversity of this amazing region and showcase the beauty of its culture Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself becoming an established global brand with different types of lines (childrenswear, menswear) Moreover, with the pageant side growing yearly and my last victories with Miss Guyana UK and Miss Caribbean UK (two years in a row), I would like to dress the next Miss World and Miss Universe hailing from the Caribbean

Unsigned Only Music Competition announced today its judging panel for the 2016 competition, which is now accepting entries. The panel consists of high-profile recording artists and journalists who will select the winners in 13 categories representing a wide variety of genres of music. Unsigned Only is open to solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label record company. Unsigned Only is looking for outstanding, talented artists, newcomers or veterans, and accepts both original and cover songs. Unsigned Only is sponsored by: Berklee College Of Music; Bombplates; Celebrity Access; D'Addario; Disc Makers; Eventric; Gretsch Drums; Groove 3; Indie Bible; Lurssen Mastering; Musicians Institute; My Song On Radio; Sony Creative Software; and The Music Business Registry. This year, Unsigned Only has increased its Grand Prize to $20,000 in cash (US) this year - plus additional merchandise. The Grand Prize winner will also receive one-on-one mentoring from a group of music industry executives, ranging from label presidents to heads of A&R. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly network with the top record company professionals and get advice, guidance, feedback, and networking opportunities. A First, Second, and Third Place winner will also be selected in each category. Artists may enter into any of the following categories: Adult Album Alternative (AAA) Adult Contemporary (AC); Americana; Christian; Country; EDM (Electronic Dance Music); Folk/Singer-Songwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; Screen Shot; Teen; and Vocal Performance. “We are thrilled to be able to give away $20,000 this year to our Grand Prize winner,” say Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan . “What all artists need the most is cash, and $20,000 can go a long way toward helping them with a new CD, a tour, a van, or whatever they might need.” Judges include: Aimee Mann; R. City; The Killers; Bone Thugs N Harmony; The Struts; Dustin Lynch; Kelly Price; Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Aaron Shust; Rapsody; Hayes Carll; Kool and the Gang; David Crowder; Lucero; Colt Ford; The Turnpike Troubadours; Frank Foster; Kyle Anderson (Senior Writer, Entertainment Weekly); Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Zach Long (Associate Editor, Time Out Chicago); Michael Molenda (Editor-In-Chief, Guitar Player); Jim Farber (Music Critic); Lyndsey Parker (Managing Editor, Yahoo Music); Jed Gottlieb (Music & Theater Writer, Boston Herald); Matthew Meadow (Editor-In-Chief, Your EDM); Kevin McNeese (President, NewReleaseToday); Andy Herman (Music Editor, LA Weekly); Sarah Jones (Editor, Electronic Musician Magazine); Chelsea Perry; Sasha Geffen (Consequence of Sound); and more. For entry and general information, please go to www.unsignedonly.com

R&B singer Monica graces the cover of Uptown magazine and she also sat down for an in-depth interview recently. The 35 beauty discussed her recently released eighth studio album, Code Red , and being labeled the underdog on today’s music scene. Monica was styled by Shun Melson in a Donna Karan gown. Photography byDrexina Nelson; hair by Ray Dodson and face by Marsha Saintil. Monica on being guarded: “People wouldn’t really be able to imagine the things I’ve seen and been through. My talent has always been there, along with the spiritual foundation my mother laid, but there was always another side, a side that belonged to the streets. When my parents divorced, I became two different people.” Monica on being Karl Lagerfeld’s muse: “I’ve been there and done that. I remember speaking with Karl and him telling me what ‘we’ were going to wear, and what his thoughts for me were. I’ve had moments that some [will not recognize] because social media wasn’t a thing back then. They weren’t done for the ‘Gram, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t happen.” Monica on her “Miss Thang” moniker: “Dallas [Austin] would bring producers in the studio to play records for me and I’d be quick to say ‘No’ if I didn’t feel it. I knew who I was and what I wanted to say. That’s where ‘Miss Thang’ came from. He’d say, ‘Miss Thang don’t like it!’ … Please don’t get me wrong, I will get someone together, quickly. You will not come at me wrong without repercussions.” Monica on triumphing over tragedy: “As I think back over everything I’ve accomplished in my career—the awards, opportunities and exposure are all there, of course. But, what gives me unspeakable joy is the fact that I’ve touched countless women, and some young men, along the way with my music and my message. To know that I was helping to save lives while feeling like my own was in the process of ending, means more than any manufactured victory ever could.” Monica on being labeled the “underdog”: “I know people have called me the underdog. I was even told the kiss of death would be the four years I took off after the birth of my boys. I’ve executed my career exactly how I’ve wanted to and that’s the most important thing. And if I am an underdog because I’ve chosen to put my family first, to be guided by my spirituality or allow true love to be my solace, then so be it.” Read full story at Uptown Magazine

