LOCAL NEWS
C
3CANAL
arnival 2016 marks the 13th year in which Rapso Group 3Canal have managed to successfully merge their special brand of music and theatre in an entertaining and thought provoking response to the socioeconomic climate of the country. This year’s concept ‘Out and Bad’ is seamlessly related to the other staple of the brand, the Jouvert band which has guided revelers through the streets for some 22 years now. Titled ‘Black Jab Nation’, this year’s presentation depicts the first masqueraders who celebrated their liberation after emancipation, adorned in not blue, red or yellow paint, but black oil or molasses. According to lead singer Wendell Manwarren, “Jouvert for us has to do with emancipation, and it’s how you use it to spread your message. We want to address the lack of spirit in the Carnival within recent times. So the Carnival has become slicker and better produced with fancier events. The emphasis is all on the set of stushness but I feel like the spirit of the thing isn’t being attended to…You see that song ‘Stush in the Bush’! It’s talking about people going to a fete and standing up and posing and not having ah time,…not wanting to get sweaty. The spirit is not there! It still has its pockets but for the most part a lot of people don’t seem to understand that it’s just that free time for you to enjoy yourself, play ah mas - something other than yourself.” Adding that the Carnival is being exploited by the people themselves, Manwarren forewarned that if the disrespect continued the so-called greatest show on the earth would become just another jump up like anywhere else in the world. He added that this endangered spirit had nothing to do with old time Mas or so but more to do with our imagination and how we engage the festival. “Long time if you want to make a Mas you take up some crown corks, you pound it, you turn it into something, you take some breadfruit leaves you
The ET&T WEEKLY Tabloid is published by ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited in the island of Trinidad and Tobago and is protected by strict copyright laws and is not to be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent from the management of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited. ©Copyright Abstract Media Group Company Limited 2013. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are expressed by the writers and do not reflect the sentiment of Abstract Media Group Company Limited. Disclaimer: The views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Employees of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED are expressly required not to make defamatory statements and not to infringe or authorize any infringement of copyright or any other legal right. Any such article is contrary to company policy and is outside the scope of the employment of the individual writer concerned. The company will not accept any liability in respect of such article, and the employee responsible will be personally liable for any damages or other liability arising.
paint it. Now you go on the internet, you import some things from China. That’s not Mas! That is not making Mas.” According to him another crisis surrounds our music which needs to be celebrated all year through. When asked how we could solve this aging struggle to ‘go local’, he suggested one word: Quotas. He identified the positive impact that legislation had on the indigenous culture of Australia, France, Nigeria and particularly Canada which boasts the talent of renowned artistes like Drake and Justin Bieber. We on the other hand are “quite prepared to jump up in a mindless way for Carnival and like this song and that song but as soon as Ash Wednesday comes that’s it until the next Carnival.” Likening what he calls the lack of bite and substance in our music in recent times to food, he cautioned those eager to experiment and crossover against leaving out the true spirit or essence of the art form, the key ingredients which make our expressions as a people unique, “everybody giving you EDM and a this flavor and a that flavor but the thing that all them flavors flavoring is not there. It’s like you are trying to make a pelau with oregano and thing and not good seasoning. We have invented
a form of music, just like we have a cuisine and everything else…You know what a pelau is supposed to taste like but right now we getting some kind of half way pelau. They ain’t using proper pigeon peas and thing. The seasoning is missing.” For these reasons he acknowledged the R.R rhythm which is arguably the most popular rhythm for 2016 for its clangy sound, deep bass and compelling vibe and its ability to have widespread appeal. “Experimentation is ok but what’s the foundation? I always tell people reggae is reggae and R&B is R&B, the international ears are very discerning. They could tell if you have some half Yankee accent or something to crossover.” Power soca he says has been steadily declining for some time
now with the last substantial offering being Super Blue’s ‘Fantastic Friday’ which had all the right elements in terms of rhythm, bounce, lyrics, melody, jam and fire. Outside of that “the genre became caught up with form and not substance. What you were getting was fast paced rhythms and man just shouting out-Do this! Do that! Go so! Jump so! It’s been played out for a while.” In the final analysis Manwarren states that 3Canal’s thematic focus this year ties directly into our current climate as uncertainty surrounds the recession and desensitization and alarm simultaneously surround crime. For him the Carnival is simply a mirror. A spiritless Carnival is therefore indicative of a spiritless people. Like a faithful soldier he however remains optimistic, “I live in hope because this culture that we have, this cultural legacy is so big and so deep and so rich that all we have to do is tap back into it, love it and respect it. It will take us through. We have what it takes, the imagination. We just have to use it. In the meantime there are plenty mocking pretenders clogging up and blocking up the space!” In the meantime 3Canal continues to do their part as cultural guardians even as they have invested in the Big Black Box- a space where culture can be protected, nurtured and hopefully thrive.
