Search Results
3445 results found with an empty search
- Actress Tonya Lee Williams seeking successor for ReelWorld Festival
After 15 years at the helm of the ReelWorld Film Festival , Tonya Lee Williams is stepping aside for a younger person with fresh ideas to advance the annual winter showcase. In the last four months, she has been interviewing candidates to find her successor. “I will always be part of the festival and I will attend,” said Williams on the eve of this year’s event, which runs from March 2-8 in the Greater Toronto Area. “But it’s exhausting as I get older. The new executive director will make all the decisions relating to the festival, including the hiring of staff.” Williams, 56, started the festival to showcase Canada’s diversity and provide a platform for visible minorities to display their artistic talent and in the process motivate audiences through film. “I didn’t launch this festival for me to run or to be that part of it,” she said. “I thought it was going to be more philanthropic. I live in Los Angeles, my life is in Los Angeles and I work there. I wanted to create an initiative where I could donate some money and kick this off. We hired an executive director that first year and some staff and I kind of took a back seat.” In the inaugural year, the festival didn’t go as smoothly as she would have wanted. To compound matters further, it went over budget. “I lost money and there is nothing more motivating than when that happens,” she said. “I had to take full control the second year. We had to at least break even or try to make some money. ” With the evolution of technology in the film industry, Williams is looking for someone to lead the charge in the new era. “The whole industry is changing, so I am seeking someone who is tapped into the digital age,” she said. “I know that’s very important, but I don’t know how to drive that forward.” While embracing business, Williams said she would prefer to produce movies. “Running a film festival is no different than running a restaurant or another business for that matter,” she said. “I need to get back into a creative space. I am at that stage in my life where I want to do things that I love. I started in the entertainment business when I was 16 and I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. I want to do things that are enjoyable and trigger my creative juices. I don’t care if that’s a play in some small theatre. While building a business is not my style, I like how this festival has turned out.” The award-winning actress is among a team of advisors selected for this year’s Jamaica Film Festival (JFF) , which takes place in Kingston from July 7-11. Selected by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) , the advisors will provide logistics, technical and management support for the event and will assist local filmmakers with marketing and distributing their films locally and internationally. Williams has a connection to Jamaica. Born in England to Jamaican parents, she spent seven years in the Caribbean island with her mother, who was employed at the Jubilee Maternity Hospital. In 1966, Williams and her mother went back to England for four years before migrating to Canada. Named one of Canada’s Top 25 immigrants in 2012, she won a Miss Junior Personality contest at age 14, was crowned Miss Black Ontario four years later in 1977 and did comedy for 15 years before switching to drama. Williams landed small TV roles and worked in Canadian theatre for a few years before heading to Los Angeles 28 years ago in search of a major acting role. She’s best known for her role as Dr. Olivia Hastings on the daytime drama, The Young and the Restless , which she was associated with for 23 years. Several veteran and first-time filmmakers are in this year’s festival. The newcomers include director Alexander Henry and actor Samuel Asante, who teamed up to produce a short film, Do Something . “This film is about overcoming stereotypes and learning and growing from our mistakes,” said Henry, who was born in Canada to immigrant parents from Barbados and Jamaica. “Doing the right thing means you first have to step up and do something.” Asante plays the role of Tre in the four-minute film that will be screened as part of the shorts program on March 7 at 4:30 p.m. at Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre. “Tre is a young man with issues,” said Asante. “His mother is on the verge of losing her job and he is in a dilemma and is driven to do something to help his family. I could relate to that as I went through some of the same challenges he’s facing.” Multiple award-winning filmmaker, Lalita Krishna , has been with the festival since 2002. Her documentary, Listen to Me, will be screened on March 7 at 1 p.m. at the Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre. The documentary follows the story of Farrah Khan, a counsellor, who runs visual and expressive arts programs for young women to talk about issues like body image, forced marriage and family violence. Skilfully interweaving personal narrative with the artistic work of the participants, Listen to Meillustrates the importance of programs which give voice and a platform for young women to safely tell their stories and be empowered to shape their future. Krishna said the ReelWorld event stands out from other festivals. “It’s unique because of the diversity of films you see here,” said Krishna, who won the 2010 ReelWorld Film Festival Trailblazer Award. “I go to many festivals and I am on the Hot Docs Festival board, but the vibes you get here and the interaction is different. You almost feel like if this is your festival.” Last year, the ReelWorld was expanded to include Markham, which is one of North America’s fastest growing cities. Source
- Tifa to Unveil Debut Album in March
Dancehall diva, Tifa will unveil her much anticipated debut album In March. The album will feature 22 tracks most of which is reggae-influenced, with touches of R&B, gospel and techno, as well as dancehall. The album will feature production from the likes of ZJ Chrome, UIM Records, Washroom Entertainment and Ward 21, who helped bring her to prominence in 2008 and 2009 with hits such as Bottom of the Barrel and Spell it Out. Currently, the Tifa has various singles in rotation such as Sad Bad alongside Chino and Jealous Ova with emerging deejay, Dexta Daps.
