Yardvibez Magazine Vol.15 by YARDVIBEZ MAGAZINE

CARIBBEAN CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15

Caribbean Culture: Ebony lish Payne-Eng

News & t: Entertainmen R

RD WINNE A W A O N U J r Martin e h p o t s i r Ch ob Marley Ziggy & B on Buju Bant

Featured Fashion

Alicia Wilson In This IssuAeRT:

ALL ABOUT SS CORNER THE BUSINE Jewerly Vibez Stylez

Out & About:

Black Rhino h it w w o h S s 2016 Award ity Concert Pressure Un w Aidonia Sho

Featured Artist GWhizz

JOIN YARDVIBEZ FANS THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN & MAJOR US CITIES WWW.YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE.NET

k Contents Featured Fashion............ 4 All About Art................... 6 Out and About ............... 8 Caribbean Culture.......... 10 News/Entertainment...... 11 Food Facts........................ 12 Island Humour................. 13 Featured Artist................ 14 Loc It Up........................... 15 Puzzle............................... 23

YARDVIBEZ MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY YARDVIBEZ ENTERTAINMENT. YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

Note from the editor: Yardvibez Magazine is a print publication that focuses on Caribbean news, culture, fashion and entertainment. We want to thank our readers for the love and support for the magazine. We are expanding to different communities worldwide and have some great new features for this year. Chanel F.

904.405.6381

CEO/Editor........................... Chanel (Ms vibez) Designer.............................. Susan H Contributing Photographers... Tunnelz of Vision Photography Nyka Photography Promotions.......................... Yardvibez Promotion Contributing Writers............ Deshondra Brown

WANT TO ADVERTISE?

Yardvibez Magazine & Promotion • 904-405-6381 • YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

3 Featured Fashion

An Exclusive Interview with Jewelry Designer Alicia Wilson 1. How long have you been working on your creative designs and how did you get started? I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. I actually started through a fund raising event at my old job. Every time they did a fundraiser, they would put me in charge of the snack cart. I thought it would be a good idea to try handmade jewelry on the cart, so that it would stand apart from the competition. I initially purchased the wire on accident thinking I could make necklaces & it was the wrong material. I started making earrings that were funky yet cool & they were so original. I loved the individuality each piece birthed. The funds would go toward charity, so the more sales the better. It went well and I found a peaceful place in making beautiful jewelry. It’s been such a challenging yet fulfilling journey. I get requests for pieces a bit outside of my element and it pushes me to put my twist on a client’s vision. There just isn’t much that compares to creating. 2. How did you come up with the name of your brand? The name of the brand came about in a conversation about my jewelry. Simply discussing how each piece is original, yet no matter the size, they make a statement. I initially started with wire & no two pieces are the same, not even the “matching” pair honestly. They’re all slightly different simply because I bend & twist the wire by hand. No machines, no kits, only creativity & blessed hands. 3. Do you also make jewelry for men?

BAOS Be An Original Statement Instagram: Aliciafw428 Or Facebook: Alicia Wilson Shipping available ($5 3-5 business days) Or available through vending events

I do make a select few pieces for men. Mostly wood beaded necklaces, but a few bracelets as well. Most of my men’s jewelry is by request only. I do make them occasionally when I have material, but I usually have limited pieces readily available for men.

4. Where do you see your jewelry in the next 2 years? Would you like to have a site or sell in major stores? In the next two years I see my jewelry expanding & collaborating with a few other local artists. I have a few things in the works I won’t mention just yet, but when creativity collides it creates beautiful masterpieces. I’m not sure my jewelry would be appreciated, for lack of better words, in main stream stores. I do have pieces in local black owned businesses & boutiques; Happy2BeNappy Eco Beauty Studio + Boutique 157 E 8th st Suite 114 & Valerie’s Custom Fashion 2945 Broward Rd. As well, a local artist/poet Ebony Payne travels with BAOS pieces. I like traveling with my work and meeting the people who appreciate my craft. So, I’d have to say in major stores probably not, a website, quite possibly.

