Search Results

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.

The first edition of Emerald Vibes Television produced by Goldenmedia went live online on Monday, December 15, 2014 on YouTube. EVTV is hosted by multi-talented artist Sharlene Lindsay who connects with local personalities and shares highlights of special events on Montserrat. The first episode called What's in a Word takes viewers to the Alliouagana Festival of the Word. Montserrat's annual literary event which featured authors from across the Caribbean and North America. Sharlene interviews Ibrahim Ahmad from Akashic Books, New York who talks about his company's search to find the next great Caribbean author. The 14-minute show includes interviews with Montserrat's literary giant Sir Howard Fergus and new author Jason Reynolds, who recently signed a 10-book deal with Simon & Schuster. "Emerald Vibes has been an idea the production team and I have been discussing for a while and we felt a look at Montserrat's hectic November to January festival season was a good time to kick off the show," explained Executive Producer and the show's director Nerissa Golden. "Montserrat is a visually stunning place and we wanted to capture it for our viewers and also as the island continues its reemergence we want to tell the stories of this journey." Viewers can watch the show on www.trulycaribbean.net or by visiting the Goldenmedia YouTube Channel.

Unsigned Only Music Competition revealed today its high-profile judging panel for the 2015 competition, which is now accepting entries. The renowned panel consists of iconic recording artists and journalists and will determine the winners in eleven categories representing a wide variety of commercial genres of music. Designed for solo artists, bands, and singers who are not signed to a major label, Unsigned Only's goal is to find an outstanding, talented performing artist: a band, singer, or solo artist. Unsigned Only gives away over $100,000 in cash and prizes, including $10,000 in cash and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives to the overall Grand Prize winner. First and Second Place winners in each category will also be chosen. The deadline to enter is March 18, 2015. Original and cover songs are accepted in all categories except for Screen Shot which accepts original songs only. Artists may enter into any of the following categories: Adult Album Alternative (AAA) Adult Contemporary (AC); Americana; Christian; Country; Folk/Singer-Songwriter; R&B/Hip-Hop; Rock; Pop/Top 40; Screen Shot; Teen; and Vocal Performance. Screen Shot is a new category that has been added this year, and it is geared toward helping artists get their music in film, TV, video games, and advertising. Music execs who are looking to place music in various projects will be judging this category and will also provide advice on music licensing to the winner of the category. Included are: Michelle Bayer (Shelly Bay Music); Michelle Silverman (Modern Planet); Ani Johnson (Monomyth Media); Evan Stein (Experience Music Group); Velma Barkwell (East End Music Productions); Jen Taunton (Level Two Music); and more to be announced. "Last year Screen Shot was a special promotion that we ran for entrants," says Founders/Directors Candace Avery and Jim Morgan. "The response was huge and was a great success for many artists who were able to secure licensing deals for their music. This is just another way for Unsigned Only to help its entrants, and we are excited to be able to open these new doors for independent artists." Judges include: Aimee Mann; Alt-J; Dustin Lynch; Sinead O'Connor; The Killers; Rosanne Cash; David Crowder; Robert Smith (The Cure); Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC); Ray Wylie Hubbard; Aaron Shust; Lucero; Kelly Price; Colt Ford; Frank Foster; Jason Gray; Rapsody; Kool And The Gang; Anthony DeCurtis (Contributing Editor, Rolling Stone); Kyle Anderson (Senior Writer, Entertainment weekly); Josh Jackson (Co-Founder and Editor-In-Chief, Paste Magazine); Chris Richards (Pop Music Critic, The Washington Post); Michael Hann (Music Editor, The Guardian); Shirley Halperin (Music Editor, Billboard and Hollywood Reporter); Lucy Jones (Deputy Editor, NME); Hardeep Phull (Music Critic, New York Post); and more to be announced. Unsigned Only is sponsored by: Sony Creative Software, Guitar Center, D'Addario, Disc Makers, Ultimate Ears, Lurssen Mastering, Master Tour by Eventric, and The Music Business Registry. For entry and general information, please go to http://www.unsignedonly.com

Multi-talented songstress Kim Kelly is headed to her beautiful island of Jamaica for the holidays! The rising star can't contain her excitement as she makes her preparation to leave the cold weather of Canada to head for the sun, vibes and spirit of the holidays in Jamaica. "I am so happy to be going to Jamaica for Christmas, it brings back memories of my childhood, from the food, church and just a euphoric feeling in all." stated Kim While her short stay in Jamaica, Kim is putting an emphasis on giving back and helping with various charities. She humbly noted "I'm blessed with so many things, so it's only normal too pass on the blessings." Kim and her management team will also partake in the musical events season by attending the numerous stage shows, and when asked if Kim will touch any stages, her manager Dee Damarco stated "Anything is possible" The songstress is enjoying a strong musical buzz as several of her singles are hitting the various worldwide airwaves. Her latest "Whine On Me" on the No Strings Attached riddim has hit social media to rave reviews. "No Strings Attached Riddim" also features Delly Ranks, Esco, Kappa and Skinny Rapture. Produced by Gods Son Production and distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital, "Whine On Me" on the "No Strings Attached Riddim" is slated for release in all major digital stores on January 6th, 2015

