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Hard Rock International in partnership with South Florida’s ultimate entertainment destination Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Fla., will hosts the free Hard Rock Rising Miami Beachfestival , on Thursday, March 26, 2015, on the sand at Eighth Street and Ocean Drive. The all-day oceanfront music festival will features something for every musical taste with performances by international superstars including Flo Rida, Wyclef Jean, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Gibb and Gloria Estefan. Other performers includes the official DJ of the Miami Heat, DJ Irie ; English guitarist and singer songwriter, Dave Mason ; GRAMMY® award-winning musician, Jon Secada; Jamaican reggae artist, Ky-Mani Marley ; Miami Beach jazz vocalist, Nicole Henry ; and Jamaican reggae band, Third World . Andy Garcia will serve as an emcee for a portion of the evening. “Live music has been a pillar of the Hard Rock brand for more than 40 years,” said John Galloway, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Hard Rock International. “We are honored to partner with the City of Miami Beach to bring this diverse lineup of artists to fans at the first-ever Hard Rock Rising Miami Beach.” Free seating for the show will be available onsite on a first come, first serve basis. Hard Rock Rising Miami Beach will also offer limited, reserved premium seats. Gates open on Thursday, March 26 at noon, with the temporary beach amphitheater opening at 5 p.m. for the evening’s performances. Committed to supporting music and emerging artists around the globe, Hard Rock International hosted more than 28,000 live music events worldwide in 2014. The brand continues its dedication to supporting up-and-coming artists in 2015 with Hard Rock Rising concert events in the United States and Europe, providing a forum for music icons and today’s hottest new talent to connect with music fans around the world. Event partners include ACT Productions (Miami Beach) and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Event sponsors include Coca-Cola, Atlantic Broadband and the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority. For additional info please visit www.hardrockrising.com .

“Destiny” the ground breaking film by Jeremy Whittaker will make its U.S. premiere at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar on Monday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m. with a VIP Reception – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The film has been a success in Jamaica making it the “longest running film at the Box Office in Jamaican history”, but is only scheduled for a limited release in selected U.S. Cities. The U.S. Premiere of Destiny will be hosted by Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, who worked with the producers to have the movie’s premiere in Miramar, to reflect her support of the arts and the city’s outreach to its multi-cultural residents. The film features a host of Jamaican talent, and boasts a captivating storyline and a dynamic soundtrack. Destiny chronicles the story of Lisa Pullen, played by lead actress Karian Sang, as she journeys to find herself following the death of her parents and a tumultuous break-up with her boyfriend. A trip to Jamaica to sell land acquired through inheritance leads to much more, as Lisa not only uncovers truths about her family’s past, but also finds herself while falling in love. Destiny masterfully and artistically portrays Jamaican culture and music. The movie features reggae singer Christopher Martin, comedian Ian ‘Ity’ Ellis and female entertainer Spice. Tickets are $15 online at www.miramarculturalcenter.org , by phone, 954-602-4500 or at the Cultural Center Box office.

The creator of Reggae Reggae sauce says he owes his £30 million success to his family - partly because he became more determined to appear on Dragons’ Den when his children begged him not to. Levi Roots, 56, from Brixton, is one of the BBC show’s most successful contestants. He made his name singing his “Reggae Reggae Sauce” song to the investors in 2007, helping him to secure £50,000 from Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh for 20 per cent of his business. Since then he has launched a whole range of related products and is about to open “Rastaurants” across the country. He is thought to be worth about £30 million. The Jamaican-born businessman previously had a music career, performing with the likes of James Brown and Maxi Priest and gaining a nomination for Best Reggae Act at the Mobo awards in 1998. Roots, a father of seven, said: “I owe a lot to my family. I borrowed money from my mother right at the beginning. I owe the business in part to her. “I remember when I got the card of the BBC producer about Dragons’ Den. I told my kids. They said to me - do not do Dragons’ Den. They didn’t want me to embarrass them. They said, ‘Do not sing the Reggae Reggae Sauce song. Not on national television.’ “I think they were trying to protect me. But I then went on the show because my kids said don’t. So I guess my kids changed my life.” He made the comments at the Elite Business Conference, an entrepreneurial exhibition in Shoreditch. Other speakers included Ultimo co-founder Michelle Mone. Source:standard.co.uk

