Search Results

Hall of Fame journalist Clare Forrester died on Monday evening in Florida at the age of 69. Miss Forrester had extensive experience in a range of social communication roles with national, regional and international organisations. She was the Chief Press and Public Relations Officer at the Jamaica Information Service, Director of Communication at the Natural Resources and Conservation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and General Secretary of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ). In her last role she was a Communication Advisor at Office of the Special Representative of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Haiti. She was inducted into the Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

The most anticipated wedding industry event in Trinidad and Tobago will be returning to The Banquet and Conference Centre, Movie Towne, P.O.S. on September 27th & 28th . The event will not only be a gathering of top local wedding vendors and premium brands, but will also host 2 of the industry’s top international influences, Kleinfeld’s Fashion Director Terry Hall and Julie Albaugh of WeddingMarketNews.com. After attracting hundreds of engaged couples and wedding enthusiasts with the event’s 2013 debut, the producers are pleased to partner with The Banquet and Conference Centre for this year’s edition. The Wedding Convention is the collaborative effort of Trinidad Weddings and Eventuality Limited. Trinidad Weddings is known for T&T’s first wedding website and online resource for engaged couples,‘Trinidad Weddings.com’, the popular, globally distributed bridal magazine,‘TW Wed-Zine’ and their new Trinidad Weddings App for Samsung and Apple users. Eventuality Limited (EL) specializes in brand marketing, utilising tailor-made multi-mobile advertising, augmented reality and enhanced search experiences. EL has worked with Guardian Media, Sterling Services (Battoo Bros) Ltd for Mercedes Benz and a number of corporate clients. It is with this professionalism and experience that Eventuality Limited has partnered with Trinidad Weddings to create The Wedding Convention. Both entities created this event with the goals of producing a high-quality Wedding Convention and Exposition that carries an international standard. One which would bring together the best vendors to network with each other, build their brands and promote their businesses, to a targeted market of engaged couples. In order to take 2014’s edition to a new, globally competitive level, Trinidad Weddings was able to leverage its linkages with top bridal industry players to bring forth this year’s esteemed guest speakers Terry Hall and Julie Albaugh. Terry Hall, from Kleinfeld Bridal (home of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress’) will be the feature speaker at the Convention’s Bridal Brunch. He will share valuable shopping and bridal fashion advice to brides-to-be and their planners/bridal party. Terry’s former experience has been with Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and the Miss America Pageant. He has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show and Huffington Post Live. Julie Albaugh, Editor of WeddingMarketNews.com and host of #WeddingMarket chat (on Twitter) will enlighten wedding service providers on the importance of marketing and social media in the industry. Wedding Market was selected as number 3 of the top 10 Social Media influencers in the Wedding Industry by Wed Biz Media. The #weddingmarket hashtag has a tweet reach of between 2 to 10 million each week. Patrons of The Wedding Convention will benefit from complimentary passes to all exhibitor sessions, eligibility to win prizes and free gift bags. For ticket information and schedule of events for “The Wedding Convention” 2014 please visit: www.theweddingconvention.com/ or its Facebook Page:www.facebook.com/TheWeddingConventionTT ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit

Local artistes Debbie Reifer and NexCyx are on marthastewartweddings.com’s list of 27 Bands to Hire for Your Wedding Day. The list released in September, features an eclectic collection of bands, mostly hailing from the United States. The only other Caribbean based band to be included was Quique Talevera of Puerto Rico. Martha Stewart Weddings first learned about the two bands when they performed at the superstar wedding of singer Gabe Saporta and fashion designer Erin Fetherston held in Barbados last year. The magazine was impressed and asked to include them in this month’s online feature. Musical Director of NexCyx, Andre Clarke said it was an honour to be acknowledged in this way by such a respected magazine. “We are thrilled to have made the cut, and to have another Bajan artiste recognized as well is just phenomenal,” he added. NexCyx is just back in Barbados after a successful five-state college tour in the U.S.Debbie Reifer is currently in Los Angeles wrapping up performances at the historic House of Blues in Hollywood and the music networking showcase, Sync Summit. Martha StewartWeddings for story About NexCyx NexCyx is a five-member alternative hip-hop band based