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T
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LOCAL NEWS A
DESTRA CANCELS QOB WEDNESDAY CONCERT
nother fete, another Cancellation… The self-proclaimed Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia was the latest person to get bitten by the cancellation bug as she felt obliged to cancel her much touted QoB Wednesday show. The songstress apologized to fans via social media with an honest and heartfelt message accompanied by a photo taken by ace photographer Nigel Reid. She cited the current financial recession as one of the reasons for the cancellation. The post is below.
“Good morning #Bakanation it's still #QOB WEDNESDAY Concert Cancelled? So what? Not the first not the last to be cancelled due to our impending state of recession it's either that or ppl just didn't want to see Destra!!! But we all know that's definitely not true
however you guys, I just really from my heart want to apologize to my fans, I know a lot of you had already purchased tickets and were really disappointed, especially my fans who flew in early to catch the show! As you know I'm now trying my hand
at this promoting thing and this season was not a very good one for some of the newer events like mine. I'm a realist at the end of the day, and IF IT DONT MAKE MONEY THEN IT DONT MAKE SENSE you know the rest But seriously tho....
it's less about making money and more about losing money, I do have to be smart, I have my daughter's best interest to think of. In the last 24 hrs, I saw and heard all kinds of mixed reactions and comments, but it's all good It's really not that serious you guys I'm still here and I'm stronger than ever! Thanks to all my friends who reached out to me to make sure I was okay, All my colleagues who found time to check on me despite their hectic season, especially the #Queens of Soca who proved that they all have my back through thick or thin, thanks guys for all your words of advice, encouragement and love! I'm in your corner for life! Thank you to everyone who assisted me on this journey, I'm sorry we didn't see it through to the end but, I promise you that this is just a small bump in the road to continued success, I am a warrior! It will take a whole hell of a lot more to keep me down. This too shall pass.” – Destra.
YANKEY BOY: KA TRUE SOCA AMBASSADOR evon Heath a.k.a. Yankey Boy has been flying the flag abroad for years with his signature soca stylings attracting a diverse fan base. The 31 year old who originally hails from Arima, but resides in the US has a respectable catalog of songs which include Head Nice, Bartender and Rumours. His 2016 release entitled This Carnival has also generated buzz and his stage performances which usually include appearances from internet sensation Uncle Ellis are the talk of the town. Heath spoke to ET&T about some of his current expectations and future plans. As far as expectations for C2K16, Yankey Boy doesn’t have many. Instead he says his goal is to continue making his fans happy. “I just want to make my fans happy and bring plenty
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vibes, plenty energy so they can enjoy my music. Because without the support and feedback from them I wouldn’t be the artiste I am today. They help me to produce more good music,” he said. In terms of his work ethic when it comes to producing the songs, Heath shares that he usually releases two songs per year. However, because of the short season he only released one despite having recorded four. He believe it was the right choice as he would not have to rush to promote too much material in the reduced timeframe. He can always release the other tracks later. There are lots of carnivals around the world. Speaking of which, the artiste was asked where he usually gets more love for his performances, locally or abroad. His reply hinted at the age old
adage that says “You get back what you put out.” “It all depends on my energy at that time and moment cause at a scale of 1-10 any stage I touch whether is Trinidad or abroad I get the same interactions from the audience because I sing singa-long songs. I don’t always stick to rum or jump and wave songs. I always try something different… I challenge myself at times and take risks” he posited. Finally, he spoke on his plans for the future touching on his ambassadorial exploits. “I see myself expanding my brand as well as my radio station (redappleradiostation) which plays all the latest soca, reggae, parang etcetera for the West Indian families abroad making them feel at home. I also want to manage upcoming artistes and give back to Trinidad & Tobago all the while opening avenues to expand my culture.”
LOCAL PROBLEM CHILD TALKS NEWS CARNIVAL, FITNESS AND MORE!! W
hile Problem Child is not performing in as many fetes as he is accustomed to this year, the entertainer has definitely left his mark. He wrote 80 percent of the songs on the popular Fete Life Riddim and his Whole Lot Ah Land single has been mashing festivals around the region for some time. ET&T caught up with him for a brief chat and he typically spoke about music as well as fashion and more. As a multiple Road March winner in St. Vincent we wondered what his biggest career achievement to date was. He took the diplomatic route, but seemed entirely genuine in doing so. “The titles for me aren’t really that significant. What is important to me is how many people I have touched positively. To see that I can come to Trinidad or anywhere else in the world and be
walking the streets and people tell me they like my work means a lot to me,” he said. We then switched up the gears and spoke about Problem Child’s image. The star is known for his fashion sense and extremely fit physique. “As far as fashion and trends, that is something that I’m heavily into” he said before adding “Being that I live in the States I have a lot more access to things people may not have so it’s easy for
me. I don’t think too many people carry themselves around the way I do image-wise.” The star’s excitement was evident when talking about fitness as he admitted it is one of his obsessions. “I gym as much as I could. I’m naturally from a family of small people so whatever weight I gain I give thanks for. It’s just diet and exercise around the clock. Sometimes when I miss the gym it’s like I’m sick. If I eat something bad like junk food
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL AND MEDICAL
EXPERTS SET FOR 2016 T&T SYMPOSIUM
T
he 2016 edition of the annual Law, Medicine & Culture Symposium (LMCS) will take place from February 10-13, 2016 at the Trinidad Hilton and Conference Centre. This will benefit Trinbagonian legal and medical practitioners seeking continuing legal and medical education credits, professional development and once-in-a-lifetime networking with global industry experts. After a ground-breaking 2015 edition, the premiere continuing educational destination conference returns to T&T for an authentic after-carnival meeting of the minds and intimate platform for individuals seeking continuing legal and medical education credits (CLEs & CMEs). At the helm of this initiative is Trinidadian Joel Braithwaite who currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General with 4
Joel Braithwaite
the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (Washington DC). Regarding the upcoming conference he shared, “With our 2016 theme ‘Improving The Modern Professional’ we at the LMCS endeavour to explore the changing landscape of law and medicine and to assist our participants in adapting to their respec-
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tive shifting environments. We will also undertake a community project whereby T&T’s young adults and school-aged children can interact with our participants and learn about a potential career as a doctor or lawyer”. Braithwaite who is an alumnus of Success Laventille Secondary School also shared that this year he and team will be undertaking this community project with the students of his alma mater. The LMCS will feature a diverse panel of knowledgeable, qualified legal and medicine faculty and attendees as well as substantive sessions which will provide both legal and medical participants the opportunity to focus on specific areas from their own perspective and national experiences as well as from an interdisciplinary point of view.
in the night I wake up in the morning and try to jog it off. I think it’s great for my image. In this industry we need that. You have to be well-rounded.” The young vet was then asked to comment on the current state of soca music with all the recent talk of its decline. His view was very optimistic as he said he believes each artiste has at least one good song. The problem is many songs aren’t being heard. Problem Child even shared his choice of standout selections from his peers which included Voice’s ‘Cheers to Life,’ Patrice’s ‘Old & Grey’, Asten Isaac’s ‘Gallery’, Machel’s ‘Human,’ Nutron’s ‘Scene’ and Bunji’s ‘Touch the Stage.’ You can keep up to date with this star by following him on social media IG: @realproblemchild, Facebook @problemchild.vincy and Twitter @vincybadboy.
The symposium’s streamlined agenda will present instruction in several interdisciplinary topics which include and are not limited to: - Employment Discrimination Prosecution & Defense; Psychology of High Stakes Negotiation; Medical Errors & Misdiagnoses; HIV and the Law; Being Sued for Malpractice and Presenting the Medical Expert at Trial. Most notably, for local (T&T) registrants who wish to benefit from the LMCS’ opportunities for continuing legal & medical education credits, career advancement, valuable information & instruction, professional networking opportunities with local and international practitioners and industry authorities; the organizers are offering an option to attend the CME/CLE instruction sessions on Thursday 11th February (only) for the special price of $299 US. All attendees are strongly encouraged to register and secure their place for the 2016 Law, Medicine & Culture Symposium via Eventbrite as soon as possible as spaces are very limited.
LOCAL SAVI SAV GRANTS PERMISSION NEWS TO NEW AUDIENCE
E
ntertainer, Savina “Savi Sav” Hector, is promoting her first 2016 Soca song at different Carnival fetes in Trinidad and Tobago. After returning from interviews and fete performances locally, her song titled “Permission”, produced by MRI-Richard Iain McClashie and written by Robert Baptiste is getting air play locally and internationally. Hector being her own manager and her first 2016 single song, is taking every opportunity, to talk about her journey and music. Hector explains her first 2016 carnival journey, “It is nice to see people enjoying your music locally and with friends and family such as DJs abroad, such as DJ Young Chow on HOT 97, New York, giving my song some air play, hearing my song being played locally and internationally, the exposure is really great” Hector describes what she
thinks sets her song “Permission” apart from other type of Soca music, “It is an Afro Soca type song, with afro beats like the drums and flute with a mixture of Soca and Dancehall Soca lyrics,” she said.