Sophie Fraser-Smith was told she was too short for the international catwalk, but she didn’t let that stop her from strutting her stuff. The 5ft 7in Bermudian beauty is now making a name for herself, modelling in online catalogues and print magazines in London, UK. The 18-year-old was able to do it with help from Leni’s Model Management, a boutique model agency located in the fashion hub of East London. She said it was well-known for taking on “shorter models”, girls between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in. Top modelling agencies generally look for women who are 5ft 8in or taller. “I’ve been working full-time with Leni’s since last August and have worked for many online brands, including ASOS, Pretty Little Thing, New Look and Vavavoom,” Ms Fraser-Smith said. “I have been published in roughly four online and print magazines. I’ve also done some more unusual jobs such as at a hair presentation, working on location for a London Fashion Week photo shoot and appearing in a music video with [London-based rapper] Wizzy Wow.” The former Bermuda High School student got her start in modelling seven years ago. Her father, Laidlaw Fraser-Smith, encouraged her to take classes with the JaKoMa Group. “I hadn’t considered modelling before then, but it sounded like fun and it really was,” Ms Fraser-Smith said. “From there I took stepping stones that led me here. Lamont Robinson, the model coach for JaKoMa, suggested I try out for the Evolution Fashion Show in 2012. “Top Model UK were invited to the show and director Geoff Cox shortlisted roughly ten girls that he’d be interested in pursuing. That list included two of my good friends — Katie Arnfield and Julia Lines — as well as myself. “In the next two years we participated in the Top Model Fashion Show, as well as International London Fashion Week events.” Ms Fraser-Smith initially had no idea how far she could take her modelling career. “In fact, I still don’t,” she said. “I just look at it as one stepping stone at a time until I get to a place where I’m happiest.” In the meantime she’s learning a lot about the industry and herself. She’s found that rejection comes with the territory, so it’s important to have good self-esteem and to know your worth. “You’re always being compared to the girl next to you,” she said. “But probably hardest for me is that although you’re not always working, you are still always a model. “That means that you have to eat right, sleep right, constantly be active and constantly be ready all the time. “I’ve been called an hour before a job that was 45 minutes away, so being prepared is important. “Having said all that, modelling is a good lifestyle. You have motivation to take care of your body and health. You also get to meet lots of interesting people every day and each day is different and exciting because you’re constantly on your toes and getting involved.” There’s no greater feeling for Ms Fraser-Smith than the one she gets seeing her images get to print and the confidence that comes from hearing positive feedback. “The industry is full of variety and it’s never going to be one thing about you that gets you a job, but a combination of your portfolio, personality, look and sometimes even style all make a difference,” she explained. “Successful models are the best versions of themselves and are adaptable to many different clients’ visions. “Of course I get told no all the time, and it’s not a good feeling, but most of the time it’s not because they don’t like me or because I’m not good enough. “It’s because they want a girl with blue eyes or curly hair or more experience and I really can’t get upset about that because another client will hire me because I have brown eyes and straight hair.” Her advice to any young people considering a career in modelling: get as much local experience as you can. “I would definitely encourage people to join the City’s Evolution Fashion Show. It can give you an idea of what the industry is like from the casting to rehearsals to show day,” she said. “The rehearsals are also an amazing way to improve your catwalk.” She also encouraged people to apply to agencies overseas to see what responses they get. However it’s best to keep those contracts open so you are not tied down to one agency, she added. “Living in Bermuda will make it harder to get work because most of it will be overseas, but get in front of a camera as much as possible so that on school holidays or after finishing school you’re already comfortable and knowledgeable about modelling and can get clients quickly,” Ms Fraser-Smith said. “If you don’t think you’re good enough to model, the good news is you can be. Successful models come in all different shapes and sizes. So just be the best version of yourself and confident in front of the camera and that’s usually enough.” Source:RoyalGazette

New Kingston will come alive when Campari, will once again join Saint International Model Agency in the staging of the 2015 Jamaica Avant Garde Designer of The Year (JAGDOY) contest. Fifteen brilliant designers will be showcasing their fabulous creations inspired by the theme Flights of Fashion Fantasy for the coveted title and cash prize of $100,000 courtesy of Campari. The event will be held at 9 p.m., on Saturday March 21 at the Courtleigh Auditorium, 8 St Lucia Avenue in New Kingston. Tthe JAGDOY contest is the country's longest-running and most prestigious designer competition created by Saint CEO Deiwght Peters in 2003, as a platform to excite, acknowledge and reward members of the fashion design industry in an unprecedented way. “This year Campari and Saints will bring even more glamorous surprises to the Avant Garde stage ” said Deiwght Peters. Color Me High Fashion; an exclusive invitation-only reception will precede the marquee event. This event will honor Saint International’s history making models Tami Williams and Kai Newman for appearing in the March issue of American Vogue-the world’s most influential fashion magazine. There will be special performances from dancehall maven Ikaya and breakout star Mink Jo.

Reggae singer Queen Ifrica took to Facebook to announced that she is dating fellow artist Tarrus Rile. The photo is captioned: "yes tarrus riley and i are togather...something aguh roun. loves contagious! !!!" Is a picture is worth a thousand words.... Base on comments from social media many believe this is publicity stunt. What’s your take on the manner?