As the Yuletide season unfolds it continues to bear fruit for international recording artiste Demarco, currently one of the hottest and most sort after acts in the space. If being nominated for ‘Best Reggae Act’ at the recently concluded 2014 Urban Music Award wasn’t enough the deejay over the weekend received more goods news courtesy of the British media following the addition of his monster hit ‘Puppy Tail’ to the BBC 1Xtra playlist. However, not only was it added to the playlist but is included in the daytime rotation where it is expected to receive premium airtime alongside all the musical A-Listers across the globe. A seemingly jocund Demarco who was in New York City at the time of the announcement said he was very grateful for the addition and recognition while citing his continued success to the hard work and dedication of his team at True Gift Entertainment (TGE). “I am very happy and at the same time humbled by the announcement, this is another major stride for the Jamaican genres; not many of our records make it to daytime radio on the BBC, as we are all aware most of our music that is played on their radio is relegated to night time programming, so to be among the selected few who accomplish such feat is indeed something of note.” Strategically, Demarco also unveiled the official video for ‘Puppy Tail’ over the weekend via his VEVO channel (youtube.com/demarcolifevevo) which has already racked up an impressive 21,000+ views and continues to display an upward trend. The visuals were shot by True Gift Entertainment who’s also responsible for the now viral ‘Talk Yuh Mind’ online series. Set to return to the island later this week Demarco headlined a pair of concerts over the weekend in Brooklyn, New York and Edmonton, Canada to much fanfare. The singer is currently promoting his new 30-track mixtape entitled ‘Bun Up Road’. The compilation is available free of cost via his official Facebook page (facebook.com/demarcodadon). WATCH VIDEOS || DEMARCO’S ONSTAGE INTERVIEW WITH WINFORD WILLIAMS || DEMARCO TALK ABOUT RISE TO STARDOM

Rihanna has just been named the new creative director for Activewear brand Puma, where will oversee the company's women's line - including clothing and shoes. The singer will be one of Puma's global brand ambassadors along with Jamaican track star Usain Bolt and Argentine soccer player Sergio Agüero. She will also star in the brand's fall 2015 ad campaign. According to a press release, Rihanna will 'work with PUMA to design and customize classic Puma styles as well as create new styles to add to the product portfolio.' After meeting at Puma's headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, yesterday for her first design meeting, she posted pictures from the trip to Instagram of her wearing white Puma sneakers.

The 24th annual Miss Caraibes Hibiscus competition took place on the French island of Saint Martin, where Miss Columbia Maria Alejandra Lopez a 20 student in Industrial Engineering, won the title. The competition, which began on Monday 1st and end on December 7th with the gala evening Miss Caraibes Hibiscus in 2014, saw representatives from South America, Central America and the Caribbean islands. Contestants include: Colombia (María Alejandra López Pérez), Suriname (Chandel Menckeberg), USA (Stephanie Miles), Jamaica (Regina Lee Harding), Guadeloupe (Juliette Alimanda), Bonaire (Michelle Gumbs), Haiti (Samair Wislène Popo), Martinique (Leslie Lalande) and Mexico (Peniche Karla Hernandez) Miss USA walked away with Miss Popularity, which was decided by the audience members, while Miss Colombia won the photogenic award The other titles, determined by the judges, were as follows: Miss Mexico won Best Culture wear with her carnival costume. Miss Jamaica, Regina Harding won both Best Eveningwear and Miss Amity and was selected second runner-up and Miss Mexico was first runner-up. Miss Jamaica(l) Miss Colombia(c) and Miss Mexico(r) Maria Alejandra, Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2014 - 2015 became the second Colombian to win this contest, other was Olga Milena Florez Sierra, Miss Sucre in 1999 The judges for the event were Stuart Johnson, Raj, Hanisha Alwani, Richard Diallo and Janeesa Fernandes.