After starting to sing calypso at the age of four years old at school competitions, entering different competitions and becoming a background vocalist for Precision Productions, and background vocalist for artistes such as: Kerwin Du Bois and Nadia Batson and being at different booths, gave her motivation to become a full time artiste. Hector's dream became a reality in 2016 with her song “Permission”. Hector was inspired by Nigerian Artistes and local Soca artiste Destra Garcia and took a page out of Garcia's book, “I like her vibe and the way she performs” she explained, Hector also got coaching from Machel Montano, “After visiting a studio session where he was present, he gave me some advice to start my music with an upbeat start and acapella and that is what I did at my very next show, and the
crowd responds was amazing.” Hector talks about getting air play locally, she said, “Other than the support from my friends and family, getting airplay, surprisingly was easier than I thought, being my own manager and hearing stories about past artiste struggles, I thought it would have been hard to get air play, but I think it’s the music. They like the vibes that I bring.” Other than fetes, Hector is expected to perform at Tzar Nightclub and Paprika Restaurant and bar. “This is only the beginning for me”, she said, Hector is currently working on and has plans to release a Groovy song next and wish to collaborate with artist “Preddy”, for future songs. Hector can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube and invites everyone to look out for new collaborations, music and videos.
T&T’S CARNIVAL ADDS ‘FINESSE’ TO ITS FETE LINE-UP T
he latest addition to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival fete calendar, the ultra premium inclusive event ‘Finesse’ proved that first-rate feting experiences are not only confined to the boundaries of Port-Of-Spain as it unveiled an all new, chic Soca music-filled soiree set to the backdrop of the nation’s Central Range. Finesse made its debut at the picturesque La Vega Estate in Gran Couva. Several attendees hailing from various parts of T&T eagerly came out ready to party to pulsating music, but also to experience one of the country’s most renowned nature spots creatively transformed into a true Soca paradise. The poolside event was produced by events outfit Green House Entertainment which is known for its signature cooler party ‘Cooler Park’. The producers pulled out all the stops to create a relaxing yet festive Carnival mood within the lush, secluded
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Finesse partiers said 'Cheers to Life' at the premium all inclusive affair
The Greenhouse Entertainments girls and guy served up something special at Finesse 2016
ambiance. The fete offered a culinary mix which stood up to true all-inclusive event standards and represented the eclectic tastes of partiers in attendance. Matching this was the collection of top shelf liquor and beverages which was available at the various bar stations strategically placed across the venue. Most notably, Finesse featured the newest premium spirit on the market, Meukow Cognac.
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In between trips to the multiple food and bar stations, the fashion forward feters congregated at the poolside dance floor to party with the event’s cast of excitable DJ’s. On the live entertainment side, Finesse brought forward performances by DJ turned Soca artiste 5 Star Akil who had the crowd moving to his 2016 smash “Different Me” along with classics such as “Partier”, “To Meh Heart” and “Noise”. 2014 Groovy Soca Monarch Kerwin Dubois continued the onstage action with his catalogue of current and previous hits which sent the audience into a state of
Soca ecstasy. Rounding off the entertainment card was the performance by 2015 Chutney-Soca Monarch Ravi B and the band Karma. Ravi along with co-singers Krystal Khayne and Abbyshi and his young band of musicians kept the crowd dancing and singing to a collection of old school Chutney and Soca favourites combined with 2016’s biggest Carnival tunes. Regarding her event experience at ‘Finesse’ one patron shared, “I enjoyed the fete and all its exceptional features and entertainment but I particularly love the use of La Vega for this event and I’d certainly want the promoters to put together another similar party experience in this neck of the woods”. By all accounts Finesse scored major points on the 2016 feting scale due to its creative Carnival vibe, premium party atmosphere, top notch entertainment and gorgeous venue. Courtesy Sonique Solutions
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*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
REGIONAL NEWS Champion Boy, Fleek, Ride On Me remix (featuring Sean Kingston) and more. He was most recently in the news during the Christmas holidays after pictures emerged of him without contacts in his eyes at a club. This after Alkaline originally claimed in 2013 that he had tattooed his eyes. He is also nominated for six Youth View Awards.
ALKALINE TO UNVEIL NEW ALBUM NEXT MONTH Polarizing dancehall star, Alkaline looks to bank on his promise that 2016 would be his biggest year yet as he plans to unveil his new album, Unlocked New Level early this month. The 14-track album features his hit single, ATM (All About The Money) as well as songs such as Conquer The World, One More Time, Somebody Great and Chun Chun. The set is produced by DJ Frass and will be distributed digitally by Zojak International. This set comes after Alkaline’s strongest year yet in the industry, which included hits such as
JAMAICA TO HONOR REGGAE ICON PETER TOSH WITH A MUSEUM In the summer Jamaica will open a museum in recognition of the life and work of the raggae singer Peter Tosh, who, along with Bob Marley, is considered an icon of reggae and an illustrious figure in the national culture. According to the newspaper The Gleaner, the Peter Tosh Museum will be located in the capital and will open its doors to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the launch of its famous song "Legalize It." The Museum, for the first time, will display a complete collection of treasured objects of Peter Tosh, such as the M16 rifle-shaped guitar and the monocycle he used to move in his homeland.