The voice winner Tessanne Chin and her husband broadcaster Michael Anthony Cuffe Jr are having marital problems, this according to The Jamaica Gleaner. Sources close to the couple confirmed her that Cuffe has moved out of their home and he's staying with friends. The couple got married four years at the Coyaba Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica after a year-long engagement. The couple on their wedding day Fans got to know the Fame 95FM radio presenter, the son of noted Jamaican broadcaster Michael Anthony Cuffe Snr, through his support of his wife during her appearance on the Voice. She released her post-Voice album, Count on My Love in July last year.

Austin, Texas - The Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Arts & Multiculturalism in conjunction with ASK Promotions, the producers of the Caribbean’s no #1 Music Business Conference - AMMBCOM, are showcasing some of the top artists of Trinidad & Tobago at the world’s largest and most notable music conference, SXSW 2015 (South By Southwest) in Austin Texas. We're offering you interviews with some of the most talented musicians, known throughout the world! Trinidad & Tobago will host its very own stage and will showcase seven of their most accomplished artists who’ve influenced and entertained worldwide audiences. This is a once in a lifetime experience for the audience, with the best in; Soca, Calypso, Parang, Hip Hop, Steel Pan and more. Stephan Howard, the CEO for ASK Promotions says, “It is an opportunity to build on what was started last year at SXSX with Bunji Garlin, our mission is to position our music to the world.” The headlining act will be Trinidadian American and platinum selling recording artist, rapper Trinidad Jame$ and he’ll hit the stage at 1amfollowing legends such as, MungalPatasar on March 19th-8pm at Flamingo Catalina, one of the worlds most popular steel pan bands - Codrington Pan Family on March 21 - 2pm on the International Day Stage at Austin Convention Centre. And the hosted stage on March 21 at Karma Lounge will include; Spoken Word Artist Dennis Morgan at 7:45pm, Mungal Patasar again at 8pm, Los Alumnos de San Juan at 10pm, the King of the Calypso World - Mighty Sparrow at 11pm, Shurwayne Winchester at 12am and the show stopper is rapper Trinidad Jame$.

Though hated by American critics, the "Rude" hitmakers have completed an unlikely crossover For six weeks last summer, the Number One song in America belonged to a group of Canadian reggae fans whose frontman sings plaintively to a girlfriend's particularly impolite father who won't approve his earnest marriage proposal to her. "Rude, " Magic!'s debut single, sold 3 million copies in the United States alone, but many objected to its syrupy take on a beloved genre. Time named the tune the worst of the 2014, and publications as diverse as Grantland and Jezebel brought similar ignominy. "America, we need to talk about our taste in reggae music," wrote Slate. They might also want to have a few words with the adoring crowd that earlier this year gathered in the north shore parish of Trelawny to see the band headline the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. In Trelawny, Magic!'s two hits – "Rude," which went to Number One in America, and "Let Your Hair Down," a follow-up even softer than its predecessor – were received by an enthusiastic audience that belted out every word. Both tracks are in heavy rotation on just about every FM radio station in the country: DJs enthusiastically introduce the group as "Canadian reggae band, Magic!" and their songs are often "licked back" – rewound to the beginning and played again – three or four times in a row. "Jamaica has always been accepting of different genres of music," says DJ Wayne, one of the marquee names at IRIE FM, perhaps the most important all-reggae station in the country. "Back in the Fifties and Sixties we were listening to R&B from the U.S. and it connected with reggae." Wayne has embraced "Rude" in particular. "[Magic!] are good musicians and the music speaks for itself," he continues, referring to the song's rebellious love story. "It's the magic of the topic combined with the smooth reggae flow. It's a timely song that captured everyone's imaginations." Although Americas often associate contemporary Jamaican music with the harder dancehall of artists like Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican listening audience has an under-reported love for melodic pop and smooth flows. Downtown dances play Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers remains popular and local supergroup L.U.S.T. – Lukie D, Trilla U, Singing Melody and Tony Curtis – scored a hit with a cover of Air Supply's "Just As I Am." In Trelawny, Magic! are joined by Peter Cetera, the Chicago bassist whose solo career included a handful of Eighties and Nineties U.S. Adult Contemporary hits. In fact, before Magic! even made it to Jamaica, dancehall artist Kiprich, one of the island's toughest lyrical battle champions, rang up guitarist Mark Pelli to ask if they could work on a song together. "That was an organic, seamless thing," says Pelli. "I just did some production and then he asked me to sing on a verse." Their session led to "My Own Holiday," a lumbering reggae tune buoyed by occasional bursts of pop energy, and four new fans: "Kiprich is an amazing artist," Pelli enthuses. "I've introduced him to the rest of the band." American reggae producer Zeke Stern, who has worked Beenie Man, Chronixx and Collie Buddz , regularly travels to the island to produce new tracks, but even he didn't expect the Canadian group to cross over. "I was really surprised at how many Jamaican artists love it," he says of "Rude." "I hear a lot mention how catchy the hook was and that the song was well put together." "Many reggae artists are great songwriters," says Magic! vocalist Nasri Atweh, attempting to explain both the music's appeal to him and his own appeal to Jamaicans. "Regardless of the genre, they write great songs." Although he grew up idolizing crossover stars like Bob Marley and the Police, his accessible, soft-reggae vocals were partially inspired by an orator with even wider appeal. "I aim for a good placement," he explains. "When you hear Obama talk, his words allow you to digest them. This 'Obama Effect' is what I try to do when I write – it's what we tried to do with 'Rude.' People respect good musicianship and good songs." Source: Rollingstone