- WideScreen Film and Music Video Festival, to Honour Filmmakers Worldwide - Feb 27 - Mar 3
The first annual WideScreen Film and Music Video Festival will be held at the AMC Aventura 24 Theaters in Aventura, FL, on February 27 through March 3, 2015. The festival, which is the brainchild of founder Bahamian filmmaker Jarrod Knowles was a God-inspired idea which, according to his mission is “ To Inspire the Creation and Distribution of Art, while ultimately enhancing the Creative Mind” Filmmakers from 29 countries with over 100 Projects submitted their films for a chance to win bragging rights and the ultimate prizes to walk away with a “trophy”. They will be competing in the various categories: Best Cinematography Best Actor Best Actress Best Director Best Music Score Best Screenplay Best Editing Best Sound Design Best Feature Best Narrative Short Best Documentary Best Animation Best New Artist Best Web Series/Reality Show Pilot Youth In Arts Award (For Filmmakers/Artists Under 16 ) The panel of judges for the festival includes: Adele Zin; Carlos Acevedo; Dave Jia; Ellen Jacoby; Diana S. Rice; Evan Burr; Carole Wood; Justin Harris; Karen Donohue; Mahmoud Shoulizadeh; Masha Silberberg; Tamara Moore-White; Stephen Sorace; and Reginald Pierre-Louis. See full Schedule: -Friday FEBRUARY 27, 2015: NETWORKING & PRE-PART Y with LIVE Performances @ Club 50 at the Viceroy Hotel Time: 8pm - 2am Address: 485 Brickell Ave 50th Floor of Viceroy Hotel, Miami, FL 33131 Website: http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/miami/dining_and_nightlife/fifty-miami Attire: Semi-Formal Note: Will cost $7 - $10 for parking near the Viceroy Hotel -Saturday FEBRUARY 28, 2015: WORKSHOPS @ Gallery Art Time: 11am - 5pm Address: Promenade Shops, 20633 Biscayne Boulevard #2, Aventura, FL 33180 Website: www.gallart.com/ Attire: Smart Casual OR #WSF Submit T-Shirt -Sunday MARCH 1, 2015: FESTIVAL SHOWCASE @ AMC 24 Aventura Time: 11am - 11pm Address: Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, FL 33180 Attire: Formal (Dress-2-Impress) -Monday MARCH 2, 2015: FILMMAKER/ARTIST SOCIAL @ Gallery Art Time: 6pm - 9pm Address: Promenade Shops, 20633 Biscayne Boulevard #2, Aventura, FL 33180 Website: www.gallart.com/ Attire: Smart Casual OR #WSF Submit T-Shirt -Tuesday MARCH 3, 2015: AWARD SHOW @ AMC 24 Aventura Time: 6pm - 11pm Address: Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, FL 33180 Attire: Formal (Dress-2-Impress) For more information on the WideScreen Film & Music Video Festival visit: www.widescreenfest.com
- New Caribbean TV Series to be Filmed in The Bahamas
Film and television producer Scott Steindorff and television actor Rick Fox are scouting various locations for a new television series about island life in the Caribbean. They were recently in The Bahamas meeting with government officials and scouting the Island. Known as “Hollywood's book man” Scott Steindorff has chosen extremely high profile literary bestsellers to adapt into movies from authors including Philip Roth, Richard Russo, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, T.C. Boyle, Nicholas Sparks, as well as Michael Connelly's "Lincoln Lawyer" and Mikhail Bulgakov's "Master and Margarita." He also produced the TV series Las Vegas for NBC. In an interview with TheBahamasWeekly.com Steindorff spoke about the reason why they choose The Bahamas as the location for their series. " The Bahamas has the most beautiful beaches and background in the world. The people are kind and genuine and it is the perfect time to do a show and share the beauty of this magical land with the world." Steindorff also added, "Also Rick Fox is a sought after talent in Hollywood. The show will have top Hollywood stars, as well as be a perfect vehicle to nurture new talent in the Bahamas in front of the camera, as well as behind the camera. Bahamas deserves a thriving film community." The 12 episode series is set to begin in May and will feature all islands of The Bahamas.