In the Museum, visitors can also learn about the concerns of the artist through audio and video recordings. Peter Tosh, whose real name was Winston Hubert McIntosh, was one of the stars of reggae and the Rastafari movement. Together with Marley and Bunny Wailer, he formed the world-famous reggae band called The Wailers, and later, he had a successful career as a solo singer. With his songs, Peter Tosh made his rejection of the use of nuclear weapons and apartheid public all around the world, defended human rights and the struggle for de-penalizing marijuana, which is sacred for the Rastafari community.
WORLD NEWS
QUINCY JONES THREATENS TO PULL OUT FROM PRESENTING AT 2016 OSCARS As performers and filmmakers like Will Smith and Spike Lee come out against the 2016 Oscar nominations by announcing their plans to boycott the ceremony over lack of minority recognition, music producer and industry legend Quincy Jones has come up with an alternative measure to demonstrate his disapproval. On Wednesday afternoon, during 8
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a National Association of Television Program Executives engagement honoring him, Jones said that he has been asked to present at the Oscars but has given the Academy a stipulation to guarantee his presence. “They called me to go present with Pharrell and Common,” Jones said before being honored. “When I’m back [in Los Angeles], I’m going to ask [them] to let me speak for five minutes on the lack of diversity. If not, I’m not going to [present].” Jones, 82, has been nominated for seven Oscars throughout his career, but has yet to take home film’s most prestigious award. Common on the other hand, won the award for Best Original Song at last year’s ceremony along with John Legend for “Glory” from Selma. Pharrell lost in the same category in 2013 for his song “Happy” from Despicable Me 2. Jones commented further on his history with the Academy saying, “I’ve been involved with the Academy longer than I care to remember. I was the first black board member. I hate ‘first black,’ because that means only.” The Associated Press also reports that Jones declined to comment on the celebrities who have already announced their boycott of the 2016 awards, saying instead, “You can boycott or you can fix it. It’s frightening to see 90 percent white and 80 percent white male. It’s ridiculous. It’s wrong.”
MARIAH CAREY IS ENGAGED TO HER BILLIONAIRE BOYFRIEND JAMES PACKER Cue the bling! Mariah Carey is engaged to her boyfriend, James Packer, her rep confirms to Us Weekly. According to Carey's rep, the pair got engaged on Thursday, January 21, in New York City. The “Hero” singer and the Australian billionaire businessman, 48, have been dating under a year. This will be the third marriage for Carey, who split from estranged husband Nick Cannon in August 2014. The America’s Got Talent host filed for divorce from Carey in January 2015. Carey and Cannon are the parents of 4-yearold twins Moroccan and Monroe. Prior to Cannon, Carey was married to Tommy Mottola for five years.
DREAM
GUY
NAME: Yonsen Rodney AGE: 22 HEIGHT: 6ft WEIGHT: 175 lbs CAREER: Entrepreneur BRIEFS OR BOXERS: Briefs FAVOURITE SCENT: Blue de Chanel. FAVOURITE THING: Cologne. DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM GIRL: A beautiful ebony girl with nice hips and the attributes of my mother.
YOU WERE HEARTBROKEN: Nope. Not this guy. YOUR HERO: My Mother. She’s everything. FAVOURITE FOOD: Salt Fish & Provision. Mmm… THE WAY TO YOUR HEART IS: Definitely through my Stomach. YOU’D NEVER: Be ungrateful. Always give thanks. WHAT ABOUT PETS: We have a family dog. BEFORE YOU DIE YOU’LL:
Travel the World. FAVOURITE ARTIST: Frank Ocean. FAVOURITE MUSIC: Dub, not dancehall… dub. FAVOURITE PLACE FOR A MEAL: Zanzibar Restaurant. HAVE YOU EVER CHEATED? NO. THAT’S NOT ME. THE FREAKIEST THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE: You need to ask me in private. WHERE’S YOUR WEAK SPOT: My Neck.
Photographer: Roger Jackson of Absolutpics
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MODEL MANIA
Name: Azimah Mandol Age: 26 Hometown: El Socorro, San Juan. Hobbies: Tom-boyish stuff, Relaxing. Career: Marketing Coordinator and Student at LLC at UWI With four years modeling experience under her belt, Miss Mandol has become one of the more familiar faces on the local scene.