in Barbados. The group has shared the stage with Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Air Supply, Damien Marley and Wyclef Jean and has played major music events in the Caribbean, US and France. Chosen in 2012 by an international judging panel as the winners of the “Hennessy Chase the Music; Own the Stage” competition, which took them to the Cognac Blues Passion Festival in France, the band went on to get the top spot in the RyanSeacrest.com March Music Madness contest for their version of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.” in 2013. NexCyx holds an MTV Artist of the Week accolade, an Artist of the Month title from Rockwired.com and a Band of the Year honor at the noted Barbados Music Awards. For more information visit: nexcyx.com, twitter.com/nexcyx, facebook.com/nexcyx. About Debbie Reifer Barbadian singer song/writer Debbie Reifer has a musical style that reflects a tender articulation of the human condition and offers therapy for the soul. Since the successful release of her first single “Amber “ in 2012, Debbie has gone on to release her first EP “Hearts Like Mine” and to write music for the critically acclaimed Barbadian movie “Chrissy”. She is nominated was Best New Artist in this year’s Barbados Music Awards and is currently working on her second album. For more information visit: www.debbiereifermusic.com ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Following last week’s cancellation of his European concert in Amsterdam, Netherlands due to unethical conduct by the organizers, Jag One Productions (J.O.P) front man Aidonia is again in high spirits afoot his headlining gig in Central America this weekend. The deejay and label-mate Deablo are set to headline the much anticipated ‘Dancehall Xplotion’ in Costa Rica on Saturday, September 14th. The heavily publicized event is expected to garner a major outflux of fans, providing the continent is one of the Aidonia’s fastest growing fan base in recent years. The billing also features fellow compatriots Popcaan and Tommy Lee Sparta. According to the ‘Coco Powda’ singer, he is really looking forward to performing for the Central American fans and plans to deliver nothing but a top notch set when he take center-stage this weekend. “Central America is one of my biggest fanbase they always show a lot love and support for my music so whenever the opportunity presents itself for me to perform there they can expect nothing but the absolute best from me and team JOP”. – Aidonia added. Meanwhile, on the local scene Aidonia continues to saturate the FM airwaves with the newly released ‘Coco Powda’ and ‘ Love Off Yuh Gal’ the latter featured on theZJ Liquid produced ‘Good Book’ rhythm. Plans are also in motion for a pair of videos to be shot and released in the weeks ahead. ..................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Twenty five year -old restaurant owner Carolyn Desert was crowned Miss Haiti World 2014 Sunday in Port-au-Prince at the Karibe Convention Center. First runners up went to Chistie Désir who also captured the Miss Popular and Miss Top Model awards while Nastassia Raymond, earned the second runners up spot. Rounding off the top were Jennifer Verdieu and Rose Cathelyne Paul, who won the Miss Bikni award. The other award winner was Soraya Jean François - Miss Humanitarian and Miss Conviviality Desert will represent her country at the Miss World competition in London in December won from a field of 21 contestants. She also earned the most "photogenic" award and became the crowd favorite from the beginning. The freelance writer and the owner of a Mexican restaurant in the upscale Petionville district of Port-au-Prince vowed to that she would support the youth, women and the poor. "I'm going to support the youth. I'm going to support women. I'm going to support the poor." She said Haitian women have more to offer than looks: "Perseverance, courage, resilience." Desert will also represent the country on trips sponsored by the country's tourism ministry. .................................................................................................................................. Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Arepa is a Dominican cornmeal and coconut cake that rich and comforting that is sometimes made sweet, so it that can be served for breakfast, as a snack or even dessert with coffee or hot chocolate. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups arepa corn flour 4 cups water 3 1/2 cups of milk (whole, reduced fat or skim) 2 12-oz cans evaporated milk 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks 1/2 cup raisins 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar 2 ½ ups coconut Milk 1 tbsp anise seeds 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp salt 4 tbsp butter or margarine DIRECTIONS: Add the arepa flour to a large bowl with the water. Stir to eliminate clumps. The flour will swell up, absorbing most of the water (this is what you want). Set aside. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, heat the milk over a medium flame. Add the evaporated milk, cinnamon sticks, raisins and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the coconut cream (don't substitute coconut milk, they are not the same thing), the vanilla extract, salt and anise seeds. Stirring continuously, let the mixture come just to a boil. Add the damp arepa flour. Mix well, breaking up the clumps, and let cook on the stove. Stir it every minute or two to stop it sticking. Use half of the softened butter to grease a large baking pan. When your arepa becomes a thick porridge like mixture, you can put it in the baking dish. Then take the remaining 2 tbsp of butter (may substitute with margarine) and cut it into thin slices (it’s easier to this with a stick of butter), then spread over the arepa, Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Jamaican singer, Chronixx leads the pack of nominees for the for the upcoming International Reggae and World Music Awards(IRAWMA), set to take place at the Coral Spring Center for the Arts in Florida on October 4th. Chronixx received four IRAWMA nominations, including the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Best Song for Smile Jamaica and Best Music Video for Here Comes Trouble. Sean Paul and Shaggy each got three nominations, with Sean Paul nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Best Caribbean Entertainer and Best Crossover Song (alongside Arash) while the Shaggy scored nods for Best Song (Fight This Feeling alongside Beres Hammond), Best Album (Out of Many One Music) and Best Male Disc Jockey/Rapper. Mavado and Busy Signal also earned three nominations with both vying for the Best Crossover Song honor with Give It All To Me (featuring Nicki Minaj) and Bumaye (alongside Major Lazer) respectively and Best Music Video with Take It (feat. Karian Sang) and Bumaye respectively. Season five winner of American talent show, The Voice Tessanne Chin copped two nominations: Female Vocalist of the Year, along with Etana, Marcia Griffiths, Ce’Cile and Patrice Roberts and the nomination for Entertainer of the Year award. Canadian Reggae fusion band, Magic earned a nod for Best Crossover Song for their Billboard chart-topper, Rude. Special cognition from the organizer will be given to Bobby Aitkens, Mykal ‘Grammy’ Rose — formerly of Black Uhuru, and Dr Audley Rollens will be inducted in Hall of Fame. IRAWMA Award of Honour will be given to St Vincent-born Kevin Lyttl You can see the full nominations list for IRAWMA and place your votes here.

A musical chronicling the attempted assassination of the legendary Bob Marley will debut in Maryland next May. The musical entitled "Marley," was written and directed by British-born playwright/actor/director Kwei-Armah. The premiere will be collaboration between Center Stage theatre in Baltimore and New York's Public Theater where the musical will run from May 6 to June 15 2015. Marley focuses particularly on the period of 1975 -1978, when there was an attempted assassination at the singer’s Hope Road residence in Jamaica and he later went into a self-imposed exile in London with his family due to fears over his safety. Marley will also include music released during that period from his albums, Exodus, Kaya and Rastaman Vibrations In a statement on Tuesday, Marley's daughter, Cedella Marley said that the family is thrilled to be working with Kwei-Armah on the musical. “We are thrilled to be working both with Kwame and with Center Stage to bring part of our father’s story to life in a way that has never been done before. “When it comes to our father’s work and legacy, we have always been mindful in selecting the artists with whom we choose to collaborate. We couldn’t be more excited about the team that is assembled for this project.” Workshops on "Marley" will be held in Baltimore and New York in the months ahead as the musical takes shape. Casting will begin soon. Another musical “Nesta’s Rock” based on Bob Marley’s childhood will debut in Jamaica this coming January.

On Saturday night at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College in St Andrew 21-year-old Mico University College student Kaci Fennell won the title of Miss Universe Jamaica 2014. She beats 18 other ladies to win the coveted title of representing Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant in Brazil this December. Roshelle McKinley was first runners up while Kimar Muir was second runners up with Saneta Kerr and Dianne Brown, respectively taking fourth and fifth places. Rounding off the top 10 were: Shanice Rerrie, Christine Suraj, Davia Lynch, Diedre McKenzie, and Zandrea Bailey The sectional prize winners were: Most Photogenic, Shantana Folkes; Most Congeniality and Best Runway awarded to Saneta Kerr; Essence Style Award, Kimar Muir; Best Swimwear, Dianne Brown; Best Evening Gown and Most Aware, Kaci Fennell and Alturism Charity Award to Princess Fraser. Special awards were presented to Maybelline representative Marlene Gray, businessman Desmond Panton and Triple Century Sports Bar owner Chris Gayle. Entertainment for the evening came from a live performance by Gem Myers and music played by Uzuri International. The MCs for the nights' event were Terri-Karelle Reid and Adrian Brown.