- Meet Jamaican Artiste "Runkus"
Born Romario Sebastian Anthony Bennett aka RUNKUS to parents veteran entertainer Determine and artiste manager and booking agent Paula Francis, he started recording at the tender age of seven (7) years old with songs like Ghetto Youths, Those Niggas and Back on the Street Again on his parents Zulu Productions label. Runkus is a past Campion College student, who did exceptionally well in his CSEC and CAPE Examinations. He was also a very active member of the student body, being President of several clubs including Media Production, Green Generation and the Music Club. At the age of 15, he recorded a Mixtape with his father Determine entitled "Like Father Like Son" which was well received and allowed him to perform in the United States. The following year (2010) he entered a Talent Search which was organized by RETV, alongside his guitarist Scot Leslie who is now the lead guitarist in his band, (Runkus and the Old Skl Band). Being the only contestant with a difference, that is, an acoustic style to his set, he astounded the judges and won the competition, which gave him the opportunity to be on the RETV School tour performing alongside Beenieman, Denique, Ding Dong, Khago, Cherine Anderson, Stacious and Voicemail and also the the opportunity to do his first official music video for song entitled "Badmind" on the Magician Records label, which got heavy rotation on television and radio. Runkus has also had the opportunity to perform on Sting 2009, St Mary Mi Come From, and Champion in action, alongside his father. He sets himself aside from others in the field, simply because he doesn't have a set type of music style as he does what comes to mind and what feels right. "To say that I only do one or a few genre of music is limiting my scope, I simply do music, not just reggae, not just dancehall, not just roots rock… I DO MUSIC!" stated the young musician. Most of his music is guitar driven due to his love for the instrument and prior to the fact that he does engineering for his father (in his home studio, Matches Boxx Production), he is able to compose enough to fabricate a finished product in his mind and bring it to life in the studio, like what was done with “Rain Start Fall” which was a collaborative effort of the Old Skl Band and Majah Label Music Group. He recently released a single accompanied by a music video with Bassick Records JA entitled “Victim” which is receiving positive feedback and support from many. Runkus and the Old Skl Band have just completed a project with his production team Majah Label Music Group. It also consists of songs produced by Bassick Records JA, UIM and Krs Allen. The project entitled "Welcome Paula Son" consists of eleven (11) fiery tracks and a bonus track, displaying his versatility, lyrical prowess and his appreciation for various genres. It includes collaborations with his father Determine, his mother, Keznamdi, Royal Blu, and Eva. Runkus is really a force to be reckoned with, a very promising artiste and new world sensation.