Guests celebrated the work of talented local photographers at the grand opening of the 2014 Heritage Photo Exhibition this past Saturday. The Exhibition showcased photography exploring different dimensions of heritage from the 2014 Heritage Photo Contest, which was created by Les Fruits de Mer as a way to spotlight local heritage and photographers, and also to inspire public conversation around the island’s unique heritage. Lagoonies Bistro & Bar was transformed into a temporary exhibition space, with custom-built hanging panels that displayed an array of breathtaking imagery and thought-provoking artists’ statements about heritage. Attendees admired the work, enjoyed sharing memories inspired by the exhibits, and voted for the Erika Cannegieter-Smith People’s Choice Award, a $100 prize which honors the founder of Be the Change SXM. Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes says, “This contest and exhibition was developed as a partnership between Les Fruits de Mer and Be the Change SXM. We wanted this award to be a way to salute Erika's amazing legacy to the island and its people.” In a close competition with over 80 votes cast at the Exhibition, this year’s Erika Cannegieter-Smith People’s Choice Award was won by Nathalie Beaurain, with a pair of photos featuring flamboyant flowers (her entry can be seen at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/nathalie-beaurain/). The honor was announced at the Exhibition’s award ceremony, where prizes were awarded to the winners of the overall and youth categories, Alexandre Guerre and Luna Valenti. Selections from the Exhibition will remain on display this week at Lagoonies. Any schools or other organizations interested in displaying panels from the Exhibition can contact Les Fruits de Mer at info@lesfruitsdemer.org. The all of the entries are featured online at: http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com/category/vibrant-and-vulnerable/. About Les Fruits de Mer Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently accepting new member applications on its website, http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com. About Be the Change SXM Be The Change Foundation, registered in May 2012, is a charity fundraising group that assists St. Maarten non-profit organizations with raising the monies needed for a particular cause while also promoting the mission and objectives of that NGO (non-governmental organization) to encourage volunteerism.

The 24th annual Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus pageant was held at Casino Royale in St. Maarten. Saturday, December 6, 2014. The pageant saw girls from all over the Caribbean, North America and some South American countries tried to persuade the judges that they had what it takes to be this year's Miss Caraïbes Hibiscus Crown. Miss Jamaica World Model 2014, Regina Harding was Jamaica’s representative and did the nation proud. She walked away with the award of Miss Amity and wore an Evening gown from Uzuri International that won the best Evening Gown Award. She was officially placed 2nd Runner up. Miss Colombia, Maria Lopez was crowned the winner and Miss Mexico, Karla Hernandez was 1st Runner up. Regina is very proud as this marks Jamaica’s highest placing since Rachel Stuart won in 1993. She returns to the island on Wednesday.

Rita Marley has launched a new cookbook of her favorite Marley recipes that are perfect for the holidays. The book dubbed Harambe For The Holidays: Vibrant Holiday Cooking with Rita Marley contains soulful meals, simple snacks, festive drinks and vibrant desserts. Some of the recipes in Harambe for the Holidays use the Herb for the Healing of the Nation. There's a step-by-step guide for creating "Green Oil" that you can use in the specially marked recipes in this book. She also uses Green Oil in your favourite holiday recipes! From homemade hot cocoas and sorrel drinks to coconut cut cake and gingerbread truffles to a full Ethiopian holiday feast, Harambe for the Holidays is filled with inspiration to create delightful and healthy meals and treats for all of your holiday parties and gatherings. Sorrel recipe from the Harambe for the Holidays The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

Etana 'The Strong One' became the first Jamaican female artiste in 20 years to hit #1 on Billboard Charts since Diana King and Patra. Her 'I RISE' album produced by the accomplished music Producer Clive Hunt, instrumentalist, composer and arranger is number one on Billboard Reggae Chart and follows Etana'scritically-acclaimed albums Better Tomorrow (2013), Free Expressions (2011) and The Strong One (2008). The Jamaican singer-songwriter's melodic power blended with Hunt's rich arrangements, set this album apart as one of the best throughout her stellar career (South Florida Caribbean News) The latest effort from the soulful Reggae songbird is without question her best and most mature album to date. To celebrate the long awaited release, Irish and Chin and VP Records have teamed up to host the official 'I Rise Album Release Party' at the legendary SOB's (New York, New York), Monday, November 17, 2014. Etana will take center stage in the famed venue to deliver a stellar performance. Reggae music fans and/or all in attendance will experience the ultimate live show and soak in the vibes of an up-close and personal set by Etana as she covers the outstanding music featured on her album. The performance will also include a special 'horn section' according to a release. Etana's album is a classical collection of love ballads and roots anthems. With her poised assurance and new found strength, she evolves spiritually, mentally, emotionally and musically. Whether she shedding light on the harsh ghetto realities on 'Trigger,' 'Ward 21 (Stenna's Song)' and 'How Long,' conveying romantic longings on 'Richest Girl,' 'Love Song,' and 'By Your Side' or expressing her deep-rooted spirituality on the exquisite Bob Marley remake of 'Selassie is The Chapel,' the Marcia Griffith's cover of 'Stepping Out Of Babylon,' 'Emancipation' and 'On My Way' - each of the album's tracks is delivered with her soulful conviction. Producer Clive Hunt who has worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan Peter Tosh, Rolling Stones, The Wailers, Grace Jones and Jimmy Cliff, arranged an all-star team of island's musicians to contribute to the set that includes Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Grub Cooper, Handel Tucker and Dean Fraser. Etana continues her U.S. tour with Cocoa Tea, spreading her positive vibrations to major cities. Source:NIPnews: