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Caymanian born actress Grace Gealey is among the cast of the “Empire,” a 20th Century Fox drama series that premiered on Wednesday night, starring Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. Gealey, 30 plays Anika Gibbons an official with Empire Entertainment and girlfriend of Lucius Lyon (Howard) the CEO of Empire. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by all of the support I received on my television debut,” Gealey said. “...I hope all of my friends, family and fans in Cayman will tune in on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to cheer me on.” Gealey received a B.A. in Theater Arts a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University of South Florida, and a M.F.A in acting from the University of California-Irvine. A successful showcase took her from Los Angeles to New York City, where Gealey performed professionally. Several theater productions, short films and national commercials led her to Chicago. EMPIRE marks Gealey's network television debut. Empire is an American hip hop musical drama created by Lee Daniels (The Butler, Monster’s Ball) and Danny Strong.

Nicki Minaj is once again revealing intimate details about herself, in a newly released trailer of a MTV documentary “My Time Again”, the star gives a rare and very personal glimpse into her life and challenges as a hugely successful performing artist. The documentary goes behind the scenes during the making of her latest album, where she can be seen rehearsing, performing, greeting fans, and spending time with family. In one of the clip the singer can be seen telling her dancers: 'When I was a waitress we had to steal bread and eat that”. At the end of the video Nicki is seen saying, 'Every human needs to push themselves to the point of breaking sometimes. If you never break, you never know how much pressure you can take.' 'Nicki Minaj: My Time AGAIN' premieres Sunday, January 18 at 10/9c on MTV

An electrifying dance song, heavily driven by grinding electronic sounds and fist pumping bass, The Mecca’s latest single “Zoom Zoom” is undoubtedly a club banger which has been making waves! It is therefore with exhilarating pleasure that we formally introduce you to The Mecca. Based on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, The Mecca, who has been revitalizing the music scene in St. Lucia with his unique appeal, has taken off in a musical flight through the universe of Hip Hop, Pop, Electro and Dance. As likely to be inspired by Jay-Z or Michael Jackson as he is by Pitbull and Flo Rida, The Mecca will surely move your head, your heart and entire body. The Mecca brings you music for the 21st century, with the power to inspire as well as to get up and dance. Merging solid lyrical artistry with a deep well of emotion and hustle, The Mecca has surfaced as an astounding musical force. His approach to music is enriched by third world culture combined with first world mentality. The Mecca is an exceptional writer who has had noted success in the music industry to date. His single “Flat Stomach” was the premiere single at the Labo Ethnik Fashion & Lifestyle week in Paris earlier this year and his song “Zoom Zoom” has been placed in VH1 and Fox TV Series. Zoom Zoom can be found on The Mecca’s official website www.youngmecca.com and on iTunes - The official music video for Zoom Zoom debuts on January 9, 2015.

SKINNY BWOY RECORDS, Jan 8th, 2015 – Hawaiian Reggae artist Siaosi is set to deliver his brand new single “Nuh Backchat Mama” onJanuary 20th, 2015. The track produced by singer/songwriter/producer Henry "Sadiki" Buckley, Jr is the second single from the forthcoming various artists compilation, "Sea of Love Riddim, Vol. 2" (Skinny Bwoy Records) which is due on February 10th, 2015. “Nuh Backchat Mama” is an ode to single mothers that stresses the importance of respecting and never forgetting the struggles that single mothers face on a daily basis. Siaosi delivers this message with all the fervor of a seasoned veteran.Siaosi delivered chart-topping singles on the USA iTunes charts consistently in 2013 & 2014 and charted at #9 on the Billboard Reggae chart for his sophomore EP release “Everything Is Good”.Over the last ten years, he has performed throughout Hawaii, The Continental USA & internationally alongside JBoog & Fiji. Stream “Nuh Backchat Mama” at YouTube by clicking HERE

Jamar Rolando McNaughton, better known by his stage name Chronixx, was born on October 10, 1992. He was musically nurtured from an early age by his father, the artist Chronicle, and was given the 'Little Chronicle' as the 'junior' to his father. His name was later changed to Chronixx by a friend of his. Chronicle grew up surrounded by the likes of Burro Banton, Norris Man and Gregory Isaacs. At the age of five he wrote his first song 'Rice Grain' and went on to be a choir director and worship leader at 11. In 2003 he recorded his first song with his mentor/coach Danny Browne, and since then has ascend into the music industry. He has harmonized for artists such as Lutan Fyah and by age 14 was providing production assistance for tracks sung by Konshens, Munga Honorable, Popcaan and others. In 2009 after his brother’s death, Chronixx channeled his energy wholeheartedly as a vocalist, after he was encouraged by Zincfence Records producer Romaine ‘Teflon’ Arnett, to sing the lyrics he was writing for others. In 2010, his first EP, Hooked on Chronixx, was released and immediately put the budding artist on the radar of music lovers and industry heads alike. Among its 7 tracks, ‘Start A Fyah,’ ‘Capitalist’ (featuring Infinite) and ‘Behind Curtain’ stood out as a fan favorites, reaching far beyond Jamaican first official video and served to alert many more to his arrival Chronixx went on first tour in 2013 when he went to Europe with his own band. Soon afterward, he bestowed a name upon this carefully assembled musical crew: Zincfence Redemption. Altogether, their fascinating stage presence has elevated the Chronixx experience to new and ever increasing heights. Also in 2013, he and his team were Jamaica’s only representation in Nairobi, where he performed as a Peace Ambassador ahead of Kenya’s general elections. The next year, he found himself in New York City where he participated in a reggae and jazz series together with living legends Ernest Ranglin and Monty Alexander. By this time, Chronixx had established new and renewed working connections with Sly & Robbie, King Jammy, Leroy Sibbles and, again, Danny Browne. The Dread & Terrible Project was released in April 2014 with seven tracks plus three dub versions, immediately topping both the Billboard and iTunes reggae charts. Neither an album nor an EP, the Project also includes a short film based on one of its tracks, ‘Rastaman Wheel Out.’ The film was directed by “The Guru” Ras Kassa and has received high critical acclaim. The hit single, ‘Here Comes Trouble’ can also be found on The Dread & Terrible Project. With so much accomplished in so short a time, the world is bracing for greater wonders from this young man who walks with an old soul. For Chronixx himself, music is a mission and history is being made every day still.

Ziggy and Stephen Marley will be featured in Fashion Designer John Varvatos Spring 2015 advertising campaign. The legendary black and white imagery was shot in Austin, Texas by distinguished rock photographer Danny Clinch. Dressed in John Varvatos tailored clothing, the Marley Brothers were photographed for a timeless family portrait. John Varvatos spoke about his decision to hire the Marley’s "The Marley family is legendary. Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley are carrying on this legacy in their own authentic way. Working with them has been incredibly inspiring. They are truly a magical family" The John Varvatos Spring 2015 ad campaign marks another milestone in the brothers’ careers. “It’s always better when I’m able to do projects with my younger brother,” Ziggy explains. “I don’t dress up very often, but when I do, I wear John Varvatos.” Stephen Marley adds, “From the jungle to the palace, John is a lion!” Also, documentary-style short film conceived by YARD and directed by Clinch will debut on JohnVarvatos.com on February 5th in celebrations of their father’s 70th birthday, which is the following day. “There is a spirit of freedom and rebelliousness in Marley’s music. Ziggy and Stephen carry on these traditions with great pride. Whether dressed up or dressed down, it doesn’t matter, their sense of self and style is legendary just like their father and this comes across in the short film,” says Danny Clinch. In the brand’s Spring 2015 campaign, Ziggy Marley wears a black crocodile jacquard two-button peak lapel Jake tuxedo, black linen henley, and black Ricards dress shoe. Stephen Marley wears a black one button peak lapel Austin tuxedo, grey classic fit dress shirt, black silk tie, and black Richard cap-toe dress shoe.

Canadian student Mina Georges is channeling Caribbean queens Rihanna and Nicki Minaj amongst other celebrities to parody their famous photos. Rihanna's provocative pose On his Instagram page ”Keeping Up With Mina”, the 20 year old Western University recreated various images parodying a celebrity photographs, such as Nicki Minaj's seductive pose naked in a bath of milk. Nicki Minaj's seductive naked pose in a bath of milk Nicki Minaj's sequined corset pose Gerges started the parody photos over a year ago uses material from his home and from the Dollar Store. Channeling Beyoncé’s fishtail dress look Recreating Katy Perry's pose Kim Kardashian BUTT pose Kim Kardashian and with Kanye West ecstatic expression pose To keep up with Mina, follow him @keepingupwithmina.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – January 6, 2015 – Reggae icon Maxi Priest, calypso legend David Rudder and world renowned Jazz vocalist Denise Jannah will be in Barbados for the recently renamed Naniki Music Festival taking place on January 15th, 17th and 18th, 2015. The festival formerly known as Caribbean Jazz Safari has rebranded as Naniki Music Festival to include a more diverse musical lineup. This year the Barbados festival will feature three shows spanning the genres of jazz, reggae and calypso. On Thursday, January 15th Dutch jazz singer and composer, Denise Jannah who has received numerous accolades worldwide for her show “Ella”, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, will take the stage at The Frank Collymore Hall, along with local singer Debbie Reifer for a night of “Jazz in the City”. Reggae will echo through Holders on Saturday January 17th when super star Maxi Priest and Bajan reggae artist Albert Olton rock the stage for “Echoes of the Caribbean”. The weekend ends on Sunday, January 18th, with “Cooler Fusion In The Hills” at the Nainiki Amphitheatre featuring kaiso master David Rudder, Biggie Irie and the talented Nikita backed by the band C4. Executive Producer of the show, Tom Hinds, said he is proud of the move to evolve and include other musical genres. “Patrons can expect the same high quality series of shows with fantastic featured artistes and musicians, along with a showcase of emerging local talent,” he added. “As always you can look forward to a VIP experience and exotic venues”. About Naniki Music Festival The beauty of the free spirit is its ever changing nature. Naniki is Amerindian for “free spirit” and the Naniki Team has certainly exercised its freedom to change and evolve in 2015. Tom Hinds, Executive Producer of the festival, promises a re-imagined festival jam-packed with musical talent that is worth every penny. Naniki has rebranded itself as the Naniki Barbados Music Festival and expanded its musical genres to include reggae and calypso artistes in the Festival package. Tickets are available on Ticketpal.com or at any TicketPal locations.

D’shnay Matthew-York from St Maarten was crowned Miss Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant 2014 winner on Wednesday morning (Dec. 31) at the National Carnival Village in St Kitts. She became the first contestant from St. Maarten to win the coveted title. Matthew-York won the title over first runners up Miss St. Kitts Robertine Webbe by just one-tenth of a point. She also won the Best Talent and Interview segments, both focusing on Bullying. She performed a monologue portraying a teenager who was a victim of bullying. In the Interview segment, when questioned about the effects of bullying on teenagers, York gave a smart answer which ended with her making a plea to the audience to stand up against bullying. Robertine Webbe walked away with the Best Theatrical Appearance and the Best Evening Wear awards. While Miss USVI Dyese Turnbull was adjudged Second Runner-up and Miss St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Lateefa Noel was third runner up. The hosts for evening’s event were Jason Davis and comedian Fatman George of Grenada. Also performing on the show were Nicha B, CFBC Dance Ensemble and KC5. This was the 35th edition of the Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant.

"German Town the Lost Story of Seaford Town Jamaica” is a documentary that explores the history of German heritage within Westmoreland Jamaica. Deep within the isolated undeveloped mountains of Westmoreland lies a village with a history and people unique to Jamaica. It is said that the inhabitants of this village are descendants of German indentured servants who were used to work the Jamaican plantations after the emancipation period to substitute the slave labour that drove the islands economy. Others think they came under different circumstances as runaway prisoners, former military battered after the Napoleonic wars seeking a better life to escape the poverty and hardships in their home lands. This documentary project explores the history and contemporary life of Jamaicans of German heritage. CEM did a Q & A with David Ritter, the producer of "German Town the Lost Story of Seaford Town Jamaica" Tell us about David Ritter David Ritter is a Pandora’s Box covered in a billion jigsaw puzzles and topped with a Rubik’s cube. He is a chameleon and an enigma, and flips more lids than a monkey in a soup kitchen. Is this your first time producing? I have directed and produced/created many other projects, but this is my most detailed and highest funded project I have ever done. I started making documentaries and video projects as part of a web series. I made a mini on Seaford Town, Jamaica and it became rather popular. I received a phone call from a producer named Clinton H. Wallace, who wanted me to collaborate with his company Photomundo to create a feature length documentary On Seaford Town Jamaica. So I did. What was the inspiration behind ‘German Town: The Lost Story of Seaford Town Jamaica’ There were many things that inspired me to make this program. Ignorance of the historic and cultural diversity that is within Jamaica, The lack of publicity and research on places like Seaford Town, I suppose if I was to sum up my inspiration I would quote Marcus Garvey, who said - " A people without knowledge of their past is history is like a tree without roots" Jamaican Nationalists and Black Nationalists within Jamaican society inspired me. Listening to Peter Tosh sing songs with lyrics like “Don’t care where you’re from as long as you’re a black man you’re an African. No mind your nationality you got the identity of an African". I was always inspired by the passion people like, Tosh, Marley, Sizzla have in their African roots and identity but I myself am of German/European stock so where does that leave me? When I hear people like Mutabaruka big up Africa and African people I know he is not singing to me. I wanted to celebrate the people of German heritage in Jamaica and the German history the same way people I grew up listening to big up and celebrate theirs. I was very surprised to learn about Germans living in Jamaica, why you think a lot of Jamaicans are unaware of this history. First off, the people in my documentary are not Germans living in Jamaica they are Jamaicans living in Jamaica. They are Jamaicans of German lineage, however some people from Seaford town still refer to themselves and fellow German descended villagers as Germans. Many Jamaicans in the Westmoreland region still refer to them as Germans as well. I think many Jamaicans do not know about this history because it was a very small migration of Germans that came to Jamaica. There has never been a mass migration of Germans in Jamaica when you compare them to all of Jamaica's other ethnic groups and nations who migrated to the island over the years. I think there is also a great deal of secrecy amongst the people of Seaford town that creates more mystery and lack of understanding. Historically the people of Seaford Town kept to themselves and rarely left their village and many have migrated abroad. It is a small piece of the Jamaican fabric. I also think Jamaica is much more embracing of its African heritage than its European heritage on a whole. Jamaica embraces Black Nationalist leaders and thinkers and being that most Jamaicans are primarily of African heritage people have a natural biased and interest in those roots while other Jamaicans take a more multicultural pan Jamaican look at their identity. Some Jamaicans wish to reject ethnic heritage and see themselves only as Jamaican with no hyphenated attached title like German or African just Jamaican. This creates a situation where ethnic heritage from small enclaves can be overlooked and forgotten or simply unknown. While doing the film did you discover anything that was surprising to you? I was surprised that many Jamaicans of German lineage did not know a great deal about their heritage and family history. I was surprised to see how so many people knew little of their cultural and ethnic roots. I also found the biased and bigotry I would face while making this documentary surprising. I was attacked in many ways by many people. I was surprised how angry the German Embassy in Kingston was when they found out I made this project. I was surprised how many Jamaican oligarchs have done all they can to hinder the documentary and its promotion. It was surprising and upsetting to see how dedicated many people in high up places were to censoring the documentary and hindering its publicity and how they do not want people seeing and hearing the information relayed within the project. How do you put together a plan to make a documentary like this? For me I just fly by the seat of my pants. I have an idea and then I put together as much money as I can for expenses and then go and do it. It’s just me with some microphones and my camera. My interviews are just conversations I have with people I meet on the way. I found an apartment to rent in a village just outside of Seaford Town and dedicated a month and a half to filming in the village and I set out to film anyone and anything that I thought was relevant to the subject matter. When it’s all said and done I just edit on my own. I have a friend with a recording studio and we compose music together and set it to the project. I then write an objective narration, go over it and get it recorded and mixed. I hate to sound like a tennis shoe cliché slogan but I just do it is how I go about it. What has been your biggest challenge? I think finding support economically and proper publicity has been a big challenge. Though there have been breakthroughs now that I am selling the documentary on DVD that helps fund the touring that promotes and exposes the project. Now more and more events are now coming fourth and more and more publicity with that but it has been far from easy. Did you get funding or was it self-funded? It was mostly funded out of my own pocket but I did have two small donations that equal around 350 dollars U.S., very small I know but I work on a very small budget. You have special screening various cities across US and Canada, any plans for the Caribbean? It has been screened across Canada, USA, and the UK and possibly Iceland as well in the near future. I have been trying to get this project screened in the Caribbean since 2011. It has been ignored by all institutions I have approached. The only ones that have responded told me I would have to pay them large sums of money and when I explained that I was happy to present the project free of charge to the public they still insisted I pay them. I know when I am being hustled so I move on from those kinds of places. I met with someone who runs a promotional company in Kingston Jamaica. They told me my project would never be seen in Jamaica because they said and I quote " The Jamaican people are not ready to hear about the things you talk about in your documentaries" I continue to look for venues in the Caribbean but still have found no support. What platform provides the best opportunities for up-and-coming documentarians to get their work screened and find their audience? Right now I would say the internet is the strongest tool and means. I simply put my work on you tube and let the word spread virally. After that I just tour and go from venue to venue screening and speaking. I screen in many universities, Colleges, Cultural centers, and independent cinemas/art house cinemas. Is there one piece of advice you could offer others looking to make their own documentary Make something that you are passionate about and make something that has never been done before and if it has been done before give it a unique angle and make it original. If you are truly passionate and care about your subject matter then there are thousands, millions maybe even billions of other people who are passionate as well. Keep pushing forward to connect with them. Be brave and be honest and do not let contrived Orthodoxies or political correctness or corporate interests hinder the truth. Approach your subject without biased and be fair and balanced and have compassion for the people you are documenting. Do not let people bully you because if your project is saying something poignant or challenging to society you will be attacked by people who refuse to hear you or the people in your project. Orwell said that the further a society drifts from the truth the more it will hate those who speak it. Nietzsche said people do not want to hear the truth because they do not want their illusions destroyed. Do not let people discourage you and hold you back. I met the actor and now film director Crispin Glover recently. He told me that anything that challenges corporate interest within media will most always face censorship and hindrance within the mainstream media. As I walked away, I heard him call out to me “David, do not give up keep pushing forward". That is the same advice I would give anyone else. Website:germantownjamaica.com Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/GermanTownJamaica