- New Kingston’s Kingston City Debuts At #1 On The Billboard Reggae Chart
New Kingston’s Kingston City has impressively debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae chart. Kingston City (released January 27, 2015 on Easy Star Records) is the band’s third studio album and their first release to claim the #1 spot on the Billboard Reggae chart. The album is also their first release on the leading US reggae label Easy Star Records. The family group, which features three brothers (Stephen, Courtney Jr., and Tahir) and their father, create what Top Shelf Reggae calls, “…a genuine body of work that displays an incredible vocal range, candid lyrics and impressive instrumentals. It gives the listener the sort of meaningful connection and escape that every piece of music should provide.” “With its #1 debut on the reggae chart, Kingston City solidifies New Kingston’s place with the reggae elite. Their hard work, prolific touring, and positive community continue to give the band momentum in 2015,” says Easy Star CEO Eric Smith. He adds, “Furthermore it’s thrilling to see a fast rising New York band who embodies the perfect balance of old and new reggae sensibilities.” The new record includes 12 songs and guest appearances by members of Tribal Seeds, Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kimie Miner, Sister Carol, The Wailing Souls, and the late, great reggae legend Sugar Minott. The band is currently on tour (which includes select dates with Common Kings and Through the Roots) showcasing songs from the new album and back catalog. Press accolades for Kingston City have been pouring in from a diversity of national and international media outlets. “New Kingston —the reggae power trio consisting of brothers Tahir, Steve and Courtney Panton, Jr.— have gone international, touring the world several times over… and establishing themselves as a self-contained unit with their own original material.” – LargeUp “T his album is the pairing of exceptional musicianship and excellent production along with a guest-list of talent that reads like a reggae legacy spanning decades of genres...Kingston City is beaming with positivity, messages of faith and expressions of love…” – The Pier “This brother-led group bring an innovative new school approach to live roots reggae – a little like Morgan Heritage or Steel Pulse but definitely pushing their own aesthetic.” – Forward Ever “Kingston City – is well-crafted and definitely New Kingston’s best album to date.” – United Reggae Tour Dates Feb 28, 2015 – St. Mary, Jamaica, WI – Oneness Reggae Festival Mar 06, 2015 – Morgantown, WV – Schmitt’s Saloon ~ Mar 07, 2015 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop ~ Mar 08, 2015 – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room ~ Mar 10, 2015 – Denver, CO –Bluebird Theater ~ Mar 12, 2015 – Boise, ID – The Reef ~ Mar 13, 2015 – Tacoma, WA – Jazzbones ~ Mar 14, 2015 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom ~ Mar 15, 2015 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades ~ Mar 17, 2015 – Petaluma, CA - Zodiacs Mar 19, 2015 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad Mar 20, 2015 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock Mar 21, 2015 – Santa Barbara, CA – Velvet Jones Mar 22, 2015 – Fresno, CA – Strummers Mar 25, 2015 – Hermosa Beach, CA – Patrick Molloy’s [FREE] Mar 26, 2015 – Bakersfield, CA - Elements Venue Mar 27, 2015 – Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley Mar 29, 2015 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub Apr 01, 2015 – Spokane, WA – The Pin Apr 03, 2015 – Billings, MT – Pub Station [FREE] Apr 04, 2015 – Bozeman, MT – Filling Station Apr 05, 2015 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater Apr 08, 2015 – Springfield, MO – Outland Ballroom Apr 09, 2015 – St. Louis, MO – Broadway Oyster Bar Apr 11, 2015 – Columbus, OH – Scarlet and Greg Apr 15, 2015 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Saint Apr 16, 2015 – Virginia Beach, VA – Shaka's Apr 17, 2015 – Wilmington, NC – The Palm Room Apr 19, 2015 – Austin, TX – Austin Reggae Fest May 09, 2015 – Orlando, FL – Reggae On The Block * with Through the Roots ~ with Common Kings