She was featured in a bMobile ad a couple years ago and went on to work with a bunch of popular local photographers including Lyden Thomas, Nigel Reid, Sancho Francisco, Ikenna Douglas and Eustace Dyer. Azimah is into fashion and she admits to loving Humzee, Hutch, Avinash Ramjattan, Keisha Collette Thomas and a few other local designers. Mandol claims that
confidence is her key to working it on shoots and on the streets as she confesses she doesn’t have much of a diet or workout routine. “Basically eat, sleep, work, repeat.” she says with a chuckle. While she has no problems joking around, Azimah states that she can’t stand negativity. We’re positive that we agree with her stance. Look out for more from this model in the future.
AZIMAH MANDOL
Photography by Mark Phillip Simpson
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FASHION W
NEIL YOUNG & CO PRESENTS AMAZONIA
ith Wonder Woman added to the cast of Dawn of Justice, the timing couldn’t be better for Neil Young’s interpretation of Monday Wear entitled Amazonia. This celebration of strong women encapsulates the spirit of carnival through colour and craft and each piece has the right amount of sexiness to help masqueraders achieve that allure they aim for. The talented designer shared some of his awesome work from his popular 2016 collection with us for your viewing pleasure. Take a peek and enjoy! This kick-ass piece entitled XORA has a bit of Asian influence.
VIGARO is equal parts vicious and vibrant while altogether sexy.
Open up your inner animal instincts when you drape yourself in SAFARI.
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Photography: IkennaGFX, Nigel Reid Makeup: Dion Samuel Wardrobe: Neil Young & Company
FASHION One immediately feels the passion in this dazzling red piece entitled ZEUS.
This ensemble entitled XENA will have you wining like a warrior princess.
DOVELLA was created with the artistic woman in mind.
PASSION is the name of this intricate, beautiful blue selection.
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 15
CHIT I
CHAT
PATRICE ROBERTS
t can be argued that Patrice Roberts has received the most airplay out of all of the artistes this season. Her music is ubiquitous on several frequencies and with her well-received video for Money Done and strong social media presence she will only get stronger. The Soca Monarch finalist spoke to ET&T about her season thus far and briefly touched on her plans beyond Carnival. ET&T: Are you pleased with the results of the calendar? What’s the follow up as far as branding? Patrice: I am very pleased with the outcome and the feedback. It has been very positive. As far as follow ups are concerned I do not want to say anything yet, but I will continue to push the creative envelope. ET&T: Why do you think so few of your fellow artistes are writing their own songs? Patrice: It could be that sometimes the pressure to create is a lot and some artistes may end up in a funk. I can only speak for what has been shared with me by others. I have not written in a while because of writer’s block. ET&T: Some people have called ‘Money Done’ irresponsible especially in light of the recession. What is your answer to those people? Patrice: What is irresponsible about it? I never said how much of your money to fete out. If you make a budget to party with $15.00 and you fete it out…isn’t it that you did in fact fete out your money until it was done? I believe in responsibility and self-love. If you work hard then time for self is important. A little treat here and there is advisable. ET&T: What is your favourite song this year apart from your own 16 ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
songs? Patrice: Olatunji – Oh Yay, Angela Hunte – Mon Bon Ami, Voice – Cheers to life. ET&T: You are becoming quite the fashion icon locally. Do you envisage your own clothing line? Patrice: I love fashion and I would love to be involved in the fashion industry. ET&T: Do you think Power Soca is dying? Patrice: I would not say that, but I believe that there is a bit of a shift in focus at the moment. ET&T: How has the shortened season affected you so far? Patrice: A shorter season makes you feel as though things are being rushed. However, I am thankful that I have a steady flow of gigs, my music is receiving airplay and I have the opportunity to interact with my fans. ET&T: Playing Mas? Patrice: It depends. We will see ET&T: When was the last time you fell out with somebody? Patrice: Yesterday ET&T: What does Patrice Roberts do when she is angry? Patrice: I am human first so the reaction is based on the situation. I may argue, cry, walk away, go to bed, clean, or cook… but I do reflect on each disagreement to figure out how to address it. ET&T: Anything you would like to add? Patrice: I am working on different genres of music. I think people will be very surprised to hear the contributions that I am scheduled to release post Carnival. I am also preparing to tour after Carnival and actually only have like a week off before I begin travelling. I am excited to travel as always and to touch new parts of the world.