Nicki Minaj is the cover girl for the newest issue of “Rolling Stone”, on which she wears a plunging white tank top. In the issues the 32-year-old Trinidadian born rapper opened up breakups, business and more, when she sat down with contributing editor Jonah Weiner. The very private Rapper opened up to Rolling Stone about having an abortion as a teen, which she also mentioned on the The Pinkprint. Minaj was attending the prestigious Manhattan performing-arts high school LaGuardia when she got pregnant for an older guy from Queens "I thought I was going to die," she admits. "I was a teenager. It was the hardest thing I'd ever gone through." She ended up having an abortion, a decision she says has "haunted me all my life," though it was the right choice for her at the time. "It'd be contradictory if I said I wasn't pro-choice. I wasn't ready. I didn't have anything to offer a child." She also admits she drew from pain in her personal life as inspiration for her album, opting to scale back on her wild antics and over-the-top alter egos. "I had to learn to do something as simple as sleep alone," she says, hinting at her personal hardships post-split. "I struggled with 'Do I express these feelings?' And I decided there's no reason for me to hide. I'm a vulnerable woman, and I'm proud of that." Read more at RollingStone.com, and pick up the new issue at newsstand on January 2.

Eleven beauties from across the Caribbean will compete in the 35th Edition of the Miss Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, which is scheduled for Tuesday December 30th at the National Carnival Village Basseterre St.Kitts. This pageant is known around the Caribbean as “the” pageant which allows our younger most talented ladies to express themselves at a very high standard. Newly appointed Chairperson Mrs Akilah Nisbett has revealed that there will be some noticeable changes to the Pageant for this year’s milestonic 35th Edition “This year there will be no Ambassadorial Appearance and the production number will open the pageant,” she said. “There will also be other changes that I will not reveal at this point, however, we will be as innovative and creative as we have always been,” she stated The contestants in this year’s competition are: Anguilla – Samelia Connor (17 yrs.) Antigua - Shannakisha Francis (17 yrs.) Barbados - Terian Reid (18 yrs.) Dominica - Niquelle Edwards (17 yrs.) Grenada - Leshae Cenac (17 yrs.) Guyana - Reesa Sooklall (15 yrs.) Montserrat - Sharese Edwards (18 yrs.) St. Maarten - D'Shnay Matthew-York (17 yrs.) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -Lateefa Noel (16 yrs.) USVI - Dyese Turnbull (16 yrs.) St. Kitts - Robertine Webbe (14 yrs.) The Pageant has grown exponentially over the years into the most prestigious pageant in the entire Caribbean, and continues to attract participants from close to 20 countries annually.