5. What can we look forward from you for the rest of the year? Any upcoming projects? For the rest of the year, I just create at my mind’s pace. Any time I have an idea for something new, I try it out & share pictures via social media for feedback. I also sew, most of my projects this year are around sewn pieces. I’m working on necklaces & earrings with fabric. One upcoming project with a local artist, we aren’t releasing the details just yet, but I’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

nAll About Art

Coolierasart Interview Your artwork is beautiful and unique. How long have you been creating these masterpieces and how did you get started? I’ve been doing art my whole life. It’s always been something I enjoyed doing, so a few years ago I decided to take it seriously. I got my first real experience selling art when I moved here to Jax at the Art Walk downtown, even though I didn’t sell anything, hahaha Where do you see your artwork in the next couple of years? Do you think you will have a mainstream website or store? Well I already have a site, it’s not as big as I want it, but it will be soon. In the next couple of years I want my art to be recognized around the world. I also plan to use my artistic ability to explore other avenues such as fashion, entertainment, and literature. I completed my first children’s book this year called, “Glonda’s Hair” (@glondabookseries) which is due to come out this spring. If all goes well with the first book I’m going to make it into a series and eventually a cartoon! Anyone can see your talent through your artwork. Is there anyone you would like to credit for your success? or maybe someone who inspired you? My parents have always been behind me 100%! From buying musical instruments to easles and paint brushes they’ve always believed in my talents. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have them. There are also many artists who’ve inspired me over the years and who have pushed me to be great!

(Continued on page 17)

nOut AND About

2016 Awards Show with Black Rhino performance Jax, FL

Pressure Unity Concert in Jax, FL

Aidonia Show in Jax, FL

f Caribbean Culture

Crosses

KAFINAL ft. YELLOWMAN and KEN BOOTHE

By Ebony Payne-English

The crosses They hang everywhere From pulpits From necks Lest we forget the torturous experience Communion Blood sacrifice is associated to love life I still can’t rest at night Even when I sleep The altars keep calling to me Bent kneed, bowed head to beg forgiveness of a crime I never committed I was born this way Afraid Pleated robes and prismed viles of olive oil never quite soothed me although they moved me The black church is the most poetic place I know It is the stem on every leaf occupying my family tree It is me Full of music and dancing and yelling and running and convulsive fits of passion It is the masking of shame, pain, guilt, ugly It is my mother’s beautifully brimmed hat cocked ever so slightly to remind me despite her hidden eyes she can see me just fine I find open mics to be cathartic There are still crosses there The artists they wear bleed out on stage to free their stories from the cage that is suppressed memory Lest we forget our torturous experience Communion Blood sacrifice is associated to love life I rest here at night In a bar with all my scars showing Knowing the pulpit like stage seeks to make me more than a martyr I am my mother’s daughter I do not enter without proper headdress I am accessed by attendees who just want to be seen, heard, felt, touched They are looking for someone to love Someone to follow Someone to believe in I receive relief in the parallels between Sunday mornings and Thursday nights Both house a strong threat of contamination Both house a strong provocation for self-examination Both have shaken my faith And when I think that I’ve escaped Both find a way to pull me back in Both require me to forgive Myself Others Both will always hover over me Influencing in silence yet vibrant within my view point Occupying joint custody of my inner child Wild with curiosity, fear and joy

Canada’s 2016 Juno award winner Kafinal has delivered a variety of music over the years. He made us laugh, love him and now he wants to use his voice to support the movement to stop violence against women and children. He joined force with two legends, Yellowman and Ken Boothe to bring a touching tack. “I just hate to watch the news, to see the evil thing they do...” #stopviolenceagainstwomen #cryingoutforlove #kafinal www.kafinal.com