Hollywood legend Sir Sidney Poitie r will be joining the second season of the series The Cinema , with host Travolta Cooper . The Cinemas is a bi-weekly web and TV show taking a look at the world of Galleria Cinemas, currently airs on Tempo TV throughout the Caribbean region. The show first began as a series of small segments for the web. Shortly after, it was picked up by Cable Bahamas for a half hour version and by the time the show wrapped in October 2014, it was the top rated local show on Cable 12 and one of the top rated local shows on television in the Bahamas. It is the brainchild of its host, Bahamian writer, director, and producer Travolta Cooper . The Cinemas is designed to promote and encourage the new wave of Caribbean Cinema happening in the Region and around the world. The show consists of movie reviews and interviews with a Caribbean twist. The second part of The Cinemas will air beginning Thursday March 26th. Check your local listings.

Los Angeles, CA – In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, the Caribbean Heritage Organization (CHO) and the Institute of Caribbean Studies, DC (ICS-DC) are pleased to announce the launch of CaribbeanLens™, the first Los Angeles Caribbean entertainment conference and film festival. The festival is scheduled to run Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, 2015 in the NoHo Arts District/Universal City areas of Los Angeles. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the blending of the Caribbean and American cultures and talent to create unique and outstanding work and to raise global awareness of the new renaissance of film-making and music production that the Caribbean region is currently experiencing. “This is a very exciting time for the Caribbean and Caribbean-Americans in the entertainment business,” says Marva Griffiths Herman, Founder & Executive Director of CHO and Executive Producer of the film festival. “The Caribbean culture has become a significant ingredient in this wonderful salad bowl we call the American society, and we are especially pleased to showcase its contributions,” she added. With a new breed of talented filmmakers, writers, producers, actors who are working collectively to create films for the world to see, CaribbeanLens will be showcasing great films from the past as well as newer films from the present to provide a glimpse of where the future of Caribbean cinema is heading. CaribbeanLens will also serve as a platform for not only showcasing the Caribbean as one of the best vacation destinations in the world, but to introduce Hollywood to the many filming locations and tax incentives the region have to offer. “CaribbeanLens Entertainment Conference and Film Festival is an event whose time has come. Bearing in mind the size of the entertainment economy and Caribbean potential across all genres and aspects, the need to intensify the visibility of our talent and locations is paramount. We hope that by bringing the Caribbean to Hollywood, the mecca of the global entertainment industry, we can contribute to ensuring that the opportunities for Caribbean peoples to participate are expanded and enhanced,” remarks Claire A. Nelson, Ph.D., the architect behind Caribbean-American Heritage month and Founder of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, DC and producer of CaribbeanLens. This year’s theme is “Legends of the Caribbean” and will open the evening of Monday, June 15, 2015 at the El Portal Theatre in NoHo Arts District with a retrospective look at the works of Ms. Cicely Tyson who has roots in the island of Nevis, Mr. Harry Belafonte, Jamaica and Sir Sidney Poitier, The Islands of the Bahamas. The five-day festival will culminate at the Hilton, Universal City on the evening of Friday, June 15 with the Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Awards gala, now in its 10th year.

The pageant will pageant will focus on cultivating the true meaning of beauty, promoting healthy lifestyles while celebrating Jamaican women (ages 18-27) who have taken on the task of enhancing their charitable endeavors, building confidence and developing leadership skills—all important characteristics for a successful future. Galleon Foundation the host of the event will also have a Cultural Arts-Health and Wellness Expo that will address the needs of the South Florida Caribbean community, encourage youth and families to improve their eating habits and maintain a physically active lifestyle. In addition, Galleon Foundation will also present scholarships to five students in need at Florida Memorial University. The Galleon Foundation is a not-for-profit Florida corporation who believes that everyone should have access to an education regardless of their financial background. This year’s event promises to be a day of celebration and will also include a kid’s zone, spoken word performance, musical performance, fire dancers and a Caribbean pop-up marketplace showcasing Caribbean arts and craft and travel information! For more information about becoming a contestant visit www.missjamaicadiaspora.com