ET&T
HOT
SEAT
MILLBEATZ
W
ith more than 15 singles in rotation this season alone, Millbeats has staked his claim as one of the T&T’s hottest producers for yet another year running. With legends like Drupatee and Machel Montano to Olatunji, and regional stars like Pamputae, Ricardo Drue and Skinny Fabulous all benefitting from his production, we are sure everyone will find something they love from his stable. ET&T caught up with the beat-maker for an interview. ET&T: Describe what it was like working with Machel and Olatunji on the same song. Mill: The energy of these two artistes is electrifying. I’ve worked with Ola before on tracks like “Tadow”, “Bam Bam”, and recently “With Meh” on Orchestra Riddim and also I’ve had the privilege of producing tracks for Machel like “Indian Girl” ft Drupatee and “Life of the Party” so I was familiar with their work ethic in studio. What made this experience really different was actually being in one room with them the year after they both were crowned with the Groovy & Power Soca Monarch Titles respectively. Also they both are really great artistes and so the energy was really good when they both met. I was really honored to do such a powerful collaboration and so I made magic happen together with them. Our mission was to take the music to the world and not just focus on Carnival season and so we took our time and really tried to create a different sound. ” ET&T: You travelled extensively in 2015. What went down on those trips? Mill: I have spent 3 or 4 months traveling to different countries: in the United States, San Francisco, L.A., New York and New Jersey. I’ve also visited Toronto and
Montreal in Canada as well as Jamaica in the Caribbean. I’ve had the ability to plant some really great seeds during the 3 or 4 months in these countries. My main focus was building a network and working on expanding the Millbeatz team. There is already a Millbeatz team, which has been formed in L.A, New York, Canada and Jamaica. Also, I had the privilege of carrying my sister, Vocalist Denice Millien on that trip and we did some shopping around to some major labels her epk. That also was a huge success as we got really good responses from some music executives and a lot of interest shown from some huge influences in the US music industry. A lot is expected to come from that and a relationship has also been formed between me, Denice, and these execs.
money that just fell out his pockets and you just take that money from his lap without him knowing. In my opinion, doing music just for the money is a hustle and that will wreck the standards and quality of our music industry and in the end its only going to bring down the standards of your brand when everyone asked the question, “Who Produced this? ” Honesty is always the best policy so I tend to tell the artist straight up that I personally not feeling the track and it’s not something I will be proud of putting out. I make sure I explain to them in detail what I think can fix and make sure they know that it’s my opinion and not a fact so that they at least know where I stand when it comes to the standards I set for myself and my brand.
ET&T: When someone comes to you with a bad song, do you take their money and do the record still or turn them down? If it is bad, how do you break the news? Mill: For me music is life and love; that’s my abbreviation (M.I.L.L) and to answer that question No I won’t ever take anyone’s money that I believe still need to work on their craft. That’s robbery without a gun, as I will call it, lol. I believe taking money from someone with a bad song and you as the producer know to your heart the song is bad it’s like watching a blind man with
ET&T: Describe the experience of hearing your work on the radio for the very first time. Mill: It was a feeling I couldn’t explain. I have gone through every measure and medium that most artistes have tried in order to get airplay so I know the feeling of any upcoming artist or entertainer trying to make a break. It took almost 6 years of production before the first time I heard my track on radio. I remember driving in a car and just stopping, I held my head and thanked God that one of my tracks was finally breaking through. It was a feeling of great relief.
ET&T: What do you think you have improved on the most between last Carnival and now? Mill: Marketing strategies… mixing techniques. I’ve learnt a few tricks out there. Also, my mission of producing Soca music has changed. I’m more thinking producing Soca for a much wider audience. ET&T: Do you still have plans to open a fullfledged record label? Mill: Yes, that’s currently still in the making. ET&T: What is your favourite non-Millbeatzassisted tune you heard for the season so far? Mill: I’ve heard a few, I like Voice – Cheers to life, Patrice Roberts – Money Done, Bunji Garlin – Take Over Town, Kes – People just to name a few. ET&T: Do you already have plans for after carnival? Mill: Yes. My marketing management team has mentioned few plans to me. One of them is to visit most of the Caribbean Islands because there is a high demand out there for Millbeatz. A lot of artistes have been asking for me to come out there and work with them for years now. So this year we want to fulfill their requirements and travel a lot more and get interactive with these artistes.
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 17
IUP
followed up the wildly successful Soca and Sunsrise event in ianUP 2015 with its 2016 version at Pier 1. The patrons clearly came with agenda to get on bad from the get-go and that was evident
EVENTS
from very early on in the party. The early morning event was a cooler party that closed off with some good ole water truck action. The water didn’t cool down the feters who only left when the party was truly over. Here is a bit of the action that occurred. For more, check our Facebook page.
Shorts rule
Simple and cute
Cool crew action
The female-male ratio was superb
Smiles abound
Hope that’s your cooler
Swagger on decimal
All kinda kind
Papayo!
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Eyewear on point
FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 19
EVENTS
Wetman
Enjoying the Pace
Say no to gunplay
Even the cup posed
What a venue for performing in
A crazy crew
Stunting from the carpark
Doubly bess
20 ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
Good times
Cool crew
Don’t kill her
Yuh don’t say…
EVENTS
STUMPED
he QPCC was the venue T once again for the Red Ants carnival staple Stumped.