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN’S DEBUT ALBUM “BIG DEAL” #1 Album on Billboard Reggae Charts in Japan MySpace Selects as Top 5 Album Releases of The Week He is one of Jamaica’s most in-demand singers since winning 2005’s Digicel’s Rising Stars (the island’s top televised show equivalent of American Idol), the current face of KFC’s campaign across The Caribbean and best friends with Olympian record-breaking winner Usain Bolt. He is a BIG DEAL and has been for over a decade! On February 10t the 29-year-old artist revealed his first full-length album to the world. As a Valentine’s Day born baby and a romantic playboy at heart, his 16-track international debut could not come at a better time. Big Deal is the perfect recipe of sweetness, swagger and sex appeal and showcases Chris’s versatility and vocal excellence. Chris fires with formidable skill on the album’s braggadocios theme song “I’m A Big Deal” (produced by Troy “Troyton” Hinds). With almost 4 million views, the video is proof that the song’s title rings true. He heats things up on the sensual r&b flavored track “Under The Influence Remix” featuring UK grime artist Chip, the swaggerifc “Magic” and “Love Distance Lover” featuring newcomer Destiny Moriah. The latter part of the album delves into his long list of love songs including “Distance,” “Better Than The Stars” and reggaeton inspired “My Love.”

q News/Entertainment

JUNO AWARD WINNER

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN With his tremendous vocal prowess, soaring melodies and proven lyrical ability, the VP Records signed artist has consistently churned out hit after hit - including “Cheaters Prayer,” Change Me Plans,” Take My Wings,” “Giving It,” “I’ll Be Your Driver,” “Paper Loving,” “Chill Spot” and “Im (Continued on page 18)

Jamaican Drunken Man Ralph came home drunk one night, slid into bed beside his sleeping wife, and fell into a deep slumber. Ralph was stunned. “I’m dead? No, I can’t be! I’ve got too much to live for. Send me back!’ St. Peter said, ‘I’m sorry, but there’s only one way you can go back, and that is as a chicken.’

f Island Humour

g Food Facts

He awoke before the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter said, ‘You died in your sleep, Ralph.’

Ralph was devastated, but begged St. Peter to send him to a farm near his home in Kingston, Jamaica. The next thing he knew, he was covered with feathers, clucking, and pecking the ground. A rooster strolled past. ‘So, you’re the new hen, huh? How’s your first day here?’ ‘Not bad,’ replied Ralph, the hen, ‘but I have this strange feeling inside. Like I’m gonna explode!’ ‘You’re ovulating,’ explained the rooster. ‘Don ‘t tell me you’ve never laid an egg before?’ ‘Never,’ said Ralph. ‘Well, just relax and let it happen,’ says the rooster. ‘It’s no big deal.’ Ralph did, and a few uncomfortable seconds later, out popped an egg! Ralph was overcome with emotion as he experienced motherhood. He soon laid another egg -- his joy was overwhelming. As he was about to lay his third egg, he felt a smack on the back of his head, and heard his wife shout..... ‘Dammit, Ralph! Wake up. You’re sh**ting in the bed!

Joe in Office

Joe grew up in Jamaica, then moved to the USA to attend college and law school. He decided to come back to Jamaica because he felt he could be a Big Shot at home.

He really wanted to impress everyone. So he returned and opened his new law office in New Kingston. The first day, he saw a man coming up the passageway. He decided to make a big impression on this potential client when he arrived. As the man came to the door Joe picked up the phone. He motioned the man in, all the while talking. “No. Absolutely not. You tell those clowns in New York that I won’t settle this case for less than one million. Yes, the Appeals Court has agreed to hear that case next week. I’ll be handling the primary argument and the other members of my team will provide support. Okay, tell the DA that I’ll meet with him next week to discuss the details.” The “conversation” went on for almost five minutes. All the while the man sat patiently as Joe rattled off instructions. Finally, Joe put down the phone and turned to the man, “I’m sorry for the delay but as you can see, I’m very busy. What can I do for you?” The man replied, “I’m from Cable & Wireless, the telephone company, I came to hook up your phone.