- Culinary Chef Dr Aris Latham to Launch ‘Natural Living’ at Bay View Resort in Jamaica
Port Antonio, Jamaica – Raw Food Celebrity Chef, artist and culinary griot Dr Aris Latham returns to Jamaica from Panama and in fact from a world tour to launch NATURAL LIVING on March 1, 2015 at B ay View Eco Resort & Spa in Port Antonio, Portland. The event is billed as a Feast and Celebration of, you got it, “Natural Living’ incorporating mind, body & spirit for a holistic experience. Dr. Aris LaTham was born in Gatun, Panama Canal Zone. He is a direct descendant of an African-Caribbean family of Culinary Griots, as well as, a vegan legacy bestowed by way of his Indian ancestry. LaTham has become a world renowned crusader in the area of wholesome foods. His linguistic and culinary interests have been shared with many diverse people throughout Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, the Caribbean and Europe. Dr. LaTham, is also known as ‘T he Sunfired Gourmet’ , and has been a strict vegan for 45 years, eating Sunfired Foods exclusively for the past 39 years. He was voted one of the top vegetarian chefs in the USA by Vegetarian Times Magazine , and has been featured in Essence, Jamaican Eats, Vegetarian Gourmet, Health Quest, Upscale, UK’s Balance, and Japan’s Tarzan Fitness Magazines, amongst many others. The 2012 Second Edition of Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in Americaacclaims: “…the raw food movement owes much to Dr. Aris LaTham, a native of Panama. He is considered to be the father of gourmet ethical raw foods cuisine in America. Dr. LaTham debuted his raw food creations in 1979, when he started Sunfired Foods, a live food company in Harlem, New York. In the years since, he has trained thousands of raw food chefs and added innumerable recipes to his repertoire.” Dr. Latham preparing one of his meals. The Launch of NATURAL LIVING adds value to the Wellness Tourism Product in Jamaica and will attract foodies and the Baby Boomers to this emerging sector. LaTham’s creative array of wellness offerings include: Sunfired Wellness & Detox Center, Raw Food Culinary Institute, Vegan Restaurant, Juice & Roots Tonic Bar and Healing Sulphur Mud Hole. On March 1, 2015, the celebration of NATURAL LIVING will include Ayawear Cultural Fashion Show (Music & Dance). What a wonderful day to celebrate life with specially invited guests and guest artistes. Portland will come alive with the culinary artistry and energetic personality of the renowned Celebrity Raw Food Chef, Dr Aris Latham! Join in the excitement, fun and celebration. For more information, contact The Bay View Resort Website or call (876) 993-3118 or (876) 843-5147.
- ‘Shaggy’ to Perform at Heroes Day Concert in SVG
Internationally acclaimed Jamaican reggae singer, Shaggy will headline a concert scheduled for Heroes Day, March 14, 2015, at Victoria Park, St. Vincent. The “Angel” singer will be performing alongside his frequent collaborator, singer Rayvon, who both perfomed in 2008 at the then Rhythm and Blues Concert at Emerald Valley Casino. Other local acts will be the ‘every green’, internationally recognized Vincentian calypso/soca recording and performing artiste, Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus. Reigning Soca and Ragga Soca Monarch, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, will also blaze the stage, with what he said is a determination to show that his recent showing in Trinidad and Tobago has done little to diminish his energy. He will be joined by five-times national Soca Monarch, Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, who is expected to carry over some of his well- received new numbers he performed during the 2015 carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. And there is still room for more Vincy soca. Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh is expected to ‘motivate the crowd’ in a manner only he can do. Add a cast of DJs, including 3rd Element Sounds, Top Ah D Line Sounds, Emerald Sounds & Energy Overload, and a Garifuna band from New York among other cultural performers, and National Heroes 2015 ‘Shaggy in Concert’ is the place to be.
- Miss Bermuda Lillian Lightbourn Rips the Runway at NYC Fashion Week
Reigning Miss Bermuda Lillian Lightbourn took to the runway this week as she modeled for various fashion brands at the prestigious New York Fashion Week. A regular of the New York Fashion Show, this year Lillian was modelling for New York based contemporary fashion label Alice & Olivia, ESOSA, and up and coming brand Omondi, making its NYC debut this year.
- Mussels Chorizo in Mango Coconut Sauce
Mussels Chorizo in Mango Coconut Sauce is one of Chef Irie’s signature dishes. INGREDIENTS 3 Tb Canola oil or olive oil 1/4 cp Chopped Red Onions 2 clove Diced Garlic 1/4 tsp Chopped Ginger 1/4 cp Diced Red and Green Peppers 2 tsp Diced Jalapenos 1 tsp Diced Scotch Bonnet pepper 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes 4 tbsp Cumin Seeds 4 links Firm Chorizo, casing removed and diced 2 sprigs Thyme 1 - 2 lbs Fresh mussels 1 cp Sauvignon Blanc wine 1/4 cp Diced Mango 1/2 cp Cherry Tomatoes 1 cp Coconut Milk 1/4 tsp Lemon Zest 1 tsp Black pepper 2 Tb Butter 1/4 cp Chopped Cilantro Rustic bread or baguette bread, sliced and toasted INSTRUCTIONS Prepare the mussels washing them and removing any visible beard. check for live and dead mussels. tap them on edge of bowl. If they are open and then close they are good. If they stay open toss them. Add oil to saute pan on medium heat. Add onions, garlic, ginger and saute for 1 minute then add the peppers and cumin seeds. Saute for 2 minutes then add chorizo and thyme and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add the wine, stir the pan and add the mango and tomatoes. Cover the pan and reduce the heat. Cook until all the mussels have opened, 3-5 minutes then add the coconut milk and lemon zest. Cover again for another 2-3 minutes then add butter, pepper and cilantro. Stir the pan and remove from heat. Put mussels in bowl and add toasted bread slice atop the mussels and serve. By Chef Irie
- Caribbean Cooking Series Invites National PBS Viewers to Taste the Islands
PBS viewers across the United States will be invited to savor the flavors of the Caribbean when, beginning in April 2015, they can “ Taste the Islands with Chef Irie .” From preparing homemade spicy jerk seasoning to Latin inspired mussels chorizo in mango coconut sauce, Jamaican-born host Chef Irie will tantalize viewers with traditional and gourmet Caribbean recipes. Programming nods from more than 130 PBS stations around the country will make “Taste the Islands with Chef Irie,” a seven-part series, the first Caribbean cooking show and the first Jamaican-produced series to be aired nationally on the PBS network. In each episode of the series, Chef Irie will create mouthwatering fare inspired by his Jamaican upbringing, the wider Caribbean, and his travels around the world. For example, in one episode steamed Jamaican-style snapper is prepared en papillote, and in another, Latin guava cheese pasteles are deconstructed to create a mousse served in phyllo tart shells. The show will also feature cameos by Caribbean celebrities including Inner Circle of “Bad Boys” fame; British reggae fusion singer, Maxi Priest , who topped US charts with hits like “I Just Wanna Be Close to You” and “Set the Night to Music” in the 1990s; Trinidadian Olympic sprinter turned NBC sports analyst Ato Boldon ; and St Vincent’s “ Turn Me On ” hit-maker, Kevin Lyttle . During the course of each show, viewers can listen in as the chef and guests discuss food from their native countries, their travels, and impromptu cooking lessons he offers them. Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair is a professional chef with a palpable love of creating delicious food. He holds degrees in both Architecture and Culinary Arts. His high profile clients include Macy’s, the Knight Foundation, and the Jamaican Jerk Festival franchise. Fans of Caribbean cuisine can receive updates, view images, watch previews, and find recipes on the show's website, www.tastetheislandstv.com . Jamaican Consul General Franz Hall applauded Blondie Ras Productions, the production company behind the series, for their milestone achievement. “It is with pleasure that I extend heartiest congratulations to you on your most recent accomplishment in bringing “Taste the Islands with Chef Irie”... to