The event drew a large crowd as anticipated they were all down for the ribaldry that ensued. Drinks flowed and waistlines rotated to the strains of soca throughout. There was no problem getting shots of hot babes at the event and there were also a few male cuties in attendance. Here is a peek.
Nice!
Stage view of the crowd
Every right to smile
Hands in the air
In the zone
Teams of ladies are always best
Closeups for cuties
Nice receptacle
Love the hair colour
Did we say beautiful ladies? Fixing herself a drink
22 ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2016 • www.amgtt.com
EVOLVE
nce again the promoters of Evolve were able to put up a O Facebook post thanking patrons for another sold out year. The all-inclusive event featured top-notch performances by
EVENTS
entertainers such as Kerwin DuBois and Patrice Roberts while DJ’s Private Ryan and Jugglers were among the mix-masters on hand to keep the tempo pumping. The event hosted at Evolution Park, Chaguanas also saw improved food choices available with a plethora of drinks stations offering a fine selection of premium drinks for patrons who feted hard enough to merit a few thirst quenchers well. ET&T was happy to be at this Presentation College event and here is a bit of what took place.
God is good!
Not bad at all
Two reasons to be there
Interesting choice of colours
Okay then
He’s feeling like a hero
A mid-wine pose
College Boy did his thing
Don’t choke her
King Bubba in effect!
Ravi B gets down
Looking right in white
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 23
B2B
EVENTS EXTRA ouva’s coolest fete took place once again without a hitch at the Ato Boldon StaC dium in early January. The aforementioned event is none other than Black 2 Blue and faithful fete-a-holics came out with drinks in tow for the festivities. The party featured a decent entertainment cast and vibes turned up exponentially when water was unleashed on the masses who were just getting acclimated to the morning sun. Our photographers covered their hardware and headed straight into the action for these pics. For more, see our Facebook page and visit www.amgtt.com.
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 25
POOF!!
et’s begin by categorically stating that we L don’t care if you came to fog up the place. The powder pon neck nonsense has to stop in
2016. It’s not sexy, it’s not cool, but it might be crazy. It’s time to rebuke that fashion fail in Jesus’ name.
There’s a saying that goes you can’t play mas and fraid powder. However, just because it’s carnival doesn’t excuse you from the gaze of the FP when it comes to visible neck powder. That is just wrong.
She’s standing between two taller women, but they were not adequate protection for her. For the powder on the chest and neck she was corralled into the van.
ISLAND CELEBRITIES
PAPARAZZI
A ZAN SIGHTING AT A RECENT COOLER EVENT
DIANE AND FAYANN SHOW THEIR MEAN-MUGGING ABILITIES BACKSTAGE AT A RECENT FETE
SEKON STA AIMING FOR AN ENDORSEMENT DEAL IT SEEMS. MAYBE HE WAS JUST HUNGRY. WHO KNOWS?
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FEBRUARY, 2016 • ET&T 27
CELEB PROFILE
JADA PINKETT-SMITH
Jada Pinkett-Smith Name: Jada Koren Pinkett-Smith Age: 44 (September 18, 1971) Profession: Actress, singersongwriter, businesswoman Claim to Fame: Jada was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to Robsol Grant Pinkett, Jr., a contractor, and Adrienne Banfield-Jones, a nurse. They divorced after only a few months of marriage. Her father is of African-American de-
scent and her mother is of AfroCaribbean ancestry (from Barbados and Jamaica). Jada majored in dance and choreography at the Baltimore School for the Arts, where one of her classmates was Tupac Shakur. She spent a year at the North Carolina School of the Arts before dropping out to pursue her career in acting. Her big break came in 1991 when she was cast in the part of a college frosh
on the television sitcom A Different World (1987). She made her feature film debut two years later in Menace II Society (1993). She did not gain widespread recognition, however, until her role opposite Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor (1996). In addition to being in front of the camera, she
has spent time behind it directing music videos. Pinkett-Smith is married to Will Smith, and they have a son, Jaden Smith; and a daughter, Willow Smith. She has recently made major headlines for trying to start a boycott of the Academy Awards for its perceived lack of diversity.
MOVIES
STRANGE STORIES THAT ENGAGE YOU FROM THE WORD “GO” T
here’s nothing like a good storyline to get you through a movie. The effects can wait if the movie is interesting enough. Watch these movies for some thought-provoking film fare. 10 Cloverfield Lane The strange storyline follows a young woman, who upon waking up from a car accident finds herself in the basement of a man who says he's saved her life from a chemical attack that has left the outside uninhabitable. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr. are the stars who headline this mystery movie. Jane Got A Gun What makes this story even stranger is the choice of lead character. Natalie Portman stars in this western where a woman asks her ex-lover for help in order to save her outlaw husband from a gang out to kill him. Joel Edgerton, Ewan McGregor and Rodrigo Santoro also act in this film.
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