PON DI PHONE One night a man was was relaxing watching TVJ (local TV station) when out of the kitchen came his wife with a pan --BOOF!-- “a who name Holly?” asked the wife. “Mi jus see a paper eena yuh pocket wid di name ‘Holly’ pon it, WHO IS SHE?”. The man rubbing, rubbbing the back of his head, said “me and Richie did dung ah di racetrack tiddeh an dat is di name of di horse weh we bet pan, a wah duh yuh?!!”. So the wife apologized, kissed his head, and went back to her chores. 15 minutes later the wife storms out of the kitchen again --BOOF!! BAM!! “A WHA DUH YUH?!!” shouted the husband, and the wife shouts back, “YUH HORSE DEH PON DI PHONE!!.”

f Featured Artist

GWhizzz INTERVIEW

In your years in the music industry what makes you feel the most accomplished and is there anyone you credit that geared your success? There are many things that make me feel accomplished because most of the things that I dream about is what I have accomplished. I always dreamed about having a number one song, touring the world, and reaching different type of people and different types of cultures with my music and all of that has happen. Also just continuing and living the journey even up to this day that’s a big accomplishment within its self. I have a lot of people to thank. The day one people who help to steer /groom my career to make G whizz the artist that he is today. Those people are Lloyd Cambell aka Mossimo which is my manager since day one, Famshouse production, GQ, Kevin Barret. I have to big up dem people. They made me the artist that I am today. Are you currently working on any new projects? Can you tell your fans what they can look forward to in the future? Yes, I’m working on a lot of projects. Look out for new songs, new videos this year. A lot of new releases to come so the fans worldwide can just keep open ears and open eyes. Because the journey continues, definitely look out for new stuff.

GWhizz got his break in (2009) with the smashing hit single “LIFE” produced by TJ Records, which dominated the #1 spot on several charts internationally. “LIFE” is a very thought provoking ballad about the perils of poverty and one young man’s plight to achieve success from his mother’s wise teachings. Jamaica Star writer “BLAKKA” says, “In a simple but profound declaration of faith and hope, G Whizz tells the world ‘mi life soon sort out, mi nah worry, mmmm my life soon happy’ and the vibe he emits in the song is contagious. You can’t help but sing along. That’s partly because the young artiste captures a spirit of positive determination that many of us can identify with. He shares a mood of resilience and virtue that we all want to embrace even if we are at a difficult juncture in our life.”

As an accomplished artist do you think reggae/dancehall has changed over the years? And if so why? Music has definitely changed as in everything. Like every year, they might make the same car a different way. Every year they might change the label on a coca cola bottle or a Pepsi bottle. Dem change the label so everything haffi change and evolve and it’s the same thing for music. You have the older artist dem, they sing different, they Dj different, they use different lyrics. Now the new artist coming up, they gonna sing different, Dj different. It’s not going to be the same as old days. So yeah the music change.

Vibez

Stylez

Check out the hottest new Jewelry “Vibez Stylez”...

Order online at www.yardvibezmagazine.net or check the site for your nearest outlet

ALL ABOUT ART (Continued from page 7)

Coolierasart

Pictures can be purchased by messaging me via Facebook, Instagram, or email and prints available at coolirasart.bigcartel.com.

For more information: yardvibezmagazine@gmail.com • 904-405-6381 16

NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT (Continued from page 11) A Big Deal.” Over the years, Martin has worked with reggae’s premier producers including Robert Livingston of Big Yard, ZJ Chrome of Chromes label, Shane Brown of Jukeboxx Recordings, Christopher Birch and Clive Hunt. He has toured 5 out of the 7 continents including Asia, Africa, North America, South America and Europe. He has a devoted fanbase in Japan, where he released his self-titled album in 2011 on the Rockers Island imprint. Big Deal will be his first full-length album released on an international level and follows his 2015 digital EP Steppin Razor. www.instagram.com/Iamchrismartin • twitter.com/Iamchrismartin • facebook.com/christophermartinja

Ziggy Marley Wins Best Reggae Album Grammy Ziggy Marley a short while ago won the Best Reggae Album Grammy for his album “Ziggy Marley.” This is his seventh Grammy, having previously won three from his work as part of The Melody Makers and three from solo projects. Other Jamaican nominees for Best Reggae Album were Everlasting from Raging Fyah, and Reggae For Her — Sly and Robbie Presents Devin Di Dakta and JL. The American nominees were Falling Into Place by Rebelution, Rose Petals from J Boog and Live in Virginiafrom Soja.