From a little town on a small island, “Rude Boys”, the brand new music video performed by Jamaican singer & songwriter, Toian, made its debut on international television station MTV Jams on August 10, 2014. The video was filmed in various locations around Montego Bay, Jamaica and features a cast of bikers, police cars, school girls, bandannas, white sand beaches, coconut trees and of course “Rude Boys”. “We wanted to capture an authentic perspective of everyday life in Jamaica,” said director & producer Sean Alaric of Class One Music. “That’s what brought the concept to life.” Inspired by her favorite reggae tracks from the 80's era, Toian recorded the song at the Class One Music Studios in Florida, with backing live instruments adding to the sound of her signature flavor. Having previously collaborated with the likes of multi-platinum selling producer Don Corleonas well as popular reggae & dancehall acts such as Protoje, Konshens & Chevaughn, the multi-talented songstress is now gearing up to share her debut EP album, “Retrospect”, with the world in late 2014. “Rude Boys” is available for download globally through a variety of online retailers including Amazon.com, Spotify the iTunes Music store at -http://goo.gl/TNcdW4. ........................................................................................................................................ Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Miss Clarendon, Kimberly McLeod, who took the title at the inaugural staging of the Miss Jamaica Nation beauty pageant on Saturday night that, was held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston. Miss St James, Latoya Thompson(l) Miss Clarendon, Kimberly McLeod(c) Miss Hanover Geri Graham(r) Thirteen young ladies representing each Parish vied for the title. Miss St James, Latoya Thompson took the first runner-up spot, while Miss Hanover Geri Graham was named second runner-up. Miss St Elizabeth Katherine Foster took the most congenial sectional award; most aware went to Thompson from St James; Miss St Thomas Yohanna Kellyman, was awarded most photogenic; while the award for the best evening gown design went to Miss Hanover Geri Graham. The dress was designed by Hope Wade. The Miss Jamaica Nation's objective is to promote natural beauty by avoiding the use of any artificial enhancements such as hair extensions, tattoos, alterations to the physique whether by surgery or clothing, fake eyelashes, and coloured contact lenses. The competition was organized by pageant director and general manager for HOT 102, Ken Williams. Performers of the night were Cherine Anderson and Dalton Harris ............................................................................................................................................ Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Although reggae has been part of mainstream thanks to such legends as icon Bob Marley, dancehall has slowly and stealthily made its impact. From Grammy winners Shabba Ranks and Shaggy, dancehall has gradually seeped and is making its voice be heard as more than a passing trend. Created and executive produced by LA Wright and Kevin Beswick comes an unprecedented televised reggae competition show with "Dancehall Got Talent". Dancehall Got Talent's mission is to breakdown the walls and prejudices that have prevented the growth and development of the genre while catapulting new artist in Dancehall to the mainstream. The televised competition will be hosted by the Ryan Seacrest of the Caribbean, better known internationally as the Diva Nikki Z and be judged by dancehall star Timberlee, reggae legend “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” Ed Robinson, Irie Jam radio personality DJ Roy and fashion maven and entrepreneur Dougie Platinum. The first tapping will be a star studded event of celebrity guests as "Dancehall Got Talent" has garnered the support of Dancehall and Hip Hop super stars like Mavado, Morgan Heritage, Ace Hood, Danielle, Agent Sasco, Samantha J, KES The Band, Cecile, Spice, Lady Saw, Beenie Man and many more. "Expect the our first taping to be star studded" says Nikki Z the Caribbean "Ryan Seacrest". Dancers or dance crews will win the opportunity to be the official dancers for season II of #DHGT, will be featured in the music video of the winning artist and will be the featured dancers during the domestic & international tour dates at the end of season one. Dancer auditions will be held on September 12th 2014, 2:00 pm at 153-01 Jamaica Ave NY 11432. The winner of "Dancehall Got Talent" will receive a $5000 Grand prize, a recording contract and global distribution deal. Dancehall Got Talent will be seen worldwide on [OmniPresent Media] OPM Digital Network "simulcast" on all of the following devices: Roku, Smart TV's, Apple TV, XBox, PS3, Wii, iPads, Google Play, Amazon, Tablets, PC's, Mac's, Blu Ray Players, Smart Phones, iTunes and Androids. #DHGT first of eight Live New York tapings will be held August 30th, 2014 on location at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center 153-10 Jamaica Avenue in Queens, New York. Open to all dancehall artists and dancers, registration to audition ends on September 1st, 2014. For more information, please contact (347) 502-8310, DancehallGotTalent@gmail.com or visit www.DancehallGottalent.com Make History, Be Apart of The Dancehall reality TV Competition! ............................................................................................................................................. Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..