The Wiper Film Festival is the premiere online film festival and includes an NYC screening. Your work will have the opportunity to be seen by more than 18 millions users around the globe. There is no fee to submit and have your work considered. There are cash grants for Curator’s Choice and Fan Choice winners in each category. Wiper also provides free advertising and promotion budget to its top films. Submit your feature and short length work today! Wiper Film Festival

Coming on the heels of a honourable mention by the prestigious Billboard Magazine for his latest EP 'Project Sweat' , Dancehall artiste Aidonia has once again been thrust into the spotlight for his continued hard work. The entertainer whose given name is Sheldon Lawrence at the recent launch nabs three nominations in the upcoming 2016 Youth View Awards (YVA) set to unfold on February 20th at the National Indoor Sports Center. The ‘ Nuh Man To Mi Spliff’ singer is nominated in the categories for 'Hottest Summer Song of 2015' with "Nuh Boring Gyal" , the single also got a nod for 'Favourite Local Music Video', while his third came in the category for ' Favourite Local Male Artiste of the Year '. In a statement to the media Aidonia’s publicist ‘Raymond ‘Shadow’ Small says, "It's always gratifying to receive recognition for your hard work and it's also a great look for Aidonia to start off the New Year.” “This is just the beginning of some major plans for 2016, keep watching it’s going to be a very interesting year." he added. The year's staging of the YVAs will feature performances from International pop sensation Pia Mia !, alongside local performers including Dexta Daps, Vershon, Christopher Martin, Vanessa Bling among others. Aidonia is booked to headline ‘ Dozen Cups ’ on January 30th at the Gee Wee Car Park.

U.S.A, Jamaica (MPR Consulting) - Acclaimed triple threat, producer, song writer and artist, Ricky Blaze has achieved tremendous success with hit music charting worldwide while blazing the airwaves. Renowned for his fusion of his Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall roots meshed with the urban sounds of Hip Hop and R&B from the Brooklyn streets where he made his name, Ricky has worked with some of the biggest names in music of all genres. And with his new release album " Conquer the Moment" , it embodies the culmination of the latter. The star studded album features Ricky Blaze alongside the sounds of Grammy award winner Sh aggy, reggae star Gyptian, dancehall stars Kranium, Tifa, Future Fambo, Blak Ryno, multi-award winner and esteemed saxophonist Dean Fraser and notable others. "I Just feel like as the young youths who represent our culture in these days should be great and give there all to make great music moments that can live with people forever. To be both the artist and producer comes natural, its just about the creative process and how the music is arranged that makes the cake,so as long as the songs have the vibe there supposed to have, it doesn't matter whether I'm the artist or its a collaborator. " stated billboard producer Ricky Blaze " Conquer The Moment " is available on iTunes. TRACK LISTING 1 - Intro 2 - Centerfold featuring Smoke 3 - Pull It 4 - Apart featuring Alexus Rose 5 - Dance featuring Mr.Easy and Dean Fraser 6 - Overrated featuring Kranium and Shaggy 7 - Motive featuring Blak Ryno 8 - Sink It featuring Kranium 9 - Look Like Me featuring Tifa and Chelley 10 - Neighbors featuring Cover Drive and Smoke 11 - Rodeo featuring Future Fambo

Revamped, redesigned and with a broadened artistic direction, the Caribbean’s premier cultural event — the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2016 — will attract thousands to Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia. Cultural enthusiasts, festival lovers and music aficionados will be wooed by over 50 world-acclaimed entertainers and artisans over the 9-day festival, which runs from April 29th to May 8th, 2016. At year 25, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival spans a full 10 days and upwards of fifteen venues featuring some of the best live performances spiced with the celebration of Saint Lucian Arts, culture and cuisine. List of performers Lineup

" Call for Entry is NOW open at www.goldentrailer.com Trailers, Teasers, Posters, Video Games, TV Spots, Radio Spots, Innovative Theatrical Advertising & More Important Dates: Regular Deadline: Friday March 4th, 2016 Late Deadline: March 18th, 2016 Show Date: May 4th, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA Show Tickets on sale February 1st, 2016"