Lost Bob Marley Tapes Restored After 40 Years In London Basement Lost recordings by Bob Marley found in a damp hotel basement in London after more than 40 years have been restored. The tapes are the original, high-quality live recordings of the reggae legend’s concerts in London and Paris between 1974 and 1978. Tracks include No Woman No Cry, Jamming and Exodus. They were at first believed to be ruined beyond repair, largely because of water damage. Marley, who died in 1981, would have been 72 on Monday. The tapes were found in a run-down hotel in Kensal Rise, north-west London, where Bob Marley and the Wailers stayed during their European tours in the mid1970s.They were discovered when Joe Gatt, a Marley fan and London businessman, took a phone call from a friend, who had found them while doing a building refuse clearance. From the 13 reel-to-reel analogue master tapes, 10 were fully restored, two were blank and one was beyond repair. Work lasted one year and cost £25,000 ($31,200). “They were (in an) appalling (condition)… I wasn’t too hopeful,” Martin Nichols, a sound engineer at the White House Studios in the west of England, told the BBC. The recordings are from concerts at the Lyceum in London (1975), the Hammersmith Odeon (1976), the Rainbow, also in London (1977), and the Pavilion de Paris (1978). They were recorded on the only mobile 24-track studio vehicle available in the UK then. It was loaned to Bob Marley and the Wailers by the Rolling Stones.

Early release for Buju Banton INCARCERATED reggae singer Buju Banton may have a year removed from his 10-year mandatory sentence, according to United States prison records. The Federal Bureau of Prisons’ website is reporting the artiste’s new release date is December 8, 2018. Buju Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, is currently being held at McRae Correctional Facility in Georgia. He was arrested in 2009 on cocaine charges, given a mandatory 10-year sentence in 2011, and previously scheduled to be released in 2019. In 2015 the United States Justice Department announced it would be releasing about 6,600 inmates early from prison in an effort to reduce overcrowding and provide relief to drug offenders who received harsh sentences. In that same year the entertainer said he would be halting any further appeals, while the US Attorney’S Office announced it would be dismissing firearms charge against the singer.

WANT TO ADVERTISE? Yardvibez Magazine & Promotion

904-405-6381

YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

j Loc it up

Eboni “Mz.Wire” Carty “Braided By Wire,” Founder & CEO Natural Hair Stylist/Loctician Facebook.com/BraidedByWire Instagram: @BraidedByWire (407)770-8592

j Business Corner Beyond just doing Business! Hey Bossbabes and Bossbros? I see you doing your thang and racking in your coins, but how do the people you do business with perceive your business? Can you improve the level of service you are bringing? How do your team play a vital role? If you do not have the answers to these questions it’s time to do a deep dive into your business structure. First, let’s remember we want to survey our clients and customers to evaluate where we are weak and put things in place to improve. Clients and customers are not obligated to do business with you they choose to. Always keep that in the front of your mind as a business owner. The level of service you provide can be the key to customer loyalty and a free method of advertising. The best advertising is free, look at your level of service in the first quarter of 2017 and ask yourself where can you improve? Here’s a tip create a rewards or loyalty program! There is nothing like feeling appreciated. I challenge every business owner to implement a program or if you have one review the effectiveness of that with your clients. DeShondra Brown

DO YOU STYLE LOCS??? IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN OUR LOCK IT UP SECTION CTC YARDVIBEZ MAGAZINE YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM 904-405-6381 NAME, CITY & STATE AND NUMBER TO YARDVIBEZMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFO: 904-405-6381