mainstream media,” said Hall. The series is presented by South Florida’s WPBT2 and distributed by American Public Television (APT), distributors of popular public television programs including Downton Abbey and America’s Test Kitchen. Christopher Funkhouser, vice president of Exchange Programming and Multicast Services at APT, says, “Cooking is one of the most popular genres on public television and we expect audiences will respond enthusiastically to the new series.” The Jamaica Tourist Board whose new slogan is “ Home of All Right ,” provided major funding for the show. Popular media personality, Calibe Thompson of Blondie Ras Productions is the executive producer and director of “Taste the Islands”, working in collaboration with Caribbean television industry stalwart, Lukkee Chong of Frame by Frame Productions to bring the project to fruition. Thompson comments, “We’ve received such tremendous support from our community, and we’re proud to be bringing the best of our culture to a national platform.” Blondie Ras Productions is a Miami-based video production company that creates Caribbean-inspired lifestyle content for an international audience appreciative of cultural diversity. The company seeks to become the preeminent source for Caribbean-related television content. Blondie Ras Productions is the company behind the “Taste the Islands,” “The Caribbean Diaspora Weekly,” “Miami Fitness TV,” and “Island Origins” television shows.
- New Music Video Release - St Lucian Songstress Chrycee, Goes BAD!
The latest video by St Lucian recording artiste and songwriter Chrycee is a definite statement maker and shows just what happens when a good girl turns extremely bad. The R&B single " Bad Girls Anthem" is a battle-cry for broken-hearted lovers the world over. Filmed at different locations in Saint Lucia by All Biz, and directed by Guillaume Rico, the video features a side of the flame-red-haired artiste that audiences have yet to see. Scenes featuring candle wax and chains are just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s just say all ‘good girls’ who think of going bad will be singing this anthem! Chrycee, who has also recently released a video for her last song “Heavenly”, explained the inspiration behind the contrasting “Bad Girls Anthem.” “I was sitting around with a group of friends and of course we got around to talking about relationships and the way it seems like good girls, you know, sweet girls like us, always seem to get our hearts broken or get hurt,” she said. “I joked that we should start to be ‘bad’ girls and we needed an anthem. It was really in jest but then when I got home I couldn’t get the idea out of my head and I started to put together the lyrics which flowed out of me because I was coming out of some relationship issues of my own.” Chrycee explained that she tapped into that dark side and drew on the emotions to write the song “Bad Girls Anthem” which was previously released and produced by Rawl Alcide of Deja Vu Digital. After receiving approval for a Grant from the Ministry of the Creative Industries, (St Lucia) Chrycee got to work on the video with All Biz. “At first I wanted to do something that was still quite tame but the production guys heard the song and they really wanted the video to reflect that darker side. So here I am in boots, a short cat suit, holding a whip and getting revenge for good girls everywhere,” Chrycee smiled naughtily. “I had so much fun acting like a totally different person, like a dominatrix, and the male models in the video were such good sports that they challenged me to go all out.” Chrycee added that the video is “pure imagination, it’s extreme” and “it’s in no way real life.” “I am by no means telling people to torture or encourage it,” she offered. The artiste explains that she hopes when women and men listen to the lyrics and watch the video they understand that the song is about self-preservation. “Sometimes when we are in relationships we lose our sense of self and we sacrifice so much. A healthy relationship should not take away what makes you who you are. You have to protect that. So if things do fall apart you still have your identity.” So, does Chrycee consider herself a good or bad girl? She laughs: “Definitely a healthy balance of both!”



















